"Ricori, I can't. I am utterly weary-in body and mind. I have gone through too much today. I am broken

with grief-"

"You must go," he interrupted, "if we have to carry you, gagged as the girl was, and bound. I will tell you

why. You are at war with yourself. Alone, it is possible your scientific doubts might conquer, that you

would attempt to halt me before I have done what I swear by Christ, His Holy Mother, and the Saints, I

shall do. You might yield to weariness and place the whole matter before the police. I will not take that

risk. I have affection for you, Dr. Lowell, deep affection. But I tell you that if my own mother tried to

stop me in this I would sweep her aside as ruthlessly as I shall you."

I said: "I will go with you."

"Then tell the nurse to bring me my clothing. Until all is over, we remain together. I am taking no more