But an unaccustomed voice sounded from below; and Lot, listening, was greatly surprised, because he seemed to recognize the voice of his father, of Pauws, speaking to the servant.
He sat up in bed:
"Hugh!" he cried. "Hugh! Can it be ... is that my father?"
"I believe so," drawled Hugh, laconically.
"Is that Papa? How does he come to be here, in this house?"
"Ah," said Hugh, "you're no end of a swell to-day! But two days ago you were delirious, calling out for your governor. So Mother said, 'Wire.' I wired. He stood by your bedside for a moment, but you didn't know him...."
"Have I been as ill as all that?" cried Lot.
He felt things growing misty and unsteady, but yet he distinguished Pauws cautiously entering the room:
"My boy!..."
"Father!..."