Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-12-17

showed that it was completely strewn with
the wreck; and looked with horror upon
the various signs which so plainly disclosed
the fate of the good ship. Spar, plank.
beam, and cask, entangled with ropes,
were being churned over and over In the
sand; andtwicc saw something dragged
ashore. and carried away, which sent a
shudder through my frame.
At last, heart-sick and weary,'l turned
away, and inquired where the crew OF the
boat were and who had suffered; when,
to INV sorrow, l learned that the only one
seriously injured was old Marks, who had
so gallantly set the example that evening
an example which had resulted in the
saving of fifteen poor creatures from a
watery grave.
On entering the village, soon found
where the old man had been conveyed,
and few minutes after was at the bed
side of the sufferer. found him sensible
but with change in his countenance that
no amount of pain Or suffering alone would
have placed there. He was quite calm,
and smiled as entered
HAS she gone to pieces Pr he whispered,
stopping to wipe the blood away that oozed
from his lips.
II fear so," / replied; 1.-THE shore is
strewn with the wreck"
II knowed she would" he gasped.
Poor things. poor things! How many
did we bring ashore p
told him fifteen.
''Ah!' he groaned, ''not enough, not
enough"
'.But it was most gallant act" said
land more would have been saved but for
the accident. Where were you hurt? 1t
is not serious, hope ?"
Serious ?" he whispered; and then,
with sad smile; mo; it amt serious.
I'm the only one hurt; and my times up
long ago-four years and more. So it
Amt serious"
Where are You hurt ?" | said.
cribs all crushed" he whispered. ~
was under the gunwale of the boat; and
it's all over. could see it in the doctors
looks"
A gush of blood stopped his utterance,
and dared not whisper the comfort
could not feel.
"It's all right, sir, he whispered, after
lying with his eyes closed for about half
an hour-''It's all right, and an old tar
couldn't die better than doing his duty. |
never thought to; but always felt as
should like to die in harness, ashley say.
and so shall; but wish there had been
more"
..More whatp" l said
"More saved" he whispered, Yer see
I've been afore now in action; and the AL
mighty only knows how many souls I've
cut off; and should like to feel sure as
I'd saved more than l did for-that's all.
Perhaps they might go in the scale, to help
balance the bad"
'Rut you did all as part of your duty.
"Ahr' he whispered, duty. Yes,
sailors should do their duty and ! felt it
was mine, tonight to go. We old men
o'-wars men were trained to answer to a
cali in calm or storm; and when lives
were at stake tonight, felt that was
called, and hope did my duty. Will
you ask them fifteen to say a word or two
for the old man in their prayers, sir: l
mean when I'm gone? / think / should
like them to, for m an old sailor. and
can't boast of my past life.
Have you no relatives?" | whispered
mo friends that you would like to seeP"
'Far away-far away" he said, with a
mournful shake of the head; land some
are awaitin' for me to join their watch.
Don't leave me, sir" he said piteously.
promised would not; and sat watch
ing hour after hour listening TO the hard
breathing 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 of the pillow, and nuttered a
few words broken and half-spoken. The
storm gradually sunk, till the wind quite
lulled; and about three o'clock half drew
the curtain and looked out upon the sea, |
which still tossed fearfully; though all
above was calm and peaceful light
cloud just drifting slowly past the pale,
bright moon.
/ stood gazing at the soft blue sky, now
so placid and serene, almost wondering
that so great change could have taken
place, when started, for voice behind
me shouted: Morning watch. Draw the
curtain, and let that moon shine in"
! obeyed-turning cold and trembling
as did so-still looking at the dying sal
Tor, who sat erect in the bed. "Here,"
he said; and as approached the bed he
seized my hand. "Hark! don't you hear
that? It's the bostswain piping for me to
keep my everlasting watch. Ay, ay, sir.
There-hark again! There's the waves
a-lashing upon the further shore. Break
ers ahead! Look out there! The old YES
sells struck. and she's going to pieces
the old seventy tours weathered SO many
a storm. going ashore. Farewell, mess
mates one short struggle, one cold plunge,
and a hopeful heart-a brave striking out
through the harsh breakers! Land, no.
land, no. on the other side-and it's land !
Of rest-a land of peace and hope. Now
for it! The rush of the dark waters is COM
Observation-Disclosures bold
heart, messmate. God bless you I'm
going ashore"
For some minutes, sat motionless.
The old mans eye had lighted up as he
gazed straight before him, out upon the
moonlit heavens. His voice seemed to
peal through the silence of the night, till
l shivered as he described the wreck
taking place. To the last word, his voice
had rung out loud and resonant; then he
sank back, motionless upon the pillow
stained now with his lfe-blood; and
passed softly from the room. for knew
that his life-bark was stranded by the sea
Of Death.
AL L., Co. al,