MEN I HAVE KNOWN.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 6, Issue 49, 21 June 1895, Page 3

MEN I HAVE KNOWN.

Specialty written for the Pclorus Guardian.)

[By Willy Waugh.]

ALBERT MUSGRAYE.

( Continued .)

Beckoning to the captain, Albert pointed to the bunk, and the captain came forward and looked in. “ Poor old soul,” he exclaimed. “He has got his discharge, without doubt. I will close ills eyes, and then send a man in to watch him. But you had better come out and have something to eat, for you must be well-nigh starved.”

la truth, Albert had began to feel faint, previously ; the excitement and pleasure of looking at the young ladies, especially Kathleen, had prevented him from feeling hungry, but now he felt the necessity of taking some food. Before he left he Incited the door of the cabin in which the young ladies were sleeping, and put the key into his pocket, remarking to the captain that it would never do to let them come out without being prepared for their father’s death. “ You are right,” repled the captain, “ I am very glad you thought of it; but come now into the saloon, supper is ready. I will send a man in to watch the body all night.” “ Not so,” said Albert. “ Send in a man, if you will, for a time, and when I have taken some refreshment I will return and take his place.”

“ Accordingly, after Albert had enjoyed his repast, he returned to the cabin which contained the body of the brave old soldier. Dismissing the man, our hero took a book and lay down on a sofa to endeavour to pass away the time, but he had not read above an hour when he sank into a light doze, and the book fell from his grasp. He lay for some lime m that happy condition —that state between sleeping and waking which mu-ials find so comfortable—but was roused at last by a tapping at the (hx : of ihj ladies’ cabin. He felt strougiy inclined to doze off again, but another

tapping, louder than the first, effectually aroused him. Ha sprang to his feet, and, picking up a tray of refreshments that ho had carefully prepared before-hand, he unlocked the door and passed it in to thorn. To their enquiries about their father he replied that he had not looked at him lately, but would do so and let them know after they had taken some refreshment. They wanted to come out, but ho absolutely refused to Jet them until they had taken some food and wine. In this he was perfectly right, for he knew they were very hungry, and he knew also that no matter how great our grief or who is dead, the human body, like the furnace of a steam engine, must have a certain amount of fuel constantly placed in it or it cannot work.

And so these lovely young ladies ate and enjoyed their repast, although it was literally watered with their tears. Albert’s remark about not looking at at their father had not deceived them in the least—they kney that the author of their being lay stark and cold in the next room, and that the hands that had so loved to load them with the comforts and luxuries of this life was now still in death.

Alber heard them sobbing, and it went to his heart like a knife. ‘‘Oh, death 1 ” he murmured, “ Our greatest blessing; how long will it be ere the human race will recognise that thou art but the beginning of life—of a Hfe brilliant and immortal, replete with joys of which, at present, we have no conception ? Why should we weep because our relation ur friend has shaken off the grosser part of' his nature and joined the immortal throng; who have done with pain and sorrow, and now bask in the love of the Jiving God ?” Whilst musing thus, Albert beard the sisters tap at their door again, and stepped forward to receive them. Tne unutterable sadness in his face told them all they wished to know, and renewed their grief. Albert led them to the sofa, and, when they were seated, told them that the Colonel had passed quietly away in his sleep. Both continued to weep quietly, although our hero did all in his power to console them, assuring them that he would do all he could to conduct them with safety to Calcutta, and lie implored them not to give way to too much sorrow. His kindness made a great impression upon them, and so after taking a last farewell of their father, they suffered Albert to persuade them to retire again to rest.

{To he continued.)