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diff --git a/13168-h/13168-h.htm b/13168-h/13168-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7b20baa --- /dev/null +++ b/13168-h/13168-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10035 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dick In the Everglades, + by A.W. Dimock.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + h1 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em} + h2 {margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 2em} + h3 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em} + + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + li {margin-top: 0.5em; margin-left: 5%; list-style: upper-roman; + font-size: 0.9em;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .note {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .figure, .figcenter + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center;} + .figure img, .figcenter img + {border: none;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + + .inline {border: none; vertical-align: middle;} + + .illustrations {margin: 0.5em 5%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + p.author {text-align: right; margin-right: 5%;} + + a:link {color: blue; text-decoration: none;} + link {color: blue; text-decoration: none;} + a:visited {color: blue; text-decoration: none;} + a:hover {color: red;} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13168 ***</div> + + <h1>Dick</h1> + + <h1>In the Everglades</h1> + + <h4>BY</h4> + + <h2>A.W. DIMOCK</h2> + + <h4>Author of "Florida Enchantments"</h4><br /> + + <h4>WITH THIRTY-TWO HALF-TONE ILLUSTRATIONS<br /> + FROM PHOTOGRAPHS BY<br /> + J.A. DIMOCK</h4> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <img width="300" + src="images/page_dec.png" + alt="fishing reel" /> + </div> + + <h4>NEW YORK</h4> + + <h4>FREDERICK A. STOKES COMPANY<br /> + PUBLISHERS</h4> + + <h4>COPYRIGHT, 1909.</h4> + <hr /> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a href="images/note.png" + name="fig2" + id="fig2"><img width="403" + src="images/note.png" + alt="author's handwritten note." /></a> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h2>PREFACE</h2> + + <p>Dick in the Everglades is a true story. All that imagination + had to do with it was to find names for the boys and arrange a + sequence of events. Other characters, white and Indian, appear + under names similar to, or identical with their own. Any old + alligator hunter, familiar with the swamps and the Ten Thousand + Islands, can follow the course of the explorers from the text + of the story. It would be possible for two fearless boys, + imbued with a love of Nature and the wilderness, to repeat, + incident by incident, the feats of the explorers in the + identical places mentioned in the story.</p> + + <p>Many of the stories are understatements, seldom is one + exaggerated. I have been asked if it were possible for a boy to + handle a manatee in the water as one of the boys was + represented as doing. I have done it myself three times with + manatees three times the size of these in the story. In the + story the manatees escaped. Two of those which I captured were + sent to the New York Aquarium, where one of them lived for + twenty months. The crocodiles which the boys sent to the + Zoological Park may be seen to-day, alive and well in the + reptile house. The frequent swamping of canoes and skiffs by + porpoises, or dolphins, tarpon and manatees are all experiences + of my own.</p> + + <p>Aside from the Government charts which give the coast line + only, the existing maps of the scene of the story are worse + than useless. In them a hundred square miles are given to Ponce + de Leon Bay, which doesn't exist, unless the little depression + in the coast which is called Shark River Bight is accounted a + bay. Rivers are omitted; one with a mouth fifty feet wide is + represented as a mile broad. A little stream four miles long is + sent wandering over a hundred and forty miles of imaginary + territory. I have sailed and paddled for days at a time over + the watercourses of South Florida, with a compass before me and + a pad at hand on which every change of course was noted and + distances estimated, and although no attempt at accurate + charting has ever been made, I am quite sure that none of the + natural features or products of the country traversed by the + young explorers have been misrepresented in the book.</p> + + <p>The pictures are from photographs taken on the scene of the + incidents they illustrate. They show more conclusively than can + any words of mine, how beautiful is the region traversed by the + boy explorers and what interesting and exciting adventures they + enjoyed.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + <ol> + <li>THE CHUMS <a href="#page1">1</a></li> + + <li>DICK GOES TO SEA <a href="#page15">15</a></li> + + <li>LIFE ON A SPONGER <a href="#page27">27</a></li> + + <li>CAUGHT IN A WATERSPOUT <a href="#page38">38</a></li> + + <li>OUTFITTING FOR THE HUNT <a href="#page51">51</a></li> + + <li>DICK'S HUNT FOR HIS CHUM <a href="#page61">61</a></li> + + <li>THE MEETING IN THE GLADES <a href="#page76">76</a></li> + + <li>OLD DREAMS REALIZED <a href="#page93">93</a></li> + + <li>THE CAPTURE OF THE MANATEE + <a href="#page108">108</a></li> + + <li>HARPOONING FROM A CANOE <a href="#page123">123</a></li> + + <li>GHOSTS AND ALLIGATORS <a href="#page129">129</a></li> + + <li>HUNTING IN HARNEY'S RIVER + <a href="#page136">136</a></li> + + <li>EDUCATING AN ALLIGATOR <a href="#page150">150</a></li> + + <li>ENCOUNTER WITH OUTLAWS <a href="#page157">157</a></li> + + <li>DICK AND THE BEAR <a href="#page165">165</a></li> + + <li>IN THE CROCODILE COUNTRY + <a href="#page171">171</a></li> + + <li>AMONG THE SEMINOLES <a href="#page183">183</a></li> + + <li>DICK'S WILDCAT AND OTHER WILD THINGS + <a href="#page195">195</a></li> + + <li>A PRAIRIE ON FIRE <a href="#page209">209</a></li> + + <li>DICK'S FIGHT WITH A PANTHER + <a href="#page219">219</a></li> + + <li>CONVALESCENCE AND CATASTROPHE + <a href="#page234">234</a></li> + + <li>THE RESCUE <a href="#page245">245</a></li> + + <li>MOLLY AND THE MANATEE <a href="#page258">258</a></li> + + <li>TO THE GLADES IN THE "IRENE" + <a href="#page271">271</a></li> + + <li>IN FLORIDA BAY <a href="#page286">286</a></li> + + <li>MADEIRA HAMMOCK AND--THE END + <a href="#page297">297</a></li> + </ol> + <hr /> + + <h3>ILLUSTRATIONS</h3> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig3">MAP SHOWING DICK'S + CRUISE IN A CANOE</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig30">"DICK HUNTED ALL THE + TURTLES HE SAW"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig46">"A SILVERY, TWISTING + BODY SHOT TEN FEET IN THE AIR"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig76">"THE EVERGLADES AT + LAST"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig82">"WE'VE GOTTER HAVE + ONE OF THEM YOUNG TURKS IF IT TAKES ALL NIGHT"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig98">"THE SEMINOLE WAS + STANDING IN HIS CANOE LOOKING FIXEDLY AT US"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig112">"HE FOUND DICK + STANDING IN WATER SHOULDER DEEP, HANGING ON TO THE FLIPPER OF + THE MANATEE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig124">"THE STRICKEN TARPON + LEAPED SIX FEET IN THE AIR"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig126">"THE TARPON BEGAN A + SERIES OF LEAPS"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig130">"GROUPS OF TALL + PALMETTOS, OR MAGNIFICENT TALL PALMS"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig134">"HE HELD THE JAWS OF + THE 'GATOR SHUT, WHILE DICK SEIZED THE HIND LEGS OF THE + REPTILE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig146">"THE TARPON LEAPED + AGAINST NED WITH FURY"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig152">"OUT CAME THE + REPTILE'S HEAD FROM THE CAVE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig156">"SEE THE BABY 'GATOR + SIT UP, NED!"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig193">"THERE GOES YOUR + PET. THAT'S THE LAST OF HIM"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig200">"A FEW OF THE + HOMELESS BEES LIT ON THE COMB"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig210">"ALL BEYOND THE DARK + MEADOW WAS A LIVING MASS"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig216">"THE BARB CAUGHT IN + THE REPTILE'S LOWER JAW"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig226">"THE COON SCRAMBLED + TO THE TOP OF A LITTLE TREE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig232">"HE SAW THE GENTLY + SWAYING HEAD AND THE LIGHTNING FLAY OF THE FORKED + TONGUE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig234">"NED FOUND A GOOD + CAMPING SITE MARKED BY A FREAK PALMETTO"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig236">"THE LYNX SPRANG + INTO THE CANOE AND SEIZED ONE OF THE FISH"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig238">"PORPOISES ROLLED + THEIR BACKS OUT OF THE WATER"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig242">"THE HARD, POINTED + HEAD OF THE BIG TARPON TORE THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAGILE + CANOE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig260">"THE INDIGNANT BIRD + PUNCHED HOLES THROUGH HIS HAT"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig264">"THE LIGHT FROM THE + BULL'S EYE SHOWED THE HEAD AND BODY OF THE REPTILE"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig284">"SLOWLY LIFTING HIS + HUGE HEAD OVER THE SIDE OF THE SKIFF"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig292">"YOUNG HERONS SPREAD + WINGS AND STRETCHED LONG LEGS AS THEY FLED"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig298">"THEY SAW A + CROCODILE SWIMMING UNDER WATER NEAR THEM"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig300">"THE HARPOON STRUCK + THE FISH IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS BROAD BACK"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig302">"SIXTEEN FEET OF + FIERCENESS LAY STRANDED ON THE BANK"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig304">"THEY HAULED THE + HEAD OF THE BRUTE OVER THE SIDE OF THE BOAT"</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig306">"HE TOOK THE BABY + CROCODILE IN HIS ARMS"</a></p> + <hr /> + + <h1>DICK IN THE EVERGLADES</h1> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <a href="images/map.png" + name="fig3" + id="fig3"><img width="381" + src="images/map.png" + alt="MAP SHOWING DICK'S CRUISE IN A CANOE" /></a> + </div> + + <h1>DICK IN THE + EVERGLADES</h1><span class="pagenum"><a name="page1" + id="page1"></a>[pg 1]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER I</h3> + + <h3>THE CHUMS</h3> + + <p>"Come in!"</p> + + <p>The doctor's voice had a note of sternness which was not + lost on the two boys waiting outside his study door. The taller + of the two, Ned Barstow, turned the handle and stepped into the + study, followed immediately by Dick Williams. The doctor, + sitting behind his desk, looked decidedly uncompromising as he + said:</p> + + <p>"Now, Barstow and Williams, you were absent from your room + last night. Where were you?"</p> + + <p>"Camping in Farmer Field's woods, sir," replied Ned + Barstow.</p> + + <p>"How often has this happened before?"</p> + + <p>"Twice, sir."</p> + + <p>"Was any one else with you?"</p> + + <p>"Only last night, sir. Another boy was with us then," said + Ned.</p> + + <p>"Who was he?" <span class="pagenum"><a name="page2" + id="page2"></a>[pg 2]</span> "I can't tell you, sir."</p> + + <p>"Williams, you may go now. I will see you later."</p> + + <p>After the door had closed on Williams, the doctor turned + again to Barstow, and said:</p> + + <p>"Barstow, I have always felt that I could rely upon your + influence with the younger boys being for good. Now, I find you + aiding to upset the whole discipline of the school by this + camping affair. I hope there has been nothing worse. You know I + never insist on tale-bearing regarding mere boyish escapades, + but I would like to know if there was any other reason for your + refusing to give up your companion's name."</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir, there was. We had a chicken for supper, that was + taken from Farmer Field's poultry-house."</p> + + <p>"Did you or Williams steal that chicken, Barstow?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir, but we knew about it and helped eat it, and are + just as much to blame as the boy who took it."</p> + + <p>"And, now, you mean to protect the thief?"</p> + + <p>"Well, you see, Doctor, a good many fellows don't look at + hooking apples, or nuts, or chickens as real stealing."</p> + + <p>"What do you think about it?" asked the doctor.</p> + + <p>"I think it was wrong and I am very sorry it happened. It + won't occur again."</p> + + <p>"I have no fear that it will. But it is too serious + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page3" + id="page3"></a>[pg 3]</span> an offence to be lightly passed + over. In the first place you and Williams must see Farmer + Field, tell him what you have done and pay for the chicken + that was—taken. After that I will talk with you. Now + send Williams to me."</p> + + <p>When Dick Williams came in the doctor began:</p> + + <p>"Williams, how much do you love your mother?"</p> + + <p>"Why, more than anyone else in the world, sir."</p> + + <p>"She is keeping you here at considerable expense. Don't you + think you owe it to her to pay more attention to your + studies?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, Doctor, and I am going to do better hereafter."</p> + + <p>"How will your mother feel when she hears of this + chicken-stealing episode?"</p> + + <p>"Oh! Doctor; she mustn't hear of it that way. We didn't + think of it as stealing last night, but this morning Ned and I + talked about it and we are going to see Farmer Field and tell + him what we did and pay for the chicken."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean, Dick," and the good doctor's voice shook a + little as he asked the question, "that you and Ned decided to + tell Farmer Field about the taking of his chicken, before you + knew that I had heard of your camping out?"</p> + + <p>"Why, yes, sir. I supposed Ned had told you."</p> + + <p>"Your friend Ned is rather a curious boy, but when you are + in doubt about the right and wrong of anything, you might do + worse than ask his + advice."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page4" + id="page4"></a>[pg 4]</span> + + <p>"Oh! I get enough of that without asking for it," said + Dick.</p> + + <p>And the doctor laughed, but he soon looked pretty serious + again, and said:</p> + + <p>"Dick, I think no one will tell your mother and she need + never know, but I hope you will tell her all about it of your + own accord."</p> + + <p>"Sure!" said Dick, "I couldn't keep that or anythink else + away from Mumsey for five minutes after I saw her."</p> + + <p>There was a significant pause, during which the doctor + stroked his chin meditatively before asking:</p> + + <p>"Now, what in the world made you two boys go on that camping + escapade? I want you to tell me that, Dick."</p> + + <p>The boy hesitated a moment and then said:</p> + + <p>"Why, I really don't know, Doctor—we just wanted to. + You see, there are so many things to see and listen to at night + that way. Birds and animals, I mean. Ned and I are going to be + explorers some day, you know."</p> + + <p>"Hum!" said the doctor.</p> + + <p>"Well, that will do for the present, Williams. I hope you + understand that you are escaping serious trouble very easily + and that you mean to be as good as you can for the rest of the + time you are at the school."</p> + + <p>Fanner Field received Ned and Dick with an air of gruffness + that was belied by twinkling blue eyes + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page5" + id="page5"></a>[pg 5]</span> and, when Ned had finished + telling his story and offered to pay for the chicken, + said:</p> + + <p>"Did you take that chicken out of my poultry-house?"</p> + + <p>"Not exactly, but it's the same thing. We knew about it and + helped eat it."</p> + + <p>"Was it tender?" asked the farmer.</p> + + <p>"No, sir, it was the toughest thing I ever put in my + mouth."</p> + + <p>"I thought so. Why, that rooster was a regular antique. He + must have been a hundred years old. Next time you want a + chicken for a late supper, better let me choose it for you. Who + helped you eat that rooster?"</p> + + <p>"Please don't ask us that. We'll tell you anything about + ourselves, but we can't give him away."</p> + + <p>"Wouldn't think much of you if you did. No need of it + anyhow. I know who it was."</p> + + <p>"He must have told you then, for we haven't told + anybody."</p> + + <p>"Do you remember that while you were cooking that rooster + out in my woods, Steve Daly, your companion, said he heard + somebody in the bushes and you said it was only a dog?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I remember it. I did say that."</p> + + <p>"Well, I was that dog!"</p> + + <p>"And you never told on us?" asked Dick. "Then you've been + mighty kind and I'm ashamed to look you in the face."</p> + + <p>"Never be ashamed to look anyone in the face, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page6" + id="page6"></a>[pg 6]</span> my boy. It isn't good to take + even a little thing that doesn't belong to you, but that + won't happen again to you. But weren't you playing truant + when you had that tough supper in my woods? Doesn't your + conscience trouble you at all about that?"</p> + + <p>"Not a bit," said Dick; "that wasn't mean."</p> + + <p>It was fortunate for Dick's peace of mind that his + conscience wasn't troubled by mischief, for he was never out of + it and was at the root of about all the purely mischievous + happenings at the school.</p> + + <p>Even the lesson of the camping incident and the doctor's + kindly talk wore off in a fortnight. Yet he was popular with + teachers as well as pupils. His head was crowned with a mass of + sandy hair and his impertinent face plastered with freckles. + The boy was quick and full of grace as a wildcat and so well + built and lithe that he was a terror on the football team.</p> + + <p>Dick was often too busy to attend to his studies and fell + behind in his lessons, until the good doctor sent for him and + gave him an earnest but understanding talk which sent the boy + back to his books, filled with remorse and determined to get to + the head of his class in a hurry. One of these resolves was + usually effective for about a week. After which Dick generally + suffered a severe relapse.</p> + + <p>During his last winter at school, he frequently took long + tramps in the woods in the hours when he should have been at + his books, and was finally taken + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page7" + id="page7"></a>[pg 7]</span> to task by his chum for the bad + example he was setting the younger boys by playing + truant.</p> + + <p>"But, Ned," said Dick, "I just can't keep away from the + woods, and they do me good, I know they do. I am a whole lot + better every way after a good long tramp by myself through the + thickest woods I can find. I'd like to camp out in them + to-night and I believe I will."</p> + + <p>"That's all right, Dick. I'll camp with you; only we've got + to have Doc's permission. He trusts us a lot, and we can't go + back on him."</p> + + <p>"Nice chance we've got of getting that. Maybe he'd camp with + us!" said Dick satirically.</p> + + <p>"Shouldn't wonder if he would. You don't understand Doc. Did + you ever know him to refuse a fellow anything he squarely asked + for, unless he simply had to do it? Come along."</p> + + <p>And the boys walked together to the study.</p> + + <p>"Doctor," said Ned, "Dick and I want to camp out to-night in + Farmer Field's woods, if you have no objection."</p> + + <p>"Want to camp out? Well, so do I, only I am afraid I might + be needed here. Do you know how to camp? What do you expect to + take with you and how will you keep warm?"</p> + + <p>"We thought of taking a hatchet, a blanket for each of us + and some potatoes to roast. Then we will make a bed of hemlock + boughs, build a fire near it and roll up in our blankets."</p> + + <p>"Well, you may go, and I will help out your + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page8" + id="page8"></a>[pg 8]</span> commissariat with a loaf of + bread and a chicken. But be sure you have plenty of fuel + ready before dark. It will be a cold night and you will have + to replenish your fire three or four times before + morning."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Doctor. You don't know how much obliged we are + to you for your kindness."</p> + + <p>"And you don't know how much trouble I am in for, when the + rest of the boys hear of this escapade of yours."</p> + + <p>But after the study door closed the doctor smiled quietly to + himself and said under his breath:</p> + + <p>"Just like myself at their age—have the woods + instinct."</p> + + <p>Ned and Dick slept little that night. There was about a foot + of snow on the ground and they scraped bare a place for their + camp-fire beside a big stump and gathered enough fuel from + windfalls for the night. Then they rolled a log beside the fire + for a seat and built a soft bed with fragrant branches of + hemlock and spruce. They roasted the chicken over a thick bed + of glowing coals and baked potatoes in the ashes of the fire. + The chicken was carved with their pocket knives and they got + along without forks or plates. By using bark gathered from a + birch and softening it over their fire they made cups with + which they brought water from a nearby brook. When supper was + finished the boys rolled up in their blankets and lying on the + bed they had built on the snow, inhaled its fragrance as they + watched the eddying smoke of their camp-fire and the stars that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page9" + id="page9"></a>[pg 9]</span> shone through the spreading + branches above them and listened to the voices of the night, + from the distant cry of an owl to the whish of falling snow, + shaken from evergreen boughs by the breeze. They had visions + of camps, scattered from the equator to the poles, some of + which were destined to be realized. Ned formed a plan that + night, of which he wrote to his father, but of which he said + nothing at the time to his chum.</p> + + <p>But as Dick stood beside Ned in their last hour at + Belleville, and the sadness of parting was in the face and eyes + from which fun usually bubbled, Ned said:</p> + + <p>"My father owns a tract of land in the Big Cypress Swamp of + Florida. There is a lot of fine timber on it and he intends to + set up a lumber mill in the swamp and perhaps build a railroad + from Fort Myers to some part of it. A surveyor with a guide is + going into the swamp this fall to locate the best timber and + I'm going with them. You know how we have planned to do real + camping and exploring together. Well, here's our chance. I've + written to Dad and he invites you to go with me. We can start + any time. When can you be ready, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"Ned, I'd give all I have in the world to go with you, but I + can't—I can't. Mother has spent more than she could + afford to keep me at this school and sometimes I'm ashamed when + I think how I've wasted my time. Now I don't mean to be an + expense to her or anyone else hereafter. I won't take + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page10" + id="page10"></a>[pg 10]</span> a penny that I don't earn, + from anybody, and I won't go on any trip, even with you, + until I can pay my own way, every cent of it."</p> + + <p>"But, Dick, your companionship and the work you can do will + be worth all it costs, twice over, to me and to Dad and he will + feel just that way about it."</p> + + <p>"It's like you, Ned, to say all that, but it's no use and + you know it. You've been mighty good to me ever since I came to + this school and I'm going to keep your good opinion by not + accepting your offer to go with you now. Some time, when I can + keep up my end, I'll be with you bigger than an Injun. If you + ever find strange footprints down in those Everglades, better + foller 'em up. They'll likely be mine. Good-bye, Ned."</p> + + <p>The boys clasped hands and as Dick walked away tears rolled + down his freckled cheeks.</p> + + <p>Four months after the parting of the two friends, at + Belleville, Dick received a letter postmarked "Immokalee, + Florida," which was headed:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p class="author">Big Cypress Swamp,<br /> + 20 miles from anywhere,<br /> + October 10th.</p> + + <p>DEAR CHUM:</p> + + <p>Here I am! on a prairie inside the Big Cypress Swamp, + about which we used to talk and where we planned to camp + some day. Well, it's bigger than anything we ever dreamed + of and every foot of it is alive. Sometimes I sleep in a + tent, but more often <span class="pagenum"><a name="page11" + id="page11"></a>[pg 11]</span> under the stars. Last + night I heard the scream of a panther, so near that it + made me shiver, and the next minute a frog dropped from + the branch of a tree over my head and fell on my face. I + must have screamed louder than the panther, for I scared + Chris Meyer, the surveyor, who is camping with me, + pretty badly. The guide we expected didn't come, so we + are guiding for ourselves. I hope Chris knows where we + are, for I am sure I don't. We measure the big cypress + trees with a tape line and Chris calculates the number + of feet of lumber in each tree. Then we estimate the + trees in an acre and guess at the number of acres. At + least that's the way the business looks to me. Sometimes + the walking is easy, but to-day we had to wade through + mud waist-deep and the moccasins were pretty thick. I + watched out for the ugly things and it kept me on the + jump, but Chris marched straight ahead and paid no + attention to them, excepting once when a big + cotton-mouth that was coiled on top of a stump struck at + him. Then he fell over backward into the mud, and I had + a good laugh at him—afterwards. Chris killed that + snake. It was a short, thick snake and about as pretty + as a Bologna sausage, but its mouth opened five inches + and its long, needle-like fangs were dripping with + venom. I am hungry all the time and enjoy our bill of + fare very much, although it is only bacon, grits and + coffee, morning, noon and night. We are traveling light, + for we carry all our baggage on our backs. We see deer + and wild turkey <span class="pagenum"><a name="page12" + id="page12"></a>[pg 12]</span> every day and it's pretty + hard to keep my hands off my rifle, but I promised Dad + not to shoot anything out of season. In three weeks the + law will be off and then it will be bad for the first + buck I meet. Chris says it's good for me to see a lot of + deer before I shoot at any. He says I won't be so likely + to miss or only wound them when I really hunt them. I + guess he's about right, for when I first saw a + deer—it was a big buck and only twenty yards + away—I had a regular attack of buck ague and I + couldn't have hit the side of a house even if I'd been + inside it. Now I can look at one, point a stick at him + and say <i>bang</i>, with my nerves just as quiet as if + it were a cow. I have seen a few bears, but they are + very shy. We'll turn loose on them, too, when we get + round to hunting, but in the mean time we are sticking + to our timber job for all there is in it.</p> + + <p>An old alligator hunter is camping beside us to-night. + He is bound for Boat Landing, with a lot of alligator hides + and otter skins, and I am finishing up this letter to send + by him. Just as soon as this surveying business is over I + am going to have a glorious hunt. If only you were here we + would start out by our lonesomes and have all the + adventures we ever talked about. Probably Chris will go + with me. I haven't quite the pluck to try it alone, as I + know you would do in my place. I may brace up to it, + though. Dad has given me permission to do just as I please. + He says he trusts me not to be foolish or foolhardy and to + keep him informed of my plans. Isn't he a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page13" + id="page13"></a>[pg 13]</span> good Dad? Come if you + can. Come when you can.</p> + + <p> Always and forever your + chum,</p> + + <p class="author" + style="margin-top:-1.5em">NED.</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Dick's mother read Ned's letter and was quiet and sad all + the rest of the day. After Dick had gone to bed she went into + his room, sat down on the bed beside him, kissed him and + said:</p> + + <p>"Dicky boy, mother wants you to take a good, long vacation. + You've worked hard and been a great comfort to her since you + left school and now she's going to send you to your chum Ned, + down in Florida where she knows your heart is. Now—don't + speak yet—mother knows what you want to say. dear, but + she can perfectly well afford to send you and you will hurt her + feelings if you don't let her."</p> + + <p>Dick put his arms around his mothers' neck and as soon as he + could speak, half sobbed out:</p> + + <p>"Oh, Mumsey, I can't take your money. You've got so + little."</p> + + <p>"But mother wants you to, so much."</p> + + <p>Dick held his mother's face close to his own for a minute + and then said, very slowly:</p> + + <p>"Mumsey, I'll go—and it's really and truly because you + want me to—but I won't take any of your money. Hush, now! + Don't you say a word, or I'll—disown you. I've got a + ten-dollar bill of my own and I'll keep that in my pocket just + so you won't worry for fear I'm hungry; and I will bet you ten + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page14" + id="page14"></a>[pg 14]</span> dollars I'll bring that same + bill back to you and I won't go hungry one day either."</p> + + <p>"But, Dick—"</p> + + <p>"Not one word, Mumsey, except to say you'll take that bet. I + can get a ride to New York on a boat, any day. Then I'll go to + the Mallory Line and work my way to Key West on one of their + boats; and from Key West I can find a fishing boat that will + land me on the west coast of Florida somewhere within a hundred + miles of Ned, and I'd walk that far just for the fun of + surprising him."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page15" + id="page15"></a>[pg 15]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER II</h3> + + <h3>DICK GOES TO SEA</h3> + + <p>Three days after Dick's talk with his mother, he boarded a + Key West steamer just as it was leaving its New York pier. He + sat on the deck and watched busy ferry-boats in the river, + fussy tugs and chug-chugging launches in the harbor, and the + white-winged yachts and great ocean steamers in the lower bay. + He looked back from the Narrows upon the receding city, to the + east upon Coney Island with its pleasure palaces, and to the + southwest upon the great curve of Sandy Hook. Every step upon + the deck near him brought his heart into his mouth in dread of + what he knew he had to face. When the steamer was opposite Long + Branch and there was small chance that he could be sent back, + he inquired for the captain, whom he found talking to some + young girls among the passengers. This somewhat reassured + Billy, for he felt that the captain wouldn't eat him up in the + presence of the young ladies, and he stood waiting with his cap + in his hand until the captain spoke to him.</p> + + <p>"Do you want to see me, my + boy?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page16" + id="page16"></a>[pg 16]</span> + + <p>"If you are Captain Anderson, I do, sir."</p> + + <p>"All right, go ahead."</p> + + <p>"I want you to set me to work, sir."</p> + + <p>"Why should I set you to work? Do you belong on the + boat?"</p> + + <p>"Not yet, but you see it's this way. I had to get to Key + West and I thought I'd work my passage with you."</p> + + <p>"Why didn't you ask me before we left the dock?"</p> + + <p>"Because I was afraid you wouldn't take me, if you could + help it, and I had to go."</p> + + <p>"You cheeky little devil, I believe I'll chuck you + overboard."</p> + + <p>"Oh!" said a brown-eyed girl who stood beside the captain, + "you mustn't do that!"</p> + + <p>The captain laughed and said to Dick:</p> + + <p>"I hope you understand that you owe your life to this young + lady. Now, go and report yourself to the cook and tell him to + put you on the worst job he's got."</p> + + <p>"Thank you very much, Captain, but couldn't you make it the + engineer instead of the cook? I'd rather work than wash + dishes."</p> + + <p>"I'd like to oblige so modest a boy. Report to the chief + engineer, give him my compliments and tell him you are to have + the hottest berth on the boat. He'll probably set you to + shoveling coal."</p> + + <p>Dick thanked him again; then looking into the face of the + girl, he said:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page17" + id="page17"></a>[pg 17]</span> + + <p>"Thank you, Miss Brown-Eyes, for saving my life," and, + bowing low, turned away.</p> + + <p>"Captain, couldn't you see that he was a gentleman? What + made you give him such hard work?" asked the girl.</p> + + <p>"Because he was such a cheeky gentleman that if I let him + stay on deck he would take command of the boat by to-morrow and + all you young ladies who helped him would be guilty of mutiny + and would have to be executed."</p> + + <p>Dick was put to work in the engine-room, oiling the + machinery. Some of the work was easy and safe, some of it was + easy but not safe. Oil cups had to be filled as they flew back + and forth, bearings must be oiled after great steel rods had + flashed by and before they returned. The swift, silent play of + the great piston and the steady motion of the resistless, + revolving shaft, half hypnotized the boy and he stood, dazed + and in danger, until called down by the sharp rebuff of the + engineer.</p> + + <p>"'Tend to your business, there. Don't watch that shaft or + you'll go dotty."</p> + + <p>On the second day of the trip there was trouble in the + fire-room. The steamer had started on the trip short of firemen + and now a fireman who had fallen in the furnace-room, striking + his head on the steel floor, was lying unconscious in his + berth. The pointer on the steam-gauge fell back, the engine + slowed down, crisp commands came from pilot-house to + engine-room, sharper messages passed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page18" + id="page18"></a>[pg 18]</span> between engine and fire + rooms, while overworked men grew sullen and threatened to + throw down their shovels.</p> + + <p>Dick offered to do the work of a fireman, but the engineer + shook his head and said:</p> + + <p>"That's a man's work, boy."</p> + + <p>"Give me a shovel and a chance."</p> + + <p>And they were given him. He soon learned to throw the coal + evenly and feed the furnaces like a fireman, but his unseasoned + body shrank from the fierce heat; he staggered back from the + hot blast every time he swung open a great furnace door and, + until the clang of its closing, he could scarcely draw a + breath. He threw off his jumper and his white skin fairly + gleamed in that grimy place. The other firemen looked curiously + at that slight, boyish form which was doing a man's work like a + man and there was no more shirking in front of those furnaces. + The fireman nearest the boy often pushed him aside and spread + shovelfuls of coal over his grates, rushing back to his own + work that it might not fall behind. A strong beam wind sprang + up and the boat rolled badly, while Dick, with his hands + blistered, fought fiercely to keep off seasickness and to keep + up his fire.</p> + + <p>Up in the main saloon and around the deck a young girl + wandered as if she wanted something without quite knowing what + it was. She climbed stairs under the sign "passengers not + allowed," went in and out of the pilot-house and, meeting the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page19" + id="page19"></a>[pg 19]</span> captain, asked if she + couldn't go wherever she wished on the boat. He replied:</p> + + <p>"Yes, Miss. I appoint you third mate, with power to give any + orders you please and go wherever you wish."</p> + + <p>A little later, with a dark waterproof drawn tightly over + her light dress, she opened the door leading to the + engine-room, and clinging to the heavy brass rail, climbed + slowly down the narrow, greasy iron stairway till she stood + beside the mighty engine. The engineer hastened to her + side.</p> + + <p>"It's against the rules and very dangerous, Miss, for a + passenger to come into this room."</p> + + <p>"But the captain told me I could come."</p> + + <p>"All right, but please be very careful and hold tight to + that rail. I am afraid I haven't any right to let you stay, + anyhow."</p> + + <p>"Thank you very much and I'll be very careful."</p> + + <p>The girl watched the engine for some time and then crept + slowly along a steel bridge that looked like a spider's web, + from which she could look into the furnace-room, with its + roaring fires, scorching heat and constantly clanging iron + doors. For some minutes she gazed silently, then turning + quickly, hurried across the bridge, up the greasy stairs and on + to the main saloon where she found her father in a big + arm-chair, buried in a book. The girl first pulled the book out + of her father's hands, then, sitting on the arm of his chair, + clasped her hands on his shoulder and whispered eagerly into + his ear.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page20" + id="page20"></a>[pg 20]</span> + + <p>"Daddy, I want you to get that boy out of that hot place + down in the bottom of the boat where he is at work. I know he's + sick, for I saw him lean up against the wall and shut his eyes + and he was just as white—"</p> + + <p>"Why, Molly, where have you been to see all this?"</p> + + <p>"First, I went where the big engine is, then I went a little + farther and saw—Oh! Daddy, hurry, please; if you don't I + know he'll die."</p> + + <p>"So you want me to get this boy up in the saloon to play + with you?"</p> + + <p>"I don't mean that at all, Daddy. I should think you'd hate + to see anybody worked to death down in that hot hole."</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll see the captain about it as soon as I have + finished my book."</p> + + <p>"Don't you think you'd better see him now? I'm quite sure + you won't enjoy your book while I'm here and I've decided to + stay with you for the present."</p> + + <p>"All right, Molly, come along," and they hunted up the + captain, whom they found sitting near the pilot-house.</p> + + <p>"Captain, I have taken an interest in that stowaway of + yours. Is there any objection to having his name put on the + cabin list, at my expense, of course?"</p> + + <p>"No kick coming from me," said the captain, "though we + <i>are</i> short-handed in the fire-room and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page21" + id="page21"></a>[pg 21]</span> the boy has been doing a + man's work there. I don't believe he will accept your offer, + for he's an independent little cub and, as I have put him to + work, I can't insist upon it."</p> + + <p>The captain sent a deck-hand for Dick, and the boy appeared + on deck in overalls and jumper, cap in hand.</p> + + <p>"Dick," said the captain, "this gentleman has put your name + on the passenger list. The purser will give you a room and a + seat at the table."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Captain, please don't take me from my work. I know I've + got to leave it if you say so, but—"</p> + + <p>"No, you haven't," interrupted the captain; "you are on the + pay-roll and can hang on to your job as long as you do your + work."</p> + + <p>Dick's face was still troubled as he turned toward Molly and + her father, meeting a reproachful look from the girl, which + made him wonder if he had seemed ungrateful for the kindness + shown him, and said:</p> + + <p>"I want to thank you a thousand times for your kindness and + I will come to the cabin if you think I—Have you any boy + of your own, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I have a boy of about your age."</p> + + <p>"If he were here, in my place, what would you like to have + him do?"</p> + + <p>"I'd be proud of him if he did just what you're doing, my + boy."</p> + + <p>Tears were in Dick's voice as he said:</p> + + <p>"Thank you very much, sir," then, turning to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page22" + id="page22"></a>[pg 22]</span> Molly, a roguish smile lit up + his face as he bowed to her, saying:</p> + + <p>"Thank you again, Miss Brown-Eyes."</p> + + <p>The next day when Dick was off duty, instead of going to his + bunk, he dressed himself carefully and went up on the promenade + deck. It was quite contrary to the rules, but the officers only + smiled and looked away, while many of the passengers spoke to + him, for the story of his having refused cabin passage was + pretty well known on the boat. He walked about restlessly, as + if in search of something or somebody, until he caught sight of + a girl in the extreme bow of the boat, looking down upon the + water twenty feet below her. Dick suddenly discovered that he + wanted to look over the bow, too. A minute later he was leaning + on the rail behind the girl, looking down upon a school of + porpoises, or herring hogs, which were playing about the boat. + A jet of water and spray curled upward from the cutwater of the + steamer, which was running at high speed, but the graceful + little creatures kept abreast of her without apparent effort. + There were twenty or thirty of them, gliding in and out as + gracefully as if they were moving to the measure of a waltz. + Sometimes one touched the prow or side of the boat; usually + they kept pace with the steamer as evenly as if they were a + part of it; but occasionally one darted ahead at a speed which + left the boat behind as if it were standing still. At last the + girl, long conscious <span class="pagenum"><a name="page23" + id="page23"></a>[pg 23]</span> that some one was standing + beside her, putting out her hand to that somebody, said:</p> + + <p>"Aren't they dears? Oh!" she added, as her hand was taken + and she looked around, "I thought it was Daddy. Please excuse + me."