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"Nothing human could have held life in the boy but his

determination to tell all his wrong. He forced back the gathering

shadows of death, as he forced his clenched right hand to remain

clenched, and to cover his wound.

"'Then, with that man's permission and even with his aid, his

brother took her away; in spite of what I know she must have told

his brother--and what that is, will not be long unknown to you,

Doctor, if it is now--his brother took her away--for his pleasure

and diversion, for a little while. I saw her pass me on the road.

When I took the tidings home, our father's heart burst; he never

spoke one of the words that filled it. I took my young sister

(for I have another) to a place beyond the reach of this man, and

where, at least, she will never be his vassal. Then, I tracked

the brother here, and last night climbed in--a common dog, but

sword in hand.--Where is the loft window? It was somewhere here?'