The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-07-21

WIN AZ t sepsss mt s ssst
port for the purpose ofstopping a leak
that had given us trouble ever since
a collision with q small schooner on
our first day out. The old hulk was
ready for kindling wood, anyhow, one
OF those ancient affairs more resemb-
ling frame shanty af1oat than
steamship. But then the Belle sailed
in days before phrases like "ocean
greyhound" and ''triple expansion en-
gines" had gained currency.
The very first human being we sight
ed on shore was Pierre, jumping and
capering about with wild delight as
we approached. 1t occasioned great
amusement among the passengers
gathered on the fore part OF the deck.
to see that grotesque and tattered
figure racing up and down the pier,
waving red bandana and shouting
unintelligible greetings.
The captain looked at him critical
ly, and said:
"some poor devil OF sailor-a de-
serter, perhaps, who wants to come
on board. He can come" he added,
grimly. "The more people we have
on board the more success Well have
keeping the Atlantic Ocean outside
the cargo"
We resumed our journey toward
Australia with the gap in the hull
closed, and for two days met with no
accident. But at the end OF that time
all hands were again at the pumps
The crew, which was small and in eff
Gent, was unable to cope with the
steadily gaining depth in the hold,
and every passenger, whether in the
cabin or in the steerage, was called
upon to volunteer, which he cheerfully
did, spending some observations, how
ever, upon the utter cussableness of a
pumping engine that could not be
made to pump. Pc"
On the same watch with me was
Pierre, the newcomer. What his last
name as never learned. If he told
the captain that worthy made men
ton OF it to no one. After he had
tsen safely installed aboard the ebul-
ition OF delight we had witnessed in
him on the first day totally disap-
peared and he became norose and IN
communicative, thinking perhaps OF
the punishment that would be his
when we got to our destination.
All that could be gotten from him
was that he had left his ship, gone in
to the interior and returned, out OF
money and nearl y starving. At the
pumps he fatty refused to talk.
One day the propeller ceased work
ing, and we came to a halt in mid
ocean. The boiler had sprung leak.
Soon the whole shipwas discussing the
aggravating situation. The boiler
would have to be en1ptied and then
allowed to cool before it could be
mended-the whole process to con
sumo several days, perhaps, before
we could again be under steam. In
the meantime we must hope for fair
weather, for, although our port was
but oneday distant at ordinary speed,
we could not make it in the present
condition of the ship, withot steam,
inside of a. week.
But talr weather, which had been
one OF the amenities of our voyage
thus far, now showed signs of desert
ing as. Clouds were gathering, the
water was getting black and under the
force OF the rising wind the waves had
pegun an angry ,chopping. The cap
tain looked at these things and then
went below to consult with the Of
fcers.
When 1T was over they were very
grave, these hardened seafarers. The
captain went into the sailors Quart.
'ers, and the rest looked after him and
shook their heads.
sit is certain DEATH" said one.
"Of course" said another. "Why,
the air In there is enough to cook a
man to shreds."
Whoever volunteers to do it is a
fool"
"Or a her0!"
I'he storm was now assured and In
an hour or so would be raging wildly,
according to the predictions of the
old salts among us, of whom even the
hardest expressed the wish that the
boiler had retained g. sound shell.
Still specializing as to the meaning OF
the words spoken by the officers,
was called away to my watch at
the pumps. To my surprise it was
not Pierre who grasped the handle of
the pump with me, but one OF the
Bellies regular sailors. Once or twice
was, on the point Of venturing a
question, for had been Impressed
with the man, but withheld.
AT the end of an hour vent on
deck. Meeting the captain, said:
win there he any danger?'
- think not" replied he cheerily.
I'VE will be in harbor before the storm
arrives" 1,1
! hastened to express my surprise,
II thought the boiler was too badly
disabled"
$50 it vas" he replied. nbnt we are
in hopes Of having the id thing re-
paired. Come along; I'll show you
what's being done"
] followed him to small bridge