I--I--" "Never mind, Thomas.

If you want more at any time let me know." It was then, as the old man took the fifteen dollars extended to him, that Beth noted a flash in the mild blue eyes and a trembling of the horny hands.

Hucks was very glad to get the money; there was little doubt of that.
She spoke of this incident to Louise, and the following morning they tested the man again.

All three girls being present, Beth tendered Old Hucks two dollars, saying it was intended as a slight mark of her appreciation of his attention.

Thomas demurred at first, but on being urged took the money with the same eager gesture he had before displayed.