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Museum of Wonder: John

John Maynard, Pilot.

History abounds in heroic deeds, one of which is recorded here in the story of the famous pilot of Lake Erie.

ENEATH the starless midnight, o'er the waste Of broad Ontario sped the steamer on, A mighty, tireless messenger of haste, Flinging from steadfast signal-lamps, that shone When they were far up the crag, and near the foundation of the wall, they heard the guards going their rounds, to see that all was safe in and about the castle. Ran- B dolph and his party had nothing for it but to lie close and quiet, each man under the crag, as he happened to be placed, and On stern and mast-head, streaming lights that glide trust that the guards would pass by without noticing them. And while they were waiting in breath- Had passed away; only the ponderous stroke less alarm, they got a new cause of fright.

Along the heaving waters at her side.

On deck, no sound the midnight silence broke; Voices of day's confusion, hurrying feet, Of engines, and the paddles' ceaseless beat, THE BURNING STEAMER "OCEAN QUEEN ON LAKE ONTARIO. دو (399) Went on; but o'er the crowd securely sleeping, Through the long hours, his vigilant watch is keeping The pilot, old John Maynard, rough and grim, Fronting the night, and slowly, steadily The helm controlling; storm and gloom to him Are naught, who had lived his life upon that sea; And, as he toils, upon his lips there stray Words of a song his child had sung that day.