Abner accompanied his father as far as the fence. “Now, what do you want?” he asked, with his eyes warily fixed on his father. “I want you to find out where your marm keeps that money,” said Barton, in a coaxing tone. “What for?” “You're to take it and bring it to me.” “And go without eatin'?” “I'll buy the provisions myself. I'm the head of the family.” “Do you want me to hook money from marm?” “'Twon't be hookin'. The money by right belongs to me. Ain't I the head of the family?” “I dunno about that. Marm's the boss, and always has been,” chuckled Abner. Joel frowned, but immediately tried another attack. “Of course I'll give you some of it, Abner,” he resumed. “If there's five dollars I'll give you a quarter.” “I'll see about it, dad.” “Get it for me before evenin', if you can. I shall need it then.” Abner returned to Herbert, and frankly related the conversation that had taken place between himself and his father. Herbert was shocked. He did not know what to think of the singular family he had got into. “You won't do it, will you?” he asked, startled. “No, I won't. I want a quarter bad enough, but I'd rather mam would keep the money. She'll spend it for vittles, and dad would spend it for drink. Wouldn't you like to go a-fishin'? It's fine weather, and we'll have fun.” Herbert assented, not knowing how to dispose of his time. Abner turned the conversation again on New York. What Herbert had already told him had powerfully impressed his imagination. “Haven't you got any money?” he asked. “No,” answered Herbert. “Mr. Ford took away all I had, except this.” He drew from his pocket a nickel. “That won't do no good,” said Abner, disappointed. “Stop a minute, though,” he added, after a minute's pause. “Wouldn't your folks send you some money, if you should write to them?” “Yes,” answered Herbert, his face brightening. “Why didn't I think of that before? If I could get me paper and ink I'd write at once to papa. I know he'd either send the money or come for me.” “We'll go to the post office,” said Abner. “There you can buy some paper and a postage stamp. You've got just money enough. There's a pen and ink there.” “Let us go at once,” said Herbert, eagerly. The boys took their way to the village. The letter was written and posted, and a burden was lifted from the boy's mind. He felt that his father would seek him out at once, and he could bear his present position for a short time. But, alas! for poor Herbert--the letter never came into his father's hands. Why, the reader will learn in the next chapter. CHAPTER XXXI -- THE HOUSEKEEPER'S CRIME