"Yes. My name is Ralph Nixon."
The statement was received with surprise.
"Any relation to old Tom Nixon, who lives on the hill?"
This question, asked by Joe Loche, voiced the question which all wished to ask.
"He is my uncle. Can you tell me about him?"
"The old man is pretty sick," said Joe.
"Like to die?" asked Ralph, eagerly.
"Oh, well, I don't know. Men that are always dying live for years sometimes. Haven't you seen him lately?"
"No; I never saw him."
"How is that?"