"I should be very sorry to raise her hopes, as I'm positive that my methods would be of no avail in this case."

"I understand. At any rate I am greatly relieved to have you here, for when the end comes, I say frankly that I'm apprehensive of its effects upon Mrs. Bourdalone."

The doctor then led the way to the patient's room, tapped softly upon the door, and when the nurse opened it, beckoned her outside - . Adoni entered alone - The ashen face of Gerald held his gaze for an instant, then it rested upon Frances, bent over the form of her brother. She did not move as Adoni approached but sat rigid and silent, her eyes fixed intently upon the dying man. The profile of her features, drawn with agony, were waxen hued in the gray half-light. Adoni came close to her side and whispered kindly: "Frances!" She did not move, remaining in the same strained attitude of watchful anxiety. He laid his hand upon her shoulder. She was startled and looked at him in utter surprise.

"Frances, I have come to help you."

A stifled cry of joy escaped her quivering lips. "You have come to save him. They tried to frighten me - they told me he would die - die - . Then I prayed - Yes, Don, I prayed to have God send you to save his life - and here you are. So soon was my prayer answered. O, Don, I will never doubt again - I know now there is a God." A faint color crept into her wan cheeks as she spoke in hurried, broken sentences, her appealing eyes searching his with pathetic eagerness.

Unnerved by the interisty of her grief and the awful ravages which suffering had wrought in her brilliant beauty, Adoni stood for a few moments mute before her. His silence seemed to irritate her. She went on impatiently:

"There is no time to lose," she whispered, turning again to the form upon the bed, "he looks almost as if he were------" she shuddered, -

"dead. It's that horrid light from the window, let me lower the shade - there, now turn on the light."

Adoni did as she directed. A soft glow lighted the room and cast a ghastly reflection upon the death-like form. "Jerry dear," whispered Frances, leaning over him - "listen brother, Don is here - and has come to help you." - As she tenderly stroked the brow of the dying man, he opened his eyes - Adoni reached for the clammy hand - "Do you know me Gerald?"

There was recognition in his eyes as he met the gaze of those bending over him. "Don," he breathed faintly. "Give me - brandy."

Frances looked questioningly at Adoni who nodded absent.

With difficulty Gerald swallowed the strong spirits. Presently under its reviving influence he spoke again: "I'm done for, Don - sure thing - I - I - ."

"No, no!" cried Frances, vehemently, "you will not die. Don will save you." She turned her eyes wild with uncertain terror and inquiry upon Adoni.

"What are you waiting for? Why don't you begin to treat him?"

Gerald raised his hand in feeble protest. "Don, can't do anything - for me, sis - no one can - poor Frank - it's hit you hard - but, don't fret about me sis - dying isn't so bad - if I only knew -? What do you think Don? Is there a hell------?"

"No, Gerald. Not the kind that you mean, of brimstone and fire, where a cruel God would delight in torturing you eternally. But - there is a hell of burning remorse, through which all who sin must pass. But there is no crime so great that a 'God of Love' would condemn forever."

A light of hope shone in Gerald's eyes. A faint smile flitted across his thin drawn lips as they trembled: "Then I'm not afraid to die - ."

Adoni was stroking his hand as he spoke reassuringly: "You are not going to die, Gerald, but merely pass from your body into another phase of existence, where you will begin to live a spiritual life, free from the temptations and torments of the flesh; your soul will enjoy such happiness as you never experienced before in earth life."

"I know you wouldn't lie to a chap, Don - ". Feverishly Gerald's eyes sought those of his sister, looking at him intensely------.

"Frank - " he gasped for breath a moment - then went on with a great effort. "Don't make a mess of your life sis - quit the game before it is too late - remember - it's hell for the poor devils you make fools of - it's a rotten game - cut it out - sis - it will surely get you."

Frances buried her face beside his upon the pillow. A painful silence followed, broken at length by Gerald attempting to speak. His words came very feebly: - "It's good of you to come, Don - you'll square things for - the kid - it's a boy - I'd like to see him - before - is there time to send for Lil------?"

"Yes, Gerald - thinking that this would please you and Lillian, I have already dispatched a messenger for her and the baby; they may be here any moment, and I want you and Frances to be real brave and friendly and bid her a cheerful welcome so that------."

A light knock at the door interrupted his sentence. The doctor entered. After testing the patient's pulse he produced a hypodermic needle and deftly injected a stimulant into Gerald's arm. "There sir, we are now ready for another visitor," with professional cheeriness the doctor announced. "The lady you have sent for, Mr. Bourdalone, has arrived and I will ask her to come up at once."

In a half dazed condition, Frances lifted her head from the pillow and watched eagerly her coming. Another moment and Lillian was ushered into the sick room. At the door she hesitated - timidly casting a frightened glance at the form upon the bed. Adoni came to greet her. The baby upon her arm, with his large blue eyes looked wonderingly from one to another, then turned his curly head upon his mother's shoulders. "I am very glad, Lillian, that you have hastened to come so soon." Taking her gently by the hand, he led her to the bedside and drew a chair for her.

Gerald's eyes were fixed upon the child with hungry yearning. He did not speak but followed the little fellow's movements until he looked without fear at the white form upon the bed - then back again at his mother, gurgling inarticulately: "Ma-ma-ma-ma."