king into each other's
eyes as if taking a last farewell. Then Barney took his journey through
the storm, which was still raging, his fever mounting higher with every
moment, back to the hospital, where Margaret received him with a brave
welcoming smile.

"Dr. Cotton has returned," she announced. "And Dr. Neeley of Nelson is
here, Barney."

He gave her a look of understanding. He knew well what she meant. "That
was right, Margaret. And Dick?"

"Dick will be here this afternoon."

"You think of everything, Margaret dear, and everybody except yourself,"
said Barney, as he made his way painfully up the stairs.

"Let me help you, Barney," she said, putting her arms about him. "You're
the one who will not think of yourself."

"We've all been learning from you, Margaret. And it is the best lesson,
after all."

The consultation left no manner of doubt as to the nature of the trouble
and the treatment necessary. It was appendicitis, and it demanded
immediate operation.

"We can wait till my brother comes, can't we, Doctor?" Barney asked, a
little anxiously. "An hour can't make much difference now, you know."

"Why, certainly we shall wait," cried the doctor.

Twenty miles through the storm came Dick, in answer to Margaret's urgent
message, to find his brother dangerously ill and preparing for a serious
operation. The meeting of the brothers was without demonstration of
emotion. Each for the sake of the other held himself firmly in hand.
The issues were so grave that there was no room for any expenditure of
strength and indulging in the luxury of grief. Quietly, Barney gave his
brother the few directions necessary to the disposal of his personal
effects.

"Of course, Dick, I expect to get through all right," he said, with
cheerful courage.

"Of course," answered Dick, quickly.

"But it's just as well to say things now when one can think quietly."

"Quite right, Barney," said Dick again, his voice steady and even.

The remaining minutes they spent in almost complete silence, except for
a message of remembrance for the mother and the father far away; then
the doctor came to the door.

"Are you ready, Doctor?" said Dick, in a firm, almost cheerful voice.

"Yes, we're all ready."

"A minute, Doctor, please," said Barney.

The doctor backed out of the room, leaving the brothers alone.

"Just a little, word, Dick."

"Oh, Barney," cried his brother, his breast heaving in a great sob, "I
don't think I can."