"
The doctor then declared that he could not deal with the Baron's
wound unless he were the sole occupant of the bed, and this sentence
brought the first cloud of grief or dread to Friedel's brow, but only
for a moment. He looked at his brother, who had again fainted at the
first touch of his wounded limb, and said, "It is well. Tell the
dear Ebbo that I cannot help it if after all I go to the praying, and
leave him the fighting. Dear, dear Ebbo! One day together again and
for ever! I leave thee for thine own sake." With much effort he
signed the cross again on his brother's brow, and kissed it long and
fervently. Then, as all stood round, reluctant to effect this
severance, or disturb one on whom death was visibly fast approaching,
he struggled up on his elbow, and held out the other hand, saying,
"Take me now, Heinz, ere Ebbo revive to be grieved. The last
sacrifice," he further whispered, whilst almost giving himself to
Heinz and Moritz to be carried to his own bed in the turret chamber.
There, even as they laid him down, began what seemed to be the mortal
agony, and, though he was scarcely sensible, his mother felt that her
prime call was to him, while his brother was in other hands.
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