They were so interested discussing what could be done, that Sherm entered the room before they knew he was awake. The boy was calm, but looked years older, and very white and worn. Captain Clarke greeted him cheerfully.
“I hope you rested. Jane tells me you had a staggering day yesterday. Chicken Little, would you mind telling Wing to serve Sherm’s breakfast?”
As soon as she disappeared, he gripped the boy’s hand, saying confidently, “I don’t wish to talk about your trouble just now and I have no words to comfort you for your loss, lad, but I want to tell you not 379to begin to worry yet about your identity. I believe we shall find a way to get track of your people and that you will find you have an honorable name, and, possibly, a living father to make up a little for the kind foster-father you have lost.”
“I don’t see how we could–after all these years.”
“Will you leave the matter to me for a few days? And Sherm, make an effort to eat something for Chicken Little’s sake–she is worrying her heart out over your trouble. You have some good friends right here–don’t forget that. Dr. Morton watched by you all night. Brace up and be a man. I know you have it in you, Sherm.”
Letters came to Sherm in a short time from Sue Dart, from Dick and Alice Harding, and from Mrs. Halford, who painstakingly wrote him all the details of his supposed father’s last days. She evidently knew nothing of his not being the Dart’s own son. Sue’s letter seemed to comfort him a little. He did not show it to anyone, even to Chicken Little. He confided to her, however, that the folks were sending his things to him the next day. They had already broken up the home and were going back to Chicago with Sue the following week.
When the express package arrived, Sherm took it straight to Jane.
“You open it,” he said.
Chicken Little took his knife and cut the string and 380folded back the paper wrappings carefully. It seemed some way as if she were meeting Sherm’s mother.
The quaint little old-fashioned garments were musty and faded. A frock of blue merino braided in an elaborate pattern in black lay on top. There was a cape to match, and a little cloth cap. Beside these lay a funny pair of leather boots with red tops–almost like a man’s–only, oh, so tiny!