The weekly democratic statesman. [volume] (Austin, Tex.) 1871-1883, 1875-06-17

Capt. John o. Holmes, who recently ar
rived In this city from Valparaiso, Is re-
sponsible for the following striking nara
tive, which he VOWS is as ''true as steel: -
The captain had been cruising among the
Society Islands, when, putting into small
cove one day for water, number Of natives,
as usual, came on board to trade. Among
them was stout, comely maiden of oigh-
teen, to whom the mate took a great fancy.
She was the daughter of a chief, and recip-
rocating the mates affection the twain were
married, a grand feast honoring the ocea-
sion. Wi-Wi was the name of the bride,
Egnifying in the land Of her country. ssBig
Fish, or to interpret literally, s.Great
Swimmer, she having an extended notori-
ETY. as an expert in the art of swimming.
Having married the mate she took up her
quarters on the ship, much to the dislike of
the captain, who, sailor-lke, felt the IN
seemliness of having woman aboard.
However, the vessel left the island and
stood for Tahin, where she loaded with
oranges and bore thence for Valparaiso. On
the voyage this incident occurred: Wi.Wi.
the mates wife, was one evening perform.
ing her additions near the bows. There
was moderate sea running; not, however,
enough to incommOde the turtles which
could be seen floating all around the ship.
Some Of these were of very large size aud
were known as the green turtle. Il hap.
pened, while the fair islander was so en-
gagged, that the ship topPled her bow under
and picked up sea, which passing over,
carried Wi-Wi with il far TO leeward. The
crew were at supper, but the man at the
wheel saw WirWi as she went over, and
shouted, 'sAlan overheard" At this crv.
50 terrible on shipboard, the crew rushed on
deck; the ship was brought to, and a
whaleboat lowered. BY this time Wi-Wi
had dFifted some distance to leeward, and
nightisu made the task of rescuing her one
OF extreme difficulty. But the mate was
IN the boat, and though half.crazed nc the
mishap which had befallen hIs duslzy wife,
resolved to make every effort to save her.
So he urged his men with telling earnest
ness. They, too, shared his spirit and
pulled away on their dangerous venture.
Bat night fell and no sign Of the unfortu-
nate Wi-Wi was seen. The men gave her
up as lost, but the mate was still hopeful.
s'Wi-Wi Is a fish, said he, 'sand one night
At sea VIII not hurt her. We will law by
TIL morning" So they lag in the boat
that night shouting, but hearing no re.
spouse. In the morning the mate saw q
dark object on the top of surge a long
way OF. ''Thore is something over there, .
said he; ''give way for it, cts only a
turtle, answered them men. ssNever mind, y
replied the mate, give way.n They gave
way, and after a hard pull, the sea having
risen, reached the object. It was an nm.
menss turtle, and on the back thereof sat
Wi-Wi. She hailed the boats crew with :
cry Of JOY, and plunging into the sea, swan
% tne boat. The turtle was then secured
ana towed to the ship, where Wi-Wi was
received with three cheers and TIGER. A
glass Of brandy stimulated her and made
ner ioquacious. She told the story Of her
gong overheard, how, being bruised by
striking against the rail, she could not
reach the ship BY swimming. but floating
g the mercy Of the sea, was az Length
thrown on the back 81 the turtle. Who'll |
wss complacently osciilating on the surface
q ne water. But for thissingular assist
snee, said the captain, s'Ni.IFi musf have
ps1seed, and i is TO be reqrotted. p he
. aeoeg = q, . choking voice. shat the Great.
,.c which had 50 provideniiailv saved ~.
life q q human being should have 49,, sni 49,
quently been ulih1ed IN ne form ~ s tsrsIs
soup. -6g9 fraHcien Bl.llsfig- '--s'e