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Let ain, only let him live!"

I did not knohat time of day it was I only went out once at dusk to relieve ht of Kevin, and the doctor; surely they would return soon

I sat in the house next to Robbie and when I could not stay awake, I dozed until he roused again At ti; h it would break from his pain I wished I could cos His moans were mostly wordless but at times he would call my name, and I would call softly, "Yes, Robbie, it is I, Jessie!" hoping at last to penetrate the feverish curtain which shrouded his ed on I listened for the sounds of horses; but the night was utterly silent When I went out of the house for a few ray The snowfall obscured details, causing the houses and trees to blend together with the sky I drew the cold air intomy consciousness I seemed to drift away from myself; then I heard Robbie's voice, and returned to hiain, near complete exhaustion

I akened by voices, and started up Light grew in the room as people entered

I blinked as they came toward me

"So, lassie! It's a turnabout, it it?" said one of the nized hih

"Oh, sir," I said, scra to my feet "Thank you, thank God you have come!"

"Ach, aye," he said "How is your lad, here?"

"His fever has broken for now; he sleeps," I said

The doctor crouched beside Robbie and lifted the covering He pressed at Robbie's belly; Robbie moaned I shuddered The doctor proddedI covered my mouth with my hands, and tears poured down my cheeks

The doctor stood "That ball must come out," he said

I felt all the color drain away from my face My tears stopped I opened my mouth but could make no sound

"I cannot do it here," he said "There is no light We will take hi strength to my voice