Great efforts were now made to raise the poor animal from his perilous position, which great work, to the no small joy of the major, was effected by putting the “Two Marys” on the other tack.  Old Battle now shook the water from his mane, and as if to thank his deliverers, gave out a loud neigh.  And so suddenly did this bring the major to his feet, in the full possession of his senses, that he set about thanking heaven for its kind interposition in saving him and his horse to his country, which now stood in such great danger of being dissolved into fragments, that his whole energies would be required to save it.  Another thankful look cast upon those about him, and he spake and said it was, after all, but an interposition of Providence, merely for the purpose of showing how many trials great politicians had to overcome, and how necessary it was that they have heads like New Hampshire oak.  And while the docile animal did penance in the teeth of the pelting storm, the major, his legs seeming to have shortened with the fall, staggered aft, and approaching me with a confidential air, said:  “I respect the great reputation you have made, young man.  And I think you will admit that it required no small amount of valor even to attempt such a feat as you have just witnessed.  I have read many histories of great men, and they were all liable to accidents at times.  But if I did not achieve what I undertook, you must bear in mind the fact, which has been established by certain philosophers who write in Putnam’s Magazine, that the terrors of war are nothing to the terrors of disgrace and dishonor; and to face such a sea, mounted upon such a charger, was quite equal to advancing upon the artillery of an enemy.  Now, upon my word, I am not so much bruised after all; and as the accident was not from any want of courage in me, I will presently give you an opportunity of seeing what sort of metal Major Potter is made of.”  Here the major paused as if to regain his thoughts, and thrust his hands into the ample pockets of his trowsers.  Suddenly he remembered that he had remounted without a bridle, to which strange oversight he charged all that had happened.  “Some look upon the good fortunes of others only to bewail their own condition in life, but such never was my course.  I hold fame a golden treasure, which diligence can unlock, notwithstanding what is said by our great men of the little newspapers, who, like slighted lovers, always have a portfolio filled with mournful complaints against the world in general, especially if it mind its own business, and seem inclined to peace.”  The major concluded these remarks, for which Captain Luke Snider was inclined to set him down as not so shallow pated after all, and hastened into the cabin, for the storm had somewhat subsided, and brought forth his bridle, which he had on his faithful horse in a trice.  “Pray, good friend,” said I, “heed well what you do, for a good life saved is worth the reward.  And if you should be thrown into the sea, heaven save the mark, what is to become of the nation?”