In the corner farthest from the door was a low bedstead, on which lay two skeletons, imbedded in a little heap of dry dust.

With beating hearts we went forward to examine them.

One was the skeleton of a man, the other that of a dog, which was extended close beside that of the man, with its head resting on his bosom Now we were very much concerned about this discovery, and could scarce refrain from tears on beholding these sad remains.

After some time, we began to talk about what we had seen, and to examine in and around the hut, in order to discover some clue to the name or history of this poor man, who had thus died in solitude, with none to mourn his loss save his cat and his faithful dog.

But we found nothing,--neither a book nor a scrap of paper.