drowned him in the depths of sorrow. It was a very beautiful letter.
We treasured it as a keepsake, and when mother was dying the poor dear
asked me to have it placed in her coffin. I endeavored to make good to
her the son she lost. After father passed away, mother blessed me many
times for the good care she enjoyed, but it did not bring peace to my
heart.

"The distant relative who brought to us Stephen's letter intended
to go to America himself. He had already bought the ticket, when
circumstances hindered him from going. He complained to Stephen that
he could not go, and Stephen asked him to sell the ticket to him. He
borrowed some money from him on his part of the inheritance. This we
had to repay later, because that ship never reached its goal. It sank
in a storm. Thus you see, Palko, that after all, I had drowned my
brother. If he had not run away from my presence he might have found
another girl and could have lived till today. Thus he died, and his
death accuses me before God's face for my selfishness. Verily, God's
punishment came upon me soon. I enjoyed my happiness but a short time.
From the time that the message reached us about the sinking of the
ship, Eva just pined away, and after the death of our son, she died.
In her fever, not knowing what she said, she told how she loved
Stephen, and I realized that her longing for him made her perish by my
side. Well, now they are both gone and I only am here--all alone."

"And your son, where is he?"

"Him also the good Lord took. When his mother died there was no one
who could give him the necessary care. He took cold, and in three days
he was also with God. Now I have told you everything, my boy. I have
confided all to you, but you do not understand."