and Ruth some trouble, some mortification, and perhaps some remorse and
sorrow. Do you hear me?"

"Yes."

"Go to the nearest doctor, and bring him here with you."

"But YOU!"

Her voice was strong, confident, steady, and patient. "You can safely
leave me until then."

In another moment Rand was plunging down the "slide." But it was past
midnight when he struggled over the last bowlder up the ascent, dragging
the half-exhausted medical wisdom of Brown's Ferry on his arm.

"I've been gone long, doctor," said Rand feverishly, "and she looked SO
death-like when I left. If we should be too late!"

The doctor stopped suddenly, lifted his head, and pricked his ears like
a hound on a peculiar scent. "We ARE too late," he said, with a slight
professional laugh.

Indignant and horrified, Rand turned upon him.

"Listen," said the doctor, lifting his hand.

Rand listened, so intently that he heard the familiar moan of the river
below; but the great stony field lay silent before him. And then, borne
across its bare barren bosom, like its own articulation, came faintly