we crave your pardon most heartily,
and the more so, if what we have to say should be a source of grief to you.
It so happened that my friend and myself were crossing the mountains, a
short time since, and being somewhat belated, were urging our passage
through a dark and gloomy valley, in some apprehension, when we suddenly
came upon two villains, who had just slain a man, and were about to rob
him. We rushed to the spot before their work was completed, and they fled
from the scene of murder in the greatest alarm. We dismounted, and found
that the individual was Mr. CHARLES HADLEY, with whom we had been
acquainted some years before. He was not yet quite dead, and spoke a few
words about his mother and some other lady; but his articulation was so
indistinct and his words so broken, we could not gather the import of what
we supposed to be his dying messages to those of whom he spoke. He expired
in a few moments, and we then hastened to the nearest hamlet for
assistance. I would fain stop here, lady, for the rest of the recital is
very shocking; but I have been requested to tell all, and must do so. It
was something over an hour before we, with some four or five others, who
had accompanied us, returned, when, oh, horror! what were our feelings on
beholding a pack of hungry wolves devouring the body of Mr. Hadley! We
lighted torches and drove them away, but nothing remained of the dead man
but his bones! God grant that I may never witness another such a sight!"

Eveline, who was much shocked at this story, lest it _might_ be true,
though she was by no means certain it was not made up for the occasion,
appeared to be much more deeply affected than she really was, and made
appear as though she was about to faint, seeing which, Duffel stepped up
with the intention of supporting her. She sprang from him, and, in great
apparent agitation, seized Bill by the arm, and demanded of him if what he
had said was the actual truth, and at the same time pressed the note in his
hand, giving him an intelligent look. He very dextrously transferred the
little billet to his left vest pocket, as though he was simply laying his
hand upon his heart to give greater solemnity to his reply, and said:

"I assure you, madam, what I have told you is the truth, the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth, and my friend will confirm the statement I have
made."

"Yes," said Dick, thus appealed to, "the sad story is but too true; I wish
for your sake it w