Now and then
he favored the austere Mahaffy with a fleeting glance. He seemed
intuitively to understand the comradeship of their degradation.
"Mr. Cavendish fetched me here on his raft. We tied up to the
sho' this morning. It was there we met Mr. Carrington--I'd
knowed him slightly back yonder in No'th Carolina," continued
Yancy. "He said I'd find Hannibal with you. I was counting a
heap on seeing my nevvy."
Carrington, no longer able to control himself, swung about on his
heel.
"What's been done?" he asked, with fierce repression. "What's
going to be done? Don't you know that every second is precious?"
"I am about to conclude my investigations, sir," said the judge
with dignity.
Carrington stepped to the door. After all, what was there to
expect of these men? Whatever their interest, it was plainly
centered in the boy. He passed out into the hall.
As the door closed on him the judge turned again to the Scratch
Hiller.
"Mr. Yancy, Mr. Mahaffy and I hold your nephew in the tenderest
regard, he has been our constant companion ever since you were
lost to him. In this crisis you may rely upon us; we are
committed to his recovery, no matter what it involves." The
judge's tone was one of unalterable resolution.
"I reckon you-all have been mighty good and kind to him," said
Yancy huskily.
"We have endeavored to be, Mr. Yancy--indeed I had formed the
resolution legally to adopt him should you not come to claim him.
Pages:
327
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351