The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-01-26


| ly moved through the water.
This will never do said the captain,
after taking another look at the fire.
we shall not reach the vessel for an hour
or two at this rate. Clear away the
quarter boat. Mr.. Trysaii, jump in, and
take five good inca with you, and see
what you can do towards saving the lives
and property Of the crew.
needed no second command, and in
shor! time was dancing over the water,
propelled by the stout arms of five good
sailors. The men did not need any ell
enlargement to exert themselves; they
knew that the lives of human beings must
be i'll danger, and that is always a suf-
ticlent excuse for sailor to strain every
nerve to afford all the assistance in his
power.
As we neared the burning ship, I could
see that the fire was mainly confined to
the masts and rigging, the hull being not
much injured as yet. In quarter Of an
hours time after leaving the SturdyJ we
were within ten yards Of her, when the
men lay on their oars and hailed, not
daring to go along side for fear of the
masts falling and crushing the boat.
There wasno reply to my first hail and,
began to think the ship deserted, when
/ heard a faint voice begging our assis
tance. We pulled under the ships stern
and an old, gray-headed man put up his
head out of the cabin window.
Jump in tie boat, old man. l shout
ed, you have no time to lose
Il cannot come without my daughter
he answered. There is nobody on board
excepting her and myself
'Then lower her into the boat and get
in YOURSELF replied.
Alas, sir, have not the strength, and
my daughter is inscnsible.'
There was 4 moments hesitation. To
venture on board vessel halt consumed
by fire was not very trifling affair, espe-
cially when there might be few kegs Of
powder in the run. 1t was no time to
deliberate, however. Some one must 90
and risk his own life to save the father and
daughter.
Throw a rope to us from the tatfrail,
so we can get on board,,' l shouted, for it
was with difficulty could bc heard.
The old man disappeared, and in spite
Of the great heat, forced his way aft and
threw the rope. One or two of the men
appeared anxious to have the glory of res
cuing the strangers, but grasping the rope,
| rapidly worked my way to the cabin
windows and entered.
The cabin was already full of smoke.
still not so dense but what a person could
breathe. My first care was to find the
lady. Seeing state room door near me
p'rtIy opened, ! entered, and saw the lady
lying on the floor inscnsble Without
wasting moments time, grasped her
III my arms, and bore her TO the cabin win
dows.
Stand ready, men, to take the lady, I
shouted. Every man jumped on his feet,
aud with outstrctehcd arms stood ready
to catch her. Watching my opportunity
as the ship settled down from the effect
ofa heavy swell, let go my hold, and
she fell seiely into the arms of the men.
My next care was to find the father,
who had not seen since | had been OH
board. Already had the fire made much
hcadway, and as attempted to reach the
dcc'i found myself driven back bv the
intense heat. There was no help for it,
so sorrowfnly prepared to retire to the
boat. AS the men began to grow impati-
cnt, swinging myself down by the rope, /
safely landed, and found the lady had part
y recovered from The swoom.
Where is the father sir" asked one
of the men.
| don't know, have seen nothing of
him
My fathers not my father safe p
asked the lady, starting up, and gazing
wildly at the burning ship.
i hope lie is, but he has not been seen
for some time replied.
'Oh do not for Heavens sake 20 until
my father is ssfe-he is rich, and will well
reward you for saving his life.'
At this instant form appeared at the
tatfrail, with singed hair and clothes burnt
nearly to einder. He cast look of
despair at those in the boat, and appeared
undecided what to do.
Jump we shouted with startling cner-
gy; .jump it is your only chance
He paused a moment, then raising his
nahus hlgh ABOVE ms head, leaped boldly
from the rail There was Kissing sound
heard as his body struck the water, and
in another moment he rose within a few
feet of the boat, and was safely drawn in
and placed beside his daughter.
Now, men, give way and let's get a.
board as soon as possible and as spoke
the masts came crashing over the side,
sending the sparks high in the air, and
illuminating the ocean for miles in extent.
j cast hasty glance around and saw the
old Sturdy within quarter Of mile,
heading directly for us.
The men bent to their oars with hearty
good will, and in ten minutes time we
were alongside, and had the boat hoisted
up, while our doctor paid every atten-
ton to the wants of the lady and her