Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-06-05

matches, and one day we hoisted the tobacco
cask on deck, as all hanis were entirely
destitute of that luxury. What was our
CONSERVATION to discover that BY some mis-
take we had only cask of empty boxes,
having sold all our spare tobacco in New
Zealand, supposing this cask contained an
sample supply for the homeward voyage
There was no help tor it now, and we were
obliged to smoke tea leaves and coffee
grounds, while the old sailors were to be
seen with huge wad of tarred ropeyarn or
oakum tucked in their cheeks, grumbling
and growing as they had never done at the
hardest work.
We made the run to the equator in 30
days, which was quick work for the clumsy
old whaleship. We spoke Spanish brig,
and obtained few pounds of tobacco, which
our captain generously shared with all
hands, remarking as he did so: ga man
misses his pipe as much in one end of the
ship as in another
We were now in very warm weather, but
the southeast trade winds carried us into
latitude 100 north, and with unusual good
fortune We were only becalmed two days,
when We took the northeast trades, and,
with every stitch of canvas set, we rapidly
shortented the distance between us and
Yankeeland
As We neared the Bermudas we encoun-
tered heavy gale, and found a wreck. We
had only one boat left, and she was leaky,
but our captain pointed to the wreck aad
said: "Men, that vessel can never outlive
the storm that is coming. 1 feel it my duty
to stay by this ship, but there is the boat.
Remember, that if you meet with an acci-
dent have no means of saving you. Now,
who will volunteer to try and save those
men?"
There was rush for the boat before the
words were fairly out of his mouth, and the
second mate and five men, myself among the
number, succeeded in lowering from the
ships side in safety. We took off five
men without accident aud returned
to the Triton, but by this time
night was fast approaching 1t seemed
madness to return for the rest of the unfor-
tunate mel, but We resolved to risk our
lives in the attempt. We reached the bark's
side once more, and, after repeated trials,
took lour men, when we found that they
had left one of their number lying ON deck,
his feet having been crushed bv falling
spar. With curse at their selfshness the
second mate clambered over the side, slung
bowlne under the mans arms, and threw
him over the rail, while we pulled him into
obliged to jump over himself, as we dared
not approach the side. We started fort lhe
Triton, while the seas broke over us again
and again, threatening every instant to
swamp us. The rescued men were Portu-
guese, and kept up a succession OF shrieks
and groans, calling on their saints to save
them, until at last was entirely unnerved.
and, turning 'savagely upon them, threat
ened to pitch them overheard unless they
desisted.
1t is but step from the su blime to the
sn,,Ia . g
old adage more plainly shown than in the
case of the Portuguese captain, who LETT all
his money, ships papers, nautical instru-
ments, ETC., in his cabin and made his ap-
pearance in our boat with an old guitar
slung around his neck.
After the storm, which lasted two days,
had abated we squared away for home again; |
but we found the lazy rascals we had risked |
our lives to save had to be compelled to aid |
us in keeping our pumps in operation.
Three weeks from the day we took them |
on board we were alongside the wharf in |
New Bedford, having spent years and II |
days upon the voyage
1 will leave the reader to imagine my re- |
ception at home, ami simply say that five /!
days later stood in the same office where I |
had signed away four years of my lite, while
the same smiling owner placed in my hand |
3 check for SOL 1S, my share Of the net pro-
ceeds OF the voyage.
Snow, Mr.. Barker" said he, pleasantly,
1--WE hear excellent reports OF you from the
Captain, and we are going to send out an
other ship in about month. You are the
man we want for second mate"
Hold on!'' 1 interrupted. IT am .
printer by trade. This miserable sum in
my hand represents four years of my life.
IAN earn it in a month ashore, and I
wouldn't go to sea AGAIN in one of your old |
'ubs If she was loaded with gold and bound
straight tor heaven"
But, alas for human preiictionsl
Within a week received an offer to ship
Is chiet mate in Boston merchsntman, and
ust three weeks from the day 1 stepped
lshore found myself taking last look at
he shores OF America from the quarter
leck of q stanch bark bound for the west
,oast of Africa.