The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1881-11-11

my dearest, my own true wife. Don't un
man me by making me fear for you. &c
down where | can feel that you have chance
for safety"
"Rob Thorpe" she exclaimed, with hcl
eyes looking bravely, right into mine, "an
your wife ?"
"surely, surely, thank God" uttered
"But go, go"
MY post is here, just az much as yours is,
she answered firmly. II will stay here, Rob
and if you die will die too. We will make
our wedding trip together, my husband, even
if it be in the next world. Keep to your duty
and don't mind me, Rob- There is hope fol
us yet and fit comes to the worst, why-and
n brave, sweet smile crept round her lips-we
are still together dear love"
| saw it was ofno use to urge her any more
Thorpe! shouted the captain, "comC
down. Lower her and yourselfover the rail
Wen catch you. You cannot stay there
any longer. We are very near the shore
now, and the rest we'll take our chances for
1t was al awful temptation. | knew that
did follow the captains advice, both Molle
and | would be safe, for was good swim
mer, and should the boat not reach the shore
| could save her and myself but then, if
did this, would | not deliberately expose
| every one ofthe three hundred souls on board
| to destruction? True, the boat might keep
her course during the short space remaining
| to be passed, merely from the rapid impetus
of her approach, but again she might not
and then?
looked at my wife inquiringly.
''Stick to your post Rob- she said
mo, sir" shouted back 81 shall stick to
my post. / shall stay here until run her
ON the shore, or die first"
"hV bravo Rob-.mv unl,ln RnL ~
ed Mole
At last, just as the glowing tongues of
flame began TO reach in through the window,
crash and shiver passed from stem to
stern of the noble steamer, and with a sharp
CULVER and shake. her bow run high upon the
shelving beach and in less time than it takes
tell it, every man, woman and child sprang
from the heated decks and were saved.
But alas for my devoted Mollie Alas for
me! Not the pil0t-house only, but the en-
tire deck around it was now surrounded by
flames. 1t was too late to lower ourselves to
the deck below. The railing was all ablaze
My arms, released from their guardianship
over the wheel, clasped Molle close to my
heart; but my eyes and brain were busy seek
ing for some mode of escape from the death
that seemed each instant more certain,
All at once my gaze rested on the paddle
'S-H'
spray had saved it. ] had only to dash
across the flame swept deck and fling open
little door in its side, which afforded ready
access to the wheels, to lower my precious
charge to the water beneath in safety.
No sooner thought of than done
Take my hand Mollie," | said, "and run
with me. We shall be saved, after ALL
Wrap your shawl over your mouth. Now
now-run y
Leapng down on the deck, We sped, hand
in hand, to the paddle box. | dashed open
the little door and pushing Mollie inside, pass
ed in myself and drew the door close again,
thus shutting out the eager flames, whose
angry roar pursued us, as we dropped gently
down into the shallow water and crept out
from beneath the wheel.
Our appearance was hailed with q shout
of delight and relief, for all had given us up
as lost, and we must have been but for the
heaven inspired thought of the wheel house
Now that the danger was over, poor little
Mollic tainted and no wonder. But she soon
came out all right and as the people began
to find out that the brave little girl as they
called her, was really a bride of only few
hours, and that we were on our wedding trip,
there was regular ovation followed up by
nine deafening cheers.
The island upon which the Mobilia had
been beached was low, sandy and uninhabit-
ed, although not an inviting place for three
hundred people, without a particle of shelter,
to pass half a day upon, yet even in this
plight, there were few grumblers in our
midst.
Before night fall several small steamboats,
arrived, and after that but few hours elaps-
ed before we found ourselves safely at home,
and our adventurous wedding trip at an end.
But its results were not ended by any
means, The terrible nervous strain endur-
ed, combined with severe burns on my face
and hands, threw me PROSTATE on bed of
sickness
Years have gone by since my brave wife and
L had so nearly journeyed out of the world
on our wedding trip. From pilot have come
to be captain and part owner of one of those
beautiful floating palaces that used so to ex-
cite my envy; but never do l pass, without
a sickening shudder, the little island where
the Mobilia ended her last race
When | was able to report for duty again,
two weeks later, learned that a noble gift
from the Mobilia's grateful passengers-no
less sum than two thousand dollars-lay in
the bank awaiting my order.
Not only this, but the steamboat company
had voted me gold medal and the appoint
ment of pilot of the finest steamer of their
line.