The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-09-24
SELECT STORY.
LOSS OF THE PARAGON.

l. dhSoI, otc vi the ldsJesJ DOdJS Oil
the Cable Line of steamers, which
piled between New York and Sering-
apatam. Her Captain was justly re-
nowned as an expert navigator, for he
was in the habit of performing the
journey of 10000 miles in four days,
seven hours, forty-two minutes and
nineteen and half seconds with much
regularity, and had never yet been
run into by another vessel nor had
he ever sustained any very serious
damage from the steamers of opposi
ton lines, which he habitually cut in
two as they crossed his path upon the
high seas.
Having attained this pitch of marine
prominence, Captain Sir Clements
Lane-he was baronet of ancient
creation-entered heart and soul into
his profession, and thought there was
nothing like it. His fifth officer, how
ever, didn't care much about it he
had been, as youngest of large fam
lily, pitchforked into the employment
of the Cable Line by a rich uncle, who
paid his fees and took an interest in
his progress os long as he saw nothing
of him. But Ralph Il. Nutford, being
young, good looking and human, found
his profession remarkably dull. "Yuu
see, he remarked to chance acqnaint-
ance who had introduced himself to
him as they lunched at the same table
at DrImonico's, one day shortly before
the Paragon was TO start on the home.
ward journey; 'you see, we junior
officers don't have much fun oh board
The seniors, it they care about it, can
get up no end of amusement with the
falrcr section Of the passengers but
what chance has fifth officer?
have to go about my duties like an
automaton and at dusk, when the
rattle of promiScuous OSCILLATION echoes
around the decks, and every corner
that one turns is Immediately the
theatre of sudden acknowledgement
and precipitate flight, the effect is, to
say the least of it, tautaliziug and
one wishes one were either senior officer
or passenger, instead of fifth in com
mand."
The genial stranger was properly
sympathetic, and, after making a few
moro inquiries concerning the arrange
ments and discipline on board the
Paragon he nodded "Good day. and
disappeared amid the brou-ha-ha of
New York city.
On the evening before the departure
of the Paragon gorgeous specimen
of Yankee. accompanied by a lovely
creature of some 10 summers, came on
board, and, addressing Ralph Rawson
Nutford, who was standing near the
gangway, asked that worthy whether
he was the Captain of the boat. On
his replying that he was the fifth Off
Ger, the Yankee remarked
"Well, sir, Id be obliged if you
could take me to the Capt'n, under
whose charge want TO place this
young lady, whom may as we'll in
troduce to you---as you're one of the
officers-right now. Miss Nellie j.
Robertson, my niece Mr.-Nutford-
thank you-fifth officer of this vessel. -
While the Captain was being found
Miss Robertson was doing great exc
cution with her great, soft eyes, and
by the time Captain Lane had duly
identified the fair passenger in his list,
and had taken charge of her during
the voyage. the impressionable fifth
officer was quite ready to put her up
on coil of rope-no pedestal being
handy-and fall down and worship
her. The fair Nellie was left with the
Captain and new passenger came on
board-a green-eyed monster, who
attached himself to the susceptible
Ralph, and proceeded to share with
that gentleman his meals, his berth and
his whole existence.
Next morning the Captains protege
came on deck. Gracious, how beauti-
full she was, and when she went up to
Nutford, and, putting both her hands
into his, captured his soul with a look,
and requested to be shown the vessel,
the fifth officer could have clasped her
in his arms and sprung overheard, like
a new Charmides, taking his Pallas
with him. His Joy, however, was
short-lived, for in the midst of their
peregrination the Captain met them,
and telling Mr. Nutford to go aft and
see to something about which there
was no earthly hurry, undertook to re-
lieve him of his duty as cicerone. AS
they came up the companion Nellie,
stumbling against Ralph, squeezed
his hand and whispered "Au plaisir y
The filtration of these two young
things for the rest of the day had to
be pantomimic it was, therefore, the
more unrestrained. Ralph didn't
worship the sea, but he was a conscien-
tious officer, and wouldn't let his love,
which grew fiercer and fiercer, inter-
fere with his duties. Besides, the Cap
tain took the greatest pains about his
fair charge, and kept sharp lookou,
upon his fifth officer, whose eloquent
looks he considered to be in the worst
possible taste. An opportunity occur
ed to them, however, just before the
last meal, when they met under shelter
of friendly stateroom.
81 never knew" said she, "that sail
ors were so nice. Do you know, sir,
she added, putting her hands upon his
shoulders, shat this uniform makes
you very handsome ! l believe that's
the only reason you're here at all"
A fool would have caught hel
violently to his breast and kissed the
passionate lips and eyes which raised
themselves to level with his. Ralpf
was no fool.
81 must go away" he whispered
"When can we meet again ? shall
be on watch tonight, and shall wand
er up and down thinking of nothing
but you. Come on deck early to
morrow, and shall be free"
"No," said she "let me come OF
deck while you are on watch. 1t viii
be very dark night, and I'll wear {
dark frock. There will be no moon
there was none last night. Do let m,
come
Impossible, darling! The rules
are Medic and Persaic No one car
let you come on deck save the Captain
1t would be ruin TO me if you cam,
without leave. You wouldn't like that