CHAPTER XXV. 

TOM CLOVER. 

For a moment Richard could not realize the discovery that he had made. Could this weak, delirious man be Doc Linyard's brother-in-law, the one for whom the old sailor had been searching so diligently and so unsuccessfully? 

If such was the fact then his visit to Frying Pan Court would undoubtedly be productive of more than one good result. 

"What makes you think he is the man?" asked Frank Massanet, with considerable astonishment. 

"Because he mentioned his own name as Tom, and I know Betty is the sailor's wife's name," replied Richard. 

"He doesn't look very respectable," went on Frank. "He isn't a relative for even a man like Mr. Linyard to be proud of." 

"He may look better after he's shaved and washed and fixed up a bit," returned Richard; "that is, if he gets well," he added, in sudden alarm. 

"Pep, Pep," went on the sufferer, "where's the water?" 

"Here you are, dad, nice and fresh," and Pep entered with his pail full. "Whew! but he does drink a pile!" he added to the two, as he held a cup to his father's lips. 

"I've brought something you can give him," said Frank, going to his basket and depositing the articles upon a rickety table that stood in a corner. 

"And we'll send a doctor around here, too," he added. "You haven't had one lately, I guess." 

"Not this week. He charged too much, and he wouldn't come if I didn't pay aforehand," replied the street urchin. 
Was the guy in good health?
if he gets well