Phoebe sat up very straight and looked at the boy.
“I don’t know you,” she said. “Who are you?”
“I come from that away,” answered the boy, pointing with his thumb toward Indian Head. “The doctor said you would know it was all right by this here,” he added, unbuttoning his coat and taking out the doctor’s well remembered cane. “An’ he don’t want none of the ladies to come. Jes’ the men.”
“But I will go,” exclaimed Phoebe. “My father——”
“Is your father Frenchy?”
“Yes,” answered the girl, lowering her eyes.
“The doctor says Frenchy’s gal was not to be skeered. Frenchy is safe and well.”
“Are you sure?” demanded Phoebe.
“So help me,” answered the boy, raising his hand to heaven.
“But what does it mean?” broke in Miss Campbell. “I don’t like the sound of it at all. Why has the doctor sent for both of you boys? Why should we be left alone? It’s not like the doctor at all.”