His exile on the island was because of the supposed crime!
"Of course he knows," Jack soothed. "And to-morrow he will come to
see you."
But the sick man was either unconscious, or sleeping. He did not
reply.
CHAPTER XXIV
THE UNEXPECTED
"I heard a boat," Cora whispered to Jack, as on the following
morning, he rubbed his eyes endeavoring to put sight into them.
"Well, what of it?" he asked.
"It seemed to stop at this landing," replied the sister.
"The girls most likely," and he got to his feet. "How is the old
gentleman?"
"Much stronger, and his mind, Laurel thinks, is clearing."
"I think so too. It is an outrage that he has been allowed to
suffer here without help. That scoundrel Jones must have fixed this
up."
"Did you sleep any, Jack dear?" Cora asked. "I'm afraid you had a
lonely vigil."
"Oh, I got a wink or two, and my patient was no trouble. Is that
Laurel talking to him?"
"Yes, she seems overjoyed that he can talk rationally to her. But
listen Jack! There are voices."
Brother and sister hurried to the door. Strangers were approaching--two
men.
"Is--er--Miss Cora Kimball here?" asked one of them, in rather a
hesitating voice.
"Yes, what is it?" asked Jack, suspiciously for somehow he did not
like the appearance of the strangers.
"We'll do business with her," put in the taller of the two men.
Cora gave a gasp.
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