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diff --git a/1024-h/1024-h.htm b/1024-h/1024-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..08c1bbb --- /dev/null +++ b/1024-h/1024-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,16830 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Wrecker, by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1024 ***</div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE WRECKER + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2H_PROL"> PROLOGUE. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0002"> IN THE MARQUESAS. </a><br /><br /> <a + href="#link2H_4_0003"> <big><b>THE YARN.</b></big> </a><br /> <br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I</a> A SOUND COMMERCIAL + EDUCATION<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II</a> ROUSSILLON + WINE<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III</a> TO + INTRODUCE MR. PINKERTON<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV</a> IN + WHICH I EXPERIENCE EXTREMES OF FORTUNE<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V</a> IN WHICH I AM DOWN ON MY LUCK IN PARIS<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI</a> IN WHICH I GO WEST<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII</a> IRONS IN THE FIRE<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII</a> FACES ON THE CITY + FRONT<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX</a> THE + WRECK OF THE “FLYING SCUD.<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> + CHAPTER X</a> IN WHICH THE CREW VANISH<br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI</a> IN WHICH JIM AND I TAKE + DIFFERENT WAYS<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII</a> THE + “NORAH CREINA.<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII</a> THE + ISLAND AND THE WRECK<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV</a> THE + CABIN OF THE “FLYING SCUD"<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> + CHAPTER XV</a> THE CARGO OF THE “FLYING SCUD"<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI</a> IN WHICH I TURN + SMUGGLER, AND THE CAPTAIN CASUIS<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0017"> + CHAPTER XVII</a> LIGHT FROM THE MAN OF WAR<br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII</a> CROSS-QUESTIONS AND + CROOKED ANSWERS<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX</a> TRAVELS + WITH A SHYSTER<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX</a> STALLBRIDGE-LE-CARTHEW<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI</a> FACE TO FACE<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII</a> THE REMITTANCE MAN<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII </a> THE + BUDGET OF THE “CURRENCY LASS"<br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0024"> + CHAPTER XXIV</a> A HARD BARGAIN<br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV</a> A BAD BARGAIN<br /><br /> + <a href="#link2H_EPIL"> EPILOGUE</a><br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PROL" id="link2H_PROL"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PROLOGUE. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IN THE MARQUESAS. + </h2> + <p> + It was about three o'clock of a winter's afternoon in Tai-o-hae, the + French capital and port of entry of the Marquesas Islands. The trades blew + strong and squally; the surf roared loud on the shingle beach; and the + fifty-ton schooner of war, that carries the flag and influence of France + about the islands of the cannibal group, rolled at her moorings under + Prison Hill. The clouds hung low and black on the surrounding amphitheatre + of mountains; rain had fallen earlier in the day, real tropic rain, a + waterspout for violence; and the green and gloomy brow of the mountain was + still seamed with many silver threads of torrent. + </p> + <p> + In these hot and healthy islands winter is but a name. The rain had not + refreshed, nor could the wind invigorate, the dwellers of Tai-o-hae: away + at one end, indeed, the commandant was directing some changes in the + residency garden beyond Prison Hill; and the gardeners, being all + convicts, had no choice but to continue to obey. All other folks slumbered + and took their rest: Vaekehu, the native queen, in her trim house under + the rustling palms; the Tahitian commissary, in his beflagged official + residence; the merchants, in their deserted stores; and even the + club-servant in the club, his head fallen forward on the bottle-counter, + under the map of the world and the cards of navy officers. In the whole + length of the single shoreside street, with its scattered board houses + looking to the sea, its grateful shade of palms and green jungle of + puraos, no moving figure could be seen. Only, at the end of the rickety + pier, that once (in the prosperous days of the American rebellion) was + used to groan under the cotton of John Hart, there might have been spied + upon a pile of lumber the famous tattooed white man, the living curiosity + of Tai-o-hae. + </p> + <p> + His eyes were open, staring down the bay. He saw the mountains droop, as + they approached the entrance, and break down in cliffs; the surf boil + white round the two sentinel islets; and between, on the narrow bight of + blue horizon, Ua-pu upraise the ghost of her pinnacled mountain tops. But + his mind would take no account of these familiar features; as he dodged in + and out along the frontier line of sleep and waking, memory would serve + him with broken fragments of the past: brown faces and white, of skipper + and shipmate, king and chief, would arise before his mind and vanish; he + would recall old voyages, old landfalls in the hour of dawn; he would hear + again the drums beat for a man-eating festival; perhaps he would summon up + the form of that island princess for the love of whom he had submitted his + body to the cruel hands of the tattooer, and now sat on the lumber, at the + pier-end of Tai-o-hae, so strange a figure of a European. Or perhaps from + yet further back, sounds and scents of England and his childhood might + assail him: the merry clamour of cathedral bells, the broom upon the + foreland, the song of the river on the weir. + </p> + <p> + It is bold water at the mouth of the bay; you can steer a ship about + either sentinel, close enough to toss a biscuit on the rocks. Thus it + chanced that, as the tattooed man sat dozing and dreaming, he was startled + into wakefulness and animation by the appearance of a flying jib beyond + the western islet. Two more headsails followed; and before the tattooed + man had scrambled to his feet, a topsail schooner, of some hundred tons, + had luffed about the sentinel and was standing up the bay, close-hauled. + </p> + <p> + The sleeping city awakened by enchantment. Natives appeared upon all + sides, hailing each other with the magic cry “Ehippy”—ship; + the Queen stepped forth on her verandah, shading her eyes under a hand + that was a miracle of the fine art of tattooing; the commandant broke from + his domestic convicts and ran into the residency for his glass; the + harbour master, who was also the gaoler, came speeding down the Prison + Hill; the seventeen brown Kanakas and the French boatswain's mate, that + make up the complement of the war-schooner, crowded on the forward deck; + and the various English, Americans, Germans, Poles, Corsicans, and Scots—the + merchants and the clerks of Tai-o-hae—deserted their places of + business, and gathered, according to invariable custom, on the road before + the club. + </p> + <p> + So quickly did these dozen whites collect, so short are the distances in + Tai-o-hae, that they were already exchanging guesses as to the nationality + and business of the strange vessel, before she had gone about upon her + second board towards the anchorage. A moment after, English colours were + broken out at the main truck. + </p> + <p> + “I told you she was a Johnny Bull—knew it by her headsails,” + said an evergreen old salt, still qualified (if he could anywhere have + found an owner unacquainted with his story) to adorn another quarter-deck + and lose another ship. + </p> + <p> + “She has American lines, anyway,” said the astute Scots + engineer of the gin-mill; “it's my belief she's a yacht.” + </p> + <p> + “That's it,” said the old salt, “a yacht! look at her + davits, and the boat over the stern.” + </p> + <p> + “A yacht in your eye!” said a Glasgow voice. “Look at + her red ensign! A yacht! not much she isn't!” + </p> + <p> + “You can close the store, anyway, Tom,” observed a gentlemanly + German. “Bon jour, mon Prince!” he added, as a dark, + intelligent native cantered by on a neat chestnut. “Vous allez boire + un verre de biere?” + </p> + <p> + But Prince Stanilas Moanatini, the only reasonably busy human creature on + the island, was riding hot-spur to view this morning's landslip on the + mountain road: the sun already visibly declined; night was imminent; and + if he would avoid the perils of darkness and precipice, and the fear of + the dead, the haunters of the jungle, he must for once decline a + hospitable invitation. Even had he been minded to alight, it presently + appeared there would be difficulty as to the refreshment offered. + </p> + <p> + “Beer!” cried the Glasgow voice. “No such a thing; I + tell you there's only eight bottles in the club! Here's the first time + I've seen British colours in this port! and the man that sails under them + has got to drink that beer.” + </p> + <p> + The proposal struck the public mind as fair, though far from cheering; for + some time back, indeed, the very name of beer had been a sound of sorrow + in the club, and the evenings had passed in dolorous computation. + </p> + <p> + “Here is Havens,” said one, as if welcoming a fresh topic. + “What do you think of her, Havens?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think,” replied Havens, a tall, bland, cool-looking, + leisurely Englishman, attired in spotless duck, and deliberately dealing + with a cigarette. “I may say I know. She's consigned to me from + Auckland by Donald & Edenborough. I am on my way aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “What ship is she?” asked the ancient mariner. + </p> + <p> + “Haven't an idea,” returned Havens. “Some tramp they + have chartered.” + </p> + <p> + With that he placidly resumed his walk, and was soon seated in the + stern-sheets of a whaleboat manned by uproarious Kanakas, himself daintily + perched out of the way of the least maculation, giving his commands in an + unobtrusive, dinner-table tone of voice, and sweeping neatly enough + alongside the schooner. + </p> + <p> + A weather-beaten captain received him at the gangway. + </p> + <p> + “You are consigned to us, I think,” said he. “I am Mr. + Havens.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, sir,” replied the captain, shaking hands. + “You will find the owner, Mr. Dodd, below. Mind the fresh paint on + the house.” + </p> + <p> + Havens stepped along the alley-way, and descended the ladder into the main + cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dodd, I believe,” said he, addressing a smallish, bearded + gentleman, who sat writing at the table. “Why,” he cried, + “it isn't Loudon Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “Myself, my dear fellow,” replied Mr. Dodd, springing to his + feet with companionable alacrity. “I had a half-hope it might be + you, when I found your name on the papers. Well, there's no change in you; + still the same placid, fresh-looking Britisher.” + </p> + <p> + “I can't return the compliment; for you seem to have become a + Britisher yourself,” said Havens. + </p> + <p> + “I promise you, I am quite unchanged,” returned Dodd. “The + red tablecloth at the top of the stick is not my flag; it's my partner's. + He is not dead, but sleepeth. There he is,” he added, pointing to a + bust which formed one of the numerous unexpected ornaments of that unusual + cabin. + </p> + <p> + Havens politely studied it. “A fine bust,” said he; “and + a very nice-looking fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; he's a good fellow,” said Dodd. “He runs me now. + It's all his money.” + </p> + <p> + “He doesn't seem to be particularly short of it,” added the + other, peering with growing wonder round the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “His money, my taste,” said Dodd. “The black-walnut + bookshelves are Old English; the books all mine,—mostly Renaissance + French. You should see how the beach-combers wilt away when they go round + them looking for a change of Seaside Library novels. The mirrors are + genuine Venice; that's a good piece in the corner. The daubs are mine—and + his; the mudding mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Mudding? What is that?” asked Havens. + </p> + <p> + “These bronzes,” replied Dodd. “I began life as a + sculptor.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I remember something about that,” said the other. + “I think, too, you said you were interested in Californian real + estate.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely, I never went so far as that,” said Dodd. “Interested? + I guess not. Involved, perhaps. I was born an artist; I never took an + interest in anything but art. If I were to pile up this old schooner + to-morrow,” he added, “I declare I believe I would try the + thing again!” + </p> + <p> + “Insured?” inquired Havens. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” responded Dodd. “There's some fool in 'Frisco who + insures us, and comes down like a wolf on the fold on the profits; but + we'll get even with him some day.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I suppose it's all right about the cargo,” said Havens. + </p> + <p> + “O, I suppose so!” replied Dodd. “Shall we go into the + papers?” + </p> + <p> + “We'll have all to-morrow, you know,” said Havens; “and + they'll be rather expecting you at the club. C'est l'heure de l'absinthe. + Of course, Loudon, you'll dine with me later on?” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Dodd signified his acquiescence; drew on his white coat, not without a + trifling difficulty, for he was a man of middle age, and well-to-do; + arranged his beard and moustaches at one of the Venetian mirrors; and, + taking a broad felt hat, led the way through the trade-room into the + ship's waist. + </p> + <p> + The stern boat was waiting alongside,—a boat of an elegant model, + with cushions and polished hard-wood fittings. + </p> + <p> + “You steer,” observed Loudon. “You know the best place + to land.” + </p> + <p> + “I never like to steer another man's boat,” replied Havens. + </p> + <p> + “Call it my partner's, and cry quits,” returned Loudon, + getting nonchalantly down the side. + </p> + <p> + Havens followed and took the yoke lines without further protest. “I + am sure I don't know how you make this pay,” he said. “To + begin with, she is too big for the trade, to my taste; and then you carry + so much style.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that she does pay,” returned Loudon. “I + never pretend to be a business man. My partner appears happy; and the + money is all his, as I told you—I only bring the want of business + habits.” + </p> + <p> + “You rather like the berth, I suppose?” suggested Havens. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Loudon; “it seems odd, but I rather do.” + </p> + <p> + While they were yet on board, the sun had dipped; the sunset gun (a rifle) + cracked from the war-schooner, and the colours had been handed down. Dusk + was deepening as they came ashore; and the Cercle Internationale (as the + club is officially and significantly named) began to shine, from under its + low verandas, with the light of many lamps. The good hours of the + twenty-four drew on; the hateful, poisonous day-fly of Nukahiva, was + beginning to desist from its activity; the land-breeze came in refreshing + draughts; and the club men gathered together for the hour of absinthe. To + the commandant himself, to the man whom he was then contending with at + billiards—a trader from the next island, honorary member of the + club, and once carpenter's mate on board a Yankee war-ship—to the + doctor of the port, to the Brigadier of Gendarmerie, to the opium farmer, + and to all the white men whom the tide of commerce, or the chances of + shipwreck and desertion, had stranded on the beach of Tai-o-hae, Mr. + Loudon Dodd was formally presented; by all (since he was a man of pleasing + exterior, smooth ways, and an unexceptionable flow of talk, whether in + French or English) he was excellently well received; and presently, with + one of the last eight bottles of beer on a table at his elbow, found + himself the rather silent centre-piece of a voluble group on the verandah. + </p> + <p> + Talk in the South Seas is all upon one pattern; it is a wide ocean, + indeed, but a narrow world: you shall never talk long and not hear the + name of Bully Hayes, a naval hero whose exploits and deserved extinction + left Europe cold; commerce will be touched on, copra, shell, perhaps + cotton or fungus; but in a far-away, dilettante fashion, as by men not + deeply interested; through all, the names of schooners and their captains, + will keep coming and going, thick as may-flies; and news of the last + shipwreck will be placidly exchanged and debated. To a stranger, this + conversation will at first seem scarcely brilliant; but he will soon catch + the tone; and by the time he shall have moved a year or so in the island + world, and come across a good number of the schooners so that every + captain's name calls up a figure in pyjamas or white duck, and becomes + used to a certain laxity of moral tone which prevails (as in memory of Mr. + Hayes) on smuggling, ship-scuttling, barratry, piracy, the labour trade, + and other kindred fields of human activity, he will find Polynesia no less + amusing and no less instructive than Pall Mall or Paris. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Loudon Dodd, though he was new to the group of the Marquesas, was + already an old, salted trader; he knew the ships and the captains; he had + assisted, in other islands, at the first steps of some career of which he + now heard the culmination, or (vice versa) he had brought with him from + further south the end of some story which had begun in Tai-o-hae. Among + other matter of interest, like other arrivals in the South Seas, he had a + wreck to announce. The John T. Richards, it appeared, had met the fate of + other island schooners. + </p> + <p> + “Dickinson piled her up on Palmerston Island,” Dodd announced. + </p> + <p> + “Who were the owners?” inquired one of the club men. + </p> + <p> + “O, the usual parties!” returned Loudon,—“Capsicum + & Co.” + </p> + <p> + A smile and a glance of intelligence went round the group; and perhaps + Loudon gave voice to the general sentiment by remarking, “Talk of + good business! I know nothing better than a schooner, a competent captain, + and a sound, reliable reef.” + </p> + <p> + “Good business! There's no such a thing!” said the Glasgow + man. “Nobody makes anything but the missionaries—dash it!” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know,” said another. “There's a good deal in + opium.” + </p> + <p> + “It's a good job to strike a tabooed pearl-island, say, about the + fourth year,” remarked a third; “skim the whole lagoon on the + sly, and up stick and away before the French get wind of you.” + </p> + <p> + “A pig nokket of cold is good,” observed a German. + </p> + <p> + “There's something in wrecks, too,” said Havens. “Look + at that man in Honolulu, and the ship that went ashore on Waikiki Reef; it + was blowing a kona, hard; and she began to break up as soon as she + touched. Lloyd's agent had her sold inside an hour; and before dark, when + she went to pieces in earnest, the man that bought her had feathered his + nest. Three more hours of daylight, and he might have retired from + business. As it was, he built a house on Beretania Street, and called it + for the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, there's something in wrecks sometimes,” said the Glasgow + voice; “but not often.” + </p> + <p> + “As a general rule, there's deuced little in anything,” said + Havens. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I believe that's a Christian fact,” cried the other. + “What I want is a secret; get hold of a rich man by the right place, + and make him squeal.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you know it's not thought to be the ticket,” + returned Havens. + </p> + <p> + “I don't care for that; it's good enough for me,” cried the + man from Glasgow, stoutly. “The only devil of it is, a fellow can + never find a secret in a place like the South Seas: only in London and + Paris.” + </p> + <p> + “M'Gibbon's been reading some dime-novel, I suppose,” said one + club man. + </p> + <p> + “He's been reading <i>Aurora Floyd</i>,” remarked another. + </p> + <p> + “And what if I have?” cried M'Gibbon. “It's all true. + Look at the newspapers! It's just your confounded ignorance that sets you + snickering. I tell you, it's as much a trade as underwriting, and a dashed + sight more honest.” + </p> + <p> + The sudden acrimony of these remarks called Loudon (who was a man of + peace) from his reserve. “It's rather singular,” said he, + “but I seem to have practised about all these means of livelihood.” + </p> + <p> + “Tit you effer vind a nokket?” inquired the inarticulate + German, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “No. I have been most kinds of fool in my time,” returned + Loudon, “but not the gold-digging variety. Every man has a sane spot + somewhere.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” suggested some one, “did you ever smuggle + opium?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I did,” said Loudon. + </p> + <p> + “Was there money in that?” + </p> + <p> + “All the way,” responded Loudon. + </p> + <p> + “And perhaps you bought a wreck?” asked another. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Loudon. + </p> + <p> + “How did that pan out?” pursued the questioner. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mine was a peculiar kind of wreck,” replied Loudon. + “I don't know, on the whole, that I can recommend that branch of + industry.” + </p> + <p> + “Did she break up?” asked some one. + </p> + <p> + “I guess it was rather I that broke down,” says Loudon. + “Head not big enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Ever try the blackmail?” inquired Havens. + </p> + <p> + “Simple as you see me sitting here!” responded Dodd. + </p> + <p> + “Good business?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm not a lucky man, you see,” returned the stranger. + “It ought to have been good.” + </p> + <p> + “You had a secret?” asked the Glasgow man. + </p> + <p> + “As big as the State of Texas.” + </p> + <p> + “And the other man was rich?” + </p> + <p> + “He wasn't exactly Jay Gould, but I guess he could buy these islands + if he wanted.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what was wrong, then? Couldn't you get hands on him?” + </p> + <p> + “It took time, but I had him cornered at last; and then——” + </p> + <p> + “What then?” + </p> + <p> + “The speculation turned bottom up. I became the man's bosom friend.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce you did!” + </p> + <p> + “He couldn't have been particular, you mean?” asked Dodd + pleasantly. “Well, no; he's a man of rather large sympathies.” + </p> + <p> + “If you're done talking nonsense, Loudon,” said Havens, + “let's be getting to my place for dinner.” + </p> + <p> + Outside, the night was full of the roaring of the surf. Scattered lights + glowed in the green thicket. Native women came by twos and threes out of + the darkness, smiled and ogled the two whites, perhaps wooed them with a + strain of laughter, and went by again, bequeathing to the air a heady + perfume of palm-oil and frangipani blossom. From the club to Mr. Havens's + residence was but a step or two, and to any dweller in Europe they must + have seemed steps in fairyland. If such an one could but have followed our + two friends into the wide-verandahed house, sat down with them in the cool + trellised room, where the wine shone on the lamp-lighted tablecloth; + tasted of their exotic food—the raw fish, the breadfruit, the cooked + bananas, the roast pig served with the inimitable miti, and that king of + delicacies, palm-tree salad; seen and heard by fits and starts, now + peering round the corner of the door, now railing within against invisible + assistants, a certain comely young native lady in a sacque, who seemed too + modest to be a member of the family, and too imperious to be less; and + then if such an one were whisked again through space to Upper Tooting, or + wherever else he honored the domestic gods, “I have had a dream,” + I think he would say, as he sat up, rubbing his eyes, in the familiar + chimney-corner chair, “I have had a dream of a place, and I declare + I believe it must be heaven.” But to Dodd and his entertainer, all + this amenity of the tropic night and all these dainties of the island + table, were grown things of custom; and they fell to meat like men who + were hungry, and drifted into idle talk like men who were a trifle bored. + </p> + <p> + The scene in the club was referred to. + </p> + <p> + “I never heard you talk so much nonsense, Loudon,” said the + host. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it seemed to me there was sulphur in the air, so I talked for + talking,” returned the other. “But it was none of it nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to say it was true?” cried Havens,—“that + about the opium and the wreck, and the blackmailing and the man who became + your friend?” + </p> + <p> + “Every last word of it,” said Loudon. + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have been seeing life,” returned the other. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's a queer yarn,” said his friend; “if you think + you would like, I'll tell it you.” + </p> + <p> + Here follows the yarn of Loudon Dodd, not as he told it to his friend, but + as he subsequently wrote it. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE YARN. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. A SOUND COMMERCIAL EDUCATION. + </h2> + <p> + The beginning of this yarn is my poor father's character. There never was + a better man, nor a handsomer, nor (in my view) a more unhappy—unhappy + in his business, in his pleasures, in his place of residence, and (I am + sorry to say it) in his son. He had begun life as a land-surveyor, soon + became interested in real estate, branched off into many other + speculations, and had the name of one of the smartest men in the State of + Muskegon. “Dodd has a big head,” people used to say; but I was + never so sure of his capacity. His luck, at least, was beyond doubt for + long; his assiduity, always. He fought in that daily battle of + money-grubbing, with a kind of sad-eyed loyalty like a martyr's; rose + early, ate fast, came home dispirited and over-weary, even from success; + grudged himself all pleasure, if his nature was capable of taking any, + which I sometimes wondered; and laid out, upon some deal in wheat or + corner in aluminium, the essence of which was little better than highway + robbery, treasures of conscientiousness and self-denial. + </p> + <p> + Unluckily, I never cared a cent for anything but art, and never shall. My + idea of man's chief end was to enrich the world with things of beauty, and + have a fairly good time myself while doing so. I do not think I mentioned + that second part, which is the only one I have managed to carry out; but + my father must have suspected the suppression, for he branded the whole + affair as self-indulgence. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I remember crying once, “and what is your life? + You are only trying to get money, and to get it from other people at that.” + </p> + <p> + He sighed bitterly (which was very much his habit), and shook his poor + head at me. “Ah, Loudon, Loudon!” said he, “you boys + think yourselves very smart. But, struggle as you please, a man has to + work in this world. He must be an honest man or a thief, Loudon.” + </p> + <p> + You can see for yourself how vain it was to argue with my father. The + despair that seized upon me after such an interview was, besides, + embittered by remorse; for I was at times petulant, but he invariably + gentle; and I was fighting, after all, for my own liberty and pleasure, he + singly for what he thought to be my good. And all the time he never + despaired. “There is good stuff in you, Loudon,” he would say; + “there is the right stuff in you. Blood will tell, and you will come + right in time. I am not afraid my boy will ever disgrace me; I am only + vexed he should sometimes talk nonsense.” And then he would pat my + shoulder or my hand with a kind of motherly way he had, very affecting in + a man so strong and beautiful. + </p> + <p> + As soon as I had graduated from the high school, he packed me off to the + Muskegon Commercial Academy. You are a foreigner, and you will have a + difficulty in accepting the reality of this seat of education. I assure + you before I begin that I am wholly serious. The place really existed, + possibly exists to-day: we were proud of it in the State, as something + exceptionally nineteenth century and civilized; and my father, when he saw + me to the cars, no doubt considered he was putting me in a straight line + for the Presidency and the New Jerusalem. + </p> + <p> + “Loudon,” said he, “I am now giving you a chance that + Julius Caesar could not have given to his son—a chance to see life + as it is, before your own turn comes to start in earnest. Avoid rash + speculation, try to behave like a gentleman; and if you will take my + advice, confine yourself to a safe, conservative business in railroads. + Breadstuffs are tempting, but very dangerous; I would not try breadstuffs + at your time of life; but you may feel your way a little in other + commodities. Take a pride to keep your books posted, and never throw good + money after bad. There, my dear boy, kiss me good-by; and never forget + that you are an only chick, and that your dad watches your career with + fond suspense.” + </p> + <p> + The commercial college was a fine, roomy establishment, pleasantly situate + among woods. The air was healthy, the food excellent, the premium high. + Electric wires connected it (to use the words of the prospectus) with + “the various world centres.” The reading-room was well + supplied with “commercial organs.” The talk was that of Wall + Street; and the pupils (from fifty to a hundred lads) were principally + engaged in rooking or trying to rook one another for nominal sums in what + was called “college paper.” We had class hours, indeed, in the + morning, when we studied German, French, book-keeping, and the like goodly + matters; but the bulk of our day and the gist of the education centred in + the exchange, where we were taught to gamble in produce and securities. + Since not one of the participants possessed a bushel of wheat or a + dollar's worth of stock, legitimate business was of course impossible from + the beginning. It was cold-drawn gambling, without colour or disguise. + Just that which is the impediment and destruction of all genuine + commercial enterprise, just that we were taught with every luxury of stage + effect. Our simulacrum of a market was ruled by the real markets outside, + so that we might experience the course and vicissitude of prices. We must + keep books, and our ledgers were overhauled at the month's end by the + principal or his assistants. To add a spice of verisimilitude, “college + paper” (like poker chips) had an actual marketable value. It was + bought for each pupil by anxious parents and guardians at the rate of one + cent for the dollar. The same pupil, when his education was complete, + resold, at the same figure, so much as was left him to the college; and + even in the midst of his curriculum, a successful operator would sometimes + realize a proportion of his holding, and stand a supper on the sly in the + neighbouring hamlet. In short, if there was ever a worse education, it + must have been in that academy where Oliver met Charlie Bates. + </p> + <p> + When I was first guided into the exchange to have my desk pointed out by + one of the assistant teachers, I was overwhelmed by the clamour and + confusion. Certain blackboards at the other end of the building were + covered with figures continually replaced. As each new set appeared, the + pupils swayed to and fro, and roared out aloud with a formidable and to me + quite meaningless vociferation; leaping at the same time upon the desks + and benches, signalling with arms and heads, and scribbling briskly in + note-books. I thought I had never beheld a scene more disagreeable; and + when I considered that the whole traffic was illusory, and all the money + then upon the market would scarce have sufficed to buy a pair of skates, I + was at first astonished, although not for long. Indeed, I had no sooner + called to mind how grown-up men and women of considerable estate will lose + their temper about half-penny points, than (making an immediate allowance + for my fellow-students) I transferred the whole of my astonishment to the + assistant teacher, who—poor gentleman—had quite forgot to show + me to my desk, and stood in the midst of this hurly-burly, absorbed and + seemingly transported. + </p> + <p> + “Look, look,” he shouted in my ear; “a falling market! + The bears have had it all their own way since yesterday.” + </p> + <p> + “It can't matter,” I replied, making him hear with difficulty, + for I was unused to speak in such a babel, “since it is all fun.” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said he; “and you must always bear in mind that + the real profit is in the book-keeping. I trust, Dodd, to be able to + congratulate you upon your books. You are to start in with ten thousand + dollars of college paper, a very liberal figure, which should see you + through the whole curriculum, if you keep to a safe, conservative + business.... Why, what's that?” he broke off, once more attracted by + the changing figures on the board. “Seven, four, three! Dodd, you + are in luck: this is the most spirited rally we have had this term. And to + think that the same scene is now transpiring in New York, Chicago, St. + Louis, and rival business centres! For two cents, I would try a flutter + with the boys myself,” he cried, rubbing his hands; “only it's + against the regulations.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you do, sir?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Do?” he cried, with glittering eyes. “Buy for all I was + worth!” + </p> + <p> + “Would that be a safe, conservative business?” I inquired, as + innocent as a lamb. + </p> + <p> + He looked daggers at me. “See that sandy-haired man in glasses?” + he asked, as if to change the subject. “That's Billson, our most + prominent undergraduate. We build confidently on Billson's future. You + could not do better, Dodd, than follow Billson.” + </p> + <p> + Presently after, in the midst of a still growing tumult, the figures + coming and going more busily than ever on the board, and the hall + resounding like Pandemonium with the howls of operators, the assistant + teacher left me to my own resources at my desk. The next boy was posting + up his ledger, figuring his morning's loss, as I discovered later on; and + from this ungenial task he was readily diverted by the sight of a new + face. + </p> + <p> + “Say, Freshman,” he said, “what's your name? What? Son + of Big Head Dodd? What's your figure? Ten thousand? O, you're away up! + What a soft-headed clam you must be to touch your books!” + </p> + <p> + I asked him what else I could do, since the books were to be examined once + a month. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you galoot, you get a clerk!” cries he. “One of + our dead beats—that's all they're here for. If you're a successful + operator, you need never do a stroke of work in this old college.” + </p> + <p> + The noise had now become deafening; and my new friend, telling me that + some one had certainly “gone down,” that he must know the + news, and that he would bring me a clerk when he returned, buttoned his + coat and plunged into the tossing throng. It proved that he was right: + some one had gone down; a prince had fallen in Israel; the corner in lard + had proved fatal to the mighty; and the clerk who was brought back to keep + my books, spare me all work, and get all my share of the education, at a + thousand dollars a month, college paper (ten dollars, United States + currency) was no other than the prominent Billson whom I could do no + better than follow. The poor lad was very unhappy. It's the only good + thing I have to say for Muskegon Commercial College, that we were all, + even the small fry, deeply mortified to be posted as defaulters; and the + collapse of a merchant prince like Billson, who had ridden pretty high in + his days of prosperity, was, of course, particularly hard to bear. But the + spirit of make-believe conquered even the bitterness of recent shame; and + my clerk took his orders, and fell to his new duties, with decorum and + civility. + </p> + <p> + Such were my first impressions in this absurd place of education; and, to + be frank, they were far from disagreeable. As long as I was rich, my + evenings and afternoons would be my own; the clerk must keep my books, the + clerk could do the jostling and bawling in the exchange; and I could turn + my mind to landscape-painting and Balzac's novels, which were then my two + preoccupations. To remain rich, then, became my problem; or, in other + words, to do a safe, conservative line of business. I am looking for that + line still; and I believe the nearest thing to it in this imperfect world + is the sort of speculation sometimes insidiously proposed to childhood, in + the formula, “Heads, I win; tails, you lose.” Mindful of my + father's parting words, I turned my attention timidly to railroads; and + for a month or so maintained a position of inglorious security, dealing + for small amounts in the most inert stocks, and bearing (as best I could) + the scorn of my hired clerk. One day I had ventured a little further by + way of experiment; and, in the sure expectation they would continue to go + down, sold several thousand dollars of Pan-Handle Preference (I think it + was). I had no sooner made this venture than some fools in New York began + to bull the market; Pan-Handles rose like a balloon; and in the inside of + half an hour I saw my position compromised. Blood will tell, as my father + said; and I stuck to it gallantly: all afternoon I continued selling that + infernal stock, all afternoon it continued skying. I suppose I had come (a + frail cockle-shell) athwart the hawse of Jay Gould; and, indeed, I think I + remember that this vagary in the market proved subsequently to be the + first move in a considerable deal. That evening, at least, the name of H. + Loudon Dodd held the first rank in our collegiate gazette, and I and + Billson (once more thrown upon the world) were competing for the same + clerkship. The present object takes the present eye. My disaster, for the + moment, was the more conspicuous; and it was I that got the situation. So + you see, even in Muskegon Commercial College, there were lessons to be + learned. + </p> + <p> + For my own part, I cared very little whether I lost or won at a game so + random, so complex, and so dull; but it was sorry news to write to my poor + father, and I employed all the resources of my eloquence. I told him (what + was the truth) that the successful boys had none of the education; so that + if he wished me to learn, he should rejoice at my misfortune. I went on + (not very consistently) to beg him to set me up again, when I would + solemnly promise to do a safe business in reliable railroads. Lastly + (becoming somewhat carried away), I assured him I was totally unfit for + business, and implored him to take me away from this abominable place, and + let me go to Paris to study art. He answered briefly, gently, and sadly, + telling me the vacation was near at hand, when we could talk things over. + </p> + <p> + When the time came, he met me at the depot, and I was shocked to see him + looking older. He seemed to have no thought but to console me and restore + (what he supposed I had lost) my courage. I must not be down-hearted; many + of the best men had made a failure in the beginning. I told him I had no + head for business, and his kind face darkened. “You must not say + that, Loudon,” he replied; “I will never believe my son to be + a coward.” + </p> + <p> + “But I don't like it,” I pleaded. “It hasn't got any + interest for me, and art has. I know I could do more in art,” and I + reminded him that a successful painter gains large sums; that a picture of + Meissonier's would sell for many thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + “And do you think, Loudon,” he replied, “that a man who + can paint a thousand dollar picture has not grit enough to keep his end up + in the stock market? No, sir; this Mason (of whom you speak) or our own + American Bierstadt—if you were to put them down in a wheat pit + to-morrow, they would show their mettle. Come, Loudon, my dear; heaven + knows I have no thought but your own good, and I will offer you a bargain. + I start you again next term with ten thousand dollars; show yourself a + man, and double it, and then (if you still wish to go to Paris, which I + know you won't) I'll let you go. But to let you run away as if you were + whipped, is what I am too proud to do.” + </p> + <p> + My heart leaped at this proposal, and then sank again. It seemed easier to + paint a Meissonier on the spot than to win ten thousand dollars on that + mimic stock exchange. Nor could I help reflecting on the singularity of + such a test for a man's capacity to be a painter. I ventured even to + comment on this. + </p> + <p> + He sighed deeply. “You forget, my dear,” said he, “I am + a judge of the one, and not of the other. You might have the genius of + Bierstadt himself, and I would be none the wiser.” + </p> + <p> + “And then,” I continued, “it's scarcely fair. The other + boys are helped by their people, who telegraph and give them pointers. + There's Jim Costello, who never budges without a word from his father in + New York. And then, don't you see, if anybody is to win, somebody must + lose?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll keep you posted,” cried my father, with unusual + animation; “I did not know it was allowed. I'll wire you in the + office cipher, and we'll make it a kind of partnership business, Loudon:—Dodd + & Son, eh?” and he patted my shoulder and repeated, “Dodd + & Son, Dodd & Son,” with the kindliest amusement. + </p> + <p> + If my father was to give me pointers, and the commercial college was to be + a stepping-stone to Paris, I could look my future in the face. The old + boy, too, was so pleased at the idea of our association in this foolery + that he immediately plucked up spirit. Thus it befell that those who had + met at the depot like a pair of mutes, sat down to table with holiday + faces. + </p> + <p> + And now I have to introduce a new character that never said a word nor + wagged a finger, and yet shaped my whole subsequent career. You have + crossed the States, so that in all likelihood you have seen the head of + it, parcel-gilt and curiously fluted, rising among trees from a wide + plain; for this new character was no other than the State capitol of + Muskegon, then first projected. My father had embraced the idea with a + mixture of patriotism and commercial greed both perfectly genuine. He was + of all the committees, he had subscribed a great deal of money, and he was + making arrangements to have a finger in most of the contracts. Competitive + plans had been sent in; at the time of my return from college my father + was deep in their consideration; and as the idea entirely occupied his + mind, the first evening did not pass away before he had called me into + council. Here was a subject at last into which I could throw myself with + pleasurable zeal. Architecture was new to me, indeed; but it was at least + an art; and for all the arts I had a taste naturally classical and that + capacity to take delighted pains which some famous idiot has supposed to + be synonymous with genius. I threw myself headlong into my father's work, + acquainted myself with all the plans, their merits and defects, read + besides in special books, made myself a master of the theory of strains, + studied the current prices of materials, and (in one word) “devilled” + the whole business so thoroughly, that when the plans came up for + consideration, Big Head Dodd was supposed to have earned fresh laurels. + His arguments carried the day, his choice was approved by the committee, + and I had the anonymous satisfaction to know that arguments and choice + were wholly mine. In the recasting of the plan which followed, my part was + even larger; for I designed and cast with my own hand a hot-air grating + for the offices, which had the luck or merit to be accepted. The energy + and aptitude which I displayed throughout delighted and surprised my + father, and I believe, although I say it whose tongue should be tied, that + they alone prevented Muskegon capitol from being the eyesore of my native + State. + </p> + <p> + Altogether, I was in a cheery frame of mind when I returned to the + commercial college; and my earlier operations were crowned with a full + measure of success. My father wrote and wired to me continually. “You + are to exercise your own judgment, Loudon,” he would say. “All + that I do is to give you the figures; but whatever operation you take up + must be upon your own responsibility, and whatever you earn will be + entirely due to your own dash and forethought.” For all that, it was + always clear what he intended me to do, and I was always careful to do it. + Inside of a month I was at the head of seventeen or eighteen thousand + dollars, college paper. And here I fell a victim to one of the vices of + the system. The paper (I have already explained) had a real value of one + per cent; and cost, and could be sold for, currency. Unsuccessful + speculators were thus always selling clothes, books, banjos, and + sleeve-links, in order to pay their differences; the successful, on the + other hand, were often tempted to realise, and enjoy some return upon + their profits. Now I wanted thirty dollars' worth of artist-truck, for I + was always sketching in the woods; my allowance was for the time + exhausted; I had begun to regard the exchange (with my father's help) as a + place where money was to be got for stooping; and in an evil hour I + realised three thousand dollars of the college paper and bought my easel. + </p> + <p> + It was a Wednesday morning when the things arrived, and set me in the + seventh heaven of satisfaction. My father (for I can scarcely say myself) + was trying at this time a “straddle” in wheat between Chicago + and New York; the operation so called is, as you know, one of the most + tempting and least safe upon the chess-board of finance. On the Thursday, + luck began to turn against my father's calculations; and by the Friday + evening, I was posted on the boards as a defaulter for the second time. + Here was a rude blow: my father would have taken it ill enough in any + case; for however much a man may resent the incapacity of an only son, he + will feel his own more sensibly. But it chanced that, in our bitter cup of + failure, there was one ingredient that might truly be called poisonous. He + had been keeping the run of my position; he missed the three thousand + dollars, paper; and in his view, I had stolen thirty dollars, currency. It + was an extreme view perhaps; but in some senses, it was just: and my + father, although (to my judgment) quite reckless of honesty in the essence + of his operations, was the soul of honour as to their details. I had one + grieved letter from him, dignified and tender; and during the rest of that + wretched term, working as a clerk, selling my clothes and sketches to make + futile speculations, my dream of Paris quite vanished. I was cheered by no + word of kindness and helped by no hint of counsel from my father. + </p> + <p> + All the time he was no doubt thinking of little else but his son, and what + to do with him. I believe he had been really appalled by what he regarded + as my laxity of principle, and began to think it might be well to preserve + me from temptation; the architect of the capitol had, besides, spoken + obligingly of my design; and while he was thus hanging between two minds, + Fortune suddenly stepped in, and Muskegon State capitol reversed my + destiny. + </p> + <p> + “Loudon,” said my father, as he met me at the depot, with a + smiling countenance, “if you were to go to Paris, how long would it + take you to become an experienced sculptor?” + </p> + <p> + “How do you mean, father?” I cried. “Experienced?” + </p> + <p> + “A man that could be entrusted with the highest styles,” he + answered; “the nude, for instance; and the patriotic and + emblematical styles.” + </p> + <p> + “It might take three years,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “You think Paris necessary?” he asked. “There are great + advantages in our own country; and that man Prodgers appears to be a very + clever sculptor, though I suppose he stands too high to go around giving + lessons.” + </p> + <p> + “Paris is the only place,” I assured him. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I think myself it will sound better,” he admitted. + “A Young Man, a Native of this State, Son of a Leading Citizen, + Studies Prosecuted under the Most Experienced Masters in Paris,” he + added, relishingly. + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear dad, what is it all about?” I interrupted. + “I never even dreamed of being a sculptor.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, here it is,” said he. “I took up the statuary + contract on our new capitol; I took it up at first as a deal; and then it + occurred to me it would be better to keep it in the family. It meets your + idea; there's considerable money in the thing; and it's patriotic. So, if + you say the word, you shall go to Paris, and come back in three years to + decorate the capitol of your native State. It's a big chance for you, + Loudon; and I'll tell you what—every dollar you earn, I'll put + another alongside of it. But the sooner you go, and the harder you work, + the better; for if the first half-dozen statues aren't in a line with + public taste in Muskegon, there will be trouble.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. ROUSSILLON WINE. + </h2> + <p> + My mother's family was Scotch, and it was judged fitting I should pay a + visit on my way Paris-ward, to my Uncle Adam Loudon, a wealthy retired + grocer of Edinburgh. He was very stiff and very ironical; he fed me well, + lodged me sumptuously, and seemed to take it out of me all the time, cent + per cent, in secret entertainment which caused his spectacles to glitter + and his mouth to twitch. The ground of this ill-suppressed mirth (as well + as I could make out) was simply the fact that I was an American. “Well,” + he would say, drawing out the word to infinity, “and I suppose now + in your country, things will be so and so.” And the whole group of + my cousins would titter joyously. Repeated receptions of this sort must be + at the root, I suppose, of what they call the Great American Jest; and I + know I was myself goaded into saying that my friends went naked in the + summer months, and that the Second Methodist Episcopal Church in Muskegon + was decorated with scalps. I cannot say that these flights had any great + success; they seemed to awaken little more surprise than the fact that my + father was a Republican or that I had been taught in school to spell + COLOUR without the U. If I had told them (what was after all the truth) + that my father had paid a considerable annual sum to have me brought up in + a gambling hell, the tittering and grinning of this dreadful family might + perhaps have been excused. + </p> + <p> + I cannot deny but I was sometimes tempted to knock my Uncle Adam down; and + indeed I believe it must have come to a rupture at last, if they had not + given a dinner party at which I was the lion. On this occasion, I learned + (to my surprise and relief) that the incivility to which I had been + subjected was a matter for the family circle and might be regarded almost + in the light of an endearment. To strangers I was presented with + consideration; and the account given of “my American brother-in-law, + poor Janie's man, James K. Dodd, the well-known millionnaire of Muskegon,” + was calculated to enlarge the heart of a proud son. + </p> + <p> + An aged assistant of my grandfather's, a pleasant, humble creature with a + taste for whiskey, was at first deputed to be my guide about the city. + With this harmless but hardly aristocratic companion, I went to Arthur's + Seat and the Calton Hill, heard the band play in the Princes Street + Gardens, inspected the regalia and the blood of Rizzio, and fell in love + with the great castle on its cliff, the innumerable spires of churches, + the stately buildings, the broad prospects, and those narrow and crowded + lanes of the old town where my ancestors had lived and died in the days + before Columbus. + </p> + <p> + But there was another curiosity that interested me more deeply—my + grandfather, Alexander Loudon. In his time, the old gentleman had been a + working mason, and had risen from the ranks more, I think, by shrewdness + than by merit. In his appearance, speech, and manners, he bore broad marks + of his origin, which were gall and wormwood to my Uncle Adam. His nails, + in spite of anxious supervision, were often in conspicuous mourning; his + clothes hung about him in bags and wrinkles like a ploughman's Sunday + coat; his accent was rude, broad, and dragging: take him at his best, and + even when he could be induced to hold his tongue, his mere presence in a + corner of the drawing-room, with his open-air wrinkles, his scanty hair, + his battered hands, and the cheerful craftiness of his expression, + advertised the whole gang of us for a self-made family. My aunt might + mince and my cousins bridle; but there was no getting over the solid, + physical fact of the stonemason in the chimney-corner. + </p> + <p> + That is one advantage of being an American: it never occurred to me to be + ashamed of my grandfather, and the old gentleman was quick to mark the + difference. He held my mother in tender memory, perhaps because he was in + the habit of daily contrasting her with Uncle Adam, whom he detested to + the point of frenzy; and he set down to inheritance from his favourite my + own becoming treatment of himself. On our walks abroad, which soon became + daily, he would sometimes (after duly warning me to keep the matter dark + from “Aadam”) skulk into some old familiar pot-house; and + there (if he had the luck to encounter any of his veteran cronies) he + would present me to the company with manifest pride, casting at the same + time a covert slur on the rest of his descendants. “This is my + Jeannie's yin,” he would say. “He's a fine fallow, him.” + The purpose of our excursions was not to seek antiquities or to enjoy + famous prospects, but to visit one after another a series of doleful + suburbs, for which it was the old gentleman's chief claim to renown that + he had been the sole contractor, and too often the architect besides. I + have rarely seen a more shocking exhibition: the bricks seemed to be + blushing in the walls, and the slates on the roof to have turned pale with + shame; but I was careful not to communicate these impressions to the aged + artificer at my side; and when he would direct my attention to some fresh + monstrosity—perhaps with the comment, “There's an idee of + mine's: it's cheap and tasty, and had a graand run; the idee was soon + stole, and there's whole deestricts near Glesgie with the goathic adeetion + and that plunth,”—I would civilly make haste to admire and + (what I found particularly delighted him) to inquire into the cost of each + adornment. It will be conceived that Muskegon capitol was a frequent and a + welcome ground of talk; I drew him all the plans from memory; and he, with + the aid of a narrow volume full of figures and tables, which answered (I + believe) to the name of Molesworth, and was his constant pocket companion, + would draw up rough estimates and make imaginary offers on the various + contracts. Our Muskegon builders he pronounced a pack of cormorants; and + the congenial subject, together with my knowledge of architectural terms, + the theory of strains, and the prices of materials in the States, formed a + strong bond of union between what might have been otherwise an + ill-assorted pair, and led my grandfather to pronounce me, with emphasis, + “a real intalligent kind of a cheild.” Thus a second time, as + you will presently see, the capitol of my native State had influentially + affected the current of my life. + </p> + <p> + I left Edinburgh, however, with not the least idea that I had done a + stroke of excellent business for myself, and singly delighted to escape + out of a somewhat dreary house and plunge instead into the rainbow city of + Paris. Every man has his own romance; mine clustered exclusively about the + practice of the arts, the life of Latin Quarter students, and the world of + Paris as depicted by that grimy wizard, the author of the <i>Comedie + Humaine</i>. I was not disappointed—I could not have been; for I did + not see the facts, I brought them with me ready-made. Z. Marcas lived next + door to me in my ungainly, ill-smelling hotel of the Rue Racine; I dined + at my villainous restaurant with Lousteau and with Rastignac: if a + curricle nearly ran me down at a street-crossing, Maxime de Trailles would + be the driver. I dined, I say, at a poor restaurant and lived in a poor + hotel; and this was not from need, but sentiment. My father gave me a + profuse allowance, and I might have lived (had I chosen) in the Quartier + de l'Etoile and driven to my studies daily. Had I done so, the glamour + must have fled: I should still have been but Loudon Dodd; whereas now I + was a Latin Quarter student, Murger's successor, living in flesh and blood + the life of one of those romances I had loved to read, to re-read, and to + dream over, among the woods of Muskegon. + </p> + <p> + At this time we were all a little Murger-mad in the Latin Quarter. The + play of the <i>Vie de Boheme</i> (a dreary, snivelling piece) had been + produced at the Odeon, had run an unconscionable time—for Paris, and + revived the freshness of the legend. The same business, you may say, or + there and thereabout, was being privately enacted in consequence in every + garret of the neighbourhood, and a good third of the students were + consciously impersonating Rodolphe or Schaunard to their own + incommunicable satisfaction. Some of us went far, and some farther. I + always looked with awful envy (for instance) on a certain countryman of my + own who had a studio in the Rue Monsieur le Prince, wore boots, and long + hair in a net, and could be seen tramping off, in this guise, to the worst + eating-house of the quarter, followed by a Corsican model, his mistress, + in the conspicuous costume of her race and calling. It takes some + greatness of soul to carry even folly to such heights as these; and for my + own part, I had to content myself by pretending very arduously to be poor, + by wearing a smoking-cap on the streets, and by pursuing, through a series + of misadventures, that extinct mammal, the grisette. The most grievous + part was the eating and the drinking. I was born with a dainty tooth and a + palate for wine; and only a genuine devotion to romance could have + supported me under the cat-civets that I had to swallow, and the red ink + of Bercy I must wash them down withal. Every now and again, after a hard + day at the studio, where I was steadily and far from unsuccessfully + industrious, a wave of distaste would overbear me; I would slink away from + my haunts and companions, indemnify myself for weeks of self-denial with + fine wines and dainty dishes; seated perhaps on a terrace, perhaps in an + arbour in a garden, with a volume of one of my favourite authors propped + open in front of me, and now consulted awhile, and now forgotten:—so + remain, relishing my situation, till night fell and the lights of the city + kindled; and thence stroll homeward by the riverside, under the moon or + stars, in a heaven of poetry and digestion. + </p> + <p> + One such indulgence led me in the course of my second year into an + adventure which I must relate: indeed, it is the very point I have been + aiming for, since that was what brought me in acquaintance with Jim + Pinkerton. I sat down alone to dinner one October day when the rusty + leaves were falling and scuttling on the boulevard, and the minds of + impressionable men inclined in about an equal degree towards sadness and + conviviality. The restaurant was no great place, but boasted a + considerable cellar and a long printed list of vintages. This I was + perusing with the double zest of a man who is fond of wine and a lover of + beautiful names, when my eye fell (near the end of the card) on that not + very famous or familiar brand, Roussillon. I remembered it was a wine I + had never tasted, ordered a bottle, found it excellent, and when I had + discussed the contents, called (according to my habit) for a final pint. + It appears they did not keep Roussillon in half-bottles. “All right,” + said I. “Another bottle.” The tables at this eating-house are + close together; and the next thing I can remember, I was in somewhat loud + conversation with my nearest neighbours. From these I must have gradually + extended my attentions; for I have a clear recollection of gazing about a + room in which every chair was half turned round and every face turned + smilingly to mine. I can even remember what I was saying at the moment; + but after twenty years, the embers of shame are still alive; and I prefer + to give your imagination the cue, by simply mentioning that my muse was + the patriotic. It had been my design to adjourn for coffee in the company + of some of these new friends; but I was no sooner on the sidewalk than I + found myself unaccountably alone. The circumstance scarce surprised me at + the time, much less now; but I was somewhat chagrined a little after to + find I had walked into a kiosque. I began to wonder if I were any the + worse for my last bottle, and decided to steady myself with coffee and + brandy. In the Cafe de la Source, where I went for this restorative, the + fountain was playing, and (what greatly surprised me) the mill and the + various mechanical figures on the rockery appeared to have been freshly + repaired and performed the most enchanting antics. The cafe was + extraordinarily hot and bright, with every detail of a conspicuous + clearness, from the faces of the guests to the type of the newspapers on + the tables, and the whole apartment swang to and fro like a hammock, with + an exhilarating motion. For some while I was so extremely pleased with + these particulars that I thought I could never be weary of beholding them: + then dropped of a sudden into a causeless sadness; and then, with the same + swiftness and spontaneity, arrived at the conclusion that I was drunk and + had better get to bed. + </p> + <p> + It was but a step or two to my hotel, where I got my lighted candle from + the porter and mounted the four flights to my own room. Although I could + not deny that I was drunk, I was at the same time lucidly rational and + practical. I had but one preoccupation—to be up in time on the + morrow for my work; and when I observed the clock on my chimney-piece to + have stopped, I decided to go down stairs again and give directions to the + porter. Leaving the candle burning and my door open, to be a guide to me + on my return, I set forth accordingly. The house was quite dark; but as + there were only the three doors on each landing, it was impossible to + wander, and I had nothing to do but descend the stairs until I saw the + glimmer of the porter's night light. I counted four flights: no porter. It + was possible, of course, that I had reckoned incorrectly; so I went down + another and another, and another, still counting as I went, until I had + reached the preposterous figure of nine flights. It was now quite clear + that I had somehow passed the porter's lodge without remarking it; indeed, + I was, at the lowest figure, five pairs of stairs below the street, and + plunged in the very bowels of the earth. That my hotel should thus be + founded upon catacombs was a discovery of considerable interest; and if I + had not been in a frame of mind entirely businesslike, I might have + continued to explore all night this subterranean empire. But I was bound I + must be up betimes on the next morning, and for that end it was imperative + that I should find the porter. I faced about accordingly, and counting + with painful care, remounted towards the level of the street. Five, six, + and seven flights I climbed, and still there was no porter. I began to be + weary of the job, and reflecting that I was now close to my own room, + decided I should go to bed. Eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen + flights I mounted; and my open door seemed to be as wholly lost to me as + the porter and his floating dip. I remembered that the house stood but six + stories at its highest point, from which it appeared (on the most moderate + computation) I was now three stories higher than the roof. My original + sense of amusement was succeeded by a not unnatural irritation. “My + room has just GOT to be here,” said I, and I stepped towards the + door with outspread arms. There was no door and no wall; in place of + either there yawned before me a dark corridor, in which I continued to + advance for some time without encountering the smallest opposition. And + this in a house whose extreme area scantily contained three small rooms, a + narrow landing, and the stair! The thing was manifestly nonsense; and you + will scarcely be surprised to learn that I now began to lose my temper. At + this juncture I perceived a filtering of light along the floor, stretched + forth my hand which encountered the knob of a door-handle, and without + further ceremony entered a room. A young lady was within; she was going to + bed, and her toilet was far advanced, or the other way about, if you + prefer. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you will pardon this intrusion,” said I; “but my + room is No. 12, and something has gone wrong with this blamed house.” + </p> + <p> + She looked at me a moment; and then, “If you will step outside for a + moment, I will take you there,” says she. + </p> + <p> + Thus, with perfect composure on both sides, the matter was arranged. I + waited a while outside her door. Presently she rejoined me, in a + dressing-gown, took my hand, led me up another flight, which made the + fourth above the level of the roof, and shut me into my own room, where + (being quite weary after these contraordinary explorations) I turned in, + and slumbered like a child. + </p> + <p> + I tell you the thing calmly, as it appeared to me to pass; but the next + day, when I awoke and put memory in the witness-box, I could not conceal + from myself that the tale presented a good many improbable features. I had + no mind for the studio, after all, and went instead to the Luxembourg + gardens, there, among the sparrows and the statues and the falling leaves, + to cool and clear my head. It is a garden I have always loved. You sit + there in a public place of history and fiction. Barras and Fouche have + looked from these windows. Lousteau and de Banville (one as real as the + other) have rhymed upon these benches. The city tramples by without the + railings to a lively measure; and within and about you, trees rustle, + children and sparrows utter their small cries, and the statues look on + forever. Here, then, in a seat opposite the gallery entrance, I set to + work on the events of the last night, to disengage (if it were possible) + truth from fiction. + </p> + <p> + The house, by daylight, had proved to be six stories high, the same as + ever. I could find, with all my architectural experience, no room in its + altitude for those interminable stairways, no width between its walls for + that long corridor, where I had tramped at night. And there was yet a + greater difficulty. I had read somewhere an aphorism that everything may + be false to itself save human nature. A house might elongate or enlarge + itself—or seem to do so to a gentleman who had been dining. The + ocean might dry up, the rocks melt in the sun, the stars fall from heaven + like autumn apples; and there was nothing in these incidents to boggle the + philosopher. But the case of the young lady stood upon a different + foundation. Girls were not good enough, or not good that way, or else they + were too good. I was ready to accept any of these views: all pointed to + the same conclusion, which I was thus already on the point of reaching, + when a fresh argument occurred, and instantly confirmed it. I could + remember the exact words we had each said; and I had spoken, and she had + replied, in English. Plainly, then, the whole affair was an illusion: + catacombs, and stairs, and charitable lady, all were equally the stuff of + dreams. + </p> + <p> + I had just come to this determination, when there blew a flaw of wind + through the autumnal gardens; the dead leaves showered down, and a flight + of sparrows, thick as a snowfall, wheeled above my head with sudden + pipings. This agreeable bustle was the affair of a moment, but it startled + me from the abstraction into which I had fallen like a summons. I sat + briskly up, and as I did so, my eyes rested on the figure of a lady in a + brown jacket and carrying a paint-box. By her side walked a fellow some + years older than myself, with an easel under his arm; and alike by their + course and cargo I might judge they were bound for the gallery, where the + lady was, doubtless, engaged upon some copying. You can imagine my + surprise when I recognized in her the heroine of my adventure. To put the + matter beyond question, our eyes met, and she, seeing herself remembered + and recalling the trim in which I had last beheld her, looked swiftly on + the ground with just a shadow of confusion. + </p> + <p> + I could not tell you to-day if she were plain or pretty; but she had + behaved with so much good sense, and I had cut so poor a figure in her + presence, that I became instantly fired with the desire to display myself + in a more favorable light. The young man besides was possibly her brother; + brothers are apt to be hasty, theirs being a part in which it is possible, + at a comparatively early age, to assume the dignity of manhood; and it + occurred to me it might be wise to forestall all possible complications by + an apology. + </p> + <p> + On this reasoning I drew near to the gallery door, and had hardly got in + position before the young man came out. Thus it was that I came face to + face with my third destiny; for my career has been entirely shaped by + these three elements,—my father, the capitol of Muskegon, and my + friend, Jim Pinkerton. As for the young lady with whom my mind was at the + moment chiefly occupied, I was never to hear more of her from that day + forward: an excellent example of the Blind Man's Buff that we call life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. TO INTRODUCE MR. PINKERTON. + </h2> + <p> + The stranger, I have said, was some years older than myself: a man of a + good stature, a very lively face, cordial, agitated manners, and a gray + eye as active as a fowl's. + </p> + <p> + “May I have a word with you?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” he replied, “I don't know what it can be + about, but you may have a hundred if you like.” + </p> + <p> + “You have just left the side of a young lady,” I continued, + “towards whom I was led (very unintentionally) into the appearance + of an offence. To speak to herself would be only to renew her + embarrassment, and I seize the occasion of making my apology, and + declaring my respect, to one of my own sex who is her friend, and perhaps,” + I added, with a bow, “her natural protector.” + </p> + <p> + “You are a countryman of mine; I know it!” he cried: “I + am sure of it by your delicacy to a lady. You do her no more than justice. + I was introduced to her the other night at tea, in the apartment of some + people, friends of mine; and meeting her again this morning, I could not + do less than carry her easel for her. My dear sir, what is your name?” + </p> + <p> + I was disappointed to find he had so little bond with my young lady; and + but that it was I who had sought the acquaintance, might have been tempted + to retreat. At the same time, something in the stranger's eye engaged me. + </p> + <p> + “My name,” said I, “is Loudon Dodd; I am a student of + sculpture here from Muskegon.” + </p> + <p> + “Of sculpture?” he cried, as though that would have been his + last conjecture. “Mine is James Pinkerton; I am delighted to have + the pleasure of your acquaintance.” + </p> + <p> + “Pinkerton!” it was now my turn to exclaim. “Are you + Broken-Stool Pinkerton?” + </p> + <p> + He admitted his identity with a laugh of boyish delight; and indeed any + young man in the quarter might have been proud to own a sobriquet thus + gallantly acquired. + </p> + <p> + In order to explain the name, I must here digress into a chapter of the + history of manners in the nineteenth century, very well worth + commemoration for its own sake. In some of the studios at that date, the + hazing of new pupils was both barbarous and obscene. Two incidents, + following one on the heels of the other tended to produce an advance in + civilization by the means (as so commonly happens) of a passing appeal to + savage standards. The first was the arrival of a little gentleman from + Armenia. He had a fez upon his head and (what nobody counted on) a dagger + in his pocket. The hazing was set about in the customary style, and, + perhaps in virtue of the victim's head-gear, even more boisterously than + usual. He bore it at first with an inviting patience; but upon one of the + students proceeding to an unpardonable freedom, plucked out his knife and + suddenly plunged it in the belly of the jester. This gentleman, I am + pleased to say, passed months upon a bed of sickness, before he was in a + position to resume his studies. The second incident was that which had + earned Pinkerton his reputation. In a crowded studio, while some very + filthy brutalities were being practised on a trembling debutant, a tall, + pale fellow sprang from his stool and (without the smallest preface or + explanation) sang out, “All English and Americans to clear the shop!” + Our race is brutal, but not filthy; and the summons was nobly responded + to. Every Anglo-Saxon student seized his stool; in a moment the studio was + full of bloody coxcombs, the French fleeing in disorder for the door, the + victim liberated and amazed. In this feat of arms, both English-speaking + nations covered themselves with glory; but I am proud to claim the author + of the whole for an American, and a patriotic American at that, being the + same gentleman who had subsequently to be held down in the bottom of a box + during a performance of <i>L'Oncle Sam</i>, sobbing at intervals, “My + country! O my country!” While yet another (my new acquaintance, + Pinkerton) was supposed to have made the most conspicuous figure in the + actual battle. At one blow, he had broken his own stool, and sent the + largest of his opponents back foremost through what we used to call a + “conscientious nude.” It appears that, in the continuation of + his flight, this fallen warrior issued on the boulevard still framed in + the burst canvas. + </p> + <p> + It will be understood how much talk the incident aroused in the students' + quarter, and that I was highly gratified to make the acquaintance of my + famous countryman. It chanced I was to see more of the quixotic side of + his character before the morning was done; for as we continued to stroll + together, I found myself near the studio of a young Frenchman whose work I + had promised to examine, and in the fashion of the quarter carried up + Pinkerton along with me. Some of my comrades of this date were pretty + obnoxious fellows. I could almost always admire and respect the grown-up + practitioners of art in Paris; but many of those who were still in a state + of pupilage were sorry specimens, so much so that I used often to wonder + where the painters came from, and where the brutes of students went to. A + similar mystery hangs over the intermediate stages of the medical + profession, and must have perplexed the least observant. The ruffian, at + least, whom I now carried Pinkerton to visit, was one of the most + crapulous in the quarter. He turned out for our delectation a huge “crust” + (as we used to call it) of St. Stephen, wallowing in red upon his belly in + an exhausted receiver, and a crowd of Hebrews in blue, green, and yellow, + pelting him—apparently with buns; and while we gazed upon this + contrivance, regaled us with a piece of his own recent biography, of which + his mind was still very full, and which he seemed to fancy, represented + him in a heroic posture. I was one of those cosmopolitan Americans, who + accept the world (whether at home or abroad) as they find it, and whose + favourite part is that of the spectator; yet even I was listening with + ill-suppressed disgust, when I was aware of a violent plucking at my + sleeve. + </p> + <p> + “Is he saying he kicked her down stairs?” asked Pinkerton, + white as St. Stephen. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I: “his discarded mistress; and then he + pelted her with stones. I suppose that's what gave him the idea for his + picture. He has just been alleging the pathetic excuse that she was old + enough to be his mother.” + </p> + <p> + Something like a sob broke from Pinkerton. “Tell him,” he + gasped—“I can't speak this language, though I understand a + little; I never had any proper education—tell him I'm going to punch + his head.” + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake, do nothing of the sort!” I cried. “They + don't understand that sort of thing here.” And I tried to bundle him + out. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him first what we think of him,” he objected. “Let + me tell him what he looks in the eyes of a pure-minded American” + </p> + <p> + “Leave that to me,” said I, thrusting Pinkerton clear through + the door. + </p> + <p> + “Qu'est-ce qu'il a?” [1] inquired the student. + </p> + <p> + [1] “What's the matter with him?” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur se sent mal au coeur d'avoir trop regarde votre croute,” + [2] said I, and made my escape, scarce with dignity, at Pinkerton's heels. + </p> + <p> + [2] “The gentleman is sick at his + stomach from having looked too long at your daub.” + </p> + <p> + “What did you say to him?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “The only thing that he could feel,” was my reply. + </p> + <p> + After this scene, the freedom with which I had ejected my new + acquaintance, and the precipitation with which I had followed him, the + least I could do was to propose luncheon. I have forgot the name of the + place to which I led him, nothing loath; it was on the far side of the + Luxembourg at least, with a garden behind, where we were speedily set face + to face at table, and began to dig into each other's history and + character, like terriers after rabbits, according to the approved fashion + of youth. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton's parents were from the old country; there too, I incidentally + gathered, he had himself been born, though it was a circumstance he seemed + prone to forget. Whether he had run away, or his father had turned him + out, I never fathomed; but about the age of twelve, he was thrown upon his + own resources. A travelling tin-type photographer picked him up, like a + haw out of a hedgerow, on a wayside in New Jersey; took a fancy to the + urchin; carried him on with him in his wandering life; taught him all he + knew himself—to take tin-types (as well as I can make out) and doubt + the Scriptures; and died at last in Ohio at the corner of a road. “He + was a grand specimen,” cried Pinkerton; “I wish you could have + seen him, Mr. Dodd. He had an appearance of magnanimity that used to + remind me of the patriarchs.” On the death of this random protector, + the boy inherited the plant and continued the business. “It was a + life I could have chosen, Mr. Dodd!” he cried. “I have been in + all the finest scenes of that magnificent continent that we were born to + be the heirs of. I wish you could see my collection of tin-types; I wish I + had them here. They were taken for my own pleasure and to be a memento; + and they show Nature in her grandest as well as her gentlest moments.” + As he tramped the Western States and Territories, taking tin-types, the + boy was continually getting hold of books, good, bad, and indifferent, + popular and abstruse, from the novels of Sylvanus Cobb to Euclid's + Elements, both of which I found (to my almost equal wonder) he had managed + to peruse: he was taking stock by the way, of the people, the products, + and the country, with an eye unusually observant and a memory unusually + retentive; and he was collecting for himself a body of magnanimous and + semi-intellectual nonsense, which he supposed to be the natural thoughts + and to contain the whole duty of the born American. To be pure-minded, to + be patriotic, to get culture and money with both hands and with the same + irrational fervour—these appeared to be the chief articles of his + creed. In later days (not of course upon this first occasion) I would + sometimes ask him why; and he had his answer pat. “To build up the + type!” he would cry. “We're all committed to that; we're all + under bond to fulfil the American Type! Loudon, the hope of the world is + there. If we fail, like these old feudal monarchies, what is left?” + </p> + <p> + The trade of a tin-typer proved too narrow for the lad's ambition; it was + insusceptible of expansion, he explained, it was not truly modern; and by + a sudden conversion of front, he became a railroad-scalper. The principles + of this trade I never clearly understood; but its essence appears to be to + cheat the railroads out of their due fare. “I threw my whole soul + into it; I grudged myself food and sleep while I was at it; the most + practised hands admitted I had caught on to the idea in a month and + revolutionised the practice inside of a year,” he said. “And + there's interest in it, too. It's amusing to pick out some one going by, + make up your mind about his character and tastes, dash out of the office + and hit him flying with an offer of the very place he wants to go to. I + don't think there was a scalper on the continent made fewer blunders. But + I took it only as a stage. I was saving every dollar; I was looking ahead. + I knew what I wanted—wealth, education, a refined home, and a + conscientious, cultured lady for a wife; for, Mr. Dodd”—this + with a formidable outcry—“every man is bound to marry above + him: if the woman's not the man's superior, I brand it as mere sensuality. + There was my idea, at least. That was what I was saving for; and enough, + too! But it isn't every man, I know that—it's far from every man—could + do what I did: close up the livest agency in Saint Jo, where he was + coining dollars by the pot, set out alone, without a friend or a word of + French, and settle down here to spend his capital learning art.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it an old taste?” I asked him, “or a sudden fancy?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither, Mr. Dodd,” he admitted. “Of course I had + learned in my tin-typing excursions to glory and exult in the works of + God. But it wasn't that. I just said to myself, What is most wanted in my + age and country? More culture and more art, I said; and I chose the best + place, saved my money, and came here to get them.” + </p> + <p> + The whole attitude of this young man warmed and shamed me. He had more + fire in his little toe than I had in my whole carcase; he was stuffed to + bursting with the manly virtues; thrift and courage glowed in him; and + even if his artistic vocation seemed (to one of my exclusive tenets) not + quite clear, who could predict what might be accomplished by a creature so + full-blooded and so inspired with animal and intellectual energy? So, when + he proposed that I should come and see his work (one of the regular stages + of a Latin Quarter friendship), I followed him with interest and hope. + </p> + <p> + He lodged parsimoniously at the top of a tall house near the Observatory, + in a bare room, principally furnished with his own trunks and papered with + his own despicable studies. No man has less taste for disagreeable duties + than myself; perhaps there is only one subject on which I cannot flatter a + man without a blush; but upon that, upon all that touches art, my + sincerity is Roman. Once and twice I made the circuit of his walls in + silence, spying in every corner for some spark of merit; he, meanwhile, + following close at my heels, reading the verdict in my face with furtive + glances, presenting some fresh study for my inspection with undisguised + anxiety, and (after it had been silently weighed in the balances and found + wanting) whisking it away with an open gesture of despair. By the time the + second round was completed, we were both extremely depressed. + </p> + <p> + “O!” he groaned, breaking the long silence, “it's quite + unnecessary you should speak!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you want me to be frank with you? I think you are wasting time,” + said I. + </p> + <p> + “You don't see any promise?” he inquired, beguiled by some + return of hope, and turning upon me the embarrassing brightness of his + eye. “Not in this still-life here, of the melon? One fellow thought + it good.” + </p> + <p> + It was the least I could do to give the melon a more particular + examination; which, when I had done, I could but shake my head. “I + am truly sorry, Pinkerton,” said I, “but I can't advise you to + persevere.” + </p> + <p> + He seemed to recover his fortitude at the moment, rebounding from + disappointment like a man of india-rubber. “Well,” said he + stoutly, “I don't know that I'm surprised. But I'll go on with the + course; and throw my whole soul into it, too. You mustn't think the time + is lost. It's all culture; it will help me to extend my relations when I + get back home; it may fit me for a position on one of the illustrateds; + and then I can always turn dealer,” he said, uttering the monstrous + proposition, which was enough to shake the Latin Quarter to the dust, with + entire simplicity. “It's all experience, besides;” he + continued, “and it seems to me there's a tendency to underrate + experience, both as net profit and investment. Never mind. That's done + with. But it took courage for you to say what you did, and I'll never + forget it. Here's my hand, Mr. Dodd. I'm not your equal in culture or + talent—” + </p> + <p> + “You know nothing about that,” I interrupted. “I have + seen your work, but you haven't seen mine. + </p> + <p> + “No more I have,” he cried; “and let's go see it at + once! But I know you are away up. I can feel it here.” + </p> + <p> + To say truth, I was almost ashamed to introduce him to my studio—my + work, whether absolutely good or bad, being so vastly superior to his. But + his spirits were now quite restored; and he amazed me, on the way, with + his light-hearted talk and new projects. So that I began at last to + understand how matters lay: that this was not an artist who had been + deprived of the practice of his single art; but only a business man of + very extended interests, informed (perhaps something of the most suddenly) + that one investment out of twenty had gone wrong. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact besides (although I never suspected it) he was already + seeking consolation with another of the muses, and pleasing himself with + the notion that he would repay me for my sincerity, cement our friendship, + and (at one and the same blow) restore my estimation of his talents. + Several times already, when I had been speaking of myself, he had pulled + out a writing-pad and scribbled a brief note; and now, when we entered the + studio, I saw it in his hand again, and the pencil go to his mouth, as he + cast a comprehensive glance round the uncomfortable building. + </p> + <p> + “Are you going to make a sketch of it?” I could not help + asking, as I unveiled the Genius of Muskegon. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that's my secret,” said he. “Never you mind. A + mouse can help a lion.” + </p> + <p> + He walked round my statue and had the design explained to him. I had + represented Muskegon as a young, almost a stripling, mother, with + something of an Indian type; the babe upon her knees was winged, to + indicate our soaring future; and her seat was a medley of sculptured + fragments, Greek, Roman, and Gothic, to remind us of the older worlds from + which we trace our generation. + </p> + <p> + “Now, does this satisfy you, Mr. Dodd?” he inquired, as soon + as I had explained to him the main features of the design. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I said, “the fellows seem to think it's not a + bad bonne femme for a beginner. I don't think it's entirely bad myself. + Here is the best point; it builds up best from here. No, it seems to me it + has a kind of merit,” I admitted; “but I mean to do better.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that's the word!” cried Pinkerton. “There's the + word I love!” and he scribbled in his pad. + </p> + <p> + “What in creation ails you?” I inquired. “It's the most + commonplace expression in the English language.” + </p> + <p> + “Better and better!” chuckled Pinkerton. “The + unconsciousness of genius. Lord, but this is coming in beautiful!” + and he scribbled again. + </p> + <p> + “If you're going to be fulsome,” said I, “I'll close the + place of entertainment.” And I threatened to replace the veil upon + the Genius. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” said he. “Don't be in a hurry. Give me a point + or two. Show me what's particularly good.” + </p> + <p> + “I would rather you found that out for yourself,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “The trouble is,” said he, “that I've never turned my + attention to sculpture, beyond, of course, admiring it, as everybody must + who has a soul. So do just be a good fellow, and explain to me what you + like in it, and what you tried for, and where the merit comes in. It'll be + all education for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, in sculpture, you see, the first thing you have to consider + is the masses. It's, after all, a kind of architecture,” I began, + and delivered a lecture on that branch of art, with illustrations from my + own masterpiece there present, all of which, if you don't mind, or whether + you mind or not, I mean to conscientiously omit. Pinkerton listened with a + fiery interest, questioned me with a certain uncultivated shrewdness, and + continued to scratch down notes, and tear fresh sheets from his pad. I + found it inspiring to have my words thus taken down like a professor's + lecture; and having had no previous experience of the press, I was unaware + that they were all being taken down wrong. For the same reason (incredible + as it must appear in an American) I never entertained the least suspicion + that they were destined to be dished up with a sauce of penny-a-lining + gossip; and myself, my person, and my works of art butchered to make a + holiday for the readers of a Sunday paper. Night had fallen over the + Genius of Muskegon before the issue of my theoretic eloquence was stayed, + nor did I separate from my new friend without an appointment for the + morrow. + </p> + <p> + I was indeed greatly taken with this first view of my countryman, and + continued, on further acquaintance, to be interested, amused, and + attracted by him in about equal proportions. I must not say he had a + fault, not only because my mouth is sealed by gratitude, but because those + he had sprang merely from his education, and you could see he had + cultivated and improved them like virtues. For all that, I can never deny + he was a troublous friend to me, and the trouble began early. + </p> + <p> + It may have been a fortnight later that I divined the secret of the + writing-pad. My wretch (it leaked out) wrote letters for a paper in the + West, and had filled a part of one of them with descriptions of myself. I + pointed out to him that he had no right to do so without asking my + permission. + </p> + <p> + “Why, this is just what I hoped!” he exclaimed. “I + thought you didn't seem to catch on; only it seemed too good to be true.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my good fellow, you were bound to warn me,” I objected. + </p> + <p> + “I know it's generally considered etiquette,” he admitted; + “but between friends, and when it was only with a view of serving + you, I thought it wouldn't matter. I wanted it (if possible) to come on + you as a surprise; I wanted you just to waken, like Lord Byron, and find + the papers full of you. You must admit it was a natural thought. And no + man likes to boast of a favour beforehand.” + </p> + <p> + “But, heavens and earth! how do you know I think it a favour?” + I cried. + </p> + <p> + He became immediately plunged in despair. “You think it a liberty,” + said he; “I see that. I would rather have cut off my hand. I would + stop it now, only it's too late; it's published by now. And I wrote it + with so much pride and pleasure!” + </p> + <p> + I could think of nothing but how to console him. “O, I daresay it's + all right,” said I. “I know you meant it kindly, and you would + be sure to do it in good taste.” + </p> + <p> + “That you may swear to,” he cried. “It's a pure, bright, + A number 1 paper; the St. Jo <i>Sunday Herald</i>. The idea of the series + was quite my own; I interviewed the editor, put it to him straight; the + freshness of the idea took him, and I walked out of that office with the + contract in my pocket, and did my first Paris letter that evening in Saint + Jo. The editor did no more than glance his eye down the headlines. 'You're + the man for us,' said he.” + </p> + <p> + I was certainly far from reassured by this sketch of the class of + literature in which I was to make my first appearance; but I said no more, + and possessed my soul in patience, until the day came when I received a + copy of a newspaper marked in the corner, “Compliments of J.P.” + I opened it with sensible shrinkings; and there, wedged between an account + of a prize-fight and a skittish article upon chiropody—think of + chiropody treated with a leer!—I came upon a column and a half in + which myself and my poor statue were embalmed. Like the editor with the + first of the series, I did but glance my eye down the head-lines and was + more than satisfied. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ANOTHER OF PINKERTON'S SPICY CHATS. + + ART PRACTITIONERS IN PARIS. + + MUSKEGON'S COLUMNED CAPITOL. + + SON OF MILLIONAIRE DODD, + + PATRIOT AND ARTIST. + + “HE MEANS TO DO BETTER.” + </pre> + <p> + In the body of the text, besides, my eye caught, as it passed, some deadly + expressions: “Figure somewhat fleshy,” “bright, + intellectual smile,” “the unconsciousness of genius,” + “'Now, Mr. Dodd,' resumed the reporter, 'what would be your idea of + a distinctively American quality in sculpture?'” It was true the + question had been asked; it was true, alas! that I had answered; and now + here was my reply, or some strange hash of it, gibbeted in the cold + publicity of type. I thanked God that my French fellow-students were + ignorant of English; but when I thought of the British—of Myner (for + instance) or the Stennises—I think I could have fallen on Pinkerton + and beat him. + </p> + <p> + To divert my thoughts (if it were possible) from this calamity, I turned + to a letter from my father which had arrived by the same post. The + envelope contained a strip of newspaper-cutting; and my eye caught again, + “Son of Millionaire Dodd—Figure somewhat fleshy,” and + the rest of the degrading nonsense. What would my father think of it? I + wondered, and opened his manuscript. “My dearest boy,” it + began, “I send you a cutting which has pleased me very much, from a + St. Joseph paper of high standing. At last you seem to be coming fairly to + the front; and I cannot but reflect with delight and gratitude how very + few youths of your age occupy nearly two columns of press-matter all to + themselves. I only wish your dear mother had been here to read it over my + shoulder; but we will hope she shares my grateful emotion in a better + place. Of course I have sent a copy to your grandfather and uncle in + Edinburgh; so you can keep the one I enclose. This Jim Pinkerton seems a + valuable acquaintance; he has certainly great talent; and it is a good + general rule to keep in with pressmen.” + </p> + <p> + I hope it will be set down to the right side of my account, but I had no + sooner read these words, so touchingly silly, than my anger against + Pinkerton was swallowed up in gratitude. Of all the circumstances of my + career, my birth, perhaps, excepted, not one had given my poor father so + profound a pleasure as this article in the <i>Sunday Herald</i>. What a + fool, then, was I, to be lamenting! when I had at last, and for once, and + at the cost of only a few blushes, paid back a fraction of my debt of + gratitude. So that, when I next met Pinkerton, I took things very lightly; + my father was pleased, and thought the letter very clever, I told him; for + my own part, I had no taste for publicity: thought the public had no + concern with the artist, only with his art; and though I owned he had + handled it with great consideration, I should take it as a favour if he + never did it again. + </p> + <p> + “There it is,” he said despondingly. “I've hurt you. You + can't deceive me, Loudon. It's the want of tact, and it's incurable.” + He sat down, and leaned his head upon his hand. “I had no advantages + when I was young, you see,” he added. + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least, my dear fellow,” said I. “Only the + next time you wish to do me a service, just speak about my work; leave my + wretched person out, and my still more wretched conversation; and above + all,” I added, with an irrepressible shudder, “don't tell them + how I said it! There's that phrase, now: 'With a proud, glad smile.' Who + cares whether I smiled or not?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there now, Loudon, you're entirely wrong,” he broke in. + “That's what the public likes; that's the merit of the thing, the + literary value. It's to call up the scene before them; it's to enable the + humblest citizen to enjoy that afternoon the same as I did. Think what it + would have been to me when I was tramping around with my tin-types to find + a column and a half of real, cultured conversation—an artist, in his + studio abroad, talking of his art—and to know how he looked as he + did it, and what the room was like, and what he had for breakfast; and to + tell myself, eating tinned beans beside a creek, that if all went well, + the same sort of thing would, sooner or later, happen to myself: why, + Loudon, it would have been like a peephole into heaven!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if it gives so much pleasure,” I admitted, “the + sufferers shouldn't complain. Only give the other fellows a turn.” + </p> + <p> + The end of the matter was to bring myself and the journalist in a more + close relation. If I know anything at all of human nature—and the IF + is no mere figure of speech, but stands for honest doubt—no series + of benefits conferred, or even dangers shared, would have so rapidly + confirmed our friendship as this quarrel avoided, this fundamental + difference of taste and training accepted and condoned. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. IN WHICH I EXPERIENCE EXTREMES OF FORTUNE. + </h2> + <p> + Whether it came from my training and repeated bankruptcy at the commercial + college, or by direct inheritance from old Loudon, the Edinburgh mason, + there can be no doubt about the fact that I was thrifty. Looking myself + impartially over, I believe that is my only manly virtue. During my first + two years in Paris I not only made it a point to keep well inside of my + allowance, but accumulated considerable savings in the bank. You will say, + with my masquerade of living as a penniless student, it must have been + easy to do so: I should have had no difficulty, however, in doing the + reverse. Indeed, it is wonderful I did not; and early in the third year, + or soon after I had known Pinkerton, a singular incident proved it to have + been equally wise. Quarter-day came, and brought no allowance. A letter of + remonstrance was despatched, and for the first time in my experience, + remained unanswered. A cablegram was more effectual; for it brought me at + least a promise of attention. “Will write at once,” my father + telegraphed; but I waited long for his letter. I was puzzled, angry, and + alarmed; but thanks to my previous thrift, I cannot say that I was ever + practically embarrassed. The embarrassment, the distress, the agony, were + all for my unhappy father at home in Muskegon, struggling for life and + fortune against untoward chances, returning at night from a day of + ill-starred shifts and ventures, to read and perhaps to weep over that + last harsh letter from his only child, to which he lacked the courage to + reply. + </p> + <p> + Nearly three months after time, and when my economies were beginning to + run low, I received at last a letter with the customary bills of exchange. + </p> + <p> + “My dearest boy,” it ran, “I believe, in the press of + anxious business, your letters and even your allowance have been somewhile + neglected. You must try to forgive your poor old dad, for he has had a + trying time; and now when it is over, the doctor wants me to take my + shotgun and go to the Adirondacks for a change. You must not fancy I am + sick, only over-driven and under the weather. Many of our foremost + operators have gone down: John T. M'Brady skipped to Canada with a + trunkful of boodle; Billy Sandwith, Charlie Downs, Joe Kaiser, and many + others of our leading men in this city bit the dust. But Big-Head Dodd has + again weathered the blizzard, and I think I have fixed things so that we + may be richer than ever before autumn. + </p> + <p> + “Now I will tell you, my dear, what I propose. You say you are well + advanced with your first statue; start in manfully and finish it, and if + your teacher—I can never remember how to spell his name—will + send me a certificate that it is up to market standard, you shall have ten + thousand dollars to do what you like with, either at home or in Paris. I + suggest, since you say the facilities for work are so much greater in that + city, you would do well to buy or build a little home; and the first thing + you know, your dad will be dropping in for a luncheon. Indeed, I would + come now, for I am beginning to grow old, and I long to see my dear boy; + but there are still some operations that want watching and nursing. Tell + your friend, Mr. Pinkerton, that I read his letters every week; and though + I have looked in vain lately for my Loudon's name, still I learn something + of the life he is leading in that strange, old world, depicted by an able + pen.” + </p> + <p> + Here was a letter that no young man could possibly digest in solitude. It + marked one of those junctures when the confidant is necessary; and the + confidant selected was none other than Jim Pinkerton. My father's message + may have had an influence in this decision; but I scarce suppose so, for + the intimacy was already far advanced. I had a genuine and lively taste + for my compatriot; I laughed at, I scolded, and I loved him. He, upon his + side, paid me a kind of doglike service of admiration, gazing at me from + afar off as at one who had liberally enjoyed those “advantages” + which he envied for himself. He followed at heel; his laugh was ready + chorus; our friends gave him the nickname of “The Henchman.” + It was in this insidious form that servitude approached me. