Certainly at about a quarter past four Mr. Tredegar entered Alexander’s chamber, where he found his principal tossing about on the bed in a feverish and impatient manner.
“Have you slept?” inquired Francis.
“Slept? How could I? Is it time to rise?”
“Yes.”
“I am very glad of it,” exclaimed Alexander, jumping out of bed.
“You have rather more than two hours before you, if you have any last preparations to make,” said Francis, gravely.
“I have nothing to do but shave, wash and dress.”
“But—” said Francis, sadly.
“I tell you I have no other preparations to make. Having settled my worldly affairs, I have no other preparations to make. What should I have?” emphatically exclaimed Alexander.
What, indeed? How could the duelist prepare for probable death? The Christian soldier going into battle, or upon a forlorn hope, in a righteous cause can invoke the blessing of God on his arms, and can commit his soul, for life or death, into His holy keeping. Yes, even the condemned criminal, however deeply steeped in guilt, can kneel and pray for mercy and forgiveness, for acceptance and admission into Heaven. These can prepare to meet their God.