carefully into the tin box. "I--I think I'll go out a little while.
He'll never know it."

By this time he had locked the box and replaced it beneath the
flooring, restoring the plank to its original place.

"I'll lie down a little while till I feel strong," he muttered, "then
I'll go out. If I go up on Broadway, Tom won't see me. He ought not to
mind my begging. I am too weak to work, and it's the only way I can get
money."

He lay down on the bed, and, after his exertion, small as it was, the
rest was grateful to him. But the thought haunted him continually that
he needed but seventy-five cents to make up his hoard to a hundred
dollars, and the eager desire prompted him to forsake his rest and go
out into the streets.

After awhile he rose from his bed.

"I am rested enough now," he said. "I think I can go out for a little
while. I will get back before Tom comes home."

He took an old battered hat from a nail on which it hung, and with
feeble step left the room, grasping the banister to steady his steps as
he descended the stairs.

Mrs. Flanagan's door was open, and, though the old man made but little
noise, she heard it.

She lifted both hands in amazement when she saw him.

"Shure ye are too wake to go out," said she. "Come, now, go up and lie
on the bed till ye are better. Tom'll be mad if he knows ye have gone
out."

"Ye needn't tell him," said Jacob, hastily. "I want to breathe the
fresh air; it'll do me good."

"Shure you're not fit to go alone; I'll send my Mike wid you. He's only
six, but he's a smart lad."

"I'd rather go alone," said Jacob, who was afraid the little boy would
report his begging. "I--I am stronger than you think. I won't be gone
long."

Mrs. Flanagan saw that he was obstinate, and she did not press the
point. But after he had got down stairs she called Mike, and said:

"Mike, dear, go after the old man, and see where he goes; but don't you
let him see you. I'll give you a penny to buy candy when you get back."

Mike was easily persuaded, for he had the weakness for candy common to
boys of his age, of whatever grade, and he proceeded to follow his
mother's directions.

When Jacob got to the foot of the lowest staircase he felt more
fatigued than he expected, but his resolution remained firm. He must
have the seventy-five cents before night. To-morrow he could rest. Let
him but increase his hoard to a hundred dollars, and he would be
content.

It was not without a painfu