"Just a few, sir; but not many, I am afraid."
"I should like to know," I said.
"Indeed, sir?"
"Yes. The truth is, Simpson, seeing that the doctor tells me I have to die very soon, I should like to know whether any one could tell me about what happens after death."
"I have a Bible here, sir," said Simpson. "It tells you all about it there."
"Indeed," I said, "I have not read the Bible for years. I don't think I have looked inside one since I left Oxford. Do you read it, Simpson?"
"Yes, sir. I read a chapter every night before going to bed."
"Are you a Christian, Simpson?"
"I hope so, sir," and he looked at me curiously.
"Excuse me for asking," I said, "but as you are a Christian you will have ideas about these things."