The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-05-25

Fortunately. our ', vel had fallen shore

Fortunately, our vessel had fallen shore
ward, otherwise our fate must have been Ger.
tain and instantaneous. But even as II was,
what hope could we have Of life, clinging to
bolts and rings along our sloping deck, and
with that fearful cataract sweeping over us,
and those great surging waves rolling be-
tween us and safety2 Meanwhile, high above
our heads stretched the clear, dark.blue sky /;
and the brilliant consultations Of the south
shone calmly down upon the scene, as II to
show how far removed was heaven from
earth.
Ii seemed doubly hard to perish 80 closo
to land, and with numbers Of our fellow
creatures standing but few fathoms from
us: Suddenly, from among the crowd, o
rocket shot up into the sky right over our
vessel, and fell into the sea beyond; the next
moment, the mate spang forward to catch
the line it had brought from the shore, and
drawing on board tho strong rope attached
to it, secured It to the rigging. And by this
rope, half.buricd in the surf, 1t was that, IL
at all, we must save our lives. II was fear
tul venture, only suited to an extrcmi-
ty such as ours and even then, with tho
sea breaking over us, and the unfortunate
vessel grinding to pieces beneath our feet,
there was momcntary hesitation ere any
one would commit himself to 30 frail o
bridge.
As I stood nearest, profercd TO lead the
way, and In another minute was launched
amongthe waves, clinging to the supporting
rope. Never shall forget the struggle that
ensued-how the great breakers curled
around me, surging apgrily above my head !;
how furiously they dashed and beat against
me, and, as though they had been instinct
with demon life, stroye to tear mo from my
refuge, all the while muttering In my ears
hoarse threats of sweeping me out to sea
among the dark inexorable pillows raging
for victim. At length my feet touched
land, and my heart bounded with JOY even
among the breakers. The next moment an
imm,nse wave broke over me, tearing my
rope from its flstcnings, casting mo help
lessly down on the beach, and sweeping me
back again in Its retreat. Then came rush
and whirl, and ringing noises in my cars,
which are only heard by drowning men, and
knew nothing more. But brave men linked
themselves hand 10 hand, and yenturing deep
into the surf, risked their own lives to save
mine.
A hearty, generous cheer from the wreck
greeted my landing, and never shall forget
It's warmth. Then another rocket was
thrown over the vessel, and the rope secured
anew, and then, through much peril, the
shipwrcckcd voyagers reached the shore---all
save one, my late fellow. passenger, and he
was swept from the rope, and tossed among
the breakers. as had been, but less fortu-
nate than |, was swept out to sea, and never
heard of more.
was bruised, bewildcred and exhausted by
my passage through the surf, and filled with
deep grief for the lost man, who had been
my almost inscImr.sa. -e.aranian, during
our twelve weeks voyage; and, until l saw
the ship breaking in pieces before my eyes, ]
scarce remembered at | stood alone and
. penniless upon a foreign shore-cast utterly
adrift: for with the loss of the ship, OF
course my passage to Australia was lost my
little venture also had perished with her,
and Us had taken no precaution to insure
it, had no means left to pursue my voyage.
However, was young, and, despite the past
still hopeful, and | entertained the general
idea, that in colony, none who were strong
and willing TO work, need want; but found
il widely otherwise. Tho country was in a
state of extreme commercial depression, ow-
ing to recent Cafirc war, and not the hum
blest clerkship was to be obtained. From
tho same cause no agriculturalist needed as
sistance; and rs the war was over, even
STOOD for powder" was not in request.
thought OF school. but found they abound
cd. | offered to teach French and German,
but all either knew them already, or else did
not wish to learn.
was well nigh starving, and in despair ;
and day after day Of enforced idleness ]
raced the sands with increased heayiness Of
heart, sometimes arraigning tho Providence
that had left me to want, and swept of my
fcllow-passcngcr, whose prospects the wreck
would not have injured, and at Others, re-
GREETING that had not pcrished also.
A subscription had been raised for the poor
shipwrecked marincrs-nono thought OF the
poor shipwrccked passengcr-and they had
since entered on board other vessels, oil but
the whaler, and he had obtained employ
mcnt at the fishery. BY sudden impulse,
| resolved to follow him there, and, to my
astonshmcnt, was accepted, for they were
short of hands, and that mornings amateur
whaling had raised all concerned, In their
estimation. 1t was q strange employment
for an educated man, and, stranger still, for
the first time in nv life, prospered. The
boat in which rowed was sure 10 be sue
ccssful, and after time, when / was able to
take harpoon in hand, It never failed to
strike home, and send US back with flying
colors to receive the winners reward.
The close of the fishing season LETT me with
small surplus, and until tho commence
ment Of the next. I employed myself in build.
ing, with my own hands, on a lot Of land
which had purchased, q house to harbor
my home friends. 1t was, indeed, hard
beginning, but It has proved q good ONE
Year after year, went on in tho same
course. until became partner in the fish
cry, and in progress Of time the sole proPri.
etor. Years have passed since | have needed
to cast harpoon, save In the way Of amuse-
ment and though tho idea may not bo fat
tcring to my vanity, am constrained to bo-
licye that have found my true vocation.
n.-..,~o