ROBERT _staggers weakly in from the left. He stumbles into the ditch and lies there for a moment; then crawls with a great effort to the top of the bank where he can see the sun rise, and collapses weakly._ RUTH _and_ ANDREW _come hurriedly along the road from the left._ ANDREW. (_stopping and looking about him_) There he is! I knew it! I knew we’d find him here. ROBERT. (_trying to raise himself to a sitting 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). ROBERT. Don’t, Andy. Don’t, I tell you! 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._ ANDREW _stands looking down at him helplessly. ROBERT moves his head restlessly on_ RUTH’S _lap_) 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--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. (_With an ironical smile_) The doctor told me to go to the far-off places--and I’d be cured. He was right. That was always the cure for me. It’s too late--for this life--but---- (_He has a fit of coughing which racks his body_). ANDREW. (_with a hoarse sob_) Rob! (_He clenches his fist in an impotent rage against Fate_) God! God! (RUTH _sobs brokenly and wipes_ ROBERT’S _lips with her handkerchief_). ROBERT. (_in a voice which is suddenly ringing with the happiness of hope_) You mustn’t feel sorry for me. Don’t you see I’m happy at last--free--free!--freed from the farm--free to wander on and on--eternally! (_He raises himself on his elbow, his face radiant, and points to the horizon_) Look! Isn’t it beautiful beyond the hills? I can hear the old voices calling me to come---- (_Exultantly_) And this time I’m going! It isn’t the end. It’s a free beginning--the start of my voyage! I’ve won to my trip--the right of release--beyond the horizon! Oh, you ought to be glad--glad--for my sake! (_He collapses weakly_) Andy! (ANDREW _bends down to him_) Remember Ruth---- ANDREW. I’ll take care of her, I swear to you, Rob!