"Then David may be alive!" cried Gertrude. "Nelson——" She stopped short. Each person in the room gazed questioningly at the others. Our hero's breath came thick and fast. Then the door bell below rang violently, and Nelson and Gertrude heard Mrs. Kennedy admitted.
CHAPTER XXXIV. FATHER AND SON—CONCLUSION.
"It's Nelson an' Miss Gertrude I want to see," those in the sick chamber heard Mrs. Kennedy exclaim. "An' I want to see 'em at once. I have great news for 'em."
"I'll go," said Nelson, and slipped downstairs, followed by Gertrude. They found Mrs. Kennedy in a state of high excitement. Her faded bonnet was on one ear, and she walked the floor rapidly.
"Oh, my! Upon me soul, I can't belave it!" she burst out. "It's like a dream, Nelson, so it is."
"What is like a dream, Mrs. Kennedy?"
"The story I have to tell, Nelson. Poor, poor man! but it was all for the best—wid that crime on his mind."
"What are you talking about?" put in Gertrude.