"They will have Mr Everett with them," said Monteath, "and he is a kind
and judicious friend. It is he who must free me from this pain," added
he. "I hope I shall not hate him for the office, as I have heard that
some people hate their surgeons, in spite of themselves."

"No fear of that," said Charles.

"I hope they will not delay it," said Monteath. "I would fain hope that
in twelve hours, it will be over. I almost think it cannot be worse
than what I suffered when I was lying on the road, before you found me."

"Probably not so bad, and most probably much sooner over. Some people
would think me wrong in letting you speak of this, but I think it will
do you no harm. You would think about it at all events, and it makes
anticipated evils less, to talk rationally about them."

"You are right," said Monteath. "I have been looking steadily at the
whole matter, and I want to ask you one thing. Mr Everett will perhaps
bring no assistant. If he does not, will you, can you, stand by, and
prevent my father from being present? I know he will insist on it, if
no friend is at hand but Mr Everett."

"I can, and I certainly will," replied Charles. "I have never attempted
any thing of the kind, but I think I can make my resolution equal to the
occasion. If I can be of use, I shall not think of myself."

"Thank you, thank you," replied Monteath. "Things might have been worse
with me yet. There might have been no one who would have had compassion
on me, no friend who would have comforted me as you are doing."

"I can do little," said Charles. "There is a better friend with you,
who can yield support when earthly friends are far away, or too feeble
to give comfort. I hope you feel this."

"I do now, more than ever in my life before. Just now, I was in too
much pain to think of any thing: but I am easy enough to think, and
speak, and listen, at present. Have you a Bible with you?"

Charles instantly produced his Bible, and asked his friend what he
should read.

"The forty-second and forty-third Psalms first," said Monteath.

Charles read them, and afterwards chose a chapter in the New Testament,
and with pleasure he perceived that Monteath appeared more and more
tranquil, and in a little time he enjoyed the repose which his exhausted
frame required.

He slept till three o'clock, and was then too anxious for the arrival of
his father and mother to rest again. Charles attempted to interest him
in conversa