Tony was not only cook and housekeeper, but he was sick nurse as well. Nor were his duties easy. The main difficulty was about getting money to buy what was absolutely necessary. This was very irritating, especially since Tony knew about Ben’s hidden treasure.

One morning Tony went to Ben for money, saying:

“There isn’t a scrap of food in the house except a little tea.”

“You can make some tea. That will do,” said Ben.

It may do for you, but it won’t for me.”

“It costs a sight to support two people.”

“I don’t know about that. I’ve only spent two dollars in six days. You don’t call that much, do you?”

“Two dollars!” ejaculated the old man, terrified. “Oh, it’s too much. I am ruined!”

“Are you?” said Tony coolly. “Then all I can say is, you’re easily ruined. I want half a dollar.”

“I shan’t give it to you,” snarled Ben.

Do you mean to starve?”

“I won’t part with all I have. You are robbing me.”

“That won’t make much difference, as you’ll be dead in three days,” said Tony.

What?” almost shrieked Ben, in dismay. “Who told you so? The doctor?”

“No.”

“You ain’t goin’ to murder me, are you?”

“No; you are going to murder yourself.”

“What do you mean?” demanded Ben peevishly.

You’re not willing to buy anything to eat,” explained Tony, “and you can’t live above three days on nothing.”

“Is that all? What made you frighten me so?”

“I only told you the truth. Are you going to give me the money?”

“Perhaps you’ll tell me where I’m going to get so much money?” said Ben, in the same tone.

I will tell you if you want me to,” answered Tony.

Where?” asked Ben eagerly.

Under the floor,” returned Tony composedly.

What!” screamed Ben, in consternation.

“Just where I said. There’s plenty of money under that plank.”

“Who told you?” groaned the old man, livid with terror. “Have—have you taken any?”

“Not a dollar. It’s all there.”

“Have you been spying when I was asleep?”

“No, I haven’t. That ain’t my style.”

“How could you find out, then?”

“I’ll tell you. The first night I was here, you got up in your sleep and took up the board. Then you drew out two bags of gold pieces and counted them.”

“Oh, I’m ruined! I’m undone!” lamented Ben.

I don’t see how you are.”

“I shall be robbed. There’s only a little there—only a few dollars to bury me.”

“I guess you mean to have a tall funeral,” said Tony coolly. “There’s a thousand dollars there.”

“No, no, only fifty,” answered the old man.

There’s no use talking, I know better. If you don’t believe it, suppose I count the pieces.”

“No, no!”

“Just as you say. As it is, you’ve got plenty of money, and I know it, and if you ain’t willing to use some of it, I’ll go off and leave you alone.”

“Don’t go,” said Ben hastily. “You’re a good boy. You wouldn’t rob a poor old man, would you?”

“Nor a rich old man either, but I don’t mean to starve. So give me fifty cents and I’ll get some fresh bread and butter,............