The evening Argus. [volume] (Rock Island, Ill.) 1861-1871, 1871-01-31
pailu argus.
Thrilling Incident.

A writer in the Michigan Free Mason
gives the following graphic sketch of an In,
cident occurring during q Masonic exour
sion on the Mississippi, which cool and
chivslrous knight TemplArship alone saved
from proving fatally disastrous:
IL WAS q magnificent sight to see our i'm
mense boat accom- anied by the Lady Gay
and Belle of Alton, their decks crowded
with fair lad es and knights IemPlar, bands
| of music, distinguished citizens and invited
guests, as they steamed up the Mississippi,
then down to Jefferson barracks, where we
ali went on shore to spend a pleasant hour,
after which we again went on board aud
| steamed merrily up the river.
l was standing near the capstan. The
commander OF the Iemplars came and lean
ed YEARLY on the capstan. turned to
Reuben Milton and whispered in has ear
these words: THAT man was born to com
maud." He had the form OF . Hercules,
the head of an Apollo, and the eye of al
eagle, aud As circumstances atlerward de-
monstrsted. the heart of q hon.
Although not so very large, he appeared
larger t1Gn he really vac he was tull and
athletic and still every proportion was a
symmetry and every movement q grace.
While he was still leaning silently on the
cspstsn, and while | WAS yeJ anaiyzIng mis-
| fine countenance, the captain of the steamer,
with pale lips and blsnched cheeks,
approached the young Templar, and, in q low
and trembling voice said:
| Great God ! sir, we are sinking. We are
snagged, sir, in the bottom, and nothing can
save u.s..
"How long can you keep afoat?" care
lessly inquired the young lenplar.
she may go down in five minutes she
canno, keep shoat more than fifteen, piled
the captain.
do not make your situation known to
any one except your crew We vii! have q
pasic, and then all will be lost. Signal the
Lady Gay to lay to; none will notice or
understand the signal of distress. Get your
crew and hands ready TO move, and l will
manage the rest
Blow warder, blow !" ssd the young
Templar, speaking to his en sign, vino stood
near him, and at the same time leaplng
upon the capstan.
Every one WAS startled by shrill blast
from the wsrder's trumpet. hundred
lem lars' swords leaped from their scab-
bards at the blast. Attention, sir KING hts, J"
shouted the young commander.
The next ceremony 10 the programme Is
for the Sir Knights, ladies and gentlemen,
on this boat, to make visit to our friends
on board the Lady Gay. As the steamers are
rapidly approaching each other, and cannot
be kept bat minute or two together, the
movement must be rapid one. You will
form in procession at once and the
boats come together, pass over the gangway
under an arch Of steel 10 the lower deck of
the Lady Gay. Forward, Sir Knights, to
the gangway. Music in front. The band
will play the Knights TemplsE Quiokstep."
In obedience to these orders the Knights
formed double line to the gaugway, facing
around with swords crossed above the heads
of those forming the procession.
10 less than eight minutes the whole pre-
cious cargo of human life had passed from
the Mississippi TO the Lady Gsy-even the
colo-ed cook-except the two files of Tenn
plars, when the young commandant said:
Form the rear, right and left, inward. D."
The Templars rapidly passed over the gang
way to the Lady Gay, the young command
ant being the LAST to leave. In one minute
moro the Mississippi steamer sank to the
bottom.