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CHAPTER XIX.
IN WHICH THE READER IS INFORMED HOW MAJOR ROGER POTTER, IN LOVE OF
HIS COUNTRY, AND TO SUSTAIN THE HONOR OF HIS PROFESSION, DISPLAYED
HIS COURAGE DURING A STORM.
NOT a little disturbed, lest I should distrust the quality of his
valor, the major approached me shortly after we had set sail, and
having stroked his beard for a few seconds, said: "I do hope, sir,
you will not think it strange I did not use my sword to avenge the
insult offered me by the enemies who mixed up with my friends on the
wharf. But I am a man of discretion, and my forbearance was in
consideration of my friends, whose bodies might perchance gave got
scarred by the blows aimed at my foes. Being a friend and fellow
fortune seeker, I need have no scruple in saying to you, that I have
always held it an axiom, that all great men husband their valor
well, and never use it except with great discretion. In truth, and
as I hope to honor the profession to which I belong, it was the
exercise of that worthy discretion God implanted in my heart that
saved me from two duels, the consequences of which might have been
very bloody. I assure you, I have often thought how, if it had been
my fate to die in either of those sanguinary contests, my wife Polly
would have heen left to mourn the loss of a most excellent husband
and father. And yet I have just been thinking, how nothing in the
world would so much please me as to see the 'Two Marys' engaged in
battle with a Sound pirate, for then it would afford me an
opportunity of letting you see a little of the courage that
distinguished me when at the head of my regiment in Mexico."
The "Two Marys" was an exceedingly formidable craft, and very safe
in a sea, of which Captain Luke Snider, fashioning after those who
build very bad steamers for a very good natured government, never
failed to boast. Indeed, the "Two Marys," like several of our best
boasted war steamers, was not blessed with a capacity for speed, and
had only made forty miles' distance in three days, which fact was
ascertained by the log Luke's wife kept with a piece of chalk on the
top of the companion slide.
It was on the afternoon of the third day, then, that there arose a
terrible storm. The wind was in the south-west, and with a pelting
rain, the sea rose into such angry waves as to threaten serious
consequences to all on board, and more especially to old Battle, who
had quarters near the windlass bits, to which he was tied, and
where, notwithstanding the major's constant solicitude, he became so
lean of frame that a speedy dissolution was seriously apprehended.
And this great event, so disastrous to the major's future prospects,
would have been welcomed by Captain Luke, of whose deck he was
making sad havoc, and who had twice been heard to say he was only a
pack of useless bones, whose life would be better saved by his being
thrown overboard. The major overhearing this, was not a little
wounded in his pride, for he set great store by old Battle, and
declared him an inseparable part of his fortunes.
And now, while the "Two Marys" bowed her head to the sea, and shook
her great jib in the face of the wind, old Battle swung to and fro,
and could with great difficulty keep his feet, while his legs were
so swollen, that it required some effort to use them. The major
attributed the largeness of old Battle's legs to a rheumatic gout he
was at times troubled with, and which went far to show that he was a
horse of good constitution, who had been reared in the care of a
Christian gentleman of rank.
While there the animal stood shivering in the pelting storm,
presenting as forlorn a figure as could well be imagined, the major
descended into the cabin, and soon returned, bringing with him his
shattered saddle and holsters, and with an air that indicated an
amount of courage almost incalculable, soon had it girthed upon his
favorite animal. This done, he demanded the animal to stand firm,
and, with a self confident toss of the head, mounted, to the great
surprise of all who witnessed so curious an act of daring. He then
braced himself in his saddle, and commenced to look defiant in the
"teeth" of the gale. He had not, however, remained long in this
position, when a sharp sea struck the "Two Marys," causing her to
lurch to starboard, and prostrating old Battle broadside upon the
deck. Nor did the sea, which was mightier than the major, vouchsafe
the slightest respect for him, inasmuch as it sent him head foremost
against the knight heads, and with so much force, that, had not his
skull been thicker than an ordinary bombshell, there was no telling
how many fragments had been made of it. As the matter now stood, it
only added another proof to the many instances in which warriors owe
the preservation of their lives to the thickness of their skulls. "I
commend my soul to heaven, and call all present to bear witness that
I die forgiving my enemies," spoke, or rather groaned the major, as
his left hand rubbed convulsively over his haunches, and he cast an
imploring look upward at those who had gathered about him to render
succor. One of the sailors now picked him up in his arms, and laid
him upon the tarpaulin of the main hatch, when, certain restoratives
having been applied by Luke's wife, he soon began to scratch his
head, and exhibit such other signs of animation as made it certain
the country would not be deprived of his services just yet. Nor was
it many minutes after he had given out such strong proofs of his
willingness to meet death, when he looked piteously up at the good
woman, and begged her to get to his poor beast, who was groaning
loudly in his distresses, and render him such relief as his case
demanded.
