New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-11-14

Frustrated when their commander ives taken
down with the fever. Eighteen death oc-
Cured the next day, so uutavorable was the
effect of this calamity. Young Ralston was
placed in room on the officers deck, every
effort being made to conceal his illness from
those sick. Vain endeavor! for his COM
rades missed his watchful attention, know
ing that if he were able he would be ut their
bedsides. The appalling truth fell upon
those in the fever ward. Physicians were
untiring in their efforts to do all in mortal
power to save the young officer, but the dis
ease had taken a most virulent form, and
the doctors had not much hope OF his re-
covery.
1t was mild afternoon in this June OF
1868 when party Of ladies and gentlemen
lett New York on the six oc ock ferry
boat Northtield to pay q visit on Staten
Island to Dr. R, one Of the deputy
health officers ct that time. This gentle
man, bachelor, often entertained his
friends in his cosy cottage, and when con-
venient invited them for sail down the
bay in the Fenton, which was admirably
adapted for q pleasure barge. The party
referred to consisted OF two ladies with
escorts. Miss Ada. Drscoll and her
affianced husband, Nelson Carter; Miss
Helen Albert AMI Mr.. Arthur Burton. The
party seated themselves on the deck of the
steamer, which was pleasantly shaded by
an awning overhead The bay never pre-
scented a more beautiful picture than as
the Northtiel6 sailed past the shores of
its islands, yet in their dress OF
tender green. The water was flooded
with sunlight, which was spread over its
surface like crust of sparkling sheen.
Brooklyn, with it's steepled heights, ap-
peared but stones throw in distance: Gov
ernOr's Island, where, on the fort tloated
the stars and stripes, waiting to drop at the
boom of the evening gun when the sun
dipped below the horizon, seemed like New
forks sentinel, with old Castle William,
that pretentious landmark, frowning upon
surrounding objects. "Bedloe's" island, ..in
with the execution of the pirate Hicks, was
like one mound of verdure. The shores of
Jersey and Staten Island, the view of thu
Narrows, with craft of all sizes plying in.
ward and Outward-all these familiar sights
looked unusually charming gilded by the
strong beams of light which land and water
seemed coaxing to detain.
The young ladies were in fine humor,
commenting upon the passengers, many of
whom were Germans in the rainbow colors
of holiday attire; and passing jokes and
puns with rapidity that evidenced their
bigh spirits.
1--WE are journeying to the land of biers,"
said Miss Ada, pointing to wagon load Of
empty lager kegs on the lower part of the
I'VE shall be tonight, when we are
steaming toward the Old Hulk" rstorted
Miss Albert. Pardon the pun on so Sc
rious subject"
Then began a conversation concerning
their intended visit the anticipated trip
down the bay, the terrors of yellow fever,
and the quarantine laws of New York.
While chatting carelessly, the attention of
Ada Driscoll was arrested by young man
oil ~ fba nh : o.
whose large dark eyes were bent intently
on the group, and who appa' emily caught !
with eagerness every word they spoke. |
Slight in figure, with beardless face and |
small regular features, which we're shaded |
by broad -brimmed slouched hat he locked |
like some pale-faced student suffering for |
fresh air and sunlight For some unac-
countable reason, Ada could not keep her |
eyes from turning toward this bOyish |
stranger. who immediately looked away |
when he caught her gaze
After a while, Miss Albert complaining of |
the strong breeze, the party decided to
change their positions to the other side of |
the. boat. They arose, and while the others
were walking with their backs turned, Ada
was surprised by, the approach Of the young
man whom she had noticed, who thus ad- /
dressed her in low, agitated tones:
''For the love of heaven, follow me below
10 the cabin am woman in distress"
For moment, half terrified, Ada re.
iected what to do. Her first impulse was
70 ask advice of her friends, but being
yirl of strong character she retrained, and
making an excuse to arrange her veil at
glass, went below, where, at the cabin door.
toQd the woman in disguise, who thus hur
'ediy confded her trouble;
Pardon me, hut am nearly desperate
With distress. For two years / have been
liianced to Lieutenant Commander Raj
Ton, who is now on the hospital ship very
ow with the yellow fever. l am resolved
o get to him, have dressed as a man TO
tide myself on the barge that goes to the
Did Hulk tonight, that may steal aboard
md be with my beloved tor little while at
east. There 10 no other way. The laws of
quarantine are memorable; have begged
y letter to be permitted TO see him, and
ave been den!od, overheard your con-
ersation; you can help me; you are going
n the bargef Will you assist met Surely
GU have woman's heart. Tell me what
0 do"
"But your life will be sacrificed to the in
ection," said Ada.
Life what is life to me, now! Would
lot you risk your life for one you loved
lave you ever lovedl oh, what shall l dot"
II will be your FRIEND" replied Ada, in
comforting tones; ''leave all to me; am
IHick at plan. You shall join our party;
ny cousin from ollege--Yale-summer
across you below; name,
lear met What shall your name bel Jack
Nard-the Wards are cousins of ours
lon't forget your name. By the way, what
8 your name"
"Amy Adair."
"Let us return or my friends will be look
ng for me. You are indeed courageous, to
meet that terrible fever. Well, you shall
ucceed. Here they are-be self possessed"
who, in the DEVILS name, has Ada
licked upP' said Nelson Carter to Arthur
Burton. Before the latter had time to re-
'ly, Miss Dsiscoll, somewhat embarrassed,
her cousin, Mr.. Ward, whom, she
aid, much to her surprise, she met down
tairs. With nervous manner young |
Ward returned the salutations of his new
my cousin has left college for long va.
'ation, he tells pe, on account of failing |
!ealth. When did you leave New Haven,
lack"
Last evening-intended to have stopped
It your house this morning, but was so
ID to take sail and get some life into me
before paid my respects to my relatives"
"YOu shall go on one of our excursions
;o-night, Jack. We're to have sail down
The bay with DR.. R, one of the health
ulcers, q particular friend of ours. am
,tre he will be pleased to have you join us.
But come with me TO the end Of the boat.
want to inquire about that affair of the
heart which has troubled you SO long. Ex-
,use me, Mel; come jack
'Ads's happy now she's found eallow- |
laced cousin to be Father Confessor to. |
Wsrdsi Oh, yes, her Aunt Annals son, l |
presume. Looks as if he had lived too long |
On musty books"
Ada and Amy talked e1citedly, arranging |