</p> + + <p>Dick looked as if he might be persuaded to forgive her, and + for some minutes they stood in silence, leaning over the rail + and looking at the playful porpoises beneath them, when he + said:</p> + + <p>"I hope you don't think I didn't appreciate your father's + lovely offer. You will never know how grateful I really was to + him—and to somebody else, too, who, I think, had + something to do with it."</p> + + <p>"Of course I don't think you were ungrateful, but I did hate + to see you at work down in that hot place and I don't see why + you couldn't have come up in the cabin and been comfortable and + not had to wear such greasy clothes."</p> + + <p>"How did you know where I was at work?"</p> + + <p>"I happened to be looking at the big engine and I walked + along a little way and saw you way, way down near the bottom of + the boat in front of a hot furnace, shoveling coal into + it."</p> + + <p>"Now I know where that offer came from," said Dick, "and I + want you to see why I couldn't accept it. I wanted very, very + much to get to Key West and I was very glad of the chance to + work my passage. Perhaps it was wrong to come aboard the way I + did. I guess it was. But Captain Anderson gave me a job and + made it all right. Now I'm not + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page24" + id="page24"></a>[pg 24]</span> ashamed to look anyone in the + face, even when I have on my fireman's clothes, while if I + gave up my work and let a stranger give me what I could earn + myself I would feel like a charity scholar and I don't think + I'd have the cheek to speak to you or any one else on + board."</p> + + <p>Molly told her father of her talk with Dick and he said:</p> + + <p>"I can use that kind of a boy in my business. I'll have a + talk with him when we get to Key West."</p> + + <p>Three days later the great steamer lay beside her wharf in + Key West. Dick was paid the full wages of a fireman for the + trip and when he said he wasn't worth so much, was + good-naturedly told to shut up and advised that if he refused + to take money that was offered him in that town he was likely + to be caught and exhibited as a freak. He shed his jumper and + overalls and exchanged hearty good-byes with the whole crew of + the steamer. He walked through the saloons, but it was early, + most of the passengers were yet in their berths and neither + Molly nor her father was to be seen. Dick went out on the dock + to inquire for a boat to Chokoloskee, Caxambas or Marco. He was + referred to a Captain Wilson, who told him that the boat for + Chokoloskee had just sailed, was beyond hailing distance and + wouldn't leave again for a week, and that there was no Caxambas + or Marco boat in port. Dick found the captain so genial and + friendly that he told him something of his + story.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page25" + id="page25"></a>[pg 25]</span> + + <p>"I'll fix you out," said Captain Wilson. "I own a sponging + outfit and am just starting out on a cruise, but I'm one man + short. So you come in his place. It will be a short trip, not + over four weeks. You'll make good wages and I'll find you a + chance to get to Chokoloskee when we get back. You can live on + board till I find it. If you stay here you are bound to lose a + week and your board anyhow."</p> + + <p>"I'd like to go first rate, but I don't know anything about + sponging."</p> + + <p>"You'll learn fast enough. Can you scull?"</p> + + <p>"A little. I can row better."</p> + + <p>"Have to scull in sponging, but you'll pick that up. Can you + come aboard now? I want to be off."</p> + + <p>"I need some clothes and would like to say 'good-bye' to + some friends on the steamer."</p> + + <p>"I can fit you out on board with all the clothes you will + need on the cruise, so hurry up and see your friends. I'll wait + here for you."</p> + + <p>But Molly and her father had left the steamer and Dick went + with Captain Wilson aboard his sloop, which sailed at once.</p> + + <p>The captain hunted up some clothes for Dick to wear while + sponging and as the boy came on deck after putting them on, his + first glance fell on the white sails of a schooner yacht which + had just passed them, but was then two hundred yards away. The + beauty of the boat appealed to Dick and his eyes rested + lingeringly upon her. How much greater would have been his + interest had he known that the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page26" + id="page26"></a>[pg 26]</span> two forms which he could see + on the deck of the yacht, near the companionway, were the + Molly of whom he was thinking at that moment, and her + father, and that they were talking of him. What a pity that + he couldn't have known that Key West had been searched for + him and that Molly's father had offered a reward for his + name and address! Had Dick come on deck two minutes sooner + the bow of the yacht <i>Gypsey</i> would have been thrown up + in the wind and that tiny launch lowered from the boat's + davits in less time than it takes to tell of it. And then, + had Molly's father known Dick's name, he would have taken + the boy to his yacht, if he had had to tie him to do it, but + if Dick had once heard the name of Molly's father it would + not have been necessary to tie him. However, if either had + known the name of the other this story would not have been + written.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page27" + id="page27"></a>[pg 27]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER III</h3> + + <h3>LIFE ON A SPONGER</h3> + + <p>The yacht sailed on and Dick, walking up to Captain Wilson, + who stood at the wheel, said, as he lifted his cap:</p> + + <p>"I beg to report for duty, sir." The captain grinned, as he + replied:</p> + + <p>"I hope you'll always be as polite. You'll sure be a + curiosity on this coast. I'll put you in with Pedro. He doesn't + know much English, but you can talk enough for both. There he + is, that black-mustached fellow, with little rings in his ears. + He will let you know what your duties are."</p> + + <p>A string of four dingies trailed behind the sponger and as + many poles, each thirty feet long, with a sponge-hook at one + end, lay upon the deck. Pedro was examining one of these poles + when Billy went to him and said:</p> + + <p>"Pedro, I am to go in your boat. What do I have to do?"</p> + + <p>"You scull where I tell you—slow—I look in + glass—see sponge—take up pole—you stop + still—then <span class="pagenum"><a name="page28" + id="page28"></a>[pg 28]</span> you scull where pole + go—you work good or I keek you."</p> + + <p>"Pedro, if you ever keek me, you'll go overboard queek and + don't you forget it."</p> + + <p>The sponger lay at anchor on the sponging ground for nearly + a week before the water was clear enough for work. Dick spent + most of his time sculling his dingy and soon learned to throw + his weight on the big sculling oar to the best advantage + without going overboard very often. One day while Pedro sat in + the bow, they saw a 400-pound loggerhead turtle lying asleep on + the water. Pedro motioned to Dick to scull up to the turtle and + when the dingy was within three feet of the creature he jumped + on its back and seized the edge of its shell just behind the + head, with both hands. Pedro's weight was so far aft on the + turtle's deck that the bow pointed upward and the reptile's + struggles only served to keep its head above water and thus + carry the man comfortably on its back. Soon Pedro shifted his + right hand to the tail-end of the turtle and thereafter + navigated his living craft with ease. Dick sculled the dingy + beside the turtle and, while trying to make fast the boat's + painter around the creature, fell overboard. Pedro didn't know + enough English to express his feelings fully, and so talked + Spanish for a while. Dick thought he could get the rope around + the turtle more easily if he stayed in the water, and he + finally succeeded, though the reptile got one of the sleeves of + his shirt while he was doing it. Then the boy + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page29" + id="page29"></a>[pg 29]</span> and Pedro got into the boat + and pulled the turtle beside it. In rolling the reptile + aboard they shipped a lot of water and as the turtle dropped + suddenly to the bottom of the dingy Dick fell backwards out + of the boat. Pedro began to express himself in Spanish + again, and, as the sponger was less than two hundred yards + distant, Dick swam to it, leaving his companion to bail out + the dingy and scull it to the big boat. The boat's tackle + was required to hoist the turtle aboard, where it was turned + over to the Cook, who butchered it on deck. The heart of the + reptile continued to beat for hours after it had been + removed from the body, so strongly that its throbbing could + not be restrained by the grip of the most powerful hand. + Pedro said that the heart would beat till the sun went down, + and it did.</p> + + <p>For days Dick hunted all the turtles he saw lying on the + water. At last he got near enough to one to grab him before he + dove. But he got hold too far back, the reptile's head was + already turned downward and his flippers forced him rapidly + forward. Dick hung on as well as he could, which wasn't for + long, for the strong rush of the water and its great pressure + as the reptile made for the bottom quickly compelled the boy to + let go. Yet he was under water so long that when he came to the + surface Captain Wilson was in a dingy sculling like mad to + reach him. The captain gave the boy a kindly warning, which + affected him so much that in ten minutes he was off after + another turtle, which he saw asleep. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page30" + id="page30"></a>[pg 30]</span> The creature began his dive + just as Dick jumped for him, and the boy got hold of his + tail-end as it was lifted above the water, in time to get a + sharp slap in the face from the heavy hind flipper of the + turtle. Dick sculled for an hour without seeing another + turtle, when, as he was returning to the boat and within a + hundred yards of it, one rose beside the dingy so near that + the boy was on its back before it could go under the + surface. He soon had his charger in fair control, but the + science of riding a big loggerhead turtle isn't picked up in + a minute. One of the crew came out in a dingy to help, but + Dick asked him to pick up his boat and oar and take them to + the sponger and said that he would ride back on the turtle. + Sometimes his steed was manageable, and once he got within a + few yards of the big boat, when it broke loose and carried + him fifty yards away. Then, as Dick tried to check the + reptile, he pulled its head too far and tipped it over on + its back on top of himself, with his own head so near the + parrot-like jaws of the loggerhead that when they were + snapped in his face they missed his nose by about an inch. + The turtle was as anxious to turn over as the boy, and, by + favoring his motions, Dick soon had the creature right side + up, while he again rode triumphantly on his back. In another + hour the halyards were fast to the turtle and Billy had made + good his promise to ride it back to the boat.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/30.jpg" + name="fig30" + id="fig30"><img width="100%" + src="images/30.jpg" + alt='"DICK HUNTED ALL THE TURTLES HE SAW"' /></a>"DICK + HUNTED ALL THE TURTLES HE SAW" + </div> + + <p>When the water became clear the dingies were sent out with + two men in each, one of whom sculled while + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page31" + id="page31"></a>[pg 31]</span> the other sat with his face + in a water-glass watching the bottom for sponges. The + water-glass is a bucket with a glass bottom which so smooths + the surface of the water as to produce the effect of a + perfect calm to one who is looking through it. The first day + of sponging was like a dream to Dick. The water was smooth + as a mirror and no water-glass was needed. He sculled slowly + over water so clear that he seemed to be floating in the + air. Beneath him was fairyland, filled with waving + sea-feathers and anemones, paved with curious shells, + strangely beautiful forms of coral and sponges of various + kinds, and alive with fish of many varieties. Sometimes + there floated on the surface of the water Portuguese + men-of-war, most beautiful of created things, like + iridescent bubbles, with long silken filaments, delicately + lined in pink, purple and entrancing blue. Lighter than + thistledown, fitted to drift with the merest zephyr, they + can nevertheless force their way against a breeze. Harmless + as a soap-bubble in appearance, each of them is charged with + virulent poison, and when Dick touched one with his hand he + received a shock that made him wonder if a bunch of hornets + had hidden in that innocent-looking bubble.</p> + + <p>Sometimes schools of little fish gliding beneath the dingy + began to dash wildly about, and a moment later a group of + jackfish or Spanish mackerel could be seen darting around and + picking up stragglers from the little school, which often + huddled for <span class="pagenum"><a name="page32" + id="page32"></a>[pg 32]</span> protection close beside and + beneath the dingy. Dick like all brave boys, was on the side + of the under dog, and he laughed with glee when a + quick-moving mackerel shark appeared among the pursuers of + the little fish and picked up a few of them for his + breakfast as he drove the rest away. As Dick sculled easily + with one hand, he kept an eye upon Pedro, and obeyed the + signals of his hand, to go to the right, the left, or stop, + as sponges were seen. Then from time to time the long pole + with the claw at the end was lowered to the bottom and a + sponge torn loose.</p> + + <p>Sometimes Dick changed places with Pedro, and manipulated + the long pole with the claw, while Pedro handled the sculling + oar. Then Dick began to learn the difference between coarse + grass and common cup sponges, and the finer fibred glove and + choice sheep's wool varieties. For when he was clumsy with the + pole, Pedro only swore softly in Spanish, but when he brought + up a worthless grass sponge, the big oar was lifted, and the + boy might have been knocked overboard but for the iron claw + which he held high, while a purpose gleamed in his eye which + made Pedro peaceful. But Dick felt that Pedro was half right + and he set to work studying sponges until he knew them almost + as well as his teacher. His strength and skill with the sponge + hook were less than the Spaniard's, but his eye was quicker and + Pedro's chronic growls were often changed to grunts of + approval. When the surface of the water was + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page33" + id="page33"></a>[pg 33]</span> ruffled by a breeze it was + needful to use the water-glass. Then Pedro sat with his head + in the bucket, studying the bottom, and when he took up the + heavy pole which lay on the thwarts of the dingy and dipped + it vertically in the water, it was the duty of Dick to stop + sculling at once. But once while Dick was sculling and + looking for sponges he saw gliding beneath the dingy, a + whip-ray, the most beautiful member of the ray family. + Shaped like a butterfly, its back is covered with small, + light rings on a black background. Its long, slim tail is + like the lash of a coach-whip and at its base is a row of + little spears with many barbs, which are capable of + inflicting exceedingly painful wounds. The roof of the mouth + and the tongue of the fish are hard as ivory and shell-fish + are ground between them as rock is pulverized by the jaws of + a quartz-crusher. As Billy watched the graceful swaying of + the body of the whip-ray under the impulse of its wings, a + wandering shark came upon it. In its first rush the tiger of + the sea almost caught the beautiful creature, which + fluttered for a hundred yards upon the surface of the water, + with the jaws of its pursuer opening and closing within a + few inches of its body.</p> + + <p>Dick was so busy watching the chase and so earnest in his + sympathy with the frightened, fleeing whip-ray that he quite + forgot his duties. He was reminded of them when Pedro, who had + been frantically signaling him, took his head from the bucket + and made a speech in Spanish to Dick that must have + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page34" + id="page34"></a>[pg 34]</span> used up all the bad + adjectives in that language. Dick's conscience hampered him + so much that he was quite unable to reply fittingly, and the + battle of words was won by Pedro. The dingy drifted so far + during the discussion that they were unable to find the + sheep's wool sponge that Pedro had seen, and which he now + described as the finest one ever found.</p> + + <p>Each day the spongers in the dingies worked farther from the + sloop and each day more time was lost when the sloop made its + round to pick up the spongers for dinner. There were too few + sponges to please Captain Wilson, who sailed over the ground + whenever the water was smooth, studying the bottom with + practiced eye and throwing out little floats, with anchors + attached, wherever a sponge was seen.</p> + + <p>"I'm going to the 'Lake,'" said the captain, one afternoon + at the end of a day of little success. "It's a feast or a + famine there. You get rich or go broke."</p> + + <p>"What is there at the 'Lake'?" asked Dick.</p> + + <p>"Sponge, all sponge, the bottom lined with sponge. If the + weather is just right we'll pile the deck with sponges in a + week till you can't see over them. If the weather isn't exactly + right we won't get a sponge. On one cruise there, the men on + this sloop averaged twenty-five dollars a day apiece. I've been + there five times since without ever making enough to pay for + our salt."</p> + + <p>A week later the captain said to the boy:</p> + + <p>"Dick, you are a mascot. You've brought us big + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page35" + id="page35"></a>[pg 35]</span> luck. We never had such + weather here but once and I don't care now how soon it comes + on to blow. I reckon it'll begin to-night from the looks and + we'll hike for Key West to-morrow."</p> + + <p>Dick was glad to go. The week had been a hard one, the work + incessant and each night he felt as if his back were broken. He + was used to the fresh, sweet air of his country home and the + sloop he was in was arranged like most of the sponging craft, + with quarters sufficient for half the crew it carried. The deck + of the sponger was piled with the result of the work of the + week. The sponge of commerce, the one you buy at the drug + store, is the skeleton of the creature; the thing taken from + the water is its corpse. Not until this body has rotted away is + it pleasant to live with. Day by day the stench, like that of a + charnel house, became more unbearable to Dick. The crew seemed + never to notice it, which caused the boy much wonderment that + noses had ever been given them. He was glad when a strong wind + came and swept some of the smell away instead of leaving it to + settle in chunks in every nook and cranny on the boat.</p> + + <p>At Key West most of the crew went to their homes, but Dick + was invited to live on the sloop till he found a boat for the + coast he wanted to reach.</p> + + <p>Cargoes sent to Key West for a market are almost always sold + at auction and the auction houses in the early morning are busy + marts. Cargoes of sponge, fruit, vegetables, lumber and other + goods are sold <span class="pagenum"><a name="page36" + id="page36"></a>[pg 36]</span> in lots to suit purchasers, + who range from the dealer who buys by the cargo, or the + small merchant who takes a few boxes of pines, oranges, + grape-fruit, or tomatoes, to the housewife who wants a + watermelon or a bunch of bananas. On the day following their + arrival at Key West Captain Wilson handed Dick a roll of + bills containing a hundred dollars, saying to him:</p> + + <p>"That's about your share in the cruise, Dick. The sponge + hasn't been sold yet, but you are in a hurry to get off and I + reckon that's about right."</p> + + <p>Dick was dazed as he took the roll, but a moment later he + handed it back to the captain, saying:</p> + + <p>"I can't take that, Captain Wilson. It is ten times as much + as I have earned. You took me on as a boy and I want you to pay + me just what you would have paid any other boy."</p> + + <p>"Put that money in your pocket, Dick. You've done a man's + work and now you've got a man's pay and that's all there is to + it. Lucky for you, though, that the weather was good at the + Lake. If it hadn't been you wouldn't have got anything but your + board. Now come ashore and we'll hunt up a boat for Marco or + Chokoloskee."</p> + + <p>They stopped at an auction room in Key West for a minute, + when Captain Wilson sang out to a boy who was passing:</p> + + <p>"Hi, Johnny! Where's the <i>Etta</i>?"</p> + + <p>"Same old place, off the end of the dock."</p> + + <p>"Thought yesterday was your sailing + day."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page37" + id="page37"></a>[pg 37]</span> + + <p>"So it was, but Cap'n's in the calaboose. Got drunk yest'd'y + and had a fight. I got ter raise th' cash ter git him out."</p> + + <p>"Why don't the boss bounce him? He's drunk most of the + time."</p> + + <p>"Boss says Cap'n Tom's a better sailor when he's drunk than + any of th' others when they're sober."</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll get Tom out of limbo for you and charge it to + the boss. Only you must take this friend of mine with you to + Chokoloskee."</p> + + <p>"Sure! What's his name?"</p> + + <p>"Name's Dick. Can you make an alligator-hunter of him?"</p> + + <p>"Reckon I kin, or kill him + tryin'."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page38" + id="page38"></a>[pg 38]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER IV</h3> + + <h3>CAUGHT IN A WATERSPOUT</h3> + + <p>The next morning the <i>Etta</i>, with Dick on board, + started for Chokoloskee. The weather was bad, with a succession + of squalls from the southwest, and the captain kept in the lee + of the line of keys instead of taking the straight course + across the Gulf. But he carried all sail till the rotten + main-sheet parted at the boom, and when he came up in the wind + to lower the sail the main throat halyard refused to unreeve. + Before an order was given Dick was half way up the mast and + soon came riding down to the deck on the gaff. When reefs had + been taken in the sails, the sheet replaced, and the boat was + again under way, the captain said to Dick:</p> + + <p>"Who taught you sailoring?"</p> + + <p>"Captain Wilson taught me some, and—"</p> + + <p>"That's enough. You don't need to mention anybody else. What + Wilson doesn't know about sailing, sponging and fishing isn't + worth knowing."</p> + + <p>By noon they were about twenty miles southwest of North-West + Cape and, as the wind had moderated, the reefs were shaken out + and the bow of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page39" + id="page39"></a>[pg 39]</span> <i>Etta</i> pointed due + north, straight for Sand-Fly Pass. The breeze grew less and + less, and in two hours had died away entirely. From the + northeast a black, threatening cloud was moving slowly + toward them, while the sails flapped idly as the <i>Etta</i> + rolled to a heavy ground swell. The cloud came nearer and + grew blacker, while swirling little tails dropped from it, + almost touching the water, and then suddenly returned to the + black mass above.</p> + + <p>"What a funny cloud," said Dick to Captain Tom. "Does it + mean a hurricane?"</p> + + <p>"No. This is the hurricane month, but hurricanes always give + a day or two's warning through the barometer and that hasn't + changed a tenth in a week. But this is worse than a hurricane + if it hits us. Those are waterspouts in the making, that you + see dropping from the big cloud, and when one of them gets a + good hold on the water you will see something that you won't + forget as long as you live, which won't be a great while if it + hits us," said the captain.</p> + + <p>Almost as he spoke a great inverted cone of cloud settled + down from the mass above and touching the surface of the water + set it whirling furiously. The water from the Gulf was lifted + skyward, in a column which constantly grew broader at the base + while its pointed top, mingling with the almost equally solid + cloud, gave hour-glass form to the huge, swirling, threatening + mass that bore down on the <i>Etta</i>, within a half mile now. + Suddenly the waterspout separated from the great cloud mass and + moved <span class="pagenum"><a name="page40" + id="page40"></a>[pg 40]</span> rapidly eastward. For ten + minutes the crew of the <i>Etta</i> watched it until, when + more than a mile distant, the waterspout collapsed more + suddenly than it had formed and from the foam-covered water + a great wave rolled outward, spreading until the <i>Etta</i> + rocked in its path.</p> + + <p>"Thank goodness, that trouble's over," said Dick to the + captain.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but how about this one?" replied Captain Tom, as he + pointed to the big cloud which was now within two hundred yards + of them and more threatening than ever. Another waterspout was + forming and soon its roar filled their ears, while a towering + mass seemed to spread over their heads, ready to fall upon and + crush them. Already, spiteful patches of wind, torn from the + revolving cyclone, slapped the sails of the <i>Etta</i> as if + to tear them from the mast.</p> + + <p>"Shan't I take in sail?" asked Johnny of the captain.</p> + + <p>"No use," was the reply. "When that thing strikes us nothing + will make any difference and a bit of breeze in the next minute + might pull us out."</p> + + <p>For a long minute they watched the approaching demon which + was now within a hundred yards and its tremendous suction was + already disturbing the water about them when the captain + shouted:</p> + + <p>"Launch the dingy and get aboard; leave the oars to me!"</p> + + <p>In an instant the little dingy had been slid overboard and + the boys were sitting in the stern; then + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page41" + id="page41"></a>[pg 41]</span> Captain Tom stepped aboard + and was soon pulling mightily away from the <i>Ella</i> and + across the line of progress of the waterspout. But it was + all too late. The dingy was less than two hundred feet from + the <i>Etta</i> when she began to toss, lifting her bow high + and then plunging it deep beneath the surface. The first + touch of the waterspout carried away mast and sails and + swept clear the deck. In another instant the schooner was + engulfed, but her bulk broke the back of the waterspout and + it began to sway; its straight, smooth column began to kink + up and break, and many hundred tons of water fell crashing + into the Gulf. When the great column fell the dingy was + within three hundred feet and, as Captain Tom threw his + weight on the oars in a last effort to increase the + distance, one of the oars snapped and the captain fell on + his back in the bow of the boat, striking his head on the + gunwale with a force that stunned him. At this moment the + outflowing wave from the falling water swept over the skiff, + rolling it upside down. Dick, who was a regular water-dog, + saw the big wave coming and, as it rolled the dingy over, he + sank for a moment beneath the surface till the wave had + passed, then came up with all his senses alert. He swam to + the capsized dingy, which was near him, and was soon joined + by Johnny.</p> + + <p>"Where's the captain?" shouted Dick. "We've got to find him. + Look everywhere, Johnny."</p> + + <p>The broken water was now tossing madly and it seemed an age + to Dick before he caught a glimpse + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42" + id="page42"></a>[pg 42]</span> of the captain's head on the + crest of a wave two boat's lengths distant. He swam to the + place, and searched the water above and below, diving until + he was exhausted. He was losing hope when once more the + captain's body came to the surface and Dick seized it. He + started for the dingy with his burden, but was fearing he + would never make it, when he found Johnny beside him, + saying:</p> + + <p>"Here, you're played out. Put your hand on my shoulder. I + can take care of the cap'n, too."</p> + + <p>"All right, you take care of the captain. I can get back to + the dingy."</p> + + <p>When they reached the dingy the water had become so much + smoother that they were able to rest while clinging to the side + of the dingy and holding the captain's face out of water.</p> + + <p>"Don't 'spose Cap'n's dead, do yer?" said Johnny.</p> + + <p>"Don't think so, but we've got to get this dingy bailed out + and get him in it, mighty soon. Then I know what to do to bring + him to, if there's life in him. Lend me your cap and I'll bail + out the dingy."</p> + + <p>"That ain't the way we bail boats down here," said Johnny, + who got into the dingy and began to rock it. In about a minute + he had rocked it nearly dry and finished the job with his cap. + Dick then climbed into the dingy and the boys pulled the body + of the captain beside it and, bearing down on the gunwale until + water began to come in, dragged it aboard, half filling the + dingy as they did it. As Johnny began to bail again a feeble + voice beside him + whispered:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page43" + id="page43"></a>[pg 43]</span> + + <p>"What you fellers doin'?"</p> + + <p>The captain soon got stronger, and said he was all right but + for a headache which was splitting his skull. He tried to rise, + but fell back in a faint, and Dick told him he must lie still + and give orders, which Johnny and he would obey. Then Dick + stood on a thwart and studied the water as far as he could see, + hoping to find an oar. He saw a mast, a hatch cover and some + broken fragments from the <i>Etta</i> and at last the blade + from the oar which the captain had broken. Johnny and he + paddled with their hands until they recovered the oar blade. As + a light breeze had sprung up from the south, which was causing + them to drift northward, they headed south, paddling and + watching by turns, until they found the lost oar. Then Dick, + resting the oar in the sculling hole, called on the captain for + orders.</p> + + <p>"Better strike out due east and make for Nor'-West Cape. + That's the nearest land and we're liable to be struck by a + squall 'most any minute. Then there's a cocoanut grove at the + Cape and you'll be thirsty by the time you get there."</p> + + <p>"Gee!" said Dick, "I'm thirsty now. Wish you hadn't spoken + of it."</p> + + <p>Dick put his weight on the oar and as he swung back and + forth on it the captain called out:</p> + + <p>"You sure can scull, boy, but take it easy; you've got over + a dozen miles of it to the Cape and near fifty more up the + coast, after that."</p> + + <p>"Where do I come in?" said + Johnny.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page44" + id="page44"></a>[pg 44]</span> + + <p>"Go 'way, child, this is man's work," replied Dick, as he + swung easily on his oar, but with a vim that drove the dingy + through the water at good speed.</p> + + <p>Johnny begged for his turn, but didn't get it for two hours, + by which time the tops of the cocoa palms could be seen. Then + Captain Tom began to feel better and talked of doing his share + of the work, upon which Dick whistled a few bars of "Go 'Way + Back and Sit Down," which the captain seemed to understand, for + he gave no more trouble.</p> + + <p>It was nearly dark when they landed on a beach at the border + of a forest of cocoa palms and in a few minutes Johnny had a + dozen young nuts on the ground and was hacking at the tough + husk of one with his knife. When the ape-faced end of the nut + had been laid bare and the eye cut out with a pen-knife blade, + he gave the nut to Dick, who was soon absorbing the most + delicious drink of his life. There was about a pint of milk in + each nut, and it took a round dozen to quench the thirst of the + three. They broke open half-grown or custard nuts and ate their + pulpy meat and they tried some of the hard flesh of the mature + nut.</p> + + <p>The castaways built a fire on the beach for cheer and warmth + and piled up fallen leaves of the palm to soften their beds on + the sand. Captain Tom told the boys that the plantation house + was not occupied, and that the next house down the coast was a + number of miles distant and just opposite to the course they + wanted to take. He then added that he was no + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page45" + id="page45"></a>[pg 45]</span> more captain now than his + companions and would give no orders, but he advised that + they start up the coast before sun-up and do a lot of their + sculling in the cool of the morning. The boys collected a + couple of dozen of nuts to keep down their thirst and when + the sun rose they were several miles up the coast.</p> + + <p>About nine o'clock Dick said to the captain:</p> + + <p>"I wish it was breakfast time. I'm starving."</p> + + <p>"Have your breakfast any time you want it."</p> + + <p>"Want it now."</p> + + <p>"All right," said the captain, who was sculling, and he + headed the dingy for shore, where it struck on a reef at the + mouth of a stream.</p> + + <p>"Now, if you boys will rustle some wood I'll have your + breakfast ready."</p> + + <p>"I don't see anything to eat round here," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"How would an oyster roast strike you?" asked the + captain.</p> + + <p>"My, but wouldn't an oyster taste good? Do you s'pose there + is one within ten miles?"</p> + + <p>Johnny laughed and said:</p> + + <p>"What you standin' on? Must be a hundred barrels on + 'em."</p> + + <p>Dick looked down and was amazed to see that the whole reef + was composed of oysters—oysters of all sizes, oysters + single, in small bunches and in great masses.</p> + + <p>"Woods are full of 'em," said the captain, and he pointed to + the mangrove trees that lined the stream, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page46" + id="page46"></a>[pg 46]</span> the lower branches of which + were burdened with bunches of oysters bigger than Dick's + head. A fire was made and branches of these trees containing + bunches of oysters were thrown on it. A few minutes later + the branches were taken off of the fire, with shells + bursting open showing hot, steaming oysters ready for the + sharp sticks which took the place of forks with the + castaways. After Dick had filled himself with roast oysters, + he ate a few dozen raw, by way of a change, and then went + back to his roasting, until he was so full that he told + Johnny that he never wanted to eat again as long as he + lived, at which Johnny grinned. Only three hours later, as + Johnny was sculling over a shallow bank, he stopped work and + began to thump the bottom with his oar.</p> + + <p>"What is it?" asked Dick.</p> + + <p>"Bottom covered with clams. Reckon I'll pick up a few for + Cap'n and me. You said you didn't want to eat again, ever," + replied Johnny.</p> + + <p>But both of the boys went overboard and in a few minutes had + put more clams aboard the dingy than the whole party could have + eaten in a week.</p> + + <p>The castaways camped on their second night at the mouth of + Lossman's River, where they had a famous clam-roast. They found + a fisherman's house where they got fresh water and a can to + hold it, also some cornmeal, with which Johnny made an + ash-cake, or, as Dick called it, Johnny-cake. The captain said + it was the best thing he had ever eaten, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page47" + id="page47"></a>[pg 47]</span> Dick engaged him on the spot + as a camping companion on his hunt for his chum.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/46.jpg" + name="fig46" + id="fig46"><img width="100%" + src="images/46.jpg" + alt='"A SILVERY, TWISTING BODY SHOT TEN FEET IN THE AIR"' /> + </a>"A SILVERY, TWISTING BODY SHOT TEN FEET IN THE AIR" + </div> + + <p>The next morning the boys slept till the sun had risen and + the captain awoke them to look upon a gorgeous picture seldom + to be seen. The unclouded sun was shining brilliantly and the + eastern sky clear and bright, but in the west a storm was + gathering. There were snow-clad peaks brilliant with sunshine, + thunder-heads black as midnight from which lightning was + playing, while above and beneath them all shone a perfect + double rainbow and an equally perfect reflection of it from the + mirror-like surface of the Gulf. So perfect a double-circled + rainbow the captain had never before seen, and, though he lived + near the coast, Johnny had never seen one at all. By the time + they had finished their breakfast of roast clams and ash-cake + the rainbow had melted away and the storm-clouds were nearer, + but Dick wanted to start on up the coast. The captain shook his + head and Johnny recited:</p> + + <p>"Rainbow in the mornin', sailors take warnin'."</p> + + <p>Half an hour later all hands were glad to run to the + fisherman's house, from the doorway of which they looked out + upon storm-driven sheets of rain that shut out the Gulf and + fell in hissing masses upon the palmetto roof that covered + them, while the continuous blaze of lightning and crash of + thunder gave Dick his first taste of a tropical thunderstorm. + Half an hour later the sky was cloudless, the sun more + brilliant than ever, and the only reminder of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page48" + id="page48"></a>[pg 48]</span> the storm that had passed was + the sullen roar of the surf as the big waves broke on the + beach.</p> + + <p>When Johnny proposed to renew their voyage and the captain + assented, it was Dick who held back.</p> + + <p>"What can we do out there?" said he, waving his hand toward + the white-capped waves that were sweeping in and sending their + foam high up the beach. Johnny only laughed in reply, but the + captain and he dragged the dingy, in which two poles had been + placed, out into the surf until the waves rolled waist deep + past them.</p> + + <p>"Tumble aboard, both of you," ordered the captain, as he + stood by the stern of the craft, holding its bow squarely + against the incoming waves. The boys climbed aboard, and Dick, + following Johnny's example, seized a pole and together they + held the boat against the sweep of the surf until the captain + was aboard with the oar in his hands. It was exciting work and + as they pushed on and out, with each new wave tossing the bow + of the boat in the air and spilling its crest of water and foam + over the gunwales, Dick exclaimed:</p> + + <p>"Isn't it glorious? I never had such fun," and even the + captain smiled assent.</p> + + <p>They pushed on until outside of the breakers and among the + smooth-rolling waves, where the deepening water made poling + difficult and they resumed their sculling. The captain took the + first trick, while Johnny bailed out, with his cap, the water + that the waves had spilled + aboard.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page49" + id="page49"></a>[pg 49]</span> + + <p>Everything went smoothly and there was no more excitement on + the trip until in the afternoon, when Dick was working the + sculling oar. He was swinging it slowly, as he looked down into + the water, when there appeared suddenly, just under the dingy, + a great black creature, broader than the boat was long. As it + rose nearer to the surface, almost touching the craft, he saw a + great open mouth, three feet across, with a heavy black horn on + each side of it, which looked quite equal to disposing of Dick + and his boat at a single bite. The sight was so frightful that + Dick impulsively thrust his oar against the creature, and was + instantly thrown from his feet as the stern of the dingy was + tossed in the air and a column of water fell upon and around + him. When the commotion was over and Johnny had crawled back + into the submerged boat and was rocking it dry, Dick said to + Captain Tom, who was swimming beside him:</p> + + <p>"I believe I'll swim the rest of the way. I'm getting tired + of being pitched overboard every few minutes."</p> + + <p>After they were all aboard and Dick had resumed his work + with the oar, he asked the captain:</p> + + <p>"What was that thing that looked like a devil, that I hit + and that hit back?"</p> + + <p>"That was a devil-fish. They are perfectly harmless," said + the captain, adding, reflectively, "unless you punch 'em."</p> + + <p>The tide favored the castaways at Sand-Fly Pass + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page50" + id="page50"></a>[pg 50]</span> and they reached Chokoloskee + Bay without further adventure, but then came the painful + part of the trip: telling the owner of the <i>Etta</i> of + its destruction by a waterspout. All the comment Mr. + Streeter made was:</p> + + <p>"Glad none of you went down with the boat."</p> + + <p>The captain and Johnny went to their homes, while Dick + accepted Mr. Streeter's invitation to stay with + him.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page51" + id="page51"></a>[pg 51]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER V</h3> + + <h3>OUTFITTING FOR THE HUNT</h3> + + <p>The Streeter home was on the bank of a little river that + emptied into Chokoloskee Bay, and Dick, for the first time, saw + oranges and grape-fruit growing and tasted the delicious + alligator pear and the guava.</p> + + <p>After supper Mr. Streeter said to Dick:</p> + + <p>"Johnny tells me you have got a friend lying around loose + somewhere in the Big Cypress Swamp, or the Everglades, and that + you and he are going to take a day off to look him up."</p> + + <p>"That's about the size of it, only of course I don't expect + to find him in a day or a week. I had some hope that a month + would do. I suppose it all seems very silly to you?"</p> + + <p>"Not a bit, not a bit. The Big Swamp isn't a bad place, if + you've sand and sense, and I reckon you have both or you + wouldn't have got as far as you have. I suppose it's Ned + Barstow you're looking for?"</p> + + <p>"Who in the world could have told you? I haven't spoken his + name since I left home."