Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1862-05-31

dressed. with great shock of red hair nearly
lifting the hat OF his head, and round, fat
face deeply marked with small pox. He was
whistling a lively air, which seemed to breathe
a 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 abroad, ma'am?"
"Yes, sir, as soon as can"
"Good; so am /. Let me carry this young
ster for you. I've got one home just his size,
Jehosaphatl how nat'ral it seems~ said the
man, as he lifted the boy to his shoulder. The
child stopped crying, and laughed gleefully.
"And those bundles; are they yours, ma'am!'
Yes sir. Thank YOU, can carry those
very well. can, indeed
That depends" He had already gathered
them in his arms, and wrapped her thin shawl
more closely around her baby. Now, we're
ready. Keep close behind me, ma'am. 1t is
but a few steps"
As they passed me in the door, seemed TO
awake from horrid dream. My anxiety and
morbid melancholy vanished. i suppose they
could not stay in the atmosphere of that mans
blunt cordial kindness. envied him the lax
ury in doing what ought to have done. At
ter all, i said to myself, there is real good in
the world-real Christian charity, living pety,
and active benevolence. | followed close at
mans heels. We were jostled little as we
pressed through the throng, bat were soon
safely on board to avoid being left behind.
"Here we are. A nice ride you've had. my
little man." There was something absolutely
inspiring in that rough mans voice. Now
ma am, Ill 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, 1t Is but step further
She hesitated. mo, sir, thank you. You
have been very kind, but my ticket is only
for deck passage, and have no money. |
i should not attempted such journey, sir,
without more means, but | have Just heard
from my husband, who is returning from Cal
ifornia, 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 catch your death if you
do. Wait till see the captain. I'll fix mat
ters for you, never fear"
He trudged off to the captains office, /
still following. The captain glanced at the
rough man and his rough attire carelessly, and
listened without much interest to his story till
he begged that the poor woman might be al
lowed to take her babies into the cabin.
Then he assumed a very knowing look indeed.
lis the lady very particular friend of
yours?" he asked. 1--WE are importuned ev-
cry trip for especial accommodation for deli
cate ladies with gentlemen friends on board, all
as poor as Jobs turkeys. We serve them all
alike, and each person gets what he pays for"
look here, sir, there's no call insult any
body You've had fair chance to act ike
gentleman and Christian, but | never quar-
rel with man if he prefers acting like a
heather. How much do you charge for a
cabin passageT
"One dollar"
There's the money. I've just got seventy
cents left. 1t will buy them little supper,
and can 90 without mine.
The captain looked little ashamed. He
handed back half dollar.
1--WE no doubt it's all cheat and humbug,"
he said; "but If YOU are not telling the truth,
you lie so naturally that it is worth fifty cents
TO hear you."
Thank YOU all the same," was the reply as
the coin so ungraciously offered was accepted.
| never saw a more grateful creature than
the poor young woman when she found that
her friend had secured shelter for her. She
cried with pleasure, and kissed his great
freckled hands In a transport of thankfulness.
He helped her to a comfortable seat waited
till tray of refreshments was brought to her,
then giving the stewardess trife to secure
all necessary attention, he left her to enjoy
the comforts he had provided His birth in
the cabin was just above mine, and, though
he kept me awake half the night whistling
softly to himself, or humming tunes whenever
he was not snoring, forgave him with all
my heart. l wrote to Mary in the morning
that had found curiosity--a man with a
soul as big as a cathedral