"When I have read to you this paper," replied the minister, "then you can be the judge. I was requested to read it to Frank as soon as he was able to hear it—after his friend's death."
"Is it something for me? Poor old Mr. Sinjin!" exclaimed Frank. "He died last night, mother. But he was so happy, and so willing to go, I can't mourn for him. What is the paper?"
"A few nights ago he requested me to come to his side and write as he should dictate." And the clergyman, seating himself, read:—
"'The Last Will and Testament of Servetus St. John,
commonly called Old Sinjin.
"I, Servetus St. John, Drummer, being of sound mind, but of body fast failing unto death, having received its mortal hurt in battle for my country, do give and bequeath of my possessions as follows:—
"'Item. My Soul I return to the Maker who gave it, and my Flesh to the dust whence it came.
"'Item. To my Country and the Cause of Freedom, as I have given my last poor services, so I likewise give cheerfully my Life.
"'Item. To Mehitabel Craig, my only surviving sister after the flesh, I give what alone she can claim of me, and what, as a dying sinner, I have no right to withhold, my full pardon for all offences.
"'Item. To my present friend and comforter, Mr. Egglestone, as a memento of my deep obligations to him, I give my watch.
"'Item. To my fellow-sufferer, Abram Atwater, or to his widow, in case of his decease, I bequeath the sum of one hundred dollars.