The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1866-06-07
A STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT.
From the Ladies, Repository.


ton there was not particularly exhilarating
There was no time TO visit places of inter
est, and | felt too misanthropic and gloomy
for social intercourse, although other gen
tlemen were waiting like myself. More
than once had nearly determined to go
| honein the returning train, but | was
ashamed to do that after Mary's generous
self-sacrifice. We were half way to Ston-
ington before began to rouse up and loo k
about me- was awakened by the cries OF
child, and saw that the seat in front Of
me was occupied by a young woman,
plainly, but decentIy dressed, but with an
expression of anxiety on her face that in
stantly attracted me. She had baby in
her arms, and another, just big enough to
walk, on the seat by her He was bright
little fellow, with great. flashing black
eyes, and thick coils of chestnut curls cIus-
tering al over his head; but he did not
seem to be well, and fretted continually for
the soothing attention that hesaw bestowed
upon the more helpless babe in his mother S
arms. There were several bundles and a
carpet bag piled one above another on the
seat next to the window, and the little boy,
in his restlessness, often displaced them and
they came rolling down upon the floor. =
[ would like to see the man who would not
have succumbed and hauled down his flag
before such a complication of miseries
The young mother bore up bravely.-
While hushing the baby and lulliug it
with a sweet, low lullaby to temporary qui-
ct, she contrived also to coax the little boy S
curly head to pillow on her knee, and
Chus doubIy burdened, found means to di
vert his attention with cheap picture
book.
But the weather outside grew dark and
unpleasant. Thick clouds were slowly
gathering their forces, and the vail Of the
wind was often heard above the noise of the
engine The anxious expression of the
mothers face deepened as she watched the
omnous signs that foretold a stormy night
was upon the Sound. There was a quick,
tremulous motion of her lips at times, as if
she were REFRESHING the inclination to have
hearty cry over her troubles.
had just thoughtof what should have
occurred to me long time before, that it
was possible for me to relieve her of part
Of her burden, and was trying to drive my
self out of my selfish isolation by calling up
all the good Samaritan thoughts that had
ever used in my sermons on practical benev-
oenee, when an accession of passengers at
way station obliged me to resign my seat
to lady, who actually thanked me for the
civility. 5#tlel
Left again to myself leaning against the
door of the car, | resumed tue thread of
gloomy contemplation that had of late be-
come habitual and was soon lost in the old
weary labyrinth of conjectures in regard to
the state OF my parish, its spiritual dead
ness, and the measures to be used to awak-
en- any interest in religious things | grew
more and more sad and responding as
and my cogitations were as
fruitless as ever. | did not again think of
the babies and their mother until we were
about leaving the cars at Stonington Hap
pening then TO glance down the car before
getting out, saw her looking about her
in evident perplexity. The heavy rain was
already pouring down, and the darkness
outside was not very attractive even to I'M
encountered travellers.
| am ashamed to own that | did not offer
my assistance. Mary says that she will
never believe it-that it is impossible for hui
M an nature to be so bearish, but the humil-
Eating truth must be told. My own
wretchedness and my sense of utter useless
ness i'll my profession made me almost in
different for the time to the claims of hu-
manity. :, Still was sensible of a feeling of
surprise, which gradually became indigna-
ton, as saw. one lady after another uncon-
cernedly pass by, and other gentlemen as
heartless as myself, ignoring her silent APP
peal to our sympathy. The car was emp
tied at last, though | still stood in the door,
hoping to see another do the Christian duty
that was SO reluctant to perform. |
could not leave her to her fate as the rest
had done. saz.r
Just then some one entered the door at
the other end, and saw the young woman
look eagerly round. She had failed in her
efforts to arrange babies and bundles for
transportation to the boat. The new conner
was stout-looking, elderl y man, plain and
shahbily dressed, with a great shock of red
hair nearly lifting his hat off his head, and
a round fat face deeply marked with small
pox. He was whistling lively air, which
seemed to breathe whimsical sort of def :
ance to the discomforts of the bleak night,
but he stopped at ouce when he saw the
helpless group before him.
Going aboard ma'am? p
Yes, sir, as soon as | can.
Good so am |, Let me carry this
youngster for you. I've got one at home
just his size Jehoshaphat how nat'ral it
SO ems !! said the man, as he lifted the boy
to his shoulder The child stopped crying
and laughed gleefully. and these bundles,
are they yours, na'am?' las
Yes, sir. Thank you, l can carry these
very we'll
That depends He had already gathered
them in his arms, and wrapped her thin
shawl more closely around the baby. Now
we're ready. Keep close behind me ma am.
1t is but few steps 2FEl3E 81
AS they passed me in the door, seemed
to awake from horrid dream My anxi
ETY. and morbid melancholy vanished
suppose they could not stay in the atmos-
+phere of that mans blunt cordial kindness.
/ envied him the luxury of. doing what
ought to have done. After all, | said tc
myself, there is real good in the world
real christian charity, living piety, and &C
tive benevolence. / followed close at the
man S heels We We're jostled little as
we pressed through the thfong, but were
soon safely on board, just in time to avoi,
being left behind.
Here we are, A nice ride you We mad
my little man There was something alb
solutely inspiringin that rough man,
voice. Now, ma'am, I'll just take you
bag and baggage; down to the ladies cab
in, for it rains as if it meant to free it
mind. You had better get those damp
wrappings off as soon as you can. Come i
is but a step farther. u5b
She hesitatedz No, sir. Thank you
You have been very kind, but my ticket i,
only for deck passage, and l have nc
money. II should not have attempted
such a journey, sir, without more means
but l have just heard from my husband
whegis returning from California and is sicI
in New York. He did not send for me, bu
could not leave him to be nursed by
trapgers.aios d.W 35woH 8zigq iii
OF course YOU couldn't. But Won INNS