Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1890-03-26
DUTY FIRST,
HIS JUST REWARD.

Though young Ben Raymond, the captain
of the ship Canton, had toilsd many years
to become owner of the vessel he now CON-
manded, he had sacrificed his property and
even his reputation to save two lives.
| 1t happened in this way. Under pressure
of a gale the Canton was driven in close
prox unity to the rocky shores of Patagonia.
but by careful seamanship it might easily
have escaped, had the captain not discover
ed through his glass tragic scene transpir-
| ing in one of the rocky headlands of the
coast. A man and a woman we're standing
on a crag, and not far away some hideous
savages in canoes were seen approaching
them with warlike yslls.
When life was in jeopardy Capt Raymond
| thought of nothing else. He hastily man
ned two boats with his crew and succeeded
in repnlsing the savages and rescuing the
two ,seople on the rock. 1t was at heavy
cost, however, for the Canton, left to her.
self, was driven upon the rocks and sank
before the Captains very eyes.
The rescued man then told his story, first
stating that his name was Barton.
Four days before he had sailed from VAL
DIVA, Chill, where he had been for eight
months with his daughter, GU visit to a
brother in business there. He had taken
passage aboard a steamer for San Carlos,
where be had been informed he would find
good vessel to carry him and his child to
their native city of New Yerk.
A few days after the little steamer sailed
the Chilian mate quarrelled with his cap
tain. They came to blows, and the mate
almost killed his adversary. He then took
command of the craft, and changed her
course. What his intentions were the two
passengers could not tell; but they believed
that he would avoid San Carlos until he
should discover whether or not the captain
wonld recover from his injuries. Mr.. Bar
ton demonstrated; and, not wishing to be
burdened with him and his daughter, the
unprincipled mate finally set them ashore,
at midnight, on the desolate island from
which Ben had rescued them. In what di-
rection the steamer went after they were
put ashore they could not tell. as she show
ed no light and it was dark at the time. Mr..
Barton was of the opinion, however, that
the mate had seen the light of the Canton
in the distance before taking them to the
shore, as it was only six hours later when
they were picked up.
Ben felt much sympathy for father and
daughter and exerted himself to make them
comfortable.
AS soon as he Joined the launch both
boats kept along together.
They tossed about on the ocean all night,
but at dawn large ship was seen and they
were finally taken aboard of her. She
proved to be the North Light, bound to
New York.
Ben was much in the society of Ida Bar
ton during the passage. He loved her and
he had reason to believe that she shared his
affection.
1t chanced, from something said few
days before the ship arrived at New York,
that he learned for the first time that Mr..
Barton was an oil merchant and wealthy.
Previous to this Ben had informed him that
he loved Ida, and asked his consent to make
her his wife when his business affairs should
become more prosperous.
"You shall have my answer in time"
Mr.. Barton had replied, with peculiar
look.
Now the young man was in despair. Poor
as he was, what hope was there of his ever
being in situation to win the hand of the
rich mans daughter?
When the vessel reached New York and
he parted with the girl and her father, the
latter did not even Invite him to call and
see him.
Weeks passed. Ben made vain efforts to
obtain command of ship. The persons to
whom he applied had heard of the loss of
the Canton, and did not wish to run any
risk True, the loss had been caused by
his going to the rescne of human lives, but
it was a loss all the same Finding that he
could not even obtain the situation of sec
ond or third officer, he had actually resolv
ed to ship before the mast, when MIR. Barton
called upon him.
81 have had my eye upon you, sir" he
said. ''You have been trying to get COM
mand of ship?'
'.It is true. SIR"
"And l haze been busy getting one ready
for YOU. You must know that ship
O wner as well as an oil merchant" he
going to put you in command of the Triton
|0one of my best vessels. Come with me
and look at her."
He conducted his overjoyed companion to
the Triton.
She was even a handsomer craft than the
one Ben bad owned and lost. Every ring
bolt shone like silver. The wheel was of
ebony, inlaid with ivory She had clipper
bows. Her masts, tall and tapering, were
as smooth as glass and provided with
brand new set of sails.
"What do you think of her?" inquired
the merchant.
"The most perfect beauty ever sawr'
cried Ben.
"Well, sir, she is yours-not only to COM
mand, but to own"
''Sir, cannot think of accepting SO great
a giftP'
"Nonsense! She is yours with everything
in her. Step into the cabin, SIR"
Ben entered the cabin to find himself face
to face with beautiful Ida Barton.
Then the meaning of her fathers remark
flashed on his mind.
The ship and everything in it his!
Ida was in the ship, and Mr.. Barton must
have meant that the young captain could
have her, too!
He was sure of this. when, with the JOY
full cry of "Dear Beu!" the blushing girl
fell upon his breast.
The lovers we're married soon after, and
Ben could not refuse the vessel as wedding
gift from his father in-law. The happy
captain, accompanied by his pretty wife,
performed many profitable voyages aboard
the craft and in time he became almost as
rich as Mr.. Barton.