The morning dawned. Hayward looked pale and haggard. The chains had galled him, and he was faint and weak. This he endeavored to hide from his sister, but she observed it, and tried to cheer him with consoling words.
At length some coarse food was brought, and placed just within the door. But it remained untouched. As the day advanced, Hayward said:
"Mamie, what will you do in case of the worst?"
"If you die, do you mean, brother?"
"Yes, darling!"
"Don't trouble yourself as to what I will do after you are dead, for if this must be so, I shall go with you."
The door was thrown open and Branch entered.
"It is twelve o'clock," he said. "Make ready!"
"We are ready, sir!" answered Hayward.
"It is a pity you should die, Hayward. I tell you what I will do. Let me marry that lovely sister of yours, and I will set you free!"