</p> + + <p>"Nobody told me, but last week Chris Meyer, the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page52" + id="page52"></a>[pg 52]</span> surveyor, was here and, as we + are old friends, we talked half the night. He told me of his + work for Mr. Barstow, the big lumber man, and said that Ned + Barstow, his son, had been out in the swamp with him as + surveyor's assistant for 'most a month, Chris told me that + when he left, Ned was arranging to go on a hunting trip with + Billy Tommy, a Seminole Indian. He thought the plan was to + hunt slowly through the swamp to Tommy's canoe, which he had + left somewhere between Boat Landing and Charley Tiger's. Ned + expected then to work down through the Everglades to Cape + Sable if possible."</p> + + <p>"Is there any chance of my finding him in that great + wilderness, Mr. Streeter? It looks so much bigger than it did + from up north. How is it possible to keep from getting + lost?"</p> + + <p>"Don't have to. Soon as you begin to worry because you don't + know where you are, trouble begins. More than one man in this + country has gone crazy and killed himself because he thought he + was lost. Why, you can't be really lost. If you're worried just + start for the North Star. You'll hit somebody before you strike + the North Pole. But it's a heap easier to keep from worrying if + you've got company. Lordy, the picnic you and Johnny are going + to have! I wish I was as young as you and going with you. Your + best way to find Ned will not be to follow his trail, but to + head him off somewhere in the Glades. That's easier than you + think. I could pretty nearly figure out to a mile where he is + this minute. You <span class="pagenum"><a name="page53" + id="page53"></a>[pg 53]</span> see, he's with Billy Tommy, + and I know that Injun. Couldn't make him hurry if he tried, + and he won't try. He'll be so busy shootin' things and + skinnin' 'em and fussin' 'round camp that they'll get ahead + mighty slow. Shouldn't wonder if it took 'em a week from the + time they started to get to where Tommy left his canoe. Then + they will put out in the Glades and head straight for + Charley Tiger's camp."</p> + + <p>"How do you know that?"</p> + + <p>"Because I know Tommy and because it's the only Injun camp + 'round there where he'd be sure to find + <i>whyome</i>—that's whisky, or rum, or anything that'll + make drunk come."</p> + + <p>"But suppose Ned wouldn't go that way?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Tommy'd fix that. He'd point to the west and say, 'Big + Swamp, canoe no can take!' Then he'd wave his hand to the east, + 'No trail, <i>oko suchescha</i> (water all gone), saw-grass + <i>ojus</i> (heaps)!' No, they never got past Tiger's camp + without stopping. Then Tommy got drunk and Ned couldn't move + him under four days. It's an even chance that they are right + there now."</p> + + <p>"How far from here is Tiger's camp?" asked Dick.</p> + + <p>"Less than forty miles, but you'd think it was four hundred + before you got there, if you tried to cross the swamp to reach + it. Besides, they would certainly be gone before you could + possibly get to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page54" + id="page54"></a>[pg 54]</span> the camp. Then you couldn't + take a boat, and you've got to have one to follow your + friend."</p> + + <p>"Can I buy or hire a skiff, here?"</p> + + <p>"You can do a lot better. One of your Northern tourists left + a little beauty of a canoe with me, to be sold first chance I + got. It cost seventy dollars, delivered here, and you can have + it for twenty. It's only fifteen feet long and about two feet + wide amidships, but it weighs only forty pounds and when there + isn't water enough for the canoe to carry you, why, you can + carry the canoe. Then a few little traps go with it which you + may find useful. There's a broken fly-rod, which you can fix + all right, and a little single-barrel shot-gun, not worth much, + but you can always pick up a supper with it. There are also a + pair of grains, a light harpoon, and a cast-net which is torn + some, but Johnny can fix it. Johnny's got a rifle and all the + camp kit two tough boys will need.</p> + + <p>"Better take a piece of light, waterproofed canvas big + enough to keep off some of the rain when it storms, an axe, a + bag of salt to save the hides of the alligators you will be + sure to kill if Johnny goes with you, and some grits and bacon. + Oh! you may need a mosquito-bar, and if you do want it you're + likely to want it bad. Make it of cheese-cloth; that'll keep + out sand-flies, too. Some of my folks will run it up on the + machine for you in a few minutes. There may be some other + little things that you'll need, but you can trust Johnny to + think of 'em. Now, Dick, you don't have to pay for any of these + things till you <span class="pagenum"><a name="page55" + id="page55"></a>[pg 55]</span> get good and ready. I'm used + to giving long credits and this time I'm glad to do it."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Mr. Streeter, you don't know how grateful I am to you + for all you are doing for me. The money is the least part of it + and I can fix that all right. You wouldn't think I was a + capitalist to look at me, would you?" said Dick, laughingly. + "Since I left home I've rolled up quite a fortune as a fireman + and a sponger and I can pay my little bills and have money to + burn besides. How soon do you think we can get off?"</p> + + <p>"You ought to start to-morrow. You can get ready in an hour. + Know anything about canoeing?"</p> + + <p>"Not much, but I've rowed some in a shell."</p> + + <p>"That'll help you a little, but it leaves you something to + learn. The man whose canoe you have bought was cruising down + here with his family and he told me that every time one of 'em + stepped in that canoe he went overboard. He said he had to + choose between the canoe and his family and had concluded to + let the canoe go. One of my boys owns a little Indian canoe in + which Johnny and he have poled around a good deal, so I reckon + Johnny can keep inside of your canoe, but you'd better spend + the forenoon to-morrow practicing in it with a paddle, then you + can get off right after dinner and your clothes will be dry + before you make camp at night."</p> + + <p>"Does Johnny know the course we ought to take from + here?"</p> + + <p>"Not far, but I can help you some and you'll find + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page56" + id="page56"></a>[pg 56]</span> out the rest for yourselves. + You'll have to. Then Johnny savvies Injun talk pretty well + and you're sure to run across them or their camps. And he'll + likely know them, and if Ned's anywhere in their country or + has been there they'll sure know it. You will leave this bay + by way of Turner's River, which will take you into the most + tangled up part of the Ten Thousand Islands. You will go + through rivers and bays, around keys, along twisting + channels and up narrow, crooked creeks. You'll be lost from + the start, but you don't want to think of that. Just make + your course average southeast for the first fifty miles, + which you ought to cover in three days. Then hunt for some + creek coming from the east. It will be a little one, you + will have to drag your canoe, perhaps for miles, under + branches that close over the creek and you may have to carry + your canoe and pack your dunnage over prairie land. In a day + you ought to strike the Everglades. Then turn to the north + and look for Indian trails, which you want to follow + whenever they lead anywhere near where you are trying to go. + They will help you to dodge the worst of the saw-grass which + is likely to be your greatest trouble.</p> + + <p>"Keep along the border line between the Everglades and the + cypress country and you will probably hit Osceola's camp. He's + about the whitest Seminole in the State and he'll help you all + he can. Remember, when in an Indian camp, that their brand of + politeness is different from a white man's, though it + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page57" + id="page57"></a>[pg 57]</span> may be just as sincere. If + you're hungry, and don't see a spoon lying around, just dip + your hand in the family pot, if you can eat that way. If you + want to sleep lie down on the nearest unoccupied bunk. If + you make a mistake they won't tell you of it.</p> + + <p>"Now, remember above all things, that you mustn't get + rattled. That's the biggest risk you'll run in this country. If + you get separated from Johnny and think about being lost and + get excited and begin to walk fast, or run, stop right there + and sit down and don't go on till you're perfectly cool, not if + you have to camp right where you are for a night, or a day, or + both. Just as soon as you have taught yourself that when you + get excited you have got to sit still for an hour or two, + you'll stop getting excited. There is mighty little real danger + where you are going. There are bear and panther, but the only + thing on earth that's a bigger coward than a bear is a panther. + People from your country think the alligator is a dangerous + brute. I have lived among them, killed them, dealt in their + hides, of which I have shipped north the biggest consignments + sent from this coast, since before you were born, and I never + knew of a human being having been harmed by one. This deep + river running in front of my door used to be full of them, and + there are some there now, but my whole family of children swim + in it almost every day without thought of danger. Only two + weeks ago Johnny killed a ten-foot 'gator right in front of my + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page58" + id="page58"></a>[pg 58]</span> house and within a hundred + feet of it. Any of our hunters will wade into a pond where + there are fifty alligators, to drag out one they have shot; + many of them will tackle, with nothing but a stick, any + 'gator under six feet that they can catch on a prairie or + asleep on a bank, and a few of the boys will wade + bare-footed and bare-handed into a pond on the prairie and + bring out little alligators. Johnny is a dabster at that. + Likely you'll see him do it before many days.</p> + + <p>"Of course rattlesnakes are bad, but they always give + warning, usually a good long one. I've killed hundreds, perhaps + thousands of them and never been bitten. Cotton-mouth moccasins + are poisonous, but they are sluggish and not so very plenty. + You'll have to get used to the smaller moccasins. You will find + lots of them. I've kicked them out of my path on the prairies + and in the marshes for a good many years without having been + bitten by one.</p> + + <p>"Sharks have a bad name, and Florida waters are full of + them, but there is no authentic instance on record of their + having killed a man, woman, or child in this country. There are + convicts and other outlaws in the Ten Thousand Islands. They + may steal something from your camp, but they won't harm you. + Some of them are bad men, and when they kill their own kind, + people here don't mind it, but the outlaws know that the + community wouldn't stand for their hurting any of you + boys."</p> + + <p>Dick was ashamed when he got up to breakfast + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page59" + id="page59"></a>[pg 59]</span> to find that Mr. Streeter and + Johnny had been at work for an hour and had got everything + ready for a start, even to the mosquito-bar, which one of + the family had already made.</p> + + <p>The outfit consisted of a fly-rod, with reel, line and + flies; rifle and shot-gun, with fifty cartridges for each; pair + grains, harpoon, line and pole; cast-net, fish hooks and lines; + forks, tin-cups and plates, two each; light axe, saucepan and + frying-pan; piece of waterproofed canvas, six by eight feet; + lantern, kerosene, and bag of salt; white bacon, hominy and + corn meal, five lbs. each; canoe, two paddles and one long oar; + five gallon can of water, and bucket; waterproof box filled + with matches.</p> + + <p>Each of the boys carried a clasp knife and a pocket, + watertight match safe.</p> + + <p>Nothing had been loaded on the canoe, as Mr. Streeter wanted + to be sure that Dick could stay in it, before he filled it with + goods that water might harm. He was soon satisfied on this + point, for although Dick got into the canoe with exceeding + care, he kept his balance perfectly, and after the first few + strokes appeared perfectly at home in the craft. He paddled for + a few minutes kneeling on the bottom of the boat, then sitting + on a thwart, and finally came back to the dock sitting on the + stern, while the bow of the canoe tilted up in the air. Then + Johnny got in with him and the boys maneuvered the craft until + Mr. Streeter called out to them:</p> + + <p>"You kids are all right and don't need to waste + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page60" + id="page60"></a>[pg 60]</span> any more time. Better pack up + and be off, and save half a day." They loaded the canoe + carefully and took their positions, Dick in the stern and + Johnny in the bow. Then lifting their caps to the family, + who had come down to the dock to see them off, the boys + dipped their paddles together in the river and began Dick's + hunt for his chum.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page61" + id="page61"></a>[pg 61]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER VI</h3> + + <h3>DICK'S HUNT FOR HIS CHUM</h3> + + <p>An hour's paddling brought Dick and Johnny to the mouth of + Turner's River, up which they headed the canoe. A strong tide + setting up the river nearly doubled their speed.</p> + + <p>"Lucky for us that the tide is running our way," said + Dick.</p> + + <p>"Not much luck about it. Mr. Streeter knew about the tide. + That's why he hurried us off 'fore dinner. Tide'll be other way + this evenin'," replied Johnny.</p> + + <p>"Isn't Mr. Streeter a brick?"</p> + + <p>"He's all that. Lots o' people 'd have hard times 'f he + moved away. He helps th' Injuns, too, when they're in hard + luck."</p> + + <p>The first fork in the river was a mile from its mouth and + Dick, who was steering, took the right branch, which led + southeast, although it was much the smaller stream. At the next + parting of the stream one branch led to the east and the other + due south. Fortunately Johnny knew which fork to take, and for + a mile or two there was no trouble. Then the river opened out + into a broad shallow bay, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page62" + id="page62"></a>[pg 62]</span> filled with little keys, but + nothing to tell Dick which way to steer. He tried to keep to + a southeast course, but ran into shallows which soon ended + in a pocket from which they had to back out. Often they + followed a good channel for a mile, only to have it end in + an oyster reef, and again they had to turn back. A pair of + dolphins lifted their heads above the surface in front of + the canoe and with a sniff of fright started away across the + bay like an express train. They were great creatures, nearly + nine feet long, and were followed in their flight by a baby + dolphin less than half their size, which rose within reach + of Dick's paddle, sniffed impertinently in his face and + skittered away after his mother as fast as he could wiggle + his funny flat tail.</p> + + <p>"Better foller them porpoises," said Johnny; "they know the + channel."</p> + + <p>The dolphin is so uniformly miscalled porpoise, on the west + coast and everywhere else, that the creature will soon come to + think that it really is a porpoise.</p> + + <p>Dick followed the dolphins as long as he could see them and + was led into a deep channel which opened out into a series of + broad bays through which they paddled until, among the sunken + lands of the flooded mangrove keys, they came upon a shell + mound, the site of an old abandoned plantation. Dick's aching + muscles and Johnny's clamorous stomach had long been pleading + for a rest, and the boys landed on the mound for a picnic + dinner. They opened a box which Mrs. Streeter had given them as + they started <span class="pagenum"><a name="page63" + id="page63"></a>[pg 63]</span> from her home, and found a + bountiful lunch of cold venison, baked sweet potatoes, + boiled eggs, bread, butter, orange marmalade and two + pineapples.</p> + + <p>"Gee!" said Dick. "Are we going to live this way, Johnny?" + but Johnny only grinned.</p> + + <p>After the boys had eaten, as only boys can eat, they crawled + through the vines and among the thorns of the overgrown + plantation. They found stalks of sugar-cane and bunches of + bananas; wide-spreading guava and lime trees, loaded with + fruit; and tall Avocado pear trees from which hung purpling + globes of that great, creamy, most delicious fruit, commonly + called alligator pear. They filled with fruit the shirts they + wore, till they bulged like St. Nicholas, and made many trips + between the trees and their canoe. As Dick was standing beside + a lime tree, he heard a sound near him like the whirring of a + big locust. Dick had never before heard the angry jarring of + the rattles of the great king of snakes, but he didn't need to + be told the meaning of the blood-curdling sound, which seemed + to come from all directions at once. He gazed about him for a + moment, with every muscle tense, until he caught sight of the + head of the reptile waving slowly to and fro above the + irregular coils of his body. The snake seemed to be within + striking distance and the unnerved boy sprang suddenly away + from it, landing among the thorn-bearing branches of a big lime + tree. Dick soon recovered his nerve, and hunting up a big + stick, went cautiously in search of the reptile, which + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page64" + id="page64"></a>[pg 64]</span> he found still coiled. He + broke the creature's back with his first blow and had struck + several more when Johnny came crawling through the + undergrowth, and called out:</p> + + <p>"Want to save his skin?"</p> + + <p>"Sure," replied Dick, who hadn't thought of it before.</p> + + <p>"Then don't smash him any more and I'll show you how to + round-skin him. He's dead enough, now. A feller from New York + showed me how. He skinned 'em for a livin'. Birds, too. Said + he'd give me ten dollars if I'd get him the skin of one of + these fork-tailed kites. He wanted the nest and eggs, too. Say, + but he could skin things. Skin a bird without losin' a feather + or gettin' a drop o' blood on it. Said the best way to skin + snakes was 'fore they was dead."</p> + + <p>As Johnny began cutting the skin free from the jaws of the + reptile, the long, needle-like fangs dripped yellow venom and + Dick, looking on with a white face, half whispered:</p> + + <p>"Suppose you happened to touch those fangs?"</p> + + <p>"Ain't a-goin' to touch 'em. Wish I had my pliers here, to + pull 'em out. You oughter save 'em, and the skull, too. The + feller I was tellin' yer about always did."</p> + + <p>"I don't want them; makes me sick to look at them," said + Dick, who looked mightily relieved when, the head having been + skinned, it was cut off and thrown into the bay. After that he + became <span class="pagenum"><a name="page65" + id="page65"></a>[pg 65]</span> interested and helped Johnny + with his work until he held in his hand the beautiful skin + of a diamondback rattlesnake, over six feet long.</p> + + <p>In the afternoon the boys entered a big bay that seemed to + have no other outlet. They followed its shore for an hour, + exploring every little bay that looked big enough to hide the + smallest creek. They sounded the depth of the water with their + paddles and traced a little channel to a clump of bushes that + overhung the water from the shore. Johnny pulled the bow of the + canoe under the overhanging branches and found a little creek + through which the water was flowing. They dragged the canoe + into the stream and found water deep enough to float it, but + branches and vines obstructed them above, while logs and snags + troubled them below. They used their knives and the axe more + than they did their paddles. At times they lay down in the + canoe and dragged it under branches and at others got + overboard, and standing in water and mud, lifted it over logs. + They were in the deep gloom of a jungle from which the thick + growth above shut out nearly all the light. As they pushed the + canoe forward, unseen vines seized their throats in a garroting + clutch, while solid masses of spider-webs stuck to their faces + and spiders the size of a saucer ran over them. As Johnny sat + in the bow, he collected the most spiders, since Dick only got + those which his companion managed to dodge, but then Johnny was + used to the critters and didn't mind them, while Dick wasn't, + and did.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page66" + id="page66"></a>[pg 66]</span> + + <p>"What kind of snakes are these swimming round my legs?" + asked Dick, as he stood nearly waist-deep in mud and water and + helped lift the canoe over the biggest log they had struck.</p> + + <p>"Speckle-belly moccasins. Mustn't get scared o' them, if + you're goin' to hunt in this country. They ain't likely to bite + if yer don't step on 'em and they won't kill yer, nohow," said + Johnny.</p> + + <p>The stream was so crooked that the boys had to travel three + miles to gain one and as the troubles in their path seemed to + increase they talked of turning back. But as it was already too + late to get out of the creek before dark, they decided to keep + on. As it was, darkness overtook them while they were yet in + the creek. Among their stores was a lantern, by the light of + which they progressed for a little while, when Johnny proposed + making camp.</p> + + <p>"But we can't camp here. I'm not a merman, to sleep in the + water," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"You can stretch out in the canoe, if we tie it so it won't + tip over, and I'll build a brush bed good enough for me in ten + minutes," said Johnny, who took the axe, and cut a short pole, + which he rested on the branches of two trees which grew side by + side, so that the stick lay parallel to a fallen tree trunk + which lay about five feet distant. Then he cut a number of inch + saplings into six-foot lengths, with which he made a platform + from the pole to the tree, and spreading his blanket on this + elastic couch announced that his bed was ready. The boys made a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67" + id="page67"></a>[pg 67]</span> hearty supper from the + fragments that were left from the bountiful provision that + Mrs. Streeter had made for their dinner. Dick's bed in the + canoe was probably softer than Johnny's bed, but he didn't + sleep as well. The sides of his canoe were only five inches + above the water which contained the moccasins, and Dick was + sure he could feel their tongues touch his face as the + reptiles searched for a soft place to strike. Then the + snarling from a tree beside him would have been less + terrifying if he had known that instead of being, as he + supposed, two wildcats quarreling for the first bite at him, + it was merely a friendly family discussion between two + 'coons.</p> + + <p>Things looked more cheerful by daylight, and when Johnny + asked whether they should go on or turn back, Dick replied:</p> + + <p>"Go on just as long as the creek runs." But the creek became + choked with brush and turned back on its course, until Johnny + said:</p> + + <p>"If this crik gits any crookeder it'll fetch us back + home."</p> + + <p>The boys had to cut away two trees which had fallen across + the creek where the growth was so thick that to cut a path + around would have been more work than to clear away the logs. + The trees were large, their axe a little one, and when the boys + came to three trees lying near together across the stream Dick + was so dismayed that he said to + Johnny:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page68" + id="page68"></a>[pg 68]</span> + + <p>"Let's get back out of this creek. We must be on the wrong + track, Mr. Streeter said Indians and hunters got through this + country, but they never got through this way. What do you + think?"</p> + + <p>"Hate to go back, but s'pose we've got ter."</p> + + <p>Dick's spirits ran low during the return trip through the + creek. They were going in the wrong direction, and each hour + was taking him farther away from where he supposed Ned was. + Many times he wished they had kept on and fought their way + through the creek. After reaching the bay they had left the day + before they turned to the east and north as they followed + labyrinthic channels that led around big and little keys in + that part of the ten times Ten Thousand Islands. The work + became confusing, the waterways they followed led them toward + every point in the compass. Sometimes a narrowing stream made + them think they had struck a creek which flowed from the + mainland, but always it opened into some small bay filled with + little keys. Late in the afternoon they found a point of land + high enough for a camp, where they spent the night. After they + had eaten their supper, Dick said:</p> + + <p>"Johnny, do you know where we are?"</p> + + <p>"Nope; bin goin' 'round so fast I've got dizzy."</p> + + <p>"You mean we are lost?"</p> + + <p>"Yep; but that's nothin' s' long's we don't stay lost."</p> + + <p>"What shall we do, and where shall we + go?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page69" + id="page69"></a>[pg 69]</span> + + <p>"Go anywhere, only stick to it. Got ter do sumpthin; fresh + water's 'most gone. Reckon we'd better go 'bout sou'west. We + kin find a river that'll take us t' the coast, 'nd I kin find a + way that'll take us where you wanter go."</p> + + <p>An hour's paddling brought the boys to a bay in which were + several pretty keys, on one of which Dick saw a number of + beautiful white birds.</p> + + <p>"What are those?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Egrets," said Johnny. "Want ter shoot 'em?"</p> + + <p>"Of course not," replied Dick. "It's against the law, and + wicked, besides. They are the loveliest birds there are and + never ought to be killed just for fun."</p> + + <p>"We never kill 'em for fun. Only tourists do that. If you + Northern fellers didn't pay us ter git plumes we'd never kill + 'em. D'ye remember that key over there?"</p> + + <p>"No. What about it?"</p> + + <p>"See that crik by the palmetter 'nd the big stump? Know it + now?"</p> + + <p>"What! Isn't that the creek we slept in night before + last?"</p> + + <p>"Sure! 'nd that's where we wanter go now. Them trees that we + stopped fer was cut by our fellers to keep off the Lossman + River plume hunters. We've got ter cut 'em out, er git 'round + 'em if 't takes a week."</p> + + <p>"How about water?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page70" + id="page70"></a>[pg 70]</span> + + <p>"Find it t'other side o' the crik. I'd rather go without + than go back t' anybody's house fer it."</p> + + <p>"But that old shack where we killed the rattler isn't far + off, and I saw a water-barrel under the caves."</p> + + <p>"So did I, 'nd a possum floatin' in it, too. That's why I + didn't fill up there. We'll go slow on what we got 'nd do + without a day 'r two, 'nd we'll find some by then if we stick + t' anything."</p> + + <p>"We're going to stick to things hereafter, Johnny. It was + plumb foolish to lay down just because a tree got in our way, + and it was my fault, too. It isn't going to happen again, + though. Let's get through that creek to-night, if we have to + work by the light of the lantern."</p> + + <p>"Ain't you 'fraid o' the snakes?" said Johnny.</p> + + <p>"No. I'm too ashamed of myself for backing out of that creek + to be afraid of anything, except doing it again."</p> + + <p>When the boys got back to the trees which lay across the + creek, they took turns with the little axe, which was not much + heavier than a hatchet, until they had cleared an opening for + the canoe. They found other trees in their way, but they kept + on. Once they unloaded the canoe on stumps and logs until they + could lift it over a log that lay so deep in the water that it + was hard to cut. Five minutes later, and within a hundred yards + of where they had turned back on the previous day, the boys + reached the end of the creek, where it opened into + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page71" + id="page71"></a>[pg 71]</span> a bay which seemed to Dick as + beautiful as a dream. It was dotted with little islands, on + some of which were picturesque groups of palmettos, and on + others big trees filled with white-plumaged birds. Two black + dots on the surface of the water a hundred yards from the + canoe moved slowly across its bow. Johnny stopped paddling + and said:</p> + + <p>"There's a 'gator. D'ye want him?"</p> + + <p>"I don't see him."</p> + + <p>"See them two black knobs on the water? The little one's his + nose 'nd the big one's his eye. He's turnin' 'round 'nd showin' + both eyes, now. Shoot him in the eye if yer want t' kill him. + It'll take some time t' skin him, though, 'nd mebbe ye're in a + hurry to get along."</p> + + <p>"I sure am," replied Dick, and as the paddles dipped + together in the water, the alligator, suspicious of them, + slowly sank from their sight.</p> + + <p>At the end of the bay the boys found a deep, narrow river + with a current which Dick supposed was tidal, but which Johnny + thought came from the Glades. Dick tasted the water and was + surprised to find that instead of being salt it had the + sweetish taste of merely brackish water. There were birds of + many kinds in the trees on the banks of the river, and as the + boys paddled against the current Johnny saw a brace of ducks + swimming ahead of the canoe. He took in his paddle and picked + up the shotgun, which, with much forethought, he had placed + beside himself in the canoe before starting out. Dick + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page72" + id="page72"></a>[pg 72]</span> paddled very slowly and + quietly toward the ducks until they were within easy range. + Johnny had been told that if he wanted to be a real + sportsman he must never fire at birds with a shotgun unless + they were flying. So he waited until the ducks rose before + firing at them. The next instant a bird fell heavily on the + water a few yards ahead of the canoe.</p> + + <p>"Why, that bird fell out of this tree!" said the astonished + Dick. "I didn't know you fired up in a tree."</p> + + <p>"I didn't," replied Johnny. "That was a water-turkey, and he + isn't hurt a bit. They often act so when they're scared. Watch + out for him under the bank."</p> + + <p>In a minute or two Dick saw a long, snake-like head and neck + thrust out of the water by the bank. The head twisted about + with a quick, jerky motion till the bird's eyes rested on the + canoe, when it disappeared as suddenly as it had appeared.</p> + + <p>"What became of the ducks?" said Dick.</p> + + <p>"Reckon we'll find one of 'em 'round that p'int. The other + got away." Johnny was right, and the duck was found just around + the point.</p> + + <p>At some places the river narrowed into deep creeks and at + others broadened out into wide, shallow bays, where the boys + were puzzled to find the inlet they wanted. It was nearly noon + when they struck a stream of quite a different sort from + anything they had previously seen. Its mouth lay between banks + that were high for Florida, and through it flowed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page73" + id="page73"></a>[pg 73]</span> a stream of crystal-clear + water, which, to the great relief and delight of the boys, + was fresh as a mountain brook The bed of the stream looked + like sand to Dick, but when he thumped it with his paddle he + found it was coral rock. Suddenly Johnny called to him:</p> + + <p>"Watch out fur the boat," and resting his hands on the sides + of the craft leaped into the water without disturbing in the + least the balance of the canoe.</p> + + <p>As Johnny swam rapidly under water, close to the white coral + bottom of the creek, Dick saw that he was chasing a turtle + which was skurrying toward the bank for protection. It got + there all right, but the bank didn't protect it, and soon + Johnny came to the surface hugging to his breast with his left + hand a wildly flapping turtle, while with his right he struck + out for the canoe. Getting into the canoe would have been a + ticklish job, so Johnny handed the turtle to his companion and + swam to the bank while Dick followed with the canoe. By the + time Johnny had butchered the turtle, Dick had constructed a + very creditable camp-fire under a palmetto, in the shade of + which the boys rested while they waited for the turtle stew to + be ready for them. Their breakfast had been a cold one, + consisting entirely of fruit, and they had decided that for + dinner they would begin with turtle stew and end with broiled + duck. When the stew had been finished, Johnny inquired:</p> + + <p>"Want that duck cooked + now?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page74" + id="page74"></a>[pg 74]</span> + + <p>"No, I don't. If I ate another mouthful I'd bust. Let's have + the duck next week."</p> + + <p>Yet each of the boys managed to eat about a hatful of wild + grapes, which they found growing a short distance from their + camp-fire.</p> + + <p>Just as the boys were starting out again, Dick saw a turtle, + and, laying down his paddle, said:</p> + + <p>"Johnny, if you can catch turtles, I can. See me go for that + one."</p> + + <p>"Hold on," shouted Johnny, as Dick was about to jump + overboard. "That's an alligator turtle. Bites worse'n a + bulldog, and ain't good fur much t' eat, nohow."</p> + + <p>As they kept on up the creek, its banks came nearer + together, trees were more numerous, and the bushes thicker. + Soon these began to close overhead, while the stream itself + broke up into several smaller ones. As these twisted about, + forming a labyrinth of little channels bounded by hundreds of + tiny keys, all cohered by an interlaced canopy of leaves and + branches, Dick wondered if ever they could find their way out. + But he had resolved that morning that never again would he turn + back in his exploring so long as it was possible to go on. The + little streams continued to become smaller and the turns + shorter, until to get around the bends the axe was in constant + use to clear a path, while the boys waded and often dragged or + carried the canoe. It was wearing work, and they frequently sat + down to rest. On one of these occasions Johnny + inquired:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page75" + id="page75"></a>[pg 75]</span> + + <p>"How long you want ter keep this up? This ain't the right + creek, not the one Mr. Streeter told about."</p> + + <p>"I know that. The creek he spoke of must be away south of + this, but this will probably take us to the Everglades, or near + them. So we had better keep on till the brook gives out and + then travel to the east, toting the canoe till we get to the + Glades. We may be away north of Osceola's camp, but there will + likely be a trail that will help us to find it, and anyhow we + will be near the line that Mr. Streeter thinks Ned and the + Indian will follow. Don't you like the plan?"</p> + + <p>"Me? Sure! I don't want any better fun than t' keep on t' + the Atlantic Ocean, only 'fraid it'd be too hard fer you."</p> + + <p>Night found the toys in a narrow stream, scarcely more than + the width of the canoe, with bushes around them so thick that + they found it hard to clear a place big enough to sleep on. + They were tired enough to sleep soundly, in spite of the + occasional cries of the birds and beasts of the forest.</p> + + <p>They made an early start in the morning, and, although the + creek was crooked and they had to cut away many small trees, + they were encouraged to find the bushes becoming less abundant + as the water grew more shallow, and by dark they were on the + border of an open prairie, where they made camp for the + night.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page76" + id="page76"></a>[pg 76]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER VII</h3> + + <h3>THE MEETING IN THE GLADES</h3> + + <p>"The Everglades at last!" said Dick the next morning as the + rays of the rising sun fell on the waters of the Everglades in + the distance and lit up the clumps of cypress and groups of + palmettos that dotted the prairie before him. A little to the + north and extending into the Glades was a row of willows which + Johnny visited and found that it marked the course of a slough + that crossed the prairie and extended far out into the + Glades.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/76.jpg" + name="fig76" + id="fig76"><img width="100%" + src="images/76.jpg" + alt='"THE EVERGLADES AT LAST"' /></a>"THE EVERGLADES + AT LAST" + </div> + + <p>They were soon afloat in this slough, paddling toward the + Everglades, but the channel which they followed was crooked and + it was an hour before they reached them. The boys made their + camp beside a little group of palmettos on a bit of dry ground + which had often been used for that purpose. Johnny pointed to a + faint line in the grass of the Glades and told Dick that it was + an Indian trail. Dick was excited at the thought that the chum + he had come so far to meet might even now be in sight. When, + far to the north, he saw what Johnny said was an Indian canoe + with two people poling it, he could scarcely restrain himself + from <span class="pagenum"><a name="page77" + id="page77"></a>[pg 77]</span> paddling out to meet it. The + canoe came on rapidly, and Dick's excitement increased until + he began to fancy that in one of the faces that showed above + the grass he could make out the features of his chum, when + Johnny dashed his hopes to the ground by saying:</p> + + <p>"Them's Injuns. Squaws, too. B'lieve I know 'em."</p> + + <p>Then as the approaching faces showed more clearly through + the tall grass:</p> + + <p>"Sure thing. It's Miami Billy's girls. They'll savvy where + Charley Tommy is."</p> + + <p>The Indian girls were poling past the canoe without + appearing to see it, when Johnny spoke to them. Then the girls, + who were clothed in the brightest of prints, with masses of + beads on their necks, sat down in their canoe and had a pow-wow + with Johnny that was altogether unintelligible to Dick. When + the girls had gone, Johnny explained:</p> + + <p>"Squaws say: 'Think so Charley Tommy not been Osceola Camp, + two moons. Been Big Cypress; hunt 'gator. Maybe so hunt with + white man. Not been Charley Tiger camp this moon.' The girls + left that camp day 'fore yesterday. Only other trail from + Tiger's camp goes t' Miami. We c'n camp right here 'nd ketch + 'em sure."</p> + + <p>Johnny proposed that while waiting they do some alligator + hunting. They got out their canvas and rigged up a regular + camp. Dick wrote a few lines on a scrap of paper, addressed it + "Mr. Edward <span class="pagenum"><a name="page78" + id="page78"></a>[pg 78]</span> Barstow," and fastened it on + a palmetto tree, in such a way that no one passing along the + trail could fail to see it. The boys then unpacked the + canoe, and turning it upside down on a bit of dry land + stowed their stores under it. They gathered a lot of grass + for their beds, arranged for an early start in the morning, + and slept dreamlessly till morning came. The hunt was to be + on foot, and Johnny insisted that Dick carry the rifle, + while he made up a light pack for himself of axe, + frying-pan, forks and a little bacon, corn meal, bait and + matches. When Dick saw Johnny's pack, he said to him:</p> + + <p>"Won't we get back to-night?"</p> + + <p>"Mebbe so, but you can't allers tell. We might get to + follerin' sumthin and be gone two or three days. I don't reckon + we're goin' to get lost, though we may be bothered some."</p> + + <p>"If there's a chance of that we haven't got enough to + eat."</p> + + <p>"Got plenty. All we really want is a rifle, matches and + salt. They'd be good for a month."</p> + + <p>"What do you do for bread?"</p> + + <p>"Cut the bud out of a cabbage tree."</p> + + <p>The boys tramped across the prairie to a belt of cypress, + where Johnny stopped for some minutes, looking back to study + the landscape and take note of every clump of trees and bit of + water in sight.</p> + + <p>"I thought you were not afraid of getting lost," said + Dick.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page79" + id="page79"></a>[pg 79]</span> + + <p>"I ain't afraid. I could alters git home all right, but I'd + hate to lose the canoe."</p> + + <p>The cypress strand was swampy, and they crossed it by + stepping from root to root, excepting that once, when Dick was + looking at a moccasin, he made a misstep and landed in the mud, + where he sank to his waist. The woods were narrow, and beyond + them was a broad prairie with clumps of trees and pools of + water scattered through it. As they walked and waded they + crossed the tracks of many animals and birds, to most of which + Johnny could give names. There were plenty of 'coons, a few + wildcats, some deer, and one bear, while between the little + ponds alligators had worn regular paths.</p> + + <p>"What's that?" said Dick as a lizard-like creature scuttled + through the grass some fifty yards in front of him.</p> + + <p>"'Gator! Shoot quick, 'fore he gits t' that pond!"</p> + + <p>Dick fired, and his bullet spattered the mud over the + reptile's back as it slid into the water.</p> + + <p>Dick was very much chagrined at missing his quarry, but + Johnny consoled him.</p> + + <p>"I'll git ye another shot at him. I'll call him out o' the + water, and if he don't come I'll take a stick an' go in there + an' run him out."</p> + + <p>Johnny stood beside the pond and grunted in imitation of a + young alligator. In a few minutes two black dots appeared on + the surface of the water, and, slowly rising, disclosed the + eyes and the point of the nose of an alligator. Johnny grunted + again, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page80" + id="page80"></a>[pg 80]</span> and the big mouth opened wide + to take in the baby 'gator which the reptile thought he + heard. Then the horny ridges of the back began to appear, + and soon the whole body of the reptile lay on the surface. + Johnny whispered to Dick:</p> + + <p>"Shoot him in that hump behind his eyes." Dick took careful + aim and fired. The alligator rolled slowly over, with its + yellow belly on top and its four paws uplifted. Johnny waded + into the pond and dragged out the body of the reptile, which + Dick helped him skin. When this had been done Johnny cut from + the creature a round strip of white flesh, about a foot long, + beginning at the hind leg and running toward the tail.