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 he's your brother—behind him. Now why is your brother behind him?"

"Why, to fetch him surely," said George; "he wouldn't kem else. But with Bill behind him with a shot-gun he'll come, and no fatal error."

"This seems strange treatment for a sick man," said Brandram.

"I never let on he was sick," said George sulkily.

"Then why do you want me?"

"I don't want you none. It's Bill wants you," said George.

"Unless you explain I will not go a step farther," said Brandram.

"Won't you?" said George. "Oh yes, you will."

And he pulled his gun.

"You kem or be killed," said George.

"You surely can't mean to threaten a minister?" said Brandram, in great alarm.

"All I want is to save my own life," said George firmly; "and if I don't fetch you Bill will kill me, and I'm sorry I was fool enough to say a word about it."