Page:The trail of the golden horn.djvu/33

Rh “No, nothing the matter with it.”

“Why did he bring it here, then?”

“For us to keep. He has given it to us.”

“Given it to us!” Marion stared at the nurse in surprise.

“That is what he said,” and Miss Wade smiled. “Why, he made himself at home here, and took possession at once.”

“Do you mean to tell me that he is here now?” Marion demanded.

“He certainly is, and with all of his belongings. He has taken up his abode in the kitchen, and is asleep on the floor, wrapped up in his blankets. He has his toboggan there, too. Just think of that!”

“But why didn’t you send him away?”

“He wouldn’t go. I told him we couldn’t keep him; that this was a hospital, and not a hotel. But it didn’t make any difference. He said that this was good enough for him.”

“What impudence! Why didn’t you send for me? Mr. Beck and the other men would have come over and put the man out.”

“Oh, I didn’t want to bother you. And besides, he seemed so harmless. He just wanted the kitchen, so I couldn’t very well object.”

“Where is the baby?” Marion asked.

“Asleep in my room. I gave it a bath, which it certainly needed, and something to eat. He is a dear little fellow, and I am fond of him already.”

“Who is the man, anyway? Did he tell you anything about himself, or where he came from?”

“He only said that he found the child in a cabin along the river about a mile from the C. D. Cut-Off. He would tell me nothing more.”