'Nothing--but listen to me; the pains of death are upon me, and my time is short. You see my second--that tall, mysterious-looking person? I have known him, for many years--he is a villain of the deepest dye--one whom I formerly employed to kidnap young girls for my base uses. Last night I met him for the first time for a long period; I told him that I was to fight a person named Sydney this morning; he started at the mention of your name, and eagerly desired to act as my second. I consented. He is your most inveterate enemy, and thirsts for your blood. He seeks but an opportunity to kill you. _He fears your second_, and that prevents him from attacking you at once. Beware of him, for he is--is--is--the--' Radcliff could not finish the sentence, for the agonies of death were upon him. His eyes glazed, his breath grew fainter and fainter; and in a few moments he expired. Thus perished George Radcliff--the elegant _roue_--the heartless libertine--the man of pleasure--brilliant in intellect, beautiful in person, generous in heart--but how debased in soul! They laid the corpse down upon the smooth, green sward, and spread a handkerchief over the pale, ghastly features. Then they turned to look for the mysterious second; he was seated, at some distance, upon a large rock, and they beckoned him to approach. He complied, with some hesitation; and the Doctor said to him-- 'Sir, you seem to manifest very little interest in the fate of your friend; you see he is dead.' 'I care not,' was the reply--'his death causes me no grief, nor pleasure; he was no enemy of mine, and as for friends, I have none. Grief and friendship are sentiments which have long since died in my breast.' 'By heavens!' exclaimed the Doctor--'I know that voice! The right hand jealously thrust into your breast--your face so carefully concealed--the dying words of Radcliff--tell me that you are--' 'The Dead Man!' cried the stranger, uncovering his face--'you are right--I am he! Doctor, I did not expect to find you with Sydney, or I should not have ventured. I came to execute vengeance--but your presence restrains me; crippled as I am, I fear you. No matter; other chances will offer, when you are absent. That escape of yours through the sewers was done in masterly style. Doctor, you are a brave fellow, and your courage inspires me with admiration; you are worthy to follow my reckless fortunes. Let the past be forgotten; abandon this whining, preaching Sydney, and join me in my desperate career. Give me your hand, and let us be friends.' The Doctor hesitated a moment, and, to Sydney's unutterable amazement, grasped the Dead Man's hand, and said-- 'Oh, Captain, I will re-enlist under your banner; I am tired of a life of inactivity, and long for the excitement and dangers of an outlaw's career! We are friends, henceforth and forever.' The Dead Man grinned with delight; but poor Sydney was thunderstruck.