The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1882-05-06
SUNNY SOUTH.
ON THE GREAT RIVER.

Journeying Through . Lazy Mans Land
ON THE GREAT RIVER.
II was noon In the chief city of the lazy
mans land" and every citizen was either
seated at his dinner table, or turning his long
ing thoughts or Fastening steps IN that direc
ton. Nevertheless, mamma, energetic and
prudent traveller that she was, remembering
that there were errands down town, that the
baggage required attention, and that our
steamboat lett at one O'Clock sharp, had de-
cded that as q Bird at the wharf was worth
two IN the river st. John, dinner was Sec
ondary consideration.
80. with hands burdened by the inevitable
valise and parasols, we turned our steps from
the hotel towards the landing. We reached
il, secured coy stateroom, thanks toIthe lady
like stewa,dess, disposed Of the troublesome
baggage and took view of the multitudinous
boxes of freight marching into their floating
quarters before the whistle warned the dila-
tory that time once passing IN race can never
be overtaken, and the Geo. N. Bird, of the DE
Barry line, swinging out from the pier turned
her head up stream. The sandy banks OF
jacksonville, with the back of Its long, lively
business street turned disrespectfully towards
us, the tall tower clock of the Everett pointing
with an emphasizing finger to five minutes
after one, the groups Of steamboats, and ocean
vessels receiving and discharging their car
goes at the wharves, the country seats frlnging
the outskirts OF the city, gradually receded,
and the little group of passengers on deck
gave themselves up to the fascinating study
of one of the noblest and loveliest rivers In
the land.
The day was one of those rare creations,
when the heavens, the air, the water, and the
shores blend and yet contrast with such
charming effect that memory puts the scene
into the jewel casKet for safe keeping. White
clouds softly dimple the far off blue sky, ra-
dlant sunshine danced upon the crests of the
little waves ripping the tranquil river, the
air was warmth and GOODNESS mingled in dell
cious proportions, and from the waters edge
the banks rose clothed in robes of forest green
The repose born of majestic strength is writ
ten on the bosom of st. John. Unlike a
certain stream famous in song, 1t does not
Chatter over stony ways
In little sharps and trebles,
Nor bubble into eddylng bays,
Nor babble on the pebbles.
Such childish play would be infinitely beneath
the dignity of river which for one hundred
miles from its mouth is five miles from shore
to shore, and whose broad, calm and deep
waters sweep silently but with royal grace to
their ocean home. But the scenery of no river
however fine, can compete with the charms of
table laden with the "good things of life"
when hungry people are to act as judges, and
we were no exceptions to the rule Without
a shadow of reluctance the seats on deck were
exchanged for seats at the dinner board. The
blue eyed captain who graced the head OF the
table was the embodiment of Florida sunshine,
making all his guests feel quite at home and
the chief cook, in his spotless linen, standing
at the door of his headquarters, had certainly
achieved signal triumph which we were not
slow to appreciate. The attentive walters
quietly supplied each want as it was ex-
pressed and the passengers rising from the
denuded table departed ut peace with them.
selves and their late meal
They were a very little band as they passed
out to regain the discarded chairs on deck,
for the Bird had started from Jacksonville
with the smallest complement of passengers
which she had ever carred-nine, and OF that
number chance, our master of ceremonies, in
troduced us to but four. DIR. and Mrs S. and
infant son, hailing from Georgia. were seeking
orange lands in Florida. They were black
eyed dark haired, shrewd and kindly, conceal.
ing under PLAIN dress the attractive qualities
of good common sense, warm hearts, and
quick native intelligence. Baby was model
traveller He met his little mishaps with calm
resignation and returned a smile for bump
in way that was very charming. January
and Tune had met in the persons of our other
two travellers. He had certainly entered into
his sixties; she had scarcely hidden farewell
to her late teens. 1t was hard to believe that
the bowed, gray haired old man ana the
blooming girl with her handsome young face
in soft, wavy brown hair, were husband and
wife, and for time captain and passengers
were almost lncredulous Yet so it was, and,
as we looked upon the fair but pensive brow,
we could not help wondering if the orange
blossoms had not lost some of their white
bloom when the hand Of frosty age twincd
them into bridal wreath. The aged bride.
groom was evidently very proud of the lady
between whose years and his own lay SO great
a gulf, and her tastefully rich but very quiet
travelling dress, her refined manners, and IN.
telligent English, showing culture and educa-
ton, would have been all.sufiicient excuse for
the admiring and devoted attention of any
husband, but we questioned whether that wife
a ILL ILL 4 4 L