Gone was his violence, gone his self-assertion, and his insolent, captious attitude towards his visitor.

The net had been drawn too tightly, or the blow fallen too heavily.

He was no longer a man struggling with his misery, but a boy on whom had fallen a man's responsibilities, sufferings, and cares.
"My duty is here," he said at last.

"I cannot leave Carmel." "The autopsy will take place to-morrow.

How is Carmel to-day ?" "No better." The words came with a shudder.