Great efforts were now made to raise the poor animal from his
perilous position, which great work, to the no small joy of the
major, was effected by putting the "Two Marys" on the other tack.
Old Battle now shook the water from his mane, and as if to thank his
deliverers, gave out a loud neigh. And so suddenly did this bring
the major to his feet, in the full possession of his senses, that he
set about thanking heaven for its kind interposition in saving him
and his horse to his country, which now stood in such great danger
of being dissolved into fragments, that his whole energies would be
required to save it. Another thankful look cast upon those about
him, and he spake and said it was, after all, but an interposition
of Providence, merely for the purpose of showing how many trials
great politicians had to overcome, and how necessary it was that
they have heads like New Hampshire oak. And while the docile animal
did penance in the teeth of the pelting storm, the major, his legs
seeming to have shortened with the fall, staggered aft, and
approaching me with a confidential air, said: "I respect the great
reputation you have made, young man. And I think you will admit that
it required no small amount of valor even to attempt such a feat as
you have just witnessed. I have read many histories of great men,
and they were all liable to accidents at times. But if I did not
achieve what I undertook, you must bear in mind the fact, which has
been established by certain philosophers who write in Putnam's
Magazine, that the terrors of war are nothing to the terrors of
disgrace and dishonor; and to face such a sea, mounted upon such a
charger, was quite equal to advancing upon the artillery of an
enemy. Now, upon my word, I am not so much bruised after all; and as
the accident was not from any want of courage in me, I will
presently give you an opportunity of seeing what sort of metal Major
Potter is made of." Here the major paused as if to regain his
thoughts, and thrust his hands into the ample pockets of his
trowsers. Suddenly he remembered that he had remounted without a
bridle, to which strange oversight he charged all that had happened.
"Some look upon the good fortunes of others only to bewail their own
condition in life, but such never was my course. I hold fame a
golden treasure, which diligence can unlock, notwithstanding what is
said by our great men of the little newspapers, who, like slighted
lovers, always have a portfolio filled with mournful complaints
against the world in general, especially if it mind its own
business, and seem inclined to peace." The major concluded these
remarks, for which Captain Luke Snider was inclined to set him down
as not so shallow pated after all, and hastened into the cabin, for
the storm had somewhat subsided, and brought forth his bridle, which
he had on his faithful horse in a trice. "Pray, good friend," said
I, "heed well what you do, for a good life saved is worth the
reward. And if you should be thrown into the sea, heaven save the
mark, what is to become of the nation?"
"A man in public life, especially if he have rank in the military,
should always prove his valor to those he is called upon to serve;
and as there are many ways of doing it, I have chosen this one as
preferable to all others. You must, therefore, shake off your
suspicions, and take notice of what I do, that you may bear
testimony of my courage, whenever you are called upon to do so. I
say this, knowing how curiously officious on matters of physical
development are the New York politicians, among whom we shall mix,
though we must take heed lest, like dogs and crows, they fall upon
and devour us." He now shrugged his shoulders, and, with an air of
resumed courage, again mounted his faithful beast, and, heedless of
the remonstrances and entreaties of Captain Luke's wife, braced
himself firmly in his saddle, drew up the reins, and sat facing the
storm until he was drenched to the skin. I now began to fear he
would get benumbed, and falling into the sea become a victim to his
courage; but on approaching him, and appealing to him to desist,
assuring him that the country could ill spare so great and wonderful
a politician, he merely wiped the water from his eyes and declared
his determination not to give in, but to continue thus showing the
fixedness of his purpose, until the good woman called him to supper.
