“‘Once, always—­now, never.’

“This answer surprised me very much; and I endeavored gently to impress him with the fact that a more devout frame of mind would be becoming in him, and with the great necessity of his being prepared to die; but he remained silent.

“A few days afterwards, I asked him whether he would not permit me to send for the Rev. Dr. B——­, a most kind man in sickness, who would be of the utmost service to him in his present situation.  He declined firmly and positively. Then I determined to solve this mystery, and to understand this strange phase of character in a mere child.  ‘My dear boy,’ said I, ’I implore you not to act in this manner.  What can so have disturbed your young mind?  You certainly believe there is a God, to whom you owe a debt of gratitude?’

“His eye kindled, and to my surprise, I might almost say horror, I heard from his young lips—­

“‘No, I don’t believe that there is a God!’

“Yes, that little boy, young as he was, was an atheist; and he even reasoned in a logical manner for a mere child like him.

“‘I cannot believe there is a God,’ said he; ’for if there were a God, he must be merciful and just; and he never, never, NEVER could have permitted my father, who was innocent, to be hanged!  Oh, my father! my father!’ he exclaimed, passionately, burying his face in the pillow, and sobbing as if his heart would break.

“I was overcome by my own emotion; but all that I could say would not change his determination; he would have no minister of God beside him—­no prayers by his bedside.  I was unable, with all my endeavors, to apply any balm to his wounded heart.

“A few days after this, I called, as usual, in the morning, and at once saw very clearly that the little boy must soon depart.

“‘Willie,’ said I, ’I have got good news for you to-day.  Do you think that you can bear to hear it?’ for I really was at a loss how to break to him what I had to communicate.

“He assented, and listened with the deepest attention.  I then informed him, as I best could, that, from circumstances which had recently come to light, it had been rendered certain that his father was entirely innocent of the crime for which he had suffered an ignominious death.

“I never shall forget the frenzy of emotion which he exhibited at this announcement.  He uttered one scream—­the blood rushed from his mouth—­he leaned forward upon my bosom—­and died!”

* * * *

I leave this, friend Godey, with your readers.  I had much more to say; and, perhaps, should it be desirable, I may hereafter give you one more chapter upon children.

* * * * *

SONG OF THE STARS.

E PLURIBUS UNUM—­“Many in One.”

A NATIONAL SONG.

BY THOMAS S. DONOHO.

  “E PLURIBUS UNUM!” The world, with delight,
  Looks up to the starry blue banner of night,
  In its many-blent glory rejoicing to see
  AMERICA’S motto—­the pride of the Free!