Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-09-07
"A LITTLE TOO PUNCTUAL
A sTEAmBoAr SKETCH.
by THE OLD 'uN.

tuOul the DOit. we WCIC SaHihS VII
the motley group. from the foot OF
the promenade deck stairs, when our
attention was attracted by the singu-
lar action of tall browr Yankee in
an immense hat, chocolate-colored
coat and pantaloons. and a fancy vest.
He stood near the star board paddle
box, and closely scrutinized every fe-
male that came on board every now
and then consulting an enormous sill
yer bulls eye watch, which he raised
from the depths Of capacious fob,
by the means of powerful steel chain.
After mounting down the guard in
this manner. he dashed furiously down
the gang-plank and up the wharf, re-
appearing upon board almost instan-
taneously, with flushed face, ex-
pressing themost intense anxiety. This
series Of operations he performed sew
eral times, after which he rushed
about the boat, wildly and hopolessly
calculating;
whats the time er day? wonder il
my repeater's too fast? whar's the cap.
tain? whar's the steward? whar's the
mate? whar's the boss that owns this
ship?'
whats the matter, sir?' we ven
tured TO ask him, when he stood still
for moment.
"Hain't seen nothing of gal in a
blue sun bonnet, with n white Canton
Grape shawl. (cost 10 dollars) pink
gown. and brown boots, hey? come
aboard while | was looking for the
captain at the pint end of the ship, have
ye?"
mo such person has come aboard,
we replied.
"Tormented lightningl she's my
ioife, married her yesterday. All hen
trunks and mine are aboard, under a
pile Of baggage as high as a Connec'
ticut steeple. The darned black Mig.
ger says he can't hand il out. and
won't leave my baggage any how
My wife-only think Of twas tS
have come aboard at half past four
and here It's nearly FIVE. WHAT'S be,
come of her? She can't have eloped
we amt been married long enough
for that. You don't think she's beef
abducted, do ye. mister? Speak, won'l
ye? Oil I'm raving distracted! whal
are they ringing that bell for, is the
ship afire?'
"It is the signal for departure-thC
first bell. The second will be ringing
in four minutes"
"rhunderyou don't say so-whar'.
the captain?'
"That gentleman standing by the
capstan."
The Yankee instantly darted TO the
captains side.
Captain stop the ship for ten min
utes, won't YEP
Cant do it. SIR
'But you must. l tell ye. II
pay you lor it. How much will you
Il could not do it,
captain, III give you tew dollars,
cried the Yankee.
The captain shook his head.
"I'll give you FIVE dollars and q
half-a half-and halt-and half
and a haIf--and half, he kept re-
peating. dancing about in his great
agony, like n mad jackass on hoN
iron plate.
1.-The boat leaves at 8 o'clock pre-
eisely, sir, said the captain, shortly
and turned away.
'Oh, you stonny hearted heathens,
murmured the Yankee, almost burst
ing into tears, parting man and wife
aud who have been married only one
day
AT this moment the huge paddle
wheels began to paw the water, anc
the walking beam descended heavily
shaking the huge fabric to her centre
All who were not goingt TO New lIayer
went ashore. The hands began tC
haul in the gang. plank, the fasls were
cast loose.
"Leggo that plankP roared the
Yankee, collaring one OF the decl
hands. drop It like n hot potato, ol
III heaye ye into the dock
'Yo-yo" shouted all the men il
chorus, MS they heaycd on the gang
way.
'Shut up. you braying donkeys.
yelled the maddened Yankee, 30
there will be bloody work
But the plank was got aboard, ane
the boat splashed past the pier
In an instant the Yankee pulled OF
his coat, flung lis hat beside il OF
the deck, and rushed wildly to .h,
guard"
Are you drunk or crazy9' clied
passenger seizing him.
'I'm.going TO fling myself into th'
dock and swim ashore. | musn
leave Sairy Ann alone in New lorl
city. You may divide my baggage
among ye. Leg go me, can swim.
lie struggled SO furiously that the
consequence might have been fatal ha'
not n sudden appMition changed hi
purpose. a very pretty poung wo
mpn in blue bonnet, white Cantor
Grape shawl. pink dress. aud brown
boots. came towards him.
The biz brown Yankee uttered ON,
stentorian shout of 'Sairy Ami clasp
ed her in his arms, in spite of all he
struggling, and kissed her heartily
right teiore all the passengers.
Where did you come from? he en-
gerly inquired.
You told me at half-past four re
piled she, but i thought I'd make sur,
and come at four"
"a little too punctaal,' seid th,
Yankee, but il Is all right now
Halo. captain, you can so ahead. now
] don't care about stopping. Conn
nigh losing the passage-money an'