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton and I read and re-read the famous news: he, I can swear, with an + enjoyment as unalloyed and far more vocal than my own. The statue was + nearly done: a few days' work sufficed to prepare it for exhibition; the + master was approached; he gave his consent; and one cloudless morning of + May beheld us gathered in my studio for the hour of trial. The master wore + his many-hued rosette; he came attended by two of my French fellow-pupils—friends + of mine and both considerable sculptors in Paris at this hour. “Corporal + John” (as we used to call him) breaking for once those habits of + study and reserve which have since carried him so high in the opinion of + the world, had left his easel of a morning to countenance a + fellow-countryman in some suspense. My dear old Romney was there by + particular request; for who that knew him would think a pleasure quite + complete unless he shared it, or not support a mortification more easily + if he were present to console? The party was completed by John Myner, the + Englishman; by the brothers Stennis,—Stennis-aine and Stennis-frere, + as they used to figure on their accounts at Barbizon—a pair of + hare-brained Scots; and by the inevitable Jim, as white as a sheet and + bedewed with the sweat of anxiety. + </p> + <p> + I suppose I was little better myself when I unveiled the Genius of + Muskegon. The master walked about it seriously; then he smiled. + </p> + <p> + “It is already not so bad,” said he, in that funny English of + which he was so proud. “No, already not so bad.” + </p> + <p> + We all drew a deep breath of relief; and Corporal John (as the most + considerable junior present) explained to him it was intended for a public + building, a kind of prefecture— + </p> + <p> + “He! Quoi?” cried he, relapsing into French. “Qu'est-ce + que vous me chantez la? O, in America,” he added, on further + information being hastily furnished. “That is anozer sing. O, very + good, very good.” + </p> + <p> + The idea of the required certificate had to be introduced to his mind in + the light of a pleasantry—the fancy of a nabob little more advanced + than the red Indians of “Fennimore Cooperr”; and it took all + our talents combined to conceive a form of words that would be acceptable + on both sides. One was found, however: Corporal John engrossed it in his + undecipherable hand, the master lent it the sanction of his name and + flourish, I slipped it into an envelope along with one of the two letters + I had ready prepared in my pocket, and as the rest of us moved off along + the boulevard to breakfast, Pinkerton was detached in a cab and duly + committed it to the post. + </p> + <p> + The breakfast was ordered at Lavenue's, where no one need be ashamed to + entertain even the master; the table was laid in the garden; I had chosen + the bill of fare myself; on the wine question we held a council of war + with the most fortunate results; and the talk, as soon as the master laid + aside his painful English, became fast and furious. There were a few + interruptions, indeed, in the way of toasts. The master's health had to be + drunk, and he responded in a little well-turned speech, full of neat + allusions to my future and to the United States; my health followed; and + then my father's must not only be proposed and drunk, but a full report + must be despatched to him at once by cablegram—an extravagance which + was almost the means of the master's dissolution. Choosing Corporal John + to be his confidant (on the ground, I presume, that he was already too + good an artist to be any longer an American except in name) he summed up + his amazement in one oft-repeated formula—“C'est barbare!” + Apart from these genial formalities, we talked, talked of art, and talked + of it as only artists can. Here in the South Seas we talk schooners most + of the time; in the Quarter we talked art with the like unflagging + interest, and perhaps as much result. + </p> + <p> + Before very long, the master went away; Corporal John (who was already a + sort of young master) followed on his heels; and the rank and file were + naturally relieved by their departure. We were now among equals; the + bottle passed, the conversation sped. I think I can still hear the Stennis + brothers pour forth their copious tirades; Dijon, my portly French + fellow-student, drop witticisms well-conditioned like himself; and another + (who was weak in foreign languages) dash hotly into the current of talk + with some “Je trove que pore oon sontimong de delicacy, Corot ...,” + or some “Pour moi Corot est le plou ...,” and then, his little + raft of French foundering at once, scramble silently to shore again. He at + least could understand; but to Pinkerton, I think the noise, the wine, the + sun, the shadows of the leaves, and the esoteric glory of being seated at + a foreign festival, made up the whole available means of entertainment. + </p> + <p> + We sat down about half past eleven; I suppose it was two when, some point + arising and some particular picture being instanced, an adjournment to the + Louvre was proposed. I paid the score, and in a moment we were trooping + down the Rue de Renne. It was smoking hot; Paris glittered with that + superficial brilliancy which is so agreeable to the man in high spirits, + and in moods of dejection so depressing; the wine sang in my ears, it + danced and brightened in my eyes. The pictures that we saw that afternoon, + as we sped briskly and loquaciously through the immortal galleries, appear + to me, upon a retrospect, the loveliest of all; the comments we exchanged + to have touched the highest mark of criticism, grave or gay. + </p> + <p> + It was only when we issued again from the museum that a difference of race + broke up the party. Dijon proposed an adjournment to a cafe, there to + finish the afternoon on beer; the elder Stennis, revolted at the thought, + moved for the country, a forest if possible, and a long walk. At once the + English speakers rallied to the name of any exercise: even to me, who have + been often twitted with my sedentary habits, the thought of country air + and stillness proved invincibly attractive. It appeared, upon + investigation, we had just time to hail a cab and catch one of the fast + trains for Fontainebleau. Beyond the clothes we stood in, all were + destitute of what is called (with dainty vagueness) personal effects; and + it was earnestly mooted, on the other side, whether we had not time to + call upon the way and pack a satchel? But the Stennis boys exclaimed upon + our effeminacy. They had come from London, it appeared, a week before with + nothing but greatcoats and tooth-brushes. No baggage—there was the + secret of existence. It was expensive, to be sure; for every time you had + to comb your hair, a barber must be paid, and every time you changed your + linen, one shirt must be bought and another thrown away; but anything was + better (argued these young gentlemen) than to be the slaves of haversacks. + “A fellow has to get rid gradually of all material attachments; that + was manhood” (said they); “and as long as you were bound down + to anything,—house, umbrella, or portmanteau,—you were still + tethered by the umbilical cord.” Something engaging in this theory + carried the most of us away. The two Frenchmen, indeed, retired, scoffing, + to their bock; and Romney, being too poor to join the excursion on his own + resources and too proud to borrow, melted unobtrusively away. Meanwhile + the remainder of the company crowded the benches of a cab; the horse was + urged (as horses have to be) by an appeal to the pocket of the driver; the + train caught by the inside of a minute; and in less than an hour and a + half we were breathing deep of the sweet air of the forest and stretching + our legs up the hill from Fontainebleau octroi, bound for Barbizon. That + the leading members of our party covered the distance in fifty-one minutes + and a half is (I believe) one of the historic landmarks of the colony; but + you will scarce be surprised to learn that I was somewhat in the rear. + Myner, a comparatively philosophic Briton, kept me company in my + deliberate advance; the glory of the sun's going down, the fall of the + long shadows, the inimitable scent and the inspiration of the woods, + attuned me more and more to walk in a silence which progressively infected + my companion; and I remember that, when at last he spoke, I was startled + from a deep abstraction. + </p> + <p> + “Your father seems to be a pretty good kind of a father,” said + he. “Why don't he come to see you?” I was ready with some + dozen of reasons, and had more in stock; but Myner, with that shrewdness + which made him feared and admired, suddenly fixed me with his eye-glass + and asked, “Ever press him?” + </p> + <p> + The blood came in my face. No; I had never pressed him; I had never even + encouraged him to come. I was proud of him; proud of his handsome looks, + of his kind, gentle ways, of that bright face he could show when others + were happy; proud, too (meanly proud, if you like) of his great wealth and + startling liberalities. And yet he would have been in the way of my Paris + life, of much of which he would have disapproved. I had feared to expose + to criticism his innocent remarks on art; I had told myself, I had even + partly believed, he did not want to come; I had been (and still am) + convinced that he was sure to be unhappy out of Muskegon; in short, I had + a thousand reasons, good and bad, not all of which could alter one iota of + the fact that I knew he only waited for my invitation. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Myner,” said I; “you're a much better fellow + than ever I supposed. I'll write to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “O, you're a pretty decent sort yourself,” returned Myner, + with more than his usual flippancy of manner, but (as I was gratefully + aware) not a trace of his occasional irony of meaning. + </p> + <p> + Well, these were brave days, on which I could dwell forever. Brave, too, + were those that followed, when Pinkerton and I walked Paris and the + suburbs, viewing and pricing houses for my new establishment, or covered + ourselves with dust and returned laden with Chinese gods and brass + warming-pans from the dealers in antiquities. I found Pinkerton well up in + the situation of these establishments as well as in the current prices, + and with quite a smattering of critical judgment; it turned out he was + investing capital in pictures and curiosities for the States, and the + superficial thoroughness of the creature appeared in the fact, that + although he would never be a connoisseur, he was already something of an + expert. The things themselves left him as near as may be cold; but he had + a joy of his own in understanding how to buy and sell them. + </p> + <p> + In such engagements the time passed until I might very well expect an + answer from my father. Two mails followed each other, and brought nothing. + By the third I received a long and almost incoherent letter of remorse, + encouragement, consolation, and despair. From this pitiful document, which + (with a movement of piety) I burned as soon as I had read it, I gathered + that the bubble of my father's wealth was burst, that he was now both + penniless and sick; and that I, so far from expecting ten thousand dollars + to throw away in juvenile extravagance, must look no longer for the + quarterly remittances on which I lived. My case was hard enough; but I had + sense enough to perceive, and decency enough to do my duty. I sold my + curiosities, or rather I sent Pinkerton to sell them; and he had + previously bought and now disposed of them so wisely that the loss was + trifling. This, with what remained of my last allowance, left me at the + head of no less than five thousand francs. Five hundred I reserved for my + own immediate necessities; the rest I mailed inside of the week to my + father at Muskegon, where they came in time to pay his funeral expenses. + </p> + <p> + The news of his death was scarcely a surprise and scarce a grief to me. I + could not conceive my father a poor man. He had led too long a life of + thoughtless and generous profusion to endure the change; and though I + grieved for myself, I was able to rejoice that my father had been taken + from the battle. I grieved, I say, for myself; and it is probable there + were at the same date many thousands of persons grieving with less cause. + I had lost my father; I had lost the allowance; my whole fortune + (including what had been returned from Muskegon) scarce amounted to a + thousand francs; and to crown my sorrows, the statuary contract had + changed hands. The new contractor had a son of his own, or else a nephew; + and it was signified to me, with business-like plainness, that I must find + another market for my pigs. In the meanwhile I had given up my room, and + slept on a truckle-bed in the corner of the studio, where as I read myself + to sleep at night, and when I awoke in the morning, that now useless bulk, + the Genius of Muskegon, was ever present to my eyes. Poor stone lady! born + to be enthroned under the gilded, echoing dome of the new capitol, whither + was she now to drift? for what base purposes be ultimately broken up, like + an unseaworthy ship? and what should befall her ill-starred artificer, + standing, with his thousand francs, on the threshold of a life so hard as + that of the unbefriended sculptor? + </p> + <p> + It was a subject often and earnestly debated by myself and Pinkerton. In + his opinion, I should instantly discard my profession. “Just drop + it, here and now,” he would say. “Come back home with me, and + let's throw our whole soul into business. I have the capital; you bring + the culture. Dodd & Pinkerton—I never saw a better name for an + advertisement; and you can't think, Loudon, how much depends upon a name.” + On my side, I would admit that a sculptor should possess one of three + things—capital, influence, or an energy only to be qualified as + hellish. The first two I had now lost; to the third I never had the + smallest claim; and yet I wanted the cowardice (or perhaps it was the + courage) to turn my back on my career without a fight. I told him, + besides, that however poor my chances were in sculpture, I was convinced + they were yet worse in business, for which I equally lacked taste and + aptitude. But upon this head, he was my father over again; assured me that + I spoke in ignorance; that any intelligent and cultured person was Bound + to succeed; that I must, besides, have inherited some of my father's + fitness; and, at any rate, that I had been regularly trained for that + career in the commercial college. + </p> + <p> + “Pinkerton,” I said, “can't you understand that, as long + as I was there, I never took the smallest interest in any stricken thing? + The whole affair was poison to me.” + </p> + <p> + “It's not possible,” he would cry; “it can't be; you + couldn't live in the midst of it and not feel the charm; with all your + poetry of soul, you couldn't help! Loudon,” he would go on, “you + drive me crazy. You expect a man to be all broken up about the sunset, and + not to care a dime for a place where fortunes are fought for and made and + lost all day; or for a career that consists in studying up life till you + have it at your finger-ends, spying out every cranny where you can get + your hand in and a dollar out, and standing there in the midst—one + foot on bankruptcy, the other on a borrowed dollar, and the whole thing + spinning round you like a mill—raking in the stamps, in spite of + fate and fortune.” + </p> + <p> + To this romance of dickering I would reply with the romance (which is also + the virtue) of art: reminding him of those examples of constancy through + many tribulations, with which the role of Apollo is illustrated; from the + case of Millet, to those of many of our friends and comrades, who had + chosen this agreeable mountain path through life, and were now bravely + clambering among rocks and brambles, penniless and hopeful. + </p> + <p> + “You will never understand it, Pinkerton,” I would say. + “You look to the result, you want to see some profit of your + endeavours: that is why you could never learn to paint, if you lived to be + Methusalem. The result is always a fizzle: the eyes of the artist are + turned in; he lives for a frame of mind. Look at Romney, now. There is the + nature of the artist. He hasn't a cent; and if you offered him to-morrow + the command of an army, or the presidentship of the United States, he + wouldn't take it, and you know he wouldn't.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose not,” Pinkerton would cry, scouring his hair with + both his hands; “and I can't see why; I can't see what in fits he + would be after, not to; I don't seem to rise to these views. Of course, + it's the fault of not having had advantages in early life; but, Loudon, + I'm so miserably low that it seems to me silly. The fact is,” he + might add with a smile, “I don't seem to have the least use for a + frame of mind without square meals; and you can't get it out of my head + that it's a man's duty to die rich, if he can.” + </p> + <p> + “What for?” I asked him once. + </p> + <p> + “O, I don't know,” he replied. “Why in snakes should + anybody want to be a sculptor, if you come to that? I would love to sculp + myself. But what I can't see is why you should want to do nothing else. It + seems to argue a poverty of nature.” + </p> + <p> + Whether or not he ever came to understand me—and I have been so + tossed about since then that I am not very sure I understand myself—he + soon perceived that I was perfectly in earnest; and after about ten days + of argument, suddenly dropped the subject, and announced that he was + wasting capital, and must go home at once. No doubt he should have gone + long before, and had already lingered over his intended time for the sake + of our companionship and my misfortune; but man is so unjustly minded that + the very fact, which ought to have disarmed, only embittered my vexation. + I resented his departure in the light of a desertion; I would not say, but + doubtless I betrayed it; and something hang-dog in the man's face and + bearing led me to believe he was himself remorseful. It is certain at + least that, during the time of his preparations, we drew sensibly apart—a + circumstance that I recall with shame. On the last day, he had me to + dinner at a restaurant which he knew I had formerly frequented, and had + only forsworn of late from considerations of economy. He seemed ill at + ease; I was myself both sorry and sulky; and the meal passed with little + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Loudon,” said he, with a visible effort, after the + coffee was come and our pipes lighted, “you can never understand the + gratitude and loyalty I bear you. You don't know what a boon it is to be + taken up by a man that stands on the pinnacle of civilization; you can't + think how it's refined and purified me, how it's appealed to my spiritual + nature; and I want to tell you that I would die at your door like a dog.” + </p> + <p> + I don't know what answer I tried to make, but he cut me short. + </p> + <p> + “Let me say it out!” he cried. “I revere you for your + whole-souled devotion to art; I can't rise to it, but there's a strain of + poetry in my nature, Loudon, that responds to it. I want you to carry it + out, and I mean to help you.” + </p> + <p> + “Pinkerton, what nonsense is this?” I interrupted. + </p> + <p> + “Now don't get mad, Loudon; this is a plain piece of business,” + said he; “it's done every day; it's even typical. How are all those + fellows over here in Paris, Henderson, Sumner, Long?—it's all the + same story: a young man just plum full of artistic genius on the one side, + a man of business on the other who doesn't know what to do with his + dollars—” + </p> + <p> + “But, you fool, you're as poor as a rat,” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “You wait till I get my irons in the fire!” returned + Pinkerton. “I'm bound to be rich; and I tell you I mean to have some + of the fun as I go along. Here's your first allowance; take it at the hand + of a friend; I'm one that holds friendship sacred as you do yourself. It's + only a hundred francs; you'll get the same every month, and as soon as my + business begins to expand we'll increase it to something fitting. And so + far from it's being a favour, just let me handle your statuary for the + American market, and I'll call it one of the smartest strokes of business + in my life.” + </p> + <p> + It took me a long time, and it had cost us both much grateful and painful + emotion, before I had finally managed to refuse his offer and compounded + for a bottle of particular wine. He dropped the subject at last suddenly + with a “Never mind; that's all done with,” nor did he again + refer to the subject, though we passed together the rest of the afternoon, + and I accompanied him, on his departure; to the doors of the waiting-room + at St. Lazare. I felt myself strangely alone; a voice told me that I had + rejected both the counsels of wisdom and the helping hand of friendship; + and as I passed through the great bright city on my homeward way, I + measured it for the first time with the eye of an adversary. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. IN WHICH I AM DOWN ON MY LUCK IN PARIS. + </h2> + <p> + In no part of the world is starvation an agreeable business; but I believe + it is admitted there is no worse place to starve in than this city of + Paris. The appearances of life are there so especially gay, it is so much + a magnified beer-garden, the houses are so ornate, the theatres so + numerous, the very pace of the vehicles is so brisk, that a man in any + deep concern of mind or pain of body is constantly driven in upon himself. + In his own eyes, he seems the one serious creature moving in a world of + horrible unreality; voluble people issuing from a cafe, the queue at + theatre doors, Sunday cabfuls of second-rate pleasure-seekers, the + bedizened ladies of the pavement, the show in the jewellers' windows—all + the familiar sights contributing to flout his own unhappiness, want, and + isolation. At the same time, if he be at all after my pattern, he is + perhaps supported by a childish satisfaction: this is life at last, he may + tell himself, this is the real thing; the bladders on which I was set + swimming are now empty, my own weight depends upon the ocean; by my own + exertions I must perish or succeed; and I am now enduring in the vivid + fact, what I so much delighted to read of in the case of Lonsteau or + Lucien, Rodolphe or Schaunard. + </p> + <p> + Of the steps of my misery, I cannot tell at length. In ordinary times what + were politically called “loans” (although they were never + meant to be repaid) were matters of constant course among the students, + and many a man has partly lived on them for years. But my misfortune + befell me at an awkward juncture. Many of my friends were gone; others + were themselves in a precarious situation. Romney (for instance) was + reduced to tramping Paris in a pair of country sabots, his only suit of + clothes so imperfect (in spite of cunningly adjusted pins) that the + authorities at the Luxembourg suggested his withdrawal from the gallery. + Dijon, too, was on a leeshore, designing clocks and gas-brackets for a + dealer; and the most he could do was to offer me a corner of his studio + where I might work. My own studio (it will be gathered) I had by that time + lost; and in the course of my expulsion the Genius of Muskegon was finally + separated from her author. To continue to possess a full-sized statue, a + man must have a studio, a gallery, or at least the freedom of a back + garden. He cannot carry it about with him, like a satchel, in the bottom + of a cab, nor can he cohabit in a garret, ten by fifteen, with so + momentous a companion. It was my first idea to leave her behind at my + departure. There, in her birthplace, she might lend an inspiration, + methought, to my successor. But the proprietor, with whom I had unhappily + quarrelled, seized the occasion to be disagreeable, and called upon me to + remove my property. For a man in such straits as I now found myself, the + hire of a lorry was a consideration; and yet even that I could have faced, + if I had had anywhere to drive to after it was hired. Hysterical laughter + seized upon me as I beheld (in imagination) myself, the waggoner, and the + Genius of Muskegon, standing in the public view of Paris, without the + shadow of a destination; perhaps driving at last to the nearest rubbish + heap, and dumping there, among the ordures of a city, the beloved child of + my invention. From these extremities I was relieved by a seasonable offer, + and I parted from the Genius of Muskegon for thirty francs. Where she now + stands, under what name she is admired or criticised, history does not + inform us; but I like to think she may adorn the shrubbery of some + suburban tea-garden, where holiday shop-girls hang their hats upon the + mother, and their swains (by way of an approach of gallantry) identify the + winged infant with the god of love. + </p> + <p> + In a certain cabman's eating-house on the outer boulevard I got credit for + my midday meal. Supper I was supposed not to require, sitting down nightly + to the delicate table of some rich acquaintances. This arrangement was + extremely ill-considered. My fable, credible enough at first, and so long + as my clothes were in good order, must have seemed worse than doubtful + after my coat became frayed about the edges, and my boots began to squelch + and pipe along the restaurant floors. The allowance of one meal a day + besides, though suitable enough to the state of my finances, agreed poorly + with my stomach. The restaurant was a place I had often visited + experimentally, to taste the life of students then more unfortunate than + myself; and I had never in those days entered it without disgust, or left + it without nausea. It was strange to find myself sitting down with + avidity, rising up with satisfaction, and counting the hours that divided + me from my return to such a table. But hunger is a great magician; and so + soon as I had spent my ready cash, and could no longer fill up on bowls of + chocolate or hunks of bread, I must depend entirely on that cabman's + eating-house, and upon certain rare, long-expected, long-remembered + windfalls. Dijon (for instance) might get paid for some of his pot-boiling + work, or else an old friend would pass through Paris; and then I would be + entertained to a meal after my own soul, and contract a Latin Quarter + loan, which would keep me in tobacco and my morning coffee for a + fortnight. It might be thought the latter would appear the more important. + It might be supposed that a life, led so near the confines of actual + famine, should have dulled the nicety of my palate. On the contrary, the + poorer a man's diet, the more sharply is he set on dainties. The last of + my ready cash, about thirty francs, was deliberately squandered on a + single dinner; and a great part of my time when I was alone was passed + upon the details of imaginary feasts. + </p> + <p> + One gleam of hope visited me—an order for a bust from a rich + Southerner. He was free-handed, jolly of speech, merry of countenance; + kept me in good humour through the sittings, and when they were over, + carried me off with him to dinner and the sights of Paris. I ate well; I + laid on flesh; by all accounts, I made a favourable likeness of the being, + and I confess I thought my future was assured. But when the bust was done, + and I had despatched it across the Atlantic, I could never so much as + learn of its arrival. The blow felled me; I should have lain down and + tried no stroke to right myself, had not the honour of my country been + involved. For Dijon improved the opportunity in the European style; + informing me (for the first time) of the manners of America: how it was a + den of banditti without the smallest rudiment of law or order, and debts + could be there only collected with a shotgun. “The whole world knows + it,” he would say; “you are alone, mon petit Loudon, you are + alone to be in ignorance of these facts. The judges of the Supreme Court + fought but the other day with stilettos on the bench at Cincinnati. You + should read the little book of one of my friends: <i>Le Touriste dans le + Far-West</i>; you will see it all there in good French.” At last, + incensed by days of such discussion, I undertook to prove to him the + contrary, and put the affair in the hands of my late father's lawyer. From + him I had the gratification of hearing, after a due interval, that my + debtor was dead of the yellow fever in Key West, and had left his affairs + in some confusion. I suppress his name; for though he treated me with + cruel nonchalance, it is probable he meant to deal fairly in the end. + </p> + <p> + Soon after this a shade of change in my reception at the cabman's + eating-house marked the beginning of a new phase in my distress. The first + day, I told myself it was but fancy; the next, I made quite sure it was a + fact; the third, in mere panic I stayed away, and went for forty-eight + hours fasting. This was an act of great unreason; for the debtor who stays + away is but the more remarked, and the boarder who misses a meal is sure + to be accused of infidelity. On the fourth day, therefore, I returned, + inwardly quaking. The proprietor looked askance upon my entrance; the + waitresses (who were his daughters) neglected my wants and sniffed at the + affected joviality of my salutations; last and most plain, when I called + for a suisse (such as was being served to all the other diners) I was + bluntly told there were no more. It was obvious I was near the end of my + tether; one plank divided me from want, and now I felt it tremble. I + passed a sleepless night, and the first thing in the morning took my way + to Myner's studio. It was a step I had long meditated and long refrained + from; for I was scarce intimate with the Englishman; and though I knew him + to possess plenty of money, neither his manner nor his reputation were the + least encouraging to beggars. + </p> + <p> + I found him at work on a picture, which I was able conscientiously to + praise, dressed in his usual tweeds, plain, but pretty fresh, and standing + out in disagreeable contrast to my own withered and degraded outfit. As we + talked, he continued to shift his eyes watchfully between his handiwork + and the fat model, who sat at the far end of the studio in a state of + nature, with one arm gallantly arched above her head. My errand would have + been difficult enough under the best of circumstances: placed between + Myner, immersed in his art, and the white, fat, naked female in a + ridiculous attitude, I found it quite impossible. Again and again I + attempted to approach the point, again and again fell back on + commendations of the picture; and it was not until the model had enjoyed + an interval of repose, during which she took the conversation in her own + hands and regaled us (in a soft, weak voice) with details as to her + husband's prosperity, her sister's lamented decline from the paths of + virtue, and the consequent wrath of her father, a peasant of stern + principles, in the vicinity of Chalons on the Marne;—it was not, I + say, until after this was over, and I had once more cleared my throat for + the attack, and once more dropped aside into some commonplace about the + picture, that Myner himself brought me suddenly and vigorously to the + point. + </p> + <p> + “You didn't come here to talk this rot,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I replied sullenly; “I came to borrow money.” + </p> + <p> + He painted awhile in silence. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think we were ever very intimate?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” said I. “I can take my answer,” and I + made as if to go, rage boiling in my heart. + </p> + <p> + “Of course you can go if you like,” said Myner; “but I + advise you to stay and have it out.” + </p> + <p> + “What more is there to say?” I cried. “You don't want to + keep me here for a needless humiliation?” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, Dodd, you must try and command your temper,” said + he. “This interview is of your own seeking, and not mine; if you + suppose it's not disagreeable to me, you're wrong; and if you think I will + give you money without knowing thoroughly about your prospects, you take + me for a fool. Besides,” he added, “if you come to look at it, + you've got over the worst of it by now: you have done the asking, and you + have every reason to know I mean to refuse. I hold out no false hopes, but + it may be worth your while to let me judge.” + </p> + <p> + Thus—I was going to say—encouraged, I stumbled through my + story; told him I had credit at the cabman's eating-house, but began to + think it was drawing to a close; how Dijon lent me a corner of his studio, + where I tried to model ornaments, figures for clocks, Time with the + scythe, Leda and the swan, musketeers for candlesticks, and other + kickshaws, which had never (up to that day) been honoured with the least + approval. + </p> + <p> + “And your room?” asked Myner. + </p> + <p> + “O, my room is all right, I think,” said I. “She is a + very good old lady, and has never even mentioned her bill.” + </p> + <p> + “Because she is a very good old lady, I don't see why she should be + fined,” observed Myner. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I mean this,” said he. “The French give a great deal of + credit amongst themselves; they find it pays on the whole, or the system + would hardly be continued; but I can't see where WE come in; I can't see + that it's honest of us Anglo-Saxons to profit by their easy ways, and then + skip over the Channel or (as you Yankees do) across the Atlantic.” + </p> + <p> + “But I'm not proposing to skip,” I objected. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” he replied. “And shouldn't you? There's the + problem. You seem to me to have a lack of sympathy for the proprietors of + cabmen's eating-houses. By your own account you're not getting on: the + longer you stay, it'll only be the more out of the pocket of the dear old + lady at your lodgings. Now, I'll tell you what I'll do: if you consent to + go, I'll pay your passage to New York, and your railway fare and expenses + to Muskegon (if I have the name right) where your father lived, where he + must have left friends, and where, no doubt, you'll find an opening. I + don't seek any gratitude, for of course you'll think me a beast; but I do + ask you to pay it back when you are able. At any rate, that's all I can + do. It might be different if I thought you a genius, Dodd; but I don't, + and I advise you not to.” + </p> + <p> + “I think that was uncalled for, at least,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay it was,” he returned, with the same steadiness. + “It seemed to me pertinent; and, besides, when you ask me for money + upon no security, you treat me with the liberty of a friend, and it's to + be presumed that I can do the like. But the point is, do you accept?” + </p> + <p> + “No, thank you,” said I; “I have another string to my + bow.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” says Myner. “Be sure it's honest.” + </p> + <p> + “Honest? honest?” I cried. “What do you mean by calling + my honesty in question?” + </p> + <p> + “I won't, if you don't like it,” he replied. “You seem + to think honesty as easy as Blind Man's Buff: I don't. It's some + difference of definition.” + </p> + <p> + I went straight from this irritating interview, during which Myner had + never discontinued painting, to the studio of my old master. Only one card + remained for me to play, and I was now resolved to play it: I must drop + the gentleman and the frock-coat, and approach art in the workman's tunic. + </p> + <p> + “Tiens, this little Dodd!” cried the master; and then, as his + eye fell on my dilapidated clothing, I thought I could perceive his + countenance to darken. + </p> + <p> + I made my plea in English; for I knew, if he were vain of anything, it was + of his achievement of the island tongue. “Master,” said I, + “will you take me in your studio again? but this time as a workman.” + </p> + <p> + “I sought your fazer was immensely reech,” said he. + </p> + <p> + I explained to him that I was now an orphan and penniless. + </p> + <p> + He shook his head. “I have betterr workmen waiting at my door,” + said he, “far betterr workmen. + </p> + <p> + “You used to think something of my work, sir,” I pleaded. + </p> + <p> + “Somesing, somesing—yes!” he cried; “enough for a + son of a reech man—not enough for an orphan. Besides, I sought you + might learn to be an artist; I did not sink you might learn to be a + workman.” + </p> + <p> + On a certain bench on the outer boulevard, not far from the tomb of + Napoleon, a bench shaded at that date by a shabby tree, and commanding a + view of muddy roadway and blank wall, I sat down to wrestle with my + misery. The weather was cheerless and dark; in three days I had eaten but + once; I had no tobacco; my shoes were soaked, my trousers horrid with + mire; my humour and all the circumstances of the time and place + lugubriously attuned. Here were two men who had both spoken fairly of my + work while I was rich and wanted nothing; now that I was poor and lacked + all: “no genius,” said the one; “not enough for an + orphan,” the other; and the first offered me my passage like a + pauper immigrant, and the second refused me a day's wage as a hewer of + stone—plain dealing for an empty belly. They had not been insincere + in the past; they were not insincere to-day: change of circumstance had + introduced a new criterion: that was all. + </p> + <p> + But if I acquitted my two Job's comforters of insincerity, I was yet far + from admitting them infallible. Artists had been contemned before, and had + lived to turn the laugh on their contemners. How old was Corot before he + struck the vein of his own precious metal? When had a young man been more + derided (or more justly so) than the god of my admiration, Balzac? Or if I + required a bolder inspiration, what had I to do but turn my head to where + the gold dome of the Invalides glittered against inky squalls, and recall + the tale of him sleeping there: from the day when a young artillery-sub + could be giggled at and nicknamed Puss-in-Boots by frisky misses; on to + the days of so many crowns and so many victories, and so many hundred + mouths of cannon, and so many thousand war-hoofs trampling the roadways of + astonished Europe eighty miles in front of the grand army? To go back, to + give up, to proclaim myself a failure, an ambitious failure, first a + rocket, then a stick! I, Loudon Dodd, who had refused all other + livelihoods with scorn, and been advertised in the Saint Joseph <i>Sunday + Herald</i> as a patriot and an artist, to be returned upon my native + Muskegon like damaged goods, and go the circuit of my father's + acquaintance, cap in hand, and begging to sweep offices! No, by Napoleon! + I would die at my chosen trade; and the two who had that day flouted me + should live to envy my success, or to weep tears of unavailing penitence + behind my pauper coffin. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, if my courage was still undiminished, I was none the nearer to a + meal. At no great distance my cabman's eating-house stood, at the tail of + a muddy cab-rank, on the shores of a wide thoroughfare of mud, offering + (to fancy) a face of ambiguous invitation. I might be received, I might + once more fill my belly there; on the other hand, it was perhaps this day + the bolt was destined to fall, and I might be expelled instead, with + vulgar hubbub. It was policy to make the attempt, and I knew it was + policy; but I had already, in the course of that one morning, endured too + many affronts, and I felt I could rather starve than face another. I had + courage and to spare for the future, none left for that day; courage for + the main campaign, but not a spark of it for that preliminary skirmish of + the cabman's restaurant. I continued accordingly to sit upon my bench, not + far from the ashes of Napoleon, now drowsy, now light-headed, now in + complete mental obstruction, or only conscious of an animal pleasure in + quiescence; and now thinking, planning, and remembering with unexampled + clearness, telling myself tales of sudden wealth, and gustfully ordering + and greedily consuming imaginary meals: in the course of which I must have + dropped asleep. + </p> + <p> + It was towards dark that I was suddenly recalled to famine by a cold souse + of rain, and sprang shivering to my feet. For a moment I stood bewildered: + the whole train of my reasoning and dreaming passed afresh through my + mind; I was again tempted, drawn as if with cords, by the image of the + cabman's eating-house, and again recoiled from the possibility of insult. + “Qui dort dine,” thought I to myself; and took my homeward way + with wavering footsteps, through rainy streets in which the lamps and the + shop-windows now began to gleam; still marshalling imaginary dinners as I + went. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Monsieur Dodd,” said the porter, “there has been a + registered letter for you. The facteur will bring it again to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + A registered letter for me, who had been so long without one? Of what it + could possibly contain, I had no vestige of a guess; nor did I delay + myself guessing; far less from any conscious plan of dishonesty: the lies + flowed from me like a natural secretion. + </p> + <p> + “O,” said I, “my remittance at last! What a bother I + should have missed it! Can you lend me a hundred francs until to-morrow?” + </p> + <p> + I had never attempted to borrow from the porter till that moment: the + registered letter was, besides, my warranty; and he gave me what he had—three + napoleons and some francs in silver. I pocketed the money carelessly, + lingered a while chaffing, strolled leisurely to the door; and then (fast + as my trembling legs could carry me) round the corner to the Cafe de + Cluny. French waiters are deft and speedy; they were not deft enough for + me; and I had scarce decency to let the man set the wine upon the table or + put the butter alongside the bread, before my glass and my mouth were + filled. Exquisite bread of the Cafe Cluny, exquisite first glass of old + Pomard tingling to my wet feet, indescribable first olive culled from the + hors d'oeuvre—I suppose, when I come to lie dying, and the lamp + begins to grow dim, I shall still recall your savour. Over the rest of + that meal, and the rest of the evening, clouds lie thick; clouds perhaps + of Burgundy; perhaps, more properly, of famine and repletion. + </p> + <p> + I remember clearly, at least, the shame, the despair, of the next morning, + when I reviewed what I had done, and how I had swindled the poor honest + porter; and, as if that were not enough, fairly burnt my ships, and + brought bankruptcy home to that last refuge, my garret. The porter would + expect his money; I could not pay him; here was scandal in the house; and + I knew right well the cause of scandal would have to pack. “What do + you mean by calling my honesty in question?” I had cried the day + before, turning upon Myner. Ah, that day before! the day before Waterloo, + the day before the Flood; the day before I had sold the roof over my head, + my future, and my self-respect, for a dinner at the Cafe Cluny! + </p> + <p> + In the midst of these lamentations the famous registered letter came to my + door, with healing under its seals. It bore the postmark of San Francisco, + where Pinkerton was already struggling to the neck in multifarious + affairs: it renewed the offer of an allowance, which his improved estate + permitted him to announce at the figure of two hundred francs a month; and + in case I was in some immediate pinch, it enclosed an introductory draft + for forty dollars. There are a thousand excellent reasons why a man, in + this self-helpful epoch, should decline to be dependent on another; but + the most numerous and cogent considerations all bow to a necessity as + stern as mine; and the banks were scarce open ere the draft was cashed. + </p> + <p> + It was early in December that I thus sold myself into slavery; and for six + months I dragged a slowly lengthening chain of gratitude and uneasiness. + At the cost of some debt I managed to excel myself and eclipse the Genius + of Muskegon, in a small but highly patriotic Standard Bearer for the + Salon; whither it was duly admitted, where it stood the proper length of + days entirely unremarked, and whence it came back to me as patriotic as + before. I threw my whole soul (as Pinkerton would have phrased it) into + clocks and candlesticks; the devil a candlestick-maker would have anything + to say to my designs. Even when Dijon, with his infinite good humour and + infinite scorn for all such journey-work, consented to peddle them in + indiscriminately with his own, the dealers still detected and rejected + mine. Home they returned to me, true as the Standard Bearer; who now, at + the head of quite a regiment of lesser idols, began to grow an eyesore in + the scanty studio of my friend. Dijon and I have sat by the hour, and + gazed upon that company of images. The severe, the frisky, the classical, + the Louis Quinze, were there—from Joan of Arc in her soldierly + cuirass to Leda with the swan; nay, and God forgive me for a man that knew + better! the humorous was represented also. We sat and gazed, I say; we + criticised, we turned them hither and thither; even upon the closest + inspection they looked quite like statuettes; and yet nobody would have a + gift of them! + </p> + <p> + Vanity dies hard; in some obstinate cases it outlives the man: but about + the sixth month, when I already owed near two hundred dollars to + Pinkerton, and half as much again in debts scattered about Paris, I awoke + one morning with a horrid sentiment of oppression, and found I was alone: + my vanity had breathed her last during the night. I dared not plunge + deeper in the bog; I saw no hope in my poor statuary; I owned myself + beaten at last; and sitting down in my nightshirt beside the window, + whence I had a glimpse of the tree-tops at the corner of the boulevard, + and where the music of its early traffic fell agreeably upon my ear, I + penned my farewell to Paris, to art, to my whole past life, and my whole + former self. “I give in,” I wrote. “When the next + allowance arrives, I shall go straight out West, where you can do what you + like with me.” + </p> + <p> + It is to be understood that Pinkerton had been, in a sense, pressing me to + come from the beginning; depicting his isolation among new acquaintances, + “who have none of them your culture,” he wrote; expressing his + friendship in terms so warm that it sometimes embarrassed me to think how + poorly I could echo them; dwelling upon his need for assistance; and the + next moment turning about to commend my resolution and press me to remain + in Paris. “Only remember, Loudon,” he would write, “if + you ever DO tire of it, there's plenty of work here for you—honest, + hard, well-paid work, developing the resources of this practically virgin + State. And of course I needn't say what a pleasure it would be to me if we + were going at it SHOULDER TO SHOULDER.” I marvel (looking back) that + I could so long have resisted these appeals, and continue to sink my + friend's money in a manner that I knew him to dislike. At least, when I + did awake to any sense of my position, I awoke to it entirely; and + determined not only to follow his counsel for the future, but even as + regards the past, to rectify his losses. For in this juncture of affairs I + called to mind that I was not without a possible resource, and resolved, + at whatever cost of mortification, to beard the Loudon family in their + historic city. + </p> + <p> + In the excellent Scots' phrase, I made a moonlight flitting, a thing never + dignified, but in my case unusually easy. As I had scarce a pair of boots + worth portage, I deserted the whole of my effects without a pang. Dijon + fell heir to Joan of Arc, the Standard Bearer, and the Musketeers. He was + present when I bought and frugally stocked my new portmanteau; and it was + at the door of the trunk shop that I took my leave of him, for my last few + hours in Paris must be spent alone. It was alone (and at a far higher + figure than my finances warranted) that I discussed my dinner; alone that + I took my ticket at Saint Lazare; all alone, though in a carriage full of + people, that I watched the moon shine on the Seine flood with its tufted + islets, on Rouen with her spires, and on the shipping in the harbour of + Dieppe. When the first light of the morning called me from troubled + slumbers on the deck, I beheld the dawn at first with pleasure; I watched + with pleasure the green shores of England rising out of rosy haze; I took + the salt air with delight into my nostrils; and then all came back to me; + that I was no longer an artist, no longer myself; that I was leaving all I + cared for, and returning to all that I detested, the slave of debt and + gratitude, a public and a branded failure. + </p> + <p> + From this picture of my own disgrace and wretchedness, it is not wonderful + if my mind turned with relief to the thought of Pinkerton, waiting for me, + as I knew, with unwearied affection, and regarding me with a respect that + I had never deserved, and might therefore fairly hope that I should never + forfeit. The inequality of our relation struck me rudely. I must have been + stupid, indeed, if I could have considered the history of that friendship + without shame—I, who had given so little, who had accepted and + profited by so much. I had the whole day before me in London, and I + determined (at least in words) to set the balance somewhat straighter. + Seated in the corner of a public place, and calling for sheet after sheet + of paper, I poured forth the expression of my gratitude, my penitence for + the past, my resolutions for the future. Till now, I told him, my course + had been mere selfishness. I had been selfish to my father and to my + friend, taking their help, and denying them (which was all they asked) the + poor gratification of my company and countenance. + </p> + <p> + Wonderful are the consolations of literature! As soon as that letter was + written and posted, the consciousness of virtue glowed in my veins like + some rare vintage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. IN WHICH I GO WEST. + </h2> + <p> + I reached my uncle's door next morning in time to sit down with the family + to breakfast. More than three years had intervened almost without mutation + in that stationary household, since I had sat there first, a young + American freshman, bewildered among unfamiliar dainties, Finnan haddock, + kippered salmon, baps and mutton ham, and had wearied my mind in vain to + guess what should be under the tea-cosey. If there were any change at all, + it seemed that I had risen in the family esteem. My father's death once + fittingly referred to, with a ceremonial lengthening of Scotch upper lips + and wagging of the female head, the party launched at once (God help me) + into the more cheerful topic of my own successes. They had been so pleased + to hear such good accounts of me; I was quite a great man now; where was + that beautiful statue of the Genius of Something or other? “You + haven't it here? not here? Really?” asks the sprightliest of my + cousins, shaking curls at me; as though it were likely I had brought it in + a cab, or kept it concealed about my person like a birthday surprise. In + the bosom of this family, unaccustomed to the tropical nonsense of the + West, it became plain the <i>Sunday Herald</i> and poor, blethering + Pinkerton had been accepted for their face. It is not possible to invent a + circumstance that could have more depressed me; and I am conscious that I + behaved all through that breakfast like a whipt schoolboy. + </p> + <p> + At length, the meal and family prayers being both happily over, I + requested the favour of an interview with Uncle Adam on “the state + of my affairs.” At sound of this ominous expression, the good man's + face conspicuously lengthened; and when my grandfather, having had the + proposition repeated to him (for he was hard of hearing) announced his + intention of being present at the interview, I could not but think that + Uncle Adam's sorrow kindled into momentary irritation. Nothing, however, + but the usual grim cordiality appeared upon the surface; and we all three + passed ceremoniously to the adjoining library, a gloomy theatre for a + depressing piece of business. My grandfather charged a clay pipe, and sat + tremulously smoking in a corner of the fireless chimney; behind him, + although the morning was both chill and dark, the window was partly open + and the blind partly down: I cannot depict what an air he had of being out + of place, like a man shipwrecked there. Uncle Adam had his station at the + business table in the midst. Valuable rows of books looked down upon the + place of torture; and I could hear sparrows chirping in the garden, and my + sprightly cousin already banging the piano and pouring forth an acid + stream of song from the drawing-room overhead. + </p> + <p> + It was in these circumstances that, with all brevity of speech and a + certain boyish sullenness of manner, looking the while upon the floor, I + informed my relatives of my financial situation: the amount I owed + Pinkerton; the hopelessness of any maintenance from sculpture; the career + offered me in the States; and how, before becoming more beholden to a + stranger, I had judged it right to lay the case before my family. + </p> + <p> + “I am only sorry you did not come to me at first,” said Uncle + Adam. “I take the liberty to say it would have been more decent.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so too, Uncle Adam,” I replied; “but you must + bear in mind I was ignorant in what light you might regard my application.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope I would never turn my back on my own flesh and blood,” + he returned with emphasis; but to my anxious ear, with more of temper than + affection. “I could never forget you were my sister's son. I regard + this as a manifest duty. I have no choice but to accept the entire + responsibility of the position you have made.” + </p> + <p> + I did not know what else to do but murmur “thank you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he pursued, “and there is something providential + in the circumstance that you come at the right time. In my old firm there + is a vacancy; they call themselves Italian Warehousemen now,” he + continued, regarding me with a twinkle of humour; “so you may think + yourself in luck: we were only grocers in my day. I shall place you there + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop a moment, Uncle Adam,” I broke in. “This is not at + all what I am asking. I ask you to pay Pinkerton, who is a poor man. I ask + you to clear my feet of debt, not to arrange my life or any part of it.” + </p> + <p> + “If I wished to be harsh, I might remind you that beggars cannot be + choosers,” said my uncle; “and as to managing your life, you + have tried your own way already, and you see what you have made of it. You + must now accept the guidance of those older and (whatever you may think of + it) wiser than yourself. All these schemes of your friend (of whom I know + nothing, by the by) and talk of openings in the West, I simply disregard. + I have no idea whatever of your going trekking across a continent on a + wild-goose chase. In this situation, which I am fortunately able to place + at your disposal, and which many a well-conducted young man would be glad + to jump at, you will receive, to begin with, eighteen shillings a week.” + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen shillings a week!” I cried. “Why, my poor + friend gave me more than that for nothing!” + </p> + <p> + “And I think it is this very friend you are now trying to repay?” + observed my uncle, with an air of one advancing a strong argument. + </p> + <p> + “Aadam!” said my grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “I'm vexed you should be present at this business,” quoth + Uncle Adam, swinging rather obsequiously towards the stonemason; “but + I must remind you it is of your own seeking.” + </p> + <p> + “Aadam!” repeated the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, I am listening,” says my uncle. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather took a puff or two in silence; and then, “Ye're + makin' an awfu' poor appearance, Aadam,” said he. + </p> + <p> + My uncle visibly reared at the affront. “I'm sorry you should think + so,” said he, “and still more sorry you should say so before + present company.” + </p> + <p> + “A believe that; A ken that, Aadam,” returned old Loudon, + dryly; “and the curiis thing is, I'm no very carin'. See here, ma + man,” he continued, addressing himself to me. “A'm your + grandfaither, amn't I not? Never you mind what Aadam says. A'll see + justice din ye. A'm rich.” + </p> + <p> + “Father,” said Uncle Adam, “I would like one word with + you in private.” + </p> + <p> + I rose to go. + </p> + <p> + “Set down upon your hinderlands,” cried my grandfather, almost + savagely. “If Aadam has anything to say, let him say it. It's me + that has the money here; and by Gravy! I'm goin' to be obeyed.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this scurvy encouragement, it appeared that my uncle had no remark to + offer: twice challenged to “speak out and be done with it,” he + twice sullenly declined; and I may mention that about this period of the + engagement, I began to be sorry for him. + </p> + <p> + “See here, then, Jeannie's yin!” resumed my grandfather. + “A'm goin' to give ye a set-off. Your mither was always my fav'rite, + for A never could agree with Aadam. A like ye fine yoursel'; there's nae + noansense aboot ye; ye've a fine nayteral idee of builder's work; ye've + been to France, where they tell me they're grand at the stuccy. A splendid + thing for ceilin's, the stuccy! and it's a vailyable disguise, too; A + don't believe there's a builder in Scotland has used more stuccy than me. + But as A was sayin', if ye'll follie that trade, with the capital that A'm + goin' to give ye, ye may live yet to be as rich as mysel'. Ye see, ye + would have always had a share of it when A was gone; it appears ye're + needin' it now; well, ye'll get the less, as is only just and proper.” + </p> + <p> + Uncle Adam cleared his throat. “This is very handsome, father,” + said he; “and I am sure Loudon feels it so. Very handsome, and as + you say, very just; but will you allow me to say that it had better, + perhaps, be put in black and white?” + </p> + <p> + The enmity always smouldering between the two men at this ill-judged + interruption almost burst in flame. The stonemason turned upon his + offspring, his long upper lip pulled down, for all the world, like a + monkey's. He stared a while in virulent silence; and then “Get + Gregg!” said he. + </p> + <p> + The effect of these words was very visible. “He will be gone to his + office,” stammered my uncle. + </p> + <p> + “Get Gregg!” repeated my grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “I tell you, he will be gone to his office,” reiterated Adam. + </p> + <p> + “And I tell ye, he's takin' his smoke,” retorted the old man. + </p> + <p> + “Very well, then,” cried my uncle, getting to his feet with + some alacrity, as upon a sudden change of thought, “I will get him + myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Ye will not!” cried my grandfather. “Ye will sit there + upon your hinderland.” + </p> + <p> + “Then how the devil am I to get him?” my uncle broke forth, + with not unnatural petulance. + </p> + <p> + My grandfather (having no possible answer) grinned at his son with the + malice of a schoolboy; then he rang the bell. + </p> + <p> + “Take the garden key,” said Uncle Adam to the servant; “go + over to the garden, and if Mr. Gregg the lawyer is there (he generally + sits under the red hawthorn), give him old Mr. Loudon's compliments, and + will he step in here for a moment?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Gregg the lawyer!” At once I understood (what had been + puzzling me) the significance of my grandfather and the alarm of my poor + uncle: the stonemason's will, it was supposed, hung trembling in the + balance. + </p> + <p> + “Look here, grandfather,” I said, “I didn't want any of + this. All I wanted was a loan of (say) two hundred pounds. I can take care + of myself; I have prospects and opportunities, good friends in the States——” + </p> + <p> + The old man waved me down. “It's me that speaks here,” he said + curtly; and we waited the coming of the lawyer in a triple silence. He + appeared at last, the maid ushering him in—a spectacled, dry, but + not ungenial looking man. + </p> + <p> + “Here, Gregg,” cried my grandfather. “Just a question: + What has Aadam got to do with my will?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I don't quite understand,” said the lawyer, + staring. + </p> + <p> + “What has he got to do with it?” repeated the old man, smiting + with his fist upon the arm of his chair. “Is my money mine's, or is + it Aadam's? Can Aadam interfere?” + </p> + <p> + “O, I see,” said Mr. Gregg. “Certainly not. On the + marriage of both of your children a certain sum was paid down and accepted + in full of legitim. You have surely not forgotten the circumstance, Mr. + Loudon?” + </p> + <p> + “So that, if I like,” concluded my grandfather, hammering out + his words, “I can leave every doit I die possessed of to the Great + Magunn?”—meaning probably the Great Mogul. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt of it,” replied Gregg, with a shadow of a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Ye hear that, Aadam?” asked my grandfather. + </p> + <p> + “I may be allowed to say I had no need to hear it,” said my + uncle. + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” says my grandfather. “You and Jeannie's yin + can go for a bit walk. Me and Gregg has business.” + </p> + <p> + When once I was in the hall alone with Uncle Adam, I turned to him, sick + at heart. “Uncle Adam,” I said, “you can understand, + better than I can say, how very painful all this is to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am sorry you have seen your grandfather in so unamiable a + light,” replied this extraordinary man. “You shouldn't allow + it to affect your mind though. He has sterling qualities, quite an + extraordinary character; and I have no fear but he means to behave + handsomely to you.” + </p> + <p> + His composure was beyond my imitation: the house could not contain me, nor + could I even promise to return to it: in concession to which weakness, it + was agreed that I should call in about an hour at the office of the + lawyer, whom (as he left the library) Uncle Adam should waylay and inform + of the arrangement. I suppose there was never a more topsy-turvy + situation: you would have thought it was I who had suffered some rebuff, + and that iron-sided Adam was a generous conqueror who scorned to take + advantage. + </p> + <p> + It was plain enough that I was to be endowed: to what extent and upon what + conditions I was now left for an hour to meditate in the wide and solitary + thoroughfares of the new town, taking counsel with street-corner statues + of George IV. and William Pitt, improving my mind with the pictures in the + window of a music-shop, and renewing my acquaintance with Edinburgh east + wind. By the end of the hour I made my way to Mr. Gregg's office, where I + was placed, with a few appropriate words, in possession of a cheque for + two thousand pounds and a small parcel of architectural works. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Loudon bids me add,” continued the lawyer, consulting a + little sheet of notes, “that although these volumes are very + valuable to the practical builder, you must be careful not to lose + originality. He tells you also not to be 'hadden doun'—his own + expression—by the theory of strains, and that Portland cement, + properly sanded, will go a long way.” + </p> + <p> + I smiled, and remarked that I supposed it would. + </p> + <p> + “I once lived in one of my excellent client's houses,” + observed the lawyer; “and I was tempted, in that case, to think it + had gone far enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Under these circumstances, sir,” said I, “you will be + rather relieved to hear that I have no intention of becoming a builder.” + </p> + <p> + At this, he fairly laughed; and, the ice being broken, I was able to + consult him as to my conduct. He insisted I must return to the house, at + least, for luncheon, and one of my walks with Mr. Loudon. “For the + evening, I will furnish you with an excuse, if you please,” said he, + “by asking you to a bachelor dinner with myself. But the luncheon + and the walk are unavoidable. He is an old man, and, I believe, really + fond of you; he would naturally feel aggrieved if there were any + appearance of avoiding him; and as for Mr. Adam, do you know, I think your + delicacy out of place.... And now, Mr. Dodd, what are you to do with this + money?” + </p> + <p> + Ay, there was the question. With two thousand pounds—fifty thousand + francs—I might return to Paris and the arts, and be a prince and + millionaire in that thrifty Latin Quarter. I think I had the grace, with + one corner of my mind, to be glad that I had sent the London letter: I + know very well that with the rest and worst of me, I repented bitterly of + that precipitate act. On one point, however, my whole multiplex estate of + man was unanimous: the letter being gone, there was no help but I must + follow. The money was accordingly divided in two unequal shares: for the + first, Mr. Gregg got me a bill in the name of Dijon to meet my liabilities + in Paris; for the second, as I had already cash in hand for the expenses + of my journey, he supplied me with drafts on San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + The rest of my business in Edinburgh, not to dwell on a very agreeable + dinner with the lawyer or the horrors of the family luncheon, took the + form of an excursion with the stonemason, who led me this time to no + suburb or work of his old hands, but with an impulse both natural and + pretty, to that more enduring home which he had chosen for his clay. It + was in a cemetery, by some strange chance, immured within the bulwarks of + a prison; standing, besides, on the margin of a cliff, crowded with + elderly stone memorials, and green with turf and ivy. The east wind (which + I thought too harsh for the old man) continually shook the boughs, and the + thin sun of a Scottish summer drew their dancing shadows. + </p> + <p> + “I wanted ye to see the place,” said he. “Yon's the + stane. Euphemia Ross: that was my goodwife, your grandmither—hoots! + I'm wrong; that was my first yin; I had no bairns by her;—yours is + the second, Mary Murray, Born 1819, Died 1850: that's her—a fine, + plain, decent sort of a creature, tak' her athegether. Alexander Loudon, + Born Seventeen Ninety-Twa, Died—and then a hole in the ballant: + that's me. Alexander's my name. They ca'd me Ecky when I was a boy. Eh, + Ecky! ye're an awfu' auld man!” + </p> + <p> + I had a second and sadder experience of graveyards at my next + alighting-place, the city of Muskegon, now rendered conspicuous by the + dome of the new capitol encaged in scaffolding. It was late in the + afternoon when I arrived, and raining; and as I walked in great streets, + of the very name of which I was quite ignorant—double, treble, and + quadruple lines of horse-cars jingling by—hundred-fold wires of + telegraph and telephone matting heaven above my head—huge, staring + houses, garish and gloomy, flanking me from either hand—the thought + of the Rue Racine, ay, and of the cabman's eating-house, brought tears to + my eyes. The whole monotonous Babel had grown, or I should rather say + swelled, with such a leap since my departure, that I must continually + inquire my way; and the very cemetery was brand new. Death, however, had + been active; the graves were already numerous, and I must pick my way in + the rain, among the tawdry sepulchres of millionnaires, and past the plain + black crosses of Hungarian labourers, till chance or instinct led me to + the place that was my father's. The stone had been erected (I knew + already) “by admiring friends”; I could now judge their taste + in monuments; their taste in literature, methought, I could imagine, and I + refrained from drawing near enough to read the terms of the inscription. + But the name was in larger letters and stared at me—JAMES K. DODD. + What a singular thing is a name, I thought; how it clings to a man, and + continually misrepresents, and then survives him; and it flashed across my + mind, with a mixture of regret and bitter mirth, that I had never known, + and now probably never should know, what the K had represented. King, + Kilter, Kay, Kaiser, I went, running over names at random, and then + stumbled with ludicrous misspelling on Kornelius, and had nearly laughed + aloud. I have never been more childish; I suppose (although the deeper + voices of my nature seemed all dumb) because I have never been more moved. + And at this last incongruous antic of my nerves, I was seized with a panic + of remorse and fled the cemetery. + </p> + <p> + Scarce less funereal was the rest of my experience in Muskegon, where, + nevertheless, I lingered, visiting my father's circle, for some days. It + was in piety to him I lingered; and I might have spared myself the pain. + His memory was already quite gone out. For his sake, indeed, I was made + welcome; and for mine the conversation rolled awhile with laborious effort + on the virtues of the deceased. His former comrades dwelt, in my company, + upon his business talents or his generosity for public purposes; when my + back was turned, they remembered him no more. My father had loved me; I + had left him alone to live and die among the indifferent; now I returned + to find him dead and buried and forgotten. Unavailing penitence translated + itself in my thoughts to fresh resolve. There was another poor soul who + loved me: Pinkerton. I must not be guilty twice of the same error. + </p> + <p> + A week perhaps had been thus wasted, nor had I prepared my friend for the + delay. Accordingly, when I had changed trains at Council Bluffs, I was + aware of a man appearing at the end of the car with a telegram in his hand + and inquiring whether there were any one aboard “of the name of + LONDON Dodd?” I thought the name near enough, claimed the despatch, + and found it was from Pinkerton: “What day do you arrive? Awfully + important.” I sent him an answer giving day and hour, and at Ogden + found a fresh despatch awaiting me: “That will do. Unspeakable + relief. Meet you at Sacramento.” In Paris days I had a private name + for Pinkerton: “The Irrepressible” was what I had called him + in hours of bitterness, and the name rose once more on my lips. What + mischief was he up to now? What new bowl was my benignant monster brewing + for his Frankenstein? In what new imbroglio should I alight on the Pacific + coast? My trust in the man was entire, and my distrust perfect. I knew he + would never mean amiss; but I was convinced he would almost never (in my + sense) do aright. + </p> + <p> + I suppose these vague anticipations added a shade of gloom to that already + gloomy place of travel: Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, scowled in my + face at least, and seemed to point me back again to that other native land + of mine, the Latin Quarter. But when the Sierras had been climbed, and the + train, after so long beating and panting, stretched itself upon the + downward track—when I beheld that vast extent of prosperous country + rolling seaward from the woods and the blue mountains, that illimitable + spread of rippling corn, the trees growing and blowing in the merry + weather, the country boys thronging aboard the train with figs and + peaches, and the conductors, and the very darky stewards, visibly exulting + in the change—up went my soul like a balloon; Care fell from his + perch upon my shoulders; and when I spied my Pinkerton among the crowd at + Sacramento, I thought of nothing but to shout and wave for him, and grasp + him by the hand, like what he was—my dearest friend. + </p> + <p> + “O Loudon!” he cried. “Man, how I've pined for you! And + you haven't come an hour too soon. You're known here and waited for; I've + been booming you already; you're billed for a lecture to-morrow night: <i>Student + Life in Paris, Grave and Gay</i>: twelve hundred places booked at the last + stock! Tut, man, you're looking thin! Here, try a drop of this.” And + he produced a case bottle, staringly labelled PINKERTON'S THIRTEEN STAR + GOLDEN STATE BRANDY, WARRANTED ENTIRE. + </p> + <p> + “God bless me!” said I, gasping and winking after my first + plunge into this fiery fluid. “And what does 'Warranted Entire' + mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Loudon! you ought to know that!” cried Pinkerton. + “It's real, copper-bottomed English; you see it on all the old-time + wayside hostelries over there.” + </p> + <p> + “But if I'm not mistaken, it means something Warranted Entirely + different,” said I, “and applies to the public house, and not + the beverages sold.” + </p> + <p> + “It's very possible,” said Jim, quite unabashed. “It's + effective, anyway; and I can tell you, sir, it has boomed that spirit: it + goes now by the gross of cases. By the way, I hope you won't mind; I've + got your portrait all over San Francisco for the lecture, enlarged from + that carte de visite: H. Loudon Dodd, the Americo-Parisienne Sculptor. + Here's a proof of the small handbills; the posters are the same, only in + red and blue, and the letters fourteen by one.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at the handbill, and my head turned. What was the use of words? + why seek to explain to Pinkerton the knotted horrors of “Americo-Parisienne”? + He took an early occasion to point it out as “rather a good phrase; + gives the two sides at a glance: I wanted the lecture written up to that.” + Even after we had reached San Francisco, and at the actual physical shock + of my own effigy placarded on the streets I had broken forth in petulant + words, he never comprehended in the least the ground of my aversion. + </p> + <p> + “If I had only known you disliked red lettering!” was as high + as he could rise. “You are perfectly right: a clear-cut black is + preferable, and shows a great deal further. The only thing that pains me + is the portrait: I own I thought that a success. I'm dreadfully and truly + sorry, my dear fellow: I see now it's not what you had a right to expect; + but I did it, Loudon, for the best; and the press is all delighted.” + </p> + <p> + At the moment, sweeping through green tule swamps, I fell direct on the + essential. “But, Pinkerton,” I cried, “this lecture is + the maddest of your madnesses. How can I prepare a lecture in thirty + hours?” + </p> + <p> + “All done, Loudon!” he exclaimed in triumph. “All ready. + Trust me to pull a piece of business through. You'll find it all + type-written in my desk at home. I put the best talent of San Francisco on + the job: Harry Miller, the brightest pressman in the city.” + </p> + <p> + And so he rattled on, beyond reach of my modest protestations, blurting + out his complicated interests, crying up his new acquaintances, and ever + and again hungering to introduce me to some “whole-souled, grand + fellow, as sharp as a needle,” from whom, and the very thought of + whom, my spirit shrank instinctively. + </p> + <p> + Well, I was in for it: in for Pinkerton, in for the portrait, in for the + type-written lecture. One promise I extorted—that I was never again + to be committed in ignorance; even for that, when I saw how its extortion + puzzled and depressed the Irrepressible, my soul repented me; and in all + else I suffered myself to be led uncomplaining at his chariot wheels. The + Irrepressible, did I say? The Irresistible were nigher truth. + </p> + <p> + But the time to have seen me was when I sat down to Harry Miller's + lecture. He was a facetious dog, this Harry Miller; he had a gallant way + of skirting the indecent which (in my case) produced physical nausea; and + he could be sentimental and even melodramatic about grisettes and starving + genius. I found he had enjoyed the benefit of my correspondence with + Pinkerton: adventures of my own were here and there horridly + misrepresented, sentiments of my own echoed and exaggerated till I blushed + to recognise them. I will do Harry Miller justice: he must have had a kind + of talent, almost of genius; all attempts to lower his tone proving + fruitless, and the Harry-Millerism ineradicable. Nay, the monster had a + certain key of style, or want of style, so that certain milder passages, + which I sought to introduce, discorded horribly, and impoverished (if that + were possible) the general effect. + </p> + <p> + By an early hour of the numbered evening I might have been observed at the + sign of the Poodle Dog, dining with my agent: so Pinkerton delighted to + describe himself. Thence, like an ox to the slaughter, he led me to the + hall, where I stood presently alone, confronting assembled San Francisco, + with no better allies than a table, a glass of water, and a mass of + manuscript and typework, representing Harry Miller and myself. I read the + lecture; for I had lacked both time and will to get the trash by heart—read + it hurriedly, humbly, and with visible shame. Now and then I would catch + in the auditorium an eye of some intelligence, now and then, in the + manuscript, would stumble on a richer vein of Harry Miller, and my heart + would fail me, and I gabbled. The audience yawned, it stirred uneasily, it + muttered, grumbled, and broke forth at last in articulate cries of “Speak + up!” and “Nobody can hear!” I took to skipping, and + being extremely ill-acquainted with the country, almost invariably cut in + again in the unintelligible midst of some new topic. What struck me as + extremely ominous, these misfortunes were allowed to pass without a laugh. + Indeed, I was beginning to fear the worst, and even personal indignity, + when all at once the humour of the thing broke upon me strongly. I could + have laughed aloud; and being again summoned to speak up, I faced my + patrons for the first time with a smile. “Very well,” I said, + “I will try, though I don't suppose anybody wants to hear, and I + can't see why anybody should.” Audience and lecturer laughed + together till the tears ran down; vociferous and repeated applause hailed + my impromptu sally. Another hit which I made but a little after, as I + turned three pages of the copy: “You see, I am leaving out as much + as I possibly can,” increased the esteem with which my patrons had + begun to regard me; and when I left the stage at last, my departing form + was cheered with laughter, stamping, shouting, and the waving of hats. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton was in the waiting-room, feverishly jotting in his pocket-book. + As he saw me enter, he sprang up, and I declare the tears were trickling + on his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “My dear boy,” he cried, “I can never forgive myself, + and you can never forgive me. Never mind: I did it for the best. And how + nobly you clung on! I dreaded we should have had to return the money at + the doors.” + </p> + <p> + “It would have been more honest if we had,” said I. + </p> + <p> + The pressmen followed me, Harry Miller in the front ranks; and I was + amazed to find them, on the whole, a pleasant set of lads, probably more + sinned against than sinning, and even Harry Miller apparently a gentleman. + I had in oysters and champagne—for the receipts were excellent—and + being in a high state of nervous tension, kept the table in a roar. + Indeed, I was never in my life so well inspired as when I described my + vigil over Harry Miller's literature or the series of my emotions as I + faced the audience. The lads vowed I was the soul of good company and the + prince of lecturers; and—so wonderful an institution is the popular + press—if you had seen the notices next day in all the papers, you + must have supposed my evening's entertainment an unqualified success. + </p> + <p> + I was in excellent spirits when I returned home that night, but the + miserable Pinkerton sorrowed for us both. + </p> + <p> + “O, Loudon,” he said, “I shall never forgive myself. + When I saw you didn't catch on to the idea of the lecture, I should have + given it myself!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. IRONS IN THE FIRE. + </h2> + <p> + Opes Strepitumque. + </p> + <p> + The food of the body differs not so greatly for the fool or the sage, the + elephant or the cock-sparrow; and similar chemical elements, variously + disguised, support all mortals. A brief study of Pinkerton in his new + setting convinced me of a kindred truth about that other and mental + digestion, by which we extract what is called “fun for our money” + out of life. In the same spirit as a schoolboy, deep in Mayne Reid, + handles a dummy gun and crawls among imaginary forests, Pinkerton sped + through Kearney Street upon his daily business, representing to himself a + highly coloured part in life's performance, and happy for hours if he + should have chanced to brush against a millionnaire. Reality was his + romance; he gloried to be thus engaged; he wallowed in his business. + Suppose a man to dig up a galleon on the Coromandel coast, his rakish + schooner keeping the while an offing under easy sail, and he, by the blaze + of a great fire of wreckwood, to measure ingots by the bucketful on the + uproarious beach: such an one might realise a greater material spoil; he + should have no more profit of romance than Pinkerton when he cast up his + weekly balance-sheet in a bald office. Every dollar gained was like + something brought ashore from a mysterious deep; every venture made was + like a diver's plunge; and as he thrust his bold hand into the plexus of + the money-market, he was delightedly aware of how he shook the pillars of + existence, turned out men (as at a battle-cry) to labour in far countries, + and set the gold twitching in the drawers of millionnaires. + </p> + <p> + I could never fathom the full extent of his speculations; but there were + five separate businesses which he avowed and carried like a banner. The + Thirteen Star Golden State Brandy, Warranted Entire (a very flagrant + distillation) filled a great part of his thoughts, and was kept before the + public in an eloquent but misleading treatise: <i>Why Drink French Brandy? + A Word to the Wise.</i> He kept an office for advertisers, counselling, + designing, acting as middleman with printers and bill-stickers, for the + inexperienced or the uninspired: the dull haberdasher came to him for + ideas, the smart theatrical agent for his local knowledge; and one and all + departed with a copy of his pamphlet: <i>How, When, and Where; or, the + Advertiser's Vade-Mecum.</i> He had a tug chartered every Saturday + afternoon and night, carried people outside the Heads, and provided them + with lines and bait for six hours' fishing, at the rate of five dollars a + person. I am told that some of them (doubtless adroit anglers) made a + profit on the transaction. Occasionally he bought wrecks and condemned + vessels; these latter (I cannot tell you how) found their way to sea again + under aliases, and continued to stem the waves triumphantly enough under + the colours of Bolivia or Nicaragua. Lastly, there was a certain + agricultural engine, glorying in a great deal of vermilion and blue paint, + and filling (it appeared) a “long-felt want,” in which his + interest was something like a tenth. + </p> + <p> + This for the face or front of his concerns. “On the outside,” + as he phrased it, he was variously and mysteriously engaged. No dollar + slept in his possession; rather he kept all simultaneously flying like a + conjurer with oranges. My own earnings, when I began to have a share, he + would but show me for a moment, and disperse again, like those illusive + money gifts which are flashed in the eyes of childhood only to be entombed + in the missionary box. And he would come down radiant from a weekly + balance-sheet, clap me on the shoulder, declare himself a winner by + Gargantuan figures, and prove destitute of a quarter for a drink. + </p> + <p> + “What on earth have you done with it?” I would ask. + </p> + <p> + “Into the mill again; all re-invested!” he would cry, with + infinite delight. Investment was ever his word. He could not bear what he + called gambling. “Never touch stocks, Loudon,” he would say; + “nothing but legitimate business.” And yet, Heaven knows, many + an indurated gambler might have drawn back appalled at the first hint of + some of Pinkerton's investments! One, which I succeeded in tracking home, + and instance for a specimen, was a seventh share in the charter of a + certain ill-starred schooner bound for Mexico, to smuggle weapons on the + one trip, and cigars upon the other. The latter end of this enterprise, + involving (as it did) shipwreck, confiscation, and a lawsuit with the + underwriters, was too painful to be dwelt upon at length. “It's + proved a disappointment,” was as far as my friend would go with me + in words; but I knew, from observation, that the fabric of his fortunes + tottered. For the rest, it was only by accident I got wind of the + transaction; for Pinkerton, after a time, was shy of introducing me to his + arcana: the reason you are to hear presently. + </p> + <p> + The office which was (or should have been) the point of rest for so many + evolving dollars stood in the heart of the city: a high and spacious room, + with many plate-glass windows. A glazed cabinet of polished redwood + offered to the eye a regiment of some two hundred bottles, conspicuously + labelled. These were all charged with Pinkerton's Thirteen Star, although + from across the room it would have required an expert to distinguish them + from the same number of bottles of Courvoisier. I used to twit my friend + with this resemblance, and propose a new edition of the pamphlet, with the + title thus improved: <i>Why Drink French Brandy, when we give you the same + labels?</i> The doors of the cabinet revolved all day upon their hinges; + and if there entered any one who was a stranger to the merits of the + brand, he departed laden with a bottle. When I used to protest at this + extravagance, “My dear Loudon,” Pinkerton would cry, “you + don't seem to catch on to business principles! The prime cost of the + spirit is literally nothing. I couldn't find a cheaper advertisement if I + tried.” Against the side post of the cabinet there leaned a gaudy + umbrella, preserved there as a relic. It appears that when Pinkerton was + about to place Thirteen Star upon the market, the rainy season was at + hand. He lay dark, almost in penury, awaiting the first shower, at which, + as upon a signal, the main thoroughfares became dotted with his agents, + vendors of advertisements; and the whole world of San Francisco, from the + businessman fleeing for the ferry-boat, to the lady waiting at the corner + for her car, sheltered itself under umbrellas with this strange device: + Are you wet? Try Thirteen Star. “It was a mammoth boom,” said + Pinkerton, with a sigh of delighted recollection. “There wasn't + another umbrella to be seen. I stood at this window, Loudon, feasting my + eyes; and I declare, I felt like Vanderbilt.” And it was to this + neat application of the local climate that he owed, not only much of the + sale of Thirteen Star, but the whole business of his advertising agency. + </p> + <p> + The large desk (to resume our survey of the office) stood about the + middle, knee-deep in stacks of handbills and posters, of <i>Why Drink + French Brandy?</i> and <i>The Advertiser's Vade-Mecum.</i> It was flanked + upon the one hand by two female type-writers, who rested not between the + hours of nine and four, and upon the other by a model of the agricultural + machine. The walls, where they were not broken by telephone boxes and a + couple of photographs—one representing the wreck of the James L. + Moody on a bold and broken coast, the other the Saturday tug alive with + amateur fishers—almost disappeared under oil-paintings gaudily + framed. Many of these were relics of the Latin Quarter, and I must do + Pinkerton the justice to say that none of them were bad, and some had + remarkable merit. They went off slowly but for handsome figures; and their + places were progressively supplied with the work of local artists. These + last it was one of my first duties to review and criticise. Some of them + were villainous, yet all were saleable. I said so; and the next moment saw + myself, the figure of a miserable renegade, bearing arms in the wrong + camp. I was to look at pictures thenceforward, not with the eye of the + artist, but the dealer; and I saw the stream widen that divided me from + all I loved. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Loudon,” Pinkerton had said, the morning after the + lecture, “now Loudon, we can go at it shoulder to shoulder. This is + what I have longed for: I wanted two heads and four arms; and now I have + 'em. You'll find it's just the same as art—all observation and + imagination; only more movement. Just wait till you begin to feel the + charm!” + </p> + <p> + I might have waited long. Perhaps I lack a sense; for our whole existence + seemed to me one dreary bustle, and the place we bustled in fitly to be + called the Place of Yawning. I slept in a little den behind the office; + Pinkerton, in the office itself, stretched on a patent sofa which + sometimes collapsed, his slumbers still further menaced by an imminent + clock with an alarm. Roused by this diabolical contrivance, we rose early, + went forth early to breakfast, and returned by nine to what Pinkerton + called work, and I distraction. Masses of letters must be opened, read, + and answered; some by me at a subsidiary desk which had been introduced on + the morning of my arrival; others by my bright-eyed friend, pacing the + room like a caged lion as he dictated to the tinkling type-writers. Masses + of wet proof had to be overhauled and scrawled upon with a blue pencil—“rustic”—“six-inch + caps”—“bold spacing here”—or sometimes terms + more fervid, as for instance this, which I remember Pinkerton to have + spirted on the margin of an advertisement of Soothing Syrup: “Throw + this all down. Have you never printed an advertisement? I'll be round in + half an hour.” The ledger and sale-book, besides, we had always with + us. Such was the backbone of our occupation, and tolerable enough; but the + far greater proportion of our time was consumed by visitors, whole-souled, + grand fellows no doubt, and as sharp as a needle, but to me unfortunately + not diverting. Some were apparently half-witted, and must be talked over + by the hour before they could reach the humblest decision, which they only + left the office to return again (ten minutes later) and rescind. Others + came with a vast show of hurry and despatch, but I observed it to be + principally show. The agricultural model for instance, which was + practicable, proved a kind of flypaper for these busybodies. I have seen + them blankly turn the crank of it for five minutes at a time, simulating + (to nobody's deception) business interest: “Good thing this, + Pinkerton? Sell much of it? Ha! Couldn't use it, I suppose, as a medium of + advertisement for my article?”—which was perhaps toilet soap. + Others (a still worse variety) carried us to neighbouring saloons to dice + for cocktails and (after the cocktails were paid) for dollars on a corner + of the counter. The attraction of dice for all these people was indeed + extraordinary: at a certain club, where I once dined in the character of + “my partner, Mr. Dodd,” the dice-box came on the table with + the wine, an artless substitute for after-dinner wit. + </p> + <p> + Of all our visitors, I believe I preferred Emperor Norton; the very + mention of whose name reminds me I am doing scanty justice to the folks of + San Francisco. In what other city would a harmless madman who supposed + himself emperor of the two Americas have been so fostered and encouraged? + Where else would even the people of the streets have respected the poor + soul's illusion? Where else would bankers and merchants have received his + visits, cashed his cheques, and submitted to his small assessments? Where + else would he have been suffered to attend and address the exhibition days + of schools and colleges? where else, in God's green earth, have taken his + pick of restaurants, ransacked the bill of fare, and departed scathless? + They tell me he was even an exacting patron, threatening to withdraw his + custom when dissatisfied; and I can believe it, for his face wore an + expression distinctly gastronomical. Pinkerton had received from this + monarch a cabinet appointment; I have seen the brevet, wondering mainly at + the good nature of the printer who had executed the forms, and I think my + friend was at the head either of foreign affairs or education: it + mattered, indeed, nothing, the presentation being in all offices + identical. It was at a comparatively early date that I saw Jim in the + exercise of his public functions. His Majesty entered the office—a + portly, rather flabby man, with the face of a gentleman, rendered + unspeakably pathetic and absurd by the great sabre at his side and the + peacock's feather in his hat. + </p> + <p> + “I have called to remind you, Mr. Pinkerton, that you are somewhat + in arrear of taxes,” he said, with old-fashioned, stately courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “Well, your Majesty, what is the amount?” asked Jim; and when + the figure was named (it was generally two or three dollars), paid upon + the nail and offered a bonus in the shape of Thirteen Star. + </p> + <p> + “I am always delighted to patronise native industries,” said + Norton the First. “San Francisco is public-spirited in what concerns + its Emperor; and indeed, sir, of all my domains, it is my favourite city.” + </p> + <p> + “Come,” said I, when he was gone, “I prefer that + customer to the lot.” + </p> + <p> + “It's really rather a distinction,” Jim admitted. “I + think it must have been the umbrella racket that attracted him.” + </p> + <p> + We were distinguished under the rose by the notice of other and greater + men. There were days when Jim wore an air of unusual capacity and resolve, + spoke with more brevity like one pressed for time, and took often on his + tongue such phrases as “Longhurst told me so this morning,” or + “I had it straight from Longhurst himself.” It was no wonder, + I used to think, that Pinkerton was called to council with such Titans; + for the creature's quickness and resource were beyond praise. In the early + days when he consulted me without reserve, pacing the room, projecting, + ciphering, extending hypothetical interests, trebling imaginary capital, + his “engine” (to renew an excellent old word) labouring full + steam ahead, I could never decide whether my sense of respect or + entertainment were the stronger. But these good hours were destined to + curtailment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it's smart enough,” I once observed. “But, + Pinkerton, do you think it's honest?” + </p> + <p> + “You don't think it's honest!” he wailed. “O dear me, + that ever I should have heard such an expression on your lips!” + </p> + <p> + At sight of his distress, I plagiarised unblushingly from Myner. “You + seem to think honesty as simple as Blind Man's Buff,” said I. + “It's a more delicate affair than that: delicate as any art.” + </p> + <p> + “O well! at that rate!” he exclaimed, with complete relief. + “That's casuistry.” + </p> + <p> + “I am perfectly certain of one thing: that what you propose is + dishonest,” I returned. + </p> + <p> + “Well, say no more about it. That's settled,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + Thus, almost at a word, my point was carried. But the trouble was that + such differences continued to recur, until we began to regard each other + with alarm. If there were one thing Pinkerton valued himself upon, it was + his honesty; if there were one thing he clung to, it was my good opinion; + and when both were involved, as was the case in these commercial cruces, + the man was on the rack. My own position, if you consider how much I owed + him, how hateful is the trade of fault-finder, and that yet I lived and + fattened on these questionable operations, was perhaps equally + distressing. If I had been more sterling or more combative things might + have gone extremely far. But, in truth, I was just base enough to profit + by what was not forced on my attention, rather than seek scenes: Pinkerton + quite cunning enough to avail himself of my weakness; and it was a relief + to both when he began to involve his proceedings in a decent mystery. + </p> + <p> + Our last dispute, which had a most unlooked-for consequence, turned on the + refitting of condemned ships. He had bought a miserable hulk, and came, + rubbing his hands, to inform me she was already on the slip, under a new + name, to be repaired. When first I had heard of this industry I suppose I + scarcely comprehended; but much discussion had sharpened my faculties, and + now my brow became heavy. + </p> + <p> + “I can be no party to that, Pinkerton,” said I. + </p> + <p> + He leaped like a man shot. “What next?” he cried. “What + ails you, anyway? You seem to me to dislike everything that's profitable.” + </p> + <p> + “This ship has been condemned by Lloyd's agent,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “But I tell you it's a deal. The ship's in splendid condition; + there's next to nothing wrong with her but the garboard streak and the + sternpost. I tell you Lloyd's is a ring like everybody else; only it's an + English ring, and that's what deceives you. If it was American, you would + be crying it down all day. It's Anglomania, common Anglomania,” he + cried, with growing irritation. + </p> + <p> + “I will not make money by risking men's lives,” was my + ultimatum. + </p> + <p> + “Great Caesar! isn't all speculation a risk? Isn't the fairest kind + of shipowning to risk men's lives? And mining—how's that for risk? + And look at the elevator business—there's danger, if you like! + Didn't I take my risk when I bought her? She might have been too far gone; + and where would I have been? Loudon,” he cried, “I tell you + the truth: you're too full of refinement for this world!” + </p> + <p> + “I condemn you out of your own lips,” I replied. “'The + fairest kind of shipowning,' says you. If you please, let us only do the + fairest kind of business.” + </p> + <p> + The shot told; the Irrepressible was silenced; and I profited by the + chance to pour in a broadside of another sort. He was all sunk in + money-getting, I pointed out; he never dreamed of anything but dollars. + Where were all his generous, progressive sentiments? Where was his + culture? I asked. And where was the American Type? + </p> + <p> + “It's true, Loudon,” he cried, striding up and down the room, + and wildly scouring at his hair. “You're perfectly right. I'm + becoming materialised. O, what a thing to have to say, what a confession + to make! Materialised! Me! Loudon, this must go on no longer. You've been + a loyal friend to me once more; give me your hand!—you've saved me + again. I must do something to rouse the spiritual side; something + desperate; study something, something dry and tough. What shall it be? + Theology? Algebra? What's Algebra?” + </p> + <p> + “It's dry and tough enough,” said I; “a squared + 2ab + + b squared.” + </p> + <p> + “It's stimulating, though?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + I told him I believed so, and that it was considered fortifying to Types. + </p> + <p> + “Then that's the thing for me. I'll study Algebra,” he + concluded. + </p> + <p> + The next day, by application to one of his type-writing women, he got word + of a young lady, one Miss Mamie McBride, who was willing and able to + conduct him in these bloomless meadows; and, her circumstances being lean, + and terms consequently moderate, he and Mamie were soon in agreement for + two lessons in the week. He took fire with unexampled rapidity; he seemed + unable to tear himself away from the symbolic art; an hour's lesson + occupied the whole evening; and the original two was soon increased to + four, and then to five. I bade him beware of female blandishments. “The + first thing you know, you'll be falling in love with the algebraist,” + said I. + </p> + <p> + “Don't say it even in jest,” he cried. “She's a lady I + revere. I could no more lay a hand upon her than I could upon a spirit. + Loudon, I don't believe God ever made a purer-minded woman.” + </p> + <p> + Which appeared to me too fervent to be reassuring. