The bloodless lips moved and a disappointed look came into the eyes.
“That’s not the one,” the man whispered. “He looks like him, but he ain’t. I want—” His breath caught, and he stopped, his bony hands clenching.
“Where’s Roy?” Belle asked quickly. She was standing beside Teddy. “Can’t somebody get him?”
But there was no need for that. The screen door whined and Roy entered. As the man on the cot saw him, his face lighted up.
“Come here,” he whispered weakly. “I want to—ask—”
Roy glanced toward the doctor for directions, and received a nod. He went to the side of the man.
“I’m glad to see you’re better,” he said simply. “What was it that you wanted to ask me?”
The man’s hand tapped the coverlet impatiently.
“That’s right,” he breathed. “You’re the—one. Listen, boy—listen—” He raised up on one elbow, and the doctor crossed swiftly to him.
“None of that,” he said sternly. “You promised to keep quiet if I let you see him. Lie back, now.”