nt; faithful to his
task and never complaining, but seemed intent on doing the best he could
to please those over him and thus share their good will. He was set to
carrying lumber in and out of the dry room, exposed to extremes of heat
and cold, at times perhaps having wet feet from want of proper shoes,
till, failing in health, complaining of distress about the chest, the
doctor ordered him to lighter and less exposed work, when he was set to
running a planer, said, however, to be a very hard machine to run,
though subsequently made easier by rollers attached. Here he grew no
better, but had severe attacks. One day, in his distress, he fell on his
knees, girding his arms about him and groaning repeatedly. The deputy
took him from the shop and returned him relieved. But soon he wholly
failed, was taken away for the last time and kept in his cell, part of
the time quiet and then groaning more or less intensely. To my inquiry
about the locality of his distress, he put his hand over the left lung.
Sabbath evening, Feb. 10th, I think, his distress came on with great
severity, he, making no little ado, said, to my inquiry whether he
needed anything more, "I have a powder to take, which will no doubt
relieve me," and appeared disposed to make the best of his condition.
Meeting the steward, I asked if all was being done for the man that
could be, with the answer, "Yes, I think there is. The fact is, not much
ails him. He is nervous; thinks he is dreadful sick, and makes a great
ado." I passed on, thinking that Sylver must be a very sick man
notwithstanding these views, that, when one naturally so patient and
quiet makes such demonstrations, there must be reason for immediate
assistance. It seemed to me that the hospital was the proper place for
him, and that he ought to be there receiving suitable warmth and close
attention. But understanding that I might say no more, and meddle no
farther, I retired, feeling that the man was in a forlorn condition.

The cold in the hall was not as severe now as formerly, for the weather
had become milder without, and that coal stove, before referred to,
stood not far from Sylver's cell. This helped in a measure, but came
short of the warmth needful to a sick man like him. Things passed thus,
with more or less of his moaning when I was in, till Wednesday evening,
on which, by reason of the prayer meeting, I did not visit the
apartment. Thursday noon I heard no moaning, but when the men had
ret