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile I had been long expostulating with my friend upon a different + matter. “I'm the fifth wheel,” I kept telling him. “For + any use I am, I might as well be in Senegambia. The letters you give me to + attend to might be answered by a sucking child. And I tell you what it is, + Pinkerton: either you've got to find me some employment, or I'll have to + start in and find it for myself.” + </p> + <p> + This I said with a corner of my eye in the usual quarter, toward the arts, + little dreaming what destiny was to provide. + </p> + <p> + “I've got it, Loudon,” Pinkerton at last replied. “Got + the idea on the Potrero cars. Found I hadn't a pencil, borrowed one from + the conductor, and figured on it roughly all the way in town. I saw it was + the thing at last; gives you a real show. All your talents and + accomplishments come in. Here's a sketch advertisement. Just run your eye + over it. 'Sun, Ozone, and Music! PINKERTON'S HEBDOMADARY PICNICS!' (That's + a good, catching phrase, 'hebdomadary,' though it's hard to say. I made a + note of it when I was looking in the dictionary how to spell hectagonal. + 'Well, you're a boss word,' I said. 'Before you're very much older, I'll + have you in type as long as yourself.' And here it is, you see.) 'Five + dollars a head, and ladies free. MONSTER OLIO OF ATTRACTIONS.' (How does + that strike you?) 'Free luncheon under the greenwood tree. Dance on the + elastic sward. Home again in the Bright Evening Hours. Manager and + Honorary Steward, H. Loudon Dodd, Esq., the well-known connoisseur.'” + </p> + <p> + Singular how a man runs from Scylla to Charybdis! I was so intent on + securing the disappearance of a single epithet that I accepted the rest of + the advertisement and all that it involved without discussion. So it + befell that the words “well-known connoisseur” were deleted; + but that H. Loudon Dodd became manager and honorary steward of Pinkerton's + Hebdomadary Picnics, soon shortened, by popular consent, to the Dromedary. + </p> + <p> + By eight o'clock, any Sunday morning, I was to be observed by an admiring + public on the wharf. The garb and attributes of sacrifice consisted of a + black frock coat, rosetted, its pockets bulging with sweetmeats and + inferior cigars, trousers of light blue, a silk hat like a reflector, and + a varnished wand. A goodly steamer guarded my one flank, panting and + throbbing, flags fluttering fore and aft of her, illustrative of the + Dromedary and patriotism. My other flank was covered by the ticket-office, + strongly held by a trusty character of the Scots persuasion, rosetted like + his superior and smoking a cigar to mark the occasion festive. At + half-past, having assured myself that all was well with the free + luncheons, I lit a cigar myself, and awaited the strains of the “Pioneer + Band.” I had never to wait long—they were German and punctual—and + by a few minutes after the half-hour, I would hear them booming down + street with a long military roll of drums, some score of gratuitous asses + prancing at the head in bearskin hats and buckskin aprons, and conspicuous + with resplendent axes. The band, of course, we paid for; but so strong is + the San Franciscan passion for public masquerade, that the asses (as I + say) were all gratuitous, pranced for the love of it, and cost us nothing + but their luncheon. + </p> + <p> + The musicians formed up in the bows of my steamer, and struck into a + skittish polka; the asses mounted guard upon the gangway and the + ticket-office; and presently after, in family parties of father, mother, + and children, in the form of duplicate lovers or in that of solitary + youth, the public began to descend upon us by the carful at a time; four + to six hundred perhaps, with a strong German flavour, and all merry as + children. When these had been shepherded on board, and the inevitable + belated two or three had gained the deck amidst the cheering of the + public, the hawser was cast off, and we plunged into the bay. + </p> + <p> + And now behold the honorary steward in hour of duty and glory; see me + circulate amid crowd, radiating affability and laughter, liberal with my + sweetmeats and cigars. I say unblushing things to hobbledehoy girls, tell + shy young persons this is the married people's boat, roguishly ask the + abstracted if they are thinking of their sweethearts, offer Paterfamilias + a cigar, am struck with the beauty and grow curious about the age of + mamma's youngest who (I assure her gaily) will be a man before his mother; + or perhaps it may occur to me, from the sensible expression of her face, + that she is a person of good counsel, and I ask her earnestly if she knows + any particularly pleasant place on the Saucelito or San Rafael coast, for + the scene of our picnic is always supposed to be uncertain. The next + moment I am back at my giddy badinage with the young ladies, wakening + laughter as I go, and leaving in my wake applausive comments of “Isn't + Mr. Dodd a funny gentleman?” and “O, I think he's just too + nice!” + </p> + <p> + An hour having passed in this airy manner, I start upon my rounds afresh, + with a bag full of coloured tickets, all with pins attached, and all with + legible inscriptions: “Old Germany,” “California,” + “True Love,” “Old Fogies,” “La Belle France,” + “Green Erin,” “The Land of Cakes,” “Washington,” + “Blue Jay,” “Robin Red-Breast,”—twenty of + each denomination; for when it comes to the luncheon, we sit down by + twenties. These are distributed with anxious tact—for, indeed, this + is the most delicate part of my functions—but outwardly with + reckless unconcern, amidst the gayest flutter and confusion; and are + immediately after sported upon hats and bonnets, to the extreme diffusion + of cordiality, total strangers hailing each other by “the number of + their mess”—so we humorously name it—and the deck + ringing with cries of, “Here, all Blue Jays to the rescue!” + or, “I say, am I alone in this blame' ship? Ain't there no more + Californians?” + </p> + <p> + By this time we are drawing near to the appointed spot. I mount upon the + bridge, the observed of all observers. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” I say, in clear, emphatic tones, heard far and + wide, “the majority of the company appear to be in favour of the + little cove beyond One Tree Point.” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Mr. Dodd,” responds the captain, heartily; “all + one to me. I am not exactly sure of the place you mean; but just you stay + here and pilot me.” + </p> + <p> + I do, pointing with my wand. I do pilot him, to the inexpressible + entertainment of the picnic; for I am (why should I deny it?) the popular + man. We slow down off the mouth of a grassy valley, watered by a brook, + and set in pines and redwoods. The anchor is let go; the boats are + lowered, two of them already packed with the materials of an impromptu + bar; and the Pioneer Band, accompanied by the resplendent asses, fill the + other, and move shoreward to the inviting strains of Buffalo Gals, won't + you come out to-night? It is a part of our programme that one of the asses + shall, from sheer clumsiness, in the course of this embarkation, drop a + dummy axe into the water, whereupon the mirth of the picnic can hardly be + assuaged. Upon one occasion, the dummy axe floated, and the laugh turned + rather the wrong way. + </p> + <p> + In from ten to twenty minutes the boats are along-side again, the messes + are marshalled separately on the deck, and the picnic goes ashore, to find + the band and the impromptu bar awaiting them. Then come the hampers, which + are piled upon the beach, and surrounded by a stern guard of stalwart + asses, axe on shoulder. It is here I take my place, note-book in hand, + under a banner bearing the legend, “Come here for hampers.” + Each hamper contains a complete outfit for a separate twenty, cold + provender, plates, glasses, knives, forks, and spoons: an agonized printed + appeal from the fevered pen of Pinkerton, pasted on the inside of the lid, + beseeches that care be taken of the glass and silver. Beer, wine, and + lemonade are flowing already from the bar, and the various clans of twenty + file away into the woods, with bottles under their arms, and the hampers + strung upon a stick. Till one they feast there, in a very moderate + seclusion, all being within earshot of the band. From one till four, + dancing takes place upon the grass; the bar does a roaring business; and + the honorary steward, who has already exhausted himself to bring life into + the dullest of the messes, must now indefatigably dance with the plainest + of the women. At four a bugle-call is sounded; and by half-past behold us + on board again, pioneers, corrugated iron bar, empty bottles, and all; + while the honorary steward, free at last, subsides into the captain's + cabin over a brandy and soda and a book. Free at last, I say; yet there + remains before him the frantic leave-takings at the pier, and a sober + journey up to Pinkerton's office with two policemen and the day's takings + in a bag. + </p> + <p> + What I have here sketched was the routine. But we appealed to the taste of + San Francisco more distinctly in particular fetes. “Ye Olde Time + Pycke-Nycke,” largely advertised in hand-bills beginning “Oyez, + Oyez!” and largely frequented by knights, monks, and cavaliers, was + drowned out by unseasonable rain, and returned to the city one of the + saddest spectacles I ever remember to have witnessed. In pleasing + contrast, and certainly our chief success, was “The Gathering of the + Clans,” or Scottish picnic. So many milk-white knees were never + before simultaneously exhibited in public, and to judge by the prevalence + of “Royal Stewart” and the number of eagle's feathers, we were + a high-born company. I threw forward the Scottish flank of my own + ancestry, and passed muster as a clansman with applause. There was, + indeed, but one small cloud on this red-letter day. I had laid in a large + supply of the national beverage, in the shape of The “Rob Roy + MacGregor O” Blend, Warranted Old and Vatted; and this must + certainly have been a generous spirit, for I had some anxious work between + four and half-past, conveying on board the inanimate forms of chieftains. + </p> + <p> + To one of our ordinary festivities, where he was the life and soul of his + own mess, Pinkerton himself came incognito, bringing the algebraist on his + arm. Miss Mamie proved to be a well-enough-looking mouse, with a large, + limpid eye, very good manners, and a flow of the most correct expressions + I have ever heard upon the human lip. As Pinkerton's incognito was strict, + I had little opportunity to cultivate the lady's acquaintance; but I was + informed afterwards that she considered me “the wittiest gentleman + she had ever met.” “The Lord mend your taste in wit!” + thought I; but I cannot conceal that such was the general impression. One + of my pleasantries even went the round of San Francisco, and I have heard + it (myself all unknown) bandied in saloons. To be unknown began at last to + be a rare experience; a bustle woke upon my passage; above all, in humble + neighbourhoods. “Who's that?” one would ask, and the other + would cry, “That! Why, Dromedary Dodd!” or, with withering + scorn, “Not know Mr. Dodd of the Picnics? Well!” and indeed I + think it marked a rather barren destiny; for our picnics, if a trifle + vulgar, were as gay and innocent as the age of gold; I am sure no people + divert themselves so easily and so well: and even with the cares of my + stewardship, I was often happy to be there. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, there were but two drawbacks in the least considerable. The first + was my terror of the hobbledehoy girls, to whom (from the demands of my + situation) I was obliged to lay myself so open. The other, if less + momentous, was more mortifying. In early days, at my mother's knee, as a + man may say, I had acquired the unenviable accomplishment (which I have + never since been able to lose) of singing <i>Just before the Battle.</i> I + have what the French call a fillet of voice, my best notes scarce audible + about a dinner-table, and the upper register rather to be regarded as a + higher power of silence: experts tell me besides that I sing flat; nor, if + I were the best singer in the world, does <i>Just before the Battle</i> + occur to my mature taste as the song that I would choose to sing. In spite + of all which considerations, at one picnic, memorably dull, and after I + had exhausted every other art of pleasing, I gave, in desperation, my one + song. From that hour my doom was gone forth. Either we had a chronic + passenger (though I could never detect him), or the very wood and iron of + the steamer must have retained the tradition. At every successive picnic + word went round that Mr. Dodd was a singer; that Mr. Dodd sang <i>Just + before the Battle</i>, and finally that now was the time when Mr. Dodd + sang <i>Just before the Battle;</i> so that the thing became a fixture + like the dropping of the dummy axe, and you are to conceive me, Sunday + after Sunday, piping up my lamentable ditty and covered, when it was done, + with gratuitous applause. It is a beautiful trait in human nature that I + was invariably offered an encore. + </p> + <p> + I was well paid, however, even to sing. Pinkerton and I, after an average + Sunday, had five hundred dollars to divide. Nay, and the picnics were the + means, although indirectly, of bringing me a singular windfall. This was + at the end of the season, after the “Grand Farewell Fancy Dress + Gala.” Many of the hampers had suffered severely; and it was judged + wiser to save storage, dispose of them, and lay in a fresh stock when the + campaign re-opened. Among my purchasers was a workingman of the name of + Speedy, to whose house, after several unavailing letters, I must proceed + in person, wondering to find myself once again on the wrong side, and + playing the creditor to some one else's debtor. Speedy was in the + belligerent stage of fear. He could not pay. It appeared he had already + resold the hampers, and he defied me to do my worst. I did not like to + lose my own money; I hated to lose Pinkerton's; and the bearing of my + creditor incensed me. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Mr. Speedy, that I can send you to the penitentiary?” + said I, willing to read him a lesson. + </p> + <p> + The dire expression was overheard in the next room. A large, fresh, + motherly Irishwoman ran forth upon the instant, and fell to besiege me + with caresses and appeals. “Sure now, and ye couldn't have the heart + to ut, Mr. Dodd, you, that's so well known to be a pleasant gentleman; and + it's a pleasant face ye have, and the picture of me own brother that's + dead and gone. It's a truth that he's been drinking. Ye can smell it off + of him, more blame to him. But, indade, and there's nothing in the house + beyont the furnicher, and Thim Stock. It's the stock that ye'll be taking, + dear. A sore penny it has cost me, first and last, and by all tales, not + worth an owld tobacco pipe.” Thus adjured, and somewhat embarrassed + by the stern attitude I had adopted, I suffered myself to be invested with + a considerable quantity of what is called wild-cat stock, in which this + excellent if illogical female had been squandering her hard-earned gold. + It could scarce be said to better my position, but the step quieted the + woman; and, on the other hand, I could not think I was taking much risk, + for the shares in question (they were those of what I will call the + Catamount Silver Mine) had fallen some time before to the bed-rock + quotation, and now lay perfectly inert, or were only kicked (like other + waste paper) about the kennel of the exchange by bankrupt speculators. + </p> + <p> + A month or two after, I perceived by the stock-list that Catamount had + taken a bound; before afternoon, “thim stock” were worth a + quite considerable pot of money; and I learned, upon inquiry, that a + bonanza had been found in a condemned lead, and the mine was now expected + to do wonders. Remarkable to philosophers how bonanzas are found in + condemned leads, and how the stock is always at freezing-point immediately + before! By some stroke of chance the, Speedys had held on to the right + thing; they had escaped the syndicate; yet a little more, if I had not + come to dun them, and Mrs. Speedy would have been buying a silk dress. I + could not bear, of course, to profit by the accident, and returned to + offer restitution. The house was in a bustle; the neighbours (all + stock-gamblers themselves) had crowded to condole; and Mrs. Speedy sat + with streaming tears, the centre of a sympathetic group. “For + fifteen year I've been at ut,” she was lamenting, as I entered, + “and grudging the babes the very milk, more shame to me! to pay + their dhirty assessments. And now, my dears, I should be a lady, and + driving in my coach, if all had their rights; and a sorrow on that man + Dodd! As soon as I set eyes on him, I seen the divil was in the house.” + </p> + <p> + It was upon these words that I made my entrance, which was therefore + dramatic enough, though nothing to what followed. For when it appeared + that I was come to restore the lost fortune, and when Mrs. Speedy (after + copiously weeping on my bosom) had refused the restitution, and when Mr. + Speedy (summoned to that end from a camp of the Grand Army of the + Republic) had added his refusal, and when I had insisted, and they had + insisted, and the neighbours had applauded and supported each of us in + turn; and when at last it was agreed we were to hold the stock together, + and share the proceeds in three parts—one for me, one for Mr. + Speedy, and one for his spouse—I will leave you to conceive the + enthusiasm that reigned in that small, bare apartment, with the + sewing-machine in the one corner, and the babes asleep in the other, and + pictures of Garfield and the Battle of Gettysburg on the yellow walls. + Port wine was had in by a sympathiser, and we drank it mingled with tears. + </p> + <p> + “And I dhrink to your health, my dear,” sobbed Mrs. Speedy, + especially affected by my gallantry in the matter of the third share; + “and I'm sure we all dhrink to his health—Mr. Dodd of the + picnics, no gentleman better known than him; and it's my prayer, dear, the + good God may be long spared to see ye in health and happiness!” + </p> + <p> + In the end I was the chief gainer; for I sold my third while it was worth + five thousand dollars, but the Speedys more adventurously held on until + the syndicate reversed the process, when they were happy to escape with + perhaps a quarter of that sum. It was just as well; for the bulk of the + money was (in Pinkerton's phrase) reinvested; and when next I saw Mrs. + Speedy, she was still gorgeously dressed from the proceeds of the late + success, but was already moist with tears over the new catastrophe. + “We're froze out, me darlin'! All the money we had, dear, and the + sewing-machine, and Jim's uniform, was in the Golden West; and the vipers + has put on a new assessment.” + </p> + <p> + By the end of the year, therefore, this is how I stood. I had made + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + By Catamount Silver Mine..................... $5,000 + By the picnics............................... 3,000 + By the lecture............................... 600 + By profit and loss on capital + in Pinkerton's business...................... 1,350 + ——— + $9,950 + + to which must be added + + What remained of my grandfather's + donation..................................... 8,500 + ——— + $18,450 + + It appears, on the other hand, that + + I had spent.......................... 4,000 + ———- + Which thus left me to the good............... $14,450 +</pre> + <p> + A result on which I am not ashamed to say I looked with gratitude and + pride. Some eight thousand (being late conquest) was liquid and actually + tractile in the bank; the rest whirled beyond reach and even sight (save + in the mirror of a balance-sheet) under the compelling spell of wizard + Pinkerton. Dollars of mine were tacking off the shores of Mexico, in peril + of the deep and the guarda-costas; they rang on saloon-counters in the + city of Tombstone, Arizona; they shone in faro-tents among the mountain + diggings; the imagination flagged in following them, so wide were they + diffused, so briskly they span to the turning of the wizard's crank. But + here, there, or everywhere I could still tell myself it was all mine, and + what was more convincing, draw substantial dividends. My fortune, I called + it; and it represented, when expressed in dollars, or even British pounds, + an honest pot of money; when extended into francs, a veritable fortune. + Perhaps I have let the cat out of the bag; perhaps you see already where + my hopes were pointing, and begin to blame my inconsistency. But I must + first tell you my excuse, and the change that had befallen Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + About a week after the picnic to which he escorted Mamie, Pinkerton avowed + the state of his affections. From what I had observed on board the + steamer, where methought Mamie waited on him with her limpid eyes, I + encouraged the bashful lover to proceed; and the very next evening he was + carrying me to call on his affianced. + </p> + <p> + “You must befriend her, Loudon, as you have always befriended me,” + he said, pathetically. + </p> + <p> + “By saying disagreeable things? I doubt if that be the way to a + young lady's favour,” I replied; “and since this picnicking I + begin to be a man of some experience.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you do nobly there; I can't describe how I admire you,” + he cried. “Not that she will ever need it; she has had every + advantage. God knows what I have done to deserve her. O man, what a + responsibility this is for a rough fellow and not always truthful!” + </p> + <p> + “Brace up, old man, brace up!” said I. + </p> + <p> + But when we reached Mamie's boarding-house, it was almost with tears that + he presented me. “Here is Loudon, Mamie,” were his words. + “I want you to love him; he has a grand nature.” + </p> + <p> + “You are certainly no stranger to me, Mr. Dodd,” was her + gracious expression. “James is never weary of descanting on your + goodness.” + </p> + <p> + “My dear lady,” said I, “when you know our friend a + little better, you will make a large allowance for his warm heart. My + goodness has consisted in allowing him to feed and clothe and toil for me + when he could ill afford it. If I am now alive, it is to him I owe it; no + man had a kinder friend. You must take good care of him,” I added, + laying my hand on his shoulder, “and keep him in good order, for he + needs it.” + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton was much affected by this speech, and so, I fear, was Mamie. I + admit it was a tactless performance. “When you know our friend a + little better,” was not happily said; and even “keep him in + good order, for he needs it” might be construed into matter of + offence; but I lay it before you in all confidence of your acquittal: was + the general tone of it “patronising”? Even if such was the + verdict of the lady, I cannot but suppose the blame was neither wholly + hers nor wholly mine; I cannot but suppose that Pinkerton had already + sickened the poor woman of my very name; so that if I had come with the + songs of Apollo, she must still have been disgusted. + </p> + <p> + Here, however, were two finger-posts to Paris. Jim was going to be + married, and so had the less need of my society. I had not pleased his + bride, and so was, perhaps, better absent. Late one evening I broached the + idea to my friend. It had been a great day for me; I had just banked my + five thousand catamountain dollars; and as Jim had refused to lay a finger + on the stock, risk and profit were both wholly mine, and I was celebrating + the event with stout and crackers. I began by telling him that if it + caused him any pain or any anxiety about his affairs, he had but to say + the word, and he should hear no more of my proposal. He was the truest and + best friend I ever had or was ever like to have; and it would be a strange + thing if I refused him any favour he was sure he wanted. At the same time + I wished him to be sure; for my life was wasting in my hands. I was like + one from home; all my true interests summoned me away. I must remind him, + besides, that he was now about to marry and assume new interests, and that + our extreme familiarity might be even painful to his wife.—“O + no, Loudon; I feel you are wrong there,” he interjected warmly; + “she DOES appreciate your nature.”—So much the better, + then, I continued; and went on to point out that our separation need not + be for long; that, in the way affairs were going, he might join me in two + years with a fortune, small, indeed, for the States, but in France almost + conspicuous; that we might unite our resources, and have one house in + Paris for the winter and a second near Fontainebleau for summer, where we + could be as happy as the day was long, and bring up little Pinkertons as + practical artistic workmen, far from the money-hunger of the West. “Let + me go then,” I concluded; “not as a deserter, but as the + vanguard, to lead the march of the Pinkerton men.” + </p> + <p> + So I argued and pleaded, not without emotion; my friend sitting opposite, + resting his chin upon his hand and (but for that single interjection) + silent. “I have been looking for this, Loudon,” said he, when + I had done. “It does pain me, and that's the fact—I'm so + miserably selfish. And I believe it's a death blow to the picnics; for + it's idle to deny that you were the heart and soul of them with your wand + and your gallant bearing, and wit and humour and chivalry, and throwing + that kind of society atmosphere about the thing. But for all that, you're + right, and you ought to go. You may count on forty dollars a week; and if + Depew City—one of nature's centres for this State—pan out the + least as I expect, it may be double. But it's forty dollars anyway; and to + think that two years ago you were almost reduced to beggary!” + </p> + <p> + “I WAS reduced to it,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the brutes gave you nothing, and I'm glad of it now!” + cried Jim. “It's the triumphant return I glory in! Think of the + master, and that cold-blooded Myner too! Yes, just let the Depew City boom + get on its legs, and you shall go; and two years later, day for day, I'll + shake hands with you in Paris, with Mamie on my arm, God bless her!” + </p> + <p> + We talked in this vein far into the night. I was myself so exultant in my + new-found liberty, and Pinkerton so proud of my triumph, so happy in my + happiness, in so warm a glow about the gallant little woman of his choice, + and the very room so filled with castles in the air and cottages at + Fontainebleau, that it was little wonder if sleep fled our eyelids, and + three had followed two upon the office clock before Pinkerton unfolded the + mechanism of his patent sofa. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. FACES ON THE CITY FRONT. + </h2> + <p> + It is very much the custom to view life as if it were exactly ruled in + two, like sleep and waking; the provinces of play and business standing + separate. The business side of my career in San Francisco has been now + disposed of; I approach the chapter of diversion; and it will be found + they had about an equal share in building up the story of the Wrecker—a + gentleman whose appearance may be presently expected. + </p> + <p> + With all my occupations, some six afternoons and two or three odd evenings + remained at my disposal every week: a circumstance the more agreeable as I + was a stranger in a city singularly picturesque. From what I had once + called myself, The Amateur Parisian, I grew (or declined) into a waterside + prowler, a lingerer on wharves, a frequenter of shy neighbourhoods, a + scraper of acquaintance with eccentric characters. I visited Chinese and + Mexican gambling-hells, German secret societies, sailors' boarding-houses, + and “dives” of every complexion of the disreputable and + dangerous. I have seen greasy Mexican hands pinned to the table with a + knife for cheating, seamen (when blood-money ran high) knocked down upon + the public street and carried insensible on board short-handed ships, + shots exchanged, and the smoke (and the company) dispersing from the doors + of the saloon. I have heard cold-minded Polacks debate upon the readiest + method of burning San Francisco to the ground, hot-headed working men and + women bawl and swear in the tribune at the Sandlot, and Kearney himself + open his subscription for a gallows, name the manufacturers who were to + grace it with their dangling bodies, and read aloud to the delighted + multitude a telegram of adhesion from a member of the State legislature: + all which preparations of proletarian war were (in a moment) breathed upon + and abolished by the mere name and fame of Mr. Coleman. That lion of the + Vigilantes had but to rouse himself and shake his ears, and the whole + brawling mob was silenced. I could not but reflect what a strange manner + of man this was, to be living unremarked there as a private merchant, and + to be so feared by a whole city; and if I was disappointed, in my character + of looker-on, to have the matter end ingloriously without the firing of a + shot or the hanging of a single millionnaire, philosophy tried to tell me + that this sight was truly the more picturesque. In a thousand towns and + different epochs I might have had occasion to behold the cowardice and + carnage of street fighting; where else, but only there and then, could I + have enjoyed a view of Coleman (the intermittent despot) walking + meditatively up hill in a quiet part of town, with a very rolling gait, + and slapping gently his great thigh? + </p> + <p> + Minora Canamus. This historic figure stalks silently through a corner of + the San Francisco of my memory: the rest is bric-a-brac, the reminiscences + of a vagrant sketcher. My delight was much in slums. Little Italy was a + haunt of mine; there I would look in at the windows of small eating-shops, + transported bodily from Genoa or Naples, with their macaroni, and chianti + flasks, and portraits of Garibaldi, and coloured political caricatures; or + (entering in) hold high debate with some ear-ringed fisher of the bay as + to the designs of “Mr. Owstria” and “Mr. Rooshia.” + I was often to be observed (had there been any to observe me) in that + dis-peopled, hill-side solitude of Little Mexico, with its crazy wooden + houses, endless crazy wooden stairs, and perilous mountain goat-paths in + the sand. Chinatown by a thousand eccentricities drew and held me; I could + never have enough of its ambiguous, interracial atmosphere, as of a + vitalised museum; never wonder enough at its outlandish, + necromantic-looking vegetables set forth to sell in commonplace American + shop-windows, its temple doors open and the scent of the joss-stick + streaming forth on the American air, its kites of Oriental fashion hanging + fouled in Western telegraph-wires, its flights of paper prayers which the + trade-wind hunts and dissipates along Western gutters. I was a frequent + wanderer on North Beach, gazing at the straits, and the huge Cape-Horners + creeping out to sea, and imminent Tamalpais. Thence, on my homeward way, I + might visit that strange and filthy shed, earth-paved and walled with the + cages of wild animals and birds, where at a ramshackle counter, amid the + yells of monkeys, and a poignant atmosphere of menagerie, forty-rod + whiskey was administered by a proprietor as dirty as his beasts. Nor did I + even neglect Nob Hill, which is itself a kind of slum, being the habitat + of the mere millionnaire. There they dwell upon the hill-top, high raised + above man's clamour, and the trade-wind blows between their palaces about + deserted streets. + </p> + <p> + But San Francisco is not herself only. She is not only the most + interesting city in the Union, and the hugest smelting-pot of races and + the precious metals. She keeps, besides, the doors of the Pacific, and is + the port of entry to another world and an earlier epoch in man's history. + Nowhere else shall you observe (in the ancient phrase) so many tall ships + as here convene from round the Horn, from China, from Sydney, and the + Indies; but scarce remarked amid that crowd of deep-sea giants, another + class of craft, the Island schooner, circulates: low in the water, with + lofty spars and dainty lines, rigged and fashioned like a yacht, manned + with brown-skinned, soft-spoken, sweet-eyed native sailors, and equipped + with their great double-ender boats that tell a tale of boisterous + sea-beaches. These steal out and in again, unnoted by the world or even + the newspaper press, save for the line in the clearing column, “Schooner + So-and-so for Yap and South Sea Islands”—steal out with + nondescript cargoes of tinned salmon, gin, bolts of gaudy cotton stuff, + women's hats, and Waterbury watches, to return, after a year, piled as + high as to the eaves of the house with copra, or wallowing deep with the + shells of the tortoise or the pearl oyster. To me, in my character of the + Amateur Parisian, this island traffic, and even the island world, were + beyond the bounds of curiosity, and how much more of knowledge. I stood + there on the extreme shore of the West and of to-day. Seventeen hundred + years ago, and seven thousand miles to the east, a legionary stood, + perhaps, upon the wall of Antoninus, and looked northward toward the + mountains of the Picts. For all the interval of time and space, I, when I + looked from the cliff-house on the broad Pacific, was that man's heir and + analogue: each of us standing on the verge of the Roman Empire (or, as we + now call it, Western civilization), each of us gazing onward into zones + unromanised. But I was dull. I looked rather backward, keeping a kind eye + on Paris; and it required a series of converging incidents to change my + attitude of nonchalance for one of interest, and even longing, which I + little dreamed that I should live to gratify. + </p> + <p> + The first of these incidents brought me in acquaintance with a certain San + Francisco character, who had something of a name beyond the limits of the + city, and was known to many lovers of good English. I had discovered a new + slum, a place of precarious, sandy cliffs, deep, sandy cuttings, solitary, + ancient houses, and the butt-ends of streets. It was already environed. + The ranks of the street-lamps threaded it unbroken. The city, upon all + sides of it, was tightly packed, and growled with traffic. To-day, I do + not doubt the very landmarks are all swept away; but it offered then, + within narrow limits, a delightful peace, and (in the morning, when I + chiefly went there) a seclusion almost rural. On a steep sand-hill, in + this neighbourhood, toppled, on the most insecure foundation, a certain + row of houses, each with a bit of garden, and all (I have to presume) + inhabited. Thither I used to mount by a crumbling footpath, and in front + of the last of the houses, would sit down to sketch. The very first day I + saw I was observed, out of the ground-floor window by a youngish, + good-looking fellow, prematurely bald, and with an expression both lively + and engaging. The second, as we were still the only figures in the + landscape, it was no more than natural that we should nod. The third, he + came out fairly from his intrenchments, praised my sketch, and with the + impromptu cordiality of artists carried me into his apartment; where I sat + presently in the midst of a museum of strange objects,—paddles and + battle-clubs and baskets, rough-hewn stone images, ornaments of threaded + shell, cocoanut bowls, snowy cocoanut plumes—evidences and examples + of another earth, another climate, another race, and another (if a ruder) + culture. Nor did these objects lack a fitting commentary in the + conversation of my new acquaintance. Doubtless you have read his book. You + know already how he tramped and starved, and had so fine a profit of + living, in his days among the islands; and meeting him, as I did, one + artist with another, after months of offices and picnics, you can imagine + with what charm he would speak, and with what pleasure I would hear. It + was in such talks, which we were both eager to repeat, that I first heard + the names—first fell under the spell—of the islands; and it + was from one of the first of them that I returned (a happy man) with <i>Omoo</i> + under one arm, and my friend's own adventures under the other. + </p> + <p> + The second incident was more dramatic, and had, besides, a bearing on my + future. I was standing, one day, near a boat-landing under Telegraph Hill. + A large barque, perhaps of eighteen hundred tons, was coming more than + usually close about the point to reach her moorings; and I was observing + her with languid inattention, when I observed two men to stride across the + bulwarks, drop into a shore boat, and, violently dispossessing the boatman + of his oars, pull toward the landing where I stood. In a surprisingly + short time they came tearing up the steps; and I could see that both were + too well dressed to be foremast hands—the first even with research, + and both, and specially the first, appeared under the empire of some + strong emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Nearest police office!” cried the leader. + </p> + <p> + “This way,” said I, immediately falling in with their + precipitate pace. “What's wrong? What ship is that?” + </p> + <p> + “That's the Gleaner,” he replied. “I am chief officer, + this gentleman's third; and we've to get in our depositions before the + crew. You see they might corral us with the captain; and that's no kind of + berth for me. I've sailed with some hard cases in my time, and seen pins + flying like sand on a squally day—but never a match to our old man. + It never let up from the Hook to the Farallones; and the last man was + dropped not sixteen hours ago. Packet rats our men were, and as tough a + crowd as ever sand-bagged a man's head in; but they looked sick enough + when the captain started in with his fancy shooting.” + </p> + <p> + “O, he's done up,” observed the other. “He won't go to + sea no more.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me tired,” retorted his superior. “If he gets + ashore in one piece and isn't lynched in the next ten minutes, he'll do + yet. The owners have a longer memory than the public; they'll stand by + him; they don't find as smart a captain every day in the year.” + </p> + <p> + “O, he's a son of a gun of a fine captain; there ain't no doubt of + that,” concurred the other, heartily. “Why, I don't suppose + there's been no wages paid aboard that Gleaner for three trips.” + </p> + <p> + “No wages?” I exclaimed, for I was still a novice in maritime + affairs. + </p> + <p> + “Not to sailor-men before the mast,” agreed the mate. “Men + cleared out; wasn't the soft job they maybe took it for. She isn' the + first ship that never paid wages.” + </p> + <p> + I could not but observe that our pace was progressively relaxing; and + indeed I have often wondered since whether the hurry of the start were not + intended for the gallery alone. Certain it is at least, that when we had + reached the police office, and the mates had made their deposition, and + told their horrid tale of five men murdered, some with savage passion, + some with cold brutality, between Sandy Hook and San Francisco, the police + were despatched in time to be too late. Before we arrived, the ruffian had + slipped out upon the dock, had mingled with the crowd, and found a refuge + in the house of an acquaintance; and the ship was only tenanted by his + late victims. Well for him that he had been thus speedy. For when word + began to go abroad among the shore-side characters, when the last victim + was carried by to the hospital, when those who had escaped (as by miracle) + from that floating shambles, began to circulate and show their wounds in + the crowd, it was strange to witness the agitation that seized and shook + that portion of the city. Men shed tears in public; bosses of + lodging-houses, long inured to brutality, and above all, brutality to + sailors, shook their fists at heaven: if hands could have been laid on the + captain of the Gleaner, his shrift would have been short. That night (so + gossip reports) he was headed up in a barrel and smuggled across the bay: + in two ships already he had braved the penitentiary and the gallows; and + yet, by last accounts, he now commands another on the Western Ocean. + </p> + <p> + As I have said, I was never quite certain whether Mr. Nares (the mate) did + not intend that his superior should escape. It would have been like his + preference of loyalty to law; it would have been like his prejudice, which + was all in favour of the after-guard. But it must remain a matter of + conjecture only. Well as I came to know him in the sequel, he was never + communicative on that point, nor indeed on any that concerned the voyage + of the Gleaner. Doubtless he had some reason for his reticence. Even + during our walk to the police office, he debated several times with + Johnson, the third officer, whether he ought not to give up himself, as + well as to denounce the captain. He had decided in the negative, arguing + that “it would probably come to nothing; and even if there was a + stink, he had plenty good friends in San Francisco.” And to nothing + it came; though it must have very nearly come to something, for Mr. Nares + disappeared immediately from view and was scarce less closely hidden than + his captain. + </p> + <p> + Johnson, on the other hand, I often met. I could never learn this man's + country; and though he himself claimed to be American, neither his English + nor his education warranted the claim. In all likelihood he was of + Scandinavian birth and blood, long pickled in the forecastles of English + and American ships. It is possible that, like so many of his race in + similar positions, he had already lost his native tongue. In mind, at + least, he was quite denationalised; thought only in English—to call + it so; and though by nature one of the mildest, kindest, and most feebly + playful of mankind, he had been so long accustomed to the cruelty of sea + discipline, that his stories (told perhaps with a giggle) would sometimes + turn me chill. In appearance, he was tall, light of weight, bold and + high-bred of feature, dusky-haired, and with a face of a clean even brown: + the ornament of outdoor men. Seated in a chair, you might have passed him + off for a baronet or a military officer; but let him rise, and it was + Fo'c's'le Jack that came rolling toward you, crab-like; let him but open + his lips, and it was Fo'c's'le Jack that piped and drawled his + ungrammatical gibberish. He had sailed (among other places) much among the + islands; and after a Cape Horn passage with its snow-squalls and its + frozen sheets, he announced his intention of “taking a turn among + them Kanakas.” I thought I should have lost him soon; but according + to the unwritten usage of mariners, he had first to dissipate his wages. + “Guess I'll have to paint this town red,” was his hyperbolical + expression; for sure no man ever embarked upon a milder course of + dissipation, most of his days being passed in the little parlour behind + Black Tom's public house, with a select corps of old particular + acquaintances, all from the South Seas, and all patrons of a long yarn, a + short pipe, and glasses round. + </p> + <p> + Black Tom's, to the front, presented the appearance of a fourth-rate + saloon, devoted to Kanaka seamen, dirt, negrohead tobacco, bad cigars, + worse gin, and guitars and banjos in a state of decline. The proprietor, a + powerful coloured man, was at once a publican, a ward politician, leader + of some brigade of “lambs” or “smashers,” at the + wind of whose clubs the party bosses and the mayor were supposed to + tremble, and (what hurt nothing) an active and reliable crimp. His front + quarters, then, were noisy, disreputable, and not even safe. I have seen + worse frequented saloons where there were fewer scandals; for Tom was + often drunk himself; and there is no doubt the Lambs must have been a + useful body, or the place would have been closed. I remember one day, not + long before an election, seeing a blind man, very well dressed, led up to + the counter and remain a long while in consultation with the negro. The + pair looked so ill-assorted, and the awe with which the drinkers fell back + and left them in the midst of an impromptu privacy was so unusual in such + a place, that I turned to my next neighbour with a question. He told me + the blind man was a distinguished party boss, called by some the King of + San Francisco, but perhaps better known by his picturesque Chinese + nickname of the Blind White Devil. “The Lambs must be wanted pretty + bad, I guess,” my informant added. I have here a sketch of the Blind + White Devil leaning on the counter; on the next page, and taken the same + hour, a jotting of Black Tom threatening a whole crowd of customers with a + long Smith and Wesson: to such heights and depths we rose and fell in the + front parts of the saloon. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, away in the back quarters, sat the small informal South Sea + club, talking of another world and surely of a different century. Old + schooner captains they were, old South Sea traders, cooks, and mates: fine + creatures, softened by residence among a softer race: full men besides, + though not by reading, but by strange experience; and for days together I + could hear their yarns with an unfading pleasure. All had indeed some + touch of the poetic; for the beach-comber, when not a mere ruffian, is the + poor relation of the artist. Even through Johnson's inarticulate speech, + his “O yes, there ain't no harm in them Kanakas,” or “O + yes, that's a son of a gun of a fine island, mountainious right down; I + didn't never ought to have left that island,” there pierced a + certain gusto of appreciation: and some of the rest were master-talkers. + From their long tales, their traits of character and unpremeditated + landscape, there began to piece itself together in my head some image of + the islands and the island life: precipitous shores, spired mountain tops, + the deep shade of hanging forests, the unresting surf upon the reef, and + the unending peace of the lagoon; sun, moon, and stars of an imperial + brightness; man moving in these scenes scarce fallen, and woman lovelier + than Eve; the primal curse abrogated, the bed made ready for the stranger, + life set to perpetual music, and the guest welcomed, the boat urged, and + the long night beguiled, with poetry and choral song. A man must have been + an unsuccessful artist; he must have starved on the streets of Paris; he + must have been yoked to a commercial force like Pinkerton, before he can + conceive the longings that at times assailed me. The draughty, rowdy city + of San Francisco, the bustling office where my friend Jim paced like a + caged lion daily between ten and four, even (at times) the retrospect of + Paris, faded in comparison. Many a man less tempted would have thrown up + all to realise his visions; but I was by nature unadventurous and + uninitiative: to divert me from all former paths and send me cruising + through the isles of paradise, some force external to myself must be + exerted; Destiny herself must use the fitting wedge; and little as I + deemed it, that tool was already in her hand of brass. + </p> + <p> + I sat, one afternoon, in the corner of a great, glassy, silvered saloon, a + free lunch at my one elbow, at the other a “conscientious nude” + from the brush of local talent; when, with the tramp of feet and a sudden + buzz of voices, the swing-doors were flung broadly open and the place + carried as by storm. The crowd which thus entered (mostly seafaring men, + and all prodigiously excited) contained a sort of kernel or general centre + of interest, which the rest merely surrounded and advertised, as children + in the Old World surround and escort the Punch-and-Judy man; the word went + round the bar like wildfire that these were Captain Trent and the + survivors of the British brig Flying Scud, picked up by a British war-ship + on Midway Island, arrived that morning in San Francisco Bay, and now fresh + from making the necessary declarations. Presently I had a good sight of + them: four brown, seamanlike fellows, standing by the counter, glass in + hand, the centre of a score of questioners. One was a Kanaka—the + cook, I was informed; one carried a cage with a canary, which occasionally + trilled into thin song; one had his left arm in a sling and looked + gentlemanlike, and somewhat sickly, as though the injury had been severe + and he was scarce recovered; and the captain himself—a red-faced, + blue-eyed, thickset man of five and forty—wore a bandage on his + right hand. The incident struck me; I was struck particularly to see + captain, cook, and foremost hands walking the street and visiting saloons + in company; and, as when anything impressed me, I got my sketch-book out, + and began to steal a sketch of the four castaways. The crowd, sympathising + with my design, made a clear lane across the room; and I was thus enabled, + all unobserved myself, to observe with a still-growing closeness the face + and the demeanour of Captain Trent. + </p> + <p> + Warmed by whiskey and encouraged by the eagerness of the bystanders, that + gentleman was now rehearsing the history of his misfortune. It was but + scraps that reached me: how he “filled her on the starboard tack,” + and how “it came up sudden out of the nor'nor'west,” and + “there she was, high and dry.” Sometimes he would appeal to + one of the men—“That was how it was, Jack?”—and + the man would reply, “That was the way of it, Captain Trent.” + Lastly, he started a fresh tide of popular sympathy by enunciating the + sentiment, “Damn all these Admirality Charts, and that's what I say!” + From the nodding of heads and the murmurs of assent that followed, I could + see that Captain Trent had established himself in the public mind as a + gentleman and a thorough navigator: about which period, my sketch of the + four men and the canary-bird being finished, and all (especially the + canary-bird) excellent likenesses, I buckled up my book, and slipped from + the saloon. + </p> + <p> + Little did I suppose that I was leaving Act I, Scene I, of the drama of my + life; and yet the scene, or rather the captain's face, lingered for some + time in my memory. I was no prophet, as I say; but I was something else: I + was an observer; and one thing I knew, I knew when a man was terrified. + Captain Trent, of the British brig Flying Scud, had been glib; he had been + ready; he had been loud; but in his blue eyes I could detect the chill, + and in the lines of his countenance spy the agitation of perpetual terror. + Was he trembling for his certificate? In my judgment, it was some livelier + kind of fear that thrilled in the man's marrow as he turned to drink. Was + it the result of recent shock, and had he not yet recovered the disaster + to his brig? I remembered how a friend of mine had been in a railway + accident, and shook and started for a month; and although Captain Trent of + the Flying Scud had none of the appearance of a nervous man, I told + myself, with incomplete conviction, that his must be a similar case. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. THE WRECK OF THE “FLYING SCUD.” + </h2> + <p> + The next morning I found Pinkerton, who had risen before me, seated at our + usual table, and deep in the perusal of what I will call the <i>Daily + Occidental</i>. This was a paper (I know not if it be so still) that stood + out alone among its brethren in the West; the others, down to their + smallest item, were defaced with capitals, head-lines, alliterations, + swaggering misquotations, and the shoddy picturesque and unpathetic pathos + of the Harry Millers: the <i>Occidental</i> alone appeared to be written + by a dull, sane, Christian gentleman, singly desirous of communicating + knowledge. It had not only this merit, which endeared it to me, but was + admittedly the best informed on business matters, which attracted + Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “Loudon,” said he, looking up from the journal, “you + sometimes think I have too many irons in the fire. My notion, on the other + hand, is, when you see a dollar lying, pick it up! Well, here I've tumbled + over a whole pile of 'em on a reef in the middle of the Pacific.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Jim, you miserable fellow!” I exclaimed; “haven't + we Depew City, one of God's green centres for this State? haven't we——” + </p> + <p> + “Just listen to this,” interrupted Jim. “It's miserable + copy; these <i>Occidental</i> reporter fellows have no fire; but the facts + are right enough, I guess.” And he began to read:— + </p> + <p> + “WRECK OF THE BRITISH BRIG, 'FLYING SCUD.' + </p> + <p> + “H.B.M.S. Tempest, which arrived yesterday at this port, brings + Captain Trent and four men of the British brig Flying Scud, cast away + February 12th on Midway Island, and most providentially rescued the next + day. The Flying Scud was of 200 tons burthen, owned in London, and has + been out nearly two years tramping. Captain Trent left Hong Kong December + 8th, bound for this port in rice and a small mixed cargo of silks, teas, + and China notions, the whole valued at $10,000, fully covered by + insurance. The log shows plenty of fine weather, with light airs, calms, + and squalls. In lat. 28 N., long. 177 W., his water going rotten, and + misled by Hoyt's <i>North Pacific Directory</i>, which informed him there + was a coaling station on the island, Captain Trent put in to Midway + Island. He found it a literal sandbank, surrounded by a coral reef mostly + submerged. Birds were very plenty, there was good fish in the lagoon, but + no firewood; and the water, which could be obtained by digging, brackish. + He found good holding-ground off the north end of the larger bank in + fifteen fathoms water; bottom sandy, with coral patches. Here he was + detained seven days by a calm, the crew suffering severely from the water, + which was gone quite bad; and it was only on the evening of the 12th, that + a little wind sprang up, coming puffy out of N.N.E. Late as it was, + Captain Trent immediately weighed anchor and attempted to get out. While + the vessel was beating up to the passage, the wind took a sudden lull, and + then veered squally into N. and even N.N.W., driving the brig ashore on + the sand at about twenty minutes before six o'clock. John Wallen, a native + of Finland, and Charles Holdorsen, a native of Sweden, were drowned + alongside, in attempting to lower a boat, neither being able to swim, the + squall very dark, and the noise of the breakers drowning everything. At + the same time John Brown, another of the crew, had his arm broken by the + falls. Captain Trent further informed the OCCIDENTAL reporter, that the + brig struck heavily at first bows on, he supposes upon coral; that she + then drove over the obstacle, and now lies in sand, much down by the head + and with a list to starboard. In the first collision she must have + sustained some damage, as she was making water forward. The rice will + probably be all destroyed: but the more valuable part of the cargo is + fortunately in the afterhold. Captain Trent was preparing his long-boat + for sea, when the providential arrival of the Tempest, pursuant to + Admiralty orders to call at islands in her course for castaways, saved the + gallant captain from all further danger. It is scarcely necessary to add + that both the officers and men of the unfortunate vessel speak in high + terms of the kindness they received on board the man-of-war. We print a + list of the survivors: Jacob Trent, master, of Hull, England; Elias + Goddedaal, mate, native of Christiansand, Sweden; Ah Wing, cook, native of + Sana, China; John Brown, native of Glasgow, Scotland; John Hardy, native + of London, England. The Flying Scud is ten years old, and this morning + will be sold as she stands, by order of Lloyd's agent, at public auction + for the benefit of the underwriters. The auction will take place in the + Merchants' Exchange at ten o'clock. + </p> + <p> + “Farther Particulars.—Later in the afternoon the OCCIDENTAL + reporter found Lieutenant Sebright, first officer of H.B.M.S. Tempest, at + the Palace Hotel. The gallant officer was somewhat pressed for time, but + confirmed the account given by Captain Trent in all particulars. He added + that the Flying Scud is in an excellent berth, and except in the highly + improbable event of a heavy N.W. gale, might last until next winter.” + </p> + <p> + “You will never know anything of literature,” said I, when Jim + had finished. “That is a good, honest, plain piece of work, and + tells the story clearly. I see only one mistake: the cook is not a + Chinaman; he is a Kanaka, and I think a Hawaiian.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, how do you know that?” asked Jim. + </p> + <p> + “I saw the whole gang yesterday in a saloon,” said I. “I + even heard the tale, or might have heard it, from Captain Trent himself, + who struck me as thirsty and nervous.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's neither here nor there,” cried Pinkerton. + “The point is, how about these dollars lying on a reef?” + </p> + <p> + “Will it pay?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Pay like a sugar trust!” exclaimed Pinkerton. “Don't + you see what this British officer says about the safety? Don't you see the + cargo's valued at ten thousand? Schooners are begging just now; I can get + my pick of them at two hundred and fifty a month; and how does that foot + up? It looks like three hundred per cent. to me.” + </p> + <p> + “You forget,” I objected, “the captain himself declares + the rice is damaged.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a point, I know,” admitted Jim. “But the rice is + the sluggish article, anyway; it's little more account than ballast; it's + the tea and silks that I look to: all we have to find is the proportion, + and one look at the manifest will settle that. I've rung up Lloyd's on + purpose; the captain is to meet me there in an hour, and then I'll be as + posted on that brig as if I built her. Besides, you've no idea what + pickings there are about a wreck—copper, lead, rigging, anchors, + chains, even the crockery, Loudon!” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to me to forget one trifle,” said I. “Before + you pick that wreck, you've got to buy her, and how much will she cost?” + </p> + <p> + “One hundred dollars,” replied Jim, with the promptitude of an + automaton. + </p> + <p> + “How on earth do you guess that?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I don't guess; I know it,” answered the Commercial Force. + “My dear boy, I may be a galoot about literature, but you'll always + be an outsider in business. How do you suppose I bought the James L. Moody + for two hundred and fifty, her boats alone worth four times the money? + Because my name stood first in the list. Well it stands there again; I + have the naming of the figure, and I name a small one because of the + distance: but it wouldn't matter what I named; that would be the price.” + </p> + <p> + “It sounds mysterious enough,” said I. “Is this public + auction conducted in a subterranean vault? Could a plain citizen—myself, + for instance—come and see?” + </p> + <p> + “O, everything's open and above board!” he cried indignantly. + “Anybody can come, only nobody bids against us; and if he did, he + would get frozen out. It's been tried before now, and once was enough. We + hold the plant; we've got the connection; we can afford to go higher than + any outsider; there's two million dollars in the ring; and we stick at + nothing. Or suppose anybody did buy over our head—I tell you, + Loudon, he would think this town gone crazy; he could no more get business + through on the city front than I can dance; schooners, divers, men—all + he wanted—the prices would fly right up and strike him.” + </p> + <p> + “But how did you get in?” I asked. “You were once an + outsider like your neighbours, I suppose?” + </p> + <p> + “I took hold of that thing, Loudon, and just studied it up,” + he replied. “It took my fancy; it was so romantic, and then I saw + there was boodle in the thing; and I figured on the business till no man + alive could give me points. Nobody knew I had an eye on wrecks till one + fine morning I dropped in upon Douglas B. Longhurst in his den, gave him + all the facts and figures, and put it to him straight: 'Do you want me in + this ring? or shall I start another?' He took half an hour, and when I + came back, 'Pink,' says he, 'I've put your name on.' The first time I came + to the top, it was that Moody racket; now it's the Flying Scud.” + </p> + <p> + Whereupon Pinkerton, looking at his watch, uttered an exclamation, made a + hasty appointment with myself for the doors of the Merchants' Exchange, + and fled to examine manifests and interview the skipper. I finished my + cigarette with the deliberation of a man at the end of many picnics; + reflecting to myself that of all forms of the dollar hunt, this wrecking + had by far the most address to my imagination. Even as I went down town, + in the brisk bustle and chill of the familiar San Francisco thoroughfares, + I was haunted by a vision of the wreck, baking so far away in the strong + sun, under a cloud of sea-birds; and even then, and for no better reason, + my heart inclined towards the adventure. If not myself, something that was + mine, some one at least in my employment, should voyage to that + ocean-bounded pin-point and descend to that deserted cabin. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton met me at the appointed moment, pinched of lip and more than + usually erect of bearing, like one conscious of great resolves. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said he, “it might be better, and it might be + worse. This Captain Trent is a remarkably honest fellow—one out of a + thousand. As soon as he knew I was in the market, he owned up about the + rice in so many words. By his calculation, if there's thirty mats of it + saved, it's an outside figure. However, the manifest was cheerier. There's + about five thousand dollars of the whole value in silks and teas and + nut-oils and that, all in the lazarette, and as safe as if it was in + Kearney Street. The brig was new coppered a year ago. There's upwards of a + hundred and fifty fathom away-up chain. It's not a bonanza, but there's + boodle in it; and we'll try it on.” + </p> + <p> + It was by that time hard on ten o'clock, and we turned at once into the + place of sale. The Flying Scud, although so important to ourselves, + appeared to attract a very humble share of popular attention. The + auctioneer was surrounded by perhaps a score of lookers-on, big fellows, + for the most part, of the true Western build, long in the leg, broad in + the shoulder, and adorned (to a plain man's taste) with needless finery. A + jaunty, ostentatious comradeship prevailed. Bets were flying, and + nicknames. “The boys” (as they would have called themselves) + were very boyish; and it was plain they were here in mirth, and not on + business. Behind, and certainly in strong contrast to these gentlemen, I + could detect the figure of my friend Captain Trent, come (as I could very + well imagine that a captain would) to hear the last of his old vessel. + Since yesterday, he had rigged himself anew in ready-made black clothes, + not very aptly fitted; the upper left-hand pocket showing a corner of silk + handkerchief, the lower, on the other side, bulging with papers. Pinkerton + had just given this man a high character. Certainly he seemed to have been + very frank, and I looked at him again to trace (if possible) that virtue + in his face. It was red and broad and flustered and (I thought) false. The + whole man looked sick with some unknown anxiety; and as he stood there, + unconscious of my observation, he tore at his nails, scowled on the floor, + or glanced suddenly, sharply, and fearfully at passers-by. I was still + gazing at the man in a kind of fascination, when the sale began. + </p> + <p> + Some preliminaries were rattled through, to the irreverent, uninterrupted + gambolling of the boys; and then, amid a trifle more attention, the + auctioneer sounded for some two or three minutes the pipe of the charmer. + Fine brig—new copper—valuable fittings—three fine boats—remarkably + choice cargo—what the auctioneer would call a perfectly safe + investment; nay, gentlemen, he would go further, he would put a figure on + it: he had no hesitation (had that bold auctioneer) in putting it in + figures; and in his view, what with this and that, and one thing and + another, the purchaser might expect to clear a sum equal to the entire + estimated value of the cargo; or, gentlemen, in other words, a sum of ten + thousand dollars. At this modest computation the roof immediately above + the speaker's head (I suppose, through the intervention of a spectator of + ventriloquial tastes) uttered a clear “Cock-a-doodle-doo!”—whereat + all laughed, the auctioneer himself obligingly joining. + </p> + <p> + “Now, gentlemen, what shall we say?” resumed that gentleman, + plainly ogling Pinkerton,—“what shall we say for this + remarkable opportunity?” + </p> + <p> + “One hundred dollars,” said Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “One hundred dollars from Mr. Pinkerton,” went the auctioneer, + “one hundred dollars. No other gentleman inclined to make any + advance? One hundred dollars, only one hundred dollars——” + </p> + <p> + The auctioneer was droning on to some such tune as this, and I, on my + part, was watching with something between sympathy and amazement the + undisguised emotion of Captain Trent, when we were all startled by the + interjection of a bid. + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” said a sharp voice. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton, the auctioneer, and the boys, who were all equally in the open + secret of the ring, were now all equally and simultaneously taken aback. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said the auctioneer. “Anybody bid?” + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” reiterated the voice, which I was now able to + trace to its origin, on the lips of a small, unseemly rag of human-kind. + The speaker's skin was gray and blotched; he spoke in a kind of broken + song, with much variety of key; his gestures seemed (as in the disease + called Saint Vitus's dance) to be imperfectly under control; he was badly + dressed; he carried himself with an air of shrinking assumption, as though + he were proud to be where he was and to do what he was doing, and yet half + expected to be called in question and kicked out. I think I never saw a + man more of a piece; and the type was new to me; I had never before set + eyes upon his parallel, and I thought instinctively of Balzac and the + lower regions of the <i>Comedie Humaine</i>. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton stared a moment on the intruder with no friendly eye, tore a + leaf from his note-book, and scribbled a line in pencil, turned, beckoned + a messenger boy, and whispered, “To Longhurst.” Next moment + the boy had sped upon his errand, and Pinkerton was again facing the + auctioneer. + </p> + <p> + “Two hundred dollars,” said Jim. + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” said the enemy. + </p> + <p> + “This looks lively,” whispered I to Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “Yes; the little beast means cold drawn biz,” returned my + friend. “Well, he'll have to have a lesson. Wait till I see + Longhurst. Three hundred,” he added aloud. + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” came the echo. + </p> + <p> + It was about this moment when my eye fell again on Captain Trent. A deeper + shade had mounted to his crimson face: the new coat was unbuttoned and all + flying open; the new silk handkerchief in busy requisition; and the man's + eye, of a clear sailor blue, shone glassy with excitement. He was anxious + still, but now (if I could read a face) there was hope in his anxiety. + </p> + <p> + “Jim,” I whispered, “look at Trent. Bet you what you + please he was expecting this.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” was the reply, “there's some blame' thing going + on here.” And he renewed his bid. + </p> + <p> + The figure had run up into the neighbourhood of a thousand when I was + aware of a sensation in the faces opposite, and looking over my shoulder, + saw a very large, bland, handsome man come strolling forth and make a + little signal to the auctioneer. + </p> + <p> + “One word, Mr. Borden,” said he; and then to Jim, “Well, + Pink, where are we up to now?” + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton gave him the figure. “I ran up to that on my own + responsibility, Mr. Longhurst,” he added, with a flush. “I + thought it the square thing.” + </p> + <p> + “And so it was,” said Mr. Longhurst, patting him kindly on the + shoulder, like a gratified uncle. “Well, you can drop out now; we + take hold ourselves. You can run it up to five thousand; and if he likes + to go beyond that, he's welcome to the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “By the by, who is he?” asked Pinkerton. “He looks away + down.” + </p> + <p> + “I've sent Billy to find out.” And at the very moment Mr. + Longhurst received from the hands of one of the expensive young gentlemen + a folded paper. It was passed round from one to another till it came to + me, and I read: “Harry D. Bellairs, Attorney-at-Law; defended Clara + Varden; twice nearly disbarred.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that gets me!” observed Mr. Longhurst. “Who can + have put up a shyster [1] like that? Nobody with money, that's a sure + thing. Suppose you tried a big bluff? I think I would, Pink. Well, ta-ta! + Your partner, Mr. Dodd? Happy to have the pleasure of your acquaintance, + sir.” And the great man withdrew. + </p> + <p> + [1] A low lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of Douglas B.?” whispered Pinkerton, + looking reverently after him as he departed. “Six foot of perfect + gentleman and culture to his boots.” + </p> + <p> + During this interview the auction had stood transparently arrested, the + auctioneer, the spectators, and even Bellairs, all well aware that Mr. + Longhurst was the principal, and Jim but a speaking-trumpet. But now that + the Olympian Jupiter was gone, Mr. Borden thought proper to affect + severity. + </p> + <p> + “Come, come, Mr. Pinkerton. Any advance?” he snapped. + </p> + <p> + And Pinkerton, resolved on the big bluff, replied, “Two thousand + dollars.” + </p> + <p> + Bellairs preserved his composure. “And fifty,” said he. But + there was a stir among the onlookers, and what was of more importance, + Captain Trent had turned pale and visibly gulped. + </p> + <p> + “Pitch it in again, Jim,” said I. “Trent is weakening.” + </p> + <p> + “Three thousand,” said Jim. + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” said Bellairs. + </p> + <p> + And then the bidding returned to its original movement by hundreds and + fifties; but I had been able in the meanwhile to draw two conclusions. In + the first place, Bellairs had made his last advance with a smile of + gratified vanity; and I could see the creature was glorying in the kudos + of an unusual position and secure of ultimate success. In the second, + Trent had once more changed colour at the thousand leap, and his relief, + when he heard the answering fifty was manifest and unaffected. Here then + was a problem: both were presumably in the same interest, yet the one was + not in the confidence of the other. Nor was this all. A few bids later it + chanced that my eye encountered that of Captain Trent, and his, which + glittered with excitement, was instantly, and I thought guiltily, + withdrawn. He wished, then, to conceal his interest? As Jim had said, + there was some blamed thing going on. And for certain, here were these two + men, so strangely united, so strangely divided, both sharp-set to keep the + wreck from us, and that at an exorbitant figure. + </p> + <p> + Was the wreck worth more than we supposed? A sudden heat was kindled in my + brain; the bids were nearing Longhurst's limit of five thousand; another + minute, and all would be too late. Tearing a leaf from my sketch-book, and + inspired (I suppose) by vanity in my own powers of inference and + observation, I took the one mad decision of my life. “If you care to + go ahead,” I wrote, “I'm in for all I'm worth.” + </p> + <p> + Jim read and looked round at me like one bewildered; then his eyes + lightened, and turning again to the auctioneer, he bid, “Five + thousand one hundred dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” said monotonous Bellairs. + </p> + <p> + Presently Pinkerton scribbled, “What can it be?” and I + answered, still on paper: “I can't imagine; but there's something. + Watch Bellairs; he'll go up to the ten thousand, see if he don't.” + </p> + <p> + And he did, and we followed. Long before this, word had gone abroad that + there was battle royal: we were surrounded by a crowd that looked on + wondering; and when Pinkerton had offered ten thousand dollars (the + outside value of the cargo, even were it safe in San Francisco Bay) and + Bellairs, smirking from ear to ear to be the centre of so much attention, + had jerked out his answering, “And fifty,” wonder deepened to + excitement. + </p> + <p> + “Ten thousand one hundred,” said Jim; and even as he spoke he + made a sudden gesture with his hand, his face changed, and I could see + that he had guessed, or thought that he had guessed, the mystery. As he + scrawled another memorandum in his note-book, his hand shook like a + telegraph-operator's. + </p> + <p> + “Chinese ship,” ran the legend; and then, in big, tremulous + half-text, and with a flourish that overran the margin, “Opium!” + </p> + <p> + To be sure! thought I: this must be the secret. I knew that scarce a ship + came in from any Chinese port, but she carried somewhere, behind a + bulkhead, or in some cunning hollow of the beams, a nest of the valuable + poison. Doubtless there was some such treasure on the Flying Scud. How + much was it worth? We knew not, we were gambling in the dark; but Trent + knew, and Bellairs; and we could only watch and judge. + </p> + <p> + By this time neither Pinkerton nor I were of sound mind. Pinkerton was + beside himself, his eyes like lamps. I shook in every member. To any + stranger entering (say) in the course of the fifteenth thousand, we should + probably have cut a poorer figure than Bellairs himself. But we did not + pause; and the crowd watched us, now in silence, now with a buzz of + whispers. + </p> + <p> + Seventeen thousand had been reached, when Douglas B. Longhurst, forcing + his way into the opposite row of faces, conspicuously and repeatedly shook + his head at Jim. Jim's answer was a note of two words: “My racket!” + which, when the great man had perused, he shook his finger warningly and + departed, I thought, with a sorrowful countenance. + </p> + <p> + Although Mr. Longhurst knew nothing of Bellairs, the shady lawyer knew all + about the Wrecker Boss. He had seen him enter the ring with manifest + expectation; he saw him depart, and the bids continue, with manifest + surprise and disappointment. “Hullo,” he plainly thought, + “this is not the ring I'm fighting, then?” And he determined + to put on a spurt. + </p> + <p> + “Eighteen thousand,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” said Jim, taking a leaf out of his adversary's + book. + </p> + <p> + “Twenty thousand,” from Bellairs. + </p> + <p> + “And fifty,” from Jim, with a little nervous titter. + </p> + <p> + And with one consent they returned to the old pace, only now it was + Bellairs who took the hundreds, and Jim who did the fifty business. But by + this time our idea had gone abroad. I could hear the word “opium” + pass from mouth to mouth; and by the looks directed at us, I could see we + were supposed to have some private information. And here an incident + occurred highly typical of San Francisco. Close at my back there had stood + for some time a stout, middle-aged gentleman, with pleasant eyes, hair + pleasantly grizzled, and a ruddy, pleasing face. All of a sudden he + appeared as a third competitor, skied the Flying Scud with four fat bids + of a thousand dollars each, and then as suddenly fled the field, remaining + thenceforth (as before) a silent, interested spectator. + </p> + <p> + Ever since Mr. Longhurst's useless intervention, Bellairs had seemed + uneasy; and at this new attack, he began (in his turn) to scribble a note + between the bids. I imagined naturally enough that it would go to Captain + Trent; but when it was done, and the writer turned and looked behind him + in the crowd, to my unspeakable amazement, he did not seem to remark the + captain's presence. + </p> + <p> + “Messenger boy, messenger boy!” I heard him say. “Somebody + call me a messenger boy.” + </p> + <p> + At last somebody did, but it was not the captain. + </p> + <p> + “He's sending for instructions,” I wrote to Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “For money,” he wrote back. “Shall I strike out? I think + this is the time.” + </p> + <p> + I nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Thirty thousand,” said Pinkerton, making a leap of close upon + three thousand dollars. + </p> + <p> + I could see doubt in Bellairs's eye; then, sudden resolution. “Thirty-five + thousand,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Forty thousand,” said Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + There was a long pause, during which Bellairs's countenance was as a book; + and then, not much too soon for the impending hammer, “Forty + thousand and five dollars,” said he. + </p> + <p> + Pinkerton and I exchanged eloquent glances. We were of one mind. Bellairs + had tried a bluff; now he perceived his mistake, and was bidding against + time; he was trying to spin out the sale until the messenger boy returned. + </p> + <p> + “Forty-five thousand dollars,” said Pinkerton: his voice was + like a ghost's and tottered with emotion. + </p> + <p> + “Forty-five thousand and five dollars,” said Bellairs. + </p> + <p> + “Fifty thousand,” said Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mr. Pinkerton. Did I hear you make an advance, + sir?” asked the auctioneer. + </p> + <p> + “I—I have a difficulty in speaking,” gasped Jim. “It's + fifty thousand, Mr. Borden.” + </p> + <p> + Bellairs was on his feet in a moment. “Auctioneer,” he said, + “I have to beg the favour of three moments at the telephone. In this + matter, I am acting on behalf of a certain party to whom I have just + written——” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to do with any of this,” said the auctioneer, + brutally. “I am here to sell this wreck. Do you make any advance on + fifty thousand?” + </p> + <p> + “I have the honour to explain to you, sir,” returned Bellairs, + with a miserable assumption of dignity. “Fifty thousand was the + figure named by my principal; but if you will give me the small favour of + two moments at the telephone—” + </p> + <p> + “O, nonsense!” said the auctioneer. “If you make no + advance, I'll knock it down to Mr. Pinkerton.” + </p> + <p> + “I warn you,” cried the attorney, with sudden shrillness. + “Have a care what you're about. You are here to sell for the + underwriters, let me tell you—not to act for Mr. Douglas Longhurst. + This sale has been already disgracefully interrupted to allow that person + to hold a consultation with his minions. It has been much commented on.” + </p> + <p> + “There was no complaint at the time,” said the auctioneer, + manifestly discountenanced. “You should have complained at the time.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not here to conduct this sale,” replied Bellairs; + “I am not paid for that.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I am, you see,” retorted the auctioneer, his impudence + quite restored; and he resumed his sing-song. “Any advance on fifty + thousand dollars? No advance on fifty thousand? No advance, gentlemen? + Going at fifty thousand, the wreck of the brig Flying Scud—going—going—gone!” + </p> + <p> + “My God, Jim, can we pay the money?” I cried, as the stroke of + the hammer seemed to recall me from a dream. + </p> + <p> + “It's got to be raised,” said he, white as a sheet. “It'll + be a hell of a strain, Loudon. The credit's good for it, I think; but I + shall have to get around. Write me a cheque for your stuff. Meet me at the + Occidental in an hour.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote my cheque at a desk, and I declare I could never have recognised + my signature. Jim was gone in a moment; Trent had vanished even earlier; + only Bellairs remained exchanging insults with the auctioneer; and, + behold! as I pushed my way out of the exchange, who should run full tilt + into my arms, but the messenger boy? + </p> + <p> + It was by so near a margin that we became the owners of the Flying Scud. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. IN WHICH THE CREW VANISH. + </h2> + <p> + At the door of the exchange I found myself along-side of the short, + middle-aged gentleman who had made an appearance, so vigorous and so + brief, in the great battle. + </p> + <p> + “Congratulate you, Mr. Dodd,” he said. “You and your + friend stuck to your guns nobly.” + </p> + <p> + “No thanks to you, sir,” I replied, “running us up a + thousand at a time, and tempting all the speculators in San Francisco to + come and have a try.” + </p> + <p> + “O, that was temporary insanity,” said he; “and I thank + the higher powers I am still a free man. Walking this way, Mr. Dodd? I'll + walk along with you. It's pleasant for an old fogy like myself to see the + young bloods in the ring; I've done some pretty wild gambles in my time in + this very city, when it was a smaller place and I was a younger man. Yes, + I know you, Mr. Dodd. By sight, I may say I know you extremely well, you + and your followers, the fellows in the kilts, eh? Pardon me. But I have + the misfortune to own a little box on the Saucelito shore. I'll be glad to + see you there any Sunday—without the fellows in kilts, you know; and + I can give you a bottle of wine, and show you the best collection of + Arctic voyages in the States. Morgan is my name—Judge Morgan—a + Welshman and a forty-niner.” + </p> + <p> + “O, if you're a pioneer,” cried I, “come to me and I'll + provide you with an axe.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll want your axes for yourself, I fancy,” he returned, + with one of his quick looks. “Unless you have private knowledge, + there will be a good deal of rather violent wrecking to do before you find + that—opium, do you call it?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's either opium, or we are stark, staring mad,” I + replied. “But I assure you we have no private information. We went + in (as I suppose you did yourself) on observation.” + </p> + <p> + “An observer, sir?” inquired the judge. + </p> + <p> + “I may say it is my trade—or, rather, was,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Well now, and what did you think of Bellairs?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Very little indeed,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I may tell you,” continued the judge, “that to me, the + employment of a fellow like that appears inexplicable. I knew him; he + knows me, too; he has often heard from me in court; and I assure you the + man is utterly blown upon; it is not safe to trust him with a dollar; and + here we find him dealing up to fifty thousand. I can't think who can have + so trusted him, but I am very sure it was a stranger in San Francisco.” + </p> + <p> + “Some one for the owners, I suppose,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Surely not!” exclaimed the judge. “Owners in London can + have nothing to say to opium smuggled between Hong Kong and San Francisco. + I should rather fancy they would be the last to hear of it—until the + ship was seized. No; I was thinking of the captain. But where would he get + the money? above all, after having laid out so much to buy the stuff in + China? Unless, indeed, he were acting for some one in 'Frisco; and in that + case—here we go round again in the vicious circle—Bellairs + would not have been employed.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I can assure you it was not the captain,” said I; + “for he and Bellairs are not acquainted.” + </p> + <p> + “Wasn't that the captain with the red face and coloured + handkerchief? He seemed to me to follow Bellairs's game with the most + thrilling interest,” objected Mr. Morgan. + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly true,” said I; “Trent is deeply interested; + he very likely knew Bellairs, and he certainly knew what he was there for; + but I can put my hand in the fire that Bellairs didn't know Trent.” + </p> + <p> + “Another singularity,” observed the judge. “Well, we + have had a capital forenoon. But you take an old lawyer's advice, and get + to Midway Island as fast as you can. There's a pot of money on the table, + and Bellairs and Co. are not the men to stick at trifles.” + </p> + <p> + With this parting counsel Judge Morgan shook hands and made off along + Montgomery Street, while I entered the Occidental Hotel, on the steps of + which we had finished our conversation. I was well known to the clerks, + and as soon as it was understood that I was there to wait for Pinkerton + and lunch, I was invited to a seat inside the counter. Here, then, in a + retired corner, I was beginning to come a little to myself after these so + violent experiences, when who should come hurrying in, and (after a moment + with a clerk) fly to one of the telephone boxes but Mr. Henry D. Bellairs + in person? Call it what you will, but the impulse was irresistible, and I + rose and took a place immediately at the man's back. It may be some excuse + that I had often practised this very innocent form of eavesdropping upon + strangers, and for fun. Indeed, I scarce know anything that gives a lower + view of man's intelligence than to overhear (as you thus do) one side of a + communication. + </p> + <p> + “Central,” said the attorney, “2241 and 584 B” (or + some such numbers)—“Who's that?—All right—Mr. + Bellairs—Occidental; the wires are fouled in the other place—Yes, + about three minutes—Yes—Yes—Your figure, I am sorry to + say—No—I had no authority—Neither more nor less—I + have every reason to suppose so—O, Pinkerton, Montana Block—Yes—Yes—Very + good, sir—As you will, sir—Disconnect 584 B.” + </p> + <p> + Bellairs turned to leave; at sight of me behind him, up flew his hands, + and he winced and cringed, as though in fear of bodily attack. “O, + it's you!” he cried; and then, somewhat recovered, “Mr. + Pinkerton's partner, I believe? I am pleased to see you, sir—to + congratulate you on your late success.” And with that he was gone, + obsequiously bowing as he passed. + </p> + <p> + And now a madcap humour came upon me. It was plain Bellairs had been + communicating with his principal; I knew the number, if not the name; + should I ring up at once, it was more than likely he would return in + person to the telephone; why should not I dash (vocally) into the presence + of this mysterious person, and have some fun for my money. I pressed the + bell. + </p> + <p> + “Central,” said I, “connect again 2241 and 584 B.” + </p> + <p> + A phantom central repeated the numbers; there was a pause, and then + “Two two four one,” came in a tiny voice into my ear—a + voice with the English sing-song—the voice plainly of a gentleman. + “Is that you again, Mr. Bellairs?” it trilled. “I tell + you it's no use. Is that you, Mr. Bellairs? Who is that?” + </p> + <p> + “I only want to put a single question,” said I, civilly. + “Why do you want to buy the Flying Scud?” + </p> + <p> + No answer came. The telephone vibrated and hummed in miniature with all + the numerous talk of a great city; but the voice of 2241 was silent. Once + and twice I put my question; but the tiny, sing-song English voice, I + heard no more. The man, then, had fled? fled from an impertinent question? + It scarce seemed natural to me; unless on the principle that the wicked + fleeth when no man pursueth. I took the telephone list and turned the + number up: “2241, Mrs. Keane, res. 942 Mission Street.” And + that, short of driving to the house and renewing my impertinence in + person, was all that I could do. + </p> + <p> + Yet, as I resumed my seat in the corner of the office, I was conscious of + a new element of the uncertain, the underhand, perhaps even the dangerous, + in our adventure; and there was now a new picture in my mental gallery, to + hang beside that of the wreck under its canopy of sea-birds and of Captain + Trent mopping his red brow—the picture of a man with a telephone + dice-box to his ear, and at the small voice of a single question, struck + suddenly as white as ashes. + </p> + <p> + From these considerations I was awakened by the striking of the clock. An + hour and nearly twenty minutes had elapsed since Pinkerton departed for + the money: he was twenty minutes behind time; and to me who knew so well + his gluttonous despatch of business and had so frequently admired his iron + punctuality, the fact spoke volumes. The twenty minutes slowly stretched + into an hour; the hour had nearly extended to a second; and I still sat in + my corner of the office, or paced the marble pavement of the hall, a prey + to the most wretched anxiety and penitence. The hour for lunch was nearly + over before I remembered that I had not eaten. Heaven knows I had no + appetite; but there might still be much to do—it was needful I + should keep myself in proper trim, if it were only to digest the now too + probable bad news; and leaving word at the office for Pinkerton, I sat + down to table and called for soup, oysters, and a pint of champagne. + </p> + <p> + I was not long set, before my friend returned. He looked pale and rather + old, refused to hear of food, and called for tea. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose all's up?” said I, with an incredible sinking. + </p> + <p> + “No,” he replied; “I've pulled it through, Loudon; just + pulled it through. I couldn't have raised another cent in all 'Frisco. + People don't like it; Longhurst even went back on me; said he wasn't a + three-card-monte man.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what's the odds?” said I. “That's all we wanted, + isn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “Loudon, I tell you I've had to pay blood for that money,” + cried my friend, with almost savage energy and gloom. “It's all on + ninety days, too; I couldn't get another day—not another day. If we + go ahead with this affair, Loudon, you'll have to go yourself and make the + fur fly. I'll stay of course—I've got to stay and face the trouble + in this city; though, I tell you, I just long to go. I would show these + fat brutes of sailors what work was; I would be all through that wreck and + out at the other end, before they had boosted themselves upon the deck! + But you'll do your level best, Loudon; I depend on you for that. You must + be all fire and grit and dash from the word 'go.' That schooner and the + boodle on board of her are bound to be here before three months, or it's + B. U. S. T.—bust.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll swear I'll do my best, Jim; I'll work double tides,” + said I. “It is my fault that you are in this thing, and I'll get you + out again or kill myself. But what is that you say? 'If we go ahead?' Have + we any choice, then?” + </p> + <p> + “I'm coming to that,” said Jim. “It isn't that I doubt + the investment. Don't blame yourself for that; you showed a fine, sound + business instinct: I always knew it was in you, but then it ripped right + out. I guess that little beast of an attorney knew what he was doing; and + he wanted nothing better than to go beyond. No, there's profit in the + deal; it's not that; it's these ninety-day bills, and the strain I've + given the credit, for I've been up and down, borrowing, and begging and + bribing to borrow. I don't believe there's another man but me in 'Frisco,” + he cried, with a sudden fervor of self admiration, “who could have + raised that last ten thousand!—Then there's another thing. I had + hoped you might have peddled that opium through the islands, which is + safer and more profitable. But with this three-month limit, you must make + tracks for Honolulu straight, and communicate by steamer. I'll try to put + up something for you there; I'll have a man spoken to who's posted on that + line of biz. Keep a bright lookout for him as soon's you make the islands; + for it's on the cards he might pick you up at sea in a whaleboat or a + steam-launch, and bring the dollars right on board.” + </p> + <p> + It shows how much I had suffered morally during my sojourn in San + Francisco, that even now when our fortunes trembled in the balance, I + should have consented to become a smuggler and (of all things) a smuggler + of opium. Yet I did, and that in silence; without a protest, not without a + twinge. + </p> + <p> + “And suppose,” said I, “suppose the opium is so securely + hidden that I can't get hands on it?” + </p> + <p> + “Then you will stay there till that brig is kindling-wood, and stay + and split that kindling-wood with your penknife,” cried Pinkerton. + “The stuff is there; we know that; and it must be found. But all + this is only the one string to our bow—though I tell you I've gone + into it head-first, as if it was our bottom dollar. Why, the first thing I + did before I'd raised a cent, and with this other notion in my head + already—the first thing I did was to secure the schooner. The Nora + Creina, she is, sixty-four tons, quite big enough for our purpose since + the rice is spoiled, and the fastest thing of her tonnage out of San + Francisco. For a bonus of two hundred, and a monthly charter of three, I + have her for my own time; wages and provisions, say four hundred more: a + drop in the bucket. They began firing the cargo out of her (she was part + loaded) near two hours ago; and about the same time John Smith got the + order for the stores. That's what I call business.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt of that,” said I. “But the other notion?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, here it is,” said Jim. “You agree with me that + Bellairs was ready to go higher?” + </p> + <p> + I saw where he was coming. “Yes—and why shouldn't he?” + said I. “Is that the line?” + </p> + <p> + “That's the line, Loudon Dodd,” assented Jim. “If + Bellairs and his principal have any desire to go me better, I'm their man.” + </p> + <p> + A sudden thought, a sudden fear, shot into my mind. What if I had been + right? What if my childish pleasantry had frightened the principal away, + and thus destroyed our chance? Shame closed my mouth; I began + instinctively a long course of reticence; and it was without a word of my + meeting with Bellairs, or my discovery of the address in Mission Street, + that I continued the discussion. + </p> + <p> + “Doubtless fifty thousand was originally mentioned as a round sum,” + said I, “or at least, so Bellairs supposed. But at the same time it + may be an outside sum; and to cover the expenses we have already incurred + for the money and the schooner—I am far from blaming you; I see how + needful it was to be ready for either event—but to cover them we + shall want a rather large advance.” + </p> + <p> + “Bellairs will go to sixty thousand; it's my belief, if he were + properly handled, he would take the hundred,” replied Pinkerton. + “Look back on the way the sale ran at the end.” + </p> + <p> + “That is my own impression as regards Bellairs,” I admitted. + “The point I am trying to make is that Bellairs himself may be + mistaken; that what he supposed to be a round sum was really an outside + figure.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Loudon, if that is so,” said Jim, with extraordinary + gravity of face and voice, “if that is so, let him take the Flying + Scud at fifty thousand, and joy go with her! I prefer the loss.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that so, Jim? Are we dipped as bad as that?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “We've put our hand farther out than we can pull it in again, + Loudon,” he replied. “Why, man, that fifty thousand dollars, + before we get clear again, will cost us nearer seventy. Yes, it figures up + overhead to more than ten per cent a month; and I could do no better, and + there isn't the man breathing could have done as well. It was a miracle, + Loudon. I couldn't but admire myself. O, if we had just the four months! + And you know, Loudon, it may still be done. With your energy and charm, if + the worst comes to the worst, you can run that schooner as you ran one of + your picnics; and we may have luck. And, O, man! if we do pull it through, + what a dashing operation it will be! What an advertisement! what a thing + to talk of, and remember all our lives! However,” he broke off + suddenly, “we must try the safe thing first. Here's for the shyster!” + </p> + <p> + There was another struggle in my mind, whether I should even now admit my + knowledge of the Mission Street address. But I had let the favourable + moment slip. I had now, which made it the more awkward, not merely the + original discovery, but my late suppression to confess. I could not help + reasoning, besides, that the more natural course was to approach the + principal by the road of his agent's office; and there weighed upon my + spirits a conviction that we were already too late, and that the man was + gone two hours ago. Once more, then, I held my peace; and after an + exchange of words at the telephone to assure ourselves he was at home, we + set out for the attorney's office. + </p> + <p> + The endless streets of any American city pass, from one end to another, + through strange degrees and vicissitudes of splendour and distress, + running under the same name between monumental warehouses, the dens and + taverns of thieves, and the sward and shrubbery of villas. In San + Francisco, the sharp inequalities of the ground, and the sea bordering on + so many sides, greatly exaggerate these contrasts. The street for which we + were now bound took its rise among blowing sands, somewhere in view of the + Lone Mountain Cemetery; ran for a term across that rather windy Olympus of + Nob Hill, or perhaps just skirted its frontier; passed almost immediately + after through a stage of little houses, rather impudently painted, and + offering to the eye of the observer this diagnostic peculiarity, that the + huge brass plates upon the small and highly coloured doors bore only the + first names of ladies—Norah or Lily or Florence; traversed China + Town, where it was doubtless undermined with opium cellars, and its blocks + pierced, after the similitude of rabbit-warrens, with a hundred doors and + passages and galleries; enjoyed a glimpse of high publicity at the corner + of Kearney; and proceeded, among dives and warehouses, towards the City + Front and the region of the water-rats. In this last stage of its career, + where it was both grimy and solitary, and alternately quiet and roaring to + the wheels of drays, we found a certain house of some pretension to + neatness, and furnished with a rustic outside stair. On the pillar of the + stair a black plate bore in gilded lettering this device: “Harry D. + Bellairs, Attorney-at-law. Consultations, 9 to 6.” On ascending the + stairs, a door was found to stand open on the balcony, with this further + inscription, “Mr. Bellairs In.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what we do next,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Guess we sail right in,” returned Jim, and suited the action + to the word. + </p> + <p> + The room in which we found ourselves was clean, but extremely bare. A + rather old-fashioned secretaire stood by the wall, with a chair drawn to + the desk; in one corner was a shelf with half-a-dozen law books; and I can + remember literally not another stick of furniture. One inference imposed + itself: Mr. Bellairs was in the habit of sitting down himself and + suffering his clients to stand. At the far end, and veiled by a curtain of + red baize, a second door communicated with the interior of the house. + Hence, after some coughing and stamping, we elicited the shyster, who came + timorously forth, for all the world like a man in fear of bodily assault, + and then, recognising his guests, suffered from what I can only call a + nervous paroxysm of courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Pinkerton and partner!” said he. “I will go and + fetch you seats.” + </p> + <p> + “Not the least,” said Jim. “No time. Much rather stand. + This is business, Mr. Bellairs. This morning, as you know, I bought the + wreck, Flying Scud.” + </p> + <p> + The lawyer nodded. + </p> + <p> + “And bought her,” pursued my friend, “at a figure out of + all proportion to the cargo and the circumstances, as they appeared?” + </p> + <p> + “And now you think better of it, and would like to be off with your + bargain? I have been figuring upon this,” returned the lawyer. + “My client, I will not hide from you, was displeased with me for + putting her so high. I think we were both too heated, Mr. Pinkerton: + rivalry—the spirit of competition. But I will be quite frank—I + know when I am dealing with gentlemen—and I am almost certain, if + you leave the matter in my hands, my client would relieve you of the + bargain, so as you would lose”—he consulted our faces with + gimlet-eyed calculation—“nothing,” he added shrilly. + </p> + <p> + And here Pinkerton amazed me. + </p> + <p> + “That's a little too thin,” said he. “I have the wreck. + I know there's boodle in her, and I mean to keep her. What I want is some + points which may save me needless expense, and which I'm prepared to pay + for, money down. The thing for you to consider is just this: am I to deal + with you or direct with your principal? If you are prepared to give me the + facts right off, why, name your figure. Only one thing!” added Jim, + holding a finger up, “when I say 'money down,' I mean bills payable + when the ship returns, and if the information proves reliable. I don't buy + pigs in pokes.” + </p> + <p> + I had seen the lawyer's face light up for a moment, and then, at the sound + of Jim's proviso, miserably fade. “I guess you know more about this + wreck than I do, Mr. Pinkerton,” said he. “I only know that I + was told to buy the thing, and tried, and couldn't.” + </p> + <p> + “What I like about you, Mr. Bellairs, is that you waste no time,” + said Jim. “Now then, your client's name and address.” + </p> + <p> + “On consideration,” replied the lawyer, with indescribable + furtivity, “I cannot see that I am entitled to communicate my + client's name. I will sound him for you with pleasure, if you care to + instruct me; but I cannot see that I can give you his address.” + </p> + <p> + “Very well,” said Jim, and put his hat on. “Rather a + strong step, isn't it?” (Between every sentence was a clear pause.) + “Not think better of it? Well, come—call it a dollar?