ting in, caused by their previous intemperate mode of
life.

We at last reached Plymouth, and I was carried to the hospital. I
longed to write to my wife, and yet my heart sank within me when I
thought that I should have to tell her what a maimed and altered being I
was. I fancied that she would not know me, and would look on me with
horror. When the surgeon saw me, directly I was carried to the
hospital, he bid me cheer up, and said that he thought I should soon be
strong enough to move. Scarcely had he left me, when I heard a man
groaning heavily in the bed next to mine. The groans ceased. I asked
the sufferer what was the matter with him. I was startled when he
answered in a voice which I knew at once, "I am dying, and going I know
not where, with a thousand sins on my head unrepented of and
unforgiven." It was Iffley who spoke. I was not certain whether he
knew me. I answered, "There is forgiveness for the greatest of sinners.
Repent. Trust in Christ. His blood will wash away all your sins."
There was no reply for some time. I thought that he had ceased to
breathe.

"Who are you who says that?" he exclaimed suddenly; "you think that I do
not know you. I knew you from the first, and I believe you know me.
Can you forgive one who has injured you so severely--who would have
injured you still more had he found the opportunity? Weatherhelm, I ask
you, can you forgive me?"

I was silent for some minutes. There was a severe strife in my bosom.
I prayed earnestly for God's Holy Spirit. I uttered the words, "Forgive
us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us." I felt
that I could reply with sincerity, "Iffley, I do forgive you--from my
heart--truly and freely."

"Then I can believe that God will forgive me," he cried out with almost
a shriek of joy. "Yes, the chaplain here and others have talked to me
about it. I could not believe them. I felt that I was far too guilty,
and too wretched an outcast; but I am sure that what man can do, God
will do. Yes, Weatherhelm, you have given a peace to my heart I never
expected to dwell there. Go on, talk to me on that subject. Pray with
me. I have no time to talk on any other subject, to tell you of my past
career. That matters not. My hours are numbered. Any moment I feel
may be my last on earth. Go on, go on."

I did talk long and earnestly to him, and what I said seemed to increase
his comfort. Our conversation was interrupted by