Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-01-20
CbOite Gitfrature.
LIES sTRUGGL Es;
OR,
The Triumph Of Virtue.
Bv FINLEY JOHNSON.
CHAPTER /.

II was beautiful summer morning.
The sun shone in all its refulgent beauty,
and he swept from the heavens the clouds
which had gathered during the night, his
rays were reflected upon each house top,
and all nature smiled with Joy. 1t was in
deed, such a morning as would call into
action all of mans love for the grandeur of
nature, and 50 thought we as we stood up
on the deck Of the Henry Clay as she
merrily ploughed her way through the wa
ters OF the Mississippi, on her way to
Natchez, We were crowded with passen-
gers, who, standing in groups of six or eight
were freely discussing the various topics oI
the day. The day was exceedingly sultry
and oppressive, and the sun was pouring
has burning rays down upon the deck; the
elements were ina state of calm repose, and
a deep, still silence reigned about u.s. No
a breath of air famed the silver tide, OIL
even rippled the waters of the river. The
passengers were lounging in different part.
of the vessel, each following the bent Of hi
own inclination. Some were gazing into
the black depths below, while others wer,
basiSiny in the sun, spinning yarns of Yves
tern life.
= Suddenly, the quiet Of the scene was dis
turbed by thrilling shrek, which sound
Jed in our cars IA shrek so. wild, so fearful
ethat il drove. the blood within the heart
while, it the same time, the cries of wo
men were mingled with the cries of "Sto
ache boat--stop her y Never before hav
| witnessed a change more sudden tina
that which now presented itself before me
The eye which but few moments ag
beamed with Joy, now gave place to so
emn gaze Of anxiety; the faces so full {
glee, were now pale with terror, as th'
shrek resounded through the vessel. Ever
eye, as ifby some natural instinct, was Fl,
cd upon the Captain, who, leaping upo
one OF the paddle-boxes, gave the word t
stop the boat, which was no soonerobeye
than all with one accord rushed hurried
down to the deck,
'What is the matterF was asked by oil
and ALL
"A boy has fallen among the machiner
and is no doubt crushed to pieces, was Il
reply.
Impcled by morbid curiosit
some by desire to assist-al rushed
the engines but instead of the mangl
corpse they had expected to witness,
tie ragged boy was handed up, almost u
injured. What a strange compound Is t
heart of man Some there were, W
bore upon their countenances the traces
disappointment, because matters were.
worse; while even the most of them, aft
having gazed upon the object of curiosi
and being satisfied, shrugged their sho
ders, and returned to their seats. Amo
the passengers was an old gentleman, W
by his noble countenance, had attracted
attention; and as lie stood apart from
others, could sec by the glances of
benevolent eye, that in him the poor |
would find friend After viewing i
for some time, and then as if satisfied
his scrutiny, he approached the trembl
boy, and kindly said
"Wel, my son, how did it happen p
Il was locking at the wheels, sir, I
my hat fell Oft, and as stopped to ca
Tt, tnmblcd in"
"Wcll, my little boy, you have had
narrow escape. You should thank God
preserving you"
II hope, sir, am thankful, for my mc
or often tells me to forget not Him, and
Bible saws, "The Lord will not forsake th
who trust in Him.
@And so you read the Bibles" said
old gentleman and as if suddenly SCI
by an impulse, he took off his spectaC
aud as he wiped them, inquired his ma
edward Lucy, sir"
aAnd pray, Ned, how do you gain
Hhoodl Do you work at any trade 2"
"No, sir. In the summer time sell
ples In the steamboats, and in the Wi
mother keeps me at home to help her.
"You make but little at that, my b
now how would you like some pcrmar
employment, say, for instance, lawy
clerk Z"
Tears were falling thick and fast I
the poor fellows cheek and visions OF
ter DAYS fitted before him, and in II
bling voice he answered.
"lndeed, sir, il is my wish to obtain W
50 that / may support my mother; but
can poor, friendless boy get it Z
since father died, have had nothing t
but sell apples, and often have we |
supperless to bed; but mother always
me that if was good and honest the
would assist me"
Eyes, and he will, my son." excla
the delighted listeners "bat have you
to school, and can you write e.