Dr. Moore arose and walked to the boy, and, placing his hands on his wrist, said reassuringly: "Good boy, Joe! you are a brave fellow."
Oakes handed him a drink of brandy—he needed it—and then we all joined in praising him. He soon recovered himself, and then Oakes took up his position beside him again.
"Now, Joe, what did the murderer drop when he jumped over the stream from the rock?"
"I dunno, Master Oakes—but it was a banana, I think."
"What!" said Hallen; "a banana?"
The negro looked worried.
"Yes, it did look like one of dose red, white, spotted cloths wat de niggers down South wear on their heads."
We all laughed.
"Oh, a bandana handkerchief, Joe."
And Joe laughed also, in relief.