'This is the side--the side of my good arm.

Sit down and let me take your hand, dear.' She wondered at his quiet tone and gentle manner.

They almost frightened her, for she remembered taking care of impatient, short-tempered people who had suddenly softened like this just at the end.

But there was no reason in the world why he should die now, and she dismissed the thought as she took the hand he put out and held it.

It was icy cold, as strong men's hands generally are when a fever is just beginning.