In the quiet afternoon Mrs. Schmitz tried to banish Max’s fear of the skulking prowler. “I will tell the police of him.”
“No, no! Please don’t. He will make them take me too.”
“Yes, that also may come true. We will let the policeman be.”
“Yet you still have the money in the house.”
“Also I am not afraid.”
“But I am for you.”
“Forget me. Yourself, not him, you must consider.”
“Myself?” Max was mystified.
“Yes. Suppose you steal from me fifty—even five dollars, or one. It iss only money. I do not cry. I do not starve, have shame. But you?”