Museum of Wonders, or Curiosities of the World

A cabinet of curiosities in book form, 1890: monsters of the ancient world, wild animals, queer wanderers in the vasty deep, famous inventions and sublime scenery — assembled to astonish the young and, the preface admits, their elders too.

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Hannah F. Gould: Kreamer

Notwithstanding the slight chance of rescuing the unfortunate little fellow, Charles Kreamer, as soon as the yawl was seen to enter the current, set out in a skiff to rescue him. The storm breaking, however, Mr. Kreamer found it impossible to manage the skiff, and was obliged to put back to shore for assistance.

Meanwhile the yawl which carried the boy had been drawn rapidly down to a point dangerously near the chute, and he had jumped out and alighted in a place where the water was very shallow.

Here the yawl was carried away from him, and thinking the water all about him shallow, he ventured to gain a secure retreat upon the rocks that were above the surface, but stepping on a ledge, he sank neck deep, and only saved himself from being swept under by clutching at and securing a hold upon a large rock.

To this the poor boy clung tenaciously, unable as he was, from the swiftness of the current and the violence of the storm, to change his position without imminent danger of being carried over the falls and dashed to pieces. He had been clinging to the rocks but a short time, when he suddenly beheld Kreamer in a skiff bearing down toward him.

His heart leaped with joy at the sight, and by a desperate effort he succeeded in waving one little arm toward the approaching boat, in which Kreamer stood tossing a hat in the hope of securing the boy's attention, the child being as yet unobserved by him. The heart of the poor boy sank again as he saw that Kreamer could not see him, and that the skiff was turning back, unable to contend with the turbulent elements. Full half an hour passed away, and still the child clung to the rock.

His strength was rapidly failing, and he grew weak in shouting for help that he believed would never come.

Another dreadful half hour dragged itself away and still the storm raged, and still no sign of aid appeared.

Kreamer, drenched to the skin, reached the shore, and with George McBride had again started out to rescue the boy, but they could make but little headway against the elements. Fortunately, just as the poor child was about to loose his hold and sink forever, a boat bearing a couple of fisherman, Charles Elmer and William Wadel, hove in sight, and was soon beside the drowning boy, who as he was lifted into the boat, had hardly strength to ejaculate: "My God, men, I'm glad you've come!"

Kreamer and McBride soon after came up, and the boy was placed in their boat and brought to the Louisville side, where restoratives, promptly applied, soon brought him to.

It was ascertained that the little fellow had clung to the rock which saved him full an hour and a half.

B The Low-backed Car.

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