There were great furrows in Ferris' pale cheeks as he handed him a telegram.

"I believe that the whole world is going mad," desperately said the baffled Ferris.
"Just read those lines from a now helpless and orphaned girl." The men who were to fight out a battle to the death eyed each other in silence.

Witherspoon scarcely could credit his eyes, as he read again and again the few words of the imperative message.
"My father died this morning.

Do not join me.

Send no telegrams or letters.