Gamaliel Pickle and his eldest Son.
About four o'clock in the morning our hero arrived at the garrison,
where he found his generous uncle in extremity, supported in bed
by Julia on one side, and Lieutenant Hatchway on the other, while
Mr. Jolter administered spiritual consolation to his soul; and
between whiles comforted Mrs. Trunnion, who, with her maid, sat by
the fire, weeping with great decorum; the physician having just taken
his last fee, and retired, after pronouncing the fatal prognostic,
in which he anxiously wished he might be mistaken.
Though the commodore's speech was interrupted by a violent hiccup,
he still retained the use of his senses; and, when Peregrine approached,
stretched out his hand with manifest signs of satisfaction. The
young gentleman, whose heart overflowed with gratitude and affection,
could not behold such a spectacle unmoved. He endeavoured to
conceal his tenderness, which, in the wildness of his youth, and
the pride of his disposition, he considered as a derogation from
his manhood; but, in spite of all his endeavours, the tears gushed
from his eyes, while he kissed the old man's hand; and he was so
utterly disconcerted by his grief, that, when he attempted to speak,
his tongue denied its office; so that the commodore, perceiving
his disorder, made a last effort of strength, and consoled him in
these words:--"Swab the spray from your bowsprit, my good lad, and
coil up your spirits.
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