The Golden Argosy: Tom Gale's Ride — page 12: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ee JULY 23, 1887. THE GOLDEN ARGOSY. Se nem, ~ eSpace on the point of pvshing the reversing lever over still further, when he saw it was not necessary. Underneath the pasteboard mask, the youngster laughed heartily at the terror of the knaves who were so quick to leap from the engine. He let the steam into the cylinders as fast as they would stand it, and in a very brief space Forty-Nine was flying over the rails toward Rapidan. Jack snatched off the false face and slipped it into the box, from which he took his cap and donned it, then gave his entire attention to running the engine. Young as he was, he had seen his father handle it so often (and indeed had been allowed to do it himself under the parent’s eye), that he had little trouble in covering such a short distance. Had the run been longer, necessitating the use of more coal and water, he might have found the task diffi- cult, if not impossible. Great was the excitement when he brought the locomotive to a halt at the Rapidan station and briefly told his story. A large force of men were speedily collected, an engineer and fireman quickly summoned into service, and inside of half an hour Forty-Nine with a car attached was dash- ing back to the Bear Swamp to the rescue. With what success has been told already. Young Jack received a handsome reward from the shippers of the gold, and his father (who of course understood who the ‘‘shost” on Forty-Nine was, the moment he saw the engine start) was highly com- plimented for his coolness and presence of mind, He served on the road until his 1n- creasing years and infirmities compelled his retirement on a pension, and I am happy to say that he is still living hale and hearty, having some time since passed the mark of three score and ten. As for Jack—well, I dare not say much about him, lest you should set to work and unearth his identity, for which he wonld never forgiveme. Possibly, if you have at- tended any of the picnics or entertainments of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engi- neers, you may have seen the handsome, smiling Jack with his wife and little boy, who although only five years of age is an- other “ chip of the old block.” —__——_-+ 4 % A FISH THAT RUNS AWAY WITH A SHIP. WHEN we take into account the various sav- age monsters that inhabit the depths of the seu, rendered doubly awful and mysterious by the opaque nature of the element in which they dwell, we should make some allowance for the proverbial superstition of the sailor. A fresh contribution to the stories of ocean terrors is made by a correspondent of the Commercial Advertiser, who introduces to our notice the so called blanket fish, a name of it- self ominously suggestive of smothering. The first description is given in the words of a Mexican half-breed, once a Pacific pearl diver. “T have left the business,” he began, ‘‘and have done with it for good or bad. It’s a dog’s life, this diving, and I would not go back toit for anything you could offer. Why? Well, I am tired of it, end I was covered with a blan- ket fish on my last trip down, and the second time means death. Am I sure?” and the half- breed smiled. ‘‘ Well, I never knew it to fail. There were Ramoles, Narra, Nalona, all from my family, killed by the blanket fish, and every one had his warning. “T have seena good many of them in my time, but I was never cornered except once, and that was a year ago. I was one of the wirty that went to the pearl grounds in the Ponti de, the boat that was never heard from after her next cruise. It came my turn to go down, and over I went: but as soon as I got down I felt that something was wrong, that something was going to happen as soon as I struck the bottom. “TI landed among a fine lot of pearl shells, and had begun to fill my basket, when all at once I noticed a darkening about me and looked up. I saw what appeared to be a blanket slowly settling down over me. I knew a chance, so I crowded down close to the bottom, hoping the fish wouldn’t see me, and by luck it didn’t. Just as it was ten or twelve feet off something alarmed it, and it darted away. “T was hauled up more dead than alive. I judged that the fish was at least thirty feet across, and if it had settled on me nothing could have saved me.” “This blanket fish,” said an American later on, “is nothing more nor less than a big ray— the manta diabolis of science, and these yarns, though founded on fact, are a good deal overdrawn, though I am willing to eon- fess that I have been as badly scared as the Mexican, “Some time ago I was down the coast on a trip, and one evening I saw what I supposed to be ashark sailing about near the vessel. Wns to have some sport I put out the t _ ‘ small it, and taking two or three men, pulled over toit. Asitcame byI put a har- poon into it, The next moment there arose from the water a ray that must have been twenty-five feet across at least. It looked as big as a house, and as soon asit showed up my men screamed out, ‘the blanket fish.’ They were Mexicans, and half seared to death. **‘A moment later we were rushing over the water faster than I ever went, before or since. The fish took us up the little bay, then turned and came down toward the schooner, going like a steam engine. We piled up in the stern to keep her from sinking. Just as we got opposite the schooner the fish drove right under her about amidships. Before we could make a move to east off we struck the schoon- er. “To make along story short we found our- selvesin the water alongside. The rope had broken and the blanket fish gone. The foree of the contact had smashed the cutwater of the boatin pieces. “The divers have an idea that these fish settle down on you, as they havea very broad surface and a peculiar undulating motion in the water, using the side fins like wings. They are almost as powerfulas a large whale, and one twenty-five feet across could un- doubtedly move off with a large ship. In al- most every locality where they are found stories are told ef their carrying off vessels. ‘Several instances of this have happened in the Gulf of Mexico, where devil fish, as they are called there, have run off with smacks and small fishing vessels during the night. In one instance askipper ‘ turnedin’ at night in a barbor and awoke in the morning to find himself out of sight of land, a big devil fish having run foul of the anchor and gone out of the channel so silently that none of the crew noticed it.” Tampa bay, Florida, is a famous place for these monsters of the deep, and oftenschools of a dozen or more are seen swimming about in circles. These rays are among the largest fishes known. Twoimmense fins extend out from each side, while from the tail projects a long lash-like whip, capable of doing severe execution. The writer was once poling a boat over the Florida reefs in the vicinity of Key West, when a comrade, who had been sitting astride the cut-water dangling his feet in the water, threw himself back into the boat with a yell of pain, while a huge black ray darting off over the white sand told the story. Both of his feet were cut almost to the bone. The weapon that produced the iniury was a deli- cate whip-like lash, smaller than a man’s lit- tle finger. On still nights, in sub-tropical regions, the rays are often chased by sharks, and leap from the water in their attempts to escape. falling with a tremendous crash. The man- eating sharks, with their thick skins, are safe from their attacks, and often bite out great pieces from the side fins of the monsters. San Pedro and the various watering places from San Diego north, the ray family makes itself d reeably conspicuous. The smaller have a habit idin; 1 eet, while others rid : electr batteries, which ass rarely give the fishermen powerful shocks. [have known aman to be disabled for several days by harpooning one. The shock given by these fishes has been compared to thatofa single Leyden jar, and _ be plainly felt by fifty persons in a cir- cle. HOW WE GROW. THOSE of our readers who question us about the average height and weight of boys and girls will read with interest the following particulars from the Popular Science Monthly. The rate of growth in childrén vaties ac- eording to sex. Thus at the ageof 11 and 12 years, boys are larger and heavier than girls ; but from that age on, the evolution of the girls is more rapid, and they soon over- take the boys and pass them, till the age of 15 years is reached,,when the boys regain the ascendaney, while the girls remain nearly stationary. A curious relation has been discovered he- tween the growth of children in stature and in weight. . Malling-Hansen, Direetor of the Deaf and Dumb Institution at Copenha- gen, has for three years weighed and meas- ured his pupils daily; and he has observed that their growth does not take place regu- larly and progressively, but by stages separa- ted by intervals of rest. eight also in- creases i f agree after intervals of equilib- rium. While the — is increasing, the stature remains nearly stationary, and vice versa. The maximum of increase of stature corresponds with « minimum period of aug- mentation of weight, ‘The vital forces appear not to work on both sides at once. These variations are subject to the influ- eace of the seasons. During Autumn and early Winter, according to M. Malling-Han- sen, the child accumulates weight, while his stature increases slowly; but during spring, stature receives a veritable push, while weight increases but little. me local habits have an influence on the stature. Stendhal remarked that many Ro- man girls had deformed vertebral columns, or were a little hump-backed, and found that it was the result of a popular belief prevail- ingin Rome that parents could promote the growth of their children by punching them in the back! —————_¢ 0¢—_____ A POISONED LAKE. NaTuRE isa subtlechemist. Foodand pois- on, it has often been remarked, are near akin, and so many slight changes in the air we breathe, the water we