The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1893-03-15


the steering oar, ordered:
"Two of you fellows take the skif
and run line down and make it fast
to that big tree on the Kentucky bank.
Well tie up and give Jack Williams a
chance to come back and pick up the
passengers that he's scattering around
so careless like"
It was difficult task to lay the two
heavy boats alongside the shore with
out sustaining any injury, for they
were so frail that the least touch upon
a rock or snag would have meant in
slant destruction.
When the pilot saw that the line had
been properly secured he sent his as
sistant 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 were 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 had remained,
endeavoring to quiet her hysterical
sobbing and to assure her that she
need not fear, that all danger was past.
"'Pears to me, little one. you took
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! l was
reaching over to look at your boats as
they passed, when I lost my balance
and fell"
"That's it," returned the pilot, grim
ly. eff Williams hadn't been a-cut-
ting up his capers and kept his vessel
where it belonged, you wouldn't have
had to reach clear over the side in or
der to see couple of heaps of coal
and number of ragged boatmen 60
ing by. you. But here comes the
River Queen after us, and you'll soon
be safe and sound with your friends
again. my little one."
"Oh, yes, and 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 CRATE
full to you, and | know when he comes
to take me away he will give you a
handsome present"
"Oh, could not think of accepting
plainly devolved upon me-" stammered
the young boatman.
Nevertheless, know he will insist
upon-doing something for you. He
thinks SO much of me I am sure he
steamer than to have me drowned.
Papa owns the River Queen; didn't
you know it?"
whats that, missP" asked Joe, in
astonishment. SIS Squire Carroll your
father?"
"That's what the people at the plan
tation call him. But at New Orleans
or Cairo he is known as Mr.. Carroll. "
"Then, boy" exclaimed the bluff old
pilot, slapping Jimmy on the shoulder,
you've done big stroke of work for
yourself this day, and we'll see you a
Branch pilot within a twelvemonth.
hope you'll try to teach that Will
Jams 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 chance; so il
you'd just as lief ask your father to
let him have berth aboard the River
Queen when we meet her at Orleans
'twould be doing him great kind
ness"
"The request is granted without the
aid of mediator" declared tall,
fine looking gentleman who had come
alongside the coal boat in one of the
steamers skiffs in time to hear the
speech of Joe Trick.
"My precious child is restored to
me-" clasping the little girl in his
arms. Then the fond father deposited
her again upon the blanket, and turn
ing to Jimmy grasped the boys hand
and wrung it fervently.
"Yes, my brave lad. You shall be
second pilot of the River Queen. And,
Mr.. Irick," to Joe, "as no doubt you
feel that you would be the best in
structor of your nephew, you shall &C
first"
"Oh, thank you, ,ssir, thank you, sir,
stammered the veteran boatman, over
whelmed with surprise and gratitude
"But, sir, you forget Williams. He's
right good man, is Jack, and Po
never be the one to do anything that
would take the bread and butter out
of his mouth, though he does cut uE
capers sometimes and cause the broad
hornmen heap of nervousness.
civilians shall be cared for" spail
ingly returned the wealthy man. "He
will have new steamer after the mex
trip, and it is partially through hi
recommendation that decided tt
place the River Queen in your hands
Now, must bid you goodbye, fol
your old friend up in the pilot-hous'
there is anxious to be on his way t.
Cairo. Farewell till we meet at New
Orleans. Do not leave the city til
| you see me-"
Then tsking the damp form of hi
rescued child in his arms, Mr.. Carol
hastened to the steamer, whose crev
cast loose from the bank, and in a few
moments was out of sight up river.
The coal boatmen were too mucl
elated to resume their journey tha
day.
mo, SIR" said Joe Trick, as b
skipped back and forth over the shin
ing heap, "we don't float another mil
till tomorrow morning. The boy
shall have rest while go ashore q
Hickman and send letter to Polly
my wife, and let her know that he
husband has been rated chief of one {
the finest boats on the river, and
was all owing to that nephew of hers
Jim, the boy boatman of the Missi:
sippi." Henry Marlton IN Ya''Et
Blade.