The National tribune., 1891-10-29

lAL
Half-drowned seamen clung 10 swaying ropes
and loosened stanchions.
Hank another dreadful crash! Strong men
covered and clung tighter TO handy ropes
Another and another crash! With one mighty
| heavc the smokestack was lifted from its strong
moorinrs and turning in the mist with the
swiitness of mighty top was carried clear over
the side, and with il went the second cutter ana
| dinEy.
The third cutter had gone the mizzen-
masts yards were split its sails were blown 10
! threads aud the mast, like some sturdy oak
! broken in its center, hung heavy weight
/ over the port Ready hands cut the entanglcd
rigging and away il went in the darkness
silent form at the wheel still guided the
! shin, as round and round she spun IN never
ending circles, the terror of the typhoon.
! Down in the dark and carthy-smclling hold
a rudder of barrels was being rugged; on deck
4 great seas shipped, the water is 20 the waist,
and the seuppers but half carried it away be-
fore another deluge Of briny waves was hurled
aboard.
! All had been done that man could DO The
vessel was a complete wreck, with no masts, no
! sHars no sails no boats-naught but the rudder
Should the chain break, down into that
dreadful vortex all must sink. And yet on
howled the storm, fercer screamed the wind,
hllu hlhunU spun the 81 ID Af NAttl AolAAhE IA
upon her, and all her crew clinging in groups
10 her tangled ropes and rigging.
Az the first intimatiOn OF danger all the pris-
oners were released Herbert, IN the darkness
Of his cell, had realized the dreadful scene
above. The shackles struck from him. with an
eager tread he reached the deck. The noble
ness Of his nature returned 10 him with the
high resolve 10 do his bravest
III was soon at work clearing away debris,
splicing ropes, Juggling at broken spars or re-
! lieying some comrade from ovcrtasked strength.
The many cxpcdicnts for enhancing posi-
! bic safety found in him a clever aud earnest
support, and the personal danger that lurked
! IN heayy-shipped seas, broken masis, or loosened
cannon was cast aside as unworthy OF his
/ thought.
Now aft now forward, with wa'chful eye he
here detected an error, there favorable mo-
ment for his skill
His shipmates found time in their danger to
! praise has seamanship and 10 cheer him IN his
duty Before him rose the image Of his mother,
and this remembrance gave nerve 20 his efforts.
/ Hearing the last order 60 rig rudder from
barrels, he was soon with the Captain OF the
/ Hold.
This last expedieut was not needed, for as
the morning broke upon the dismantlcd ship
1 the wind ceased It's turmoil, the ocean assumed
less fearful aspect, and as the rising sun tinted
the wan faces OF the crew, the anchor was cast
! but just in time to save the yet seaworthy
! hull from casting against a rocky shore
With the dawn every man was nj work pilng
away debris some seeking in the hold for
timber for jury masts, others patching old
sails, and still others making a smokestack OF
| metal yeutiiat0rs.
In these scenes Herbert was busily engaged,
l and again and again he found himself trusted.
and had the proud satisfaction Of seeing smiles
where be bad before known frowns.
Rapid progress was made in the ref,tng Of
/ the ship. and from chaos OF broken rigging
/ sprarC jury mast and sail The decks once
more showed their whtened surface Smoke
issued from the yentilat0rs.
Herbert heard his shipmates proclaim his
/ skill, warmly praise his bravery, aud speak
with Kindness Of his future.
No order was given 10 Ieimprison Herbert or
/ the others This was construed favoHbly.
/ Kindness and thankfulness was the expression
Of tho crew.
The Mouocacy slowly sailed back into Yoke.
hama. Guns welcomed her, and the sides Of
/ vessels in the harbOr thr0nged with spectators.
The news OF the disaster soon reached the
| Admiral, and on the following morning there
came an order transferring the crew TO Paci &c
/ Mail steamer bound for San Francisco. With IL
was a full pardon for all the prisoners, aud
/ special mention was made of Herbert Rodney.
One can well imagine his joy and gratitude.
| With full heart be received the glad news.
| lte was TO be discharged with foil pay. As he
/ claspcd a parting hand waved his own in
sdieu, there was not an American heart aboard
that did not thrill with gladncss AZ his pardon.
Herbert luckily found berth in home
ward bound vessel, aud by happy chances in
/ barter, found himself able 20 add materially 10
the comforts q has mothers home.
Herbert Rodney never went % sea again, hut
is still living prosperous life IN his native
/ village. The scenes he passed through will
! always live ia bis memory lie has the highest
estimate Of American generosity, aud ia his
heart is peculiar tenderness Tor the American
| sailor.