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Pinkerton, sir!” exclaimed the offended attorney; and, + indeed, I myself was almost afraid that Jim had mistaken his man and gone + too far. + </p> + <p> + “No present use for a dollar?” says Jim. “Well, look + here, Mr. Bellairs: we're both busy men, and I'll go to my outside figure + with you right away—” + </p> + <p> + “Stop this, Pinkerton,” I broke in. “I know the address: + 924 Mission Street.” + </p> + <p> + I do not know whether Pinkerton or Bellairs was the more taken aback. + </p> + <p> + “Why in snakes didn't you say so, Loudon?” cried my friend. + </p> + <p> + “You didn't ask for it before,” said I, colouring to my + temples under his troubled eyes. + </p> + <p> + It was Bellairs who broke silence, kindly supplying me with all that I had + yet to learn. “Since you know Mr. Dickson's address,” said he, + plainly burning to be rid of us, “I suppose I need detain you no + longer.” + </p> + <p> + I do not know how Pinkerton felt, but I had death in my soul as we came + down the outside stair, from the den of this blotched spider. My whole + being was strung, waiting for Jim's first question, and prepared to blurt + out, I believe, almost with tears, a full avowal. But my friend asked + nothing. + </p> + <p> + “We must hack it,” said he, tearing off in the direction of + the nearest stand. “No time to be lost. You saw how I changed + ground. No use in paying the shyster's commission.” + </p> + <p> + Again I expected a reference to my suppression; again I was disappointed. + It was plain Jim feared the subject, and I felt I almost hated him for + that fear. At last, when we were already in the hack and driving towards + Mission Street, I could bear my suspense no longer. + </p> + <p> + “You do not ask me about that address,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said he, quickly and timidly. “What was it? I + would like to know.” + </p> + <p> + The note of timidity offended me like a buffet; my temper rose as hot as + mustard. “I must request you do not ask me,” said I. “It + is a matter I cannot explain.” + </p> + <p> + The moment the foolish words were said, that moment I would have given + worlds to recall them: how much more, when Pinkerton, patting my hand, + replied: “All right, dear boy; not another word; that's all done. + I'm convinced it's perfectly right.” To return upon the subject was + beyond my courage; but I vowed inwardly that I should do my utmost in the + future for this mad speculation, and that I would cut myself in pieces + before Jim should lose one dollar. + </p> + <p> + We had no sooner arrived at the address than I had other things to think + of. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dickson? He's gone,” said the landlady. + </p> + <p> + Where had he gone? + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure I can't tell you,” she answered. “He was quite + a stranger to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he express his baggage, ma'am?” asked Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't any,” was the reply. “He came last night and + left again to-day with a satchel.” + </p> + <p> + “When did he leave?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “It was about noon,” replied the landlady. “Some one + rang up the telephone, and asked for him; and I reckon he got some news, + for he left right away, although his rooms were taken by the week. He + seemed considerable put out: I reckon it was a death.” + </p> + <p> + My heart sank; perhaps my idiotic jest had indeed driven him away; and + again I asked myself, Why? and whirled for a moment in a vortex of + untenable hypotheses. + </p> + <p> + “What was he like, ma'am?” Pinkerton was asking, when I + returned to consciousness of my surroundings. + </p> + <p> + “A clean shaved man,” said the woman, and could be led or + driven into no more significant description. + </p> + <p> + “Pull up at the nearest drug-store,” said Pinkerton to the + driver; and when there, the telephone was put in operation, and the + message sped to the Pacific Mail Steamship Company's office—this was + in the days before Spreckels had arisen—“When does the next + China steamer touch at Honolulu?” + </p> + <p> + “The City of Pekin; she cast off the dock to-day, at half-past one,” + came the reply. + </p> + <p> + “It's a clear case of bolt,” said Jim. “He's skipped, or + my name's not Pinkerton. He's gone to head us off at Midway Island.” + </p> + <p> + Somehow I was not so sure; there were elements in the case, not known to + Pinkerton—the fears of the captain, for example—that inclined + me otherwise; and the idea that I had terrified Mr. Dickson into flight, + though resting on so slender a foundation, clung obstinately in my mind. + “Shouldn't we see the list of passengers?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Dickson is such a blamed common name,” returned Jim; “and + then, as like as not, he would change it.” + </p> + <p> + At this I had another intuition. A negative of a street scene, taken + unconsciously when I was absorbed in other thought, rose in my memory with + not a feature blurred: a view, from Bellairs's door as we were coming + down, of muddy roadway, passing drays, matted telegraph wires, a Chinaboy + with a basket on his head, and (almost opposite) a corner grocery with the + name of Dickson in great gilt letters. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, “you are right; he would change it. And + anyway, I don't believe it was his name at all; I believe he took it from + a corner grocery beside Bellairs's.” + </p> + <p> + “As like as not,” said Jim, still standing on the sidewalk + with contracted brows. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what shall we do next?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The natural thing would be to rush the schooner,” he replied. + “But I don't know. I telephoned the captain to go at it head down + and heels in air; he answered like a little man; and I guess he's getting + around. I believe, Loudon, we'll give Trent a chance. Trent was in it; he + was in it up to the neck; even if he couldn't buy, he could give us the + straight tip.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so, too,” said I. “Where shall we find him?” + </p> + <p> + “British consulate, of course,” said Jim. “And that's + another reason for taking him first. We can hustle that schooner up all + evening; but when the consulate's shut, it's shut.” + </p> + <p> + At the consulate, we learned that Captain Trent had alighted (such is I + believe the classic phrase) at the What Cheer House. To that large and + unaristocratic hostelry we drove, and addressed ourselves to a large + clerk, who was chewing a toothpick and looking straight before him. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Jacob Trent?” + </p> + <p> + “Gone,” said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Where has he gone?” asked Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “Cain't say,” said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “When did he go?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Don't know,” said the clerk, and with the simplicity of a + monarch offered us the spectacle of his broad back. + </p> + <p> + What might have happened next I dread to picture, for Pinkerton's + excitement had been growing steadily, and now burned dangerously high; but + we were spared extremities by the intervention of a second clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Why! Mr. Dodd!” he exclaimed, running forward to the counter. + “Glad to see you, sir! Can I do anything in your way?” + </p> + <p> + How virtuous actions blossom! Here was a young man to whose pleased ears I + had rehearsed <i>Just before the battle, mother,</i> at some weekly + picnic; and now, in that tense moment of my life, he came (from the + machine) to be my helper. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Trent, of the wreck? O yes, Mr. Dodd; he left about twelve; + he and another of the men. The Kanaka went earlier by the City of Pekin; I + know that; I remember expressing his chest. Captain Trent? I'll inquire, + Mr. Dodd. Yes, they were all here. Here are the names on the register; + perhaps you would care to look at them while I go and see about the + baggage?” + </p> + <p> + I drew the book toward me, and stood looking at the four names all written + in the same hand, rather a big and rather a bad one: Trent, Brown, Hardy, + and (instead of Ah Sing) Jos. Amalu. + </p> + <p> + “Pinkerton,” said I, suddenly, “have you that <i>Occidental</i> + in your pocket?” + </p> + <p> + “Never left me,” said Pinkerton, producing the paper. + </p> + <p> + I turned to the account of the wreck. “Here,” said I; “here's + the name. 'Elias Goddedaal, mate.' Why do we never come across Elias + Goddedaal?” + </p> + <p> + “That's so,” said Jim. “Was he with the rest in that + saloon when you saw them?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't believe it,” said I. “They were only four, and + there was none that behaved like a mate.” + </p> + <p> + At this moment the clerk returned with his report. + </p> + <p> + “The captain,” it appeared, “came with some kind of an + express waggon, and he and the man took off three chests and a big + satchel. Our porter helped to put them on, but they drove the cart + themselves. The porter thinks they went down town. It was about one.” + </p> + <p> + “Still in time for the City of Pekin,” observed Jim. + </p> + <p> + “How many of them were here?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Three, sir, and the Kanaka,” replied the clerk. “I + can't somehow fin out about the third, but he's gone too.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Goddedaal, the mate, wasn't here then?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Dodd, none but what you see,” says the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Nor you never heard where he was?” + </p> + <p> + “No. Any particular reason for finding these men, Mr. Dodd?” + inquired the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “This gentleman and I have bought the wreck,” I explained; + “we wished to get some information, and it is very annoying to find + the men all gone.” + </p> + <p> + A certain group had gradually formed about us, for the wreck was still a + matter of interest; and at this, one of the bystanders, a rough seafaring + man, spoke suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “I guess the mate won't be gone,” said he. “He's main + sick; never left the sick-bay aboard the Tempest; so they tell ME.” + </p> + <p> + Jim took me by the sleeve. “Back to the consulate,” said he. + </p> + <p> + But even at the consulate nothing was known of Mr. Goddedaal. The doctor + of the Tempest had certified him very sick; he had sent his papers in, but + never appeared in person before the authorities. + </p> + <p> + “Have you a telephone laid on to the Tempest?” asked + Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “Laid on yesterday,” said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mind asking, or letting me ask? We are very anxious to get + hold of Mr. Goddedaal.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said the clerk, and turned to the telephone. + “I'm sorry,” he said presently, “Mr. Goddedaal has left + the ship, and no one knows where he is.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you pay the men's passage home?” I inquired, a sudden + thought striking me. + </p> + <p> + “If they want it,” said the clerk; “sometimes they + don't. But we paid the Kanaka's passage to Honolulu this morning; and by + what Captain Trent was saying, I understand the rest are going home + together.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you haven't paid them?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Not yet,” said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “And you would be a good deal surprised, if I were to tell you they + were gone already?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “O, I should think you were mistaken,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Such is the fact, however,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure you must be mistaken,” he repeated. + </p> + <p> + “May I use your telephone one moment?” asked Pinkerton; and as + soon as permission had been granted, I heard him ring up the + printing-office where our advertisements were usually handled. More I did + not hear; for suddenly recalling the big, bad hand in the register of the + What Cheer House, I asked the consulate clerk if he had a specimen of + Captain Trent's writing. Whereupon I learned that the captain could not + write, having cut his hand open a little before the loss of the brig; that + the latter part of the log even had been written up by Mr. Goddedaal; and + that Trent had always signed with his left hand. By the time I had gleaned + this information, Pinkerton was ready. + </p> + <p> + “That's all that we can do. Now for the schooner,” said he; + “and by to-morrow evening I lay hands on Goddedaal, or my name's not + Pinkerton.” + </p> + <p> + “How have you managed?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “You'll see before you get to bed,” said Pinkerton. “And + now, after all this backwarding and forwarding, and that hotel clerk, and + that bug Bellairs, it'll be a change and a kind of consolation to see the + schooner. I guess things are humming there.” + </p> + <p> + But on the wharf, when we reached it, there was no sign of bustle, and, + but for the galley smoke, no mark of life on the Norah Creina. Pinkerton's + face grew pale, and his mouth straightened, as he leaped on board. + </p> + <p> + “Where's the captain of this——?” and he left the + phrase unfinished, finding no epithet sufficiently energetic for his + thoughts. + </p> + <p> + It did not appear whom or what he was addressing; but a head, presumably + the cook's, appeared in answer at the galley door. + </p> + <p> + “In the cabin, at dinner,” said the cook deliberately, chewing + as he spoke. + </p> + <p> + “Is that cargo out?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “None of it?” + </p> + <p> + “O, there's some of it out. We'll get at the rest of it livelier + to-morrow, I guess.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess there'll be something broken first,” said Pinkerton, + and strode to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + Here we found a man, fat, dark, and quiet, seated gravely at what seemed a + liberal meal. He looked up upon our entrance; and seeing Pinkerton + continue to stand facing him in silence, hat on head, arms folded, and + lips compressed, an expression of mingled wonder and annoyance began to + dawn upon his placid face. + </p> + <p> + “Well!” said Jim; “and so this is what you call rushing + around?” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” cries the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Me! I'm Pinkerton!” retorted Jim, as though the name had been + a talisman. + </p> + <p> + “You're not very civil, whoever you are,” was the reply. But + still a certain effect had been produced, for he scrambled to his feet, + and added hastily, “A man must have a bit of dinner, you know, Mr. + Pinkerton.” + </p> + <p> + “Where's your mate?” snapped Jim. + </p> + <p> + “He's up town,” returned the other. + </p> + <p> + “Up town!” sneered Pinkerton. “Now, I'll tell you what + you are: you're a Fraud; and if I wasn't afraid of dirtying my boot, I + would kick you and your dinner into that dock.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you something, too,” retorted the captain, duskily + flushing. “I wouldn't sail this ship for the man you are, if you + went upon your knees. I've dealt with gentlemen up to now.” + </p> + <p> + “I can tell you the names of a number of gentlemen you'll never deal + with any more, and that's the whole of Longhurst's gang,” said Jim. + “I'll put your pipe out in that quarter, my friend. Here, rout out + your traps as quick as look at it, and take your vermin along with you. + I'll have a captain in, this very night, that's a sailor, and some sailors + to work for him.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go when I please, and that's to-morrow morning,” cried + the captain after us, as we departed for the shore. + </p> + <p> + “There's something gone wrong with the world to-day; it must have + come bottom up!” wailed Pinkerton. “Bellairs, and then the + hotel clerk, and now This Fraud! And what am I to do for a captain, + Loudon, with Longhurst gone home an hour ago, and the boys all scattered?” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” said I. “Jump in!” And then to the + driver: “Do you know Black Tom's?” + </p> + <p> + Thither then we rattled; passed through the bar, and found (as I had + hoped) Johnson in the enjoyment of club life. The table had been thrust + upon one side; a South Sea merchant was discoursing music from a + mouth-organ in one corner; and in the middle of the floor Johnson and a + fellow-seaman, their arms clasped about each other's bodies, somewhat + heavily danced. The room was both cold and close; a jet of gas, which + continually menaced the heads of the performers, shed a coarse + illumination; the mouth-organ sounded shrill and dismal; and the faces of + all concerned were church-like in their gravity. It were, of course, + indelicate to interrupt these solemn frolics; so we edged ourselves to + chairs, for all the world like belated comers in a concert-room, and + patiently waited for the end. At length the organist, having exhausted his + supply of breath, ceased abruptly in the middle of a bar. With the + cessation of the strain, the dancers likewise came to a full stop, swayed + a moment, still embracing, and then separated and looked about the circle + for applause. + </p> + <p> + “Very well danced!” said one; but it appears the compliment + was not strong enough for the performers, who (forgetful of the proverb) + took up the tale in person. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Johnson. “I mayn't be no sailor, but I can + dance!” + </p> + <p> + And his late partner, with an almost pathetic conviction, added, “My + foot is as light as a feather.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing how the wind set, you may be sure I added a few words of praise + before I carried Johnson alone into the passage: to whom, thus mollified, + I told so much as I judged needful of our situation, and begged him, if he + would not take the job himself, to find me a smart man. + </p> + <p> + “Me!” he cried. “I couldn't no more do it than I could + try to go to hell!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you were a mate?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “So I am a mate,” giggled Johnson, “and you don't catch + me shipping noways else. But I'll tell you what, I believe I can get you + Arty Nares: you seen Arty; first-rate navigator and a son of a gun for + style.” And he proceeded to explain to me that Mr. Nares, who had + the promise of a fine barque in six months, after things had quieted down, + was in the meantime living very private, and would be pleased to have a + change of air. + </p> + <p> + I called out Pinkerton and told him. “Nares!” he cried, as + soon as I had come to the name. “I would jump at the chance of a man + that had had Nares's trousers on! Why, Loudon, he's the smartest + deep-water mate out of San Francisco, and draws his dividends regular in + service and out.” This hearty indorsation clinched the proposal; + Johnson agreed to produce Nares before six the following morning; and + Black Tom, being called into the consultation, promised us four smart + hands for the same hour, and even (what appeared to all of us excessive) + promised them sober. + </p> + <p> + The streets were fully lighted when we left Black Tom's: street after + street sparkling with gas or electricity, line after line of distant + luminaries climbing the steep sides of hills towards the overvaulting + darkness; and on the other hand, where the waters of the bay invisibly + trembled, a hundred riding lanterns marked the position of a hundred + ships. The sea-fog flew high in heaven; and at the level of man's life and + business it was clear and chill. By silent consent, we paid the hack off, + and proceeded arm in arm towards the Poodle Dog for dinner. + </p> + <p> + At one of the first hoardings, I was aware of a bill-sticker at work: it + was a late hour for this employment, and I checked Pinkerton until the + sheet should be unfolded. This is what I read:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. + + OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE + + WRECKED BRIG FLYING SCUD + + APPLYING, + + PERSONALLY OR BY LETTER, + + AT THE OFFICE OF JAMES PINKERTON, MONTANA + BLOCK, + + BEFORE NOON TO-MORROW, TUESDAY, 12TH, + + WILL RECEIVE + + TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS REWARD. +</pre> + <p> + “This is your idea, Pinkerton!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Yes. They've lost no time; I'll say that for them—not like + the Fraud,” said he. “But mind you, Loudon, that's not half of + it. The cream of the idea's here: we know our man's sick; well, a copy of + that has been mailed to every hospital, every doctor, and every drug-store + in San Francisco.” + </p> + <p> + Of course, from the nature of our business, Pinkerton could do a thing of + the kind at a figure extremely reduced; for all that, I was appalled at + the extravagance, and said so. + </p> + <p> + “What matter a few dollars now?” he replied sadly. “It's + in three months that the pull comes, Loudon.” + </p> + <p> + We walked on again in silence, not without a shiver. Even at the Poodle + Dog, we took our food with small appetite and less speech; and it was not + until he was warmed with a third glass of champagne that Pinkerton cleared + his throat and looked upon me with a deprecating eye. + </p> + <p> + “Loudon,” said he, “there was a subject you didn't wish + to be referred to. I only want to do so indirectly. It wasn't”—he + faltered—“it wasn't because you were dissatisfied with me?” + he concluded, with a quaver. + </p> + <p> + “Pinkerton!” cried I. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, not a word just now,” he hastened to proceed. “Let + me speak first. I appreciate, though I can't imitate, the delicacy of your + nature; and I can well understand you would rather die than speak of it, + and yet might feel disappointed. I did think I could have done better + myself. But when I found how tight money was in this city, and a man like + Douglas B. Longhurst—a forty-niner, the man that stood at bay in a + corn patch for five hours against the San Diablo squatters—weakening + on the operation, I tell you, Loudon, I began to despair; and—I may + have made mistakes, no doubt there are thousands who could have done + better—but I give you a loyal hand on it, I did my best.” + </p> + <p> + “My poor Jim,” said I, “as if I ever doubted you! as if + I didn't know you had done wonders! All day I've been admiring your energy + and resource. And as for that affair——” + </p> + <p> + “No, Loudon, no more, not a word more! I don't want to hear,” + cried Jim. + </p> + <p> + “Well, to tell you the truth, I don't want to tell you,” said + I; “for it's a thing I'm ashamed of.” + </p> + <p> + “Ashamed, Loudon? O, don't say that; don't use such an expression + even in jest!” protested Pinkerton. + </p> + <p> + “Do you never do anything you're ashamed of?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “No,” says he, rolling his eyes. “Why? I'm sometimes + sorry afterwards, when it pans out different from what I figured. But I + can't see what I would want to be ashamed for.” + </p> + <p> + I sat a while considering with admiration the simplicity of my friend's + character. Then I sighed. “Do you know, Jim, what I'm sorriest for?” + said I. “At this rate, I can't be best man at your marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “My marriage!” he repeated, echoing the sigh. “No + marriage for me now. I'm going right down to-night to break it to her. I + think that's what's shaken me all day. I feel as if I had had no right + (after I was engaged) to operate so widely.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know, Jim, it was my doing, and you must lay the blame on + me,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Not a cent of it!” he cried. “I was as eager as + yourself, only not so bright at the beginning. No; I've myself to thank + for it; but it's a wrench.” + </p> + <p> + While Jim departed on his dolorous mission, I returned alone to the + office, lit the gas, and sat down to reflect on the events of that + momentous day: on the strange features of the tale that had been so far + unfolded, the disappearances, the terrors, the great sums of money; and on + the dangerous and ungrateful task that awaited me in the immediate future. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult, in the retrospect of such affairs, to avoid attributing + to ourselves in the past a measure of the knowledge we possess to-day. But + I may say, and yet be well within the mark, that I was consumed that night + with a fever of suspicion and curiosity; exhausted my fancy in solutions, + which I still dismissed as incommensurable with the facts; and in the + mystery by which I saw myself surrounded, found a precious stimulus for my + courage and a convenient soothing draught for conscience. Even had all + been plain sailing, I do not hint that I should have drawn back. Smuggling + is one of the meanest of crimes, for by that we rob a whole country pro + rata, and are therefore certain to impoverish the poor: to smuggle opium + is an offence particularly dark, since it stands related not so much to + murder, as to massacre. Upon all these points I was quite clear; my + sympathy was all in arms against my interest; and had not Jim been + involved, I could have dwelt almost with satisfaction on the idea of my + failure. But Jim, his whole fortune, and his marriage, depended upon my + success; and I preferred the interests of my friend before those of all + the islanders in the South Seas. This is a poor, private morality, if you + like; but it is mine, and the best I have; and I am not half so much + ashamed of having embarked at all on this adventure, as I am proud that + (while I was in it, and for the sake of my friend) I was up early and down + late, set my own hand to everything, took dangers as they came, and for + once in my life played the man throughout. At the same time, I could have + desired another field of energy; and I was the more grateful for the + redeeming element of mystery. Without that, though I might have gone ahead + and done as well, it would scarce have been with ardour; and what inspired + me that night with an impatient greed of the sea, the island, and the + wreck, was the hope that I might stumble there upon the answer to a + hundred questions, and learn why Captain Trent fanned his red face in the + exchange, and why Mr. Dickson fled from the telephone in the Mission + Street lodging-house. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. IN WHICH JIM AND I TAKE DIFFERENT WAYS. + </h2> + <p> + I was unhappy when I closed my eyes; and it was to unhappiness that I + opened them again next morning, to a confused sense of some calamity still + inarticulate, and to the consciousness of jaded limbs and of a swimming + head. I must have lain for some time inert and stupidly miserable, before + I became aware of a reiterated knocking at the door; with which discovery + all my wits flowed back in their accustomed channels, and I remembered the + sale, and the wreck, and Goddedaal, and Nares, and Johnson, and Black Tom, + and the troubles of yesterday, and the manifold engagements of the day + that was to come. The thought thrilled me like a trumpet in the hour of + battle. In a moment, I had leaped from bed, crossed the office where + Pinkerton lay in a deep trance of sleep on the convertible sofa, and stood + in the doorway, in my night gear, to receive our visitors. + </p> + <p> + Johnson was first, by way of usher, smiling. From a little behind, with + his Sunday hat tilted forward over his brow, and a cigar glowing between + his lips, Captain Nares acknowledged our previous acquaintance with a + succinct nod. Behind him again, in the top of the stairway, a knot of + sailors, the new crew of the Norah Creina, stood polishing the wall with + back and elbow. These I left without to their reflections. But our two + officers I carried at once into the office, where (taking Jim by the + shoulder) I shook him slowly into consciousness. He sat up, all abroad for + the moment, and stared on the new captain. + </p> + <p> + “Jim,” said I, “this is Captain Nares. Captain, Mr. + Pinkerton.” + </p> + <p> + Nares repeated his curt nod, still without speech; and I thought he held + us both under a watchful scrutiny. + </p> + <p> + “O!” says Jim, “this is Captain Nares, is it? Good + morning, Captain Nares. Happy to have the pleasure of your acquaintance, + sir. I know you well by reputation.” + </p> + <p> + Perhaps, under the circumstances of the moment, this was scarce a welcome + speech. At least, Nares received it with a grunt. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Captain,” Jim continued, “you know about the size + of the business? You're to take the Nora Creina to Midway Island, break up + a wreck, call at Honolulu, and back to this port? I suppose that's + understood?” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” returned Nares, with the same unamiable reserve, + “for a reason, which I guess you know, the cruise may suit me; but + there's a point or two to settle. We shall have to talk, Mr. Pinkerton. + But whether I go or not, somebody will; there's no sense in losing time; + and you might give Mr. Johnson a note, let him take the hands right down, + and set to to overhaul the rigging. The beasts look sober,” he + added, with an air of great disgust, “and need putting to work to + keep them so.” + </p> + <p> + This being agreed upon, Nares watched his subordinate depart and drew a + visible breath. + </p> + <p> + “And now we're alone and can talk,” said he. “What's + this thing about? It's been advertised like Barnum's museum; that poster + of yours has set the Front talking; that's an objection in itself, for I'm + laying a little dark just now; and anyway, before I take the ship, I + require to know what I'm going after.” + </p> + <p> + Thereupon Pinkerton gave him the whole tale, beginning with a businesslike + precision, and working himself up, as he went on, to the boiling-point of + narrative enthusiasm. Nares sat and smoked, hat still on head, and + acknowledged each fresh feature of the story with a frowning nod. But his + pale blue eyes betrayed him, and lighted visibly. + </p> + <p> + “Now you see for yourself,” Pinkerton concluded: “there's + every last chance that Trent has skipped to Honolulu, and it won't take + much of that fifty thousand dollars to charter a smart schooner down to + Midway. Here's where I want a man!” cried Jim, with contagious + energy. “That wreck's mine; I've paid for it, money down; and if + it's got to be fought for, I want to see it fought for lively. If you're + not back in ninety days, I tell you plainly, I'll make one of the biggest + busts ever seen upon this coast; it's life or death for Mr. Dodd and me. + As like as not, it'll come to grapples on the island; and when I heard + your name last night—and a blame' sight more this morning when I saw + the eye you've got in your head—I said, 'Nares is good enough for + me!'” + </p> + <p> + “I guess,” observed Nares, studying the ash of his cigar, + “the sooner I get that schooner outside the Farallones, the better + you'll be pleased.” + </p> + <p> + “You're the man I dreamed of!” cried Jim, bouncing on the bed. + “There's not five per cent of fraud in all your carcase.” + </p> + <p> + “Just hold on,” said Nares. “There's another point. I + heard some talk about a supercargo.” + </p> + <p> + “That's Mr. Dodd, here, my partner,” said Jim. + </p> + <p> + “I don't see it,” returned the captain drily. “One + captain's enough for any ship that ever I was aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “Now don't you start disappointing me,” said Pinkerton; + “for you're talking without thought. I'm not going to give you the + run of the books of this firm, am I? I guess not. Well, this is not only a + cruise; it's a business operation; and that's in the hands of my partner. + You sail that ship, you see to breaking up that wreck and keeping the men + upon the jump, and you'll find your hands about full. Only, no mistake + about one thing: it has to be done to Mr. Dodd's satisfaction; for it's + Mr. Dodd that's paying.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm accustomed to give satisfaction,” said Mr. Nares, with a + dark flush. + </p> + <p> + “And so you will here!” cried Pinkerton. “I understand + you. You're prickly to handle, but you're straight all through.” + </p> + <p> + “The position's got to be understood, though,” returned Nares, + perhaps a trifle mollified. “My position, I mean. I'm not going to + ship sailing-master; it's enough out of my way already, to set a foot on + this mosquito schooner.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell you,” retorted Jim, with an indescribable + twinkle: “you just meet me on the ballast, and we'll make it a + barquentine.” + </p> + <p> + Nares laughed a little; tactless Pinkerton had once more gained a victory + in tact. “Then there's another point,” resumed the captain, + tacitly relinquishing the last. “How about the owners?” + </p> + <p> + “O, you leave that to me; I'm one of Longhurst's crowd, you know,” + said Jim, with sudden bristling vanity. “Any man that's good enough + for me, is good enough for them.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are they?” asked Nares. + </p> + <p> + “M'Intyre and Spittal,” said Jim. + </p> + <p> + “O, well, give me a card of yours,” said the captain: “you + needn't bother to write; I keep M'Intyre and Spittal in my vest-pocket.” + </p> + <p> + Boast for boast; it was always thus with Nares and Pinkerton—the two + vainest men of my acquaintance. And having thus reinstated himself in his + own opinion, the captain rose, and, with a couple of his stiff nods, + departed. + </p> + <p> + “Jim,” I cried, as the door closed behind him, “I don't + like that man.” + </p> + <p> + “You've just got to, Loudon,” returned Jim. “He's a + typical American seaman—brave as a lion, full of resource, and + stands high with his owners. He's a man with a record.” + </p> + <p> + “For brutality at sea,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Say what you like,” exclaimed Pinkerton, “it was a good + hour we got him in: I'd trust Mamie's life to him to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and talking of Mamie?” says I. + </p> + <p> + Jim paused with his trousers half on. “She's the gallantest little + soul God ever made!” he cried. “Loudon, I'd meant to knock you + up last night, and I hope you won't take it unfriendly that I didn't. I + went in and looked at you asleep; and I saw you were all broken up, and + let you be. The news would keep, anyway; and even you, Loudon, couldn't + feel it the same way as I did.” + </p> + <p> + “What news?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It's this way,” says Jim. “I told her how we stood, and + that I backed down from marrying. 'Are you tired of me?' says she: God + bless her! Well, I explained the whole thing over again, the chance of + smash, your absence unavoidable, the point I made of having you for the + best man, and that. 'If you're not tired of me, I think I see one way to + manage,' says she. 'Let's get married to-morrow, and Mr. Loudon can be + best man before he goes to sea.' That's how she said it, crisp and bright, + like one of Dickens's characters. It was no good for me to talk about the + smash. 'You'll want me all the more,' she said. Loudon, I only pray I can + make it up to her; I prayed for it last night beside your bed, while you + lay sleeping—for you, and Mamie and myself; and—I don't know + if you quite believe in prayer, I'm a bit Ingersollian myself—but a + kind of sweetness came over me, and I couldn't help but think it was an + answer. Never was a man so lucky! You and me and Mamie; it's a triple + cord, Loudon. If either of you were to die! And she likes you so much, and + thinks you so accomplished and distingue-looking, and was just as set as I + was to have you for best man. 'Mr. Loudon,' she calls you; seems to me so + friendly! And she sat up till three in the morning fixing up a costume for + the marriage; it did me good to see her, Loudon, and to see that needle + going, going, and to say 'All this hurry, Jim, is just to marry you!' I + couldn't believe it; it was so like some blame' fairy story. To think of + those old tin-type times about turned my head; I was so unrefined then, + and so illiterate, and so lonesome; and here I am in clover, and I'm + blamed if I can see what I've done to deserve it.” + </p> + <p> + So he poured forth with innocent volubility the fulness of his heart; and + I, from these irregular communications, must pick out, here a little and + there a little, the particulars of his new plan. They were to be married, + sure enough, that day; the wedding breakfast was to be at Frank's; the + evening to be passed in a visit of God-speed aboard the Norah Creina; and + then we were to part, Jim and I, he to his married life, I on my + sea-enterprise. If ever I cherished an ill-feeling for Miss Mamie, I + forgave her now; so brave and kind, so pretty and venturesome, was her + decision. The weather frowned overhead with a leaden sky, and San + Francisco had never (in all my experience) looked so bleak and gaunt, and + shoddy, and crazy, like a city prematurely old; but through all my + wanderings and errands to and fro, by the dock side or in the jostling + street, among rude sounds and ugly sights, there ran in my mind, like a + tiny strain of music, the thought of my friend's happiness. + </p> + <p> + For that was indeed a day of many and incongruous occupations. Breakfast + was scarce swallowed before Jim must run to the City Hall and Frank's + about the cares of marriage, and I hurry to John Smith's upon the account + of stores, and thence, on a visit of certification, to the Norah Creina. + Methought she looked smaller than ever, sundry great ships overspiring her + from close without. She was already a nightmare of disorder; and the wharf + alongside was piled with a world of casks, and cases, and tins, and tools, + and coils of rope, and miniature barrels of giant powder, such as it + seemed no human ingenuity could stuff on board of her. Johnson was in the + waist, in a red shirt and dungaree trousers, his eye kindled with + activity. With him I exchanged a word or two; thence stepped aft along the + narrow alleyway between the house and the rail, and down the companion to + the main cabin, where the captain sat with the commissioner at wine. + </p> + <p> + I gazed with disaffection at the little box which for many a day I was to + call home. On the starboard was a stateroom for the captain; on the port, + a pair of frowsy berths, one over the other, and abutting astern upon the + side of an unsavoury cupboard. The walls were yellow and damp, the floor + black and greasy; there was a prodigious litter of straw, old newspapers, + and broken packing-cases; and by way of ornament, only a glass-rack, a + thermometer presented “with compliments” of some advertising + whiskey-dealer, and a swinging lamp. It was hard to foresee that, before a + week was up, I should regard that cabin as cheerful, lightsome, airy, and + even spacious. + </p> + <p> + I was presented to the commissioner, and to a young friend of his whom he + had brought with him for the purpose (apparently) of smoking cigars; and + after we had pledged one another in a glass of California port, a trifle + sweet and sticky for a morning beverage, the functionary spread his papers + on the table, and the hands were summoned. Down they trooped, accordingly, + into the cabin; and stood eyeing the ceiling or the floor, the picture of + sheepish embarrassment, and with a common air of wanting to expectorate + and not quite daring. In admirable contrast, stood the Chinese cook, easy, + dignified, set apart by spotless raiment, the hidalgo of the seas. + </p> + <p> + I daresay you never had occasion to assist at the farce which followed. + Our shipping laws in the United States (thanks to the inimitable Dana) are + conceived in a spirit of paternal stringency, and proceed throughout on + the hypothesis that poor Jack is an imbecile, and the other parties to the + contract, rogues and ruffians. A long and wordy paper of precautions, a + fo'c's'le bill of rights, must be read separately to each man. I had now + the benefit of hearing it five times in brisk succession; and you would + suppose I was acquainted with its contents. But the commissioner (worthy + man) spends his days in doing little else; and when we bear in mind the + parallel case of the irreverent curate, we need not be surprised that he + took the passage tempo prestissimo, in one roulade of gabble—that I, + with the trained attention of an educated man, could gather but a fraction + of its import—and the sailors nothing. No profanity in giving + orders, no sheath-knives, Midway Island and any other port the master may + direct, not to exceed six calendar months, and to this port to be paid + off: so it seemed to run, with surprising verbiage; so ended. And with the + end, the commissioner, in each case, fetched a deep breath, resumed his + natural voice, and proceeded to business. “Now, my man,” he + would say, “you ship A. B. at so many dollars, American gold coin. + Sign your name here, if you have one, and can write.” Whereupon, and + the name (with infinite hard breathing) being signed, the commissioner + would proceed to fill in the man's appearance, height, etc., on the + official form. In this task of literary portraiture he seemed to rely + wholly upon temperament; for I could not perceive him to cast one glance + on any of his models. He was assisted, however, by a running commentary + from the captain: “Hair blue and eyes red, nose five foot seven, and + stature broken”—jests as old, presumably, as the American + marine; and, like the similar pleasantries of the billiard board, + perennially relished. The highest note of humour was reached in the case + of the Chinese cook, who was shipped under the name of “One Lung,” + to the sound of his own protests and the self-approving chuckles of the + functionary. + </p> + <p> + “Now, captain,” said the latter, when the men were gone, and + he had bundled up his papers, “the law requires you to carry a + slop-chest and a chest of medicines.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess I know that,” said Nares. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you do,” returned the commissioner, and helped + himself to port. + </p> + <p> + But when he was gone, I appealed to Nares on the same subject, for I was + well aware we carried none of these provisions. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” drawled Nares, “there's sixty pounds of + niggerhead on the quay, isn't there? and twenty pounds of salts; and I + never travel without some painkiller in my gripsack.” + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, we were richer. The captain had the usual sailor's + provision of quack medicines, with which, in the usual sailor fashion, he + would daily drug himself, displaying an extreme inconstancy, and flitting + from Kennedy's Red Discovery to Kennedy's White, and from Hood's + Sarsaparilla to Mother Seigel's Syrup. And there were, besides, some + mildewed and half-empty bottles, the labels obliterated, over which Nares + would sometimes sniff and speculate. “Seems to smell like diarrhoea + stuff,” he would remark. “I wish't I knew, and I would try it.” + But the slop-chest was indeed represented by the plugs of niggerhead, and + nothing else. Thus paternal laws are made, thus they are evaded; and the + schooner put to sea, like plenty of her neighbours, liable to a fine of + six hundred dollars. + </p> + <p> + This characteristic scene, which has delayed me overlong, was but a moment + in that day of exercise and agitation. To fit out a schooner for sea, and + improvise a marriage between dawn and dusk, involves heroic effort. All + day Jim and I ran, and tramped, and laughed, and came near crying, and + fell in sudden anxious consultations, and were sped (with a prepared + sarcasm on our lips) to some fallacious milliner, and made dashes to the + schooner and John Smith's, and at every second corner were reminded (by + our own huge posters) of our desperate estate. Between whiles, I had found + the time to hover at some half-a-dozen jewellers' windows; and my present, + thus intemperately chosen, was graciously accepted. I believe, indeed, + that was the last (though not the least) of my concerns, before the old + minister, shabby and benign, was routed from his house and led to the + office like a performing poodle; and there, in the growing dusk, under the + cold glitter of Thirteen Star, two hundred strong, and beside the garish + glories of the agricultural engine, Mamie and Jim were made one. The scene + was incongruous, but the business pretty, whimsical, and affecting: the + typewriters with such kindly faces and fine posies, Mamie so demure, and + Jim—how shall I describe that poor, transfigured Jim? He began by + taking the minister aside to the far end of the office. I knew not what he + said, but I have reason to believe he was protesting his unfitness; for he + wept as he said it: and the old minister, himself genuinely moved, was + heard to console and encourage him, and at one time to use this + expression: “I assure you, Mr. Pinkerton, there are not many who can + say so much”—from which I gathered that my friend had tempered + his self-accusations with at least one legitimate boast. From this ghostly + counselling, Jim turned to me; and though he never got beyond the + explosive utterance of my name and one fierce handgrip, communicated some + of his own emotion, like a charge of electricity, to his best man. We + stood up to the ceremony at last, in a general and kindly discomposure. + Jim was all abroad; and the divine himself betrayed his sympathy in voice + and demeanour, and concluded with a fatherly allocution, in which he + congratulated Mamie (calling her “my dear”) upon the fortune + of an excellent husband, and protested he had rarely married a more + interesting couple. At this stage, like a glory descending, there was + handed in, ex machina, the card of Douglas B. Longhurst, with + congratulations and four dozen Perrier-Jouet. A bottle was opened; and the + minister pledged the bride, and the bridesmaids simpered and tasted, and I + made a speech with airy bacchanalianism, glass in hand. But poor Jim must + leave the wine untasted. “Don't touch it,” I had found the + opportunity to whisper; “in your state it will make you as drunk as + a fiddler.” And Jim had wrung my hand with a “God bless you, + Loudon!—saved me again!” + </p> + <p> + Hard following upon this, the supper passed off at Frank's with somewhat + tremulous gaiety. And thence, with one half of the Perrier-Jouet—I + would accept no more—we voyaged in a hack to the Norah Creina. + </p> + <p> + “What a dear little ship!” cried Mamie, as our miniature craft + was pointed out to her. And then, on second thought, she turned to the + best man. “And how brave you must be, Mr. Dodd,” she cried, + “to go in that tiny thing so far upon the ocean!” And I + perceived I had risen in the lady's estimation. + </p> + <p> + The dear little ship presented a horrid picture of confusion, and its + occupants of weariness and ill-humour. From the cabin the cook was storing + tins into the lazarette, and the four hands, sweaty and sullen, were + passing them from one to another from the waist. Johnson was three parts + asleep over the table; and in his bunk, in his own cabin, the captain + sourly chewed and puffed at a cigar. + </p> + <p> + “See here,” he said, rising; “you'll be sorry you came. + We can't stop work if we're to get away to-morrow. A ship getting ready + for sea is no place for people, anyway. You'll only interrupt my men.” + </p> + <p> + I was on the point of answering something tart; but Jim, who was + acquainted with the breed, as he was with most things that had a bearing + on affairs, made haste to pour in oil. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” he said, “I know we're a nuisance here, and + that you've had a rough time. But all we want is that you should drink one + glass of wine with us, Perrier-Jouet, from Longhurst, on the occasion of + my marriage, and Loudon's—Mr. Dodd's—departure.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's your lookout,” said Nares. “I don't mind + half an hour. Spell, O!” he added to the men; “go and kick + your heels for half an hour, and then you can turn to again a trifle + livelier. Johnson, see if you can't wipe off a chair for the lady.” + </p> + <p> + His tone was no more gracious than his language; but when Mamie had turned + upon him the soft fire of her eyes, and informed him that he was the first + sea-captain she had ever met, “except captains of steamers, of + course”—she so qualified the statement—and had expressed + a lively sense of his courage, and perhaps implied (for I suppose the arts + of ladies are the same as those of men) a modest consciousness of his good + looks, our bear began insensibly to soften; and it was already part as an + apology, though still with unaffected heat of temper, that he volunteered + some sketch of his annoyances. + </p> + <p> + “A pretty mess we've had!” said he. “Half the stores + were wrong; I'll wring John Smith's neck for him some of these days. Then + two newspaper beasts came down, and tried to raise copy out of me, till I + threatened them with the first thing handy; and then some kind of + missionary bug, wanting to work his passage to Raiatea or somewhere. I + told him I would take him off the wharf with the butt end of my boot, and + he went away cursing. This vessel's been depreciated by the look of him.” + </p> + <p> + While the captain spoke, with his strange, humorous, arrogant abruptness, + I observed Jim to be sizing him up, like a thing at once quaint and + familiar, and with a scrutiny that was both curious and knowing. + </p> + <p> + “One word, dear boy,” he said, turning suddenly to me. And + when he had drawn me on deck, “That man,” says he, “will + carry sail till your hair grows white; but never you let on, never breathe + a word. I know his line: he'll die before he'll take advice; and if you + get his back up, he'll run you right under. I don't often jam in my + advice, Loudon; and when I do, it means I'm thoroughly posted.” + </p> + <p> + The little party in the cabin, so disastrously begun, finished, under the + mellowing influence of wine and woman, in excellent feeling and with some + hilarity. Mamie, in a plush Gainsborough hat and a gown of wine-coloured + silk, sat, an apparent queen, among her rude surroundings and companions. + The dusky litter of the cabin set off her radiant trimness: tarry Johnson + was a foil to her fair beauty; she glowed in that poor place, fair as a + star; until even I, who was not usually of her admirers, caught a spark of + admiration; and even the captain, who was in no courtly humour, proposed + that the scene should be commemorated by my pencil. It was the last act of + the evening. Hurriedly as I went about my task, the half-hour had + lengthened out to more than three before it was completed: Mamie in full + value, the rest of the party figuring in outline only, and the artist + himself introduced in a back view, which was pronounced a likeness. But it + was to Mamie that I devoted the best of my attention; and it was with her + I made my chief success. + </p> + <p> + “O!” she cried, “am I really like that? No wonder Jim + ...” She paused. “Why it's just as lovely as he's good!” + she cried: an epigram which was appreciated, and repeated as we made our + salutations, and called out after the retreating couple as they passed + away under the lamplight on the wharf. + </p> + <p> + Thus it was that our farewells were smuggled through under an ambuscade of + laughter, and the parting over ere I knew it was begun. The figures + vanished, the steps died away along the silent city front; on board, the + men had returned to their labours, the captain to his solitary cigar; and + after that long and complex day of business and emotion, I was at last + alone and free. It was, perhaps, chiefly fatigue that made my heart so + heavy. I leaned at least upon the house, and stared at the foggy heaven, + or over the rail at the wavering reflection of the lamps, like a man that + was quite done with hope and would have welcomed the asylum of the grave. + And all at once, as I thus stood, the City of Pekin flashed into my mind, + racing her thirteen knots for Honolulu, with the hated Trent—perhaps + with the mysterious Goddedaal—on board; and with the thought, the + blood leaped and careered through all my body. It seemed no chase at all; + it seemed we had no chance, as we lay there bound to iron pillars, and + fooling away the precious moments over tins of beans. “Let them get + there first!” I thought. “Let them! We can't be long behind.” + And from that moment, I date myself a man of a rounded experience: nothing + had lacked but this, that I should entertain and welcome the grim thought + of bloodshed. + </p> + <p> + It was long before the toil remitted in the cabin, and it was worth my + while to get to bed; long after that, before sleep favoured me; and scarce + a moment later (or so it seemed) when I was recalled to consciousness by + bawling men and the jar of straining hawsers. + </p> + <p> + The schooner was cast off before I got on deck. In the misty obscurity of + the first dawn, I saw the tug heading us with glowing fires and blowing + smoke, and heard her beat the roughened waters of the bay. Beside us, on + her flock of hills, the lighted city towered up and stood swollen in the + raw fog. It was strange to see her burn on thus wastefully, with + half-quenched luminaries, when the dawn was already grown strong enough to + show me, and to suffer me to recognise, a solitary figure standing by the + piles. + </p> + <p> + Or was it really the eye, and not rather the heart, that identified that + shadow in the dusk, among the shoreside lamps? I know not. It was Jim, at + least; Jim, come for a last look; and we had but time to wave a + valedictory gesture and exchange a wordless cry. This was our second + parting, and our capacities were now reversed. It was mine to play the + Argonaut, to speed affairs, to plan and to accomplish—if need were, + at the price of life; it was his to sit at home, to study the calendar, + and to wait. I knew besides another thing that gave me joy. I knew that my + friend had succeeded in my education; that the romance of business, if our + fantastic purchase merited the name, had at last stirred my dilletante + nature; and, as we swept under cloudy Tamalpais and through the roaring + narrows of the bay, the Yankee blood sang in my veins with suspense and + exultation. + </p> + <p> + Outside the heads, as if to meet my desire, we found it blowing fresh from + the northeast. No time had been lost. The sun was not yet up before the + tug cast off the hawser, gave us a salute of three whistles, and turned + homeward toward the coast, which now began to gleam along its margin with + the earliest rays of day. There was no other ship in view when the Norah + Creina, lying over under all plain sail, began her long and lonely voyage + to the wreck. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. THE “NORAH CREINA.” + </h2> + <p> + I love to recall the glad monotony of a Pacific voyage, when the trades + are not stinted, and the ship, day after day, goes free. The mountain + scenery of trade-wind clouds, watched (and in my case painted) under every + vicissitude of light—blotting stars, withering in the moon's glory, + barring the scarlet eve, lying across the dawn collapsed into the + unfeatured morning bank, or at noon raising their snowy summits between + the blue roof of heaven and the blue floor of sea; the small, busy, and + deliberate world of the schooner, with its unfamiliar scenes, the spearing + of dolphin from the bowsprit end, the holy war on sharks, the cook making + bread on the main hatch; reefing down before a violent squall, with the + men hanging out on the foot-ropes; the squall itself, the catch at the + heart, the opened sluices of the sky; and the relief, the renewed + loveliness of life, when all is over, the sun forth again, and our + out-fought enemy only a blot upon the leeward sea. I love to recall, and + would that I could reproduce that life, the unforgettable, the + unrememberable. The memory, which shows so wise a backwardness in + registering pain, is besides an imperfect recorder of extended pleasures; + and a long-continued well-being escapes (as it were, by its mass) our + petty methods of commemoration. On a part of our life's map there lies a + roseate, undecipherable haze, and that is all. + </p> + <p> + Of one thing, if I am at all to trust my own annals, I was delightedly + conscious. Day after day, in the sun-gilded cabin, the whiskey-dealer's + thermometer stood at 84. Day after day, the air had the same indescribable + liveliness and sweetness, soft and nimble, and cool as the cheek of + health. Day after day the sun flamed; night after night the moon beaconed, + or the stars paraded their lustrous regiment. I was aware of a spiritual + change, or, perhaps, rather a molecular reconstitution. My bones were + sweeter to me. I had come home to my own climate, and looked back with + pity on those damp and wintry zones, miscalled the temperate. + </p> + <p> + “Two years of this, and comfortable quarters to live in, kind of + shake the grit out of a man,” the captain remarked; “can't + make out to be happy anywhere else. A townie of mine was lost down this + way, in a coalship that took fire at sea. He struck the beach somewhere in + the Navigators; and he wrote to me that when he left the place, it would + be feet first. He's well off, too, and his father owns some coasting craft + Down East; but Billy prefers the beach, and hot rolls off the bread-fruit + trees.” + </p> + <p> + A voice told me I was on the same track as Billy. But when was this? Our + outward track in the Norah Creina lay well to the northward; and perhaps + it is but the impression of a few pet days which I have unconsciously + spread longer, or perhaps the feeling grew upon me later, in the run to + Honolulu. One thing I am sure: it was before I had ever seen an island + worthy of the name that I must date my loyalty to the South Seas. The + blank sea itself grew desirable under such skies; and wherever the + trade-wind blows, I know no better country than a schooner's deck. + </p> + <p> + But for the tugging anxiety as to the journey's end, the journey itself + must thus have counted for the best of holidays. My physical well-being + was over-proof; effects of sea and sky kept me for ever busy with my + pencil; and I had no lack of intellectual exercise of a different order in + the study of my inconsistent friend, the captain. I call him friend, here + on the threshold; but that is to look well ahead. At first, I was too much + horrified by what I considered his barbarities, too much puzzled by his + shifting humours, and too frequently annoyed by his small vanities, to + regard him otherwise than as the cross of my existence. It was only by + degrees, in his rare hours of pleasantness, when he forgot (and made me + forget) the weaknesses to which he was so prone, that he won me to a kind + of unconsenting fondness. Lastly, the faults were all embraced in a more + generous view: I saw them in their place, like discords in a musical + progression; and accepted them and found them picturesque, as we accept + and admire, in the habitable face of nature, the smoky head of the volcano + or the pernicious thicket of the swamp. + </p> + <p> + He was come of good people Down East, and had the beginnings of a thorough + education. His temper had been ungovernable from the first; and it is + likely the defect was inherited, and the blame of the rupture not entirely + his. He ran away at least to sea; suffered horrible maltreatment, which + seemed to have rather hardened than enlightened him; ran away again to + shore in a South American port; proved his capacity and made money, + although still a child; fell among thieves and was robbed; worked back a + passage to the States, and knocked one morning at the door of an old lady + whose orchard he had often robbed. The introduction appears insufficient; + but Nares knew what he was doing. The sight of her old neighbourly + depredator shivering at the door in tatters, the very oddity of his + appeal, touched a soft spot in the spinster's heart. “I always had a + fancy for the old lady,” Nares said, “even when she used to + stampede me out of the orchard, and shake her thimble and her old curls at + me out of the window as I was going by; I always thought she was a kind of + pleasant old girl. Well, when she came to the door that morning, I told + her so, and that I was stone-broke; and she took me right in, and fetched + out the pie.” She clothed him, taught him, and had him to sea again + in better shape, welcomed him to her hearth on his return from every + cruise, and when she died bequeathed him her possessions. “She was a + good old girl,” he would say. “I tell you, Mr. Dodd, it was a + queer thing to see me and the old lady talking a pasear in the garden, and + the old man scowling at us over the pickets. She lived right next door to + the old man, and I guess that's just what took me there. I wanted him to + know that I was badly beat, you see, and would rather go to the devil than + to him. What made the dig harder, he had quarrelled with the old lady + about me and the orchard: I guess that made him rage. Yes, I was a beast + when I was young. But I was always pretty good to the old lady.” + Since then he had prospered, not uneventfully, in his profession; the old + lady's money had fallen in during the voyage of the Gleaner, and he was + now, as soon as the smoke of that engagement cleared away, secure of his + ship. I suppose he was about thirty: a powerful, active man, with a blue + eye, a thick head of hair, about the colour of oakum and growing low over + the brow; clean-shaved and lean about the jaw; a good singer; a good + performer on that sea-instrument, the accordion; a quick observer, a close + reasoner; when he pleased, of a really elegant address; and when he chose, + the greatest brute upon the seas. + </p> + <p> + His usage of the men, his hazing, his bullying, his perpetual + fault-finding for no cause, his perpetual and brutal sarcasm, might have + raised a mutiny in a slave galley. Suppose the steersman's eye to have + wandered: “You ——, ——, little, mutton-faced + Dutchman,” Nares would bawl; “you want a booting to keep you + on your course! I know a little city-front slush when I see one. Just you + glue your eye to that compass, or I'll show you round the vessel at the + butt-end of my boot.” Or suppose a hand to linger aft, whither he + had perhaps been summoned not a minute before. “Mr. Daniells, will + you oblige me by stepping clear of that main-sheet?” the captain + might begin, with truculent courtesy. “Thank you. And perhaps you'll + be so kind as to tell me what the hell you're doing on my quarter-deck? I + want no dirt of your sort here. Is there nothing for you to do? Where's + the mate? Don't you set ME to find work for you, or I'll find you some + that will keep you on your back a fortnight.” Such allocutions, + conceived with a perfect knowledge of his audience, so that every insult + carried home, were delivered with a mien so menacing, and an eye so + fiercely cruel, that his unhappy subordinates shrank and quailed. Too + often violence followed; too often I have heard and seen and boiled at the + cowardly aggression; and the victim, his hands bound by law, has risen + again from deck and crawled forward stupefied—I know not what + passion of revenge in his wronged heart. + </p> + <p> + It seems strange I should have grown to like this tyrant. It may even seem + strange that I should have stood by and suffered his excesses to proceed. + But I was not quite such a chicken as to interfere in public; for I would + rather have a man or two mishandled than one half of us butchered in a + mutiny and the rest suffer on the gallows. And in private, I was unceasing + in my protests. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” I once said to him, appealing to his patriotism, + which was of a hardy quality, “this is no way to treat American + seamen. You don't call it American to treat men like dogs?” + </p> + <p> + “Americans?” he said grimly. “Do you call these Dutchmen + and Scattermouches [1] Americans? I've been fourteen years to sea, all but + one trip under American colours, and I've never laid eye on an American + foremast hand. There used to be such things in the old days, when + thirty-five dollars were the wages out of Boston; and then you could see + ships handled and run the way they want to be. But that's all past and + gone; and nowadays the only thing that flies in an American ship is a + belaying-pin. You don't know; you haven't a guess. How would you like to + go on deck for your middle watch, fourteen months on end, with all your + duty to do and every one's life depending on you, and expect to get a + knife ripped into you as you come out of your stateroom, or be sand-bagged + as you pass the boat, or get tripped into the hold, if the hatches are off + in fine weather? That kind of shakes the starch out of the brotherly love + and New Jerusalem business. You go through the mill, and you'll have a + bigger grudge against every old shellback that dirties his plate in the + three oceans, than the Bank of California could settle up. No; it has an + ugly look to it, but the only way to run a ship is to make yourself a + terror.” + </p> + <p> + [1] In sea-lingo (Pacific) DUTCHMAN includes + all Teutons and folk from the basin of the Baltic; SCATTERMOUCH, all + Latins and Levantines. + </p> + <p> + “Come, Captain,” said I, “there are degrees in + everything. You know American ships have a bad name; you know perfectly + well if it wasn't for the high wage and the good food, there's not a man + would ship in one if he could help; and even as it is, some prefer a + British ship, beastly food and all.” + </p> + <p> + “O, the lime-juicers?” said he. “There's plenty booting + in lime-juicers, I guess; though I don't deny but what some of them are + soft.” And with that he smiled like a man recalling something. + “Look here, that brings a yarn in my head,” he resumed; + “and for the sake of the joke, I'll give myself away. It was in + 1874, I shipped mate in the British ship Maria, from 'Frisco for + Melbourne. She was the queerest craft in some ways that ever I was aboard + of. The food was a caution; there was nothing fit to put your lips to—but + the lime-juice, which was from the end bin no doubt: it used to make me + sick to see the men's dinners, and sorry to see my own. The old man was + good enough, I guess; Green was his name; a mild, fatherly old galoot. But + the hands were the lowest gang I ever handled; and whenever I tried to + knock a little spirit into them, the old man took their part! It was + Gilbert and Sullivan on the high seas; but you bet I wouldn't let any man + dictate to me. 'You give me your orders, Captain Green,' I said, 'and + you'll find I'll carry them out; that's all you've got to say. You'll find + I do my duty,' I said; 'how I do it is my lookout; and there's no man born + that's going to give me lessons.' Well, there was plenty dirt on board + that Maria first and last. Of course, the old man put my back up, and, of + course, he put up the crew's; and I had to regular fight my way through + every watch. The men got to hate me, so's I would hear them grit their + teeth when I came up. At last, one day, I saw a big hulking beast of a + Dutchman booting the ship's boy. I made one shoot of it off the house and + laid that Dutchman out. Up he came, and I laid him out again. 'Now,' I + said, 'if there's a kick left in you, just mention it, and I'll stamp your + ribs in like a packing-case.' He thought better of it, and never let on; + lay there as mild as a deacon at a funeral; and they took him below to + reflect on his native Dutchland. One night we got caught in rather a dirty + thing about 25 south. I guess we were all asleep; for the first thing I + knew there was the fore-royal gone. I ran forward, bawling blue hell; and + just as I came by the foremast, something struck me right through the + forearm and stuck there. I put my other hand up, and by George! it was the + grain; the beasts had speared me like a porpoise. 'Cap'n!' I cried.—'What's + wrong?' says he.—'They've grained me,' says I.—'Grained you?' + says he. 'Well, I've been looking for that.'——'And by God,' I + cried, 'I want to have some of these beasts murdered for it!'—'Now, + Mr. Nares,' says he, 'you better go below. If I had been one of the men, + you'd have got more than this. And I want no more of your language on + deck. You've cost me my fore-royal already,' says he; 'and if you carry + on, you'll have the three sticks out of her.' That was old man Green's + idea of supporting officers. But you wait a bit; the cream's coming. We + made Melbourne right enough, and the old man said: 'Mr. Nares, you and me + don't draw together. You're a first-rate seaman, no mistake of that; but + you're the most disagreeable man I ever sailed with; and your language and + your conduct to the crew I cannot stomach. I guess we'll separate.' I + didn't care about the berth, you may be sure; but I felt kind of mean; and + if he made one kind of stink, I thought I could make another. So I said I + would go ashore and see how things stood; went, found I was all right, and + came aboard again on the top rail.—'Are you getting your traps + together, Mr. Nares?' says the old man.—'No,' says I, 'I don't know + as we'll separate much before 'Frisco; at least,' I said, 'it's a point + for your consideration. I'm very willing to say good-by to the Maria, but + I don't know whether you'll care to start me out with three months' + wages.' He got his money-box right away. 'My son,' says he, 'I think it + cheap at the money.' He had me there.” + </p> + <p> + It was a singular tale for a man to tell of himself; above all, in the + midst of our discussion; but it was quite in character for Nares. I never + made a good hit in our disputes, I never justly resented any act or speech + of his, but what I found it long after carefully posted in his day-book + and reckoned (here was the man's oddity) to my credit. It was the same + with his father, whom he had hated; he would give a sketch of the old + fellow, frank and credible, and yet so honestly touched that it was + charming. I have never met a man so strangely constituted: to possess a + reason of the most equal justice, to have his nerves at the same time + quivering with petty spite, and to act upon the nerves and not the reason. + </p> + <p> + A kindred wonder in my eyes was the nature of his courage. There was never + a braver man: he went out to welcome danger; an emergency (came it never + so sudden) strung him like a tonic. And yet, upon the other hand, I have + known none so nervous, so oppressed with possibilities, looking upon the + world at large, and the life of a sailor in particular, with so constant + and haggard a consideration of the ugly chances. All his courage was in + blood, not merely cold, but icy with reasoned apprehension. He would lay + our little craft rail under, and “hang on” in a squall, until + I gave myself up for lost, and the men were rushing to their stations of + their own accord. “There,” he would say, “I guess + there's not a man on board would have hung on as long as I did that time; + they'll have to give up thinking me no schooner sailor. I guess I can + shave just as near capsizing as any other captain of this vessel, drunk or + sober.” And then he would fall to repining and wishing himself well + out of the enterprise, and dilate on the peril of the seas, the particular + dangers of the schooner rig, which he abhorred, the various ways in which + we might go to the bottom, and the prodigious fleet of ships that have + sailed out in the course of history, dwindled from the eyes of watchers, + and returned no more. “Well,” he would wind up, “I guess + it don't much matter. I can't see what any one wants to live for, anyway. + If I could get into some one else's apple-tree, and be about twelve years + old, and just stick the way I was, eating stolen apples, I won't say. But + there's no sense in this grown-up business—sailorising, politics, + the piety mill, and all the rest of it. Good clean drowning is good enough + for me.” It is hard to imagine any more depressing talk for a poor + landsman on a dirty night; it is hard to imagine anything less sailor-like + (as sailors are supposed to be, and generally are) than this persistent + harping on the minor. + </p> + <p> + But I was to see more of the man's gloomy constancy ere the cruise was at + an end. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the seventeenth day I came on deck, to find the schooner + under double reefs, and flying rather wild before a heavy run of sea. + Snoring trades and humming sails had been our portion hitherto. We were + already nearing the island. My restrained excitement had begun again to + overmaster me; and for some time my only book had been the patent log that + trailed over the taffrail, and my chief interest the daily observation and + our caterpillar progress across the chart. My first glance, which was at + the compass, and my second, which was at the log, were all that I could + wish. We lay our course; we had been doing over eight since nine the night + before; and I drew a heavy breath of satisfaction. And then I know not + what odd and wintry appearance of the sea and sky knocked suddenly at my + heart. I observed the schooner to look more than usually small, the men + silent and studious of the weather. Nares, in one of his rusty humours, + afforded me no shadow of a morning salutation. He, too, seemed to observe + the behaviour of the ship with an intent and anxious scrutiny. What I + liked still less, Johnson himself was at the wheel, which he span busily, + often with a visible effort; and as the seas ranged up behind us, black + and imminent, he kept casting behind him eyes of animal swiftness, and + drawing in his neck between his shoulders, like a man dodging a blow. From + these signs, I gathered that all was not exactly for the best; and I would + have given a good handful of dollars for a plain answer to the questions + which I dared not put. Had I dared, with the present danger signal in the + captain's face, I should only have been reminded of my position as + supercargo—an office never touched upon in kindness—and + advised, in a very indigestible manner, to go below. There was nothing for + it, therefore, but to entertain my vague apprehensions as best I should be + able, until it pleased the captain to enlighten me of his own accord. This + he did sooner than I had expected; as soon, indeed, as the Chinaman had + summoned us to breakfast, and we sat face to face across the narrow board. + </p> + <p> + “See here, Mr. Dodd,” he began, looking at me rather queerly, + “here is a business point arisen. This sea's been running up for the + last two days, and now it's too high for comfort. The glass is falling, + the wind is breezing up, and I won't say but what there's dirt in it. If I + lay her to, we may have to ride out a gale of wind and drift God knows + where—on these French Frigate Shoals, for instance. If I keep her as + she goes, we'll make that island to-morrow afternoon, and have the lee of + it to lie under, if we can't make out to run in. The point you have to + figure on, is whether you'll take the big chances of that Captain Trent + making the place before you, or take the risk of something happening. I'm + to run this ship to your satisfaction,” he added, with an ugly + sneer. “Well, here's a point for the supercargo.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” I returned, with my heart in my mouth, “risk + is better than certain failure.” + </p> + <p> + “Life is all risk, Mr. Dodd,” he remarked. “But there's + one thing: it's now or never; in half an hour, Archdeacon Gabriel couldn't + lay her to, if he came down stairs on purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said I. “Let's run.” + </p> + <p> + “Run goes,” said he; and with that he fell to breakfast, and + passed half an hour in stowing away pie and devoutly wishing himself back + in San Francisco. + </p> + <p> + When we came on deck again, he took the wheel from Johnson—it + appears they could trust none among the hands—and I stood close + beside him, feeling safe in this proximity, and tasting a fearful joy from + our surroundings and the consciousness of my decision. The breeze had + already risen, and as it tore over our heads, it uttered at times a long + hooting note that sent my heart into my boots. The sea pursued us without + remission, leaping to the assault of the low rail. The quarter-deck was + all awash, and we must close the companion doors. + </p> + <p> + “And all this, if you please, for Mr. Pinkerton's dollars!” + the captain suddenly exclaimed. “There's many a fine fellow gone + under, Mr. Dodd, because of drivers like your friend. What do they care + for a ship or two? Insured, I guess. What do they care for sailors' lives + alongside of a few thousand dollars? What they want is speed between + ports, and a damned fool of a captain that'll drive a ship under as I'm + doing this one. You can put in the morning, asking why I do it.” + </p> + <p> + I sheered off to another part of the vessel as fast as civility permitted. + This was not at all the talk that I desired, nor was the train of + reflection which it started anyway welcome. Here I was, running some + hazard of my life, and perilling the lives of seven others; exactly for + what end, I was now at liberty to ask myself. For a very large amount of a + very deadly poison, was the obvious answer; and I thought if all tales + were true, and I were soon to be subjected to cross-examination at the bar + of Eternal Justice, it was one which would not increase my popularity with + the court. “Well, never mind, Jim,” thought I. “I'm + doing it for you.” + </p> + <p> + Before eleven, a third reef was taken in the mainsail; and Johnson filled + the cabin with a storm-sail of No. 1 duck and sat cross-legged on the + streaming floor, vigorously putting it to rights with a couple of the + hands. By dinner I had fled the deck, and sat in the bench corner, giddy, + dumb, and stupefied with terror. The frightened leaps of the poor Norah + Creina, spanking like a stag for bare existence, bruised me between the + table and the berths. Overhead, the wild huntsman of the storm passed + continuously in one blare of mingled noises; screaming wind, straining + timber, lashing rope's end, pounding block and bursting sea contributed; + and I could have thought there was at times another, a more piercing, a + more human note, that dominated all, like the wailing of an angel; I could + have thought I knew the angel's name, and that his wings were black. It + seemed incredible that any creature of man's art could long endure the + barbarous mishandling of the seas, kicked as the schooner was from + mountain side to mountain side, beaten and blown upon and wrenched in + every joint and sinew, like a child upon the rack. There was not a plank + of her that did not cry aloud for mercy; and as she continued to hold + together, I became conscious of a growing sympathy with her endeavours, a + growing admiration for her gallant staunchness, that amused and at times + obliterated my terrors for myself. God bless every man that swung a mallet + on that tiny and strong hull! It was not for wages only that he laboured, + but to save men's lives. + </p> + <p> + All the rest of the day, and all the following night, I sat in the corner + or lay wakeful in my bunk; and it was only with the return of morning that + a new phase of my alarms drove me once more on deck. A gloomier interval I + never passed. Johnson and Nares steadily relieved each other at the wheel + and came below. The first glance of each was at the glass, which he + repeatedly knuckled and frowned upon; for it was sagging lower all the + time. Then, if Johnson were the visitor, he would pick a snack out of the + cupboard, and stand, braced against the table, eating it, and perhaps + obliging me with a word or two of his hee-haw conversation: how it was + “a son of a gun of a cold night on deck, Mr. Dodd” (with a + grin); how “it wasn't no night for panjammers, he could tell me”: + having transacted all which, he would throw himself down in his bunk and + sleep his two hours with compunction. But the captain neither ate nor + slept. “You there, Mr. Dodd?” he would say, after the + obligatory visit to the glass. “Well, my son, we're one hundred and + four miles” (or whatever it was) “off the island, and scudding + for all we're worth. We'll make it to-morrow about four, or not, as the + case may be. That's the news. And now, Mr. Dodd, I've stretched a point + for you; you can see I'm dead tired; so just you stretch away back to your + bunk again.” And with this attempt at geniality, his teeth would + settle hard down on his cigar, and he would pass his spell below staring + and blinking at the cabin lamp through a cloud of tobacco smoke. He has + told me since that he was happy, which I should never have divined. + “You see,” he said, “the wind we had was never anything + out of the way; but the sea was really nasty, the schooner wanted a lot of + humouring, and it was clear from the glass that we were close to some + dirt. We might be running out of it, or we might be running right crack + into it. Well, there's always something sublime about a big deal like + that; and it kind of raises a man in his own liking. We're a queer kind of + beasts, Mr. Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + The morning broke with sinister brightness; the air alarmingly + transparent, the sky pure, the rim of the horizon clear and strong against + the heavens. The wind and the wild seas, now vastly swollen, indefatigably + hunted us. I stood on deck, choking with fear; I seemed to lose all power + upon my limbs; my knees were as paper when she plunged into the murderous + valleys; my heart collapsed when some black mountain fell in avalanche + beside her counter, and the water, that was more than spray, swept round + my ankles like a torrent. I was conscious of but one strong desire, to + bear myself decently in my terrors, and whatever should happen to my life, + preserve my character: as the captain said, we are a queer kind of beasts. + Breakfast time came, and I made shift to swallow some hot tea. Then I must + stagger below to take the time, reading the chronometer with dizzy eyes, + and marvelling the while what value there could be in observations taken + in a ship launched (as ours then was) like a missile among flying seas. + The forenoon dragged on in a grinding monotony of peril; every spoke of + the wheel a rash, but an obliged experiment—rash as a forlorn hope, + needful as the leap that lands a fireman from a burning staircase. Noon + was made; the captain dined on his day's work, and I on watching him; and + our place was entered on the chart with a meticulous precision which + seemed to me half pitiful and half absurd, since the next eye to behold + that sheet of paper might be the eye of an exploring fish. One o'clock + came, then two; the captain gloomed and chafed, as he held to the coaming + of the house, and if ever I saw dormant murder in man's eye, it was in + his. God help the hand that should have disobeyed him. + </p> + <p> + Of a sudden, he turned towards the mate, who was doing his trick at the + wheel. + </p> + <p> + “Two points on the port bow,” I heard him say. And he took the + wheel himself. + </p> + <p> + Johnson nodded, wiped his eyes with the back of his wet hand, watched a + chance as the vessel lunged up hill, and got to the main rigging, where he + swarmed aloft. Up and up, I watched him go, hanging on at every ugly + plunge, gaining with every lull of the schooner's movement, until, + clambering into the cross-trees and clinging with one arm around the + masts, I could see him take one comprehensive sweep of the southwesterly + horizon. The next moment, he had slid down the backstay and stood on deck, + with a grin, a nod, and a gesture of the finger that said “yes”; + the next again, and he was back sweating and squirming at the wheel, his + tired face streaming and smiling, and his hair and the rags and corners of + his clothes lashing round him in the wind. + </p> + <p> + Nares went below, fetched up his binocular, and fell into a silent perusal + of the sea-line; I also, with my unaided eyesight. Little by little, in + that white waste of water, I began to make out a quarter where the + whiteness appeared more condensed: the sky above was whitish likewise, and + misty like a squall; and little by little there thrilled upon my ears a + note deeper and more terrible than the yelling of the gale—the long, + thundering roll of breakers. Nares wiped his night glass on his sleeve and + passed it to me, motioning, as he did so, with his hand. An endless + wilderness of raging billows came and went and danced in the circle of the + glass; now and then a pale corner of sky, or the strong line of the + horizon rugged with the heads of waves; and then of a sudden—come + and gone ere I could fix it, with a swallow's swiftness—one glimpse + of what we had come so far and paid so dear to see: the masts and rigging + of a brig pencilled on heaven, with an ensign streaming at the main, and + the ragged ribbons of a topsail thrashing from the yard. Again and again, + with toilful searching, I recalled that apparition. There was no sign of + any land; the wreck stood between sea and sky, a thing the most isolated I + had ever viewed; but as we drew nearer, I perceived her to be defended by + a line of breakers which drew off on either hand, and marked, indeed, the + nearest segment of the reef. Heavy spray hung over them like a smoke, some + hundred feet into the air; and the sound of their consecutive explosions + rolled like a cannonade. + </p> + <p> + In half an hour we were close in; for perhaps as long again, we skirted + that formidable barrier toward its farther side; and presently the sea + began insensibly to moderate and the ship to go more sweetly. We had + gained the lee of the island as (for form's sake) I may call that ring of + foam and haze and thunder; and shaking out a reef, wore ship and headed + for the passage. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. THE ISLAND AND THE WRECK. + </h2> + <p> + All hands were filled with joy. It was betrayed in their alacrity and easy + faces: Johnson smiling broadly at the wheel, Nares studying the sketch + chart of the island with an eye at peace, and the hands clustered forward, + eagerly talking and pointing: so manifest was our escape, so wonderful the + attraction of a single foot of earth after so many suns had set and risen + on an empty sea. To add to the relief, besides, by one of those malicious + coincidences which suggest for fate the image of an underbred and grinning + schoolboy, we had no sooner worn ship than the wind began to abate. + </p> + <p> + For myself, however, I did but exchange anxieties. I was no sooner out of + one fear than I fell upon another; no sooner secure that I should myself + make the intended haven, than I began to be convinced that Trent was there + before me. I climbed into the rigging, stood on the board, and eagerly + scanned that ring of coral reef and bursting breaker, and the blue lagoon + which they enclosed. The two islets within began to show plainly—Middle + Brooks and Lower Brooks Island, the Directory named them: two low, + bush-covered, rolling strips of sand, each with glittering beaches, each + perhaps a mile or a mile and a half in length, running east and west, and + divided by a narrow channel. Over these, innumerable as maggots, there + hovered, chattered, screamed and clanged, millions of twinkling sea-birds: + white and black; the black by far the largest. With singular + scintillations, this vortex of winged life swayed to and fro in the strong + sunshine, whirled continually through itself, and would now and again + burst asunder and scatter as wide as the lagoon: so that I was + irresistibly reminded of what I had read of nebular convulsions. A thin + cloud overspread the area of the reef and the adjacent sea—the dust, + as I could not but fancy, of earlier explosions. And a little apart, there + was yet another focus of centrifugal and centripetal flight, where, hard + by the deafening line of breakers, her sails (all but the tattered + topsail) snugly furled down, and the red rag that marks Old England on the + seas beating, union down, at the main—the Flying Scud, the fruit of + so many toilers, a recollection in so many lives of men, whose tall spars + had been mirrored in the remotest corners of the sea—lay stationary + at last and forever, in the first stage of naval dissolution. Towards her, + the taut Norah Creina, vulture-wise, wriggled to windward: come from so + far to pick her bones. And, look as I pleased, there was no other presence + of man or of man's handiwork; no Honolulu schooner lay there crowded with + armed rivals, no smoke rose from the fire at which I fancied Trent cooking + a meal of sea-birds. It seemed, after all, we were in time, and I drew a + mighty breath. + </p> + <p> + I had not arrived at this reviving certainty before the breakers were + already close aboard, the leadsman at his station, and the captain posted + in the fore cross-trees to con us through the coral lumps of the lagoon. + All circumstances were in our favour, the light behind, the sun low, the + wind still fresh and steady, and the tide about the turn. A moment later + we shot at racing speed betwixt two pier heads of broken water; the lead + began to be cast, the captain to bawl down his anxious directions, the + schooner to tack and dodge among the scattered dangers of the lagoon; and + at one bell in the first dog watch, we had come to our anchor off the + north-east end of Middle Brooks Island, in five fathoms water. The sails + were gasketted and covered, the boats emptied of the miscellaneous stores + and odds and ends of sea-furniture, that accumulate in the course of a + voyage, the kedge sent ashore, and the decks tidied down: a good + three-quarters of an hour's work, during which I raged about the deck like + a man with a strong toothache. The transition from the wild sea to the + comparative immobility of the lagoon had wrought strange distress among my + nerves: I could not hold still whether in hand or foot; the slowness of + the men, tired as dogs after our rough experience outside, irritated me + like something personal; and the irrational screaming of the sea-birds + saddened me like a dirge. It was a relief when, with Nares, and a couple + of hands, I might drop into the boat and move off at last for the Flying + Scud. + </p> + <p> + “She looks kind of pitiful, don't she?” observed the captain, + nodding towards the wreck, from which we were separated by some half a + mile. “Looks as if she didn't like her berth, and Captain Trent had + used her badly. Give her ginger, boys!” he added to the hands, + “and you can all have shore liberty to-night to see the birds and + paint the town red.” + </p> + <p> + We all laughed at the pleasantry, and the boat skimmed the faster over the + rippling face of the lagoon. The Flying Scud would have seemed small + enough beside the wharves of San Francisco, but she was some thrice the + size of the Norah Creina, which had been so long our continent; and as we + craned up at her wall-sides, she impressed us with a mountain magnitude. + She lay head to the reef, where the huge blue wall of the rollers was for + ever ranging up and crumbling down; and to gain her starboard side, we + must pass below the stern. The rudder was hard aport, and we could read + the legend: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + FLYING SCUD + + HULL +</pre> + <p> + On the other side, about the break of the poop, some half a fathom of rope + ladder trailed over the rail, and by this we made our entrance. + </p> + <p> + She was a roomy ship inside, with a raised poop standing some three feet + higher than the deck, and a small forward house, for the men's bunks and + the galley, just abaft the foremast. There was one boat on the house, and + another and larger one, in beds on deck, on either hand of it. She had + been painted white, with tropical economy, outside and in; and we found, + later on, that the stanchions of the rail, hoops of the scuttle but, etc., + were picked out with green. At that time, however, when we first stepped + aboard, all was hidden under the droppings of innumerable sea-birds. + </p> + <p> + The birds themselves gyrated and screamed meanwhile among the rigging; and + when we looked into the galley, their outrush drove us back. + Savage-looking fowl they were, savagely beaked, and some of the black ones + great as eagles. Half-buried in the slush, we were aware of a litter of + kegs in the waist; and these, on being somewhat cleaned, proved to be + water beakers and quarter casks of mess beef with some colonial brand, + doubtless collected there before the Tempest hove in sight, and while + Trent and his men had no better expectation than to strike for Honolulu in + the boats. Nothing else was notable on deck, save where the loose topsail + had played some havoc with the rigging, and there hung, and swayed, and + sang in the declining wind, a raffle of intorted cordage. + </p> + <p> + With a shyness that was almost awe, Nares and I descended the companion. + The stair turned upon itself and landed us just forward of a thwart-ship + bulkhead that cut the poop in two. The fore part formed a kind of + miscellaneous store-room, with a double-bunked division for the cook (as + Nares supposed) and second mate. The after part contained, in the midst, + the main cabin, running in a kind of bow into the curvature of the stern; + on the port side, a pantry opening forward and a stateroom for the mate; + and on the starboard, the captain's berth and water-closet. Into these we + did but glance: the main cabin holding us. It was dark, for the sea-birds + had obscured the skylight with their droppings; it smelt rank and fusty; + and it was beset with a loud swarm of flies that beat continually in our + faces. Supposing them close attendants upon man and his broken meat, I + marvelled how they had found their way to Midway reef; it was sure at + least some vessel must have brought them, and that long ago, for they had + multiplied exceedingly. Part of the floor was strewn with a confusion of + clothes, books, nautical instruments, odds and ends of finery, and such + trash as might be expected from the turning out of several seamen's + chests, upon a sudden emergency and after a long cruise. It was strange in + that dim cabin, quivering with the near thunder of the breakers and + pierced with the screaming of the fowls, to turn over so many things that + other men had coveted, and prized, and worn on their warm bodies—frayed + old underclothing, pyjamas of strange design, duck suits in every stage of + rustiness, oil skins, pilot coats, bottles of scent, embroidered shirts, + jackets of Ponjee silk—clothes for the night watch at sea or the day + ashore in the hotel verandah; and mingled among these, books, cigars, + fancy pipes, quantities of tobacco, many keys, a rusty pistol, and a + sprinkling of cheap curiosities—Benares brass, Chinese jars and + pictures, and bottles of odd shells in cotton, each designed no doubt for + somebody at home—perhaps in Hull, of which Trent had been a native + and his ship a citizen. + </p> + <p> + Thence we turned our attention to the table, which stood spread, as if for + a meal, with stout ship's crockery and the remains of food—a pot of + marmalade, dregs of coffee in the mugs, unrecognisable remains of foods, + bread, some toast, and a tin of condensed milk. The table-cloth, + originally of a red colour, was stained a dark brown at the captain's end, + apparently with coffee; at the other end, it had been folded back, and a + pen and ink-pot stood on the bare table. Stools were here and there about + the table, irregularly placed, as though the meal had been finished and + the men smoking and chatting; and one of the stools lay on the floor, + broken. + </p> + <p> + “See! they were writing up the log,” said Nares, pointing to + the ink-bottle. “Caught napping, as usual. I wonder if there ever + was a captain yet, that lost a ship with his log-book up to date? He + generally has about a month to fill up on a clean break, like Charles + Dickens and his serial novels.—What a regular, lime-juicer spread!” + he added contemptuously. “Marmalade—and toast for the old man! + Nasty, slovenly pigs!” + </p> + <p> + There was something in this criticism of the absent that jarred upon my + feelings. I had no love indeed for Captain Trent or any of his vanished + gang; but the desertion and decay of this once habitable cabin struck me + hard: the death of man's handiwork is melancholy like the death of man + himself; and I was impressed with an involuntary and irrational sense of + tragedy in my surroundings. + </p> + <p> + “This sickens me,” I said. “Let's go on deck and + breathe.” + </p> + <p> + The captain nodded. “It IS kind of lonely, isn't it?” he said. + “But I can't go up till I get the code signals. I want to run up + 'Got Left' or something, just to brighten up this island home. Captain + Trent hasn't been here yet, but he'll drop in before long; and it'll cheer + him up to see a signal on the brig.” + </p> + <p> + “Isn't there some official expression we could use?” I asked, + vastly taken by the fancy. “'Sold for the benefit of the + underwriters: for further particulars, apply to J. Pinkerton, Montana + Block, S.F.'” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” returned Nares, “I won't say but what an old + navy quartermaster might telegraph all that, if you gave him a day to do + it in and a pound of tobacco for himself. But it's above my register. I + must try something short and sweet: KB, urgent signal, 'Heave all aback'; + or LM, urgent, 'The berth you're now in is not safe'; or what do you say + to PQH?—'Tell my owners the ship answers remarkably well.'” + </p> + <p> + “It's premature,” I replied; “but it seems calculated to + give pain to Trent. PQH for me.” + </p> + <p> + The flags were found in Trent's cabin, neatly stored behind a lettered + grating; Nares chose what he required and (I following) returned on deck, + where the sun had already dipped, and the dusk was coming. + </p> + <p> + “Here! don't touch that, you fool!” shouted the captain to one + of the hands, who was drinking from the scuttle but. “That water's + rotten!” + </p> + <p> + “Beg pardon, sir,” replied the man. “Tastes quite sweet.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see,” returned Nares, and he took the dipper and held + it to his lips. “Yes, it's all right,” he said. “Must + have rotted and come sweet again. Queer, isn't it, Mr. Dodd? Though I've + known the same on a Cape Horner.” + </p> + <p> + There was something in his intonation that made me look him in the face; + he stood a little on tiptoe to look right and left about the ship, like a + man filled with curiosity, and his whole expression and bearing testified + to some suppressed excitement. + </p> + <p> + “You don't believe what you're saying!” I broke out. + </p> + <p> + “O, I don't know but what I do!” he replied, laying a hand + upon me soothingly. “The thing's very possible. Only, I'm bothered + about something else.” + </p> + <p> + And with that he called a hand, gave him the code flags, and stepped + himself to the main signal halliards, which vibrated under the weight of + the ensign overhead. A minute later, the American colours, which we had + brought in the boat, replaced the English red, and PQH was fluttering at + the fore. + </p> + <p> + “Now, then,” said Nares, who had watched the breaking out of + his signal with the old-maidish particularity of an American sailor, + “out with those handspikes, and let's see what water there is in the + lagoon.” + </p> + <p> + The bars were shoved home; the barbarous cacophony of the clanking pump + rose in the waist; and streams of ill-smelling water gushed on deck and + made valleys in the slab guano. Nares leaned on the rail, watching the + steady stream of bilge as though he found some interest in it. + </p> + <p> + “What is it that bothers you?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell you one thing shortly,” he replied. “But + here's another. Do you see those boats there, one on the house and two on + the beds? Well, where is the boat Trent lowered when he lost the hands?” + </p> + <p> + “Got it aboard again, I suppose,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you'll tell me why!” returned the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Then it must have been another,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “She might have carried another on the main hatch, I won't deny,” + admitted Nares; “but I can't see what she wanted with it, unless it + was for the old man to go out and play the accordion in, on moonlight + nights.” + </p> + <p> + “It can't much matter, anyway,” I reflected. + </p> + <p> + “O, I don't suppose it does,” said he, glancing over his + shoulder at the spouting of the scuppers. + </p> + <p> + “And how long are we to keep up this racket?” I asked. “We're + simply pumping up the lagoon. Captain Trent himself said she had settled + down and was full forward.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he?” said Nares, with a significant dryness. And almost + as he spoke the pumps sucked, and sucked again, and the men threw down + their bars. “There, what do you make of that?” he asked. + “Now, I'll tell, Mr. Dodd,” he went on, lowering his voice, + but not shifting from his easy attitude against the rail, “this ship + is as sound as the Norah Creina. I had a guess of it before we came + aboard, and now I know.” + </p> + <p> + “It's not possible!” I cried. “What do you make of + Trent?