</p> + + <p>"What's that for?" said Dick.</p> + + <p>"Fur dinner. I told ye we'd find 'nuff t' eat."</p> + + <p>"Do yon s'pose I'm going to eat that?"</p> + + <p>"Sure! 'nd yer goin' ter like it."</p> + + <p>"Then I wish I hadn't helped skin it."</p> + + <p>Just as the boys were leaving the pond they heard a little + grunt, and turning around saw a baby alligator, less than two + feet long, lying on the surface.</p> + + <p>"Want ter ketch that alive?" asked Johnny.</p> + + <p>"Can you do it?"</p> + + <p>"I'll show' yer."</p> + + <p>And Johnny took off his shoes and waded into the pond. He + waded about the pond, feeling in the mud with his toes until he + felt the reptile, when, slipping his toes under it he lifted + his foot suddenly <span class="pagenum"><a name="page81" + id="page81"></a>[pg 81]</span> and brought the alligator + near enough to the surface to be able to seize him. Dick was + delighted with the captive, but was frank enough to say:</p> + + <p>"Johnny, I said once that I could learn to do anything that + you could. I take that back. I couldn't learn to do what you + did then in a thousand years."</p> + + <p>Johnny laughed and said:</p> + + <p>"You'd do it this afternoon, and I'll bet on it."</p> + + <p>Johnny tied a string around the jaws of their little pet and + handed it to Dick, who carried the wiggly thing so awkwardly + that Johnny took it back and, opening the bosom of his shirt, + put the alligator where he would have a soft bed and plenty of + room to prowl around.</p> + + <p>"That's another thing I'd be scared to do," said Dick.</p> + + <p>Johnny led the way to a clump of palmettos beside a clear + little spring and a nice shady bit of ground, where they made a + camp-fire, after driving away a family of moccasins that seemed + to own the place. A slice of alligator steak, nicely browned, + was served on a palmetto fan to Dick, who nibbled squeamishly + at the delicate morsel at first, but soon handed back his leafy + plate for another helping.</p> + + <p>"Wouldn't have believed it," said Dick, "but I never tasted + any better meat."</p> + + <p>"Wait till I cook ye a rattler. That beats fried + chicken."</p> + + <p>"No, thank you. I draw the line at + snakes."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page82" + id="page82"></a>[pg 82]</span> + + <p>"You drawed it at 'gators this mornin'. Want some more?"</p> + + <p>And Dick shamelessly passed up his plate.</p> + + <p>The boys walked and waded several miles, until they were + near a heavily wooded tract, which Johnny said was cypress + swamp. It was late in the day, and they were about to turn back + when Dick saw a turkey, which was holding her head half as high + as his own, step silently into the cover of the woods, followed + by half a dozen of her half-grown brood. Johnny saw the birds + almost as soon as Dick, and exclaimed excitedly:</p> + + <p>"We've got ter have one of them young turks if it takes all + night."</p> + + <p>They entered the swamp and got sight of one of the turkeys + as he ran along a log, and they walked to where they saw the + bird, only to get another glimpse at about the same distance. + Again they followed the birds, this time as cautiously as if + they had been stalking hostile Indians. Often they saw one or + more of the turkeys, but never within easy range.</p> + + <p>"Better try a long shot. They're gettin' wild," said + Johnny.</p> + + <p>"No, you try 'em, Johnny; you're used to the rifle and + you're a better shot than I, anyhow."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/82.jpg" + name="fig82" + id="fig82"><img width="100%" + src="images/82.jpg" + alt="WE'VE GOTTER HAVE ONE OF THEM YOUNG TURKS IF IT TAKES ALL NIGHT" /> + </a>"WE'VE GOTTER HAVE ONE OF THEM YOUNG TURKS IF IT TAKES + ALL NIGHT" + </div> + + <p>Johnny took the weapon, and his chance came soon. One of the + young birds lit on a stump within long range of him and + remained there until he had taken a careful sight and fired. + The bird fell, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page83" + id="page83"></a>[pg 83]</span> the rest of the brood flew + into the depths of the swamp. When the boys were ready to + start back to camp, Dick discovered to his chagrin that he + had no idea of the direction in which they should travel. + Johnny, too, was in some doubt, and as it was already + growing dark and they had been traveling in the swamp for an + hour or two, he proposed that they camp right where they + were.</p> + + <p>"How can we camp here? Water's knee-deep, there's no place + for a fire, and I'd starve to death before morning. Don't you + expect to have anything to eat until to-morrow?"</p> + + <p>"Bet yer I do! What's the matter with young turkey?"</p> + + <p>"Young turkey's bully, but raw turkey's bum."</p> + + <p>Johnny laughed and waded to where a fallen tree had left a + level place among its upturned roots. A few minutes' work with + the hatchet, which Johnny always carried when hunting, cleared + out a good foundation for a fire.</p> + + <p>"Bully for you! I'll dress the turkey while you build a + fire," said Dick.</p> + + <p>By the time the bird was ready for the frying-pan, Johnny + had not only built the fire, but had cut a lot of poles and + rigged up a rough cot between the fallen tree and a rotten log + that lay near it. Johnny cut some thin slices of bacon for the + frying-pan and then filled it with thick slices and chunks of + turkey. When this had been cooked and disposed of, Dick still + looked hungry, and another panful + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page84" + id="page84"></a>[pg 84]</span> of the bird was fried. Dick + slept some during the night, but complained that he had a + map of his bunk on his back, which had been printed deeply. + When breakfast was over and the last bone of the turkey had + been picked, the boys turned their faces to the east and + started for their camp. They soon reached an open glade, + which was quite unfamiliar to them, and were about to enter + it, when Johnny, who was ahead, slipped behind a tree and + held up his hand warningly to Dick, who promptly got behind + another. Two deer were in the opening, about a hundred yards + to windward of the boys, toward whom they were slowly + feeding. Dick was excited and was nervously raising his + rifle, when Johnny whispered:</p> + + <p>"Don't hurry. Got lots o' time."</p> + + <p>Dick was ashamed of his nervousness, and determined to + conquer it, even if he didn't fire at all. One of the deer was + a buck with fine antlers, and Dick watched his slow advance, as + he looked around for a moment and then browsed for a minute or + two, until the boy felt that his nerves were steady once more. + The buck was within fifty yards when Dick lifted the rifle to + his shoulder and let his cheek rest upon its stock. In another + instant the hunted deer had caught sight of the hunter, but it + was too late. The beautiful creature stood motionless for half + a minute, while Dick wondered if he could have missed, and then + sank slowly to the ground, dead. At the report of the rifle the + other deer, which <span class="pagenum"><a name="page85" + id="page85"></a>[pg 85]</span> was a doe, scampered a few + yards, then, turning back her head, gazed with wondering + eyes upon her fallen mate. Johnny took from his pocket a + cartridge, and, holding it between thumb and finger, looked + inquiringly at Dick. Dick shook his head, and in another + instant the doe had scampered out of danger. Dick helped + Johnny skin and dress the deer, and learned a lot while + doing so, but he seemed less happy than a boy should be + after killing his first deer.</p> + + <p>"Johnny, I wish that buck hadn't looked at me out of his big + eyes just when I was killing him. If I had waited a second I + believe I wouldn't have fired."</p> + + <p>"Glad ye didn't wait, then. Why didn't yer worry about th' + 'gator? 'Gators has fine eyes."</p> + + <p>When the boys started on again they counted their loads + light, but after they had crossed the glade and waded and + wallowed through a mile or two of swamp they were of a + different opinion. When at last they had crossed the swamp and + only a bit of prairie lay between them and the Everglades, they + were glad enough to throw down their packs for a long rest. The + Everglades were before them, but where was their camp? In that + open country they could have seen it for three, perhaps four, + miles. Johnny had studied the country around the camp when they + left it the day before, but could see nothing familiar now. + However, the boy wasn't + worried.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page86" + id="page86"></a>[pg 86]</span> + + <p>"Reckon we're too fur north. Better go south a few miles, + 'nd if we don't find it we'll turn 'round 'nd go t'other way. + All we got ter do is t' stick t' the saw-grass," said he.</p> + + <p>For a quarter of a mile the tramp was an easy one. Then the + boys struck a hit of boggy ground, in which they sank over + their knees at every step. When the ground became firmer the + water got deeper, and after wading half a mile without a chance + to lay down his pack and rest, Dick said:</p> + + <p>"Johnny, I always heard that Florida deer were small, but + this one must have weighed a ton. Wonder if your half is as + heavy as mine. I've got to sit down on that hummock and + rest."</p> + + <p>Dick waded to the hummock and sat down on it, wondering what + Johnny was laughing at. The next minute he understood, for the + hummock gave a heave and Dick rolled off into the water, while + a scared alligator scurried away through the water and mud of + the prairie. The hummock was only a pile of loose grass such as + alligators often collect and under which they live in the + Everglades and the submerged prairies about them. Soon the boys + found dryer ground, and after a brisk tramp of half an hour + were cheered by the sight of their camp. There was no sign of + life about it, to the great disappointment of Dick, who had + been hoping that Ned had found it. Before reaching their camp + they had to cross a slough that was wide and deep.</p> + + <p>"Reckon we've got ter swim," said Johnny as he + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page87" + id="page87"></a>[pg 87]</span> found a dry place on the bank + for his pack and his rifle before wading into the stream. + But the bottom was of coral and hard, the water reached only + to his arm-pits, and the boys crossed without trouble, + carrying their packs on their heads. Dick decided to wait + for Ned at the camp, and Johnny collected wood and proceeded + to smoke their venison. For two days they stayed by the + camp, watching the trail and keeping the buzzards away from + the venison by day and listening to the cries of the wild + creatures in the woods near-by at night, when Dick's + patience gave out.</p> + + <p>"Johnny," said he on the morning of the third day, "we've + got to find Ned Barstow. Do you s'pose if he knew that I was + within fifty miles of him he'd loaf in camp for a week + expecting me to run over him? Not much he wouldn't. He'd be + sky-hootin' from daylight till dark over the whole country till + he lit on me. Mr. Streeter said Charley Tommy couldn't get past + Tiger Tail's camp under four days. Now, what's the matter with + our meeting him there? Can't you follow the trail of those + squaws bade to Tiger's camp?"</p> + + <p>"I kin try. Mebbe 'tain't so easy's you think, though."</p> + + <p>"What risk do we run in trying it?"</p> + + <p>"Nothin', 'cept we may miss your man. We're all right 'nd + could live anywhere in this country for a year on what we've + got and could pick + up."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page88" + id="page88"></a>[pg 88]</span> + + <p>"Then let's hike out. I can't keep still any longer."</p> + + <p>The boys followed the trail by which the squaws had come + without difficulty for a few miles. Then came a stretch of open + water, where their eyes failed to catch the faint traces of the + passing canoes among the few scattering blades of grass that + appeared on the surface. Several times they picked up the trail + after they had lost it, but at last they missed it for miles. + They decided not to go back, and kept on, hoping to find it + again. They kept in the light grass as much as they could, but + in avoiding the strands of the heavy saw-grass of the Glades + they were forced farther and farther to the east, until night + found them in the open Everglades with no hope of a place to + camp.</p> + + <p>They made their way to a flooded key of sweet-bay, myrtle + and cocoa plums, and Johnny piled up brush on which he tried to + sleep, while Dick lay in the canoe, which had been lashed + between two little trees. They were awakened by a deluge of + rain, and in a few minutes there wasn't a dry rag between them. + They used their canvas to protect guns, ammunition and such + things as had to be kept dry. A cold wind chilled them to the + bone, and they had to sit down in the water to get warm. It was + a short-lived storm, and when the rain ceased and the stars + came out Dick said to his companion:</p> + + <p>"It's no use trying to sleep to-night; let's pull out for + Tiger Tail's."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page89" + id="page89"></a>[pg 89]</span> + + <p>When morning came the boys saw, far to the northwest, an + Indian camp which they knew must belong to Charley Tiger Tail. + But between them and the camp was an almost impassable barrier + of saw-grass. They paddled to the east, keeping on the southern + border of the saw-grass strand, and whenever an opening + appeared they followed it until turned back by grass too heavy + for them to force their way through. They worked until noon and + were out of sight of the Indian camp when they saw, a mile + north of them, a couple of Indians poling their canoe. Johnny + waved his hand to the Indians, who stopped poling and waited + for the boys to get to them. He was soon pow-wowing with them, + and translating to Dick as he talked.</p> + + <p>"These Injuns, Charley Jumper and Cypress Tiger. This Miami + trail. Goes Tiger Tail's camp, 'bout six mile. Hooray! Charley + Tommy 'nd your man there. No, went away this mornin'. They say + think so on Osceola trail. That's the trail the squaws was on, + 'nd we lost it."</p> + + <p>"Can't we cut across to that trail and head them off, or + catch up with them?"</p> + + <p>"I asked 'em. They say: 'No good, trail bad, trail to + Charley Tiger good, then go Osceola trail. Maybe so Charley + Tommy stop Osceola camp, maybe Miami Billy camp, maybe so not + stop anywhere.' They say they sick <i>ojus</i>, want + <i>whyome</i>. That means they're awful sick and want whisky, + but all Injuns <span class="pagenum"><a name="page90" + id="page90"></a>[pg 90]</span> is that. These is good + Injuns. Better do what they say."</p> + + <p>The trail to the Indian's camp was a crooked one, but Johnny + followed it without trouble, although it was nearly dark when + they reached the camp. They slept on one of the high tables + which the Seminoles use for their beds, and found Charley Tiger + Tail quite a civilized Indian, who spoke a little English, sold + whisky and dealt in the contraband plumes of the egret.</p> + + <p>The boys were up and off at daylight, for they had agreed to + do two days' work in every twenty-four hours till they caught + the canoe they were chasing. Johnny had talked with Tiger about + the Osceola trail, until he felt he could follow it + blind-folded, and little time was lost in studying as they + poled and paddled that day.</p> + + <p>Soon after their start in the morning Dick had said, as he + threw his weight on the paddle, which he was using as a + pole:</p> + + <p>"Are you game, Johnny, to camp to-night where we jerked the + venison?"</p> + + <p>"I kin stand it if you kin. Them squaws took two days, + though, 'nd I ain't lookin' ter beat Injuns much with a + canoe."</p> + + <p>It is doubtful if the boys could have made the camp, for + darkness came before they were in sight of it, had not Dick + said:</p> + + <p>"Johnny, isn't that a light over there toward + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page91" + id="page91"></a>[pg 91]</span> the land? I've seen it two or + three times. Do you s'pose it's a fire in the woods?"</p> + + <p>"Don't see it," said Johnny. "Yes, I do, now," adding + excitedly an instant later: "Don't you 'member th' big bend in + th' trail jest after we left th' camp we're lookin' fer? That + fire ain't in th' woods. It's at our old camp, 'nd Charley + Tommy built that fire, sure as shootin'."</p> + + <p>Dick was faint with excitement, and could scarcely hold his + paddle.</p> + + <p>"We must get there soon as we can," said he.</p> + + <p>"Sure!" said Johnny. "Only let's go quiet 'nd s'prise + 'em."</p> + + <p>If Charley Tommy had been a white man the plan would + probably have been successful. As the boys approached the camp + they moved more and more slowly, until Dick laid down his + paddle and Johnny did all the work. There was not a sound that + Dick could hear, and when the canoe was within a hundred feet + of the fire he could see Ned Barstow resting his elbow on a log + near it, while the Indian lay beside a palmetto, apparently + asleep. But as the canoe continued to approach, Charley Tommy + lifted his head, took a swift look around, and, half rising, + gazed keenly out over the water toward the boys in the canoe. + Further concealment was impossible, and Dick called out:</p> + + <p>"Hello, the camp!"</p> + + <p>Ned sprang to his feet, and looking across the water in the + direction from which the dream voice + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page92" + id="page92"></a>[pg 92]</span> seemed to have come, was + silent until he saw the shadowy outline of a canoe, when he + spoke in a voice that trembled with emotion:</p> + + <p>"Dicky boy, is that you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, Neddy!" And soon the reunited chums had grabbed and + hugged one another till both were breathless. Then they began + asking and answering questions, sometimes by turns and + sometimes together, till they were breathless again.</p> + + <p>"How did you come to recognize my voice so quickly?" asked + Dick.</p> + + <p>"Because I was thinking of you, Dick, and wondering when we + could take the trips we planned in that camp in the North. Now + those wonderful dreams have come + true!"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page93" + id="page93"></a>[pg 93]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER VIII</h3> + + <h3>OLD DREAMS REALIZED</h3> + + <p>There was a long council around the camp-fire that night, + and it was settled that Ned and Dick were to take the light + canoe with their own stores and start off by themselves on the + hunting and exploring tour of which they had dreamed for years. + Johnny was to go on an alligator hunt with Charley Tommy. + Johnny thought the Indian could stand the work about two + months, after which they would go to Chokoloskee and sell the + hides. Ned paid the Indian for his time and made him a present, + in addition, of an outfit of clothing from hat to shoes, + without any objection from Charley. But when Dick came to + settle with Johnny there was trouble. For Johnny refused to + take any pay and said that if Dick paid him for coming to where + Ned was he would have to pay Dick for carrying him to where + Charley was. Ned had to chip in before Johnny could be + persuaded to take the pay he had earned. Ned had a better + equipment than Dick and a much larger lot of stores. These he + shared with Johnny, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page94" + id="page94"></a>[pg 94]</span> so that the boy was provided + with more luxuries than are often carried on an alligator + hunt.</p> + + <p>When the boys were about to start away in the morning, + Johnny told them that Tommy wanted to go to Osceola's camp for + a day or two, and he proposed that the boys come with them. + Johnny said that if they went to the Indian camp with Tommy the + Indians would talk and the boys could learn a lot of Seminole + in two or three days, enough to pull them through in their + visits to other camps. The chance was too good to be lost, and + the long, heavy Indian canoe was followed down the Glades by + the light Canadian canoe of the boys.</p> + + <p>Ned and Dick were pretty husky youths, and as their canoe + didn't weigh more than one-fourth that of the one just ahead of + them, they thought they were in for a picnic. Very soon they + changed their minds. Sometimes they could paddle, but generally + they used their paddles as poles. They had one oar for pushing, + which helped them a little. A light push sent the canoe + forward, but when the push ended so did the motion. It took a + stronger push to start the Seminole canoe, but the stroke was + much longer, and when the stroke ended the motion continued. + The boys were game and wouldn't admit that it tired them to + keep up. But when a strand of heavy saw-grass had to be crossed + they found trouble to burn. The round, heavy wooden cylinder of + Seminole make slid slowly through the tall, stiff, saw-edged + mass. But the light canoe was thrown + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page95" + id="page95"></a>[pg 95]</span> back from each stroke by the + elastic grass. Dick never liked to be beaten, so he went + overboard and floundered along the trail ahead of the canoe, + dragging it by the painter, while Ned got out and pushed + from behind the stern. The sharp, serrated edges of the + grass cut their faces and lacerated their hands. No air was + stirring at the foot of those tall spears, and Dick thought + of his hours in the fire room of the Southern steamer. + Sometimes a big, deadly cotton-mouth, the ugliest snake in + the world, swam in front of Dick as he struggled forward, + but though his flesh quivered he said nothing lest he make + Ned nervous. Then occasionally a poisonous brown moccasin + rose out of the mud which the canoe stirred up, and, with + uplifted head and open mouth, threatened Ned as he stumbled + behind the craft, but he was silent about it lest he worry + the chum who was new to the country. The saw-grass strand + was only two hundred yards across, although it seemed a mile + to the boys, who made light of it when they reached the + other canoe, but their bleeding hands, torn by the terrible + grass, told another story.</p> + + <p>The canoes and cargoes arrived at Osceola's late in the + afternoon, and Ned and Dick saw their second Seminole camp. It + was the best camp in the Everglades, as Osceola himself was + perhaps the best specimen of the Florida Seminole.</p> + + <p>The three buildings which constituted the camp consisted + merely of high roofs, beautifully constructed of palmetto, + which came within four feet of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page96" + id="page96"></a>[pg 96]</span> ground at their outer edges. + Below this they were entirely open. These buildings were + nearly filled with tables, about four feet high, on which + the Indians slept at night and occupied as a floor during + the day. The buildings were placed about a round shed, under + which the cooking for the whole camp was done. The fire was + built in the usual Seminole fashion. Logs of wood were + arranged like the spokes of a wheel, and the fire built at + the hub. When the cooking was finished the logs were drawn + back a few inches and the fire went down to coals, but + continued to smolder. When the logs were brought together + again the fire blazed up.</p> + + <p>Ned and Johnny made their bed on one of the tables and slept + well, but they kicked at dipping their hands in the family + stew, and broiled their venison and made their coffee over the + common fire. It was a good-natured camp, but the boys made life + a burden to the Indians for two days by their incessant + attempts at conversation in the Indian tongue. Some of the old + Indians were sociable, and the boys got along very well with + them, but the younger ones were shy and refused to talk until, + having put on the white man's clothes that Ned had given him, + Tommy took several of the young squaws and pickaninnies out in + an Indian canoe. The young Indians laughed so much at Tommy + that they began to forget their shyness, and when Tommy bought + for Ned a bright-colored Indian shirt that a squaw had just + made and the boy put it on, the Indians + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" + id="page97"></a>[pg 97]</span> gathered around him and made + fun, very much as white children would have done. One of the + squaws brought him a red handkerchief, such as many of the + Indians wore, and when Ned nodded and tied it around his + neck they all laughed. Another squaw motioned at Ned's hat, + and then at several Indians who were bareheaded. Ned nodded + again and tossed his hat aside. Then as a squaw pointed at + his trousers and afterwards at the bare-legged Indians about + him, Ned shook his head vigorously, and even the older + Indians joined in the laughter.</p> + + <p>The children of the camp were shy things, and peeped out at + the strangers from behind trees and out of hiding-places, but + Dick was fond of all wild creatures and few of them could + resist his friendly advances. Soon every pickaninny in the + place was tagging after him. The older ones took him out in + canoes, which soon were capsized, and all hands swam back, each + accusing the other of having upset the craft.</p> + + <p>When the boys went to the Osceola camp of Seminoles with + Tommy they found a people as stolid and taciturn as those of + any Indian tribe of which they had read. After four days, + during which all hospitality was extended to them, they left + behind them a kindly group of untaught native Americans, who + went out of their way to show friendliness to their guests. + Johnny nearly cried over the parting, and would have bartered + his hopes of the hereafter + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page98" + id="page98"></a>[pg 98]</span> to have been allowed to + accompany the boys, while Tommy, clothed again in his native + costume and in his right mind, preceded them for two miles + in his canoe to show them a blind, side trail which they + were to take. When they turned to take their last look at + him, the Seminole was standing in his canoe, leaning on his + long pole and looking fixedly at them.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/98.jpg" + name="fig98" + id="fig98"><img width="100%" + src="images/98.jpg" + alt='"THE SEMINOLE WAS STANDING IN HIS CANOE LOOKING FIXEDLY AT US"' /> + </a>"THE SEMINOLE WAS STANDING IN HIS CANOE LOOKING FIXEDLY + AT US" + </div> + + <p>For a few miles the trail was easy, but then became too dry + for paddles, and Dick pushed with an oar, while Ned used a pole + which he had brought along for use with a harpoon. As the trail + grew dryer, it became impossible to pole the canoe, and Ned + took the painter and, stepping into the nearly dry ditch in + front of the canoe, dragged the craft, while Billy got + overboard and pushed from behind. Sometimes Ned stopped to kick + something out of his path, and at last Dick called to him:</p> + + <p>"What are you kicking, Ned?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing but yellow-bellies and once in a while a brown + moccasin. I used to worry myself half sick over them, but after + seeing Chris Meyer wade through bunches of them in the Big + Cypress without paying any attention to them, I got ashamed of + being afraid, and now I don't mind moccasins much unless they + are cotton-mouths."</p> + + <p>"But they have all got fangs, are all poisonous, and all + seem anxious to bite," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"But their bite isn't fatal. Tommy told me that he had been + bitten six times, and when I asked if + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page99" + id="page99"></a>[pg 99]</span> the bites made him sick, he + said: 'Lilly bit, one moon.' I asked him about rattlesnake + bites, and he said: 'Make sick <i>ojus</i> (heap), think so + big sleep come pretty quick.' He told me that the moccasins + bit him while he was pushing his canoe and stepped on + them."</p> + + <p>"Neddy, Johnny used to talk just as you do, and Mr. Streeter + said a lot more, but it makes me sick to hear it. I can feel + the little squirmy beasts under my feet every step I take."</p> + + <p>About noon the boys struck a creek, where their paddles came + into play, and very glad they both were. For a time grass + troubled them, and their progress was slow, but the stream + gradually broadened and deepened, while its banks became + covered with trees and vines, and the very sound of their + paddles dipping into the clear water was a joy to them. Again + the brook widened, this time into a shallow bay, but a narrow, + deep channel remained, which soon led the boys into a tidal + river.</p> + + <p>They were about to follow the current of the river when the + head of some strange animal was lifted above the surface of the + water near them, followed by a mass of water thrown high in the + air by a big tail, which flashed in sight for a moment. A line + of great swirls, like those made by the propeller of a + steamboat, led out in the bay and marked the course of the + fleeing creature. Ned and Dick forgot that they were tired, and + paddled furiously on the trail until they reached the end of + it. Another <span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" + id="page100"></a>[pg 100]</span> line of swirls showed where + the creature had gone, and once more they followed him. + Again and again they were led on until they had traveled a + couple of miles, when they lost the trail completely. While + they were trying to find it Dick saw the head of the thing + lifted for an instant, some two hundred yards away, at the + mouth of a little cove. When they reached the cove they + found the water clear and deep, and while drifting quietly + on its surface they saw resting on the bottom near them a + curious creature about ten feet long, with flippers like a + seal and a big, powerful tail set crosswise like that of a + dolphin.</p> + + <p>"I know what that is," said Ned excitedly. "I've been + reading about the fauna of Florida lately, and this isn't a + fish. It's a very rare mammal, a manatee, or sea-cow. It's + perfectly harmless. I wonder if we could catch it. Let's try + it. I'll fix a lasso and throw it over the manatee's head when + it comes up to breathe."</p> + + <p>"S'pose you get your rope over its head, what will happen + next to the canoe—and to us?"</p> + + <p>"That's what I want to find out. Please paddle a little + nearer very quietly. He is beginning to rise," said Ned, who + had made a noose in the end of a harpoon line and was standing + in the bow of the canoe, ready to throw it the instant the + creature's nose reached the surface.</p> + + <p>"I see our finish," said Dick as he held his paddle ready to + steady the canoe, which was already + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page101" + id="page101"></a>[pg 101]</span> endangered by Ned's + standing up in it. The next instant the manatee came to the + surface, and as the creature lifted its head Ned threw his + lasso over it. An upward stroke of the big tail of the + manatee sent a column of water in the air which half filled + the canoe and nearly capsized it, in spite of Dick's best + efforts. When the commotion subsided Ned had disappeared. + Dick looked wildly over the surface and then into the water, + and was just going overboard to search the bottom when Ned's + head appeared on the surface. At first the boy seemed + confused and swam away from the canoe, but turned when Dick + called to him. The canoe was half full of water, and as it + would have been difficult for Ned to get aboard without + capsizing it, he swam to the nearest key, while Dick paddled + the canoe to the shoal water beside it. As the boys stood in + the water bailing out the canoe and examining its cargo, + Dick said to Ned:</p> + + <p>"What did your book say about the manatee being a perfectly + harmless animal? I'd sure hate to be spanked by that harmless + tail."</p> + + <p>"So it is harmless, and if we can tire one out I'm not + afraid to go overboard and tackle him in the water."</p> + + <p>"Neither am I afraid, and I'll go overboard with you, only + I'm afraid that by the time we've tired one of those things I + won't be able to swim at all."</p> + + <p>Late that afternoon, as the boys were paddling through a + long narrow bay of many keys, they + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page102" + id="page102"></a>[pg 102]</span> became anxious, because for + hours they had not seen a bit of ground on which they could + camp.</p> + + <p>"Looks as if we've got to sleep in the water," said Dick. + "If Johnny were here he would fix up a camp anywhere, and I'll + do the best I can. Let's keep on to that point where the + palmettos are. If we don't find land there we'll camp on + mangrove roots."</p> + + <p>The boys were in luck, for under the palmettos on the point + was a regular Indian camping-ground, with logs for the + camp-fire in place and poles ready for stretching a canvas + covering, or rigging up mosquito bars.</p> + + <p>It was the boys' first real camp together, the very camp of + which they had talked and dreamed for years in that far-off + Belleville, now more than a thousand miles away. Never before + was there so wonderful a supper as the boys enjoyed that night. + There was venison, superbly broiled by Ned; a perfect ash-cake, + built and baked by Dick, and a pot of gorgeous coffee, for + which both claimed credit. They lingered long over their + supper, and then talked for half the night as they lay on their + bed of palmetto leaves and watched the stars that looked down + upon them through the tops of the trees. From the deep water + that flowed past the point on which they were encamped came the + occasional snort of a dolphin, the crash of a whip-ray as he + struck the water after a leap high in the air, and the + splashing of fish as they pursued others or were pursued + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page103" + id="page103"></a>[pg 103]</span> by them. From the thicket + behind their camp came the snarling of wildcats, while in + the more distant woods the curdling cry of the panther, or + mountain lion, could be heard from time to time. A long roar + that rose and fell and seemed to come from all sides at once + was recognized by Ned as the bellowing of an alligator. + Sometimes they heard the beating of invisible wings as + flocks of birds flew over them, while the "Hoo! hoo hoo! hoo + hoo!" of talkative owls as they conversed lasted throughout + the night.</p> + + <p>Ned was so anxious for another chance at a manatee that the + boys decided to camp where they were and hunt the creature + regularly.</p> + + <p>"We'll leave all our stores in camp," said Ned, "because we + might get capsized."</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes! We <i>might</i> get capsized! Is there a chance on + earth that we might <i>not</i> get capsized? We'll leave + everything in camp excepting the paddles and that lasso of + yours which did you so much good yesterday."</p> + + <p>"You like to talk, Dick, but you know you wouldn't miss that + manatee hunt for a farm. We will have to put it off a day or + two, though, until we kill a deer and jerk the venison. We've + just eaten the last scrap of meat in camp. There's a trail + running back into the bushes that must lead to a meadow where + we can walk and probably find deer."</p> + + <p>"All right. You'll take your rifle and I'll tag + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page104" + id="page104"></a>[pg 104]</span> on with the shotgun, just + to see that you keep out of mischief."</p> + + <p>The trail which the boys followed did lead to a meadow where + there were plenty of deer tracks, but no deer. They waded and + tramped through the meadow to its farther side, where they + entered a wooded swamp. Here they started up a deer, at which + Ned took two snap-shots as the creature ran away. They traveled + in the swamp for an hour, when they came to another meadow, on + the farther side of which two deer were feeding. The wind must + have carried a hostile scent to the quarry, for they slipped + quietly into the swamp, and when the boys entered it were not + to be seen. Again the young hunters sought their game through + the swamp. They worked their way through thickets, among + tangles of roots and vines, and wallowed through + moccasin-infested pools of water and mud. In the excitement of + the chase the boys took no note of time or of the direction in + which they were traveling. It was late in the day when, with + clothing muddied and torn, the boys, exhausted and discouraged, + sat on a log in a swamp and decided to give up the hunt and go + back to camp. They turned back and Ned led the way while Dick + followed until they brought up against an impassable mangrove + swamp. Ned looked to the right and the left, and then turning + to Billy asked if he knew where camp was.</p> + + <p>"No," said Dick.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page105" + id="page105"></a>[pg 105]</span> + + <p>"Then we're lost."</p> + + <p>"Of course. You're always lost in a swamp. Mr. Streeter says + so. He says you may lose your boat or your camp, but with a + rifle, matches and a little salt you can travel over all South + Florida.".</p> + + <p>Ned looked so unhappy over their prospects that Dick took + the lead, saying:</p> + + <p>"If we don't get out of this swamp pretty soon we'll have to + camp in it, and we'll need some daylight to fix up in."</p> + + <p>At this moment a night heron lit on a branch near Dick, who + raised his gun and shot it.</p> + + <p>"That's our supper, Ned. I wouldn't shoot a bird sitting + unless I was starving. Don't the woods look lighter over + there?" In a few minutes the boys were in an open prairie, + where Dick produced a waterproof match-box, which was well + filled, and a small bag of salt. A fire was soon built, the + heron dressed, broiled and eaten with only fingers for forks. + The boys washed down their dinners with water from a pool, + which they first examined for moccasins by the light of a + burning palmetto fan.</p> + + <p>Ned slept with his rifle by his side, and Dick was awakened + in the morning by its discharge. He saw Ned sitting beside him + with the rifle in his hand, while a hundred yards away, on the + edge of the clearing, a buck lay on his back kicking. While the + boys were hoisting the carcass to the branch of a tree, Ned + said to Dick:</p> + + <p>"I was in a blue funk yesterday afternoon. I want + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page106" + id="page106"></a>[pg 106]</span> you to promise to kick me + if I get scared that way again."</p> + + <p>Dick laughed and replied:</p> + + <p>"That would be all right, Ned, if I felt sure what you would + be doing while I was kicking you."</p> + + <p>After breakfast, which consisted of venison, Dick suggested + that they go to work systematically to find their lost camp, + and proceeded to climb a tall palmetto that stood in the + clearing to take an observation. When half way up the tree he + slid back to the ground looking like a chimney-sweep. For the + outside of the palmetto, like most of those that grow on + prairies, had been turned into charcoal by the burning of the + prairie grass.</p> + + <p>"Ned," said Dick, when the former had stopped laughing at + the blackamoor before him because he was out of breath, "I + guess it's your turn to kick me. Do you see that trail where I + stopped last night to build our camp-fire because I didn't know + the way to camp?"</p> + + <p>"See it now. Didn't know it was there before, though."</p> + + <p>"No more did I; but I saw it yesterday morning, and I took + special notice of this palmetto and made sure that I'd never + forget this prairie. Why, Ned, this is our own camping-ground, + and I could throw a biscuit from this prairie to our canoe. Now + you can kick."</p> + + <p>After the boys had carried their venison to their camp, Ned + said:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" + id="page107"></a>[pg 107]</span> + + <p>"Dick, do you know how to jerk venison?"</p> + + <p>"I've seen Johnny smoke it. Is that the same thing?"</p> + + <p>"Sure! So while you're skinning the buck I'll lam into that + black mangrove log and build a fire under the little scaffold + of small poles there, which you hadn't seen, but which was + built to cure venison. Say, Dick, don't you want to hire out as + a scout?"</p> + + <p>Dick grinned, but made no other reply, and they began the + work of jerking the venison. They cut it in thin strips and + hung it over the fire of the black mangrove, which is one of + the smokiest woods on earth. All day long they fed the fire and + watched the venison, while scores of buzzards sat around on the + trees and overlooked the work. Far into the night the boys lay + beside the fire, watched its curling smoke, and talked of that + camp in the snow in the North of the long + ago.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page108" + id="page108"></a>[pg 108]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER IX</h3> + + <h3>THE CAPTURE OF THE MANATEE</h3> + + <p>The manatee hunt began as soon as the venison had been + cured. The boys explored the waters about their camp, making + each day a longer trip and taking careful note of all the + waters they explored. They usually hunted through the forenoon, + and after dinner Ned mapped out the course they had taken while + Dick took a walk with the shot-gun and picked up an Indian hen, + or limp-kin, or a brace of ducks for supper. Within a week Ned + had made a good working chart of the country about them, both + land and water, and the boys had come to know their + surroundings as if they had been born among them. Nearly every + day they found and chased a manatee. Sometimes they found three + or four in a day, but the creatures always swam faster than + their pursuers and were still frisky when the boys were worn to + frazzles.