Screwing up every ounce of courage that I could muster, I approached the
Miller, he was in a dreadful state. In his death agonies he had bled
profusely from his nose and mouth. I could not in all conscience leave
him in that state. Collecting a bucket of water and some rags, I first
closed his sightless staring eyes, then tenderly I began to wash his
face. As I washed I talked to him. "How now, Master Joseph, this a
pretty pass, broken on a wheel, a fitting end for a Saint, but not a
Miller. You drank like a Lord, lived like a beggar to what purpose? As
you told me so often the Lord moves in mysterious ways his wonders to
perform. So it is with your demise, which, I would have not compassed
for a King's ransom. Thy death hath restored freedom to my family and
lifted the burden of debt from their shoulders. Rest assured Master
Joseph, from this day forward until my last breath, I will pray for your
immortal soul, as you have neither chick nor child to intercede on your
behalf. I pray you Master take this my blessing, rest in peace, unhappy
perturbed soul." I blessed him and placed my fingers on his cold lips.
Then with light feet and a heavy heart began preparations for my escape
from bondage. This book was previously published under the title 'Human
Bondage'.
