Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1889-03-01
TWO KINDS OF COURAGE.

TWO KINDS OF COURAGE.
Not many years since the good ship
Ponto sailed from Boston, bound to
Sumatra. She was commanded by
Captain Isaac Jacobs, a good seaman
and a naturally good-hearted man,
but in his long career beneath the tri-
dent OF Neptune he had imbibed many
Of the false ideas prevalent among his
seamen, and he had come to look up
on the sailors life as one which neces-
sarily did away with those fine and
warmer traits of character that mark
the humane and generous landslnan.
In this wise Isaac Jacobs sometimes
lost sight OF true merit where it actu-
ally existed.
Among the crew Of the Ponto on
her present voyage was young man
named Caleb Baker. He had shipped
only three days before the ship sailed.
He was a slender-framed man, with a
fair face, prepossessing countenance,
light blue eyes and light brown hair.
Though light in his build, he was yet
well soaked with muscle, and his mo-
tions were quick and energetic. His
appearance was calculated to predis-
pose bebolders in his favor.
One day, shortly after the ship had
left port, as Baker was busy about
some matters OF his own in one Of the
gangways, one Of men, rough, un-
couth fellow by the name OF Bunkton,
came along and gave the clothes-bag
Of Baker kick out Of the way, there
by scattering a number of things about
the deck
II wish you'd be careful" said Ba-
ker, as he moved to gather up his
things
Then, keep your things ont O. my
way" gruffly returned Bunkton.
They were not in your way"
do you mean to tell me that lie?"
II said the things were not in your
way"
And say they were Now, don't
you dispute NE again"
VERY well. have your own way"
calmly returned Baker, as he drew his
bag closer in toward the bulwarks.
And don't you be impudent, neith-
err" provokingly added Bunkton.
Look Ye, Bqnkton, II you've any
business of your own you'd better
mind It,"
"Eh, lubber: I'll show you my bus
mess. Take that"
AS Bunkton spoke, he struck the
young man upon the face. The crew
had most OF them gathered about the
place, and arrangements were quickly
made for fight.
Just come forward-come forward,
and I'll show ye my business" cried
Bunkton, bristling about with his fist
doubled up.
"A fight! q fghtr' cried half a doz-
en- Of the men. Don't stand that,
Baker"
The young mans eyes flashed as he
received the blow. and there was a
quick quivering Of the muscles OF his
hands, but he made no motion to
strike.
"Ain't you goin' to take it upY' ask
ed Bunkton.
mo. / want nothing to do with
you" replied Caleb.
Then you are q cowardr' uttered
Bunkton, with a contemptuous tone
and look.
Young Baker calmly replied TO the
taunt, and Bunkton became still more
savage. Those who know anything
about ocean life will understand the
sentiment Of the rough crew upon
such matters as the present. They
could comprehend but one kind Of
courage, and the moment that Baker
iCiuScu W hSut 'hcs SCI hiih uN"h 90
an arrant coward. At first they had
been prepossessed in his favor, for
Bunkton was q quarrelsome fellow,
and they hoped Caleb would fog him;
but when they saw him quietly turn
away and resume his work, they be-
gan to taunt him, too.
What's all thisf" asked Captain ia
cobs, who was attracted to the spot.
The matter was explained to him
Didn't resent itf uttered the Cap
tain. looking with mingled surprise
and contempt upon Caleb. why
didn't you knock him down, Baker,"
Because / don't want to fight with
any man, SIR"
"And you will allow yourself to be
struck and not resent itf'
Il will defend myself in case OF dan
ger. but / will not so abase myself as
to engage in . brutal fight when it