I have no medicine that will cure this disorder. I can only direct that you prepare for the change that must soon take place. Your father has but a few days—perhaps hours to live. If he has any requests or bequests to make, now is his time to make them.
Satisfaction smiled in his countenance. Intelligence beamed in his eyes. He spoke:
Doctor, you are right. My malady is beyond your skill. The heart that has beat for over sixty years, has burst. It can beat but a few times more. The valves in the pump have weakened, and soon the ship must go down. I want to float a little longer—just a little longer. For the last hour I have been sailing over the seas of my boyhood, my manhood and the channels of mature age. I can plainly see how, when and where I wrecked all my earthly happiness, and as a guide to all others who are compelled to embark on this sea, I hold up this chart: “Parents, always advise, but never control your children in their choice of their help-mate for life.” It was on this rock I struck, and on this rock lies my wreck, and under this wreck lay my children. May God forgive me.
The pump is working better now. I hope it will not choke again until I get my sails trimmed and my anchor ready to cast. Lieutenant, send for Lord Wallace. Send for his and my grand-son. Tell them it is my dying request. Send for my lawyer, as I have some changes to make in my will. Now, friends, let me rest until they come.
The Lieutenant beckoned Cora aside.
Write a note to Captain Davis. Tell him that the Admiral is dying and requests him to come here. I will see Walter and Lord Wallace.
The Lieutenant went directly to the home of Frost, where he found Walter and Jones. Calling Walter aside, he said:
Your grand-father Powers has but a short time to live and wishes to see you before he expires. Frost will show you the way. Enquire for Cora and wait in the parlor until I come. I go to request the attendance of Lord Wallace.
Will I be welcome? asked Walter.
Yes, responded the Lieutenant, and then left.