The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1897-12-25
Chapter VII Continued.

The long corner paragraph, entitled
A Strange Story of the Sea-" and con-
tanned in the Sydney Morning HERALD
OF October-th, 1858, ran as foliows:-
On Tuesday last there arrived in this
port the ship Strathnairn, 1850 tons
register, John Sturgess, master, after
somewhat tedious voyage of one hundred
and twelve days from London. The
Strathnairn brings out full cargo. con-
signed to Sydney houses; she had also on
board large complement of 1rst-class
passengers. A strange and interesting
incident occurred when the vessel was
abreast of the island of ST. Helena; and
Captain Sturgess has desired US to give
every possible publicity to the story, in
order to make the case Of the unfortu-
nate gentleman whom it concerns widely
known.
1T appears that when the Sthrathnairn
was IN latitude d degrees 35, minutes S.
and longitude ID degrees, 90 minutes W.,
she fell in with small open boat. 1t
was during the night, the weather at the
Time being very fine and clear, and the
attention of those on board was first at
tracted to the proximity of the boat by
the distant sound of the barking of a
dog. The vessel ran down to and picked
up the drifting boat, in which lay the
figures of two men, one common sailor
and the other man of superior station,
probably passenger, with large collie
dog standing sentinel over them. The
common sailor proved to DO dead; the
other was living, and he was brought on
board the Strathnairn, and put to bed in
spare cabin. Upon the stern of the boat
Which was then let go again, was painted
the name of Lady Godiva, London. This
vessel, which left Liverpool for Sydney in
May last, has now for several weeks past
been considered as overdue. and the dis
coyery, communicated by the commander
OF the Strathnairn, has caused the very
grayest fears to be entertained for her
safety in this port.
The rescued man lay for some days in
his bunk, wholly unconscious. When he
at last aWoke,out of his condition of in
sensibility, it was discovered that he had
totally lost his memory. He had not the
falntest shadow of recollection Of his past
history Indeed, so completely had this
faculty of his mind been eclipsed by the
dreadful sufferings he must doubtless
have undergone, that he was unable to
recall his name, or to give any informa-
ton about himself whatsoever Nor was
there any circumstantial clue to be got
concerning his individuality, save that
such linen as he wore when rescued bore
the initial G. r. For the convenience Eof
him he was called by the
passengers on board Charles Rawlings,
but there is not the least reason in the
world for supposing that this is his proper
name.
1.-The Lady Godiva was bound to this
port, and as there can be but little doubt
that the unhappy gentleman who has lost
his memory was passenger on board of
her, from the fact of his having been
found in one Of the ships boats, it is
more than possible there may be people in
Sydney who could throw some light upon
the mystery which at present hangs over
his past. If any such there be, they are
particularly desired to communicate with
Mr.. @. R., care of Mr.. Louis Hartree, of
Dunbar House, Darlinghurst. His in
itials ought to prove Keystone to his real
name. The Australian agents of the
owners of the Lady Godiva. Messrs. Bry-
ant and Wood, have interviewed the gen
tleman, but, of course, his loss of men,
DRY prevents him from being able TO give
them any information concerning the
fate Of the vessel; whilst they, on the
other hand, state they have not received
any advices containing list of the pass
engers by that ship, or other news relat-
ing to her which would enable them tn !
supply Mr.. G. r. with facts that might |
prove of service to him by establishing
his Identity"
Clara Lambert read this piece Of intelli- |
gence right through in silence, and with
out the movement OF a muscle SO intense |
and devouring was her gaze whilst her
eyes slowly travelled down the column. |
But when she came to the last word of
the paragraph. her pent.up feelings found |
vent in a little hysteric Shrek.
What is it, dear?" cried her mother, |
running quickly towards her, whilst her
father broke off abruptly in what he was
saying
Read, MOTHER gasped the girl, ex-
tending the paper towards her. tit must
be he i''
Read it aloud, Jane," exclaimed Mr..
Lam bert.
With tremulous eagerness, agitated by
1er daughters excitement, Mrs. Lam
oert tished out her spectacle case, put on
he account, never pausing once to utter
comment or exclamation till she had come
% the very end.
'tWell, this is an extraordinary thing"
aid Mr.. Lamb .rt slowly, and with a be-