Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1859-01-14
WHAT MY SPANKER BOOM DID.
By sYLvANUs COBB, JR.

let of, but twas no 60, and after some
persuasion he delivered himself as fol-
lows;
y 'Well, gentlemen, if you won't let me
off, why, you must put up with very
simple story, though, to tell the truth, it
has been a very important one to me. !
am vet young, and have never had much
thrilling adventure; but I'll tell you
story of what my spanker-boom once
did for me.
The new ship Leo lay at the wharf in
New York, and l had been expecting to
take command Of her. To be sure | was
quite young-only eight-and-twenty-
and the ship was large one. But l
received a note from the agent informing
me that another agent had been secured.
OF course l felt bad, and not a few tears
did shed out of pure vexation. Invent
to the agent, and he told me that it was
through the influence of Mr.. Roland
Smith that the place had been lost to me.
This piece of Information changed my
feelings al once, and wrath and indigna-
ton took the place of Disappointment
III tell you about Mr.. Roland Smith:
He was a wealthy merchant, and in
timately connected in business with the
owners of the Leo. | had once been in
his employ as supereargo when he was
engaged in the shipping business, and
then l became acquainted with his only
child-a girl named Kate. She was a
beautiful creature-at least then-and l
loved her; and you may be sure my love
was not lessened when | found that she
loved me in return. We at length con-
fessed our mutual passion, and pledged
our faith forever. l asked Mr.. Smith
for his child's hand, and he sPurned me
as though l had been dog, and solely
because l was only a mate of ship
Yet saw Kate often after that She
was proud, spirited girl, and the thought
that she was to be made an article Of
merchandise, CALLED her to the soul. I
was too honest TO propose a clandestine
marriage, and we separated. won't tell
you how, only | thought her heart would
break. She clung to my neck and wept
like child, and told me she would fol-
low me to the ends of the earth if l would
have it so. But had made up my mind
not to take her from her father, who might
thus be made her enemy, and II
kissed her-blessed her-and then tore
myself away. This was about six months
before the time of which I have spoken
Since then had heard that Kate was to
be married to man by the name of Au-
gustus Hampton. He was rich, very rich
an Englishman by birth, and-his
money was all to recommend him.
A week passed away, and had got
already to start for Baltimore, when, one
afternoon, as | sat in the office of the ho-
tel, the penny-postman brought me note
opened tit was from the agent. He
wanted to see me at once, and down to
his Office | went
Captain Lamson,' said he, as l enter
ed, your lucky star is up. Bisbee is
sick-down with fever-and you must
take the ship, after all
But the owners said l.
Have wanted you from the first he
answered, Sc NO more words. They
won't consult with Roland Smith again
When can you be ready?'
Tomorrow told him.
Then have all ready, and the boat
will be after you at any hour you set
The Leo's berth is wanted at the wharf
and she will drown tonight under charge
of the pilot
set ten o'clock of the next day as
the hour for the boat to come of. and al
the appointed time | was there. bag, box.
chest and baggage. 1 took all the pa.
pers of the agent, received my duplicate
OF the contract between myself and the
owners, and then set of. When l reached
the deck of the ship l felt proud. She
was beauty, new, neat, and trim, aud as
fine a crew as l ever saw. Her deck
was nearly flush, and was as white as
sand and water could make it. The men
received me with three cheers. and as
soon as had returned the compliment
we proceeded to get under weigh. The
anchors were up, the topsails sheeted
home and hoisted, and Iahad just given
orders to drop the courses, when my eve
caught female form coming up from the
cabin. l turned to look at her. and
saw Kate but Kate Smith no longer.
for by her side was her husband. Our
eyes met, and quick, stifed cry broke
from her lips, and in a moment more she