Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 21, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 November 1899 — SAVED BY A SONG. [ARTICLE]

SAVED BY A SONG.

Rescue Came as the Resnlt of a Sins* er’s Kfforta. When the English steamer Stella was wrecked on the Casquet rocks, on the 30th of March last, twelve women were put into a boat, which the storm whirled away Into the waters without a man to steer it, and without an oar which the women could use. All they could do was to sit still in the boat, and let the winds and waves carry them whither they would. They passed a terrible night, not knowing to what fate destiny was conducting them. Cold and wet, they must have been quite overcome but for the courage, presence of mind and musical gifts of one of their number. This one was Miss Marguerite Williams, a contralto singer of much ability, well known as a singer in oratorios. At the risk of ruining her voice, Miss Williams began to sing to her companions. Through the greater part of the night her voice rang over the waters. She sang as much of certain wellknown oratorios as she could, particularly the contralto songs of “The Me» slab” and “Elijah,” and several hymns. Her voice and the sacred words inspired the women tn the boat to endure their sufferings. At about four o’clock in the morning) while it was still dark, a small steam craft which had been sent out to try to rescue some of the floating victims of the wreck heard a woman’s strong voice some distance away. It seemed to be lifted In song. The men on the little steam craft listened, and to their astonishment heard the words, “O, rest in the Lord,” borne through, the darkness. They steered In Its direction, and before long came in sight of the boat containing the twelve women, and they were taken aboard. If It had not been for Miss Williams’ singing they would not have been observed, and very likely would have drifted on to death, as so many other victims of the wreck did.