I have been silent,
but, indeed, not ungrateful. For all your kind, unselfish thoughts, and
words, and deeds--for all the good you would have counseled--for all
your efforts to stand between me and wrong-doing--tried friend, true
comrade! I thank you now, heartily, and I pray God to bless you always."
It was only self-control, almost superhuman, that enabled him to speak
those words steadily, for the fierce death-throe was possessing him
before he ended. Through the awful minutes that followed, not another
sound than the hissing breath escaped through his set lips; his face was
not once distorted, though the hair and beard clung round it, matted and
dank with the sweat of agony. The brave heart and iron nerve ruled the
body to the last imperially--supreme over the intensity of torture.
When he opened his eyes, which had been closed all through the
protracted death-pang, there was a look of the ancient kindness in them,
though they were glazing fast. He found my hand, and grasped it, till I
felt the life ebbing back in his fingers. I saw his lips syllable
"Good-by;" then, he leaned his head back gently, and, without a sigh or
a shiver, the strong man's spirit went forth into The Night.
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