Nap lifted his hands and opened mouth and eyes wide in surprise and horror.
"Begone!" cried the doctor, stamping his foot, "and don't stand gaping there while the scoundrel escapes."
Nap shuffled out, leaving his master pacing the office to and fro with angry, impatient strides.
"What is it, my dear? what has gone wrong?" asked his wife, looking in upon him.
"Come, sit down on the sofa here and I'll tell you," he said, his excited manner quieting somewhat at sight of her pleasant face.
She accepted the invitation, and seating himself beside her he briefly related all that he knew of Jackson and his attack on Mr. Travilla.
He had hardly finished when Nap returned with the news that several of the negro children had seen a man go down the avenue and get aboard a passing boat.
"Ah ha!" cried the doctor, jumping up; "and which way was the boat going?"
"Dat way, sah," replied Nap, indicating the direction by a flourish of his right hand.
At that moment Mr. and Mrs. Travilla rode up, and Dr. and Mrs. Balis hastened out to greet them.