, 1861-08-22
Crossing the Sound in a Canoe.

were engaged in getting out large raft Of saw
logs. Our provisions were out, and we had
nothing to cross the Sound in but small Che
nook canoe. The wind had been blowing since
the 9Th, and showed no signs Of abatement As
said, we had nothing but a Chenook canoe,
only twenty, feet long. One Of these canoes
forty feet long will carry several tons, over very
rough watet. But ours was much smaller, and
In Il we would have to go to Steiacoom, to get
what we needed, 1t was ten miles Anxiously
did we watch the southern horizon. The wind
was blowing from the north, and we knew It
would eventually change to the southwest or
south, and bring rain. Noon came, and no sign
Of less wind. | was the only one Of the com.
pany who could manage a canoe well, and had
resolved, II the wind did not abate by noon, |
would attempt the passage. We were all stand
ing on the beach, looking glcothy at the water as
1t broke in surges ON the sand. went to the
cabin and brought down four paddles, 80 that i
broke any, would not be left at the mercy OF
the waves. l also put on liie-Preserver, having
divested myself Of all my clothing except pair
of moecasins, pair Of light overals, flannel
shirt, and handkerchief tied round my head.
When came back to the beach, they all looked
frightened. "What are you going to do 7" asked
my uncle. across the Bay" said. "Cross the
Bay" echoed all ayes, with uod's protection,
will, said |, and laid the paddles in the canoe.
Several tried to dissuade NE, but was deter.
mined. My uncle, knowing my character, tod
them to let me alone, for, said he, shes going
to start, you may be sure" Every man was 81.
lent, as prepared my craft for the desperate
encounter with the mad waters. took two
small boxes, in which nailed two stones for
trimming and ballast. secured both boxes
firmly to the bottom Of the canoe, by mailing
temporary thwarts over each then secured
large wooden basin to the stern thwart Of the
canoe. tied It with fathom Of whip-cord, lest
il should be thrown out and lost. | laid three Of
the paddles in the bottom Of the canoe near the
stern intended sitting on them, to have them
handy for use, and safe.
When l had finished my preparations, all
hands laid hold OF the canoe aud We launched
her. We were obliged to wade out waist deep
IN the SURF to clear her. Not word had been
spoken during the last quarter Of an hour. They
held the canoe while got in and seated myself
"Shove her of, boys, aud give me three cheers"
and tried TO snIile hopefully. " God bless you,
my de r boy" said my uncle, and away shot my
frail bark, just in time to escape the breaking Of
q huge surf-and was alone in my little cookie
shell, to ride the lcaping, hOary.naned war stsedS
Of Neptune. HaHs aa
I was not frightened, nor terrified yet q kind
Of cold SILVER passed over me, as bounded to
the crest Of great, rolling mass Of water, and
then shot down towards the next. Just after
sttrting il was necessary to turn across the
swells at an angle Of about thirty degrees; and
this was to be my direction all the way. The
canoe was light and well ballasted, and rode the
waves like duck. had nothing to do bat sit
and paddle, It's true, but that was enough.
How my little vessel frisked and bounded !!
How proudly the sauey thing tossed her head,
ike q young cclti 'us
A. 81 TL.5 et. Al =. Lok kio.l .,,sh;r,, "a rnv
head, and it seemed as IL my temples would
burst; but that soon passed, and began to en-
Joy the wild tossing Of the briny waves, and
with ouiyering muscles and bounding heart