Year: 1878

/ indebted 10 tio nautical knowledge
which SO N made me, "a fayorite among
officers aud crew OF vessel. He was a
thorough sailor. having been to SEQ
from boyhood, and diffefeut from most
of his calling Of that day. He was pos


sessed of . very fair education, the 10
suit of stndious course he had pnr>
sued during his many VOYAGES. We
soon became the best Of friends, and
when off watch, were almost iusepara-
ble companions. He learned me 10 tic
all the knots, from double matthew
walker. to Turks head; instructed me
in plane sailing and dead reconing;
taught me to take the suns attitude at
mid day, and lunar observation at
night. In short, the most Of his leisure
time was devoted to my advancement
in navigation. | was an apt scholar
and had already decided to become a
life>time sailor In fact my day
dreams had already painted me The
commander of rich mefchant-man,
standing proudly on the poop of my
own vessel as she neared the port of her
destination, at the close of successful
and prosperous voyage. But change
was soon to come over the spirit of my
dream.


Nothing of Importance transpired
after we crossed the line, which is al
ways an episode in he life of sailor.
on which occasion old Neptune, with
his gorgeous court paid us visit. We
had fair weather with variable minis
until we neared Cape Horn.


Twas the middle of July mid-winter in
the Southern hemisphere. The sun
had set in bank of purple, clouds in
the north west; the wind came and
went it fitful gusts, heavy sea was
running to the eastward, the air was
filed with fine particles of snow. Dark
and portentious clouds hung low above
us; the ocean was as black as ink Yet
still the weather had moderated consid-
crably since morning, and the barome-
ter was falling slow, but steadily falling.
For three days we had not seen the sun
at meridian, consequently could not get
his altitude, yet We had passed the
Falkland Islands, and knew from our
log that we were off Terre- del fuego,
and to the southwark of Staten Island,
and as it was our purpose TO go round
the horn instead of venturing through
the straights of MAGELLAN, always dan
gerous undertaking in the best of
weather, but doubly so at this season of
the year, our Captain had determined
to keep well to the south ard in order
to avail as much as possible the fearful
currents which sweep with terrific force
close around the Cape. We were sail
ing under full press of canvass all
| day; our course was nearly due south.
At three bells in the first dog watch, AN
order was passed t. take in the stud'n-
sails, also to single reef-top and to'gal-
lant-sails, and dou6ly reef royals.
Twas my watch on deck. I sprang into
the starboard main shrouds, and as 1
gained the main top, my attention was
drawn to a man emerging from the
laboard shrouds through the lubber
hole, whom l at once recognized as
Dick. Struck with surprise that an old
sailor like Dick passing; through the
lubber hole, burst into laugh as l
ran up the ratlines of the main top


mast shrouds, soon gaining my position
on the royal yard was bhsily engaged
taking irS my reefs. and the circum-
stance of Dicks lubber-hole exploit
was for the time forgotten.


At four bells / was relieved and went
below to turn in. Dick had already
preceded me and was sitting on his
sea-chest. I soon divested myself of
my wet pea jacket and sou 'wester. when
turning towards Dick I discovered by
the dim light of the fore castle lamp,
that he was deathly pale.


"What Is the matter" I asked in
amazement. ''are you sick?' He raised
his eyes pittifully, almost imoloringly,
as he answered.:


"No, am not sick, neither am l
we'll, but strange feeling has posses
sion of me, which it is impossible for
me to explain. Sit down here by my
side, Ed, would speak to you explic-
it," 1 did as directed. When casting
wary look about the forecastle as if to
ascertain if he had more listeners than
me. he continued in low tone of voice:
"I have something to import to You
which 1 trust you will remember to
your dying day and let it be a warming
through life." The last time / was in
Calico was taken sick with a violent
fever and for many days my life was
despaired of. At length the fever SUBJ
sided, leaying me very weak and pros>
trated,, yet my reason of which for
some time I was bereft Of, had return
ed. when learned owed my life to
the tender care and assiduous attention
Of young Spanish lady, who was fire.
auent visitor at the hospital, and had
nursed me with unremitting diligence
since my admittance to the institution,
This was news to me which | regard
ed with spirit bordering on romance,
and must confess was anxious to see
and become acquainted with the Senior.
ita to whom Lowed SO much; if nothing
/ more than to thank her for her kind
ness. did not have to wait long for
the fulfillment of my desire, for within
an hour after had been made acquain-
ted with the circumstances, she entered
the ward in which Law. | will not
attempt description OF her. lido not
i .,o.sas, fla 1onouuo oa fo do her iustice