When supper was over, and David had done the chores and assisted in clearing away the dishes, he and his mother seated themselves in front of the fireplace and prepared to pass the evening in conversation, as they always did, while Dan threw himself upon the “shake-down” on which he and his brother slept, and in a few minutes began snoring lustily.  He was not asleep, however.  His ears were open, and so were his eyes the most of the time.  He saw everything that was done and heard all that passed between his mother and David, but not a word did he hear that interested him.  David had already given his mother a history of the events of the day.  She knew what his plans were and approved them.

When nine o’clock came David took possession of the other half of the “shake-down” and prepared to go to sleep.  He deposited his clothes at the head of the bed, as usual, and Dan, through his half-closed eyes, saw that he threw them down in a careless sort of way, as though there was nothing of value in them.

“But he can’t fool me so easy,” thought Dan.  “Not by no means.  Thar’s ten dollars somewhar in them thar dry goods, unless he give ’em to the ole woman when she fust come hum, an’ they’ll be mine afore mornin’.  He wouldn’t go snacks with me, like a feller had oughter do, an’ now I’ll have ’em all!”

In an hour from that time everybody in the cabin appeared to be asleep.  Mrs. Evans certainly was and David seemed to be, for he lay with his eyes closed, and breathed long and heavily.  Dan took a good look at him—­the blazing fire on the hearth made the cabin almost as light as day—­and then reaching out his hand drew David’s clothes toward him.  He searched all the pockets carefully, but there was nothing in them except a pocket-knife with two broken blades, and that was not what Dan was looking for.  Muttering something under his breath Dan turned all the pockets inside out and then felt of the lining of the coat; but as nothing rewarded his search he tossed the clothes back upon the floor, and cautiously slipped his hand under his brother’s pillow.  As he did so David suddenly raised himself upright in bed, and seizing the pillow, lifted it from its place.

“If you want to look under there, why don’t you say so?” he asked.

Almost any other boy would have been overcome with shame and mortification, but Dan was not easily abashed, and although he felt a little crestfallen, his face did not show it.

“It isn’t there you see, don’t you?” said David.

“What isn’t thar?” growled Dan.

“Why, the ten-dollar bill you saw me have at the landing.  It isn’t in my clothes either, or anywhere about the house.”

“I wasn’t lookin’ fur it,” returned Dan.

“I’ll tell you where it is, if you want to know,” continued David.  “It is safe in Don Gordon’s pocket-book, and you can’t get it out of there.  I told you that you’d never have another chance to steal any of my money, and I think you will believe it now.  Good-night, and pleasant dreams to you; that is, if you can sleep after such a performance.”