Sore was I tempted to indulge myself with weeping, too, but knowing well that the prisoner had not a hope of life other than one that I might find him, I fought against my weakness till in a measure it was overcome. But the face of the prisoner was before me always, and again did my eyes grow dark and heavy with their tears.
"Child, do not be afraid," I said, trying for conscience sake to affix on him the guilt that was my own. "Be brave; the matter is not so cruel as it looks."
He did not answer, but his smile was grim. And it seemed wonderful to me that the faculties of his mind should remain so keen when Death's shadow was darkening his heart.
"Madam," he said gently, after a miserable silence, "give me your hand just once in parting, and I shall consider that the climax to a life that never was unhappy. For your courage, madam, is the sweetest memory I have; and I mean to bear it ever."
"No, no," I said, while my tears broke forth again, "do not afflict me with farewells. They are more than I can suffer. Oh, my lad, I cannot let you go like this! My life begins and ends with you."
"But for you, my fair, sweet lady," he replied, "I could receive death easily. But I can rejoice that I've known you, and that you have been my friend. And now it were better that I took my leave, for the longer that we are together the sharp-
