Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-09-11


from the City of Palaces, combined To
produce a series of sounds that grated
harshly upon the ear Of stranger.
A myriad of lights shone from the
native boats, as they darted hither
and thither between the shipping and
the shore.
On one noble ship. the quarterback
and rails were brilliantly illuminated
by scores of gayly colored lanterns
while beneath the after" awning two
long tables groaned beneath the weight
Of the most luxurious and delicate
viands of the east
As the steward of the vessel, assisted
by several native caterers, completed
the arrangements for the banquet the
captain emerged from his cabin and
walked toward the gangway. He was
Just in time 10 greet party OF ladies'
and gentlemen whose boat he had
heard tou ch the side.
1t was motley procession that
poured over the rail.
There was the European merchant
in conventional evening dress accom-
panied by wife and daughters arrayed
in the richie st attire.
Then came the Hindoo banker, state
" in his magnificent robes and turban,
glittering with costly gems. Next FOL
lowed the Mohammedan, perhaps
little less gaudily dressed than his
predecessor, yet presenting fine APP
pearance, while the Parsee In his long,
conical, bishop-shaped hat, flowing
cloak of figured satin, and wide silken
trousers, came next to the feast 70 do
honor 10 the American captain.
Each guest was followed by his own
servant. whose duty it was 10 wait on
his master, and him alone. To novice
the arrangement ut table would have
seemed very strange, but in this land
of caste il excited no comment Each
sect took their allotted places at the
festal board, while before the group OF
Uindoos were laid utensils that had
never been touched, save by people OF
their own kind, and the contents OF the
various dishes were wholly OF the veg
etable kingdom and had not been de-
filed by contact with the hand OF either
Musselman or Christian.
There is one matter that puzzles
me, captain" observed a fne-looldng
European gentleman, who was seated
at the left hand of the host, "and that
is why you, an American, should have
named this floating palace OF yours
The Rajah's Treasurer 1t certainly
sounds oriental, and is very pleasing TO
our ears"
'It is, indeed, oriental" was the re-
ply, and the reason for the ship bear
ing this name is because my possession
of her is due TO an oriental; that is,
primarily"
at may not be fitting for me TO re-
late the narrative at this time" began
the captain, apologetically, 'for II
might call some unpleasant memories
TO many of my respected guests, as II
touches upon the dark days of India
which you all so well remember"
The Capt Sahib need have no fear
of wounding the feelings of his sery-
ants" remarked one Of tho Hindoos
present
Then will tell you," went on the
captain, "for it is an interesting story.
I was . poor orphan lad in my own
country, and was forced to turn TO the
sea as a means of livelihood Slowly,
very slowly, crawled up the ladder OF
my chosen profession until l reached
the position Of chief officer, and in such
capacity / have visited these shores
many times
at was on one voyage when / had be-
come almost discouraged and begun TO
feel that was destined TO live and die
q mate that something most singular
happened 10 me. On leaving Boston
with cargo Of rice for this port the
captain informed me that we had
among our men a man whom he had
allowed 70 work mis- passage 20 Cal
cutta, remarking at the same time:
He is one, think, who has seen bet
ter days, and / wish you would make
things as easy for him as the discipline
of the ship viii allow"
Captain, pray you" broke In
military-looking gentleman who was
seated on the speakers right hand, do
not continue"
"But, colonel, our friends are anxious
for the story" was the reply, which,
however, was heard only by a few
present Then aloud: AT the first
opportunity, when well out 20 sea,
had a long talk with the man who had
taken this means 20 reach his home In
the east That he was true gentle
man / saw at a glance, and was much
interested IN that part Of his history
which he saw ct 20 reveal 70 me.
81 shielded him from the hardshiPs
of a sailors life as much as lay in my
power, for felt grieved 10 find a man
fitted to fill an exalted position brought
to such strait and that too by cireum-
stances over which he had no control
The seamen. however, did not take
kindly TO their more delicate shiPmate,
and am afraid that many times dur
ing the passage, unknown 10 me, they
succeeded in making his life miserable.
Zone night when about a weeks sail
from the mouth Of the river Hooghly.
was startled by the cry of man over
boardr and hurrying to the rail Of the
vessel, looked over the side, and saw
the form of some poor unfortunate
being swept past
"'Hard down your helmi Back you
main tops'lsi Lower away the boat J
called quickly. and then sprang 70 the
rescue Of the man whom ] thought ]
recognized in that Sue hasty glance tc
be ray protege.
"a few strokes and ] had reached
him, and found that had not beer
mistaken But imagine my surprise
when heard him call IN q CHEEKY
voice: DO not mind me. Mr. Boleyn
am good swimmer-butl look out for
that villain who tried 20 murder me, he
is somewhere near-and with that the