Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1873-04-24


Che took out his watch and held it in his
hand) ''and if you don't tell the truth
afore the times up, I'll hang you like a
dog"
sThe crew all stared at one another as
if they couldn't believe their ears I
did't believe mine, l can tell ye), and
then a low growl went among them,
like a wild beast a wakin' out of a nap"
"Silence there" shouts the mate, in
voice the roar of no'-easter. "Stand
by to run for'ard!" :" and with his own
hands he put the moose round the boys
neck. The little feller never finched g
bit; but there were some among the
sailors (big strong chaps that could ha'
felled an OK as shook like leaves IN the
wind. As for me, | bethought myself
O little curly haired lad at home, and
how it nd be if any ole was to go for to
hang him; and at the very thought ont
| tingled all over, and my fingers clinch-
ed themselves as if they were a-grippin'
somebody's throat. ] clutched hold o.
handspike, and held it behind my back,
all ready.
Tom, whispered the chief-engineer
to me, "d'ye think he really means to do
it,"
Il don't know" says l through my
teeth; '.but if he does he shall 90 first,
if swing for itl"
''Ive been in many an ugly scrape Ia
nv time; but | never felt 'aTf as bad as
did then. Every minute seemed as
long as a dozen, and the tick of the
mates watch regpar pricked my ears
like pin. The men were very quiet,
but there was q precious ugly look on
some O. their faces and | noticed that
three or four on 'em KEEP edgin' for'ard
to where the mate was standin', in way
that meant mischief. As for me, I'd
made up my mind that if he did 90 for
to hang the poor little chap. I'd kill him
on the spot, and take my chance"
''Eight minutes :" says the mate, his
great deep voice breakin' upon the ST.
lence ike the tone o. a funeral bell. ''If
you've got anything to confess, my lad.
you'd best out with it, for yer times
nearly up.
Il have told you the truth, answered
the boy, very pale, but firm as ever
MAY | say my prayers, please p
'The mate nodded and down goes
the poor little chap on his knees with
an Internal rope around his neck all the
time) and puts up his poor little hands
to pray. | couldn't make out what he said
(fact, my head was in sich whirl that
I'd hardly ha' knowed my own nameb
kut I'll be bound God heard it, every
word. Then he ups on his feet again,
and puts his hands behind him, and SAYS
to the mate, quite quietly I'm ready.
''And then, sir. the mates hard, grim
face broke up all at once, like I've seed
the ice in the Baltic. He snatched up
the boy in his arms, and burst out a-cry-
in like child and think there warnt
one of US as didn't do the same. know
/ that l did, for one.
"God bless you, my boy !" says he,
/ smCothin' the child's hair with his great
! hard hand. you're a true Englisham
every inch of you; you wouldn't tell
lie to save your life! Well, if 50 be as
yer fathers cast We off, I'll be yer father
| from this day forth and if | ever forget
| you, may God forget mel"
And he keep his word too. When
we got to Halifax, he found out the lit
tie un's aunt, and give her lump of
money to make her comfortable; and
now he goes to see the youngster every
/ voyage, as Teg'lar as can be; and TO see
4 the pair on EN- together-the little chap
/ so fond O. him, and not bearin' him bit
/ o. grudge-it's bout as pretty sight a.
I ever | seed. And now, sir, akin yer
pardon, it's time for me to be goin' be
\ low 50 I'll just bid yer goodnight.