Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1881-11-24

seething of the rain was deafeninr-no
orders could be heard, and so through
the long hours, until morning, she
drove along. The light so anxiously
desired came at last-not the bright
sun, breaking through the east. but a
dull, lcaden day forcing Its way through
sheets of rain ard driving spray,
Suddenly the rain ceased, a veil Of
mist was lifted from off the waters. and
right before us, straight in the direc-
/ ton IN which We were running-so
close that the beat of the surf was min
gled with the roar of the hurricane
was rocky coast, lighthouse stand
ing out on point few miles ahead,
and through an opening in the rocks
could be seen the raging waters be-
yond. 1t was the "Hole in the Wall"
on the southwest point of Abaco. The
+, voice of the old skipper rang out clear
above the storm: "All hands set the
foresail quick, for your lives depend
upon it" and springing to the wheel,
the helm was put to the starboard,
bringing the briggs head off shore to
clear the point
The sail was soon set, and the strug-
gle began. 1t was life or death; one
touch upon those sharp coral rocks
and the voyage of life was ended.
/ The passengers mostly were on deck,
holding on and sheltering themselves
as best they could; the sailors in q
group under the lee of the forecastle,
looking out toward the fast approach
| 4 Il tC
the wheel, his white locks streaming
out to leeward, his eye ranging from
the point ahead 80 the foresail, know
ing that on that piece Of canvas hung
our only chance of safety.
Collins had stationed himself in the
fore rigging, scanning with fearless
glances the rocks ahead. In an instant
| he was at the captains side.
Capt. L., the brig is making too
much leeway; she will never clear the
point; we must get the foretopsail on
| her.
The old man shook his head. "She
can't stand it, Collins; it would take
her mast out"
"She must stand it, sir nothing else
will save her."
A moments hesitation, and then the
order was given. "Jump up and clear
away the foretopsail.'
| Now, sailors are used TO obeving or
ders full of peril, climb the shrouds on
dark and stormy nights, to go aloft
and lay out on the yards, the life-ropes
slippery with ice, and hold on with be-
uumbed hands, certain death bowling
round and beneath them, in single
misstep, and it is but seldom that a
sailor hesitates; but here it seemed SO
impossible to maintain a hold against
that raging tempest that not a man
stirred. Throwing off his pea-iacket
Collins sprang into the rigging and be-
gan to climb the ratlines. Men will
follow brave leader; the crew soon
clustered close behind him, and with
great exertion the sail was set. The
effect upon the brig was tremendous
she tore through the waves. at times
burying the forecastle; everything or
the lee side was ahoat, and she seemed
like mailman rushing to destruction.
Suddenly the wind lulled, died away
and was gone; the brig lost Roadway
and was driving broadside on an i'm
mense wave lifted her high in the air.
and bore her helplesGly toward the
rocks; hope left us, but we were not
lost. Coming back right out of the
direction opposite to which it had
blown was the wind; the briggs head
wore around off shore, and amid the
boiling of the surf, breaking like the
booming OF artillery against the rocks
she shot by the point out into the open
sea beyond, and the danger was pass.
ed. We gazed upon each other as men
do who have looked in the valley, but
passed by without entering; and more
than one "Thank God !" was uttered
for that narrow escape.
As ! turned to look back at the fast
receding lighthouse l felt hand laid
upon my shoulder, and heard voice
sing out; II say, Nj, that's what
cali Touch and COP 1t was Collins,
and | gave him hearty shake of the
hand, for / felt to his daring we We're
indebted for our lives.
Souaring away for a few hours
brought us on the bank, where we lei
go both anchor, and rode out the gale
ia safety; and when VIC arrived at Mat
anzas ii was to find every vessel in the
harbor sunk or destroyed, and large
city in ruins, showing how fearful had
been the hurricane.
Many years have gone by since that
dreadful morning. | have passed that
same spot often, in storm and IN sun
shine; the old brig is buried beneath the
sands of Hatteras. Capt. l.. sleeps the
sleep that no hurricane blast can
awaken; but have never forgotten the
clear, musical voice of Collins as he
clapped me on the shoulder with: 81
say M, that's what | call Touch
and Go !"
| Mutton.