purpose I advanced and thrust my head within the curtain.




CHAPTER XVI.


The features of one whom I had seen so transiently as Wallace may be
imagined to be not easily recognised, especially when those features
were tremulous and deathful. Here, however, the differences were too
conspicuous to mislead me. I beheld one in whom I could recollect none
that bore resemblance. Though ghastly and livid, the traces of
intelligence and beauty were undefaced. The life of Wallace was of more
value to a feeble individual; but surely the being that was stretched
before me, and who was hastening to his last breath, was precious to
thousands.

Was he not one in whose place I would willingly have died? The offering
was too late. His extremities were already cold. A vapour, noisome and
contagious, hovered over him. The flutterings of his pulse had ceased.
His existence was about to close amidst convulsion and pangs.

I withdrew my gaze from this object, and walked to a table. I was nearly
unconscious of my movements. My thoughts were occupied with
contemplations of the train of horrors and disasters that pursue the
race of man. My musings were quickly interrupted by the sight of a small
cabinet, the hinges of which were broken and the lid half raised. In the
present state of my thoughts, I was prone to suspect the worst. Here
were traces of pillage. Some casual or mercenary attendant had not only