354 ISLES OF SUMMER. 
They no doubt would have had less pleasant dreams if they had 
known or suspected that the ship all the time was gradually set- 
tling down dceper and deeper in the water. I sent up signal 
rockets of distress, and kept the crew busy. All the life boats 
were made ready for immediate use, and when every practicable 
measure to ensure the preservation of life had been taken, the 
passengers were awakened and informed of the condition of the 
ship, and of the steps I had taken to prevent any loss of life. 
Although greatly surprised, and somewhat excited, there was no 
panic, and all behaved well. Inthe dim morning light, a steamer, 
that had noticed our signals, was seen in the distance approaching. 
Her captain, upon learning our condition, agreed to receive us 
on board, and didso. The transfer was quietly and safely effect- 
ed. No boat was swamped, and everything passed off as quietly 
as a military dress parade. After the personal safety of all the 
passengers and crew was assured, I proposed, as my ship was still 
afloat, to make an effort to save the baggage. This I succeeded. 
in doing; but I had no sooner returned with the last boat-load. 
of trunks, when the abandoned steamer sank out of sight.” 
The quiet, modest way in which Captain Stevens described this 
thrilling episode in his life upon the ocean, in connection with 
the facts of the case as he had described them, very favorably. 
impressed us. Coolness and courage in time of peril must accom- 
pany.and supplement sagacity, prudence and a thorough knowl- 
edge of one’s business, in order to qualify a man to properly fill 
the responsible position which he occupied. 
Little Sankey was included among our passengers. He was 
the protegé of the captain, who, having been attracted by his. 
shining qualities, concluded to transplant the little tropical 
negro, and see what effect cultivation upon American soil would. 
produce. Good citizens are sometimes made out of less promising 
materials, Having become acquainted with many of the passen-. 
