He thought it
best to rid him first, for there was no danger of his waking up.
But he was destined to disappointment. The most thorough search
brought to light only five dollars in gold.
"What has he done with his money?" muttered the thief, with a frown.
"Of course, he must have more."
The idea came to him that the bulk of the money might have been
given to the boy, who was less likely to attract the notice of
plunderers. This was a point easily settled, and Jack turned his
attention to Ben.
Ben was asleep when the search commenced, but his sleep was not as
profound as Bradley's, and he woke up. But, luckily, recollection
came with consciousness, and summoning all his self-command, he
counterfeited sleep, not interfering with Jack or his designs. He
was willing to lose the little he had in his pocket, and, besides,
he was curious to hear what Jack would say when he found out how
inconsiderable was the booty which he secured.
It must be admitted that Ben found it difficult to restrain himself
from some movement which would have betrayed to the thief that he
was awake. Jack, however, being fully convinced that Ben was asleep,
did not fix his eyes upon the countenance of his young lodger, and
so remained ignorant of his wakefulness.
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