The daily Green Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1861-1865, 1863-04-13
The 0rnhan Boz.

=
oaels had been secured, auG the decks wasleI
down. and the Schooner once more relaPsec
into midnight qliet and reposa. sought NJ.
hammock, and soon Tell asleep. But ny sIum
beIs we're disturbed by wild dreams, which
like the visions Of fever, agjtated and IN
neived me. Suddenly hand was laid on m
shoulder, and starting up, behold the sur
geon's mate
Little Dick, sir, is dying he said.
Al once | spraDg from the hammock. Lit
tie Dick was sort # protege of mine. He wa
pale, delicate child, said TO be an orrhaD
aad used TO gentle nurture and from the frs
hour he joined the schooner, my heart yearnec
toward him, for | 100 had boen triondles
and alone 10 the world. He had often talket
TO me in confidence Of bis mother, who's
memory he regarded with holy reverence
Poor lad ! his heart was in the grave witt
MS lost parents.
During the late fight l owed my life tt
him, for he rushed III just as d sabre stroke
was leveled at nc, and by interposing hi
feeble cutass, had averted the deadly blow
10 the hurry afterward, had forgotten to in
qulTe whether he was hurt, though at thC
tine bad resolved to exert my influence tc
procure him midshjl mans warrant. With
pang OF reproacliul agony, leaped to my
feet.
What = exclaimed, you dent mean
it Tie is not dying
; l fear, SIR said the messenger sadly, that
he cannot live Till morning.
Ard | have been lying idly here q? !
exclaimed, with remorse. Lead me to him
: lie is dellrlous but at the intervals Of
his Iunacy ae asks for you, sir ; aud as the
man spoke We stood at tie bed of the boy.
A battle stained and sgay-haired seaman
stood beside him, holding dull lantern in his
hand, and gazing mourniuiy on the sufferer
The surgeon kneIt, with bis fugor on the
boys pulse. AS | approached they all looked
up. The veteran who held him shook his
head, and would have spoken, bat the tears
gathered too chokingy in his eyes.
The surgeon said
He is going fast, poor little fellow Do
you see this = AS he spoke he Lifted up a
rich gold Iocket, which had lain upon tho boy is
breast He has seen better d. 49,
l could not ansser--my heart was foil.
Here was the being to whom, lew hours be-
fore, | had owed my lifc-a poor, slight IN.
child-ying before me with death
already written on his brew. They noticed
my agitation, and bis old friend the seaman,
who held his hand, said sadly
Poor little Dick, you'll never see the shore
you have wished for SO long. But thereIl be
more than one, when your logs cut, he spoke
with emotion, to mourn over you,'
Sudden y che little fellow opened his eyes,
and looked vacantly around
Has he come J ct 3 he asked, in a low
voice. Why won't he come I?
| am here said |, taking the little fel-
ow's hand. Don't you know me, Dick .
lie smile! family, and then said
You have been kind to me, sir-kipder
han most people are to poor orphan boy.
have no way to show my gratitude, unless
you will take the Bible you will fud in nv
runk. Its small offering | know, but all |
have
burst into tears. lie resumed
Doctor, In dying amt 3 said the lit.
lie fellow; for my sight grows dim. God
,less you, Mr.. Daniorth.'
Can do nothing for you, Dick p said
:. You saved my life would coin my
blood to buy yours
l have nothing to ask don't want to
lve-'opy if it's possible, let me be buried
y my mother You'll find the name of the
,lace in my trunk
Anything yerything-my poor lad !
answered shokiugly.
The little fellow smiled faintIy-it was like
ln ANGELS smile-hnt ho IA ~.