"No; that is too improbable to have happened, I should think. But drink the water, sir, let me beg of you."
"I will. I will, Ishmael, when I have qualified it a little!" said the judge, tottering to his feet and going to a buffet upon which stood some Jamaica rum. He mixed a strong glass of spirits and water, drank it, and returned to his seat, saying, as he sank into it with a deep sigh of refreshment:
"I feel better. Where is Katie? And how in the world came she here?
And what news does she bring of her mistress?"
"Katie is outside that door, sir, waiting for you to receive her."
"Let her come in, then, Ishmael."
CHAPTER XXXV.
A FATHER'S VENGEANCE.
Haste me to know it; that I, with wings as swift
As meditation or the thoughts of love,
May sweep to my revenge!
—Shakespeare.
Ishmael went to the door and admitted Katie. The old woman made an impulsive rush towards her master, but stopped and burst into a passion of tears so violent that she was scarcely able to stand.
"Sit down, Katie. Sit down and compose yourself. Your master will not take it amiss that you sit in his presence," said Ishmael, pushing a low, soft chair towards the woman, while he glanced inquiringly towards the judge.