Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-04-03

nv 10y Ndr IL Shcos SfeSt ehe 1880
usually taken to load, some two months,
was past, and nearly ne-halt were yet to
be had. The monotopy OF fishing all
day and taking only few dozen to a
me- n was telling on the spirits of the
crew; everybody was sick OF it. II they
shit" q school in the deeper water
hundred or two miles south, a week
would load her, and then-home. "Look
at the boats," said the captain. "Seel"
The fog that too often obscured every
thing In this latitude, had lifted, and
amoug hundred boats in view, not one
was busy. Some were re-baitiDg, Others
we're filing pipes for a smoke, some had
iashed their boats together and were
discussing the situation.
"when is your watch Tonight" asked
the captain.
"From three to four, SIR"
sIf the wind comes from anywhere in
the west, or is there when you get up, call
me. Now hoist the basket and call them
in. We will get ready"
The large basket, the signal for "come
aboard WAS up in the fore rigging in a
trice, which surprised the crew in the
boats, as it was two hours early, but they
came gladly. and by night everything was
stored and looked snug, but no bribe or
friendship .'drew'' the "Doc." He was
obdurate.
1t was Williams watch till three, and
he called him, and limited again, but the
boy was firm. The lad noticed, as he got
49, L.t xr.ap
heaving in from the west, although it was
calm. The ever-present ocean swell from
the south was there, but the trisail, al
ways up for emergency and to steady the
vessel in the never ceasing roll, slat
fiercely in the cross sea. The moon was
shedding her long track OF light on the
sea from the vessel to the southern hori-
zon. OF there toward the "Rock' he
heard the sudden rush of Kaplin, and a
moment later the sinuous shadow OF a
whale came leisurely and disappeared as
slowly as he filled himself with the little
fish he had SO alarmed.
To the east, long line OF mist, dark
and sombre, was rolling away, the sure
arbinger OF the coming wind. A little
idtcI, ds tnc sthtS iddpd TUG Sdot pSAofc
the coming day, puff OF wind that did
not strike the water, swept his face, and
far to the west he saw the dark line on
the water-the coming breeze. Then he
called the captain. Capt. NJ. paused but
a moment on deck, half dressed, but he
said call the mate-then all hands. We
will bend the foresail and get under
weigh"
The boys feet scarcely hit the deck as
he rushed to the mates stateroom, then
to the forecastle. He knew they would
come lively when he told them it was to
make sail, and they did. The men
worked with a will, but system also pre-
vailed. Four or five were put on the
foresaiI, which had been stored for the
season. Others were sent out in boats to
take up the heavy hogsheads that were
arranged to keep the long rope cable off
the bottom as the schooner swung to the
wind and tide. Still others manned the
boats, and with song and jest, hove the
one-eight of a mile of hawser into its
coil on deck. At sunrise, the good
schooner swung off to the breeze, took it
on her starbosrd quarter, and made to
the southeast. She was fine vessel, the
best sea boat on the banks" men said.
They sailed day and night, and then
at intervals shove tor for 'stry." 1t
was two O'Clock of the second day when
each of the two men who threw lines
over, caught pair. Instantly the order
was given, the anchor cast, sails stored.
The dories which were set on the quarter
deck, one inside the other, were thrown
out and manned, and in an incredibly
short space OF time twenty boats were
anchored around the vessel and fishing.
And they were fishingl
1t was all mechanical work; the water
was deep, some fifty fathoms. Each
line, as you know, has two hooks,
and two lines are used. 1t was for each
and all, the hauling up of line, unlock
ing two fish, batting and throwing over,
then turning to the other and doing like
wise. Before dark every boat was along
side with load. The entire deck to the
rail was full of fish. 1t meant working all
night to dress and salt them; then off
again for more, but every body was happy.
No one can tell the citation of men, cooped
up three months, at a new prospect OF
their home stretch. In less than q week
the "sslt was wet" every available part
under deck wse full Of fish, and the after
noon OF the fourteenth was given to
making ready.
To one interested in the doings OF his
fellowmen, it WIS an interesting sight.
All things not absolutely needed on the
passage home, where size made it possible,
were secured below. Empty water BAR
rels were thrown overheard to make room.
The lighter tools Of the trade were
cleaned and stored. The tables and tubs
used for dressing fish were also given to
to the sea, the boats were turned bottom
up, one inside the other, and lashed amid
ship strongly, after being thoroughly
scrubbed. The trisaii was unloosed, and
in its place the great mainsail was