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  consider, Doctor Leyden, that we have all of us a certain claim upon each other as fellow-men!'

Undoubtedly,' I answered.

I am glad that you feel as I do,' said he composedly, 'because my claim upon you, Doctor Leyden, is that you go to my father and tell him of my death and its cause and make him support my family as they should be supported. He must make my oldest boy his heir. Will you do this for me? There is no desperate hurry; within a year will be time enough.'

" 'Yes,' said I, 'I will do it.'

"He was silent for many minutes and then he turned to me, and again his flashing smile illumined the triangular open space.

" 'And now as to details,' said he. 'You would not try to prevent me if I were to get out of my bunk and get over the rail, would you, Doctor Leyden?'

No,' I answered. 'I would not try to prevent you.' [ 288 ]