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66 quenching of his thirst had the appearance of reviving him for a moment; and I conceived hopes of his being able to proceed, or at least to return, and I urged the attempt. He was silent—and appeared to be collecting his spirits for an effort to speak. He began.

“This is the end of my journey, and of my life—I came here to die: but I have a request to make, a command—for such my last words must be—You will observe it?”

“Most certainly; but have better hopes.”

“I have no hopes, nor wishes, but this—conceal my death from every human being.”

“I hope there will be no occasion; that you will recover, and”

“Peace!—it must be so: promise this.”

“I do.”

“Swear it, by all that”He here dictated an oath of great solemnity.

“There is no occasion for this—I will observe your request; and to doubt me is”

“It cannot be helped,—you must swear.”

I took the oath: it appeared to relieve him. He