</p> + + <p>One morning a big manatee which they were chasing happened + to come up beside the canoe to breathe, when Ned splashed it + with his paddle and drove it under water before it could catch + its breath. The sea-cow had to come up again in a few seconds + and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page109" + id="page109"></a>[pg 109]</span> was once more driven below + the surface by Ned. Almost instantly the creature lifted its + head so far above the surface that Ned dropped his paddle + and seized the soft nose of the manatee with both hands.</p> + + <p>"Look out!" yelled Dick, but he was the one to have looked + out. For, as the sea-cow threw down its head and tail, Ned was + dragged out of the canoe onto his upward-arching back. Then the + animal's back was curved downward and the flat tail thrown + violently upward into the air. As the stern of the canoe was + over the tail and Dick was in the stern of the canoe, both boy + and canoe went suddenly in the air with a few barrels of water + over and around them. When Dick came to the surface he saw his + companion being savagely tossed about by an angry monster that + seemed to be holding him between his jaws. Dick was terribly + frightened and swam as swiftly as possible to Ned's help, but + before he could reach him the boy had been tossed aside and the + manatee had disappeared.</p> + + <p>"Are you hurt?" said Dick, as soon as he got enough breath + to speak.</p> + + <p>"Course not! Manatees are harmless. Told you so before. But, + say, Dicky boy, why didn't you get there a minute sooner and + grab a flipper? He'd be our manatee now, if you had."</p> + + <p>"More likely he'd have had us, Neddy. You didn't see what he + did to me with just one slap of his tail."</p> + + <p>The boys collected their paddles and swam with + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page110" + id="page110"></a>[pg 110]</span> the canoe to shoal water, + where they lifted it, poured out the water and got + aboard.</p> + + <p>On their next hunt the boys put a number of chunks of wood + in the canoe and when a manatee was started they paddled + quietly and tried not to frighten the creature by going too + near it at first. Then Ned took in his paddle and armed himself + with chunks of wood, while Dick paddled toward the quarry. When + the sea-cow lifted its nose out of water, for air, it was hit + or splashed by a chunk. The frightened animal dove quickly, but + came up again almost immediately for the air it had to have. + Another chunk hit its nose, but, confused and half strangled, + the manatee hardly moved until Dick had driven the canoe beside + it and Ned had landed on its back. Ned failed to grasp the + creature's nose with his right hand, but caught the manatee by + the flipper with his left and clung to it, although tossed off + of the back of the animal. But Dick was in the river a second + after his companion and was clutching the right flipper of the + manatee with one hand and reaching for its nose with the other. + The sea-cow threw its tail high in the air, then lashing it + downward, plunged, head-foremost, deep in the water. The boys + went under but hung on to the flippers, and Dick got a grip on + the creature's nose. Both of the boys were expert swimmers and + divers, and were prepared to stay under water as much as a + minute rather than release their quarry, but within half that + time the animal wanted to breathe and rose to the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page111" + id="page111"></a>[pg 111]</span> surface. After that the + boys had little trouble, and the manatee, which was a small + one, became almost tame. They swam with it to a shoal place + where, standing in water a little more than waist deep, they + petted and soothed their prize until it seemed quite + friendly. Suddenly, Dick exclaimed:</p> + + <p>"What's become of the canoe? I capsized it when I went + overboard and haven't thought of it since."</p> + + <p>"I'd forgotten it, too. It must have floated with the tide a + good ways down the river by this time. I'll swim down stream + and hunt it up, if you will stay here and take care of the + manatee, unless you think we had better turn it loose and both + go for the canoe. We will be in a bad fix if we lose it. If you + can take care of the manatee I can find the canoe." And Ned + swam away down the river.</p> + + <p>Helped by the current he had swum a mile when the stream + spread out into a bay that was a mile long and nearly as wide, + which was filled with eel-grass and covered with moss. He soon + found one of the paddles, but in getting it became entangled in + the long grass, until he was in great danger of drowning. By + lying lengthways on the paddle, keeping his legs extended and + swimming with long over-hand strokes, he got out of the tangle. + He had been pretty well frightened, and swimming to the shore, + climbed up on some mangrove roots. After looking for a long + time, Ned made out the bow of the submerged little canoe + sticking out from a bunch of moss in the eel-grass. It was + about an eighth of a mile away + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page112" + id="page112"></a>[pg 112]</span> and he started for it, + swimming along the edge of the field of grass, but sheering + away constantly, as the treacherous current seemed striving + to sweep him within the clinging clutch of the swaying + blades of the rope-like grass.</p> + + <p>When Ned got opposite the canoe he found that it was forty + feet within the field of grass. He dreaded to put himself again + within that deadly grasp, but the thought of Dick waiting for + him, alone with that strange beast, nerved him to make the + plunge. Again he lay on the paddle, keeping his feet quiet and + making his way slowly with his hands toward the canoe. At last + he reached the craft, but could do nothing with it. He could + not pull it and it refused to be pushed. He could touch the + bottom with his feet, but it was of soft mud and the thick + grass tangled him worse than ever. He got into the canoe and + lay on his back under the thwarts, with only part of his head + out of water. By rocking the canoe, with a short, jerky motion, + he got rid of some of the water and finished the bailing with + his hat. It was not easy to paddle out through the grass and + moss to the open water, but Ned accomplished it. Standing up in + the canoe, he searched for the other paddle and soon saw and + recovered it. He had now more than a mile to paddle against a + tide that was still strong, and he saw, to his alarm, that it + was nearly sunset. It was about midday when they tackled the + manatee, and Dick must have been alone with it for a good many + hours. Ned was so anxious that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page113" + id="page113"></a>[pg 113]</span> he paddled furiously and + was glad enough when he found Dick standing in water + shoulder deep, hanging on to the flipper of the manatee, and + occasionally patting its nose with his hand.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/112.jpg" + name="fig112" + id="fig112"><img width="100%" + src="images/112.jpg" + alt='"HE FOUND DICK STANDING IN WATER SHOULDER DEEP, HANGING ON TO THE FLIPPER OF THE MANATEE"' /> + </a>"HE FOUND DICK STANDING IN WATER SHOULDER DEEP, HANGING + ON TO THE FLIPPER OF THE MANATEE" + </div> + + <p>"Oh, Ned! I'm glad to see you," was Dick's greeting to his + chum. "A hundred times, I've almost let this beast go so that I + could swim down the river and look for you. If I hadn't heard + you coming a few minutes ago I'd have been off by now, + anyhow."</p> + + <p>"What could you have done, swimming down a big river like + this, in the dark?"</p> + + <p>"What could I have done here, or back in camp, without you, + Ned?"</p> + + <p>Ned gave an amusing account of his adventures and made fun + of his fears.</p> + + <p>"Now tell me what happened to you, in those long hours. Did + you get scared, too, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"Most of my scare was about you, though I did have one or + two little troubles of my own. For a good while after you swam + away the baby behaved like a cherub. He let me put my arm + around him, as far as it would go, and when I rubbed his soft + mouth with my hand he seemed to like it. Then, suddenly he + lashed out with his tail, threw me off my feet and carried me + out into deep water. I don't quite know how I managed to turn + him around and get back with him into shoal water. I know I was + under water a good deal and got very much out of breath. I + guess, though, from the grip I kept on that baby's nose, that + he was short of wind himself. Anyhow, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page114" + id="page114"></a>[pg 114]</span> when we got back and I let + go, he lifted his head out of water and sniffed and snorted + like a cow with the consumption. Then, just as I was feeling + pretty good and thinking what a nice nurse for a manatee + baby I was and what an easy job it seemed, I got a terrible + jar.</p> + + <p>"Something punched me gently in the back, and when I turned + my head I saw a monster that must have been twelve feet long, + and weighed a ton or two. It was Baby's ma! She poked her nose + all over him and even rubbed it against my arm, which was + around him, but I never flinched, though there ought to be some + stronger word than scared to fully express my feelings, when I + felt that big mouth against my arm. The great manatee mother + didn't seem to mind me a bit, as she swam around us two or + three times, but I squirmed a good deal when that tremendous + tail, which was moving so slowly, came opposite me, and I + wondered if it was going to mash me as flat as a sheet of + paper, or only knock me over the tops of the mangroves. But + that scare was nothing to the next one. After Ma Manatee had + gone, Baby and I had a quiet hour or so and I was getting + pretty tired and beginning to worry a lot about you, when + something happened to set me to worrying about myself. This is + a big, deep river, and there was enough going on to amuse me, + dolphins, turtles and tarpon coming up to blow as they passed + and small fish jumping out of the water most of the + time.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page115" + id="page115"></a>[pg 115]</span> + + <p>"Sometimes a splash and the scattering of little fish when a + big one got after them startled me for a minute, but I got over + minding it much, when a big, big splash came and there was a + long struggle in the river near me. Perhaps I wouldn't have + minded it so much, but Baby got crazy again and I couldn't + soothe him. Next minute I didn't blame him, for I was 'most + crazy myself. Out from all the ruction in the water, there + came, swimming slowly toward us, a great leopard shark. I knew + him from the spots which covered his body, for he was so near + that I could have counted them. He was certainly over ten feet + long and looked as if he had plenty of room in his stomach for + both the baby and me. I remembered that Mr. Streeter had told + me that no shark in this country had ever attacked a human + being, so I braced up a little and pulled that splashing + manatee baby out toward the shark, and I splashed some myself + and acted as if I wanted to eat that Tiger of the Sea. Would + you believe it? He was scared silly and, though I was in a blue + funk myself, I laughed so that you might have heard me if you + had been listening. For behind that shark was a wake such as a + big motor boat would have made. After the shark had gone, I had + another worrying fit. You had been gone a long time, and the + thought kept coming to me that you might have met that shark. + Neddy boy, next time you go off alone on a long swim, I'm going + with you. Now what shall we do with the baby? The tide will + turn before long and I s'pose we could + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page116" + id="page116"></a>[pg 116]</span> get him to camp. He'd go + along all right, but it would be a mile swim, though we + could take turns at it."</p> + + <p>"I'd rather swim all the way," said Ned, "than to climb into + this canoe once, from the river. But what's the use? There's no + grass at the camp and the water is too deep for an infant like + Baby. Why not tie him here for to-night? Then to-morrow we will + take him down to that big bay and make a nursery for him in a + shallow little cove that I saw there. It's full of nice manatee + grass and we can put stakes across the mouth, or pasture Baby + at the end of a rope. But what are we going to do with him, + after that?"</p> + + <p>"Don't borrow trouble, Ned. That question will come up + later. The next thing for us to do is to tie this little beast. + So trot out that harpoon line."</p> + + <p>Dick untied the harpoon line, which was kept lashed to a + thwart in the canoe, and, after getting overboard, carefully + fastened the painter of the canoe to a mangrove root. The boys + made a harness for the little manatee of one end of the line, + by making one loop around the body of the baby, just behind his + flippers, another around his tail and then connecting the two. + The other end of the harpoon line was then fastened to a + mangrove tree on the bank and the baby was turned loose. Dick + steadied the canoe while Ned climbed aboard, but when Ned tried + to steady it for Dick to get in it, there was a capsize. Dick + apologized for his clumsiness and Ned + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page117" + id="page117"></a>[pg 117]</span> complained that he hated to + get wet. The next attempt was successful and the boys were + soon eating venison and drinking coffee at their camp. They + were tired and talkative when they lay down for the night, + and both went to sleep in the middle of a sentence.</p> + + <p>The boys hurried through their breakfast the next morning, + anxious to see their captive, which they found where they left + him, quite friendly and almost unafraid. Dick took the line in + the stern of the canoe, while Ned paddled from the bow. Baby + was tractable and allowed himself to be towed, even swimming + himself. He behaved best when his head was brought beside the + canoe and seemed to like the petting that Dick gave him. When + the baby had been tied in the little cove that Ned had + discovered, in such a way that he could range over the whole of + his nursery, the boys decided not to put a row of poles across + the mouth of it. Dick thought it was too much work and Ned said + it was no use, because Ma Manatee would knock the whole + business over the tree-tops with one gentle little whack of her + tail.</p> + + <p>They paddled back to their camp and hunted over the prairies + behind it all the afternoon. Ned shot another buck, this time + in a very boggy swamp. It was not a big buck, but before they + got out of the swamp with it the boys had learned several ways + in which a deer should not be carried. First, one took the + carcass by the tail-end and the other by the head. The middle + of the body sagged down in the mud and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page118" + id="page118"></a>[pg 118]</span> pulled the boys after it. + Then the creature was slung on a pole, which they took on + their shoulders. This was better, but every time one + stumbled, which was most of the time, both landed in the + bog. Then Ned remembered what all boys should know, and the + legs of the buck were skinned up to the knee joints. With + these loose ends of skin, the legs were so tied together in + pairs as to form a loop through which the arms could be + thrust and the whole body of the deer worn like a coat.</p> + + <p>By taking turns at toting the thing, the boys got their + venison to camp without very much trouble. While jerking it + they were very glad to lie around camp and rest, and gossip. + But their talk always came around to one subject—what to + do with their captive. Ned wanted to send him North to some + aquarium, but didn't quite see how to do it. Dick offered to + swim him down the rivers to the Gulf of Mexico if Ned would + sail him up the coast to Marco or Myers, for shipment by water + or rail.</p> + + <p>"I'm really in earnest about this, Dick, because I know + father would like it so much. He is always looking out for + curiosities to send to museums or his collecting friends, and + this would be such a rare thing."</p> + + <p>"Would your father stand for a good big bill to get Baby + north?"</p> + + <p>"He'd stand for anything! What's in your noddle, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"It can be done, easy. We're not many miles from + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page119" + id="page119"></a>[pg 119]</span> the coast, and I've been + wrecked on that coast, Neddy, so I remember it. We will + paddle down this river, and as many more as are necessary, + until we get to the Gulf. Then we'll paddle along the coast + to the shack of a fisherman whom I know. He's got a sloop + and all you've got to do is to offer him enough, to make him + hustle around for lumber and make a water-tight box big + enough for Baby to travel in. Then we will help him get the + infant aboard, start him for the railroad and go back to our + hunt. Has your father an agent in Myers who'd take your word + for the bill? Coz if he didn't the account would likely be + settled with a shot-gun."</p> + + <p>"Agent? Why, dad will be there himself by that time. And if + he isn't, the agent is there all right, all right. So if your + pirate settles with me with a shot-gun, I'll settle with that + agent, same way."</p> + + <p>As soon as the meat was cured, the boys started for the + coast in their canoe. On the way they stopped at the nursery + and found Baby almost glad to see them, and when Ned put half a + banana in his mouth, the little manatee seemed really grateful. + Ned even thought that when he pressed the baby's flipper + good-bye, the pressure was returned, at least that is what he + told Dick. The canoeists had trouble in avoiding the grass and + moss of the big bay, but two hours of paddling carried them to + the coast, where a strong on-shore wind was sending long + rollers up on the beach. Dick knew where + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" + id="page120"></a>[pg 120]</span> they were, and said that + they had come down Broad River, and that the fisherman's + ranch was only six or seven miles up the coast.</p> + + <p>"We can walk up the beach to it and save time. The water is + too rough for the canoe," said Ned.</p> + + <p>"I don't know about that. I've lived on the water some and + I've seen curious things done with canoes. Let's try it."</p> + + <p>"Better try the waves with an empty canoe first. Then I'll + be with you."</p> + + <p>The canoe was unloaded on a quiet bit of the beach which lay + behind a shoal and the boys by turns got into the canoe and + paddled out among the breakers. Then they went out together and + through it all the canoe rose to the waves like a duck. Then + they reloaded their canoe and started up the beach. At times + the wind was stronger and the waves bigger, but always the + canoe rode them with a gait like a rocking-chair. They paddled + easily, "taking the waves on the bias," as Dick observed, + heading a little off-shore to balance the push of the wind and + the waves.</p> + + <p>The fisherman was at home, and Ned soon closed a contract + with him to carry Baby Manatee to Myers at Ned's cost and risk, + payment to be made in Myers by Mr. Barstow or his agent. The + man had just got in some lumber to build a skiff. This would + serve to build the box, and the charge for it would be five + dollars. The fisherman said he would need the help of his son; + that the charge for the two + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page121" + id="page121"></a>[pg 121]</span> would be four dollars a + day, and he "reckoned" it would take eight days, so the + contract was closed for thirty-seven dollars. He was ready + to start right off and catch the evening tide up Broad + River.</p> + + <p>"Don't you want to make the box first?" said Ned.</p> + + <p>"Reckon not. 'Druther see the manatee 'fore I spile good + lumber. Manatees is mighty scurse in this country."</p> + + <p>Dick flared up, and said to the fisherman:</p> + + <p>"Do you mean that we've been lying about a manatee?"</p> + + <p>"Course not, not lyin'; manatee's all right, only you ain't + much ust to 'em and it may be bigger'n you think, 'nd I'd hate + to make th' box too little."</p> + + <p>The lumber was taken on board, the canoe unloaded and laid + on the deck of the sloop, the sails reefed and with her skiff + drawn close up under her stern the craft was soon flying down + the coast. When she reached the river the reefs were shaken out + and in little more than an hour anchor was dropped beside the + manatee cove. It was nearly dark and work was to begin the next + morning, but all hands wanted a look at the little manatee. The + fisherman and his son went in their own skiff while Ned and + Dick led the way in the canoe.</p> + + <p>"Now I'll show you something worth seeing," said Ned, as he + took hold of the end of the line and pulled it all easily in. + As Ned sat looking at the broken end of the line, half + stupefied by the greatness of his surprise, the fisherman + laughed and said: <span class="pagenum"><a name="page122" + id="page122"></a>[pg 122]</span> "That sure was worth seem', + 'nd I reckon I've saved you five dollars by not makin' that + box till I got here 'nd saw the critter."</p> + + <p>"I'll keep the contract. It isn't your fault that the + manatee has got away."</p> + + <p>"No, I reckon 'twan't anybody's fault, much. All I want out + o' you is four dollars for one day's work," and the fisherman + laughed again, adding a moment afterward:</p> + + <p>"I'm 'most ashamed to take that much, but I reckon the + joke's been wuth it ter you."</p> + + <p>Ned paid the four dollars and the boys paddled back to their + old camp for the night. On the way back Ned stopped paddling, + and turning back, said to Dick:</p> + + <p>"Did that old fellow mean that he didn't believe we had + caught a manatee at all?"</p> + + <p>"If I thought he did, I'd go back and punch his head."</p> + + <p>"No, you wouldn't. He isn't to blame. He only thought what + everybody who hears of it and don't know us will think. I hope + he won't tell about it in Myers, so that it will get to Dad's + ears."</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't think you'd care for that," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"Well, Dad enjoys a joke and I would likely hear of 'Ned's + manatee' pretty frequent for some + time."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" + id="page123"></a>[pg 123]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER X</h3> + + <h3>HARPOONING FROM A CANOE</h3> + + <p>Do you want to go for any more manatees?" asked Dick, the + next morning.</p> + + <p>"Guess not. We're pretty well acquainted with the critters + already and if we tackled another it would likely be a bigger + one, and the sample we had was about all we could manage. But + the bay here is full of big fish. Suppose we get out the little + harpoon and pick up some drum-fish, channel-bass or a + whip-ray?"</p> + + <p>When the boys started out for a day of harpooning, Dick sat + high up on the stern of the canoe with the paddle, while Ned + stood in the bow with the harpoon.</p> + + <p>"Hadn't you better sit down in the bottom of the canoe to + paddle? The canoe feels wobbly to me," said Ned.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter with your nerves, Neddy? I'm not going to + capsize you. S'pose I practiced half a day with that papoose + for nothing?"</p> + + <p>"Most of that practice was swimming, wasn't it? I don't want + any of that in mine + to-day."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page124" + id="page124"></a>[pg 124]</span> + + <p>Ned harpooned several large drum-fish, and finally got a + channel-bass, after missing several.</p> + + <p>"We've got a lot more fish than we can eat now. Let's go for + something big and have some fun. Hit that shark over + there."</p> + + <p>"That shark could bite this canoe in two and then swallow + the pieces. I wouldn't mind that so much if we were in the + Glades, but I don't want to be set afoot so far from fresh + water. See that big whip-ray! It's a beaut;—paddle up to + it, Dick."</p> + + <p>Dick paddled toward the fish, which was shaped like a + butterfly, with a back six feet broad, covered with beautiful + little white rings placed on a jet black background. The + graceful creature fluttered along the surface of the bay with a + bird-like motion, at a speed that soon took it nearly out of + sight of the boys. Dick followed it, as it zigzagged about the + bay, sometimes skimming on the very surface and then + disappearing in the depths for minutes at a time. Once it was + out of sight for five minutes, and Dick had just stopped + paddling, saying:</p> + + <p>"Got to give it up. That big butterfly is the other side of + the bay by this time," when Ned saw the broad back of the + creature gliding beneath his harpoon, beside the canoe and a + foot or two under the surface. His quick side-throw was doubly + effective, for the harpoon was buried in the back of the + quarry, while Ned and Dick were buried in the water of the bay. + The center of gravity of the canoe's cargo of boys was at least + two feet above the gunwales of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" + id="page125"></a>[pg 125]</span> craft, and when Ned's + side-thrust threw him out of balance, the canoe popped from + under him, and as Dick sat on the stern of the canoe and + quite outside of it, he was in the water as soon as his + chum. The whip-ray had darted away at high speed as soon as + the iron touched him, but before the line which was coiled + in the harpoon tub had run out, Ned had seized the tub, + which was floating near him when he came to the surface.</p> + + <p>The end of the line was fast to the tub and when it was + reached Ned was hauled through the water by the fish. If Ned + had been built like a canoe, he would probably have caught the + whip-ray, but the drag of the boy in the water was too much for + the hold the iron had in the body of the creature, and the + harpoon tore out. The boys managed to rock the water out of the + canoe, but swamped it several times while trying to get in it + without going ashore. After they had succeeded, Dick took the + harpoon, while Ned sat in the bottom of the canoe with his + paddle.</p> + + <p>"Now go ahead and harpoon your fish and I'll show you how to + keep a canoe trimmed. What you really need is a scow," said + Ned.</p> + + <p>"If I couldn't throw a harpoon over the side of a canoe + without going over the other side myself, I'd give up fishing + and try farming. Now just paddle softly in the wake of that big + fin. Know what it is? I thought not. Well, it's the bayonet fin + of the tarpon, my son, and if you'll paddle quietly and stay + inside the boat, you shall have the fun of your + life."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" + id="page126"></a>[pg 126]</span> + + <p>The tarpon was tame, and Ned paddled within twenty feet of + it without frightening it, but Dick made a poor shot. The back + of a tarpon is narrow and a small mark for a harpoon when + thrown from behind the fish, and Dick's weapon grazed its side, + while the pole fell across the back of the tarpon, causing it + to give one wild leap and depart for regions unknown. Dick was + now out for tarpon, and paid no attention to smaller fish, many + of which came within striking distance. Tarpon were scarce that + day, and Dick's next chance was an hour in coming, and then the + fish happened to be headed for the canoe. The boy had not + learned the difficulty of throwing an iron through the coat of + mail of a tarpon excepting from abaft the beam of the fish, and + he drew in his harpoon with a beautiful four-inch scale fixed + on its point.</p> + + <p>"Take the harpoon, Ned. I couldn't hit a house."</p> + + <p>"Yes, you could. You hit that tarpon. Only trouble was, you + didn't know where to hit it. Keep on practicing. You said I'd + have the fun of my life, and I'm having it."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/124.jpg" + name="fig124" + id="fig124"><img width="100%" + src="images/124.jpg" + alt='"THE STRICKEN TARPON LEAPED SIX FEET IN THE AIR"' /> + </a>"THE STRICKEN TARPON LEAPED SIX FEET IN THE AIR" + </div> + + <p>Half an hour later Dick made a beautiful, long throw of + nearly thirty feet, and the stricken tarpon leaped six feet in + the air. For two hundred yards the frantic fish towed the canoe + in a straight line, at a high rate of speed, and then began a + series of leaps in the air. Some of these were long jumps which + barely cleared the surface of the water, while others were from + eight to ten feet vertically upward. The + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page127" + id="page127"></a>[pg 127]</span> tarpon then darted away in + a new direction, blistering Dick's hands as the line tore + through them. For a quarter of an hour the drag of the canoe + made little difference in the speed of the tarpon, but then + it began to slacken and Dick was able to pull the canoe up + beside the fish, which gave a leap and a sweep of its tail + that drenched both of the boys and, if the tarpon had been a + foot nearer, would have wrecked their craft. Again the + creature dashed away, getting back most of the line that + Dick had taken in. Once more the fish weakened, and the + canoe was drawn up beside it, and once more it sprang in the + air and dashed away. But with each fresh effort the tarpon + became weaker, until Dick said to Ned:</p> + + <p>"He's about played out. Better take the gaff next time I get + near him and see if you can land him in the canoe."</p> + + <p>"No," replied Ned, "he's your tarpon and you can gaff him + yourself. He'll capsize the canoe when he comes aboard and I + want to be ready to swim."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/126.jpg" + name="fig126" + id="fig126"><img width="100%" + src="images/126.jpg" + alt='"THE TARPON BEGAN A SERIES OF LEAPS"' /></a>"THE + TARPON BEGAN A SERIES OF LEAPS" + </div> + + <p>Dick drew the canoe beside the tarpon and, dropping the + harpoon-line, held the handle of the big gaff-hook in both + hands, ready to strike. But the fish saw the uplifted weapon + and sheered away, swimming with renewed vigor, and Dick had to + work for another half hour before his quarry was quiet enough + for the blow. This delay was fortunate for the boys, since it + left the tarpon too tired to struggle. When Dick sank the steel + gaff deep in the throat of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page128" + id="page128"></a>[pg 128]</span> Silver King and dragged it + over the side of the frail canoe, Ned sat in the bottom of + the craft with a hand on each gunwale, ready to balance the + boat or swim, as events might indicate.</p> + + <p>The boys took a lot of the big silver scales as souvenirs + and then slid the body of the tarpon into the bay, where it was + soon devoured by a couple of wandering + sharks.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page129" + id="page129"></a>[pg 129]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XI</h3> + + <h3>GHOSTS AND ALLIGATORS</h3> + + <p>The boys spent a day exploring the bay to the east and + south, finding but a single creek, which lost itself in the + jungle after wandering a few miles.</p> + + <p>"I don't believe we can get through this way," said Dick to + his chum, as they were resting, after an hour of hard work, + cutting away branches of trees and dragging the canoe. "Mr. + Streeter told me that the Indians say there is no creek between + the bays at the head of Broad River, where we are, and the + rivers south of it. Suppose we work our way to the mouth of + this river and then follow the coast down to Harney's, which is + the next river south of us and the longest one in South + Florida."</p> + + <p>"All right, and we can explore that big creek running west + from the foot of this bay, which we saw yesterday."</p> + + <p>The boys found the creek to be deep with swift water, but so + crooked that a snake would have had to slow up to get through + it. After two miles of paddling, which advanced them about half + a mile, they found themselves in a broad smooth-flowing river, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page130" + id="page130"></a>[pg 130]</span> the most beautiful stream + they had ever seen. The big trees on the banks were clothed + with airplants, draped with long, flowing gray moss and + garlanded with flowering and sweet-scented vines. Sometimes + an opening in the forest showed broad savannahs, or + prairies, or disclosed groups of tall palmettos or + magnificent royal palms, the grandest tree that grows. The + water was mirror-like, and the great trees, capped by a mass + of white clouds in the blue of the heavens, were repeated + below in a reflection that was perfect. The boys paddled for + a long time, silent as if in a dream, when Ned spoke in a + voice so low that his companion could scarcely hear what he + said:</p> + + <p>"Does it make you think of Heaven, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"Guess it does; only," added Dick, in a louder tone, "it + will make you think of the other place, pretty soon."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean?"</p> + + <p>"It's a deserted river. Only ghosts stay here. The + plantations are grown over, the houses rotting and little + sticks in the ground tell where the old owners are. The climate + is so bad that skull and bone notices grow on the trees. Then + things happen. People eat something and die, or fall out of + their boats and drown, or go out in the woods and stay till the + buzzards find them. Oh, but it's the peaceful, lovely Rodgers + River!"</p> + + <p>"Why, where did you hear all that, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"From Mr. Streeter. He talked a lot and I didn't + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page131" + id="page131"></a>[pg 131]</span> forget much that he said. + Then Johnny had heard the talk of convicts, and others who + ought to have been, and told me about them almost in a + whisper, for fear somebody would hear him."</p> + + <p>"There's a rotting old shack, now, by that date palm. Are + you afraid of ghosts?"</p> + + <p>"No, rather like 'em. I wouldn't mind camping with them for + a day or two, with you for company."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/130.jpg" + name="fig130" + id="fig130"><img width="100%" + src="images/130.jpg" + alt='"GROUPS OF TALL PALMETTOS, OR MAGNIFICENT TALL PALMS"' /> + </a>"GROUPS OF TALL PALMETTOS, OR MAGNIFICENT TALL PALMS" + </div> + + <p>The house looked too spooky and snaky to live in, and the + boys made their camp in the open, near a tamarind tree and, as + they observed later, beside an overgrown grave. An old barrel + under the eaves of the house was nearly full of rain water, + which they were likely to need, since their only supply of + fresh water was contained in a five-gallon can, which would + hold about two days' requirements. The rain water was good and + would have been better but for Ned's gruesome inquiry:</p> + + <p>"You don't suppose it has been poisoned, do you, Dick?"</p> + + <p>On their first afternoon the boys crossed the swampy jungle + in the rear of the old plantation and found themselves on a + typical South Florida prairie. On it were oases of + fire-blackened palmettos, little ponds, palmetto scrub and bits + of soggy meadow, in which they often sank to their knees, as + they plodded across them. There were tracks of wild animals in + the meadows and regular trails of alligators between the ponds. + Billy stopped beside one of the ponds + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page132" + id="page132"></a>[pg 132]</span> and grunted, as he had been + taught by Johnny, until a little 'gator showed his head.</p> + + <p>"See that alligator, Ned? Let's go in there and fetch him + out."</p> + + <p>"Not much do I go in that mud-hole, alligator or no + alligator."</p> + + <p>"Then, just you watch me," said Dick, as he took off his + shoes and stockings.</p> + + <p>"See here, Dicky boy, come out of there," said Ned.</p> + + <p>But Dick kept on, wading all round the pond before he felt + the wiggle he wanted. Perhaps his toes were less tough than + Johnny's, or maybe he didn't manage them as well, for one of + them got in a baby 'gator's mouth. Dick couldn't suppress a + yell as two rows of needle-like teeth sunk into his flesh, and + he jerked his foot away so violently that he lost the chance of + bagging his game. Then Ned came floundering through the mud and + almost dragged him out of the pond.</p> + + <p>"I mean to get that little alligator if it takes all day, + only I won't try him barefoot again," said Dick, as he slowly + drew his stocking over his aching toe.</p> + + <p>Dick waded out into the pond again and for half an hour + explored with his feet for the reptile he was after, but all in + vain. Several times he thought he touched the creature with his + shoe, but could not be sure. Then he waded ashore and began + taking off his + shoes.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page133" + id="page133"></a>[pg 133]</span> + + <p>"What are you going to do now, Dick?" said Ned.</p> + + <p>"Johnny waded barefoot into just such a pond as that and + brought out a 'gator. I told him then that what he could do, I + could. I'm plumb scared to go in that pond barefoot, but that + young Cracker, who's a year younger than I, waded right in + without stopping to think whether it was safe or not. If Johnny + was here he'd have that 'gator out of that pond, toes or no + toes, and that's what I'm going to do," and Dick waded barefoot + into the pond again and began feeling around in the mud with + his toes.</p> + + <p>"If you feel that way about it, I'm with you, Dick," said + Ned, as he began to take off his shoes. But before he reached + the water the reptile had been caught, and Dick waded ashore + with the wriggling little alligator in his hand.</p> + + <p>"There's a bigger one in there. He whacked me on the shin + with his tail, just after I caught the little one. Let's get + him."</p> + + <p>The boys waded side by side, the length of the pond, several + times without finding another 'gator, although the occasional + roiling of the water showed that there were others in the pond. + They were about to give up the hunt when something struck Ned's + leg and, grabbing suddenly at the thing, he found that he had a + five-foot alligator by the head. He held the jaws of the 'gator + shut while Dick seized the hind legs of the reptile, and + together they carried the creature + ashore.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page134" + id="page134"></a>[pg 134]</span> + + <p>"I wonder where that fellow was hidden," said Dick, after + the alligator had been safely tied. "My toes have felt in every + inch of the mud in the bottom of that pond. Maybe there's + another one. Let's get him," and Dick started into the + pond.</p> + + <p>"Wait till I get some clubs and I'll be with you. There may + be a big 'gator in there who wouldn't be satisfied with a + toe."</p> + + <p>It was well they had clubs when they went back in the pond, + for after a few minutes' searching, Dick struck something, and + the tail of a reptile came to the surface beside him. As he + grabbed it with both hands, and hung on with all his strength, + a long body curved upward from it, a big head was uplifted, and + two rows of ivory teeth gleamed from wide-opened jaws before + Dick's eyes. Before the boy could move or the beast strike, + Ned's club came crashing down on the reptile's head. As the + jaws closed and the head fell back, a second and yet more + furious blow fell upon it. As they dragged the stunned or dead + 'gator out of the pond, Ned said:</p> + + <p>"I'm going to round-skin this alligator and save the skull, + for mounting. I'll keep it in my den as a reminder of this trip + and of you."</p> + + <p>"If it hadn't been for your club, it would have been more of + a reminder of me than it is now."</p> + + <p>The alligator came to life a few times, while they were + skinning it, and had to be killed over again, and the tail did + some wiggling even after the spine had been severed. When the + skinning operation was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page135" + id="page135"></a>[pg 135]</span> over the boys went back to + camp, where they found an old kettle, in which they boiled + the skull of the alligator and cleaned it of flesh and + brains in preparation for mounting.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/134.jpg" + name="fig134" + id="fig134"><img width="100%" + src="images/134.jpg" + alt="HE HELD THE JAWS OF THE 'GATOR SHUT, WHILE DICK SEIZED THE HIND LEGS OF THE REPTILE" /> + </a>"HE HELD THE JAWS OF THE 'GATOR SHUT, WHILE DICK SEIZED + THE HIND LEGS OF THE REPTILE" + </div> + + <p>"How did you sleep last night, Dick?" asked Ned, the next + morning.</p> + + <p>"Didn't sleep at all. This place is sure bad medicine. First + the hoots of the owls and the snarls of the wildcats kept me + awake, then the booming of the big alligators worried me, and + after I did get to sleep, the ghost of that alligator that we + killed to-day shook his white teeth in my face, and I could + feel the man in the grave under me trying to push me off of it. + Let's get out of this river this morning, Ned."</p> + + <p>As they paddled down Rodgers River, in the bright sunshine, + Dick's spirits rose and when they were off the mouth of the + river, headed down the coast and bound for Harney's River, two + miles distant, he took in his paddle and, calling to Ned to + hold steady, vaulted lightly from the canoe, without even + jarring it, and landed on a sandbank in water that was but + little above his waist. Stooping under the water he picked up + clams of several pounds weight each, with which the bottom was + paved, until clam-roasts for days had been provided for. + Getting back into the canoe was a ticklish operation, but was + accomplished without disaster, although a pailful or two of + water was taken + aboard.