The American. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1857, 1857-08-08

One little act Of politeness viii sometimes nave
tue way 70 fortune aud prefermsnt The klIowlu~
sketch illustrates this fact:
sailor, roughly garbed. was saunterinx shrou~h
the streets Of New Orleans, then In rather damp
condition from recent rain and the rss az the tids
Turning the corner Of much frequentsd sIIs. h.
observed young lady standing Ia perplexity, ap-
parently measuring the depth Of muddy water be-
tween her and the opposite sidewalk with no very
satisfied countenance
The sailor paused, for he was great admlrsr Of
beauty and certainly the fair face that peeped OUT
| from under the little chip hat and auburn curls
| hanging glossy and unconfned over her musjiu
dress, might tempt curious or admiring glance.
ferplexed, the lady put forth one little foot when
the gallant sailor with characteristic impulsvsnsss
exclaimed
That pretty foot lady should not be soIled with
the fifth OF this lane wait for moment only, and
! will make you apath."
| SO, springing past her into carpenters shop
opposite, he bargained for plank board that stood
IN the doorway and coming back to the smiling
girl who was just coquettish enough to accept the
services of the handsome young sailor, he bridged
the narrow black stream, and she tripped across
with merry (" thank YOU" and roguish smile.
making her eyes as ling as they could be-
Alas, our young sailor was perfectly charmed
hat else could make him catch up and shoulder
the plank, and follow the little witch through the
emony 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 OF palace of q house, and
disappear within its rosewood entrance; for full
moment he stood looking at the door, and then
with wonderful big sigh turned away, dispossd
OF his draw-bridge and wended his path back IL
his ship.
The next day he was astonished by an order o.
promotion from the captain Poor Jack was
speechless with anazement he had not drsamel
OF being exalted 10 the dignity Of the sscond
mates Office on board one of the most splendid
ships that sailed out of the port OF New Orleans.
lie knew he was competent, for instead Of spend
ing his money for amusementa visiting theatres
and bowling alleys on his return from sea, he pur-
chased books and became quite student; but be
expected years to intervene before his ambitiOus
hopes would be realized
His superior officers seemed to look upon him
with consider ably lenency, and gave him many
fair opportunity OF gathering maritime know
lsdge; and in year the handsome, gentlemsnly
young mare had acquired unusual favor Ia the
eyes OF the portly commander Captain Hume,
who had first taken the smart little black. eyed fel.
low, with his neat tarpaulin and tidy bundle, As
cabin boy.
One night, the young man, with all the officers,
was invited to an entertainment at the captains
house. He went and to his astonishment mount.
eu tiie iuehticai VttPs up WHICH TWO years DeIofe
had tripped the bright vision he had never forgot.
ten Thump went his brave heart, as he was
ishered into the great parlor, and like sedge-
hammer it beat again, when Captain Hume in
troduced his blue-eyed daughter with pleasant
smile, as the young lady once indebted to your
politeness for safe and dry walk home" His
eyes were all blaze, and his bi own cheeks flushed
hotly as the noble captain sauntered away leaving
fair Grace Hume at his side. And in ali that as
sembly there was not 30 handsome couple ~ the
gallant sailor and the "pretty ladie"
1t was only.s year from that the second mate
trod the quarterback, second only In command,
and part owner with the captain, not only in his
vessel, but Ia the affections of his daughter
gentle Grace Hume-who had always cherished
respect to say nothing of love, for the brighteyed
sailor.
His homey, but earnest act Of politeness to-
wards his child had pleased the captain, and,
though the youth knew it not was the cause OF
his first pI emotion So that now the old man has
retired from business, Harry Wells is Captaia
Wells, and Grace Hume, according to polite par
lance, Ms 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 polteness In crossing the
street