The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-05-06

cd il. The curtain Of night had fallen over the
waters, but flashing up from the dark deplha
at long distance apart shone two bright but
tremulous stars. Had they wandered down
from their heavenly companions to light up
with celestial glory the waves OF st. John
Not at all; they were of the earth and very
earthly indeed as the swear words" soon
proved. The unlucky Bird had unwittingly
disturbed the Immense seine OF some night
fishermen and had, in consequences, incurred
the great wrath OF its owners and was under
going storm of vigorous and wiekedly pro
tame English. Conscious Of most innocent
intentions and willing to make all necessary
reparation, the Bird passed on to the landing
As large number of passengers Snd great
deal of freight were to be taken on at this
point, we accepted the captains imitation and
passing ON shore walked through one or two
of the principal streets of Palatka Under the
light of the stars, with its wide streets bright
ly lit, it was q charming town. The fine ho
tells were surrounded by rOomy and inviting
grounds, the stores showed business spirit,
and the church lifting Its handiome spire
from the river bank was the gift u its congre
CATION of one man. The town possesses very
rare and valuable collection of coins and
stuffed birds.
Straightway after reaching the seclusion
of the stateroom we proceeded 70 visit the
ancient but ever fascinating realm known as
the Land of Nod" Somewhere IN the dark
hour which preceded the dawn or slumbers
were broken by what seemed to be an army OF
bullets rafting down on tho roof over our
heads We rose, threw on shawl aud went
to the window. 1t was stormlngw wildly; the
heavens were hidden behind black masses OF
clouds moon and stars had vanished bright
CLEANS of lightning lit up for onehaOment the
troubled and angry waves, the mex shrouded
them in heavy darkness. BY thes flashes we
saw that all traces of shore had Disappeared
we were passing through the wideexpanse of
Lake George. But our faith IN tic Btrd and
its officers was strong, and welcoming the
storm as very effective contrast to yesterday
radient sunshine and serene sky, sc returned
to the sleepy land from which We had been
summoned. AT the breakfast tlble which
was now surrounded by numerous new faces,
the mystery was solved While pIssing Lake
George the Birl encountered a severe storm,
accompanied by rain, Lightning aid hail, and
this storm had reached its height soon after
the boat passed the center of the lake
The breakfast cakes of rare excellence led
20 the discussion Of other table dmntles, and
with some surprise we learned 4 certain
Florida deicacy unknown to any oter portion
Of the Union, which was sometime served as
a curiosity on the boats of the De Barry line.
1t was alligator steak, Of which the animal
yields but small portion, taken fom the re-
gion near the tail. The captain promised that
if we returned on the Bird and you'd give
him the date of said return we ihould dine
from this rare dish served in the cooks best
style. The best laid plans of menand mice
and girls oft gang aglee. Circumstances led us
to return on the Rosa and that steak still waits
for us in some future ride over FlOrida waters.
Never did more exquisite morning dawn
upon the eyes of a lover of beauty. Washed
free from dust, the leaves as they softly waved
IN the gentest of breezes seemed to have gam
cd new and ETHEREAL grace. The sky was u
dream of peace and the air so sweedy pure
that il made one long to breathe such IN
through all their pilgrimage.
Accepting Capt. MS invitation we climbed
the iron ladder leading to the hurricale deck
ana took seats very near the pilot house From
that excellent point of observation, with the
captains opera glass to assist our range of Wis
ION, with the pleasant pilots keen and watch
full eye to catch for us the first glimpse of
those first settlers of the St John, known as
alllgators, and certain large and luCiously
sweet Indian river oranges from the captain s
basket as refreshment, we studied the reccsscs
of the donsey wooded shores. The river had
wondrously changed its face IN night 1t
had lost its noble proportions and was trans.
formed into a narrow but very deep stream.
Yesterday navy might have ridden abreast
with us; To-Day we were floating SO near the
bank that oftmes the trees threw their pro
tecting shadows over the boat and their beautl-
| full reflections on the waters from shore to
shore. More than once we were almost able to
snatch leafy souviner from their branches
| To say that the st. John after leaving Lake
George is crooked is to family approach the
truth. 1t winds in and out among the swamps for
the pure pleasure of winding; 1t curves where
show Its perversity; it advances and retreats
by way of diversion; it runs away and loses
itself aud then goes back and seeks the lost
one solely to show its dcxterity in forming a
circle; and all this, it seemed, tor the benev.
client purpose of prolonging the travellers ride
ron 9TH srpnpry which urow mora oh Arm N ~