nd John Hunter looked over at Hugh sharply, wondering
what he could want of Luther, but the sick man closed his eyes as a way of
ending the argument. Doctor Morgan dropped his finger on the patient's
wrist again and looked at John warningly:

"I think I'll be going. You stay with Noland, Hunter. I want a word with
Mrs. Hunter before I go. I'll stop at Hansen's, Noland."

Doctor Morgan took Elizabeth out and questioned her closely about the diet
and other important matters, but was able to elicit nothing new.

"I've been encouraged of late," the old doctor said, shaking his head,
"but here he is as bad as ever--that is, as discouraged and restless. Have
you been reading to him lately? What's on his nerves, anyhow?"

When the doctor could get no additional information regarding Hugh's
condition from Elizabeth, he gave it up and turned his attention to the
girl herself.

"I told him you were as fine as a dollar, but I'm not sure about you. I'm
going to bring you a tonic to-morrow. I'll be out in the morning, early,
and I'll try and see him to-morrow night late. I don't like the way he
looked to-night. Say, you don't know what he wants of Hansen do you?"

"No. He asked me to go over yesterday afternoon after him, but Luther
wasn't there and hasn't come in since. It's a busy time and he probably
thought very little of it. Hugh often sends for him. Do you think he's
worse, Doctor?" she asked anxiously.

"No, not specially," the old doctor answered gruffly, as he turned toward
Luther Hansen's house. He was a bit annoyed because he thought Hugh showed
too little backbone, as he termed it.

John Hunter sat long beside the invalid, cut to the quick by the languid
air and shrunken frame. He wanted to talk about the note now that it was
not a secret, but Hugh lay absolutely silent and did not open his eyes
until the lamp was brought in. At that he shifted uneasily and asked that
it be kept in the other room till needed at medicine time. John finally
gave it up and went softly out, convinced that Hugh wanted rest and quiet.
John was broken in many ways by the continued illness for which he felt
himself responsible, and had particularly wanted a chance to talk
to-night.

When all had gone to bed but Elizabeth, Hugh called her to him.

Elizabeth answered the call, but stood at a distance from the bed. It had
come. Hugh had always known it would, but now that it was here it was hard
to face.

"You mean it, I know you do, El