And be gorry I've got it right there' (slapping his pocket.) 'Take along somethin' for 'em to ate,' says he, 'and faith I've done that same and found me min; an' now I'll stay wid ye fur a week an' 'arn me hundred dollars." The week that Mike promised Jim was like a lifetime.

To have some one with him to share his vigils and his responsibility lifted a great burden from his shoulders.

But the sick man grew weaker and weaker every day.

He was assiduously nursed and literally fed with dainties; but the two men went about their duties with solemn faces, and talked almost in a whisper.

Occasionally one of them went out for delicate game, and by alternate watches they managed to get sufficient sleep to recruit their exhausted energies.
One morning, after Mike had been there four or five days, both stood by Benedict's bed, and felt that a crisis was upon him.