Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1855-09-13
MONEY BELOW PAR.

A ship was driven out of her course, and cast
away within sight of an unknown coast. All on
board might have escaped in the boats, though
rather crowded, but one of the passengers, on
their refusing to admit his trunk, remained in the
ship to unfasten it, and get out his pocket book,
which contained notes to the amount of 500, 900.
This, he thought, would not detain him mo-
ment, and he requested them to wait, but in the
hurry and confusion of the moment, he could not
recollect what he had done with the
key of the trunk. Having found it at last, and
secured the money, he perceived, to his dismay,
that every boat was out of sight, while the ship
was falling apart, and suddenly he found himself
floating by, he clung to it almost unconscously,
not relaxing his hold even when his senses were
failing. Fortunately he was floating to land, and
when he revived he found himself lying on the
beach. As soon as his strength returned, he as
cended an eminence, but could see no signs of the
wreck, or boats, or any human creature. But as
he was leaning despondingly against tree, he
was suddenly startled by being slapped on the
shoulder, while voice in his ear exclaimed,
" What cheer, my hearty!" Turning around,
he gladly recognized one of the crew, and in
CURED what had become of the rest!
"Why, don't know, but suppose they are
safe by this time, but have seen nothing of
them"
"Were you with them in the boats!"
"No, stayed on board to the last"
"And so did l, though was not aware of
your being aboard. | hope you succeeded as
well as did in saving your property
81 had nothing to save but jack-knife and
plug of tobacco-both safe enough in my trow-
sers' pockets"
"Then why did you not think of saving your
self at once, T"
"No, | could not think Of leaving the ship as
long as the planks held together. She could not
say that was not true to the last But come,
comlade, let us see what kind Of quarters we
have got into.'
They travelled some distance without any sign
of habitaton. Necessity quickened their in
genuty, and they vera successful in occasion.
ally catching fish, oysters, or birds, in all which
the sailors jack.knife proved Of invaluable ser
vice in preparing the proper suares and weapons
in opening the oysters, cutting up, or cleaning
the fish or birds, above all, in striking lighttt
make fire for the purpose of cookery. Once
, also when they were attacked by wild beast
s the sailor by prompt use of his knife savec
their lives.
They had lived in this manner for some month
when, arriving at the opposite side of the island
they found it inhabited by savages, vino con
Il Quoted them to their king. The gentleman, ana
ious to conciate his copper-skinned majesty, Pre-
y duced five hundred pound bank note, an
IL offered it to his acceptance The king examine
" it with some curiosity, applied it to his nose an
ID tongue, and being satisfied that il was not goo
to eat, returned it with contempt The gentl
,e man soon found out that his twenty thousaI
70 pounds could not procure him the smallest co
L sideration. The sailor, on the contrary, in fe
ne days became parsonage of great importanc
,e for the many services which he was enabled
re render with his jack-knife, among people whe
he iron was unknown. They literally supplied
to their wants. and his rich friend was glad to pro
Ut by his bounty.
ng One day, as they we're attending the king,
in an eminence overlooking the sea, they descriet
to distant sail, evidently passing the island. Tn
ed kinded bonfire and hoisted signals, but tn
ed did not succeed in attracting notice.
W. :" If we only had boat exclaimed the sa
D. or, +" think we could get within hail, and 8
'i' does not stand far out, though it is plain she
en tends to pass without touching this way"
The gentleman produced his twenty thousa
l pounds, and offered it to the king. to exchange
by a canoe, but his majesty rejected the roll of
aze per, and turned to the sailor with single W,
th, =" knife"
we The bargain was instantly closed, the ia
'ed knife was received by the king with no less