“Oh, Joe, will he really be as wicked as that?” asked the frightened girl, her face growing deadly pale.
“I think he means to keep his word, Clara.”
“But—but—oh, Joe, it is dreadful!” And she burst into tears.
“I know it, Clara. But if I’ve got to die I’ll do it as bravely as I can. It’s mother I am thinking about. You must comfort her all you can.”
“You must tell her at once, Joe. She’ll want to talk to you before—before——” The girl could not finish.
“I can’t tell her, Clara—the words won’t come.”
“Then I’ll do it for you,” was the slow answer.
As expected, it was a great shock to Mrs. Winship, and when she realized the situation fully she fainted dead away. On recovering she clasped her son to her breast, refusing to let him go.
“They shall not separate us,” she cried firmly.
“Mother, perhaps it is all—all for the best,” said the youth, as bravely as he could. “Everybody has got to die sometime. Long Knife wants to make you suffer. I want you to be brave. He’ll be disappointed if you take it calmly.”