He named the hour of their doom--unless Marion yielded to him.
And to save them, her supposed parents--to keep the terrible knowledge of their crime from Neil--Marion--was--going--to--sacrifice--herself--when--" Again he stopped.

His breath was coming more faintly.
"I understand," whispered Nathaniel.

"I understand--" Obadiah's dimming eyes gazed at him steadily.
"I thought my vengeance would come--in time--to save her, Nat.

But--it failed.

I knew of one other way and when all seemed lost--I took it.