A cat came and rubbed herself against him as he entered the house, and seemed by her mewing to ask him for food.

That was the only sound he heard.
Jack was almost afraid of speaking; but at length he summoned courage to call out "Mother!" "Who's there ?" asked a faint voice from the bed.
"Your son," answered the boy.
"Jack," exclaimed the widow, starting up and drawing back the curtain.
"Is it indeed you, or am I dreaming ?" "You're not dreaming, mother," he answered.

"I'm come to say good bye to you, and to assure you of my safety before I leave this place." "Where are you going ?" asked his mother.
"I hardly know," returned Jack; "but it's not safe for me to remain much longer here." "True," replied the widow, upon whom all the terrible recollections of the day before crowded, "I know it isn't.

I won't keep you long.

But tell me how have you escaped from the confinement in which you were placed--come and sit by me--here--upon the bed--give me your hand--and tell me all about it." Her son complied, and sat down upon the patch-work coverlet beside her.
"Jack," said Mrs.Sheppard, clasping him with a hand that burnt with fever, "I have been ill--dreadfully ill--I believe delirious--I thought I should have died last night--I won't tell you what agony you have caused me--I won't reproach you.