"I don't know him," replied the sick man, suspiciously. "But there is _one_ minister that I do know," he added, after a moment's pause. "Who?" she inquired. "Why, _him_!" he answered, impatiently, as if he thought she ought to understand. "You mean the missionary," she returned. "Yes; if I could talk with him, I would like to." The wife mentioned his remarks to the surgeon, and General McElroy sent for the missionary. It was evening, of a lowering, rainy day, when the messenger returned with Mr. Payson. It had been drizzling and dripping all day, but towards night the clouds grew black and wild, and a furious wind dashed the big rain-drops violently against the window. The air was raw, and seemed to pierce to the bones. The old fort buildings were delightful in fair weather, but now were damp and chilly. Mrs. Jones feared for the effect of the storm on her husband, whose frame, since his wound, had been extremely sensitive to atmospheric changes; and dreading that, if he was disturbed, he would relapse into delirium, she concluded not to invite the missionary in to see him until morning. She had disposed everything as comfortably as possible about the bed, and had a nourishing broth and his medicines handy, when Mrs. McElroy entered, and said,-- "You look worn out. Go and take a nap now, and if you are needed I will call you. You know the missionary is here, and will wish to be with him in the morning; and it is desirable that you should feel as well as you can, to encourage your husband." Mrs. Jones, thus charged, retired to an adjoining room, thinking to rest herself for a short time, and then return. She felt that a great event was impending, and thought it impossible for her to close her eyes; but so utterly exhausted was she, that she immediately fell into a sound sleep, from which she was awakened at midnight by Mrs. McElroy, who said,-- "A great change has come over your husband. I think he is going to get well. He wants to see you and the boys." Hurrying to her husband's side, she found him sitting up in bed as composedly as if no trouble had ever disturbed the serenity of his mind, looking much as he did in their bridal hour. He had called for a bowl of water and a towel, and was calmly washing himself. Bestowing on her a loving look as she entered, he asked,-- "Mary, dear, has the missionary come?" "Yes," she replied. "Can I see him now?" Mrs. McElroy took out her watch, and said, pleasantly,-- "Are you particular about seeing him now? I suppose you are not aware how late it is." "Yes," he answered, "it is twelve o'clock;" and his eye shone with a strange intelligence. "I should have sent for him a year ago, had not my heart been so proud and bitter. But I know _him_. He'll come now, if it is late." There was something unearthly in his manner, and Mrs. McElroy said, rising,-- "It shall be as you request." As Mr. Payson entered, the sick man extended his hand, saying,--