Part 56 (1/2)
The scout, weak from the loss of blood, tried to regain his feet but failed. He lay back and whispered:
”I guess the sap has all oozed out o' me but I had enough.”
Was.h.i.+ngton was one of those who put him on a stretcher and carried him to the hospital.
When he was lying on his bed and his clothes were being removed, the Commander-in-Chief paid him this well deserved compliment as he held his hand:
”Colonel, when the war is won it will be only because I have had men like you to help me.”
Soon Jack came to his side and then Margaret. General Was.h.i.+ngton asked the latter about Mrs. Arnold.
”My mother is doing what she can to comfort her,” Margaret answered.
Solomon revived under stimulants and was able to tell them briefly of the dire struggle he had had.
”It were Slops that saved me,” he whispered.
He fell into a deep and troubled sleep and when he awoke in the middle of the night he was not strong enough to lift his head. Then these faithful friends of his began to know that this big, brawny, redoubtable soldier was having his last fight. He seemed to be aware of it himself for he whispered to Jack:
”Take keer o' Mirandy an' the Little Cricket.”
Late the next day he called for his Great Father. Feebly and brokenly he had managed to say:
”Jes' want--to--feel--his hand.”
Margaret had sat beside him all day helping the nurse.
A dozen times Jack had left his work and run over for a look at Solomon. On one of these hurried visits the young man had learned of the wish of his friend. He went immediately to General Was.h.i.+ngton, who had just returned from a tour of the forts. The latter saw the look of sorrow and anxiety in the face of his officer.
”How is the Colonel?” he asked.
”I think that he is near his end,” Jack answered. ”He has expressed a wish to feel your hand again.”
”Let us go to him at once,” said the other. ”There has been no greater man in the army.”
Together they went to the bedside of the faithful scout. The General took his hand. Margaret put her lips close to Solomon's ear and said:
”General Was.h.i.+ngton has come to see you.”
Solomon opened his eyes and smiled. Then there was a beauty not of this world in his homely face. And that moment, holding the hand he had loved and served and trusted, the heroic soul of Solomon Binkus went out upon ”the lonesome trail.”
Jack, who had been kneeling at his side, kissed his white cheek.
”Oh, General, I knew and loved this man!” said the young officer as he arose.
”It will be well for our people to know what men like him have endured for them,” said Was.h.i.+ngton.
”I shall have to learn how to live without him,” said Jack. ”It will be hard.”
Margaret took his arm and they went out of the door and stood a moment looking off at the glowing sky above the western hills.