The Milan exchange. (Milan, Gibson County, Tenn.) 1874-1978, 1881-04-08


might keep in her course during the
short space remaining to be passed
merely from the impetus of her ap-
proach, but again she might not-and
then?
1 looked at my dear wife inquiring-
ly.
"Stick to your post, Bob,' she said.
"No, sir, l shouted back. Il shall
stick to my post; shall stay here till
/ run her clear on the shore or die
frstl"
"My brave Bob-my noble Bob !"
murmured Mollie.
But alas for my devoted Mollie
alas for mel Not the pilot house on
/ ly but the entire deck around it was
surrounded by flames. 1t was too late
to lower ourselves to the deck below.
The railing was all ablaze.
Ny arms, released from their guar
dianship over the wheel, clasped Moi
lie close to my heart; but my eyes and
brain were busy seeking for some
mode of escape from death that SEEM
ed each instant more certain.
All at once my eyes rested on the
paddle. box. 1t had not taken fire
vet; the flying spray had saved it. l
had only to dash across the fame
swept deck and fling open little door
on its side, which afforded ready ac-
cess to the wheel, to lower my pre-
cious charge TO the water beneath
with safety. No sooner thought of
than done.
Take my hand, Blollie," said,
''and run with me. We shall be saw
ed after all. Wrap your shawl across
your mouth, now, now-ruu |"
Leaping down on the deck we sped,
hand in hand, to the paddle box. l
dashed open the little door, and push
ed Mollie inside, passing in myself,
and drew the door close again, shuts
ting out the eager flames whose an
cry roar pursued us as we dropped
gently clown into the shallow water
and crept from beneath the wheel.
Our appearance was hail2d with a
shout,of delight and relief, for all had
given us up as lost, and we must have
been for the heaven inspired but
thought Of the wheelhouse.
Now that the danger was over, poor
little Mollie tainted, and no wonder.
But she soon came out all right; and
as the people began to find out that
the "hrave little girl" as they called
her, was really bride of only a few
hours, and that we were on cur wed>
ding trip, there was regular ovation.
followed up by nine deafening cheers.
The island On which the MObil;a
had been beached WAS low, sandy and
uninhabited, altogether not an invi-
ting place for 800 people without q
particle of shelter to pass half day
upon, yet even in this plight there
were but few grumblers in cur midst.
There was no room in our hearts
for any feeling but that ofthankful-
ness for our preservation from fear
fol death, and after the peril Of the
last 5hour or two it seemed a small
matter to wait patiently for the COM
ing Of the relief boats that we knew
were sure to arrive before many hours
went past.
Though some miles from any large
city, we knew that the burning steam
er must have been seen from the farm
houses scattered along the riy9r bank,
and that from these notices of the dis
aster would be sent TO the nearest
town. And SO it was. Before night
fall several small steamboats, arrived,
and after that but few hours clap
sed before we found ourselves athOme
and onr adventurous wedding trip at
an end. But the results were not end
ed by any means. The terrible ner-
vous strain I had endured, combined
with the severe burns on my face and
hands, threw me prostrate'on bed Of
sickness.
When [ was able to report for duty
again, two weeks later, I learned that
a noble gift from the Mobilia's CRATE
ful passengers-no less a sum than
s2,000-lay in the bank awaiting my
order. Not only this, but the steam
boat company had voted me a gold
medal and the appointment of pilot
Of the finest steamer on their line.
Years have gon0 by since ny brave
wife and l had 50 nearly journeyed
out of the world on our wedding trip.
From pilot 1 have come to captain
and part owner Of one ofthOse beauti-
ful floating palaces that used toso ex>
cite my envy; but never do pass
withouta sickening shudder the little
island where the Mobilia won the last
race-a race Of fire against steam, Of
life against death.
How 10 Bell and stew.
To do either properly the food must
be immersed at the beginning in &C
tually boiling water. and the water
must be allowed to reach rhe boiling
point again Immediately, and to boil
again for Eve minutes. After the pot