Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1875-10-19

her press OF canvas. The captain walked
the deck with quick, nervous Step. He
was intensely irritable. from the effects oil
his prolonged debauch, and though quite
sober was goaded by unslrung nerves into
a restless impotence that found relief
only in the excitement Of driving his ship
TO the u.termost of her capabilities. |
listened with lneasness TO the bowling
of tho wind thu ough the rigging. and de
bated the question, whether TO go to sleep.
and so forget the danger we were in, or
to 60 on deck and make myself uncom.
Portable, by watching for the disaster |
apprehended. NV decision was QUICK.
ened by a sudden order from the captain.
"Mr. Jones, set the main. royal"
"Set the main-royal, sirP" repeated the
astonished second mate in doubtful
tone.
"Set the main. royal. sir oyou hear ?"
roared the captain. "Loose all three OF
them, and set them Instantly. Ii you
don't know how TO sail ship with fair
wind, III show you"
Mr. Jones hesitated no longer In 4
few minutes the royals were spread to
the gale; but before the yards were
trimmed was on deck.
Miss Ellis had disappeared. and the
second mate w9s evidently ayerse to con-
yersation. noticed that q man fingered
near the mizzsn-rigging alter the rest OF
the watch had gone forward. So, too,
did the captain. who walked abruptly up
to The sailor, and demanded TO know what
he was waiting for.
"Mr. Jones ordered me TO stand by the
halyards. sir,n answered The man.
go forward" yelled the captain.
"Mr. Jones, want you TO understand
that when I'm on deck can sail the ship
without any of your Interference. Let
me see any more Of it, and I'll put you
irons for muIiny !"
Poor Mr.. Jones gave no ans wer. Him.
self the most intolerant and cruel OF
disciplinarians, he dill not resent the
rating OF his commander. When that
amable officer turned away, his subordi
nate passed over to the other side OF The
deck, and loaned quietly against the
bulwalks.
An hour passed away. 1t twas starIess
night, and TO the danger d running
ashore was added the other danger OF a
possible collision with some passing YES
sci. | thought, OF this and was just about
TO pick my way forward. 10 satisfy myselt
that the lookout was not asleep, when the
second mate suddenly placed his hand TO
his ear, aud ben. forward, as though list.
enng intently. In another moment a
sharp piercing cry rang from the forecastle
-'Breakers ahead ~
"Let 90 yer royal and to'gallant hal
yards, fore and aft! roared the second
mate. Stand by yer top sail halyard
Man the port braces. Call all hands.
Bout ship ~
But. while the light sails were yet
tiuttering in the caps. and before the
yards could be swung, so as 20 change
the vessels course, she struck heavily
bows on-the main and tore top.gallani
mast going over the side, and dragging
the mizzen top-mast with them. At the
same moment, an enormous green sea
boarded US on the quarter, sweeping
away the wretched captain, several OF the
crew, and the first mate, who was or
deck q lew seconds alter she struck
Luckily. was too far forward 10 receive
the full force of the wave. and, as soor
as the deck was clear Of water, Mr.
Jones made his way to my side.and said
"Go below and bring the gal forrard t'
the fo'castle. Steady, now; and dom
get yourself overheard"
By narrowly watching our opPortuni
ity, Dick, Miss Ellis. her father ano
myself managed to gain the forecastle
Mr.. Jones, bareheaded, and with hi
coat of, was busily experimenting th'
cutting away OF the masts, and The
clearing OF the wreck, which was thump
ing against the side with dangerous
violence. Relieved from the weight o
her top hamper the ship rose someYhat
and drove farther in upon the sand
The seas boarded US less frequently
but the ship bounded on the beach witt
violence which placed her in iminen
danger OF breaking up.
When he had done what was needed
for our momentary safety, Mr.. Jone
addressed the crew. and said: iii any o
/ YOU want 10 try the boat you can do It.
shant. You can't be no more use here
but its the safest place. Tor you. However
if you want to take the boat. | wop't
stand in your way"
"We'll take the boat, Mr.. Jones,
replied one OF the men. She'll 60
, pieces in half An hour. and you'd bette
come with u.s."
sNot l." returned the second mate
, Laughing. Il don't take no ooatin
excursion in this weather. Wear ava.
the boat if you want to, and good luck I
you" And then. turning to the passer
, gers, he continued: "It you'll tas IN
D advice, you'll stop aboard. Shell la