Perceval Gibbon

“ Although I like a man to take it bravely, I can very well understand that that week must have been a terrible one for Klein Andries, who, though a good lad, and a wealthy man at this day, never was particularly quick at taking up an idea. He went about with a bowed head and empty eyes, like a man in mortal shame ”

“ So I shall die at the end of a week about two hours after sunrise.'
"Andries was of course very much taken aback. 'I do not understand,' he said. 'You cannot mean to kill yourself?'
"'Of course not,' answered the old man. 'That will be your part.'
"'How do you mean?' cried Andries.
"'I shall lie here in my bed, with clean pillows and fresh sheets, and the best coverlet. Our people will all be here,—you will see to that,—and when I have spoken to them and shaken their hands, you shall bring in your rifle——'
"'That will do,' said Klein Andries. 'You need tell me no more. ”

“ Nobody shall do it. I will not have it done.'
"'Andries,' said the old man, 'you and I must not talk thus. I am your father, and I tell you to do me this service. Say rather, I ask it of you. It is no more than an act of kindness to a stricken man; your hand on the gun will be the hand of mercy.'
"'But I cannot do it,' cried out Klein Andries in a sort of pain.
"'You will do it,' said the old man. ”