Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1845-03-07
From the Knikerbocker.
Something to Die For.

was going TO die; that is, he was coming to |
his end. OF what? Will yon have the an-
sWer OF last month, or last year! It's quite |
unimportant to me which. Last week he was
dying of consumption; last month of apo
plexy; last year Of cancer; and it was as
likely the year before to have been an aneu-
Iism as palsy. But he thought Of dying,
and had thought of it off and on generally on)
| tor three years. Three years-till finally he
reduced it to certainty (he feared) and him
sell to a shadow; and pretty distinct shadow
lies true.
| He looked at his hand one day; there was
little blue spot on it. Notifying, no doubt
very. What would become of his pennman-
ship! Of hand at least. -Four and twenty
hours relieved him: all right; only STAIN
He walked in Precipitation of delight to the
! open window; but where was his happiness,
when two minutes after he put his hand upon
his brow and felt cold drops standing there
Oh! where was it! Going in consumption;
last stage-hasty at that; named in two words,
cough and coffin.
Bed, blood root and blister.
| Prent was wing and wag, and both to-
gether sometmes-unsteady.
Not so much my feelings as my friends
said PIent feebly; nor my pains as my prin-
ciples, grieve for. What III become of the
party! not that which comes to t. (tea he
was about to say, but growing short of breath
got out tut instead, which was Just as well,)
but which goes to the polls! I'm going, and
my friends know it: it's erpect-nr4ttors with
me. but not with them.
No no. said his friend Prattle, the lawyer;
don't give way TO such feelings. Cheer up
Cheer np!' said Prent, ION what! Spirits
of ntre!-pool cheer, take it, He did; 'and
as for giving way, there's no help for it nor
from it. | tell you my friend, I'm a gone
coon!' He smiled feebly. 'I've felt like it
ever since the last election
Stuff said Prattle 'stuff!'
'Which?' asked Prent; my medicine or my
meals? l havn't eaten any thing SO large as
cracker since yesterday. I'm an unsound IL
yer. though not bilious
'Well,' said Prattle, 'if you really think so,
| will send for the doctor; and,' suggested he,
perhaps I'd better make out your wil.'
I The best thing you can do; and give me
my testament said Prent.
Won't you sign this pettion?' said Pratt
tie; 1T dates week back, and YOU can sign it
at the head
"A week back said prent, contains COM
plant does it! Well, yes; I'll sign the petit
lion and say my prayers. But look here ;
don't send for the doctor; it's no use
Yes said Praitle, imploringly.
No. said Prent decidedly; and coughed.
Coughing loudly, for sick man, he Tighten
ed Prattle into making out his will immedi-
ately. for there was some danger OF its sha-
> king his intentions.
The will was drawn up in due form, and
i''out ceremony.
As Pratte sat by the bed, he thought du-
ring the intervals between Pren,'s remarks;
and when Prent said, 4 feel easier now he
thought so 90 l. In my mind said Prent.
In my pocket thought Prattle.
1t III lengthen my life full twelve hours,
said Prent.
and my purse full twelve shllings,
+ thought Prattle.
f After half an hour Mr.. Prattle went away,
and after him went week from that date.
Not so Prent; he got so he could sit up and
take things'-so that he could stand. III
leaves me with a rheumatism said Prent; j
> wish it had left me alone 'Ah!' continued
+ he, I'm only twenty live, but I've PRESENT.
. ment that l shan't live long. In, a single
\ man, too nothing to mar my happiness
!. Why should die! | haven't done any thing
9 very bad, save that last painting. well,
5 thought Prent, if I've got to die, III get mar
O ried and have something TO die for; | will
n And he would have done it directly, only
0 that the rheumatism attacked him just then
but at the first opportunity, that is, as soon as
d he could, he took the preliminary step. HI
took the steps to three-story house.
e Mr.. Prent!' said the waiter.
: That's me- said Prent, walking into the
= parlor.'
How is Miss Bachelor!'
Miss Bachelor was young lady Of abou
thirty, with very fresh countenance and {
very red overwhelmingly led; she bore thu
appearance of one having the influenza all he
life, and never using anything for 1t but he
pocket-handkerchief.
Miss Bachelor was Pretty we'll as com
: mon, thankee,' and Miss Latele,' said Prem
j. to a very pretty niece of Miss Bachelor's.-
Il How are you?'
J. Very well,' she warbled.
Prent was the only gentleman present. H
= sat himself down, and in five minutes thereaf
, ter was in town. as the saying goes.
=, He felt happy and he looked happy. Ri
~ thought perhaps he would have some difficult
u ty in getting Miss Latelle, but even that pro
:: duced pleasurable excitement. The reason
70 for his belief were good too. He was no
handsome, and Miss Latelle had refused thre
N already. But she was the first girl of his &C
n quaintance, and he determined to commenc
n. at a No /, and try down to 'eet,' with n
number.
be To his surprise he advanced rapidly; fror
40 The weather TO love in single leap; to matr
J. mony in one more. How well feel, though
Prent.
He was about proposing, when Miss Bacl
= elor said, in a voice to which cotiee-ml
= would have been music; Il declare, fes
Il quite chilly1' There was no doubling herv'
racity, but ii was. Prent thought awkward
II say so at the moment. Suppose she wash
I'm wasn't his fault. He wished her in the sou'
its of France, or the kitchen-stove rather tia
ny there.
en- 1T is. rather chilly,' said Prent.