"As you see! He was found in this condition by his servant this morning. He has shown no sign of consciousness since," replied the elder.
"The doctor is below. Shall he come up now?"
"Certainly."
Clarence left the room and soon returned with the physician. After a very brief examination of pulse, temperature, the pupils of the eyes of the patient, prompt measures were taken to relieve the evident pressure on the brain. The doctor bled the sufferer, who presently opened his eyes, and looked slowly around his bed. His two sons bent over him.
He tried to speak.
They bent lower still to listen.
After several futile efforts he uttered one word:
"Cora."
"Yes, father—she is here. Go, Clarence, and fetch her at once. She is at the ferryman's cottage."
The last sentence was added in a low whisper. Clarence immediately left the room to do his errand. A few minutes later the door opened softly, and Clarence re-entered the room with Cora.