But if the fever did not break there would be no hope for him.
Mrs.Lawler, Ruth, and Shorty were in the room with Lawler when he opened his eyes.

For a long time the three stood, breathlessly watching as Lawler lay, staring in bewilderment at the ceiling, at the walls, and out of the windows, through which came a soft, subdued light.
Presently Lawler raised his head a trifle, saw them all, and smiled.

The clear light of reason was in his eyes.
"Mother, Ruth, and Shorty," he said, weakly smiling.

"I've known for a long time that you were here.

But I couldn't let you know.