“Yes; she was a good gal—she always was. I didn’t treat her right when she got married. Your dad was a dreamer—alwus expectin’ to do something great. I was a worker, and I didn’t like him. But she was a good gal, and you look like her. You have her face—and her eyes. But you can’t see?”
“Not now; some time——”
“Some time you shall! I know that! I must think about it, but I can’t think now. My head aches so bad.”
Jack brought some cool water and a handkerchief. Then little Nell wet the handkerchief and placed it upon the man’s forehead. Old Joe watched everything in a wondering way, as if he could not understand why they should do so much for him.
Frank had drawn back out of sight.
“There!” said the man, huskily; “now let me think. I’m a brute. Let me sleep. When I wake up I’ll be able to think better. Sit here by me, Nellie, till I fall asleep. You need not touch me, but it is good to have an angel near!”
CHAPTER XXXIV.
THE REVELATION OF A SECRET.
The old engineer fell into a sleep or a stupor in a short time, and little Nell, exhausted, was taken to the bed in Frank’s room. Merry carried her in his arms.
“Now you must sleep and rest, dear little girl,” said Frank, as he placed her gently on the bed.