In the restless attempts to procure some easy resting-place for his head, he tossed his hand out of the bed, and it fell on mine.

He started up, and stared eagerly in my face.
'"Mr.Hutley, John," said his wife; "Mr.Hutley, that you sent for to-night, you know." '"Ah!" said the invalid, passing his hand across his forehead; "Hutley--Hutley--let me see." He seemed endeavouring to collect his thoughts for a few seconds, and then grasping me tightly by the wrist said, "Don't leave me--don't leave me, old fellow.

She'll murder me; I know she will." '"Has he been long so ?" said I, addressing his weeping wife.
'"Since yesterday night," she replied.

"John, John, don't you know me ?" '"Don't let her come near me," said the man, with a shudder, as she stooped over him.

"Drive her away; I can't bear her near me." He stared wildly at her, with a look of deadly apprehension, and then whispered in my ear, "I beat her, Jem; I beat her yesterday, and many times before.
I have starved her and the boy too; and now I am weak and helpless, Jem, she'll murder me for it; I know she will.