Part 42 (1/2)
As soon as the party of three was gone Dr. Mackey entered into earnest conversation with Gendron, at the same time giving attention to the guerrilla's wound.
”Very well, Pete,” he said, at the conclusion. ”Stick by me and I'll stick by you.”
”It's a whack,” replied the wounded man.
”If anybody from the house comes here, tell them that Jack went off to get some Confederate ambulance corps to take you away.”
”I will.”
A few words in addition pa.s.sed between the pair, and then Dr. Mackey left the stable.
He was anxious to have another talk with Mrs. Ruthven, but concluded that he must postpone the interview until later.
”I reckon I have done enough for one night,” he said to himself grimly.
”With that boy in my power, perhaps she and the others will sing a different tune. Anyway, I'll not let the lad out of my grasp until he promises to do exactly as I desire.”
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE HUNT FOR JACK.
”Marion, where is Jack?” asked Mrs. Ruthven, in the morning.
”I do not know, mamma.”
”When did you see him last?”
”Just before he started for the stable last night.”
Mrs. Ruthven was very much worried, and with good cause, as my readers know. She sought out Old Ben, who had his shoulder bandaged.
”Ben, have you seen Jack?”
”No, missus, I aint.”
”Is he around the stable or the barns?”
”Perhaps he is, missus. Ole Ben will go an' look, if yo' want it.”
”Yes, Ben; I cannot imagine what has become of him.”
Old Ben hurried off, and Mrs. Ruthven went upstairs to wait upon George Walden, who had now developed a raging fever.
”It is very odd what has become of Jack,” said the lady of the plantation. ”He never went off like this before.”
It was fully half an hour before Old Ben came back. The colored man looked much worried.
”Can't find him nowhar, missus,” he said. ”An' dat dar guerrilla is gone, too.”