The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1870-03-10
AFLoAT UPON THE ICE
A TALE OF TIE ST. LAWRENCE.

1t was one day last February, when
the noble ST. Lawrence was covered with
ice as bright as crystal and as smooth as
a mirror, that In company with Lefty
Mordaunt, l went ont skating. The ice
was over foot in thickness, but a strong
wind had few days previously opened a
channel in the centre of the river, III which
much loose ice was floating Lettie had
never before had pond to skate upon
that would compare with it, and, as she
was an accomplished skater, she was de-
lighted. have always maintained that
a pretty girl never appears to better ad-
vantage that when she is engaged in ska
ting and | had always thought Lettie
was very pretty girl and had become
quite captivated by her charms but she
never appeared half SO lovely to me as
upon this occasion and as we went bold
ly forward, or circled in the most grace
ful manner, you may depend that | enjoyed
myself highly, and think that she did also.
The river is about two miles in width
where we were skating, and in the dis
tance were to be seen the several islands
that lie a short distance above the Gallop
Rapids, and are famed for their power,
which is so great that no vessel can ap-
proach within considerable distance of
the lower part of them. There is single
channel through which steamers are sume-
times piloted at favorable seasons of the
year but to attempt to pass them out Of
the channel, or without skillful pilotage,
would be The maddest of folly.
There were a considerable number of
skaters out with US but we struck out
boldly for the centre of the river and soon
were at a distance from them. We did
not stop until within a few rods cf the
open water, knowing as we did that the
ice was sufficiently Strong to bear US We
had skated three or four miles, and felt
the necessity of resting few moments,
and accordingly stood for while, gazing
upon the blue waters of the flowing river
and the surrounding scenery, which is
very fine. l rather think that / cast an
occasional glance at the features of my
fair companion, which were radiant with
the glow of excitement occasioned by the
exercise of skating. We stood there rath
er longer than we intended TO, for we car
ried on an animated conversation and the
moments passed swiftly. 1T length Lei:
tie suddenly remarked:
''Look where we are"
II see,'' said 1, not comprehending her
meaning. Had you forgotten it :"
1--WE are farther down the river than
we were when we stopped. We were
then opposite to that WINDMILL" pointing
to the ruins of one that stood upon the
opposite bank, relic of the last century,
about half mile above US.
Somewhat surprised at this, l looked
around US, and was not long in discovering
the cause of the change. We were afoat!
The ice upon which we were standing had
become separated from the main body and
carried away by the action of the current.
AS 1t was large piece, being at least one>
eighth of a mile in extent, felt no very
great apprehension in regard TO our safety,
thinking it would soon float against the
edge of the firm ice, so that we could east
ly get off it, and SO have the occurrence
to remember only as pleasant adventure.
assured Lettie that there was no danger,
and we patiently waited for the current TO
release us from captivity upon our floating
island, continuing our conversation as
cheerfully as before. My expectations
were Dot fulfilled, for in about balf an
hour we had reached the open river where
the rapidity of the current had either car
rie1 away the ice or prevented its forma-
Iion, and now the fearful truth flashed
upon my mind. We were going directly
towards the Gallop Rapids, and at a rate
that would bring US to them in less than
an hour.
Lettie must have noticed the expression
of my countenance, for she clung to me
and said:
''Do not fear TO alarm me by telling
me the worst. Are we not in very great
danger p
.'I am afraid that we are," / replied
s'but keep up your courage and we will
hope for the best"
Eagerly scanned the surrounding land,
hoping to observe some one whose atten-
ton | might attract. l skated round the
edges of the ice and halloed as loudly as
possible, but the wind made it impossible
for me to be heard at any great distance,
and we were unnoticed 1t now blew
quito.violently, and caused the. water to
run over the ice, rendering it qnite diff
cult for US to stand up, and breaking up
the ice that we were upon, rendering it
still! smaller and threatening TO basten our
doom. On we drifted, hope fading as we
passed onward, and the voice OF death
seeming TO sound in the distant roar of
the rapids that was now to be family
heard in the distance. Lgave up all hope
of attracting attention, and returned TO
Lettie.
s.Be as firm and brave as possible"
said /, addressing her; ''for unless there
is a special intervention in our behalf,
do not see what can save Us from running
into the rapids. The ice will be dashed
10 pieces, and we must perish"