is two keys to ole
marser's do', w'ich ole marse keeps one in his room to lock hisse'f in,
an' John keeps one to let hisse'f in wen de ole marse rings for him in
de mornin'."

"Yes; I know."

"Well, dis mornin' de ole marse didn't ring at his ujual hour. An' de
time passed, an' de breakfast were ready an' spilin'. So I tole John how
he better go up an' see if ole marse was well, how maybe he didn' feel
like gettin' up an' might want to take his breakfas' in bed. But Lor! I
nebber participated sich a sarious 'tack as dis. Well, den, John he went
an' rapped soft like. But he didn't get no answer. Den he rap little
louder. But still no answer. Den John he got scared, awful scared. Las'
John he plucks up courage, an' unlocks de do', slow an' saf', an' goes
in on tiptoe to de bedside, an'--an'--an'--dis yer is wot he seen. He
t'ought his ole marse were dead sure, an' he come howlin' an' tumblin'
down to me, an' tole me so, an' I called young Mark to follow me, case
ole John wa'n't no good, an' I run up yere, an'--an'--an' dis yer is wot
I foun'! O'ly he were a layin' on his lef side, an' I see he were
breavin' an' I turn' him ober on his right, an' did all I could for him,
an' sent John arter you."

"I wish the doctor would come," said Mr. Fabian, anxiously, as he took
his father's hand again and tried to feel the pulse.

The door opened very quietly, and Clarence came into the room. Fabian
beckoned him to approach the bed.

"How is he?" inquired the younger man.

"As you see! He was found in this condition by his servant this morning.
He has shown no sign of consciousness since," replied the elder.

"The doctor is below. Shall he come up now?"

"Certainly."

Clarence left the room and soon returned with the physician. After a
very brief examination of pulse, temperature, the pupils of the eyes of
the patient, prompt measures were taken to relieve the evident pressure
on the brain. The doctor bled the sufferer, who presently opened his
eyes, and looked slowly around his bed. His two sons bent over him.

He tried to speak.

They bent lower still to listen.

After several futile efforts he uttered one word:

"Cora."

"Yes, father--she is here. Go, Clarence, and fetch her at once. She is
at the ferryman's cottage."

The last sentence was added in a low whisper. Clarence immediately left
the room to do his errand. A few minutes later the door opened softly,
and Clarence re-entered the room with Cora.

Mr.