Fortunately an incident happened, which relieved him of the peril in
which he had placed himself, in order to sustain what he called the
pride and honor of his profession, and it was this: While he was
thus valiantly seated in his saddle, cutting so sorry a figure that
every parson in the parish would, had he been seen by them, set
about offering up a prayer for his soul, there appeared to windward,
and bearing directly down upon us, a large brig under full sail. She
came dashing on over the sea, and soon it became evident to all on
board the "Two Marys" that there was danger of a collision with the
stranger, who was a deeply laden Boston packet, speeding on at no
less a pace than ten knots an hour. At first, the major affected not
to partake of the alarm which had seized upon those on board, and
said he rather relished such opportunities of displaying what he
always held to be true manliness; but as the stranger approached
nearer and nearer, nor swerved a hair from her course, the major was
seen to cast an anxious look now and then at the companion way, as
if he hoped to be abundantly rewarded for his valor by retreating to
the cabin. A few minutes more, and the stranger's ponderous bows
rose majestically over the seas, and bore down upon us with a
velocity that threatened destruction to all on board. Being now so
near that objects upon her deck were plainly visible, the major took
off his hat, and, with quick gestures, commenced making signals for
her to keep off. But, as if unconscious of being admonished by so
distinguished a major and politician, the stranger varied not a hair
from her course, but bounded forward, as if determined to come
athwart of the "Two Marys," to the ruin of Captain Luke Snider and
his good wife. Seeing this, the major looked confusedly for a few
seconds, then alighted with extraordinary agility, and retired to
the cabin, saying he would get his sword and be prepared to give the
fellow a warm reception, since he believed him a Sound pirate, in
search of plunder. Instead, however, of returning with his sword, he
thought it as well to imitate the course pursued by so many of our
valiant politicians, and quietly took a seat upon one of the
lockers, where he waited with breathless suspense, as if expecting
every minute to see the stranger's cutwater pierce the quarter of
the "Two Marys." As for old Battle, he had left him with a
benediction, to which he now added sundry prayers for his
deliverance. It was not, he said, because he had any very strong
fears of death, but solely in consideration of what his country
would suffer by his loss.
And while the major was thus offering up his devotions, the strange
brig ran close down to the "Two Marys," close hauled her sails, and
passed astern with a sort of coquettish contempt for so small a
craft. In truth, she mistook the sloop for a fisherman, and bore up
for her in the hope of procuring some fresh caught cod; but finding
she was mistaken, was glad enough to be rid of her.
"Upon my word," ejaculated the major, with an air of regained
courage, for he was certain the stranger must have passed, "just let
the fellow come; and if his timbers be not like iron, Major Potter
will give them a shivering." The major now took down his sword, and
making several strokes, as if to test the strength of his arm, swore
not to lose so excellent an opportunity of making mince meat of
every rascal who dared to molest the "Two Marys." Again appearing
upon deck, he cast several anxious glances to windward, and then,
having given his head a significant toss, inquired what had become
of the stranger. "Pray, look the right way, and be not deceived with
your eyes open," spoke Captain Snider, giving his head a toss, and
pointing astern. "Magic, and nothing else, got him so far out of
reach in so short a space," re--the major, with a flourish of his
sword, at the same time declaring his readiness to give old Battle
and the gifted pig, if the "Two Marys" would but go in chase of her.
"Faith, sir, I think it would be as well to let peace reign between
you; for though the "Two Marys" is as staunch a craft as ever
floated, and might with safety be put upon the chase, I am not so
sure what time she would come up. And if you will be cool for the
present, I promise in due time you shall have a chance at an enemy
big enough to test your metal; but it must not be said that blood
has been shed on board of my packet; for I am a poor man, and,
heaven save us, if I should be brought to trial in New York, but it
would go hard with me, for I have heard it said that there the rich
may murder, but the poor only are punished for such crimes."
"As you are absolute in command," rejoined the major, with a low
bow, "and refuse me this opportunity of showing my skill as a
soldier, perhaps it is as well, seeing that discretion is always the
better part of valor, and in consideration of what I have already
achieved, I may put up my sword until larger game offers."
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Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis
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