"Oh, Richard, I never, never thought that such a thing would happen!
Where are Nan and the rest?"
"In the kitchen."
"I must tell them. It is hard on the poor girls."
"And hard on you," said Dick. "And me, too," he added, with a sigh.
The curtains of the windows had been drawn, and it was quite dark in
the room. Richard approached the bed and grasped his father's hand.
"Is it you, Richard?" questioned the sufferer.
"Yes, father."
"I'm glad you've come. I want to talk to you."
"But it may hurt you to talk too much," said the boy feelingly.
"Never mind. It will all be over soon," replied Mr. Dare with a heavy
cough. "I suppose the doctor has told you. He said he would."
The boy nodded his head.
"It is God's will, and we must bow to His judgment," continued the
injured man. "But I want to talk to you about what to do when I am
gone."
"Oh, father!"
"Hush! I feel that I am sinking, even faster than Dr. Melvin thinks.
Listen then to what I have to say."
"I am listening."
"When I'm gone, Richard, you will have to take my place. Your mother
is strong, and can do much; but she is a woman, and she, as well as
your sisters, will need your help."
"They shall have all that I can possibly give them. I will work, and
do all I can.
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