But he only pressed his son's hand gently.
"I wish you would sometimes take me with you as you used to," said the boy curiously.

"I'm bigger now, and wouldn't be in your way." Steptoe looked at the boy with a choking sense of satisfaction and pride.

But he said, "No;" and then suddenly with simulated humor, "Don't you be taken in by any letters from ME, such as you and Van Loo used to write.

You hear ?" The boy laughed.
"And," continued Steptoe, "if anybody says I sent for you, don't you believe them." "No," said the boy, smiling.
"And don't you even believe I'm dead till you see me so.

You understand.
By the way, Father Pedro has some money of mine kept for you.