The Delta independent., 1891-06-24
THE LAST PLANK.


oddity in every way. He always
struck for new courses, took ali tracks
but those prescribed BY custom, and
thought 'ot,r5y knew anything but
himself.
For instance. he insisted that Il
countel-cuIrcnt ran southwark inside
of the Gulf Stream, aud that the only
way to make a quick voyage to New
Orleans was TO hug close in on the
shore side of ii all the way out despite
the danger of capes, rocks and reefs,
the Whereabouts of which he said he
know too well not to avoid them.
Who could gainsay him9 He was
captain OF his own. ship-monarch OF
il and all aboard. So. sailing with a
stiff nor'westcr on our quarter, we
sped swiftlNon, passing all the dangers
of the coast successfully, such rs
barnegat, Hattcras. etc, ard found
ourselves on Il morning suddenly be-
calmed OF Cape Florida. close in with
the land. iJut soon drifting northward
despite the captains "southcrly cur
rent.
1t was very clear-not II cloud in
sight-warIn and close. though it was
September, ana the time for an e3ui-
noetial gale 10 be upon us.
'.Heare the deep-sea lead, Mr. RI
said the captain to me, and see If il
is shoal enough to get an anchor to
hold.
| sounded, and forty fathoms was
given. -
Bend two hawsers toecthe, and
drop our heavics, kedge. was his next
order. Then close furl every sail
but the fore storm slay-s7iil and bal
acknowledgements. send down all the
light spars from aioft, and get ready
to- house tnninasts and secure lower
yards. get up prcventer-b braces and see
all secaie below and aloft."
LAY. ay, sir" And it was done.
We were taw ready for u storm, but
I, Old rs / am in sea matters, could
see no token OF it anywhere.
We're going 10 have Il tough time
OF it. Mr.. !; said Captain Babbit TO
me.
WAY, sir" said I, "the sky is as
clear as my loves dear eyes. and the
water is as smooth as q mill-pond ]
sec no sign OF wind
'Wait abont two hours and yo,ill
sing anolhcr tune" ne replied. 'I'vr
been Ia these attitudes before. The
worst OF t-is will be that il will come
dead off shore, and If we must scud
Cuba and her reefs will he under our
lee. II we bump our heads there, il
will be the last OF the Old Triumph and
us too.
| made no reply. for l thought 1t
only one OF his fancies. and leaving the
second mate in charge of the deck.
went below to take II nap. for I'd had
the mid watch and felt rather snoozish.
l went to my state-rOom and threw my
self ON my bunk. and soon was dream
ing Of a blue-eyed angel ashorc, whom
| hoped 10 be spliced to at A not far
distant time. \ heavy trnmpling over
head and the shout of ..dH hands
ahog.n brought me out Of sleep, and to
my feet in an instant. ] hurried on
deck. Never can forget the change
| of scene, OF sky and sea, from the calm
beauty in which ] left it when went
below. Now, black clouds we're roll
ing up 10 the northward, coming on in
great blotchy waves, like crags o! ebon
mountains, overhanging and about TO
fall upon us. The sea was black un-
der the shadowy wing OF the storm,
and the roar of the tempest. like o
hoarse. angry voice, came to our ears
from the distance. .-..
up with the fore-storm- staysail--
never mind the spanker," shouted the
captain. You two mates take the
helm; men, lash yourselves to the rig
ging, il win wash us fore and aft be-
fore we get headway." And seizing
an axe from the beckett, he bounded
forward and cut away the hawser
which held us at anchor.
As he did this / looked Off on our
starboard beam and saw the water APP
parently rolling in n huge white break
cr towards us. The next instant the
wind struck us. and for II moment
thought all WIS over. for tho ship
,,eeled until her lower yard-arms were
IN the water.
Hard up-hard up the helmr'
khouted the captain in my ear
could but just hear him, and point
| ing To the wheel. he saw that his or
iIcf Iau Dceu anticipated.
just then away went our mizcn-mast
| close by the deck. and that alone saved
| Jus, for now her head payed off before
fhe wind, and the ship righted. Then
the stnysail filed, and away the old
| craft shot like an arrow sped from a
wei! strung bow. AS We got out into
| tae gulf the sea rose literally go high
| hal the foam was scattered in cloudy
Saists through the air.
/, How does she hcad?" nsked the
ap,ain, VINO stood forward Of the
| wheel.
"Sou'- Sou west. SIR replied in a
,hout FOR the gale drowned all cons
tnon tulcs.
II she goes ut this rate and holds
hat course we will strike Cuban rock
| inside of ten hOurs" he cried
WHY not try to- henve her tor ]
,,.l:ed.
an gueh Il sea and gale we would be
lteeled up in n minute were we 10 try
IL; all our hope is in u change of wind,
ora lull which will let US put the main
| sail on her.
This looks rough, but what is II
be will be. There is no rubbing thut
| Ont, replied; and then ] did my