disease from that time gained rapid ground.
His friend Denham now felt greatly alarmed at the change which he
remarked in him, and saw too clearly that he was destined to remain but
a short time longer on earth. The surgeon also, who had known him some
years, was of the same opinion. Captain Falkner felt, though most
reluctantly, that it was his duty to convey the sad information to his
father and sister. The Earl refused to believe it, but Nora saw, with
grief, the sad change which even a few days had made in her beloved
brother. He could now only sit up for a short time in an armchair.

In consequence of the rebellion the _Cynthia_ had to remain for some
time in the harbour, and accordingly Denham was able to obtain leave to
remain with his friend. He and Nora, therefore, were constantly by the
side of the dying youth. Barry would not for some time believe that his
own end was approaching. Often, with tears in her eyes, Nora spoke to
him of that happy land to which all those who trust in the Rock of Ages
are certainly bound.

"There will be no more sorrow, no more suffering, no more fighting, no
more wounds in that land, dear Barry," she said, taking his hand.
"Still, life is sweet. I wish you could have remained with us; but we
must bow to God's will. They say you have not many more days to remain
on earth, Barry; but surely we must feel the parting more severely--we
who have to remain in this world exposed to so many dangers, than you
should, who have to go to that land of joy and rest."

The young lieutenant shook his head.

"It is hard for me to acknowledge that, dear Nora," he answered. "I
care not for the dangers; and there are so many things to enjoy in this
life, that I had hoped to remain in it to a good old age. I have
everything to make life pleasant, and can you be surprised, then, that I
should be unwilling to quit it without a sigh?"

"O! no, no," she answered. "I know that; but still, remember, it is but
to enter into a life of eternal joy that you leave this world of trials.
Because, let us deceive ourselves as we may, there are many causes
which must bring us sorrow and pain. You remember how we grieved when
our dear mother was taken from us, and then it was very sad to leave the
old castle, and then, too, we have sorrowed on account of our father,
that his property has suffered so much; and though we have been very
lovingly dealt with by God, yet He has not allowed life to be so
de