the dying murmurs of every common man and woman were listened for and kinsfolk. these sayings no matter how unimportant, were given oracular significance and pondered by those who must one day go the same road.

among the watchers there was always the hope that the dying nman might reveal something of what he alone could see;
that his countenace, if not his lips, would speak, and on his features would fall some light or shadow from beyond.