The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-04-04
From the Boys and Girls Magazine.
LITTLE MARGARET SEATON.


And this was the manner of its preservation 1t
was abou, midday when the catastrophe happened
and as the ship had been making signals of dis
tress some time before she struck, Of the nhab
itants of the neighborhood were assembled the
Shore though there appeared but little chance of rem
dering any assistance. SO all that the spectators
could do was to station themselves, with ropes in
their hands, in the most convenient places they could
find, if possible, to II Glanced that two
young farmers, who were brothers, (there were no
seamcn or fishermen, in that part oithe coast) had
placed themselves, one each side Of small creek,
at the mouth Of which low, fat rock, and over
this the would occasionally rush furiously, filling
the little bay within After Of these violent
shocks, which took place every two minutes, the
young perceived struggling in the rOanling water
of the creek, man holding in his hand very young
and apparently lifeless child! Both were nearly ma
ked for clothes would have been no protection, but
great circumference to them, during their porous
voyage. Not n moment was lost in attempting their
rescue, and rope was sl<ifuly thrown, the end Of
which fell over the mans shoulder but instead OF i'm
medately sezing it, appearing more anxious for the
chids safety than his own, he suffered few seconds
20 eapse, while he raised his precious burden higher
out of the water. and, alas! this short delay was IA
tai; for, at this uncure giant overtopped the
rock the entrance and the almost rescued stranger
carried ont Of reach of the rope, and for some
time invisible to the young men. After few minutes
the object oftheir eager search again discovered
holding up the child, which he still retained, and OK
claiming, "Saye her; my childr' Again the
rope over him; and now it was evident that
he much injured by beating against the rocks,
that he had no power to save himself. His lips could
be seen to move, but he had longer any strength
to utter a sound. This silent appeal was, however,
successful; and, though but indifferent swimmer,
James Winter fastened rope round his middle, and
giving the other end his brother leaped boldly into
the water, and reached the father and child; and af
ter great labor and hazard all three were drawn to the
shore.
hut' alas how were the brothers greved, when
'hey perceived the dreadful condition of the unortu-
hai" man they had rescued. In fact he was already
living. ara ,,iiSSht change of position, occasoned by
his head and shoulders being gently raised, proved i'm
medatey fatal, Life had fled from the natural
world ssIt is all over with him' exclaimed James;
Sand for this little innocent I'm afraid she's gone
too. But who can tell? heard Doctor Forester say
the other day, that people may be brought to life a
gain, long after they appear sopedead Why, she
has MT got scratch, or bruse upon her body; tho
it does seem like miracle to be sure; she must be
one of Heavens pet-lambs,' mother says, and so
you may depend upon it, Joe, her life is in her yet
Give me your jacket, 1t is drier than mine; I'll wrap
her up in it, and carry her to Doctor Forces
ter's; ifanybody can bring her life back again. he
can -
eyes, to be sure, " replied Joe; she can if he
likes but think oft, you won't be able to see
him. He is in of his sullen fits. Thinking that
we might want his help, i called as down, to
tell him what was going on; and old Mrs. Walters
said she did Mt dare go into his room for he had been
in poor way ever since yesterday; when let
tiers were brought to him Better take the child up
to mothers, and see what she do for it,
ono; pll go to the DOCTORS, Nothing but his
knowledge it; and eoiH see him. If Mrs
Walters don't choose to speak TO him, I'll make
such noise that, half crazy he is. he will hear
and am sure his he art Is in the right place, h
showed the other day on Simpsons child. Come IN,
pretty dear, Heaven send thee better nurse than
am
So saying, the benevolent young man CAREFUL
covered up the child, and fastened to Doctor Forres
ter's house
Who this Doctor Forester? He was an &c
centric being, about whom the neghboShood wer
completely puzzled. Just twelve months before GU
tale commences, he had come to the village, TO loo
at pretty little cottage, which had been vacated
short time previous, and Immediately made arrange
ments for it, and also with Mrs Walters the house
keeper 1t was certain that, whatever misfortune ha
fallen to the strangers lot, poverty was not anon
them; but his whole manner showed that some tel
rible remembrance preyed upon his spirit, and three
ened ro destroy both mind and body. There wei
time when reason and insanity held equal share
the government of his actions. At such times the u
fortunate would shut himself up for several da,
neither eating nor drinking; and then the housekee,
would knock at his door, and .timidly inquire if
wanted anything his only answer would be, "Begon,
woman! don't torture me with your nonsense b,
tween these melancholy fits, Doctor Forester wou
employ himself most usefully, in visiting the sic
poor in the parish, His rst patient was poor ma,
who was confined to his bed by an ague and the d,