listened in silence to all Alexander had to say, and
then, joining his hands above the bed-clothes, exclaimed, "Gracious
Lord, I thank Thee that this weight has been removed from my mind." He
then for some minutes prayed in silence, and when he had finished, he
requested Alexander to leave him till the evening.

The physician having called shortly after Alexander left his uncle,
Alexander requested his opinion as to Sir Charles's state of health. The
former replied--"He has but one complaint, my dear sir, which all the
remedies in the world are not very likely to remove: it is the natural
decay of nature, arising from old age, I do not consider that he is in
any immediate danger of dissolution. I think it very likely that he may
never rise from his bed again; but, at the same time, he may remain
bedridden for months. He sinks very gradually, for he has had naturally
a very strong constitution, I believe the anxiety of his mind, arising
from your absence, and the blame he laid on himself for having allowed
you to undertake your expedition, have worn him more than any thing
else; but now that you have returned, I have no doubt, after the first
excitement is over, that he will rally. Still man is born to die, Mr.
Wilmot, and your uncle has already lived beyond the three-score years
and ten allotted to the average age of man. Depend upon it, every thing
shall be done which can protract a life so dear to you."

Alexander thanked the physician, and the latter then went up stairs to
Sir Charles. On his return, he informed Alexander that Sir Charles's
pulse was stronger, but something must be allowed for the excitement
which he had undergone.

When Alexander saw his uncle in the evening, the latter again thanked
him for having undertaken the expedition, and having brought back such
satisfactory accounts.

"I am much your debtor, my dear boy," said he; "and if it is any
satisfaction to you (which I am sure it must be from your kind heart) to
know that you have smoothed the death-bed of one who loves you, you have
your reward. I feel quite strong now; and if it will not be too much
trouble, I should like you to give me a narrative of the whole
expedition; not all at once, but a little now and then. You shall begin
now, and mind you enter into every little detail,--every thing will
interest me."

Alexander commenced his narrative, as his uncle requested, stating to
him how they were fitted out; the names of all the people; d