The Phantom Ship

Book Excerpt: ...to the bedside of his mother, whom he found much better; and the neighbours, having their own affairs to attend to, left them alone. Exhausted with the loss of blood, the poor woman slumbered for many hours, during which she never let go the hand of Philip, who watched her breathing in mournful meditation. It was about one o'clock in the morning when the widow awoke. She had in a great degree recovered her voice, and thus she addressed her son: --"My dear, my impetuous boy, and have I detained you here a prisoner so long?""My own inclination detained me, mother. I leave you not to others until you are up and well again.""That, Philip, I shall never be. I feel that death claims me; and, O, my son, were it not for you, how should I quit this world rejoicing! I have long been dying, Philip, --and long, long have I prayed for death.""And why so, mother?" replied Philip, bluntly; "I've done my best.""You have, my child, you have: and may God bless you for it. Often have.