Gentleman Jack 61 



cloud. The next day he grew worse, and I heard 

 him muttering to himself, though gently, as if his 

 better nature were pleading with the horrible demon 

 that was growing stronger every hour. I knew the 

 worst was true ; but my heart rebelled against the 

 sacrifice that seemed inevitable. I was unreconciled 

 that an act of such courage and devotion as his 

 should lead to such unjust reward. Here was a 

 creature of a despised race, a race kicked by men, 

 persecuted by boys, and kept down by the worst 

 passions of which human brutes are capable, and 

 yet living a life of purity, nobility, devotion, and 

 sacrifice. Here was a dumb creature, superior in 

 mental and moral life to many men in high social 

 circles. No duplicity, no profiting by undue advan- 

 tage, no lapses, nothing ignoble, dishonest, or dis- 

 honorable, could at any time be charged against him. 

 Now he was surrendering his life for having saved 

 another's. When mankind fully realize the quiet 

 devotion even under abuse, the sacrifice in spite of 

 neglect, which our dumb friends constantly endure 

 for us, it will be a happy day, for it will indeed 

 make men more merciful. 



