Had the turn now come? He did not know it, but it
was the human companionship, the friendly voice that had raised such a
great hope in his breast. He glided from thought into a peaceful sleep
and slept a long time, without dreams or even vague, floating visions.
His breath came long and full at regular intervals, and with every beat
of his pulse new strength flowed into his body. While he slept nature
was hard at work, rebuilding the strong young frame which had yielded
only to overpowering circumstances.
Ned ate his breakfast voraciously the next day and wanted more. Dinner
also left him hungry, but, carrying out his original plan, he
counterfeited weakness, and, before the soldier left, lay down upon the
pallet as if he were too languid to care for anything. He disposed of
supper in similar fashion, and then waited with a throbbing pulse for
the second call from the senior member of the firm of White & Fulton.
After an incredible period of waiting he heard the slight rasping of the
fork in the keyhole. Then the door was opened and the older partner
entered. Before speaking he carefully relocked the door.
"I believe you're glad to see me," he said to Ned. "You're sitting up. I
don't think I ever before saw a boy improve so much in twenty-four
hours.
Pages:
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145