The Portland daily press., 1870-11-07
Terms $500 per AMMAN, in adrance.
A Night of Peril.

lhe mind can scarcely conceive of a more
appalling and perilOus situation than that OF
the watcbman on the waterwOrks crib during
the terrible storm of Sunday last. The crib
extended some five feet above the surface OF
the water. Upon it was built small enclos-
ure for the watchman, who was obliged to re-
main there at night TO keep up the light to
warn passing vessels. This little shed is about
seven feet high, and as small as could be made
anu answer the purpose-to offer the least pos
siole surface tor seas which, in a storm, break
over the crib with terrific Jury. 1t is made
ol two-lnch plank, firmly bolted together and
10 tne timbers OF the crib. sufficiently strong
10 Withstand the fiercest dashing of the waves.
Oh sunday evening the watchman went
out, as usual to his post. When the storm
came up, he retired within his little castle and
laughed at the fury of the elements
About III o'clock the light was put out by
the water, which dashed completely over the
frame work in which the light was placed
Discovering this fact, and realizing that the
absence OF the light might cause the wreck of
a vessel and loss oflife, he sailed forth, care
fully picking his way and seizing whatever
offered a hold, to prevent himself from being
washed off into the foaming lske. He ascend
ed the quivering stairway, readjIsted and
lighted the lamp, and returned in safety to
his fortress.
After this adventure everything went well
until between l and o'clock as nearly as he
could judge, when tremendous sea, aided by
the wind, carried away completely the frame,
and from that time until morning it was a
simple impossbliity TO continue the light.
About the same time large, loose plank was
dashed by the waves against the house, with
such violence as to crush in portion of the
sdC. This let in the water, and for about ten
no lrs the watchmen had truly fearful time
OF it. The waves continually dashed through
the "shanty," literally drenchiDg him. The
hours dragged slowly away, and daylight
found him weary, chilled and well nigh ex-
hausted. Dining the long, weary forenoon
he vanly watched for succOr from shore, the
mercilass waves still sweeping over and
around him. To be ready for any emergency,
he prepared large plank ready toI launching.
with rope by which to lash himself to it.
There was tin oil-cap, holding about about
two gallons, upon the crib, and this he emp
tied OF its contents, tightly corked it up, and
fastened it to his body as lite preserver.
Almost despairiug of assistance, he had
made up his mind to trust to his plank and
endeavor to reach the shore, appalled, at the
prospect of another night upon the crib.
About noon he saw atug steaming out OF the
harbor, aud as it turned toward the crib he
knew he was to be rescued. He had not been
forgotten upon the shore, but the lake had
been so Tough during the morning that no
craft could venture ont without incurring i'm
minent risk OF losing half dozen lives to
save one. The little tug went plowing over
the waves rolling and pitching at frightful
rate. AT length 1T neared the crib and all ON
board were rejoiced TO see the watchman slili
alive, many apprehensons having been felt
for his safety. A line was thrown to him,
but, as good fortune and good management
would have ii, the tug ran up in such a way
that the stem swung around directly against
the tmbers. IL could remain there but for an
instant, as there was danger of lis being DASH
ed to pieces by the violence of the violence OF
the waves, but that instant was enough.
Watching his opportunity, the man leaped up
on the tug. As soon as he knew that he was
saved, he sank down completely exhausted,
and fainted.-Clereland Herald.