Natalie | Page 2

spray from its little face, wrapped it in a large
bandana, and gave it to the faithful Vingo, while he took his glass and
scanned the distant horizon; for well did he know, though even at
noon-day, that one more unfortunate bark had gone down near that
dread "Nantucket shoal," upon which so many noble hearts have found
a watery grave. "I see nothing," said the Captain, "nothing, not even a
passing sail; which is quite uncommon at this season, when so many
vessels are constantly passing and repassing our island; not even the
light-boat do I see, which is probably owing to a fog coming in from
the sea, as yet imperceptible to us here. Poor fellows! I fear they have
gone down without a soul to help them! It seems hard when there are so
many stout hearts and ready arms here, willing to risk their lives in the
attempt to save. Those shoals, Vingo, are the only unkind thing there is
about our cherished island; but the will of God be done. Truly his ways
are unsearchable."
"Den you tinks, massa, dis little sea-flower was left here trough mistake,
by de Lord?"
"It most assuredly was left here by the Lord, Vingo, but not by mistake.
The fact is, my boy, there has been a wreck off to the east south-east of
the island; probably some vessel has mistaken her bearings, or, being
unacquainted with the coast, has run on to the shoals and gone to pieces;
and this infant was made fast to the first floatable object that could be
found, and with a mother's dying prayer for a rudder, and the hand of
Him who guides us all at the helm, she has come to us here; and with
eyes of heaven's own blue, she silently asks for that protection which

shall not be withheld from her so long as it shall be within my power to
give. And now, Vingo, boy, you may turn the horse's head for the
town."
"Yes, massa."
And though some fifty years had passed over the old negro's head, he
sprang with the agility of boyhood's days; although, as the poor fellow
often remarked, "he had a wonderful constitution for enduring rest," the
thought of his good missus's surprise, when she should learn of their
morning's adventure, gave him new life, and he fairly danced about the
beach for joy. Seated in the spring-cart, Captain Grosvenor took the
babe in his arms, that had now fallen into a quiet sleep, while Vingo,
perching himself first on one foot and then the other, to keep his
balance, gathered up the reins, and all started for home.
"I am tinking, massa, dat my missus be quite ober-much-come at de
sight of dis little sea-flower."
"Yes, boy; yes, sea-flower indeed. I have travelled the wide world from
stem to stern, but never have I met with such an emblem of innocence
before." And though the hardy sea-captain had spent the greater part of
his life among the whales, he stooped down and pressed his lips to the
brow of the unconscious sleeper.
"Luff off there a little, Vingo; keep to the right; these bare commons
are not the easiest grounds to ride over, though with a light spring-cart
like this one can navigate with some degree of comfort. The broad
ocean is the place, after all. Give me the old ship Tantalizer, and I am at
home. Take the glass, Vingo, and see if you can make out whether the
steamboat is in sight or not."
"Cannot eben make de staff, massa. Ah! now I sees him; de flag is up,
old Massachusetts am in sight."
"She will be in early to-day. Travels decently fast, considering she is all
out of joint. I hope we shall get a new steamer some day; then we may
keep posted with what is going on in the outer world."

"Yes, massa, people tink we a piece ob de continent den."
An hour's ride brought our worthy captain to his own door, where stood
Mrs. Grosvenor, with her son Harry, their only child, of seven years,
awaiting him.
"You have made a long stay at the shore this morning, my husband; but
if these little excursions will deter you from making a longer voyage, I
will not complain."
"Yes, wife, yes; but for a peace offering I have brought to you a gem
from among the sea-weeds."
"My dear husband, where can you have found this child?" and tears
were in the eyes of the lady as she received the little unknown from his
arms.
"Is it for you? to be yours, mother? Mother, may it stay with us here?"
asked Harry; and in his delight he stumbled over old Neptune, who was
stretched at full length upon