"I am very weak," said the old man, faintly.
"Are you in much pain?"
"No; the pain has gone away. If I can get stronger I shall soon be out again."
He did not realize that this relief from pain was only a sign that Nature had succumbed at last, and that Death had gained the victory. Tom hated to dispel the illusion, but it must be done.
"Jacob," he said, slowly and sadly, "I have got something to tell you."
"What is it?" said the old man, in alarm.
"It is something that the doctor told me just now."
"He—he didn't say I was going to die?" asked Jacob, agitated.
"Yes; he said you could not live."
A low and feeble wail burst from the old man's lips.