We'll climb the
trees like a couple of cats, and take our knives and serape off
the precious lumps that are worth so much money to the druggists.
You've let down the bars, I see."
"'Cause I knew you'd come to-night," said Rodman. "I felt it in
my bones. We're going to have a splendid supper."
"Are we? That's good news." Ivory tried to make his tone bright
and interested, though his heart was like a lump of lead in his
breast. "It's the least I can do for the poor little chap," he
thought, "when he stays as caretaker in this lonely spot.--I
wonder if I hadn't better drive into the barn, Rod, and leave the
harness on Nick till I go in and see mother? Guess I will."
"She's hot, Aunt Boynton is, hot and restless, but Mrs. Mason
thinks that's all."
Ivory found his mother feverish, and her eyes were unnaturally
bright; but she was clear in X mind and cheerful, too, sitting up
in bed to r^ breathe the better, while the Maltese eat snuggled
under her arm and purred peacefully
"The cat is Rod's idea," she said smilingly but in a very weak
voice. "He is a great nurse I should never have thought of the
eat myself but she gives me more comfort than all the medicine."
Ivory and Rodman drew up to the supper table, already set in the
kitchen, but before Ivory took his seat he softly closed the door
that led into the living-room.
Pages:
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293