The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1859-06-16


motioned to Rimmer that we should
proceed there.
cannot tell the strangeness Of the sensa-
tion felt by one who first walks the bottom
of the sea.
There are o thousand objects, fitted TO
excite astonishment, even in the mind Of him
who has dared the deed hundred times.
All around us lay the plain, covered by wa
ter but here the eye could not pierce far
away as in the upper cir, for the water, in
the distance, grew opaque, and seemed To
fade away into misty darkness. There was
no sound, except the incessant gurgle which
was produced by the escape Of cir from the
breast valve, and the plash caused by our
passage through the waters. We walked on
at good pace for this armor, which seems
50 clumsy up above, is excellent below, and,
offers little inconvenience to the practiced
wesrer.
Fishes 10 crowds were around us. Fishes
Of every shape met our eyesno matter where
we turned. They swan swiftly by rs; /;
they sported 10 the water about US they
raced and chased one another, in every di.
rection. Here shoal Of porpoises tumbled
along in clumsy gambols, there grampus
might be seen rising slowly to the surface
here an immense number Of smaller fish
flashed past us, there some huge ones, with
ponderous FORMS hoated 10 the water lazily.
Sometimes three or four placed themselves
directly before US, staring at US. and sol.
emnly working their gils. There they would
remain till We came close up to them, aud
then, with q start, they would dart away.
All this time we were walking onward
along the bottom Of the sea, while above Us,
like black cloud 10 the sky, we could see
our boat slowly moving onward upon the sur
face Of the water. And not more than
hundred yards before us, we could see the
towering form Of that ebony rock which
had at first greeted our eyes from afar. As
yet we could not be certain that this was
the place where the Marmion had struck.
But soon round black object became dis.
cernable, as we glanced at the rocky base.
Rimmer struck on my arm, and pointed.
signed assent, and we moved on more
quickly.
A few moments elapsed we bad come
nearer to the rock. The black object now
looked like the stern Of o vessel whose hull
lay there.
Suddenly, Rimmer struck me again, and
pointed upward. Following the direction
Of his hand looked up and saw the sur
lace OF the water all foamy and in mo.
ton. There was momentary thrill through
my heart, but it passed over. We were 10
dangerous condition. A storm was COM
ing on
But should we turn back now, when we
were 30 near the object OF our search? Al
ready II lay before US. We were close be-
side it. No, would not | signalized 10
Rimmer to 90 forward, and we still kept
our course.
Now the rock rose up before ls, black,
rugged, dismal. Its rough sides were worn
by tire action Of the water, and, 10 some
places were covered by marine plants. and
nameess ocean vegetation. We passed On.
ward, we clambered over q spur, which jut-
ted from the cliff, and there 10y the steamer.
The Marmion--there abe lay upright,
with everything still standing. She had
gone right down, and had settled 10 such o
position, among the rocks, that she stood
here just as though sbe lay at the wharf.
We rushed eagerly along and clambered up
her side There was . low moan in the
water which sounded warningly in our ears,
and told us OF a swift approaching danger.
What was TO be done must be done speedily.
We hurried forward. Rimmer rushed TO
the cabin. went forward TO descend into
the hold descended the ladder. / walked
into the engineers room. All was empty
III la rf 10.
ocean had entered, and were sporting with
works Of man. | went into the freighiroom.
Suddenly, I was startled by an appalling
noise upon the deck. The heavy footsteps
Of some one running o. tbOngb 10 mortal
fear. or most dreadful haste sounded in my
ears. Then my heart throbbed wildly for
it was fearful thing to hear. far down in
the silent depths Of the ocean.
hurriedly asceDded the deck by the first
outlet that appeared. When ! speak Of
hurry, l speak OF the quickest movement
possible when numbered With 80 much ar
NOR. But this movement Of mine was
quick ] rushed upwards; sprang out on
the deck.
II was Rimmer.
Tie stepped forward apd clstch-d my srm.
He pressed il With convulsive grasp. and
pointed TO the cabin.
attempted to 90 there.
He stamped his loot, and tried 10 hold me-
back lie pointed 10 the boat, and impl0red
me. With frantic gestures 10 60 up.
I, is appalling To witness the horror
.trucx soul trying TO expres itself BY signs.
II u awful 10 see the~ signs when No lace is
plainly visible, and 20 voice 10 heard. |
ccsld no, 80 he face plainly, bat h's eyes
through bis heavy mask, giowed like cosls
of Gre.
Il vill goy' Z exclaimed. sprang from
him. lie elapsed hs hands tseshsr, bu,
dared not follow
Good seavens' though, aba, ssarial
thing % brre' wbs, scens can b. ~ dread.