To him it was Carrie, his sister; and many times that day had he stolen in alone, and laying back the thin muslin which shaded her face, he had looked long upon her--had laid his hand on her icy cheek, wondering if she knew how cold she was, and if the way which she had gone was so long and dark that he could never find it.

To him there was naught to fear in that room of death, and to his mother's threat he answered eagerly, "Oh, ma, give me some water, just a little bit of water, and you may carry me in there, I ain't afraid and my breathing won't wake Carrie up;" but before he had finished speaking his mother was again dozing.
"Won't anybody bring me some water--Maggie, Carrie--Leno--nobody ?" murmured poor Willie, as he Wet his pillow with tears.
At last he could bear it no longer.

He knew where the water-bucket stood, and stepping from his bed, he groped his way down the long stairs to the basement.

The spring moon was low in the western horizon, and shining through the curtained window, dimly lighted up the room.

The pail was soon reached, and then in his eagerness to drink, he put his lips to the side.