As the doctor read, a look of indignant horror swept over his face.

Then he said: "Can it be possible! I never suspected such a thing.

It must be a cruel, senseless hoax." "Doctor," said Mr.Bascom, "I have been a life-long Abolitionist and have often read of the cruelties and crimes of American slavery, but never before did I realize the low moral tone of the social life under which such shameless cruelties could be practiced on a defenseless widow and her orphaned children.

Let me read the letter again.

Just look at it, all tear-blotted and written with a trembling hand:-- 'DEAR BROTHER:--I have dreadful news for you and I hardly know how to tell it.