The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1876-06-29

| Lilo sup WINS uedueu lOr NeW IOrhs
On the passage several died, and when
she anchored off the Old Hulk nearly
every man on board. was victim to the
terrible malady. The day that the
Saratoga reached the lower bay Lieut..
Commander Ralston, who had behaved
heroically through the ordeal, was at
tackled with violent symptoms of the
fever. Among the patients on the Old
Hulk there were none about whom SO
much interest centered as Edward Rails
ton. Belonging to an excellent and
wealthy family residing on the banks of
the Hudson, an only son, and affianced
to young girl who was impatiently
awaiting his return to fulfill their nup-
tials, this young man, in his twenty
year, had been the idol of his comrades,
whose hearts had been won by his manly
conduct, and who considered that if ever
young fellow had bright career be-
fore him it was Edward Ralston. 1t
was like q deathblow to those already
pros trated when their commander was
taken down with the fever. Eighteen
deaths occurred the next day, so .unfa-
vorabie was the effect of this calamity.
Young Ralston was placed in a room on
the officers deck, every effort being
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
bedsides. This appalling truth fell
upon those in the fever ward. Physi-
clans were untiring in their efforts to
do all in mortal power to save the young
officer, but the disease had taken a most
virulent form, and the doctors had not
much hope of his recovery.
It was mild afternoon in this June
of '6S when party of ladies and gentle
men left New York on the six o'clock
ferryboat Northfeld to pay visit on
Staten Island to DR.. R., one of the
der uty health officers at that time. This
gentleman, bachelor, often entertained
his friends in his cozy cottage, aud when
the bay in the Fenton, which was admir-
ably adapted for 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 Bur
ton. The party seated themselves on
the deck of the steamer, which was
pleasantly shaded by an awning over
head. The bay never presented a more
beautiful picture than as the Northfeld
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 a crust
of sparkling sheen. Brooklyn, with its
steepled heights, appeared -hnt stono's
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, with old Castle William,
that pretentious landmark, frowning
upon surrounding objects. "Bedloe's |"
island, Gin sight of the sea-" which is
always associated with the execution of
the pirate Hicks, was like one mound of
verdure. The shores of Jersey and
Staten Island, the view of the narrows,
with craft of all sizes plying inward and
ontward-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 a rapidity that evil
denced their high spirits.
"We are journeying to the land of
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" re-
torted Miss Albert. Pardon the pun
on so serious subject"
Then begun a conversation concern
ing 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 sitting on the bench
which lines the railing, whose large dark
eyes were bent intently on the group,
and who apparently caught with eager
ness every word they spoke. Slight in
figure, with beardless face, and small
regular features, which were shaded by
a broad brimmed slouched hat, he looked
like some pale faced student 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 a while, Miss Albert complain
ing of the strong breeze, the party de-
cided to change their position 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
below to the cabin I am woman in
Distress"
For a moment, half terrified, Ada re,
fected what to do. Her first impulse
was to ask advice of her friends, but be-
ing girl of strong character she re-
Trained, and making an excuse to ar
range her veil at a glass, went below,
where, at the cabin door, stood the
woman in disguise, who thus hurriedly
confded her trouble:
"Pardon me, but am nearly despe-
rate with distress. For two years l have
been affianced to Lieut.. Commander
Ralston, who is now on the hospital ship
very low with the yellow fever. am
resolved to get to him. have dressed
as a man to hide myself on the barge
that goes to the Old Hulk to ght, that
1 may steal aboard and be with my be-
loved for a little while at least. There
is no other way. The laws of quaran-
tine are inexorable; I have begged by
letter to be permitted to see him, and
have been denied. 1 overheard your
conversation you can help me you
are going ON the barge. Will you assist