The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1854-09-01

having sent them Tier 0S-l advanced 10 int spol
where poor Elliott had fallen.
He was lying on his face in pool Of blood, his
lands clurchpg the grass. bis hair and uniform
dabied in blood, and his fine manly form (he was
one OF the finest looking fellows IN the army with
three Or four ghastly wounds. 'Ah !! poor fellow
poor fellow said, |, as | stood and gazed upon
him; for though was rid of mortal enemy, l
could not help feeling sorry that SO brave soldier
should thus perish like dog, shot down by an
unseen foe. But thank God! IejncuIatcd with a
thrill Of ndscribable pleasure, thank God! did
not kill him !
| had turned hlm over on his back, aud as |
thus stood morasing, 7 thought perceived his
bosom heave, placed my hand rpon his heart,
and found tha, he still lived. AS kncI, by him
| uncertain what to do, he opened his half glazed
eyes, and saw his parched lips try 10 TORN the
word water! My first impulse was to run TO the
brook which flowed a short distance; my next
TO stop short and consider Should restore 10 life
the man Who, few minutes before, had been
rhirsting fot my blood who had hated me all his
lille who had wronged me, slig ghted me, and even
called me coward No would leave him to the
late which his own rashness had provoked. /
turned my back upon him; but suddenly, as il
traced with finger Of fire, there were borne io
upon my mind the words Of Holy Writ: If thine
enemy hunger, give him food if he thirst, give
him drink. And fast upon them came that other
Divine sentence: 'ln0smuch ye did it not unto
these, ye did it not unto Me!'
| seized his cap and ran TO the brook for wafer
with which moistebed his parched lips, anG bathed
his CORY temples. Taking my case OF instruments
from my pocket, then proceeded to probe his
wounds. The Mexcans, forgot 70 mention, had
rIfed him OF his watch and other valua bles; ; but,
in tearing open his Shirt found small loeket
suspended from mis- neck by hair-chain, which
had escaped their search. opened it. 1t con-
taned his mothers portrait. (4e her only
500, and she was a widow.) Thank God = ]
again calculated that mothers curse will moi light
on me-
What to do with my patient, after having Dress
ed his wounds, was what puzzled me. To remove
him myself was impossible; to leave him there
exposed to wild beasts, and TO The burning rays of
the sun, after having partially restored him to life,
seemed cruel and unnatural; but there no
alternative. Before leaving him, however, half
carried, half dragged him into the shade Of tree
about hundred yards distant. 1t would be im-
possible to describe my sensations when found
myself with my deadly enemy my orme--tho
Two hearts so lately boiling with malice and
revenge, and all the darkest passions OF our nature,
now throbbng peacefully against each other; his,
poor fellow with motion SO faint and low as to
be scarcely perccptible.
Well, hurried to the encampment for assistance,
many weeks he lay lowering between life and
death; for the pain Of his wounds, which were
very severe, the loss of blood, and the exposure
to the sun, brought on brain fever, and nothing but
the most unremItting care and attention saved his
life. He bore his sufferIngs with noble endurance,
hich is true heroism, and which, let me tell you,
Is much rarer article than mere courage ia the
field. In fact, he displayed during his sickness so
many admirable qualities, that 1t was mystery
l. .h-,o
SO completely. Whether it owing to this, or
to my having done him service, | cannot tell
but insensiby the hatred all melted from my heart,
and in its stead sprung up strong feeling of regard
for him. Curious, wasn't it !
But whether this Ieeiing was reciprocated or not,
knew not for although his manner toward me
was peculiarly soft and gentle, and his eyes would
light up when | approached his couch, he remained
as tacurn and reserved as ever, and never made
any allusion to the subject Of our quarrel. felt
a little pqued at his silence for could not help
thinking that my having saved him from misera-
bic death deserved at least few words of acknowI-
edgment More than once he seemed on the point
of broaching the subject: but he appeared to be
waiting for me to begin it, and | O. course, waited
for him.
At last, he was So FAR recovered that my profes
sonal services were no longer required. As rose
to take leave of my last visit, siguifed as much
10 him, and added:
Sam | TO understand, Captain Elliot, that we
return to the same footing were on before 2
"The same footing? God lorbd!'' he exclaimed,
with sudden earncstness that surprised me.
because" continued !, If you wish 10 finish
he quarrel so inoPporuneiy interrupted, you will
find me ready at any time"
"Do YOU wish to renew tha: unhappy quarrel - |
asked he, an expression of deep disappointment
Dversprcadng his countenance.
"Who, /? Most certainly no.,' said |; 'but
you demanded satisfaction, Captain Elliott, and
until that demand is Withdrawn, | must, Of course,
hold my self in readiness to grant it,.
Il withdraw it now.'' said he speaking very
quick. i ask your pardon for my rash and in.
furious words. If that will not satisfy you, will
bare my bosom 10 your sword, but will never
said he with emotion, raise my hand against the
mobiles the magnanimous preserver OF my life !
Those were his words. After pause, he added: |
Dr. c., we have all our lives misunderstood !
each other--beleve me, had known your worth
'ooner would have acknowledged it. We have
been enemies long enough-Iet US now be friends.
Will you try TO overlook what is past1 Will you
De my friend z
"My dear Captain Eolt!'' cried /, deeply |
ouched by his speech, Il am your friend. Since
carried you in my arms in that lonely glade Of
he chapparn, have become much aitacbed TO |
you that would as soon shoot my own brother
IS Iift finger against you
| held out nv hand 10 him, but he threw HIM !
self on my breast. and burst into tenrs, Tor his
nerves were weak 18th his recent illness.