The Bessemer Indicator

FOOD NOT IN SIXTEEN DAYS.

Sufferings of a Stowaway on the Voyage From Baltimore to Bordeaux.

A remarkable adventure of hardship coupled with human endurance was related to a Baltimore Sun man by Captain Evans, of the British steamship William Anning, which arrived some days ago with iron ore from St. Jago, Cuba. The case occurred upon the trip between Baltimore and Bordeaux, France. The Anning sailed from Baltimore with a full cargo of wheat. On the sixteenth day out the chief officer reported to Captain Evans that there were strange sounds in No. 3 hatch, which could be heard at intervals. The sounds continued until all on board were more or less impressed with the necessity of investigating what were thought by some to be spirit rappings, as all conceded that no human being could be in the small space between the bagged wheat and the iron deck above. At last Captain Evans decided to investigate.

The battens and tarpaulins were removed and one of the hatches was taken off. Suddenly an emaciated man, who looked like a maniac, struggled on deck. He looked about and then made a rush for the ship's side, panting like a person who is driven wild by thirst. Seeing that the cool water of the sea had allured the man, Captain Evans ordered his crew to seize him. Then water was given the man in small quantities, notwithstanding his piteous appeals for more. Brandy and water were also administered to him with good effect. As soon as possible Captain Evans drew out the man's story and recorded his name, home and age in case he should die before reaching land.

He said he belonged to Denmark and had stowed away on the Anning in Baltimore. When he hid in the hold he had one loaf of bread and a small can of water which he thought would be sufficient until the vessel reached sea, when he intended to come from his hiding place. To his astonishment, when the hatch was fastened he saw his last chance for liberty cut off, and he made the voyage in the dark under the most terrible suspense and agony. Much that he told Captain Evans of his experience was awful to hear. He had probably fasted the whole time, except the first day of his imprisonment. He tried to eat wheat from the cargo, but his mouth produced no saliva and he could not masticate the grain.

Captain Evans kindly cared for the man. When Bordeaux was reached he went ashore with the determination to walk to his home in Denmark. Captain Evans thinks if he could spend seventeen days in the ship's hold he would be equal to the task before him.