He has asked for you, several times, since he was brought in; so you had better go to him, at once." With a sinking heart, Lisle went upstairs.

The colonel was lying on his bed.
"I am glad you have come in time, my dear boy," he said faintly, as Lisle entered.

"I am afraid that I am done for, and it is a consolation for me to know that I have no near relatives who will regret my loss.

I have had a good time of it, altogether; and would rather that, as I was not to die on the battlefield, death should come as it has.

It is far better than if it came gradually.
"Sit by me, lad, till the end comes.