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 aggravating, especially since Tony knew what he did about Ben's hidden treasure. Moreover, he had reason to suspect that Ben had more money concealed elsewhere.
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," said Tony, resolutely. "I ain't going to stay here to starve."
"It costs a sight to support two people," whined the old man.
"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. "O, it's too much. I am ruined!"
"Are you?" said Tony, coolly. "Then all I can say is, you're easy ruined. I want half a dollar."
"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?"
"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?" complained Ben, angrily.
"I only told you the truth. Are you going to give me the money?"
"Perhaps you'll tell me where I am to get so much money?" said Ben, in the same tone.
"I will tell you if you want me to," answered Tony.
"Under the floor," returned Tony, composedly.
"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. You needn't be frightened."
"Have you been spying when I was asleep?" demanded Ben, incensed.
"No, I haven't. That ain't my style," answered Tony, independently.
"If you want to know, 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, when he found that his secret had been discovered.