The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1876-01-13
become enmeshed in the tangled cor
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| companions, but without avail, and they
sank to rise no more.
was now in momentary expectation
of the vessel laundering, for the helm
was useless; huge waves, mountain high,
we're breaking over her, and the spars to
leeyard were dashing like battering-rams
against her sides, threatening to stave
her in. But all was not yet lost there
came a lull, followed by another whist
ling blast, then lull again, and the rain
ceased. This betokened that the fury Of
the storm was spent, that the centre had
passed, and that ere long all would be
over.
At last the welcome dawn arrived
So, bidding the second mate set at once
about clearing the debris, descended to
the cabin for the purpose of visiting Mrs.
Clifford, who l knew must need Consola-
ton. | found the courageous woman
seated in corner where she had wedg-
ed herself, calmly reading the form of
prayer Ito be used at sea-" while her
child lay peacefully slumbering in her
lap,
AS l entered she rose and took both
my hands.
"Captain Downes, you good, brave
man, tell me truly, is there any
hope? l can bear to hear the worst
though the thought of my poor little
Edith unnerves me-" she said, gently.
"The weather is moderating, madam /;
we are in the hands of Providence, but
His mercy may be extended to us; the
greatest danger is now past so bear up
and have every hope" replied.
was peering over a chart in my
cabin, when the second mate called hur-
riedly to me to come on deck.
Breakers to leeward, STRIP he cried,
excitedly, as I emerged from the hatch
way.
looked in the direction he indicated,
and saw long line of foam stretching
out on our lee, while the roar of beating
surges fell distinctly on my ear. The
sea was sill running high, though the
wind had died entirely away; and |
soon perceived that the current was
bearing us swiftly towards land. Nearer
still we drifted; and then recognized the
position. The most dangerous rocks in
the China Sea, group known as the
Pratas, were to leeward and we were
utterly unable to navigate our disabled
vessel, or to ward off the fate that SEEM
ed pending over us. The crew showed
indOmitable courage, exhibiting the
greatest .alacrity, and striving hard, by
promptly obeying my orders, to work the
vessel off shore but we sagged steadily
to leeward, and | saw that all chance of
saving the vessel was gone for ever.
Get the life-boat ready, my lads;
quick, for your lives Don't forget pro-
visions, Mr.. Cooper" said, as l hurried
below.
Mrs. Clifford met me at the foot of the
stairs, and read the new trouble in my
face.
"You must come in the boat. Give
me Edith. Keep calm, beg" | ex-
claimed, plucking quilt from bed, and
wrapping it round her, while took the
child in my arms.
II will, l will But, oh, preserve my
childw she cried; then she mounted
with firm step to the deck
We were very near to the rocks now,
terribly near-and | saw Mrs. Cliford's
cheek blanch as her quick eye took in
the danger at glance; but l placed her
safely III the boat with Edith. Tbs crew
took their places orderly; Cooper and l
lowered them to the water, the tackles
were unlocked, and the boat foated
clear of the vessels side. Then leaped
overheard, the second mate followed, the
crew picked US up, and we were soon
using our every endeavor to weather the
shoal whereon the Morning Glory
shortly struck and went utterly to pieces.
The life-boat had been terribly strained
by the waves which broke oyer when on
the vessels deck, and the water gurgled
in at many yawning seam, so that half
the crew were constantly employed in
bailing her out. The sea still running
high, shook her much, and | began to
fear that she would not float long, as we
had rather more than her complement
in her; therefore | consulted Cooper as
to whether it would not be better to pull
to leeward of the Pratas, and endeavor
to land upon the island in the rear. He
agreed with ne; and so we put that plan
into execution, and before nighttall ran
the boat between two rocks into still
water, and though not without much diff
fculty, succeeded in ettecting a landing.
We fashioned a tent out Of the boat
sail for Mrs. Cliford's accommodation,
and kept regular lookout for vessels in
the hope Of being rescued. There was
plenty of fresh water in the deep pools
and assures of the rocks, but our scant
stock Of provisions soon disappeared
and then we had to use biChe-demer-an |
edible zeophite-shell-fsh, and gulls'
eggs, which abounded on the island, for |
food.
A fortnight had passed away, and still |
no friendly sail had greeted our sight
The unusual diet and exposure to the
was extremely hOt--told |
upon US and in our wan faces and at
tenuated forms the happy crew of the
Morning Glory could scarcely have been
Then four of our number
volunteered to take the boat, which we |
had been unable to repair for want of
materials, and endeavor to reach Hong
Kong, from whence assistance could be |
sent us. Full of hope, they started on
their mission, one beautiful morning,
bearing with them our heartfelt prayers |
for their success; but, alas! they never
reached land, the boat was found bottom
up by steamer, and that was how the |
report of our total loss got circulated.
We remained on the Pratas six weeks,
at the end of which time trading-junk,
noticing our signals, sent sampan OF,
took us on board, and carried us to Tae
wan, on the island of Formosa, where
we received much kind attention from
ihe British cousul, who forwarded us to
Hong Kong.