Norwich bulletin., 1914-06-03

| BraeiAs himself at the thettle EAptn Wilhelm, s.eiifef" of the Reaper; hel5k anxious eye on the fly wheel: The tiny craft rolled and pitched Violently in seas kicked up by 68-mile, gale; Each time the stern reared and the 2Fepe4les fanned air, GRpt'n Wilhelm held himself alert. His skill in check ing revolutions as the load was taken from the propeller meant safety te his captain iH the piiet house, himself, and the beat.
 Between lans in the gale, Gaptn Wifheim's thoughts turned ta little eettase an the beach of Gloucester HIS young bride was there, lighting fes life even as he new staHea sEili against the clements: At her earnest pteadings, the sailor would eersaHe his calling after this. trip.
 Then a gust of wind struck the vee- sel with tremendous ferse. As she shivered under the impact. Capt'n Wilhelm took comfort in the thought that each streAe ef the engine droye the Reaper nearer to safety. She was eM Minetfs Light In Massachusetts Bay. In the pilot house. caFtain Frank Witherbee, struggled with the wheel while striving to steer a steady course. Holding her head in the Wind was no easy task for enc man. how ever, in such a gale.
 Up at T wharf. the Boston Fish dealers were eiazRofiRg for scrod at prices considered high even for market cost every pound of fish meant Gold in those days of Lenten scarcity. Owners of the Reaper had ordered her to sea early that morning She had gone to Plymouth for a load of her ring. and was nearly back to Boston httrbor when the breeze Of the past few hours increased to hurricane pro- portions,
 Out of the southeast swooped gust after gust. And with each successive squall. Captain Witherbee glanced uh- easily at Cohasset Rocks. fearing and laundering to leeward. Down in the gloomy engine room. Captn Wilhelm maintained his post. eoaxing his en- zine to do its best.
 sCalm me darlin', calm." he would mutter to himself as he checked revo- iutions while the propeller was in air. It seemed as if every foot the Reaper gained brought the wrath of Neptune directly upon them. The wind scream ed in greater fury, while solid walls of green water lowered above the craft on all sides. Combers shook the tiny vessel as if in punishment for some former victory over the sea
 Dealers at T wharf ceased to think of fish famine. Whispered experi- ences about when I went to sea" be- gan to spread. Business ceased; the pier seemed deserted and a feeling of awe spread over those. behind shelter
 
 Reaper was spoken. for all knew that she was fighting in angry water some where beyond the horizon
 Meanwhile the Keepers chief felt new confidence in the engines, for the craft had never before been out in such weather. Each minute closed the gap by inches. bringing them nearer port Capt'n Wilhelrn's thoughts again turned to his humble house. A feeling Of tenderness. new to the hard ened chief, came over him. He almost forgot his perilous position.
 sBut suddenly there came a change.
 Slowly the shaft revolutions dimin- ished: finally the engines went dead. Capt'n Wilhelm cranked frantically. Unable to start the Pondereus ma chimes, he examined oiling and water cooling devices But the pistons had peared to be in perfect working order.
 The chief pictured the helpless craft drifting rapidly towards the rocks. He saw his sorrow stricken wife, and the vision was distracting. But with 1t grew a courage and resourcefulness he had never known before.
 Tragedy shall not crown this trtp! said the chief with gritted teeth. There was not moment to loose. Chief Wilhelm struggled up the com panion ladder, and gazed at the par italy submerged rocks, across which combers reared. It was one of the most dangerous reefs on the coast. "I'll give her 15 minutes to strike, 7 he mumbled. 'Tt's a short leeway, but I'll do it,
 Ciutehing a coil of rope from the lazarctte and gripping fish knife in his teeth, he hastily turned a, bcwline hauling it taut under his arms Watch ing till a wave reared the Reaper high in air. he gFasped the bulwark and lowered himself over the stern. His feet caught the rrudder; he inhaled a deep breath and groped for the pro- peller.
 Capt,n Wilhelm struggled for life His task was necessarily a slow one Resting his feet on the propeller. and gripping the rudder post. Captn Will helm lowered himself till he felt the blades, Wave after wave swept over him, but he chung desperately to his perch, while the minutes dragged on. But the chief had discovered the trouble.
 A length of rope had wrapped about the shaft, acting as a brake, until 1t became so firmly wedged that the power of 14o horses were unable to turn it over. The chief worked des- perately at the obstruction. As com bers shook the craft. it seemed as if he would be swept away. He was