Tenderly and anxiously Iola watched over him as the hours waned away.

The doctor came, shook his head gravely, and, turning to Iola, said, "There is no hope, but do what you can to alleviate his sufferings." As Iola gazed upon the kind but homely features of Tom, she saw his eyes open and an unexpressed desire upon his face.
Tenderly and sadly bending over him, with tears in her dark, luminous eyes, she said, "Is there anything I can do for you ?" "Yes," said Tom, with laboring breath; "let me hole yore han', an' sing 'Ober Jordan inter glory' an' 'We'll anchor bye and bye.'" Iola laid her hand gently in the rough palm of the dying man, and, with a tremulous voice, sang the parting hymns.
Tenderly she wiped the death damps from his dusky brow, and imprinted upon it a farewell kiss.

Gratitude and affection lit up the dying eye, which seemed to be gazing into the eternities.

Just then Robert entered the room, and, seating himself quietly by Tom's bedside, read the death signs in his face.
"Good-bye, Robert," said Tom, "meet me in de kingdom." Suddenly a look of recognition and rapture lit up his face, and he murmured, "Angels, bright angels, all's well, all's well!" Slowly his hand released its pressure, a peaceful calm overspread his countenance, and without a sigh or murmur Thomas Anderson, Iola's faithful and devoted friend, passed away, leaving the world so much poorer for her than it was before.

Just then Dr.Gresham, the hospital physician, came to the bedside, felt for the pulse which would never throb again, and sat down in silence by the cot.
"What do you think, Doctor," said Iola, "has he fainted ?" "No," said the doctor, "poor fellow! he is dead." Iola bowed her head in silent sorrow, and then relieved the anguish of her heart by a flood of tears.