position as they hasten to his side—with a wan smile.] I thought I’d given you the slip.
Andrew—[With kindly bullying.] Well you didn’t, you old scoundrel, and we’re going to take you right back where you belong—in bed. [He makes a motion to lift Robert.] What you mean by running away like this, eh?
Robert—Don’t, Andy. Don’t, I tell you! I can’t bear it!
Andrew—You’re in pain?
Robert—[Simply.] No. I’m dying. [He falls back weakly. Ruth sinks down beside him with a sob and pillows his head on her lap.] Don’t try to move me, Andy. It would mean———. I had a bad hemorrhage—trying to get here. I knew then—it was only—a few minutes more. [Andrew stands looking down at him helplessly. Robert moves his head restlessly on Ruth’s lap.] There! Just so I can see—the sun. I couldn’t stand it back there in the room. It seemed as if all my life—I’d been cooped in a room. So I thought I’d try to end as I might have—if I’d had the courage to live my dream. Alone—in a ditch by the open road—watching the sun rise.
Andrew—Rob! Don’t talk. You’re wasting your strength. Rest a while and then we’ll carry you———
Robert—Still hoping, Andy? Don’t. I know. [There is a pause during which he breathes heavily, straining his eyes toward the horizon.] The sun comes so slowly. I haven’t long—to wait. [With an ironical smile.] The doctor told me to go to the far-off places
