Mower County transcript., 1871-08-10

never can in a storm like this when | ain
from home. | was cast away once on the
Long Island shore, not mile from home,
III just such gale, only it was from the
southeast. l woul' give a hundred dol
lars this moment to be at home, just for
my wifcs sake. But We must-my God,
what is that?'
A continuous flash of lightning lit up
the surrounding space, and as the darkness
shut in again, u faint, but clear distinct
"Ship-A-hoy! uttered either by a female
or child, came down on tho blast di-
rectly to wiEdward.
A moment after, the hail was repeated,
and another flash of lightning revealed a
boat driving square down before tho gale,
and almost under the vessels quarter Ere
cry came up from the boat, as it shot past
her rudder.
"Mcrciful Heaven! There are three
children in that boat" yelled Mr. Astor,
who, with the captain, was peering down
over the tatlrail as the boat flew past.
Put your helm hard up, my man, "
said Captain Howard, III voice as
calm as mans voice could be; and
then calling the first and second mates,
who We're both on deck, he informed
them Of the fact that boat with
three children in it, had just gone past,
and then gave his orders:
"Mr. Carey, please go ont ON the flying
jib-boon end and keep look out for tho
boat; and mind, Mr.. Carey, if We come up
with it, you can lay the vessel SO as to
bring the boat close aboard on the larboarl
side-hs' board, remember. Don't, for
your life, make a mistake. Go forward
now sir, and if VIC save those children,
one Thousand dollars shall be your re-
ward"
Then turning to the first mate, he con.
tinucd: Mr.. Watson, you will brace the
yards all square, which, without making
any more sail, will send the vessel through
the water somewhat faster than the boat is
going. Having done this, rig six single
whips-two on each of the lower yards
on the Iarboard side. Place the blocks far
enough out for the falls to drop about a
tathom clear of the ship, and then reeve
off good studdiug sail gear, bringing both
ends in on deck, with running bowline
in one part, and the other led along for a
fall, stationing three good fellows at each.
In the meantime, l will get the ship steady
before the wind, and Harry, my man, you
keep her So Don't let her yaw an inch
steer her as if your v,ry soul depended
upon it; and within an hour after we
reach New York each ono of you shall
have hundred dollars"
And, now, Mr.. Astor, will you please
call up the third mate, and all tho
gentlemen passengers? l want them
to stand by the whips in order to help the
sailors if necessary. We must save those
children, and do it, too, without the boat
coming in contact with the ship, as that
would be instant destruction to it and
them in such sea-"
"All ready-the whips, sir" came from
the first mate, and the next moment a
voice rang out from the jibb end
Boat right ahead! Steady AS you go!"
"Now, then, my lads, who'll into these
running bow lines with me and stand by
to pick up the children?" anxiously in.
quired the Captain.
~, sir, and r. l! l!' came from a
doz:n ready sailors in a moment.
"Thank you, my lads; but only want
five, go in one OF the bowlines myselC"
The selections were soon made, and
there they stood In the fore, main, and
m;zzcn chains, the commander and five
noble fellow with the howlines under
their arms ready to risk their lives to save
the children.
"Steady! Stand by, now! Here they
come! Look out" screamed the young
officer from the jib: booms and moment
later, the dim outlines of boat doomed
OF breathlcss suspense, and the boat was
abreast Of the fore. chains
Island by the f0rard Whips! Look
out there in the main chains! Steer away,
men! Noso, Harry, noso!" and down went
the Captain and his companions into the
boat
A moment later and the shout came
ringing up" Look out, main and mizzen
chains! Sway away on dcck!" and up by
tn: run came the two men, each graSping
a child in his arms.
main chains, there! In Gods name
have you got her?" screamed the captain,
running aft with the boy that he had
saved still i'll bis arm.
"Aye, aye, sir! All right" answered
brave fellow, clambcring on deck, with
little Ella graspcd tightly by her clothes
"Fathcr" exclaimed Ella, clasping the
ca plain about his neck, Father! Fathcr!"
echoed back two other voices.
Almighty God, thank thee! Saved
savcd-saved! !" and Captain Howard sunk
taiuting to the deck. lie knew the
children were his own from the moment
thay passed the vessels stern, aud his in.
domitable svlt-control had borne him up
till they were rescued and when the re-
action camc, he sunk down insensible.
About ten o'clock on the next day the
ship was at her berth in The city and the
meeting between the distracted mother
and her loved children in the cabin of her
husbands vessel, is too sacred a scene TO
be pr"fantd by mere pen copy.
Thus, my dear reader, have cndcavorcd
to piCSvit to you a tru: narrative Of facts
that occurred only a few years ago. hoping
that this incident may interest aud i'm
prove your minds. and cause you all to re-
member that "Obcdicnce to parents is
pleasing to the Lord Woods Household
Ml.gdzine.