Year: 1861

The Uncle sam was the largest boat OF nei
day, and had two of the best pilots on the
Mississippi River. Between these men-whon
we will call Smith and Brown-there existed
a bitter spirit Of rivalry. The first engineer
sided with Smith, the first pilot and the sec
ond engineer sided with Brown.


One day, when the boat was leaving Natchez
Brown, who was steering, ran her short dis
tance down stream, in order to pass the town
under full press of steam. Just as be was
abreast of the town, the first engineer, who
was working the boat shut the steam entirely
off; nor would he put it on again until they
finally, and very slowly, passed the town
Brown saw the inger of Smith in this maneu-
yer, and swore revenge. He got it.


On the next down trip, heavy fog arose at
sunset; and Smith, who at that time abandon
ed the boat to Brown ordered him to run the
boat till nine o'clock, and then tie her up; to
have steam kept up all night, and if the fog
should lift to call him.


"Tie the boat up?" said Brown, 81 car
run her in any such fog as there is tonight
III run her till twelve, and then call you up
as you are afraid"


=" can run her any night and anywhere that
you can" replied Smith and if you do run
her till twelve, call me then That's ALL"


Brown kept on for time, but the fog grew
heavier; and having made sure that his coad-
jutor was fast asleep, he rounded the boat to q
wood yard, and tied up. His friend, the sec
ond engineer, was on duty, and according to
Browns direction, the wheel was unshipped,
and the steam kept up.


AT twelve Brown went to the wheel again,
and sent waiter to call Smith, who soon
made his appearance, rubbing his eyes, and
anything but pleased at the prospect before
him.


Halo ~ said Brown. Are you there ?
I've called You according to orders. Now l
think you had better tie up and turn in again,
or you will make a smash before morning.


Smith growled out that he was able to steer
any boat in a fog, where anybody else could,
and took the wheel. Brown went below


The&nnt.was fast to the bank but neither
bank nor bing else could poor Smith see.


The VIZ which were uncOnnected, turned
round anaTSQm with the swift current, and
the splashes reaching his cars, the kissing of
steam in the low pressure boilers sounded all
right to him; and so, cursing his bad luck,
Browns obstinacy, and his own stupidity in
accepting the banter, he turned the wheel now
this way and now that, expecting every mo-
ment to feel the boat strike against something.
A thousand times, during his dreary watch,
did he determine TO give up his desperate un-
dertakng, and as often did pride step in and
overtake him; and so, having made up his
mind to let the worst come to the worst, he
gave tubular order to the engineer to work
very slow, and kept on.


About SUNRISE Brown, accompanied by the
captain and other officers, came on deck.


Halo, Smith :" said Brown. "Is that
you?"


Yes it is" said Smith, Grossly enough.


"You haven't been running all night, l
reckon ?' continued Brown.


Don't you see have?" answered Smith.
Don't you know where you are? If you don't
you had better get your eyes scrubbed out.


No" said Brown, =" | can't say that do.
Where are we "


Just above Natchez," was the reply.


Well, smarty,' replied Brown, you have
done it this time; and wouldn't be in your
boots for hogshead Of nggers."


"What have 1 done, and what do you
mean p demanded Smith ferociously.


Done? Done enough " roared Brown
" left the boat at old Jones plantation, and
you've gone and towed that down to Natchez
They'll have you up for abduction and land
piracy, and niger stealing, and putting OBJ
structions in the channel of the river and the
lord have mercy on you!'


A very miost ray of the sun peeping through
the mist at this moment, partially discovered
the situation of the boat and the shore to the
astonshed Smith, and darting below, he re-
mained there until the boat did reach Match
ez. And from that time, ever after, neither
the Uncle Sam nor the Mississippi River
knew him more.


RIcH WITHOUT MoSEY.-Many rich man
is without money. Thousands of men with
nothing in the pocket, and thousands without
even a pocket are rich. A man born with a
good, sound constitution, good stomach, a
good heart, and good limbs, and pretty good
head piece, is rich. Good bones are better
than gold; tough muscle than silver; and
nerves that flash fire and carry energy to every
function, are better than houses and lands. 1t
is better than landed estate TO have had the
right kind of father and mother. Good breeds
and bad breeds exist among men as really as