Doctor, if it is nowhis brother took her awayfor 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 ina common dog, but sword in

hand.Where is the loft window? It was somewhere here?’

“The room was darkening to his sight; the world was narrowing

around him. I glanced about me, and saw that the hay and straw

were trampled over the floor, as if there had been a struggle.

“‘She heard me, and ran in. I told her not to come near us till he

was dead. He came in and first tossed me some pieces of money;

then struck at me with a whip. But I, though a common dog, so

struck at him as to make him draw. Let him break into as many

pieces as he will, the sword that he stained with my common

blood; he drew to defend himselfthrust at me with all his skill for

his life.’

“My glance had fallen, but a few moments before. on the

fragments of a broken sword, lying among the hay. That weapon

was a gentleman’s. In another place. lay an old sword that seemed

to have been a soldier’s.

“‘Now, lift me up, Doctor; lift me up. Whe