The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1859-09-02

Calling to the persons on shore to aid in
saving the people, he himself made fast
the rope TO the steamers hull and return
ing to his own vessel stationed a man at
the wheel, and slowly foated out of the
harbor, leading the fire ship in his wake
Merchants trembled for their property
as he passed, the fresh wind blowing the
flames in every direction, while the pas
sengers who had escaped, followed with
their eyes scene which seemed almost
unreal.
lie had nearly reached some piles, about
| half mile out of the harbor, to which he
had intended to fasten the ship when
startling cry broke the solemn stiffness,
| and rang out over the waters in wild. de,
spairing tone.
Just then there appeared upon the deck
fair child scarce ten summers old; her
| blue eyes filled with tears, and her little
arms stretched forth in supplication toward
the shore, that some one would come to
her rescue, while every moment was rem
dering her position one of almost certain
death. Looking about him for an instant
in search of boat, he found there was
none on board; SO springing from the yes
sells side, the noble commander struck out
with swift and measured strokes, making
for the scene of danger. When about
midway in his course, he called out to the
child to jump overheard; but just then he
saw her sink to the deck, unhee1ing his
order, and doubtless smotheIed by the heat
and smoke around her.
| f,1 hnr c1,o l.
with her piteous cry still ringing in his
ears, he rushed madly on. and reaching the
vessel, prepared to ascend its burning side
Fearlessly he braved the fire; but he lost
hold of the taffrial, and fell into the water
Nothing daunted, he rose, all dripping,
and succeeded in regaining his position; he
at last reached the deck, and was lost to
view. For five minutes a breathless sus-
pense awaited his reappearance; then we
saw his powerful form arise amid the fire
and smoke. and holding aloft in his arms
the fair child he had braved even death to
rescue, once more plunged into the water,
striking for his own ship.
1t was now dusk, and as the burning
steamer was at length made fast to the
piles, the flames enveloped her in one huge
mass, lighting up the surrounding scene
with wild titful glare. This accomplish
ed, the Arabia prepared to return, while
five steamers laden with passengers came
out to meet her. AS the escort surround
ed her, her noble commander standing on
the deck, the fair child he had rescued be
| side him, one deatening shout rang over
the water, while waving hats and tiny
| handkerchiefs almost hid them from view
| As they re entered the harbor of Hamilton,
a salute of forty guns was fired. and bands
Of music struck up in sweet, wild tones:
''See: the conquering hero comes
The bells of the city were rung, and
never was more heartfelt tribute paid to
man than that which welcomed Alexander
Mason, all blackened and wet, as he once
more set foot upon shore.
The child he had saved had been placed
on board with her nurse, who was only too
glad to make good her own escape, to care
for the hel pness being in her charge.
Imagine the parents JOY, when they
| clasped that loved one frantically in their
arms, her sunny curls dripping, and her
bright eyes regarded fondly the man who
had peried his life to save hers.
'Love him, papa. he saved your darling"
came sweetIy from her childish lips, as she
kissed the blackened cheek of her preser
yer thrice again. But it needed no admo
milton from her to make that parents
heart 90 out to him in love and gratitude.
BY his fearless, determined conduct, he
had saved a hundred lives and rescued
million of dollars from the flames; and
prancing steeds ne'er bore the hero of a
war so proudly as those which drew him,
attended by thousand grateful hearts, to
his own home.
lie had ever been one highly respected
by all who knew him, and had more than
once rendered services to his native city,
and only too glad of ali opportunity to ac-
knowledge them, the city of Hamilton pre-
sented him with an elegant set Of silver, as
IA slight testimonial of their regard.
Still he plows the waters Of his well-lov-
ed rive, still PAGES the deck of the noble
Arabia, and now, often, by his side, her
arm familiarly resting on his own, walks a
fair, sunny haired girl-Mrs Allie Mason.