The old commodore, much wondering what he should hear next, said: “Will you read it to her first?” “No, there will not be time. I will read it afterwards.” “Lift her up, then, somebody.” John Palmer, being the strongest “body” present, went to the head of the bed, lifted the dying woman to a sitting posture, and supported her in his firm arms, with her back resting against his chest. “This is her written statement,” said Dr. Willet, placing the folded paper in the hands of the commodore. “Make—haste,” panted the woman, with difficulty. The doctor poured out and administered a stimulant, which partially revived her. “Do you know what you are about to do?” inquired the commodore. “Yes—swear to—the truth of—my statement,” gasped the woman. Commodore Bruce, in his capacity of magistrate, then administered the oath and exhibited the written statement with its signatures, which she recognized and acknowledged under oath. “There! That will do! This necessary disturbance has shaken the last sands of her life. Leave her now to repose, and follow me down to the drawing-room, where I will read to you all this strange confession,” said the doctor. John Palmer left his perch on the head of the bed and gently lowered the head of the dying woman to the pillow. Susan tenderly adjusted the covering around her, and beckoned old Monica to come and resume her watch by the bed. Dr. Willet took up the two lighted candles and led the way from the room, leaving the place in the twilight shadow and stillness best fitted for the sufferer. The whole party repaired to the drawing-room, and seated themselves around the large circular center-table upon which Dr. Willet had placed the candles and the document. When the little bustle, incident upon this movement, subsided, the doctor took up the paper and began to read the statement aloud to his almost breathless audience. And then and there the astonished family of Commodore Bruce learned a secret they had never even suspected before, though doubtless my intelligent readers have divined it long ago.