The Grand Haven news. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1858-18??, 1859-05-25


ious nature. This annoyed his compan-
ion, and sharp words again passed between
them, since when a sullen silence had been
preserved. - ''''s 81
When about two miles above the La
chine rapids, some Of the rigging ;:loft
gave way, and the night-pilot mounted
the upper deck with ladder and attempt-
ed 10 make il fast. The wind blew fierce
ly, and while exerting all his strength 10
stay the mischief he lost his hold and
fell, the ladder coming down upon the
head of our government aid, wounding
him pretty severely. q
Not pausing to look at the cause of
the mischief, he seized the unfortunate
man aud with almost superhuman strength
lifted him above the railing of the boat.
The other quickly guessed his meaning,
and winding his arm around the neck Of
his companion, they fell together into the
boiling food below.
We lowered the life-boat as quickly as
possible, ropes were thrown out, and eve
ry effort put forth TO save them, but in
vain. ~
They rose to the surface of the water,
still locked in each others arms, then sank
from our view forever.
The boat now madly rushed on, COM
ing nearer and nearer she frightful rapid,
while terror struck faces were around US
at the thought that no master-hand was
near 10 guide us through the dark passage
below.
The scene we had just been called to
witness only rendered our situation more
terrific, while wild and fearful eyes around
us bespoke the agonizing apprehensions
of the passengers and crew as we went
madly plunging 10 destruction, scarcely
half a mile from the gull, whose plashing
waves we could distinctly hear.
The captain had frankly told us Of his
inability to guide us through the perilous
passage, while deck, gangway and cabin
were filled,with men, women and children,
some of whom were praying, some weep
ing, others nearly crazed with an agony
TOO intense for utterance. Women eager
| ly clutched their children, and husbands
pressed their wives 10 their bosoms, with
only the hope of dying together, The
captain stood at the wheel, assisted by n
passenger, vainly endeavoring to hold out
to the last and guide her until every ef-
fort should prove fruitless, while with
strained eyes and looks of despair they
gazed through the almost binding storm
upon the craggy rocks lifting high their
gray, bare heads out Of the water, and
upon which they expected every instant
TO be dashed TO pieces.
Just as frenzy had began to calm down
into sober, earnest preparation for the
doom which awaited them, there came
out of the state-rooms fair young crea-
ture, over whose head scarcely sixteen
summers had passed. She was Of medi.
um height, as fair as the lily of her north
ern cline. She had donned dress ot
plain black stuff, while the coat of one Of
the deceased pilots was buttoned tightly
around her slight form. Her face was
ashy pale rs she mounted the stairway,
and with her hair disheyelcd by the wind,
she exclaimed in voice which rang clear
as the notes Of the bugle above the storm
81 know something of this Lachine
rapids, and will use my best endeavors to
guide you, although we have everything
of wind and weather against us. Let
two of you who are the strongest and
most self-possessed stand by me at the
wheel whilst the rest invoke His aid, who
ever stilleth the tempest, 10 guide oul
life-laden barque safely through the troub
led water"
AS if in derision of her matchless cour-
age, the mad waves leapcd higher, while
the thunder pealed loud defiance to hel
words.
With pallid face and lips compress.
ed, she took her station at the wheel
while two powerful men stood by to aid
her as Far as possible. With firm hand
she raised the glass, and swept the scenC
before her, then bidding them have cour
age, the boat entered upon its fearfu
course bounding onward, as if consciou:
of the hand that guided its destiny.
Her orders were given in loud, cleal
tones, while she stood proudly erect, heI
eyes frightening into darker blue, unit
one would have fancied her the ruling spir
it Of the storm.
The water dashed against the sides o
the boat, crowning her fair head will
gittering drops, yet still she stood un
needing, while not an eye in all tha
group but gazed in mingled awe and con
fidence upon that delicate form.
Once again the spoke of the whce
slipped from the grasp Of him who helC
it, but the fair jeweled hand arrested IL
progress, steadied the steamer and stayet
the destruction which would othewis
have followed its swerve from duty. On
ward sped the noble barque; when dark
ness shut the last rock from our sight
one deafening shout rose high above th
storm for her who had so bravely guide,
through the shadow Of death.
She would receive no thanks for her
self, but bidding us give thanks 10 Hin