UNCLE IN ENGLAND. 113 



truders from that sacred spot. Perhaps," con- 

 tinued Wentworth, " the Indians have some 

 confused idea of the river Styx, and think their 

 deceased friends will be the more readily ferried 

 over to paradise from being placed in a canoe 

 instead of a coffin." 



Mr. Lumley was very much pleased with the 

 manner in which Wentworth had performed his 

 part, and having of course guessed the coffin, he 

 was next brought forward. 



et My mother," he said, u had a dream soon 

 after I was born, which she afterwards told me, 

 and which still remains fresh in my memory. 

 She imagined that an angel appeared and told 

 her that her new born son might possess all the 

 qualities of both heart and understanding for 

 which she had so ardently prayed ; * but,' added 

 he, * you have omitted in your petitions to ask for 

 one power of the mind, without which all ac- 

 quirements lose their value, and even the best 

 feelings of the heart will be rendered useless. 

 Now is the time to repair your error ask 

 quickly for that essential blessing for your boy, 

 and you shall have it.' 



" My mother's heart beat high ; her thoughts 

 became so much confused that it was some time 

 before she could command them sufficiently to 

 decide upon what this nameless treasure could 

 be. She fancied she heard the quivering of the 

 angel's wings, as he rose into the air to depart ; 



