The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1900-02-19
CASTAWAY ON RAcc0ON KEY
CONTINUED from Eighth Page.)

point that enabled the schooner to show
her best speed.
OF the key. through, some un-
lucky maneUver, the wind drove
the boat on the beach. Mr. Strong
knew that meant wait until the
next tide, but the boys We're not
alarmed by any unnecessary announce
ments. They were landed to enjoy them
selves on the beach. The colored crew
then got out Inc anchor and carried it
off shore in order to be sure of il
when the rising tide should float the
Doris. In carrying out the plan one of
the men fell overheard.
The lunches that had been brought along
were enjoyed on the beach, together with
the roasted oysters. Then relay race
and various other sports, and the BOYS
spent the afternoon pleasantly enough.
The older members OF the party though
were anxious. They knew that the night
aboard the boat would be cold, for no pro-
vision for such a contingency had been
made. Nor was there enough food, and
the combination of cold and hunger was
most unwelcome. Then there We're the
anxieties they knew would be felt by
many in the city and, on the whole, 1t
was no cheering prospect they had 20
face. The best was made of it, however
and toward nightfall few biscuit that
had been saved from the earlier feast were
served out. They were short commons,
though, and if one got a whole biscuit
he was lucky.
Then the long hours began. They SEEM
ed interminable. One of the young la
dies inquired about the time, feeling con-
fident 1t was about O'Clock in the morn
ing. The shock was serious when she
was told that it was 1920 o'clock.
Every ten minutes thereafter the possess
sor of the watch was called upon for the
time.
The boys were irrepressib,e. Determined
to make the best of the affair, they sought
the three or four hunks in the cabin they
occupied, crowdlng into them in punches.
Close communion was necessary for
warmth. One blanket had to answer for
the twenty-three boys. 1t was survival
of the fittest, and the bunk with the big
gest boys in it captured the prize. A
small oil stove gave little heat and vast
deal of ill odor.
old type. but there were two or three
tunes left in It, and the boys began to
make il spin them out in
unending repetition. Happy Days
In Dixie was the choicest of
the boxs repertoire, and its notes were
dinned into the ears of all on board "A
Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight" was
also a masterpiece, to which the box gave
vent. Some of the boys in the lower lay
ers got tired of the music after three or
four hours, as they were warm enough TO
sleep some, and a scheme was set afoot
to steal the key with which the box was
wound up. The lovers of music traced
the key and recovered it, though. and
there was continuation of the melodies.
As all things end, so finally the long
night ended and the daylight came to
give another chance TO observe the straits
in which the party were. The wind had
swept spray over the boat and she was
caked with ice--deck, maSts and rigging,
and II was not until the sun had partially
melted this that the crew was able to get
about and work the boat out until she
doated over the anchor. Sail was then
made. and the beat back to Beaulieu COM
menced.
The tug sent out to their rescue was
seen by the party as they approached
Beaulieu. The most pleasing sight Of all,
| though. was that of the baskets, anxious
! fathers and mothers had brought from
| the CITY. and voracious onslaughts We're
made upon them. After they had warmed
I'M a bit and eaten all they wanted, the
narlv- felt better, but maps during the
afternoon after they had reached the city
were needed TO set them up in feelings
and spirits.