Old Ben no longer opposed medical treatment, finding it would cost nothing.
Am I going to die?” he asked, with an anxious look.
You need nourishing food and care, that is all,” was the reply. “You have had a chill, and you are reduced by insufficient food.”
“I have some bread and tea here,” said Tony.
Then make a fire and boil the tea. And, by the way, Mr. Hayden needs somebody for a few days. Can you look after him?”
“If he will give me money enough to buy what he needs,” said Tony.
Old Ben whined that he was poor, and had no money, but the doctor interrupted him impatiently.
That’s all nonsense,” he said. “You may not have much money, but you’ve got some, and you’ll die if you don’t spend some on yourself. If you don’t agree to it I shall advise this boy here to leave you to your fate. Then your only resource will be to go to the poorhouse.”
This proposal was not acceptable to Ben, who was unwilling to leave the house where his treasures were concealed. He, therefore, reluctantly acceded to the doctor’s conditions, and Tony got his breakfast.
Well,” thought Tony to himself, with a smile, “I’ve got a situation as plain cook and housekeeper. I wonder how long it will last, and what’ll come of it. I don’t believe Rudolph will look for me here.”