The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1853-04-13

SHUT IL az.
81 see it," replied I, and then stepped
into the cabin to give the captain call.
The "old man" turned out, hurried on
his clothes, and in few minutes was scru-
tinizing the light through his night glass.
"What do you think it is, sir?'' [ asked
after he had taken good look.
The Captain did not answer for few
moments. but appeared to be meditating.
AT last he replied:
"If we were on the track Of whalers.
should think it was one of them trying
OUT but as this is no place for whales,
am afraid it is vessel on fire.
i thought with horror what a situation we
would be in, in case OF fire, with so many
passengers on board.
brace the guards and then luff about
two points" the captain continued; 1--WE II
see what we can make of her."
By the time the yards were braced, a
number Of passengers had assembled on
deck. conversing in low tones. In half an
hours time we had drawn near enough to
make out that il was ship on fire, not
more than two miles distant. In vain we
wished for breeze to take us to the relief
of the stranger; the wind grew fainter and
fainter, until at last we hardly moved
through the water.
This will never do,' seid the captain,
after taking another look at the fire; 1--WE
shall not reach the vessel for an hour or
two at this rate. Clear away the quarter
boat, Mr.. Trysail, jump.in and take five
good men with you, and seeswhat you can
do towards saving the lives and property
of the crew."
needed no second command, and in a
short time we were dancing over the water,
propelled by the stout arms of five good
sailors. The men did not need any en-
couragement to exert themselves; they
knew that the lives of human beings must
be in danger, and that is always suffi-
cient excuse for a sailor to strain every
nerve to afford all the assistance in his
power.
We neared the burning ship: I could
see that the fire was mainly confined to the
masts and rigging, the hull not being much
injured as yet. In quarter OF an hours
time after leaving the Sturdy. 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 was no reply to my first hail. and
began to think the ship deserted. when |
heard a faint voice begging our assistance.
We pulled up under the ships stern, and
an old gray headed man put his head out
Of the cabin window.
slump into the boat, old man, shout
ed. Asyou have D. time to lose"
81 cannot come without my daughter, !"
he answered. "There is nobody on board
excepting her and myself"
"Then lower her in the boat and get in
yourself" / replied.
'.Alas, sir. have not strength, and my
daughter is insensible.'
There was moments hesitation. To
venture on board vessel halt consumed
by fire, was not very trifling affair, es-
pecially when there might be few kegs
of powder in the run. 1t was no time to
delibera'e, however.
ssThrow us rope from the taffrail, SO
we can get on board, d,'I shouted, for it was
with difficulty | could be 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
seemed anxious 10 have the glory of rescu.
ing the strangers, but grasping the rope
| rapidly worked my way to the cabin win
dows and entered.
/ The cabin was already full of smoke
still not so dense but that person could
breathe My first care was to find the la
Idy. Seeing state room, door near me
partly opened, | entered and saw the lady
laying on the floor insensble. Withou
wasting moments time grasped her in
my arms, and bore her to the cabin win
dows.
j "Stand ready, men, to take the lady"
shouted. Every man jumped to his feet
and with outstreached arms stood ready to
catch her. Watching my opportunity, a.
the ship settled down from the effects OF Q
heavy swell. / let go my hold, and she safe
lily fell into the arms of the men.
/ My next care was to find the father
whom had not seen since had been OF
board.
4 Already had the fire made great head
J way, and as attempted to reach the decl
found myself driven back by the immens
heat. There was no kelp for it, so sor
rowfully retired to the boat. As the mel
began to grow impatient. swinging mysel
! down by the rope safely landed, an,
} found that the lady had but partly recov
J cred from the swoon.
! where is my father, sir?" asking on
of the men.
al don't know, have seen nothing {
him.,
!. my father-is not my father safe?
asked the lady, starting up and gain
wildly at the burning ship.
= 81 hope he is, but he has not been see
r for some time." replied.
nj "Oh! do not for Heaven 8 sake 60 unt
my father is safe--,he is rich and he wi
reward you for saving his life." .
4 At this instant form appeared at tn
a taffrail, with singed hair and clothes burr
t ed nearly to cinder. He cast look {
despair at those in the boat, and appear
o ed undecided what to do, .
8 "Jump!' we shouted with startling er
i ergy; sjump. tits your only chance."
Q He paused moment, then raising HI
q hands high above his head, leaped bold
r from thelrail. There was Kissing soun
o. 3his hndxz ef~,vS,l, Tia ,yo far M with