"It's mighty funny, but I feel like I used to when I was a little boy.I reckon I'm kind of scared--after all.Airie Tabor,--are you--here?""Yes, Mr.Arp.""I thought--so--but I--I don't see very well--lately.I--wanted--to--know--to know--""Yes--to know?" She knelt close beside him.
"It's kind of--foolish," he whispered."I just --wanted to know if you was still here.It--don't seem so lonesome now that I know."She put her arm lightly about him and he smiled and was silent for a time.Then he struggled to rise upon his elbow, and they lifted him a little.
"It's hard to breathe," gasped the old man.
"I'm pretty near--the big road.Joe Louden--""Yes?""You'd have been--willing--willing to change places with me--just now--when Airie--"Joe laid his hand on his, and Eskew smiled again.
"I thought so! And, Joe--"
"Yes?"
"You always--always had the--the best of that joke between us.Do you--you suppose they charge admission--up there?" His eyes were lifted."Do you suppose you've got to--to show your good deeds to git in?" The answering whisper was almost as faint as the old man's.
"No," panted Eskew, "nobody knows.But Ihope--I do hope--they'll have some free seats.
It's a--mighty poor show--we'll--all have--if they--don't!"He sighed peacefully, his head grew heavier on Joe's arm; and the young man set his hand gently upon the unseeing eyes.Ariel did not rise from where she knelt, but looked up at him when, a little later, he lifted his hand.
"Yes," said Joe, "you can cry now."