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't make anything of Trent; I don't know whether he's a liar or + only an old wife; I simply tell you what's the fact,” said Nares. + “And I'll tell you something more,” he added: “I've + taken the ground myself in deep-water vessels; I know what I'm saying; and + I say that, when she first struck and before she bedded down, seven or + eight hours' work would have got this hooker off, and there's no man that + ever went two years to sea but must have known it.” + </p> + <p> + I could only utter an exclamation. + </p> + <p> + Nares raised his finger warningly. “Don't let THEM get hold of it,” + said he. “Think what you like, but say nothing.” + </p> + <p> + I glanced round; the dusk was melting into early night; the twinkle of a + lantern marked the schooner's position in the distance; and our men, free + from further labour, stood grouped together in the waist, their faces + illuminated by their glowing pipes. + </p> + <p> + “Why didn't Trent get her off?” inquired the captain. “Why + did he want to buy her back in 'Frisco for these fabulous sums, when he + might have sailed her into the bay himself?” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he never knew her value until then,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “I wish we knew her value now,” exclaimed Nares. “However, + I don't want to depress you; I'm sorry for you, Mr. Dodd; I know how + bothering it must be to you; and the best I can say's this: I haven't + taken much time getting down, and now I'm here I mean to work this thing + in proper style. I just want to put your mind at rest: you shall have no + trouble with me.” + </p> + <p> + There was something trusty and friendly in his voice; and I found myself + gripping hands with him, in that hard, short shake that means so much with + English-speaking people. + </p> + <p> + “We'll do, old fellow,” said he. “We've shaken down into + pretty good friends, you and me; and you won't find me working the + business any the less hard for that. And now let's scoot for supper.” + </p> + <p> + After supper, with the idle curiosity of the seafarer, we pulled ashore in + a fine moonlight, and landed on Middle Brook's Island. A flat beach + surrounded it upon all sides; and the midst was occupied by a thicket of + bushes, the highest of them scarcely five feet high, in which the sea-fowl + lived. Through this we tried at first to strike; but it were easier to + cross Trafalgar Square on a day of demonstration than to invade these + haunts of sleeping sea-birds. The nests sank, and the eggs burst under + footing; wings beat in our faces, beaks menaced our eyes, our minds were + confounded with the screeching, and the coil spread over the island and + mounted high into the air. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we'll saunter round the beach,” said Nares, when we + had made good our retreat. + </p> + <p> + The hands were all busy after sea-birds' eggs, so there were none to + follow us. Our way lay on the crisp sand by the margin of the water: on + one side, the thicket from which we had been dislodged; on the other, the + face of the lagoon, barred with a broad path of moonlight, and beyond + that, the line, alternately dark and shining, alternately hove high and + fallen prone, of the external breakers. The beach was strewn with bits of + wreck and drift: some redwood and spruce logs, no less than two lower + masts of junks, and the stern-post of a European ship; all of which we + looked on with a shade of serious concern, speaking of the dangers of the + sea and the hard case of castaways. In this sober vein we made the greater + part of the circuit of the island; had a near view of its neighbour from + the southern end; walked the whole length of the westerly side in the + shadow of the thicket; and came forth again into the moonlight at the + opposite extremity. + </p> + <p> + On our right, at the distance of about half a mile, the schooner lay + faintly heaving at her anchors. About half a mile down the beach, at a + spot still hidden from us by the thicket, an upboiling of the birds showed + where the men were still (with sailor-like insatiability) collecting eggs. + And right before us, in a small indentation of the sand, we were aware of + a boat lying high and dry, and right side up. + </p> + <p> + Nares crouched back into the shadow of the bushes. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil's this?” he whispered. + </p> + <p> + “Trent,” I suggested, with a beating heart. + </p> + <p> + “We were damned fools to come ashore unarmed,” said he. + “But I've got to know where I stand.” In the shadow, his face + looked conspicuously white, and his voice betrayed a strong excitement. He + took his boat's whistle from his pocket. “In case I might want to + play a tune,” said he, grimly, and thrusting it between his teeth, + advanced into the moonlit open; which we crossed with rapid steps, looking + guiltily about us as we went. Not a leaf stirred; and the boat, when we + came up to it, offered convincing proof of long desertion. She was an + eighteen-foot whaleboat of the ordinary type, equipped with oars and + thole-pins. Two or three quarter-casks lay on the bilge amidships, one of + which must have been broached, and now stank horribly; and these, upon + examination, proved to bear the same New Zealand brand as the beef on + board the wreck. + </p> + <p> + “Well, here's the boat,” said I; “here's one of your + difficulties cleared away.” + </p> + <p> + “H'm,” said he. There was a little water in the bilge, and + here he stooped and tasted it. + </p> + <p> + “Fresh,” he said. “Only rain-water.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't object to that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, what ails you?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “In plain United States, Mr. Dodd,” he returned, “a + whaleboat, five ash sweeps, and a barrel of stinking pork.” + </p> + <p> + “Or, in other words, the whole thing?” I commented. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's this way,” he condescended to explain. “I've + no use for a fourth boat at all; but a boat of this model tops the + business. I don't say the type's not common in these waters; it's as + common as dirt; the traders carry them for surf-boats. But the Flying + Scud? a deep-water tramp, who was lime-juicing around between big ports, + Calcutta and Rangoon and 'Frisco and the Canton River? No, I don't see it.” + </p> + <p> + We were leaning over the gunwale of the boat as we spoke. The captain + stood nearest the bow, and he was idly playing with the trailing painter, + when a thought arrested him. He hauled the line in hand over hand, and + stared, and remained staring, at the end. + </p> + <p> + “Anything wrong with it?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know, Mr. Dodd,” said he, in a queer voice, “this + painter's been cut? A sailor always seizes a rope's end, but this is + sliced short off with the cold steel. This won't do at all for the men,” + he added. “Just stand by till I fix it up more natural.” + </p> + <p> + “Any guess what it all means?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it means one thing,” said he. “It means Trent was + a liar. I guess the story of the Flying Scud was a sight more picturesque + than he gave out.” + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later, the whaleboat was lying astern of the Norah Creina; + and Nares and I sought our bunks, silent and half-bewildered by our late + discoveries. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. THE CABIN OF THE “FLYING SCUD.” + </h2> + <p> + The sun of the morrow had not cleared the morning bank: the lake of the + lagoon, the islets, and the wall of breakers now beginning to subside, + still lay clearly pictured in the flushed obscurity of early day, when we + stepped again upon the deck of the Flying Scud: Nares, myself, the mate, + two of the hands, and one dozen bright, virgin axes, in war against that + massive structure. I think we all drew pleasurable breath; so profound in + man is the instinct of destruction, so engaging is the interest of the + chase. For we were now about to taste, in a supreme degree, the double + joys of demolishing a toy and playing “Hide the handkerchief”: + sports from which we had all perhaps desisted since the days of infancy. + And the toy we were to burst in pieces was a deep-sea ship; and the hidden + good for which we were to hunt was a prodigious fortune. + </p> + <p> + The decks were washed down, the main hatch removed, and a gun-tackle + purchase rigged before the boat arrived with breakfast. I had grown so + suspicious of the wreck, that it was a positive relief to me to look down + into the hold, and see it full, or nearly full, of undeniable rice packed + in the Chinese fashion in boluses of matting. Breakfast over, Johnson and + the hands turned to upon the cargo; while Nares and I, having smashed open + the skylight and rigged up a windsail on deck, began the work of rummaging + the cabins. + </p> + <p> + I must not be expected to describe our first day's work, or (for that + matter) any of the rest, in order and detail as it occurred. Such + particularity might have been possible for several officers and a draft of + men from a ship of war, accompanied by an experienced secretary with a + knowledge of shorthand. For two plain human beings, unaccustomed to the + use of the broad-axe and consumed with an impatient greed of the result, + the whole business melts, in the retrospect, into a nightmare of exertion, + heat, hurry, and bewilderment; sweat pouring from the face like rain, the + scurry of rats, the choking exhalations of the bilge, and the throbs and + splinterings of the toiling axes. I shall content myself with giving the + cream of our discoveries in a logical rather than a temporal order; though + the two indeed practically coincided, and we had finished our exploration + of the cabin, before we could be certain of the nature of the cargo. + </p> + <p> + Nares and I began operations by tossing up pell-mell through the + companion, and piling in a squalid heap about the wheel, all clothes, + personal effects, the crockery, the carpet, stale victuals, tins of meat, + and in a word, all movables from the main cabin. Thence, we transferred + our attention to the captain's quarters on the starboard side. Using the + blankets for a basket, we sent up the books, instruments, and clothes to + swell our growing midden on the deck; and then Nares, going on hands and + knees, began to forage underneath the bed. Box after box of Manilla cigars + rewarded his search. I took occasion to smash some of these boxes open, + and even to guillotine the bundles of cigars; but quite in vain—no + secret cache of opium encouraged me to continue. + </p> + <p> + “I guess I've got hold of the dicky now!” exclaimed Nares, and + turning round from my perquisitions, I found he had drawn forth a heavy + iron box, secured to the bulkhead by chain and padlock. On this he was now + gazing, not with the triumph that instantly inflamed my own bosom, but + with a somewhat foolish appearance of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “By George, we have it now!” I cried, and would have shaken + hands with my companion; but he did not see, or would not accept, the + salutation. + </p> + <p> + “Let's see what's in it first,” he remarked dryly. And he + adjusted the box upon its side, and with some blows of an axe burst the + lock open. I threw myself beside him, as he replaced the box on its bottom + and removed the lid. I cannot tell what I expected; a million's worth of + diamonds might perhaps have pleased me; my cheeks burned, my heart + throbbed to bursting; and lo! there was disclosed but a trayful of papers, + neatly taped, and a cheque-book of the customary pattern. I made a snatch + at the tray to see what was beneath; but the captain's hand fell on mine, + heavy and hard. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boss!” he cried, not unkindly, “is this to be run + shipshape? or is it a Dutch grab-racket?” + </p> + <p> + And he proceeded to untie and run over the contents of the papers, with a + serious face and what seemed an ostentation of delay. Me and my impatience + it would appear he had forgotten; for when he was quite done, he sat a + while thinking, whistled a bar or two, refolded the papers, tied them up + again; and then, and not before, deliberately raised the tray. + </p> + <p> + I saw a cigar-box, tied with a piece of fishing-line, and four fat + canvas-bags. Nares whipped out his knife, cut the line, and opened the + box. It was about half full of sovereigns. + </p> + <p> + “And the bags?” I whispered. + </p> + <p> + The captain ripped them open one by one, and a flood of mixed silver coin + burst forth and rattled in the rusty bottom of the box. Without a word, he + set to work to count the gold. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It's the ship's money,” he returned, doggedly continuing his + work. + </p> + <p> + “The ship's money?” I repeated. “That's the money Trent + tramped and traded with? And there's his cheque-book to draw upon his + owners? And he has left it?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess he has,” said Nares, austerely, jotting down a note + of the gold; and I was abashed into silence till his task should be + completed. + </p> + <p> + It came, I think, to three hundred and seventy-eight pounds sterling; some + nineteen pounds of it in silver: all of which we turned again into the + chest. + </p> + <p> + “And what do you think of that?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dodd,” he replied, “you see something of the + rumness of this job, but not the whole. The specie bothers you, but what + gets me is the papers. Are you aware that the master of a ship has charge + of all the cash in hand, pays the men advances, receives freight and + passage money, and runs up bills in every port? All this he does as the + owner's confidential agent, and his integrity is proved by his receipted + bills. I tell you, the captain of a ship is more likely to forget his + pants than these bills which guarantee his character. I've known men drown + to save them: bad men, too; but this is the shipmaster's honour. And here + this Captain Trent—not hurried, not threatened with anything but a + free passage in a British man-of-war—has left them all behind! I + don't want to express myself too strongly, because the facts appear + against me, but the thing is impossible.” + </p> + <p> + Dinner came to us not long after, and we ate it on deck, in a grim + silence, each privately racking his brain for some solution of the + mysteries. I was indeed so swallowed up in these considerations, that the + wreck, the lagoon, the islets, and the strident sea-fowl, the strong sun + then beating on my head, and even the gloomy countenance of the captain at + my elbow, all vanished from the field of consciousness. My mind was a + blackboard, on which I scrawled and blotted out hypotheses; comparing each + with the pictorial records in my memory: cyphering with pictures. In the + course of this tense mental exercise I recalled and studied the faces of + one memorial masterpiece, the scene of the saloon; and here I found + myself, on a sudden, looking in the eyes of the Kanaka. + </p> + <p> + “There's one thing I can put beyond doubt, at all events,” I + cried, relinquishing my dinner and getting briskly afoot. “There was + that Kanaka I saw in the bar with Captain Trent, the fellow the newspapers + and ship's articles made out to be a Chinaman. I mean to rout his quarters + out and settle that.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Nares. “I'll lazy off a bit longer, + Mr. Dodd; I feel pretty rocky and mean.” + </p> + <p> + We had thoroughly cleared out the three after-compartments of the ship: + all the stuff from the main cabin and the mate's and captain's quarters + lay piled about the wheel; but in the forward stateroom with the two + bunks, where Nares had said the mate and cook most likely berthed, we had + as yet done nothing. Thither I went. It was very bare; a few photographs + were tacked on the bulkhead, one of them indecent; a single chest stood + open, and, like all we had yet found, it had been partly rifled. An armful + of two-shilling novels proved to me beyond a doubt it was a European's; no + Chinaman would have possessed any, and the most literate Kanaka + conceivable in a ship's galley was not likely to have gone beyond one. It + was plain, then, that the cook had not berthed aft, and I must look + elsewhere. + </p> + <p> + The men had stamped down the nests and driven the birds from the galley, + so that I could now enter without contest. One door had been already + blocked with rice; the place was in part darkness, full of a foul stale + smell, and a cloud of nasty flies; it had been left, besides, in some + disorder, or else the birds, during their time of tenancy, had knocked the + things about; and the floor, like the deck before we washed it, was spread + with pasty filth. Against the wall, in the far corner, I found a handsome + chest of camphor-wood bound with brass, such as Chinamen and sailors love, + and indeed all of mankind that plies in the Pacific. From its outside view + I could thus make no deduction; and, strange to say, the interior was + concealed. All the other chests, as I have said already, we had found + gaping open, and their contents scattered abroad; the same remark we found + to apply afterwards in the quarters of the seamen; only this camphor-wood + chest, a singular exception, was both closed and locked. + </p> + <p> + I took an axe to it, readily forced the paltry Chinese fastening, and, + like a Custom-House officer, plunged my hands among the contents. For some + while I groped among linen and cotton. Then my teeth were set on edge with + silk, of which I drew forth several strips covered with mysterious + characters. And these settled the business, for I recognised them as a + kind of bed-hanging popular with the commoner class of the Chinese. Nor + were further evidences wanting, such as night-clothes of an extraordinary + design, a three-stringed Chinese fiddle, a silk handkerchief full of roots + and herbs, and a neat apparatus for smoking opium, with a liberal + provision of the drug. Plainly, then, the cook had been a Chinaman; and, + if so, who was Jos. Amalu? Or had Jos. stolen the chest before he + proceeded to ship under a false name and domicile? It was possible, as + anything was possible in such a welter; but, regarded as a solution, it + only led and left me deeper in the bog. For why should this chest have + been deserted and neglected, when the others were rummaged or removed? and + where had Jos. come by that second chest, with which (according to the + clerk at the What Cheer) he had started for Honolulu? + </p> + <p> + “And how have YOU fared?” inquired the captain, whom I found + luxuriously reclining in our mound of litter. And the accent on the + pronoun, the heightened colour of the speaker's face, and the contained + excitement in his tones, advertised me at once that I had not been alone + to make discoveries. + </p> + <p> + “I have found a Chinaman's chest in the galley,” said I, + “and John (if there was any John) was not so much as at the pains to + take his opium.” + </p> + <p> + Nares seemed to take it mighty quietly. “That so?” said he. + “Now, cast your eyes on that and own you're beaten!” And with + a formidable clap of his open hand he flattened out before me, on the + deck, a pair of newspapers. + </p> + <p> + I gazed upon them dully, being in no mood for fresh discoveries. + </p> + <p> + “Look at them, Mr. Dodd,” cried the captain sharply. “Can't + you look at them?” And he ran a dirty thumb along the title. “'<i>Sydney + Morning Herald</i>, November 26th,' can't you make that out?” he + cried, with rising energy. “And don't you know, sir, that not + thirteen days after this paper appeared in New South Pole, this ship we're + standing in heaved her blessed anchors out of China? How did the <i>Sydney + Morning Herald</i> get to Hong Kong in thirteen days? Trent made no land, + he spoke no ship, till he got here. Then he either got it here or in Hong + Kong. I give you your choice, my son!” he cried, and fell back among + the clothes like a man weary of life. + </p> + <p> + “Where did you find them?” I asked. “In that black bag?” + </p> + <p> + “Guess so,” he said. “You needn't fool with it. There's + nothing else but a lead-pencil and a kind of worked-out knife.” + </p> + <p> + I looked in the bag, however, and was well rewarded. + </p> + <p> + “Every man to his trade, captain,” said I. “You're a + sailor, and you've given me plenty of points; but I am an artist, and + allow me to inform you this is quite as strange as all the rest. The knife + is a palette-knife; the pencil a Winsor and Newton, and a B B B at that. A + palette-knife and a B B B on a tramp brig! It's against the laws of + nature.” + </p> + <p> + “It would sicken a dog, wouldn't it?” said Nares. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I continued, “it's been used by an artist, too: + see how it's sharpened—not for writing—no man could write with + that. An artist, and straight from Sydney? How can he come in?” + </p> + <p> + “O, that's natural enough,” sneered Nares. “They cabled + him to come up and illustrate this dime novel.” + </p> + <p> + We fell a while silent. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” I said at last, “there is something deuced + underhand about this brig. You tell me you've been to sea a good part of + your life. You must have seen shady things done on ships, and heard of + more. Well, what is this? is it insurance? is it piracy? what is it ABOUT? + what can it be for?” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dodd,” returned Nares, “you're right about me + having been to sea the bigger part of my life. And you're right again when + you think I know a good many ways in which a dishonest captain mayn't be + on the square, nor do exactly the right thing by his owners, and + altogether be just a little too smart by ninety-nine and three-quarters. + There's a good many ways, but not so many as you'd think; and not one that + has any mortal thing to do with Trent. Trent and his whole racket has got + to do with nothing—that's the bed-rock fact; there's no sense to it, + and no use in it, and no story to it: it's a beastly dream. And don't you + run away with that notion that landsmen take about ships. A society + actress don't go around more publicly than what a ship does, nor is more + interviewed, nor more humbugged, nor more run after by all sorts of little + fussinesses in brass buttons. And more than an actress, a ship has a deal + to lose; she's capital, and the actress only character—if she's + that. The ports of the world are thick with people ready to kick a captain + into the penitentiary if he's not as bright as a dollar and as honest as + the morning star; and what with Lloyd keeping watch and watch in every + corner of the three oceans, and the insurance leeches, and the consuls, + and the customs bugs, and the medicos, you can only get the idea by + thinking of a landsman watched by a hundred and fifty detectives, or a + stranger in a village Down East.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but at sea?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “You make me tired,” retorted the captain. “What's the + use—at sea? Everything's got to come to bearings at some port, + hasn't it? You can't stop at sea for ever, can you?—No; the Flying + Scud is rubbish; if it meant anything, it would have to mean something so + almighty intricate that James G. Blaine hasn't got the brains to engineer + it; and I vote for more axeing, pioneering, and opening up the resources + of this phenomenal brig, and less general fuss,” he added, arising. + “The dime-museum symptoms will drop in of themselves, I guess, to + keep us cheery.” + </p> + <p> + But it appeared we were at the end of discoveries for the day; and we left + the brig about sundown, without being further puzzled or further + enlightened. The best of the cabin spoils—books, instruments, + papers, silks, and curiosities—we carried along with us in a + blanket, however, to divert the evening hours; and when supper was over, + and the table cleared, and Johnson set down to a dreary game of cribbage + between his right hand and his left, the captain and I turned out our + blanket on the floor, and sat side by side to examine and appraise the + spoils. + </p> + <p> + The books were the first to engage our notice. These were rather numerous + (as Nares contemptuously put it) “for a lime-juicer.” Scorn of + the British mercantile marine glows in the breast of every Yankee merchant + captain; as the scorn is not reciprocated, I can only suppose it justified + in fact; and certainly the old country mariner appears of a less studious + disposition. The more credit to the officers of the Flying Scud, who had + quite a library, both literary and professional. There were Findlay's five + directories of the world—all broken-backed, as is usual with + Findlay, and all marked and scribbled over with corrections and additions—several + books of navigation, a signal code, and an Admiralty book of a sort of + orange hue, called <i>Islands of the Eastern Pacific Ocean, Vol. III.</i>, + which appeared from its imprint to be the latest authority, and showed + marks of frequent consultation in the passages about the French Frigate + Shoals, the Harman, Cure, Pearl, and Hermes reefs, Lisiansky Island, Ocean + Island, and the place where we then lay—Brooks or Midway. A volume + of Macaulay's <i>Essays</i> and a shilling Shakespeare led the van of the + belles lettres; the rest were novels: several Miss Braddons—of + course, <i>Aurora Floyd</i>, which has penetrated to every isle of the + Pacific, a good many cheap detective books, <i>Rob Roy</i>, Auerbach's <i>Auf + der Hohe</i> in the German, and a prize temperance story, pillaged (to + judge by the stamp) from an Anglo-Indian circulating library. + </p> + <p> + “The Admiralty man gives a fine picture of our island,” + remarked Nares, who had turned up Midway Island. “He draws the + dreariness rather mild, but you can make out he knows the place.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” I cried, “you've struck another point in this + mad business. See here,” I went on eagerly, drawing from my pocket a + crumpled fragment of the <i>Daily Occidental</i> which I had inherited + from Jim: “'misled by Hoyt's Pacific Directory'? Where's Hoyt?” + </p> + <p> + “Let's look into that,” said Nares. “I got that book on + purpose for this cruise.” Therewith he fetched it from the shelf in + his berth, turned to Midway Island, and read the account aloud. It stated + with precision that the Pacific Mail Company were about to form a depot + there, in preference to Honolulu, and that they had already a station on + the island. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder who gives these Directory men their information,” + Nares reflected. “Nobody can blame Trent after that. I never got in + company with squarer lying; it reminds a man of a presidential campaign.” + </p> + <p> + “All very well,” said I. “That's your Hoyt, and a fine, + tall copy. But what I want to know is, where is Trent's Hoyt?” + </p> + <p> + “Took it with him,” chuckled Nares. “He had left + everything else, bills and money and all the rest; he was bound to take + something, or it would have aroused attention on the Tempest: 'Happy + thought,' says he, 'let's take Hoyt.'” + </p> + <p> + “And has it not occurred to you,” I went on, “that all + the Hoyts in creation couldn't have misled Trent, since he had in his hand + that red admiralty book, an official publication, later in date, and + particularly full on Midway Island?” + </p> + <p> + “That's a fact!” cried Nares; “and I bet the first Hoyt + he ever saw was out of the mercantile library of San Francisco. Looks as + if he had brought her here on purpose, don't it? But then that's + inconsistent with the steam-crusher of the sale. That's the trouble with + this brig racket; any one can make half a dozen theories for sixty or + seventy per cent of it; but when they're made, there's always a fathom or + two of slack hanging out of the other end.” + </p> + <p> + I believe our attention fell next on the papers, of which we had + altogether a considerable bulk. I had hoped to find among these matter for + a full-length character of Captain Trent; but here I was doomed, on the + whole, to disappointment. We could make out he was an orderly man, for all + his bills were docketed and preserved. That he was convivial, and inclined + to be frugal even in conviviality, several documents proclaimed. Such + letters as we found were, with one exception, arid notes from tradesmen. + The exception, signed Hannah Trent, was a somewhat fervid appeal for a + loan. “You know what misfortunes I have had to bear,” wrote + Hannah, “and how much I am disappointed in George. The landlady + appeared a true friend when I first came here, and I thought her a perfect + lady. But she has come out since then in her true colours; and if you will + not be softened by this last appeal, I can't think what is to become of + your affectionate——” and then the signature. This + document was without place or date, and a voice told me that it had gone + likewise without answer. On the whole, there were few letters anywhere in + the ship; but we found one before we were finished, in a seaman's chest, + of which I must transcribe some sentences. It was dated from some place on + the Clyde. “My dearist son,” it ran, “this is to tell + you your dearist father passed away, Jan twelft, in the peace of the Lord. + He had your photo and dear David's lade upon his bed, made me sit by him. + Let's be a' thegither, he said, and gave you all his blessing. O my dear + laddie, why were nae you and Davie here? He would have had a happier + passage. He spok of both of ye all night most beautiful, and how ye used + to stravaig on the Saturday afternoons, and of auld Kelvinside. Sooth the + tune to me, he said, though it was the Sabbath, and I had to sooth him + Kelvin Grove, and he looked at his fiddle, the dear man. I cannae bear the + sight of it, he'll never play it mair. O my lamb, come home to me, I'm all + by my lane now.” The rest was in a religious vein and quite + conventional. I have never seen any one more put out than Nares, when I + handed him this letter; he had read but a few words, before he cast it + down; it was perhaps a minute ere he picked it up again, and the + performance was repeated the third time before he reached the end. + </p> + <p> + “It's touching, isn't it?” said I. + </p> + <p> + For all answer, Nares exploded in a brutal oath; and it was some half an + hour later that he vouchsafed an explanation. “I'll tell you what + broke me up about that letter,” said he. “My old man played + the fiddle, played it all out of tune: one of the things he played was <i>Martyrdom,</i> + I remember—it was all martyrdom to me. He was a pig of a father, and + I was a pig of a son; but it sort of came over me I would like to hear + that fiddle squeak again. Natural,” he added; “I guess we're + all beasts.” + </p> + <p> + “All sons are, I guess,” said I. “I have the same + trouble on my conscience: we can shake hands on that.” Which (oddly + enough, perhaps) we did. + </p> + <p> + Amongst the papers we found a considerable sprinkling of photographs; for + the most part either of very debonair-looking young ladies or old women of + the lodging-house persuasion. But one among them was the means of our + crowning discovery. + </p> + <p> + “They're not pretty, are they, Mr. Dodd?” said Nares, as he + passed it over. + </p> + <p> + “Who?” I asked, mechanically taking the card (it was a + quarter-plate) in hand, and smothering a yawn; for the hour was late, the + day had been laborious, and I was wearying for bed. + </p> + <p> + “Trent and Company,” said he. “That's a historic picture + of the gang.” + </p> + <p> + I held it to the light, my curiosity at a low ebb: I had seen Captain + Trent once, and had no delight in viewing him again. It was a photograph + of the deck of the brig, taken from forward: all in apple-pie order; the + hands gathered in the waist, the officers on the poop. At the foot of the + card was written “Brig Flying Scud, Rangoon,” and a date; and + above or below each individual figure the name had been carefully noted. + </p> + <p> + As I continued to gaze, a shock went through me; the dimness of sleep and + fatigue lifted from my eyes, as fog lifts in the channel; and I beheld + with startled clearness the photographic presentment of a crowd of + strangers. “J. Trent, Master” at the top of the card directed + me to a smallish, weazened man, with bushy eyebrows and full white beard, + dressed in a frock coat and white trousers; a flower stuck in his + button-hole, his bearded chin set forward, his mouth clenched with + habitual determination. There was not much of the sailor in his looks, but + plenty of the martinet: a dry, precise man, who might pass for a preacher + in some rigid sect; and whatever he was, not the Captain Trent of San + Francisco. The men, too, were all new to me: the cook, an unmistakable + Chinaman, in his characteristic dress, standing apart on the poop steps. + But perhaps I turned on the whole with the greatest curiosity to the + figure labelled “E. Goddedaal, 1st off.” He whom I had never + seen, he might be the identical; he might be the clue and spring of all + this mystery; and I scanned his features with the eye of a detective. He + was of great stature, seemingly blonde as a viking, his hair clustering + round his head in frowsy curls, and two enormous whiskers, like the tusks + of some strange animal, jutting from his cheeks. With these virile + appendages and the defiant attitude in which he stood, the expression of + his face only imperfectly harmonised. It was wild, heroic, and womanish + looking; and I felt I was prepared to hear he was a sentimentalist, and to + see him weep. + </p> + <p> + For some while I digested my discovery in private, reflecting how best, + and how with most of drama, I might share it with the captain. Then my + sketch-book came in my head; and I fished it out from where it lay, with + other miscellaneous possessions, at the foot of my bunk and turned to my + sketch of Captain Trent and the survivors of the British brig Flying Scud + in the San Francisco bar-room. + </p> + <p> + “Nares,” said I, “I've told you how I first saw Captain + Trent in that saloon in 'Frisco? how he came with his men, one of them a + Kanaka with a canary-bird in a cage? and how I saw him afterwards at the + auction, frightened to death, and as much surprised at how the figures + skipped up as anybody there? Well,” said I, “there's the man I + saw”—and I laid the sketch before him—“there's + Trent of 'Frisco and there are his three hands. Find one of them in the + photograph, and I'll be obliged.” + </p> + <p> + Nares compared the two in silence. “Well,” he said at last, + “I call this rather a relief: seems to clear the horizon. We might + have guessed at something of the kind from the double ration of chests + that figured.” + </p> + <p> + “Does it explain anything?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “It would explain everything,” Nares replied, “but for + the steam-crusher. It'll all tally as neat as a patent puzzle, if you + leave out the way these people bid the wreck up. And there we come to a + stone wall. But whatever it is, Mr. Dodd, it's on the crook.” + </p> + <p> + “And looks like piracy,” I added. + </p> + <p> + “Looks like blind hookey!” cried the captain. “No, don't + you deceive yourself; neither your head nor mine is big enough to put a + name on this business.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. THE CARGO OF THE “FLYING SCUD.” + </h2> + <p> + In my early days I was a man, the most wedded to his idols of my + generation. I was a dweller under roofs: the gull of that which we call + civilisation; a superstitious votary of the plastic arts; a cit; and a + prop of restaurants. I had a comrade in those days, somewhat of an + outsider, though he moved in the company of artists, and a man famous in + our small world for gallantry, knee breeches, and dry and pregnant + sayings. He, looking on the long meals and waxing bellies of the French, + whom I confess I somewhat imitated, branded me as “a cultivator of + restaurant fat.” And I believe he had his finger on the dangerous + spot; I believe, if things had gone smooth with me, I should be now + swollen like a prize-ox in body, and fallen in mind to a thing perhaps as + low as many types of bourgeois—the implicit or exclusive artist. + That was a home word of Pinkerton's, deserving to be writ in letters of + gold on the portico of every school of art: “What I can't see is why + you should want to do nothing else.” The dull man is made, not by + the nature, but by the degree of his immersion in a single business. And + all the more if that be sedentary, uneventful, and ingloriously safe. More + than one half of him will then remain unexercised and undeveloped; the + rest will be distended and deformed by over-nutrition, over-cerebration, + and the heat of rooms. And I have often marvelled at the impudence of + gentlemen, who describe and pass judgment on the life of man, in almost + perfect ignorance of all its necessary elements and natural careers. Those + who dwell in clubs and studios may paint excellent pictures or write + enchanting novels. There is one thing that they should not do: they should + pass no judgment on man's destiny, for it is a thing with which they are + unacquainted. Their own life is an excrescence of the moment, doomed, in + the vicissitude of history, to pass and disappear: the eternal life of + man, spent under sun and rain and in rude physical effort, lies upon one + side, scarce changed since the beginning. + </p> + <p> + I would I could have carried along with me to Midway Island all the + writers and the prating artists of my time. Day after day of hope + deferred, of heat, of unremitting toil; night after night of aching limbs, + bruised hands, and a mind obscured with the grateful vacancy of physical + fatigue: the scene, the nature of my employment; the rugged speech and + faces of my fellow-toilers, the glare of the day on deck, the stinking + twilight in the bilge, the shrill myriads of the ocean-fowl: above all, + the sense of our immitigable isolation from the world and from the current + epoch;—keeping another time, some eras old; the new day heralded by + no daily paper, only by the rising sun; and the State, the churches, the + peopled empires, war, and the rumours of war, and the voices of the arts, + all gone silent as in the days ere they were yet invented. Such were the + conditions of my new experience in life, of which (if I had been able) I + would have had all my confreres and contemporaries to partake: forgetting, + for that while, the orthodoxies of the moment, and devoted to a single and + material purpose under the eye of heaven. + </p> + <p> + Of the nature of our task, I must continue to give some summary idea. The + forecastle was lumbered with ship's chandlery, the hold nigh full of rice, + the lazarette crowded with the teas and silks. These must all be dug out; + and that made but a fraction of our task. The hold was ceiled throughout; + a part, where perhaps some delicate cargo was once stored, had been lined, + in addition, with inch boards; and between every beam there was a movable + panel into the bilge. Any of these, the bulkheads of the cabins, the very + timbers of the hull itself, might be the place of hiding. It was therefore + necessary to demolish, as we proceeded, a great part of the ship's inner + skin and fittings, and to auscultate what remained, like a doctor sounding + for a lung disease. Upon the return, from any beam or bulkhead, of a flat + or doubtful sound, we must up axe and hew into the timber: a violent and—from + the amount of dry rot in the wreck—a mortifying exercise. Every + night saw a deeper inroad into the bones of the Flying Scud—more + beams tapped and hewn in splinters, more planking peeled away and tossed + aside—and every night saw us as far as ever from the end and object + of our arduous devastation. In this perpetual disappointment, my courage + did not fail me, but my spirits dwindled; and Nares himself grew silent + and morose. At night, when supper was done, we passed an hour in the + cabin, mostly without speech: I, sometimes dozing over a book; Nares, + sullenly but busily drilling sea-shells with the instrument called a + Yankee Fiddle. A stranger might have supposed we were estranged; as a + matter of fact, in this silent comradeship of labour, our intimacy grew. + </p> + <p> + I had been struck, at the first beginning of our enterprise upon the + wreck, to find the men so ready at the captain's lightest word. I dare not + say they liked, but I can never deny that they admired him thoroughly. A + mild word from his mouth was more valued than flattery and half a dollar + from myself; if he relaxed at all from his habitual attitude of censure, + smiling alacrity surrounded him; and I was led to think his theory of + captainship, even if pushed to excess, reposed upon some ground of reason. + But even terror and admiration of the captain failed us before the end. + The men wearied of the hopeless, unremunerative quest and the long strain + of labour. They began to shirk and grumble. Retribution fell on them at + once, and retribution multiplied the grumblings. With every day it took + harder driving to keep them to the daily drudge; and we, in our narrow + boundaries, were kept conscious every moment of the ill-will of our + assistants. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the best care, the object of our search was perfectly well + known to all on board; and there had leaked out besides some knowledge of + those inconsistencies that had so greatly amazed the captain and myself. I + could overhear the men debate the character of Captain Trent, and set + forth competing theories of where the opium was stowed; and as they seemed + to have been eavesdropping on ourselves, I thought little shame to prick + up my ears when I had the return chance of spying upon them, in this way. + I could diagnose their temper and judge how far they were informed upon + the mystery of the Flying Scud. It was after having thus overheard some + almost mutinous speeches that a fortunate idea crossed my mind. At night, + I matured it in my bed, and the first thing the next morning, broached it + to the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I spirit up the hands a bit,” I asked, “by the + offer of a reward?” + </p> + <p> + “If you think you're getting your month's wages out of them the way + it is, I don't,” was his reply. “However, they are all the men + you've got, and you're the supercargo.” + </p> + <p> + This, from a person of the captain's character, might be regarded as + complete adhesion; and the crew were accordingly called aft. Never had the + captain worn a front more menacing. It was supposed by all that some + misdeed had been discovered, and some surprising punishment was to be + announced. + </p> + <p> + “See here, you!” he threw at them over his shoulder as he + walked the deck, “Mr. Dodd here is going to offer a reward to the + first man who strikes the opium in that wreck. There's two ways of making + a donkey go; both good, I guess: the one's kicks and the other's carrots. + Mr. Dodd's going to try the carrots. Well, my sons,”—and here + he faced the men for the first time with his hands behind him—“if + that opium's not found in five days, you can come to me for the kicks.” + </p> + <p> + He nodded to the present narrator, who took up the tale. “Here is + what I propose, men,” said I: “I put up one hundred and fifty + dollars. If any man can lay hands on the stuff right away, and off his own + club, he shall have the hundred and fifty down. If any one can put us on + the scent of where to look, he shall have a hundred and twenty-five, and + the balance shall be for the lucky one who actually picks it up. We'll + call it the Pinkerton Stakes, captain,” I added, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Call it the Grand Combination Sweep, then,” cries he. “For + I go you better.—Look here, men, I make up this jack-pot to two + hundred and fifty dollars, American gold coin.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Captain Nares,” said I; “that was handsomely + done.” + </p> + <p> + “It was kindly meant,” he returned. + </p> + <p> + The offer was not made in vain; the hands had scarce yet realised the + magnitude of the reward, they had scarce begun to buzz aloud in the + extremity of hope and wonder, ere the Chinese cook stepped forward with + gracious gestures and explanatory smiles. + </p> + <p> + “Captain,” he began, “I serv-um two year Melican navy; + serv-um six year mail-boat steward. Savvy plenty.” + </p> + <p> + “Oho!” cried Nares, “you savvy plenty, do you? (Beggar's + seen this trick in the mail-boats, I guess.) Well, why you no savvy a + little sooner, sonny?” + </p> + <p> + “I think bimeby make-um reward,” replied the cook, with + smiling dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you can't say fairer than that,” the captain admitted, + “and now the reward's offered, you'll talk? Speak up, then. Suppose + you speak true, you get reward. See?” + </p> + <p> + “I think long time,” replied the Chinaman. “See plenty + litty mat lice; too-muchy plenty litty mat lice; sixty ton, litty mat + lice. I think all-e-time: perhaps plenty opium plenty litty mat lice.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mr. Dodd, how does that strike you?” asked the captain. + “He may be right, he may be wrong. He's likely to be right: for if + he isn't, where can the stuff be? On the other hand, if he's wrong, we + destroy a hundred and fifty tons of good rice for nothing. It's a point to + be considered.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't hesitate,” said I. “Let's get to the bottom of + the thing. The rice is nothing; the rice will neither make nor break us.” + </p> + <p> + “That's how I expected you to see it,” returned Nares. + </p> + <p> + And we called the boat away and set forth on our new quest. + </p> + <p> + The hold was now almost entirely emptied; the mats (of which there went + forty to the short ton) had been stacked on deck, and now crowded the + ship's waist and forecastle. It was our task to disembowel and explore six + thousand individual mats, and incidentally to destroy a hundred and fifty + tons of valuable food. Nor were the circumstances of the day's business + less strange than its essential nature. Each man of us, armed with a great + knife, attacked the pile from his own quarter, slashed into the nearest + mat, burrowed in it with his hands, and shed forth the rice upon the deck, + where it heaped up, overflowed, and was trodden down, poured at last into + the scuppers, and occasionally spouted from the vents. About the wreck, + thus transformed into an overflowing granary, the sea-fowl swarmed in + myriads and with surprising insolence. The sight of so much food + confounded them; they deafened us with their shrill tongues, swooped in + our midst, dashed in our faces, and snatched the grain from between our + fingers. The men—their hands bleeding from these assaults—turned + savagely on the offensive, drove their knives into the birds, drew them + out crimsoned, and turned again to dig among the rice, unmindful of the + gawking creatures that struggled and died among their feet. We made a + singular picture: the hovering and diving birds; the bodies of the dead + discolouring the rice with blood; the scuppers vomiting breadstuff; the + men, frenzied by the gold hunt, toiling, slaying, and shouting aloud: over + all, the lofty intricacy of rigging and the radiant heaven of the Pacific. + Every man there toiled in the immediate hope of fifty dollars; and I, of + fifty thousand. Small wonder if we waded callously in blood and food. + </p> + <p> + It was perhaps about ten in the forenoon when the scene was interrupted. + Nares, who had just ripped open a fresh mat, drew forth, and slung at his + feet, among the rice, a papered tin box. + </p> + <p> + “How's that?” he shouted. + </p> + <p> + A cry broke from all hands: the next moment, forgetting their own + disappointment, in that contagious sentiment of success, they gave three + cheers that scared the sea-birds; and the next, they had crowded round the + captain, and were jostling together and groping with emulous hands in the + new-opened mat. Box after box rewarded them, six in all; wrapped, as I + have said, in a paper envelope, and the paper printed on, in Chinese + characters. + </p> + <p> + Nares turned to me and shook my hand. “I began to think we should + never see this day,” said he. “I congratulate you, Mr. Dodd, + on having pulled it through.” + </p> + <p> + The captain's tones affected me profoundly; and when Johnson and the men + pressed round me in turn with congratulations, the tears came in my eyes. + </p> + <p> + “These are five-tael boxes, more than two pounds,” said Nares, + weighing one in his hand. “Say two hundred and fifty dollars to the + mat. Lay into it, boys! We'll make Mr. Dodd a millionnaire before dark.” + </p> + <p> + It was strange to see with what a fury we fell to. The men had now nothing + to expect; the mere idea of great sums inspired them with disinterested + ardour. Mats were slashed and disembowelled, the rice flowed to our knees + in the ship's waist, the sweat ran in our eyes and blinded us, our arms + ached to agony; and yet our fire abated not. Dinner came; we were too + weary to eat, too hoarse for conversation; and yet dinner was scarce done, + before we were afoot again and delving in the rice. Before nightfall not a + mat was unexplored, and we were face to face with the astonishing result. + </p> + <p> + For of all the inexplicable things in the story of the Flying Scud, here + was the most inexplicable. Out of the six thousand mats, only twenty were + found to have been sugared; in each we found the same amount, about twelve + pounds of drug; making a grand total of two hundred and forty pounds. By + the last San Francisco quotation, opium was selling for a fraction over + twenty dollars a pound; but it had been known not long before to bring as + much as forty in Honolulu, where it was contraband. + </p> + <p> + Taking, then, this high Honolulu figure, the value of the opium on board + the Flying Scud fell considerably short of ten thousand dollars, while at + the San Francisco rate it lacked a trifle of five thousand. And fifty + thousand was the price that Jim and I had paid for it. And Bellairs had + been eager to go higher! There is no language to express the stupor with + which I contemplated this result. + </p> + <p> + It may be argued we were not yet sure; there might be yet another cache; + and you may be certain in that hour of my distress the argument was not + forgotten. There was never a ship more ardently perquested; no stone was + left unturned, and no expedient untried; day after day of growing despair, + we punched and dug in the brig's vitals, exciting the men with promises + and presents; evening after evening Nares and I sat face to face in the + narrow cabin, racking our minds for some neglected possibility of search. + I could stake my salvation on the certainty of the result: in all that + ship there was nothing left of value but the timber and the copper nails. + So that our case was lamentably plain; we had paid fifty thousand dollars, + borne the charges of the schooner, and paid fancy interest on money; and + if things went well with us, we might realise fifteen per cent of the + first outlay. We were not merely bankrupt, we were comic bankrupts: a fair + butt for jeering in the streets. I hope I bore the blow with a good + countenance; indeed, my mind had long been quite made up, and since the + day we found the opium I had known the result. But the thought of Jim and + Mamie ached in me like a physical pain, and I shrank from speech and + companionship. + </p> + <p> + I was in this frame of mind when the captain proposed that we should land + upon the island. I saw he had something to say, and only feared it might + be consolation; for I could just bear my grief, not bungling sympathy; and + yet I had no choice but to accede to his proposal. + </p> + <p> + We walked awhile along the beach in silence. The sun overhead reverberated + rays of heat; the staring sand, the glaring lagoon, tortured our eyes; and + the birds and the boom of the far-away breakers made a savage symphony. + </p> + <p> + “I don't require to tell you the game's up?” Nares asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I was thinking of getting to sea to-morrow,” he pursued. + </p> + <p> + “The best thing you can do,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Shall we say Honolulu?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “O, yes; let's stick to the programme,” I cried. “Honolulu + be it!” + </p> + <p> + There was another silence, and then Nares cleared his throat. + </p> + <p> + “We've been pretty good friends, you and me, Mr. Dodd,” he + resumed. “We've been going through the kind of thing that tries a + man. We've had the hardest kind of work, we've been badly backed, and now + we're badly beaten. And we've fetched through without a word of + disagreement. I don't say this to praise myself: it's my trade; it's what + I'm paid for, and trained for, and brought up to. But it was another thing + for you; it was all new to you; and it did me good to see you stand right + up to it and swing right into it, day in, day out. And then see how you've + taken this disappointment, when everybody knows you must have been + tautened up to shying-point! I wish you'd let me tell you, Mr. Dodd, that + you've stood out mighty manly and handsomely in all this business, and + made every one like you and admire you. And I wish you'd let me tell you, + besides, that I've taken this wreck business as much to heart as you have; + something kind of rises in my throat when I think we're beaten; and if I + thought waiting would do it, I would stick on this reef until we starved.” + </p> + <p> + I tried in vain to thank him for these generous words, but he was + beforehand with me in a moment. + </p> + <p> + “I didn't bring you ashore to sound my praises,” he + interrupted. “We understand one another now, that's all; and I guess + you can trust me. What I wished to speak about is more important, and it's + got to be faced. What are we to do about the Flying Scud and the dime + novel?” + </p> + <p> + “I really have thought nothing about that,” I replied. “But + I expect I mean to get at the bottom of it; and if the bogus Captain Trent + is to be found on the earth's surface, I guess I mean to find him.” + </p> + <p> + “All you've got to do is talk,” said Nares; “you can + make the biggest kind of boom; it isn't often the reporters have a chance + at such a yarn as this; and I can tell you how it will go. It will go by + telegraph, Mr. Dodd; it'll be telegraphed by the column, and head-lined, + and frothed up, and denied by authority, and it'll hit bogus Captain Trent + in a Mexican bar-room, and knock over bogus Goddedaal in a slum somewhere + up the Baltic, and bowl down Hardy and Brown in sailors' music halls round + Greenock. O, there's no doubt you can have a regular domestic Judgment + Day. The only point is whether you deliberately want to.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “I deliberately don't want one thing: I + deliberately don't want to make a public exhibition of myself and + Pinkerton: so moral—smuggling opium; such damned fools—paying + fifty thousand for a 'dead horse'!” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt it might damage you in a business sense,” the + captain agreed. “And I'm pleased you take that view; for I've turned + kind of soft upon the job. There's been some crookedness about, no doubt + of it; but, Law bless you! if we dropped upon the troupe, all the premier + artists would slip right out with the boodle in their grip-sacks, and + you'd only collar a lot of old mutton-headed shell-backs that didn't know + the back of the business from the front. I don't take much stock in + Mercantile Jack, you know that; but, poor devil, he's got to go where he's + told; and if you make trouble, ten to one it'll make you sick to see the + innocents who have to stand the racket. It would be different if we + understood the operation; but we don't, you see: there's a lot of queer + corners in life; and my vote is to let the blame' thing lie.” + </p> + <p> + “You speak as if we had that in our power,” I objected. + </p> + <p> + “And so we have,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “What about the men?” I asked. “They know too much by + half; and you can't keep them from talking.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't I?” returned Nares. “I bet a boarding-master can! + They can be all half-seas-over, when they get ashore, blind drunk by dark, + and cruising out of the Golden Gate in different deep-sea ships by the + next morning. Can't keep them from talking, can't I? Well, I can make 'em + talk separate, leastways. If a whole crew came talking, parties would + listen; but if it's only one lone old shell-back, it's the usual yarn. And + at least, they needn't talk before six months, or—if we have luck, + and there's a whaler handy—three years. And by that time, Mr. Dodd, + it's ancient history.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what they call Shanghaiing, isn't it?” I asked. + “I thought it belonged to the dime novel.” + </p> + <p> + “O, dime novels are right enough,” returned the captain. + “Nothing wrong with the dime novel, only that things happen thicker + than they do in life, and the practical seamanship is off-colour.” + </p> + <p> + “So we can keep the business to ourselves,” I mused. + </p> + <p> + “There's one other person that might blab,” said the captain. + “Though I don't believe she has anything left to tell.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is SHE?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The old girl there,” he answered, pointing to the wreck. + “I know there's nothing in her; but somehow I'm afraid of some one + else—it's the last thing you'd expect, so it's just the first + that'll happen—some one dropping into this God-forgotten island + where nobody drops in, waltzing into that wreck that we've grown old with + searching, stooping straight down, and picking right up the very thing + that tells the story. What's that to me? you may ask, and why am I gone + Soft Tommy on this Museum of Crooks? They've smashed up you and Mr. + Pinkerton; they've turned my hair grey with conundrums; they've been up to + larks, no doubt; and that's all I know of them—you say. Well, and + that's just where it is. I don't know enough; I don't know what's + uppermost; it's just such a lot of miscellaneous eventualities as I don't + care to go stirring up; and I ask you to let me deal with the old girl + after a patent of my own.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly—what you please,” said I, scarce with + attention, for a new thought now occupied my brain. “Captain,” + I broke out, “you are wrong: we cannot hush this up. There is one + thing you have forgotten.” + </p> + <p> + “What is that?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “A bogus Captain Trent, a bogus Goddedaal, a whole bogus crew, have + all started home,” said I. “If we are right, not one of them + will reach his journey's end. And do you mean to say that such a + circumstance as that can pass without remark?” + </p> + <p> + “Sailors,” said the captain, “only sailors! If they were + all bound for one place, in a body, I don't say so; but they're all going + separate—to Hull, to Sweden, to the Clyde, to the Thames. Well, at + each place, what is it? Nothing new. Only one sailor man missing: got + drunk, or got drowned, or got left: the proper sailor's end.” + </p> + <p> + Something bitter in the thought and in the speaker's tones struck me hard. + “Here is one that has got left!” I cried, getting sharply to + my feet; for we had been some time seated. “I wish it were the + other. I don't—don't relish going home to Jim with this!” + </p> + <p> + “See here,” said Nares, with ready tact, “I must be + getting aboard. Johnson's in the brig annexing chandlery and canvas, and + there's some things in the Norah that want fixing against we go to sea. + Would you like to be left here in the chicken-ranch? I'll send for you to + supper.” + </p> + <p> + I embraced the proposal with delight. Solitude, in my frame of mind, was + not too dearly purchased at the risk of sunstroke or sand-blindness; and + soon I was alone on the ill-omened islet. I should find it hard to tell of + what I thought—of Jim, of Mamie, of our lost fortune, of my lost + hopes, of the doom before me: to turn to at some mechanical occupation in + some subaltern rank, and to toil there, unremarked and unamused, until the + hour of the last deliverance. I was, at least, so sunk in sadness that I + scarce remarked where I was going; and chance (or some finer sense that + lives in us, and only guides us when the mind is in abeyance) conducted my + steps into a quarter of the island where the birds were few. By some + devious route, which I was unable to retrace for my return, I was thus + able to mount, without interruption, to the highest point of land. And + here I was recalled to consciousness by a last discovery. + </p> + <p> + The spot on which I stood was level, and commanded a wide view of the + lagoon, the bounding reef, the round horizon. Nearer hand I saw the sister + islet, the wreck, the Norah Creina, and the Norah's boat already moving + shoreward. For the sun was now low, flaming on the sea's verge; and the + galley chimney smoked on board the schooner. + </p> + <p> + It thus befell that though my discovery was both affecting and suggestive, + I had no leisure to examine further. What I saw was the blackened embers + of fire of wreck. By all the signs, it must have blazed to a good height + and burned for days; from the scantling of a spar that lay upon the margin + only half consumed, it must have been the work of more than one; and I + received at once the image of a forlorn troop of castaways, houseless in + that lost corner of the earth, and feeding there their fire of signal. The + next moment a hail reached me from the boat; and bursting through the + bushes and the rising sea-fowl, I said farewell (I trust for ever) to that + desert isle. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. IN WHICH I TURN SMUGGLER, AND THE CAPTAIN CASUIST + </h2> + <p> + The last night at Midway, I had little sleep; the next morning, after the + sun was risen, and the clatter of departure had begun to reign on deck, I + lay a long while dozing; and when at last I stepped from the companion, + the schooner was already leaping through the pass into the open sea. Close + on her board, the huge scroll of a breaker unfurled itself along the reef + with a prodigious clamour; and behind I saw the wreck vomiting into the + morning air a coil of smoke. The wreaths already blew out far to leeward, + flames already glittered in the cabin skylight; and the sea-fowl were + scattered in surprise as wide as the lagoon. As we drew farther off, the + conflagration of the Flying Scud flamed higher; and long after we had + dropped all signs of Midway Island, the smoke still hung in the horizon + like that of a distant steamer. With the fading out of that last vestige, + the Norah Creina, passed again into the empty world of cloud and water by + which she had approached; and the next features that appeared, eleven days + later, to break the line of sky, were the arid mountains of Oahu. + </p> + <p> + It has often since been a comfortable thought to me that we had thus + destroyed the tell-tale remnants of the Flying Scud; and often a strange + one that my last sight and reminiscence of that fatal ship should be a + pillar of smoke on the horizon. To so many others besides myself the same + appearance had played a part in the various stages of that business: + luring some to what they little imagined, filling some with unimaginable + terrors. But ours was the last smoke raised in the story; and with its + dying away the secret of the Flying Scud became a private property. + </p> + <p> + It was by the first light of dawn that we saw, close on board, the + metropolitan island of Hawaii. We held along the coast, as near as we + could venture, with a fresh breeze and under an unclouded heaven; + beholding, as we went, the arid mountain sides and scrubby cocoa-palms of + that somewhat melancholy archipelago. About four of the afternoon we + turned Waimanolo Point, the westerly headland of the great bight of + Honolulu; showed ourselves for twenty minutes in full view; and then fell + again to leeward, and put in the rest of daylight, plying under shortened + sail under the lee of Waimanolo. + </p> + <p> + A little after dark we beat once more about the point, and crept + cautiously toward the mouth of the Pearl Lochs, where Jim and I had + arranged I was to meet the smugglers. The night was happily obscure, the + water smooth. We showed, according to instructions, no light on deck: only + a red lantern dropped from either cathead to within a couple of feet of + the water. A lookout was stationed on the bowsprit end, another in the + crosstrees; and the whole ship's company crowded forward, scouting for + enemies or friends. It was now the crucial moment of our enterprise; we + were now risking liberty and credit; and that for a sum so small to a man + in my bankrupt situation, that I could have laughed aloud in bitterness. + But the piece had been arranged, and we must play it to the finish. + </p> + <p> + For some while, we saw nothing but the dark mountain outline of the + island, the torches of native fishermen glittering here and there along + the foreshore, and right in the midst that cluster of brave lights with + which the town of Honolulu advertises itself to the seaward. Presently a + ruddy star appeared inshore of us, and seemed to draw near unsteadily. + This was the anticipated signal; and we made haste to show the + countersign, lowering a white light from the quarter, extinguishing the + two others, and laying the schooner incontinently to. The star approached + slowly; the sounds of oars and of men's speech came to us across the + water; and then a voice hailed us. + </p> + <p> + “Is that Mr. Dodd?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I returned. “Is Jim Pinkerton there?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” replied the voice. “But there's one of his + crowd here; name of Speedy.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm here, Mr. Dodd,” added Speedy himself. “I have + letters for you.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I replied. “Come aboard, gentlemen, and let + me see my mail.” + </p> + <p> + A whaleboat accordingly ranged alongside, and three men boarded us: my old + San Francisco friend, the stock-gambler Speedy, a little wizened person of + the name of Sharpe, and a big, flourishing, dissipated-looking man called + Fowler. The two last (I learned afterward) were frequent partners; Sharpe + supplied the capital, and Fowler, who was quite a character in the islands + and occupied a considerable station, brought activity, daring, and a + private influence, highly necessary in the case. Both seemed to approach + the business with a keen sense of romance; and I believe this was the + chief attraction, at least with Fowler—for whom I early conceived a + sentiment of liking. But in that first moment I had something else to + think of than to judge my new acquaintances; and before Speedy had fished + out the letters, the full extent of our misfortune was revealed. + </p> + <p> + “We've rather bad news for you, Mr. Dodd,” said Fowler. + “Your firm's gone up.” + </p> + <p> + “Already!” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it was thought rather a wonder Pinkerton held on as long as + he did,” was the reply. “The wreck deal was too big for your + credit; you were doing a big business, no doubt, but you were doing it on + precious little capital; and when the strain came, you were bound to go. + Pinkerton's through all right: seven cents dividend; some remarks made, + but nothing to hurt; the press let you down easy—I guess Jim had + relations there. The only trouble is, that all this Flying Scud affair got + in the papers with the rest; everybody's wide awake in Honolulu, and the + sooner we get the stuff in and the dollars out, the better for all + concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said I, “you must excuse me. My friend, the + captain here, will drink a glass of champagne with you to give you + patience; but as for myself, I am unfit even for ordinary conversation + till I have read these letters.” + </p> + <p> + They demurred a little: and indeed the danger of delay seemed obvious; but + the sight of my distress, which I was unable entirely to control, appealed + strongly to their good-nature; and I was suffered at last to get by myself + on deck, where, by the light of a lantern smuggled under shelter of the + low rail, I read the following wretched correspondence. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Loudon,” ran the first, “this will be handed + you by your friend Speedy of the Catamount. His sterling character and + loyal devotion to yourself pointed him out as the best man for our + purposes in Honolulu—the parties on the spot being difficult to + manipulate. A man called Billy Fowler (you must have heard of Billy) is + the boss; he is in politics some, and squares the officers. I have hard + times before me in the city, but I feel as bright as a dollar and as + strong as John L. Sullivan. What with Mamie here, and my partner speeding + over the seas, and the bonanza in the wreck, I feel like I could juggle + with the Pyramids of Egypt, same as conjurers do with aluminium balls. My + earnest prayers follow you, Loudon, that you may feel the way I do—just + inspired! My feet don't touch the ground; I kind of swim. Mamie is like + Moses and Aaron that held up the other individual's arms. She carries me + along like a horse and buggy. I am beating the record. + </p> + <p> + “Your true partner, + </p> + <p> + “J. PINKERTON.” + </p> + <p> + Number two was in a different style:— + </p> + <p> + “My dearest Loudon, how am I to prepare you for this dire + intelligence? O dear me, it will strike you to the earth. The Fiat has + gone forth; our firm went bust at a quarter before twelve. It was a bill + of Bradley's (for $200) that brought these vast operations to a close, and + evolved liabilities of upwards of two hundred and fifty thousand. O, the + shame and pity of it! and you but three weeks gone! Loudon, don't blame + your partner: if human hands and brains could have sufficed, I would have + held the thing together. But it just slowly crumbled; Bradley was the last + kick, but the blamed business just MELTED. I give the liabilities; it's + supposed they're all in; for the cowards were waiting, and the claims were + filed like taking tickets to hear Patti. I don't quite have the hang of + the assets yet, our interests were so extended; but I am at it day and + night, and I guess will make a creditable dividend. If the wreck pans out + only half the way it ought, we'll turn the laugh still. I am as full of + grit and work as ever, and just tower above our troubles. Mamie is a host + in herself. Somehow I feel like it was only me that had gone bust, and you + and she soared clear of it. Hurry up. That's all you have to do. + </p> + <p> + “Yours ever, + </p> + <p> + “J. PINKERTON.” + </p> + <p> + The third was yet more altered:— + </p> + <p> + “My poor Loudon,” it began, “I labour far into the night + getting our affairs in order; you could not believe their vastness and + complexity. Douglas B. Longhurst said humorously that the receiver's work + would be cut out for him. I cannot deny that some of them have a + speculative look. God forbid a sensitive, refined spirit like yours should + ever come face to face with a Commissioner in Bankruptcy; these men get + all the sweetness knocked right out of them. But I could bear up better if + it weren't for press comments. Often and often, Loudon, I recall to mind + your most legitimate critiques of the press system. They published an + interview with me, not the least like what I said, and with JEERING + comments; it would make your blood boil, it was literally INHUMANE; I + wouldn't have written it about a yellow dog that was in trouble like what + I am. Mamie just winced, the first time she has turned a hair right + through the whole catastrophe. How wonderfully true was what you said long + ago in Paris, about touching on people's personal appearance! The fellow + said—” And then these words had been scored through; and my + distressed friend turned to another subject. “I cannot bear to dwell + upon our assets. They simply don't show up. Even Thirteen Star, as sound a + line as can be produced upon this coast, goes begging. The wreck has + thrown a blight on all we ever touched. And where's the use? God never + made a wreck big enough to fill our deficit. I am haunted by the thought + that you may blame me; I know how I despised your remonstrances. O, + Loudon, don't be hard on your miserable partner. The funny-dog business is + what kills. I fear your stern rectitude of mind like the eye of God. I + cannot think but what some of my books seem mixed up; otherwise, I don't + seem to see my way as plain as I could wish to. Or else my brain is gone + soft. Loudon, if there should be any unpleasantness, you can trust me to + do the right thing and keep you clear. I've been telling them already, how + you had no business grip and never saw the books. O, I trust I have done + right in this! I knew it was a liberty; I know you may justly complain; + but it was some things that were said. And mind you, all legitimate + business! Not even your shrinking sensitiveness could find fault with the + first look of one of them, if they had panned out right. And you know, the + Flying Scud was the biggest gamble of the crowd, and that was your own + idea. Mamie says she never could bear to look you in the face, if that + idea had been mine, she is SO conscientious! + </p> + <p> + “Your broken-hearted + </p> + <p> + “JIM.” + </p> + <p> + The last began without formality:— + </p> + <p> + “This is the end of me commercially. I give up; my nerve is gone. I + suppose I ought to be glad; for we're through the court. I don't know as + ever I knew how, and I'm sure I don't remember. If it pans out—the + wreck, I mean—we'll go to Europe, and live on the interest of our + money. No more work for me. I shake when people speak to me. I have gone + on, hoping and hoping, and working and working, and the lead has pinched + right out. I want to lie on my back in a garden and read Shakespeare and + E. P. Roe. Don't suppose it's cowardice, Loudon. I'm a sick man. Rest is + what I must have. I've worked hard all my life; I never spared myself; + every dollar I ever made, I've coined my brains for it. I've never done a + mean thing; I've lived respectable, and given to the poor. Who has a + better right to a holiday than I have? And I mean to have a year of it + straight out; and if I don't, I shall lie right down here in my tracks, + and die of worry and brain trouble. Don't mistake. That's so. If there are + any pickings at all, TRUST SPEEDY; don't let the creditors get wind of + what there is. I helped you when you were down; help me now. Don't deceive + yourself; you've got to help me right now, or never. I am clerking, and + NOT FIT TO CYPHER. Mamie's typewriting at the Phoenix Guano Exchange, down + town. The light is right out of my life. I know you'll not like to do what + I propose. Think only of this; that it's life or death for + </p> + <p> + “JIM PINKERTON. + </p> + <p> + “P.S. Our figure was seven per cent. O, what a fall was there! Well, + well, it's past mending; I don't want to whine. But, Loudon, I do want to + live. No more ambition; all I ask is life. I have so much to make it sweet + to me! I am clerking, and USELESS AT THAT. I know I would have fired such + a clerk inside of forty minutes, in MY time. But my time's over. I can + only cling on to you. Don't fail + </p> + <p> + “JIM PINKERTON.” + </p> + <p> + There was yet one more postscript, yet one more outburst of self-pity and + pathetic adjuration; and a doctor's opinion, unpromising enough, was + besides enclosed. I pass them both in silence. I think shame to have + shown, at so great length, the half-baked virtues of my friend dissolving + in the crucible of sickness and distress; and the effect upon my spirits + can be judged already. I got to my feet when I had done, drew a deep + breath, and stared hard at Honolulu. One moment the world seemed at an + end; the next, I was conscious of a rush of independent energy. On Jim I + could rely no longer; I must now take hold myself. I must decide and act + on my own better thoughts. + </p> + <p> + The word was easy to say; the thing, at the first blush, was + undiscoverable. I was overwhelmed with miserable, womanish pity for my + broken friend; his outcries grieved my spirit; I saw him then and now—then, + so invincible; now, brought so low—and knew neither how to refuse, + nor how to consent to his proposal. The remembrance of my father, who had + fallen in the same field unstained, the image of his monument + incongruously rising, a fear of the law, a chill air that seemed to blow + upon my fancy from the doors of prisons, and the imaginary clank of + fetters, recalled me to a different resolve. And then again, the wails of + my sick partner intervened. So I stood hesitating, and yet with a strong + sense of capacity behind: sure, if I could but choose my path, that I + should walk in it with resolution. + </p> + <p> + Then I remembered that I had a friend on board, and stepped to the + companion. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said I, “only a few moments more: but + these, I regret to say, I must make more tedious still by removing your + companion. It is indispensable that I should have a word or two with + Captain Nares.” + </p> + <p> + Both the smugglers were afoot at once, protesting. The business, they + declared, must be despatched at once; they had run risk enough, with a + conscience; and they must either finish now, or go. + </p> + <p> + “The choice is yours, gentlemen,” said I, “and, I + believe, the eagerness. I am not yet sure that I have anything in your + way; even if I have, there are a hundred things to be considered; and I + assure you it is not at all my habit to do business with a pistol to my + head.” + </p> + <p> + “That is all very proper, Mr. Dodd; there is no wish to coerce you, + believe me,” said Fowler; “only, please consider our position. + It is really dangerous; we were not the only people to see your schooner + off Waimanolo.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Fowler,” I replied, “I was not born yesterday. Will + you allow me to express an opinion, in which I may be quite wrong, but to + which I am entirely wedded? If the custom-house officers had been coming, + they would have been here now. In other words, somebody is working the + oracle, and (for a good guess) his name is Fowler.” + </p> + <p> + Both men laughed loud and long; and being supplied with another bottle of + Longhurst's champagne, suffered the captain and myself to leave them + without further word. + </p> + <p> + I gave Nares the correspondence, and he skimmed it through. + </p> + <p> + “Now, captain,” said I, “I want a fresh mind on this. + What does it mean?” + </p> + <p> + “It's large enough text,” replied the captain. “It means + you're to stake your pile on Speedy, hand him over all you can, and hold + your tongue. I almost wish you hadn't shown it me,” he added + wearily. “What with the specie from the wreck and the opium money, + it comes to a biggish deal.” + </p> + <p> + “That's supposing that I do it?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Exactly,” said he, “supposing you do it.” + </p> + <p> + “And there are pros and cons to that,” I observed. + </p> + <p> + “There's San Quentin, to start in with,” said the captain; + “and suppose you clear the penitentiary, there's the nasty taste in + the mouth. The figure's big enough to make bad trouble, but it's not big + enough to be picturesque; and I should guess a man always feels kind of + small who has sold himself under six cyphers. That would be my way, at + least; there's an excitement about a million that might carry me on; but + the other way, I should feel kind of lonely when I woke in bed. Then + there's Speedy. Do you know him well?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I do not,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Well, of course he can vamoose with the entire speculation, if he + chooses,” pursued the captain, “and if he don't I can't see + but what you've got to support and bed and board with him to the end of + time. I guess it would weary me. Then there's Mr. Pinkerton, of course. + He's been a good friend to you, hasn't he? Stood by you, and all that? and + pulled you through for all he was worth?” + </p> + <p> + “That he has,” I cried; “I could never begin telling you + my debt to him!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and that's a consideration,” said the captain. “As + a matter of principle, I wouldn't look at this business at the money. 'Not + good enough,' would be my word. But even principle goes under when it + comes to friends—the right sort, I mean. This Pinkerton is + frightened, and he seems sick; the medico don't seem to care a cent about + his state of health; and you've got to figure how you would like it if he + came to die. Remember, the risk of this little swindle is all yours; it's + no sort of risk to Mr. Pinkerton. Well, you've got to put it that way + plainly, and see how you like the sound of it: my friend Pinkerton is in + danger of the New Jerusalem, I am in danger of San Quentin; which risk do + I propose to run?” + </p> + <p> + “That's an ugly way to put it,” I objected, “and perhaps + hardly fair. There's right and wrong to be considered.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't know the parties,” replied Nares; “and I'm coming + to them, anyway. For it strikes me, when it came to smuggling opium, you + walked right up?” + </p> + <p> + “So I did,” I said; “sick I am to have to say it!” + </p> + <p> + “All the same,” continued Nares, “you went into the + opium-smuggling with your head down; and a good deal of fussing I've + listened to, that you hadn't more of it to smuggle. Now, maybe your + partner's not quite fixed the same as you are; maybe he sees precious + little difference between the one thing and the other.” + </p> + <p> + “You could not say truer: he sees none, I do believe,” cried + I; “and though I see one, I could never tell you how.” + </p> + <p> + “We never can,” said the oracular Nares; “taste is all a + matter of opinion. But the point is, how will your friend take it? You + refuse a favour, and you take the high horse at the same time; you + disappoint him, and you rap him over the knuckles. It won't do, Mr. Dodd; + no friendship can stand that. You must be as good as your friend, or as + bad as your friend, or start on a fresh deal without him.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see it!” said I. “You don't know Jim!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you WILL see,” said Nares. “And now, here's + another point. This bit of money looks mighty big to Mr. Pinkerton; it may + spell life or health to him; but among all your creditors, I don't see + that it amounts to a hill of beans—I don't believe it'll pay their + car-fares all round. And don't you think you'll ever get thanked. You were + known to pay a long price for the chance of rummaging that wreck; you do + the rummaging, you come home, and you hand over ten thousand—or + twenty, if you like—a part of which you'll have to own up you made + by smuggling; and, mind! you'll never get Billy Fowler to stick his name + to a receipt. Now just glance at the transaction from the outside, and see + what a clear case it makes. Your ten thousand is a sop; and people will + only wonder you were so damned impudent as to offer such a small one! + Whichever way you take it, Mr. Dodd, the bottom's out of your character; + so there's one thing less to be considered.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay you'll scarce believe me,” said I, “but I + feel that a positive relief.” + </p> + <p> + “You must be made some way different from me, then,” returned + Nares. “And, talking about me, I might just mention how I stand. + You'll have no trouble from me—you've trouble enough of your own; + and I'm friend enough, when a friend's in need, to shut my eyes and go + right where he tells me. All the same, I'm rather queerly fixed. My + owners'll have to rank with the rest on their charter-party. Here am I, + their representative! and I have to look over the ship's side while the + bankrupt walks his assets ashore in Mr. Speedy's hat-box. It's a thing I + wouldn't do for James G. Blaine; but I'll do it for you, Mr. Dodd, and + only sorry I can't do more.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, captain; my mind is made up,” said I. “I'll + go straight, RUAT COELUM! I never understood that old tag before to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope it isn't my business that decides you?” asked the + captain. + </p> + <p> + “I'll never deny it was an element,” said I. “I hope, I + hope I'm not cowardly; I hope I could steal for Jim myself; but when it + comes to dragging in you and Speedy, and this one and the other, why, Jim + has got to die, and there's an end. I'll try and work for him when I get + to 'Frisco, I suppose; and I suppose I'll fail, and look on at his death, + and kick myself: it can't be helped—I'll fight it on this line.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't say as you're wrong,” replied Nares, “and I'll + be hanged if I know if you're right. It suits me anyway. And look here—hadn't + you better just show our friends over the side?” he added; “no + good of being at the risk and worry of smuggling for the benefit of + creditors.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't think of the creditors,” said I. “But I've kept + this pair so long, I haven't got the brass to fire them now.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed, I believe that was my only reason for entering upon a transaction + which was now outside my interest, but which (as it chanced) repaid me + fifty-fold in entertainment. Fowler and Sharpe were both preternaturally + sharp; they did me the honour in the beginning to attribute to myself + their proper vices; and before we were done had grown to regard me with an + esteem akin to worship. This proud position I attained by no more + recondite arts, than telling the mere truth and unaffectedly displaying my + indifference to the result. I have doubtless stated the essentials of all + good diplomacy, which may be rather regarded, therefore, as a grace of + state, than the effect of management. For to tell the truth is not in + itself diplomatic, and to have no care for the result a thing involuntary. + When I mentioned, for instance, that I had but two hundred and forty + pounds of drug, my smugglers exchanged meaning glances, as who should say, + “Here is a foeman worthy of our steel!” But when I carelessly + proposed thirty-five dollars a pound, as an amendment to their offered + twenty, and wound up with the remark: “The whole thing is a matter + of moonshine to me, gentlemen. Take it or want it, and fill your glasses”—I + had the indescribable gratification to see Sharpe nudge Fowler warningly, + and Fowler choke down the jovial acceptance that stood ready on his lips, + and lamely substitute a “No—no more wine, please, Mr. Dodd!” + Nor was this all: for when the affair was settled at fifty dollars a pound—a + shrewd stroke of business for my creditors—and our friends had got + on board their whaleboat and shoved off, it appeared they were imperfectly + acquainted with the conveyance of sound upon still water, and I had the + joy to overhear the following testimonial. + </p> + <p> + “Deep man, that Dodd,” said Sharpe. + </p> + <p> + And the bass-toned Fowler echoed, “Damned if I understand his game.” + </p> + <p> + Thus we were left once more alone upon the Norah Creina; and the news of + the night, and the lamentations of Pinkerton, and the thought of my own + harsh decision, returned and besieged me in the dark. According to all the + rubbish I had read, I should have been sustained by the warm consciousness + of virtue. Alas, I had but the one feeling: that I had sacrificed my sick + friend to the fear of prison-cells and stupid starers. And no moralist has + yet advanced so far as to number cowardice amongst the things that are + their own reward. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. LIGHT FROM THE MAN OF WAR. + </h2> + <p> + In the early sunlight of the next day, we tossed close off the buoy and + saw the city sparkle in its groves about the foot of the Punch-bowl, and + the masts clustering thick in the small harbour. A good breeze, which had + risen with the sea, carried us triumphantly through the intricacies of the + passage; and we had soon brought up not far from the landing-stairs. I + remember to have remarked an ugly horned reptile of a modern warship in + the usual moorings across the port, but my mind was so profoundly plunged + in melancholy that I paid no heed. + </p> + <p> + Indeed, I had little time at my disposal. Messieurs Sharpe and Fowler had + left the night before in the persuasion that I was a liar of the first + magnitude; the genial belief brought them aboard again with the earliest + opportunity, proffering help to one who had proved how little he required + it, and hospitality to so respectable a character. I had business to mind, + I had some need both of assistance and diversion; I liked Fowler—I + don't know why; and in short, I let them do with me as they desired. No + creditor intervening, I spent the first half of the day inquiring into the + conditions of the tea and silk market under the auspices of Sharpe; + lunched with him in a private apartment at the Hawaiian Hotel—for + Sharpe was a teetotaler in public; and about four in the afternoon was + delivered into the hands of Fowler. This gentleman owned a bungalow on the + Waikiki beach; and there in company with certain young bloods of Honolulu, + I was entertained to a sea-bathe, indiscriminate cocktails, a dinner, a + hula-hula, and (to round off the night), poker and assorted liquors. To + lose money in the small hours to pale, intoxicated youth, has always + appeared to me a pleasure overrated. In my then frame of mind, I confess I + found it even delightful; put up my money (or rather my creditors'), and + put down Fowler's champagne with equal avidity and success; and awoke the + next morning to a mild headache and the rather agreeable lees of the last + night's excitement. The young bloods, many of whom were still far from + sober, had taken the kitchen into their own hands, vice the Chinaman + deposed; and since each was engaged upon a dish of his own, and none had + the least scruple in demolishing his neighbour's handiwork, I became early + convinced that many eggs would be broken and few omelets made. The + discovery of a jug of milk and a crust of bread enabled me to stay my + appetite; and since it was Sunday, when no business could be done, and the + festivities were to be renewed that night in the abode of Fowler, it + occurred to me to slip silently away and enjoy some air and solitude. + </p> + <p> + I turned seaward under the dead crater known as Diamond Head. My way was + for some time under the shade of certain thickets of green, thorny trees, + dotted with houses. Here I enjoyed some pictures of the native life: + wide-eyed, naked children, mingled with pigs; a youth asleep under a tree; + an old gentleman spelling through glasses his Hawaiian Bible; the somewhat + embarrassing spectacle of a lady at her bath in a spring; and the glimpse + of gaudy-coloured gowns in the deep shade of the houses. Thence I found a + road along the beach itself, wading in sand, opposed and buffeted by the + whole weight of the Trade: on one hand, the glittering and sounding surf, + and the bay lively with many sails; on the other, precipitous, arid + gullies and sheer cliffs, mounting towards the crater and the blue sky. + For all the companionship of skimming vessels, the place struck me with a + sense of solitude. There came in my head what I had been told the day + before at dinner, of a cavern above in the bowels of the volcano, a place + only to be visited with the light of torches, a treasure-house of the + bones of priests and warriors, and clamorous with the voice of an unseen + river pouring seaward through the crannies of the mountain. At the + thought, it was revealed to me suddenly, how the bungalows, and the + Fowlers, and the bright busy town and crowding ships, were all children of + yesterday; and for centuries before, the obscure life of the natives, with + its glories and ambitions, its joys and crimes and agonies, had rolled + unseen, like the mountain river, in that sea-girt place. Not Chaldea + appeared more ancient, nor the Pyramids of Egypt more abstruse; and I + heard time measured by “the drums and tramplings” of + immemorial conquests, and saw myself the creature of an hour. Over the + bankruptcy of Pinkerton and Dodd, of Montana Block, S. F., and the + conscientious troubles of the junior partner, the spirit of eternity was + seen to smile. + </p> + <p> + To this mood of philosophic sadness, my excesses of the night before no + doubt contributed; for more things than virtue are at times their own + reward: but I was greatly healed at least of my distresses. And while I + was yet enjoying my abstracted humour, a turn of the beach brought me in + view of the signal-station, with its watch-house and flag-staff, perched + on the immediate margin of a cliff. The house was new and clean and bald, + and stood naked to the Trades. The wind beat about it in loud squalls; the + seaward windows rattled without mercy; the breach of the surf below + contributed its increment of noise; and the fall of my foot in the narrow + verandah passed unheard by those within. + </p> + <p> + There were two on whom I thus entered unexpectedly: the look-out man, with + grizzled beard, keen seaman's eyes, and that brand on his countenance that + comes of solitary living; and a visitor, an oldish, oratorical fellow, in + the smart tropical array of the British man-o'-war's man, perched on a + table, and smoking a cigar. I was made pleasantly welcome, and was soon + listening with amusement to the sea-lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “No, if I hadn't have been born an Englishman,” was one of his + sentiments, “damn me! I'd rather 'a been born a Frenchy! I'd like to + see another nation fit to black their boots.” Presently after, he + developed his views on home politics with similar trenchancy. “I'd + rather be a brute beast than what I'd be a liberal,” he said. + “Carrying banners and that! a pig's got more sense. Why, look at our + chief engineer—they do say he carried a banner with his own 'ands: + 'Hooroar for Gladstone!' I suppose, or 'Down with the Aristocracy!' What + 'arm does the aristocracy do? Show me a country any good without one! Not + the States; why, it's the 'ome of corruption! I knew a man—he was a + good man, 'ome born—who was signal quartermaster in the Wyandotte. + He told me he could never have got there if he hadn't have 'run with the + boys'—told it me as I'm telling you. Now, we're all British subjects + here——” he was going on. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid I am an American,” I said apologetically. + </p> + <p> + He seemed the least bit taken aback, but recovered himself; and with the + ready tact of his betters, paid me the usual British compliment on the + riposte. “You don't say so!” he exclaimed. “Well, I give + you my word of honour, I'd never have guessed it. Nobody could tell it on + you,” said he, as though it were some form of liquor. + </p> + <p> + I thanked him, as I always do, at this particular stage, with his + compatriots: not so much perhaps for the compliment to myself and my poor + country, as for the revelation (which is ever fresh to me) of Britannic + self-sufficiency and taste. And he was so far softened by my gratitude as + to add a word of praise on the American method of lacing sails. “You're + ahead of us in lacing sails,” he said. “You can say that with + a clear conscience.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you,” I replied. “I shall certainly do so.” + </p> + <p> + At this rate, we got along swimmingly; and when I rose to retrace my steps + to the Fowlery, he at once started to his feet and offered me the welcome + solace of his company for the return. I believe I discovered much alacrity + at the idea, for the creature (who seemed to be unique, or to represent a + type like that of the dodo) entertained me hugely. But when he had + produced his hat, I found I was in the way of more than entertainment; for + on the ribbon I could read the legend: “H.M.S. Tempest.” + </p> + <p> + “I say,” I began, when our adieus were paid, and we were + scrambling down the path from the look-out, “it was your ship that + picked up the men on board the Flying Scud, wasn't it?” + </p> + <p> + “You may say so,” said he. “And a blessed good job for + the Flying-Scuds. It's a God-forsaken spot, that Midway Island.” + </p> + <p> + “I've just come from there,” said I. “It was I who + bought the wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Beg your pardon, sir,” cried the sailor: “gen'lem'n in + the white schooner?” + </p> + <p> + “The same,” said I. + </p> + <p> + My friend saluted, as though we were now, for the first time, formally + introduced. + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” I continued, “I am rather taken up with the + whole story; and I wish you would tell me what you can of how the men were + saved.” + </p> + <p> + “It was like this,” said he. “We had orders to call at + Midway after castaways, and had our distance pretty nigh run down the day + before. We steamed half-speed all night, looking to make it about noon; + for old Tootles—beg your pardon, sir—the captain—was + precious scared of the place at night. Well, there's nasty, filthy + currents round that Midway; YOU know, as has been there; and one on 'em + must have set us down. Leastways, about six bells, when we had ought to + been miles away, some one sees a sail, and lo and be'old, there was the + spars of a full-rigged brig! We raised her pretty fast, and the island + after her; and made out she was hard aground, canted on her bilge, and had + her ens'n flying, union down. It was breaking 'igh on the reef, and we + laid well out, and sent a couple of boats. I didn't go in neither; only + stood and looked on; but it seems they was all badly scared and muddled, + and didn't know which end was uppermost. One on 'em kep' snivelling and + wringing of his 'ands; he come on board all of a sop like a monthly nurse. + That Trent, he come first, with his 'and in a bloody rag. I was near 'em + as I am to you; and I could make out he was all to bits—'eard his + breath rattle in his blooming lungs as he come down the ladder. Yes, they + was a scared lot, small blame to 'em, I say! The next after Trent, come + him as was mate.” + </p> + <p> + “Goddedaal!” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “And a good name for him too,” chuckled the man-o'-war's man, + who probably confounded the word with a familiar oath. “A good name + too; only it weren't his. He was a gen'lem'n born, sir, as had gone + maskewerading. One of our officers knowed him at 'ome, reckonises him, + steps up, 'olds out his 'and right off, and says he: ''Ullo, Norrie, old + chappie!' he says. The other was coming up, as bold as look at it; didn't + seem put out—that's where blood tells, sir! Well, no sooner does he + 'ear his born name given him, than he turns as white as the Day of + Judgment, stares at Mr. Sebright like he was looking at a ghost, and then + (I give you my word of honour) turned to, and doubled up in a dead faint. + 'Take him down to my berth,' says Mr. Sebright. ''Tis poor old Norrie + Carthew,' he says.” + </p> + <p> + “And what—what sort of a gentleman was this Mr. Carthew?” + I gasped. + </p> + <p> + “The ward-room steward told me he was come of the best blood in + England,” was my friend's reply: “Eton and 'Arrow bred;—and + might have been a bar'net!” + </p> + <p> + “No, but to look at?” I corrected him. + </p> + <p> + “The same as you or me,” was the uncompromising answer: + “not much to look at. I didn't know he was a gen'lem'n; but then, I + never see him cleaned up.” + </p> + <p> + “How was that?” I cried. “O yes, I remember: he was sick + all the way to 'Frisco, was he not?” + </p> + <p> + “Sick, or sorry, or something,” returned my informant. “My + belief, he didn't hanker after showing up. He kep' close; the ward-room + steward, what took his meals in, told me he ate nex' to nothing; and he + was fetched ashore at 'Frisco on the quiet. Here was how it was. It seems + his brother had took and died, him as had the estate. This one had gone in + for his beer, by what I could make out; the old folks at 'ome had turned + rusty; no one knew where he had gone to. Here he was, slaving in a + merchant brig, shipwrecked on Midway, and packing up his duds for a long + voyage in a open boat. He comes on board our ship, and by God, here he is + a landed proprietor, and may be in Parliament to-morrow! It's no less than + natural he should keep dark: so would you and me in the same box.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay,” said I. “But you saw more of the others?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure,” says he: “no 'arm in them from what I see. + There was one 'Ardy there: colonial born he was, and had been through a + power of money. There was no nonsense about 'Ardy; he had been up, and he + had come down, and took it so. His 'eart was in the right place; and he + was well-informed, and knew French; and Latin, I believe, like a native! I + liked that 'Ardy; he was a good-looking boy, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Did they say much about the wreck?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “There wasn't much to say, I reckon,” replied the man-o'-war's + man. “It was all in the papers. 'Ardy used to yarn most about the + coins he had gone through; he had lived with book-makers, and jockeys, and + pugs, and actors, and all that: a precious low lot!” added this + judicious person. “But it's about here my 'orse is moored, and by + your leave I'll be getting ahead.” + </p> + <p> + “One moment,” said I. “Is Mr. Sebright on board?