The curtains of the windows had been drawn, and it was quite dark in the room. Richard approached the bed and grasped his father's hand.
"Is it you, Richard?" questioned the sufferer.
"Yes, father."
"I'm glad you've come. I want to talk to you."
"But it may hurt you to talk too much," said the boy feelingly.
"Never mind. It will all be over soon," replied Mr. Dare with a heavy cough. "I suppose the doctor has told you. He said he would."
The boy nodded his head.
"It is God's will, and we must bow to His judgment," continued the injured man. "But I want to talk to you about what to do when I am gone."
"Oh, father!"
"Hush! I feel that I am sinking, even faster than Dr. Melvin thinks.
Listen then to what I have to say."