The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-03-08
IN TOW OF AN ICEBERG.
A Bark Pulled Through an Icefeid BY a
Frozen Mountain.

When the captain Of the Norwegian
bark Wave King sailed for the port of New
York on one OF his trips, he expected as a
matter Of course % meet some icehcrgs ON
the way. lie also expected 20 engage a
tughoat 20 tow him into the harbor IL he
found the weather at sandy Hook bois-
ferrous or the wind too strong against him
20 sail in alone, hut a. for having pres
ent OF a tow in the middle Of the Atlantic
aud free OF charge, that was piece ~
good fortune OF which he never dreamed
in his most economical moments. Yet,
improbable as 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 icetields
and icebergs were near. lie knew IL, he
said, because Of the light loom along the
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 WISH
BILE 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 10 out
For several miles on both sides the bark
now sailed back and forth, the lOokouts
searching for an opening in the beautiful,
trembling, glistening 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 fresh
breeze, was advancing toward them, and
he gave orders to &" bout ship"
As the vessel went about, large ice
berg was noticed right astern in the light
haze, and, strange 20 relate, il also appear
ell 20 be coming toward them. At first
this caused the sailors much uneasiness,
for they feared 20 be caught between it
and the field Of ice.
A little careful steering, however, plac-
ed them safely TO one side Of the berg, and
the men gathered along the Ship sice
60 watch the monster as it went majestic
ally by.
The captain knew that some strong low /
err current was pushing against the un-
der water portion of this berg and urging
IL along against the winds and surface
currents. He wondered what would re-
suit when the berg and iceiield met.
Which would gain the mastery Why, the
heavy berg, Of course.
Then a bright idea flashed through his
mind, which he instantly began 70 put in
execution by ordering the steersman 10
turn the bark and run her right in be
hind the berg.
Going as close as be dared 10 the great
fee mountain, he ordered the crew 10 low
er a boat aud take a rope and hitch on To
it. This they did, making fast to a low
pinnacle. or foothill Then sail was short
ened 20 flying jib and spanker, just enough
20 keep her steady and take some strain
of the rope, and, 10 the ship was towing
kindly in the wake of the berg, while all
hands awaited Developments
They had not long 90 wait. Steadily
and surely the ice mountain bore down on
the icefeld. There came great crush.
and a little SILVER Of the berg that could
Doe felt on the towliue. With bang and
smash and roar the mighty contest went
on. But the berg proceeded serenely, leav-
ing broad swath behind ira which The
bark rode safely until clear water was
once more reached. Then. as quickly as
possible, the rope was cast off. all sail set
and a respectful distance PIT between the
bark and the berry. O. Davidson In ST.
Nicholas