After my recovery it was obvious to inquire by what means the attention of the family had been drawn to my situation.

I had fallen before I had reached the threshold, or was able to give any signal.

My brother related, that while this was transacting in my chamber, he himself was awake, in consequence of some slight indisposition, and lay, according to his custom, musing on some favorite topic.

Suddenly the silence, which was remarkably profound, was broken by a voice of most piercing shrillness, that seemed to be uttered by one in the hall below his chamber.

"Awake! arise!" it exclaimed: "hasten to succour one that is dying at your door." This summons was effectual.