Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/203

Rh frame, while his mind was the prey of a thousand torturing conjectures, none possibly bearing much affinity to the truth, Douglas reappeared not on the deck; and thus several hours elapsed, until the time at length came which summoned the officers to their repast. All were assembled at the convivial board, Douglas alone excepted; all called upon his name, when Herbert, who till then had not been heard to speak, informed them that Major Douglas had, in the morning, shown symptoms of illness, which might be the cause of his not appearing. Upon hearing this, the Surgeon was sent by the Colonel to inquire into the truth of the case.

Apparently suffering under bodily and mental anguish, his throbbing head reclining on his feverish hand, Douglas, as a mighty branch hewn down, exhibited a spectacle of the utmost interest: his quick pulsation and strong breathing indicated that he was under the subjugating power of illness.

Equally humane as he was skilful, the Surgeon assisted him to rise; then supporting him to his hammock, there, pale and extended, he became an object of universal concern. Turning to those whom curiosity or compassion had gathered around, the Surgeon begged of them to leave him, their presence occasioning an obstruction to the free admittance of air, which, together with rest and