The brother's arm was lifted.

The candlelight ran along the blade.

Still the kneeling figure never turned.
And as my heart stiffened and awaited it, there came a flash of pain-- one red-hot stroke of anguish.
III.
WHAT I SAW IN THE TARN.
As the steel entered my back, cutting all the cords that bound me to life, I suffered anguish too exquisite for words to reach, too deep for memory to dive after.

My eyes closed and teeth shut on the taste of death; and as they shut a merciful oblivion wrapped me round.
When I awoke, the room was dark, and I was standing on my feet.

A cold wind was blowing on my face, as from an open door.