Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1857-06-12
WHOLE NUMBER 1874.


One little act politenesswill some
times pave the way to fortune and
! preferment. The following sketch
illustrates this fact:
A sailor, roughly garbed was
auntering through the streets of
New Orleans, then in rather damp
condition from recent rain and the
rise of the tide. Turning the corner
of a much frequented alley, he oD-
served young lady standing in per-
plexity, apparently measuring the
depth of muddy water between her
and the opposite sidewalk with no
very satisfied countenance.
The sailor paused, for he was
great admirer ofbeauty, and certainly
the fair face that peeped out from
under the little chip hat, and auburn
curls hanging glossy and unconfned
over her muslin dress, might tempt q
curious or admiring glance. Perpiex-
ed, the lady pat forth one little foot,
when the gallant sailor with charac-
teristic impusiveness exclaimed:
'sThat pretty foot, lady, should not
be soiled with the filth of this lane;
wait for moment only, and / will
make you path"
So, springing pastherinto carpen-
ter's shop opposite, he bargained for
a plank board that stood in the door
way, and coming back to the smiling
girl who was just coquettisk enough
to accept the services ofthe handsome
young sailor, he bridged the narrow
black stream, and she tripped across
with merry ''thank you" and a
roguish smile, making her eyes dazz-
ling as they could be.
Alas, our young sailor was perfect
ly charmed. What else could make
him catch up and shoulder the plank
and follow the little witch through
the streets to her home; she twice
performed the ceremony Of walking
the plank" and each time thanking
him with one Of her eloquent smiles.
Presently our young hero saw the
young lady trip up the marble steps
ola palace Of a house, and disappear
within its rosewood entrance; for full
moment he stood looking at the door,
and then with wonderful big sigh
turned away, disposed of his draw
bridge and wended his path back to
his ship.
The next day he was astonished by
an order Of promotion from the cap
tain. Poor Jack was speechless with
amazement; he had not dreamed Of
being exalted to the dignity Of tho
second mates Office on board one of
the most splendid ships that sailed
out of the port Of New Orleans. Ho
knew he was competent, for instead
ofspending his money foramuscments
visiting theatres and bowling alleys
on his return from sea, he purchased
books and became quite student;
but he excepted years TO intervene
before his ambitious hopes would be
realized.
His superior officers seemed 10 look
npon him with considerably leniency,
and gave him many fair opportuni-
ty ofgathering maritime knowledge;
and in ssyear the handsome, gentle
manly young mate had acquired un-
usual favor in the eyes of the portiy
commander. Captain Hume, who
had first taken the smart little black
eyed fellow, with his neat taIpaulin
and tidy bundle, as cabin boy.
One night, the.oung man, with all
teh officers, was invited 10 an enter
tainment at the captains house,
He went, and TO his astonishmept
mounted the identical steps up which
two years before had trippod tho bright
vision he had never forgotten. Thump
went his brave heart, ashe was usher.
cd into tho great parlor. and like a.
sledge- hammer II beat again whon
Captain Hume introduced his blue
eyed daughter, with pleasant smile,
as "the young lady once indebted 20
your politeness for safe and dry
walk home" His eyes were oil a
blaze, and his brown cheeks flushed
hotIy as tho noble captain sauntered
away, leaving fair Grace Hume at
his side. And In oil that assembly
there was not 80 handsome q couple
as the gallant sailor and the 'prctty
| ladie."
II was only O year from that, the
second mate trod tho quarterback,
second only In command, and part
owner with the captain, not only in
his vessel but In the affections Of his
daughter, gentle Grace Hume, who
had always cherished respect, 10 say
nothing Of love, for tho bright-eyed
sailor.
His homcly, but earnest act Of
politeness towards his child had
pleased the captain and, though the
youth know II not, was the cause Of
his first promotion. So that now the
old man has retired from business,
Harry Wells Is Captain Wells, and
Grace Hume, according 10 polite par
lance, Mrs Captain Wells. In fact
our honest sailor Is one Of the richest
men In the Crescent City, and he
owes, perhaps, the greater part OF
his prosperity TO his tact and polite
ness in crossing the street.
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