Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1875-12-03

him It was Edward Ralston. 1t was like
death-blow to those already Frustrated
when their commander was taken down
with the fever. Eighteen deaths occurred
next day, so unfavorable was the effect of
this calamity. Young Ralston was placed
in a room on the officers deck, every
effort beng made to conceal his illness
from those sick. Vain endeavor! for his
comrades missed his watchful attention,
knowing that if he were able he would be
at their bedside. 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 disease had taken most virulent
form, and the doctors had not much hope
of his recovery.
w It was mild afternoon in this June of
1868 when party of ladies and gentlemen
left New York on the six O'Clock ferry
boat for Mortified, to pay visit on
Staten Island to DR.. R, one of the
Deputy Health Officers at that time, This
gentleman, q bachelor, often entertained
his friends in his coy cottage, and, when
convenient, invited them for a sail down
the bay in the Fenton, which was adj
nirably adapted for a pleasure barge.
The party referred to consisted of two
ladies with escorts-Miss' Ada Driscoll
and her affianced husband, Nelson Carter,
Miss Helen Albert and Mr.. Arthur Burton.
The party seated themselves on the deck of
the steamer, which was pleasantly shaded
by an awning overhead. The bay never
presented more beautiful picture than
as the Mortified sailed past the shores of
its islands, yet in their dress of tender
green. The water was flooded with sun
light, which was spread over its surface
like crust ofsparkling sheen. Brooklyn,
with its steepled heights, appeared but
stones throw in distance; Governors
Island, where, on the fort, foated the
stars and stripes, waiting to drop at the
boom of the evening gun when the sun
dipped below the horizon, seemed like
New York's sentinel,e with old Castle
William, that pretentious landmark,
frowning upon surrounding objects.
" Bedloe's" Island, Sin sight of the sea-"
which is always associated with the ex-
ecution of the pirate Hicks. was like one
mound of verdure. The shores of Jersey
and Staten Island, the view of the Narrows,
with crafts Of all sizes plying inward and
outward-all these familiar sights looked
unusually charming, gi3ded 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, land passing jokes
and puns with a rapidly that evidenced
their high spirits
eve are journeying to the land of
biers," said Miss Ada, pointing to
wagon-load of empty lager kegs ON the
lower part of the boat.
/" We shall be tonight, when we are
steaming toward the Old Hulk" retorted
Miss Albert. Pardon the pun on so seri-
Gus 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 Now York.
While chatting carelessly the attention of
Ada Driscoll was arrested by young
man sitting on the bench which lines the
railing, whose large dark eyes were bent
intently on the group, and who apparently
caught with eagerness every word they
spoke. Slight in figure, with beardless
face and small, regular features, which
were shaded by broad brimmed slouched
hat, he looked like some palefaced stu
dent suffering for fresh air and sunlight.
For some unaccountable reason Ada could
not keep her eyes from turning toward
this boyish stranger, who Immediately
looked away when he caught her gaze.
After 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 backs turned,
Ada was surprised by the approach of the
young man whom she had noticed, who
thus addressed her, in low, agitated tones
"For the love of Heaven, follow me be-
low to the cabin; am woman in dis
tress."
For moment, half-terrifed, Ada re-
flected what to do. Her first impulse was
to ask advice of her friends, but being
girl of strong character she RETAINED, and
making an excuse to arrange her veil at a
glass went below, where, at the cabin
door, stood the woman in disguise, who
thus hurriedly confided her trouble:
"Pardon me, but / am nearly desperate
with distress. For two years | have been
affianced to Lieut.. Com. Ralston, who is
now on the hospital-ship very low with
the yellow-fever am resolved to get to
him. I have dressed as a man TO hide
myself on the barge that goes to the Old
Hulk tonight, that | might steal aboard
and be with my beloved for little while
at least. There is no other way. The
laws of quarantine are inexorable; have
begged by letter to be permitted to see
him, and have been denied. / overheard
your conversation; you can help me; you
are going on the barge? Will you assist
me? Surely you have a woman's heart.
Tell me what to do"
"But your life will be sacrificed to the
Infection" said Ada.
"Life! what is life to me now? Would
not you risk your life for one you love?
Have you ever loved? Oh! what shall I
do?''
"I will be your FRIEND" replied Ada,
in comforting tones. Leave all to me;
l ana quick at plan. You shall join our
party; my cousin from college, Yale
summer vacatlon-ran across you below;
name, dear me! What shall your name
be? Jack Ward-the Wards are cousins
of ours-don't forget your name. By the
way, what is your name"
''Amy Adair."
3" Let us return, or my friends will be
looking for me. You are indeed coura-
geous to meet that terrible fever. Well,
you shall succeed. Here they are-be
self possessed.
"Who the deuce has Ada picked up?"
said Nelson Carter to Arthur Burton. Be-
fore the latter had time to reply Miss
Driscoll, somewhat embarrassed, present
ed her cousin, Mr.. Ward, whom she said,
much to her surprise, she met down
stairs. With a nervous manner young
Ward returned the salutations of his new
acquaintance.
my cousin has left college for long
vacation, he tells me, on account of fail
ing health. When did you leave New
Haven, Jack?''
Last evening; intended to have