The Treasure of Netherstrand

Chapter 50

The same thoughts were running through Hannover's mind when he finally woke the next day. He threw a searching glance around until his eyes found Timothy in the crowded room. The lad was lying on the heap of rags and blankets which formed the Moores' bed. He looked perfectly miserable as he slept through the noise of everyone's voices. As the man watched and pitied him, the little boy murmured his master's name in his sleep, speaking in a feeble-sounding voice.

Hannover's heart bounded, honored and glad to hear his name on the child's lips. In a clumsy second, he hurried to the boy's side and stooped over him. "I'm here, my boy," he said, taking one of the child's hands in his own.

Timothy looked up at him sleepily, and a light flickered in his dark eyes for a moment. But he was too tired to stay awake. All he could do was lean into his master's embrace and close his eyes again. Hannover turned his gaze toward Dr. Lansbury with a feeling of fatherly anxiety throbbing inside of him.

"What is to be done for him?" he asked. "Tell me and I will do it! It matters not how much it costs. I will pay whatever it takes to make him well again!"

"As would I, sir. But I am afraid money is of little use in this case," Arthur replied sorrowfully. "I cannot seem to break his fever with medicine. I'm afraid it will have to run its course. He needs a great deal of time, and he needs a warmer place to rest. As grateful as I am for this cottage, it is far too damp and drafty. I intend to-"

"A warmer place? Hannover interrupted hastily. A thought sprang up in his mind with a surge of pleasure. "Yes, of course! Of course! That is quite manageable! Can he bear a journey of five miles in a covered carriage?"

Arthur looked startled by his tone of voice. "If he is well guarded from the cold, I believe he can. Do you know of a place where I can take him?"

"Know of it? I own it! And thank goodness for that! No-" he added, catching himself quickly, "I thank the Lord for that. Surely it is a great blessing that I have a second hotel with room enough to lodge all of these people. Keep watch over my errand boy, Dr. Lansbury. I shall return as soon as possible." He pressed Timothy's hand and whispered a gentle farewell to him. Then he hurried off, taking long strides with his tall, gangly legs.

As he shut the cottage door behind him, the light of day showed him a wondrous view of the ocean. The house was a safe distance from the edge of the sea, but he could still look out at the blue horizon where light sparkled across the rippling waves.

"I say, this isn't too bad," he thought, taking a quick look at the house. "Not half as bad as I thought it was last night. The walls are sturdy. And that foundation couldn't be firmer!" The cottage was planted on a rocky place, and it was so well made that it seemed to grow right out of the stones around it. "All it really needs are windows and a new roof. It would be comfortable and homey then. Ah, Lord, if only I had built my faith as strongly as this house was made! I think I would not have brought so much agony upon myself and Timothy. But I built everything, my soul, my life, and my hopes, upon the sand. Now I am utterly broken. I can only beg and trust that you will rebuild me. Make me the man you want me to be!"

He set out again and traveled the road toward town, but before he got far, a voice called from behind.

"Wait a moment, old chap!" Rory called. "Blimey, but ya ain't one to amble along, are ya? I've nearly 'ad to run to catch up, an' it ain't an easy task when yer carryin' a weight like this!"

Hannover turned in surprise to look at his hurrying servant. "Why are you stalling me?" he asked. "Can't you see that I have a purpose? A very important one at that; for your sake, mine, and everyone else's! I am going to my inn to fetch a horse and carriage. Then I am going to make the necessary arrangements for all of us to have lodgings either in the inn or at my second -that is, my only remaining hotel."