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274 the gloomy forests of that other world: may their safety be required at your hands, and may power and judgment be given unto you! You are young, but brave and thoughtful beyond your years. Do ye accept him as your leader?" said he, addressing those around. A low but impressive murmur came from every lip; and the speaker, turning to Evelyn, bade him kneel that he might bless him.

Evelyn knelt upon the ground, and bowed his head. Involuntarily he started at the touch of the icy hand which pressed down his hair. Major Johnstone strove to speak, but the words died in an inarticulate gurgle low in his throat; and Evelyn had only time to start from his knee, and save the dying man from falling to the earth.

They spread a cloak upon the grass, and laid him there, while Evelyn supported his head. His features grew black and rigid, and his eyes seemed to refuse to close—as if conscious that, were they once to yield, they would be dark for ever.

Suddenly he raised himself, and whispered, "I have a letter for you."

With a strong effort, he took a scroll from his bosom; it was that written by Francis Evelyn previous to his execution. "I would the heavens