which
I encountered in that black forest. Better death a thousand times than
again purchase life at such an expense of suffering at the hands of
others.

Hour after hour passed, and it seemed as though we could not possibly
survive many minutes longer. Our tongues were swollen and hanging from
our months, dry, parched, and apparently ready to crack for the want of
moisture.

Our eyes were expanded, fierce, and fixed--our brains seemed melting,
and a heavy pressure rested upon our temples. I counted my pulse, and
found that, as near as I could judge, it was beating at the rate of two
hundred per minute. My heart appeared to keep pace with my pulse, and
throbbed so violently that it seemed as though it would force itself
through my side. A feeling of death-like sickness stole over me--I
closed my eyes, and tried to fancy that I was by the side of a cool
stream, and at length, I think that my senses did wander; for I was
brought to myself by feeling a hand laid upon my shoulder, and no gentle
shake aroused me.

"Courage, friend Jack," cried the consoling voice of Fred. "Cheer up,
man! the worst is over, and in a short time we shall be free again.
Come, cheer up."

I remember looking at my friend long and anxiously, and trying to settle
in my mind where I had seen his face before. I think that I even
laughed, and told him that he was taking great liberties with a
stranger, and demanded what he meant by striking me on my shoulder.

I also think that I saw him carefully remove my revolver, and place it
beyond my reach. But all was uncertain; a blur appeared to be before my
eyes which prevented my seeing distinctly.

"Here, drink of this," whispered Fred, and as he spoke he raised a small
bottle to my lips.

The draught restored me to full consciousness. The liquor was
claret--warm, almost hot; yet I thought that I never tasted any thing
half so sweet and reviving.

I saw a score of eager eyes fixed upon the bottle which I held, and even
Murden glared like a famished wolf as he heard the gurgling of the
liquor in my mouth.

"Softly," whispered Fred, as I was about to apply the bottle to my lips
the second time. "Remember there are others suffering as well as
yourself."

Noble-hearted Fred! when did you ever fail to sympathize in the
sufferings of others, and use your utmost endeavors to contribute to
their relief?

"If hell," groaned Murden, "is hotter than this hole, I have no desire
to go there."

"You wo