On doing so, he
warmly grasped Nelson's hand, and in tones of joy congratulated him on
the victory which he had come to announce.
"How many of the enemy are taken, I cannot say," he remarked; "the
smoke hides them; but we have not less than fourteen or fifteen."
"That's well," cried Nelson, "but I bargained for twenty. Anchor, Hardy,
anchor!" he commanded, in a stronger voice.
"Will not Admiral Collingwood take charge of the fleet?" hinted Hardy.
"Not while I live, Hardy," answered Nelson, with an effort to lift
himself in his bed. "Do you anchor."
Hardy started to obey this last order of his beloved commander. In a low
tone Nelson called him back.
"Don't throw me overboard, Hardy," he pleaded. "Take me home that I may
be buried by my parents, unless the king shall order otherwise. And take
care of my dear Lady Hamilton, Hardy; take care of poor Lady Hamilton.
Kiss me, Hardy."
The weeping captain knelt and kissed him.
"Now I am satisfied," said the dying hero. "Thank God, I have done my
duty."
Hardy stood and looked down, in sad silence upon him, then again knelt
and kissed him on the forehead.
"Who is that?" asked Nelson.
"It is I, Hardy," was the reply.
"God bless you, Hardy," came in tones just above a whisper.
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