“Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer.
“From the end of the earth will I cry unto Thee, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
“For Thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
“I will abide in Thy tabernacle forever. I will trust in the covert of Thy wings. Selah.”
In a clear and ringing voice he read the solemn burial service, and the comrades of the dead soldier listened reverently. When he had concluded, some one suggested that they sing, and a clear, sweet voice broke plaintively into that exquisite hymn,
“Abide with me, fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens—Lord, with me abide; *
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.”
The voice suddenly broke into a passion of tears, and Ralph threw himself on the grave, which was fast being filled up, and cried—“Bill, Bill, you were my best friend—I cannot let you go.”