would die to-day."

"He seems the same as usual," I said. "We cannot tell; he
may live for months yet."

Rayel shook his head incredulously, and sat for a long time
looking out of the window in silence.

"And I will go with you then?" he asked suddenly turning
toward me.

"Yes," I answered.

It was the first time he had ever asked me a question, for
he could read my mind like an open book, and to him all
questioning was unnecessary.

While we were sitting there, thinking over our plans, my
uncle summoned us by rapping with his cane. Rayel turned
pale, and, with a whispered ejaculation, hurried out of the
room and ran down the path to his father, followed closely
by myself. My uncle was breathing heavily.

"Count it," said he, feebly extending his hand. Rayel
counted his pulse-beats.

"Ninety-four, and growing quicker!" he exclaimed, turning
toward me with a frightened look.

"It won't increase much," my uncle whispered, feebly, but