The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1867-03-26
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Twice | had been summoned, and twice I
had neglected the summons. On the third
occasion my spectre visitor had sunk to ali
appearance, lifeless on the floor of my cab
in. Was he dead, or was he only Id q
death-Iike swoonl | thought over the
wonderful incidents which ha'l caused me
to find the boat. The wind had died away
when | had neglected to obey the first stini-
mons nor did it return until after had res
ceived this third call Had it not again
died away when it did, should have pass
ed the boat so far in the fog as not to be-
able to see it when the fog lifted. As it
was, we weie very nearly out of sight wheu
the horizon became clear. Half an hours
more wind and the mystery would never
have been revealed. Scarce could restrain
my impalience. However, there was no
help for it. | must wait until the gig re4
turn 'd After hours of suspense | at last
beheld the gig approaching slowly with
the other boat In tow. Unable to endure
til" terrible suspense | went down into the
cabin Soon heard the gig touch the
ships side and the mate giving orders to
lower away the chair from the yard arm.
Then, | thought they had found him; but
he must be too feeble to climb up the
ships side. A few moments, and | heard
approaching footsteps, and down the stairs
was brought, with the assistance of some Of
the crew, my vi itor for the fourth time;
but now really aud truly in the flesh. He
was supported iu the arms of the mate,
but he he'd on to the hand-rail Just as
had seen him in the three visits. His left
hand hung loosely at bis side, and was
bandaged up just as | had observed on the
three occasio IS of the spectres visits.
We gave him proper refreshment and PIT
him to bed. He gradually revived, and in
a few days was able to tell us his story.
He had been captain of a large vessel trad
ing in the Pacific The crew had mutin-
led, and had cast him adrift in the open
boat with nothing to eat but few biscuit,
which were thrown into the boat in deris.
ION by one of the mutineers. When these
were eaten he had trled to exc out life hv
eating his shoes, and With water wrunl
from his clothes after rain and heavy dews
he had quenched in a manner his thirst.
When found by the mate tie lay extended
IN the bottom of the boat in a death.likc
Swoon and owed hisfecovery, perhaps chief
! y to the brandy which | hal sent in the
gig. In a few days more we assisted him
on deck Caspar no sooner saw him than
he flew at hun, and but for my interference
would have torn him to pieces. During
! The rest of the voyage we were Obliged to
keep the dog chained up. As >oon as we
perceived the boat the Dolphin had been
put upon her former course, aud now, with
far wind, we again sped merrilv on.
now felt satisfied that omens and signs
were sometimes vouchsafed mortal men fOr
certain grave reasons, and, though not SUI
peralltIons, still believe that they are more
frequent than is usually supposed. Aswe
neared the polt for which we were bouni
Captain Williams (for such was the mans
OF my vlsltor) was one day sitting with me
IN the cabin, when he asked TO see the
chart as he wished to pick out the spot
where l had found him, | gave him all
entlrel y new chart, aud he busted himself
sharpening pencil with which TO mark
the place where he had SO nearly lost hs
hte. Suddenly l heard an exclanation
from hlm, which he followed upby sayiugi
My dear--, | am very sorry; but [
have cut ny finger, and have dropped soms
blood on your new chart, and | see that [
have soilei the very spot which was go-
ing to point out as that whereabouts yoa
found me. Bat he added, in a light laugh,
that wld do insteal to mark she place"
| have tie two charts now, both of them
exactly alike; one done by Captain VIII
hams IN the flesh accidentally; the other
by-Reader can Won t4ll whom?
\ COUPLE of old bachelors out weSs