Squatter sovereign., 1855-08-07
5flisteuaneons.
MONEY BELOW PAR !:
The Jack-Knife versus $4,000

Of the passengers, on their refusing to ad-
init his trunk in any boat, remained in the
ship to unfasten it and get out his pocket
book, which contained notes to the amount
of 100000. This, he thought would not
detain him a moment, and he requested
them to wait, but IN the hurry and confu-
sion of the moment, he could not immedi-
ately recollect what he had done with the
key Of his 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 fallen apart, and sud-
denly he found himself in the sea. Catch
ing at some article that was floating BY, he
,clung to it almost unconsciously, not relax
ing his hold even when his senses were
failing. Fortunately he was floating to
land, and when he revived, he found him.
self lying on the beech. As soon as his
strength returned, he ascended an emf
nence, but could see no sign Of the wrec ks
or boats, or any human creature. But as
he was leaning despondingly against a tree
he was suddenly startled by being slapped
on the shoulder, while a voice in his ear
exclaimed, ''what, cheer my hearty g.
Turning around he gladly recognized one
of the crew, and inquired what had become
of the rest?
"Why,I don't know, but suppose they
are safe by this time, but have seen moth
ing of them" -.-..f .-a-
.Were you with them in the boats 2"
"No I stayed on board to the last"
'And so did 1, thought was not aware
of your being on board. 1 hope you sue
ceeded as well as l did in saving your
property"
81 had nothing to save but jack-knife
and plug of tobacco-both safe enough
in my trowsers pockets.
'..Then why did you not think of saving
yourself at once ?''
mo, l 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, comrade, let us see what
kind OF quarters we have got into"
They travelled some distance without
any sight of habitation. Necessity quick
ened their ingenuity, they were successful
occasionally catching fish, oysters, or birds,
in all which the sailors jack knife proved
of invaluable service in preparing the prop
er snares and weapons, in opening the
oysters, cutting up, or cleaning the fish or
birds, above all, in striking a light TO
make fire for the purpose of cookery
Once, also, when they were attacked by
a wild beast, the sailor by prompt use of
his lack knife saved their lives.
They had lived in this manner for some
months, when arriving at the opposite side
of the island, they found it inhabited by
savages, who conducted them to their king.
The gentleman, anxious to conciliate his
copper skinned majesty, produced five
hundred pound bank note, and politely Of
fered it to his acceptance. The King ex-
amined it with some curiosity, applied 1t
to his nose and tongue, and being satis6e cd
that it was not good 10 eat, returned it with
contempt. The gentleman soon found out
that his twenty thousand pounds could not
procure him the smallest considerations
The sailor, on the contrary, in few days
became parsonage of great importance,
ior the many services which he was ena-
bled to render with his jack knife. among
a people where iron was unknown. They
literally supplied all their wants. and his
rich friend was glad to profit by his bounty.
One day, as they We're attending the
king. on an eminence overlooking the sea,
they deserted distant sail evidently pas
sing the island. They kindled bondfire
and hoisted signals, but they did not sue
ceed IN attracting notice.
s'If we only had boat exclaimed the
sailor, 81 think we could get within hail,
and she does not stand far out, though it is
plain she intends to pass without touching
this Way ii
The gentleman produced his twenty
thousand pounds, and offered it to the king
IN exchange for a canoe, but his majesty
rejected the roll of paper, and turned to
the sailor with single word-"knife. !"
The bargain was instantly closed, the
jack knife was received by the king with
no less delight than was experienced by
the Enghskmen as they jumped into tlie