Sometimes our estimate of men and women
On short acquaintance is very much at fault.
A gentleman and his wife--Pierrepont by name--passengers on one of the
great Atlantic steamers, not knowing any of the other passengers, kept
very much to themselves; he usually reading aloud to his wife, and she
occupied in some needle work; for this, they were commented upon, and
not very favorably, and generally were called the "stupid couple."
Little did these same passengers know the true character of that
gentleman and lady. An incident that occurred on board soon proved the
bravery and heroism of the one, and the gentleness and self-sacrifice of
the other. The captain had with him his only son, a boy of some eight
summers, a great favorite of all on board from fore to aft. The little
fellow, climbing on the side of the ship, somehow fell overboard. The
lady happening to be on the other side of the deck, saw the child climb
up, and immediately missed him. She quickly laid her hand on her
husband's shoulder, looking in his eyes, and cried out, "Oh, save the
boy, he has fallen overboard." In one moment he was on his feet, kicked
off his canvas shoes, threw his hat on the deck, and turning his face
toward the bridge, where he knew some of the ship's officers were always
stationed, he called out in a voice which rang like a trumpet call over
the ship, "Man overboard." Then, with a quick run and leap, he cleared
the rail, and the broken twisting water of the ship's track had closed
over him. He was on the surface again in a moment, and taking a glance
back at the ship to know his position, stretched out into a long steady
stroke in the direction where he knew the child was.
Instantly the captain's hand was on the engine-room telegraph, and down
into the depths of the ship went the signals. First to "stop," and the
tremor all over the ship ceased. The bell rang again, and the index
moved to "astern-slow;" then in a minute or two, to, "half;" then he
called out to the second officer--"Man overboard! Stand by to lower away
the gig," which was quickly obeyed, and four hands, a coxswain, and a
man for the boat's bow were instantly off and rowed fiercely.
In a little while Mrs. Pierrepont--who was on the bridge with Captain
Hood--said, "Do you see them; are they together?"
"Yes," replied the captain, "I believe they are." But his voice was now
broken, and he took hold of Mrs. Pierrepont's hand. "I have watched my
child from here with the glass, till at last he floated so low that I
could scarcely see him, and just as he seemed sinking your husband
dashed across the spot where he was, and I saw by a wave of his hand
towards the ship that he caught him. He is now waiting for the boat."
It was getting dark when they returned. The child, who was shivering,
was immediately carried away to have a warm bath, and a little later was
in the saloon with dry clothes on, as merry as if nothing had happened.
When Pierrepont stepped on the deck, a rush was made at him, and both
hands were shaken till he thought his arms would be pulled off.
The captain said all he had to say in a very few words, and with a
hand-grasp which said more than words.
89
A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he
wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him
not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it.
--Eccles. 6, 2v.; Saint Luke 12, 20v.
90
To love applause is praiseworthy; to seek it is weakness.
91
Eat an apple on going to bed, and you will very soon send the Doctor
begging his bread.
92
Appointments may be given,
Not the capacity to fill them well.
93
_Dr. Johnson to Boswell_--"If general approbation will add anything to
your enjoyment, I can tell you that I have heard you mentioned, as a man
whom everybody likes. I think life has little more to give."
94
If you arbitrate a dispute between two of your friends, you are sure to
make an enemy; if you arbitrate between two of your enemies, you are
sure to make a friend.
--_Bias, a Greek._
95
Never contend with one that is foolish, proud, positive, testy; or with
a superior, or a clown, in matter of argument.
96