“Well, I had anticipated this delight on my visit to Norway and Sweden in this coming July, but that, I am afraid, will not come—­that is, my visit to Denmark; but I shall hold on to it (D.V.) in connexion with my Annual Campaign in Berlin and round about.  Then I shall expect quite a long stay in your Territory, similar to my last; or better, I hope.

     “I am positively working night and day now, and only hope I shall
     not break down; but I am careful, after all, and seem to be really
     substantially improved.

     “I cannot finish this letter now, and, although it is not worth
     posting, I think it will be best to send it off.  I may put in a
     P.S. if there is opportunity.

     “Anyway, believe me, as ever and for ever,

     “Your affectionate father,

     “W.  B.”

At his last public Meeting to celebrate his 83d birthday, at the Royal Albert Hall, on the 9th day of May, the General had said:—­

“And now comrades and friends I must say good-bye.  I am going into dry dock for repairs, but The Army will not be allowed to suffer, either financially or spiritually, or in any other way by my absence, and in the long future I think it will be seen—­I shall not be here to see, but you will, that The Army will answer every doubt and banish every fear and strangle every slander, and by its marvellous success show to the world that it is the work of God and that The General has been His Servant.”

In his last letter to the Chief, he wrote two months later:—­

     “International Headquarters, London, E.C.

     “July 4, 1912.

     “My Dear Chief,—­

     “I am pleased to hear that you are sticking to your intention of
     going away for a few days, in spite of my continued affliction, for
     affliction it can truthfully be called.

“I am very poorly, and the trial of it is that I cannot see any positive prospect of a definite, speedy recovery.  But it will come; I have never seriously doubted it.  God won’t let me finish off in this disheartening manner—­disheartening, I mean, to my comrades, and to those I have to leave with the responsibility of keeping the Banner flying.  God will still do wonders, in spite of men and devils.

“All will be well.  Miriam will get well, Mary will get well, and both be brave warriors.  Florrie will flourish more than ever, and you will be stronger; and, although it may require more patience and skill, I shall rally!

“I am in real pain and difficulty while I dictate this.  These horrid spasms seem to sit on me like a mountain, but I felt I could not let you go without a longer good-bye and a more affectionate kiss than what is so ordinarily.  This is a poor thing, but it speaks of the feeling of my heart, and the most fervent prayer of my soul.  Love to all,

     “Yours, as ever,