Five Hundred Dollars

Excerpt: ...with him, which had led to bitter feelings on the part of the farmer, who appeared to mourn the loss of his money more than that of his son. And this was the young man who had crept into his father's house like a thief in the night. "Why did you get into my window?" asked Bert. "Why didn't you come to the door?" "I-didn't know if I would be welcome. I wanted to ask. Do you know how my father feels toward me?" "No; I have only been here one day. He ought to be glad to see his son." "I took some money with me when I went away," said Phineas hesitating. "Father's very fond of money." "Yes," assented Bert. "And he would find it hard to forget that." 145 "Why didn't you come back before?" "I didn't dare to come till I could bring the money. I have got it with me, but not a dollar more. If you want to know what brings me back, look in my face and see for yourself." The moon came out from behind a cloud, and by its light Bert saw that the young man's face was thin and ghastly. "I am sick," he said; "irregular hours and whiskey have done their work. I am afraid I have got to pass in my checks." "What does that mean-die?" "Yes." "Don't give up!" said Bert, feeling his sympathies go out toward this prodigal son. "You are young. It takes a good deal to kill a young man." "You're a good fellow, Bert. That's your name, isn't it? Will you do me a favor?" "To be sure I will." "I am famished. I haven't had anything to eat for twenty-four hours. Can you slip downstairs and fetch me something to eat-no matter what-and a glass of milk?" Bert hesitated. He could get what was required in the pantry, but suppose the farmer or his wife should wake up! It would make his position a very awkward one. "Hadn't you better go down yourself?" he asked. "I can hardly stand, I am so tired. Besides, I don't know where mother keeps things." "I will try," said Bert; and he slipped on his pantaloons, and went softly downstairs. 146 CHAPTER XXI.THE MIDNIGHT...