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Updated: May 25, 2025
Not more than half an hour after Everett had reached Sherwoods Lane, Governor Vandecar's train came to a halt at the same place, and the party, consisting of the governor, Ann Shellington, and Katherine Vandecar, made ready to step out into the night. "Please draw up to the switch," the governor instructed the conductor, "and I'll hail you as soon as we return. Keep an ear out for my call."
As she attempted to rise, Vandecar pushed her gently back into the chair and said: "I'm going for her, Beloved, and Horace has already gone Wait wait!" Vandecar was at the door in an instant, and when he opened it Ann appeared, leading Floyd by the hand. Mrs. Vandecar's eyes fastened themselves upon the boy, and, when Ann pushed him toward her, she rose and held out her arms.
Ann saw two pairs of mottled brown eyes staring at each other, and, as she listened to Floyd's petition, the likeness of the boy to the man struck her forcibly. The expression that swept over Governor Vandecar's face frightened her, and she held her breath. But quicker than hers had been the thoughts of the man.
I don't mind; do you, Floyd?" "No," was the answer. "I only wish " He stopped quickly and turned to his wife. Her eyes were filled with tears. Floyd Vandecar's wish had been her own, that she knew. "I wish you had a son, too, Floyd dear!" she sobbed. "Oh, my babies, my poor, pretty little babies!" "Don't Fledra, don't!" pleaded her husband. "It was God's will, and we must bow to it."
That he could touch the fragile young creature, that he might listen to the call of his heart and take her as his own, had not yet been fully forced upon him. The meaning of Governor Vandecar's words seemed to leave his mind at intervals; then his expression showed that he realized the truth of them. He swayed forward; but crouched back once more against the wall.
He looked back, and, encountering Vandecar's eyes, made appeal to him. "Cronk," the governor said, "do you believe that I am your friend?" The squatter flung about, facing the other. "Yep," he answered slowly, "I know ye be my friend. If ye'll let me walk with my hand in yer'n, I'll go." He said it simply, as a child to a parent. He held out his crooked fingers, and Vandecar seized them.
Miss Shellington threw open the door, and Vandecar's gaze fell upon a tall boy, straight and slim, who pierced him with eyes that startled him into a vague apprehension. He did not utter a word he seemed to be choked as effectually as if strong fingers were sunk into his throat. Floyd loosened his hands from Ann's and stepped forward.
"I has this, ye see and Flea's meat's as soft as a chicken's!" He raised his knife menacingly; but dropped it slowly at sight of Ann and Katherine. "Sister Ann!" breathed Fledra. Ann's fingers grasped Vandecar's arm spasmodically; but, without glancing back at her, he shook them off. His brow had gathered deep lines at Lon's words, and now his unswerving gray eyes bent low to the squatter.
For many moments Floyd lay deep in thought. "I'm goin' to Governor Vandecar's myself. If he's the big man ye say he is, then he can help us. Get me my clothes, Sister Ann." "It won't do any good, Floyd," argued Ann. "Governor Vandecar has always thought that your father ought to have his children. He doesn't realize how you've suffered through him." "I'm goin', anyway," insisted Floyd doggedly.
Long ago two babies had been called after their father and mother after her and her strong husband. Could she admit that she did not care? Could she consent to Ann's request? Ann noted her struggle, and said quickly: "I'm sorry forgive me, Dear!" Mrs. Vandecar's face brightened, and she smiled. "I thought at first that I didn't want you to; but I won't be foolish.
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