The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1888-05-19
Marie's Master



rver NJ carpet sack was packed
with few books and writing material.
and one evening. after bidding my
father and mother n good bye. which
was the first that had ever said to
them with the exception OF an absence
of more than day. made my way
to the landing. so that Old Boggs. the
flatboatman. would not be hIndered.
but could start as soon as there was
sufficient light the next morning.
AT daybredk was aroused by the
splash Of water. which Old Boggs was
vigorously rolling up against the side
OF our craft in his efforts TO free IL
from the sand bar upon which he had
drawn IL the night before. arose
hastily. and dressing as went hur-
rled TO his assistance. We were soon
clear OF the shore and floating with tho
current OF the grand old river. whose
waters at that time had never been
disturbed by the splash of steam driven
craft.
~ - h0NAA''o w AONOdhb thN iAlOhOh-
onous chain of events connected with
our voyage. Nothing more than the
usual start at daybreak and tying up
nj dark occurred for the first twelve
DAYS out but as the thirteenth was
drawing to a close our story proper
commences.
i had been on tho look out for some
time for suitable place to make
stop for the night, when some distance
ahead ! observed what appeared TO be
an island. / called Boggs' attention
to IL who informed me that IL was
settlement" IL was soon decided
that we were TO stop there for the
night. after which the old scow seemed
TO float slower. as If TO add to my
curios ~.
We rounded the head of the island
and made fast to a little log landing.
near house OF the same material
which stood upon the bank. We were
soon on shore. and in answer to
knock ut the door man emerged
from the house. A mutual recogni-
ton between Boggs and him took
place, but imagine my surprise when
they began to talk a language which |
could not understand. Boggs. as |
could tell by their looks. told him who
/ was, and ho welcomed me as best
he could. We soon returned TO tho
boat After supper. Boggs. without
any apparent regard for the general
run OF conversation. broke in:
How would YOU like to stay on tho
island this wintcr?"
Not having given the subject the
possibility of thought / was taken
mt n disadvantage. and he continued
when | was talking to Jacobs up
Mt tho house. he said they wanted
man to come on the island this winter.
and open school in English so that
their children might learn the lam
guage. Now. how would such a posit-
lon suit youp"
/ studied few minutes. and from
the same venturesome spirit which had
jmpclled me to want TO make the trip
with Boggs. | consented to stay.
Very well, then. We will 60 up to
the house / will recommend you to
Jacobs aud he can go around the set
tlemcnt aud see that the arrangement
is satisfactory to the balance OF the set
tiers.
As we entered the house. we were met
by Jacobs wife. as supposed. who
having opened the door motoned us
smilingly TO the fire. which had been
kindled in the chimney place. for the
evenings were chilly.
Bnggs soon made known our orrand
to Ja obs. who lost no time in doing
rs Boggs suggested in regard to calling
in some OF his neighbors to make
contract with me- The novelty of my
position can be imagined when say
that WAS asked TO sign contract
penned n German to conduct M Eng
lish school for term OF six months,
especially ns could not read word
OF The contract
The visitors did not stay long after
the bus ness had been disposed Of BY
invitation Of our host / remained for
the night. Boggs returning to tho boat
10 keep everything straight. rs he said.
Next morning at sunrise Boggs cast
of. Before the sun had reached the
mer dun would gladly have
chmng,.d places with anyone in Chris
tendon who had some one TO talk to.