Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1876-03-07


sudden disappearance oil a woodward
little way above Miliken's Bend, wher'
the channel hugged the shoe ana Will
Inc woodward there had disappe,. 'ea ai
enormous sycamore tree, which had 10.
years served as tying post for steamers.
As i've sycamores are about as di,in
cIlned to noat as bars of lead are, the
captain and pilot of the Bennett wero
somewhat concerned--for tho sake OF
The corn-io know the exact location OF
The tree. Halt mile from The spot il
became evident even TO the passengers
clustered forward on the cabin deck ,,ha,
the sycamore had remained quite near
lis Old home. Tor long, rough ripple
was seen directly across the line OF the
channel. Then arose The question as 10
how much water was on top of the tree.
and whether any bar had had time to
accumulate. The steamer was stopped.
the engines were reversed and worked
by hand to keep the Bennett from drift
ing down stream, boat was lowered
and manned, the Chums foIming a part
oi her crew, and the second officer went
down 10 take soundiugs, while the
passengers, 10 whom even so small =
cause Tor excitement was a godsend,
crowded the rail and stared.
The boat shot rapidly down the stream.
headed for the shore. end OF the ripple
She seemed almost into the boiling mud
in front of her when the passengers on
the steamer heard the mate in the boat
shout:
Back all"
The motion of the oars changed in sn
instant, but little too late. for heavy
root OF the fallen giant just covered by
the water. caught the little craft, and
caused it 10 careen so violently that one
was thrown into The water. As she
righted, another man went in.
"Confound it," growled the captain.
who was leaning on, Of the pilot house
window. 81 hope they can swim. Still,
'taint as bad as il would be il we hadn't
any more cargo to take on board"
"It. the Chums. >" remarked the pilot.
who had brought a glass 10 bear upon
the boat.
Thunder" !" exclaimed the captain,
striking bell. Below therel Lower
away another boat-lively!" Then,
turning TO the passengers. he explained
Nobody on the riyer'd forgive me. if |
lost the chums. Twould be as bad as
Barnum losing his giraffe"
The occupants of the first boat were
evidently of the captains own mind, for
they were eagerly peeriug over her side.
and into the water.
Suddenly the pilot dropped his glass,
e1temporized 5 trumpet with both hands.
and shouted:
"Eorrad-forrad One of ems up!"
Then be put his mouth to the speaking
tube, and screamed to the engineer; :;
LET her drop down Q little Billy"
The sounding party headed towards a
black speck, apparently hundred yards
below them. The speck moved towards
The shore, and the boat. rapidly shorten
ing distance, seemed TO scrspe the bank
with her port oars.
Safe enough now, | guess! eI
claimed Judge Turner. of one of The
southern Illinois circuits. The Judge
had been interrupted in telling story
when the accident occurred, and was in
a hurry 10 resume.
LAS was saying" said be, be hardly
looked ike q professional horse-thiet-
he was little and quiet. and had always
worked away steadily at his trade. |
believed him when he said twas his first
offence, and that he did it 10 raise money
10 bury his child; and l was going 10
give him an easy sentence. and ask the
Governor to pardon him. The laws have
10 be executed, you know. but there's no
law against mercy being pracliced
afterwards. Well. the sheriff was
bringing him from jailto hear the verdict
and the sentence, when short man,
with red hair, knocked the sheriff down.
and of galloped that precious couple for
the Wabash. saw the entire"
The deuce!" interrupted the pilot,
again dropping his glass.
The Judge glared angri!y; the passen'
gers saw, across the shortened distance.
one of the Chums holding bJ root to
the bank. and trying to support The
other, whose shirt hung in rags,and who
seemed exhausted.
(which ones hurt?" asked the cap
tain. Give me the glass"
Blu, the pilot had left the house and
taken the glass with him.
The Judge continued:
IL saw The whole transaction through
The window. was so close that saw
the sheriffrs assailsnt's very eyes. I'D
know that fellows face if | saw it in
Africa"
"Wby, they're both hurt!" exclaimed
the captain. They've thrown coat
oyer one. and they're crowdin' around