Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1884-07-28

said a word about the smaller, but
all began working to get the larger
boat ready for the water. Hastily
the Grim was prepared, but not too
soon for the Grit to say, as the large
boat was pushed down to the ice;
''Your time has come, my big,
good brother. Better work is before
you than I have ever done. Men are
to be saoedl If any boat can you will
save them. Do your best!''
''It is all right; ! see it now,"
whispered Grim as he was moved
away to the ice. "I'll do what l can"
Though the snow had about ceased
the wind was blowing as furiously as
ever. All went well until the large
boat had passed out of what was
left of the narrow channel and reach
ed the sound. There the waves dash
ed against the bow, tossed the heavy
Grim about like a cork, and for a
moment turned the strong boat al
most around in the water. But soon
the steersman had the bow toward
the wreck, and the rowers forced the
Grim against the waves in slow but
sure progress. Though the pillows
dashed against the boat, the broad,
faring bow prevented their coming
over, and threw them aside as it
helped the Grim to rise above and
leap over them. If wave struck
the side when the boat was turned a
little from the course, the strong tim
bers seemed glad to show how staunch
they were, and the steady Grim NOV
ed on as if a dashing wave was not
to be noticed.
Grim felt proud to see that so much
depended on him, and that he was
able to do the work so well. He saw
that the boatmen trusted in him and
were not afraid, and that the wrecked
sailors looked to him to save them.
More than ever he determined to do
all a boat could; plunging against
the waves, rising above them, dash
ing the spray to either side, sinking
into the trough of the pillows, the
noble boat steadily pushed forward
to the rescue of the helpless men.
He forgot his dull color, clumsy shape
and heavy timbers; forgot, too, how
he mad been neglected; all he cared
for was to reach and save the per-
ishing men.
On the high point of land were
many people watching the wrecked
vessel and the boat going to rescue
the crew. When the Grim reached
the rough waters of the sound many
feared that no boat could breast those
waves, and doubted if the strong
craft could live in such storm. But
as they saw the noble boat battle
with the pillows, now crouching in
the trough of the sea and then spring
ing up and leaping over the top OF
the highest crest, their fears vanish
ed i; and then they looked with pride
and wonder at the brave men and
the gallant vessel. No one spoke
about the dull color or the clumsy
shape now; instead, every one tried
to add something to what others said
in praise of the Grim. Now watching
in almost breathless silence as the
plunge was taken behind a wave
and again loudly boasting of what
the boat could do as it stood proudly
on the top of the next billow, The
people eagerly followed with the eye
the progress of the rescuers. None
watched more eagerly and anxiously
than did the half-frozen men in th,
rigging. They tried to cheer as tht
boat came near, and hardly knew
which to praise most, the brave mel
or the Grim carrying them.
At length the wreck was reached
and the sailors, one by one cut loos'
from the icy rigging, were taken int
the boat. 1t was heavy load 70
| such storm, and the boatmen fear
ed to take them all but none woult
say who should stay until a secont
trip could be made; so all were a
last on board, and the bow of th
boat was turned toward the bay
The return was even more dangerou
than the going out. Those on boar'
as well as those ashore were doubl,
anxious now; the least mishap woul'
plunge all into the water, and in sucl
storm that would be to be drowned
Steady hands were needed at th
oars and at the helm, but no les
was steady, strong and buoyan
boat needed. 1t was the time of tri
al to Grim; the boat did not fail
Steadily he rose on the waves a
| steadily sank behind them to ris
again to the top of the next as
came. Not billow dashed over tn
sides, not even breaking wave cal
flung it's foam over the crew. Nov
and then cloud of spray, risin!
high above. came in shower of rail
upon the loaded boat and wet tn
passengers and crew; but what care'
they for wetting, since. the Grin
was carrying them swiftly and safel,
to the bay and shore. When th
boat entered the channel cheer afte
cheer greeted the rescued and thei
rescuers. The danger was over an
all were safe.
Soon the passengers and crew wer
landed; eager hands caught up th
heavy boat and strong arms carrie