As his companion observed his strong and steady strokes, he said:

"Herbert, I am disposed to envy you your strength and endurance. I
get tired very easily."

"Were you not strong when a boy?" asked Herbert.

"I never had much endurance. My mother had a feeble constitution and
was consumptive, and I inherit something of her weakness."

"It is fortunate that you have money, Mr. Melville, so that you are
not obliged to work."

"True; but I would give half my fortune to be strong and well."

Herbert noticed the hectic flush upon Mr. Melville's cheeks, and his
white, transparent hands, and his sympathy was aroused.

"I see," he said, thoughtfully, "that I am more fortunate than I
thought in my health and strength."

"They are blessings not to be overestimated, Herbert. However, my
lot is, on the whole, a happy one, even though my life will probably
be brief, and I have still many sources of satisfaction and
enjoyment."

The river led away from the village, flowing between wooded banks,
with here and there a cottage set in the midst of the fields. Lying
back in the stern, Melville enjoyed their tranquil passage, when
their attention was suddenly attracted by a boy who stood on the