Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1862-02-14


the striking hours again. The chaplain
still sat up in his own room, writing letters
for three or four Of the wounded soldiers,
and a strange stiffness fell around him, as
he closed the last sheet, and sat back with
folded hands, to think. He could not tell
why, but do what and 90 where he would,
the face of The young volunteer with whom
he had spoken last, haunted him. He arose
to move to the window, where the breeze
was cooler, when knock was heard at the
door. and a rapid voice called, "Chaplain ~
He hurried to lift the latch. The surgeon
stood there. looking like shadow in the
dim moonlight that crept into the passage
Chaplain, sorry to disturb you, and
more sorry still to give you an unpleasant
duty to preform."
why, what is it r. was the quick re.
joinder.
:" The fine young fellow whom you
talked with is going"
nat you do not mean"---
Won't live more than an hour or two.
at the most. / tried to tell him, but
couldn't; and anally thought ofyou. You
can ease it, you know"
A great shadow fell on the chaplain for
a moment he was stunned and shocked, and
his voice grew husky as he made reply:
sit is a sad errand but none the less my
duty. Poor Fellow! / can't realize it, in.
decd, cannot. His voice was so strong
his manner so natural I'll be there
presently
And LETT alone, he thew himself upon bis
knees to wrestle for strength in prayer.
Tie atmosphere was filed with low sighs
from the sirugglers with pain and disease.
Going softly up TO the couch at which he
had stood bcfore, The chaplain gazed upon
the face before him. 1t looked as calm as
that Of sleeping infant, but he did not
sleep. Hearing slight noise, his eyes
flew open and rested in some surprise upon
thu chaplain.
Il itlt as if must see you again before
retired" said lhe latter, striving to steady
his voice. " How do you feel now r
o, better, thank YOU; in fac, almost
well The pam is gone, and feel quite
hopeful. l rather think the surgeon does,
tI,auoh ~ s.,d o,t,;npo
A.ain that fearful swelling in the chap
lain, throat. How should he tell him of
his da'ger--how prepare the mind so calm
ly resting on certaiut, ?-Ihe poor, hope
ful soul that would never look with earthly
eyes on the mother he SO loHg'd for. AN
other moment, and the young man appear
ed TO be struck with some peculiarly in the
face or movements of the chaplain. Tie
large eyes sought his with an intenseness
that was pain, and he strove 10 interpret
that which made the difference between
t, is and his former eemennor.
Your cares weary you, chaplain" he
said quietly; 'you must be very faithful,
for it is past midnight"
81 was on the point ofgoing 10 bed when
/ was called to prepare dying man for his
last hour" was the fearful response.
Inleed what poor fellow goes next r.
rejoined the young man, with look of
inquiry.
There was no answer; for the wealth of
worlds the chaplain could not have spoken
now. That tone so unconscious of danger
that eye SO full of sympathy Still strange
silence What did it mean The sick mans |
glance changed for moment to
one of intense terror. He raised both arms, |
let them fall heavily upon the coverlet at
his side, and in voice totally altered by
emotion, he gasped
Great heaven you mean me-"
My dear friend y said the chaplain, un-
manned.
81 am to die, nd-how-long p
His eye onoe more sought that of his chap
lain.
You have made your peace with God,
let death come as soon as it will, he will car
ry you over the river"
f" Yes but this is awfally sudden aw-
fully sudden!' his lips quivered he looked
up grievigly-"and | shall not see my
mother"
Christ is better than a mother" muir
mured the chaplain.
Yes" The word came in Whisper
His eyes were closed; the lips still wore
that trembling grief, as if the chastisement |
were too sore, too hard TO be borne; but as |
the minutes passed, and the soul lifted itself
up stronger and more steadily upon the
wings of prayer, the countenance grew cal
ner, the lip sieadier, and when The eyes |
were opened again, there was light in
heir depths that could have come only siom
heaven.
= thank you for your courage" he said,
more seeby, taking the hand of the chap
lain. "The bitterness is over now, and / |
feel willing to die. Tell my mother"-he
paused, gave one sob, dry, and full of the
hast anguish of earth-"tell her how long /
Al 70 so har hut ;f Cd ,,-,il ,,arr,;t 80 1