Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1874-07-30
A SHIPWRECK.
BY REBECCA HARDING DAVIS.

BY REBECCA HARDING DAVIS.
" All the Carrots are off to Long
Branch" said Jessy Pyatt, as she sat
down to breakfast 20 dear! They needn't
care how hot it isr
" And the Tredenicks and Hebertons
sail to-day" interposed Harry. "Joe
Heberton has been twice to Europe, and
he's only year older than l. He has
seen everything"
q can't see where it has improved
him, then" said Jessy "Joe Heberton
is one of the most dull, ignorant boys
know"
He's had the chance, anyhow" re-
torted Harry.
Lizzy Paull's papa took the whole
family to Newport, yesterday" Jessy be-
gan again, with growing discomfort in
her tone. "Lizzy's new dresses filled
three trunks. Such lovely muslins for
morning, and walking suits, and ball
dresses! So pulled, and f1uted, and laced
with rosebuds, that it is impossible to sit
down in them. O, 0! Such a splendid
time as she will haver'
Bahm Joe, the youngest bOy, spoke
for the first time. Sam PAUL told me
there were children's balls every week,
and they were worse bores than dancing
school. Had to wear tight shoes, and
fuss, and be polite to lot of girls I'd
rather go the mountains John Mills
people go to the mountains. Last year
John shot.a deer-mOst"
a blank silence followed, during which
Mr.. Pyatt read his paper.
What are you going to do today
children?" said their mother, cheerfully
"This is the first day Of vacation"
Nobody answered for a moment.
I'm sure [ don't know what to do
mamma" said Jessy. -" Practice, [ sup
pose. might as well study little ev.
cry day to pass away the time, the tears
coming to her eyes until she shut the
lids with martyr-like air.
Nothing to do" growled Harry
Boys are all out of town"
Why can't we go out of town." piped
Joe, less discreet than his elder brother
and sister.
Another awkward pause, during which
Mr.. Pyatt folded his paper and went into
the office.
While your father cannot afford to
take holiday Joseph" said Mrs. Pyatt,
"you should not complain"
Jessy came up to her mother "For
give me, mamma for being discontinued
But when everybody goes it is so hard to
stay in this dull town and see only the
rows of brick houses and dusty streets
day after day"
al know, Jessy." Her mother patted
her hand softly as it lay on her shoulder
Presently she went into the office.
Henry" she said, Ibid you hear the
children at breakfasts"
Yes, | heard them. You should teach
them self-control, Louise. [ have nc
money to go to Europe or Long Branch
The trouble is they associate with the
children Of wealthy people. 1t is bad
discipline for them"
but little holiday, Henry"
81 have to work hard to support my
family" Mr.. Pyatt moved irritably in
his chair.
q know, DEAR" gently. "But it is
for the children you work, Henry and
would not a pleasant remembrance be OF
as much value to them hereafter as bread
and meat?"
Mr.. Pyatt did not answer at first. "rl
think of 1t, Louise" he said, laughing.
Mr.. Pyatt was very busy man. The
principal idea his children had of him was
of asilentman surrounded by cases ofcalf
bound books; piles of papers as orderly
as pins in row; mysterious green
baize bag always beside him, in which
after the custom Of Philadelphia law
yers, his briefs were carried to and from
court
They were amazed the next morning
when, instead Of turning into the office
he stopped in the hall and called them
all about him.
you've never seen the sea, think
children?"
mo, sir"
% no, no, papa"
Well, | have some business on the
Jersey coast, and if you can be ready by
/ noon YOU shall all go with me- Bring
warm cloaks. You're going to look fol
! November weather, remember"
| There was a morning of excitement, OF
| hurly-burly and shouting to one another
and packing and unpacking thei1
| sachels. AS we are to come back to-
night, it is not necessary to take change
Of clothes" said Harry, with the air OF
| ar experienced traveller.
Certainly not" said joe But I al
ways travel with lunch" He secured q
great basket of sandwiches. How
| lucky that wasI' he used to say after
ward.
/ They started at noon, and by three
J . CIOCh were lduu6u III Il IlJIIe 0SUl0g VII
| lage, where they had their first view oil
! the sea; and, more essential in Joe's eyes
hearty supper. Going out to the beach
4Ir. Pyatt hailed boatman.
Where are you going with that sail
( boat?"
! TO Duck Island, sir"
,Will you take passengers"
| The man consented, and the delighted
children with their no less delighted
mother were piled into the little boat,
with their lunch, cloaks, etc.
L, " said Harry, never leave my lug
| gage behind"
1 What stories the fisherman told! And
/ their father knew better ones to match
them! He had been famous hunter
/ and fisherman in his youth, they learned
for the first time, and knew every nook
and Granny of these coasts and islands
The sea was quiet, but the low, stealthy
! swells rocked the boat and the boys were
| quite sure they were seasick.
Even Joe Heberton never was at sea
in an open boat" they said, triumph
antly.