Still the solemn
language of praise and admiration had an effect, and, for the first time
since childhood, the soul of the latter was moved. God and judgment passed
before his imagination, and he gasped for breath in a way that induced
the two seamen to suppose the fatal moment had come, even sooner than they
expected. The cold sweat stood upon the forehead of the patient, and his
eyes glared wildly from one to the other. The paroxysm, however, was
transient, and he soon settled down into a state of comparative calmness,
pushing away the glass that Captain Truck offered, in mistaken kindness,
with a manner of loathing.
"We must comfort him, Leach," whispered the captain; "for I see he is
fetching up in the old way, as was duly laid down by our ancestors in the
platform. First, groanings and views of the devil, and then consolation
and hope. We have got him into the first category, and we ought now, in
justice, to bring to, and heave a strain to help him through it."
"They generally give 'em prayer, in the river, in this stage of the
attack," said Leach. "If you can remember a short prayer, sir, it might
ease him off."
Captain Truck and his mate, notwithstanding the quaintness of their
thoughts and language, were themselves solemnly impressed with the scene,
and actuated by the kindest motives.
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