Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1858-06-15
MORNING LEADER.
THE SAILOR OR ARTIST.
BY mrs. n. A. DExxIsoS.

"There. now, can breathel" exclaimed tall,
dark man, as he flung aside his discOlOred brush
and leaned heavily against q hammock, swung
up between decks on board a man of war abe
blessed if aint little proud of that, >" he nut
tered again in an undcriOne, his dark eye kind
ling as he gazed, and his swarthy face lighting
up with sudden inspiration.
A soft, mellow light, streamed down the hatch
way, and glowed over a square surface on which
was sketched, with vivid eOlOring, the face Of a
beautiful infant Itwas painted upon WOOD, the
surface of which was smoothly finished and
polished; but one Indifferent to art could not but
be startled at the exceeding perfection of the
coloring, the sweet TcpOse Of the features, aud
an infant grace, which, diffused over the coun-
tenanee, gave it that raPt expression which the
face Of an unconscious babe some times as
sumes.
'HullOa. my boy, just in time" exclaimed
the sailor roughly, lifting his noble head, and eX-
posing beneath the rim Of his blue collar, neck
almost as white as snow.
snow be off with yOu," he continued, placing
the picture in the hands of a small, timid look
ing lad, "and see if you can't make a better bar
gain than you did with my last. I'm going
ashore tomorrow, and mean to have a spree
and no mistake"
"Jack, sPreeing will be the death Of you yet, "
said n small, sprightly tar, as he sprang from
the hammock where he had been mapping; "it's
too bad to see fine fellow like you going to
ruin"
A frown and half muttered curse was the
only reply of the reckless sailor. He knelt down
and gathered up the materials Of his work. and
placed them away in his chest
Meanwhile the boy who had been rowed
ashore, took his accustomed station on the
square. Through the long perspective street,
the blue waters of the Mediterranean could be
family seen by the vivid sparkle of the sunshine
on their calm suriace. For an hour the child
stood patiently with the picture in his hand,
holding it forth to every passer by; some gazed
curiOusly, some started with astonishment, and
all appeared to be struck with the beauty of his
face, but none purchased.
Almost discouraged, little Kit, as he was cali
ed among the sailors, was about tn give up, and
go TO his humble home for bis dinner; but he
saw in the distance gentleman coming along,
accompanied by beautiful young lady, and
feeling sort of presentiment that they would be
customers, he placed the picture in the best
light and anxiOOsly awaited their nOgling. As
they drew near and caught sight Of the painting,
they moved more slowly and finally stopped di-
rectly in front of little Kit.
"Why, Henry" exclaimed he'sweet looking
girl, in slow measured and surprised tones, at
is the very image Of sisters little Alice; who
could have knOwni Who could have painted
thisi"
at is, indeed, most surprising likeness, ("
said her companion, abstraetedly; ayet what 4
holy face, it has the expression hers wore Just
before she died; DO you rememberi"
Perfectly, little darlingl" whispered tho
u1af cnffly and farI.rfrr I.-
filed with tears; sit seems as if she was before
us now"
at is very superior painting" murmured
the gentleman. scrutinizing it more closely
"Where did you get it, boyi" he inquired, look
ing suspieiously at the child.
repsd XII fe says e i gong gs6s 81 I i9n sres es 20
morrow" he added, artlessly.
"Who Is Jack Halidayi"
"Why, aman-Of-war's man, on board the Fal
con, lying out here in the stream"
sHOw came he by it, Nonderi" continued
the gentleman, taking up the picture to exam
inc it.
''Ol he made it." said tas boy earelessly.
"Humphi" :" exclaimed the gentleman, he
must be rare sailor, how much does he ask for
it, 10y -
Il sold the last one for Eve dollars, he wants
me to get seven for this and not let it go un-
der" was the reply
"Well," said ihe gentleman, taking out his
purse, ''if ne is calculating on a fine spree out
of the money, FIVE is enough; bat I'll give you
seven forit, as it resembles very much little
relative of ours who has htelydied You can
come along TO our boarding place and bring il,
it is but square of
al don't half believe the boy, he continued,
in lower tone to the lady, ''bui Frank is sec
ond Lieutenant on the Falcon, fOu know, and
We are to visit The ship tO-mOrDw, BY his re-
quest can find out if there Is such a famous
painter as Jack Halliday, in the erviee."