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. But tell him, too, that he, the Krausa, believed that Thorby was of the People and that the possibility could and should be checked first. Yes, and tell him bluntly that Mother was trying to tie him down with a wife. Mother would scream and quote the Laws -- but this was not in the Chief Officer's jurisdiction; Baslim had laid the injunction on him. And besides, it was right; the boy himself should choose.
Spine stiffened but quaking. Captain Krausa strode back to face his Mother.
As the hoist delivered them up the Deck Master was waiting. "Chief Officer's respects and she wishes to see the Captain, sir."
"That's a coincidence," Krausa said grimly. "Come, Son. Well both see her."
"Yes, Father."
They went around the passageway, reached the Chief Officer's cabin. Krausa's wife was outside. "Hello, my dear. The Decker said that Mother had sent for me."
"I sent for you."
"He got the message garbled. Whatever it is, make it quick, please. I am anxious to see Mother anyhow."
"He did not get it garbled; the Chief Officer did send for you."
"Eh?"
"Captain, your Mother is dead."
Krausa listened with blank face, then it sank in and he slapped the door aside, ran to his Mother's bed, threw himself down, clutched the tiny, wasted form laid out in state, and began to weep racking, terrible sounds, the grief of a man steeled against emotion, who cannot handle it when he breaks
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