Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1884-03-06

II 1AOuS A00lY a081s
A remarkable cat story is told by
Captain Rowland, commander of the
American ship Red Cross, which is now
lying at the east side. The CAPITA n
states that two years ago his ship was
lying at wharf at Hong Kong tax ng
in a cargo, when a red cat made its ap-
pearance, and finally jumped on
board the vessel. 1t made its appear
ance at intervals for several days,
when at last the ship, having finished
loading, left the port, the cat go ng
with her. During the voyage she was
rarely seen, and it was mystery to the
crew what she found to subsist on, as it
was not pres lmed there were many rats
or mice aboa d. When she did come
around, however. all hands would spare
no pains in providing her with food.
She would then mysteriousls disappear,
and at tim IS four weeks or more would
elapse ere she would show her hand
some form on deck.
Tbs was kept up for nearly two
years, when all hands compla ned that
they ha not seen her for a very long
time, and but for her previous lengthy
disappearances, fears would have been
ente tanned for har safety. Time wore
along, however, and still there were no
signs OF puss, so she was given up as
lost. A few weeks ago the Red ross
arrived at Astoria and commenced d s.
CHI 'rging her ca go. By this time the
existence of the poor cat had slipped
the memory of nearly all on board, and
when even thought of by her most ar
dent admirers it was as an incidence of the
past. During the process of unloading,
however, the body of the unfortunate
pet was found, wedged in between two
heavy pieces of iron, which had rolled
together while the ship was tossing
about in rough sea. After officers
and crew had taken a last look she was
consigned to watery grave. AS a
mat ef of cours this was considered the
last OF the Hong hong fel ne but in tn
they were very much mistaken, as
the conclusion will prove. In few
days the Red Cross came ON Astoria
and made fast near where the bark
Carrie Winslow was lying. In con-
versation with Captain Barrett, of the
Carrie Winslow. Captain Rowland told
him about the red cat, which it may be
well to state was of very peculiar col
or. and when once seen would not be
forgot EN-. After the Red Cross had
been in this port a few days the cat
made its appearance on the Carrie
w Inslow, this time in half starved
cond ton. Captain Barr, tt saw her,
aud from Captain Howlands descrlp-
on was sure it was the same one,
which proved to be the case. The lat
ter ha stated that the cat was a good
mouser, so Captain Barrett tn ught he
would keep her on board his bark,
supp sing that Captain Rowland had
been mistaken in thinking that she had
been thrown overheard while at Asto-
ria.
Miss Puss was very dainty while aboard
the Winslow, refusing everything but
mi to eat, but the capita n and mate
would gladly furnis this in order to keep
her. { ne day Captain Barrett went into
h stateroom and found the cat on his
bed. l his was too much for the apta n,
and tn hiking he had had enough of he
company, picked the cat u by the tail
and threw her into the river, the skin
and hair leaving the tail and rem lining
in the captain hand.
About a week ago, it VII be remem-
bered, the Carrie WinSlow, having Sc
cured a charter, left Eastport, for West
port, where she is loading lumber for
the river Platte, South America. The
work OF loading was progressing finely.
when few days ago the same cat was
seen running rapidly across the middle
deck, with its ha rless tail sticking
up straight. She W IS first seen by the
second mate, who shed up and re
ported the fact to Captain Barrett.
The captain told him he was mistaken,
but it was not long before she was
again seen, and the captain is positive
it is the same one, the color being
peculiar, while the bare tail adds ad
ditional weight to the matter.
She is now seen very often on the
bark at Westport. and the n ate told
Captain Barrett that some disposition
will have to be made of her, or he will
not 90 to sea on that vessel. Captain
Morrison, of the Indiana, who knows
the others well, informed the reporter
that there is not the least doubt in his
mind as to the truthfulneSs OF the story,
and it is very strange cat, to say the
least. No doubt it is one with mine
lives. "-POrtia,sG AeUs.