“Why, certainly we shall wait,” cried the doctor.
Twenty miles through the storm came Dick, in answer to Margaret's urgent message, to find his brother dangerously ill and preparing for a serious operation. The meeting of the brothers was without demonstration of emotion. Each for the sake of the other held himself firmly in hand. The issues were so grave that there was no room for any expenditure of strength and indulging in the luxury of grief. Quietly, Barney gave his brother the few directions necessary to the disposal of his personal effects.
“Of course, Dick, I expect to get through all right,” he said, with cheerful courage.
“Of course,” answered Dick, quickly.
“But it's just as well to say things now when one can think quietly.”
“Quite right, Barney,” said Dick again, his voice steady and even.
The remaining minutes they spent in almost complete silence, except for a message of remembrance for the mother and the father far away; then the doctor came to the door.
“Are you ready, Doctor?” said Dick, in a firm, almost cheerful voice.
“Yes, we're all ready.”
“A minute, Doctor, please,” said Barney.