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236 done for him. This alarmed Bridge, but he dared not show his uneasiness. At last, about two o'clock in the morning, when he had given up all attempts at dozing, he heard a sound which made him jump. It was a slight groan.

In all the sixteen years that he had served Mr. Romaine he had never known from him the slightest sign that pain was victor. Bridge fairly ran to the bed at this.

"What's the matter?" sternly asked Mr. Romaine.

"Did n't I hear you groan, sir?"

"Of course not—Bridge, you are in your dotage."

Bridge went back to his place. In ten minutes came another groan—and another.

He rose and went to the bedside again.

"Mr. Romaine, I'm a-goin' for Mr. Chessingham. I can't stand this no longer."

"I should think if I could stand it, you could."

"No, sir. Can't nobody stand what you can stand, and I 'm a-goin' for Mr. Chessingham."

"If you dare," said Mr. Romaine.

Bridge moved toward the door. By a tremendous effort Mr. Romaine rose up in bed,