READY FOR HIS OPPORTUNITY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVII, Issue XXII, 28 November 1896, Page 127

READY FOR HIS OPPORTUNITY.

Never was a better story told of being ready to seize an opportunity than that of the pilot on a certain ferryboat. The pilot was at one time a bootblack and often crossed to the other side on the boats. It was his delight to watch the pilot and engineer at work. Particularly was he fascinated by the engineer's manoeuvres in getting the boat into the slip, and this interest on his part stood him in good stead at one time. ‘We were unusually crowded,' says the pilot, ‘on the trip when my stroke of good luck took place, both gangways running past the engine-room being choked up with horses and waggons.

‘ Most of the drivers had gone forward, and I sat in my usual place on the ledge at the engine-room door alone. Bang ! the first bell sounded to reduce her to half speed, and I glanced around to watch the engineer shut off steam He was sitting facing the engine in his armchair. his chin in his hand, and his arm resting on the side of the chair.

‘I was surprised to see that he made no move, and thinking he was asleep, I ran in to shake him. Bv this time the pilot evidently thought something was wrong, and the big bell sounded twice, meaning, as you probably know, to stop the engine. I could not make the engineer move, and without hesitating I stepped across to the engine, and grasping the wheel, I shut off the steam and disconnected the eccentrics.

‘ Of course the engine stopped, and the pilot, thinking everything was all right, commenced to send down his signals. I was a little frightened—more at the idea of my working the big engine than at making any mistake, for I knew exactlv what to do.

‘ Well, we had some trouble making the slip, and I had to back her out. I can tell you. working that lever bar was no easy job. Then came the sharp tingle for full speed, and shortly I had her well out into the river. Then came the bells to stop her, and again to reverse and go ahead under half speed ‘ By that time I was very tired, but no longer nervous, and when we again neared the slip and the welcome bell to stop the engine sounded, I was very glad. The double signal to back water came, and I pushed the lever bar up and down twice before 1 got my last signal to stop. ‘ When I heard the rattle of the chains as they tied her in the slip I was worn out, and it seems to me I must have fainted, for when I came to, it was in the presence of the pilot, and some of the officers of the line. They told me the engineer had died of heart disease ; and in recognition of my services they placed me at school and gratified my ambition to become a pilot, as you see.’