92 



FISHERMEN'S OWN BOOK. 



The Fisher-Boy in the Storm. 



The above spirited picture illustrates a narrative given by an English 

 fisherman. At that time he resided in one of the fishing towns on that 

 coast, and the lad, fourteen years of age, the only son of his widowed mother, 

 got so well used to managing his father's boat, that in the event of not 

 being able to get any one to accompany him, he would, in pleasant weather, 

 run off on the grounds alone and catch his fare of fish. 



One day he started out with the rest of the boats, and running off farther 

 than most of them, succeeded in catching an extra fare. Just as he was 

 about getting ready to run in, a terrible storm suddenly came on. The other 

 boats being nearer in, ran for the land and escaped the worst of it ; but he, 

 poor fellow, having to get underway alone, was exposed to the full fury of 

 the storm. Anxious eyes watched his coming, and some of the fishermen 

 volunteered to go out after him. The little fellow lost his hat, but not his 

 courage. With a fair wind he kept her well before it, minding well his 

 helm, as his father had taught- him. The lightning's livid flashes and the 

 roar of the thunder were not calculated to make his situation very agree- 

 able ; but he heeded them not, and carried her bravely in, clearing the bar 

 and running her safely up to the landing place. Here he was met by his 

 anxious mother, who clasped her darling to her breast, thanking God for his 

 safe return. 



