Page:The Mysterious Warning - Parsons (1796, volume 1).djvu/252

 torted; he fixed his eyes on Ferdinand, and attempted to speak, but his words were inarticulate, and gave evident marks of a paralytic affection. On the entrance of Francis they attempted to raise him; but succeeded with infinite difficulty, as he had received a partial stroke which entirely disabled one side; with much trouble they got him upon the bed, and not knowing what else to do, they poured some wine down his throat, though he strove with one hand to prevent it.

"What can be done?" cried Ferdinand; "Is there any help to be procured?"

"I know of none," answered Francis: "I am unable to get to the village." Before the other could reply, a sort of convulsive motion seized on the unhappy man, and in a few moments he was no more!

"O, good Lord!" exclaimed Francis, "he is gone, he is dead, and all his cruelties unrepented of!"

"He is indeed no more!" said Ferdinand, struck with horror at the sudden event, "and may Heaven have mercy on him, whatever