“I don’t want to do it,” said Tony. “It would be mean. They’ve treated me well, and I don’t want to help rob them.”
“Curse the young idiot!” exclaimed Rudolph, in low tones of concentrated passion. “Do you mean to disobey me?”
“I can’t do as you wish, Rudolph. Ask me anything else.”
“I wish I could get at him!” muttered Rudolph, between his teeth. “He never dared to disobey me before. Once more! Will you open the door to me?” demanded Rudolph.
Tony bethought himself of an expedient. He might pretend that Abner was waking up.
Hush!” he said, in feigned alarm. “The man is waking up. Get out of sight quick.”
He disappeared from the window, and Rudolph, supposing there was really danger of detection, hurriedly stole away to the barn, where he had been permitted to lodge.
He came out half an hour later, and again made the old signal, but this time Tony did not show himself. He had made up his mind not to comply with the elder tramp’s demands, and it would do no good to argue the point.
I wish I knew whether he was asleep, or only pretending, the young rascal,” muttered Rudolph. “I must manage to have him stay here another night. That money must and shall be mine, and he shall help to get it for me.”