The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-03-30
SELECT STORY.
THE PRIDE OF THE SEA.


She seemed being of impulses and
feelings, and tormented at the waves
retarding that progress, raised her iron
bow high in the air and mournfully
plunged it deep, deep down, raising a
foam which she disdainfully cast aside
as unworthy of her notice.
On deck, many were watching the
wild scenes and shuddering at the vivid
flashes OF lightning that seemed TO
laugh at their peril.
Suddenly the ship gave heavy lurch
to leeward, and young and white
clothed form was plunged headlong in-
to the sea.
The air became more dismal with her
piteous, heartrending shrieks.
"Woman overboardl" sang out the
man at the wheel
"My daughter! my daughter! My
fortune to the man who saves her!'
cried an old man, as he rushed wildly
to the vessels side. "Wont anyone
save her? Oh, Heaven, have mercyl
A man plunged through the air,
struck the sea head first, and then be-
gan battle between the water and a
human being.
"Keep up. girl! I'm coming!" he
cried.
He reached her-the mad waves re-
vengefully pushed him aside--she sank.
A boat was lowered from the steam.
er.
Volunteers were plenty.
Everybody was on deck, watching
this unequal struggle.
He reached her-she desperately en-
circled his neck.
He realized that both would sink
pushed her away, and disappeared from
sight.
An angry wave overwhelmed them
it broke away.
He had conquered, and, "treading
water held her above the surf, hel
pale face turned to the vessel.
A loud, hearty huzza rent the air
everyone breathed freely.
| The boat neared them.
In few moments they were safe or
| DOard once more.
"Heaven bless you, sir Oh, my pool
child, are you dead?'
The agonized father lifted her from
the sailors arm, and turning to him
said, "Name your reward. I am your
debtor for life"
"Here is my reward, sir-the saving
of alife!' answered the dripping sailor
his form erect and eyes flashing.
''My brave Edwards, here's tumblel
of brandy. Go below and change youl
clothes, and then come aft !" said thu
old captain, as he shook Edwards hand
The passengers had already started
a subscription for him.
The father of Anna, General james
Mortimer, headed the list with his checl
for thousand dollars.
The money collected was given t.
the captain, who sent sailor to orde
Samuel Edwards to come to the frs
cabin.
AS he entered, all eyes were upoI
him.
He was splendid specimen Of per
feet manhood-tall and athletic.
"Mr. Edwards" Anna spoke, "yo,
have saved my life, and thank yol
from my heart!"
Tears came; she could say no more
Samuel Edwards, for thirty-fv
years | have crossed this ocean, and
never saw braver man, nor witnessed
more heroic act These gentlemen
and ladies have made up purse, whicl
they wish you TO accept as a remem
brance of tins occasion"
| And the captain held out to him th'
money.
| With arms folded and head erect, h
turned to the captain and passengers
and replied, refusing TO touch the mon
ey.
"Captain, ladies and gentlemen,
thank you for your present, but l d
not need it. ! simply did my dut,
This is my second voyage across th
ocean, and when l reach America it
my last. Again, ladies and gentlemen
l thank you, but cannot take none
for saving human life
He again bowed, and was turning t
leave, when Anna approached him wit
her father by her side, and said, softly
eff you will not take the present c
money, will you accept this ring9
was my mothers; l love it as memer
to of her devotion to me-
She handed him a turquoise rine
with circlet of diamonds forming th
letter NJ
"Mr. Edwards" her father added
holding out his hand, 81 reside in Par
Lane, Boston, Will you be my gue'
when you arrive in Boston I"
"Miss Mortimer, your kindness owe
whelms me, | will preserve this rim
with my life, ] thank you from IN
heart for it, General Mortimer, hol
time will prove TO you that | am gel
tleman by birth and education, thoue
reduced by poverty to my present stat
| will with pleasure accept your hosp
tality. Good morning, ladies and ge
tlemen.'
"Stop, Edwards!' said the captai
The conversation between Mr.. Nor,
mer, Anna, and the young man hi
been conducted in quiet tone, and Il
captains action now was the ohsprir
of a private consultation with the 9th
passengers. "Stop, Edwards You a
a discharged as seaman, and are nc
my guest. Steward, assign Mr.. Edwar'
a state-room'
Edwards was overwhelmed.
The good ship Ethiopia ploughed h
way tirelessly on.
The storm, discouraged at its fut
efforts to master her, moved away
other climes, and that night the oce
was as smooth as lake.
Edwards became the hero of the hol
and by his quiet, gentlemanly depo
ment won the admiration and resp'
of the passengers. who comprised sol
of the best and weallhiest of Bost
society, returning from visit to I
Old World,
General James Mortimer was
wealthy natrician. who had been ahro