The Richmond climax. (Richmond, Ky.) 1897-1914, 1912-03-06
CHAPTER xiii.
Bob YaneY Finds Himself.

Mr.. Yancy awoke from a long
dreamIess sleep; sheavy-hdded, his
eyes slid open. For a moment he
struggled with the odds and ends OF
memory, then he recalled the fight al
the tavern, the sudden murderous at
tack, the fierce blows Slosson had
dealt him, the knife thrust which had
ended the struggle. Therefore, the
bandages that now swathed his head
and shoulders: therefore, the need
that he should be up and doing-for
where was Hannibal?
Suddenly a shadow fell obliqueIy
across the foot of his narrow bed,
and Cavendish, bending his long body
somewhat, thrust his head in at the
opening. He found himself looking
into a pair of eyes that for the first
time in many a long day held the
Light o. Consciousness.
How are you. Stranger" he de
manded, In a soft drawl
Where am II" The words were
a whisper on Yancy's bearded lips.
We'll, sir, you are in the Tennes-
see river TO certain. Polly! you jest
step here"
But Polly had heard Cavendish
speak, and the murmur of Yancy's
voice in reply. Now her head ap
peared beside her husbands.
La, you are some better, amt
you, sir?" she cried, smiling down on
him. It's been right smart OF
spell, too; yes, sir, you've laid like
you was dead, and not To- a matter OF
hours either-but days"
How long?"
We'll, nigh on TO three weeks"
They saw Yancy's eyes widen with
a look of dumb horror.
And you don't know nothing about
my nevyy?-you amt seen or heard
of him, ma'am?" faltered Yancy.
Polly shook her head regretfulIy.
Ten or thereabouts, ma'am. He
were a heap Of comfort to me-" and
the whisper on Yancy's lips was won
derfully tender and wistful. He closed
his eyes and presently, lulled by the
soft ripple that bore them company,
fell into a restful sleep.
The raft drifted on into the days
heat; and when at last Yancy awoke,
II was to find Henry and Keppel seat
ed beside him, each solacing him with
a small moist hand Mrs. Cavendish
appeared. bringing Yancy's breakfast
In her wake came Connie with the
baby, and the three little brothers
who were to be accorded the cher
ished privilege Of seeing Il poor gen.
tleman eat Cavendish presented him
self at the opening that did duty as
q door.
This looks like bein' alive, strang-
err" he commented geniaIly.
"You-an amt told me 20 name
yeti" said Yancy.
IT'S Cavendish. Richard KeppeI
Csvendish."
Ny names Yancy-Bob Yancy"
Mr.. Cavendish exchanged glances
with Mrs. Cavendish. BY a nod OF
her dimpled chin the lady seemed to
urge some more extended confidence
on his part. Chills and Fever seated
himself at the foot OF Yancy's bed.
Stranger. what I'm a-goin' to tell
you. you'll take as bein' said man TO
man, he began. with the impressive
air OF one who had a secret OF great
moment TO impart. Ever hear tell
OF lords?"
NO" Yancy was quick 70 notice
the look Of disappointment on the
faces Of his new friends.
Are you ever heard OF royaltyy"
and Cavendish fixed the invalid's
wandering glance
You mean kingsT"
Il shore do"
Yancy made a mighty mental effort.
There's them Bible kings" he
ventured at length.
Mr.. Cavendish shook his head.
Teens sacred kings. Are you IA
miliar with any OF the profane kings.
Mr.. Yancyf"
We'll. taking them as they come,
them Bible kings seemed 70 average
p"