"Cheer up, cheer up, old comrade. All is not lost that is
endangered, and we shall save you yet!"
"Herbert, you know it is impossible."
"No, I do not know any such thing!"
"You know that I shall be tried to-day and shot tomorrow! Oh,
Herbert, never let my dear ones at home know how I shall die. Tell
them that I fell before Chepultepec--which will be literally true,
you know. Oh, my mother! Oh, my dear Clara, shall I never see you
more? Never hear your sweet voices calling me? Never feel the kind
clasp of your hands again? Is this the end of a life of aspiration
and endeavor? Is this the comfort and happiness I was to bring you?-
-early bereavement, dishonored names and broken hearts?"
"I tell you, no! You shall be saved! I say it!"
"Ah, it is impossible."
"No, it is only very difficult--so very difficult that I shall be
sure to accomplish it!"
"What a paradox."
"It is a truth. Things difficult--almost to impossibility--can
always be accomplished. Write that upon your tables, for it is a
valuable truth. And no cheer up, for I bring you letters from Clara
and your mother."
"Letters! from Clara! and mother! Oh, give them to me!" exclaimed
the young man eagerly.
Herbert handed them, and Traverse eagerly broke the seals, one after
another, and devoured the contents.
"They are well! They are well and happy! Oh, thank God they are so.
Pages:
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275