Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1849-1856, 1855-10-04
A LITTLE TOO .PUNCTUAL-A
STEAMBOAT SKETCH.

me hour was approaching Tor the de-
Parture OF the New Haven steamboat
from her berth at New York, and the
usual crowd Of passengers, and friends of
passengers, news boys, fruit vendors,
cabmen and dock loafers, were assembled
n and about the boat. We were gazing
at the motley group from the foot Of the
promenade deck stairs, when our atten-
don was attracted by tho singular actions of
q tall, brown Yankee, in an immense wool
hat, chocolate colored coat and pantaloons,
and fancy vest. lie stood near the star
board paddlebox, and scru;anized sharply
every female who came on board, every
now snd then consulting an enormous sill
yer bulls eye watch, which he raised from
the depth oi capacious fob, by means of
apowerful steel chain. After mounting
guard in this manner, he dashed furously
down the gang plank and up the wharf, re.
appearing almost instantaneously, with a
flushed face, expressing the most intense
anxiety. This series of operations he per-
formed several times, after which he rush.
ed about the boat, wildly and hopelessly
circulating:
"What's the time er day? Wonder if
my repeater's fast I? Whar's the cap'n p
whar's the mate whar's the boss that owns
the ship?"
"What's the matter, sir 2" we ventured
to ask him, when he stood still for a mo
ment.
Haint seen nothin' of gal in blue
shawl, (cost fifteen dollarsD pink gown, and
brown boots, hey come aboard while was
looking for tho cap'n at the pint end of the
sbip-have ye hey? 2"
"No such person has come aboard"
"Tormented lightnin she's my pJe -
he screamed; "married her yesterday. All
her trunks and mine are aboard, under pile
: of baggage as tall as a Connecticut steepls
The darn'd black niger says he can't hand
1t out, and won't leave my baggage, any
how. My wfe-only think on it, was to
have come aboard at half past four, and here
it's most five. You don't think she's been
abducted, do ye mister. Speak answer
wont ye! o! Pm ravin' distracted /! What
are they ringing that bell for ?-Is the ship
afre 2"
at is the signal for departure--the first
bell. The second will be rang in four min.
utes ~
"Thunder you don't say so? Whar's
the cap'n9"
The Yankee darted TO the captains side.
:" Capn, stop the ship for ten minutes,
won't ye ~
al can't do it, sir"
"But ye must, tell you. III pay you
for 1t. How much will you tax 2"
81 could not DO it,"
"Cap'n, ri give you tcw dollars" graspcd
the Yankee.
The captain shook his head.
"Hll give ye FIVE dollars and a half!-
and half !--ond half and and half !"
no kept repeating, dancing about in his ago.
ny, like mad jackass on hot iron plate
The boat starts at five precisely" said
the captain shortly, and turned away.
20, you Sunny hearted heathen !" muir
INJURED tho YANKEES, almost bursting into
tears. "Partin' man and wife, and we Just
one day married"
At this moment the huge paddle wheels
began TO paw the water, and the walking
beam descended heavily, shaking the hinge
/ fabric to her centre. All who were not &C.
ing to New Haven went ashore. The
hands began to haul in the gang plank the
fasts were already loose.
"Let go that plank - roared the Yankee.
collaring one of the hands. Drop Il, like
= hot potato, or I'll heave you into the
dock"
: "Yo-yo!" shouted the men in chorus,
- they heaved on the gangway.
"Shut up, you braying donkeys !" yelled
the aaddened Yankee, or there'll be all
ugly spot of work."
But the plank was got aboard, and the
boat FLASHED past the pier
n In an instant the Yankee pulled his coat
. of, flung his hat beside it OH tho dock, and
rushed wildly to the guard
"Are you drunk or crazy 2" cried pas
sanger, scizing him."
/ "pm goin' to fling myself into the dock
and swim ashore !" cried the Yankee. 81
mustn't leave Sairy Ann alone in New York
city. You may divide the baggage among
ye. Let me GO! can swim"
He struggled so violently that the conse-
quence might have been fatal, had not a
sudden apparition changed his purpose. A
very pretty young woman in blue bonnet,
: white Canton Grape shawl, pink dress, and
brown boots, came towards him.
The big brown Yankee uttered one stem
storiaR shout of" Sairy ANN" elapsed her
In bis arms in spite Of her struggling, and
Kissed her heartily, right before all the pas.
sengers.
"Where did you como from?" he en-
! quircd.
From the ladies' cabin" answered the
bride. "You told me half past four, but |
!. thought Id make sure and come at four"
"a little too pu,ctuai," said the Yankee