The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1862-06-06

transportation to the boat. The new conner
was a stout-looking, elderly man, plainly and
almost shabbily dressed, with great shock
of red hair nearly lifting his hat off his head,
and round fat face, deeply marked with
smallpox. He was whistling a lively air,
which seemed to breathe whimsical sort of
defiance to the discomforts of the bleak night,
but he stopped at once when he saw the
helpless group before him.
Going aboard, ma'am?'
Yes, sir, as soon as l can.'
Good; SO am l. Let me carry this young
ster for you. I've got one at home just his
size. Jehoshaphat how nat'ral it seems"
said the man, as he lifted the boy to his
shoulder The child stopped crying and
laughed gleefully. And these bundles; are
they yours, ma'am?'
Yes, sir. Thank you, l can carry those
very WELL l can, indeed
That depends He had already gathered
them in his arms, land wrapped her thin shawl
more closely around the baby. Now we're
ready. Keep close behind me, ma'am. 1t is
but few steps,
As they passed me in the door, l seemed
to awake from horrid dream. My anxiety
and morbid melancholy vanished. suppose
they could not stay in the atmosphere of that
mans blunt, cordial kindness. | envied him
the luxury of doing what l ought to have
done. After all, l said to myself, there is
real good in the world-real Christian chari-
ty, living piety and active benevolence. l
followed close at the mans heels. We were
jostled little as we pressed through the
throng, but were soon safely on board, Just
in time to avoid being left behind.
Here We are. A nice ride you've had, my
little man. There was something absolute
ly inspiring in that rough mans voice. Now
ma'am, III just take you, bag and baggage,
down to the ladies cabin for it rains as if it
meant to free its mind. You had better get
those damp wrappings off as soon as you can.
Come, it is but step further
She hesitated NO, sir. Thank you.-
You have been very kind, but my ticket is
only for deck passage, and have no mon
ey. II should not have attempted such a
journey, sir, without more means, but have
just heard from my husband, who is return
ing from California and is sick in New York.
He did not send for me, but | could not leave
him to be nursed by strangers
'Of course you couldn't. But you must
not stay here. You'll all catch your death
if you do. Wait till see the captain. III
fix matters for you, never fear
He trudged off to the captains office, l still
following. The captain glanced at the rough
man and his rougher attire carelessly, and
listened without much interest to his story,
till he begged that the poor woman might be
allowed to take her babies into the cabin
Then he assumed very knowing look in
deed.
I is the lady very particular friend of
yours he asked. 'We are importuned eve
ry trip for especial accommodations for deli
cate ladies with gentlemen friends On board
all as poor as Jobs turkeys. We serve then
all alike, and each person gets what he pay
for
Look here, sir, there's no call to insult
anybody. You've had fair chance to &C
like gentleman and a Christian
but never quarrel with man
he prefers acting like heather. How mucl
do you charge for cabin passage?'
'One dollar
There's the money. I've got just sevent,
cents left. 1t will buy them little supper
and can 60 without nine
The captain looked little ashamed. H
handed back half dollar.
I've no doubt it's all cheat and humbug
he said, but if you are not telling the trutl
you lie so naturally that it is worth fifty cent
to hear YOU
Thank you all the same,' was the reply a
the coin SO ungraciously proffered was at
cepted.
never saw more grateful creature tina
that poor young woman when she found thu
her friend had secured shelter for her. Sh
cried with pleasure, and kissed his grea
freckled hands in a transport of thankfulnes
, He helped her to comfortable seat, waite
till tray of refreshment was brought to he
! then giving the stewardess trihe to secul
all necessary attention, he left her to enjc
the comforts he had provided His berth
the cabin was just above mine, and, thoug
7 he kept me awake half the night whistlr
r softly to himself, or humming tunes whene
er he was not snoring, forgave him with 4
e my heart. l wrote to Mary in the mornir
p that had found a curiosity-a man with
q soul as big as cathedral l.-Lodies' Repos
d tory.
~ A REBUKE OF SECEsH WoMEN.--A sto