Ashtabula weekly telegraph. (Ashtabula, Ohio) 1880-1886, 1880-11-19
ZERYIAH HOPE.
pRELUDE.


In the month Of August, in the year 1878,
the steamer Mercy, Of the New York and Sa-
Nannah line, cast anchor down the channel,
on little town in South Carolina which
pore the name Of Calhoun. II was not a
regular part Of her trump for the Mercy
TO make landing at this place. She had
departed from her course by special permit
TO leave three passengers, two men and one
in Calhoun.
A man, himself q passenger for Sayan-
nah, came upon deck as the steamship hove
to, to inquire the reason of the delay. He
was short man, thin, with a nervous hand
ana neck. His eyes were black, his hair was
black, and closely cut. He had an inscru-
table mouth, and forehead well-plowed
rather by experience than years. He was
not an old man. He was cleany dressed in
new, cheap clothes. He had been COM
had no friends on board the Mercy. This
was the first time upon the voyage that he
had been observed to speak. He came for
ward and stood among the others, and alb
ruptly said:
" What's this for?o
He addressed the Mate, who answered
ally:
We land passengers by the COmpany's
"Those threew
eyes, the men and the lady.o
'WhO are theyp
- physicians from New York;
D." Ah-h!" said the man, slowly, making a
signing noise between his teeth. "That
means-that mems"
Volunteers to the fever district" said
the Mate, shortly, Gas you might have
known before now. You're not of a sociable
cast, see.'
/ have made no acQuaintances, said the
short passenger. 81 know nothing OF the
news of the ship. Is the lady nurseg"
she's she-doctor. Doctors, the whole Of
'em There amt nurse aboard"
"Plcnty to be found, suppose, in this
place you speak Off"
How should know" replied the Mate,
with another sidelong look.
One Of the physicians, 1t seemed, over
heard this last question and reply 1t was
the woman. She stepped forward without
hesitation, and, regarding the short passen-
ger closely, said:
"Thore are not nurses. This place is per-
ishfng. Savannah and the larger towns have
been looked after tirst-as is natural and
right" added the physician, in a business
like tone. She had quick and clear cut,
but not ungentle voice.
The man nodded at her curtly, as he would
TO another man; he made no answer; then
with slight flush his eye returned TO her
dress and figure; he lifted his hat and stood
uncovered till she had passed and turned
from him. His face, under the influence of
this huctuattOn of color, changed exceeding
ly, and improved in proportion rs it changed
1t was hot day, and the water seemed to
be blistering about the dory. So, too.
the stretching sand Of the shore, as one
raised the eyes painfully against the direct
moonlight, was as il it smoked. The low
gray palmetto leaves were curled and faint
Scanty spots OF shade beneath sicky trees
seemed to gasp upon the hot ground, like
creatures that had thrown themselves down
to get cool. The outlines Of the town beyond
had certain horrible distinctness, as il of a
sight that should but could not be veiled.
Overhead, and clean to the Hat horizon,
flashed sky Of blue and blazing fire.
" Passengers for CalhOunw
The three physicians descended into the
dory. The other passengors-what there
were OF them-gAthered to see the little group
depart. DR.. Frank offered DR.. Dare hand,
which she accepted, like lady, not needing
ltln the least. She was climber, with firm,
1.-THE ankles. No ono spoke, rs these people
got in with the negro, and appeared to drift
down with the scorching tide. The woman
looked from the steamer to the shore, once,
and back again, northward. The men did
not look at all There was an oppression in
the scene which no one was ready to run the
risk Of increasing by the wrong word.
Land me here, too" said a low voice,
suddenly 1t was the gum passenger. No
one noticed him. except, perhaps, the Mate
Cooking on with the air of a man who
would feel an individual grievance i'm any
thing this person would be likely to do) and
the lady. u r.
"There is room for you, ," said DR.. Dare.
The man let himself into the boat at a light
bound, and the negro rowed them away.
The Mercy, heading outward, seemed to
shrug her shoulders, as il she had thrown
them off. The strip of burning water be-
tween them and the town narrowed rapidly,
and the group set their faces firmly land
ward. They landed in silence In silence,
and somewhat weakly, the negro pulled the
dOry high upon the beach. The four pas
sengers stood for moment upon the hot
white sands, moved toward one another, be-
fore they separated, by blind sense Of hui
man fellowship. Even Rename found him
self touching his hat. DR.. Frank asked Dr.
Dare If he could serve her in any way; but
she thanked him, and, holding out her firm,
white hand, said, "GOod- by"
This was, perhaps, the first moment when
the consciousness Of her sex had made itself
oppressive to her since she Yentured upon
this undertaking She would have minded
presenting herself TO the Relief Committee
Of Calhoun, accompanied by gentlemen up
on whom she had no claim. She walked on
alone, In her gray dress and white straw hat,
with her luggage In her own sufficient hand.
The reticent passager had fallen behind
with the negro boatman, with whom he
walked slowly, closing the line.
After a tow moments, he advanced and
hesitatlngy Joined the lady, beginning to
q May ask you 81
"Ah," interrupted DR.. Dare, cordially, "it
isy9%;;,m, =.
going TO work to offer myself as a fever nurse
in this place? want the best way want
real work."
"Yes, yes" she said, nodding; 81 knew
you would do it,"
" ] came from the North for this purpose,
but meant to 90 on TO SavannRh."7
"Yes, know. This Is better; they need
6UeTythiRg in this place."
She looked toward the gasping little town
through the relentless noon. Her merciful
blue eyes filled, but the mans look followed
with a dry, eXultant light. I.'
"There Is no porter" he said, abruptly,
glanCing at her heavy bag and shawl-strap.
"Woud you permit me to help yOup
"Oh, thank you" replied DIR. Dare,
heartily, relinquishng her burden.
Plainly, this poor fellow was not a gem
tleman. The lady could afford to be kind TO
him.
:" know nothing how we shall find It,"
she ehRtted, affably, "but / go to work to-
night. presume l shall need nurses before
morning Pll have your address,"
She took from her gray sacque pocket