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page136" + id="page136"></a>[pg 136]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XII</h3> + + <h3>HUNTING IN HARNEY'S RIVER</h3> + + <p>The boys had chosen the last of the ebb tide for the trip + down Rodgers River, which gave them low water for their work on + the clam bar and a flood tide to help them up Harney's River. + They made a false start at the mouth of the river by taking a + channel that ran too far to the east and led them a mile or two + out of their course, before they discovered their mistake and + returned. After entering the channel, the course up the river, + which averaged east-northeast, was plain, there being but a + single branch to mislead them, in the first six miles. At the + end of these the lower section of Harney's unites with a branch + of Shark River to form Tussock Bay. This bay is a labyrinth of + channels and keys and opens into creeks large and small, and + water-courses shallow and deep, grass-choked and clear.</p> + + <p>After exploring its mazes for miles, Dick and Ned found, + near the northeast end of the bay, a tiny key marked by two + tall palmettos, on which were the signs of an old Indian camp. + Here they roasted a mess of clams and spent the night. An + entire day <span class="pagenum"><a name="page137" + id="page137"></a>[pg 137]</span> was wasted in following + creeks that led nowhere and blind trails. That night they + slept again at the Indian camp and on the following day + found a small channel which, through twisting creeks and + crooked waterways, led to the broad waters of the upper + section of Harney's River, which they followed until they + were stopped by the Everglades. They made their camp by a + lime tree which was burdened with fruit, and went out from + it each day to hunt fish or explore and to study and chart + the country about them. The waters of the streams were all + flowing clear and fresh from the Everglades. The creeks were + alive with fish of many kinds, and their surfaces dotted + with the heads of edible turtles.</p> + + <p>Alligators were abundant and otters could often be seen + sliding down the banks, or in families, playing together in the + water. Ned had seen a pet otter at Myers and wanted one for + himself. He had brought with him an otter trap, with smooth + jaws instead of the cruel teeth which are customary, and he set + it near an otter slide. The next day as the canoe approached + the point where the trap had been set the rattling of the chain + that held it told of the victim it had made. The hind leg of + the otter was held firmly by the trap, but he sprang fiercely + at Ned as he came near, and the sharp teeth snapped together + within a few inches of the boy's face as the short chain + straightened out. The boys went back to their camp, where Ned + made a cage out of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page138" + id="page138"></a>[pg 138]</span> box in which they kept most + of their stores, and then returned to their captive.</p> + + <p>"How are you going to get him into the cage, Ned?"</p> + + <p>"Hold his head down with a forked stick, take him round the + neck with my hand so he can't bite, take the trap off of his + leg and poke him in the cage."</p> + + <p>"Ned! He'll eat you up. I'd rather tackle a wildcat."</p> + + <p>"Just watch him eat me up. You stand by, when I've got a + good hold, and take off that trap quick as you can. Then I'll + drop him in the box and—there you are."</p> + + <p>"No, we won't be there—not all of us. I wish I was the + otter. He'll have all the fun."</p> + + <p>Ned got his forked stick and, after a long struggle, in + which Dick had to help with another stick, caught the otter's + neck in the fork and held the creature firmly to the ground. + Then putting his left hand around its neck he held the head + down in the mud, and with his right hand clutched the skin of + the animal's back.</p> + + <p>"All right, Dick, take off the trap."</p> + + <p>"Trouble's goin' to begin. Here goes," said Dick, and the + trap was removed.</p> + + <p>Like a flash of light, as Ned lifted the little beast, it + thrust its head through the loose skin of the neck and turning + backward bit Ned's hand to the bone four times in something + less than a second. The <span class="pagenum"><a name="page139" + id="page139"></a>[pg 139]</span> otter would have been free, + but that Dick, who was looking for trouble, had it by the + neck with both hands and in spite of its biting, scratching + and struggling, it was dumped in the box and the door of its + cage closed.</p> + + <p>"Been having fun! Haven't we?" said Dick, ruefully, as the + boys, scratched, bitten and bleeding, stood looking at each + other, after their victory. Ned's hand was disabled and so + painful that Dick paddled the canoe, with its cargo of boys and + pet otter, to their camp.</p> + + <p>"Now, Ned," said Dick, "I'm the surgeon and you are to be + respectful and call me Dr. Dick. Let me see your left hand + first. I've got to decide whether to chop it off, or to try and + save some of it."</p> + + <p>"You look as if you needed some fixing up yourself, + Dick."</p> + + <p>"That will be all right. You shall have a chance at + me—if you survive the operation."</p> + + <p>Dick got a bottle of carbolated vaseline from their stores, + tore up one of Ned's shirts and put the strips in boiling + water. He then washed Ned's wounds with warm water and soap and + dressed and bandaged them. His own injuries were less serious + than Ned's, although more numerous, and although he spoke + lightly of them, his companion insisted on their having as + careful treatment as his own. When the bandaging was over, Dick + said:</p> + + <p>"We ought to have a yellow flag to fly over this hospital. I + wish we had a medical book to tell us + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page140" + id="page140"></a>[pg 140]</span> what we've probably got. + The only things I'm sure of are blood poisoning and + hydrophobia. Then there's enlargement of the spleen. I've + got all the symptoms of that."</p> + + <p>"Your only danger is from melancholia, Dick. But what are we + to do with the otter? That box is too small for his + comfort."</p> + + <p>"I'm not losing any sleep over his comfort. I thought I'd + take him out of his cage every morning and lead him around the + camp for exercise until you were ready to begin his + education."</p> + + <p>"It does not seem quite as easy to tame him as it looked + before we caught him."</p> + + <p>"Guess you mean before he caught us."</p> + + <p>"Shouldn't wonder if I did. Couldn't we build a cage of + poles, with some of these big vines woven in basket + fashion?"</p> + + <p>"That would be all right. We could watch him day times and + you could put him back in the box every night for safe keeping. + I don't think he's an otter at all. He just fits the definition + of a white elephant."</p> + + <p>On the day after his little difference of opinion with the + otter, Ned's left hand and wrist were so sore and stiff that he + could neither hold his paddle nor his gun. Dick, too, was + partially disabled by the soreness of his arms, but he managed + to get about in the canoe and shoot ducks enough for their + meals. They could not induce the otter to eat anything, + although it seemed much less fearful of them. The + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page141" + id="page141"></a>[pg 141]</span> leg which had been in the + trap was broken and appeared to trouble the animal, but they + could do nothing to help it. Dick did propose to take the + otter out of the cage and offered to set its leg if Ned + would hold the creature. On the second day their wounds + continued to be so troublesome that the boys stayed in their + hospital camp. As they sat that afternoon in the shade of a + lime tree, drinking limeade, Dick, the philosopher, began to + question Ned.</p> + + <p>"Don't you pity all these folks about here, Ned? Crackers, + alligators, Indians, the whole ignorant lot of 'em. If they had + got hurt as we did, they would have gone right on about their + business. They'd never have found out that they were probably + suffering from appendicitis and microbes and ought to go to a + hospital and be carved up."</p> + + <p>At this moment the bow of an Indian canoe glided silently + into the tiny cove in front of the camp. The boys recognized + one of the two bronzed, bare-legged Seminoles that stood so + erect in the canoe, as from Osceola's camp. His response to + Ned's greeting was a question.</p> + + <p>"<i>Whyome</i> (whiskey), got him? Want him, <i>ojus</i> + (very much)."</p> + + <p>Ned told them he had no <i>whyome</i>, but brought out + coffee and sugar and invited them to make a brew for + themselves. He also produced grits and venison. The Indians sat + down to a feast which lasted as long as any food remained in + sight. One of the Indians looked curiously at Ned's bandages + and smiled a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page142" + id="page142"></a>[pg 142]</span> little as he pointed to the + box that held the pet otter. Ned nodded and asked the + Indian, by signs, if he had ever been bitten by one of the + creatures. The Indian held out his hand and showed the scar + of a bite that must have nearly taken off his thumb. After + the Indians had gone Dick looked ruefully over the + diminished stores and exclaimed:</p> + + <p>"There's going to be a famine in this camp if those Injuns + hit us again."</p> + + <p>The next day the boys were very much better and ready for + work. Ned could not hold a paddle with his left hand, so they + took a trip into the Everglades, where the water was so shoal + that they used their paddles as poles and he could push with + one hand. They left their stores in camp, for which afterwards + they were glad, and pushed out several miles among the keys of + the Glades, where Dick got a shot at a deer which was running + from one key to another, but made a clean miss. They saw + several alligators and in the afternoon chased one with the + canoe. The boys could go faster than the 'gator, but the + reptile could turn more quickly. At last the canoe was right + behind the quarry and within a few feet of it.</p> + + <p>"Give it to her!" yelled Ned, as he seized his paddle in + both hands and threw his weight upon it.</p> + + <p>"Here goes!" shouted Dick, as he threw his weight on his + paddle, which, unfortunately, slipped from the point of coral + rock on which it first struck. Dick landed on his back in the + water, capsizing the canoe as he fell. When the young canoemen + had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page143" + id="page143"></a>[pg 143]</span> picked themselves up, + righted the canoe, and found the rifle, it was too late to + look for the missing alligator, and they plodded slowly home + to camp. They found their captive much tamer. He drank a + little water, although he refused to eat. His leg was badly + swollen and they were anxious about him, and with good + reason, for when they awoke in the morning he was dead.</p> + + <p>Ned's last, reckless thrust with his paddle had broken open + his wounds and they became very painful. Dick dressed them + again and warned him that he wasn't to use his hand until he + had Dr. Dick's permission. They explored the creeks around + their camp in the canoe, Dick doing most of the paddling, while + Ned helped as well as he could, with his unhurt arm. The clear + water of these little streams abounded with baby tarpon and + other small fish, while often, in the deeper pools, turtles + could be seen scurrying along the bottom. Dick had never told + Ned of the turtle-catching that Johnny had taught him, so when + he said, very casually, "Ned, I think I'll go overboard and + pick up that turtle for supper," Ned replied:</p> + + <p>"Don't be an idiot. You couldn't catch that thing in the + water in a thousand years."</p> + + <p>"Just hold the canoe steady and watch me." And Dick, resting + his hands on the gunwales, threw himself overboard.</p> + + <p>The splash frightened the turtle, which made off + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page144" + id="page144"></a>[pg 144]</span> up the creek, but the boy + was on his trail and, after a few futile grabs, had the + reptile in his hand.</p> + + <p>"Think that will do for supper, Ned, or shall I pick up a + few more?" said Dick, as he put the turtle in the canoe.</p> + + <p>"I'd like to know who taught you that, you rascal, playing + roots on your poor old chum, who never had your chance to see + the world."</p> + + <p>While they were waiting for Ned's hand to get well, Dick got + out the fly-rod and cast-net that came with his canoe and spent + all his spare time trying to learn to throw the net. Johnny had + given him a few lessons, until he thought he had learned to + cast it. It was the kind of net which is used by the Florida + Cracker, to the knowledge of which he is born, which he can + cast when he leaves his cradle. The net was conical, six feet + long with a ten-foot mouth, lined with leaden sinkers. The top + of the net was closed, excepting for a small hole in which was + fitted a small ring, through which puckering strings led from + the mouth of the net to a 25-foot line, which was to be + fastened to the fisherman's wrist.</p> + + <p>For casting, about half of the net is thrown over each wrist + and one of the sinkers held between the teeth. The net is then + swung behind the fisherman, thrown forward with a whirling + motion, the sinker in his mouth released at exactly the right + instant and the net falls in an almost perfect circle wherever, + within thirty feet, the fisherman wishes. That is the way the + net behaved when Johnny threw it. And + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page145" + id="page145"></a>[pg 145]</span> when Johnny arranged the + net on Dick's arms, told him just what to do and watched + him, Dick made some respectable throws, and thought he had + learned the game; but now, away from his teacher, when he + tried to cast it, net and leads went out in a solid mass + that never could have caught anything, though it might have + killed a fish by knocking it in the head. Dick, however, was + bound to learn, and practiced by the hour, without seeming + to make any progress, when suddenly the net began to go out + in circles and his casts became creditable. He was so + fearful of losing his new-found facility that he practiced + for the rest of that day, and lay down at night with what he + called the toothache in every muscle.</p> + + <p>But from that day fish was on the bill of fare of the young + explorers.</p> + + <p>When Ned's hand was well enough to be used a little, he + began by fishing, sitting in the bow of the canoe, with the + fly-rod, while Dick paddled. He caught several of the + big-mouthed black bass, often called in the South fresh-water + trout, and other small fish which they saved for the pan. Then + the line was carried out with a rush by a fish that twice + jumped one or two feet in the air.</p> + + <p>"Got a tarpon, sure," said Ned, who had never taken one, and + he became most anxious lest the fish escape.</p> + + <p>For nearly half an hour he carefully played the fish, which + never jumped again. When the tired fish was ready to be landed + Ned found that his prize, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page146" + id="page146"></a>[pg 146]</span> instead of a tarpon, was a + ten-pound fish which he did not recognize, but which he + afterwards learned was a ravaille.</p> + + <p>"Well, it was mighty good fun, almost as exciting as if it + had been a tarpon," said Ned, who didn't know how foolishly he + was talking.</p> + + <p>They were down the river bright and early the following + morning but, for the first hour, failed to hook any of the fish + that struck. Then the hook was snatched and instantly a silver, + twisting body shot ten feet up in the air. As it fell back in + the water, the reel began to buzz and Ned's fingers were burned + where the line touched them. Again and again the great fish + leaped high in the air, while the line ran low on the reel.</p> + + <p>"Paddle, Dick, paddle all you know," shouted Ned.</p> + + <p>But Dick was already doing his very best. The tarpon changed + his course, came back a little, leaped once more and again + started off. But Ned had got a good many yards of line back on + his reel, and was getting hopeful of landing his first tarpon. + He was beginning to lose line again, when the tarpon turned + around and, swimming straight for the canoe, leaped against Ned + with such fury that the craft was nearly capsized, and when Ned + had recovered from the shock his line was nearly out and the + fish headed for a little creek that was almost overgrown with + trees and vines. The first jump of the tarpon as he entered the + stream carried him up among the bushes + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page147" + id="page147"></a>[pg 147]</span> that hung over the water, + but fortunately the line did not catch in the branches and, + as the fish swam slowly up the little channel, the canoe was + close behind him. Ned held the point of his rod low, that it + might not catch in the bushes, but his heart was up in his + mouth every time the tarpon sprang in the air.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/146.jpg" + name="fig146" + id="fig146"><img width="100%" + src="images/146.jpg" + alt='"THE TARPON LEAPED AGAINST NED WITH FURY"' /> + </a>"THE TARPON LEAPED AGAINST NED WITH FURY" + </div> + + <p>"It's no use, Dick, we've got to lose him. He isn't a bit + tired and the tangle is getting worse. Then if he turns back I + won't have room for the rod and you can't turn the canoe."</p> + + <p>"Never say die, Ned. If he gets away from you, I'll go + overboard and pick him up."</p> + + <p>"The creek's opening out into a big river, Dick. We may land + him yet."</p> + + <p>The tarpon stayed in the big river, swimming a mile or so + and then turning back, while Ned put all the strain he dared on + rod and line and, excepting when the tarpon made a rush, Dick + held his paddle still and let the fish tow the canoe by the + line.</p> + + <p>"We've got all the scales we want," said Dick, "and I move + we don't gaff another tarpon. When we have tired this one so + it's through jumping, let's turn it loose. We don't need it to + eat and I hate to feed sharks with such a beautiful + creature."</p> + + <p>"Sure!" said Ned. "And if it is as tired as I am it will + give in pretty soon or die."</p> + + <p>The tarpon grew weaker, his leaps lower and soon the canoe + was held close to him, while Ned even laid his hands on the + tired fish.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page148" + id="page148"></a>[pg 148]</span> + + <p>"Think we can take him aboard, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"I think you can swamp the canoe and break the rod, all + right."</p> + + <p>"I don't mind swamping the canoe and we can take care of the + rod. If you'll take the rod now, I'll hang on to his jaw and + take out the hook, which I can see in the corner of his mouth. + Then, if you will look out for the rod and balance the canoe, + I'll slide that tarpon over the gunwale—"</p> + + <p>"And we will all go overboard together," added Dick.</p> + + <p>"No, we won't, but just as soon as we have fairly caught him + and got him in the canoe, we'll slide him overboard again."</p> + + <p>Dick took the rod, Ned removed the hook from the mouth of + the tarpon and hoisted its head over the gunwale. The canoe + canted over until water poured over its side, and the attempt + would have failed but for the tarpon which, with a blow of its + tail, threw itself up in the air and fell on top of Ned, who + had tumbled into the bottom of the canoe. The sight of Ned + hugging the big fish, which was spanking his legs with its + tail, was too much for Dick, who sat down on the gunwale of the + canoe in a spasm of mirth, and of course the craft was + capsized. Ned clung to the fish for a few seconds until his + captive had bumped him with its head and slapped him with its + tail a few times, when he was glad to let it go. He then joined + Dick, who was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page149" + id="page149"></a>[pg 149]</span> holding the rod with one + hand and clinging to the canoe with the other, as he swam to + the bank.</p> + + <p>On the way back to camp Dick had several fits of laughter + that made him stop paddling for a minute at a time and caused + Ned to say:</p> + + <p>"It's all right to laugh now, but that was my tarpon. I had + him safe in the canoe and if you hadn't tipped us all into the + river I'd have hung on to him."</p> + + <p>"I'm awful sorry, Ned, but if only you could have seen + yourself, you'd have had to laugh or bust. Besides, you had + your fun. You caught your tarpon and you wouldn't have done any + more if you had lain in the bottom of the canoe and let it + spank you all + night."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page150" + id="page150"></a>[pg 150]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIII</h3> + + <h3>EDUCATING AN ALLIGATOR</h3> + + <p>The boys wished to explore the Whitewater Bay country, and + spent several days following to their sources streams that led + in that direction, until satisfied that no stream connected the + two regions. Returning to Tussock Bay, they crossed it and + entered a branch of Shark River, which led to Little Whitewater + Bay. As they neared the bay a loggerhead turtle rose near them + and Dick wanted to hunt it.</p> + + <p>"We need the meat," said he. "We can smoke it and then it is + as good as jerked venison."</p> + + <p>"We haven't time to smoke it. We are in a salt-water country + with only two or three days' supply of fresh water. We may not + find any more for a week. We've just got to keep moving. I wish + we had a keg of water. If we were to spill what we've got in + that canoe we would have to hike in a hurry, back to the Glades + or some other place where we knew there was fresh water."</p> + + <p>On the eastern side of Little Whitewater Bay, the boys found + a straight and narrow creek which led to Whitewater Bay. + Paddling for six miles, east-southeast, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page151" + id="page151"></a>[pg 151]</span> across the bay, they were + fortunate enough to strike the narrow mouth of what soon + proved to be a broad river. They paddled long and late + without Finding the fresh water they looked for, and camped + on ground so wet that they had to cut branches to sleep on. + As they kept on in the morning, the river they followed + forked and they took the deeper branch. This in turn split + in two and again they followed the deeper branch. Near the + close of a day of hard work the stream they were following + opened out on a beautiful park-like prairie, while beside + the canoe was an ideal camping site fitted by Nature to that + end.</p> + + <p>It was a circular bit of high ground, surrounded by big + trees whose spreading branches, draped in moss, shaded it on + all sides, while an immense growth of wild grape-vine canopied + it overhead. The water that flowed past the camp was pure and + sweet, fresh from the Everglades. There was heavy timber about + the camp and more than once during the night the boys heard the + tread of a wild animal. Once it seemed to be the step of a deer + in shallow water near the camp, then it was the soft footfall + of some catlike animal and when Ned raised himself on his elbow + to listen to a heavier tread, the "<i>wouf</i>" of the startled + beast told that Bruin had caught the offensive scent of the + white man's camp. As the boys lay awake and talked while they + watched the stars peeping through the canopy of vines above + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page152" + id="page152"></a>[pg 152]</span> them, they heard the + distant bellowing of a Bull alligator.</p> + + <p>"Dick," said Ned, "do you s'pose we could find that 'gator? + He must be fifteen feet long, from the noise he makes. I'd like + mighty well to rope him. We could stake him out so he'd never, + never get away and he would live for weeks if it took us that + long to get him carried to Fort Myers. Dad would sure be + delighted and pay all the bills like a major."</p> + + <p>"Don't you think he'd throw in new rifles with silver plates + and our names on 'em?"</p> + + <p>"He sure would."</p> + + <p>"Well, we haven't got the big alligator yet, but we'll hunt + for him to-morrow."</p> + + <p>Just as Dick spoke the distant report of a gun was + heard.</p> + + <p>"There goes your fifteen-foot alligator and both of our new + rifles with silver plates and our names on them. + Good-night."</p> + + <p>The boys started out across the meadow in the morning on the + hunt for the big 'gator. They carried a rope for the 'gator and + Ned took his rifle to be ready for the bear that spoke to them + in the night. There was no more danger of their losing their + camp, for Ned had made a chart every night, of their course + during the day, until his memory had learned to map every scene + his eyes looked upon. As they crossed a bit of wooded swamp, + they heard the step of some heavy animal in a jungle near them, + but they could get no sight of the creature and the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page153" + id="page153"></a>[pg 153]</span> slushy mud through which it + had waded left no prints that inexperienced eyes could read. + They found little ponds from which small 'gators rose to + their calls, but none of a size worth thinking of. They saw + one big alligator sunning itself on a dry bank, and spent an + hour in creeping near it only to find that it was not over + ten feet long. As it grew late and they turned homeward, + Dick said:</p> + + <p>"Ever since that otter of yours died I've wanted a pet in + camp. We need one for a watchdog. 'Most any night we might be + eaten up for want of one. Let's take home a young alligator and + I'll train it. These ponds are full of 'em."</p> + + <p>"I don't want you to go wading in any more ponds, Dick."</p> + + <p>"That's all right. Don't have to. There are 'gator caves all + round these ponds. You find one of 'em and I'll do the + rest."</p> + + <p>The boys hunted around several ponds till Ned found a hole + in the bank of one, just under the surface of the water. Dick + handed Ned a pole, which he had cut in the last bit of woods + they had passed, and then made a noose on the end of the + harpoon line which he carried. He arranged the noose around the + hole in the bank and stood a little back of it holding the line + in his hands.</p> + + <p>"Now, Ned, just poke that pole down in the mud, all around, + about fifteen feet back of this hole, and pretty soon you'll + punch something. Then, you'll see + fun."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page154" + id="page154"></a>[pg 154]</span> + + <p>Ned poked around in the soft ground for awhile, then:</p> + + <p>"Look out, Dick! Something is wiggling."</p> + + <p>"I'm all here. Let her come!"</p> + + <p>Out came the reptile's head from the cave, straight through + the noose which tightened around the alligator's neck, as Dick + threw his weight back on the line. At first it tried to back + into the cave, but the line held it. Then it plunged into the + pond, but Dick soon yanked it out on the prairie. It scuttled + over the prairie like a great lizard and when the boy jerked it + back it ran toward him, but he side-stepped quickly out of + reach of that open mouth. When the reptile became a little + quiet, Dick dragged it to the pole which Ned had left sticking + in the ground and walking twice around it had the alligator's + head fast to the pole. Then stepping quickly up to the creature + he seized it by the head, holding its jaws firmly together with + both hands.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/152.jpg" + name="fig152" + id="fig152"><img width="100%" + src="images/152.jpg" + alt="OUT CAME THE REPTILE'S HEAD FROM THE CAVE" /> + </a>"OUT CAME THE REPTILE'S HEAD FROM THE CAVE" + </div> + + <p>"Now, Ned, if you'll tie these jaws together, he'll be + gentle as a lamb and we'll have a real pet that won't get away + like a manatee or die like an otter."</p> + + <p>"I'll tie it, and bully for you, Dick, boy! You did that in + great shape. I shouldn't wonder if it made a pretty good pet, + and I don't care how big its mouth is, it couldn't have a + bigger bite than that otter of ours."</p> + + <p>The 'gator was less than five feet long and quite babyish in + its ways, but it gave Dick a lot of trouble as he was leading + it toward their + camp.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page155" + id="page155"></a>[pg 155]</span> + + <p>"Just boost him up on my back, Ned. He's only a baby and + wants to be toted."</p> + + <p>Ned found it a pretty vigorous baby when he tried to boost + it and he got some spanks from its tail that made him think of + his tarpon of a few days before. Finally Ned stood in front of + his companion, and with his help the reptile was dragged up + Dick's back with its forepaws on his shoulder. Dick hung onto + the paws, in spite of the sloshing about of his pet's tail for + about a quarter of a mile, when he dumped it on the ground and + addressing it, said:</p> + + <p>"There! You uneasy little cuss, you've got to walk. I don't + mind your wiggling your tail, but you tickle my ribs with your + hind claws and you pound my head with your hard old jaws. Now + come along straight, or instead of being toted you'll get a + lickin'."</p> + + <p>When they reached camp Dick staked the pet out with a line + long enough to let it get into the river when it chose. He took + the rope from its jaws, leaving them free, and the 'gator never + took advantage of it by trying to bite. At first the pet got + very much excited when he was dragged out of the water and up + on land, but after awhile he got used to it and seemed to + almost enjoy it. Dick caught fish for his pet which always + refused to eat them. Then Dick cut the fish in pieces and while + Ned held the little 'gator, stuffed them in its mouth and then + held its jaws together till it swallowed its + food.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page156" + id="page156"></a>[pg 156]</span> + + <p>"See the baby 'gator sit up, Ned," said Dick one day, after + he had been training it for some time. "I'll have him eating + with a fork and drinking from a cup in a week."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/156.jpg" + name="fig156" + id="fig156"><img width="100%" + src="images/156.jpg" + alt="SEE THE BABY 'GATOR SIT UP, NED!" /></a>"SEE THE + BABY 'GATOR SIT UP, NED!" + </div><span class="pagenum"><a name="page157" + id="page157"></a>[pg 157]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIV</h3> + + <h3>ENCOUNTER WITH OUTLAWS</h3> + + <p>One day, just after the boys had returned from an + unsuccessful hunt for deer and Dick was at his usual occupation + of training his pet, they heard the sound of oars, and a skiff, + rowed by a man who looked like a product of the swamp, landed + beside the camp.</p> + + <p>"Kin you fellers let me have a little salt to save my hides? + 'Gators are pretty thick 'nd my salt's gi'n out."</p> + + <p>"We have only about a bushel of salt, but you can have half; + yes, we can spare you three-quarters of it. We only use it for + specimens and there'll be enough left for us," said Ned.</p> + + <p>"That's mighty kind o' you, 'nd I won't fergit it, tho' that + won't be any use t' you, bein's ye ain't likely t' see me + ag'in."</p> + + <p>"Why not? You go to Myers, I suppose. We might meet you + there and we'd be glad to see you."</p> + + <p>"Thar's other folks 'd be glad t' see me thar, perticiler + the sheriff. Ain't you fellers skeered, now yer know yer + talkin' t' an + outlaw?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page158" + id="page158"></a>[pg 158]</span> + + <p>"Not much," laughed Ned. "If you are an outlaw you have + probably had all the trouble you want."</p> + + <p>"You bet I hev."</p> + + <p>"Then you aren't looking for any more. So what is there to + scare us?"</p> + + <p>"Not a blame thing. But you boys is plucky. There's men 'd + fight shy o' staying 'round here."</p> + + <p>"Well, it doesn't worry us. We didn't suppose there was any + one around here, though, and we wondered who it was we heard + shooting last night and we are glad to find out. Did you get + any big alligators?"</p> + + <p>"'Twasn't me shootin'. I didn't shoot las' night. Say! + You've gotter look out! I know them fellers. One on 'em's bad + and you boys ain't safe. I'm goin' ter hang 'round, 'n if you + smell trouble jest fire two shots 'nd trouble'll cum a-humpin' + fur them fellers,"</p> + + <p>"All right and much obliged, and if anything does come that + we can't manage we'll remember you, sure."</p> + + <p>Whenever the boys passed a pond on the prairie they stopped + and grunted till the young 'gators came to the surface. One day + Dick fired a shot near enough to splash one that had come up, + but in ten minutes the reptile had forgotten his scare and + again answered the call. Dick was disposed to wade in the pond + and catch the little 'gator, but Ned coaxed him out of the + notion and proposed that they find a cave and rope another + 'gator to cheer up Dick's pet, which he said was getting + lonesome. This pleased <span class="pagenum"><a name="page159" + id="page159"></a>[pg 159]</span> Dick and the boys spent + half a day finding an inhabited cave, when they secured its + occupant with no trouble excepting that, as the alligator + came out of his hole, Dick slipped on the muddy turf and was + dragged into the pond. The 'gator was soon brought out on + the prairie and its jaws tied. It was larger than the one + first captured, and Dick didn't try to carry it on his back, + but led and dragged it the entire distance.</p> + + <p>As the boys approached their camp they saw a skiff, with two + rough-looking men in it, just being pushed from the bank. Ned + called to the men, but received no reply, and the skiff was + rowed rapidly away.</p> + + <p>"That spells trouble," said Ned. "Those are the fellows that + our outlaw warned us against."</p> + + <p>The boys found their stores in some confusion and a lot of + them had disappeared, and with them had gone Ned's rifle, which + he had left in camp. Ned was quite too angry to speak and + walked quickly to the canoe, followed by Dick.</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do, Ned?"</p> + + <p>"Going to get that rifle."</p> + + <p>"All right. I'm with you."</p> + + <p>"Dick, I'm going alone. It's a fool's errand and I don't + want you mixed up in it."</p> + + <p>"Maybe it is a fool's errand, I guess it is, and that's the + very reason I'm going with you, Ned. You know I'm going, that I + wouldn't miss going with you for the world and you haven't any + right to ask me <span class="pagenum"><a name="page160" + id="page160"></a>[pg 160]</span> to be a sneak and crawl out + of the trouble, for it is trouble and probably big + trouble."</p> + + <p>"Why, Dick, boy, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings, and + I'm sure glad to have you with me, only you must let me manage + when we find those fellows."</p> + + <p>"Of course you'll run the thing and I won't interfere, + unless it becomes mighty necessary, which is quite some + likely."</p> + + <p>As they got into the canoe Dick said:</p> + + <p>"Don't you want the shotgun?"</p> + + <p>"No. Got better weapons than that."</p> + + <p>"Glad of it. You'll need 'em."</p> + + <p>The boys paddled rapidly down the narrow river for several + miles before they came up to the men they were seeking, who + were then just getting out of the little skiff into a larger + one which had a canvas cover and was evidently used as a + camp.</p> + + <p>Dick guided the canoe beside the larger boat and Ned spoke + quietly to one of the men, who was scowling at him.</p> + + <p>"You know what I have come for. I want my rifle."</p> + + <p>"What rifle? I don't know anything about your rifle."</p> + + <p>"I mean the rifle you stole from our camp this afternoon. I + want it and I'm going to have it."</p> + + <p>"See here," said the man, who was purple with rage, as he + picked up a rifle, "I'll blow the top of your head off if you + tell me I lie."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page161" + id="page161"></a>[pg 161]</span> + + <p>"You lie," said Ned calmly. "You are a liar, a thief and a + coward. Now give me that rifle. I am not going to ask you for + it many more times."</p> + + <p>"I won't give it to you and I don't know what keeps me from + blowing your head off. I believe I will yet."</p> + + <p>"I can tell you why you don't. Because you know there would + be a hundred men on your trail who would never leave it while + you were alive. Because you wouldn't dare show your face to + man, woman or child, white, black or red, in Lee County or + anywhere else. Because your own partner would be the first to + give you up."</p> + + <p>"He would, would he?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, he would!" said the man referred to. "Don't be a fool, + but give the kid his gun, or I will."</p> + + <p>The rifle was handed to Ned and the boys paddled back to + their camp. On the way Dick said:</p> + + <p>"I was scared stiff, Ned, when that fellow took up his rifle + and I saw how mad he was. Weren't you a little bit frightened + yourself?"</p> + + <p>"Not then. I'm a good deal scared now to think of it."</p> + + <p>As the boys that night sat leaning against a log which they + had made soft with masses of long gray moss, watching the dying + out of the fire which had cooked their supper, another skiff + touched at their bank, bringing the man to whom they had given + the salt and also carrying the carcass of a fine + buck.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page162" + id="page162"></a>[pg 162]</span> + + <p>"There, boys, better smoke what yer can't eat by termorrer. + I'll show yer how."</p> + + <p>"We know how and we're very much obliged. But we must pay + for it, you know."</p> + + <p>"I can't take a cent and it makes me feel bad t' have yer + talk about it. Have yer seen them fellers yit?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. They called on us and we returned the call. We + didn't happen to be at home when they called, though," said + Dick.</p> + + <p>"They come here t' your camp?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. They certainly came."</p> + + <p>"'nd you not here?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"What did they take?"</p> + + <p>"Stole a rifle," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"I'll git it back. Don't yer worry, I'll git it back and + I'll start now," and the outlaw rose from the log on which he + was sitting.</p> + + <p>"Don't go. We got the rifle back."</p> + + <p>"How did yer do it?"</p> + + <p>Dick told the story of the recovery of the rifle. The outlaw + sat for a minute looking down at the ashes of the fire, and + then, speaking very slowly and with emphatic little nods + between the words, said:</p> + + <p>"And them's th' fellers I thought needed lookin' arter."</p> + + <p>There was silence for some time and then Ned + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page163" + id="page163"></a>[pg 163]</span> spoke in a voice that was + low from suppressed feeling.</p> + + <p>"My friend, I don't know your name. I don't know what you + did. I don't ask it. But I believe you are too good a man to be + living the life of an outlaw. Now, can't something be done to + help you? If some men of influence worked for your pardon, + couldn't it be got?"</p> + + <p>"Reckon not. It's bin tried. I'll tell yer jist how 'twas. I + killed a man. He worried me 'nd threatened me 'nd tried ter + kill me with a knife, 'f I'd shot him then, nobody'd said + nuthin', but I waited 'nd then I got scared, thot he'd kill me, + 'nd one day I shot him. I was put in th' pen, then I was sent + t' the chain gang 'nd set t' boxin' trees f'r turpentine. Saw a + man flogged day I got thar. Sed I'd never git whipped if work + would save me. I was the strongest man in the gang. Boxed more + trees 'n anybody. More I did, more I had t'. I don't say I was + whipped. If I was I didn't deserve it. If I was 'nd ever see + th' man that did it I'll kill him. Know how turpentine gangs is + guarded? Boy sits up on platform with rifle 'nd gives orders. + S'pose yer sassy to him or he just wants fun with yer. When + Cap—that's th' man that whips—comes 'long, boy sez + feller's bin shirkin'. Then feller's tied t' tree 'nd Cap beats + him till feller begs t' be killed. I don't want t' hurt anybody + 'cept one feller, but I ain't goin' back t' no chain gang. If + the sheriff <span class="pagenum"><a name="page164" + id="page164"></a>[pg 164]</span> holds me up, 'nd sez 'Come + back or I'll shoot,' I'll say 'Shoot!'"</p> + + <p>The boys were very silent after the outlaw's story and when + he left them they shook hands warmly with him and asked what + they could do for him; ammunition, food, clothing, money, + anything they had was at his service.</p> + + <p>"Don't want nuthin'. You've give me more'n you'll ever + know," said the outlaw gruffly.</p> + + <p>But the gruffness was a bit tremulous and there were tears + in the man's voice.</p> + + <p>The outlaw got in the way of spending his evenings with the + young explorers and Ned pumped him dry of his knowledge of the + Everglades, the Big Cypress and the lesser swamps of South + Florida. He made charts from lines traced in the dirt to show + rivers, bays, prairie land and swamps. Ned learned of hidden + creeks that connected waters thought to be completely separated + by land and of others that could be connected by a short + carry.