Still more reluctantly Ben produced twenty-five cents from his pocket.
"Isn't that enough?" he asked.
"Better give me more," said Tony.
He produced ten cents more, and vowed it was all the money he had in the world.
Tony decided not to contradict his assertion, but to make this go as far as it would. He put on his hat and started out. He meant also to call at the doctor's, and asked him to call round, for he thought it possible that the old man might be seriously sick.
First, however, he went to the grocery store, which had only just been opened, and obtained the articles which he had mentioned to Ben as likely to do him good.
Next he called at the house of the village doctor, obtaining the direction from the storekeeper. In a few words he made known his errand.
"Old Ben sick!" said Doctor Compton. "What's the matter with him?"
Tony explained how he appeared to be affected.
"How did you happen to be in his house?" asked the doctor, with curiosity. "You are not a relation of his, are you?"