drink, or the meat we eat would destroy human life, that it is won- derful to reflect how rare are such cases of wholesale poisoning as that recorded below. The waters of Dawho Lake, in Georgetown ‘County, South Carolina, were recently infect- Sot: Bs | the eee ai ocie Ines for bathers 100 S72”, Pictures, 1 Box Fine Note RANFORD PRINTING Co., Branford, Conn. | jtg Gublice Anpeny ee ! ed by some mysterious agency, which killed a vast number of fishes. An investigation was made, and the result was thus reported: A dense mass of black gum trees surround the lake on all sides. It is well known that the leaves of these trees are strongly impreg- nated with tannie acid. It has also been as- certained that the bottom of the lake contains aslight deposit ofiron. The poisoning of the water, therefore, is thus explained: The hail storm filled the lake with bruised leaves and small branches from the trees, the tannic acid emanating from which mingled with the iron and formed tannate of iron, causing the water to turn black as ink and bitter as quinine, and pvisoning the fish by thousands, One species of the fish inhabiting this lake survived the singular disaster, and that was the mud-fish, which buried itself in the mud at the bottom, and thus escaped the effects of the poison. The stench arising from the mass of dead and rotten fish is deseribed as fearful. The thousands of buzzards in taking their depar- ture in the evening for their roosting place after a day’s feast are described as making a ee similar to that of an approaching cy- clone. Near each end of Dawho Lake, about halfa wile distant,‘is « small lakein which numbers of fish abound, but which upon examination shows no signs of the hail storm which swept over Dawho. This confirms the belief that the direct cause of the disaster to the fish is due to the hail storm. Om - The Civil Service Reformers say their object is simply to retain good men in office when you find them. This theory may be safely applied to the treatment of the human system by means of medicine. Those who have once tried Dr. Pierce’s ‘**Golden Medical Discovery” for scrofulous swellings and sores, loss of flesh and rd weak lungs, spitting of blood and consumption, will apply to it the real prin- ciple of Civil Service Reform and ‘‘hold fast to that which is good.”"—Ady. —_—- - 0 GH -—— FITS.—All Fits stopped tree by Dr. KRline’s Great Nerve Restorer. No Fits after first day’s use. Mar- velous cures. Treatise and $2.00 trial bottle free to Fit cases. Send to Dr. Kline, 931 Arch St., Phila., Pa.—Ady. —--- —- -- oosgo —-— —— A Wonderful Machine and Offer. To introduce them, we will give away 1,000 Self-Operat- ing Washing Machines. No labor or wash-board. The best in the world. If you want one, write now to THE NATIONAL CO., 25 Dey St., N. Y.—Adv. -_—— HOH ---——-—-—_— Since Ladies have been Accustomed to use Glenn’s Sulphur Soap in their toilet, their personal at- tractions have been multiplied. and it is seldom the are seen disfigured with blotches and pimples, or roug or coarse *kins. Sold by druggists. sacl s ate and Whisker Dye—Black and Brown, .—Ady, — —- — eee LL make money by selling our latest. Sample 25c. : a , Box 244, Long Island City. la replying to this adv. mention Golden Argosy. s ‘ig . Cards 10¢. In replying to this adv. mention ae ee This 18K. Rolled Gold plate Ring and 16p Sample Card Album,only 17c. W. C. GRISWOLD, Centerbrook, Ct. In reps) sng to this adv. mention Golden Argosy. a 1 Stone Ring, 1 Bund Ringe, 275 Scrap Pie. tures & Verses, Book of Poems, Book Flir- tations, 40 Agt’s Samples, All 10c. AUSTIN CARD CO., New Haven, Ct. In replying to this ady. mention Golden Argosy, a _ cceenmenanmeemement ey AND PLENTY OF IT! #10 every day. Don’t wait. Send Ze, stamp for outfit at once. J. R. SLOANE & CO., Hartford, Ct. In replying to this adv. mention Golden Argosy. $I (), coln Club Puzzle before June Ist. This offer is made in good faith to introduce this fascinating puzzle. Over 1000 already sold. Send 18 cts. postage and try for the prize. L. €. P. Co.. Drawer 27, New Haven, Conn. a reenter nen IN a WILL BE PAID fs who sends us a correct solution of The Lin- EVERY MONTH. to ony ne Shots In replying to this adv. mention Golden Argosy willing to work. Our business is new, easy and very pleasant. We have nts who $10 are clearing $15 a day, others $5 an even- t ing. We furnish costly outfits free © those who | mean business. For Ob gente and permanent work we have something can not be equaled. Write 161 La Salle St., Chicago, DL In replying to this adv. mention Golden Argosy. TO STOUT PEOPLE. ESITY easily, and certainly cured, - without ba op os acosching Gries. A valuable treatise, showing how fat can be destroyed (not merely lessened) and the cause removed, together with the pre. scription, advice,and full explanation HOW TO ACT, sentin plain, sealed envelope, on receipt offour stamps. ‘*The only common-sense work on corpulencveverissued.’’