I have talked and read
aloud when alone, but to no man have I spoken. I have also avoided
intercourse with my fellows, selfishly preferring to nurse my sorrow in
sinful rebellion against God's will. Now am I justly punished by being
stricken down in the pride of my strength. At the same time God has
shown his everlasting mercy by sending you to me in the time of my sore
need. And you have promised to stay with me until the end, which I
feel assured is not far off."
"I trust it may be," said Cabot, "for the world can ill afford to spare
a man of your attainments."
"The world has forgotten me ere this," replied Mr. Balfour, with a
faint smile, "and has also managed to get along very well without me.
Whether it has or has not I feel that I am shortly to rejoin my dear
one."
"How did it happen? I mean your wound," asked Cabot, abruptly changing
the subject. "Was it an accident?"
"It may have been, but I believe not. Dressed in wolf skins, I was
creeping up on a small herd of caribou two days ago, when I was shot by
some unknown person, probably an Indian hunting the same game, though I
never saw him. I managed to crawl home, and as I lay here, filled with
the horror of dying alone, the ringing of my alarm bell announced a
coming of either man or beast. I found strength to turn on the outer
lights and to sound a call for aid on my violin that I hoped would be
heard and understood.
Pages:
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214