The Jasper weekly courier., 1874-07-17
SAVED FROM A WRECK.

SAVED FROM A WRECK.
Ii seemed like presentiment, At least
there was something remarkable i'm the
fact that nv countrymen and fellow-trav-
elers. Dons Manuel and Domingo. should
have altered their plans at the last mo
ment OF leaving England, and instead OF
returning 10 Peru. their native country.
via New York. as had been previously
agreed. decided TO 90 by the more direct
way of Jamaica. A thousand miles more
or less i no consideration with such tray-
elers a we Peruvians are, and although
New York is a little out Of the way 10
South America. nv friends did not hesi-
tate on that account. However. il was
finally arranged that my companions
should return 10 Peru By the Jamaica
route. and that should meet them there
after touching at New York. where my
wife and family were residing. Some val
liable works of art, which my fellow-trav-
elers had purchased during our ten
months wanderings in Europe. were TO
have gone with me 10 New York; but
here again the finger of fate seemed TO in
terpose. and labeled them glass with
care. direct 10 Peru by sailing vessel.
wished afterward that | had adopted
the same precaution with regard 10 a
small leather bag. that contained various
presents from my friends in South Ameri-
ca, besides many little treasures which
had collected abroad.
had my choice of steamers for New
York. a. two were about leaving Liver
pool for that city. Both had alike the
reputation for fast sailing and cabin COM
forts. but the fates decreed that | should
embark in the one which | will call the
Arcadia. and | accordingly secured a
berth in the saloon department Of that YES
sci.
am an old traveller. and. therefore.
nothing was omitted i'm my list of re-
quirements for voyage by sea. except a
lift-preserver. which had intended pur-
chasing in London. but which. in the hur-
~ of my departure. had forgotten. NV
portmanteau was. a usual. slowed away
in a place in my cabin: the leather bag.
containing nv money and valuables. was
consigned 10 the care OF the purser. and
before retired 10 rest an old sock-in
which was accustomed at night 10 place
my silver matchbox. my gold repeater.
couple OF valuable rings and little loose
cash-was deposited under my pillow.
Like most OF my countrymen. am an i'm
yeterate smoker. and had not forgotten
10 provide myself with goodly supply of
II
few packets Of Havana cigarettes.
The Arcadia was not altogether what |
should have considered a clean and per-
fectly sound vessel; indeed this was her
last voyage before putting into dock for
repairs. However. | fed and slept well.
and the speed at which we started left
nothing TO De desired.
We steamed out of Liverpool. and on
the following day we had already made
81 miles. On The next day, however. we
were caught i'm a strong gale. which rent
some of our sails and retarded our pro-
gress. But on the morrow there was a
calm. and notwithstanding this we made
only 2A miles. On the next day, with
the weather still in our favor. we made
but ls9 miles. The passengers now began
to comment upon the tardiness of the
steamer, and many were of the opinion
that the coal supply was deficient; and
when three DAYS later se found that we
had made at the rate of l69 miles per
twenty-fOur hours. we twitted our captain
good-naturedly about the stingy allowance
Of coal.
We were a merry party. and fraternized
much during the tedious voyage. occupy
ing the hours PLAYING chess. cards and
other games. and laying wagers rs To the
number of miles the boat was making per
day. Three OF the saloon passengers.
whom will call Mr.. Welsh. Mr.. SAINT
and Mr.. Kew. were specially friendly with
me-pernaps because | was foreigner.
and contributed largely towards maintain
ing the hilarity on board. They also
helped me 70 consume the good Havana ci-
gars which had bought.
On the last day of that memorable
month. the fact could not b. concealed
that the Arcadia was either deficient in
cnal. or that the supply was of inferior
quality. and upon the morning Of that
day IL was resolved to make for Halifax
AT i O'Clock our captain gave orders TO
change the route and put the ships head
northwaris. II was only after the mis-
chief was done we learned that the steam
er had at that moment already passed Hal
ifsN by l'Diniles. The Arcadia was then
sailing at the rate Of thirteen miles an
hour.
Ny friend. Mr.. Welch. whose destina- !
tion was South Carolina. significd his I'M
tention 10 land az Halifax. and continue
the rest OF the journey to New York by I
rail. He advised me TO follow his exam
pie. and. a was heartily tired of the sea-
voyage. willingly agreed 10 accompany
him. Other passengers joined in our
scheme. and discussed with us a. to the /
best means OF carrying out our plan. But I
man proposes and
retired early to INV berth on the eve
ning Of very memorable day. and slept /
somewhat more soundly than had hith- /
erto done. The thought Of awakening \
on the morrow of Halifax, and continu- /
ing the Journey by land, was a delightful
prospect. and soon began 10 dream that \
! was already IN the bosom Of my anxious
family.