The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1872-04-20


the men at the oars. but our ignorance relieved
US from whatever there may have been of profan.
ty in his discourse. The men did their best
and we crept slowly along, not in the direction
OF the ship, but close along the shore, for full
hour. when We had attained position abreast
the ship, which was still half mile distant; and
now 1t wanted but ten minutes of Ave. and We
were almost in despair and ready to drown all,
both Jews and Gentiles, on whom we could lay
our hands. Our dark-eyed pilot, however, was
master OF the situation and showed but little
excitement. He gave quick, sharp order; the
men dropped the oars, sprang to tho mast and
shooN out the sail, while he put the helm hard
a'port In an instant we were dashipg away at
a spanking rate, with fresh beam wind, straight
Tor the ship. The water foaIned and boiled at
the bow, while the open boat careened over so
as almost to dip the water while all iuyolun Ia
rlly worked over to the weather side as far as
possible. BY five O'Clock we shot along side OF
the lowered steps, where were both the captain
and purser, ready to receive US. We were the
last on board, and they had been some time
awaiting us. Soon the baggage was hoisted
aboard; the cry of "All ashore" sent those who
had fingered to take last farewell of their
friends down the ladder TO their boats. The
| Official whose business was to see that none left
unlawfully jumped into his boat and showed of,
| with graceful adieu. The sailors were heaving
| up tho anchor, and in another minute the jingle
OF the bell told the engineer to let ON the steam,
the jib was run up to help bring her around up.
on her course, and we were presently threading
our way among the shipping. under moderate
steam, almost before the echoes Of our parting
salute had died away. As we glided past the
monitor our friends on the quarter deck waved
their handkerchiefs as parting salute and Just
as the sun WAS setting beyond the Island we
were now leaving, probably fer the last time, We
shot by the Moro Castle, whose frowniug b, title.
ments overlook the narrow entrance to tho bav.
and We found ourselves upon the gently undula.
ting surface Of tho Gulf Of Mexico. 1t was
soothing sight in the soft light Of the approach.
ing evening to watch the receding city, the cas-
tie and the eastward hills, and the different par
ties among the passengers gathered in little
groups upon the quarter deck enjoyed it to the
full There was no wind to stir the waters.
there was cloud to obscure the STARS as one By
one they came out from their screen of light. |
where they had hid themselves by day, and now |
bengnly looked down upon us. There wa. only |
that long, swinging motion to the ship, which is
never assent when the open waters of the |
ocean or the gult,-which, however, can only
disturb the stomachs of the most sensitive, so |
that when called to supper nearly all were soon
there, ready to do honor to the stewards proyi-
dent care. l will say right here, once for all,
that he set an exceptionally good table during |
oil the time we were on board the ship; al !
though as we shall see hereafter, much of the |
time there were but few to eat his viands.
After supper we al adjourned to the open
deck, over which an awning had been stretched
to keep off the heavy dew. No one would have
changed the temperature one way or the other
had he had the power. The air WAS sweet all 4
soft, and balmy, as We have 1t in the months of
My and June, while the salt water--we were
now on the saitiest ocean water in the known
world-see1ned to impart to it stimulating or
lnvlgoGa'ing influence necessarily wanting On
the piains. IL really seemed great luxury, like
hearty drink by thirsty man, to initiate the
lungs to their utmost capacity and for mo-
nent to retain the air to absorb its life-giying
elements.
Gradually the eastern horizon became illumi.
mated and presently bright streak of light APP
peared above the waters, which rapidly enlarge.
TIL the whole moon then one day past maturity
seemed to lift herself above the waves and threw
her mellow light upon u.s. It was a delicious
evening, 20 mild, 80 soft, and yet SO inyigora.
ting; and Is it strange if for the moment We
felt some regret at leaving there so soon and set.
ting our faces towards that North where you
and so many OF our other friends were shiyerinp
in the pinchiny cold But then, when some
one spoke of this, told them OF the jingliug of
the merry bells along the streets, the swift
gliding Of the cutter along ,ho snowy track,
what jolly times the school boys have in games
at SNOWFALL or 'ambling in the drifts, and of
the curicues you cut upon the ice in skating
Dear Senior. meant you when said this
Az tho moon slowly rose above the waters hcr
reflected rays tipped with light the tops Of the
fluctuations of the sea, which gradually length.
ensd as she rose higher, till from the verge of
the horizon and to our very feet broad silver
mantle seemed spread out before us, covering
some great living thing beneath, whose disquet
seemed to keep 1t ever agitatsd. ..f ..
A few of our fellow passengers we had casual.
ly met before. With these slight acquaintance