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obtruded themselves over and over again, countless times. Neither

were they connected with fear: he was conscious of no fear.

Rather, they originated in a strange besetting desire to know what

to do when the time came; a desire gigantically disproportionate to

the few swift moments to which it referred; a wondering that was

more like the wondering of some other spirit within his, than his

own.

The hours went on as he walked to and fro, and the clocks

struck the numbers he would never hear again. Nine gone for

ever, ten gone for ever, eleven gone for ever, twelve coming on to

pass away. After a hard contest with the eccentric action of

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thought which had last perplexed him, he had got the better of it.

He walked up and down softly repeating their names to himself.

The worst of the strife was over. He could walk up and down, free

from distracting fancies, praying for himself and for them.

Twelve gone for ever.

He had been apprised that the final hour was Three, and he

knew he would be summoned some time earlier. inasmuch as the

tumbrils jolted heavily and slowly through the streets. Therefore,

he resolved to keep Two before his mind, as the hour, and so to

strengthen himself in the interval that he might be able, after that

time. to strengthen others.

Walking regularly to and fro wit