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page165" + id="page165"></a>[pg 165]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XV</h3> + + <h3>DICK AND THE BEAR</h3> + + <p>Dick wanted a bear and the outlaw showed him a near-by swamp + where several of the creatures lived. Day after day Dick waded, + wandered and watched in that swamp with the rifle, while Ned + tramped in another direction carrying the shotgun, making maps + of the country, and picking up occasionally a duck or Indian + hen for dinner. Sometimes Dick got sight of a bear, but Bruin + was shy and kept well out of range. One day, while sitting in + some thick woods, hoping that a bear would wander near him, + Dick heard a loud tearing sound that seemed to come from the + top of a little group of young palmettos. He crept as slowly + and silently as possible near the trees and saw a bear sitting + in the top of a palmetto, tearing away the outer husk of the + bud of the tree which is the cabbage of the Cracker and often + serves as his bread. While Dick was creeping nearer to get a + surer shot, Bruin tore out the bud and, with the cabbage in his + mouth, dropped from the top of the tree to the ground, + alighting on its fore shoulder. Dick didn't know that this was + the way bears in that country + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page166" + id="page166"></a>[pg 166]</span> usually came down a tree + when in a hurry, and supposed the bear had met with an + accident and was killed. He changed his mind the next + instant when the creature came racing toward him. Dick and + the bear were about ten feet apart when they saw one + another. The bear had to turn quickly to keep from running + over Dick, and Dick had trouble to keep from punching the + bear in the ribs with his rifle when he fired at it.</p> + + <p>No one was hurt on this first round and the bear thought it + had escaped and so did the boy. Dick churned a cartridge from + the magazine to the barrel of his rifle and watched closely the + undergrowth through which the bear was running, hoping for + another shot. Just as the splashing in the marsh grew + indistinct and Dick realized that his last chance had gone, he + got one glimpse of the bear as it sprang upon a log that lay + across its path. Dick threw his rifle to his shoulder with the + quick motion of the sportsman who takes a woodcock on the wing, + and fired. The bear, which was distant more than a hundred + yards, disappeared and it seemed to the boy scarcely worth + while to follow it. It was only the notion to look for the mark + of his bullet on some tree near the log that induced him to + wallow through the swamp to where he had last seen the bear. To + his amazement he found a piece of bone and some fresh blood on + the log. He had no thought now of abandoning the trail. He + followed it through swamp and jungle, sometimes losing it where + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page167" + id="page167"></a>[pg 167]</span> ground was hard or where it + crossed the path of an alligator. Often when he became + fearful that he had lost the trail a smear of blood on root + or leaf told him that he was on the track. From former hunts + and the study of Ned's maps, he knew the general lay of the + land, but he stopped often and noted his course, for he + meant to follow that trail and camp on it if necessary until + he lost it finally or found the bear. The animal seemed to + know all the bad stretches of marsh and thorny bits of + jungle and, as the hours passed and night drew near, without + his getting a sight of his quarry, he consoled himself with + the thought of what Mr. Streeter had told him:</p> + + <p>"A man is never lost in the swamp so long as he knows where + he is himself."</p> + + <p>Dick knew he wouldn't starve. There were always birds to be + shot, alligators which he could kill with a club, and palmetto + cabbage which he could dig out with his knife. He had his + matches in a watertight box, a little bag of salt in his + pocket, the swamp water was fresh, and what more could a + hunter-boy ask for? He felt so cheerful that he began to + whistle, which brought him bad luck, for he stumbled over a + root which caught both feet and threw him head-down into a deep + pool of mud. He was half strangled before he got out and was + looking down shudderingly into the morass out of which he had + crawled, when he missed his rifle and knew he had got to get + back into the mudhole. It was so deep + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page168" + id="page168"></a>[pg 168]</span> that he laid a branch + across it to cling to, before venturing in. A big moccasin + crawled from under a root beside the pool of mud as Dick + stepped in it and the boy shut his teeth tight as he forced + himself to wallow through the slimy, snaky mass from which + his flesh recoiled.</p> + + <p>He was waist-deep in that broth of mud when his feet found + the rifle and he stooped down into it and groped around among + roots that felt like living, squirming reptiles before he + recovered the weapon. When he had scraped the most of the mud + off of himself and out of the rifle it was too dark to follow + the trail and Dick walked to a near-by thicket where he hoped + to find better ground for a camp. He was peering into a dark + recess in the thicket when a fierce growl within a few feet + startled him terribly, but told him that he had found his + bear—or another one. Dick was about to run, when a + picture of Ned facing the outlaw formed itself in his mind and + after that the bear couldn't have kicked him out of its path. + As the boy's eyes became accustomed to the gloom he saw the + bear lying within six feet, with jaws half open, and eyes fixed + upon him. Dick believed the bear was dying, since he failed to + spring upon him, but he thought a bullet would make things + safer and he raised his rifle. He pointed the weapon at the + animal's head, but it was too dark to see the sight of the + rifle, the brain of the creature was small, and Dick, + remembering that a bear with a sore head is likely to be cross, + dropped the muzzle of his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page169" + id="page169"></a>[pg 169]</span> weapon to the fore shoulder + of the beast, and fired. The bear scarcely moved, but its + eyes closed and Dick was prudently waiting before touching + it, when he heard the distant report of a gun and knew that + Ned was worried about him. He fired an answering shot and + then, finding a bit of dry ground beside the body of the + bear, decided to eat his supper the next morning and lay + down to sleep with his head on his new bear robe.</p> + + <p>At daylight he heard the report of Ned's gun and fired his + rifle in reply. The bear was so heavy that Dick had trouble in + handling it and before he had finished skinning it the report + of a gun within two hundred yards showed that Ned was out + hunting for him and had taken the right course.</p> + + <p>"Hope you didn't worry about me," was Dick's greeting as the + boys met.</p> + + <p>"Nope, didn't worry after you answered my shot, but I was + mighty envious of you, for I knew you had got hold of + something. I didn't believe it was a bear. Were you scared, + Dick?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I was, a heap, but I pulled through," and Dick told + his chum of the thought that braced him up.</p> + + <p>Ned tried to speak roughly, but his voice trembled and he + looked affectionately at his companion as he said:</p> + + <p>"See here, Dick, boy, you can cut out all that outlaw talk. + The gun business was all bluff and you know it as well as + I."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page170" + id="page170"></a>[pg 170]</span> + + <p>"You looked pretty white, Neddy, for a fellow who didn't + think he was taking any risk. But if you'll tell me now, honest + Injun, that you didn't think there was any danger when you + faced that convict and called him a liar, a thief and a coward, + why I'll never speak of it again. I noticed that your pet + outlaw, who said the fellow was a murderer, three deep, didn't + seem to think that you had done anything so very amusing in + giving that fellow the lie and all the rest of it."</p> + + <p>"I see you are round-skinning your bear for mounting. I'm + glad of that. Some day I'll see it in your house and we'll be + talking about last night."</p> + + <p>"That skin is for you. I want you to have it stuffed and put + where it can watch your alligator."</p> + + <p>"I'm not going to take all the trophies of this trip. You + can bet your life on that."</p> + + <p>"Don't get slangy, Neddy. You aren't used to it and it isn't + becoming. Besides, we may never get these little souvenirs out + of the wilderness."</p> + + <p>By which remark Dick proved himself to be a prophet.</p> + + <p>The trail of the bear had been roundabout and had brought + Dick within less than a mile of the camp. The buzzards were + gathering and Dick remained to guard the meat while he finished + removing the skin and cleaning the skull. Ned made two trips + with good loads and then, taking all they could carry, the boys + returned to camp, leaving a big feast for the bird + scavengers.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page171" + id="page171"></a>[pg 171]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XVI</h3> + + <h3>IN THE CROCODILE COUNTRY</h3> + + <p>One evening while Dick had one of his alligator pets sitting + up on his tail, teaching him to sing, as he told his chum, Ned + said:</p> + + <p>"Crocodiles are a lot more interesting than alligators and + the Florida crocodile is nearly extinct. All that are left are + in a little strip of land near Madeira Hammock, which is only a + mile or two wide and eight or ten long. Let's go down to + Madeira Hammock and catch some to look at. We can turn them + loose after we are through with them."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Streeter says there is no way to get through to Florida + Bay, where Madeira Hammock is, by water from Whitewater + Bay."</p> + + <p>"Your outlaw says there is, only you have to tote your canoe + some."</p> + + <p>"He isn't my outlaw. I don't sit up nights making maps with + him, and anyhow we can't tote the canoe through a mangrove + swamp, and that's what we're up against if we go that way."</p> + + <p>"But our outlaw—the outlaw, if you like—says we + can find little creeks up toward the Glades that will take us + almost through."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page172" + id="page172"></a>[pg 172]</span> + + <p>"All right. We'll start in the morning. I wish we'd cured + about a ton or two less of that meat. We'll have to make a lot + of trips across the carries. You don't see any way to take my + alligators along, do you?"</p> + + <p>Two days were spent in following creeks that led to nothing + and then one was found with a deeper channel which led them for + miles, after which it broke up into several little waterways, + which were almost without current and so shallow that the boys + had to wade and drag their canoe. Their progress was slow, and + they slept on a bed of brush which had lumps and knots to + bruise every soft spot on their bodies. Their next trouble was + a strip of mangrove swamp which a cat couldn't have crawled + through. After following along the mangroves for an hour they + found a creek which entered it. As they followed this creek it + grew wider and deepened. There was a slight current that flowed + with them; the water was brackish, and they knew it led to the + Bay of Florida and that the Madeira Hammock was near.</p> + + <p>The mangrove gave place to a better growth, the soil became + richer and vegetation more luxuriant. Soon they had to cut away + vines and branches to clear the way for the canoe, but they + counted their troubles over. They were paddling gaily ahead + when they saw in front of them a branch that stretched across + the creek about a foot above the water. They had met plenty of + similar obstructions, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page173" + id="page173"></a>[pg 173]</span> but this was different. + There was a big wasps' nest on the branch and the air was + filled with flying little pests. It was impossible to get + around the nest and it was doubtful if there was another + creek that would take them through.</p> + + <p>"Let's get some dry palmetto fans and make torches. Then we + can burn and smoke the wasps out," said Ned.</p> + + <p>"Dunno as I want to wade up to that nest and set it afire. + Ouch!" said Dick, who had sat down on what he thought was a + stump, but had turned out to be an ants' nest. "Holy smoke! + Don't these things bite? I don't believe wasps are in it with + them. Anyhow, I'm going to find out."</p> + + <p>Dick took the oar that was used to pole the canoe and wading + straight toward the nest struck it a blow that most fortunately + knocked it to the water, while a second blow sent it under the + surface. A few of the outlying insects stung the boy and he had + a dozen little lumps to show for a day or two, but he had + captured the fort and drowned the garrison and the canoe passed + in peace.</p> + + <p>The creek emptied into a wide bay on the high bank of which + the boys camped. It was part of the Madeira Hammock, the most + beautiful native forest they had seen. At daylight a large + crocodile was floating on the bay near the camp, but sank out + of sight as the campers showed themselves. From the bay the + canoeists entered a deep river with high banks on which were + growing madeira, wild sapadillo, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page174" + id="page174"></a>[pg 174]</span> palms of several kinds and + other varieties of trees. In the sides of the high banks at + the water line the boys saw holes which they believed to be + the caves of crocodiles. In the mouth of one the water was + muddied and Dick cut a long pole which he poked into the + hole. At first he felt something seize the pole, but could + not afterward find the creature. He then took the pole on + the bank and thrust it into the ground where he thought the + reptile was most likely to be. When he had worked thirty + feet back from the bank he felt something move and the next + instant Ned, who had stayed in the canoe at the mouth of the + cave, was nearly capsized by the rush of a great beast + nearly the size of the canoe.</p> + + <p>"Why didn't you grab it, Ned? What is the use of my driving + game to you, if you let it slip through your fingers?"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you think that was one of the alligator babies + you've been nursing. You didn't see the big head with the tusks + running out of the top of it."</p> + + <p>"No, but I mean to see the next one. It'll be your turn to + do the punching while I rope the critter."</p> + + <p>"If you had got your rope on that one and held on, you'd be + in his cave now, inside the owner's tummy."</p> + + <p>The next crocodile was not far away and the hunters saw it + crawl into its cave. Dick stood on the bank over the cave and + arranged the noose on the end of the harpoon line around the + mouth of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page175" + id="page175"></a>[pg 175]</span> the cave, while Ned paddled + the canoe a few rods down the stream. Dick had the line fast + to his wrist, but Ned wouldn't punch it until it had been + made fast to a chunk of wood instead.</p> + + <p>"What difference does it make?" grumbled Dick. "If the chunk + goes overboard I follow it. See?"</p> + + <p>Ned hit the crocodile on his first poke and Dick had his + hands full from the start. He would have been dragged into the + river within a dozen seconds, but for Ned's coming to his aid. + The crocodile was as quick as the alligators had been slow.</p> + + <p>"If he digs round as fast on land as he does in the water + there's goin' to be a circus when we get him out on the bank," + said the panting Dick.</p> + + <p>"And you wanted to be tied to his mammy by the wrist. This + is only an infant. It isn't nine feet long."</p> + + <p>But it was, and a foot over that, yet when they got the + reptile on the bank and drew its head close to a sapling, they + tied a piece of the line around its knobby head without any + trouble. From that moment the crocodile was tame, and soon Dick + was handling him fearlessly, although Ned warned him that if he + didn't keep out of the way of that tail he'd be knocked + endways. But Dick sat on his back, pulled his tail and tried to + lift him on his own back without the crocodile showing + displeasure in any way.</p> + + <p>"Ned, this thing is a peach. Why not send him to your + father? He could be taken to New York + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page176" + id="page176"></a>[pg 176]</span> in a baby carriage or led + like a puppy dog. There would be no such trouble as there + would be with a manatee. He's a curiosity, too."</p> + + <p>"If it was the big one I believe it would be worth trying. + That fellow must be as big as they come. I wish we had fixed + for him."</p> + + <p>"It isn't too late. Let's lay for him to-morrow."</p> + + <p>The crocodile hunters camped beside their captive and Dick + spent the afternoon trying to educate it. He talked of taking + the string off of its jaws, but Ned stopped that.</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid he might eat the wrong thing, by mistake, and + then I'd have to go home alone. I suppose I could take the + crocodile along in your place. Your mother might like him as a + kind of souvenir."</p> + + <p>"But see how gentle he is and how mild his eye. He doesn't + whack around with his tail like an alligator and I think he + likes to have me sit on his back."</p> + + <p>"That's only his slyness. Look at him now." For the + crocodile, thinking itself unobserved, was crawling slowly + toward the bank of the river. When it reached the end of its + tether and could go no farther, it lay down and, lifting its + head, looked all around as innocently as if it never dreamed of + escaping, but had just moved a little way to get a better view + of the scenery.</p> + + <p>Every hour or two of the next day the boys called + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page177" + id="page177"></a>[pg 177]</span> at the cave of the big + crocodile, but never found him in.</p> + + <p>"Well, we'll go at it again to-morrow," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"We will be doing something else to-morrow. We've got to + hike out of here, and keep moving, too. Last drop of water has + just gone into the coffee pot," and Ned turned the empty water + can upside down.</p> + + <p>"Hope you can find the creek that leads to the fresh-water + country. I don't believe I could. We came through too many + twisty, narrow places. We sure don't want to be three or four + days finding it. I'm awful thirsty now."</p> + + <p>"You must stop thinking about it. I believe I won't try for + that creek. It's a regular Chinese puzzle up among the + mangroves, and I'm not a bit sure I could follow our trail back + to fresh water. I'd rather take chances of that river that + leads more to the east. I know it can't go through to our bay, + but it must lead up to the Everglade country where the + mangroves won't be so bad. We may have to do some toting, but + we will be sure to find water by to-morrow night or the next + day at the worst. But I won't go that way unless you think + best. It's too serious a thing for me to decide alone."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'm with you Ned. I might live till day after to-morrow + without water, but I wouldn't have a ghost of a chance beyond + that, and we might be <span class="pagenum"><a name="page178" + id="page178"></a>[pg 178]</span> three days in your Chinese + puzzle country. Wow! but I'm thirsty."</p> + + <p>"Say that again, Dick, and I'll confiscate your coffee. I'm + going to save half of it for breakfast, anyhow. So go slow. + You're on allowance now. We will have breakfast before + daylight. I want to start as soon as we can see. It's a lot + cooler before sun-up."</p> + + <p>"I'll wake easy. I'll be so thirsty—Oh! excuse me, I + forgot. But Ned, would you mind if I took my crocodile along in + the canoe? He wouldn't take up much room and I could sit on his + back. I could lead him across any carry and I've grown quite + fond of him."</p> + + <p>"You had better stop talking nonsense and get some sleep. + You may need it."</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know. 'Most anything may happen. You'd feel bad to + think you had refused a poor boy's dying request—and he + your chum, too. Can't I have my little pet crocodile?"</p> + + <p>When the sun rose the young explorers had already paddled + several miles and were in a labyrinth of little bays from which + they followed channel after channel until each one shoaled down + to a few inches in depth. Finally they found one that deepened + as they advanced, although its banks came nearer together and + the branches of big trees closed over it.</p> + + <p>"This is all right. Fresh water soon," said Dick + joyfully.</p> + + <p>But he was soon to be disappointed. For the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page179" + id="page179"></a>[pg 179]</span> little creek ended in a + round shallow pond, a hundred yards across and entirely shut + in by thick bushes. Dick became very blue and even Ned was + discouraged.</p> + + <p>"I hate to go back for miles and begin all over again, just + when we are so far along in the right direction. We can get + through these bushes and walk a mile or two, and perhaps climb + a tree and see what the country looks like," said Ned.</p> + + <p>"I'd rather do anything than go back," replied Dick. "Let's + paddle round the edge of this pond and see where the bushes are + thinnest."</p> + + <p>They paddled along the shore of the little lake, finding the + water so shallow that it barely floated the canoe, until just + where the bushes seemed thickest it deepened to several feet, + and parting the bushes disclosed a deep but very narrow creek + through which the water slowly flowed. There was no room to + paddle and for more than a mile the boys dragged the canoe by + taking hold of overhanging branches. Sometimes they could lift + branches that crossed the creek over the canoe as they passed. + Sometimes they had to lie down in the canoe to get under the + obstructions and often they had to stop to cut away limbs of + small trees. They were finally stopped by the trunk of a large + tree which had fallen across and completely blocked up the + creek. Just beyond it two palmettos had fallen in the stream, + one of which lay lengthwise in the channel. It would have taken + days to <span class="pagenum"><a name="page180" + id="page180"></a>[pg 180]</span> remove the obstructions and + the young explorers explored the swamp near them to find a + possible carry. They found that a hundred feet behind them + the woods were thinner and they could cut a path through + which they could carry the canoe and stores.</p> + + <p>"This is going to take all the rest of the day," said Ned, + "and it will be a dry camp after a heap of hot work. What do + you say to leaving this till to-morrow, and putting in this + afternoon hunting for the best route and looking for fresh + water?"</p> + + <p>"That's me," replied Dick. "Let's hike in a hurry. Only + don't you lose your way. We have got to get back to the canoe + and you're the guide."</p> + + <p>"Don't you worry about that. You may have to go slow, but I + won't lose myself and I will bring you back to the canoe," said + Ned.</p> + + <p>Instead of following the creek, Ned bore off to the north + where the woods seemed more open and soon reached a stretch of + dry, open prairie. On the border of it stood a tall mastic tree + with a lightning-blasted top and many branches which made it + easy to climb. Ned was soon in the top of the tree making a + mental map of the country round about.</p> + + <p>"It is all right now," said he as he climbed down. "I can + see the open Everglades within four or five miles, and there is + something that looks like a slough that is only half as far + away. We'll leave the creek in the morning and cut our path + this way, instead of around those trees. It won't be + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page181" + id="page181"></a>[pg 181]</span> as much work, either. We + can do some of that work to-night and camp right here. Then + in the morning, at daylight, we will start out with the + canoe on our shoulders and tramp till we find water to float + it."</p> + + <p>"But how about water to drink? I need it worse than the + canoe."</p> + + <p>"Where there's water for the canoe, there will be water for + you. It's Everglade water from now on."</p> + + <p>"I wish it would begin this minute. There's a little + mud-hole that looks pretty wet. Do you think that might be + fresh?"</p> + + <p>"Only way to find out is to try it." A minute later Dick + called out.</p> + + <p>"Come here, Ned, it's muddy, but it's fresh. Oh, isn't it + good!"</p> + + <p>As Ned approached the pool Dick, who was lying on the + prairie beside it, lifted his face from the water of which he + had been drinking, and was turning to speak to his companion + when the head of a great alligator, with wide open jaws, was + thrust violently out of the pool, just touching the boy's face. + Dick fell back on the prairie and scrambled away from the pool. + It was a minute before he spoke and then he said to Ned:</p> + + <p>"Let's get back to work. I don't want another drink for a + month. It makes me sick to think of it."</p> + + <p>The slough was farther away than Ned thought and the road to + it lay through a marsh. Often they + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page182" + id="page182"></a>[pg 182]</span> sank to the waist and + wallowed for rods, carrying the canoe which seemed to weigh + a ton, or dragging it beside them. Moccasins were plentiful, + but the boys were too tired to be worried by them. They had + to make two more trips to carry their cargo, and on the last + one, as Dick was staggering under a load of smoked meat and + a heavy, salted skin, he was heard to say:</p> + + <p>"I wonder why I killed that bear. I will never kill another + one."</p> + + <p>There was dry ground beside the slough, under some willow + trees, and the explorers were glad to rest there for the night. + A duck flew down by the willows as if seeking to camp with them + and he succeeded, for they had him for + supper.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page183" + id="page183"></a>[pg 183]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XVII</h3> + + <h3>AMONG THE SEMINOLES</h3> + + <p>The young explorers had found an uncharted route from the + Bay of Florida to the Everglades and the work before them was + now easy.</p> + + <p>The water was deeper than was needed to float their canoe, + and the grass too light to trouble them. They sheered off and + avoided all bands of saw-grass unless they found trails across + them. The Glades were dotted with little keys of bay, myrtle + and cocoa plum. These were small and usually submerged. A few + larger keys were covered with heavier timber, pine, oak, + mastic, palmetto and other woods. In these, deer were plentiful + and bear and panther sometimes found.</p> + + <p>The boys went to several keys before they found one with dry + land enough for a camp. It had been used for camping by the + Seminoles for many years and was the only bit of land above the + surface of the water for miles. On it were piles of turtle + shells, while scattered about were bones of deer and alligator + and skulls of bear and smaller animals. A cultivated papaw + which some Indian had planted + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page184" + id="page184"></a>[pg 184]</span> within a few years, stood + twelve feet high and was filled with great melon-like + papaws, each one of which weighed from five to ten + pounds.</p> + + <p>"Better than cantaloupe," said Dick as he finished half of a + big one as a preliminary to his supper, "but what's this you + are giving us for coffee?"</p> + + <p>"Coffee's out," replied Ned. "The fellows that took the + rifle cleaned out most of the coffee."</p> + + <p>"Why didn't you make 'em give it back when you had 'em on + the run?"</p> + + <p>"Reckon I was glad to get out of it as easy as I did. Then I + had said enough unkind things to them for one time."</p> + + <p>"Sorry you think you were unkind. Your feelings must be a + good deal torn up. But you haven't told me what I'm drinking. + Tastes something like the sassafras tea I used to get dosed + with when I was a kid. It's pretty good, though."</p> + + <p>"It's something like it. It's made from the leaves of the + sweet bay tree, which grows on all these islands and all over + this country. Sweet-bay tea is all you're going to get to + drink, excepting water, from now on."</p> + + <p>"What is that fruit that looks like a big stubby pear on + that curious-looking tree there?" inquired Dick.</p> + + <p>"Custard apple."</p> + + <p>"Does it taste like custard?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, if the custard has been mixed with + turpentine."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page185" + id="page185"></a>[pg 185]</span> + + <p>The explorers made little progress the following day. + Bunches of thick saw-grass turned them back. They found shallow + water where for long distances they had to paddle slowly to + avoid little pillars of coral rock that came close to the + surface and endangered their fragile canoe. Most of the + afternoon was vainly spent in searching for a camping site. + They found a key where the water was shoal and made a bed of + poles and branches. Both of them chose to sleep on the bed they + had made. Whether this was simply politeness or because both + were afraid of rolling out of the canoe nobody else knows. The + poles and branches sagged under their weight until both were + wet. Then such a deluge of rain as is seldom seen outside of + the tropics fell on them. They got out in the dark and tied + their canvas sheet over the canoe. They didn't need it for + themselves. They were already as wet as they could be.</p> + + <p>In the morning they dried themselves—so Dick + said—by rolling into the water and sloshing around. They + made a cold lunch of smoked bear, cold hominy, or grits as it + is called in Florida, and water, choosing to wait for breakfast + until they should find land enough for a fire. During the day + they saw high trees to the eastward and made for them. Here + they found a Seminole camp of several families.</p> + + <p>As they landed from their canoe they saw several + pickaninnies, for Seminole children are not + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page186" + id="page186"></a>[pg 186]</span> called papooses like + children in other tribes of Indians, watching them from + behind trees and boats. The squaws whom they met were + equally shy and kept their faces hidden. Ned spoke to + several of them, but they gave no sign that they even heard + him.</p> + + <p>"They don't like your looks," said Dick. "Let me speak to + the next one."</p> + + <p>The next one was a young girl and Dick was very confident, + as he addressed her, with his very best smile. But he was + turned down as badly as his chum, for the girl didn't see him + at all. At the camp they found one old Indian and several + squaws. The Indian welcomed them with a grunt and the + question,</p> + + <p>"<i>Whyome</i> (whiskey), you got um?"</p> + + <p>"<i>Whyome holowaugus</i> (bad), no got um," replied Ned. + The Indian grunted again and conversation ceased. Dick was + sitting on the edge of the table which serves also as floor in + a Seminole camp, when he heard a low growl just over his head. + He looked up and saw, crouched on a shelf within four feet of + him, a full-grown wild-cat, or bay lynx, which seemed disposed + to spring at him. Dick tried to keep from showing how much he + was scared, but he asked Ned to find out if the wild-cat would + bite. To Ned's question, the Indian nodded emphatically and + replied,</p> + + <p>"Um, um, <i>unca, ojus</i> (yes, heap)." Dick moved away, + but the creature fascinated him and he came + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page187" + id="page187"></a>[pg 187]</span> back. Dick never could + resist the temptation to play with wild animals and he put + out his hand to the wild-cat, saying:</p> + + <p>"If that Injun can tame that beast, I can."</p> + + <p>"That Injun understands you, just as well as I do. He only + pretends he doesn't so as to make us try to talk his confounded + lingo."</p> + + <p>A half smile stole over the stolid face of the Indian, + either on account of what Ned was saying or because Dick's hand + was slowly approaching the wild-cat. The paw of the lynx + flashed out and back so quickly that it could scarcely be seen, + but the blood began to flow from several deep, parallel cuts on + the back of the boy's hand. Dick still held out his hand, + scarcely moving a muscle, while Ned called out:</p> + + <p>"Come away, Dick, that beast'll scratch out your eyes."</p> + + <p>"Wonder what it would do if I cuffed it?"</p> + + <p>The Indian appeared to understand this, for he spoke sharply + to the lynx, and going up to it patted its head and stroked its + body lightly. He then motioned to Dick to do the same. To + Dick's great delight the wild-cat not only allowed him to + stroke it, but even purred as well as a wild-cat can.</p> + + <p>"Ned, I've got to have that cat. I've given up all my other + pets because you didn't want them in the canoe, or there wasn't + room. Now Tom will take care of himself and won't need any + toting. Shouldn't wonder if he'd feed himself, + too."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page188" + id="page188"></a>[pg 188]</span> + + <p>"That's what I'm most afraid of.</p> + + <p>"Don't worry. I won't let him eat you. Ask old + Stick-in-the-mud there what he wants for his beastie."</p> + + <p>Ned talked with the Indian and reported to Dick.</p> + + <p>"He says he will sell for one otter skin like that one in + the canoe."</p> + + <p>"How could he see that skin from here? Tell him it's a + whack. Only he must make Tom go with me if there is any trouble + about it."</p> + + <p>"He says wild-cat go with you, you brave boy, not afraid of + him. Says somebody get scared, he eat 'em up."</p> + + <p>"Ned, you old hypocrite, you made that up."</p> + + <p>"Honest Injun, I didn't. I told it straight, just as I got + it. That Indian likes you."</p> + + <p>"Why don't he talk white man lingo to me, then, instead of + his old gibberish that he can't possibly understand himself? + Ask the old snoozer what's cooking in that pot. It smells bully + and I'm hungry."</p> + + <p>Ned turned to the Indian and pointing to the steaming pot, + said:</p> + + <p>"<i>Nar-kee?</i> (What is it?)"</p> + + <p>"<i>Lock-a-wa.</i> (Turtle.)"</p> + + <p>"<i>Esoka bonus che.</i> (I want some.)"</p> + + <p>"<i>Humbuggus cha.</i> (Come eat.)"</p> + + <p>The boys took turns with the big, wooden, family spoon and + found the mess very good. There was another kettle of which the + Indians ate freely into <span class="pagenum"><a name="page189" + id="page189"></a>[pg 189]</span> which Dick dipped his + spoon. He made a wry face as he swallowed the portion he had + scooped up and said to Ned:</p> + + <p>"Tell your copper-faced friend that he had better give that + swill back to the pigs he stole it from."</p> + + <p>"Be careful, Dick, he understands."</p> + + <p>"Then let him say so in a decent language and I'll apologize + for hurting his feelings, but I won't say that stuff is fit to + eat, not if I am tied to the stake."</p> + + <p>Dick spent one afternoon getting acquainted with the Indian + children, in which he succeeded so well that when he came back + to the camp streaming with water, the whole bunch, although + they were quite as well soaked as he, followed him screaming + with laughter, quite like white children.</p> + + <p>"What is the trouble?" inquired Ned as soon as the + youngsters gave him a chance to be heard.</p> + + <p>"Only the usual thing. These Indians don't know how to + manage their roly-poly canoes and I'm afraid I'll be drowned + before I get 'em taught."</p> + + <p>Dick had found a big family canoe that looked as if it + couldn't capsize and had made signs to an Indian boy to go out + in it with him. Before they were fairly afloat all the + pickaninnies belonging to the camp had piled into the craft. + From the smallest squab to the biggest boy, the Indian children + danced about in the canoe without disturbing its equilibrium. + The boy in the stern, standing on the extreme point of the + craft, set his pole on the coral + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page190" + id="page190"></a>[pg 190]</span> bottom and threw his weight + back upon it until his whole body stood out almost parallel + with the water behind the canoe. Dick stood on the tiny deck + on the bow of the boat, but with every thrust of his pole + the canoe wabbled till the pickaninnies balanced it. But + Dick improved with practice and as he grew confident, threw + his weight on the pole in true Seminole fashion. He would + have pulled through with credit, but for the slipping of his + pole on a point of coral rock, when he fell heavily in the + water, capsizing the craft as he went overboard. At first + the boy was alarmed for the safety of his cargo of children, + but soon saw that they were as much at home in the water as + on land and were quite capable of caring for themselves. + After Ned had heard what had happened he called the + attention of the squaws to the ducking of their babies + without causing the faintest gleam of interest to cross + their stolid faces.</p> + + <p>After another day of eating with the Seminoles and sleeping + on their tables, Dick announced that Tom and he were tired of + Injuns and wanted to light out. The whole Indian family saw + them off, even the squaws coming half way to the canoe from + their camp. Dick carried Tom on his shoulder and the lynx + stepped into the canoe as if it had always owned it and curled + up on the canvas of the tent.</p> + + <p>"Where do you want to go, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"What's the use of asking me? You have been talking + Everglades and Big Cypress in a steady + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page191" + id="page191"></a>[pg 191]</span> streak, for two days to + that old Injun. You must have a map of his brain by this + time."</p> + + <p>"We can go through the Everglades to Lake Okeechobee, out + through the canal and down the Caloosahatchee, but the + Everglades will be much the same as we have seen, only more and + worse saw-grass and so harder work. If we go to the east we + will pretty soon come out at the coast which we want to avoid. + I think we had better strike across to the prairies and the + border land between the Everglades and the Big Cypress Swamp. + Bear, deer, panther and wild turkey are to be found in that + country, and we won't have to hurry so much to get through in + the time we talked of for the trip. What do you say?"</p> + + <p>"The woods for me, every time. Then I think it would be + better for Tom's health. I am afraid he would get melancholy if + we kept him on the water too much. Let's put in a big day's + work and get somewhere. I can stand sleeping in the water once + in a while, but don't like it as a regular thing."</p> + + <p>They put in their big day's work without getting very far. + They struck shoal water in the morning where little pillars of + coral, rising almost to the surface, threatened to tear a hole + in their canoe. When they got overboard and waded, the same + sharp points of coral hurt their feet and bruised their shins. + During the afternoon they held their course, as best they + could, for a tall palmetto, which, lifting its head above a + waste of water and grass, gave promise + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page192" + id="page192"></a>[pg 192]</span> of land enough for a camp + beneath it. They dragged the canoe through a narrow strand + of saw-grass, but were turned westward by a heavier band of + the same obstacle, and finally made their camp for the night + on a bushy little submerged key, where Ned lay on top of the + canoe and was kept from sleeping by the fear of rolling over + into the water, and Dick lay on a bed of brush that soon + settled into the water with him. At first Tom climbed a + little tree, but didn't seem pleased with his quarters. He + looked at Dick's bed for a moment and turned in for the + night with Ned in the canoe. Good progress was made on the + following day, for the boys were tired of trying to sleep on + the water and meant to find land enough for a camp before + another night. They found much open water, most of the grass + was light and the few strands of saw-grass they encountered + were easily avoided. They saw few keys and all of those were + submerged. So again when night came there was no dry land + for a camp and the bed of branches was built up in the + shallow water. About midnight Ned, noticing that his + companion was restless, said to him:</p> + + <p>"Dick, can you sleep any more?"</p> + + <p>"Sleep any more?" said the indignant Dick. "I haven't slept + any, yet."</p> + + <p>"Then let's get out of this and paddle the rest of the + night. It's full moon, paddling isn't half as hard as trying to + sleep on that bed and we may get + somewhere."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" + id="page193"></a>[pg 193]</span> + + <p>"Good thing, and I move that we keep paddling till we get to + those woods you talked about, if it takes a week. Tom votes + with me. Motion carried."</p> + + <p>About the middle of the forenoon they saw a clump of + palmettos on a key, for which they headed at once, where they + found ground which had been often camped upon. Dick climbed a + tree and could make out a forest near the horizon, in the west. + A few more hours' work would see them out of the Glades, but + they chose to rest for the remainder of the day.</p> + + <p>"There goes your pet. That's the last of him," said Ned, + pointing to the lynx in the top of the tree, which Dick had + climbed.</p> + + <p>"He'll come back all right. If he doesn't I'll go up and + fetch him by the scruff of his neck."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/193.jpg" + name="fig193" + id="fig193"><img width="100%" + src="images/193.jpg" + alt='"THERE GOES YOUR PET."' /></a>"THERE GOES YOUR + PET. THAT'S THE LAST OF HIM" + </div> + + <p>Dick was right, for when the wild-cat saw the stores broken + into for dinner he came down for his portion of meat and then + curled up for a nap on his canvas in the canoe. Tom tolerated + Ned, but never permitted any familiarities from him, while Dick + could handle him as he chose and the lynx only smiled, in his + own fashion.