The priest arrived; the last rites were administered.
"Like David of old, I have been a man of blood; like him, I have repented that I have shed innocent blood," said the sick penitent.
"And like Nathan, I tell thee, my brother," said the priest, "that the Lord hath put away thy sin."
"And my faith accepts the blessed assurance."
"Osric, my son, let me bless thee before I die; thou dost not know, canst never know on earth, what thou didst for me."
"God bless thee too, my father. We shall meet before His throne when time shall be no more."
He fell back as if exhausted, and for a long time lay speechless. At last he raised himself on his elbow and looked steadfastly up.
"Hark! they are calling the roll-call above."
He listened intently for a moment, then, as if he had heard his own name, he answered—