swim before his eyes; the voice of the preacher subsided into a low and
undistinguishable hum. Paul's head sank upon the cushion, his bundle,
which had been his constant companion during the day, fell softly to the
floor, and he fell into a deep sleep.

Meanwhile the sermon came to a close, and another hymn was sung, but
even the music was insufficient to wake our hero now. So the benediction
was pronounced, and the people opened the doors of their pews and left
the church.

Last of all the sexton walked up and down the aisles, closing such of
the pew doors as were open. Then he shut off the gas, and after
looking around to see that nothing was forgotten, went out, apparently
satisfied, and locked the outer door behind him.

Paul, meanwhile, wholly unconscious of his situation, slept on as
tranquilly as if there were nothing unusual in the circumstances in
which he was placed. Through the stained windows the softened light fell
upon his tranquil countenance, on which a smile played, as if his dreams
were pleasant. What would Aunt Lucy have thought if she could have seen
her young friend at this moment?




XV.

A TURN OF FORTUNE.

Notwithstanding his singular bedchamber, Paul had a refreshing night's