The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-22
GOOD STORIES OF THE PRESENT DAY.
The Secret or q Poor sailor Who Died In
the sydney Hospital.

the sydney Hospital
Coryrtol. 1892.
We had come down to the port OF Sydney
Australia. from trading voyage to the Solo.
mon Islands and were breaking out cargo
when met with an accident that sent me to
the hospital I had been there four or five
days. when sailormnn. who was in tho last
stages OF consumption. was admitted. During
tho following week he and l became
pretty we'll acquainted. and I learned
that he had spent most OF his days
among the islands to the west Of
Australia. He had brought with him to the
hospital as baggagea tundls wrapped in an
old oilsk.n coat. AS far as any OF us could de.
tsrmine the contents consisted OF an old suit
Of clothes. and the precautions he took thnt
no one should rob him seemed very absurd.
He insisted that tho bundle should remain in
his charge. and lie carried 1t about with him
by day and used It for pillow at night His
name was recorded as Robinson Andrews. and
his age as 81.
When Andrews was told. three or four days
after entering the hospital. that no had not
long to live. he was very abusive OF the doc
tors, declaring that he had only taken Il Sc
we're cold and would soon be out. and that they
we're lot Of ncompetcnts who didn't know
whit they we're talking about. However, after
a bit he calmed down and seemed to realize
that his end was near. and one afternoon. had
We not been interrupted. he would havo
unburdened himself OF somo secret which
seemed to be preyinE on his mind. Before
we came together again he died. 1t was the
rule at that time. and perhaps Is yet. to sell
the effects OF dead sailor by auction "a soon
as he was bured-that Is. OF course. II 1t could
not be nsccrtainel that no had friends near at
hand Robinson had said that lie had no
rhnr. uhn ,Nf,i in
hospital at the time. and there was consider
able merriment over the SALE The bundle
was not even undone
"Gentiemen." said the steward who acted
as auctoneer. here are u shirt. vest. and a
pair Of trousers which have sailed the high
seas and met with wonderful adventures. It's
a case OF insight and unseen. They may DO
PATCHED with Ave. pound notes or they may DO
fit to go to church in next sunday. How much?'
He continued in this strain for ten or fifteen
minutes. crying one bid after another. and the
bundle was finally knocked down to me for
an English sxpence. Everybody had laugh
at my expense. and handed my bargain"
over to an attendant to he laid away until
hospital. I should have forgotten It but for
the good-nntured ridcule OF soma OF my TEL
. The trading schooner Of which l. was mate
and owned a half interest had made a short
run and returned. and on leaving the hosnital
l went directly aboard Of her. Capt Hicks
board at once. fearing some contagious dis
case. but decided to examine It first; There
and a pair OF trousers. all we'll worn and OF
no value to any one except the raRman. The
Captain was guyinR me about tho pur-
Of tho pockets of the trousers. It appearsd to
be empty. hut when sprung up the I'D found
1t wasn't writing paper. but q square piece cut
from paper which had been used to wran Up
goods. It was. as We instantly cav. a rude
pencil and displayed very poor hand. Here
Is Il reproduction OF the drawing: