Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1860-02-17


and then a stunning roar following,
shaking the firmamrni 10 It's centre, and
sounding as If a thousand broadsides had
been discharged at one. For a moment
The burning fragments sailed aloft, fallfrg
on every hand about, while the boat
rolled to and iro upon he agitaied swell.
We held our breath IN momentary expec-
fation of death, and I involuntarily
ejaeulated-
.'The LeRp have mercy on US all
Amen said the rescued father at
my side.
But we were again most miraculously
preserved. The otfiing we had gained.
though not sufficient to ensure safety.
proved great enough to relieve US from
inevitable obstruction. Had any Of the
falling timbers. however, struck Us, We
should have all gohe down together. As
it was, it was one of the narrowest es-
capes | ever had made, and when gave
the command to the crew TO give way
tagain-for at that terrible explosion they
had as one man paused-a gush of thank
iulness and devotion went up from my
heart to the great Author of our being
who had a second time preserved my
life.
The deafening uproar, however, re-
called the senses of the fair girl at my
side. But / win not describe her graft
tude, and that of her parent, TO myself
whom they persist in considering the
/ preserver of their lives.
Suffice it TO say, we were soon on
board; the captain deliberately resigned
his own cabin TO the strangers, and then ]
had leisure to learn some particulars con.
corning their history. They were easily
told. Mr.. Thornton, the father OF Isabel
was wealthy West Indiaman, and wa.
Just returning from Great Britain will
his daughter, who had been there fol
several years obtaining her education
Before the letter of Marque sailed, she
had been fitted up by Mr.. Thornton in &
style bordering on eastern luxury, witt
furniture intended principally for hi,
mansion house at Jamaica. But at thu
momenta message arrived soliciting my
presence with Mr.. Thornton. As en-
tered the cabin he frankly extended hi,
hand and presented me to his now blush
ing daughter-for what woman, be sh,
who she may, can stand unembarrasseC
in the presence of one TO whom she owe.
her life? have had many moments 0
pleasure, but / never felt as ] then felt
when Isabel Thornton, extending he
delicate hand to me, with her sweetes
smile uttered her thanks.
" But how said l, to change the sub
ject, did it happen, my dear Ms
Thornton, that you were in the cabiI
when the rest had escaped
. In the general alarm, we were for
gotten-for we had been hurried to th
hold during the conflict, and when tin
fire broke out were overlooked. w,
found our own way back, but only whel
the whole ship was in flames. We ha
just reached the cabin through a forwart
door below, and believing the ship des
troyed, had despaired of all escape, whei
you-you-appeared.'
. . | had forgot till this moment w
: were foes said l gaily, determined +
avoid the coming thanks
But foes or not continued Harry
; turning TO his wife with smile, 'Isabt
is now my bride; and often when spea
of the sacrifices she has made in leavin
her native land for me, she reminds m
with grateful heart that ] saved her Ii.
on that eventful night
The wife looked up as he spoke. an
sworn bachelor as am envied Harr
the tender gaze of those eonfding eyes.