The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1885-07-08

But he still retained my hand within his
arm as he kept steadily on.
You can stow that, little woman" he
said gravely. If had been bold or rude
to you, it was, as you say, because 1 didn't
know any better. But as it's too stormy for
you to be out alone, am bound to see you
into port now, and in the future if I should
meet you pll try to carry less SAIL"
He said no more but sheltered me care
fully from the driving storm until we reach
ed my home.
Goodnight" said, feeling rather con-
science-smitten as gave him my hand.
He held it q moment in his broad, brown
palm.
Goodnight, little woman, and good
luck to you," he said, with grave kindli-
ness land remember always that sailor
loves and respects good woman above
every earthly thing, even if he can't talk
like a story book
Then he went swinging away through the
wind and the rain while 1 ran in to tell
mother of my evenings adventure, feeling
sure that l should never see him again, and
feeling also little sorry.
But met him in the postofice the very
next morning, and was about to give him a
gracious bow of recognition, when To- he
passed me with head erect, eyes front, and
general air of rigidity oppressive to look
upon.
Tears of modification sprung to my eyes;
but winked them away and rated myself
soundly for being SO foolish--a rude, I'M
cultivated sailor, what was he to me, any
way?"
My dear mother died in the following
summer, and left me lonely indeed.
A year after her death, feeling the need
of rest from writing, I engaged myself as
nursery governess TO two little girls who
were to go abroad with their parents.
My expenses were to be paid, and would
receive fair salary; and the change of
scene and occupation promised to be de-
lightful to me.
My young charges were quite sea-sick for
few days, which kept me prisoner in the
cabin; therefore we were in mid-ocean
when made the discovery that my Commo-
dore was among the " Columbia's" passen-
gers.
He looked as big and brown as ever, and
was dressed in the inevitable blue flannel
and brass buttons.
A strange feeling which was powerless
to control, swept over me at the sight OF
him.
He was standing little way from me
talking very learnedly with one of the ships
officers about trade Winds" and " lati
tudes," and soundings," etc., etc.; but he
seemed to become suddenly aware of the in.
tent gaze which had fixed upon him, for
he looked up.
Would he know me2
He started, flushed, hesitated doubtfully
until gave him a little smiling nod; then
took off his hat with on expression of such
radiant satisfaction that his companion look
ed with some curiosity in my direction.
That night we were overtaken by terri.
BILE storm which crippled our vessel SO that
it was impossible to control her; and after
drifting for hours at the mercy of the ele-
ments, she struck upon some lodges which
skirted an island.
When it became evident that the ship was
sinking, panic seized many of the passen-
gers, and the officers had all they could do
to keep them from swapping the boats as
fast as they were lowered.
x1yt.. T A.. -
little pupils clinging wildly about my neck,
saw my Commodore assisting frightened
women and children into the boats.
He looked the personifcation of GOODNESS,
and my own courage rose at the sight OF
him, although many around me were shrek
ing wildly, and many others sprung into
the sea only to be swallowed up by the hun
cry waves.
"Tiy to be brave, my darling" said to
little Nellie, as gave her into her fathers
arms.
His wife was beside him with their other
little girl, who cried out
"Save Miss Annie, papal"
Mr.. Burton looked back ct me.
81 will come back for you, If possible
Miss Lynde," he said.
made no answer, for the swaying crowd
swept them away from me, and the tumult
was too great for my voice to be heard.
For little while stood alone, and then
John Dexter was beside me, buckling life
preserver around me with deft fingers.
"There's no room in the boats for us,
my girl" he said, quietly, f" but you are
sailors daughter, and need not fear self
water bath"
@ What must do p faltered.
You have only to keep quiet and trust
to me. There will be no danger if you dc
not struggle. am going to swim to the
shore with you. When we strike the water
you must hold fast to my shoulder-the
preseryer will be help to both of u.s. Re-
member not to cling about my neck. will
surely save you. I am good swimmer,
md we are not far from the shore"
He threw off his hat, coat and boots as he
spoke, and taking my hand, led me to the
side of the vessel.
endeavored to obey him. His quiet,
matter-of-fact voice gave me strength and
courage which know was not natural.
remember thinking, as we stood there
hand in hand, waiting proper time to
make our leap into the raging water about
as, that my Commodore was splendid
looking man, with his steady, dark eyes,
and magnificent beard sweeping his broad
chest. He did not seem rude, or insolent,
or ridiculous to me then; the bluff manner,
the queer speech, the big hands and the
brass buttons were all forgotten in the con-
viction that my Commodore was hero.
NOW, little woman ~ he called, as a
great, kissing wave swept back from the
doomed vessel; and over we went.
II seemed to me that we were in the water
hours, but it was only o short time, though
was thoroughly exhausted and unable tc
stand when we reached the shore.
For twenty-four hours the " Columbia's -