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir, he's ashore to-day,” said the sailor. “I took + up a bag for him to the 'otel.” + </p> + <p> + With that we parted. Presently after my friend overtook and passed me on a + hired steed which seemed to scorn its cavalier; and I was left in the dust + of his passage, a prey to whirling thoughts. For I now stood, or seemed to + stand, on the immediate threshold of these mysteries. I knew the name of + the man Dickson—his name was Carthew; I knew where the money came + from that opposed us at the sale—it was part of Carthew's + inheritance; and in my gallery of illustrations to the history of the + wreck, one more picture hung; perhaps the most dramatic of the series. It + showed me the deck of a warship in that distant part of the great ocean, + the officers and seamen looking curiously on; and a man of birth and + education, who had been sailing under an alias on a trading brig, and was + now rescued from desperate peril, felled like an ox by the bare sound of + his own name. I could not fail to be reminded of my own experience at the + Occidental telephone. The hero of three styles, Dickson, Goddedaal, or + Carthew, must be the owner of a lively—or a loaded—conscience, + and the reflection recalled to me the photograph found on board the Flying + Scud; just such a man, I reasoned, would be capable of just such starts + and crises, and I inclined to think that Goddedaal (or Carthew) was the + mainspring of the mystery. + </p> + <p> + One thing was plain: as long as the Tempest was in reach, I must make the + acquaintance of both Sebright and the doctor. To this end, I excused + myself with Mr. Fowler, returned to Honolulu, and passed the remainder of + the day hanging vainly round the cool verandahs of the hotel. It was near + nine o'clock at night before I was rewarded. + </p> + <p> + “That is the gentleman you were asking for,” said the clerk. + </p> + <p> + I beheld a man in tweeds, of an incomparable languor of demeanour, and + carrying a cane with genteel effort. From the name, I had looked to find a + sort of Viking and young ruler of the battle and the tempest; and I was + the more disappointed, and not a little alarmed, to come face to face with + this impracticable type. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I have the pleasure of addressing Lieutenant Sebright,” + said I, stepping forward. + </p> + <p> + “Aw, yes,” replied the hero; “but, aw! I dawn't knaw + you, do I?” (He spoke for all the world like Lord Foppington in the + old play—a proof of the perennial nature of man's affectations. But + his limping dialect, I scorn to continue to reproduce.) + </p> + <p> + “It was with the intention of making myself known, that I have taken + this step,” said I, entirely unabashed (for impudence begets in me + its like—perhaps my only martial attribute). “We have a common + subject of interest, to me very lively; and I believe I may be in a + position to be of some service to a friend of yours—to give him, at + least, some very welcome information.” + </p> + <p> + The last clause was a sop to my conscience: I could not pretend, even to + myself, either the power or the will to serve Mr. Carthew; but I felt sure + he would like to hear the Flying Scud was burned. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know—I—I don't understand you,” stammered + my victim. “I don't have any friends in Honolulu, don't you know?” + </p> + <p> + “The friend to whom I refer is English,” I replied. “It + is Mr. Carthew, whom you picked up at Midway. My firm has bought the + wreck; I am just returned from breaking her up; and—to make my + business quite clear to you—I have a communication it is necessary I + should make; and have to trouble you for Mr. Carthew's address.” + </p> + <p> + It will be seen how rapidly I had dropped all hope of interesting the + frigid British bear. He, on his side, was plainly on thorns at my + insistence; I judged he was suffering torments of alarm lest I should + prove an undesirable acquaintance; diagnosed him for a shy, dull, vain, + unamiable animal, without adequate defence—a sort of dishoused + snail; and concluded, rightly enough, that he would consent to anything to + bring our interview to a conclusion. A moment later, he had fled, leaving + me with a sheet of paper, thus inscribed:— + </p> + <p> + Norris Carthew, + </p> + <p> + Stallbridge-le-Carthew, + </p> + <p> + Dorset. + </p> + <p> + I might have cried victory, the field of battle and some of the enemy's + baggage remaining in my occupation. As a matter of fact, my moral + sufferings during the engagement had rivalled those of Mr. Sebright; I was + left incapable of fresh hostilities; I owned that the navy of old England + was (for me) invincible as of yore; and giving up all thought of the + doctor, inclined to salute her veteran flag, in the future, from a prudent + distance. Such was my inclination, when I retired to rest; and my first + experience the next morning strengthened it to certainty. For I had the + pleasure of encountering my fair antagonist on his way on board; and he + honoured me with a recognition so disgustingly dry, that my impatience + overflowed, and (recalling the tactics of Nelson) I neglected to perceive + or to return it. + </p> + <p> + Judge of my astonishment, some half-hour later, to receive a note of + invitation from the Tempest. + </p> + <p> + “Dear Sir,” it began, “we are all naturally very much + interested in the wreck of the Flying Scud, and as soon as I mentioned + that I had the pleasure of making your acquaintance, a very general wish + was expressed that you would come and dine on board. It will give us all + the greatest pleasure to see you to-night, or in case you should be + otherwise engaged, to luncheon either to-morrow or to-day.” A note + of the hours followed, and the document wound up with the name of “J. + Lascelles Sebright,” under an undeniable statement that he was + sincerely mine. + </p> + <p> + “No, Mr. Lascelles Sebright,” I reflected, “you are not, + but I begin to suspect that (like the lady in the song) you are another's. + You have mentioned your adventure, my friend; you have been blown up; you + have got your orders; this note has been dictated; and I am asked on board + (in spite of your melancholy protests) not to meet the men, and not to + talk about the Flying Scud, but to undergo the scrutiny of some one + interested in Carthew: the doctor, for a wager. And for a second wager, + all this springs from your facility in giving the address.” I lost + no time in answering the billet, electing for the earliest occasion; and + at the appointed hour, a somewhat blackguard-looking boat's crew from the + Norah Creina conveyed me under the guns of the Tempest. + </p> + <p> + The ward-room appeared pleased to see me; Sebright's brother officers, in + contrast to himself, took a boyish interest in my cruise; and much was + talked of the Flying Scud; of how she had been lost, of how I had found + her, and of the weather, the anchorage, and the currents about Midway + Island. Carthew was referred to more than once without embarrassment; the + parallel case of a late Earl of Aberdeen, who died mate on board a Yankee + schooner, was adduced. If they told me little of the man, it was because + they had not much to tell, and only felt an interest in his recognition + and pity for his prolonged ill-health. I could never think the subject was + avoided; and it was clear that the officers, far from practising + concealment, had nothing to conceal. + </p> + <p> + So far, then, all seemed natural, and yet the doctor troubled me. This was + a tall, rugged, plain man, on the wrong side of fifty, already gray, and + with a restless mouth and bushy eyebrows: he spoke seldom, but then with + gaiety; and his great, quaking, silent laughter was infectious. I could + make out that he was at once the quiz of the ward-room and perfectly + respected; and I made sure that he observed me covertly. It is certain I + returned the compliment. If Carthew had feigned sickness—and all + seemed to point in that direction—here was the man who knew all—or + certainly knew much. His strong, sterling face progressively and silently + persuaded of his full knowledge. That was not the mouth, these were not + the eyes, of one who would act in ignorance, or could be led at random. + Nor again was it the face of a man squeamish in the case of malefactors; + there was even a touch of Brutus there, and something of the hanging + judge. In short, he seemed the last character for the part assigned him in + my theories; and wonder and curiosity contended in my mind. + </p> + <p> + Luncheon was over, and an adjournment to the smoking-room proposed, when + (upon a sudden impulse) I burned my ships, and pleading indisposition, + requested to consult the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing the matter with my body, Dr. Urquart,” said + I, as soon as we were alone. + </p> + <p> + He hummed, his mouth worked, he regarded me steadily with his gray eyes, + but resolutely held his peace. + </p> + <p> + “I want to talk to you about the Flying Scud and Mr. Carthew,” + I resumed. “Come: you must have expected this. I am sure you know + all; you are shrewd, and must have a guess that I know much. How are we to + stand to one another? and how am I to stand to Mr. Carthew?” + </p> + <p> + “I do not fully understand you,” he replied, after a pause; + and then, after another: “It is the spirit I refer to, Mr. Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + “The spirit of my inquiries?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + He nodded. + </p> + <p> + “I think we are at cross-purposes,” said I. “The spirit + is precisely what I came in quest of. I bought the Flying Scud at a + ruinous figure, run up by Mr. Carthew through an agent; and I am, in + consequence, a bankrupt. But if I have found no fortune in the wreck, I + have found unmistakable evidences of foul play. Conceive my position: I am + ruined through this man, whom I never saw; I might very well desire + revenge or compensation; and I think you will admit I have the means to + extort either.” + </p> + <p> + He made no sign in answer to this challenge. + </p> + <p> + “Can you not understand, then,” I resumed, “the spirit + in which I come to one who is surely in the secret, and ask him, honestly + and plainly: How do I stand to Mr. Carthew?” + </p> + <p> + “I must ask you to be more explicit,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “You do not help me much,” I retorted. “But see if you + can understand: my conscience is not very fine-spun; still, I have one. + Now, there are degrees of foul play, to some of which I have no particular + objection. I am sure with Mr. Carthew, I am not at all the person to forgo + an advantage; and I have much curiosity. But on the other hand, I have no + taste for persecution; and I ask you to believe that I am not the man to + make bad worse, or heap trouble on the unfortunate.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; I think I understand,” said he. “Suppose I pass + you my word that, whatever may have occurred, there were excuses—great + excuses—I may say, very great?” + </p> + <p> + “It would have weight with me, doctor,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “I may go further,” he pursued. “Suppose I had been + there, or you had been there: after a certain event had taken place, it's + a grave question what we might have done—it's even a question what + we could have done—ourselves. Or take me. I will be plain with you, + and own that I am in possession of the facts. You have a shrewd guess how + I have acted in that knowledge. May I ask you to judge from the character + of my action, something of the nature of that knowledge, which I have no + call, nor yet no title, to share with you?” + </p> + <p> + I cannot convey a sense of the rugged conviction and judicial emphasis of + Dr. Urquart's speech. To those who did not hear him, it may appear as if + he fed me on enigmas; to myself, who heard, I seemed to have received a + lesson and a compliment. + </p> + <p> + “I thank you,” I said. “I feel you have said as much as + possible, and more than I had any right to ask. I take that as a mark of + confidence, which I will try to deserve. I hope, sir, you will let me + regard you as a friend.” + </p> + <p> + He evaded my proffered friendship with a blunt proposal to rejoin the + mess; and yet a moment later, contrived to alleviate the snub. For, as we + entered the smoking-room, he laid his hand on my shoulder with a kind + familiarity. + </p> + <p> + “I have just prescribed for Mr. Dodd,” says he, “a glass + of our Madeira.” + </p> + <p> + I have never again met Dr. Urquart: but he wrote himself so clear upon my + memory that I think I see him still. And indeed I had cause to remember + the man for the sake of his communication. It was hard enough to make a + theory fit the circumstances of the Flying Scud; but one in which the + chief actor should stand the least excused, and might retain the esteem or + at least the pity of a man like Dr. Urquart, failed me utterly. Here at + least was the end of my discoveries; I learned no more, till I learned + all; and my reader has the evidence complete. Is he more astute than I + was? or, like me, does he give it up? + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. CROSS-QUESTIONS AND CROOKED ANSWERS. + </h2> + <p> + I have said hard words of San Francisco; they must scarce be literally + understood (one cannot suppose the Israelites did justice to the land of + Pharaoh); and the city took a fine revenge of me on my return. She had + never worn a more becoming guise; the sun shone, the air was lively, the + people had flowers in their button-holes and smiles upon their faces; and + as I made my way towards Jim's place of employment, with some very black + anxieties at heart, I seemed to myself a blot on the surrounding gaiety. + </p> + <p> + My destination was in a by-street in a mean, rickety building; “The + Franklin H. Dodge Steam Printing Company” appeared upon its front, + and in characters of greater freshness, so as to suggest recent + conversion, the watch-cry, “White Labour Only.” In the office, + in a dusty pen, Jim sat alone before a table. A wretched change had + overtaken him in clothes, body, and bearing; he looked sick and shabby; he + who had once rejoiced in his day's employment, like a horse among + pastures, now sat staring on a column of accounts, idly chewing a pen, at + times heavily sighing, the picture of inefficiency and inattention. He was + sunk deep in a painful reverie; he neither saw nor heard me; and I stood + and watched him unobserved. I had a sudden vain relenting. Repentance + bludgeoned me. As I had predicted to Nares, I stood and kicked myself. + Here was I come home again, my honour saved; there was my friend in want + of rest, nursing, and a generous diet; and I asked myself with Falstaff, + “What is in that word honour? what is that honour?” and, like + Falstaff, I told myself that it was air. + </p> + <p> + “Jim!” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Loudon!” he gasped, and jumped from his chair and stood + shaking. + </p> + <p> + The next moment I was over the barrier, and we were hand in hand. + </p> + <p> + “My poor old man!” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God, you're home at last!” he gulped, and kept patting + my shoulder with his hand. + </p> + <p> + “I've no good news for you, Jim!” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You've come—that's the good news that I want,” he + replied. “O, how I've longed for you, Loudon!” + </p> + <p> + “I couldn't do what you wrote me,” I said, lowering my voice. + “The creditors have it all. I couldn't do it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ssh!” returned Jim. “I was crazy when wrote. I could + never have looked Mamie in the face if we had done it. O, Loudon, what a + gift that woman is! You think you know something of life: you just don't + know anything. It's the GOODNESS of the woman, it's a revelation!” + </p> + <p> + “That's all right,” said I. “That's how I hoped to hear + you, Jim.” + </p> + <p> + “And so the Flying Scud was a fraud,” he resumed. “I + didn't quite understand your letter, but I made out that.” + </p> + <p> + “Fraud is a mild term for it,” said I. “The creditors + will never believe what fools we were. And that reminds me,” I + continued, rejoicing in the transition, “how about the bankruptcy?” + </p> + <p> + “You were lucky to be out of that,” answered Jim, shaking his + head; “you were lucky not to see the papers. The <i>Occidental</i> + called me a fifth-rate Kerbstone broker with water on the brain; another + said I was a tree-frog that had got into the same meadow with Longhurst, + and had blown myself out till I went pop. It was rough on a man in his + honeymoon; so was what they said about my looks, and what I had on, and + the way I perspired. But I braced myself up with the Flying Scud. How did + it exactly figure out anyway? I don't seem to catch on to that story, + Loudon.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil you don't!” thinks I to myself; and then aloud: + “You see we had neither one of us good luck. I didn't do much more + than cover current expenses; and you got floored immediately. How did we + come to go so soon?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, we'll have to have a talk over all this,” said Jim with + a sudden start. “I should be getting to my books; and I guess you + had better go up right away to Mamie. She's at Speedy's. She expects you + with impatience. She regards you in the light of a favourite brother, + Loudon.” + </p> + <p> + Any scheme was welcome which allowed me to postpone the hour of + explanation, and avoid (were it only for a breathing space) the topic of + the Flying Scud. I hastened accordingly to Bush Street. Mrs. Speedy, + already rejoicing in the return of a spouse, hailed me with acclamation. + “And it's beautiful you're looking, Mr. Dodd, my dear,” she + was kind enough to say. “And a miracle they naygur waheenies let ye + lave the oilands. I have my suspicions of Shpeedy,” she added, + roguishly. “Did ye see him after the naygresses now?” + </p> + <p> + I gave Speedy an unblemished character. + </p> + <p> + “The one of ye will niver bethray the other,” said the playful + dame, and ushered me into a bare room, where Mamie sat working a + type-writer. + </p> + <p> + I was touched by the cordiality of her greeting. With the prettiest + gesture in the world she gave me both her hands; wheeled forth a chair; + and produced, from a cupboard, a tin of my favourite tobacco, and a book + of my exclusive cigarette papers. + </p> + <p> + “There!” she cried; “you see, Mr. Loudon, we were all + prepared for you; the things were bought the very day you sailed.” + </p> + <p> + I imagined she had always intended me a pleasant welcome; but the certain + fervour of sincerity, which I could not help remarking, flowed from an + unexpected source. Captain Nares, with a kindness for which I can never be + sufficiently grateful, had stolen a moment from his occupations, driven to + call on Mamie, and drawn her a generous picture of my prowess at the + wreck. She was careful not to breathe a word of this interview, till she + had led me on to tell my adventures for myself. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! Captain Nares was better,” she cried, when I had done. + “From your account, I have only learned one new thing, that you are + modest as well as brave.” + </p> + <p> + I cannot tell with what sort of disclamation I sought to reply. + </p> + <p> + “It is of no use,” said Mamie. “I know a hero. And when + I heard of you working all day like a common labourer, with your hands + bleeding and your nails broken—and how you told the captain to + 'crack on' (I think he said) in the storm, when he was terrified himself—and + the danger of that horrid mutiny”—(Nares had been obligingly + dipping his brush in earthquake and eclipse)—“and how it was + all done, in part at least, for Jim and me—I felt we could never say + how we admired and thanked you.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamie,” I cried, “don't talk of thanks; it is not a + word to be used between friends. Jim and I have been prosperous together; + now we shall be poor together. We've done our best, and that's all that + need be said. The next thing is for me to find a situation, and send you + and Jim up country for a long holiday in the redwoods—for a holiday + Jim has got to have.” + </p> + <p> + “Jim can't take your money, Mr. Loudon,” said Mamie. + </p> + <p> + “Jim?” cried I. “He's got to. Didn't I take his?” + </p> + <p> + Presently after, Jim himself arrived, and before he had yet done mopping + his brow, he was at me with the accursed subject. “Now, Loudon,” + said he, “here we are all together, the day's work done and the + evening before us; just start in with the whole story.” + </p> + <p> + “One word on business first,” said I, speaking from the lips + outward, and meanwhile (in the private apartments of my brain) trying for + the thousandth time to find some plausible arrangement of my story. + “I want to have a notion how we stand about the bankruptcy.” + </p> + <p> + “O, that's ancient history,” cried Jim. “We paid seven + cents, and a wonder we did as well. The receiver——” + (methought a spasm seized him at the name of this official, and he broke + off). “But it's all past and done with anyway; and what I want to + get at is the facts about the wreck. I don't seem to understand it; + appears to me like as there was something underneath.” + </p> + <p> + “There was nothing IN it, anyway,” I said, with a forced + laugh. + </p> + <p> + “That's what I want to judge of,” returned Jim. + </p> + <p> + “How the mischief is it I can never keep you to that bankruptcy? It + looks as if you avoided it,” said I—for a man in my situation, + with unpardonable folly. + </p> + <p> + “Don't it look a little as if you were trying to avoid the wreck?” + asked Jim. + </p> + <p> + It was my own doing; there was no retreat. “My dear fellow, if you + make a point of it, here goes!” said I, and launched with spurious + gaiety into the current of my tale. I told it with point and spirit; + described the island and the wreck, mimicked Anderson and the Chinese, + maintained the suspense.... My pen has stumbled on the fatal word. I + maintained the suspense so well that it was never relieved; and when I + stopped—I dare not say concluded, where there was no conclusion—I + found Jim and Mamie regarding me with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” said Jim. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's all,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “But how do you explain it?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “I can't explain it,” said I. + </p> + <p> + Mamie wagged her head ominously. + </p> + <p> + “But, great Caesar's ghost! the money was offered!” cried Jim. + “It won't do, Loudon; it's nonsense, on the face of it! I don't say + but what you and Nares did your best; I'm sure, of course, you did; but I + do say, you got fooled. I say the stuff is in that ship to-day, and I say + I mean to get it.” + </p> + <p> + “There is nothing in the ship, I tell you, but old wood and iron!” + said I. + </p> + <p> + “You'll see,” said Jim. “Next time I go myself. I'll + take Mamie for the trip; Longhurst won't refuse me the expense of a + schooner. You wait till I get the searching of her.” + </p> + <p> + “But you can't search her!” cried I. “She's burned.” + </p> + <p> + “Burned!” cried Mamie, starting a little from the attitude of + quiescent capacity in which she had hitherto sat to hear me, her hands + folded in her lap. + </p> + <p> + There was an appreciable pause. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Loudon,” began Jim at last, “but why + in snakes did you burn her?” + </p> + <p> + “It was an idea of Nares's,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “This is certainly the strangest circumstance of all,” + observed Mamie. + </p> + <p> + “I must say, Loudon, it does seem kind of unexpected,” added + Jim. “It seems kind of crazy even. What did you—what did Nares + expect to gain by burning her?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know; it didn't seem to matter; we had got all there was to + get,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “That's the very point,” cried Jim. “It was quite plain + you hadn't.” + </p> + <p> + “What made you so sure?” asked Mamie. + </p> + <p> + “How can I tell you?” I cried. “We had been all through + her. We WERE sure; that's all that I can say.” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to think you were,” she returned, with a significant + emphasis. + </p> + <p> + Jim hurriedly intervened. “What I don't quite make out, Loudon, is + that you don't seem to appreciate the peculiarities of the thing,” + said he. “It doesn't seem to have struck you same as it does me.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! why go on with this?” cried Mamie, suddenly rising. + “Mr. Dodd is not telling us either what he thinks or what he knows.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamie!” cried Jim. + </p> + <p> + “You need not be concerned for his feelings, James; he is not + concerned for yours,” returned the lady. “He dare not deny it, + besides. And this is not the first time he has practised reticence. Have + you forgotten that he knew the address, and did not tell it you until that + man had escaped?” + </p> + <p> + Jim turned to me pleadingly—we were all on our feet. “Loudon,” + he said, “you see Mamie has some fancy; and I must say there's just + a sort of a shadow of an excuse; for it IS bewildering—even to me, + Loudon, with my trained business intelligence. For God's sake, clear it + up.” + </p> + <p> + “This serves me right,” said I. “I should not have tried + to keep you in the dark; I should have told you at first that I was + pledged to secrecy; I should have asked you to trust me in the beginning. + It is all I can do now. There is more of the story, but it concerns none + of us, and my tongue is tied. I have given my word of honour. You must + trust me and try to forgive me.” + </p> + <p> + “I daresay I am very stupid, Mr. Dodd,” began Mamie, with an + alarming sweetness, “but I thought you went upon this trip as my + husband's representative and with my husband's money? You tell us now that + you are pledged, but I should have thought you were pledged first of all + to James. You say it does not concern us; we are poor people, and my + husband is sick, and it concerns us a great deal to understand how we come + to have lost our money, and why our representative comes back to us with + nothing. You ask that we should trust you; you do not seem to understand; + the question we are asking ourselves is whether we have not trusted you + too much.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not ask you to trust me,” I replied. “I ask Jim. + He knows me.” + </p> + <p> + “You think you can do what you please with James; you trust to his + affection, do you not? And me, I suppose, you do not consider,” said + Mamie. “But it was perhaps an unfortunate day for you when we were + married, for I at least am not blind. The crew run away, the ship is sold + for a great deal of money, you know that man's address and you conceal it, + you do not find what you were sent to look for, and yet you burn the ship; + and now, when we ask explanations, you are pledged to secrecy! But I am + pledged to no such thing; I will not stand by in silence and see my sick + and ruined husband betrayed by his condescending friend. I will give you + the truth for once. Mr. Dodd, you have been bought and sold.” + </p> + <p> + “Mamie,” cried Jim, “no more of this! It's me you're + striking; it's only me you hurt. You don't know, you cannot understand + these things. Why, to-day, if it hadn't been for Loudon, I couldn't have + looked you in the face. He saved my honesty.” + </p> + <p> + “I have heard plenty of this talk before,” she replied. + “You are a sweet-hearted fool, and I love you for it. But I am a + clear-headed woman; my eyes are open, and I understand this man's + hypocrisy. Did he not come here to-day and pretend he would take a + situation—pretend he would share his hard-earned wages with us until + you were well? Pretend! It makes me furious! His wages! a share of his + wages! That would have been your pittance, that would have been your share + of the Flying Scud—you who worked and toiled for him when he was a + beggar in the streets of Paris. But we do not want your charity; thank + God, I can work for my own husband! See what it is to have obliged a + gentleman. He would let you pick him up when he was begging; he would + stand and look on, and let you black his shoes, and sneer at you. For you + were always sneering at my James; you always looked down upon him in your + heart, you know it!” She turned back to Jim. “And now when he + is rich,” she began, and then swooped again on me. “For you + are rich, I dare you to deny it; I defy you to look me in the face and try + to deny that you are rich—rich with our money—my husband's + money——” + </p> + <p> + Heaven knows to what a height she might have risen, being, by this time, + bodily whirled away in her own hurricane of words. Heart-sickness, a black + depression, a treacherous sympathy with my assailant, pity unutterable for + poor Jim, already filled, divided, and abashed my spirit. Flight seemed + the only remedy; and making a private sign to Jim, as if to ask + permission, I slunk from the unequal field. + </p> + <p> + I was but a little way down the street, when I was arrested by the sound + of some one running, and Jim's voice calling me by name. He had followed + me with a letter which had been long awaiting my return. + </p> + <p> + I took it in a dream. “This has been a devil of a business,” + said I. + </p> + <p> + “Don't think hard of Mamie,” he pleaded. “It's the way + she's made; it's her high-toned loyalty. And of course I know it's all + right. I know your sterling character; but you didn't, somehow, make out + to give us the thing straight, Loudon. Anybody might have—I mean it—I + mean——” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind what you mean, my poor Jim,” said I. “She's + a gallant little woman and a loyal wife: and I thought her splendid. My + story was as fishy as the devil. I'll never think the less of either her + or you.” + </p> + <p> + “It'll blow over; it must blow over,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “It never can,” I returned, sighing: “and don't you try + to make it! Don't name me, unless it's with an oath. And get home to her + right away. Good by, my best of friends. Good by, and God bless you. We + shall never meet again.” + </p> + <p> + “O Loudon, that we should live to say such words!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + I had no views on life, beyond an occasional impulse to commit suicide, or + to get drunk, and drifted down the street, semi-conscious, walking + apparently on air, in the light-headedness of grief. I had money in my + pocket, whether mine or my creditors' I had no means of guessing; and, the + Poodle Dog lying in my path, I went mechanically in and took a table. A + waiter attended me, and I suppose I gave my orders; for presently I found + myself, with a sudden return of consciousness, beginning dinner. On the + white cloth at my elbow lay the letter, addressed in a clerk's hand, and + bearing an English stamp and the Edinburgh postmark. A bowl of bouillon + and a glass of wine awakened in one corner of my brain (where all the rest + was in mourning, the blinds down as for a funeral) a faint stir of + curiosity; and while I waited the next course, wondering the while what I + had ordered, I opened and began to read the epoch-making document. + </p> + <p> + “DEAR SIR: I am charged with the melancholy duty of announcing to + you the death of your excellent grandfather, Mr. Alexander Loudon, on the + 17th ult. On Sunday the 13th, he went to church as usual in the forenoon, + and stopped on his way home, at the corner of Princes Street, in one of + our seasonable east winds, to talk with an old friend. The same evening + acute bronchitis declared itself; from the first, Dr. M'Combie anticipated + a fatal result, and the old gentleman appeared to have no illusion as to + his own state. He repeatedly assured me it was 'by' with him now; 'and + high time, too,' he once added with characteristic asperity. He was not in + the least changed on the approach of death: only (what I am sure must be + very grateful to your feelings) he seemed to think and speak even more + kindly than usual of yourself: referring to you as 'Jeannie's yin,' with + strong expressions of regard. 'He was the only one I ever liket of the + hale jing-bang,' was one of his expressions; and you will be glad to know + that he dwelt particularly on the dutiful respect you had always displayed + in your relations. The small codicil, by which he bequeaths you his + Molesworth and other professional works, was added (you will observe) on + the day before his death; so that you were in his thoughts until the end. + I should say that, though rather a trying patient, he was most tenderly + nursed by your uncle, and your cousin, Miss Euphemia. I enclose a copy of + the testament, by which you will see that you share equally with Mr. Adam, + and that I hold at your disposal a sum nearly approaching seventeen + thousand pounds. I beg to congratulate you on this considerable + acquisition, and expect your orders, to which I shall hasten to give my + best attention. Thinking that you might desire to return at once to this + country, and not knowing how you may be placed, I enclose a credit for six + hundred pounds. Please sign the accompanying slip, and let me have it at + your earliest convenience. + </p> + <p> + “I am, dear sir, yours truly, + </p> + <p> + “W. RUTHERFORD GREGG.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless the old gentleman!” I thought; “and for that + matter God bless Uncle Adam! and my cousin Euphemia! and Mr. Gregg!” + I had a vision of that grey old life now brought to an end—“and + high time too”—a vision of those Sabbath streets alternately + vacant and filled with silent people; of the babel of the bells, the + long-drawn psalmody, the shrewd sting of the east wind, the hollow, + echoing, dreary house to which “Ecky” had returned with the + hand of death already on his shoulder; a vision, too, of the long, rough + country lad, perhaps a serious courtier of the lasses in the hawthorn den, + perhaps a rustic dancer on the green, who had first earned and answered to + that harsh diminutive. And I asked myself if, on the whole, poor Ecky had + succeeded in life; if the last state of that man were not on the whole + worse than the first; and the house in Randolph Crescent a less admirable + dwelling than the hamlet where he saw the day and grew to manhood. Here + was a consolatory thought for one who was himself a failure. + </p> + <p> + Yes, I declare the word came in my mind; and all the while, in another + partition of the brain, I was glowing and singing for my new-found + opulence. The pile of gold—four thousand two hundred and fifty + double eagles, seventeen thousand ugly sovereigns, twenty-one thousand two + hundred and fifty Napoleons—danced, and rang and ran molten, and lit + up life with their effulgence, in the eye of fancy. Here were all things + made plain to me: Paradise—Paris, I mean—Regained, Carthew + protected, Jim restored, the creditors... + </p> + <p> + “The creditors!” I repeated, and sank back benumbed. It was + all theirs to the last farthing: my grandfather had died too soon to save + me. + </p> + <p> + I must have somewhere a rare vein of decision. In that revolutionary + moment, I found myself prepared for all extremes except the one: ready to + do anything, or to go anywhere, so long as I might save my money. At the + worst, there was flight, flight to some of those blest countries where the + serpent, extradition, has not yet entered in. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + On no condition is extradition + Allowed in Callao! +</pre> + <p> + —the old lawless words haunted me; and I saw myself hugging my gold + in the company of such men as had once made and sung them, in the rude and + bloody wharfside drinking-shops of Chili and Peru. The run of my ill-luck, + the breach of my old friendship, this bubble fortune flaunted for a moment + in my eyes and snatched again, had made me desperate and (in the + expressive vulgarism) ugly. To drink vile spirits among vile companions by + the flare of a pine-torch; to go burthened with my furtive treasure in a + belt; to fight for it knife in hand, rolling on a clay floor; to flee + perpetually in fresh ships and to be chased through the sea from isle to + isle, seemed, in my then frame of mind, a welcome series of events. + </p> + <p> + That was for the worst; but it began to dawn slowly on my mind that there + was yet a possible better. Once escaped, once safe in Callao, I might + approach my creditors with a good grace; and properly handled by a cunning + agent, it was just possible they might accept some easy composition. The + hope recalled me to the bankruptcy. It was strange, I reflected: often as + I had questioned Jim, he had never obliged me with an answer. In his haste + for news about the wreck, my own no less legitimate curiosity had gone + disappointed. Hateful as the thought was to me, I must return at once and + find out where I stood. + </p> + <p> + I left my dinner still unfinished, paying for the whole, of course, and + tossing the waiter a gold piece. I was reckless; I knew not what was mine + and cared not: I must take what I could get and give as I was able; to rob + and to squander seemed the complementary parts of my new destiny. I walked + up Bush Street, whistling, brazening myself to confront Mamie in the first + place, and the world at large and a certain visionary judge upon a bench + in the second. Just outside, I stopped and lighted a cigar to give me + greater countenance; and puffing this and wearing what (I am sure) was a + wretched assumption of braggadocio, I reappeared on the scene of my + disgrace. + </p> + <p> + My friend and his wife were finishing a poor meal—rags of old + mutton, the remainder cakes from breakfast eaten cold, and a starveling + pot of coffee. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mrs. Pinkerton,” said I. “Sorry to + inflict my presence where it cannot be desired; but there is a piece of + business necessary to be discussed.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray do not consider me,” said Mamie, rising, and she sailed + into the adjoining bedroom. + </p> + <p> + Jim watched her go and shook his head; he looked miserably old and ill. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, now?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you remember you answered none of my questions,” said + I. + </p> + <p> + “Your questions?” faltered Jim. + </p> + <p> + “Even so, Jim. My questions,” I repeated. “I put + questions as well as yourself; and however little I may have satisfied + Mamie with my answers, I beg to remind you that you gave me none at all.” + </p> + <p> + “You mean about the bankruptcy?” asked Jim. + </p> + <p> + I nodded. + </p> + <p> + He writhed in his chair. “The straight truth is, I was ashamed,” + he said. “I was trying to dodge you. I've been playing fast and + loose with you, Loudon; I've deceived you from the first, I blush to own + it. And here you came home and put the very question I was fearing. Why + did we bust so soon? Your keen business eye had not deceived you. That's + the point, that's my shame; that's what killed me this afternoon when + Mamie was treating you so, and my conscience was telling me all the time, + Thou art the man.” + </p> + <p> + “What was it, Jim?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “What I had been at all the time, Loudon,” he wailed; “and + I don't know how I'm to look you in the face and say it, after my + duplicity. It was stocks,” he added in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “And you were afraid to tell me that!” I cried. “You + poor, old, cheerless dreamer! what would it matter what you did or didn't? + Can't you see we're doomed? And anyway, that's not my point. It's how I + stand that I want to know. There is a particular reason. Am I clear? Have + I a certificate, or what have I to do to get one? And when will it be + dated? You can't think what hangs by it!” + </p> + <p> + “That's the worst of all,” said Jim, like a man in a dream, + “I can't see how to tell him!” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” I cried, a small pang of terror at my + heart. + </p> + <p> + “I'm afraid I sacrificed you, Loudon,” he said, looking at me + pitifully. + </p> + <p> + “Sacrificed me?” I repeated. “How? What do you mean by + sacrifice?” + </p> + <p> + “I know it'll shock your delicate self-respect,” he said; + “but what was I to do? Things looked so bad. The receiver——” + (as usual, the name stuck in his throat, and he began afresh). “There + was a lot of talk; the reporters were after me already; there was the + trouble and all about the Mexican business; and I got scared right out, + and I guess I lost my head. You weren't there, you see, and that was my + temptation.” + </p> + <p> + I did not know how long he might thus beat about the bush with dreadful + hintings, and I was already beside myself with terror. What had he done? I + saw he had been tempted; I knew from his letters that he was in no + condition to resist. How had he sacrificed the absent? + </p> + <p> + “Jim,” I said, “you must speak right out. I've got all + that I can carry.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” he said—“I know it was a liberty—I + made it out you were no business man, only a stone-broke painter; that + half the time you didn't know anything anyway, particularly money and + accounts. I said you never could be got to understand whose was whose. I + had to say that because of some entries in the books——” + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake,” I cried, “put me out of this agony! + What did you accuse me of?” + </p> + <p> + “Accuse you of?” repeated Jim. “Of what I'm telling you. + And there being no deed of partnership, I made out you were only a kind of + clerk that I called a partner just to give you taffy; and so I got you + ranked a creditor on the estate for your wages and the money you had lent. + And——” + </p> + <p> + I believe I reeled. “A creditor!” I roared; “a creditor! + I'm not in the bankruptcy at all?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Jim. “I know it was a liberty——” + </p> + <p> + “O, damn your liberty! read that,” I cried, dashing the letter + before him on the table, “and call in your wife, and be done with + eating this truck “—as I spoke, I slung the cold mutton in the + empty grate—“and let's all go and have a champagne supper. + I've dined—I'm sure I don't remember what I had; I'd dine again ten + scores of times upon a night like this. Read it, you blaying ass! I'm not + insane. Here, Mamie,” I continued, opening the bedroom door, “come + out and make it up with me, and go and kiss your husband; and I'll tell + you what, after the supper, let's go to some place where there's a band, + and I'll waltz with you till sunrise.” + </p> + <p> + “What does it all mean?” cried Jim. + </p> + <p> + “It means we have a champagne supper to-night, and all go to Napa + Valley or to Monterey to-morrow,” said I. “Mamie, go and get + your things on; and you, Jim, sit down right where you are, take a sheet + of paper, and tell Franklin Dodge to go to Texas. Mamie, you were right, + my dear; I was rich all the time, and didn't know it.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. TRAVELS WITH A SHYSTER. + </h2> + <p> + The absorbing and disastrous adventure of the Flying Scud was now quite + ended; we had dashed into these deep waters and we had escaped again to + starve, we had been ruined and were saved, had quarrelled and made up; + there remained nothing but to sing Te Deum, draw a line, and begin on a + fresh page of my unwritten diary. I do not pretend that I recovered all I + had lost with Mamie; it would have been more than I had merited; and I had + certainly been more uncommunicative than became either the partner or the + friend. But she accepted the position handsomely; and during the week that + I now passed with them, both she and Jim had the grace to spare me + questions. It was to Calistoga that we went; there was some rumour of a + Napa land-boom at the moment, the possibility of stir attracted Jim, and + he informed me he would find a certain joy in looking on, much as Napoleon + on St. Helena took a pleasure to read military works. The field of his + ambition was quite closed; he was done with action; and looked forward to + a ranch in a mountain dingle, a patch of corn, a pair of kine, a leisurely + and contemplative age in the green shade of forests. “Just let me + get down on my back in a hayfield,” said he, “and you'll find + there's no more snap to me than that much putty.” + </p> + <p> + And for two days the perfervid being actually rested. The third, he was + observed in consultation with the local editor, and owned he was in two + minds about purchasing the press and paper. “It's a kind of a hold + for an idle man,” he said, pleadingly; “and if the section was + to open up the way it ought to, there might be dollars in the thing.” + On the fourth day he was gone till dinner-time alone; on the fifth we made + a long picnic drive to the fresh field of enterprise; and the sixth was + passed entirely in the preparation of prospectuses. The pioneer of McBride + City was already upright and self-reliant as of yore; the fire rekindled + in his eye, the ring restored to his voice; a charger sniffing battle and + saying ha-ha, among the spears. On the seventh morning we signed a deed of + partnership, for Jim would not accept a dollar of my money otherwise; and + having once more engaged myself—or that mortal part of me, my purse—among + the wheels of his machinery, I returned alone to San Francisco and took + quarters in the Palace Hotel. + </p> + <p> + The same night I had Nares to dinner. His sunburnt face, his queer and + personal strain of talk, recalled days that were scarce over and that + seemed already distant. Through the music of the band outside, and the + chink and clatter of the dining-room, it seemed to me as if I heard the + foaming of the surf and the voices of the sea-birds about Midway Island. + The bruises on our hands were not yet healed; and there we sat, waited on + by elaborate darkies, eating pompano and drinking iced champagne. + </p> + <p> + “Think of our dinners on the Norah, captain, and then oblige me by + looking round the room for contrast.” + </p> + <p> + He took the scene in slowly. “Yes, it is like a dream,” he + said: “like as if the darkies were really about as big as dimes; and + a great big scuttle might open up there, and Johnson stick in a great big + head and shoulders, and cry, 'Eight bells!'—and the whole thing + vanish.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it's the other thing that has done that,” I replied. + “It's all bygone now, all dead and buried. Amen! say I.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that, Mr. Dodd; and to tell you the fact, I don't + believe it,” said Nares. “There's more Flying Scud in the + oven; and the baker's name, I take it, is Bellairs. He tackled me the day + we came in: sort of a razee of poor old humanity—jury clothes—full + new suit of pimples: knew him at once from your description. I let him + pump me till I saw his game. He knows a good deal that we don't know, a + good deal that we do, and suspects the balance. There's trouble brewing + for somebody.” + </p> + <p> + I was surprised I had not thought of this before. Bellairs had been behind + the scenes; he had known Dickson; he knew the flight of the crew; it was + hardly possible but what he should suspect; it was certain if he + suspected, that he would seek to trade on the suspicion. And sure enough, + I was not yet dressed the next morning ere the lawyer was knocking at my + door. I let him in, for I was curious; and he, after some ambiguous + prolegomena, roundly proposed I should go shares with him. + </p> + <p> + “Shares in what?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “If you will allow me to clothe my idea in a somewhat vulgar form,” + said he, “I might ask you, did you go to Midway for your health?” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that I did,” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “Similarly, Mr. Dodd, you may be sure I would never have taken the + present step without influential grounds,” pursued the lawyer. + “Intrusion is foreign to my character. But you and I, sir, are + engaged on the same ends. If we can continue to work the thing in company, + I place at your disposal my knowledge of the law and a considerable + practice in delicate negotiations similar to this. Should you refuse to + consent, you might find in me a formidable and”—he hesitated—“and + to my own regret, perhaps a dangerous competitor.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you get this by heart?” I asked, genially. + </p> + <p> + “I advise YOU to!” he said, with a sudden sparkle of temper + and menace, instantly gone, instantly succeeded by fresh cringing. “I + assure you, sir, I arrive in the character of a friend; and I believe you + underestimate my information. If I may instance an example, I am + acquainted to the last dime with what you made (or rather lost), and I + know you have since cashed a considerable draft on London.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you infer?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I know where that draft came from,” he cried, wincing back + like one who has greatly dared, and instantly regrets the venture. + </p> + <p> + “So?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “You forget I was Mr. Dickson's confidential agent,” he + explained. “You had his address, Mr. Dodd. We were the only two that + he communicated with in San Francisco. You see my deductions are quite + obvious: you see how open and frank I deal with you, as I should wish to + do with any gentleman with whom I was conjoined in business. You see how + much I know; and it can scarcely escape your strong common-sense, how much + better it would be if I knew all. You cannot hope to get rid of me at this + time of day, I have my place in the affair, I cannot be shaken off; I am, + if you will excuse a rather technical pleasantry, an encumbrance on the + estate. The actual harm I can do, I leave you to valuate for yourself. But + without going so far, Mr. Dodd, and without in any way inconveniencing + myself, I could make things very uncomfortable. For instance, Mr. + Pinkerton's liquidation. You and I know, sir—and you better than I—on + what a large fund you draw. Is Mr. Pinkerton in the thing at all? It was + you only who knew the address, and you were concealing it. Suppose I + should communicate with Mr. Pinkerton——” + </p> + <p> + “Look here!” I interrupted, “communicate with him (if + you will permit me to clothe my idea in a vulgar shape) till you are blue + in the face. There is only one person with whom I refuse to allow you to + communicate further, and that is myself. Good morning.” + </p> + <p> + He could not conceal his rage, disappointment, and surprise; and in the + passage (I have no doubt) was shaken by St. Vitus. + </p> + <p> + I was disgusted by this interview; it struck me hard to be suspected on + all hands, and to hear again from this trafficker what I had heard already + from Jim's wife; and yet my strongest impression was different and might + rather be described as an impersonal fear. There was something against + nature in the man's craven impudence; it was as though a lamb had butted + me; such daring at the hands of such a dastard, implied unchangeable + resolve, a great pressure of necessity, and powerful means. I thought of + the unknown Carthew, and it sickened me to see this ferret on his trail. + </p> + <p> + Upon inquiry I found the lawyer was but just disbarred for some + malpractice; and the discovery added excessively to my disquiet. Here was + a rascal without money or the means of making it, thrust out of the doors + of his own trade, publicly shamed, and doubtless in a deuce of a bad + temper with the universe. Here, on the other hand, was a man with a + secret; rich, terrified, practically in hiding; who had been willing to + pay ten thousand pounds for the bones of the Flying Scud. I slipped + insensibly into a mental alliance with the victim; the business weighed on + me; all day long, I was wondering how much the lawyer knew, how much he + guessed, and when he would open his attack. + </p> + <p> + Some of these problems are unsolved to this day; others were soon made + clear. Where he got Carthew's name is still a mystery; perhaps some sailor + on the Tempest, perhaps my own sea-lawyer served him for a tool; but I was + actually at his elbow when he learned the address. It fell so. One + evening, when I had an engagement and was killing time until the hour, I + chanced to walk in the court of the hotel while the band played. The place + was bright as day with the electric light; and I recognised, at some + distance among the loiterers, the person of Bellairs in talk with a + gentleman whose face appeared familiar. It was certainly some one I had + seen, and seen recently; but who or where, I knew not. A porter standing + hard by, gave me the necessary hint. The stranger was an English navy man, + invalided home from Honolulu, where he had left his ship; indeed, it was + only from the change of clothes and the effects of sickness, that I had + not immediately recognised my friend and correspondent, Lieutenant + Sebright. + </p> + <p> + The conjunction of these planets seeming ominous, I drew near; but it + seemed Bellairs had done his business; he vanished in the crowd, and I + found my officer alone. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know whom you have been talking to, Mr. Sebright?” I + began. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said he; “I don't know him from Adam. Anything + wrong?” + </p> + <p> + “He is a disreputable lawyer, recently disbarred,” said I. + “I wish I had seen you in time. I trust you told him nothing about + Carthew?” + </p> + <p> + He flushed to his ears. “I'm awfully sorry,” he said. “He + seemed civil, and I wanted to get rid of him. It was only the address he + asked.” + </p> + <p> + “And you gave it?” I cried. + </p> + <p> + “I'm really awfully sorry,” said Sebright. “I'm afraid I + did.” + </p> + <p> + “God forgive you!” was my only comment, and I turned my back + upon the blunderer. + </p> + <p> + The fat was in the fire now: Bellairs had the address, and I was the more + deceived or Carthew would have news of him. So strong was this impression, + and so painful, that the next morning I had the curiosity to pay the + lawyer's den a visit. An old woman was scrubbing the stair, and the board + was down. + </p> + <p> + “Lawyer Bellairs?” said the old woman. “Gone East this + morning. There's Lawyer Dean next block up.” + </p> + <p> + I did not trouble Lawyer Dean, but walked slowly back to my hotel, + ruminating as I went. The image of the old woman washing that desecrated + stair had struck my fancy; it seemed that all the water-supply of the city + and all the soap in the State would scarce suffice to cleanse it, it had + been so long a clearing-house of dingy secrets and a factory of sordid + fraud. And now the corner was untenanted; some judge, like a careful + housewife, had knocked down the web, and the bloated spider was scuttling + elsewhere after new victims. I had of late (as I have said) insensibly + taken sides with Carthew; now when his enemy was at his heels, my interest + grew more warm; and I began to wonder if I could not help. The drama of + the Flying Scud was entering on a new phase. It had been singular from the + first: it promised an extraordinary conclusion; and I, who had paid so + much to learn the beginning, might pay a little more and see the end. I + lingered in San Francisco, indemnifying myself after the hardships of the + cruise, spending money, regretting it, continually promising departure for + the morrow. Why not go indeed, and keep a watch upon Bellairs? If I missed + him, there was no harm done, I was the nearer Paris. If I found and kept + his trail, it was hard if I could not put some stick in his machinery, and + at the worst I could promise myself interesting scenes and revelations. + </p> + <p> + In such a mixed humour, I made up what it pleases me to call my mind, and + once more involved myself in the story of Carthew and the Flying Scud. The + same night I wrote a letter of farewell to Jim, and one of anxious warning + to Dr. Urquart begging him to set Carthew on his guard; the morrow saw me + in the ferry-boat; and ten days later, I was walking the hurricane deck on + the City of Denver. By that time my mind was pretty much made down again, + its natural condition: I told myself that I was bound for Paris or + Fontainebleau to resume the study of the arts; and I thought no more of + Carthew or Bellairs, or only to smile at my own fondness. The one I could + not serve, even if I wanted; the other I had no means of finding, even if + I could have at all influenced him after he was found. + </p> + <p> + And for all that, I was close on the heels of an absurd adventure. My + neighbour at table that evening was a 'Frisco man whom I knew slightly. I + found he had crossed the plains two days in front of me, and this was the + first steamer that had left New York for Europe since his arrival. Two + days before me meant a day before Bellairs; and dinner was scarce done + before I was closeted with the purser. + </p> + <p> + “Bellairs?” he repeated. “Not in the saloon, I am sure. + He may be in the second class. The lists are not made out, but—Hullo! + 'Harry D. Bellairs?' That the name? He's there right enough.” + </p> + <p> + And the next morning I saw him on the forward deck, sitting in a chair, a + book in his hand, a shabby puma skin rug about his knees: the picture of + respectable decay. Off and on, I kept him in my eye. He read a good deal, + he stood and looked upon the sea, he talked occasionally with his + neighbours, and once when a child fell he picked it up and soothed it. I + damned him in my heart; the book, which I was sure he did not read—the + sea, to which I was ready to take oath he was indifferent—the child, + whom I was certain he would as lieve have tossed overboard—all + seemed to me elements in a theatrical performance; and I made no doubt he + was already nosing after the secrets of his fellow-passengers. I took no + pains to conceal myself, my scorn for the creature being as strong as my + disgust. But he never looked my way, and it was night before I learned he + had observed me. + </p> + <p> + I was smoking by the engine-room door, for the air was a little sharp, + when a voice rose close beside me in the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, Mr. Dodd,” it said. + </p> + <p> + “That you, Bellairs?” I replied. + </p> + <p> + “A single word, sir. Your presence on this ship has no connection + with our interview?” he asked. “You have no idea, Mr. Dodd, of + returning upon your determination?” + </p> + <p> + “None,” said I; and then, seeing he still lingered, I was + polite enough to add “Good evening;” at which he sighed and + went away. + </p> + <p> + The next day, he was there again with the chair and the puma skin; read + his book and looked at the sea with the same constancy; and though there + was no child to be picked up, I observed him to attend repeatedly on a + sick woman. Nothing fosters suspicion like the act of watching; a man + spied upon can hardly blow his nose but we accuse him of designs; and I + took an early opportunity to go forward and see the woman for myself. She + was poor, elderly, and painfully plain; I stood abashed at the sight, felt + I owed Bellairs amends for the injustice of my thoughts, and seeing him + standing by the rail in his usual attitude of contemplation, walked up and + addressed him by name. + </p> + <p> + “You seem very fond of the sea,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “I may really call it a passion, Mr. Dodd,” he replied. + “And the tall cataract haunted me like a passion,” he quoted. + “I never weary of the sea, sir. This is my first ocean voyage. I + find it a glorious experience.” And once more my disbarred lawyer + dropped into poetry: “Roll on, thou deep and dark blue ocean, roll!” + </p> + <p> + Though I had learned the piece in my reading-book at school, I came into + the world a little too late on the one hand—and I daresay a little + too early on the other—to think much of Byron; and the sonorous + verse, prodigiously well delivered, struck me with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “You are fond of poetry, too?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I am a great reader,” he replied. “At one time I had + begun to amass quite a small but well selected library; and when that was + scattered, I still managed to preserve a few volumes—chiefly of + pieces designed for recitation—which have been my travelling + companions.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that one of them?” I asked, pointing to the volume in his + hand. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” he replied, showing me a translation of the <i>Sorrows + of Werther</i>, “that is a novel I picked up some time ago. It has + afforded me great pleasure, though immoral.” + </p> + <p> + “O, immoral!” cried I, indignant as usual at any complication + of art and ethics. + </p> + <p> + “Surely you cannot deny that, sir—if you know the book,” + he said. “The passion is illicit, although certainly drawn with a + good deal of pathos. It is not a work one could possibly put into the + hands of a lady; which is to be regretted on all accounts, for I do not + know how it may strike you; but it seems to me—as a depiction, if I + make myself clear—to rise high above its compeers—even famous + compeers. Even in Scott, Dickens, Thackeray, or Hawthorne, the sentiment + of love appears to me to be frequently done less justice to.” + </p> + <p> + “You are expressing a very general opinion,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Is that so, indeed, sir?” he exclaimed, with unmistakable + excitement. “Is the book well known? and who was GO-EATH? I am + interested in that, because upon the title-page the usual initials are + omitted, and it runs simply 'by GO-EATH.' Was he an author of distinction? + Has he written other works?” + </p> + <p> + Such was our first interview, the first of many; and in all he showed the + same attractive qualities and defects. His taste for literature was native + and unaffected; his sentimentality, although extreme and a thought + ridiculous, was plainly genuine. I wondered at my own innocent wonder. I + knew that Homer nodded, that Caesar had compiled a jest-book, that Turner + lived by preference the life of Puggy Booth, that Shelley made paper + boats, and Wordsworth wore green spectacles! and with all this mass of + evidence before me, I had expected Bellairs to be entirely of one piece, + subdued to what he worked in, a spy all through. As I abominated the man's + trade, so I had expected to detest the man himself; and behold, I liked + him. Poor devil! he was essentially a man on wires, all sensibility and + tremor, brimful of a cheap poetry, not without parts, quite without + courage. His boldness was despair; the gulf behind him thrust him on; he + was one of those who might commit a murder rather than confess the theft + of a postage-stamp. I was sure that his coming interview with Carthew rode + his imagination like a nightmare; when the thought crossed his mind, I + used to think I knew of it, and that the qualm appeared in his face + visibly. Yet he would never flinch: necessity stalking at his back, famine + (his old pursuer) talking in his ear; and I used to wonder whether I most + admired, or most despised, this quivering heroism for evil. The image that + occurred to me after his visit was just; I had been butted by a lamb; and + the phase of life that I was now studying might be called the Revolt of a + Sheep. + </p> + <p> + It could be said of him that he had learned in sorrow what he taught in + song—or wrong; and his life was that of one of his victims. He was + born in the back parts of the State of New York; his father a farmer, who + became subsequently bankrupt and went West. The lawyer and money-lender + who had ruined this poor family seems to have conceived in the end a + feeling of remorse; he turned the father out indeed, but he offered, in + compensation, to charge himself with one of the sons: and Harry, the fifth + child and already sickly, was chosen to be left behind. He made himself + useful in the office; picked up the scattered rudiments of an education; + read right and left; attended and debated at the Young Men's Christian + Association; and in all his early years, was the model for a good + story-book. His landlady's daughter was his bane. He showed me her + photograph; she was a big, handsome, dashing, dressy, vulgar hussy, + without character, without tenderness, without mind, and (as the result + proved) without virtue. The sickly and timid boy was in the house; he was + handy; when she was otherwise unoccupied, she used and played with him: + Romeo and Cressida; till in that dreary life of a poor boy in a country + town, she grew to be the light of his days and the subject of his dreams. + He worked hard, like Jacob, for a wife; he surpassed his patron in sharp + practice; he was made head clerk; and the same night, encouraged by a + hundred freedoms, depressed by the sense of his youth and his infirmities, + he offered marriage and was received with laughter. Not a year had passed, + before his master, conscious of growing infirmities, took him for a + partner; he proposed again; he was accepted; led two years of troubled + married life; and awoke one morning to find his wife had run away with a + dashing drummer, and had left him heavily in debt. The debt, and not the + drummer, was supposed to be the cause of the hegira; she had concealed her + liabilities, they were on the point of bursting forth, she was weary of + Bellairs; and she took the drummer as she might have taken a cab. The blow + disabled her husband, his partner was dead; he was now alone in the + business, for which he was no longer fit; the debts hampered him; + bankruptcy followed; and he fled from city to city, falling daily into + lower practice. It is to be considered that he had been taught, and had + learned as a delightful duty, a kind of business whose highest merit is to + escape the commentaries of the bench: that of the usurious lawyer in a + county town. With this training, he was now shot, a penniless stranger, + into the deeper gulfs of cities; and the result is scarce a thing to be + surprised at. + </p> + <p> + “Have you heard of your wife again?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + He displayed a pitiful agitation. “I am afraid you will think ill of + me,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “Have you taken her back?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “No, sir. I trust I have too much self-respect,” he answered, + “and, at least, I was never tempted. She won't come, she dislikes, + she seems to have conceived a positive distaste for me, and yet I was + considered an indulgent husband.” + </p> + <p> + “You are still in relations, then?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I place myself in your hands, Mr. Dodd,” he replied. “The + world is very hard; I have found it bitter hard myself—bitter hard + to live. How much worse for a woman, and one who has placed herself (by + her own misconduct, I am far from denying that) in so unfortunate a + position!” + </p> + <p> + “In short, you support her?” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot deny it. I practically do,” he admitted. “It + has been a mill-stone round my neck. But I think she is grateful. You can + see for yourself.” + </p> + <p> + He handed me a letter in a sprawling, ignorant hand, but written with + violet ink on fine, pink paper with a monogram. It was very foolishly + expressed, and I thought (except for a few obvious cajoleries) very + heartless and greedy in meaning. The writer said she had been sick, which + I disbelieved; declared the last remittance was all gone in doctor's + bills, for which I took the liberty of substituting dress, drink, and + monograms; and prayed for an increase, which I could only hope had been + denied her. + </p> + <p> + “I think she is really grateful?” he asked, with some + eagerness, as I returned it. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay,” said I. “Has she any claim on you?” + </p> + <p> + “O no, sir. I divorced her,” he replied. “I have a very + strong sense of self-respect in such matters, and I divorced her + immediately.” + </p> + <p> + “What sort of life is she leading now?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I will not deceive you, Mr. Dodd. I do not know, I make a point of + not knowing; it appears more dignified. I have been very harshly + criticised,” he added, sighing. + </p> + <p> + It will be seen that I had fallen into an ignominious intimacy with the + man I had gone out to thwart. My pity for the creature, his admiration for + myself, his pleasure in my society, which was clearly unassumed, were the + bonds with which I was fettered; perhaps I should add, in honesty, my own + ill-regulated interest in the phases of life and human character. The fact + is (at least) that we spent hours together daily, and that I was nearly as + much on the forward deck as in the saloon. Yet all the while I could never + forget he was a shabby trickster, embarked that very moment in a dirty + enterprise. I used to tell myself at first that our acquaintance was a + stroke of art, and that I was somehow fortifying Carthew. I told myself, I + say; but I was no such fool as to believe it, even then. In these + circumstances I displayed the two chief qualities of my character on the + largest scale—my helplessness and my instinctive love of + procrastination—and fell upon a course of action so ridiculous that + I blush when I recall it. + </p> + <p> + We reached Liverpool one forenoon, the rain falling thickly and + insidiously on the filthy town. I had no plans, beyond a sensible + unwillingness to let my rascal escape; and I ended by going to the same + inn with him, dining with him, walking with him in the wet streets, and + hearing with him in a penny gaff that venerable piece, <i>The + Ticket-of-Leave Man</i>. It was one of his first visits to a theatre, + against which places of entertainment he had a strong prejudice; and his + innocent, pompous talk, innocent old quotations, and innocent reverence + for the character of Hawkshaw delighted me beyond relief. In charity to + myself, I dwell upon and perhaps exaggerate my pleasures. I have need of + all conceivable excuses, when I confess that I went to bed without one + word upon the matter of Carthew, but not without having covenanted with my + rascal for a visit to Chester the next day. At Chester we did the + Cathedral, walked on the walls, discussed Shakespeare and the musical + glasses—and made a fresh engagement for the morrow. I do not know, + and I am glad to have forgotten, how long these travels were continued. We + visited at least, by singular zigzags, Stratford, Warwick, Coventry, + Gloucester, Bristol, Bath, and Wells. At each stage we spoke dutifully of + the scene and its associations; I sketched, the Shyster spouted poetry and + copied epitaphs. Who could doubt we were the usual Americans, travelling + with a design of self-improvement? Who was to guess that one was a + blackmailer, trembling to approach the scene of action—the other a + helpless, amateur detective, waiting on events? + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to remark that none occurred, or none the least suitable + with my design of protecting Carthew. Two trifles, indeed, completed + though they scarcely changed my conception of the Shyster. The first was + observed in Gloucester, where we spent Sunday, and I proposed we should + hear service in the cathedral. To my surprise, the creature had an ISM of + his own, to which he was loyal; and he left me to go alone to the + cathedral—or perhaps not to go at all—and stole off down a + deserted alley to some Bethel or Ebenezer of the proper shade. When we met + again at lunch, I rallied him, and he grew restive. + </p> + <p> + “You need employ no circumlocutions with me, Mr. Dodd,” he + said suddenly. “You regard my behaviour from an unfavourable point + of view: you regard me, I much fear, as hypocritical.” + </p> + <p> + I was somewhat confused by the attack. “You know what I think of + your trade,” I replied, lamely and coarsely. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, if I seem to press the subject,” he continued, + “but if you think my life erroneous, would you have me neglect the + means of grace? Because you consider me in the wrong on one point, would + you have me place myself on the wrong in all? Surely, sir, the church is + for the sinner.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you ask a blessing on your present enterprise?” I + sneered. + </p> + <p> + He had a bad attack of St. Vitus, his face was changed, and his eyes + flashed. “I will tell you what I did!” he cried. “I + prayed for an unfortunate man and a wretched woman whom he tries to + support.” + </p> + <p> + I cannot pretend that I found any repartee. + </p> + <p> + The second incident was at Bristol, where I lost sight of my gentleman + some hours. From this eclipse, he returned to me with thick speech, + wandering footsteps, and a back all whitened with plaster. I had half + expected, yet I could have wept to see it. All disabilities were piled on + that weak back—domestic misfortune, nervous disease, a displeasing + exterior, empty pockets, and the slavery of vice. + </p> + <p> + I will never deny that our prolonged conjunction was the result of double + cowardice. Each was afraid to leave the other, each was afraid to speak, + or knew not what to say. Save for my ill-judged allusion at Gloucester, + the subject uppermost in both our minds was buried. Carthew, + Stallbridge-le-Carthew, Stallbridge-Minster—which we had long since + (and severally) identified to be the nearest station—even the name + of Dorsetshire was studiously avoided. And yet we were making progress all + the time, tacking across broad England like an unweatherly vessel on a + wind; approaching our destination, not openly, but by a sort of flying + sap. And at length, I can scarce tell how, we were set down by a dilatory + butt-end of local train on the untenanted platform of Stallbridge-Minster. + </p> + <p> + The town was ancient and compact: a domino of tiled houses and walled + gardens, dwarfed by the disproportionate bigness of the church. From the + midst of the thoroughfare which divided it in half, fields and trees were + visible at either end; and through the sally-port of every street, there + flowed in from the country a silent invasion of green grass. Bees and + birds appeared to make the majority of the inhabitants; every garden had + its row of hives, the eaves of every house were plastered with the nests + of swallows, and the pinnacles of the church were flickered about all day + long by a multitude of wings. The town was of Roman foundation; and as I + looked out that afternoon from the low windows of the inn, I should scarce + have been surprised to see a centurion coming up the street with a fatigue + draft of legionaries. In short, Stallbridge-Minster was one of those towns + which appear to be maintained by England for the instruction and delight + of the American rambler; to which he seems guided by an instinct not less + surprising than the setter's; and which he visits and quits with equal + enthusiasm. + </p> + <p> + I was not at all in the humour of the tourist. I had wasted weeks of time + and accomplished nothing; we were on the eve of the engagement, and I had + neither plans nor allies. I had thrust myself into the trade of private + providence and amateur detective; I was spending money and I was reaping + disgrace. All the time, I kept telling myself that I must at least speak; + that this ignominious silence should have been broken long ago, and must + be broken now. I should have broken it when he first proposed to come to + Stallbridge-Minster; I should have broken it in the train; I should break + it there and then, on the inn doorstep, as the omnibus rolled off. I + turned toward him at the thought; he seemed to wince, the words died on my + lips, and I proposed instead that we should visit the Minster. + </p> + <p> + While we were engaged upon this duty, it came on to rain in a manner + worthy of the tropics. The vault reverberated; every gargoyle instantly + poured its full discharge; we waded back to the inn, ankle-deep in + impromptu brooks; and the rest of the afternoon sat weatherbound, + hearkening to the sonorous deluge. For two hours I talked of indifferent + matters, laboriously feeding the conversation; for two hours my mind was + quite made up to do my duty instantly—and at each particular instant + I postponed it till the next. To screw up my faltering courage, I called + at dinner for some sparkling wine. It proved when it came to be + detestable; I could not put it to my lips; and Bellairs, who had as much + palate as a weevil, was left to finish it himself. Doubtless the wine + flushed him; doubtless he may have observed my embarrassment of the + afternoon; doubtless he was conscious that we were approaching a crisis, + and that that evening, if I did not join with him, I must declare myself + an open enemy. At least he fled. Dinner was done; this was the time when I + had bound myself to break my silence; no more delays were to be allowed, + no more excuses received. I went upstairs after some tobacco; which I felt + to be a mere necessity in the circumstances; and when I returned, the man + was gone. The waiter told me he had left the house. + </p> + <p> + The rain still plumped, like a vast shower-bath, over the deserted town. + The night was dark and windless: the street lit glimmeringly from end to + end, lamps, house windows, and the reflections in the rain-pools all + contributing. From a public-house on the other side of the way, I heard a + harp twang and a doleful voice upraised in the “Larboard Watch,” + “The Anchor's Weighed,” and other naval ditties. Where had my + Shyster wandered? In all likelihood to that lyrical tavern; there was no + choice of diversion; in comparison with Stallbridge-Minster on a rainy + night, a sheepfold would seem gay. + </p> + <p> + Again I passed in review the points of my interview, on which I was always + constantly resolved so long as my adversary was absent from the scene: and + again they struck me as inadequate. From this dispiriting exercise I + turned to the native amusements of the inn coffee-room, and studied for + some time the mezzotints that frowned upon the wall. The railway guide, + after showing me how soon I could leave Stallbridge and how quickly I + could reach Paris, failed to hold my attention. An illustrated + advertisement book of hotels brought me very low indeed; and when it came + to the local paper, I could have wept. At this point, I found a passing + solace in a copy of Whittaker's Almanac, and obtained in fifty minutes + more information than I have yet been able to use. + </p> + <p> + Then a fresh apprehension assailed me. Suppose Bellairs had given me the + slip? suppose he was now rolling on the road to Stallbridge-le-Carthew? or + perhaps there already and laying before a very white-faced auditor his + threats and propositions? A hasty person might have instantly pursued. + Whatever I am, I am not hasty, and I was aware of three grave objections. + In the first place, I could not be certain that Bellairs was gone. In the + second, I had no taste whatever for a long drive at that hour of the night + and in so merciless a rain. In the third, I had no idea how I was to get + admitted if I went, and no idea what I should say if I got admitted. + “In short,” I concluded, “the whole situation is the + merest farce. You have thrust yourself in where you had no business and + have no power. You would be quite as useful in San Francisco; far happier + in Paris; and being (by the wrath of God) at Stallbridge-Minster, the + wisest thing is to go quietly to bed.” On the way to my room, I saw + (in a flash) that which I ought to have done long ago, and which it was + now too late to think of—written to Carthew, I mean, detailing the + facts and describing Bellairs, letting him defend himself if he were able, + and giving him time to flee if he were not. It was the last blow to my + self-respect; and I flung myself into my bed with contumely. + </p> + <p> + I have no guess what hour it was, when I was wakened by the entrance of + Bellairs carrying a candle. He had been drunk, for he was bedaubed with + mire from head to foot; but he was now sober and under the empire of some + violent emotion which he controlled with difficulty. He trembled visibly; + and more than once, during the interview which followed, tears suddenly + and silently overflowed his cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “I have to ask your pardon, sir, for this untimely visit,” he + said. “I make no defence, I have no excuse, I have disgraced myself, + I am properly punished; I appear before you to appeal to you in mercy for + the most trifling aid or, God help me! I fear I may go mad.” + </p> + <p> + “What on earth is wrong?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “I have been robbed,” he said. “I have no defence to + offer; it was of my own fault, I am properly punished.” + </p> + <p> + “But, gracious goodness me!” I cried, “who is there to + rob you in a place like this?” + </p> + <p> + “I can form no opinion,” he replied. “I have no idea. I + was lying in a ditch inanimate. This is a degrading confession, sir; I can + only say in self-defence that perhaps (in your good nature) you have made + yourself partly responsible for my shame. I am not used to these rich + wines.” + </p> + <p> + “In what form was your money? Perhaps it may be traced,” I + suggested. + </p> + <p> + “It was in English sovereigns. I changed it in New York; I got very + good exchange,” he said, and then, with a momentary outbreak, + “God in heaven, how I toiled for it!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “That doesn't sound encouraging,” said I. “It may be + worth while to apply to the police, but it doesn't sound a hopeful case.” + </p> + <p> + “And I have no hope in that direction,” said Bellairs. “My + hopes, Mr. Dodd, are all fixed upon yourself. I could easily convince you + that a small, a very small advance, would be in the nature of an excellent + investment; but I prefer to rely on your humanity. Our acquaintance began + on an unusual footing; but you have now known me for some time, we have + been some time—I was going to say we had been almost intimate. Under + the impulse of instinctive sympathy, I have bared my heart to you, Mr. + Dodd, as I have done to few; and I believe—I trust—I may say + that I feel sure—you heard me with a kindly sentiment. This is what + brings me to your side at this most inexcusable hour. But put yourself in + my place—how could I sleep—how could I dream of sleeping, in + this blackness of remorse and despair? There was a friend at hand—so + I ventured to think of you; it was instinctive; I fled to your side, as + the drowning man clutches at a straw. These expressions are not + exaggerated, they scarcely serve to express the agitation of my mind. And + think, sir, how easily you can restore me to hope and, I may say, to + reason. A small loan, which shall be faithfully repaid. Five hundred + dollars would be ample.” He watched me with burning eyes. “Four + hundred would do. I believe, Mr. Dodd, that I could manage with economy on + two.” + </p> + <p> + “And then you will repay me out of Carthew's pocket?” I said. + “I am much obliged. But I will tell you what I will do: I will see + you on board a steamer, pay your fare through to San Francisco, and place + fifty dollars in the purser's hands, to be given you in New York.” + </p> + <p> + He drank in my words; his face represented an ecstasy of cunning thought. + I could read there, plain as print, that he but thought to overreach me. + </p> + <p> + “And what am I to do in 'Frisco?” he asked. “I am + disbarred, I have no trade, I cannot dig, to beg——” he + paused in the citation. “And you know that I am not alone,” he + added, “others depend upon me.” + </p> + <p> + “I will write to Pinkerton,” I returned. “I feel sure he + can help you to some employment, and in the meantime, and for three months + after your arrival, he shall pay to yourself personally, on the first and + the fifteenth, twenty-five dollars.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Dodd, I scarce believe you can be serious in this offer,” + he replied. “Have you forgotten the circumstances of the case? Do + you know these people are the magnates of the section? They were spoken of + to-night in the saloon; their wealth must amount to many millions of + dollars in real estate alone; their house is one of the sights of the + locality, and you offer me a bribe of a few hundred!” + </p> + <p> + “I offer you no bribe, Mr. Bellairs, I give you alms,” I + returned. “I will do nothing to forward you in your hateful + business; yet I would not willingly have you starve.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me a hundred dollars then, and be done with it,” he + cried. + </p> + <p> + “I will do what I have said, and neither more nor less,” said + I. + </p> + <p> + “Take care,” he cried. “You are playing a fool's game; + you are making an enemy for nothing; you will gain nothing by this, I warn + you of it!” And then with one of his changes, “Seventy dollars—only + seventy—in mercy, Mr. Dodd, in common charity. Don't dash the bowl + from my lips! You have a kindly heart. Think of my position, remember my + unhappy wife.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have thought of her before,” said I. “I have + made my offer, and I wish to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your last word, sir? Pray consider; pray weigh both sides: + my misery, your own danger. I warn you—I beseech you; measure it + well before you answer,” so he half pleaded, half threatened me, + with clasped hands. + </p> + <p> + “My first word, and my last,” said I. + </p> + <p> + The change upon the man was shocking. In the storm of anger that now shook + him, the lees of his intoxication rose again to the surface; his face was + deformed, his words insane with fury; his pantomime excessive in itself, + was distorted by an access of St. Vitus. + </p> + <p> + “You will perhaps allow me to inform you of my cold opinion,” + he began, apparently self-possessed, truly bursting with rage: “when + I am a glorified saint, I shall see you howling for a drop of water and + exult to see you. That your last word! Take it in your face, you spy, you + false friend, you fat hypocrite! I defy, I defy and despise and spit upon + you! I'm on the trail, his trail or yours, I smell blood, I'll follow it + on my hands and knees, I'll starve to follow it! I'll hunt you down, hunt + you, hunt you down! If I were strong, I'd tear your vitals out, here in + this room—tear them out—I'd tear them out! Damn, damn, damn! + You think me weak! I can bite, bite to the blood, bite you, hurt you, + disgrace you ...” + </p> + <p> + He was thus incoherently raging, when the scene was interrupted by the + arrival of the landlord and inn servants in various degrees of deshabille, + and to them I gave my temporary lunatic in charge. + </p> + <p> + “Take him to his room,” I said, “he's only drunk.” + </p> + <p> + These were my words; but I knew better. After all my study of Mr. + Bellairs, one discovery had been reserved for the last moment: that of his + latent and essential madness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. STALLBRIDGE-LE-CARTHEW. + </h2> + <p> + Long before I was awake, the shyster had disappeared, leaving his bill + unpaid. I did not need to inquire where he was gone, I knew too well, I + knew there was nothing left me but to follow; and about ten in the + morning, set forth in a gig for Stallbridge-le-Carthew. + </p> + <p> + The road, for the first quarter of the way, deserts the valley of the + river, and crosses the summit of a chalk-down, grazed over by flocks of + sheep and haunted by innumerable larks. It was a pleasant but a vacant + scene, arousing but not holding the attention; and my mind returned to the + violent passage of the night before. My thought of the man I was pursuing + had been greatly changed. I conceived of him, somewhere in front of me, + upon his dangerous errand, not to be turned aside, not to be stopped, by + either fear or reason. I had called him a ferret; I conceived him now as a + mad dog. Methought he would run, not walk; methought, as he ran, that he + would bark and froth at the lips; methought, if the great wall of China + were to rise across his path, he would attack it with his nails. + </p> + <p> + Presently the road left the down, returned by a precipitous descent into + the valley of the Stall, and ran thenceforward among enclosed fields and + under the continuous shade of trees. I was told we had now entered on the + Carthew property. By and by, a battlemented wall appeared on the left + hand, and a little after I had my first glimpse of the mansion. It stood + in a hollow of a bosky park, crowded to a degree that surprised and even + displeased me, with huge timber and dense shrubberies of laurel and + rhododendron. Even from this low station and the thronging neighbourhood + of the trees, the pile rose conspicuous like a cathedral. Behind, as we + continued to skirt the park wall, I began to make out a straggling town of + offices which became conjoined to the rear with those of the home farm. On + the left was an ornamental water sailed in by many swans. On the right + extended a flower garden, laid in the old manner, and at this season of + the year, as brilliant as stained glass. The front of the house presented + a facade of more than sixty windows, surmounted by a formal pediment and + raised upon a terrace. A wide avenue, part in gravel, part in turf, and + bordered by triple alleys, ran to the great double gateways. It was + impossible to look without surprise on a place that had been prepared + through so many generations, had cost so many tons of minted gold, and was + maintained in order by so great a company of emulous servants. And yet of + these there was no sign but the perfection of their work. The whole domain + was drawn to the line and weeded like the front plot of some suburban + amateur; and I looked in vain for any belated gardener, and listened in + vain for any sounds of labour. Some lowing of cattle and much calling of + birds alone disturbed the stillness, and even the little hamlet, which + clustered at the gates, appeared to hold its breath in awe of its great + neighbour, like a troop of children who should have strayed into a king's + anteroom. + </p> + <p> + The Carthew Arms, the small but very comfortable inn, was a mere appendage + and outpost of the family whose name it bore. Engraved portraits of + by-gone Carthews adorned the walls; Fielding Carthew, Recorder of the city + of London; Major-General John Carthew in uniform, commanding some military + operations; the Right Honourable Bailley Carthew, Member of Parliament for + Stallbridge, standing by a table and brandishing a document; Singleton + Carthew, Esquire, represented in the foreground of a herd of cattle—doubtless + at the desire of his tenantry, who had made him a compliment of this work + of art; and the Venerable Archdeacon Carthew, D.D., LL.D., A.M., laying + his hand on the head of a little child in a manner highly frigid and + ridiculous. So far as my memory serves me, there were no other pictures in + this exclusive hostelry; and I was not surprised to learn that the + landlord was an ex-butler, the landlady an ex-lady's-maid, from the great + house; and that the bar-parlour was a sort of perquisite of former + servants. + </p> + <p> + To an American, the sense of the domination of this family over so + considerable a tract of earth was even oppressive; and as I considered + their simple annals, gathered from the legends of the engravings, surprise + began to mingle with my disgust. “Mr. Recorder” doubtless + occupies an honourable post; but I thought that, in the course of so many + generations, one Carthew might have clambered higher. The soldier had + stuck at Major-General; the churchman bloomed unremarked in an + archidiaconate; and though the Right Honourable Bailley seemed to have + sneaked into the privy council, I have still to learn what he did when he + had got there. Such vast means, so long a start, and such a modest + standard of achievement, struck in me a strong sense of the dulness of + that race. + </p> + <p> + I found that to come to the hamlet and not visit the Hall, would be + regarded as a slight. To feed the swans, to see the peacocks and the + Raphaels—for these commonplace people actually possessed two + Raphaels—to risk life and limb among a famous breed of cattle called + the Carthew Chillinghams, and to do homage to the sire (still living) of + Donibristle, a renowned winner of the oaks: these, it seemed, were the + inevitable stations of the pilgrimage. I was not so foolish as to resist, + for I might have need before I was done of general good-will; and two + pieces of news fell in which changed my resignation to alacrity. It + appeared in the first place, that Mr. Norris was from home “travelling + “; in the second, that a visitor had been before me and already made + the tour of the Carthew curiosities. I thought I knew who this must be; I + was anxious to learn what he had done and seen; and fortune so far + favoured me that the under-gardener singled out to be my guide had already + performed the same function for my predecessor. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” he said, “an American gentleman right + enough. At least, I don't think he was quite a gentleman, but a very civil + person.” + </p> + <p> + The person, it seems, had been civil enough to be delighted with the + Carthew Chillinghams, to perform the whole pilgrimage with rising + admiration, and to have almost prostrated himself before the shrine of + Donibristle's sire. + </p> + <p> + “He told me, sir,” continued the gratified under-gardener, + “that he had often read of the 'stately 'omes of England,' but ours + was the first he had the chance to see. When he came to the 'ead of the + long alley, he fetched his breath. 'This is indeed a lordly domain!' he + cries. And it was natural he should be interested in the place, for it + seems Mr. Carthew had been kind to him in the States. In fact, he seemed a + grateful kind of person, and wonderful taken up with flowers.” + </p> + <p> + I heard this story with amazement. The phrases quoted told their own tale; + they were plainly from the shyster's mint. A few hours back I had seen him + a mere bedlamite and fit for a strait-waistcoat; he was penniless in a + strange country; it was highly probable he had gone without breakfast; the + absence of Norris must have been a crushing blow; the man (by all reason) + should have been despairing. And now I heard of him, clothed and in his + right mind, deliberate, insinuating, admiring vistas, smelling flowers, + and talking like a book. The strength of character implied amazed and + daunted me. + </p> + <p> + “This is curious,” I said to the under-gardener. “I have + had the pleasure of some acquaintance with Mr. Carthew myself; and I + believe none of our western friends ever were in England. Who can this + person be? He couldn't—no, that's impossible, he could never have + had the impudence. His name was not Bellairs?” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't 'ear the name, sir. Do you know anything against him?” + cried my guide. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said I, “he is certainly not the person Carthew + would like to have here in his absence.” + </p> + <p> + “Good gracious me!” exclaimed the gardener. “He was so + pleasant spoken, too; I thought he was some form of a schoolmaster. + Perhaps, sir, you wouldn't mind going right up to Mr. Denman? I + recommended him to Mr. Denman, when he had done the grounds. Mr. Denman is + our butler, sir,” he added. + </p> + <p> + The proposal was welcome, particularly as affording me a graceful retreat + from the neighbourhood of the Carthew Chillinghams; and, giving up our + projected circuit, we took a short cut through the shrubbery and across + the bowling green to the back quarters of the Hall. + </p> + <p> + The bowling green was surrounded by a great hedge of yew, and entered by + an archway in the quick. As we were issuing from this passage, my + conductor arrested me. + </p> + <p> + “The Honourable Lady Ann Carthew,” he said, in an august + whisper. And looking over his shoulder, I was aware of an old lady with a + stick, hobbling somewhat briskly along the garden path. She must have been + extremely handsome in her youth; and even the limp with which she walked + could not deprive her of an unusual and almost menacing dignity of + bearing. Melancholy was impressed besides on every feature, and her eyes, + as she looked straight before her, seemed to contemplate misfortune. + </p> + <p> + “She seems sad,” said I, when she had hobbled past and we had + resumed our walk. + </p> + <p> + “She enjoy rather poor spirits, sir,” responded the + under-gardener. “Mr. Carthew—the old gentleman, I mean—died + less than a year ago; Lord Tillibody, her ladyship's brother, two months + after; and then there was the sad business about the young gentleman. + Killed in the 'unting-field, sir; and her ladyship's favourite. The + present Mr. Norris has never been so equally.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have understood,” said I, persistently, and (I think) + gracefully pursuing my inquiries and fortifying my position as a family + friend. “Dear, dear, how sad! And has this change—poor + Carthew's return, and all—has this not mended matters?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, no, sir, not a sign of it,” was the reply. “Worse, + we think, than ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dear!” said I again. + </p> + <p> + “When Mr. Norris arrived, she DID seem glad to see him,” he + pursued; “and we were all pleased, I'm sure; for no one knows the + young gentleman but what likes him. Ah, sir, it didn't last long! That + very night they had a talk, and fell out or something; her ladyship took + on most painful; it was like old days, but worse. And the next morning Mr. + Norris was off again upon his travels. 'Denman,' he said to Mr. Denman, + 'Denman, I'll never come back,' he said, and shook him by the 'and. I + wouldn't be saying all this to a stranger, sir,” added my informant, + overcome with a sudden fear lest he had gone too far. + </p> + <p> + He had indeed told me much, and much that was unsuspected by himself. On + that stormy night of his return, Carthew had told his story; the old lady + had more upon her mind than mere bereavements; and among the mental + pictures on which she looked, as she walked staring down the path, was one + of Midway Island and the Flying Scud. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Denman heard my inquiries with discomposure, but informed me the + shyster was already gone. + </p> + <p> + “Gone?” cried I. “Then what can he have come for? One + thing I can tell you, it was not to see the house.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't see it could have been anything else,” replied the + butler. + </p> + <p> + “You may depend upon it it was,” said I. “And whatever + it was, he has got it. By the way, where is Mr. Carthew at present? I was + sorry to find he was from home.” + </p> + <p> + “He is engaged in travelling, sir,” replied the butler, dryly. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, bravo!” cried I. “I laid a trap for you there, Mr. + Denman. Now I need not ask you; I am sure you did not tell this prying + stranger.