Juniata sentinel. [volume] (Mifflintown, Pa.) 1846-1873, 1873-09-10

which the soothing effect of slumbe
could scarcely drive from my brain.
/ was suddenly aroused by q shocl
which threw me with violence from m,
berth, while the crash of falling spars
mingled with cries of agony and shriekl
for help, penetrated even to my state
room. A series of sudden jars followed
one another in rapid succession, an(
with difficulty I succeeded in forcing
back my state-room door. As did SO
a vast column of water poured dow
through the cabin skylght, causing mi
to scramble hastily across the cabin
and crawl up the after campanionway.
As reached the door. terrible spec
tacle was before me. By the awfu
glare of the lightning 1 was able t.
snatch momentary glimpses of the scene
The Sultan, while running before tn,
gale, had struck on a coral reef. thu
whole forward portion of the ship being
forced over the narrow neck upon which
the after part was resting. All three
masts had gone by the board, and the
watch on deck, being forward at the
time, as well as the unfortunate mer
who were below in the forcastle, were
swept into eternity without a moments
warning.
With an anxious eye peered through
the darkness, but could see naught but
the white crests of the mighty rollers
that chased one another in quick sue.
cession, while the boom and roar of the
breakers fell upon my ears, as though
rejoicing over the havoc and ruin they
had helped to bring upon the once
staunch and noble Sultan.
rushed back to the cabin, which was
rapidly filling with water. My only
thought was to free myself from the
internal bands that rendered me inca
pableof helping myself. I was well
aware that the irons, arms, ETC., were
slowed away in the captains room for
safety, in case they should be wanted,
therefore, naturally supposed that the
key must be there also.
After a great of trouble 1 succeeded
in lighting candle (not without stop
ping at times and listening to the dread
sounds raging about mel; then COM
menced the search upon which de-
pended my life or death. Keys I found
in profusion, but not the right one. I
well nigh despaired of success, when I
espied small dark object hanging from
hook over the head of the captains 8
berth. 1t proved to be the key 1 was
after, and with renewed hope tugging
at my heart, made haste to insert it
in the socket. worked with patience
and caution, spurred on by fear. By
means of my teeth 1 succeeded finally
in turning the instrument, the spring
flew back and 1 was free.
1 again rushed on deck and lashed
myself securely, waiting anxiously for
daylight to dawn. Each minute l ex-
pected the shell would go to pieces, and
my body be dashed with irresistible
force upon the sharp, jagged edges of
the rock. But, fortunately for me, the
gale had reached its height, and could
perceive that it was growing less intense
in its fury.
AS morning dawned, the breakers
gradually died away to low moan, and
the gale had calmed down to a stiff but
steady breeze.
With prayer of gratitude trembling
on my lips at my narrow escape, cast
myself loose, and cautiously groped
around, hoping to find some one who
had been as fortunate as myself.
over something near the
pumpkin bits, found, on examination,
that it was man, and as it grew lighter
[ was at last enabled to make out the
features of Watson.
Although he deserved but little care
Or pity at my hands, still I could not
see human being suffer and die while
was able to render any assistance,
even if that human being was my worst
enemy. l chafed his hands, brought
some brandy from the cabin and poured
It down his throat, which had a salutary
effect, and seeing he would soon re-
cover, left him, while 1 surveyed the
situation on all sides.
The reef was narrow, but of consider
able length, and the stern of the Sultan
was wedged firmly in between two walls
Of coral. Away, as far as the eye could
'each, a long, low, black streak was
visible. To an inexperienced eye, it
would have passed for cloud lowering
)n tue horizon, but l knew that it was
and, ana as | turned toward the poop
again, my eyes suddenly rested on the
light, fast-sailing gig that was lashed
irnly to the eye-bolts along the break
IF the house.
1t was comparatively an easy job
20 swing the light boat over the side by
he means of tackles, which I rove for
he purpose. Watson was sitting up,
me with istless apathy.
His spirits, nerve and brute strength
appeared to have deserted him. In an
'wer to my question as to how he felt,
le replied that his head ached, and his
,ody was SO sore that he could scarcely
move.
To my intense satisfaction, I soon
lad the boat in the water, floating
lightly along side. The mast was soon
stepped and sail rigged, while two
pairs of oars lay ready for use. In as
ew words as possible I told Watson my
,lans, pointing out the loom of the land
n the distance.
With wild, eager expression, he
danced earnestly in the direction |
)Oluteu Oub, duu Us ucoCcuucu W buc |
abin for the purpose of attempting to
ave some provisions and water, in case |
# need, 1 left him leaning on the taft
all watching the boat as it grated under
he counter. I slowed an armful of
packages away in the boat, leaving |
Watson standing in the same position,
le not offering to assist me.
Returning to the cabin for fresh
upply, 1 was soon busy searching for
whatever I could find uninjured. Sud
Ienly 1 fancied that heard the flap of
sail, as though the sheet, which was
lack, was hauled off.
Listening for an instant, I strained
~ ear to catch the chatting of the boat,
ccasioned by the light swell, but not a
ound could I hear. All was silent as
he grave, except the occasional swash
r thump of a sea as it ran alongside.
A hoarse shout which came floating
trough the confined space of the cabin,
aused me to scramble madly toward
be companion-way, my heart beating
,ildly with underlined fear. Gaining
he stairs I was soon on deck, and at a
title distance from the wreck sat Wat
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