The weekly Butte record., 1866-04-07

ctl'tu dccOr0lng 10 tne ulHelenl uls-
positions Of those who listened. Some
with convulsive sobs, some with mutter.
ed imprecations. others with despair
The more sanguine hoped some other
alternative might present itself, they
scarcely knew what. Depression was
felt by all. Is it to be wondered at,
on low, dangerous islands formed Of
coral, incapable of producing vegeta-
tiOn, having no soil, the highest point
two feet above high tide, nought to pro-
tect us from the burning sun, and
nearly nude, the hurricane season ap-
preaching, when our present foothold
would no longer be secure, as the entire
islands would be inundated Hungry,
dispirited and wretched, our last hope
shattered, why wonder if We wept
! Our good captain, with faltering voice,
encouraged US, when despair was in his
own noble heart.
Our last chance remained. The best
place must be found, THAT is where the
rocks were the lowest and then if, by
our united efforts we could succeed in
launching the boat safely past the brea-
kers, hospitable island might be
reached and another sent to our rescue.
The Navigator Islands were about 1900
miles distant, but they would have the
trade-winds; the Society group only
500, but the entire distance must be
accomplished by rowing.
After many consultations, in which
we were all allowed to express our opin-
ion, it was decided that the provisions
would not be sufficient to attempt going
so far as the Navigators; therefore, no
alternative remained, emaciated and
weak as they We're, but to row the boat
800 miles. The attempt must be made
the first calm morning. 1t was three
weeks before the desired period arrived.
Then all was hustle and anxious excite
ment-hurried preparation to get to
from the lagoon to the ocean. The
place selected was about seven miles
from the island we were staying on.
The bay was perfectly calm-not a
ripple could be seen on its waters, and
even the lazy old Pacific seemed asleep.
For hours we worked ere success crown
ed our efforts; perspiration, caused by la
Dor and anxiety, streaming from our
brows. At last We saw the frail boat
containing our noble Captain and eight
of the brave crew, safely past the rocks,
and launched on the broad ocean, but
with nothing to guide them only their
own feeble strength and their God.
Tears of gratitude and joy were pro-
fusely shed. We waved our tattered
rags, and cheered them as loud as We
could amid choking sobs. Then one
Of the passengers proposed prayer com
mending this noble little band to the
watchful guidance of Him who ''stilleth
the wave, and holds the sea in the hol-
low of His hand.'' The most skep-
teal were impressed. We arose from
our knees, and with sacred awe watched
the little boat until we could see it no
longer. Then all that was left US was
to wait and to hope. The long walk
of seven miles must again be taken,
over heated volcanic rocks, reminding
YOU of cinders thrown from a furnace.
l walked bravely on, until my feet were
streaming with blood. The sun was
far in the west. | saw sunken rock
a short distance from land, and waded
to it. Beyond the rock the water was
blue, sure sign Of its depth. Wearied
as had never felt before, tortured with
the agonies of thirst and hunger, l
almost wished to die. My courage
forsook me, and wept aloud. l tore
a piece off my last remaining garment
and wrapped up my lacerated feet. l
counted four sharks, but felt no feer of
them. l only wondered if they were
as hungry as l. The sun was shining
with intensity, while the rain poured in
torrents-a usual occurrence in tropical
climates. l laugh now when | think
what a ludicrous appearance | must
have presented, covered partly with
rags, my hair matted, my arms, face
and hands black from repeated bakings,
opening my mouth and extending my
hands to catch the drops from Heaven.
| reached the second island, but could