CONFESSION AND REMORSE. 333 



commission of the horrid deed, cowered down on the 

 hearth, and dared not Uft his eyes to meet those of his 

 fellow sufferer. Of him amazement, grief, loathing, 

 yet withal pity, took possession alternately ; poor 

 fellow ! not equally low with his companion, probably 

 because less desponding and more robust in consti- 

 tution, weak, and starving as he was, the revolting 

 sight overcame him, and he rushed into the open air 

 for relief. Compassion for the poor wretch led him 

 again to re-enter the house, but, unable to speak, he 

 commenced hewing a log. His unfortunate com- 

 panion asked him, however, what was the matter — why 

 did he rush so wildly out ? " Will you now confess," 

 said Mr. P., " that you have been eating poor Dubois?" 

 The miserable being slowly and fearfully acknowledged 

 that such was the case, and pleaded that not alone the 

 love of life (and oh ! when life is fleeting, then is the 

 love for it the strongest) — not the love of life alone 

 incited him to the deed, but that he wished to 

 live — aye ! — mark it well — that his aged mother 

 might not be deprived of her sole support, her only 

 stay. 



Mr. P. now procured wood and water sufficient for 

 two days — but he could no longer bear to remain : 

 the thought of this deed haunted him like a fate, and 

 he departed, promising to return in two days. The 



