Not a soul on board believed that Paul would last in the gale
half an hour after she broke out, and the captain blamed himself keenly
for letting him go. The steamer did not succeed is reaching Queenstown
harbor until noon next day. When the lighter came along side for the
mails a man passed a telegram up to the captain. He feverishly tore it
open and found with great relief that it was from Paul.
"Thank God that he is safe," he exclaimed, and he then read it aloud to
the passengers.
Cheer after cheer went up as the news was spread along the decks. Having
discharged her mail and passengers for Ireland, the Queen resumed her
way to Liverpool, while the lighter steamed into Queenstown. Evidences
of the ravages of the storm were visible on all sides. Dismantled ships,
unroofed houses and vessels ashore told the story of its force in that
vicinity. It was afterwards ascertained that fifty-six vessels were lost
in the same storm on the southern coast of Great Britain that night.
When the lighter reached Queenstown, the passengers were full of
excitement in regard to Paul's wonderful feat and they spread the story
broadcast both in Queenstown and Cork. To their disgust, they found
that the people disbelieved them and laughed at them saving:
"This is a fine Yankee yarn you are springing on us now.
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