“Yes, yes,” Devlin answered, standing in a nonchalant posture near the door. “Know much about it, doc?”
“No, nothing, except that it’s full of malaria and mosquitoes and a dangerous place to go unless a body knows where they’re going,” the garrulous man answered. “I’ve never been there—guess your place is quite a ways in, eh?”
“Mm,” Devlin answered. “Beggars can’t be choosers, doc. I got to do the best I can for my boys.”
The doctor snorted. “Guess that’s so. Sometimes they don’t thank a body any.” He had disposed of Skippy by that time and nodded to Nickie. “Just keep your eye on ’em, that’s all you can do.” Then: “Did you say they’re going to help you?”
“Mm, I’m too poor to get anyone else.”
And that was all. The doctor dismissed them, saying he had to get out on a call and before Skippy could think what to do, they were out on the porch and the door had closed behind them. Nickie looked at his friend, desperately.
Skippy sat down on the bottom step and began to untie his shoe. “Something’s hurtin’ my foot, mister,” he said innocently, as Devlin stood above him, tall and questioning. “Guess it’s the lining—wait a minute!”
Devlin walked a few feet away, standing in an advantageous position while his staring eyes darted from one boy to the other. Then, impatiently, he walked on to the car. “I’m watching you, kid—hurry!” he said, after curtly ordering Nickie inside.
Skippy got his shoe back on and began to saunter slowly down the walk, when suddenly he saw someone turn in at the path. His heart jumped! It was a lady and from under her hat the boy could see white hair. God had sent her!
“I’m waiting, kid!”