The nearer that the time approached, the more did He dread appearing before the Throne of God.

He shuddered to think how soon He must be plunged into eternity; How soon meet the eyes of his Creator, whom He had so grievously offended.

The Bell announced midnight: It was the signal for being led to the Stake! As He listened to the first stroke, the blood ceased to circulate in the Abbot's veins: He heard death and torture murmured in each succeeding sound.

He expected to see the Archers entering his prison; and as the Bell forbore to toll, he seized the magic volume in a fit of despair.

He opened it, turned hastily to the seventh page, and as if fearing to allow himself a moment's thought ran over the fatal lines with rapidity.