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

|
| Gus. Now becalmed IN CLASSY seas, now driven
| by adverse winds far out Of her course in doub
| Ing the Cape encounterDR succession Of
| furious gales and thereby obliged to put in at
Cape Town for provisions and repairs, it was not
wonderful that when at last she neared the At.
lantlc's western shores, all on board looked for
ward with esgerness to that moment when "Land
| no ~ should be shouted from the masthead.
Among those whom she bore homeward to
| loving and loved ones, were the two who for
| year on that lonely isle had by the grace Of God
lived through expectancy and hope to their deliv-
| erence. And as each day brought with it
nearer approach TO the reunion which had been
| the dream Of their absence, there came to each
vague dread lest perchance some fatal surprise
might yet await them on arriving.
Yet, whatever might be in store, they were
! eager TO know 1t all-good or bad, the sooner
| 'tWere over the better. Impatience would not
longer brook delay by wind and wave. One
morning, while on the banks OF Newfoundland, a
Cunarder, bound for New York, came rapidly up
from astern, throwing the spray from her paddles
and pushing CALAMITY on through the sea toward
her destination; she passed close alongside,
stopped her engine, and spoke the sailing vessel,
whose passengers and crew, weary and impatient,
heard the ding OF the gong In the engine room as
| the poHderous machinery began to revolve again
and the huge craft moved on once more, leaving
a white foamy wake behind her. And as, few
hours later, she disappeared on the horizon, her
course only marked By column Of black smoke
rising against the sky, longing eyes became
that its possessor had not avaied herself of that
opportunity for speedier solution Of the doubts
which tormented her.
SO when, on the following day, another cloud
of smoke sighted sstern, and in time the
mast and tunnels and hull of another steamer
came successfully into view, a signal was run up
10 the Hscyon's msin masthead and the steamer
a Havre and New York liner, lay to in response
while a boat put of from the brig. Sturdy arms
were at the oars, and in the stern. beside the
steersmsn, sat the wife, the mother, Drawing all,
daring everything, in the hope Of sooner rejoin-
ing those who alone on earth we're dear.
"Kste," said the major, as soon as the sallow-
faced book keeper who had come TO deliver the
pilots summons had withdrew. 81 want you TO
take a sail down the harbor this afternoon. And
you, too. Tom, will accompany US | hope. The
skies are bright the wind fair, and there is every
prospect of charming pleasure.trip. Nalley,
the pilot, one of my old marines, whom met this
morning, has offered us his boat, the Widgeon,
and ! cannot refuse such an opportunity"
- heater or faster craft Of her tonnage doesn't
sail IN these waters said Sparrow who prided bin
self upon knowing everybody and everything in
c.. " But must decline Loring, much as I
Should enjoy il. Mrs. S. would never forgive me
if left her in the luTch at this emergency in her
pariy-givng career. | see how it is-the boat
is waiting.
And" said the major, "Ae Ralcyon is
coming IN nth three s'0Uicors Of 6,e shiploreck
1rhich separated ne from nly l0ife, and ltS dear
clttid from her nlOtteT.n
Both started /; Kate her face flushed with ca
gerness, exclaimed, oh, papa, ia it indeed sol"
and FASTENED 10 make arraDgementsfor departure.
Nor did the fat little lawyer conceal his surprise
at the announcement al read about 1t this
morning. said he" but little dreamed it inter-
ested you so deeply. Come, no ceremony, Loring.
III come and dine with you tomorrow. God
grant that your hopes may be realized. know
TOO, when I'm in the way, though you're too po-
lite TO say it. Good bye" and the father and
"Tske your fur cape and shawls, Kate" said
the major, 1--WE may need them, for it blows
fresh and cool on the water. are you nearly
ready. daughter ?"
ALL ready, dear father said Kate, bringing
forth bis hat and cloak. In the pocket Of the !
latter she had quietly slipped the majors cigar
case, full Of his favorite Havsnas and into lutte
ssichtl she carried on her arm, an opera glass.
Now we can 60. But'-and her countenance |
looked up, inquringy, into his" oh, father, l |
almost dread the denouement."
He, brave old man, had nerved himself to the |
erand. His glance met hers tendery, but there
was not in il even semblance of misgiving. |
Cheer up, dear, dear child, !" he said " we shall |
soon know now.n
Naley was awaiting them at the pier, abreast |
OF which lay the Widgeon ready for the start, |
her white sails Tapping in the afternoon wind. |
He bowed respectfully to Kate, as on her fathers |
arm, she approached where he had been sitting. |
eJor, you're prompt. see," said he. +" The |
WIND has deceived me for once. The Halcyon is |
W. iAiOlO tAdu I'VE niles on buOIe. Ou next
leeWsId tack we shall catch a sight Of her. If |
you say so we will get aboard, and up anchor. /
see the Fanny coming in, to answer the signal |
for pilot. If We don't take care, she will get |
the start Of u.s."
The boat was awaiting them alongside the pier. /
few strokes Of the oars, and they shot rapidly
over the calm water 10 the neat craft which was
TO bear father and daughter to joy or despair.
Up anchor" shouted Nalley. ' never mind the
boat let her swing sstern; haul taut on that jib
sheet, boys; now the mainssil-so."
HE orders were obeyed with an slacrity
which convinced the major that his service in the
marines had taught Nalley the blessing of discip-
line on shlpboard. In another moment the light
craft yielded 10 the influence Of the gentle wind
hDiDg her canvas, and careeDing lightly, moved
swsy from her anchorage towards the mouth of
the haTpor; passing great ships, moored or at an.
Choir, cTumbling wster-soaked wharves on which
long tine ago had been landed the wealth OF
fol eign lanes, then lawns and homestesds, then
the lighthouse, then meadows wster-lined with
drift wood, and casks and endless debris, then, on
either eide, sandy points extending out like two
witbered arms TO embrace the open sea beyond,
and forming natural gateway TO the beautiful
harbor of G..
All this time the major end Kate had been seat |
ed aft, glancing now and then at the varied view
presented on either shore. yet more frequently
shading their eyes 10 look toward the sea at that