Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-11-11

We're so frail that the least touch upon
Il rock or snag would have meant in
slant destruction.
When the pilot saw that thu line
had been properly secured he sent his
assistant forward to the '.gonging oar, ''
while he himself welded the ''steerer.'
and his men pulled Justify at the
sweeps to swing the bows of the broad
horn up stream Then as the inner
boat began to near the land two long
poles We're run out to fend them off
from the bank
This work completed, Joe turned his
attention to the little sufferer, by whose
side his nephew hal remained, en-
deavoring to quiet her historical sobb-
ing and to assure her that she need
not fear, that all danger was past.
Pears to me, little one, YOU took
a mighty sudden BATH said Trick. with
a smile, as he looked down at the tear
stained face of the child
''Oh sir, it was terrible. | was reach
ing over to look at your boats as they
passed, when l lost my balance and
fell
That's it," returned the pilot, grimly.
eff Williams hadn't been a-cutting I'D
his capers and kept his vessel where it
belonged, you wouldn't have had to
reach clear over the side in order to
see couple of heaps of coal and a
number Of ragged boatmen going by
you. But here comes the River Queen
after us, you'll soon be safe and sound
with your friends again, my little
one"
''Oh, yes, and I have you to thank
for saving me-" replied the maiden,
looking at Jimmy in such a manner
as to cause the warm blood to mantle
the boys cheek. Papa will be very
grateful to YOU, and | know when he
comes to take me away he will give
you handsome present.
'Oh, | could not think of accepting
anything in payment of a duty which
plainly devolved upon me-" stammered
the young bOatman.
Nevertheless, | know he will insist
upon doing something for YOU. He
thinks so much Of me | am sure he
would rather give the whole of his
steamer than to have me drowned.
Papa owns the River Queen; didn't
you know it,"
whats that. MISS asked Joe, in
establishment rs Squire Carroll your
father"
That's what the people at the plan
tatiOn call him. But at New Orleans or
Cairo he is known rs Mr.. Carroll"
Then, boy" exclaimed the bluff old
pilot, slapping Jimmy on the shoulder,
you've done a big stroke Of work for
yourself this day, and We'll see YOU Il
Branch pilot within Il twelvemonth.
hope you'll try to teach that Williams
some sense. It's just this way. miss"
continued Joe, turning to the girl. my
nephew has wanted for some time to
go steamboating, but I've never been
able to get him Il chance; so if you'd
just rs lief ask your father to let him
have Il berth aboard the River Queen
when we meet her at New Orleans
'twould be doing him Il great kindness"
The request is granted without the
aid Of Il mediator"' declared Il tall, fine
looking gentleman who had come along
side the coal boat in one of the steam
er's sl1iffs in time to hear the speech of
Joe Trick
My precious child is restored to me-"
clasping the girl in his arms. Then
the fond father deposited her again
upon the blanket. and turning to Jimmy
grasped the boys hand and wrImg it
fervently.
eyes, my brave lad. You shall be
second pilot Of the River Queen. And,
Mr.. Trick" to Joe, las no doubt You
feel that you would be the best in
structor of your nephew, you shall go
first"
ooh. thank you, sir, thank you, sir,
Stammcred the veteran boatman, over
Whelmed with surprise and gratitude.
But, sir, you forget Williams Hes Il
right good man, is Jack. and Id never
be the one to do anything that would
take the bread and butter out of his
mouth, though he does cut up capers
sometimes and Cause the broadhornnen
Il heap Of nervousness.
civilians shall be cared for" smiling
ly returned the wealthy man. He will
have Il new steamer after the next
trip, and it is partially through his rec
Cmmendation that | decided to place
the River Queen in your hands. Now,
| must bid you goodbye, for your old
friend up in the pilot house there is
anxious to be on his way to Cairo.
Farewell till we meet at New Orleans.
Do not leave the city till you see me-"
Then taking the damp form of his
rescued child in his arms, Mr.. Carroll
FASTENED to the steamer, whose crew
cast loose from the bank, and in few
moments was out of sight up river.
The coal boatmen were too much
elatCd to resume their journey that
day.
NO, sir" said Joe Trick. as he skipped
back and forth over the shining heap,
I'VE don't float another mile till tomor-
row morning. The boys shall have a
rest while / go ashore at Hickman and
send letter to Polly, my wife, and let
her know that her husband has been
rated chief of one Of the finest boats
on the river. and it was all owing to
that nephew of hers, jim, the boy
boatman Of the Mississippi"