"I can do no more than advise," said the doctor, as reserved as before.
"I cannot command."
"A bit peeved, doc?" queried the old man. "Well, sir, I know they ain't much longer for me. Lord, man, I can feel myself going out like a flame in a lamp when the oil runs up. I can feel life jest makin' its last few jumps in me like the flame up the chimney. But listen to me——" he reached out a long, large knuckled, claw-like hand and drew the doctor down over him, and his eyes were earnest—"I got to live till I see 'em standin' here beside me, hand in hand, doc!"
The doctor, even by that dim light, had changed colour. He passed his hand slowly across his forehead.
"You expect to see that?"
"I expect nothin'. I only hope!"
The bitterness of Byrne's heart came up in his throat.
"It will be an oddly suited match," he said, "if they marry. But they will not marry."
"Ha!" cried Cumberland, and starting up in bed he braced himself on a quaking elbow. "What's that?"
"Lie down!" ordered the doctor, and pressed the ranchman back against the pillows.
"But what d'you mean?"