The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1878-12-09
A Stroke Of Fortune.

ty wife, possessed Of thousands, and,
without exception, mistress OF the
| finest estate in Santos?
"Well, come out on the piazza. We
have a fine view of the bay there, and
love to listen to the roar Of the surf.
| 1t reminds me of old times, you know.
Light fresh cigar. You have moth
ing like them in the States, 1 can as
sure you of that; and now for my
yarn.
"Twenty years ago, I was chief
mate on board of a Down East brig
engaged in the South American trade.
The captain was good enough at
heart, but he did love gold dollar so
much, that the passion of avarice at
times warped the better and prevail
ing instincts of his heart.
II was young, careless, and free,
without soul living could claim as
kin, and as happy in my lone state as
you can we'll imagine. had but lit
tie responsibility on my shoulders.
the skipper taking entire control, even
to details.
eve were to the southwark of the
line, outward bound, and upon the
eventful night in question, which was
truly an era in my life, l had the first
watch. The wind was light, and the
ocean as calm as though asleep.
eve had all our light kites set to
WOO the gentle breeze, running
through the water not over three
knots an hour. Absorbed in my own
thoughts and reflections, was lean
ing idly over the taffrail watching the
bubbles and phosphorescent light
| playing about the restless rudder,
when touch on my arm from the
man at the wheel, brought me to my
self.
"'What do you call that, sir?' he in
quired, pointing over the quarter.
"I gazed in the direction pointed
out by the man, and, to my intense
surprise, saw a bright light, not un-
like ball of fire, which threw lurid
tremulous light, across the dark
waters.
"'It can't be the moon, sir?" said
said the seaman with an inquirine
look.
1.-The moon rising in quarter
bearing south-south west? No, thai
is some craft on fire, as sure as my
name is John Watkins, and I'll rouse
out the captain at once.
"In another instant was rappine
in no gentle manner at the Skipper
stateroom, who turned out in {
hurry.
'What-what is the matter?" h
} stammered, rubbing his eyes - ii
, there squall coming?' IL
, "'No, sir; it's as pretty a night a
T ever saw. But, Captain Thompson
there is vessel on fire to leeward o
s us, and I will, if you say SO, run dow
! to her assistance ....
"I'll be on deck in a moment
Don't be in hurry-don't like to ru1
! the vessel off her course-p -prolong
$ her voyage and leaving the sleep
! skipper grumbling to himself, l re
gained the deck.
2 L ~ lew UllO Old lCllO
t was by my side. 3. .....
e cit will cost money to take a,
! hands off yon craft and feed them ii
a we make port. .-.
"'True, sir; but is human life to b
reckoned or valued by money? In a
: probability there are poor fellow
: there in danger of their lives, who,
+ we leave them to their fate, woul
: place us on footing with pirates
and turning abruptly, l walked at
having expressed my indignation in
: voice tremulous with anger.
i "'Bless my soul, Mr.. Watkins,
t would not leave any one to perish.
was only calculating the chances in
It commercial point of view. You ca
hoist the long boat out if you lik
and take four of the boys for ere
/. to pull you to her. She will bur
r. down to the waters edge if you wa
r for US to get there. 1t is growing call
: all the time, and to tell the truth, M
r Watkins, would advise you to bet
o hand and get back as soon as poss
p ble for don't like the looks Of I'll
e weather. The air is hot and oppre
e. sive like
B. '.In ten minutes had the long boi
e. o over the side, and stout weather
ST craft she was, TOO. A bag of biscuit
s witha beaker Of water, was stowe
y away in the stern sheets, and biddir
c. the lads to give way with a will, v
~ showed off from the sides of the o
a brig. / saw the tall, bent form
n Captain Thompson peering down u
er on me for a moment, but the next i
., a stant the boat rose on the bosom OF
IS IS swell, and that was the last ev
n saw of nay old skipper.
"a THE brig quickly faded from sigh
r. hid by thin mist, or haze, whi'
ii had Suddenly arisen, and, in fact,
was conscious Of q strange change