The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1877-03-14

Cnelr energy, SennlnR Jne llBnJ boat OVel
| the smooth sea with the speed OF sworC
Ash.
AS the mate had predicted, the light
breeze rapidly died away until scarcely
breath OF air ruffled the surface OF the
ocean. The ship was soon left behind
while the light from the unfortunate yes
sci increased with fearful rapidity.
1t was fearful sight. The eager ele-
ment shot along the rigging, ran swift
ly up the foremast, and wrapping the
hamper in sheet OF fire, streamed al
most perpendicular upward fathon
above the truck. The fire had spread
rapidly, and the entire fore part Of the
ship was in the power Of the fiend.
Meanwhile the flames had broken out
of the alter hatch, and, communicating
at once to the lower rigging, spread al.
most instantly to the huge lower sails
kissing, flashing, and roaring as they
went, until the whole ship seemed q
mass of fire, and nothing was left un-
touched but the narrow quarterback
on which the despairing crew had gath
cred. They had succeeded in rescuing
one boat from the fire, and as it was
lowered over the side, the eager crew
loaded it down to the gunwale.
Dashing alongside, Preston shouted
to the remaining wretches to jump for
their lives, and he would pick tnem up,
A shout OF joy escaped the poor fello " s
as they aVailed themselves of the uneX-
pected aid, and in less than two min-
utes the deck Of the burning ship was
deserted.
John Preston was on the point of
leading the way to his gallant ship,
whose white sails cleaned in the STAR
light, when a cry was heard which
rang through the SAILORS heart like the
thrust of knife.
1t was the piercing scream of
woman-a helpless girl left to her fate
on board the doomed ship, whose pres
ence had been uncared for and forgotten
in the excitement and confusion which
attended the abandonment OF the shin. i.
With muttered curse on the cowar-
dice OF the crew, John Preston pulled
back to position close under the stern
of the fiery ship. A draft OF air whirled
the dense smoke aside, revealing for "a
moment the quarterback, but no signs
of the woman was visible. Overcome
by excess OF fright, tOge her with the
smoke and heat, no doubt the poor girl
had tainted.
Ever prompt and ready in the hour OF
danger, Preston grasped the end Of a
rope trailing over the quarter, and, bid
ding his crew to await his return, the
athletic seaman quickly mounted TO the
deck amid the hre and smoke, which
burst forth with renewed vigor. Envel-
oping his mouth in the folds OF his COAL
John rapidly made the circuit of the
quarterback, and to his intense salts
lation discovered the girl insensible
close to the cabin door.
within lew feet of the unconscious
girl, and, raising her in his strong arms,
The dauntless sailor rushed through the
intervening barriers of smoke aud fire,
cleared the tatfrail at bound, and the
next instant was drawn into the boat
with his unconscious burden amid the
cheers of the men who had beheld the
daring deed.
With long, steady strokes the seamen
Urged the boats through the water, and
ne deserted snip, lett 10 her fate, was
soon reduced to charred and shapeless
mass. 1t proved to be d Spanish ship.
md the Lady passenger whom John
PRESTON had rescued from a terrible |
Ieath had taken passage at Manila with
he intention Of returning TO Spain. |
mat was all the information which |
ould be CLEANED concerning her, save
hat her name Marie Ufonso. She was
consigned 10 the cabin, restoratiyes an
,lied, and John mad The satisfaction Of |
eeing her open her large black ewes.
nd III silence listen to the outpourlngs |
+ her gratitude. Although pale and |
she was SURPRISINGLY hand |
ONE; SO much SO that the sailor could |
ave remained there all night gazing |
pon her; but he was doomed to leave |
n Inr ti,,c
emanded both promptitude and couf-
ge.
Without the slightest ceremony, the
1ate entered the cabin, and in a low |
oice requested his superior TO step on |
eek.
"They have scented US like flock Of |
ultures. The burning ship mas brought
hem down upon Us, and we Will have |
ur hands full, l reckon"
"What do you meanp" exclaimed the
xcited captain, as he hurriedly left the
abln.
"Look there, sir, and judge for your
ELF"
The moon, which had risen above the
ORION, shone with a brllliancy
nowu only to the topics. The ship lay
lmost motionless, rising and falling
,iLh the Almost imperceptlble heaVe OI
he long, regular swell. Like thin vail
t gauZe The VapOI hung about the
'land, emerging from whicn WeI e three
,ng DoaLS filed with men, and neadIng
irect for the Amazon.
"Pirates!' gasped the captain, as he
lanced alolt. But, alas Lne huge ioIds
/ canvas hung mOtlOnleSs from the
ards, and the snip Was without mo-
on.
III kept an eye to windward for this,
aptain Preston, and during your aD-
;Gnce took me precautlOn 70 load up
le hOwitzers there forward, ana the
nail arms are i'll readiness for instant
Sc. With the extra hands we have GU
oard we can make good fight of it,
nd show John Chlnaman that Ii is moi
easy after all TO board and capture
ankCe clipper"
You have saved the ship and all on
)ard by your foresight and prudence.
arlin, when lacC shall be made known
the owners, il we 1--we. Now summon
| hands, and arm them, wnile l wuis.
,r word in the ear oi the poor, trem-
ing lazy below" 6
In silence, but with determination, the {
ew Of the Amazon ranged themselves
ong the DulwarkS, supported by the /
en- who had been rescued from the |
Janish ship. THe hOWItZers with which t
Q snip had been prUVIdentially pro- !
ded, were trained upon The boats, who /
Ith stealLhy strokes swiftly neared the |
lip.
A sudden Duff of mir ftlad tho lah+ | 8