Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-18
The Voyage Of the Ocean Foam

Every one who knew the Bedford family
wondered how they could live In such a
queer place, for their home certainly was
queer. being situated on little island a
good mile from the mainland. The house
had been in the family for years and was
dear old rambling building; sorather than
let this homestead go back to rack and
ruin Mrs. Bedford put up with many in
oonveniences. and ignored the prying re-
marks of outsiders.
Teddy Bedford. the oldest of the big fam
lily. loved his home and was never content
away from it. more ingenious boy never
lived. He was forever whiting and maxi
ing all sorts of little toys. He had made
many useful things for his mother. and
playthings for the younger children, and his
own room was full of his efforts. But
though he took great pride in everything he
had made yet he was most proud of his
two-masted boat, Ocean Foam, whitfield
with sharp penknife. Teddy took the
greatest care of this boat, and would never
allow any one to sail 1t but himself. The
whole family made fun of him, and used
to roar with laughter when regularly each
night he took 1t up to his own room. He
paid no attention, however, and continued
to love 1t.
The Bedfords were in the habit of rowing
over to the mainland every day to do mar
keting and other errands that might be
necessary. Mr.. Bedford owned nice sail
boat and when there was good wind this
was used For calm days he had a row.
boat One day the sailboat rudder broke,
and the boat had to be towed over to town
to be mended.
Now If anything should happen to our
rowboat." said Mr.. Bedford, I'VE should.
indeed. be stranded
That very night storm came up, and
the little boat which had been so peace
fully humping it's nose against the shore
at shutdown was set adrift in the storm.
And here were the Bedfords worried to
DEATH and Teddy's poor mother wrfnging
her hands in dismay, for Marie, the baby,
was suddenly taken with Group. and there
was no way of sending for the doctor.
Teddy suggested signaling to the town,
but here a new difficulty presented itself.
The flagpole had been snapped off short by
the storm. and what were they to do?
Teddy, with the Ocean Foam in his
arms, went off to think 1T over. He
thought hard. He looked blankly at the
popped into his head. "If only the wind
Is right!' he cried. as he looked anxiously
at the weather vane. Yes. it was right.
He ran into the house and unfoled his
plan. The family only laughed at him. and
said 1t was impossible, but. nothing daunt-
ed, he found a piece of paper and wrote
On it. plainly, the following message: I'VE
are without a boat and cannot get away
from the island. VIII any one who picks
this up please send DR.. Benson over, as
Marie has the Group.
TEDDY BEDFORD"
He tied this precious message in piece
Of oilcloth and fastened 1t securely on the
mast of the Ocean Foam" MI followed
him down to the beach. and Teddy, pale
with excitement. launched the gallant little
craft. The stiff breeze filed the sails and
she started bravely for the opposite shore.
All watched her until sas was out OF
sight and then went back to the house.
Hours passed and nothing was seen OF
Dr. Benson. Teddy looked very sober. fer
he wanted to see his little boat again, but
most of all he wanted his little sister to be
helped. Every one had quite given up
hope at sunset. all except Teddy. who sat
at the window listening. Whea 1t was too
dark to see across the water he went to
the door, and in few minutes heard the
splash Of oars 1t was DR.. Benson. And
Teddy helped him land, and as the doctor
stepped out of the boat he put the Ocean
Foam into Teddy's arms.
For a time the doctor gave all his atten-
ton to little Marie. When she was more
comfortable he explained that fisherman
had found the little boat i'll the morning,
with the message. soaked but still read
able He had come as soon as he could
leave his other patients.
Teddy Bedford was very proud little
boy that night. Not proud Of his bright
idea, but of the gallant service Of bis &C.
loved stOcean Foam"