were all hurrying home, children were asleep in their happy beds; many
glad voices mingled by open casements and social supper tables, some few
lingered out of doors to enjoy the beauties of that quiet August night,
the last on earth of one, at least, of God's creatures. They watched on.

"I have been asleep, Emilie, a beautiful sleep, I was dreaming of my
mother; I awoke, and it was you. John, _you_ there too! Good, patient,
watchful John. Leave me a moment, quite alone with John, will you,
Emilie? Moments are a great deal to me now."

The friends were left alone, their talk was of death and eternity, on
the solemn realities of which one of them was about to enter, and
carefully as John had shielded Joe, tenderly as he had watched over him
hitherto, he must now leave him to pass the stream alone--yet not alone.

Emilie soon returned; it was to see him die. It was not much that he
could say, and much was not needed. The agony of breathing those last
breaths was very great. He had lived long near to God, and in the dark
valley his Saviour was still near to him. He was at peace--at peace in
the dying conflict; it was only death now with whom he had to contend.
Being justified by faith, he had peace with God through the Lord Jesus
Christ. His last words were whispered in the ear of that good elder
sister, our true-hearted, loving Emilie. "Bless you, dear Emilie, God
_will_ bless you, for 'Blessed are the peacemakers.'"


* * * * *

NORWICK: PRINTED BY JOSIAH FLETCHER