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure not, sir,” said the butler. + </p> + <p> + I went through the form of “shaking him by the 'and”—like + Mr. Norris—not, however, with genuine enthusiasm. For I had failed + ingloriously to get the address for myself; and I felt a sure conviction + that Bellairs had done better, or he had still been here and still + cultivating Mr. Denman. + </p> + <p> + I had escaped the grounds and the cattle; I could not escape the house. A + lady with silver hair, a slender silver voice, and a stream of + insignificant information not to be diverted, led me through the picture + gallery, the music-room, the great dining-room, the long drawing-room, the + Indian room, the theatre, and every corner (as I thought) of that + interminable mansion. There was but one place reserved; the garden-room, + whither Lady Ann had now retired. I paused a moment on the outside of the + door, and smiled to myself. The situation was indeed strange, and these + thin boards divided the secret of the Flying Scud. + </p> + <p> + All the while, as I went to and fro, I was considering the visit and + departure of Bellairs. That he had got the address, I was quite certain: + that he had not got it by direct questioning, I was convinced; some + ingenuity, some lucky accident, had served him. A similar chance, an equal + ingenuity, was required; or I was left helpless, the ferret must run down + his prey, the great oaks fall, the Raphaels be scattered, the house let to + some stockbroker suddenly made rich, and the name which now filled the + mouths of five or six parishes dwindle to a memory. Strange that such + great matters, so old a mansion, a family so ancient and so dull, should + come to depend for perpetuity upon the intelligence, the discretion, and + the cunning of a Latin-Quarter student! What Bellairs had done, I must do + likewise. Chance or ingenuity, ingenuity or chance—so I continued to + ring the changes as I walked down the avenue, casting back occasional + glances at the red brick facade and the twinkling windows of the house. + How was I to command chance? where was I to find the ingenuity? + </p> + <p> + These reflections brought me to the door of the inn. And here, pursuant to + my policy of keeping well with all men, I immediately smoothed my brow, + and accepted (being the only guest in the house) an invitation to dine + with the family in the bar-parlour. I sat down accordingly with Mr. Higgs + the ex-butler, Mrs. Higgs the ex-lady's-maid, and Miss Agnes Higgs their + frowsy-headed little girl, the least promising and (as the event showed) + the most useful of the lot. The talk ran endlessly on the great house and + the great family; the roast beef, the Yorkshire pudding, the jam-roll, and + the cheddar cheese came and went, and still the stream flowed on; near + four generations of Carthews were touched upon without eliciting one point + of interest; and we had killed Mr. Henry in “the 'unting-field,” + with a vast elaboration of painful circumstance, and buried him in the + midst of a whole sorrowing county, before I could so much as manage to + bring upon the stage my intimate friend, Mr. Norris. At the name, the + ex-butler grew diplomatic, and the ex-lady's-maid tender. He was the only + person of the whole featureless series who seemed to have accomplished + anything worth mention; and his achievements, poor dog, seemed to have + been confined to going to the devil and leaving some regrets. He had been + the image of the Right Honourable Bailley, one of the lights of that dim + house, and a career of distinction had been predicted of him in + consequence almost from the cradle. But before he was out of long clothes, + the cloven foot began to show; he proved to be no Carthew, developed a + taste for low pleasures and bad company, went birdnesting with a + stable-boy before he was eleven, and when he was near twenty, and might + have been expected to display at least some rudiments of the family + gravity, rambled the country over with a knapsack, making sketches and + keeping company in wayside inns. He had no pride about him, I was told; he + would sit down with any man; and it was somewhat woundingly implied that I + was indebted to this peculiarity for my own acquaintance with the hero. + Unhappily, Mr. Norris was not only eccentric, he was fast. His debts were + still remembered at the University; still more, it appeared, the highly + humorous circumstances attending his expulsion. “He was always fond + of his jest,” commented Mrs. Higgs. + </p> + <p> + “That he were!” observed her lord. + </p> + <p> + But it was after he went into the diplomatic service that the real trouble + began. + </p> + <p> + “It seems, sir, that he went the pace extraordinary,” said the + ex-butler, with a solemn gusto. + </p> + <p> + “His debts were somethink awful,” said the lady's-maid. + “And as nice a young gentleman all the time as you would wish to + see!” + </p> + <p> + “When word came to Mr. Carthew's ears, the turn up was 'orrible,” + continued Mr. Higgs. “I remember it as if it was yesterday. The bell + was rung after her la'ship was gone, which I answered it myself, supposing + it were the coffee. There was Mr. Carthew on his feet. ''Iggs,' he says, + pointing with his stick, for he had a turn of the gout, 'order the + dog-cart instantly for this son of mine which has disgraced hisself.' Mr. + Norris say nothink: he sit there with his 'ead down, making belief to be + looking at a walnut. You might have bowled me over with a straw,” + said Mr. Higgs. + </p> + <p> + “Had he done anything very bad?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Not he, Mr. Dodsley!” cried the lady—it was so she had + conceived my name. “He never did anythink to all really wrong in his + poor life. The 'ole affair was a disgrace. It was all rank favouritising.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. 'Iggs! Mrs. 'Iggs!” cried the butler warningly. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do I care?” retorted the lady, shaking her + ringlets. “You know it was yourself, Mr. 'Iggs, and so did every + member of the staff.” + </p> + <p> + While I was getting these facts and opinions, I by no means neglected the + child. She was not attractive; but fortunately she had reached the corrupt + age of seven, when half a crown appears about as large as a saucer and is + fully as rare as the dodo. For a shilling down, sixpence in her money-box, + and an American gold dollar which I happened to find in my pocket, I + bought the creature soul and body. She declared her intention to accompany + me to the ends of the earth; and had to be chidden by her sire for drawing + comparisons between myself and her uncle William, highly damaging to the + latter. + </p> + <p> + Dinner was scarce done, the cloth was not yet removed, when Miss Agnes + must needs climb into my lap with her stamp album, a relic of the + generosity of Uncle William. There are few things I despise more than old + stamps, unless perhaps it be crests; for cattle (from the Carthew + Chillinghams down to the old gate-keeper's milk-cow in the lane) contempt + is far from being my first sentiment. But it seemed I was doomed to pass + that day in viewing curiosities, and smothering a yawn, I devoted myself + once more to tread the well-known round. I fancy Uncle William must have + begun the collection himself and tired of it, for the book (to my + surprise) was quite respectably filled. There were the varying shades of + the English penny, Russians with the coloured heart, old undecipherable + Thurn-und-Taxis, obsolete triangular Cape of Good Hopes, Swan Rivers with + the Swan, and Guianas with the sailing ship. Upon all these I looked with + the eyes of a fish and the spirit of a sheep; I think indeed I was at + times asleep; and it was probably in one of these moments that I capsized + the album, and there fell from the end of it, upon the floor, a + considerable number of what I believe to be called “exchanges.” + </p> + <p> + Here, against all probability, my chance had come to me; for as I + gallantly picked them up, I was struck with the disproportionate amount of + five-sous French stamps. Some one, I reasoned, must write very regularly + from France to the neighbourhood of Stallbridge-le-Carthew. Could it be + Norris? On one stamp I made out an initial C; upon a second I got as far + as CH; beyond which point, the postmark used was in every instance + undecipherable. CH, when you consider that about a quarter of the towns in + France begin with “chateau,” was an insufficient clue; and I + promptly annexed the plainest of the collection in order to consult the + post-office. + </p> + <p> + The wretched infant took me in the fact. “Naughty man, to 'teal my + 'tamp!” she cried; and when I would have brazened it off with a + denial, recovered and displayed the stolen article. + </p> + <p> + My position was now highly false; and I believe it was in mere pity that + Mrs. Higgs came to my rescue with a welcome proposition. If the gentleman + was really interested in stamps, she said, probably supposing me a + monomaniac on the point, he should see Mr. Denman's album. Mr. Denman had + been collecting forty years, and his collection was said to be worth a + mint of money. “Agnes,” she went on, “if you were a kind + little girl, you would run over to the 'All, tell Mr. Denman there's a + connaisseer in the 'ouse, and ask him if one of the young gentlemen might + bring the album down.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to see his exchanges too,” I cried, rising to + the occasion. “I may have some of mine in my pocket-book and we + might trade.” + </p> + <p> + Half an hour later Mr. Denman arrived himself with a most unconscionable + volume under his arm. “Ah, sir,” he cried, “when I 'eard + you was a collector, I dropped all. It's a saying of mine, Mr. Dodsley, + that collecting stamps makes all collectors kin. It's a bond, sir; it + creates a bond.” + </p> + <p> + Upon the truth of this, I cannot say; but there is no doubt that the + attempt to pass yourself off for a collector falsely creates a precarious + situation. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, here's the second issue!” I would say, after consulting + the legend at the side. “The pink—no, I mean the mauve—yes, + that's the beauty of this lot. Though of course, as you say,” I + would hasten to add, “this yellow on the thin paper is more rare.” + </p> + <p> + Indeed I must certainly have been detected, had I not plied Mr. Denman in + self-defence with his favourite liquor—a port so excellent that it + could never have ripened in the cellar of the Carthew Arms, but must have + been transported, under cloud of night, from the neighbouring vaults of + the great house. At each threat of exposure, and in particular whenever I + was directly challenged for an opinion, I made haste to fill the butler's + glass, and by the time we had got to the exchanges, he was in a condition + in which no stamp collector need be seriously feared. God forbid I should + hint that he was drunk; he seemed incapable of the necessary liveliness; + but the man's eyes were set, and so long as he was suffered to talk + without interruption, he seemed careless of my heeding him. + </p> + <p> + In Mr. Denman's exchanges, as in those of little Agnes, the same + peculiarity was to be remarked, an undue preponderance of that despicably + common stamp, the French twenty-five centimes. And here joining them in + stealthy review, I found the C and the CH; then something of an A just + following; and then a terminal Y. Here was also the whole name spelt out + to me; it seemed familiar, too; and yet for some time I could not bridge + the imperfection. Then I came upon another stamp, in which an L was + legible before the Y, and in a moment the word leaped up complete. + Chailly, that was the name; Chailly-en-Biere, the post town of Barbizon—ah, + there was the very place for any man to hide himself—there was the + very place for Mr. Norris, who had rambled over England making sketches—the + very place for Goddedaal, who had left a palette-knife on board the Flying + Scud. Singular, indeed, that while I was drifting over England with the + shyster, the man we were in quest of awaited me at my own ultimate + destination. + </p> + <p> + Whether Mr. Denman had shown his album to Bellairs, whether, indeed, + Bellairs could have caught (as I did) this hint from an obliterated + postmark, I shall never know, and it mattered not. We were equal now; my + task at Stallbridge-le-Carthew was accomplished; my interest in + postage-stamps died shamelessly away; the astonished Denman was bowed out; + and ordering the horse to be put in, I plunged into the study of the + time-table. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. FACE TO FACE. + </h2> + <p> + I fell from the skies on Barbizon about two o'clock of a September + afternoon. It is the dead hour of the day; all the workers have gone + painting, all the idlers strolling, in the forest or the plain; the + winding causewayed street is solitary, and the inn deserted. I was the + more pleased to find one of my old companions in the dining-room; his town + clothes marked him for a man in the act of departure; and indeed his + portmanteau lay beside him on the floor. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Stennis,” I cried, “you're the last man I expected + to find here.” + </p> + <p> + “You won't find me here long,” he replied. “King Pandion + he is dead; all his friends are lapped in lead. For men of our antiquity, + the poor old shop is played out.” + </p> + <p> + “I have had playmates, I have had companions,” I quoted in + return. We were both moved, I think, to meet again in this scene of our + old pleasure parties so unexpectedly, after so long an interval, and both + already so much altered. + </p> + <p> + “That is the sentiment,” he replied. “All, all are gone, + the old familiar faces. I have been here a week, and the only living + creature who seemed to recollect me was the Pharaon. Bar the Sirons, of + course, and the perennial Bodmer.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there no survivor?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Of our geological epoch? not one,” he replied. “This is + the city of Petra in Edom.” + </p> + <p> + “And what sort of Bedouins encamp among the ruins?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Youth, Dodd, youth; blooming, conscious youth,” he returned. + “Such a gang, such reptiles! to think we were like that! I wonder + Siron didn't sweep us from his premises.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps we weren't so bad,” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Don't let me depress you,” said he. “We were both + Anglo-Saxons, anyway, and the only redeeming feature to-day is another.” + </p> + <p> + The thought of my quest, a moment driven out by this rencounter, revived + in my mind. “Who is he?” I cried. “Tell me about him.” + </p> + <p> + “What, the Redeeming Feature?” said he. “Well, he's a + very pleasing creature, rather dim, and dull, and genteel, but really + pleasing. He is very British, though, the artless Briton! Perhaps you'll + find him too much so for the transatlantic nerves. Come to think of it, on + the other hand, you ought to get on famously. He is an admirer of your + great republic in one of its (excuse me) shoddiest features; he takes in + and sedulously reads a lot of American papers. I warned you he was + artless.” + </p> + <p> + “What papers are they?” cried I. + </p> + <p> + “San Francisco papers,” said he. “He gets a bale of them + about twice a week, and studies them like the Bible. That's one of his + weaknesses; another is to be incalculably rich. He has taken Masson's old + studio—you remember?—at the corner of the road; he has + furnished it regardless of expense, and lives there surrounded with vins + fins and works of art. When the youth of to-day goes up to the Caverne des + Brigands to make punch—they do all that we did, like some nauseous + form of ape (I never appreciated before what a creature of tradition + mankind is)—this Madden follows with a basket of champagne. I told + him he was wrong, and the punch tasted better; but he thought the boys + liked the style of the thing, and I suppose they do. He is a very + good-natured soul, and a very melancholy, and rather a helpless. O, and he + has a third weakness which I came near forgetting. He paints. He has never + been taught, and he's past thirty, and he paints.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Rather well, I think,” was the reply. “That's the + annoying part of it. See for yourself. That panel is his.” + </p> + <p> + I stepped toward the window. It was the old familiar room, with the tables + set like a Greek P, and the sideboard, and the aphasiac piano, and the + panels on the wall. There were Romeo and Juliet, Antwerp from the river, + Enfield's ships among the ice, and the huge huntsman winding a huge horn; + mingled with them a few new ones, the thin crop of a succeeding + generation, not better and not worse. It was to one of these I was + directed; a thing coarsely and wittily handled, mostly with the + palette-knife, the colour in some parts excellent, the canvas in others + loaded with mere clay. But it was the scene, and not the art or want of + it, that riveted my notice. The foreground was of sand and scrub and + wreckwood; in the middle distance the many-hued and smooth expanse of a + lagoon, enclosed by a wall of breakers; beyond, a blue strip of ocean. The + sky was cloudless, and I could hear the surf break. For the place was + Midway Island; the point of view the very spot at which I had landed with + the captain for the first time, and from which I had re-embarked the day + before we sailed. I had already been gazing for some seconds, before my + attention was arrested by a blur on the sea-line; and stooping to look, I + recognised the smoke of a steamer. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, turning toward Stennis, “it has merit. + What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “A fancy piece,” he returned. “That's what pleased me. + So few of the fellows in our time had the imagination of a garden snail.” + </p> + <p> + “Madden, you say his name is?” I pursued. + </p> + <p> + “Madden,” he repeated. + </p> + <p> + “Has he travelled much?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “I haven't an idea. He is one of the least autobiographical of men. + He sits, and smokes, and giggles, and sometimes he makes small jests; but + his contributions to the art of pleasing are generally confined to looking + like a gentleman and being one. No,” added Stennis, “he'll + never suit you, Dodd; you like more head on your liquor. You'll find him + as dull as ditch water.” + </p> + <p> + “Has he big blonde side-whiskers like tusks?” I asked, mindful + of the photograph of Goddedaal. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not: why should he?” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Does he write many letters?” I continued. + </p> + <p> + “God knows,” said Stennis. “What is wrong with you? I + never saw you taken this way before.” + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, I think I know the man,” said I. “I think + I'm looking for him. I rather think he is my long-lost brother.” + </p> + <p> + “Not twins, anyway,” returned Stennis. + </p> + <p> + And about the same time, a carriage driving up to the inn, he took his + departure. + </p> + <p> + I walked till dinner-time in the plain, keeping to the fields; for I + instinctively shunned observation, and was racked by many incongruous and + impatient feelings. Here was a man whose voice I had once heard, whose + doings had filled so many days of my life with interest and distress, whom + I had lain awake to dream of like a lover; and now his hand was on the + door; now we were to meet; now I was to learn at last the mystery of the + substituted crew. The sun went down over the plain of the Angelus, and as + the hour approached, my courage lessened. I let the laggard peasants pass + me on the homeward way. The lamps were lit, the soup was served, the + company were all at table, and the room sounded already with multitudinous + talk before I entered. I took my place and found I was opposite to Madden. + Over six feet high and well set up, the hair dark and streaked with + silver, the eyes dark and kindly, the mouth very good-natured, the teeth + admirable; linen and hands exquisite; English clothes, an English voice, + an English bearing: the man stood out conspicuous from the company. Yet he + had made himself at home, and seemed to enjoy a certain quiet popularity + among the noisy boys of the table d'hote. He had an odd, silver giggle of + a laugh, that sounded nervous even when he was really amused, and accorded + ill with his big stature and manly, melancholy face. This laugh fell in + continually all through dinner like the note of the triangle in a piece of + modern French music; and he had at times a kind of pleasantry, rather of + manner than of words, with which he started or maintained the merriment. + He took his share in these diversions, not so much like a man in high + spirits, but like one of an approved good nature, habitually + self-forgetful, accustomed to please and to follow others. I have remarked + in old soldiers much the same smiling sadness and sociable + self-effacement. + </p> + <p> + I feared to look at him, lest my glances should betray my deep excitement, + and chance served me so well that the soup was scarce removed before we + were naturally introduced. My first sip of Chateau Siron, a vintage from + which I had been long estranged, startled me into speech. + </p> + <p> + “O, this'll never do!” I cried, in English. + </p> + <p> + “Dreadful stuff, isn't it?” said Madden, in the same language. + “Do let me ask you to share my bottle. They call it Chambertin, + which it isn't; but it's fairly palatable, and there's nothing in this + house that a man can drink at all.” + </p> + <p> + I accepted; anything would do that paved the way to better knowledge. + </p> + <p> + “Your name is Madden, I think,” said I. “My old friend + Stennis told me about you when I came.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I am sorry he went; I feel such a Grandfather William, alone + among all these lads,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “My name is Dodd,” I resumed. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “so Madame Siron told me.” + </p> + <p> + “Dodd, of San Francisco,” I continued. “Late of + Pinkerton and Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + “Montana Block, I think?” said he. + </p> + <p> + “The same,” said I. + </p> + <p> + Neither of us looked at each other; but I could see his hand deliberately + making bread pills. + </p> + <p> + “That's a nice thing of yours,” I pursued, “that panel. + The foreground is a little clayey, perhaps, but the lagoon is excellent.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to know,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” returned I, “I'm rather a good judge of—that + panel.” + </p> + <p> + There was a considerable pause. + </p> + <p> + “You know a man by the name of Bellairs, don't you?” he + resumed. + </p> + <p> + “Ah!” cried I, “you have heard from Doctor Urquart?” + </p> + <p> + “This very morning,” he replied. + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is no hurry about Bellairs,” said I. “It's + rather a long story and rather a silly one. But I think we have a good + deal to tell each other, and perhaps we had better wait till we are more + alone.” + </p> + <p> + “I think so,” said he. “Not that any of these fellows + know English, but we'll be more comfortable over at my place. Your health, + Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + And we took wine together across the table. + </p> + <p> + Thus had this singular introduction passed unperceived in the midst of + more than thirty persons, art students, ladies in dressing-gowns and + covered with rice powder, six foot of Siron whisking dishes over our head, + and his noisy sons clattering in and out with fresh relays. + </p> + <p> + “One question more,” said I: “Did you recognise my + voice?” + </p> + <p> + “Your voice?” he repeated. “How should I? I had never + heard it—we have never met.” + </p> + <p> + “And yet, we have been in conversation before now,” said I, + “and I asked you a question which you never answered, and which I + have since had many thousand better reasons for putting to myself.” + </p> + <p> + He turned suddenly white. “Good God!” he cried, “are you + the man in the telephone?” + </p> + <p> + I nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Well, well!” said he. “It would take a good deal of + magnanimity to forgive you that. What nights I have passed! That little + whisper has whistled in my ear ever since, like the wind in a keyhole. Who + could it be? What could it mean? I suppose I have had more real, solid + misery out of that ...” He paused, and looked troubled. “Though + I had more to bother me, or ought to have,” he added, and slowly + emptied his glass. + </p> + <p> + “It seems we were born to drive each other crazy with conundrums,” + said I. “I have often thought my head would split.” + </p> + <p> + Carthew burst into his foolish laugh. “And yet neither you nor I had + the worst of the puzzle,” he cried. “There were others deeper + in.” + </p> + <p> + “And who were they?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “The underwriters,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Why, to be sure!” cried I, “I never thought of that. + What could they make of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” replied Carthew. “It couldn't be explained. + They were a crowd of small dealers at Lloyd's who took it up in syndicate; + one of them has a carriage now; and people say he is a deuce of a deep + fellow, and has the makings of a great financier. Another furnished a + small villa on the profits. But they're all hopelessly muddled; and when + they meet each other, they don't know where to look, like the Augurs.” + </p> + <p> + Dinner was no sooner at an end than he carried me across the road to + Masson's old studio. It was strangely changed. On the walls were tapestry, + a few good etchings, and some amazing pictures—a Rousseau, a Corot, + a really superb old Crome, a Whistler, and a piece which my host claimed + (and I believe) to be a Titian. The room was furnished with comfortable + English smoking-room chairs, some American rockers, and an elaborate + business table; spirits and soda-water (with the mark of Schweppe, no + less) stood ready on a butler's tray, and in one corner, behind a + half-drawn curtain, I spied a camp-bed and a capacious tub. Such a room in + Barbizon astonished the beholder, like the glories of the cave of Monte + Cristo. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” said he, “we are quiet. Sit down, if you don't + mind, and tell me your story all through.” + </p> + <p> + I did as he asked, beginning with the day when Jim showed me the passage + in the <i>Daily Occidental</i>, and winding up with the stamp album and + the Chailly postmark. It was a long business; and Carthew made it longer, + for he was insatiable of details; and it had struck midnight on the old + eight-day clock in the corner, before I had made an end. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” said he, “turn about: I must tell you my + side, much as I hate it. Mine is a beastly story. You'll wonder how I can + sleep. I've told it once before, Mr. Dodd.” + </p> + <p> + “To Lady Ann?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “As you suppose,” he answered; “and to say the truth, I + had sworn never to tell it again. Only, you seem somehow entitled to the + thing; you have paid dear enough, God knows; and God knows I hope you may + like it, now you've got it!” + </p> + <p> + With that he began his yarn. A new day had dawned, the cocks crew in the + village and the early woodmen were afoot, when he concluded. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. THE REMITTANCE MAN. + </h2> + <p> + Singleton Carthew, the father of Norris, was heavily built and feebly + vitalised, sensitive as a musician, dull as a sheep, and conscientious as + a dog. He took his position with seriousness, even with pomp; the long + rooms, the silent servants, seemed in his eyes like the observances of + some religion of which he was the mortal god. He had the stupid man's + intolerance of stupidity in others; the vain man's exquisite alarm lest it + should be detected in himself. And on both sides Norris irritated and + offended him. He thought his son a fool, and he suspected that his son + returned the compliment with interest. The history of their relation was + simple; they met seldom, they quarrelled often. To his mother, a fiery, + pungent, practical woman, already disappointed in her husband and her + elder son, Norris was only a fresh disappointment. + </p> + <p> + Yet the lad's faults were no great matter; he was diffident, placable, + passive, unambitious, unenterprising; life did not much attract him; he + watched it like a curious and dull exhibition, not much amused, and not + tempted in the least to take a part. He beheld his father ponderously + grinding sand, his mother fierily breaking butterflies, his brother + labouring at the pleasures of the Hawbuck with the ardour of a soldier in + a doubtful battle; and the vital sceptic looked on wondering. They were + careful and troubled about many things; for him there seemed not even one + thing needful. He was born disenchanted, the world's promises awoke no + echo in his bosom, the world's activities and the world's distinctions + seemed to him equally without a base in fact. He liked the open air; he + liked comradeship, it mattered not with whom, his comrades were only a + remedy for solitude. And he had a taste for painted art. An array of fine + pictures looked upon his childhood, and from these roods of jewelled + canvas he received an indelible impression. The gallery at Stallbridge + betokened generations of picture lovers; Norris was perhaps the first of + his race to hold the pencil. The taste was genuine, it grew and + strengthened with his growth; and yet he suffered it to be suppressed with + scarce a struggle. Time came for him to go to Oxford, and he resisted + faintly. He was stupid, he said; it was no good to put him through the + mill; he wished to be a painter. The words fell on his father like a + thunderbolt, and Norris made haste to give way. “It didn't really + matter, don't you know?” said he. “And it seemed an awful + shame to vex the old boy.” + </p> + <p> + To Oxford he went obediently, hopelessly; and at Oxford became the hero of + a certain circle. He was active and adroit; when he was in the humour, he + excelled in many sports; and his singular melancholy detachment gave him a + place apart. He set a fashion in his clique. Envious undergraduates sought + to parody his unaffected lack of zeal and fear; it was a kind of new + Byronism more composed and dignified. “Nothing really mattered”; + among other things, this formula embraced the dons; and though he always + meant to be civil, the effect on the college authorities was one of + startling rudeness. His indifference cut like insolence; and in some + outbreak of his constitutional levity (the complement of his melancholy) + he was “sent down” in the middle of the second year. + </p> + <p> + The event was new in the annals of the Carthews, and Singleton was + prepared to make the most of it. It had been long his practice to prophesy + for his second son a career of ruin and disgrace. There is an advantage in + this artless parental habit. Doubtless the father is interested in his + son; but doubtless also the prophet grows to be interested in his + prophecies. If the one goes wrong, the others come true. Old Carthew drew + from this source esoteric consolations; he dwelt at length on his own + foresight; he produced variations hitherto unheard from the old theme + “I told you so,” coupled his son's name with the gallows and + the hulks, and spoke of his small handful of college debts as though he + must raise money on a mortgage to discharge them. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think that is fair, sir,” said Norris. “I lived + at college exactly as you told me. I am sorry I was sent down, and you + have a perfect right to blame me for that; but you have no right to pitch + into me about these debts.” + </p> + <p> + The effect upon a stupid man not unjustly incensed need scarcely be + described. For a while Singleton raved. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what, father,” said Norris at last, “I + don't think this is going to do. I think you had better let me take to + painting. It's the only thing I take a spark of interest in. I shall never + be steady as long as I'm at anything else.” + </p> + <p> + “When you stand here, sir, to the neck in disgrace,” said the + father, “I should have hoped you would have had more good taste than + to repeat this levity.” + </p> + <p> + The hint was taken; the levity was never more obtruded on the father's + notice, and Norris was inexorably launched upon a backward voyage. He went + abroad to study foreign languages, which he learned, at a very expensive + rate; and a fresh crop of debts fell soon to be paid, with similar + lamentations, which were in this case perfectly justified, and to which + Norris paid no regard. He had been unfairly treated over the Oxford + affair; and with a spice of malice very surprising in one so placable, and + an obstinacy remarkable in one so weak, refused from that day forward to + exercise the least captaincy on his expenses. He wasted what he would; he + allowed his servants to despoil him at their pleasure; he sowed + insolvency; and when the crop was ripe, notified his father with + exasperating calm. His own capital was put in his hands, he was planted in + the diplomatic service and told he must depend upon himself. + </p> + <p> + He did so till he was twenty-five; by which time he had spent his money, + laid in a handsome choice of debts, and acquired (like so many other + melancholic and uninterested persons) a habit of gambling. An Austrian + colonel—the same who afterwards hanged himself at Monte Carlo—gave + him a lesson which lasted two-and-twenty hours, and left him wrecked and + helpless. Old Singleton once more repurchased the honour of his name, this + time at a fancy figure; and Norris was set afloat again on stern + conditions. An allowance of three hundred pounds in the year was to be + paid to him quarterly by a lawyer in Sydney, New South Wales. He was not + to write. Should he fail on any quarter-day to be in Sydney, he was to be + held for dead, and the allowance tacitly withdrawn. Should he return to + Europe, an advertisement publicly disowning him was to appear in every + paper of repute. + </p> + <p> + It was one of his most annoying features as a son, that he was always + polite, always just, and in whatever whirlwind of domestic anger, always + calm. He expected trouble; when trouble came, he was unmoved: he might + have said with Singleton, “I told you so”; he was content with + thinking, “just as I expected.” On the fall of these last + thunderbolts, he bore himself like a person only distantly interested in + the event; pocketed the money and the reproaches, obeyed orders + punctually; took ship and came to Sydney. Some men are still lads at + twenty-five; and so it was with Norris. Eighteen days after he landed, his + quarter's allowance was all gone, and with the light-hearted hopefulness + of strangers in what is called a new country, he began to besiege offices + and apply for all manner of incongruous situations. Everywhere, and last + of all from his lodgings, he was bowed out; and found himself reduced, in + a very elegant suit of summer tweeds, to herd and camp with the degraded + outcasts of the city. + </p> + <p> + In this strait, he had recourse to the lawyer who paid him his allowance. + </p> + <p> + “Try to remember that my time is valuable, Mr. Carthew,” said + the lawyer. “It is quite unnecessary you should enlarge on the + peculiar position in which you stand. Remittance men, as we call them + here, are not so rare in my experience; and in such cases I act upon a + system. I make you a present of a sovereign; here it is. Every day you + choose to call, my clerk will advance you a shilling; on Saturday, since + my office is closed on Sunday, he will advance you half a crown. My + conditions are these: that you do not come to me, but to my clerk; that + you do not come here the worse of liquor; and you go away the moment you + are paid and have signed a receipt. I wish you a good-morning.” + </p> + <p> + “I have to thank you, I suppose,” said Carthew. “My + position is so wretched that I cannot even refuse this starvation + allowance.” + </p> + <p> + “Starvation!” said the lawyer, smiling. “No man will + starve here on a shilling a day. I had on my hands another young + gentleman, who remained continuously intoxicated for six years on the same + allowance.” And he once more busied himself with his papers. + </p> + <p> + In the time that followed, the image of the smiling lawyer haunted + Carthew's memory. “That three minutes' talk was all the education I + ever had worth talking of,” says he. “It was all life in a + nut-shell. Confound it! I thought, have I got to the point of envying that + ancient fossil?” + </p> + <p> + Every morning for the next two or three weeks, the stroke of ten found + Norris, unkempt and haggard, at the lawyer's door. The long day and longer + night he spent in the Domain, now on a bench, now on the grass under a + Norfolk Island pine, the companion of perhaps the lowest class on earth, + the Larrikins of Sydney. Morning after morning, the dawn behind the + lighthouse recalled him from slumber; and he would stand and gaze upon the + changing east, the fading lenses, the smokeless city, and the many-armed + and many-masted harbour growing slowly clear under his eyes. His + bed-fellows (so to call them) were less active; they lay sprawled upon the + grass and benches, the dingy men, the frowsy women, prolonging their late + repose; and Carthew wandered among the sleeping bodies alone, and cursed + the incurable stupidity of his behaviour. Day brought a new society of + nursery-maids and children, and fresh-dressed and (I am sorry to say) + tight-laced maidens, and gay people in rich traps; upon the skirts of + which Carthew and “the other blackguards”—his own bitter + phrase—skulked, and chewed grass, and looked on. Day passed, the + light died, the green and leafy precinct sparkled with lamps or lay in + shadow, and the round of the night began again, the loitering women, the + lurking men, the sudden outburst of screams, the sound of flying feet. + “You mayn't believe it,” says Carthew, “but I got to + that pitch that I didn't care a hang. I have been wakened out of my sleep + to hear a woman screaming, and I have only turned upon my other side. Yes, + it's a queer place, where the dowagers and the kids walk all day, and at + night you can hear people bawling for help as if it was the Forest of + Bondy, with the lights of a great town all round, and parties spinning + through in cabs from Government House and dinner with my lord!” + </p> + <p> + It was Norris's diversion, having none other, to scrape acquaintance, + where, how, and with whom he could. Many a long dull talk he held upon the + benches or the grass; many a strange waif he came to know; many strange + things he heard, and saw some that were abominable. It was to one of these + last that he owed his deliverance from the Domain. For some time the rain + had been merciless; one night after another he had been obliged to + squander fourpence on a bed and reduce his board to the remaining + eightpence: and he sat one morning near the Macquarrie Street entrance, + hungry, for he had gone without breakfast, and wet, as he had already been + for several days, when the cries of an animal in distress attracted his + attention. Some fifty yards away, in the extreme angle of the grass, a + party of the chronically unemployed had got hold of a dog, whom they were + torturing in a manner not to be described. The heart of Norris, which had + grown indifferent to the cries of human anger or distress, woke at the + appeal of the dumb creature. He ran amongst the Larrikins, scattered them, + rescued the dog, and stood at bay. They were six in number, shambling + gallowsbirds; but for once the proverb was right, cruelty was coupled with + cowardice, and the wretches cursed him and made off. It chanced that this + act of prowess had not passed unwitnessed. On a bench near by there was + seated a shopkeeper's assistant out of employ, a diminutive, cheerful, + red-headed creature by the name of Hemstead. He was the last man to have + interfered himself, for his discretion more than equalled his valour; but + he made haste to congratulate Carthew, and to warn him he might not always + be so fortunate. + </p> + <p> + “They're a dyngerous lot of people about this park. My word! it + doesn't do to ply with them!” he observed, in that RYCY AUSTRYLIAN + English, which (as it has received the imprimatur of Mr. Froude) we should + all make haste to imitate. + </p> + <p> + “Why, I'm one of that lot myself,” returned Carthew. + </p> + <p> + Hemstead laughed and remarked that he knew a gentleman when he saw one. + </p> + <p> + “For all that, I am simply one of the unemployed,” said + Carthew, seating himself beside his new acquaintance, as he had sat (since + this experience began) beside so many dozen others. + </p> + <p> + “I'm out of a plyce myself,” said Hemstead. + </p> + <p> + “You beat me all the way and back,” says Carthew. “My + trouble is that I have never been in one.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you've no tryde?” asked Hemstead. + </p> + <p> + “I know how to spend money,” replied Carthew, “and I + really do know something of horses and something of the sea. But the + unions head me off; if it weren't for them, I might have had a dozen + berths.” + </p> + <p> + “My word!” cried the sympathetic listener. “Ever try the + mounted police?” he inquired. + </p> + <p> + “I did, and was bowled out,” was the reply; “couldn't + pass the doctors.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of the ryleways, then?” asked + Hemstead. + </p> + <p> + “What do YOU think of them, if you come to that?” asked + Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “O, <i>I</i> don't think of them; I don't go in for manual labour,” + said the little man proudly. “But if a man don't mind that, he's + pretty sure of a job there.” + </p> + <p> + “By George, you tell me where to go!” cried Carthew, rising. + </p> + <p> + The heavy rains continued, the country was already overrun with floods; + the railway system daily required more hands, daily the superintendent + advertised; but “the unemployed” preferred the resources of + charity and rapine, and a navvy, even an amateur navvy, commanded money in + the market. The same night, after a tedious journey, and a change of + trains to pass a landslip, Norris found himself in a muddy cutting behind + South Clifton, attacking his first shift of manual labour. + </p> + <p> + For weeks the rain scarce relented. The whole front of the mountain + slipped seaward from above, avalanches of clay, rock, and uprooted forest + spewed over the cliffs and fell upon the beach or in the breakers. Houses + were carried bodily away and smashed like nuts; others were menaced and + deserted, the door locked, the chimney cold, the dwellers fled elsewhere + for safety. Night and day the fire blazed in the encampment; night and day + hot coffee was served to the overdriven toilers in the shift; night and + day the engineer of the section made his rounds with words of + encouragement, hearty and rough and well suited to his men. Night and day, + too, the telegraph clicked with disastrous news and anxious inquiry. Along + the terraced line of rail, rare trains came creeping and signalling; and + paused at the threatened corner, like living things conscious of peril. + The commandant of the post would hastily review his labours, make (with a + dry throat) the signal to advance; and the whole squad line the way and + look on in a choking silence, or burst into a brief cheer as the train + cleared the point of danger and shot on, perhaps through the thin sunshine + between squalls, perhaps with blinking lamps into the gathering, rainy + twilight. + </p> + <p> + One such scene Carthew will remember till he dies. It blew great guns from + the seaward; a huge surf bombarded, five hundred feet below him, the steep + mountain's foot; close in was a vessel in distress, firing shots from a + fowling-piece, if any help might come. So he saw and heard her the moment + before the train appeared and paused, throwing up a Babylonian tower of + smoke into the rain, and oppressing men's hearts with the scream of her + whistle. The engineer was there himself; he paled as he made the signal: + the engine came at a foot's pace; but the whole bulk of mountain shook and + seemed to nod seaward, and the watching navvies instinctively clutched at + shrubs and trees: vain precautions, vain as the shots from the poor + sailors. Once again fear was disappointed; the train passed unscathed; and + Norris, drawing a long breath, remembered the labouring ship and glanced + below. She was gone. + </p> + <p> + So the days and the nights passed: Homeric labour in Homeric circumstance. + Carthew was sick with sleeplessness and coffee; his hands, softened by the + wet, were cut to ribbons; yet he enjoyed a peace of mind and health of + body hitherto unknown. Plenty of open air, plenty of physical exertion, a + continual instancy of toil; here was what had been hitherto lacking in + that misdirected life, and the true cure of vital scepticism. To get the + train through: there was the recurrent problem; no time remained to ask if + it were necessary. Carthew, the idler, the spendthrift, the drifting + dilettant, was soon remarked, praised, and advanced. The engineer swore by + him and pointed him out for an example. “I've a new chum, up here,” + Norris overheard him saying, “a young swell. He's worth any two in + the squad.” The words fell on the ears of the discarded son like + music; and from that moment, he not only found an interest, he took a + pride, in his plebeian tasks. + </p> + <p> + The press of work was still at its highest when quarter-day approached. + Norris was now raised to a position of some trust; at his discretion, + trains were stopped or forwarded at the dangerous cornice near North + Clifton; and he found in this responsibility both terror and delight. The + thought of the seventy-five pounds that would soon await him at the + lawyer's, and of his own obligation to be present every quarter-day in + Sydney, filled him for a little with divided councils. Then he made up his + mind, walked in a slack moment to the inn at Clifton, ordered a sheet of + paper and a bottle of beer, and wrote, explaining that he held a good + appointment which he would lose if he came to Sydney, and asking the + lawyer to accept this letter as an evidence of his presence in the colony, + and retain the money till next quarter-day. The answer came in course of + post, and was not merely favourable but cordial. “Although what you + propose is contrary to the terms of my instructions,” it ran, + “I willingly accept the responsibility of granting your request. I + should say I am agreeably disappointed in your behaviour. My experience + has not led me to found much expectations on gentlemen in your position.” + </p> + <p> + The rains abated, and the temporary labour was discharged; not Norris, to + whom the engineer clung as to found money; not Norris, who found himself a + ganger on the line in the regular staff of navvies. His camp was pitched + in a grey wilderness of rock and forest, far from any house; as he sat + with his mates about the evening fire, the trains passing on the track + were their next and indeed their only neighbours, except the wild things + of the wood. Lovely weather, light and monotonous employment, long hours + of somnolent camp-fire talk, long sleepless nights, when he reviewed his + foolish and fruitless career as he rose and walked in the moonlit forest, + an occasional paper of which he would read all, the advertisements with as + much relish as the text: such was the tenor of an existence which soon + began to weary and harass him. He lacked and regretted the fatigue, the + furious hurry, the suspense, the fires, the midnight coffee, the rude and + mud-bespattered poetry of the first toilful weeks. In the quietness of his + new surroundings, a voice summoned him from this exorbital part of life, + and about the middle of October he threw up his situation and bade + farewell to the camp of tents and the shoulder of Bald Mountain. + </p> + <p> + Clad in his rough clothes, with a bundle on his shoulder and his + accumulated wages in his pocket, he entered Sydney for the second time, + and walked with pleasure and some bewilderment in the cheerful streets, + like a man landed from a voyage. The sight of the people led him on. He + forgot his necessary errands, he forgot to eat. He wandered in moving + multitudes like a stick upon a river. Last he came to the Domain and + strolled there, and remembered his shame and sufferings, and looked with + poignant curiosity at his successors. Hemstead, not much shabbier and no + less cheerful than before, he recognised and addressed like an old family + friend. + </p> + <p> + “That was a good turn you did me,” said he. “That + railway was the making of me. I hope you've had luck yourself.” + </p> + <p> + “My word, no!” replied the little man. “I just sit here + and read the <i>Dead Bird</i>. It's the depression in tryde, you see. + There's no positions goin' that a man like me would care to look at.” + And he showed Norris his certificates and written characters, one from a + grocer in Wooloomooloo, one from an ironmonger, and a third from a + billiard saloon. “Yes,” he said, “I tried bein' a + billiard marker. It's no account; these lyte hours are no use for a man's + health. I won't be no man's slyve,” he added firmly. + </p> + <p> + On the principle that he who is too proud to be a slave is usually not too + modest to become a pensioner, Carthew gave him half a sovereign, and + departed, being suddenly struck with hunger, in the direction of the Paris + House. When he came to that quarter of the city, the barristers were + trotting in the streets in wig and gown, and he stood to observe them with + his bundle on his shoulder, and his mind full of curious recollections of + the past. + </p> + <p> + “By George!” cried a voice, “it's Mr. Carthew!” + </p> + <p> + And turning about he found himself face to face with a handsome sunburnt + youth, somewhat fatted, arrayed in the finest of fine raiment, and + sporting about a sovereign's worth of flowers in his buttonhole. Norris + had met him during his first days in Sydney at a farewell supper; had even + escorted him on board a schooner full of cockroaches and black-boy + sailors, in which he was bound for six months among the islands; and had + kept him ever since in entertained remembrance. Tom Hadden (known to the + bulk of Sydney folk as Tommy) was heir to a considerable property, which a + prophetic father had placed in the hands of rigorous trustees. The income + supported Mr. Hadden in splendour for about three months out of twelve; + the rest of the year he passed in retreat among the islands. He was now + about a week returned from his eclipse, pervading Sydney in hansom cabs + and airing the first bloom of six new suits of clothes; and yet the + unaffected creature hailed Carthew in his working jeans and with the + damning bundle on his shoulder, as he might have claimed acquaintance with + a duke. + </p> + <p> + “Come and have a drink!” was his cheerful cry. + </p> + <p> + “I'm just going to have lunch at the Paris House,” returned + Carthew. “It's a long time since I have had a decent meal.” + </p> + <p> + “Splendid scheme!” said Hadden. “I've only had breakfast + half an hour ago; but we'll have a private room, and I'll manage to pick + something. It'll brace me up. I was on an awful tear last night, and I've + met no end of fellows this morning.” To meet a fellow, and to stand + and share a drink, were with Tom synonymous terms. + </p> + <p> + They were soon at table in the corner room up-stairs, and paying due + attention to the best fare in Sydney. The odd similarity of their + positions drew them together, and they began soon to exchange confidences. + Carthew related his privations in the Domain and his toils as a navvy; + Hadden gave his experience as an amateur copra merchant in the South Seas, + and drew a humorous picture of life in a coral island. Of the two plans of + retirement, Carthew gathered that his own had been vastly the more + lucrative; but Hadden's trading outfit had consisted largely of bottled + stout and brown sherry for his own consumption. + </p> + <p> + “I had champagne too,” said Hadden, “but I kept that in + case of sickness, until I didn't seem to be going to be sick, and then I + opened a pint every Sunday. Used to sleep all morning, then breakfast with + my pint of fizz, and lie in a hammock and read Hallam's <i>Middle Ages</i>. + Have you read that? I always take something solid to the islands. There's + no doubt I did the thing in rather a fine style; but if it was gone about + a little cheaper, or there were two of us to bear the expense, it ought to + pay hand over fist. I've got the influence, you see. I'm a chief now, and + sit in the speak-house under my own strip of roof. I'd like to see them + taboo ME! They daren't try it; I've a strong party, I can tell you. Why, + I've had upwards of thirty cowtops sitting in my front verandah eating + tins of salmon.” + </p> + <p> + “Cowtops?” asked Carthew, “what are they?” + </p> + <p> + “That's what Hallam would call feudal retainers,” explained + Hadden, not without vainglory. “They're My Followers. They belong to + My Family. I tell you, they come expensive, though; you can't fill up all + these retainers on tinned salmon for nothing; but whenever I could get it, + I would give 'em squid. Squid's good for natives, but I don't care for it, + do you?—or shark either. It's like the working classes at home. With + copra at the price it is, they ought to be willing to bear their share of + the loss; and so I've told them again and again. I think it's a man's duty + to open their minds, and I try to, but you can't get political economy + into them; it doesn't seem to reach their intelligence.” + </p> + <p> + There was an expression still sticking in Carthew's memory, and he + returned upon it with a smile. “Talking of political economy,” + said he, “you said if there were two of us to bear the expense, the + profits would increase. How do you make out that?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll show you! I'll figure it out for you!” cried Hadden, and + with a pencil on the back of the bill of fare proceeded to perform + miracles. He was a man, or let us rather say a lad, of unusual projective + power. Give him the faintest hint of any speculation, and the figures + flowed from him by the page. A lively imagination and a ready though + inaccurate memory supplied his data; he delivered himself with an + inimitable heat that made him seem the picture of pugnacity; lavished + contradiction; had a form of words, with or without significance, for + every form of criticism; and the looker-on alternately smiled at his + simplicity and fervour, or was amazed by his unexpected shrewdness. He was + a kind of Pinkerton in play. I have called Jim's the romance of business; + this was its Arabian tale. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any idea what this would cost?” he asked, pausing at + an item. + </p> + <p> + “Not I,” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Ten pounds ought to be ample,” concluded the projector. + </p> + <p> + “O, nonsense!” cried Carthew. “Fifty at the very least.” + </p> + <p> + “You told me yourself this moment you knew nothing about it!” + cried Tommy. “How can I make a calculation, if you blow hot and + cold? You don't seem able to be serious!” + </p> + <p> + But he consented to raise his estimate to twenty; and a little after, the + calculation coming out with a deficit, cut it down again to five pounds + ten, with the remark, “I told you it was nonsense. This sort of + thing has to be done strictly, or where's the use?” + </p> + <p> + Some of these processes struck Carthew as unsound; and he was at times + altogether thrown out by the capricious startings of the prophet's mind. + These plunges seemed to be gone into for exercise and by the way, like the + curvets of a willing horse. Gradually the thing took shape; the glittering + if baseless edifice arose; and the hare still ran on the mountains, but + the soup was already served in silver plate. Carthew in a few days could + command a hundred and fifty pounds; Hadden was ready with five hundred; + why should they not recruit a fellow or two more, charter an old ship, and + go cruising on their own account? Carthew was an experienced yachtsman; + Hadden professed himself able to “work an approximate sight.” + Money was undoubtedly to be made, or why should so many vessels cruise + about the islands? they, who worked their own ship, were sure of a still + higher profit. + </p> + <p> + “And whatever else comes of it, you see,” cried Hadden, + “we get our keep for nothing. Come, buy some togs, that's the first + thing you have to do of course; and then we'll take a hansom and go to the + Currency Lass.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm going to stick to the togs I have,” said Norris. + </p> + <p> + “Are you?” cried Hadden. “Well, I must say I admire you. + You're a regular sage. It's what you call Pythagoreanism, isn't it? if I + haven't forgotten my philosophy.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I call it economy,” returned Carthew. “If we are + going to try this thing on, I shall want every sixpence.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll see if we're going to try it!” cried Tommy, rising + radiant from table. “Only, mark you, Carthew, it must be all in your + name. I have capital, you see; but you're all right. You can play vacuus + viator, if the thing goes wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought we had just proved it was quite safe,” said + Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “There's nothing safe in business, my boy,” replied the sage; + “not even bookmaking.” + </p> + <p> + The public house and tea garden called the Currency Lass represented a + moderate fortune gained by its proprietor, Captain Bostock, during a long, + active, and occasionally historic career among the islands. Anywhere from + Tonga to the Admiralty Isles, he knew the ropes and could lie in the + native dialect. He had seen the end of sandal wood, the end of oil, and + the beginning of copra; and he was himself a commercial pioneer, the first + that ever carried human teeth into the Gilberts. He was tried for his life + in Fiji in Sir Arthur Gordon's time; and if ever he prayed at all, the + name of Sir Arthur was certainly not forgotten. He was speared in seven + places in New Ireland—the same time his mate was killed—the + famous “outrage on the brig Jolly Roger”; but the treacherous + savages made little by their wickedness, and Bostock, in spite of their + teeth, got seventy-five head of volunteer labour on board, of whom not + more than a dozen died of injuries. He had a hand, besides, in the amiable + pleasantry which cost the life of Patteson; and when the sham bishop + landed, prayed, and gave his benediction to the natives, Bostock, arrayed + in a female chemise out of the traderoom, had stood at his right hand and + boomed amens. This, when he was sure he was among good fellows, was his + favourite yarn. “Two hundred head of labour for a hatful of amens,” + he used to name the tale; and its sequel, the death of the real bishop, + struck him as a circumstance of extraordinary humour. + </p> + <p> + Many of these details were communicated in the hansom, to the surprise of + Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Why do we want to visit this old ruffian?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “You wait till you hear him,” replied Tommy. “That man + knows everything.” + </p> + <p> + On descending from the hansom at the Currency Lass, Hadden was struck with + the appearance of the cabman, a gross, salt-looking man, red-faced, + blue-eyed, short-handed and short-winded, perhaps nearing forty. + </p> + <p> + “Surely I know you?” said he. “Have you driven me + before?” + </p> + <p> + “Many's the time, Mr. Hadden,” returned the driver. “The + last time you was back from the islands, it was me that drove you to the + races, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “All right: jump down and have a drink then,” said Tom, and he + turned and led the way into the garden. + </p> + <p> + Captain Bostock met the party: he was a slow, sour old man, with fishy + eyes; greeted Tommy offhand, and (as was afterwards remembered) exchanged + winks with the driver. + </p> + <p> + “A bottle of beer for the cabman there at that table,” said + Tom. “Whatever you please from shandygaff to champagne at this one + here; and you sit down with us. Let me make you acquainted with my friend, + Mr. Carthew. I've come on business, Billy; I want to consult you as a + friend; I'm going into the island trade upon my own account.” + </p> + <p> + Doubtless the captain was a mine of counsel, but opportunity was denied + him. He could not venture on a statement, he was scarce allowed to finish + a phrase, before Hadden swept him from the field with a volley of protest + and correction. That projector, his face blazing with inspiration, first + laid before him at inordinate length a question, and as soon as he + attempted to reply, leaped at his throat, called his facts in question, + derided his policy, and at times thundered on him from the heights of + moral indignation. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” he said once. “I am a gentleman, + Mr. Carthew here is a gentleman, and we don't mean to do that class of + business. Can't you see who you are talking to? Can't you talk sense? + Can't you give us 'a dead bird' for a good traderoom?” + </p> + <p> + “No, I don't suppose I can,” returned old Bostock; “not + when I can't hear my own voice for two seconds together. It was gin and + guns I did it with.” + </p> + <p> + “Take your gin and guns to Putney!” cried Hadden. “It + was the thing in your times, that's right enough; but you're old now, and + the game's up. I'll tell you what's wanted now-a-days, Bill Bostock,” + said he; and did, and took ten minutes to it. + </p> + <p> + Carthew could not refrain from smiling. He began to think less seriously + of the scheme, Hadden appearing too irresponsible a guide; but on the + other hand, he enjoyed himself amazingly. It was far from being the same + with Captain Bostock. + </p> + <p> + “You know a sight, don't you?” remarked that gentleman, + bitterly, when Tommy paused. + </p> + <p> + “I know a sight more than you, if that's what you mean,” + retorted Tom. “It stands to reason I do. You're not a man of any + education; you've been all your life at sea or in the islands; you don't + suppose you can give points to a man like me?” + </p> + <p> + “Here's your health, Tommy,” returned Bostock. “You'll + make an A-one bake in the New Hebrides.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I call talking,” cried Tom, not perhaps grasping + the spirit of this doubtful compliment. “Now you give me your + attention. We have the money and the enterprise, and I have the + experience: what we want is a cheap, smart boat, a good captain, and an + introduction to some house that will give us credit for the trade.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'll tell you,” said Captain Bostock. “I have + seen men like you baked and eaten, and complained of afterwards. Some was + tough, and some hadn't no flaviour,” he added grimly. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” cried Tom. + </p> + <p> + “I mean I don't care,” cried Bostock. “It ain't any of + my interests. I haven't underwrote your life. Only I'm blest if I'm not + sorry for the cannibal as tries to eat your head. And what I recommend is + a cheap, smart coffin and a good undertaker. See if you can find a house + to give you credit for a coffin! Look at your friend there; HE'S got some + sense; he's laughing at you so as he can't stand.” + </p> + <p> + The exact degree of ill-feeling in Mr. Bostock's mind was difficult to + gauge; perhaps there was not much, perhaps he regarded his remarks as a + form of courtly badinage. But there is little doubt that Hadden resented + them. He had even risen from his place, and the conference was on the + point of breaking up, when a new voice joined suddenly in the + conversation. + </p> + <p> + The cabman sat with his back turned upon the party, smoking a meerschaum + pipe. Not a word of Tommy's eloquence had missed him, and he now faced + suddenly about with these amazing words:— + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me, gentlemen; if you'll buy me the ship I want, I'll get + you the trade on credit.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do YOU, mean?” gasped Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “Better tell 'em who I am, Billy,” said the cabman. + </p> + <p> + “Think it safe, Joe?” inquired Mr. Bostock. + </p> + <p> + “I'll take my risk of it,” returned the cabman. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said Bostock, rising solemnly, “let me make + you acquainted with Captain Wicks of the Grace Darling.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, gentlemen, that is what I am,” said the cabman. “You + know I've been in trouble; and I don't deny but what I struck the blow, + and where was I to get evidence of my provocation? So I turned to and took + a cab, and I've driven one for three year now and nobody the wiser.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon,” said Carthew, joining almost for the + first time; “I'm a new chum. What was the charge?” + </p> + <p> + “Murder,” said Captain Wicks, “and I don't deny but what + I struck the blow. And there's no sense in my trying to deny I was afraid + to go to trial, or why would I be here? But it's a fact it was flat + mutiny. Ask Billy here. He knows how it was.” + </p> + <p> + Carthew breathed long; he had a strange, half-pleasurable sense of wading + deeper in the tide of life. “Well,” said he, “you were + going on to say?” + </p> + <p> + “I was going on to say this,” said the captain sturdily. + “I've overheard what Mr. Hadden has been saying, and I think he + talks good sense. I like some of his ideas first chop. He's sound on + traderooms; he's all there on the traderoom, and I see that he and I would + pull together. Then you're both gentlemen, and I like that,” + observed Captain Wicks. “And then I'll tell you I'm tired of this + cabbing cruise, and I want to get to work again. Now, here's my offer. + I've a little money I can stake up,—all of a hundred anyway. Then my + old firm will give me trade, and jump at the chance; they never lost by + me; they know what I'm worth as supercargo. And, last of all, you want a + good captain to sail your ship for you. Well, here I am. I've sailed + schooners for ten years. Ask Billy if I can handle a schooner.” + </p> + <p> + “No man better,” said Billy. + </p> + <p> + “And as for my character as a shipmate,” concluded Wicks, + “go and ask my old firm.” + </p> + <p> + “But look here!” cried Hadden, “how do you mean to + manage? You can whisk round in a hansom, and no questions asked. But if + you try to come on a quarter-deck, my boy, you'll get nabbed.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll have to keep back till the last,” replied Wicks, “and + take another name.” + </p> + <p> + “But how about clearing? what other name?” asked Tommy, a + little bewildered. + </p> + <p> + “I don't know yet,” returned the captain, with a grin. “I'll + see what the name is on my new certificate, and that'll be good enough for + me. If I can't get one to buy, though I never heard of such a thing, + there's old Kirkup, he's turned some sort of farmer down Bondi way; he'll + hire me his.” + </p> + <p> + “You seemed to speak as if you had a ship in view,” said + Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “So I have, too,” said Captain Wicks, “and a beauty. + Schooner yacht Dream; got lines you never saw the beat of; and a witch to + go. She passed me once off Thursday Island, doing two knots to my one and + laying a point and a half better; and the Grace Darling was a ship that I + was proud of. I took and tore my hair. The Dream's been MY dream ever + since. That was in her old days, when she carried a blue ens'n. Grant + Sanderson was the party as owned her; he was rich and mad, and got a fever + at last somewhere about the Fly River, and took and died. The captain + brought the body back to Sydney, and paid off. Well, it turned out Grant + Sanderson had left any quantity of wills and any quantity of widows, and + no fellow could make out which was the genuine article. All the widows + brought lawsuits against all the rest, and every will had a firm of + lawyers on the quarterdeck as long as your arm. They tell me it was one of + the biggest turns-to that ever was seen, bar Tichborne; the Lord + Chamberlain himself was floored, and so was the Lord Chancellor; and all + that time the Dream lay rotting up by Glebe Point. Well, it's done now; + they've picked out a widow and a will; tossed up for it, as like as not; + and the Dream's for sale. She'll go cheap; she's had a long turn-to at + rotting.” + </p> + <p> + “What size is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, big enough. We don't want her bigger. A hundred and ninety, + going two hundred,” replied the captain. “She's fully big for + us three; it would be all the better if we had another hand, though it's a + pity too, when you can pick up natives for half nothing. Then we must have + a cook. I can fix raw sailor-men, but there's no going to sea with a + new-chum cook. I can lay hands on the man we want for that: a Highway boy, + an old shipmate of mine, of the name of Amalu. Cooks first rate, and it's + always better to have a native; he aint fly, you can turn him to as you + please, and he don't know enough to stand out for his rights.” + </p> + <p> + From the moment that Captain Wicks joined in the conversation, Carthew + recovered interest and confidence; the man (whatever he might have done) + was plainly good-natured, and plainly capable; if he thought well of the + enterprise, offered to contribute money, brought experience, and could + thus solve at a word the problem of the trade, Carthew was content to go + ahead. As for Hadden, his cup was full; he and Bostock forgave each other + in champagne; toast followed toast; it was proposed and carried amid + acclamation to change the name of the schooner (when she should be bought) + to the Currency Lass; and the Currency Lass Island Trading Company was + practically founded before dusk. + </p> + <p> + Three days later, Carthew stood before the lawyer, still in his jean suit, + received his hundred and fifty pounds, and proceeded rather timidly to ask + for more indulgence. + </p> + <p> + “I have a chance to get on in the world,” he said. “By + to-morrow evening I expect to be part owner of a ship.” + </p> + <p> + “Dangerous property, Mr. Carthew,” said the lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “Not if the partners work her themselves and stand to go down along + with her,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “I conceive it possible you might make something of it in that way,” + returned the other. “But are you a seaman? I thought you had been in + the diplomatic service.” + </p> + <p> + “I am an old yachtsman,” said Norris. “And I must do the + best I can. A fellow can't live in New South Wales upon diplomacy. But the + point I wish to prepare you for is this. It will be impossible I should + present myself here next quarter-day; we expect to make a six months' + cruise of it among the islands.” + </p> + <p> + “Sorry, Mr. Carthew: I can't hear of that,” replied the + lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “I mean upon the same conditions as the last,” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “The conditions are exactly opposite,” said the lawyer. + “Last time I had reason to know you were in the colony; and even + then I stretched a point. This time, by your own confession, you are + contemplating a breach of the agreement; and I give you warning if you + carry it out and I receive proof of it (for I will agree to regard this + conversation as confidential) I shall have no choice but to do my duty. Be + here on quarter-day, or your allowance ceases.” + </p> + <p> + “This is very hard and, I think, rather silly,” returned + Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “It is not of my doing. I have my instructions,” said the + lawyer. + </p> + <p> + “And you so read these instructions, that I am to be prohibited from + making an honest livelihood?” asked Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Let us be frank,” said the lawyer. “I find nothing in + these instructions about an honest livelihood. I have no reason to suppose + my clients care anything about that. I have reason to suppose only one + thing,—that they mean you shall stay in this colony, and to guess + another, Mr. Carthew. And to guess another.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that?” asked Norris. + </p> + <p> + “I mean that I imagine, on very strong grounds, that your family + desire to see no more of you,” said the lawyer. “O, they may + be very wrong; but that is the impression conveyed, that is what I suppose + I am paid to bring about, and I have no choice but to try and earn my + hire.” + </p> + <p> + “I would scorn to deceive you,” said Norris, with a strong + flush, “you have guessed rightly. My family refuse to see me; but I + am not going to England, I am going to the islands. How does that affect + the islands?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, but I don't know that you are going to the islands,” said + the lawyer, looking down, and spearing the blotting-paper with a pencil. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon. I have the pleasure of informing you,” + said Norris. + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid, Mr. Carthew, that I cannot regard that communication + as official,” was the slow reply. + </p> + <p> + “I am not accustomed to have my word doubted!” cried Norris. + </p> + <p> + “Hush! I allow no one to raise his voice in my office,” said + the lawyer. “And for that matter—you seem to be a young + gentleman of sense—consider what I know of you. You are a discarded + son; your family pays money to be shut of you. What have you done? I don't + know. But do you not see how foolish I should be, if I exposed my business + reputation on the safeguard of the honour of a gentleman of whom I know + just so much and no more? This interview is very disagreeable. Why prolong + it? Write home, get my instructions changed, and I will change my + behaviour. Not otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very fond of three hundred a year,” said Norris, “but + I cannot pay the price required. I shall not have the pleasure of seeing + you again.” + </p> + <p> + “You must please yourself,” said the lawyer. “Fail to be + here next quarter-day, and the thing stops. But I warn you, and I mean the + warning in a friendly spirit. Three months later you will be here begging, + and I shall have no choice but to show you in the street.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you a good-evening,” said Norris. + </p> + <p> + “The same to you, Mr. Carthew,” retorted the lawyer, and rang + for his clerk. + </p> + <p> + So it befell that Norris during what remained to him of arduous days in + Sydney, saw not again the face of his legal adviser; and he was already at + sea, and land was out of sight, when Hadden brought him a Sydney paper, + over which he had been dozing in the shadow of the galley, and showed him + an advertisement. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Norris Carthew is earnestly entreated to call without delay at + the office of Mr. ——, where important intelligence awaits him.” + </p> + <p> + “It must manage to wait for me six months,” said Norris, + lightly enough, but yet conscious of a pang of curiosity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. THE BUDGET OF THE “CURRENCY LASS.” + </h2> + <p> + Before noon on the 26th November, there cleared from the port of Sydney + the schooner, Currency Lass. The owner, Norris Carthew, was on board in + the somewhat unusual position of mate; the master's name purported to be + William Kirkup; the cook was a Hawaiian boy, Joseph Amalu; and there were + two hands before the mast, Thomas Hadden and Richard Hemstead, the latter + chosen partly because of his humble character, partly because he had an + odd-job-man's handiness with tools. The Currency Lass was bound for the + South Sea Islands, and first of all for Butaritari in the Gilberts, on a + register; but it was understood about the harbour that her cruise was more + than half a pleasure trip. A friend of the late Grant Sanderson (of + Auchentroon and Kilclarty) might have recognised in that tall-masted ship, + the transformed and rechristened Dream; and the Lloyd's surveyor, had the + services of such a one been called in requisition, must have found + abundant subject of remark. + </p> + <p> + For time, during her three years' inaction, had eaten deep into the Dream + and her fittings; she had sold in consequence a shade above her value as + old junk; and the three adventurers had scarce been able to afford even + the most vital repairs. The rigging, indeed, had been partly renewed, and + the rest set up; all Grant Sanderson's old canvas had been patched + together into one decently serviceable suit of sails; Grant Sanderson's + masts still stood, and might have wondered at themselves. “I haven't + the heart to tap them,” Captain Wicks used to observe, as he + squinted up their height or patted their rotundity; and “as rotten + as our foremast” was an accepted metaphor in the ship's company. The + sequel rather suggests it may have been sounder than was thought; but no + one knew for certain, just as no one except the captain appreciated the + dangers of the cruise. The captain, indeed, saw with clear eyes and spoke + his mind aloud; and though a man of an astonishing hot-blooded courage, + following life and taking its dangers in the spirit of a hound upon the + slot, he had made a point of a big whaleboat. “Take your choice,” + he had said; “either new masts and rigging or that boat. I simply + ain't going to sea without the one or the other. Chicken coops are good + enough, no doubt, and so is a dinghy; but they ain't for Joe.” And + his partners had been forced to consent, and saw six and thirty pounds of + their small capital vanish in the turn of a hand. + </p> + <p> + All four had toiled the best part of six weeks getting ready; and though + Captain Wicks was of course not seen or heard of, a fifth was there to + help them, a fellow in a bushy red beard, which he would sometimes lay + aside when he was below, and who strikingly resembled Captain Wicks in + voice and character. As for Captain Kirkup, he did not appear till the + last moment, when he proved to be a burly mariner, bearded like Abou Ben + Adhem. All the way down the harbour and through the Heads, his milk-white + whiskers blew in the wind and were conspicuous from shore; but the + Currency Lass had no sooner turned her back upon the lighthouse, than he + went below for the inside of five seconds and reappeared clean shaven. So + many doublings and devices were required to get to sea with an unseaworthy + ship and a captain that was “wanted.” Nor might even these + have sufficed, but for the fact that Hadden was a public character, and + the whole cruise regarded with an eye of indulgence as one of Tom's + engaging eccentricities. The ship, besides, had been a yacht before; and + it came the more natural to allow her still some of the dangerous + liberties of her old employment. + </p> + <p> + A strange ship they had made of it, her lofty spars disfigured with + patched canvas, her panelled cabin fitted for a traderoom with rude + shelves. And the life they led in that anomalous schooner was no less + curious than herself. Amalu alone berthed forward; the rest occupied + staterooms, camped upon the satin divans, and sat down in Grant + Sanderson's parquetry smoking-room to meals of junk and potatoes, bad of + their kind and often scant in quantity. Hemstead grumbled; Tommy had + occasional moments of revolt and increased the ordinary by a few haphazard + tins or a bottle of his own brown sherry. But Hemstead grumbled from + habit, Tommy revolted only for the moment, and there was underneath a real + and general acquiescence in these hardships. For besides onions and + potatoes, the Currency Lass may be said to have gone to sea without + stores. She carried two thousand pounds' worth of assorted trade, advanced + on credit, their whole hope and fortune. It was upon this that they + subsisted—mice in their own granary. They dined upon their future + profits; and every scanty meal was so much in the savings bank. + </p> + <p> + Republican as were their manners, there was no practical, at least no + dangerous, lack of discipline. Wicks was the only sailor on board, there + was none to criticise; and besides, he was so easy-going, and so + merry-minded, that none could bear to disappoint him. Carthew did his + best, partly for the love of doing it, partly for love of the captain; + Amalu was a willing drudge, and even Hemstead and Hadden turned to upon + occasion with a will. Tommy's department was the trade and traderoom; he + would work down in the hold or over the shelves of the cabin, till the + Sydney dandy was unrecognizable; come up at last, draw a bucket of + sea-water, bathe, change, and lie down on deck over a big sheaf of Sydney + <i>Heralds</i> and <i>Dead Birds</i>, or perhaps with a volume of Buckle's + <i>History of Civilisation</i>, the standard work selected for that + cruise. In the latter case, a smile went round the ship, for Buckle almost + invariably laid his student out, and when Tom awoke again he was almost + always in the humour for brown sherry. The connection was so well + established that “a glass of Buckle” or “a bottle of + civilisation” became current pleasantries on board the Currency + Lass. + </p> + <p> + Hemstead's province was that of the repairs, and he had his hands full. + Nothing on board but was decayed in a proportion; the lamps leaked; so did + the decks; door-knobs came off in the hand, mouldings parted company with + the panels, the pump declined to suck, and the defective bathroom came + near to swamp the ship. Wicks insisted that all the nails were long ago + consumed, and that she was only glued together by the rust. “You + shouldn't make me laugh so much, Tommy,” he would say. “I'm + afraid I'll shake the sternpost out of her.” And, as Hemstead went + to and fro with his tool basket on an endless round of tinkering, Wicks + lost no opportunity of chaffing him upon his duties. “If you'd turn + to at sailoring or washing paint or something useful, now,” he would + say, “I could see the fun of it. But to be mending things that + haven't no insides to them appears to me the height of foolishness.” + And doubtless these continual pleasantries helped to reassure the + landsmen, who went to and fro unmoved, under circumstances that might have + daunted Nelson. + </p> + <p> + The weather was from the outset splendid, and the wind fair and steady. + The ship sailed like a witch. “This Currency Lass is a powerful old + girl, and has more complaints than I would care to put a name on,” + the captain would say, as he pricked the chart; “but she could show + her blooming heels to anything of her size in the Western Pacific.” + To wash decks, relieve the wheel, do the day's work after dinner on the + smoking-room table, and take in kites at night,—such was the easy + routine of their life. In the evening—above all, if Tommy had + produced some of his civilisation—yarns and music were the rule. + Amalu had a sweet Hawaiian voice; and Hemstead, a great hand upon the + banjo, accompanied his own quavering tenor with effect. There was a sense + in which the little man could sing. It was great to hear him deliver <i>My + Boy Tammie</i> in Austrylian; and the words (some of the worst of the + ruffian Macneil's) were hailed in his version with inextinguishable mirth. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Where hye ye been a' dye? +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + he would ask, and answer himself:— + + I've been by burn and flowery brye, + Meadow green an' mountain grye, + Courtin' o' this young thing, + Just come frye her mammie. +</pre> + <p> + It was the accepted jest for all hands to greet the conclusion of this + song with the simultaneous cry: “My word!” thus winging the + arrow of ridicule with a feather from the singer's wing. But he had his + revenge with <i>Home, Sweet Home,</i> and <i>Where is my Wandering Boy + To-night?</i>—ditties into which he threw the most intolerable + pathos. It appeared he had no home, nor had ever had one, nor yet any + vestige of a family, except a truculent uncle, a baker in Newcastle, + N.S.W. His domestic sentiment was therefore wholly in the air, and + expressed an unrealised ideal. Or perhaps, of all his experiences, this of + the Currency Lass, with its kindly, playful, and tolerant society, + approached it the most nearly. + </p> + <p> + It is perhaps because I know the sequel, but I can never think upon this + voyage without a profound sense of pity and mystery; of the ship (once the + whim of a rich blackguard) faring with her battered fineries and upon her + homely errand, across the plains of ocean, and past the gorgeous scenery + of dawn and sunset; and the ship's company, so strangely assembled, so + Britishly chuckle-headed, filling their days with chaff in place of + conversation; no human book on board with them except Hadden's Buckle, and + not a creature fit either to read or to understand it; and the one mark of + any civilised interest, being when Carthew filled in his spare hours with + the pencil and the brush: the whole unconscious crew of them posting in + the meanwhile towards so tragic a disaster. + </p> + <p> + Twenty-eight days out of Sydney, on Christmas eve, they fetched up to the + entrance of the lagoon, and plied all that night outside, keeping their + position by the lights of fishers on the reef and the outlines of the + palms against the cloudy sky. With the break of day, the schooner was hove + to, and the signal for a pilot shown. But it was plain her lights must + have been observed in the darkness by the native fishermen, and word + carried to the settlement, for a boat was already under weigh. She came + towards them across the lagoon under a great press of sail, lying + dangerously down, so that at times, in the heavier puffs, they thought she + would turn turtle; covered the distance in fine style, luffed up smartly + alongside, and emitted a haggard looking white man in pyjamas. + </p> + <p> + “Good-mornin', Cap'n,” said he, when he had made good his + entrance. “I was taking you for a Fiji man-of-war, what with your + flush decks and them spars. Well, gen'lemen all, here's wishing you a + Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” he added, and lurched against + a stay. + </p> + <p> + “Why, you're never the pilot?” exclaimed Wicks, studying him + with a profound disfavour. “You've never taken a ship in—don't + tell me!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I should guess I have,” returned the pilot. “I'm + Captain Dobbs, I am; and when I take charge, the captain of that ship can + go below and shave.” + </p> + <p> + “But, man alive! you're drunk, man!” cried the captain. + </p> + <p> + “Drunk!” repeated Dobbs. “You can't have seen much life + if you call me drunk. I'm only just beginning. Come night, I won't say; I + guess I'll be properly full by then. But now I'm the soberest man in all + Big Muggin.” + </p> + <p> + “It won't do,” retorted Wicks. “Not for Joseph, sir. I + can't have you piling up my schooner.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said Dobbs, “lay and rot where you are, or + take and go in and pile her up for yourself like the captain of the + Leslie. That's business, I guess; grudged me twenty dollars' pilotage, and + lost twenty thousand in trade and a brand new schooner; ripped the keel + right off of her, and she went down in the inside of four minutes, and + lies in twenty fathom, trade and all.” + </p> + <p> + “What's all this?” cried Wicks. “Trade? What vessel was + this Leslie, anyhow?” + </p> + <p> + “Consigned to Cohen and Co., from 'Frisco,” returned the + pilot, “and badly wanted. There's a barque inside filling up for + Hamburg—you see her spars over there; and there's two more ships + due, all the way from Germany, one in two months, they say, and one in + three; Cohen and Co.'s agent (that's Mr. Topelius) has taken and lain down + with the jaundice on the strength of it. I guess most people would, in his + shoes; no trade, no copra, and twenty hundred ton of shipping due. If + you've any copra on board, cap'n, here's your chance. Topelius will buy, + gold down, and give three cents. It's all found money to him, the way it + is, whatever he pays for it. And that's what come of going back on the + pilot.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me one moment, Captain Dobbs. I wish to speak with my mate,” + said the captain, whose face had begun to shine and his eyes to sparkle. + </p> + <p> + “Please yourself,” replied the pilot. “You couldn't + think of offering a man a nip, could you? just to brace him up. This kind + of thing looks damned inhospitable, and gives a schooner a bad name.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll talk about that after the anchor's down,” returned + Wicks, and he drew Carthew forward. “I say,” he whispered, + “here's a fortune.” + </p> + <p> + “How much do you call that?” asked Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “I can't put a figure on it yet—I daren't!” said the + captain. “We might cruise twenty years and not find the match of it. + And suppose another ship came in to-night? Everything's possible! And the + difficulty is this Dobbs. He's as drunk as a marine. How can we trust him? + We ain't insured—worse luck!” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose you took him aloft and got him to point out the channel?” + suggested Carthew. “If he tallied at all with the chart, and didn't + fall out of the rigging, perhaps we might risk it.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, all's risk here,” returned the captain. “Take the + wheel yourself, and stand by. Mind, if there's two orders, follow mine, + not his. Set the cook for'ard with the heads'ls, and the two others at the + main sheet, and see they don't sit on it.” With that he called the + pilot; they swarmed aloft in the fore rigging, and presently after there + was bawled down the welcome order to ease sheets and fill away. + </p> + <p> + At a quarter before nine o'clock on Christmas morning the anchor was let + go. + </p> + <p> + The first cruise of the Currency Lass had thus ended in a stroke of + fortune almost beyond hope. She had brought two thousand pounds' worth of + trade, straight as a homing pigeon, to the place where it was most + required. And Captain Wicks (or, rather, Captain Kirkup) showed himself + the man to make the best of his advantage. For hard upon two days he + walked a verandah with Topelius, for hard upon two days his partners + watched from the neighbouring public house the field of battle; and the + lamps were not yet lighted on the evening of the second before the enemy + surrendered. Wicks came across to the Sans Souci, as the saloon was + called, his face nigh black, his eyes almost closed and all bloodshot, and + yet bright as lighted matches. + </p> + <p> + “Come out here, boys,” he said; and when they were some way + off among the palms, “I hold twenty-four,” he added in a voice + scarcely recognizable, and doubtless referring to the venerable game of + cribbage. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” asked Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “I've sold the trade,” answered Wicks; “or, rather, I've + sold only some of it, for I've kept back all the mess beef and half the + flour and biscuit; and, by God, we're still provisioned for four months! + By God, it's as good as stolen!” + </p> + <p> + “My word!” cried Hemstead. + </p> + <p> + “But what have you sold it for?” gasped Carthew, the captain's + almost insane excitement shaking his nerve. + </p> + <p> + “Let me tell it my own way,” cried Wicks, loosening his neck. + “Let me get at it gradual, or I'll explode. I've not only sold it, + boys, I've wrung out a charter on my own terms to 'Frisco and back; on my + own terms. I made a point of it. I fooled him first by making believe I + wanted copra, which of course I knew he wouldn't hear of—couldn't, + in fact; and whenever he showed fight, I trotted out the copra, and that + man dived! I would take nothing but copra, you see; and so I've got the + blooming lot in specie—all but two short bills on 'Frisco. And the + sum? Well, this whole adventure, including two thousand pounds of credit, + cost us two thousand seven hundred and some odd. That's all paid back; in + thirty days' cruise we've paid for the schooner and the trade. Heard ever + any man the match of that? And it's not all! For besides that,” said + the captain, hammering his words, “we've got Thirteen Blooming + Hundred Pounds of profit to divide. I bled him in four Thou.!” he + cried, in a voice that broke like a schoolboy's. + </p> + <p> + For a moment the partners looked upon their chief with stupefaction, + incredulous surprise their only feeling. Tommy was the first to grasp the + consequences. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” he said, in a hard, business tone. “Come back to + that saloon. I've got to get drunk.” + </p> + <p> + “You must please excuse me, boys,” said the captain, + earnestly. “I daren't taste nothing. If I was to drink one glass of + beer, it's my belief I'd have the apoplexy. The last scrimmage, and the + blooming triumph, pretty nigh hand done me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, three cheers for the captain,” proposed Tommy. + </p> + <p> + But Wicks held up a shaking hand. “Not that either, boys,” he + pleaded. “Think of the other buffer, and let him down easy. If I'm + like this, just fancy what Topelius is! If he heard us singing out, he'd + have the staggers.” + </p> + <p> + As a matter of fact, Topelius accepted his defeat with a good grace; but + the crew of the wrecked Leslie, who were in the same employment and loyal + to their firm, took the thing more bitterly. Rough words and ugly looks + were common. Once even they hooted Captain Wicks from the saloon verandah; + the Currency Lasses drew out on the other side; for some minutes there had + like to have been a battle in Butaritari; and though the occasion passed + off without blows, it left on either side an increase of ill-feeling. + </p> + <p> + No such small matter could affect the happiness of the successful traders. + Five days more the ship lay in the lagoon, with little employment for any + one but Tommy and the captain, for Topelius's natives discharged cargo and + brought ballast; the time passed like a pleasant dream; the adventurers + sat up half the night debating and praising their good fortune, or strayed + by day in the narrow isle, gaping like Cockney tourists; and on the first + of the new year, the Currency Lass weighed anchor for the second time and + set sail for 'Frisco, attended by the same fine weather and good luck. She + crossed the doldrums with but small delay; on a wind and in ballast of + broken coral, she outdid expectations; and, what added to the happiness of + the ship's company, the small amount of work that fell on them to do, was + now lessened by the presence of another hand. This was the boatswain of + the Leslie; he had been on bad terms with his own captain, had already + spent his wages in the saloons of Butaritari, had wearied of the place, + and while all his shipmates coldly refused to set foot on board the + Currency Lass, he had offered to work his passage to the coast. He was a + north of Ireland man, between Scotch and Irish, rough, loud, humorous, and + emotional, not without sterling qualities, and an expert and careful + sailor. His frame of mind was different indeed from that of his new + shipmates; instead of making an unexpected fortune, he had lost a berth; + and he was besides disgusted with the rations, and really appalled at the + condition of the schooner. A stateroom door had stuck, the first day at + sea, and Mac (as they called him) laid his strength to it and plucked it + from the hinges. + </p> + <p> + “Glory!” said he, “this ship's rotten.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you, my boy,” said Captain Wicks. + </p> + <p> + The next day the sailor was observed with his nose aloft. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you get looking at these sticks,” the captain said, + “or you'll have a fit and fall overboard.” + </p> + <p> + Mac turned towards the speaker with rather a wild eye. “Why, I see + what looks like a patch of dry rot up yonder, that I bet I could stick my + fist into,” said he. + </p> + <p> + “Looks as if a fellow could stick his head into it, don't it?” + returned Wicks. “But there's no good prying into things that can't + be mended.” + </p> + <p> + “I think I was a Currency Ass to come on board of her!” + reflected Mac. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I never said she was seaworthy,” replied the captain: + “I only said she could show her blooming heels to anything afloat. + And besides, I don't know that it's dry rot; I kind of sometimes hope it + isn't. Here; turn to and heave the log; that'll cheer you up.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there's no denying it, you're a holy captain,” said + Mac. + </p> + <p> + And from that day on, he made but the one reference to the ship's + condition; and that was whenever Tommy drew upon his cellar. “Here's + to the junk trade!” he would say, as he held out his can of sherry. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you always say that?” asked Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “I had an uncle in the business,” replied Mac, and launched at + once into a yarn, in which an incredible number of the characters were + “laid out as nice as you would want to see,” and the oaths + made up about two-fifths of every conversation. + </p> + <p> + Only once he gave them a taste of his violence; he talked of it, indeed, + often; “I'm rather a voilent man,” he would say, not without + pride; but this was the only specimen. Of a sudden, he turned on Hemstead + in the ship's waist, knocked him against the foresail boom, then knocked + him under it, and had set him up and knocked him down once more, before + any one had drawn a breath. + </p> + <p> + “Here! Belay that!” roared Wicks, leaping to his feet. “I + won't have none of this.” + </p> + <p> + Mac turned to the captain with ready civility. “I only want to learn + him manners,” said he. “He took and called me Irishman.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he?” said Wicks. “O, that's a different story! What + made you do it, you tomfool? You ain't big enough to call any man that.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't call him it,” spluttered Hemstead, through his blood + and tears. “I only mentioned-like he was.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let's have no more of it,” said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “But you ARE Irish, ain't you?” Carthew asked of his new + shipmate shortly after. + </p> + <p> + “I may be,” replied Mac, “but I'll allow no Sydney duck + to call me so. No,” he added, with a sudden heated countenance, + “nor any Britisher that walks! Why, look here,” he went on, + “you're a young swell, aren't you? Suppose I called you that! 'I'll + show you,' you would say, and turn to and take it out of me straight.” + </p> + <p> + On the 28th of January, when in lat. 27 degrees 20' N., long. 177 degrees + W., the wind chopped suddenly into the west, not very strong, but puffy + and with flaws of rain. The captain, eager for easting, made a fair wind + of it and guyed the booms out wing and wing. It was Tommy's trick at the + wheel, and as it was within half an hour of the relief (seven thirty in + the morning), the captain judged it not worth while to change him. + </p> + <p> + The puffs were heavy but short; there was nothing to be called a squall, + no danger to the ship, and scarce more than usual to the doubtful spars. + All hands were on deck in their oilskins, expecting breakfast; the galley + smoked, the ship smelt of coffee, all were in good humour to be speeding + eastward a full nine; when the rotten foresail tore suddenly between two + cloths and then split to either hand. It was for all the world as though + some archangel with a huge sword had slashed it with the figure of a + cross; all hands ran to secure the slatting canvas; and in the sudden + uproar and alert, Tommy Hadden lost his head. Many of his days have been + passed since then in explaining how the thing happened; of these + explanations it will be sufficient to say that they were all different and + none satisfactory; and the gross fact remains that the main boom gybed, + carried away the tackle, broke the mainmast some three feet above the deck + and whipped it overboard. For near a minute the suspected foremast + gallantly resisted; then followed its companion; and by the time the wreck + was cleared, of the whole beautiful fabric that enabled them to skim the + seas, two ragged stumps remained. + </p> + <p> + In these vast and solitary waters, to be dismasted is perhaps the worst + calamity. Let the ship turn turtle and go down, and at least the pang is + over. But men chained on a hulk may pass months scanning the empty sea + line and counting the steps of death's invisible approach. There is no + help but in the boats, and what a help is that! There heaved the Currency + Lass, for instance, a wingless lump, and the nearest human coast (that of + Kauai in the Sandwiches) lay about a thousand miles to south and east of + her. Over the way there, to men contemplating that passage in an open + boat, all kinds of misery, and the fear of death and of madness, brooded. + </p> + <p> + A serious company sat down to breakfast; but the captain helped his + neighbours with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Now, boys,” he said, after a pull at the hot coffee, “we're + done with this Currency Lass, and no mistake. One good job: we made her + pay while she lasted, and she paid first rate; and if we were to try our + hand again, we can try in style. Another good job: we have a fine, stiff, + roomy boat, and you know who you have to thank for that. We've got six + lives to save, and a pot of money; and the point is, where are we to take + 'em?” + </p> + <p> + “It's all two thousand miles to the nearest of the Sandwiches, I + fancy,” observed Mac. + </p> + <p> + “No, not so bad as that,” returned the captain. “But + it's bad enough: rather better'n a thousand.” + </p> + <p> + “I know a man who once did twelve hundred in a boat,” said + Mac, “and he had all he wanted. He fetched ashore in the Marquesas, + and never set a foot on anything floating from that day to this. He said + he would rather put a pistol to his head and knock his brains out.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay!” said Wicks. “Well I remember a boat's crew + that made this very island of Kauai, and from just about where we lie, or + a bit further. When they got up with the land, they were clean crazy. + There was an iron-bound coast and an Old Bob Ridley of a surf on. The + natives hailed 'em from fishing-boats, and sung out it couldn't be done at + the money. Much they cared! there was the land, that was all they knew; + and they turned to and drove the boat slap ashore in the thick of it, and + was all drowned but one. No; boat trips are my eye,” concluded the + captain, gloomily. + </p> + <p> + The tone was surprising in a man of his indomitable temper. “Come, + Captain,” said Carthew, “you have something else up your + sleeve; out with it!” + </p> + <p> + “It's a fact,” admitted Wicks. “You see there's a raft + of little bally reefs about here, kind of chicken-pox on the chart. Well, + I looked 'em all up, and there's one—Midway or Brooks they call it, + not forty mile from our assigned position—that I got news of. It + turns out it's a coaling station of the Pacific Mail,” he said, + simply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and I know it ain't no such a thing,” said Mac. “I + been quartermaster in that line myself.