suppose he thought when he woke up and found me gone?" But
neither Polly nor her husband had any opinion to venture on this
point. "If I don't find him in Memphis I'll take the back track
to No'th Carolina, stoppin' on the way to see that man Slosson."

"Well, I 'low there's a fit comin' to him when he gets sight of
you!" and Cavendish's bleached blue eyes sparkled at the thought.

"There's a heap mo' than a fit. I don't bear malice, but I stay
mad a long time," answered Yancy grimly:

"You shouldn't talk no mo'," said Polly. "You must just lay
quiet and get yo' strength back. Now, I'm goin' to fix you a
good meal of vittles." She motioned Cavendish to follow her, and
they both withdrew from the shanty.

Yancy closed his eyes, and presently, lulled by the soft ripple
that bore them company, fell into a restful sleep.

"When he told us of his nevvy, Dick, and I got to thinkin' of his
bein' just the age of our Richard, I declare it seemed like
something got in my throat and I'd choke. Do you reckon he'll
ever find him?" said Polly, as she busied herself with
preparations for their breakfast.

"I hope so, Polly!" said Cavendish, but her words were a powerful
assault on his feelings, which at all times lay close to the
surface and were easily stirred.

Under stress of his emotions, he now enjoined silence on his