The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1869-01-31

from behind the WOODED nignland which concealeu
her. Not word spoke Nalley the while, as he
stood with his hands holding the tiller behind him,
and looking stolidly out ahead apparently uncon-
scious of the presence Of his passengers. There
were delicate sensibilites under that rough exte-
rior which told HIM that silence would be more
welcome than words. But when the boat went
scuddiDg out past the points, 30 close to the
sandy beach that Nally might have SHE'D his nat
high and dry ashore, and the fresh strong breeze
which precedes the sunset filled the sails and sent
the Widpeon dashiDg ahead like q race horse, Nal
ley, the seaman, had to speak. Now we feel it,
msior.v said he exultingly. and yonder is the
Hslcyon; the Fanny has sent Oh pilot, see,
but we shall be there now in ten minutes II this
glorious bree re lasts"
"How exhilsrating it Is, papa, this cool, crisp
salt wind, and how fast we are moving. Do you
hear the water FLASHING under the bows. Oh,
dear me, papa! its OF no use. can't conceal it.
never was so snxious-so much 10 suspense in
my whole life. | scarcely dare look toward the
vessel yonder. / am trembling with eagerness.
How much longer will il be, pspaw
Major Lorng had risen, and was standing bare
headed with his arms folded, looking mutely out
over the intervening waters toward the Hslcyon,
upon whose decks forms of men were already
visible. The wind was playing with his gray
locks, throwing them back in confusion, and in
bis eye there was the light of expectancy.
Kste's question broke in upon his reverie.
"Whst did you ask, my darling ?" he said, even
more tenderly than was his wont, for in few
moments more she might be even dearer and
more precious to him than before.
How much longer, papa?" she repeated tim
idly, looking up.
mot long Not long, my daughter Look ~
And he pointed hey saw the hutter of
vwomans dress upon the quarter deck OF the
brig:
glass from her satchel. =" Use this. / brought it
with me-"
Too far, yet," said he, adjusting and lifting it
to his eyes.
m.
Nslley. "See Down comes the blue bunting
with the horse on it. I'll run up around her stern,
and scud alongside in speaking distance And
lifting his voice, Z" All hands forward, ready to
bout Ship"
The men came quickly up from the forward
hatchwsy ard stood in readiness. Already the
diney bull Of the brig doomed up not two hundred
yards away, as, with all calls set, she came pung
ing onward toward the termination Of her long,
long voyage. Men were standing at the bow, on
the bowsprit and cr0sstrees, or were peeping out
from the ports, eagerly strsining their eyes to-
ward the distant steeples and roofs and hilsides,
gilded in the sunset.
And now the shadow Of the brig shot over the
pilot boat, while the roaring of the waters under
her bow, and the Tapping Of the Wdgeon's sails,
nomentariy robbed Of the wind, for an instant
were alone TO be heard. =" Ready Bout ship !"
shouted NalleY. Flap, flap, went the canvas;
the cordage ratified through the puleys; the
great boom swung over to stsrboard. The Wild.
geon paused, staggered for q moment, like a
racer catching for breath, then gded on across
the crystal eddying wake on the brig, upon whose
stern the words Halcyon, of c." were yet
indisiinctly legible, and in another moment both
vessels were side by side, heading towards
home.
"They are ell talking to the pilot, asking him
the news" said Nalley, turning to the major.
Kate, one hand upon her fathers shoulder, her
IiBglets uttering IN the breeze, her eyes radiant
her face flushed. was leaning forward, watching
with nnspeakable earnestness the deck above
them.
The major said "spesk them, Nalley."
Halcyon, ahoy, there" shouted the pilot.
Dom want any pilot-got one, don't you see."
said tall raw boned man, leaning both hands on
the taffrsil, then pointing sloft.
"Are you the captain" asked Nalley,
" Yes, SIR"
How many passengers?
"ODe" Kate gave faint cry.
''Name?n
"Sherburne.r
These words brought shudder to the major,
while Kate sank weeping upon the bench.
" Reported you had three shipwrecked people,
" Had two," answered the captain. "0ther
was alady; both lost on the Erebus." The major
started.
where is "-Nalley's arm was grssped.
Dont-oh-don't ask him." said Kate. ''Oh
God-how can we bear this snswer?"
The major put his arm about her. and folded
her TO his heart as if TO shield her from all evilr
" Be brave, my child" he said. " we must know
ell sooner or later. Nalley, ask him who was his
other passenger"
The rawboned skipper appeared to grow i'm
patient. Lady passengers a heap of trouble.
Anxious to get home. Transferred her to q New
York steamer two days ago. Must be there by
this time"
Her name?" asked Nalley, now himself all
emotion.
Loring," shouted the captain, turning away.
Nslley turned, his eyes wet with tears of excite
ment and joy. Near him on the deck, with up
turned eyes, knelt the gray haired husband, the
sunny haired daughter forgetful Of all save their
gratitude for that great and unloo kedfOr deliver
ance.