everyday fact. He had poured out his soul to God; had deplored to the
great Judge that his sentence had been too severe, that kindness would
have done more to soften the proud heart of the boy than the violent
course he had adopted. He had just made up his mind to go to George,
and once more address him with love and confidence, when that horrid
cry, wrung from a mother's breaking heart, closed the doors of mercy
for ever, and left him desolate and childless.

'"Mary," he gasped out, "do not say that he is dead! It is but sleep or
exhaustion. It cannot be that he is dead?"

'His wife was quite calm now. With a mournful smile she pointed to the
beautiful face of the dead. "The seal of God is on that brow. Your
severity could only destroy the body; God has claimed the soul. I
cannot weep for him; he is happier than his parents. Can you now look
in that pure face and believe him guilty?"

'"O woman, great is your faith. But the proof--how can I do away with
the proof of his crime?"

'"Leave that to me. I have a solemn duty to perform for my murdered
son. May God give me strength for the task. Call Ralph Wilson, but do
not tell him what has happened."

'Humbled and subdued, but still unconvinced of his son's innocence, the
Doctor left the room, and shortly returned, followed by the old man.

'Mrs. Leatrim motioned to him to approach the bed.

'Rigid and immoveable, the Doctor resumed his place, still grasping the