-Med. Review Address E. K. LYNTON, 19 Park Place, New York, In replying to this adv. mention Golden Argosy. A BINDER FOR THE ARGOSY We have now ready a neat binder for filing the successive issues of THE GOLDEN ARGOSY as they appear from week to week. Ii is not a mere device for fastening the papers together at the back, but takes the form of a regular book cover, with the name “ THE GOLDEN AR- GOSY,’’ stamped in gilt lettering on the side. Each binder holds fifty-two numbers, or a com- plete volume; it keeps the paper neat and clean, and is extremely handy. We are prepared to furnish it in two styles; flexible press board, price 50 vents, or stiff ma- roon cloth, 60 cents. When ordered by mail, fifteen cents additional must be enclosed in each case to prepay postage. Full directions for use accompany each bi ; dress, FRANK A, MUNSEY, 81 Warren Street, New York, ~— 4 & 6 ont piesa ae ere oa D43 ama —— ee ee ee HA AILS YOU wT be Do you feel dull, languid, low-spirited, life- less, and indescribably miserable, h physi- cally and mentally; experience a sense of fullness or bloating after eating, or of ** gone- ness,’’ or emptiness of stomach in the morn- ing, tongue coated, bitter or bad taste in mouth, irregular appetite, dizziness, frequent headaches, blurred eyesight, ** floating specks ”’ before the eyes, nervous prostration or ex- haustion, irritability of temper, hot flushes, alternating with chilly sensations, or biting, transient pains here and there, cold feet, drowsiness after meals, wakefulness, or disturbed and unrefreshing sleep, constant, indescribable feeling of dread, or of impend- ing calamity ? f you have all, or any considerable number of these symptoms, you are suffering from that most common of American maladies— Bilious Dyspepsia, or Torpid Liver, associated with Dyspepsia, or Indigestion. The more complicated your has become, the greater the number and diversity of symp- toms. No matter what stage it has reached, Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery will subdue it, if taken according to direc- tions for a reasonable length of time. If not cured, complications multiply and Consump- tion of the Lungs, Skin Diseases, Heart Disease, Rheumatism, Kidney Disease, or other grave maladies are quite liable to set in and, sooner or later, induce a fatal termination. Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Dis- covery acts powerfully upon the Liver, and through that great blood-purif cleanses the system of all blood-taints and im- purities, from whatever cause lange It is equally efficacious in acting upon tho Kid- neys, and other excretory age | Races on b strengthening, and healing their d . pe an appetizing, restorative tonic, it Po pegnge digestion and nutrition, thereby building up both flesh and strength. In m al districts, this wonderful medicine has gained great celebrity in curing Fever and Ague, Chills and Fever, Dumb Ague, and kind diseases, Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Dis- covery CURES ALL HUMORS, ea SComsnns pated or Eru »tion, to the wo cro pie. -rheum, “ Fever-sores,’ peace Rou eee in short, all diseases cause by lood are conquered by this n r lili and Enla lands. Send ten cents in stamps for a large Treatise, with colored pl on Skin Diseases, or the same amount ora tise on Scrofulous Affections, «¢FOR THE BLOOD IS THE LIFE.” Thoroughly cleanse it by using Dr. Pierce's Golden Medical scovery, and good digestion, a fair skin, buoyant spirits, vital | strength and bodily health will be es CONSUMPTION, which is Scrofula of the Lungs, is arrested and cured by this remedy, if taken in the earlier stages of the disease. From its mar- velous power over this terribly fatal disease, when first offering this now world-famed rem- edy to the public, Dr. Pierce thought seriously of calling it his “*CONSUMPTION ” but abandoned that name as too restrictive for a medicine which, from its wonderful com- bination of tonic, or strengthening, alterativ or blood-cleansing, anti-bilious, ral, an nutritive A ag lg is unequ not only as a remedy for Consumption, but for all Chronic Diseases of the Liver, Blood, and Lungs. For Weak Lungs, Spitting of Blood, Short- ness of Breath, Chronic Nasal Catarrh, Bron- chitis, Asthma, Severe Coughs, and kindred affections, it is an efficient re A Sold by D at $1.00, or Six Bottles tO bon Send ten cents in stamps for Dr. Pierce's book on Consumption. Address, World’s Dispensary Medical Association, 663 Main St., BUFFALO, N. ¥. In replying to this adv. mention Golden Argosy. MAcle FRECKLE Cure “7 Promptly eradicates Freckles, Tan, Sun oth Patches, and alldiscolorations , TS “74 burn, ¥ with utinjury, €impartsto ri- Berone t & velvety softness, Sent by mailtea’ arTss part of the world for25c. The W. MiLLarp In replying to this adv. mention Gelden Argosy, PIMPLE BLACKHEADS AND s FLESH WORMS, *““MEDICATED CRKAM”’ is the ONLY KNOWN, harm pleasant and absolutely SURE and intallible ‘cure, tk positively and effectively removes ALL, clean, completel> and FOR GOOD IN A FEW DAYS ONLY, leaving the skin clear and unblemished always. For those who have no b