Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1853-12-29
Grace Darling.

The Farne Islands are rocky and desoate
group off Northumberland, on the English coast
A few stuned bushes, with tufts of grass, force
u growth in the sheltered rocks, while nothing
lives there but wool, in the clefls of the rocks
whose hoarse screams chime with the dashing OF
waters and the roaring Of winds. Sometimes
there are sounds louder than the wind and waves
the lninute-gun Of distress from founder;ng
vessel, and the shrek of agony from the ship.
wrecked mariner; for these islands are danger.
Gus 10 coasters, and many bark has broken to
pieces. upon the rock bound shores.
1t was on one of these islands that steamer
on her way from Hull to Dundee the 18th Of
September, 1885, struck ledge, and speedily
broke up. She had on board valuable cargo
with forty passengers besides the crew. Ii was
four in the morning. dark, wild and stormy all
but nine persons found waery grave. These
clung to portions of the wreck, exposed to the
butfetings of the tempest, in the hope that day.
light might bring succor, if succor could be had
When morning came. the unfortunate men were
deserted from The Lighthouse built on Longsone,
about mile distant, and kept by weatherbeat.
en- tar by the name of Darling.
| So perilous was their situation that it seemed
hopeless; no boat could stand the breakers, aud
the stout heart Of The hardy keeper trembed at
the thought of brasing the mad fury of the sea
40 it drove against the rocks. The little solitary
family in the lighthouse watched with painful
anxiety the poor men struggling for life, yet
doomed to certain and speedy death if no aid
could reach them, and that aid, they well knew.
could be given only by themselves. One of the
daughters was deeply moved by the terrible spec
tacle. "Let US 60 to the rescue !" she cried. The
old man surveyed The stormy heavens and the an
cry sea below and shook his head; besides, 1t
was madness for him 10 venture alone. ~ will
60 with you, father" said the heroic girl and
urged on by her entreaties, the keeper launched
his boat. The girl Jumped in beside him, and
each with an oar, they made the perous passage.
What cool heads and steady hands and brave
hearts were needed to guido the frai boat over
the boiling eddes, drenched with the bewilder-
ing spr ay; but storm and wind and spray were
all breasted
After almost incredible skill and bravery, the
men were taken from the wreck and landed safe.
ly at the lighthouse; and as they looked at the
young GIRL to whom under God they owed their
delivery, their hearts were filled with wonder and
gratitude. Her name was Grace Darling, and
when the rescued men reached once more the
main land and told the story of her herosm, it
filled all hearts with admiration, and everywhere
excited the llveliest interest in her behalf, Many
token of respect did she receive from both in.
dividuals and societies; handsome subscription
was raised for her in London and visitors flock.
ed to her island home for the pleasure of seeing
her. One of the theatres of London offered 10
herself on the stage in her little boat But Grace
was as modest as she was brave. She did moi
seek for notoriety, for true nobleness always
shuns parade. In doing what she had done, she
only followed the impulses OF brave and gen
erous heart which will dare and suffer all thing.
to relieve the distress OF fellow being.
The admiration which this fact everywhere
called forth, shows US what deeds are truly great
and though she died only four years aiterward
of consumption, the name and memory of Gfac,
Darling, the hnmbe lighthouse girl, is likely t
ever stand beside those who have rendered them
selves ustrious BY generous devotion and nobl
daring for the good of others.