"
For reply Toby raised his head and kissed her on the cheek, a
proceeding which caused her to squeeze him harder than ever.
During this conversation the skeleton had remained very thoughtful.
After a moment or two he got up from his seat, went outside the
tent, and presently returned with a quantity of silver ten cent
pieces in his hand.
"Here, Toby," he said -- and it was to be seen that he was really
too much affected even to attempt one of his speeches -- "it's right
that you should go, for I've known what it is to feel just as you
do. What Lilly said about your having a home with us I say, an'
here's five dollars that I want you to take to help you along."
At first Toby stoutly refused to take the money; but they both
insisted to such a degree that he was actually forced to, and then
he stood up to go.
"I'm goin' to try to slip off after Job packs up the outside booth,
if I can," he said, "an' it was to say goodby that I come around
here."
Again Mrs. Treat took the boy in her arms, as if it were one of
her own children who was leaving her, and as she stroked his hair
back from his forehead she said: "Don't forget us, Toby, even if
you never do see us again; try an' remember how much we cared for
you, an' how much comfort you're taking away from us when you go;
for it was a comfort to see you around, even if you wasn't with us
very much.
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