The Weston Democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1875-current, 1876-07-03

when that place is known to be lin.
healthy. While lying of that port the
Yellow jack broke ont among tic crew.
The ship was headed for New York.
On tho passage several died, and when
she anchored of tho Old Hulk nearly
every man on board was victim to tho
terrible malady. Tho 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 tho patients on the Old
Hulk there were none about whom so
much interest centered as Edward Rails.
ton. Belonging to m excellent md
wealthy family residing on the banks OF
the Hudson, m only son, md ailianced
to young girl who was impatiently
awaiting his return to fulfill their nup.
tials, this young man, in his twenty-ffth
year, had been the idol OF his comrades,
whose hearts had been won by his manly
conduct, and who considered that il ever
Il young fellow had q bright career be-
fore him it was Edward Ralston. 1t
was like deathblow TO those already
prostrated when their commander was
taken down with the fever. Eighteen
deaths occurred the next day, so unfa.
vorable was the effect Of this calamity.
Young Ralston was placed in room on
tho officers deck, every effort being
made to conceal his illness from those
sick. Vain endeavor for his comrades
missed his watchful attention, knowing
that il 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 tn
do all in mortal power to sayo the young
officer, but tho disease had taken most
virlllent form. and tho doctors Ind not
much hope Of his recovery.
II was mild afternoon in this Juno
OF 'GS when a 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
deputy health officers at that time. This
gentleman. n bachelor, often entertained
his friends in lis cozy cottage, aud when
convenient invited them for a sail down
the bay in tho Fonton, which was admir-
ably adapted for pleasure barge. The
party referred to consisted OF two lndies
with escorts. Miss Ada Driscon md
her aflianced husband, Nelson Carter;
Miss Helen Albert md Mr.. Arthur Bur-
ton. The party seated themselves on
tho deck Of tho steamer, which wNs
pleasantly shaded by an awning over
head. Tho bay never presented more
beautiful picture than rs the Northticld
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 suriace like crust
of sparkling sheen. Brooklyn, with its
stecplcd heights, appeared but stones
throw in distance; Governors island,
where, on the fort, lloatcd the stars aud
stripes, waiting to drop at Tie boom Of
the evening gun when tho sun dipped
below tho horizon, seemed like New
York's sentinel, with old Castle William,
that prctentious landmark, frowning
upon surrounding objects. Bedloe's"
island, "in sight Of the sea-" which is
always associated with the execution Of
the pirate Hicks, was like ono mound Of
yerdure. The shores Of Jersey and
Staten Island, tho view OF the narrows,
with craft Of all sizes plying inward and
outward-all these familiar sights looked
unusually charming, gildcd by the
strong leans Of light which land aud
water ecemcd coaxing to detain.
The young Indies we're in fine humor.
commenting upon tho passengers, many
OF whom wCrc Germans III the rninbow
colors OF holiday attire; and passing
jokes and puns with rapidity that evil
dcuced their high spirits.
"we arc journeying to tho land of
biers," said Miss Ada, pointing to
wagon load of empty lager Kegs on the
low or part OF tho boat.
"We shall DO to onight, when wo nre
stcaminR toward the Old Hulk" re.
torted Miss Albert. "Pardon the pun
on 80 serious subject"
Then begun conversation cnncorn.
ing their intended visit, the anticipated
tlip down tho bay, tho terro!s Of yellow
fever, and tho quarantine laws OF New
York. While chatting carelessly, tho
attention OF Ada Driscoll was arrested
by n young man sitting on the bench
which lines the railing, whose large dark
ewes were bent intently on the group,
and who apparently caught with eager
ness every word they spoke: Slight IN
figure, with beardlcss face, aud small
regular features, which were shaded by
a broad brimmed slouchcd hat, he looked
like some pale faced student suffering
for fresh air and sunlight. For some
uuaccountable reason, Adn could not
keep her eyes from turning toward this
boyish stranger, who immediately looked
away when lie caught her gaze.
After while, Miss Albert complain
ing OF the strong breeze, tho party de-
ciIed 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
Ind noticed, who thus addressed her in
low, agitated tones
"For tho love Of Heaven, follow mo
below to tho cabin I mn woman in
distress"
For a moment, half terrified, Ada re
flectcd what to 10. Her first impulse
was to ask advice Of her friends, but he
ing a girl of strong character she re.
frained, aud making an excuse to ar.
range her veil ut n glasG, wont below,
whore, ut tho cabin door, stood tho
woman i'll disguise, who thus hurricdly
conflded her trouble:
"Pardon mo, but l nm nearly lcspo.
rate with distress. For two years havo
haan afianced TO Licut, Commander