1845.]  Something  to  Die  For.  105

<  Wo'n't  you  just  sign  this  petition  V  said  Prattle ;  '  it  dates  a  week
back,  and  you  can  sign  it  at  the  head.'

'  A  weak  back,'  said  Prent ;  '  contains  a  complaint  does  it  ?  Well,
yes ;  I  '11  sign  the  petition  and  say  my  prayers.  But,  look  here ;  do  n't
send  for  the  doctor ;  it 's  no  use.'

'  Yes,'  said  Prattle,  imploringly.
'  No,'  said  Prent,  decidedly,  and  coughed.  Coughing  loudly,  for  a
sick  man,  he  frightened  Prattle  into  making  out  his  will  immediatelyi
for  there  was  some  danger  of  its  shaking  his  intention.
The  will  was  drawn  up  in  due  form,  and  without  ceremony.
As  Prattle  sat  by  the  bed,  he  thought  during  the  intervals  between
Prent's  remarks ;  and  when  Prent  said, '  I  feel  easier  now,'  he  thought
'  so  do  I.'    <  In  my  mind,'  said  Prent.
'  In  my  pocket,'  thought  Prattle.
*  It  '11  lengthen  my  life  full  twelve  hours,'  said  Prent.
*  And  my  purse  full  twelve  shillings,'  thought  Prattle.
After  half  an  hour  Mr.  Prattle  went  away,  and  after  him  went  a
week  from  that  date.
