Nevada County picayune., 1889-04-03

Der. l had seen my ship far away to windward and had resi- gned myself 10 die. Just as had given up all hope a big roller run me under, and down l went. l could see through the blue water in which l was sub merged the faces of my wife and little ones. those beloved children at home 1 could see them. they were near newly, l kissed my wife and embraced my children, one after anothcr-they were all there beside me. Yes. l saw them all as sank beneath that sea.
 "Dclightful sounds played in my ears, sounds resembling the strains of far-distant music, and the undu- lating motion of the waters was fast lulling me to an eternal sleep
 All at once these plcasurable sen sations ceased l felt sudden chill, accompanied by a violent pain in my head and chest. and the music which had played in my ears was now changed to a terrible ringing.
 Il felt that l had risen to the sur face of the water, and by a supreme effort of my will. l opened my eyes. But what horrifying scene met my bleared vision There was my ship, which had last appcareda a half mile away, now towering above me, not more than twenty feet distant, threat ening every moment to drift down upon me and roll me under, leaving me, crushed and bleeding, to die in agony, rather than to meet 2 painless death, the first experiences of which 1 had already undergone. l could see the yards and spurs suspended menacingly overhead, and, as in a dream, indistinctly hear the calls of my crew, as they caught sight of me so near them. Suddenl V l received a violent shock and at once lost all consciousness.
 ''Some hours must have remained in this condition, for on again becom- ing sensible of my surroundings. l found myself lying upon a lounge in the after-cabin of my ship, and heard the voice of my mate as he issued orders to his men.
 "This, accompanied by the rattling of cordage, told me they were mak- ing sail, and feeling the motion of the vessel somewhat l knew that we were gong through the water and not hove-to as we had been.
 ''I tried to get upon my feet, but sank back powerless, and groaning with pain which the effort had cost me. then began to realize my con condition, and with all the strength that l could summon called to some of my people,
 II was startled at the sound of my own voice, it was so hollow and feeble; but faint as it was it reached the attentive ears of the steward, who at once made his appearance. He bestowed one glance upon me, then turned and rushed on deck, calling at the top of his voice to the mate MT. Griffin, Mr. Griffin, Come down to the cabin The old mans alivel The cap'n's alive, l saw his eyes open.'
 "'Thank Godn 1 heard the mate eXclalm. A noble fellow he was, too, as he came down the after-com- panion way, while at his heels fol- lowed the whole watch on deck, completely disregarding the strict rules of a vessel which forbid q man before the mast entering ships cabin unless ordered to by an officer. But l had previously gained the good will of my men, and, as may he imagined, this breach of discipline was overlooked,
 Il first inquired as to the state of the weather, and then for the welfare of the vessel.
 "'Oh, the weather is fine, and the ship didn't lose a rope-yarn except the tops'l that went afore you did replied my chief officer.
 Then l asked for my men; l wanted to know if any of them had been lost. No; they are all right, save Bill, he got knocked in the lee scuppers by the same sea that took you off, and broke his leg; but you, Cap'n, had the narrowest squeak of any man l ever saw, &c sec he went on, when the sea broke, we, all of us but you and hill, got "hand'