Since it is neither a large nor important water-course, some of the
readers of YOUNG PEOPLE may not know where the Pasquotank River is;
but as it can readily be found on the map, those who care to read
more about the cruise of the _Toby Tyler_ should learn about it
from their books, in order to better understand the direction taken
by the little yacht after it came out of the Dismal Swamp. It will
be remembered that the yacht arrived at the terminus of the canal
quite late at night, so that it was impossible for any of the party
to judge of the river they were to enter; but they had been told it
was very crooked, and, without any other reason, all believed the
journey of twenty-three miles to Elizabeth City would be a tedious
one.
Never were travellers more pleasantly surprised than were those on
the _Toby_ during that Saturday morning sail.
The start was made about eight o'clock, just after the birds had
cleared the breakfast things away, and were beginning their
forenoon concert. The large audience, composed of the crickets,
flowers, and leaves, were all in the best of moods, because the
singing was really good, as well as in perfect harmony, and
everything around was as bright and gay as possible, save, perhaps,
the steward, who had fallen against the boiler and burned one of
his ears.
The first two miles sailed after the last canal lock had been
passed was not different from the trip through the swamp, for the
little stream which ran into the river from the canal had been
widened and straightened until it had almost ceased to be a natural
water-course. But when the yacht glided around a sharp curve of the
stream into the river, each one rubbed his eyes to assure himself
that he was awake, and not dreaming of some land enchanted by the
perfume and beauty of the flowers that were everywhere in the
greatest profusion. They had crept to the very tops of the tallest
trees, and then reaching down to the water, had left behind long,
beautifully colored wreaths; they hung from every branch, and
peeped from behind each tree trunk, disputing possession with the
long gray moss, that seemed suddenly to have grown pale because of
the almost overpowering perfume. Each side of the river seemed to
be a bank of flowers, from out of which the branches of the trees
rose like stems, while one could almost fancy the country one
immense dish of water, in which flowers had been placed profusely,
and that the wind had blown them apart, leaving a narrow channel
for the yacht.
In the midst of such beauty the _Toby_ seemed suddenly to have
grown dingy-looking and dirty, and although she was at once decked
out in her brightest flags and most brilliant adornments, the
flowers put to blush any such feeble attempts at beautifying.
There was no question as to the truth of the statement that the
river was crooked; it was much as if some one had marked out a
number of W's, into which the water had flowed. It was necessary to
sail almost directly first toward one bank, and then back, in the
opposite direction, to the other, in order to keep in the channel;
but no one regretted the devious course that made the journey
longer, since the way was through the flower-trimmed trees on water
so smooth and mirror-like that the foliage appeared as if painted
on it.
Sometimes, when sailing around a bend in the river, the voyagers
would come suddenly upon the gnarled and bleached trunk of some
gigantic tree that uprose from amid the blooming forest like a
withered stalk in a bouquet, causing everything around it to look
more bright and cheerful because of the contrast.
There had been times during the journey when the yacht did not move
through the water fast enough to satisfy some of the party, but
during this sail there was not one who did not regret he was
leaving so quickly a river so beautiful as this.
Although the Pasquotank is a charming stream throughout its entire
course, its banks are not thus literally lined with flowers more
than ten miles, but after that the scenery is sufficiently
beautiful to make it interesting without approaching so near to
enchantment.
When the _Toby_ was about ten miles from Elizabeth City a
draw-bridge was seen just ahead. It was not different from most
other bridges, and yet it was approached with wonder and curiosity,
for on it were nearly as many negroes as could be crowded there
without too much risk that some of them would fall overboard. There
were old men and women, young men and girls, and children of all
ages, from a good-sized boy down to the tiniest and blackest of
darky babies. Perhaps they were surprised at seeing the little
yacht coming so swiftly toward them; certain it is that those on
the _Toby_ were surprised at seeing such a company, and awaited the
meeting with no small degree of curiosity.
"Is yer gwine ter 'Liz'beth?" asked an old gray-headed darky, as he
opened the draw of the bridge cautiously, as if he feared the yacht
might escape him if he made ready for her coming too quickly.
On being told that the yacht was on her way to Elizabeth, he,
assisted by nearly all present, told the reason of the assembling.
They were all anxious to reach the city in order to attend a
Conference which was to be held on the following day; the steamer,
due some hours earlier, had not arrived, and they were waiting for
her with many fears as to whether she would come during the day. As
soon as the story had been told, the entire party began to plead
that they be taken on board the _Toby_, with a force and
earnestness that resulted in a terrible din.
There was not room enough on the little boat for one-tenth of the
would-be passengers; but it was almost impossible to convince the
anxious ones of that most palpable fact, and after every one on the
yacht had screamed himself nearly hoarse in the effort, they were
made to understand that but five of the party could be taken. It
was comical, the sight they presented as they tried to decide as to
whom the fortunate ones should be; each one urged that he or she
was most needed at the Conference, and as each was overruled by the
rest, they would loudly urge their claims to the party on the
yacht, one old man proposing that he be taken on board, "an' leave
der odder fool niggers ter fight it out."
It was fully half an hour before the question was decided, and then
the _Toby_ went on her way, with an addition to her passenger list
in the shape of five as happy and inquisitive darkies as ever
sailed down the Pasquotank Paver. They peered in at the cabin,
careful not to touch anything, but anxious to see all the little
room contained; they examined the machinery in the engine-room
critically, while the oldest tried to explain how the boat could be
propelled by the confusing-looking assortment of steel rods and
bars. Then they went forward, where they gave themselves up to the
enjoyment of the hour, as enthusiastic in their praise of the
little steamer as one could wish they should be. After their
delight had subsided in a measure, they began to be troubled about
the amount they might be called upon to pay for their passage, but
all their joy returned when they were told no money would be
received. From that moment they were as happy as children, and
insisted on singing a great number of camp-meeting songs as a means
of showing their gratitude.
It was ten o'clock when the _Toby_ was made fast to the dock at
Elizabeth City, where the passengers were landed, evidently sorry
to leave the little boat, even though it was to a Conference they
were going.