Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1853-07-29
The Boatman of MOntereau.

Selne ana 1Onne. SOBER, INDUSTRIOUS anu unWedfi-
ed r his assiduity for labor, he supported with his
earnings his aged mother and the orphan children
of his brother. At an early age he devoted himself
specially to the lives of those in sudden danger
He had at the age of eighteen the good fortune to
drag from the flames an old man and young girl,
| and the sentiments thus awakened in his bosom
were, he has since declared, exquisite tat he de-
termned never to lose opportunity OF serving his
fellow creatures in the same way In the course OF
the following five years he was present on so many
occasions at fires upsettng of boats and had saved
many lives, that men ceased to count them, when
accident occurred which raised his reputation to
the highest point.
An inundation took place which covered the plain
round the town. while several quarters Monte
reau we're Inundated The inhabitants flying to the
| neighboring heights, communicated only by boats.
Three men gone to examine what ravages had hap,
pened to their property from the flood, and weary
and sick at what they had seen, re-entered their
boats and pushed off with their feet. They instant
ly that they were without oars or pole but it
was too late to remedy the omission. The stream
Carried them away towards the bridge, which
| nearly submerged in water, and against which their
frail vessel was sure to be crushed. They uttered
one cry of despair and anguish, which afar off was
heard by Matthew Roisdoux, who the shore.
He stood one moment irresolute Should he fetch
his boat?
"No," he exclaimed "I should be too late Par
ma fol, will swim, and trust to Providence"
In he plunged into the water, despite it's raging
force and the sharp cold striking out for the boat,
which we could scarcely see being guided only by
the cries of the unfortunate wretches about to rer
ish. They far ahead of him But he made
superhuman exertons, and presently the boat was
almost within his reach But what should he do
now! He takes counsel only of his intelligence and
indomitable courage. With one arm, thrust forth
like ID bar of ron he checked the boat, and swung
it round thus catching the painter in his teeth he
then again began to swim, this time for shore. The
task was all but vain. The torrent sped on with
terrible velocity, the bridge within hundred
yards and they were carried down upon it to en-
counter certain death if they reached it. They
would be sucked under the arch crowd hurried
down to the waters edge ventured on the
bridge with poles, but not boat at hand in the
confusion. Suddenly terrible sigh was heard from
every bosom. Bosdoux, despite his strength, cour-
age and agility, was evidently being carried away
by the torrent Some cried to him to save himself,
for that his life could not be spared Still he plung
ed upwards. His aim was to work for shore as
much away from the bridge as possible Men stood
ready with ropes. They that the heroic boat
man was almost fainting. The boat, fat-bottomed
and heavy, perfect milestone to drag with his
mouth. But presently a loud shout of joy and tr-
umph proclaimed his victory as he sank insensible
in the of the mairc of the town, who embraced
him before the whole crowd, and proclaimed him
once again the saviour of three mems lives.
The reputation of Matthew Boisdoux was now at
its height. He had two medals and small annual
pension from the municipality of his native city
He was able to support his mother and his nephews
and nieces in comfort. And yet Matthew Boisdoux
was not happy, so imperfect is human nature. For
some time he was noticed to be sombre and sad
His character and conduct easily denoted that his
mind was elevated above his station. The poor boat
man had heart and soul that would have done
honor to any position in the social circle One part
of his duty to take passengers from shore to the
old coche or passage-boat of AuxerTe. This aged
vessel the very conveyance that took to Paris that
student of Brienne, destined, Napoleon, to have
such influence the fortune of the world still Pc
riodically performed the journey from Auxerre to
Paris by the Yonne and Seine. 1t was a queer old
boat, with long cabin and little side windows, ca
pable, at pinch, of conveying some thirty passen-
gers.
The coche was owned, and had been from time
immemorial, by one Bertrand, man of substance
and property who still, however, himself directed
the operations of the boat, and in fact almost lived
on board. He was one of those individuals who work
all their lives to leave fortune to others Now M
Bertrand had daughter, Euphrasie, who sat in the
little bureau at the stern and there took all moneys
for passengers and parcels. Matthew, in the exer
else of his business, much thrown in contact
with Euphrase. He often brought her passengers,
parcels, letters, and even twice went to Par
is in the boat. Being intimate terms with old
Bertrand, he soon became intimate with the dough
ter, and then loved her. Nor did Euphrasie show
any distaste for Matthew. He was fne handsome
fellow, and then his decoration made him somebody
But then there the father who rich, avari-
cious and who judged ola man only by what he
had in his breeches pockets.
all thought about difficulties They felt the first in
fuence of passion which is second only to ambi-
hon because that is generally more lasting. For
the world they would not have troubled their first
delicious dream. But they had continued opportu-
mites ofmeetng and at last naturally enough, these
opportunities ended in an explanation. Matthew
Boisdoux declared himse the girls suitor, and Eu-
phrasie Bertrand agreed that if he could win her
fathers consent, she would be his.
1t was on the 1st of November, 1940 and the
AuXPrre Niph hod
and still the boat had not arrived Boisdoux was
at the water-stairs the lookout. He knew that
the coche would put up for the night, and not pro-
ceed and had intimated much to such passengers
about to venture by this antique CONVEYANCE
to Paris. Presently dark mass was seen moving
along the waters, and then the old boat came slowly
up to the anchorage.
Two hours behind time, Maitre Bertrand 2" ex-
claimed Boisdoux. q How is this !n
Pardieu! my FRIEND" said the old man the
wind is contrary and | never knew the old cocte
hurry itself, even for his majesty the Emperor
when had the honor of bringing him on his first
voyage to Paris"
1.-The wind has been rough and cool indeed re-
piled Matthew but still the old coche is not often 50
lazy" !
is Euphrasie so let's leave the eoche in charge of
Jerome, and come on shore"
Bon Sc:r. naam'seIte" exclaimed Boisdoux, hear
tily.
Bon soir, Mathieu," cried the fresh voice of the
young girl and next minute she had hold of his
arm, and they were their way to sup at the old
house still sadly known the coche ID Aurerre
Boisdoux, as he often won't, supped with
them. Usually he merry and pleasant COM
panion, but this night he dull. Both noticed ii,
and Bertrand rallied him on his tacturnity.-l
Matthew, however, made no reply until Euphrasie
had departed, and then he appeared to rouse him
self up to act of courage beyond any of those he