“You don't know wher' my fawther's got his money,” said Jonathan.
This was stated so much like a dare that Robert yearned to retort that he did know, too. As he did not know, the next best thing was to pretend it was no consequence anyhow, and find out as quickly as possible; therefore Robert Day said:
“Ho! Maybe he hasn't any.”
“He has more gold pieces 'n ever you seen,” proceeded Jonathan weightily.
“Then why don't he give you some?” exclaimed aunt Corinne with a wriggle. “I had a gold dollar, but I b'lieve that little old man with a bag on his back stole it.”
Jonathan and Thrusty Ellen made round eyes at a young damsel who had been trusted with gold.
{Illustration}
“My fawther calls 'em yeller boys,” said Jonathan. “He carries 'em and his paper money in a belt fastened round his waist under all his clothes.”
“You don't ought to tell,” said Thrusty Ellen. “Father said we shouldn't talk about it.”
“He won't steal it,” said Jonathan, indicating Robert with his thumb. “She won't neither,” indicating aunt Corinne.