Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1855-12-07

obtrusive, modest reserve. The meal
was eaten mostly in silence. could
see that the other officers gazed up
on the youth with looks of ad,niring
wonder, and even Captain Savage
was humbled and awed.
Legrand saw the looks that were
cast upon him, and he knew well
what they meant. After he had
finished his supper he wiped his lips
and we knew from his movements,
that he was going to speak. A pin
might have been heard to drop al the
moment.
Gentlemen he said, while a
slight tremulousness was manifest in
his neither lip. You all know wha,
has passed since ! came on board
this ship, and shall not recount the
painful tale. heard the word,
copard and have not resented II,
and had not this days events come
to pass, should not have made the
explanation which am now about TO
make, for it might only have been
received as the hollow excuse OF one
who dared not fight. You have
some Of you heard of my father lie
was a brave man, and good officer,
but IN an evil hour he had n difficulty
with brother officer, aud he accept
ed a challenge to fight duel. He
met his companion upon the held,
and he fell. He had marched boldly
up TO the cauuon's mouth for his be-
loved country, aud his life was spared
that his bosom friend might take ii.
My mother heard The sad story. She
knew my hot blood-she knew |
was fathers child, and she feared
for me. She drew my head upon
her grIef-laden bosom, and asked me
to promise her tina, would never give
or receive ID challenge TO mortal COM
bat, and | would never lend my
countenance or assistance TO the
same in the capacity of friend. |
made the promise aud sealed it with
a vow, and Il mothers prayer went
up that might be true to H. Gen
tlemen, you know all now.
There was tear in his eye, but he
turned quickly away and went OH
deck.
For some moments after he had
gone, there was death-lke stiffness
Gentlemen uttered Savage, start
quickly from his seat, follow me OF
deck
lie started for the ladder, and we
all went after him. Leg,and stood
ny the qualer-ra'ling, and Savage
moved quickly to han.
, Mr. Legrand,' said the humbleC
: officer, in a trembling, but frank tone
I have wrouged you most deeply
e aud here before all the living wit
uesses of my error, ! ask your pardon
e Forgive me, SIT, and ! will never d
such wrong again.
r Walter took the proffered hanc
r, and while tears trembled upon hi
+ dark lashes, he replied
; Captain Savage, most loyfully d
r | accede 10 your request. Let IN
e past be forgotten, sir, and may il
d darkness be more than obliterate
= by the friendship of this hour
e The temptation could not be re
{ sisted My first mate, nohl
. hearted sailor, threw up his cap an
!, called out for three cheers. An
h they were given three times tire
e for the noble youth who had NJ
d only been the direct agent of savin
e our ship and crew, but who also ha
\, the moral courage to do his Who'll
n duty, even though it brought out III
le leer and scott of companions again
sr MIN.
re The widowed mother hal follow
ed her son Oh deck, aud she ha
/ seen all that had iranspired, an
ID never shall forget the strange loo
IL that dwelt upon her countenance I
10 she clasped her hands and raised h,
id streaming eyes towards heaven.
ID was II look Of such Joyful pride an
lie ardent gratitude as words cannot lei
N la due time we arrived al CalcutI
lie without further trouble and from thi
ne evening of reconciliation heard II,
"a prolane word nor ribald Jest ia
10 from Captain Savage's lips. lie WI
" a better and happier man. Waite
ID Legrand was urged most strongly
an Join the army, but his love for IA
m mother restrained hlm. He settle
n his fathers business, ana he aud b
- mother returned TO England with III
y Three years after that he was sent
no Parllment from his native boroug
he and no man can ENJOY more ho
a or than he does but | know I'll
IN ali ,ne honors which men can hef
nd upon hun can never take that plat
no 10 his heart and love which is file
n by the gratitude aud trusting con
er dence OF his own dear mother.
I'd A ROMANTIC INCIDENTAL soldi'
I'd who was present at the capture
/. l A