The Davenport gazette. [volume] (Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa) 1841-185?, 1852-03-18
CROSSING TIE STREET.

! CROsSlSG ItiE hEEf.
| One little act Of po':teness will some
+ times pave the way to fortune and prefer
ment. The following sketch illustrates
this fact
| Asailor, roughly CARRIED, was ssunterine
through the streets OF New Orleans, then
| in rather damp condition from recent
rain and rise Of tide. Turning the corner
of mach frequented and narrow alley, be
observed young lady standing in perplex-
ity, apparently measuring the depth ot the
muddy water between her and the opposite
sidewalk, with no very satisfied counte-
nance. The sailor paused, for be was
great admirer Of beauty, and certainly The
brigh, face ,ha. peeped GU: from under the
1 little chip har, and the auburn curls hang
ing glossy and unconfned over her muslin
dress, might tempt curious, or an adni
ring glance. Perp!exed, the lady put forth
one little foot, whenthe gallant sailor, with
characteristic inpulsiyeness, exclaimed.
l.That pretty foot, lady, should not be soil
ed with the filth Of this lane; wait for mo-
ment only, and will make you a path
! So springing past her into carpenters
.hop opposite, he bargained for plank
board that stood in the doorway, and com
ing back to the smiling girl who was just
coquetish enough to accept the services Of
the handsome young sailor, he bridged the
narrow black stream. and she tripped across
with merry 'thank you,' and roguish
smile. making her eyes dazzling as they
could be.
Alas! our young sailor was perfectly
charmed what else would make him catch
up and shoulder the plank, and follow the
little witch through the streets to her home,
she twice performing the ceremony OF
Iswalking the plank and each time thank
ing him with one Of her eloquent smiles.
Presently our hero saw the young lady trip
up the marble steps Of a palace Of a house.
and disappear within its rosewood entra nee
for full minute he stood looking at the
d or, and bcu with wonderful big sigh
turned away, disposed Of his draw bridge.
and wended his path back to the ship.
The next day he was astonished with an
order Of promotion, from the captain. Poor
Jack was speechless with amazement: he
h I'D never even dreamed Of being exalted
to the dignity Of second mates Office on
board Of one Of the most splendid ships thai
ever sailed out of the port Of New Orleans.
He knew he was competent, for instead OF
spending his money for amusements, visit
ling theatres or bowling alleys, on his re-
turn from sea, be purchased books, and had
become quite students; bat he expected
years TO intervene before his ambitious
hopes could be realized.
His superior officers seemed to look up
on him with considerable lenency. and
gave him many fair opportunity to gather
maritime knowledge; and in q year, the
handsome, gentlemanly young mate had
acquired unusual favor in the ewes Of the
portly commander, Captain Hume, who
fellow with his neat tarpaulin, and lid,
bundle, as bis cabin boy.
One night, the young man with all the
other officers, was invited to an entertain
ment at the captains house. He went,
and to his assonishment, mounted the iden-
tical steps that two years before, the
brightest vision he had ever seen, passed
over; vision be had never forgotten.
Thump, thump, went his brave heart, as he
was ushercd into the great parlor; and like
a sledge hammer it beat agan. when Cap
tain Hume brought forward his blue-eyed
daughter, and with pleasant smile said,
sFhe young lady once indebted TO your po-
Iileness fer safe and DRY walk home.s
His eyes were all a-blaze, and his brown
checks flushed holly, as the noble captain
sauntered away. leaving fair Grace Hume
at his side. And in all that assembly was
not so handsome couple as the gallant
sailor and the pretty ladie.'
1t was only n year from that time that
the second mate trod the quarter deck, sec
ond only in command, and part owner with
the captain, not only in his vessel, but 10
the affections Of bis daughter, gentle Grace
Hume, who had always cherished respect,
to say nothing Of love, for the brigh,-eyed
sailor.
His homely, but earnest act OF politeness
towards his child, had pleased the captain,
and, though the youth knew il not, was
the cause of bis first promotion. So that
now, the old man has retired from business,
Henry Wells is Captain Wells, and Grace
Hume is, according to polite parlance,
'Mrs. Captain Wells.' In fact, our honest
sailor is one of the richest men in the Cres
cent City, and he owes, perhaps, the
greater part Of his prosperity to his tact
and pollteness 10 crossing tho street.
DoDGING THE REspoNslBlLIrY.-
said Fieryiaces, the lawyer, to an unwil
ling witness, Sir, do you say, upon your
oath, that Blimpkins is 4 dishonest mang
Il didn't say ho was ever accused OF be-
ing an honest man, did ~ replied Pipkins
Does the Court understand you to say,
Mr.. Pipkins, that the plaintiffs reputation
is bad? inquired the Judge merely putting
the question 10 keep his eyes open.
Il iid'n, say.it was good, reckon
'Sirn said Fieryfaces, 'sir-r! upon your
oath--mind upon your oath-you say that
Blmpkins is a rogue. villain and thietvI