Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-05-22
The Pilots Story.

Many years ago when / was SO small boy
as to hardly recollect it now, my brother and
myself were placed on board one of St Law
renee river steamers as cabin boys and wait
ers, with view to become pilots when we
we're older That was nearly fifty years ago,
and wheel boats we're not fitted up in the
style they are now, nor we're good pilots a
thing to be found every day. We had run up
and down. several times, when one morning
we stopped at BrockVle to take on board, as
usual, a Government pilot to guide US down
the river.
1t was late 10 the season aud we had a
strong wind the night before, leaving the riV-
er rough and our usual pilot had hard work
to keep the boat in its proper track while it
brought US into BrockFille two hours later
than the usual time. The clouds over head
still looked cold, and the wind blew fresh and
strong, when, making all possible haste, We
again put out of the harbor and were soon
bounding on our way. Throughout the morn
ing had noticed All anxious look on tAe cap
tains face, which bespoke his uneasiness about
the final termination of our journey.
We had q good many passengers on board
and although we usually reached Montreal by
four o'clock in the afternoon, we should be de-
layed until six, if not later. About ten miles
this side of Lacbine, a storm of rain com
menced, which rendered it almost impossible
20 guide the boat at all, while the rapids of
that name, the most terrific in the whole river
were yet to be passed. The pilot was one OF
the best on the route, but a man of passionate
temper, with a peculiar dogged look Between
him and the ordinary boat pilot there existed
an old grudge. which oDce or twice had led to
blows, when they came in contact with each
other. That morning, when passing one of
the higher falls. they stood together at the
wheel, when, owing to the strong current of
the water, and the almost exhausted strength
of him who guided US all night one spoke of
the wheel slipped from his hands and nearly
caused an accident Of pretty serious nature.
This annoyed his companion and hard words
passed between them, since which time sui.
len silence had been preserved.
When about two miles above the Lachine
rapids, some of the rigging aloft gave way,
and the night pilot mounted the upper deck,
with ladder, and attempted to make it fast.
The wind blew fercely, and while exertiDg all
bis strength to stay the mischief, he lost his
hold and FELL the ladder coming down directly
on the head of our governsaent aid. wounding
him pretty severely. Not pausiug to look at
the mischief. be seized the unfortunate man,
aud with almost superbuuan strength lifted
him above the boat railing. The other,
quickly guessing bis meaning, and winding his
arms around the neck of his companion, they
fell together in the boiling food below. We
lowered the life-boats as quickly as possible,
ropes were thrown out and every effort put
forth to save them, but in vain. They rose
to the surface of the water still locked in each
others arms, and then sank from our view
forever.
The boat now rapidly rushed on, coming
near the frigh,ful rapid. while terrorsruck
faces were around MS. at the thoaght that no
master was near to guide Us through the dark
passage below The scene which We had just
been. called to witness only made Our situation
more terrific while wild andltearful esarouud