Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-03-08
JURY CHOSEN.
IN TOW OF AN ICEBERG.
A Bark Pulled Through an Iceleld by
Frozen Mountain.

When the captain Of the Norwegian
bark Wave King sailed for the port Of New
York on ono OF his trips, he expected IA
matter Of course 10 meet some lccbergs on
the way. lie also expected 10 engage
tugboat 70 tow him into the harbor II no
found the weather at Sandy Hook bois-
terous or the wind too strong against him
30 sail in alone, but rs for having pres
ent Of tow in tie middle of the Atlantic
and free Of charge. that was u piece Of
good fortune OF which he never dreamed
In his most economical moments. act,
improbable az il seems. that was the treat
he Unexpectedly received.
Everything went very well with the
bark until half through her voyage, when
one day the mate-who was an arctic
weather prophet-reported that iceiields
and icebergs were near. He knew II, he
said. because Of the light loom along tho
oceans rim-also from the look and cold
ness Of the sea water. A bright lookout
was therefore kept. and sure enough, about
noon "a great icefield or foe became visi-
bic in the haze, dead ahead. There it lay
right in their track and extended as far
on each side as their best telescope was
able TO make it ont
For several miles on both sides the bark
now sailed back and forth, the lookouts
searching fer an opening in the beautiful,
trembling, glistcning white fields, but
none could be found, although the fair
blue water lay temptingly beyond in full
sight.
Presently the captain noticed that the
icefeld, under the pressure OF the iresn
breeze, was advancing toward them, and
he gave orders TO " bout ship"
As the vessel went about, a large ice
berg was noticed right astcrn in the light
haze, and, strange to relate, it also appear
ed TO be coming toward them. At first
this caused the sailors much uneasiness,
for they feared to be caught between it
and the field of ice.
\ little careful steering, however, plac-
ed them safely tn one side Of the berg, and
the men gathered along the ships side
TO watch the monster as it went majestic
! ally by.
The captain knew that some strong low
or current was pushing against the I'M
der water portion OF this berg and urging
1t along against the winds and surface
currents. He wondered what would re-
suit when the berg and iceheld met.
Which would gain the mastery Why, the
heavy berg, of course.
Then bright idea flashed through his
mind, which he instantly began to put in
execution by ordering the steerSman to
turn the bark and run her right in be-
hind the berg
Going "a close as he dared to the great
ice mountain, he ordered the crew TO low
er boat and take a rope and hitch on to
it. This they did, making fast TO low
pinnacle, or foo;hill. Then sail was short
ened to flying jib and spanker, just enough
70 keep her steady and take some strain
off the rope and. To- the ship was towing
kindly in the wake OF the berg, while all
hands awaited developments.
They had not long TO wait. Steadily
and surely the ice mountain bore down on
the iceleld. There came great crash,
| and little SILVER Of the berg that could
be felt on the towline. With bang and
smash and roar the mighty contest went
| on. But the berg proceeded serenely, leav-
! ing broad swath behind in which the
bark rode safely until clear water was
once more reached. Then, as quickly as
possible, the rope was cast of, all sail set
and a respectful distance put between tho
bark aud the berg.-J. .. Davidson in St.
| Nicholas