Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1855-03-08

egg shell. Wednesday morning they heard
the cars whistle at Wauke .un. Soon after
they emerged from the ice into clear water
near the shore, tnd thinking they, saw spot
where they could beach the vessel, and save
them selves, they sicered for it. When with,
in about fiverods ot the supposed beach, they
discovered ,n't il was lodged 10. Death
seemed sitting there, waiting for them.-
| They resolved to give him the slip The
s'oop WIS put short about. Right bruvey
did she work of into the lake again.
The storm increased. Tie prospect for
the two men was dark enough, The shore
was lined with ice everywhere, and vast
fields OF ii were closing rapidly down upon
them. Van Doozen brought the cards on
deck, hove them overheard, and would have
sent the fiddle after them, but for the earnes,
remons,rance Of its owner. The song book
was thrown into the stove, and the Bible
was frequently consulted. The Captain
steered us near as he could in the direction
OF Chicago, and about noon emerging from
field OF ice, he found himself right close TO
the harbor. He had no anchor, and the ice
would not let him come to the piers. He
could not endure the thought of being SO
near safety and yet be lost. What should
he 60 for an anchor? A sudden suggestion.
piece Of cable was still on board. Making
it into a coil, and lashing it well together, he
made line fast to it, and lowered it ove--
board; this novel anchor held the sloop while
the ice slowly drifted past. The two men
took courage. IL was something to look to
the land and see human beings watching
them with apparent interest. Night came
on again. A dark and stormy night. Cold,
too. No lights were displayed about the
piers TO guide or cheer them. us it posi-
blep' thought they. "Whcre is the light
house keeper! We were seen here oil day.
viii not he, will no one, put out a beacon
for our benefit" The darkness answered
solemnly, "No!" The lights of the city dis
appeared one after another, and n,thing re-
lieved the gloom of their situation. So near
agreat city were they, that they could hear
its heart beat, and its tongues tell the hours,
and yet not one finger raised to help them!-
government lighthouse keeper asleep in
a comfortable house, and no light for mari
ners wrestling with storm. Two govern
ment life boats securely housed, and no one
to launch them for the rescue of the two men!
Suddenly the wind hauled. "Now is our
time" said the Two men both together
Quickly cutting the line which held the
sloop, they made sail for the entrance to the
railroad basin. at was as dark as tar" says
the captais, in telling his stoty. II steered
boldly for the breakwatei, against whch the
sea broke heavily. | could see nothing, SO
steered by sound. could hear the breakers
all along except ut oae point, and there
judged was the opening 20 the BASIN II |
hit it, was safe; il missed it, there was no
hope more. 1t was desperate case, but |
was tired Of uncertainties. We nearcd the
break-water. Van held the helm, and |
stood by the jb.sheet. The roar grew deaf
ening. AS we came closer, | grew confused
for a moment, and thought it was-dH roar all
breakwdter, no opening at all, that had mis-
judged. On we came. Thank God! boy,
we are in the BASIN cried, and if ever
was thankful to Him or hope to be was
that minute. We had neither Of us slept for
three days and nights"