Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-03-14
StIttte0 q ale,
The True Hero.

Not many years since the good ship Ponto
sailed from Boston bound 10 Sumatra She
was commanded by Captain Isaac Jacobs, a
good seaman and naturally good hearted man
n Int in his lOug career beneath the trident Of
y Neptune he had imbided many of those false
dsns prevalent among seamen, and he had
une 10 look upon the sailors life as one which
NJ MesariIy did away with those warmer and
f-u traits Of character thai mark the humaue
H sod generous andSman. In this wise Isaac
jacob, sometimes lost sight of true merit
Vlere it actually existed
FL Among the crew of the Ponto, on her pre-
a0' voyage was young man named Caleb
Baker lie had shipped only three days be
fore the ship sailed He was slender framed
man, with fair, prepoSSeSSing countenance,
4 -h! blue eyes, aad light brown hair. Though
IgAt in his build he was vet well stocked with
maSce, and his motions were quick and ener-
gc.jc His appearance was calculated to pre-
dispose behUiderS in his favor.
One day, shortly after the ship had left port
sS Baker was busy aboat some matters of his
own in one Of the gangways ole of the men, a
rough, uncouth fellow, by the name Of Bunk.
ton, came along and gave the cotheS.bag of
Baker kick out Of his way, thereby scatter
iag number OF things about the deck
" | wish you'd he careful" said Baker, as
be moved to gather up his things.
" Then keep your things out O my way"
II gnhy returned Bunkton
M They were not in your way"
FL DO you mean to tell me | lie ?"
said my things were not in your way"
nd I -
I'll q. sgaiu"
Tcry well, have it your own way" calmly
f'7ed Baker, as lie drew his bag in towards
tie balSarks
And don't you be impudent, neither"
Foyokingy added Bunkton
Look ye, Bunkton, if you've any business
!oar own, you'd better mind it."
- IN, lnhber ? I'll show you my business. -
Take that
As Blnkton spoke, he struck the young man
upon the face, The crew had most of them
gathered about the place, and arrangements
were quickly made for fight
-, just come forward-come forward, and
- ~ snowy my business cried Bunk;on bris.
wing about with his fist donbed up.
i A tight fight 7" cried half a-dozen of
we IN men Dop't stand that, Baker"
lne young man's eyes had flashed as he re.
S'el the blow, and there was a quick quiver
.s oi the muscles in his hands but he made
% motion to strike.
Buxton. " O " "
turned Caleb.
>, Ineh you are coward !" uttered Bunk
W. VITA contemptuous tone and look.
,,5 Uang Baker calmly replied to the taunt,
sI' punkton became still more savage Those
~. ""o Aho" anything about the ocean life, will
s " o,ce understand the sentiments of the
-TSu5n TS5 crew upon such matters as the present.
ar! aus! could comprehend out one kind of cour-
s, ana the moment that Baker refused to
=. 7D' e'ney set him Gown for an arrant coward.
isvo! u'a they had been prepossessed in bis
md tT, = Ior Buo;ton was quarrelsome fellow,
r5.. a 'ney hoped Caleb would fog him; but
.n. prsu Ilaey saw him quietly turn away and re-
@4T - WI HIs work, they too began to taunt him.
sho mats all this 2" asked Captain Jacobs,
'Ip T was attracted to the spot.
4Te an.I matter was explained to him.
D'1o : resent it p uttered the captain