Page:Harold Titus--Timber.djvu/73

Rh The brisk clock and the fire made the only sounds within for no noise came from the other room, now. Headlights of a car appeared far off. Helen rose and went to the window and as she moved across the room they heard Parker stirring behind the closed door. He came out walking very slowly, stiffly, carrying the lamp. He put it in its bracket and opened the damper in the stove, moving mechanically, like a sleep walker.

"Here comes the doctor," said Helen.

Thad started as though her presence surprised him.

"Doctor?" he asked, in a croak, that made her look at him sharply.

"Oh, Jesus!" he said. "Oh, Jesus Christ—he's too late!" His legs gave under him. He sank to his knees and his weight sagged back upon his heels. His head was bowed, with clasped hands pressed against his lips. "Too late," he whispered unsteadily—"She stopped worrying—in my arms."

It was not yet midnight when Helen Foraker and John Taylor drew up before the house in the forest. They had not spoken a word on the way back, but after they entered the great warm room, Taylor lighted a cigarette and spread his hands before the fire and said dully:

"Lord, that's terrible!" And then added that which was in his mind and had been since he had heard Jennie Parker's talk. "I met Harris in Pancake this morning. I'd hate to—" He did not finish.

The girl commented dryly: "Jim Harris is one of those who don't care about waiting very long for returns on an investment."

Taylor recalled the comment he had made on her own