The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1869-11-26

S'.slQlnS Oh Iuc PROV, was
though had been straw, of
ship entirely. fell PROSTATE and Almost
senseless upon the iceberg, on declining
surface along which shot for a long dis
lance, until was stopped by an upright
mass of ice.
All around me heard burst of fearful
sound-a sound of crashing timbers, fall
ing masts, roaring waters, crumbling
masses of ice, and bowling winds, while
high and distinct above them all arose a
shrill wall of human agony which shall
never be forgotten by me, until my ear is
closed to all earthly sounds forever.
Miseric0rde!"
Alone there in the thick darkness, cling
| ing to the mass of ice before me, with the
tempest bowling around, and the sense of
horror at the fate of my companions, it
was wonderful that through the accumu-
lated tcrrors of that fearful moment my
mind passed without failing beneath the
unequal trial.
"Miseric0rde !'
too exclaimed the last word of my
companions, and sunk senseless upon the
| ice.
How long lay 1 knew not. It could
not have been less than an hour, but at
ldSt SeuSe anu VIII IL 1uC
recollection of my situation.
rose to my feet painfully.
was first aware of my own physical
condition. Yet before doing anything l
cast look around.
The fog had cleared away altogether.
The broad expanse of ocean lay before
me, its deep blue surface rejecting the
gorgeous rays of the sun which was just
| IN hrnafb of wind
and the sea was as unrufiied as mountain
lake.
cast a glance downward to see if there
was single vestige of the ill-fated ship.
Alas! not single vestige could be seen.
Not plank-not even chip tioated upon
the water. All had gone down. Not a
wretch was saved l only only had
escaped to tell the tale.
was standing upon broad surface of
ice nearly half an acre in extent. 1t was
smooth and slippery as glass. Itwas near
| ly level. was at the lower end of it, and
had been stopped by high wall against
which I had struck.
The iceberg was of the most colossal
magnitude and grandeur. At the side of
the slippery surface where | stood it went
sheer down perpendicularly into the sea.
Dut It's tuSC ChtCuuCu away Ou CituCl SluC
for an immense distance. Its edge ought
to be called coast, so extraordinary was
its extent On the other hand, behind me
il assembled far into the air. Not all at
once or abruptly, but by series of ter
races, until at last far away its lofty sum-
init seemed to touch the clornds. The ter
races were regular and even. At inter-
walls along the ascent arose towers and
pinnacles, and upon the topmost point a
vast spire of glittering ice shot up straight
into the skies for at least hundred feet.
Seen from distance it looked like some
glorious city, some magnificent capital
such as we read of in the fantastic story
of the Arabian dreamer.
Alasl to me there was no time for ad-
miration or wonder. All this took in at
a glance. quickly returned to myself.
/ was chilled through. Fortunately
had slept that night with my clothes on,
or it would have beer worse with me. As
it was, my hands and feet were perfectly
numb
I rubbed my hands violently, struck and
boee tnem, and at the same time ran I'M
and down stamping my feet. The violent
exertion brought warmth into my system.
My hands began at length to have COME
thing Ike sensation, but my feet were
frozen.
began to think now with greater des-
pair upon my situation.
There was no hope for me!
could see all around. Not sail was
upon the vast expanse. Yet on one side
could not see. 1t was hidden by the lofty
island of ice.
In a moment my resolution was formed.
al will go there" l said, aloud. 81 can
but die. TIE stay here will be to perish
slowly. To g there will be to seek
chance for life. Moreover, il will distract
my thoughts, which here will drive me
mad. will 60"
o ANU 60 ,.rra %,a .osr Sc. a ,ofaa oolaiy
along on a journey such as no mortal man