"Yes;" and Craft joined his voice with that of his friend. "Yes; there is no need for you to suffer, no need for you to imperil your life for the sake of advancing the sciences. Let it end!" Cobb brushed away the tears, and looked at them a minute in silence; then, with a quick, jerky tone, said: "No, it is too late! My fate ordains it! I will--I will, I say, go through this ordeal! Were I to stop now, what would you think of me? that I was a coward and afraid to carry out my boasted theory!" He paused a moment, and then his face brightened. "Enough!" he cried. "It's all over now, and I am Cobb once more! Were I never again to see the light of day, yet would I venture this uncertain existence!" The old fire of his eyes flashed forth. Craft and Hathaway saw that it was useless to argue the question with him, and reluctantly submitted to the inevitable. Striking a match, the latter said: "So be it, Cobb; I deplore your undertaking, but I admire your pluck." "Then to business," returned Cobb, "for this is my last night with you. Now, listen and understand well your instructions: My leave is here; countersigned this morning," and he touched his blouse pocket; "so to all inquiring friends to-morrow you are to say that I left last evening. All my property in this house is to be divided between you two, and to be yours forever, for I will have no use for any of it again, excepting a few things which I will take with me when I leave here to-night. The iron box which you see in the corner goes with us, as it contains papers and valuables which I hope to again see and use. This valise is packed with a few articles necessary upon our arrival at the chamber; with these exceptions, everything in all my rooms belongs henceforth to you both. In my laboratory you will find many interesting works and many valuable instruments; make such use of them as will improve your minds. My manuscripts are there also, and you will find much information in them. I wish you, Hathaway, to go to town and get the same teamster that we had before--you will find him at Neeland's, and his number is fifty-six. Drive to this address," giving him a paper, "where you will receive certain packages which will be ready; then drive to the old place where Craft remained with the driver before, and await his arrival. You must not go to the address until 11:30 o'clock, nor must you be at the rendezvous an instant before 12:30. Craft will meet you there at that time, and remain with the driver, while you will continue on to the pedestal. I will be at the latter place. Is that perfectly understood?" Both signified assent.