But have you never, in all your wanderings, met with those whom,
you can call your friends?"
"A rough old tar like me, I must say, would not be the most inviting
craft to interchange signals with, but, thank God, I have found one, in
my long life of wanderings who was worthy the name of friend! but she,
kind, beautiful lady, is gone;" and the rough tar drew his sleeve across
his eyes, and turning toward the island, muttered,--"twelve, yes,
fifteen years ago this very month, and I the only one saved! I worked
hard, but it was of no use; it was to be. I'd gladly have gone down to
have saved her."
"Well, Sampson, I think it is you who are losing your senses now," said
Harry, as he listened to his inaudible words; "but you shall not say you
have not a friend so long as my craft sails the ocean, for I never shall
forget your kindness to me and my faithful old Nep, while exposed to the
harsh treatment of our former captain; and depend upon it, you will have
made other true friends, when the dear ones at home shall have heard of
your generous conduct. I have one of the best of mothers, Mr. Sampson,
and a sister who would make you a better man to look into her
heaven-speaking eyes! A likeness of her was among my valuables when I
left home, but it has been by some means mislaid.
Pages:
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129