"Is she dead ?" "No, not dead," replied the apprentice, "but--" "But what ?" ejaculated the grocer.

"In Heaven's name, speak!" "These letters will tell you all," replied the apprentice, producing a packet.

"I had prepared them to send to you in case of my death.

I am not equal to further explanation now." With trembling eagerness the grocer lowered the rope, and Leonard having tied the packet to it, it was instantly drawn up.

Notwithstanding his anxiety to ascertain the fate of Amabel, Mr.Bloundel would not touch the packet until he had guarded against the possibility of being infected by it.