I think that's apt to be the case with friends in our position.

We have gone fishing together since we were out of pinafores, and we have played whist,--at least I've watched him,--and talked politics or church business over our pipes; but never anything like this.

We were simply the best of friends.

Ah, well, Denner will leave a great vacancy in my life." They rode in silence for some time, and then Helen said gently, "Yes, but uncle, dear, that is the only way you are going to help him now,--with the old friendship.

It is too late for anything else,--any religious aid, I mean,--when a man comes to look death in the face.