I wouldn't change for
nothin'. But I'm nine year older than 'Bije was--and yet I'm left alive.
Hum!"
"Your brother had two children by his marriage," said Graves, after a
moment of silence.
"Hey? Two children? Why, yes, I remember he did. Boy and girl, wa'n't
they? I never saw em. They've growed up by this time, of course."
"Yes, the eldest, Caroline, is nearly twenty. The boy, Stephen, is a
year younger. It is concerning those children, Captain Warren, that I
have come to you."
Captain Elisha turned in his chair. "Hey?" he queried. "The children?
You've come to me about 'Bije's children?"
Graves nodded. "Yes," he answered, solemnly. "That is what I meant by
saying your brother had not forgotten you or wished to forget you. In
spite of the estrangement, it is evident that his confidence in your
judgment and integrity was supreme. His children were his idols, Captain
Warren, and he has left them in your charge."
The captain's pipe fell to the hearth.
"WHAT?" he shouted. "Left his children to--to ME! Mr. Graves,
you're--you're out of your head--or I am!"
"No, I'm perfectly sane. I have a copy of the will here, and--"
He was interrupted by Miss Baker, who appeared at the door of the dining
room. "Did you want me, 'Lisha?" she asked.
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