The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1891-07-08


the muddy stream, added to the hum
of human voices which were waited
from the City of Palaces, combined to
nroducc a series of sounds that grated
harshly upon tho car 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
Z y scores d gayly colored lanterns,
while beneath the after awning two
long tables groaned beneath the weight
of the most luxurious and delicate
Wards OF the cast.
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
lust in time to greet party IF ladies
and gentlemen whose boat he had
beard tou oh the side.
1t was a 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 richest attire.
Then came the Hindoo banker, state
ly in his magnificent robes and turban,
Offering with costly gems. Next fol-
lowed the Mchammedan, perhaps a
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 to do
hoDor to the American captain.
Each guest was followed by his own
servant, whose duty it was to wait on
his master, and him alone. To novice
the arrangement at table would have
seemed very strange, but in this land
Of caste it excited no comment. Each
sect took their allotted places at the
festal board, while before the group of
Hindoos 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
Mnssplman Or Christian
There is one matter that puzzles
me, captain" observed Il fine-looking
European gentleman, who was seated
at the left hand of the host, land 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.
"lti 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"
1T may not be fitting for me to re-
late the narrative at this time" began
'ne captain, apologetically, ''for it
might call some unpleasant memories
:" many OF my respected guests, as it
touches upon the dark days of India
which you all so well remember"
The Capt. Sahib need have no fear
ol wounding the feelings of his serv-
ants, remarked one of the Hindoos
present
Then | will tell you," went on the
captain for it is an interesting story.
was poor orphan lad in my own
country, and was forced to turn to the
0ea as a means of livelihood. Slowly,
very slowly, l crawled up the ladder of
ay CHOSEN profession until | reached
'ne position of chief officer, and in such
capacity have visited these shores
many times.
II was on one voyage when l had be-
s0lne almost discouraged and begun to
.'ei .hat | was destined to live and die
I mate that something most singular
aappehed to me. On leaving Boston
o, ,.a a cargo OF rice for this port the
sapsaln informed me that we had
a,aong our men a man whom he had
wv slu"ea to work his passage to Cal
S W. remarking at same time:
- ae Is one, think, who has seen bet
~, uays' and l wish you would make
" ai',igs as easy for him as the discipline
VI the ship will allow
,,, v.,aptain, l pray you" broke in a
a'ilsary-looking gentleman who was
NJ, su on the speakers right hand, do
g.. but colonel, our friends are anxious
ho h., the story" was the reply, which,
nres esef' was heard only by. a few
a p,ssehe Then aloud: cat the first
b sssse.,,uoity, when well out. to sea, l
tas.a long talk with the man who had
tha eu TINS means to reach his home in
ma, eas'' That he was true gentle
;nta. saw at glance, and was much
wbias sssea IN that part of his history
scr 90" Ut 10 reveal to me.
Of. ON, him from the hardships
pows ss'lors life as much as lay in my
istas Tor felt grieved to find man
to snot y III an exalted position brought
stanoas d strait and that too by circum-
H. over which he had no control
kindly aineh, however, did not take
and T y 'helr more delicate shipmate,
mo ,h an afraid that many times dur
spec .ls passage. unknown to me, they
.onS su "a making his life miserable.
from ~ h'sht when about weeks sail
WAS xta TUG mouth of the river Hooghly,
hoa-ss ''iea by the cry of man over
,sas.,, ana hurrying to the rail of ta.,
te'ksd over the side, and saw