"Yas, sah--mighty pretty gals dey am too."

"And they still remain in possession of the house?"

"I reckon dey do, sah. Pears like the dochtar sed sumthin' 'bout
treating one ob 'em--Miss Eloise--one time he wus ober yere. Sure,
deys dere all right."

"Do you know a lawyer named Haines?"

"Livin' down at de Landin'? Yas, sah."

I lifted myself up in the bed, too deeply interested to lie still any
longer.

"Now listen, Pete," I explained earnestly. "I've got sufficient money
to pay you well for all you do, and, just as soon as you get me
something to eat, I want you to go down to the Landing and bring Lawyer
Haines back here with you. Just tell him a sick white man wants to see
him at once, and not a word to anyone else. You might tell Haines this
is a private matter--you understand?"

"Yas, sah," the whites of his eyes rolling. "He done know ol' Pete,
an' I'll sure bring him back yere."

It was dark when they came, the fire alone lighting up the interior of
the dingy cabin with a fitful glow of red flame. I had managed to get
out of bed and partially dress myself feeling stronger, and in less
pain as I exercised my muscles. They found me seated before the