il. Overcome by his exertions, he seated himself upon the brink of the
pit, and gave way to the agonizing emotions which filled his soul. A
sigh from his wife roused him to a new effort, and, partially
invigorated by the few moments' rest, he again applied himself to his
task. The ground was of a moist character, and he had every
encouragement of soon finding the coveted treasure. Animated by this
hope, he redoubled his efforts, and for another hour despair nerved his
arm, and strengthened his sinking frame. Still the buried treasure
eluded his search. Exhausted by his exertions, he sunk heavily upon the
side of the pit, and the big tears coursed down his hollow cheeks.
Deserted by man, he felt that there was no God in heaven; and no
divinely-born sentiment came to cheer him in the hour of his
despondency. He felt that the hand of death must soon take him and his
loved wife into its cold embrace. With much effort he drew himself to
her side, and endeavored to compose his mind for the struggle with the
destroyer.

Two hours he lay by her side; but his time had not yet come. Rested from
the severe fatigue he had undergone, he felt a new vigor stealing
through his frame. Something like hope again flitted before his
desponding mind, and, partially raising himself from his recumbent
posture, he gazed about the apartment. The pit he had dug was yawning
near him. A shudder convulsed his frame, as it reminded him of the open
grave that gaped to receive him. Had he not dug this grave for himself?

The instinct of self-preservation drew him to his feet. Seizing the
shovel, he advanced to the pit, when, to his unspeakable delight, he
perceived that the bottom of it was covered with black, dirty water. The
sight roused his dormant energies, and he saw before him years of life
and happiness. Leaping into the pit, he drank from the putrid pool,
using the palms of his hands for a drinking vessel.

Tearing off the top of his glazed cap, he succeeded in making a very
tolerable cup of it, with which he conveyed some of the precious liquid
to the parched lips of his sinking wife. The act roused her from the
absent mood to which she had abandoned herself. She took a long draught
of the discolored beverage, and, had it been the pure mountain spring,
its effect could scarcely have been more magical. It not only refreshed
the body, but inspired the mind. With this dawning hope the poor
prisoners built the flimsy fabric of future joy and saf