Juliet signal. [volume] (Juliet [i.e. Joliet], Ill.) 1844-1???, 1861-10-22
The Rival Pilots.
a MISSISSIPPI STORY.

The Uucle Sam was the largest boat Of
the day, and had two of the best pilots on
the river. Between these two men-whom
we shall call Smith and BrOwn-there ex-
listed bitter spirit of rivalry. The first
engineer sided with Smith. the first pilot.
the second Engineer with Brown.
One day, when the boat vas leaving
Matches, Brown who was steering ran her
short distance down the stream in order
to pass the town under q full head of
steam.
just as he was abreast Of the town, the
first engineer, who was working the beat.
shut the steam nearly off nor would he
put IT on again until they finally, and very
slowly, passed the town. Brown saw the
hnger OF Smith in this peculiar maneuvre,
and he swore revenge-and he got it,
On the next down trip, a heavy fog arose
at sunset; and Smith. who a. that time
abandoned the boat to Brown, ordered him
TO run the boat till o'clock, and then tie
her up; to have steam kept up all night,
and if the fog should lift, to call him.
Tie her up said Brown, i can run her
in any such fog as there is to.right. I'll
run her till twelve, and then tie up, as you
are afraid
i can run her any night and anywhere
that you cam replied Smith; and if you 90
move her till twelve, call me theD.'
Brown kept on for time but the fog
got heavier, and having made share that
bis coadjutor was asleep, he rounded the
beat to at woodward, and tied up. His
friend the second engineer, was on duty,
and according to Browns directions, the
whee! was unshipped and the steam kept
up.
AT twelve. Brown went to the wheel and
sent waiter to call Smith, who soon made
his appearance, rubbing his eyes anything
but pleased with the prospect before him.
Hello = said Brown, are you there d?
I've called you according to orders. Now,
think you had better tie up and turn in
again, or you will make smash before
morning.
Smith, hereupon, growled out that he
was able to steer any boat in any fog, and
took the wheel. Brown then went below.
The boat was fast to the bank, but neith
er bank nor anything else could Smith
| see.
The wheels, which were unshipped,
turned round with The swift current, and
the spiashes reached his ears; the kissing
of steam in the low pressure boilers sound,
ed all right to him and so cursng his bad
luck and Browns obstinaey, and his own
stupidity in accepting the banter, be turned
the wheel now this way and now that wav,
expecting every moment to feel the boat
strike something a thousand times dur.
ing his weary watch, did he determine tC
give up bis desperate undertaking, and az
often did pride step in, and undertermine
him; and finally he made up his mind t.
let the worst come to the worst he gave 6
tubular order to the engineer to work hel
very slow, and keep in.
About sunrise, Brown, accompanied by
the captain and the other officers, came OF
deck.
Hello, Smith said Brown is that YOU
YES replied Smith, pretty crossl,
enough.
You havn't been running all night
have you? Continued Brown very slyly.
Don't you see | haveP answered poo
Smith. Don't you know where you al e
Ifnot, you had better get your eyes scrub
bed ous.'
No. said Brown, I can't say that
do
We're just about Natchez,' was the re
ply
We'll, now, smartly,' said Brown, yo,
hare done 1t tbs time, and l wouldn't b
in your boots for a whole hogshead of pig
gers
Well, what have l done, and what d
you meanH' demanded Smith, ferocious
".
Done? Done enough p roared Brown
Il left the boat tied up to old Jones' plan
tation and you've gone and towed tbs
down to Natchez. They'll have you u
| for abduction and seduction. and nippe
stealing, and obstructing the channel c
the river, and the Lord have mercy O
YOU
A very moist ray of sun, peeping thrt
the mist at this moment, partially disclose
. the situation of the boat and shore to tn
astonished Smith, and darting below
remained until the boat reached Nache,
And from that time ever after neither tn
Uncle Sam nor the Mississippi knew hi
+ mure.