CHAPTER IX.
DEATH BED AND BRIDAL SCENES.
Neither Capt.

Helm nor his wife made any religious pretensions.

I hardly know whether or not they were avowed infidels; but they alike ridiculed all religious professions and possessed some very singular notions regarding life and death.
I have often heard the Captain say, that no person need die unless they choose to do so; and his wife was of the same belief.

I have frequently heard her remark that if mankind would firmly resist death it would flee from them.
An opportunity, however, was soon after given to test the truth of this strange dogma.

Mrs.Helm's health began to decline, but she would pay no attention to it, following her usual course and regular routine of household duties; but all in vain; she was taken down, alarmingly ill, and it became apparent to all, that the "king of terrors" had chosen his victim.