The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-02-25

oho ohouSduu yaruS from the opposite
bank. The low rock on which it lay
was probably fifty yards in width and
rose about foot above the water, and
by one OF those surges caused by the
vicinity of the cataract and shifting
currents the boat had doubtless been
swayed aside and had rested on what
appeared to be the beginning of q
groove or channel. Various plans were
vaguely formed for saving it, but were
dismissed owing to the imminent dan
ger a foot rise in the river would also
sweep the boat over the reef into GER
tain destruction.
we returned to the station. At our
beach were paddle steamer and
canoe We set q mark by driving peg
at the water line and resolved to wait
and see whether the river rose or fell
Twenty hours later the river had
subsidized six inches I went back to
the hill of Leopoldville. The boat was
higher out Of the water, the reef was
larger. and extended further up the
river in low gray tongue of rock
That was one great comfort
On the third day the river had sub
sided several inches more; the reef was
still larger. Dualla was by my side,
and looking at the river I conceived
plan which audibly revealed, saying
that, eff 1 were younger and had not
so many responsibilities on me, could
save her. would have liked such
job. But whom have 1 that could be
trusted for such delicate task as thisp
and if single life were lost l should
never forgive myself. Yet If had a
man who could remember instructions,
and obey them to the letter, that boat
would be in our cove in short time"
"Can do it, sir?" asked Qualla, as
though had been addressing him.
You, sho! l was thinking of dar-
ing young officer who could learn his
lesson by heart and act accordingly. ,
What could you do?"
II could try, SIR"
mo doubt you could try, my boy;
but it wants head as we'll rs a bold
heart here"
well, sir, do not see myself how
anybody could get to that boat. think
She is already lost, for she is only five
yards from the cataract, and long be-
fore we could get to the reef we should
be over the falls, as the current flows
like a flying arrow. But how do you
think, sir, anyone could get there?"
well, the thing Is easy, provided
| one was sure of his crew. l would
take that new coil of MANILA rome
which is in our storeroom. and which
is three hundred yards long, and
would tie one end of it to our steamer
anchor. l would then choose the best
canoe-men in the camp, man our canoe
ut the beach, strike out boldly for the
center of the river from our cove. and
when saw that the boat and reef were
directly below me would steer straight
toward them. When about two hun
dred and fifty yards above the reef
point L would then drop my anchor.
and pay out the hawser half its length.
The other half, after making fast at
the bow OF the canoe, would pay out
along the length of the canoe, make
fast at the stern, and then the best
man should swim down to the boat
with the other end of the rope. and
make it fast to the ring bolt at the
boats bow. Then the rest of the crew
would float down by the rope to the
reef, and all hands, after putting an
oar under her bow, would roll the boat
up bit by bit over the reef until she
was afloat. All the crew, except the
| stcersman, would then haul themselves
hand over hand to the canoe, and when
all were aboard would haul the boat
abreast of the canoe. Then 1 would
transfer all the crew, except the steers
man, into the boat and, pulling up
boat and canoe until the anchor was
near atrip, seat every body in his place
with every oar out ready; then, at a
word, lift the anchor into the boat, and
away we would fly for this shore, and
we should fetch up we'll above the cat
nract. Do you see? What do you think Of
that, Dualla?"
80, can do that perfectly" cried
Dualla.
J Nonsense. my lad; you would for
get every word said and then should
| lose you, for no boat can live in that
cataract"
"No, sir; feel can do it; and, il
you leave it to me. it will be done"
Very well, then; but take your time
and think of it. Take all day and
think of it,"
The next morning, while was TAX
ing my bath, heard a great shout in
the station, and, looking out of the
window, 1 saw the Zenzibaris rushing
frantically to the beach. They were
shortly after seen marching in pro-
cession to my house with Dualia hoist
ed high, and seated like hero on their
shoulders. At the door l met them,
and, gravely taking off my cap, said:
Good morning, Mr.. Dualla." Dualla
leaped smartly to the ground, and,
saluting, said: "The boat is at the
beach, SIR
| "Thanls you, Dualla; there are three
checks for you, for twenty-five pounds
each. One is from Lieut.. -, who