He folded the paper presently, but still held it in his hand.

As he looked up, he became conscious of the silence in the room, and of the concentrated gaze of fifty pairs of eyes bent upon him.

A little color returned to his cheeks, and his hands ceased to tremble.

He stood up, took the letter from his pocket, and opened it again.
Dr.Russell was a striking figure, belonging to a classic type found at its best in the border states.

A tall man, he held himself erect, despite his years, and the color continued to flow back into the face, which was shaped in a fine strong mold.
"Boys," he said, in a firm, full voice, although it showed emotion, "I have received news which I must announce to you.