She went to her room, and soon returned with a piece of paper. It was yellow with age, and had to be handled with care to keep it from falling apart at the creases. She handed it to the Captain, indicating a section for him to read. He nearly tumbled from his chair as the truth it conveyed concerning the past life of Jim Fox flashed into his mind.
“Holy mackerel!”
The entrance of the minister prevented further comment, except for the Captain to whisper:
“Thanks, Clemmie. ’Twill help, I cal’late. You’re a good woman,” he finished, taking her hand between both of his. “You’re smart, too. You’ve helped me more than you know, and God bless you!”
CHAPTER XII
That evening the Captain dropped the brass knocker to the Elder’s front door with a heavy thud. A servant opened the door.
“I want to see Mr. Fox.”
“He’s not in, sir. Will you leave any–––”