Langholm fetched the candle in high alarm—higher yet at what it revealed.
Severino was struggling to raise himself, a deadly leaden light upon his face.
"Raise me up—raise me up."
Langholm raised him in his arms.
"Another—hemorrhage!" said Severino, in a gasping whisper.
And his blood dripped with the words.
Langholm propped him up and rushed out shouting for Brunton—for Mrs. Brunton—for anybody in the house. Both were in, and the woman came up bravely without a word.
"I'll go for the doctor myself," said Langholm. "I shall be quickest."
And he went on his bicycle, hatless, with an unlit lamp.
But the doctor came too late.