Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1874-10-24

Taking q parting glass with our host we
started at noon for the shore, intending to get
underweigh for Blackstone Island, which we
had sscertsined to be some six or seven miles
fields, with the usual result; but after Crossing
aswamp by leaping from one TUT of grass to
another-occasionslly missing our fo0thold-
ana scIambling through two thick hedges,
plentlfully embellished with thorns, we found
comparatively good walking. Then the clouds,
which had been threatening all day, began TO
GRIP ram: when we reached the shore IL was
rainl1 nard, and as there was but little wind
We concluded TO defer our departure and look
Tor shelter. This we found
INA TOBACCO BARN,
or rather under its projecting roof, where there
were farming implements and open stalls for
cattle. The barn itself, with tempting pile OF
corn shucks visible in one corner through the
chinks, was locked; but soon q colored man,
whom the rain had driven in from the fields
charged in upon us, mule-back, and dsmount-
ing, unlocked the door, and extended TO us the
Inequalities OF the place. We stretched our
selves on the corn shucks, and Ben and Jack
were soon dreaming OF the dear ones left be-
DIDO them; but the writer's thoughts were on
dinner, and he accordingly interviewed the
freedman on the subject. The best his larder
afforded was "meat and bread" (qogIies bacon
ana corn bread) and that he promised to have
IN readiness as soon as possible. Eggs he had
none, and fOragiDg expedition ia the rain TO
the neighbOrs proved then) frui.Iess. So ne
dozed, smoE ed our pipes, and watched thu rain
Potomac before Us, and the afternoon wore
slowly away.
"DiSnER's READY, GEMSUS."
About 4 O'Clock we were summoned to dinner,
which awaited us in the little log cabin we had
visited earlier in the day. Here we found the
Old ''nnole" we had interviewed in the morn
ing, and two or three little daTkies, who grinned
AID slowed their ivOries at sight OF Us. Our
host, who was a wdO1er, by the w4y, was as
sidu0us IN bis attentions, and apoiogized pro-
hg avn Inc
Us. On a small table against the wall was laid
platter OF bacon, plate OF corn bread, and
some sliced cucumbers. Hunger sauce is a
wonderful appetizer, AMI we did ample Justice
to the fare. We had all eaten many a better
dinner with less relish. When we had dined the
rain was nearly over, and we decided to con-
tinue our voyage. Engaging the services of our
host and bis oldest boy to help us launch the
"Blue Bird, - left high and dry by the receding
tide, We took uP cur line of Iaarch for the shore.
"ShOes and stockings off," was the word, and
after half al hours hard work, the blue Bird"
was
AFLoAT AGAIN.
All sail was set, bat the wind was light and
battling, and at the end OF two hours we had
made bDt little progress. We had well nigh
aAaEdOneG gil hope of reaching our destination
u At night, when a brisk breeze sprang ND and
carried Us swiftly on our course. This was
cheering, though the shadows of night were
then gathering around us, and the - little brown
Jug III the locker had been drained of its last
drop. Soon BlackistOH's Island Ii yht shone Oat
through the darkness before us now TO Our
stTsiniIg eyes seeming far away, then near at
hand, though We knew by the rippling of the
water under the " Blue Birds" sharp bow that
We must be must be rapidly nearing our des
tined haven, snt-supper! OF the bars and
reefs We bad been warned against we had no
thought, though the skipper, from force of
habit, kept aWatchful eye Oh the dark waters.
ON A REEF.
A black object few yards away attracted
his attention, and he pointed it out TO Jack
with the remark, 81 wonder what that is?" but
the words we're hardly out of his mouth before
Il ere vas sudden shock, aud the - Blue Birds"
bow was half out of water. What We h al seen
was the lower point of a long reef, called Her
Ting Island, and passing iRshOrs of it we had
run upon a connecting but submerged bar
HhiCh did not show itself by even a warning
ripple. At first the situation looked critical
but fortunately the wind lulled lust as we
grounded, and having taken in saIl without a
moments delay, two of Us jumped overheard
and launched our craft into deep water Not
without misgiy!ugs we continued our course in
side the reef, meeting with no more mishaps,
however, and after passing its upper end, the
Sheets were hauled aft, and We bore up for some
twinkling lights, where cordial greetings and
creature comforts awaited Us. Soon the out
lines OF wharf, with boats mOored alongside
were discerned, and running under its lee we
n sde fast, unshipped masts and rudder, slowed
everything snug, and then putting on shoes and
stockings, OF which We had been Invested du-
ring the latter portion Of the trip, we started
for shelter.
BLAKIsToE's ISLAND.
A drizzling rain was now falling, and cheery
indeed looked the light which shone out from
III der the trees before US, and merrily sounded
the voices of the guests assembled on the We
Tanda. We were somewhat abashed at the idea
OF coming into the light, and the presence OF
ladies, in eur blue shirts and generally rough
tOilets, but were soon met and kindly greeted
by Dr. McWliliams, who, after administering
an auti,chil mixture, assigned us quarters and
ordered supper.
THIS is enc Of the pleasartest summer resorts
on the Potomac. The fishing is better than
lower down the river, the shooting good fruit
plentii III in its season, and DR.. McWilIams his
sons and daughters. the most agreeable and at
tentive Of hosts. The accommodations, which
are suth Gent for about fifty guests, consist of a
row of cottages, situated on bank which stones
down to the river. They are surrounded by
trees, and command a fine view, embracing
Colton's a watering place on the MARYLAND
shore, three-qusrters Of a mile distant, and the
mouth OF BTittOn's Bay. The island il SDout
one mile in circumference, diversified in sur
1scf, dotted with groves, and has on it a fine
peach richard OF $50 trees. The peach crop
was failure here, as elsewhere in Maryland
this season, but wateruielons and csntelopes
were abundant.
OPP FOR LEoNARDrowS.
We were stirring early next morning. And
washed down and spoDged out the "Blue Bird, ;"
and got everything ready for start after break.
fast. And such a breakfast 1t was so great a
change from the greasy, ill-cooked and badly
served food We had been compelled to partake
OF e!feWhere, that 1t yet fingers gratefully on
our Pslates. A large haul of taylor had been
made the night before, and these delicious fish,
cone 10 turn, graced the table. Then there
were oysters fried IN batter yet devoid of grease
and retaining the full flavor of the bivalye,
fresh laid eggs, crisp bacon, mufii ns rolls corn
bread, tes, coffee, chocolate, and milk ad hbi-
tam. Breakfast over, pipes were lighted, and
then the g Blue Birds" crew began their adieux
Most OF the guests, however, accompanied US TO
the wharf, and great was their astOnishment at
sight OF the little craft in which we had under
taken 20 long voyage. When her three sails
were spread TO the breeZe their eyes opened
wider. 1t was blowing a stiff breeze at the
time and trimming the sheets down fiat as we
rounded the wharf the "Bluey" dipped her lee
washboaTG under, and presented her keel to the
spectators. Exchanging then our last good
byes, the sheets were eAsed of little, and we
bore away for the mouth OF Britton's Bay, three
miles distant. The breeze continued to freshen
the waves 70 increase, and we shipped water
occasionally until fairly within the bay. Then,
With smooth water and the sheets Stacked well
or, al hands had TO sit TO wind ward TO keep the
i" Blue Bird" on her bearings as she sped along
at the rate of ten knots an hour. 1t was a de-
iRhtful sail up the bay, and the trip from
Blackstone island TO LeOn6rdtOwn wharf a dis