Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1871-03-11
Jack and the tiad5.

The following story is quite romantic, and
founded on circumstances that will not by any
means warrant every youths watching fUt i
fortune in just the way described. Ono has
opportunities to bo courteous, however. every
day, and nothing is ever lost 10y ii
A sailor, roughly dressed, was sirollins
through the Sheets of New Orleans, then in
rather damp condition from Stctnt rain and
rise of tide. Turning the corner Of a much
frcqucntcd aud narrow alley he observed a
goung lady standing in pcrplexiiy apparently
MEASURING the depth OF the muddy water be-
tween her and the sidewalk, With no very
satisfied coun!en&!:cc.
The sailor paused, 70: he was great al
mircr of beauty, and the ta'f flee that peeped
out from under the little chip hat might tempt
an admiring glance perplexcd, the lady put
forth one little foot, when the gallant sailor,
with impulsivcness, exelaimcd,-
THAT pretty foot, lady, should no. be soiled
with the filth of the lane; wait iOt a moment
only, and will make you path"
So, springng past her into carpenter shop
opposite, he bargained for plank board that
stood in the doorway, and, coming back to the
smiling girl, who was just coruettsh enough
to accept the services Of the handsome young
sailor, he bridged the narrow black streaui,
and she trippod across with merry Thank
you" and rosuish smile.
Alas our young sailor was perfectly chsrifi-.
ed. What else would make him catch aud
shoulder the plank, and follow the little witch
through the streets 10 her home. She twice
performed The ceremony of walking the plank,
and each time thanking Lin ttith QUO Of her
pretty smiles.
Presently our hero saw the yorus lady trip
up the marble STEPS Of n palac5 Of house, and
disappear within its fostEood entrance. For
full minute be stood booking at The door, and
then, with big sigh, tttrtd away, disposed
Of his draw bridge, and went back TO his ship.
The next day ho received notice Of promo
ton from the captain. Poor Jack was speech
less with amammeut. lie had not dreaiiied Of
being exalted to the dignity Of a second mates
Office OH beard one of the most splendid ships
that sailed out Of tho port Of New Orleans. lie
knew he was compctcntj for instead Of spend
ing bis ihoncy 70. amGsciatnt visiting theatres
and bowling alleys on his return from sea, ho
purchased books, and had become quito stu
dent, but lie expected years to intervene before
his ambitious hopes would be realized.
His superior Objects fa9orci him end gcvb
him opportunities to gather nautical know
! ledge, and in year the gentlemanly young
mate had acquired unusual favor ia the eyes Of
the portly commander, Capt. Hume, who had
first taken the smart little Jlack-eycd fellow,
as the cabin boy.
One night the young man, with all Che other
officers, was invited to an entertainment at tho
captains house. lie went, and 10 his astonish
mont, mounted the same steps that, two years
before, thc young lady Lad passed oycf--a yis-
ion he lad never forgotten. Thump, thump,
| went lis brave heart. as he was ushCrcd into
the paror, and like sledgo hammer il beat
again when Capt Hume brought forward bis
daughter, and with a pleasant smile, said
This young lady was once Indebted TO your
kindness for q safe and dry walk koms."
His brown cheeks flushed holly as the cap
tain sauntorcd away leaving Grace at bis side.
And ia all that assembly vas not so handsome
a couple as the gallant sailor and the "prctiy
ladie"
1t was only year from that time that the
second mate trod the qtiaFtcr deck, second only
in command, and part owner with the captain,
not only in his vessel bot in the affections Of
his daughter, who had always cherished re-
spect for the brisht-eyed sailor.
His very homely but earnest act Of politeucss
towards Lis child had pleased the captain, and
though the youth knew it not, was the cause
Of his first promotion So that now the old
man las retired from business, Henry Wells is
captain, and Grace Hume is. according to po-
lite parlancc, :" Mrs. Capt. Wells" In fact,
the louc5t .ailor is one Of the richest mcu IN
the Crescent City, and he eowcs in part lis pros
perity to Lis politcncss in crossing the cttcct.