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Read Ebook: Robert Burns. Vol. 2 Les Oeuvres by Angellier Auguste
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Ebook has 3305 lines and 202599 words, and 67 pages
"How did that come?"
"I'll tell you," said Tony. "Don't you remember last week when we passed by a school house? It was recess, and the boys were out at play. While you were away a few minutes, one of the boys sat down by me and talked. He told me what he was studying, and what he was going to do when he got older, and then he asked me about myself."
"What did you tell him?"
"What did I tell him?" said Tony, bitterly. "I told him that I was a tramp, and that when I got older I should be a tramp still."
"Well," said Rudolph, sharply, "what then?"
"So you want to leave me, do you?" demanded Rudolph, fiercely. "Is that what you're coming to, my chicken?"
"It isn't that so much as the life you make me lead. I want to leave that, Rudolph."
"Well, you can't do it," said the man, shortly.
"Why not?"
"I say so, and that's enough."
Tony was silent for a moment. He was not greatly disappointed, for he expected a refusal. He changed the subject.
"Rudolph," he said, "there's something else I want to ask you about."
"Well?"
"Who am I?"
"Who are you? A young fool," muttered the tramp, but he appeared a little uneasy at the question.
"I want to know something about my father and mother."
"Your mother was my sister. She died soon after you were born."
"And my father?"
"He was put in jail for theft, and was shot in trying to make his escape. Does that satisfy you?"
"No, it doesn't, and what's more, I don't believe it," said Tony, boldly.
"Look here," said Rudolph, sternly. "I've had enough of your insolence. Do you see this strap?"
He produced a long leather strap, which he drew through his fingers menacingly.
"Yes, I see it."
"You'll feel it if you ain't careful. Now get up. It's time to be moving."
THE FARM-HOUSE.
"Where are we going to stop to-night?" asked Tony ten minutes later.
"There," answered Rudolph, pointing out a farm-house, a little to the left.
"Suppose they won't let us."
"They will admit us into their barn, at least, if we play our cards right. Listen to what I say. You are to be my son."
"But I am not your son."
"Be silent!" said the other tramp, "and don't you dare to contradict me. You have been sick, and are too weak to go farther."
"That is a lie, Rudolph."
"That doesn't matter. If they believe it, they won't turn us away. Perhaps they will let you sleep in the house."
"Away from you?"
"Yes."
Tony was puzzled. It seemed as if Rudolph wanted him to be more comfortably provided for than himself, but the boy knew him too well not to suspect that there was some concealed motive for this apparent kindness.
"Well, what are you thinking about?" demanded Rudolph, suspiciously, as he observed the boy's earnest gaze.
"Why do you want me to sleep in the house?" he asked.
"I will tell you. When all the family are asleep, I want you to steal down stairs, open the back door, and let me in."
"What for?" asked the boy, startled.
"Never you mind. Do as I tell you!"
"But I don't want to do it. You never asked me to do that before."
"Didn't I? Well, I had no occasion. I ask you now."
"What are you going to do? Are you going to harm any one?"
"No. I'll tell you what I'm going to do, but mind you, if you breathe a word to any being, I'll cut your tongue out."
Tony looked troubled, but not frightened.
"Go on," he said.
Rudolph continued in a rapid tone.
"I want money to carry out a plan of importance. This farm belongs to a farmer who is rich, and who keeps a part of his money in the house."
"How do you know that?"
"A friend of mine stopped there last week, and found out. He put me on the scent. The old man keeps from two to three hundred dollars in his desk. I must have that money."
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