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” returned Wicks. “There's the book. Read + what Hoyt says—read it aloud and let the others hear.” + </p> + <p> + Hoyt's falsehood (as readers know) was explicit; incredulity was + impossible, and the news itself delightful beyond hope. Each saw in his + mind's eye the boat draw in to a trim island with a wharf, coal-sheds, + gardens, the Stars and Stripes and the white cottage of the keeper; saw + themselves idle a few weeks in tolerable quarters, and then step on board + the China mail, romantic waifs, and yet with pocketsful of money, calling + for champagne, and waited on by troops of stewards. Breakfast, that had + begun so dully, ended amid sober jubilation, and all hands turned + immediately to prepare the boat. + </p> + <p> + Now that all spars were gone, it was no easy job to get her launched. Some + of the necessary cargo was first stowed on board; the specie, in + particular, being packed in a strong chest and secured with lashings to + the afterthwart in case of a capsize. Then a piece of the bulwark was + razed to the level of the deck, and the boat swung thwart-ship, made fast + with a slack line to either stump, and successfully run out. For a voyage + of forty miles to hospitable quarters, not much food or water was + required; but they took both in superfluity. Amalu and Mac, both ingrained + sailor-men, had chests which were the headquarters of their lives; two + more chests with handbags, oilskins, and blankets supplied the others; + Hadden, amid general applause, added the last case of the brown sherry; + the captain brought the log, instruments, and chronometer; nor did + Hemstead forget the banjo or a pinned handkerchief of Butaritari shells. + </p> + <p> + It was about three P.M. when they pushed off, and (the wind being still + westerly) fell to the oars. “Well, we've got the guts out of YOU!” + was the captain's nodded farewell to the hulk of the Currency Lass, which + presently shrank and faded in the sea. A little after a calm succeeded, + with much rain; and the first meal was eaten, and the watch below lay down + to their uneasy slumber on the bilge under a roaring shower-bath. The + twenty-ninth dawned overhead from out of ragged clouds; there is no moment + when a boat at sea appears so trenchantly black and so conspicuously + little; and the crew looked about them at the sky and water with a thrill + of loneliness and fear. With sunrise the trade set in, lusty and true to + the point; sail was made; the boat flew; and by about four in the + afternoon, they were well up with the closed part of the reef, and the + captain standing on the thwart, and holding by the mast, was studying the + island through the binoculars. + </p> + <p> + “Well, and where's your station?” cried Mac. + </p> + <p> + “I don't someway pick it up,” replied the captain. + </p> + <p> + “No, nor never will!” retorted Mac, with a clang of despair + and triumph in his tones. + </p> + <p> + The truth was soon plain to all. No buoys, no beacons, no lights, no coal, + no station; the castaways pulled through a lagoon and landed on an isle, + where was no mark of man but wreckwood, and no sound but of the sea. For + the seafowl that harboured and lived there at the epoch of my visit were + then scattered into the uttermost parts of the ocean, and had left no + traces of their sojourn besides dropped feathers and addled eggs. It was + to this they had been sent, for this they had stooped all night over the + dripping oars, hourly moving further from relief. The boat, for as small + as it was, was yet eloquent of the hands of men, a thing alone indeed upon + the sea but yet in itself all human; and the isle, for which they had + exchanged it, was ingloriously savage, a place of distress, solitude, and + hunger unrelieved. There was a strong glare and shadow of the evening over + all; in which they sat or lay, not speaking, careless even to eat, men + swindled out of life and riches by a lying book. In the great good nature + of the whole party, no word of reproach had been addressed to Hadden, the + author of these disasters. But the new blow was less magnanimously borne, + and many angry glances rested on the captain. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was himself who roused them from their lethargy. Grudgingly they + obeyed, drew the boat beyond tidemark, and followed him to the top of the + miserable islet, whence a view was commanded of the whole wheel of the + horizon, then part darkened under the coming night, part dyed with the + hues of the sunset and populous with the sunset clouds. Here the camp was + pitched and a tent run up with the oars, sails, and mast. And here Amalu, + at no man's bidding, from the mere instinct of habitual service, built a + fire and cooked a meal. Night was come, and the stars and the silver + sickle of new moon beamed overhead, before the meal was ready. The cold + sea shone about them, and the fire glowed in their faces, as they ate. + Tommy had opened his case, and the brown sherry went the round; but it was + long before they came to conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Well, is it to be Kauai after all?” asked Mac suddenly. + </p> + <p> + “This is bad enough for me,” said Tommy. “Let's stick it + out where we are.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I can tell ye one thing,” said Mac, “if ye care + to hear it. When I was in the China mail, we once made this island. It's + in the course from Honolulu.” + </p> + <p> + “Deuce it is!” cried Carthew. “That settles it, then. + Let's stay. We must keep good fires going; and there's plenty wreck.” + </p> + <p> + “Lashings of wreck!” said the Irishman. “There's nothing + here but wreck and coffin boards.” + </p> + <p> + “But we'll have to make a proper blyze,” objected Hemstead. + “You can't see a fire like this, not any wye awye, I mean.” + </p> + <p> + “Can't you?” said Carthew. “Look round.” + </p> + <p> + They did, and saw the hollow of the night, the bare, bright face of the + sea, and the stars regarding them; and the voices died in their bosoms at + the spectacle. In that huge isolation, it seemed they must be visible from + China on the one hand and California on the other. + </p> + <p> + “My God, it's dreary!” whispered Hemstead. + </p> + <p> + “Dreary?” cried Mac, and fell suddenly silent. + </p> + <p> + “It's better than a boat, anyway,” said Hadden. “I've + had my bellyful of boat.” + </p> + <p> + “What kills me is that specie!” the captain broke out. “Think + of all that riches,—four thousand in gold, bad silver, and short + bills—all found money, too!—and no more use than that much + dung!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you one thing,” said Tommy. “I don't like it + being in the boat—I don't care to have it so far away.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, who's to take it?” cried Mac, with a guffaw of evil + laughter. + </p> + <p> + But this was not at all the feeling of the partners, who rose, clambered + down the isle, brought back the inestimable treasure-chest slung upon two + oars, and set it conspicuous in the shining of the fire. + </p> + <p> + “There's my beauty!” cried Wicks, viewing it with a cocked + head. “That's better than a bonfire. What! we have a chest here, and + bills for close upon two thousand pounds; there's no show to that,—it + would go in your vest-pocket,—but the rest! upwards of forty pounds + avoirdupois of coined gold, and close on two hundredweight of Chile + silver! What! ain't that good enough to fetch a fleet? Do you mean to say + that won't affect a ship's compass? Do you mean to tell me that the + lookout won't turn to and SMELL it?” he cried. + </p> + <p> + Mac, who had no part nor lot in the bills, the forty pounds of gold, or + the two hundredweight of silver, heard this with impatience, and fell into + a bitter, choking laughter. “You'll see!” he said harshly. + “You'll be glad to feed them bills into the fire before you're + through with ut!” And he turned, passed by himself out of the ring + of the firelight, and stood gazing seaward. + </p> + <p> + His speech and his departure extinguished instantly those sparks of better + humour kindled by the dinner and the chest. The group fell again to an + ill-favoured silence, and Hemstead began to touch the banjo, as was his + habit of an evening. His repertory was small: the chords of <i>Home, Sweet + Home</i> fell under his fingers; and when he had played the symphony, he + instinctively raised up his voice. “Be it never so 'umble, there's + no plyce like 'ome,” he sang. The last word was still upon his lips, + when the instrument was snatched from him and dashed into the fire; and he + turned with a cry to look into the furious countenance of Mac. + </p> + <p> + “I'll be damned if I stand this!” cried the captain, leaping + up belligerent. + </p> + <p> + “I told ye I was a voilent man,” said Mac, with a movement of + deprecation very surprising in one of his character. “Why don't he + give me a chance then? Haven't we enough to bear the way we are?” + And to the wonder and dismay of all, the man choked upon a sob. “It's + ashamed of meself I am,” he said presently, his Irish accent + twenty-fold increased. “I ask all your pardons for me voilence; and + especially the little man's, who is a harmless crayture, and here's me + hand to'm, if he'll condescind to take me by 't.” + </p> + <p> + So this scene of barbarity and sentimentalism passed off, leaving behind + strange and incongruous impressions. True, every one was perhaps glad when + silence succeeded that all too appropriate music; true, Mac's apology and + subsequent behaviour rather raised him in the opinion of his + fellow-castaways. But the discordant note had been struck, and its + harmonics tingled in the brain. In that savage, houseless isle, the + passions of man had sounded, if only for the moment, and all men trembled + at the possibilities of horror. + </p> + <p> + It was determined to stand watch and watch in case of passing vessels; and + Tommy, on fire with an idea, volunteered to stand the first. The rest + crawled under the tent, and were soon enjoying that comfortable gift of + sleep, which comes everywhere and to all men, quenching anxieties and + speeding time. And no sooner were all settled, no sooner had the drone of + many snorers begun to mingle with and overcome the surf, than Tommy stole + from his post with the case of sherry, and dropped it in a quiet cove in a + fathom of water. But the stormy inconstancy of Mac's behaviour had no + connection with a gill or two of wine; his passions, angry and otherwise, + were on a different sail plan from his neighbours'; and there were + possibilities of good and evil in that hybrid Celt beyond their prophecy. + </p> + <p> + About two in the morning, the starry sky—or so it seemed, for the + drowsy watchman had not observed the approach of any cloud—brimmed + over in a deluge; and for three days it rained without remission. The + islet was a sponge, the castaways sops; the view all gone, even the reef + concealed behind the curtain of the falling water. The fire was soon + drowned out; after a couple of boxes of matches had been scratched in + vain, it was decided to wait for better weather; and the party lived in + wretchedness on raw tins and a ration of hard bread. + </p> + <p> + By the 2nd February, in the dark hours of the morning watch, the clouds + were all blown by; the sun rose glorious; and once more the castaways sat + by a quick fire, and drank hot coffee with the greed of brutes and + sufferers. Thenceforward their affairs moved in a routine. A fire was + constantly maintained; and this occupied one hand continuously, and the + others for an hour or so in the day. Twice a day, all hands bathed in the + lagoon, their chief, almost their only pleasure. Often they fished in the + lagoon with good success. And the rest was passed in lolling, strolling, + yarns, and disputation. The time of the China steamers was calculated to a + nicety; which done, the thought was rejected and ignored. It was one that + would not bear consideration. The boat voyage having been tacitly set + aside, the desperate part chosen to wait there for the coming of help or + of starvation, no man had courage left to look his bargain in the face, + far less to discuss it with his neighbours. But the unuttered terror + haunted them; in every hour of idleness, at every moment of silence, it + returned, and breathed a chill about the circle, and carried men's eyes to + the horizon. Then, in a panic of self-defence, they would rally to some + other subject. And, in that lone spot, what else was to be found to speak + of but the treasure? + </p> + <p> + That was indeed the chief singularity, the one thing conspicuous in their + island life; the presence of that chest of bills and specie dominated the + mind like a cathedral; and there were besides connected with it, certain + irking problems well fitted to occupy the idle. Two thousand pounds were + due to the Sydney firm: two thousand pounds were clear profit, and fell to + be divided in varying proportions among six. It had been agreed how the + partners were to range; every pound of capital subscribed, every pound + that fell due in wages, was to count for one “lay.” Of these, + Tommy could claim five hundred and ten, Carthew one hundred and seventy, + Wicks one hundred and forty, and Hemstead and Amalu ten apiece: eight + hundred and forty “lays” in all. What was the value of a lay? + This was at first debated in the air and chiefly by the strength of + Tommy's lungs. Then followed a series of incorrect calculations; from + which they issued, arithmetically foiled, but agreed from weariness upon + an approximate value of 2 pounds, 7 shillings 7 1/4 pence. The figures + were admittedly incorrect; the sum of the shares came not to 2000 pounds, + but to 1996 pounds, 6 shillings: 3 pounds, 14 shillings being thus left + unclaimed. But it was the nearest they had yet found, and the highest as + well, so that the partners were made the less critical by the + contemplation of their splendid dividends. Wicks put in 100 pounds and + stood to draw captain's wages for two months; his taking was 333 pounds 3 + shillings 6 1/2 pence. Carthew had put in 150 pounds: he was to take out + 401 pounds, 18 shillings 6 1/2 pence. Tommy's 500 pounds had grown to be + 1213 pounds 12 shillings 9 3/4 pence; and Amalu and Hemstead, ranking for + wages only, had 22 pounds, 16 shillings 1/2 pence, each. + </p> + <p> + From talking and brooding on these figures, it was but a step to opening + the chest; and once the chest open, the glamour of the cash was + irresistible. Each felt that he must see his treasure separate with the + eye of flesh, handle it in the hard coin, mark it for his own, and stand + forth to himself the approved owner. And here an insurmountable difficulty + barred the way. There were some seventeen shillings in English silver: the + rest was Chile; and the Chile dollar, which had been taken at the rate of + six to the pound sterling, was practically their smallest coin. It was + decided, therefore, to divide the pounds only, and to throw the shillings, + pence, and fractions in a common fund. This, with the three pound fourteen + already in the heel, made a total of seven pounds one shilling. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you,” said Wicks. “Let Carthew and Tommy and + me take one pound apiece, and Hemstead and Amalu split the other four, and + toss up for the odd bob.” + </p> + <p> + “O, rot!” said Carthew. “Tommy and I are bursting + already. We can take half a sov' each, and let the other three have forty + shillings.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you now—it's not worth splitting,” broke in + Mac. “I've cards in my chest. Why don't you play for the slump sum?” + </p> + <p> + In that idle place, the proposal was accepted with delight. Mac, as the + owner of the cards, was given a stake; the sum was played for in five + games of cribbage; and when Amalu, the last survivor in the tournament, + was beaten by Mac, it was found the dinner hour was past. After a hasty + meal, they fell again immediately to cards, this time (on Carthew's + proposal) to Van John. It was then probably two P.M. of the 9th February; + and they played with varying chances for twelve hours, slept heavily, and + rose late on the morrow to resume the game. All day of the 10th, with + grudging intervals for food, and with one long absence on the part of + Tommy from which he returned dripping with the case of sherry, they + continued to deal and stake. Night fell: they drew the closer to the fire. + It was maybe two in the morning, and Tommy was selling his deal by + auction, as usual with that timid player; when Carthew, who didn't intend + to bid, had a moment of leisure and looked round him. He beheld the + moonlight on the sea, the money piled and scattered in that incongruous + place, the perturbed faces of the players; he felt in his own breast the + familiar tumult; and it seemed as if there rose in his ears a sound of + music, and the moon seemed still to shine upon a sea, but the sea was + changed, and the Casino towered from among lamplit gardens, and the money + clinked on the green board. “Good God!” he thought, “am + I gambling again?” He looked the more curiously about the sandy + table. He and Mac had played and won like gamblers; the mingled gold and + silver lay by their places in the heap. Amalu and Hemstead had each more + than held their own, but Tommy was cruel far to leeward, and the captain + was reduced to perhaps fifty pounds. + </p> + <p> + “I say, let's knock off,” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Give that man a glass of Buckle,” said some one, and a fresh + bottle was opened, and the game went inexorably on. + </p> + <p> + Carthew was himself too heavy a winner to withdraw or to say more; and all + the rest of the night he must look on at the progress of this folly, and + make gallant attempts to lose with the not uncommon consequence of winning + more. The first dawn of the 11th February found him well-nigh desperate. + It chanced he was then dealer, and still winning. He had just dealt a + round of many tens; every one had staked heavily; the captain had put up + all that remained to him, twelve pounds in gold and a few dollars; and + Carthew, looking privately at his cards before he showed them, found he + held a natural. + </p> + <p> + “See here, you fellows,” he broke out, “this is a + sickening business, and I'm done with it for one.” So saying, he + showed his cards, tore them across, and rose from the ground. + </p> + <p> + The company stared and murmured in mere amazement; but Mac stepped + gallantly to his support. + </p> + <p> + “We've had enough of it, I do believe,” said he. “But of + course it was all fun, and here's my counters back. All counters in, boys!” + and he began to pour his winnings into the chest, which stood fortunately + near him. + </p> + <p> + Carthew stepped across and wrung him by the hand. “I'll never forget + this,” he said. + </p> + <p> + “And what are ye going to do with the Highway boy and the plumber?” + inquired Mac, in a low tone of voice. “They've both wan, ye see.” + </p> + <p> + “That's true!” said Carthew aloud. “Amalu and Hemstead, + count your winnings; Tommy and I pay that.” + </p> + <p> + It was carried without speech: the pair glad enough to receive their + winnings, it mattered not from whence; and Tommy, who had lost about five + hundred pounds, delighted with the compromise. + </p> + <p> + “And how about Mac?” asked Hemstead. “Is he to lose all?” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, plumber. I'm sure ye mean well,” returned + the Irishman, “but you'd better shut your face, for I'm not that + kind of a man. If I t'ought I had wan that money fair, there's never a + soul here could get it from me. But I t'ought it was in fun; that was my + mistake, ye see; and there's no man big enough upon this island to give a + present to my mother's son. So there's my opinion to ye, plumber, and you + can put it in your pockut till required.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I will say, Mac, you're a gentleman,” said Carthew, as + he helped him to shovel back his winnings into the treasure chest. + </p> + <p> + “Divil a fear of it, sir! a drunken sailor-man,” said Mac. + </p> + <p> + The captain had sat somewhile with his face in his hands: now he rose + mechanically, shaking and stumbling like a drunkard after a debauch. But + as he rose, his face was altered, and his voice rang out over the isle, + “Sail, ho!” + </p> + <p> + All turned at the cry, and there, in the wild light of the morning, + heading straight for Midway Reef, was the brig Flying Scud of Hull. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. A HARD BARGAIN. + </h2> + <p> + The ship which thus appeared before the castaways had long “tramped” + the ocean, wandering from one port to another as freights offered. She was + two years out from London, by the Cape of Good Hope, India, and the + Archipelago; and was now bound for San Francisco in the hope of working + homeward round the Horn. Her captain was one Jacob Trent. He had retired + some five years before to a suburban cottage, a patch of cabbages, a gig, + and the conduct of what he called a Bank. The name appears to have been + misleading. Borrowers were accustomed to choose works of art and utility + in the front shop; loaves of sugar and bolts of broadcloth were deposited + in pledge; and it was a part of the manager's duty to dash in his gig on + Saturday evenings from one small retailer's to another, and to annex in + each the bulk of the week's takings. His was thus an active life, and to a + man of the type of a rat, filled with recondite joys. An unexpected loss, + a law suit, and the unintelligent commentary of the judge upon the bench, + combined to disgust him of the business. I was so extraordinarily + fortunate as to find, in an old newspaper, a report of the proceedings in + Lyall v. The Cardiff Mutual Accommodation Banking Co. “I confess I + fail entirely to understand the nature of the business,” the judge + had remarked, while Trent was being examined in chief; a little after, on + fuller information—“They call it a bank,” he had opined, + “but it seems to me to be an unlicensed pawnshop”; and he + wound up with this appalling allocution: “Mr. Trent, I must put you + on your guard; you must be very careful, or we shall see you here again.” + In the inside of a week the captain disposed of the bank, the cottage, and + the gig and horse; and to sea again in the Flying Scud, where he did well + and gave high satisfaction to his owners. But the glory clung to him; he + was a plain sailor-man, he said, but he could never long allow you to + forget that he had been a banker. + </p> + <p> + His mate, Elias Goddedaal, was a huge viking of a man, six feet three and + of proportionate mass, strong, sober, industrious, musical, and + sentimental. He ran continually over into Swedish melodies, chiefly in the + minor. He had paid nine dollars to hear Patti; to hear Nilsson, he had + deserted a ship and two months' wages; and he was ready at any time to + walk ten miles for a good concert, or seven to a reasonable play. On board + he had three treasures: a canary bird, a concertina, and a blinding copy + of the works of Shakespeare. He had a gift, peculiarly Scandinavian, of + making friends at sight: an elemental innocence commended him; he was + without fear, without reproach, and without money or the hope of making + it. + </p> + <p> + Holdorsen was second mate, and berthed aft, but messed usually with the + hands. + </p> + <p> + Of one more of the crew, some image lives. This was a foremast hand out of + the Clyde, of the name of Brown. A small, dark, thickset creature, with + dog's eyes, of a disposition incomparably mild and harmless, he knocked + about seas and cities, the uncomplaining whiptop of one vice. “The + drink is my trouble, ye see,” he said to Carthew shyly; “and + it's the more shame to me because I'm come of very good people at Bowling, + down the wa'er.” The letter that so much affected Nares, in case the + reader should remember it, was addressed to this man Brown. + </p> + <p> + Such was the ship that now carried joy into the bosoms of the castaways. + After the fatigue and the bestial emotions of their night of play, the + approach of salvation shook them from all self-control. Their hands + trembled, their eyes shone, they laughed and shouted like children as they + cleared their camp: and some one beginning to whistle <i>Marching Through + Georgia,</i> the remainder of the packing was conducted, amidst a thousand + interruptions, to these martial strains. But the strong head of Wicks was + only partly turned. + </p> + <p> + “Boys,” he said, “easy all! We're going aboard of a ship + of which we don't know nothing; we've got a chest of specie, and seeing + the weight, we can't turn to and deny it. Now, suppose she was fishy; + suppose it was some kind of a Bully Hayes business! It's my opinion we'd + better be on hand with the pistols.” + </p> + <p> + Every man of the party but Hemstead had some kind of a revolver; these + were accordingly loaded and disposed about the persons of the castaways, + and the packing was resumed and finished in the same rapturous spirit as + it was begun. The sun was not yet ten degrees above the eastern sea, but + the brig was already close in and hove to, before they had launched the + boat and sped, shouting at the oars, towards the passage. + </p> + <p> + It was blowing fresh outside, with a strong send of sea. The spray flew in + the oarsmen's faces. They saw the Union Jack blow abroad from the Flying + Scud, the men clustered at the rail, the cook in the galley door, the + captain on the quarter-deck with a pith helmet and binoculars. And the + whole familiar business, the comfort, company, and safety of a ship, + heaving nearer at each stroke, maddened them with joy. + </p> + <p> + Wicks was the first to catch the line, and swarm on board, helping hands + grabbing him as he came and hauling him across the rail. + </p> + <p> + “Captain, sir, I suppose?” he said, turning to the hard old + man in the pith helmet. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Trent, sir,” returned the old gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm Captain Kirkup, and this is the crew of the Sydney + schooner Currency Lass, dismasted at sea January 28th.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” said Trent. “Well, you're all right now. Lucky + for you I saw your signal. I didn't know I was so near this beastly + island, there must be a drift to the south'ard here; and when I came on + deck this morning at eight bells, I thought it was a ship afire.” + </p> + <p> + It had been agreed that, while Wicks was to board the ship and do the + civil, the rest were to remain in the whaleboat and see the treasure safe. + A tackle was passed down to them; to this they made fast the invaluable + chest, and gave the word to heave. But the unexpected weight brought the + hand at the tackle to a stand; two others ran to tail on and help him, and + the thing caught the eye of Trent. + </p> + <p> + “'Vast heaving!” he cried sharply; and then to Wicks: “What's + that? I don't ever remember to have seen a chest weigh like that.” + </p> + <p> + “It's money,” said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “It's what?” cried Trent. + </p> + <p> + “Specie,” said Wicks; “saved from the wreck.” + </p> + <p> + Trent looked at him sharply. “Here, let go that chest again, Mr. + Goddedaal,” he commanded, “shove the boat off, and stream her + with a line astern.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay, sir!” from Goddedaal. + </p> + <p> + “What the devil's wrong?” asked Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing, I daresay,” returned Trent. “But you'll allow + it's a queer thing when a boat turns up in mid-ocean with half a ton of + specie,—and everybody armed,” he added, pointing to Wicks's + pocket. “Your boat will lay comfortably astern, while you come below + and make yourself satisfactory.” + </p> + <p> + “O, if that's all!” said Wicks. “My log and papers are + as right as the mail; nothing fishy about us.” And he hailed his + friends in the boat, bidding them have patience, and turned to follow + Captain Trent. + </p> + <p> + “This way, Captain Kirkup,” said the latter. “And don't + blame a man for too much caution; no offence intended; and these China + rivers shake a fellow's nerve. All I want is just to see you're what you + say you are; it's only my duty, sir, and what you would do yourself in the + circumstances. I've not always been a ship-captain: I was a banker once, + and I tell you that's the trade to learn caution in. You have to keep your + weather-eye lifting Saturday nights.” And with a dry, business-like + cordiality, he produced a bottle of gin. + </p> + <p> + The captains pledged each other; the papers were overhauled; the tale of + Topelius and the trade was told in appreciative ears and cemented their + acquaintance. Trent's suspicions, thus finally disposed of, were succeeded + by a fit of profound thought, during which he sat lethargic and stern, + looking at and drumming on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Anything more?” asked Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “What sort of a place is it inside?” inquired Trent, sudden as + though Wicks had touched a spring. + </p> + <p> + “It's a good enough lagoon—a few horses' heads, but nothing to + mention,” answered Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “I've a good mind to go in,” said Trent. “I was new + rigged in China; it's given very bad, and I'm getting frightened for my + sticks. We could set it up as good as new in a day. For I daresay your lot + would turn to and give us a hand?” + </p> + <p> + “You see if we don't!” said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “So be it, then,” concluded Trent. “A stitch in time + saves nine.” + </p> + <p> + They returned on deck; Wicks cried the news to the Currency Lasses; the + foretopsail was filled again, and the brig ran into the lagoon lively, the + whaleboat dancing in her wake, and came to single anchor off Middle Brooks + Island before eight. She was boarded by the castaways, breakfast was + served, the baggage slung on board and piled in the waist, and all hands + turned to upon the rigging. All day the work continued, the two crews + rivalling each other in expense of strength. Dinner was served on deck, + the officers messing aft under the slack of the spanker, the men + fraternising forward. Trent appeared in excellent spirits, served out grog + to all hands, opened a bottle of Cape wine for the after-table, and + obliged his guests with many details of the life of a financier in + Cardiff. He had been forty years at sea, had five times suffered + shipwreck, was once nine months the prisoner of a pepper rajah, and had + seen service under fire in Chinese rivers; but the only thing he cared to + talk of, the only thing of which he was vain, or with which he thought it + possible to interest a stranger, was his career as a money-lender in the + slums of a seaport town. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon spell told cruelly on the Currency Lasses. Already exhausted + as they were with sleeplessness and excitement, they did the last hours of + this violent employment on bare nerves; and when Trent was at last + satisfied with the condition of his rigging, expected eagerly the word to + put to sea. But the captain seemed in no hurry. He went and walked by + himself softly, like a man in thought. Presently he hailed Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “You're a kind of company, ain't you, Captain Kirkup?” he + inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we're all on board on lays,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, you won't mind if I ask the lot of you down to tea in + the cabin?” asked Trent. + </p> + <p> + Wicks was amazed, but he naturally ventured no remark; and a little after, + the six Currency Lasses sat down with Trent and Goddedaal to a spread of + marmalade, butter, toast, sardines, tinned tongue, and steaming tea. The + food was not very good, and I have no doubt Nares would have reviled it, + but it was manna to the castaways. Goddedaal waited on them with a + kindness far before courtesy, a kindness like that of some old, honest + countrywoman in her farm. It was remembered afterwards that Trent took + little share in these attentions, but sat much absorbed in thought, and + seemed to remember and forget the presence of his guests alternately. + </p> + <p> + Presently he addressed the Chinaman. + </p> + <p> + “Clear out!” said he, and watched him till he had disappeared + in the stair. “Now, gentlemen,” he went on, “I + understand you're a joint-stock sort of crew, and that's why I've had you + all down; for there's a point I want made clear. You see what sort of a + ship this is—a good ship, though I say it, and you see what the + rations are—good enough for sailor-men.” + </p> + <p> + There was a hurried murmur of approval, but curiosity for what was coming + next prevented an articulate reply. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued Trent, making bread pills and looking hard + at the middle of the table, “I'm glad of course to be able to give + you a passage to 'Frisco; one sailor-man should help another, that's my + motto. But when you want a thing in this world, you generally always have + to pay for it.” He laughed a brief, joyless laugh. “I have no + idea of losing by my kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “We have no idea you should, captain,” said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “We are ready to pay anything in reason,” added Carthew. + </p> + <p> + At the words, Goddedaal, who sat next to him, touched him with his elbow, + and the two mates exchanged a significant look. The character of Captain + Trent was given and taken in that silent second. + </p> + <p> + “In reason?” repeated the captain of the brig. “I was + waiting for that. Reason's between two people, and there's only one here. + I'm the judge; I'm reason. If you want an advance you have to pay for it”—he + hastily corrected himself—“If you want a passage in my ship, + you have to pay my price,” he substituted. “That's business, I + believe. I don't want you; you want me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” said Carthew, “and what IS your price?” + </p> + <p> + The captain made bread pills. “If I were like you,” he said, + “when you got hold of that merchant in the Gilberts, I might + surprise you. You had your chance then; seems to me it's mine now. Turn + about's fair play. What kind of mercy did you have on that Gilbert + merchant?” he cried, with a sudden stridency. “Not that I + blame you. All's fair in love and business,” and he laughed again, a + little frosty giggle. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir?” said Carthew, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Well, this ship's mine, I think?” he asked sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I'm of that way of thinking meself,” observed Mac. + </p> + <p> + “I say it's mine, sir!” reiterated Trent, like a man trying to + be angry. “And I tell you all, if I was a driver like what you are, + I would take the lot. But there's two thousand pounds there that don't + belong to you, and I'm an honest man. Give me the two thousand that's + yours, and I'll give you a passage to the coast, and land every man-jack + of you in 'Frisco with fifteen pounds in his pocket, and the captain here + with twenty-five.” + </p> + <p> + Goddedaal laid down his head on the table like a man ashamed. + </p> + <p> + “You're joking,” said Wicks, purple in the face. + </p> + <p> + “Am I?” said Trent. “Please yourselves. You're under no + compulsion. This ship's mine, but there's that Brooks Island don't belong + to me, and you can lay there till you die for what I care.” + </p> + <p> + “It's more than your blooming brig's worth!” cried Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “It's my price anyway,” returned Trent. + </p> + <p> + “And do you mean to say you would land us there to starve?” + cried Tommy. + </p> + <p> + Captain Trent laughed the third time. “Starve? I defy you to,” + said he. “I'll sell you all the provisions you want at a fair + profit.” + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, sir,” said Mac, “but my case is by + itself I'm working me passage; I got no share in that two thousand pounds + nor nothing in my pockut; and I'll be glad to know what you have to say to + me?” + </p> + <p> + “I ain't a hard man,” said Trent. “That shall make no + difference. I'll take you with the rest, only of course you get no fifteen + pound.” + </p> + <p> + The impudence was so extreme and startling, that all breathed deep, and + Goddedaal raised up his face and looked his superior sternly in the eye. + </p> + <p> + But Mac was more articulate. “And you're what ye call a British + sayman, I suppose? the sorrow in your guts!” he cried. + </p> + <p> + “One more such word, and I clap you in irons!” said Trent, + rising gleefully at the face of opposition. + </p> + <p> + “And where would I be the while you were doin' ut?” asked Mac. + “After you and your rigging, too! Ye ould puggy, ye haven't the + civility of a bug, and I'll learn ye some.” + </p> + <p> + His voice did not even rise as he uttered the threat; no man present, + Trent least of all, expected that which followed. The Irishman's hand rose + suddenly from below the table, an open clasp-knife balanced on the palm; + there was a movement swift as conjuring; Trent started half to his feet, + turning a little as he rose so as to escape the table, and the movement + was his bane. The missile struck him in the jugular; he fell forward, and + his blood flowed among the dishes on the cloth. + </p> + <p> + The suddenness of the attack and the catastrophe, the instant change from + peace to war and from life to death, held all men spellbound. Yet a moment + they sat about the table staring open-mouthed upon the prostrate captain + and the flowing blood. The next, Goddedaal had leaped to his feet, caught + up the stool on which he had been sitting, and swung it high in air, a man + transfigured, roaring (as he stood) so that men's ears were stunned with + it. There was no thought of battle in the Currency Lasses; none drew his + weapon; all huddled helplessly from before the face of the baresark + Scandinavian. His first blow sent Mac to ground with a broken arm. His + second bashed out the brains of Hemstead. He turned from one to another, + menacing and trumpeting like a wounded elephant, exulting in his rage. But + there was no counsel, no light of reason, in that ecstasy of battle; and + he shied from the pursuit of victory to hail fresh blows upon the supine + Hemstead, so that the stool was shattered and the cabin rang with their + violence. The sight of that post-mortem cruelty recalled Carthew to the + life of instinct, and his revolver was in hand and he had aimed and fired + before he knew. The ear-bursting sound of the report was accompanied by a + yell of pain; the colossus paused, swayed, tottered, and fell headlong on + the body of his victim. + </p> + <p> + In the instant silence that succeeded, the sound of feet pounding on the + deck and in the companion leaped into hearing; and a face, that of the + sailor Holdorsen, appeared below the bulkheads in the cabin doorway. + Carthew shattered it with a second shot, for he was a marksman. + </p> + <p> + “Pistols!” he cried, and charged at the companion, Wicks at + his heels, Tommy and Amalu following. They trod the body of Holdorsen + underfoot, and flew up-stairs and forth into the dusky blaze of a sunset + red as blood. The numbers were still equal, but the Flying Scuds dreamed + not of defence, and fled with one accord for the forecastle scuttle. Brown + was first in flight; he disappeared below unscathed; the Chinaman followed + head-foremost with a ball in his side; and the others shinned into the + rigging. + </p> + <p> + A fierce composure settled upon Wicks and Carthew, their fighting second + wind. They posted Tommy at the fore and Amalu at the main to guard the + masts and shrouds, and going themselves into the waist, poured out a box + of cartridges on deck and filled the chambers. The poor devils aloft + bleated aloud for mercy. But the hour of any mercy was gone by; the cup + was brewed and must be drunken to the dregs; since so many had fallen all + must fall. The light was bad, the cheap revolvers fouled and carried wild, + the screaming wretches were swift to flatten themselves against the masts + and yards or find a momentary refuge in the hanging sails. The fell + business took long, but it was done at last. Hardy the Londoner was shot + on the foreroyal yard, and hung horribly suspended in the brails. Wallen, + the other, had his jaw broken on the maintop-gallant crosstrees, and + exposed himself, shrieking, till a second shot dropped him on the deck. + </p> + <p> + This had been bad enough, but worse remained behind. There was still Brown + in the forepeak. Tommy, with a sudden clamour of weeping, begged for his + life. “One man can't hurt us,” he sobbed. “We can't go + on with this. I spoke to him at dinner. He's an awful decent little cad. + It can't be done. Nobody can go into that place and murder him. It's too + damned wicked.” + </p> + <p> + The sound of his supplications was perhaps audible to the unfortunate + below. + </p> + <p> + “One left, and we all hang,” said Wicks. “Brown must go + the same road.” The big man was deadly white and trembled like an + aspen; and he had no sooner finished speaking, than he went to the ship's + side and vomited. + </p> + <p> + “We can never do it if we wait,” said Carthew. “Now or + never,” and he marched towards the scuttle. + </p> + <p> + “No, no, no!” wailed Tommy, clutching at his jacket. + </p> + <p> + But Carthew flung him off, and stepped down the ladder, his heart rising + with disgust and shame. The Chinaman lay on the floor, still groaning; the + place was pitch dark. + </p> + <p> + “Brown!” cried Carthew, “Brown, where are you?” + </p> + <p> + His heart smote him for the treacherous apostrophe, but no answer came. + </p> + <p> + He groped in the bunks: they were all empty. Then he moved towards the + forepeak, which was hampered with coils of rope and spare chandlery in + general. + </p> + <p> + “Brown!” he said again. + </p> + <p> + “Here, sir,” answered a shaking voice; and the poor invisible + caitiff called on him by name, and poured forth out of the darkness an + endless, garrulous appeal for mercy. A sense of danger, of daring, had + alone nerved Carthew to enter the forecastle; and here was the enemy + crying and pleading like a frightened child. His obsequious “Here, + sir,” his horrid fluency of obtestation, made the murder tenfold + more revolting. Twice Carthew raised the pistol, once he pressed the + trigger (or thought he did) with all his might, but no explosion followed; + and with that the lees of his courage ran quite out, and he turned and + fled from before his victim. + </p> + <p> + Wicks sat on the fore hatch, raised the face of a man of seventy, and + looked a wordless question. Carthew shook his head. With such composure as + a man displays marching towards the gallows, Wicks arose, walked to the + scuttle, and went down. Brown thought it was Carthew returning, and + discovered himself, half crawling from his shelter, with another + incoherent burst of pleading. Wicks emptied his revolver at the voice, + which broke into mouse-like whimperings and groans. Silence succeeded, and + the murderer ran on deck like one possessed. + </p> + <p> + The other three were now all gathered on the fore hatch, and Wicks took + his place beside them without question asked or answered. They sat close, + like children in the dark, and shook each other with their shaking. The + dusk continued to fall; and there was no sound but the beating of the surf + and the occasional hiccup of a sob from Tommy Hadden. + </p> + <p> + “God, if there was another ship!” cried Carthew of a sudden. + </p> + <p> + Wicks started and looked aloft with the trick of all seamen, and shuddered + as he saw the hanging figure on the royal yard. + </p> + <p> + “If I went aloft, I'd fall,” he said simply. “I'm done + up.” + </p> + <p> + It was Amalu who volunteered, climbed to the very truck, swept the fading + horizon, and announced nothing within sight. + </p> + <p> + “No odds,” said Wicks. “We can't sleep ...” + </p> + <p> + “Sleep!” echoed Carthew; and it seemed as if the whole of + Shakespeare's <i>Macbeth</i> thundered at the gallop through his mind. + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, we can't sit and chitter here,” said Wicks, + “till we've cleaned ship; and I can't turn to till I've had gin, and + the gin's in the cabin, and who's to fetch it?” + </p> + <p> + “I will,” said Carthew, “if any one has matches.” + </p> + <p> + Amalu passed him a box, and he went aft and down the companion and into + the cabin, stumbling upon bodies. Then he struck a match, and his looks + fell upon two living eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Mac, for it was he who still survived in that + shambles of a cabin. + </p> + <p> + “It's done; they're all dead,” answered Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Christ!” said the Irishman, and fainted. + </p> + <p> + The gin was found in the dead captain's cabin; it was brought on deck, and + all hands had a dram, and attacked their farther task. The night was come, + the moon would not be up for hours; a lamp was set on the main hatch to + light Amalu as he washed down decks; and the galley lantern was taken to + guide the others in their graveyard business. Holdorsen, Hemstead, Trent, + and Goddedaal were first disposed of, the last still breathing as he went + over the side; Wallen followed; and then Wicks, steadied by the gin, went + aloft with a boathook and succeeded in dislodging Hardy. The Chinaman was + their last task; he seemed to be light-headed, talked aloud in his unknown + language as they brought him up, and it was only with the splash of his + sinking body that the gibberish ceased. Brown, by common consent, was left + alone. Flesh and blood could go no further. + </p> + <p> + All this time they had been drinking undiluted gin like water; three + bottles stood broached in different quarters; and none passed without a + gulp. Tommy collapsed against the mainmast; Wicks fell on his face on the + poop ladder and moved no more; Amalu had vanished unobserved. Carthew was + the last afoot: he stood swaying at the break of the poop, and the + lantern, which he still carried, swung with his movement. His head hummed; + it swarmed with broken thoughts; memory of that day's abominations flared + up and died down within him like the light of a lamp in a strong draught. + And then he had a drunkard's inspiration. + </p> + <p> + “There must be no more of this,” he thought, and stumbled once + more below. + </p> + <p> + The absence of Holdorsen's body brought him to a stand. He stood and + stared at the empty floor, and then remembered and smiled. From the + captain's room he took the open case with one dozen and three bottles of + gin, put the lantern inside, and walked precariously forth. Mac was once + more conscious, his eyes haggard, his face drawn with pain and flushed + with fever; and Carthew remembered he had never been seen to, had lain + there helpless, and was so to lie all night, injured, perhaps dying. But + it was now too late; reason had now fled from that silent ship. If Carthew + could get on deck again, it was as much as he could hope; and casting on + the unfortunate a glance of pity, the tragic drunkard shouldered his way + up the companion, dropped the case overboard, and fell in the scuppers + helpless. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. A BAD BARGAIN. + </h2> + <p> + With the first colour in the east, Carthew awoke and sat up. A while he + gazed at the scroll of the morning bank and the spars and hanging canvas + of the brig, like a man who wakes in a strange bed, with a child's + simplicity of wonder. He wondered above all what ailed him, what he had + lost, what disfavour had been done him, which he knew he should resent, + yet had forgotten. And then, like a river bursting through a dam, the + truth rolled on him its instantaneous volume: his memory teemed with + speech and pictures that he should never again forget; and he sprang to + his feet, stood a moment hand to brow, and began to walk violently to and + fro by the companion. As he walked, he wrung his hands. “God—God—God,” + he kept saying, with no thought of prayer, uttering a mere voice of agony. + </p> + <p> + The time may have been long or short, it was perhaps minutes, perhaps only + seconds, ere he awoke to find himself observed, and saw the captain + sitting up and watching him over the break of the poop, a strange + blindness as of fever in his eyes, a haggard knot of corrugations on his + brow. Cain saw himself in a mirror. For a flash they looked upon each + other, and then glanced guiltily aside; and Carthew fled from the eye of + his accomplice, and stood leaning on the taffrail. + </p> + <p> + An hour went by, while the day came brighter, and the sun rose and drank + up the clouds: an hour of silence in the ship, an hour of agony beyond + narration for the sufferers. Brown's gabbling prayers, the cries of the + sailors in the rigging, strains of the dead Hemstead's minstrelsy, ran + together in Carthew's mind, with sickening iteration. He neither acquitted + nor condemned himself: he did not think, he suffered. In the bright water + into which he stared, the pictures changed and were repeated: the baresark + rage of Goddedaal; the blood-red light of the sunset into which they had + run forth; the face of the babbling Chinaman as they cast him over; the + face of the captain, seen a moment since, as he awoke from drunkenness + into remorse. And time passed, and the sun swam higher, and his torment + was not abated. + </p> + <p> + Then were fulfilled many sayings, and the weakest of these condemned + brought relief and healing to the others. Amalu the drudge awoke (like the + rest) to sickness of body and distress of mind; but the habit of obedience + ruled in that simple spirit, and appalled to be so late, he went direct + into the galley, kindled the fire, and began to get breakfast. At the + rattle of dishes, the snapping of the fire, and the thin smoke that went + up straight into the air, the spell was lifted. The condemned felt once + more the good dry land of habit under foot; they touched again the + familiar guide-ropes of sanity; they were restored to a sense of the + blessed revolution and return of all things earthly. The captain drew a + bucket of water and began to bathe. Tommy sat up, watched him awhile, and + slowly followed his example; and Carthew, remembering his last thoughts of + the night before, hastened to the cabin. + </p> + <p> + Mac was awake; perhaps had not slept. Over his head Goddedaal's canary + twittered shrilly from its cage. + </p> + <p> + “How are you?” asked Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Me arrum's broke,” returned Mac; “but I can stand that. + It's this place I can't abide. I was coming on deck anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay where you are, though,” said Carthew. “It's deadly + hot above, and there's no wind. I'll wash out this——” + and he paused, seeking a word and not finding one for the grisly foulness + of the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, I'll be obliged to ye, then,” replied the Irishman. He + spoke mild and meek, like a sick child with its mother. There was now no + violence in the violent man; and as Carthew fetched a bucket and swab and + the steward's sponge, and began to cleanse the field of battle, he + alternately watched him or shut his eyes and sighed like a man near + fainting. “I have to ask all your pardons,” he began again + presently, “and the more shame to me as I got ye into trouble and + couldn't do nothing when it came. Ye saved me life, sir; ye're a clane + shot.” + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake, don't talk of it!” cried Carthew. “It + can't be talked of; you don't know what it was. It was nothing down here; + they fought. On deck—O, my God!” And Carthew, with the bloody + sponge pressed to his face, struggled a moment with hysteria. + </p> + <p> + “Kape cool, Mr. Cart'ew. It's done now,” said Mac; “and + ye may bless God ye're not in pain and helpless in the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + There was no more said by one or other, and the cabin was pretty well + cleansed when a stroke on the ship's bell summoned Carthew to breakfast. + Tommy had been busy in the meanwhile; he had hauled the whaleboat close + aboard, and already lowered into it a small keg of beef that he found + ready broached beside the galley door; it was plain he had but the one + idea—to escape. + </p> + <p> + “We have a shipful of stores to draw upon,” he said. “Well, + what are we staying for? Let's get off at once for Hawaii. I've begun + preparing already.” + </p> + <p> + “Mac has his arm broken,” observed Carthew; “how would + he stand the voyage?” + </p> + <p> + “A broken arm?” repeated the captain. “That all? I'll + set it after breakfast. I thought he was dead like the rest. That madman + hit out like——” and there, at the evocation of the + battle, his voice ceased and the talk died with it. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast, the three white men went down into the cabin. + </p> + <p> + “I've come to set your arm,” said the captain. + </p> + <p> + “I beg your pardon, captain,” replied Mac; “but the + firrst thing ye got to do is to get this ship to sea. We'll talk of me + arrum after that.” + </p> + <p> + “O, there's no such blooming hurry,” returned Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “When the next ship sails in, ye'll tell me stories!” retorted + Mac. + </p> + <p> + “But there's nothing so unlikely in the world,” objected + Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be deceivin' yourself,” said Mac. “If ye want a + ship, divil a one'll look near ye in six year; but if ye don't, ye may + take my word for ut, we'll have a squadron layin' here.” + </p> + <p> + “That's what I say,” cried Tommy; “that's what I call + sense! Let's stock that whaleboat and be off.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will Captain Wicks be thinking of the whaleboat?” + asked the Irishman. + </p> + <p> + “I don't think of it at all,” said Wicks. “We've a + smart-looking brig under foot; that's all the whaleboat I want.” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me!” cried Tommy. “That's childish talk. You've + got a brig, to be sure, and what use is she? You daren't go anywhere in + her. What port are you to sail for?” + </p> + <p> + “For the port of Davy Jones's Locker, my son,” replied the + captain. “This brig's going to be lost at sea. I'll tell you where, + too, and that's about forty miles to windward of Kauai. We're going to + stay by her till she's down; and once the masts are under, she's the + Flying Scud no more, and we never heard of such a brig; and it's the crew + of the schooner Currency Lass that comes ashore in the boat, and takes the + first chance to Sydney.” + </p> + <p> + “Captain dear, that's the first Christian word I've heard of ut!” + cried Mac. “And now, just let me arrum be, jewel, and get the brig + outside.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm as anxious as yourself, Mac,” returned Wicks; “but + there's not wind enough to swear by. So let's see your arm, and no more + talk.” + </p> + <p> + The arm was set and splinted; the body of Brown fetched from the forepeak, + where it lay still and cold, and committed to the waters of the lagoon; + and the washing of the cabin rudely finished. All these were done ere + midday; and it was past three when the first cat's-paw ruffled the lagoon, + and the wind came in a dry squall, which presently sobered to a steady + breeze. + </p> + <p> + The interval was passed by all in feverish impatience, and by one of the + party in secret and extreme concern of mind. Captain Wicks was a + fore-and-aft sailor; he could take a schooner through a Scotch reel, felt + her mouth and divined her temper like a rider with a horse; she, on her + side, recognising her master and following his wishes like a dog. But by a + not very unusual train of circumstance, the man's dexterity was partial + and circumscribed. On a schooner's deck he was Rembrandt or (at the least) + Mr. Whistler; on board a brig he was Pierre Grassou. Again and again in + the course of the morning, he had reasoned out his policy and rehearsed + his orders; and ever with the same depression and weariness. It was + guess-work; it was chance; the ship might behave as he expected, and might + not; suppose she failed him, he stood there helpless, beggared of all the + proved resources of experience. Had not all hands been so weary, had he + not feared to communicate his own misgivings, he could have towed her out. + But these reasons sufficed, and the most he could do was to take all + possible precautions. Accordingly he had Carthew aft, explained what was + to be done with anxious patience, and visited along with him the various + sheets and braces. + </p> + <p> + “I hope I'll remember,” said Carthew. “It seems awfully + muddled.” + </p> + <p> + “It's the rottenest kind of rig,” the captain admitted: + “all blooming pocket handkerchiefs! And not one sailor-man on deck! + Ah, if she'd only been a brigantine, now! But it's lucky the passage is so + plain; there's no manoeuvring to mention. We get under way before the + wind, and run right so till we begin to get foul of the island; then we + haul our wind and lie as near south-east as may be till we're on that + line; 'bout ship there and stand straight out on the port tack. Catch the + idea?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I see the idea,” replied Carthew, rather dismally, and + the two incompetents studied for a long time in silence the complicated + gear above their heads. + </p> + <p> + But the time came when these rehearsals must be put in practice. The sails + were lowered, and all hands heaved the anchor short. The whaleboat was + then cut adrift, the upper topsails and the spanker set, the yards braced + up, and the spanker sheet hauled out to starboard. + </p> + <p> + “Heave away on your anchor, Mr. Carthew.” + </p> + <p> + “Anchor's gone, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Set jibs.” + </p> + <p> + It was done, and the brig still hung enchanted. Wicks, his head full of a + schooner's mainsail, turned his mind to the spanker. First he hauled in + the sheet, and then he hauled it out, with no result. + </p> + <p> + “Brail the damned thing up!” he bawled at last, with a red + face. “There ain't no sense in it.” + </p> + <p> + It was the last stroke of bewilderment for the poor captain, that he had + no sooner brailed up the spanker than the vessel came before the wind. The + laws of nature seemed to him to be suspended; he was like a man in a world + of pantomime tricks; the cause of any result, and the probable result of + any action, equally concealed from him. He was the more careful not to + shake the nerve of his amateur assistants. He stood there with a face like + a torch; but he gave his orders with aplomb; and indeed, now the ship was + under weigh, supposed his difficulties over. + </p> + <p> + The lower topsails and courses were then set, and the brig began to walk + the water like a thing of life, her forefoot discoursing music, the birds + flying and crying over her spars. Bit by bit the passage began to open and + the blue sea to show between the flanking breakers on the reef; bit by + bit, on the starboard bow, the low land of the islet began to heave closer + aboard. The yards were braced up, the spanker sheet hauled aft again; the + brig was close hauled, lay down to her work like a thing in earnest, and + had soon drawn near to the point of advantage, where she might stay and + lie out of the lagoon in a single tack. + </p> + <p> + Wicks took the wheel himself, swelling with success. He kept the brig full + to give her heels, and began to bark his orders: “Ready about. + Helm's a-lee. Tacks and sheets. Mainsail haul.” And then the fatal + words: “That'll do your mainsail; jump forrard and haul round your + foreyards.” + </p> + <p> + To stay a square-rigged ship is an affair of knowledge and swift sight; + and a man used to the succinct evolutions of a schooner will always tend + to be too hasty with a brig. It was so now. The order came too soon; the + topsails set flat aback; the ship was in irons. Even yet, had the helm + been reversed, they might have saved her. But to think of a stern-board at + all, far more to think of profiting by one, were foreign to the + schooner-sailor's mind. Wicks made haste instead to wear ship, a manoeuvre + for which room was wanting, and the Flying Scud took ground on a bank of + sand and coral about twenty minutes before five. + </p> + <p> + Wicks was no hand with a square-rigger, and he had shown it. But he was a + sailor and a born captain of men for all homely purposes, where intellect + is not required and an eye in a man's head and a heart under his jacket + will suffice. Before the others had time to understand the misfortune, he + was bawling fresh orders, and had the sails clewed up, and took soundings + round the ship. + </p> + <p> + “She lies lovely,” he remarked, and ordered out a boat with + the starboard anchor. + </p> + <p> + “Here! steady!” cried Tommy. “You ain't going to turn us + to, to warp her off?” + </p> + <p> + “I am though,” replied Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “I won't set a hand to such tomfoolery for one,” replied + Tommy. “I'm dead beat.” He went and sat down doggedly on the + main hatch. “You got us on; get us off again,” he added. + </p> + <p> + Carthew and Wicks turned to each other. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you don't know how tired we are,” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “The tide's flowing!” cried the captain. “You wouldn't + have me miss a rising tide?” + </p> + <p> + “O, gammon! there's tides to-morrow!” retorted Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “And I'll tell you what,” added Carthew, “the breeze is + failing fast, and the sun will soon be down. We may get into all kinds of + fresh mess in the dark and with nothing but light airs.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't deny it,” answered Wicks, and stood awhile as if in + thought. “But what I can't make out,” he began again, with + agitation, “what I can't make out is what you're made of! To stay in + this place is beyond me. There's the bloody sun going down—and to + stay here is beyond me!” + </p> + <p> + The others looked upon him with horrified surprise. This fall of their + chief pillar—this irrational passion in the practical man, suddenly + barred out of his true sphere, the sphere of action—shocked and + daunted them. But it gave to another and unseen hearer the chance for + which he had been waiting. Mac, on the striking of the brig, had crawled + up the companion, and he now showed himself and spoke up. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Wicks,” said he, “it's me that brought this + trouble on the lot of ye. I'm sorry for ut, I ask all your pardons, and if + there's any one can say 'I forgive ye,' it'll make my soul the lighter.” + </p> + <p> + Wicks stared upon the man in amaze; then his self-control returned to him. + “We're all in glass houses here,” he said; “we ain't + going to turn to and throw stones. I forgive you, sure enough; and much + good may it do you!” + </p> + <p> + The others spoke to the same purpose. + </p> + <p> + “I thank ye for ut, and 'tis done like gentlemen,” said Mac. + “But there's another thing I have upon my mind. I hope we're all + Prodestan's here?” + </p> + <p> + It appeared they were; it seemed a small thing for the Protestant religion + to rejoice in! + </p> + <p> + “Well, that's as it should be,” continued Mac. “And why + shouldn't we say the Lord's Prayer? There can't be no hurt in ut.” + </p> + <p> + He had the same quiet, pleading, childlike way with him as in the morning; + and the others accepted his proposal, and knelt down without a word. + </p> + <p> + “Knale if ye like!” said he. “I'll stand.” And he + covered his eyes. + </p> + <p> + So the prayer was said to the accompaniment of the surf and seabirds, and + all rose refreshed and felt lightened of a load. Up to then, they had + cherished their guilty memories in private, or only referred to them in + the heat of a moment and fallen immediately silent. Now they had faced + their remorse in company, and the worst seemed over. Nor was it only that. + But the petition “Forgive us our trespasses,” falling in so + apposite after they had themselves forgiven the immediate author of their + miseries, sounded like an absolution. + </p> + <p> + Tea was taken on deck in the time of the sunset, and not long after the + five castaways—castaways once more—lay down to sleep. + </p> + <p> + Day dawned windless and hot. Their slumbers had been too profound to be + refreshing, and they woke listless, and sat up, and stared about them with + dull eyes. Only Wicks, smelling a hard day's work ahead, was more alert. + He went first to the well, sounded it once and then a second time, and + stood awhile with a grim look, so that all could see he was dissatisfied. + Then he shook himself, stripped to the buff, clambered on the rail, drew + himself up and raised his arms to plunge. The dive was never taken. He + stood instead transfixed, his eyes on the horizon. + </p> + <p> + “Hand up that glass,” he said. + </p> + <p> + In a trice they were all swarming aloft, the nude captain leading with the + glass. + </p> + <p> + On the northern horizon was a finger of grey smoke, straight in the + windless air like a point of admiration. + </p> + <p> + “What do you make it?” they asked of Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “She's truck down,” he replied; “no telling yet. By the + way the smoke builds, she must be heading right here.” + </p> + <p> + “What can she be?” + </p> + <p> + “She might be a China mail,” returned Wicks, “and she + might be a blooming man-of-war, come to look for castaways. Here! This + ain't the time to stand staring. On deck, boys!” + </p> + <p> + He was the first on deck, as he had been the first aloft, handed down the + ensign, bent it again to the signal halliards, and ran it up union down. + </p> + <p> + “Now hear me,” he said, jumping into his trousers, “and + everything I say you grip on to. If that's a man-of-war, she'll be in a + tearing hurry; all these ships are what don't do nothing and have their + expenses paid. That's our chance; for we'll go with them, and they won't + take the time to look twice or to ask a question. I'm Captain Trent; + Carthew, you're Goddedaal; Tommy, you're Hardy; Mac's Brown; Amalu—Hold + hard! we can't make a Chinaman of him! Ah Wing must have deserted; Amalu + stowed away; and I turned him to as cook, and was never at the bother to + sign him. Catch the idea? Say your names.” + </p> + <p> + And that pale company recited their lesson earnestly. + </p> + <p> + “What were the names of the other two?” he asked. “Him + Carthew shot in the companion, and the one I caught in the jaw on the main + top-gallant?” + </p> + <p> + “Holdorsen and Wallen,” said some one. + </p> + <p> + “Well, they're drowned,” continued Wicks; “drowned + alongside trying to lower a boat. We had a bit of a squall last night: + that's how we got ashore.” He ran and squinted at the compass. + “Squall out of nor'-nor'-west-half-west; blew hard; every one in a + mess, falls jammed, and Holdorsen and Wallen spilt overboard. See? Clear + your blooming heads!” He was in his jacket now, and spoke with a + feverish impatience and contention that rang like anger. + </p> + <p> + “But is it safe?” asked Tommy. + </p> + <p> + “Safe?” bellowed the captain. “We're standing on the + drop, you moon-calf! If that ship's bound for China (which she don't look + to be), we're lost as soon as we arrive; if she's bound the other way, she + comes from China, don't she? Well, if there's a man on board of her that + ever clapped eyes on Trent or any blooming hand out of this brig, we'll + all be in irons in two hours. Safe! no, it ain't safe; it's a beggarly + last chance to shave the gallows, and that's what it is.” + </p> + <p> + At this convincing picture, fear took hold on all. + </p> + <p> + “Hadn't we a hundred times better stay by the brig?” cried + Carthew. “They would give us a hand to float her off.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll make me waste this holy day in chattering!” cried + Wicks. “Look here, when I sounded the well this morning, there was + two foot of water there against eight inches last night. What's wrong? I + don't know; might be nothing; might be the worst kind of smash. And then, + there we are in for a thousand miles in an open boat, if that's your + taste!” + </p> + <p> + “But it may be nothing, and anyway their carpenters are bound to + help us repair her,” argued Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Moses Murphy!” cried the captain. “How did she strike? + Bows on, I believe. And she's down by the head now. If any carpenter comes + tinkering here, where'll he go first? Down in the forepeak, I suppose! And + then, how about all that blood among the chandlery? You would think you + were a lot of members of Parliament discussing Plimsoll; and you're just a + pack of murderers with the halter round your neck. Any other ass got any + time to waste? No? Thank God for that! Now, all hands! I'm going below, + and I leave you here on deck. You get the boat cover off that boat; then + you turn to and open the specie chest. There are five of us; get five + chests, and divide the specie equal among the five—put it at the + bottom—and go at it like tigers. Get blankets, or canvas, or + clothes, so it won't rattle. It'll make five pretty heavy chests, but we + can't help that. You, Carthew—dash me!—You, Mr. Goddedaal, + come below. We've our share before us.” + </p> + <p> + And he cast another glance at the smoke, and hurried below with Carthew at + his heels. + </p> + <p> + The logs were found in the main cabin behind the canary's cage; two of + them, one kept by Trent, one by Goddedaal. Wicks looked first at one, then + at the other, and his lip stuck out. + </p> + <p> + “Can you forge hand of write?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “There's luck for you—no more can I!” cried the captain. + “Hullo! here's worse yet, here's this Goddedaal up to date; he must + have filled it in before supper. See for yourself: 'Smoke observed.—Captain + Kirkup and five hands of the schooner Currency Lass.' Ah! this is better,” + he added, turning to the other log. “The old man ain't written + anything for a clear fortnight. We'll dispose of your log altogether, Mr. + Goddedaal, and stick to the old man's—to mine, I mean; only I ain't + going to write it up, for reasons of my own. You are. You're going to sit + down right here and fill it in the way I tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “How to explain the loss of mine?” asked Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “You never kept one,” replied the captain. “Gross + neglect of duty. You'll catch it.” + </p> + <p> + “And the change of writing?” resumed Carthew. “You + began; why do you stop and why do I come in? And you'll have to sign + anyway.” + </p> + <p> + “O! I've met with an accident and can't write,” replied Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “An accident?” repeated Carthew. “It don't sound + natural. What kind of an accident?” + </p> + <p> + Wicks spread his hand face-up on the table, and drove a knife through his + palm. + </p> + <p> + “That kind of an accident,” said he. “There's a way to + draw to windward of most difficulties, if you've a head on your shoulders.” + He began to bind up his hand with a handkerchief, glancing the while over + Goddedaal's log. “Hullo!” he said, “this'll never do for + us—this is an impossible kind of a yarn. Here, to begin with, is + this Captain Trent trying some fancy course, leastways he's a thousand + miles to south'ard of the great circle. And here, it seems, he was close + up with this island on the sixth, sails all these days, and is close up + with it again by daylight on the eleventh.” + </p> + <p> + “Goddedaal said they had the deuce's luck,” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it don't look like real life—that's all I can say,” + returned Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “It's the way it was, though,” argued Carthew. + </p> + <p> + “So it is; and what the better are we for that, if it don't look so?” + cried the captain, sounding unwonted depths of art criticism. “Here! + try and see if you can't tie this bandage; I'm bleeding like a pig.” + </p> + <p> + As Carthew sought to adjust the handkerchief, his patient seemed sunk in a + deep muse, his eye veiled, his mouth partly open. The job was yet scarce + done, when he sprang to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “I have it,” he broke out, and ran on deck. “Here, boys!” + he cried, “we didn't come here on the eleventh; we came in here on + the evening of the sixth, and lay here ever since becalmed. As soon as + you've done with these chests,” he added, “you can turn to and + roll out beef and water breakers; it'll look more shipshape—like as + if we were getting ready for the boat voyage.” + </p> + <p> + And he was back again in a moment, cooking the new log. Goddedaal's was + then carefully destroyed, and a hunt began for the ship's papers. Of all + the agonies of that breathless morning, this was perhaps the most + poignant. Here and there the two men searched, cursing, cannoning + together, streaming with heat, freezing with terror. News was bawled down + to them that the ship was indeed a man-of-war, that she was close up, that + she was lowering a boat; and still they sought in vain. By what accident + they missed the iron box with the money and accounts, is hard to fancy; + but they did. And the vital documents were found at last in the pocket of + Trent's shore-going coat, where he had left them when last he came on + board. + </p> + <p> + Wicks smiled for the first time that morning. “None too soon,” + said he. “And now for it! Take these others for me; I'm afraid I'll + get them mixed if I keep both.” + </p> + <p> + “What are they?” Carthew asked. + </p> + <p> + “They're the Kirkup and Currency Lass papers,” he replied. + “Pray God we need 'em again!” + </p> + <p> + “Boat's inside the lagoon, sir,” hailed down Mac, who sat by + the skylight doing sentry while the others worked. + </p> + <p> + “Time we were on deck, then, Mr. Goddedaal,” said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + As they turned to leave the cabin, the canary burst into piercing song. + </p> + <p> + “My God!” cried Carthew, with a gulp, “we can't leave + that wretched bird to starve. It was poor Goddedaal's.” + </p> + <p> + “Bring the bally thing along!” cried the captain. + </p> + <p> + And they went on deck. + </p> + <p> + An ugly brute of a modern man-of-war lay just without the reef, now quite + inert, now giving a flap or two with her propeller. Nearer hand, and just + within, a big white boat came skimming to the stroke of many oars, her + ensign blowing at the stern. + </p> + <p> + “One word more,” said Wicks, after he had taken in the scene. + “Mac, you've been in China ports? All right; then you can speak for + yourself. The rest of you I kept on board all the time we were in + Hongkong, hoping you would desert; but you fooled me and stuck to the + brig. That'll make your lying come easier.” + </p> + <p> + The boat was now close at hand; a boy in the stern sheets was the only + officer, and a poor one plainly, for the men were talking as they pulled. + </p> + <p> + “Thank God, they've only sent a kind of a middy!” ejaculated + Wicks. “Here you, Hardy, stand for'ard! I'll have no deck hands on + my quarter-deck,” he cried, and the reproof braced the whole crew + like a cold douche. + </p> + <p> + The boat came alongside with perfect neatness, and the boy officer stepped + on board, where he was respectfully greeted by Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “You the master of this ship?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said Wicks. “Trent is my name, and this is + the Flying Scud of Hull.” + </p> + <p> + “You seem to have got into a mess,” said the officer. + </p> + <p> + “If you'll step aft with me here, I'll tell you all there is of it,” + said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “Why, man, you're shaking!” cried the officer. + </p> + <p> + “So would you, perhaps, if you had been in the same berth,” + returned Wicks; and he told the whole story of the rotten water, the long + calm, the squall, the seamen drowned; glibly and hotly; talking, with his + head in the lion's mouth, like one pleading in the dock. I heard the same + tale from the same narrator in the saloon in San Francisco; and even then + his bearing filled me with suspicion. But the officer was no observer. + </p> + <p> + “Well, the captain is in no end of a hurry,” said he; “but + I was instructed to give you all the assistance in my power, and signal + back for another boat if more hands were necessary. What can I do for you?” + </p> + <p> + “O, we won't keep you no time,” replied Wicks cheerily. + “We're all ready, bless you—men's chests, chronometer, papers + and all.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you mean to leave her?” cried the officer. “She + seems to me to lie nicely; can't we get your ship off?” + </p> + <p> + “So we could, and no mistake; but how we're to keep her afloat's + another question. Her bows is stove in,” replied Wicks. + </p> + <p> + The officer coloured to the eyes. He was incompetent and knew he was; + thought he was already detected, and feared to expose himself again. There + was nothing further from his mind than that the captain should deceive + him; if the captain was pleased, why, so was he. “All right,” + he said. “Tell your men to get their chests aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Goddedaal, turn the hands to to get the chests aboard,” + said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + The four Currency Lasses had waited the while on tenter-hooks. This + welcome news broke upon them like the sun at midnight; and Hadden burst + into a storm of tears, sobbing aloud as he heaved upon the tackle. But the + work went none the less briskly forward; chests, men, and bundles were got + over the side with alacrity; the boat was shoved off; it moved out of the + long shadow of the Flying Scud, and its bows were pointed at the passage. + </p> + <p> + So much, then, was accomplished. The sham wreck had passed muster; they + were clear of her, they were safe away; and the water widened between them + and her damning evidences. On the other hand, they were drawing nearer to + the ship of war, which might very well prove to be their prison and a + hangman's cart to bear them to the gallows—of which they had not yet + learned either whence she came or whither she was bound; and the doubt + weighed upon their heart like mountains. + </p> + <p> + It was Wicks who did the talking. The sound was small in Carthew's ears, + like the voices of men miles away, but the meaning of each word struck + home to him like a bullet. “What did you say your ship was?” + inquired Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “Tempest, don't you know?” returned the officer. + </p> + <p> + Don't you know? What could that mean? Perhaps nothing: perhaps that the + ships had met already. Wicks took his courage in both hands. “Where + is she bound?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “O, we're just looking in at all these miserable islands here,” + said the officer. “Then we bear up for San Francisco.” + </p> + <p> + “O, yes, you're from China ways, like us?” pursued Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “Hong Kong,” said the officer, and spat over the side. + </p> + <p> + Hong Kong. Then the game was up; as soon as they set foot on board, they + would be seized; the wreck would be examined, the blood found, the lagoon + perhaps dredged, and the bodies of the dead would reappear to testify. An + impulse almost incontrollable bade Carthew rise from the thwart, shriek + out aloud, and leap overboard; it seemed so vain a thing to dissemble + longer, to dally with the inevitable, to spin out some hundred seconds + more of agonised suspense, with shame and death thus visibly approaching. + But the indomitable Wicks persevered. His face was like a skull, his voice + scarce recognisable; the dullest of men and officers (it seemed) must have + remarked that telltale countenance and broken utterance. And still he + persevered, bent upon certitude. + </p> + <p> + “Nice place, Hong Kong?” he said. + </p> + <p> + “I'm sure I don't know,” said the officer. “Only a day + and a half there; called for orders and came straight on here. Never heard + of such a beastly cruise.” And he went on describing and lamenting + the untoward fortunes of the Tempest. + </p> + <p> + But Wicks and Carthew heeded him no longer. They lay back on the gunnel, + breathing deep, sunk in a stupor of the body: the mind within still nimbly + and agreeably at work, measuring the past danger, exulting in the present + relief, numbering with ecstasy their ultimate chances of escape. For the + voyage in the man-of-war they were now safe; yet a few more days of peril, + activity, and presence of mind in San Francisco, and the whole horrid tale + was blotted out; and Wicks again became Kirkup, and Goddedaal became + Carthew—men beyond all shot of possible suspicion, men who had never + heard of the Flying Scud, who had never been in sight of Midway Reef. + </p> + <p> + So they came alongside, under many craning heads of seamen and projecting + mouths of guns; so they climbed on board somnambulous, and looked blindly + about them at the tall spars, the white decks, and the crowding ship's + company, and heard men as from far away, and answered them at random. + </p> + <p> + And then a hand fell softly on Carthew's shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Norrie, old chappie, where have you dropped from? All the + world's been looking for you. Don't you know you've come into your + kingdom?” + </p> + <p> + He turned, beheld the face of his old schoolmate Sebright, and fell + unconscious at his feet. + </p> + <p> + The doctor was attending him, a while later, in Lieutenant Sebright's + cabin, when he came to himself. He opened his eyes, looked hard in the + strange face, and spoke with a kind of solemn vigour. + </p> + <p> + “Brown must go the same road,” he said; “now or never.” + And then paused, and his reason coming to him with more clearness, spoke + again: “What was I saying? Where am I? Who are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am the doctor of the Tempest,” was the reply. “You + are in Lieutenant Sebright's berth, and you may dismiss all concern from + your mind. Your troubles are over, Mr. Carthew.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you call me that?” he asked. “Ah, I remember—Sebright + knew me! O!” and he groaned and shook. “Send down Wicks to me; + I must see Wicks at once!” he cried, and seized the doctor's wrist + with unconscious violence. + </p> + <p> + “All right,” said the doctor. “Let's make a bargain. You + swallow down this draught, and I'll go and fetch Wicks.” + </p> + <p> + And he gave the wretched man an opiate that laid him out within ten + minutes and in all likelihood preserved his reason. + </p> + <p> + It was the doctor's next business to attend to Mac; and he found occasion, + while engaged upon his arm, to make the man repeat the names of the + rescued crew. It was now the turn of the captain, and there is no doubt he + was no longer the man that we have seen; sudden relief, the sense of + perfect safety, a square meal and a good glass of grog, had all combined + to relax his vigilance and depress his energy. + </p> + <p> + “When was this done?” asked the doctor, looking at the wound. + </p> + <p> + “More than a week ago,” replied Wicks, thinking singly of his + log. + </p> + <p> + “Hey?” cried the doctor, and he raised his hand and looked the + captain in the eyes. + </p> + <p> + “I don't remember exactly,” faltered Wicks. + </p> + <p> + And at this remarkable falsehood, the suspicions of the doctor were at + once quadrupled. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, which of you is called Wicks?” he asked easily. + </p> + <p> + “What's that?” snapped the captain, falling white as paper. + </p> + <p> + “Wicks,” repeated the doctor; “which of you is he? + that's surely a plain question.” + </p> + <p> + Wicks stared upon his questioner in silence. + </p> + <p> + “Which is Brown, then?” pursued the doctor. + </p> + <p> + “What are you talking of? what do you mean by this?” cried + Wicks, snatching his half-bandaged hand away, so that the blood sprinkled + in the surgeon's face. + </p> + <p> + He did not trouble to remove it. Looking straight at his victim, he + pursued his questions. “Why must Brown go the same way?” he + asked. + </p> + <p> + Wicks fell trembling on a locker. “Carthew's told you,” he + cried. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied the doctor, “he has not. But he and you + between you have set me thinking, and I think there's something wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Give me some grog,” said Wicks. “I'd rather tell than + have you find out. I'm damned if it's half as bad as what any one would + think.” + </p> + <p> + And with the help of a couple of strong grogs, the tragedy of the Flying + Scud was told for the first time. + </p> + <p> + It was a fortunate series of accidents that brought the story to the + doctor. He understood and pitied the position of these wretched men, and + came whole-heartedly to their assistance. He and Wicks and Carthew (so + soon as he was recovered) held a hundred councils and prepared a policy + for San Francisco. It was he who certified “Goddedaal” unfit + to be moved and smuggled Carthew ashore under cloud of night; it was he + who kept Wicks's wound open that he might sign with his left hand; he who + took all their Chile silver and (in the course of the first day) got it + converted for them into portable gold. He used his influence in the + wardroom to keep the tongues of the young officers in order, so that + Carthew's identification was kept out of the papers. And he rendered + another service yet more important. He had a friend in San Francisco, a + millionaire; to this man he privately presented Carthew as a young + gentleman come newly into a huge estate, but troubled with Jew debts which + he was trying to settle on the quiet. The millionaire came readily to + help; and it was with his money that the wrecker gang was to be fought. + What was his name, out of a thousand guesses? It was Douglas Longhurst. + </p> + <p> + As long as the Currency Lasses could all disappear under fresh names, it + did not greatly matter if the brig were bought, or any small discrepancies + should be discovered in the wrecking. The identification of one of their + number had changed all that. The smallest scandal must now direct + attention to the movements of Norris. It would be asked how he who had + sailed in a schooner from Sydney, had turned up so shortly after in a brig + out of Hong Kong; and from one question to another all his original + shipmates were pretty sure to be involved. Hence arose naturally the idea + of preventing danger, profiting by Carthew's new-found wealth, and buying + the brig under an alias; and it was put in hand with equal energy and + caution. Carthew took lodgings alone under a false name, picked up + Bellairs at random, and commissioned him to buy the wreck. + </p> + <p> + “What figure, if you please?” the lawyer asked. + </p> + <p> + “I want it bought,” replied Carthew. “I don't mind about + the price.” + </p> + <p> + “Any price is no price,” said Bellairs. “Put a name upon + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Call it ten thousand pounds then, if you like!” said Carthew. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the captain had to walk the streets, appear in the + consulate, be cross-examined by Lloyd's agent, be badgered about his lost + accounts, sign papers with his left hand, and repeat his lies to every + skipper in San Francisco: not knowing at what moment he might run into the + arms of some old friend who should hail him by the name of Wicks, or some + new enemy who should be in a position to deny him that of Trent. And the + latter incident did actually befall him, but was transformed by his stout + countenance into an element of strength. It was in the consulate (of all + untoward places) that he suddenly heard a big voice inquiring for Captain + Trent. He turned with the customary sinking at his heart. + </p> + <p> + “YOU ain't Captain Trent!” said the stranger, falling back. + “Why, what's all this? They tell me you're passing off as Captain + Trent—Captain Jacob Trent—a man I knew since I was that high.” + </p> + <p> + “O, you're thinking of my uncle as had the bank in Cardiff,” + replied Wicks, with desperate aplomb. + </p> + <p> + “I declare I never knew he had a nevvy!” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Well, you see he has!” says Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “And how is the old man?” asked the other. + </p> + <p> + “Fit as a fiddle,” answered Wicks, and was opportunely + summoned by the clerk. + </p> + <p> + This alert was the only one until the morning of the sale, when he was + once more alarmed by his interview with Jim; and it was with some anxiety + that he attended the sale, knowing only that Carthew was to be + represented, but neither who was to represent him nor what were the + instructions given. I suppose Captain Wicks is a good life. In spite of + his personal appearance and his own known uneasiness, I suppose he is + secure from apoplexy, or it must have struck him there and then, as he + looked on at the stages of that insane sale and saw the old brig and her + not very valuable cargo knocked down at last to a total stranger for ten + thousand pounds. + </p> + <p> + It had been agreed that he was to avoid Carthew, and above all Carthew's + lodging, so that no connexion might be traced between the crew and the + pseudonymous purchaser. But the hour for caution was gone by, and he + caught a tram and made all speed to Mission Street. + </p> + <p> + Carthew met him in the door. + </p> + <p> + “Come away, come away from here,” said Carthew; and when they + were clear of the house, “All's up!” he added. + </p> + <p> + “O, you've heard of the sale, then?” said Wicks. + </p> + <p> + “The sale!” cried Carthew. “I declare I had forgotten + it.” And he told of the voice in the telephone, and the maddening + question: “Why did you want to buy the Flying Scud?” + </p> + <p> + This circumstance, coming on the back of the monstrous improbabilities of + the sale, was enough to have shaken the reason of Immanuel Kant. The earth + seemed banded together to defeat them; the stones and the boys on the + street appeared to be in possession of their guilty secret. Flight was + their one thought. The treasure of the Currency Lass they packed in + waist-belts, expressed their chests to an imaginary address in British + Columbia, and left San Francisco the same afternoon, booked for Los + Angeles. + </p> + <p> + The next day they pursued their retreat by the Southern Pacific route, + which Carthew followed on his way to England; but the other three branched + off for Mexico. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_EPIL" id="link2H_EPIL"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + EPILOGUE: + </h2> + <h3> + TO WILL H. LOW. + </h3> + <p> + DEAR LOW: The other day (at Manihiki of all places) I had the pleasure to + meet Dodd. We sat some two hours in the neat, little, toy-like church, set + with pews after the manner of Europe, and inlaid with mother-of-pearl in + the style (I suppose) of the New Jerusalem. The natives, who are decidedly + the most attractive inhabitants of this planet, crowded round us in the + pew, and fawned upon and patted us; and here it was I put my questions, + and Dodd answered me. + </p> + <p> + I first carried him back to the night in Barbizon when Carthew told his + story, and asked him what was done about Bellairs. It seemed he had put + the matter to his friend at once, and that Carthew took it with an + inimitable lightness. “He's poor, and I'm rich,” he had said. + “I can afford to smile at him. I go somewhere else, that's all—somewhere + that's far away and dear to get to. Persia would be found to answer, I + fancy. No end of a place, Persia. Why not come with me?” And they + had left the next afternoon for Constantinople, on their way to Teheran. + Of the shyster, it is only known (by a newspaper paragraph) that he + returned somehow to San Francisco and died in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + “Now there's another point,” said I. “There you are off + to Persia with a millionaire, and rich yourself. How come you here in the + South Seas, running a trader?” + </p> + <p> + He said, with a smile, that I had not yet heard of Jim's last bankruptcy. + “I was about cleaned out once more,” he said; “and then + it was that Carthew had this schooner built, and put me in as supercargo. + It's his yacht and it's my trader; and as nearly all the expenses go to + the yacht, I do pretty well. As for Jim, he's right again: one of the best + businesses, they say, in the West, fruit, cereals, and real estate; and he + has a Tartar of a partner now—Nares, no less. Nares will keep him + straight, Nares has a big head. They have their country-places next door + at Saucelito, and I stayed with them time about, the last time I was on + the coast. Jim had a paper of his own—I think he has a notion of + being senator one of these days—and he wanted me to throw up the + schooner and come and write his editorials. He holds strong views on the + State Constitution, and so does Mamie.” + </p> + <p> + “And what became of the other three Currency Lasses after they left + Carthew?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Well, it seems they had a huge spree in the city of Mexico,” + said Dodd; “and then Hadden and the Irishman took a turn at the gold + fields in Venezuela, and Wicks went on alone to Valparaiso. There's a + Kirkup in the Chilean navy to this day, I saw the name in the papers about + the Balmaceda war. Hadden soon wearied of the mines, and I met him the + other day in Sydney. The last news he had from Venezuela, Mac had been + knocked over in an attack on the gold train. So there's only the three of + them left, for Amalu scarcely counts. He lives on his own land in Maui, at + the side of Hale-a-ka-la, where he keeps Goddedaal's canary; and they say + he sticks to his dollars, which is a wonder in a Kanaka. He had a + considerable pile to start with, for not only Hemstead's share but + Carthew's was divided equally among the other four—Mac being + counted.” + </p> + <p> + “What did that make for him altogether?” I could not help + asking, for I had been diverted by the number of calculations in his + narrative. + </p> + <p> + “One hundred and twenty-eight pounds nineteen shillings and eleven + pence halfpenny,” he replied with composure. “That's leaving + out what little he won at Van John. It's something for a Kanaka, you know.” + </p> + <p> + And about that time we were at last obliged to yield to the solicitations + of our native admirers, and go to the pastor's house to drink green + cocoanuts. The ship I was in was sailing the same night, for Dodd had been + beforehand and got all the shell in the island; and though he pressed me + to desert and return with him to Auckland (whither he was now bound to + pick up Carthew) I was firm in my refusal. + </p> + <p> + The truth is, since I have been mixed up with Havens and Dodd in the + design to publish the latter's narrative, I seem to feel no want for + Carthew's society. Of course I am wholly modern in sentiment, and think + nothing more noble than to publish people's private affairs at so much a + line. They like it, and if they don't, they ought to. But a still small + voice keeps telling me they will not like it always, and perhaps not + always stand it. Memory besides supplies me with the face of a pressman + (in the sacred phrase) who proved altogether too modern for one of his + neighbours, and + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Qui nunc it per iter tenebricosum +</pre> + <p> + as it were, marshalling us our way. I am in no haste to + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + —nos proecedens— +</pre> + <p> + be that man's successor. Carthew has a record as “a clane shot,” + and for some years Samoa will be good enough for me. + </p> + <p> + We agreed to separate, accordingly; but he took me on board in his own + boat with the hard-wood fittings, and entertained me on the way with an + account of his late visit to Butaritari, whither he had gone on an errand + for Carthew, to see how Topelius was getting along, and, if necessary, to + give him a helping hand. But Topelius was in great force, and had + patronised and—well—out-manoeuvred him. + </p> + <p> + “Carthew will be pleased,” said Dodd; “for there's no + doubt they oppressed the man abominably when they were in the Currency + Lass. It's diamond cut diamond now.” + </p> + <p> + This, I think, was the most of the news I got from my friend Loudon; and I + hope I was well inspired, and have put all the questions to which you + would be curious to hear an answer. + </p> + <p> + But there is one more that I daresay you are burning to put to myself; and + that is, what your own name is doing in this place, cropping up (as it + were uncalled-for) on the stern of our poor ship? If you were not born in + Arcadia, you linger in fancy on its margin; your thoughts are busied with + the flutes of antiquity, with daffodils, and the classic poplar, and the + footsteps of the nymphs, and the elegant and moving aridity of ancient + art. Why dedicate to you a tale of a caste so modern;—full of + details of our barbaric manners and unstable morals;—full of the + need and the lust of money, so that there is scarce a page in which the + dollars do not jingle;—full of the unrest and movement of our + century, so that the reader is hurried from place to place and sea to sea, + and the book is less a romance than a panorama—in the end, as + blood-bespattered as an epic? + </p> + <p> + Well, you are a man interested in all problems of art, even the most + vulgar; and it may amuse you to hear the genesis and growth of <i>The + Wrecker</i>. On board the schooner Equator, almost within sight of the + Johnstone Islands (if anybody knows where these are) and on a moonlit + night when it was a joy to be alive, the authors were amused with several + stories of the sale of wrecks. The subject tempted them; and they sat + apart in the alley-way to discuss its possibilities. “What a tangle + it would make,” suggested one, “if the wrong crew were aboard. + But how to get the wrong crew there?”—“I have it!” + cried the other; “the so-and-so affair!” For not so many + months before, and not so many hundred miles from where we were then + sailing, a proposition almost tantamount to that of Captain Trent had been + made by a British skipper to some British castaways. + </p> + <p> + Before we turned in, the scaffolding of the tale had been put together. + But the question of treatment was as usual more obscure. We had long been + at once attracted and repelled by that very modern form of the police + novel or mystery story, which consists in beginning your yarn anywhere but + at the beginning, and finishing it anywhere but at the end; attracted by + its peculiar interest when done, and the peculiar difficulties that attend + its execution; repelled by that appearance of insincerity and shallowness + of tone, which seems its inevitable drawback. For the mind of the reader, + always bent to pick up clews, receives no impression of reality or life, + rather of an airless, elaborate mechanism; and the book remains + enthralling, but insignificant, like a game of chess, not a work of human + art. It seemed the cause might lie partly in the abrupt attack; and that + if the tale were gradually approached, some of the characters introduced + (as it were) beforehand, and the book started in the tone of a novel of + manners and experience briefly treated, this defect might be lessened and + our mystery seem to inhere in life. The tone of the age, its movement, the + mingling of races and classes in the dollar hunt, the fiery and not quite + unromantic struggle for existence with its changing trades and scenery, + and two types in particular, that of the American handy-man of business + and that of the Yankee merchant sailor—we agreed to dwell upon at + some length, and make the woof to our not very precious warp. Hence Dodd's + father, and Pinkerton, and Nares, and the Dromedary picnics, and the + railway work in New South Wales—the last an unsolicited testimonial + from the powers that be, for the tale was half written before I saw + Carthew's squad toil in the rainy cutting at South Clifton, or heard from + the engineer of his “young swell.” After we had invented at + some expense of time this method of approaching and fortifying our police + novel, it occurred to us it had been invented previously by some one else, + and was in fact—however painfully different the results may seem—the + method of Charles Dickens in his later work. + </p> + <p> + I see you staring. Here, you will say, is a prodigious quantity of theory + to our halfpenny worth of police novel; and withal not a shadow of an + answer to your question. + </p> + <p> + Well, some of us like theory. After so long a piece of practice, these may + be indulged for a few pages. And the answer is at hand. It was plainly + desirable, from every point of view of convenience and contrast, that our + hero and narrator should partly stand aside from those with whom he + mingles, and be but a pressed-man in the dollar hunt. Thus it was that + Loudon Dodd became a student of the plastic arts, and that our + globe-trotting story came to visit Paris and look in at Barbizon. And thus + it is, dear Low, that your name appears in the address of this epilogue. + </p> + <p> + For sure, if any person can here appreciate and read between the lines, it + must be you—and one other, our friend. All the dominos will be + transparent to your better knowledge; the statuary contract will be to you + a piece of ancient history; and you will not have now heard for the first + time of the dangers of Roussillon. Dead leaves from the Bas Breau, echoes + from Lavenue's and the Rue Racine, memories of a common past, let these be + your bookmarkers as you read. And if you care for naught else in the + story, be a little pleased to breathe once more for a moment the airs of + our youth. + </p> + <p> + The End. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 1024 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |