"'If I should die before I wake.'"
"'If I should die before I wake,'" they repeated, and continued the prayer.
"'And this I ask for Jesus' sake,'" said the boys, ending. There was a long pause. Frank stroked the pale face softly with his hands.
"'And this I ask for Jesus' sake,'" whispered the lips. Then, very softly, "Kiss me good-night."
"Kiss him, Frank."
The boy stooped over and kissed the lips that had kissed him in the morning. Willy kissed him, also. The lips moved in a faint smile.
The boys waited,—but that was all. The dusk settled down in the woods. The prayer was ended.
"He's dead," said Frank, in deep awe.
"Frank, aren't you mighty sorry?" asked Willy in a trembling voice. Then he suddenly broke out crying.