, 1869-01-15

ferryman. de bad probably gone out hunt
lug, after putting the cotton wagon across.
At all events, all the shouting we could do
failed TO bring him to light, so we we're com
PEELED 10 take possession Of the boat, which
was on our side Of the river, and to put our
selves across.
By some niscalculation of the force of the
current, which was very rapid, We had not
proceeded much more than half the way
across the river, when the water began to
run over the upper gunWale Of the boat
The rope kept US frUm drifting down, but
the horses becoming frightened 1t the noise
of the water, began to plunge aud run of
Every effort to pacify them was unavailing,
and in few seconds the ambulance had run
half way of, the boat rapidly filled, and we
we're all foundering 10 the river. Those of
US who could swim struck for the bank,
which we gained with considerable difficulty.
The Yankee trader clung to the boat. cry
ing out with all his might for help. Col.
Wash got hold of the reins aud attempted
to swim ahead of the horses, which were
frautically struggling 10 free themselves
from the ambulance. The doctor, johnson,
aud gained the bank, and ran along trying
to get hold of the driver, who showed signs
of giving out They drifted down about
three hundred yards 10 this way, the horses,
wagon and driver sometimes buried under
the current and sometimes struggling on its
surface, when, by good fortune, they struck
The bottom, and succeeded 10 getting foot
hold. By the united efforts of the doctor,
johnson and myself, we got them out ou dry
land, rather the worse for the adventure,
but not seriously damaged. Col. Wash sat
down a good deal blown, aud complained of
faintuess. The flask of brandy, together
with everything else, bad been washed from
the ambulance, so that nothing could be done
for him. When this discovery was made,
he seemed to lose all control of himself, and
began to swear in such manner that it was
frightful to hear him In the meantime the
boat had worked itself along the rope to the
landing, and the Yankee made good his
escape on shore.
Whilst we we're consulting what was to be
done next chanced to look across the
river, where [ deserted man sitting upon
the bank-I might almost say an apparatiou.
II was certainly the most uncouth looking
object l had ever laid my eyes upon-a long
gaunt. sallow lnau, with yellow hair, red
shirt, big boots, with the breeches thrust in
them, long corncOb pipe in bis mouth, aud
a long rife 10 his hand. His long face was
SO dreadfully cadaverous and bis form so
long and lean that he might well be tie em.
bodiment of the fevers aud agues that are
said to lurk in these bottoms Seeing that
we kept looking at him, be ceased putting
his pipe for a moment, and observed in a
nasal tone:
Gentlemen, I'll trouble you for your
fare-just lay it thar on the bank four bits
for the wagon and two bits apiece for the
men,"
"Say, guv'ner," cried. Col. Wash. in a
voice of suppressed passion, be you the
ferryman !?
az be," replied the man, giving another
puff at bis pipe.
"And you want dollar aud a half for
putting US over 7" shouted the Colonel.
al do"
Well, then, just draw check for it on
your own bank % roared Col Wash in a
perfect fury, and if it amt paid by the time
get back. I'll settle with you them
The gauut ferrymen laid down his corn
cob pipe, opened himself up like tall pen>
knife, raised his rife, examined the priming,
set the trigger, aod then quietly observed
"GentlemeD, the man that undertakes to
leave them premises without payin' of his
fare, I'll drop him, sure"
There was no mistsking the sincerity of
his threat The tall ferrymen was evidently
not the kind of person to be- triaed with.
There was fixed look about him, and a
deliberate GOODNESS in his manner that suf
fciently indicated bis determined character.
Now, it was evident that our fire arms we're
Of no present value, being thoroughly sat-
uraIed with waters fact that was probably
known to our friend across the river, for be
gave himself no apparent concern about the
matter. To say that Col. Wash raved
would but family express his condition in
this notifying emergency. had not seen
him In such fine vein of profanity from
the very beginning of our journey. All
this time the ferryman stood quietly watch>
ing us from the other side, mauifesting
duration or violence of the invectives bestow.
ed upon him. For my part, L was quite
willing 10 pay him. l felt convinced he
would kill me if failed to do SO, and con.
sidered my life worth more than two bits to
the public, II not to myself SO held up the
money that be might see it, and then de-
posted it on chip, which had upon the
bank.
THAT'S all right, stranger" said the
gaunt ierrymen, you're out; just step on
one side
The Yankee trader had evidently INDUCED
in the hope of escaping this tax, but seeing
no alternative now, be deposited his money
on chip, and stood of according to order.
Next followed the old doctor, who took it
like philosopher. johnson seemed COM
posed and powerless from the haoinninv