The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1886-08-19

sitting in the forward cabin vith the sec.
end mate and myself - ssjd rs that the
little boy, who was still in tia after cabin
with Captain Harris, had been ship
wrecked twice before. The little fellow
was the son a0 q sea captain, and had
been going to Pea with his father and
mother ever since he was born. About
four years before, when the ship on which
this sea-going family were, was nearing
the English channel, heavy fog set in.
The second mate was in charge of the
deck, and the captain, with his wife and
boy and the mate, were at the dinner ia.
BILE. The captains wife happened to
think of something in the galley that she
wanted and she went forward for it. Just
then big steamer loomed up suddenly in
the fog and, without any warning, strnck
the ship aft and smashed in the cabin.
The poor captain was crushed to death,
but the mate and the little boy were only
imprisoned by the broken timbers. The
mate cried out number oftimes, but re-
ceived no answer. He ooud hear occa-
sional whistles from the steamer for about
half an hour. Finally be made struggle
and succeeded in tearing away enough
broken timber to liberate himself He
took the little boy with him, and going
on deck found that the wreck was sinking
The vessel had been deserted by the
others, who had probably climbed on
board the steamer. The wreck was
nearly even with tie water, and the mate
made little raft and launched it. He
took the boy and climbed on the raft,
where he lashed himself and the little fel-
low. Soon 'afterward the wreck sank.
Next morning it was clear and the mate
and the boy were picked up by small
iron bark bound to Japan The bark,
however, got out Of her course and was
from the Philippines. The island was in
habited by friendly natives, who took
care of the stranded crew, but nearly
three years elapsed before any vessel
came to the island. They were finally
taken off by man-of. war, which landed
them at Bombay. Here the mate was
taken sick and sent to the hospital, where
he was visited by Mr. Bradley. The lat
ter, who had once been befriended by the
boys father, said that the bark he was on
was about to sail for New York, and he
undertook to deliver the little fellow to
his friends. But now the poor boy was
again on his way to the other side of the
world.
"While Mr.. Bradley was finishing his
account of how he came by the boy,
Captain Harris came in from the
after cabin and said that the little
fellow was sleeping nicely. Mr..
Bradley began to tell the captain
about how the boy was wrecked the first
time. Then the captain rose up, pale and
trembling, and asked the name of the ship.
When Mr.. Bradley gave the name of the
ship that was run down and said that
boys father was Captain Wilson, the
skipper staggered back, and then rushed
into the after cabin, as if he had gone
made. We couldn't make out what was
the matter with him. An hour later |
went into the after cabin for something,
and saw the captain leaning over the
hoy. who was fast asles.p. ThS Captain
looked up, and | saw that his eyes were
red, as if he had been crying hard.
Thinks |, We'll, well, you are an old
maid OF a captain, indeed
"The next morning we were becalmed.
Near by us lay big clipper ship, which
toward noon sent a boat to U.S. The Off
Ger in charge of the clippers boat said
that they were bound for New York, but
were short-handed, and told Mr.. Bradley
that he and the other men from the lost
bark were welcome to come on board and
work their passage to the United States.
Mr.. Bradley jumped at the chance, and
his men being all ready to leave our ship,
he looked around for the boy. We found
the little fellow in the cabin, where he
was being petted by Captain Harris.
The captain made a great outcry when
Mr.. Bradley said that the boy would have
to go with him. Our skipper begged
hard for the youngster. but Mr.. Bradley
said that he would have to take him to
his friends. Mr.. Bradley was about to
lead the youngster out of the cabin, when
Captain Harris fell on his knees and put
his arms around the boy. Then he looked
up to Mr.. Bradley and said:
"sYou must not take him. am his
father =
cells tather!' replied Mr.. Bradley.
what do you mean? Why, l knew
Captain Wilson myself He was at least
ten years older than you, and was large
man into the bargain. Come let me have
the boy"
g" No, no. cried Captain Harris, press
ing the little fellow closer to him. /
may not be his father. but am his
"Don't say you're his MOTHER. sneered
Mr.. Bradley.
"sYes, am his mother was the re-
And with that Captain Harris pulled
aside the heavy black beard I mentioned.
There was no doubt about it. The cap
tain had woman's face, and not bad
looking one either. Mr.. Bradley started
back in astonishment and cried:
"You don mean to say you are Cap
tain Wilson's widow
"sThat's exactly what am said our
skipper, rising to her feet and putting her
beard back into place. After my hus-
bands ship had been struck by the
steamer l was lifted on board of the latter
by two of the men. My husband and
child were given up for lost, although l
begged the people to return and search
the wreck for them. They would have
done this, but the steamer could not find
the wreck in the fog and it was supposed
that she had foundered Immediately after
we had left her, went home to my
friends. My husband had left very little
money, and 1 found that would have to
work for living. didn't care to hire
out as a housekeeper or do any drudgery
of that kind. l had learned navigation