The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1862-03-08
THE DYING SOLDIER.

The chaplain came at last to cot set
somewhat By itself outside the wards. Here,
reclining at length, was young man, whose
face bore slight traces of suffering. 1t was
flushed with hue like that of health the
eyes were undimmed. and only the position
of his hands, which were thrown over his
head, and locked in almost spasmodic tight
ness, told that he was IN pain. He was un-
usually noble in countenance. His brow
was broad and fair, and the thick locks that
clustered back from the temples curled like
the ringlets of boy. He knew not why,
but the chaplain experienced an unsual and
sudden sympathy for this young man,
struck down in his beauty still he felt there
was no immediate danger in his case.
"How is he wounded % be asked of the
surgeon, as the two approached the bed
softly.
''In the right side, below the ribs" was
the reply.
els be in danger?''
go, no; that is, not at present. The case
may take bad turn, to be sure but it looks
very well now. Charles" he added, ad
dressing the sick man Familiarity, ''the chap
lain is going the rounds would you like to
see him ?''
go! certainly" exclaimed the young man,
smiling. II am very glad TO see him -
and he held out his hand. His voice was
strong and ringing, as with the highest
health, his clasp was vigorous.
81 am sorry to find you wounded, my
FRIEND" said the chaplain.
90, only the casualty of war /; we must
some of US expect it, You know
do you suffer much 90
cat times, sir, very severely; feel 80
well, only the distress here;'' and he press
ed his hand to his side.
"You will be up soon, hope"
"Itrust so, sir; the doctors say it is bad
wound. but will yield with care. only
wish had my mother here. She has heard
of it, and doubtless, started before this.
1t will seem so comfortable to see her; you
don't know how l long for her,
when the hardy soldier feels the pang of
pain. 1t is your name he calls, your form
he sees through the mists of delirium, your
voice he hears in every gentle word that is
spoken. He knows whose touch will be
tenderest, through the sympathy of suffer
| ing; he knows who has borne the most for
him; and on the tented fields. the holy name
of mother receives fresh baptism of love
and beauty.
81 can imagine how you feel" said the
chaplain, ''and have no doubt you will
see her soon. Meanwhile you know there
is a friend who will be to you more than
mother or father, sister or brother
II realize that, sir" said the young man;
Il am professor of religion, and have
before, commended my soul to Him for
I IL, 20
live for. l am not brought yet where l am
perfectly willing to die
at may be for the reason that you are
not yet called to de- replied the chaplain;
''but in life you know it is the one impor-
tant thing to be prepared for DEATH"
After a short prayer, the minister and the
sick man parted. He seems very strong
and sanguine,' be said, as he met the sur
geon again, "and likely to recover"
''No doubt of It, sir, no doubt" was the
hasty reply of the surgeon, as he passed on.
The hour of midnight had struck from
the great hall. Slowly and solemnly il
knelled the departing moments, and its echo
rolled through the halls, vibrating on many
an ear that would never hear the sound Of
the striking hours again. The chaplain
for three or four Of the wounded soldiers
and strange stiffness fell around him, as h,
closed the last sheet and sat back with fold
ed hands to think. He could not tell why
but do what and go where he would, thu
face of the young volunteer with whom h'
had spoken last haunted him. He arose t.
! move to the window where the breeze wa
cooler, when knock was heard at the door
and rapid voice called, "Chaplain?" H
| hurried to lift the latch. The surgeon stood
there, looking like shadow in the dim moon
light that crept into the passage.
chaplain, sorry to disturb you. anC
more sorry still to give you an unpleasant
, duty to perform"
"Why, what is it?" was the quick re
r joinder.
"The fine young fellow whom you talk
ed with is going.''
"What, you do not mean
"Won't live an hour or two at the most
tried to tell him, but couldn't; and final
ly I thought of you. You can ease it
you know
A great shadow fell on the chaplain TO
a moment he was stunned and checked, ant
his voice grew husky as he made reply.
eft is a sad errand, but none the less my
duty. Poor fellow I can't realize it, in
{ deed I cannot. His voice was so strong
his manner SO natural! I'll be there pres
entity" And left alone, he threw himsel
upon his knees to wrestle for strength ii
prayer.