The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1896-09-30
Old Shipmates.

1t does not seem natural for an old
warrior to die outside the scene of
actual strife. Nelson in Hardy's arms,
Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham and
Lyon at the battle of Wilson's Creek
fulfilled their destiny; but to die in bed,
after escaping the storm of shot and
shell, the perls of flood and field, that
seems puerie.
Yet there was nothing puerile about
the Admiral as he lay dying on the
great canopied bed in that sunny room.
The outline of his form could be seen
underneath the coverings; the withered
hands lay on the counterpane; and the
great head, covered with snow-white
hair, rested on the pillow.
But his doom had been pronounced;
the tall, grim doctor, who stood impas-
sve by the window, had announced
that death was only few hours off.
There was nurse in the room with the
doctor, and two city officials stood
decorously at one side. The Admiral
had relations, but none were within a
thousand miles. and he was known in
this inland town only by repute. He
would not have been known even then
had it not been for the bright young
reporter of the Star, who had smelled
out his name on the hotel register and
vainly tried TO interview him.
"Pm RETIRED" said the Admiral,
gruffly, although not unkindly, "and l
don't know blamed thing about poll
tics. AS for war-no, sirl-I will not
talk. Why should 1? Every third lieu
tenant and gunner's mate has had his
| nd 10 tolly
about"
And he stuck to it, although the re.
porter made very pretty story OF q
column or more out of what the Ad-
miral did not say. He was on his way
South to pass the winter; there was
rheumatism in his bones, and he fell
that he ought to humor his old frame
after maltreating it so many years.
L" He leaves on the morning train" said
the Star. But he did not leave. Death
babe him halt.
If shade of fear struck that stout
old heart, his bronzed face gave no sign
The Wallpaper portrayed an intermin,
able array of impossible shepherds
watching sheep; a loud clock licked on
the shelf; and outside there sounded
the spasmodic rattle of passing wheels
Then there came rumbling word OF
two sounding somewhere in front OF
the house. The landlords voice wa;
heard in reply, and then more rumb
ling Then pause, followed by the
landlords footsteps on the stairs.
He says-it's stranger to me-his
names Huckins, he says" came in
strangulated whispers from the land.
lord to the Doctor" and be wants tC
see the Admiral" The doctor made 8
gesture of frowning dissent.
Yes, l know-I told him that" re,
turned the landlord, shuffling uneasily
"but he won't go 'way-said he'd
just to see the old man-that's what h,
called him." he fastened to add apollo
geticaly.
"Tell him." began the doctor.
"What is it?" asked the Admiral
turning his head slightly.
"A man-Huckins-Bill, from Bear
Ridge" explained the landlord.
Knows me, does her"
Essays he does. Yes, sir. Says ht
was sailor-man-got sailors clothe,
on"
GA sailor! We'll, WE'LL" said the
Admiral, shortly, :" if he wants to SET
me, why not?"
The landlord looked at the doctor
and the doctor nodded acquiescence
although with frown, and the land
lord faded away. The clock licked {
few more noisy minutes, and then tn,
door opened to admit the sailor-man
He was an old fellow, with scanty hal
brushed neatly, clean-shaven face show
ing a square jaw, big blue eyes and
skin like old sole leather, tough, brown
and wrinkled. He wore man. o'-war
mans suit, faded, but brushed as clear
as lady's glove, and his shoes were pol
ished like mirrors. A bright whit,