He brought the water; and when the patient drank and shook his head as a signal to take away the cup, DeGolyer asked; "Don't you feel a good deal better ?" "No." "But your mind is clear ?" "Yes." "Shall I put another cold cloth on your head ?" "If you please." And when DeGolyer had gently done this, Witherspoon said: "Sit down here, Hank." "All right, my boy, here I am." "Hank, I'm not going to get well." "Oh, yes, you are, and don't you let any such nonsense enter your head." "It's a good ways from nonsense, I tell you.

I know what I'm talking about; I know just as well as can be that I'm going to die--now you wait till I get through.

It can't be helped, and there's no use in taking on over it.

I did want to see my father and mother and sister, but it can't be helped." DeGolyer was on his knees beside the bed.

He attempted to speak, but his utterance was choked; and the tears in his eyes blurred to spectral dimness the only human being whom he held warm in his heart.
"Hank, while I am able to talk I've got a great favor to ask of you.
And you'll grant it, won't you ?" "Yes," DeGolyer Bobbed.
For a few moments the sick man lay in silence.