Certainly I understood at all times very clearly that death was ever beside me and might claim me by means of either man, beast, cold, accident or disease.

I knew that nobody was near me to assist and that all my help was in the hands of God, in the power of my hands and feet, in the accuracy of my aim and in my presence of mind.

However, I listened in vain.

I did not notice the return of my stranger.

Like yesterday he appeared all at once on the threshold.