Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1865-09-15
3elistellaneouS.
Wrecked.

.. 1t is an awful night said, | shud-
dcring all over, as | heard the roar Of the
surf, the hidcous wailipg Of the wind, and
the dash of the rain against the window.
We lived on the Cape coast, in the pret-
ticst village ever Graded on its silvery
sands, or bathcd in the blessed sunshine
thrice blessed because Of the fearful
storms that darkened our horizon at times
My husband was out in the storm; he
was the tavorite physician in the village,
because he was skilllul, never pressed for
his pay, and endured stormy nights and
other hardships like good-naturcd hero.
could not 90 to rest this terrible
night while Angus was away. He was
always my Angus. though he was the
doctor" to many others. sat COVER
ing over the fire, with my infant nestled
in my lap in all the sweet peace of baby
hood, wishing and longing for my husband
to come. My heart was sinking with
fear. was sorry he was PHYSICIAN
If he had been 4 farmer, q teacher, a
clerk, a tradesman. or mechanic, he
might have been in his bed now, and SO |
vainly regretted that what might hare
been was not. Very foolish was, like
many others. At last | heard his steps,
and the outer door opened, and the blast
blew him in, as it seemed, and with diff
Guilty he shut the door. He came up
stairs, aud exclaimed, "Not in bed, Mat
tie? 1t is past midnight. Lay that lit.
tie man away, and make haste after him.
You should have been asleep two hours
ago."
Angus spste chcerfully, but there was
tremor in his voice, as if he were
frightened, and did not wish me to know
it. l looked up at his face. 1t was
pale,-as if he were dead.
What is it, Angus :" said l.
"What is it? why, the hardest storm
that ever blew great guns on our coast. "
But something troubles you, Angus.
Is old Mrs. Pratt going to die p
Ono, not till she is hundred years
old Make haste, Matte, and 60 to bed.
Dick will wake presently, and the storm
is bad enough without his storming."
still looked into his pale face, and at
that moment a dreadful sound struck my
ear. Angus started to his feet.
" You heard it," said he.
1t was the gun of a ship driving on the
breakers, almost at our very doors, for
we lived close to the sea, and on the most
dangerous part Of the coast.
a" saw her in flash of lightaing just
before came in," said Angus. "She was
driving right on tho rocks. Go to bed
Matte, dear, and | will call John and go
down for Higgins and bort, and see il
anything can be DONE
Higgins and bort were fishermen, and
hal boats and ropes, and great many
things that might be needed in such a
time as this.
Angus" said I, "don't ask me to 60
to bed. Can sleep while those poor
creatures arc in peril? Can l forget
that yos might be on board that ship?'
My husband called John, our man.of-
all-work. again put on his storm garments
and silently kissing me and the baby, he
went out. Again the booming gun sound
ed. 1t was much nearer now, or else the
roar of the storm was somewhat hushed.
/ warmed some milk for my baby, for |
knew | was too much frightened to nurse
bin He slept again, and l tried to look
st in the piichy darkness. | heard only
the roar and crash OF the storm. All is
over with the ship, said l to myself.
waited for my husband, and for the morn
ing, and longed to hear again the sound
of the gun. waited in vain for all
The morning seemed indefinitely postpon-
ed. 1t was early autumn,and the wealth
er, though chilly, would not be fatal to
the poor sailors, as the cold often is on
our terrible shore. Day dawned at last,
and when it was light enough | examined
the beach with my husbands spy-glass.
After timo | made out the ship,wcdged
i'll among the rocks, and the waves rising