The man's face grew a trifle grimmer as he threw the light upon it, and then stooping glanced at one doubled leg.

It was evident that fate which did nothing by halves had dealt him a crushing blow.

The last faint hope he clung to had vanished now.
He was, however, a humane man, and considerate of the beasts that worked for him, and accordingly thrust his hand inside the old fur coat when he had loosed the uninjured horse, and drew out a long-bladed knife.

Then he knelt, and setting down the lantern, felt for the place to strike.

When he found it his courage almost deserted him, and meeting the eyes that seemed to look up at him with dumb appeal, turned his head away.