s the night, and that on a road so wild and unfrequented there
was little hope of finding shelter any nearer.

"You must lean on me, Father; the night air is fresh and bracing, and
after a little it will revive you."

The old man rose without speaking, and taking my arm, began the descent
of the mountain. His steps, however, were tottering and uncertain, his
breathing hurried and difficult, and his carriage indicated the very
greatest debility.

"I cannot do it, my son," said he, sinking upon the grassy bench which
skirted the way; "you must leave me. It matters little now where this
frail body rests; a few hours more, and the rank grass will wave above
it and the rain beat over it unfelt. Let us part here: an old man's
blessing for all your kindness will follow you through life, and may
cheer you to think on hereafter."

"Do you then suppose I could leave you thus?" said I, reproachfully. "Is
it so you think of me?"

"My minutes are few now, my child," replied he, more solemnly, "and I
would pass the last moments of my life alone. Well, then, if you will
not,--leave me now for a little, and return to me; by that time my mind
will be calmer, and mayhap, too, my strength greater, and I may be able
to accompany you to the village."

I acceded to this proposal the more willingly, because it afforded me
the hope of finding some means to convey him to Heimbach; and so, having
wrapped him carefully in my cloak, I hastened down the mountain at the
top of my speed.

The zigzag path by which I went discovered to me from time to time the
lights of the little hamlet, which twinkled star-like in the valley; and
as I drew nearer, the confused hum of voices reached me. I listened,
and to my amazement heard the deep, hoarse bray of a trumpet. How well
I knew that sound! it was the night-call to gather in the stragglers.
I stopped to listen; and now, in the stillness, could mark the tramp of
horsemen and the clank of their equipments: again the trumpet sounded,
and was answered by another at some distance. The road lay straight
below me at some hundred yards off, and leaving the path, I dashed
directly downwards just as the leading horsemen of a small detachment
came slowly up. To their loud _Qui vive?_ I answered by giving an
account of the sick man, and entreating the sergeant who commanded the
party to lend assistance to convey him to the village.

"Yes, _parbleu!_ that we will," said the honest soldier; "a priest who
has