Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1866-12-20

:" Has she gone to pieces2" he whisper
ed, stopping to wipe the blood away that
oozed from his lips
II fear so," / replied; "tbe shore is
strewed with wreck.
II kDow'd she would" ho gasped.-
Poer thingsl poor thipgsl How many
did we bring ashorep" ...
Fifteen" answered.
"Ahi" he groaDed, mot enough, not
enough % -.l ..
But it was q most gallant aot," said,
'and more would have been saved but for
the accident. Where are you hurt? II is
NOT serious. hope2'
'.Serious2" he whispered; and then,
with a sad smile, mo, it amt serious. I'm
the only one hurt, and my times up long
ago-four years and more. So it ain't
serious"
"Where are you hurt ?' / said.
Ribs all crushed" he whispered, 81
was under the gunwale Of the boat, and it.
all over couH see it in the doctors looks. y
A eush Of blood stopped his utterspce,
and ! dared not whisper the comfort could
not feel
"lt IS all right, !" he whispered, after ly.
ing with his eyes closed for about half an
not die better than doin' his duty. / never
thought to. but l always felt as / should
like to die in harness, as they say, and so ]
shall. but wish there had been more"
More what?" 1 asked.
More saved" be whispered. "Yer
see We been afore in action. and the Al
mighty only knows how many souls We
cut off, and thought d like to feel sure
| d saved more than did for--that 8 all.
Perhaps they might go in the scale to help
balance the bad.
But you did all as part Of your duty u
"Ah! J." he whispered, "dutyl Yes
sailors do their duty, and felt it was mine
to go. We old men.o-war's men were train
ed to answer to call in calm or storm, and
when lives were at stake to night. felt that
| was called, and | hope | did my duty. y
"Will you ask them fifteen to just say q
word or two for the old man in their pray
ers. sir; | mean when / m gomez
think | should like them to, for | IN an ole
sailor. and can't boast of my past life. "
Have you no relstives?" | whispered
"no friends that you would like to see ?"
(" Far away-far away" he said, with G
mournful shake Of his head; land some
are waiting for me to join their watch. d.
mt leave me, SIR" he said, piteousy.
/ promised 1 would not, and sat watching
hour after hour, listening to the hard breath
ing Of the sufferer, who seemed to sink into
a state OF stupor, only moaning at intervals
as he tossed his head from side to side O
the pillow, and mutrered D few words bro
ken and half spoken. The storm gradual,
sunk. till the wind quite luiled; and abou
3 clock half drew the curtain and looked
out upon the sea, which still tossed fear
fully, though all above was calm and peace
4 ful-a light cloud just drifting slowly pas
the pale bright moon.
] stood gazing at the soft blue sky, poy
so placid and serene, almost wondering tha
so great change could have taken place
when ! started. for voice behind me Shout
ed Morning watch Draw the curtain
and let that moon shine iD /"
/ obeyed-turning cold and trembling a
did so-stil looking at the dying sailor
who sat erect in the bed "Here !" he said
as approached the bed be seized my hand
"Hark! don't you hear that? It's th
boat swain piping for me to keep my ever
lasting watch. Ay, ay, sir There-har
b, again; There's the waves lashing III
\ further shore. Breakers ahead! breaker
ahead! Look out there! the old vessel
struck, and she's going TO pieces-the stou
old Scventytour. that's weathered so man
storm, going ashore. Farewell, messnate
one short struggle, ~ cold plunge and
hopeful heart-a brave striking out throug
the harsh breakers. Land, ho land no
on the other side-and it's land of rest
land of peace and hope. Now for it
the rush of the dark waters is coming
Observation-Disclosures a bold hear
} messmate. God bless you. I'm goin
, ashore" -,.i
For some minutes sat motonless. Tt
, old mans eye had lighted up as be gaze
straight before him, out upon the meonl
/ heavens His voice seemed to peal fhroug
the silence of the night, till shivered as h
+ described the wreck then taking place. I
the last word. bis voice had rung out lou
and resonant. then he sank back motionle.
upon the pillow-stained now with his lift
blood, and passed softly from the room
for knew that his life bark was strande
by the sea OF Death.