I hardly think he will last twelve hours more, he's been dreadfully beaten; there are two or three gashes on his head, his leg is broken, and his hands have been so much cut, that the surgeon thinks they'll never be of any use to him, even if he recovers." "What awful intelligence for his family," said Mr.Walters; "they are already half distracted about him." Mr.Ellis lay perfectly unconscious of what was passing around him, and his moans were deeply affecting to hear, unable to move but one limb--he was the picture of helplessness and misery.
"It's time to close; we don't permit visitors to remain after this hour," said the attendant; "come to-morrow, you can see your friend, and remain longer with him;" and bidding Mr.Walters good morning, he ushered him from the ward.
"How shall I ever find means to break this to the girls and their mother ?" said he, as he left the gates of the hospital; "it will almost kill them; really I don't know what I shall say to them." He walked homeward with hesitating steps, and on arriving at his house, he paused awhile before the door, mustering up courage to enter; at last he opened it with the air of a man who had a disagreeable duty to perform, and had made up his mind to go through with it.

"Tell Miss Ellis to come to the drawing-room," said he to the servant; "merely say she's wanted--don't say I've returned." He waited but a few moments before Esther made her appearance, looking sad and anxious.

"Oh, it's you," she said, with some surprise.

"You have news of father ?" "Yes, Esther, I have news; but I am sorry to say not of a pleasant character." "Oh, Mr.Walters, nothing serious I hope has happened to him ?" she asked, in an agitated tone.
"I'm sorry to say there has, Esther; he has met with an accident--a sad and severe one--he's been badly wounded." Esther turned deadly pale at this announcement, and leaned upon the table for support.
"I sent for you, Esther," continued Mr.Walters, "in preference to your mother, because I knew you to be courageous in danger, and I trusted you would be equally so in misfortune.

Your father's case is a very critical one--very.