"Don't mention it, Guly; a mere trifle."
"It was a great deal to me; and now, Wilkins, would you just as soon lie down by me as to sleep in your own bed? It must be nearly morning, but this is a gloomy place to lie in alone, with only a troubled heart for company."
"True, Guly; I will be with you in a moment."
They lay down together, and soon slept, side by side, exhausted by watching and weariness; and the boy's fair head was pillowed on the man's breast, rising and falling there like a golden shield, resting on the bounding heart, "keeping the evil out."
CHAPTER XXI.
| "'Tis done! I saw it in my dreams. No more with hope the future beams; My days of happiness are few. Chilled by misfortune's wintry blast, My dream of life is overcast. Love, hope, and joy, adieu— Would I could add, remembrance too." Byron. |
Arthur was at his place in the morning, almost as soon as Jeff opened the door. His face was pale and haggard, and wore upon it a look of unbroken gloom, and his eye wandered restlessly, as if dreading to meet another's gaze. He had arrived at his post so early, however, that no clerks were yet in the store, and for some time his only companion was the busy negro.
"Jeff," said he, at last, in a hesitating tone.