Then he said more distinctly:-- "Your father is dead, boy." "And he won't come back any more ?" David's voice broke now.
There was no answer.

Mrs.Holly caught her breath convulsively and looked away.

Even Simeon Holly refused to meet the boy's pleading eyes.
With a quick cry David sprang to his father's side.
"But he's here--right here," he challenged shrilly.

"Daddy, daddy, speak to me! It's David!" Reaching out his hand, he gently touched his father's face.

He drew back then, at once, his eyes distended with terror.