</p> + + <p>To reach the woods they were aiming for the boys left the + Indian trail they were on and, after forcing their way through + a strand of saw-grass, found themselves on a prairie, bounded + on the west <span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" + id="page194"></a>[pg 194]</span> by a heavy growth of + cypress, oak and other heavy timber, while the prairie + itself was made beautiful by picturesque little groups of + palmettos which were scattered through + it.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" + id="page195"></a>[pg 195]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XVIII</h3> + + <h3>DICK'S WILDCAT AND OTHER WILD THINGS</h3> + + <p>The Everglades had been crossed and that great region of + romance was no longer a mystery to our explorers, who found a + dry, shaded site for their camp on the border of the swamp + which they planned to explore and there fitted up for a long + stay. They stretched their canvas, tent fashion, and gathered + grass and moss for their beds. A round, deep pool of clear + fresh water was just beside the camp, and after one rattlesnake + and a few moccasins that claimed squatter's title had been + killed they felt that nothing was lacking. In the evening the + distant gobbling of a turkey told the hunters what would be the + first duty of the next day. When they started out on the hunt + prepared to be gone for one or more days Dick was troubled for + fear Tom might not understand his long absence and skip out. He + had a long talk with the lynx and told Ned that he thought Tom + would be good. Then he got out two days' rations for the + animal, which it ate up at once. There was more dry land in + this swamp than in those farther south to which they had become + accustomed, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page196" + id="page196"></a>[pg 196]</span> traveling was better, or + rather, less bad. Yet to persons with less experience than + the young explorers it would have seemed to be as bad as it + was possible for it to be. For half a day the boys tramped + and waded in the swamp without finding the game they were + looking for. They had found other birds, some of which they + would have shot for their dinner had they not been afraid of + frightening the wary turkeys, which they believed were not + far from them. Alligators were plentiful, large and small, + but the boys were not hunting for hides and Dick said that + Tom was all the pet he cared to have charge of for the + present. Early in the afternoon they sat down to rest under + a big tree and were eating their lunch of smoked meat and + cold hoe-cake when a turkey gobbler lit on a branch of the + tree under which they were sitting. The turkey was in plain + sight and less than twenty feet from them, but Dick's + shot-gun was resting against a tree fifteen feet from its + owner, while Ned's rifle lay on the ground five feet from + his hand. Both kept as quiet as graven images, for they knew + that at the motion of a hand the big bird would take flight. + If Dick's gun had been within five feet he would have jumped + for it, trusting to be ready with it to cut down the turkey + before it could get out of sight among the trees. But a run + of fifteen feet made his chances too small and he waited to + see what Ned would do. Ned's rifle lay just out of his + reach, and before he could lay his hand on it the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" + id="page197"></a>[pg 197]</span> bird would be on the wing + and quite safe from anything he could do with a rifle. At + last Ned began to push himself inch by inch toward the + rifle, while Dick sat silent and breathless with excitement. + Very slowly Ned progressed until his hand touched the rifle. + Before he could move it the fraction of an inch, the turkey + saw the trouble in store for him and was off. Ned grabbed + the rifle and took a harmless snapshot at the bird, while + Dick rushed for his gun and sent after the turkey, which was + then a hundred yards distant, a shower of shot which could + never have overtaken it.</p> + + <p>"Next time I eat I'm going to feed myself with one hand and + hold my gun in the other," said Dick. "I think I'll stay home + to-morrow and keep camp. Tom will go hunting with you. He's got + sense and he always keeps his weapons handy."</p> + + <p>"Keeps 'em too handy for me. I don't like the way he looks + at me sometimes. He acts as if he wanted to feel of my ribs to + see if I am fat enough for his purposes. I reckon I'm the one + to keep camp. My rifle was right at my elbow, but I didn't seem + to know enough to use it. Dick! Look at that hole in that tree + and all those insects around it. It's a bee-tree. There's a + barrel of honey there that belongs to us!"</p> + + <p>"Do you s'pose the bees know that it belongs to us, or will + they make trouble for us?"</p> + + <p>"Of course they'll make trouble. You can't rob a hive + without being + stung."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page198" + id="page198"></a>[pg 198]</span> + + <p>"I'm going to keep camp to-morrow, just as I told you, and + let Tom go with you. Wonder how he'd like to climb that + tree."</p> + + <p>"We will chop down that tree to-morrow and likely get stung + a lot, but you know, Dick, you wouldn't stay away for a + farm."</p> + + <p>"Better not try me. I wish I had a sheet-iron jacket and + stove-pipe pants. Let's go home. I want to see Tom and tell him + about it. I'm afraid he's lonesome."</p> + + <p>But Dick didn't tell Tom anything, for when they got back to + camp Tom had gone. Dick scarcely tasted his supper and his + sleep was restless and troubled. He woke with a scream, from a + terrible nightmare in which a wild beast had him by the throat + and was crushing him to death under his tremendous weight. He + was happy when he woke to find that his dream was true. For Tom + had come home and showed his joy at the sight of Dick by + leaping on the boy's chest and licking his face and neck. Even + Ned rejoiced that Tom had returned and stroked his back, which + for once the lynx graciously permitted.</p> + + <p>"You are glad that Tom has come back, aren't you, Ned?" said + Dick as he laid his face against the soft fur of the wild-cat + whose purring sounded so like a low growl.</p> + + <p>"Oh, yes. I'm glad. 'Course I am. Only wish all of 'em would + come back, the two alligators, the crocodile and the dead + otter. Then we'd start a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page199" + id="page199"></a>[pg 199]</span> menagerie and I'd tell + fearful stories of man-eaters while you went into their + cages with a big whip in one hand and a small cannon in the + other."</p> + + <p>When the boys started for the bee-tree they carried a bundle + of dry palmetto fans, an axe, and a bucket for the honey.</p> + + <p>"Shall we tote the guns?" asked Ned.</p> + + <p>"What's the use? Don't either of us know how to use 'em. + Better leave 'em with Tom."</p> + + <p>But the guns did not stay with Tom, or rather Tom did not + stay with the guns, but quietly followed the boys as a pet dog + might have done. He stepped daintily from root to root and + walked along fallen logs and the branches of trees which he + climbed, easily keeping up with the bee hunters, without + muddying his paws, while they wallowed in mud which was usually + knee-deep and occasionally a foot more. Before tackling the + tree they built a fire some fifty yards away, which they made + smoke by putting on rotten wood and wet moss. They intended to + hide in this smoke if the bees attacked them while they were + chopping down the tree. The palmetto leaves were to be kept + until the tree had fallen and were then to be made into smoky + torches, under cover of which the boys hoped to secure the + honey. They took turns in slinging the axe and resting, yet the + exercise and the bees together kept them pretty well warmed up. + For, after a while the bees began to take notice of the + knocking at their door and occasionally a few of them dropped + down <span class="pagenum"><a name="page200" + id="page200"></a>[pg 200]</span> and stung the chopper and + the looker on, quite impartially. The art of wood-chopping + has to be learned before one is born. The children of + back-woodsmen can sling an axe as soon as they can stand. + Boys born as near New York City as Dick and Ned were, never + can learn. They think when they go up in the Adirondacks and + chew down some trees with an axe, that they are chopping + wood, but their guides who lie around smoking their pipes + while the sportsmen sweat over the task, know better and + slyly wink at each other while they praise aloud the skill + of their employers.</p> + + <p>When the boys stopped work and went back to their smudge to + give the bees a chance to rest, and to find out if mud really + drew the poison out of the little lumps that covered them, the + tree had been cut nearly half through. Any Nature-lover would + have known that a beaver had been at work, while everyday folks + would have suspected a saw-mill.</p> + + <p>Dick missed Tom and at first was troubled, but finally + discovered him sitting on a branch behind a tree around which + he could look without making himself conspicuous.</p> + + <p>"Shall we wait till to-morrow to finish the job?" asked + Ned.</p> + + <p>"Not much. By to-morrow my face will be so swollen that I + can't see and the rest of me so sore that I can't move. Let's + make a big smudge at the foot of the tree. I'd rather be + smothered by <span class="pagenum"><a name="page201" + id="page201"></a>[pg 201]</span> smoke than stung and + poisoned to death by those little beasts."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/200.jpg" + name="fig200" + id="fig200"><img width="100%" + src="images/200.jpg" + alt='"A FEW OF THE HOMELESS BEES LIT ON THE COMB"' /> + </a>"A FEW OF THE HOMELESS BEES LIT ON THE COMB" + </div> + + <p>The smudge worked and the bee hunters had no more trouble + until the tree fell, when they got into the thickest of the + smoke they had made. This did not save them altogether, for the + bees were very numerous and very mad and a few dozen of them + got far enough in the smoke to leave their marks on their + enemies. When the insects had quieted down and were gathered in + bunches on logs and stumps, looking stupidly at the wreck of + their home, the boys made another smudge near the hole in the + fallen tree which led to the home of the bees. They sounded the + hollow tree and found it only a shell where the honey was + stored and a little work with the hatchet laid open the + storehouse of the insects. A few of the homeless bees lit on + the comb they had made, other bees gathered on the cypress + knees which abounded in the swamp and through which the great + cypress trees breathed, but their spirit was gone and they made + no attack on the destroyers of their home. Of the comb and + honey which the boys found in the tree they were able to carry + away less than half and they wondered if the bees would have + the sense to save what was left or if some wandering bear would + scoop it in for his supper.</p> + + <p>As the young bee hunters started for camp laden with their + spoils, Tom stepped softly out of a nearby thicket, licking his + chops and apparently thinking + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page202" + id="page202"></a>[pg 202]</span> of the delicate lunch of + fat tree-rat he had just eaten.</p> + + <p>"Dick," said Ned, as they were lazily resting against a log, + after a supper that was mostly dessert, having consisted of a + little smoked bear and a lot of honey, "something has got to be + done for the larder. We go for honey when we need meat. We let + Indian hens which we can get, escape on the chance of turkeys + which we can never bag. We are looking for deer that are miles + away and overlooking ducks that are trying to fly into the + pot."</p> + + <p>"I'm not overlooking much, Neddy, since that turkey biz. + I've got my gun in my hand this minute and here's a chance to + use it."</p> + + <p>As Dick spoke he raised the gun to his shoulder and fired. A + little black creature, thirty yards away in the grass, sprang + into the air and fell to the ground. Both of the boys started + for it, but Tom was ahead and looked back upon them, growling + fiercely, with his fangs fixed in the throat of the dying + creature. Dick tried to coax the lynx to give up the creature + he had seized, but the animal was filled with the fierceness of + his race and even Dick dared not touch him. The creature which + the cat held in its claws was clearly a rabbit, little and jet + black, unlike anything which either of the boys had ever seen + before.</p> + + <p>"I've heard of these little Everglade rabbits," said Ned. + "Tommy told me of a key in the Everglades + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" + id="page203"></a>[pg 203]</span> where there were plenty of + them. If we had time we might look it up."</p> + + <p>"How much time have you got, Neddy?"</p> + + <p>"Another month will use up the time I said I would be gone. + I left that word for Dad in Myers. Guess he's there now and + maybe my sister with him. He won't worry a minute till the time + I set is up, after that there'll be trouble."</p> + + <p>"What kind of trouble?"</p> + + <p>"'Most anything," laughed Ned. "Might be a lot of nurses out + looking for a lost baby."</p> + + <p>"He won't be frightened about you if you're not quite up to + time, will he?"</p> + + <p>"Not exactly frightened, but he will want to see me, and + I'll be glad enough to see him, and sis, too."</p> + + <p>"I knew you had a sister, but you never talked about her + much."</p> + + <p>"She's a nice child, alle samee. I think you're going to + like her. She's a little your style of foolishness."</p> + + <p>"What's that?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, it isn't very bad. But you haven't had much to say + about your own self, lately. You never told me exactly what + took you around by Key West. Why didn't you come straight to + Fort Myers instead of taking the tiny little chance of finding + me in the big Everglades?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I'll tell you. You see, mother knew how much I wanted + to go with you on this hunt and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" + id="page204"></a>[pg 204]</span> she begged me to let her + foot the bills. Of course I couldn't stand for that, you + know, and—"</p> + + <p>"Oh, Of course not, you stuck-up little donkey," interrupted + Ned.</p> + + <p>"So I started as a stowaway on the Key West + steamer—"</p> + + <p>"You cheeky little imp! Did they put you in command of the + ship when they found you?"</p> + + <p>"No, only put me in the fireroom, shoveling coal in the + furnace."</p> + + <p>"But that's not boy's work. What business—"</p> + + <p>"Hold on, Ned, wait till I get through. The captain was + bully. So was everybody else. I went to him soon as we were + outside Sandy Hook and asked for a job. I was independent about + it. I believe I offered to swim ashore if he didn't happen to + have a job for me. He gave me an easy one, for a boy, but I + struck and asked for a man's work, and got it—in the + fireroom. But I pulled through, Neddy, and made good, though + once or twice I did have to call myself hard names and think + how you'd have hung on, if you'd been in my place. Yes, + everybody was good to me. One passenger wanted to pay for a + first-class passage for me and I had hard work to beg off, + and—but that's all."</p> + + <p>"Dick, you mustn't talk that way about me. You make me + ashamed. I wouldn't have stuck it out in that fireroom for one + day. Now how about your time for the trip? Will a month suit + you?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, that's all right. I wrote mother from Key + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" + id="page205"></a>[pg 205]</span> West and told her the hunt + would be a long one without any chance to mail a letter and + that she was not to worry because there wasn't a show of + danger in the whole business. Of course mothers do worry a + little when there isn't any reason."</p> + + <p>"Yes, mothers do worry, foolishly. Pity yours couldn't know + how faithfully Tom looks after you. She'd be so relieved."</p> + + <p>On the day after cutting down the bee tree the boys were + glad to stay quietly in camp. Ned's neck and arms were badly + swollen and Dick's eyes could scarcely be seen. Both of them + lay awake nearly all night, but it was uncertain whether this + was due to the pain of the stings or the quantity of honey they + had eaten.</p> + + <p>Tom shed his fierceness soon after he had disposed of the + rabbit and again became friendly to Dick, who, even while he + petted him, explained that he could never quite trust him + again.</p> + + <p>Every evening turkeys could be heard in the swamp near the + camp. Every morning they had departed. One morning Ned said to + Dick:</p> + + <p>"I'm turkey hungry and I'm tired of shilly-shallying. The + way to get anything is to get it. Let us get a turkey. We'll + start out for it now and come back after we have got it, and + not before."</p> + + <p>"All right, Neddy, we goes for it, we gits it and we comes + back when we gits it and not afore."</p> + + <p>The boys started out with their usual equipment of weapons, + salt, matches and axe. They crossed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page206" + id="page206"></a>[pg 206]</span> the swamp without finding + the bird they sought and then, as they were hungry and + tired, Dick shot a fat young ibis and broiled it for their + dinner. After dinner they crossed the meadow to a narrow + strip of woods, beyond which, on a wide stretch of prairie, + they saw three bunches of turkeys. The bunch nearest them + appeared to be a hen turkey with her family, each member of + which was about as large as its mother. They were a long + rifle-shot away, and a shot, if it missed, would send every + turkey to cover for the day. The same thing would happen if + either of them set foot on the prairie.</p> + + <p>"Our best chance," said Ned, "is to wait for them at the + edge of the prairie. It's getting late and pretty soon they'll + be looking for places to roost among these trees. They may come + right here. Anyhow, by spreading out we will cover quite a + stretch of woods. It may be too late for the rifle but the + shotgun ought to do something."</p> + + <p>"That means that you're tired of my society, Neddy. So I'll + go and hide myself on the edge of the prairie, a little further + off than you can hit anything, in case of you mistaking me for + a turkey."</p> + + <p>Soon after Dick had reached his station, the turkeys began + to feed toward the woods. Two of the bunches went to the + opposite side of the prairie. The hen turkey with her grown-up + family fed slowly toward Dick's hiding place, but, when just + out of range, appeared to become suspicious and turned toward + Ned. Slowly she walked, darting her + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page207" + id="page207"></a>[pg 207]</span> quick-moving head in every + direction as she searched trees and bushes for hidden + enemies. The younger turkeys put much faith in the wariness + of the old lady and stalked fearlessly behind her. Ned + waited for a chance which he thought couldn't be missed and, + avoiding the mother turkey, shot down one of her brood. + Instantly the flock was in the air, following its leader + down along the edge of the forest. This brought them + directly over Dick, who neatly cut down another member of + the family. While Ned was dressing the turkeys and building + the fire for the broiling of one of them, Dick was climbing + a young cabbage palm and cutting the bud from its top.</p> + + <p>"Couldn't tell this palmetto cabbage from big fresh + chestnuts, by the taste," said Dick. "I'm going to roast that + other turkey at the camp to-morrow with his whole inside + crammed full of chestnut stuffing."</p> + + <p>While the turkey hunters were eating their breakfast of cold + turkey a doe, followed by a fawn which was still in the spotted + coat, walked out on the open prairie within fifty yards of them + and gazed at them without a sign of fear.</p> + + <p>"They know we wouldn't shoot a doe or a fawn," said Ned. + "That's what makes them feel so safe."</p> + + <p>"Wonder if they would have felt as safe last night, before + we got those turkeys?"</p> + + <p>On their return Tom, met the turkey hunters a quarter of a + mile from their camp and they + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" + id="page208"></a>[pg 208]</span> wondered whether he had + heard them coming, or happened to be strolling that way. He + looked so earnestly at the turkey which Dick was carrying + that the boy said to him:</p> + + <p>"See here, Tom, that's my turkey and I won't stand for your + laying a paw on him. So you had better be good unless you are + looking for a mix-up with me." Tom looked cowed, but showed his + friendly feelings by walking beside Dick, rubbing against his + legs and purring in his half-growling + fashion.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page209" + id="page209"></a>[pg 209]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XIX</h3> + + <h3>A PRAIRIE ON FIRE</h3> + + <p>"Dick," said Ned as they rested against a log, having their + regular after-dinner, heart-to heart talk, "we had better + <i>hiepus</i> (light out), if we mean to get to the coast and + bring up at Myers on time, besides taking in all we want to on + the way. We know the Harney's River route like a book and we've + been over the Indian trail to Lawson's River, so we've got to + find some new way out. There is a chain of salt-water lakes + between the Everglades and the rivers of the west coast and we + must get into them. I have made a pretty fair chart of the + country and can tell how far across the swamps and prairies it + is to almost any point, but how much of that distance is easy + water and how much tough swamp or boggy prairie is what I don't + know, but what we have got to find out. We have explored the + country right around here pretty well and now let's put in a + day working the canoe through the grass to the south, then leg + it westward till we strike salt water."</p> + + <p>"That sounds well," replied Dick, "and then, you know, if + your charts don't pan out straight, you can + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page210" + id="page210"></a>[pg 210]</span> always ask Tom or me. + Wonder if you half appreciate your privileges, having us + along to take care of you."</p> + + <p>The young explorers "lit out" as proposed and, after a day + of hard work and easy work, of open water and thick saw-grass + and of clear channels and half dry meadows, camped beside a + little slough on the border of a swamp, in the jungle of which + it soon lost itself.</p> + + <p>The first excitement of the new camp came in the night when + Tom, who was sleeping, as usual, beside Dick, sprang up with a + fierce cry, which they had never before heard from him, and + dashed into the woods near the camp. There came from the woods + the battle cries of warring animals, but soon all became quiet + and the cat came back, but he growled at intervals throughout + the night.</p> + + <p>"What got into you, Tom?" said Dick to the lynx the next + morning, after he had looked him over in vain for marks of a + fight. "Was it jimjams, or only a bad nightmare?"</p> + + <p>Tom listened gravely and looked as if he could have + explained a good deal if only Dick had understood his + language.</p> + + <p>Tom followed the boys through the swamp on the morning of + their first tramp, but when they struck a marshy meadow where + the water was knee deep and the mud as much more, with no trees + to make it pleasant for a poor cat, he looked reproachfully at + Dick and turned back toward the camp. At + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page211" + id="page211"></a>[pg 211]</span> the end of the meadow was a + dense thicket which Ned entered first. He had only advanced + a few steps when he turned back and held up his hand in + warning to Dick. The thicket in which they stood was on the + border of a big prairie of rich grass in which more than a + dozen deer, nearly all bucks, could be seen feeding, with + only their backs and antlers showing above the tall grass, + excepting when some buck of a suspicious mind lifted his + head high and gazed warily about him.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/210.jpg" + name="fig210" + id="fig210"><img width="100%" + src="images/210.jpg" + alt='"ALL BEYOND THE DARK MEADOW WAS A LIVING MASS"' /> + </a>"ALL BEYOND THE DARK MEADOW WAS A LIVING MASS" + </div> + + <p>"Isn't it us for the big luck, Neddy?" whispered Dick. "When + I ate that very last bit of turk this morning I wondered when + I'd get another meal and Tom asked me in confidence if we meant + to let him starve. And now, just look. There's venison enough + for the rest of the trip."</p> + + <p>"It don't belong to us yet. You want to be mighty cautious. + You can sneak up to that tree with the rifle and wait till that + nearest buck shows up in good shape and then drop a bullet + somewhere around his fore-shoulder. Don't fire at his head + unless you have to. The brain is a mighty small mark, and + you're not playing to the gallery down here."</p> + + <p>"Ned Barstow, what are you talking about? Take your own + rifle and shoot your own buck. If you don't I'll let out a yell + that will scare the whole bunch to Kingdom Come. I don't run to + you with my gun, whenever I find game, and ask you to shoot it. + You mean well, Neddy boy, but sometimes you get + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page212" + id="page212"></a>[pg 212]</span> mistaken. I'm afraid I + didn't begin this trip right. I ought to have given you a + lickin' every day, just to keep you in your place."</p> + + <p>Ned crawled out to the tree with his rifle and watched for + his chance. The nearest buck was within easy range, but the + grass hid his body and when the creature, scenting his enemy, + threw his head high in the air Ned sent a bullet through his + brain. As the boys were dragging the carcass to the woods where + they proposed to skin and cut it in two for carrying to camp, + Dick said to Ned:</p> + + <p>"Do you know what hypocrite means?"</p> + + <p>"I s'pose so, but what are you trying to get at?"</p> + + <p>"Hypocrite means a fellow who tells his friend that the only + way to shoot a buck is through the body, coz the head is too + small to be hit, and then goes out himself and sends a bullet + plumb through the center of the brain of the beast."</p> + + <p>"But Dick, I couldn't see the shoulder."</p> + + <p>"Neither could I. You can't sneak out that way."</p> + + <p>A strong wind from the northwest sprang up while the boys + were finishing their supper of broiled buck's liver and they + built a wind-break to protect them while they slept. The wind + became a gale, but they slept soundly, soothed by its roaring. + They were rudely wakened by the crashing of some wild animal + through the brush of their wind-break and, sitting up, saw that + the whole western sky was lit up and all beyond the dark meadow + was a lurid mass <span class="pagenum"><a name="page213" + id="page213"></a>[pg 213]</span> of flame. The roar of the + fire mingled with that of the gale, while, as the swirling + columns of flame bent to the earth and swept the meadow, the + crackling of the grass was like the rattling of musketry or + the spitting fire of a hundred Catlings. Soon the air became + filled with sparks and cinders, and thick with smoke.</p> + + <p>"We've got to mosey, Ned. Reckon there isn't any time to + waste, either. Shall we take the meat?"</p> + + <p>"Got enough to do to take care of our own."</p> + + <p>There was plenty of light, but the flickering shadows of the + trees caused by the wavering flames made the steps of the boys + uncertain as they fled from the flames that were following so + fast. Ned fell headforemost into a thicket of the terrible + Spanish bayonet and it was only the excitement of the hour that + made the pain bearable. They floundered across the narrow swamp + and into the marshy meadow often waist deep in the mud and more + than once both of them fell flat in the water of the marsh. The + narrow belt of timber which they first crossed checked the fire + and although tongues of flame crossed it and a few trees took + fire, while live coals were scattered broadcast over the marshy + meadow, the fire died out without crossing the belt of woods + that first stopped it. The boys crossed the marshy meadow to + the swamp which they first entered when they left their camp + the previous morning. As Ned's Spanish bayonet wounds kept him + from sleeping, the boys sat up and talked till + daylight.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page214" + id="page214"></a>[pg 214]</span> + + <p>In the morning the wind had gone down and a few burning + trees and little columns of smoke were all that was left of the + great fire of the night.</p> + + <p>"If you will go on to camp, Ned, I'll go back and get that + venison. It must be well smoked. Hope it didn't burn up. Give + my regards to Tom. If he isn't good tie him up."</p> + + <p>"Guess I'll go with you, Dick. These stickers hurt worse + when I keep still. Then you will need help to carry the + venison. I hope the buzzards haven't got at it. We can leave + our guns here."</p> + + <p>"No, thank you. My gun goes with me. I have had trouble + enough from not having it handy."</p> + + <p>They found the hide of their buck had been destroyed by the + fire, but the venison had only been roasted and partly smoked + and they made their breakfast on it. The outsides of the + palmettos, on the prairie where Ned shot the buck, were still + burning and the trees looked like big sticks of charcoal, but + palmetto trees get used to that and are seldom harmed by it, + though it does spoil their beauty. The boys walked out in the + ashes of the grass of the meadow and were sorry they did, for + it made them look like the burnt ends of matches. When they got + back to camp Tom came out and sniffed at Dick and then, instead + of rubbing against his legs, went back and lay down. Dick spent + the rest of the day working over Ned's face and body with + tweezers, pulling out bits of thorns. When he got through the + boys were about equally + tired.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page215" + id="page215"></a>[pg 215]</span> + + <p>Ned's wounds were so painful that for several days the + explorers stayed around the camp and Dick amused himself and + his chum by worrying a family of young alligators that lived in + a pond near the camp. He grunted the little ones to the surface + until they were tired of being fooled and refused to respond + and he drove the largest one out of its cave in the bank until + the reptile refused to play any more and would not come beyond + the mouth of his cave. Then Dick cut a pole leaving a bit of a + branch sticking out like a barb at the end and poked that in + the hole till the alligator grabbed the end of it. Dick now + pulled good and hard, the barb caught in the reptile's lower + jaw and the boy soon had him out of his cave and up on the + prairie. The 'gator was lively and Dick had to chase around the + prairie a lot after him and finally get Ned to help before he + could tie it. Tom didn't approve of the new member of the + family, but he made no trouble while the camp was awake. The + alligator became very restless at night and got in the habit of + thrashing around almost constantly. In the morning his tail was + seen to be raw and bleeding and day by day it grew worse. Tom + was suspected, but always denied having had anything to do with + it, with an expression of such injured innocence when accused + that Dick had to believe him. One night, however, a heavy blow + was heard, accompanied by a yowl from Tom and followed by some + sort of scrimmage. In the morning Tom had a mussed-up look and + the reptile <span class="pagenum"><a name="page216" + id="page216"></a>[pg 216]</span> had a number of fresh + wounds. As the camp was moved that day and Ned continued to + object to taking an alligator in the canoe the reptile was + turned loose. He walked with dignity out on the prairie + until he was near the slough, when he scuttled hastily to + the water and plunged in.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/216.jpg" + name="fig216" + id="fig216"><img width="100%" + src="images/216.jpg" + alt="THE BARB CAUGHT IN THE REPTILE'S LOWER JAW" /> + </a>"THE BARB CAUGHT IN THE REPTILE'S LOWER JAW" + </div> + + <p>The new camp was in a little glade on a creek which the + explorers had followed for about three miles west from the + Everglades. They paddled through the creek till it melted in + the meadows; they poled their canoe along the channel which the + grass concealed; they dragged it by hand under bushes which + covered it, until the little glade opened to them and showed + enough dry ground for a camp and several shallow streams + winding around clumps of bushes, but always stretching out + toward the west. At daylight the young explorers were again on + the move, dragging the canoe along twisting streams not deep + enough to float it, until they struck a larger stream in a + heavier growth. The little streams disappeared, the water grew + deeper, but the jungle became worse, and every yard of their + path had to be carved out with their knives.</p> + + <p>"This doesn't look very hopeful," said Dick as they stopped + the heavy work for a few minutes' rest. "Hadn't we better go + back a ways and hunt up a more open trail?"</p> + + <p>"Not on your life," replied Ned. "We are on the right track + and we've got to fight it through. The only thing I'll stop for + is a mangrove swamp, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page217" + id="page217"></a>[pg 217]</span> and I'll try mighty hard to + get around that. But we won't find any mangrove swamp to + trouble us."</p> + + <p>"You seem to know just what we're going to find on this + trail, if you call it a trail."</p> + + <p>"I know what we ought to find, and that's better."</p> + + <p>"Why is it better?"</p> + + <p>"Because then we'll know if we're on the right track."</p> + + <p>"All right, Neddy, I quite agree with you. I only wanted to + know that you were sure of your ground."</p> + + <p>The trees became heavier in a narrow belt along the stream, + but open sky could be seen beyond them.</p> + + <p>"Don't you want to walk across to that open place, Ned, to + find out what kind of country it is?"</p> + + <p>"I know now. It's open prairie or swamp and the next big + water we strike will be the salt-water lakes. We will probably + come to a fresh-water river first and that pretty soon."</p> + + <p>"Conceit's good for the consumption, Neddy. What do you want + to bet on finding that river in an hour?"</p> + + <p>"I'll eat my hat if we don't find it in a quarter of a mile. + I won't bet on the time, because at the rate you're working it + may take three weeks to get there."</p> + + <p>"Ned, you're a wizard, for there is the river."</p> + + <p>The river flowed gently between high banks, densely wooded. + The waters were alive with fish, and long-legged wading birds + of the heron family <span class="pagenum"><a name="page218" + id="page218"></a>[pg 218]</span> stalked over the shallows + in the stream. An hour's paddling brought the canoe to the + mouth of the river, where camp was made. The water beside + the camp was fresh, but the salt-water bays spread out for + miles before them.</p> + + <p>"Everything is easy now," said Ned. "These bays are in the + Ten Thousand Islands and lead to the head waters of the rivers + of the coast. We may get tangled up in these keys, aground on + the flats or cornered up in some of the bays and perhaps lose a + few days, but we're safe to get out without hard work or + trouble of any + kind."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page219" + id="page219"></a>[pg 219]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XX</h3> + + <h3>DICK'S FIGHT WITH A PANTHER</h3> + + <p>"I've always noticed, Ned, that when everything looks simple + and easy, it is a good time to expect trouble."</p> + + <p>"Not this time, Dick."</p> + + <p>But it was this time, and that night Ned had his last + care-free sleep for weeks.</p> + + <p>"How long shall we camp here?" asked Dick.</p> + + <p>"Better stay here for a week or two. We can hunt in the + woods back of us and explore all these bays. This may be the + last fresh water we will find on the trip, so we don't want to + leave it till we are ready to pull straight through to + Myers."</p> + + <p>In the morning the boys started across the woods on the bank + of the stream, hoping to find a buck on the prairie beyond + them. When they reached the prairie they saw three deer near + its farther end, about half a mile away. They went back in the + woods and started to work their way around the prairie to its + farther end where the deer were. It took them some hours to get + where the deer had been, only to find that they had gone. They + saw them again on a smaller prairie and once more tried to + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page220" + id="page220"></a>[pg 220]</span> get near the creatures by + creeping through the woods. When the hunters were as near + the game as they could go without getting out of cover the + animals were yet a hundred and fifty yards distant. One of + them was a fine buck and Ned watched it, rifle in hand, for + many minutes, hoping it would come nearer. As the deer fed + they sometimes came nearer and his hopes rose, only to sink + into his boots when they turned away. At last he gave up + waiting for a better chance and fired. The buck threw up his + head, looked around for a moment and trotted quietly away, + entirely unharmed, followed by the other deer.</p> + + <p>"It isn't our day, Dick," said Ned, ruefully, as he watched + the disappearing animals.</p> + + <p>"Here goes for something to eat, anyhow," replied Dick, as + he dropped a curlew that was flying over them. After broiling + and eating the bird, together with some hoe-cake which they had + in their pockets, the boys resumed their hunt for deer. They + saw several more during the afternoon, but ill luck followed + them and they finally set out for camp empty-handed.</p> + + <p>As the boys were passing through a thick clump of trees on + the bank of the river, about two hundred yards from their camp, + Ned was suddenly held back by a clutch on his shoulder, and + turning his head, saw Dick's face upturned and his eyes fixed + on the large branch of a big tree just before them. As Ned + looked upward he saw the form of a huge + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page221" + id="page221"></a>[pg 221]</span> panther, or mountain lion, + crouching upon the limb and apparently about to spring upon + him. The animal was within ten feet, every muscle was tense, + his long tail was waving slowly and Ned stood motionless, + charmed by the living beauty of the beast, until he heard + Dick's whisper in his ear:</p> + + <p>"Shoot, Ned!"</p> + + <p>The hypnotic spell was broken and Ned slowly raised his + rifle to his shoulder, while the panther crouched lower and + waved his tail more quickly. In another second it might be too + late, and once more Dick whispered:</p> + + <p>"Shoot, Ned! Quick!"</p> + + <p>The bullet struck the beast and the next instant Ned was + knocked down by the body of the brute. He was unharmed, + however, for Dick had jumped between them and it was in Dick's + arm that the panther's teeth were set and Dick's shoulder and + side that were being raked by its cruel claws. In an instant + Ned's clasp knife was being driven into the body of the beast + whose throat Dick's hand was clutching in a feeble effort to + keep from his face those long, sharp fangs.</p> + + <p>Bullet and knife had done their work and the panther was + dead. But Dick was unconscious and covered with blood which was + flowing from deep gashes in his arm and a side that was torn + from shoulder to waist. Ned half carried and half dragged the + unconscious Dick a few yards to a level piece of dry ground and + examined his wounds. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page222" + id="page222"></a>[pg 222]</span> Bad as they looked, there + was no spouting of blood from an artery, or heavy flow from + a large vein. With simple bandaging and care the boy would + get well, and Ned's relief was so great that he was almost + happy. He removed what the panther had left of Dick's shirt, + which was sodden with blood, and tearing off his own, + bandaged the wounds from which blood was still flowing. He + then filled his cap with water from the river and sprinkled + Dick's face, but failed to bring him to consciousness. He + was wondering what next to try when Dick opened his eyes and + smiled weakly.</p> + + <p>"Did he hurt you, Neddy?"</p> + + <p>"No, he didn't hurt me, thanks to you, Dicky boy. Now I'm + going to bring the camp here, in the canoe. Can you get along + without me for half an hour?"</p> + + <p>"Sure. Don't forget Tom."</p> + + <p>Ned didn't forget Tom. He thought so much of him that he + took his rifle with him when he went to move the camp. For he + was without a shirt and was stained with Dick's blood and + therefore very doubtful how the lynx would behave. But Tom + merely sniffed at him and when the canoe was loaded stepped + aboard as coolly as if his passage had been paid for. When the + canoe landed at the new camping ground Tom took a few steps + toward Dick and then suddenly sprang into the woods and away, + as if witches were after him. Ned was surprised at first, but + remembered that Tommy, the Seminole, had once said to + him:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page223" + id="page223"></a>[pg 223]</span> + + <p>"Wildcat eat 'coon, panther eat wildcat," and he ceased to + wonder why Tom had run away.</p> + + <p>Ned stretched the canvas over Dick, built a camp fire, got + out a clean shirt for himself and tore up another for bandages. + He washed Dick's wounds, which had ceased to bleed, with warm + water and soap and put fresh bandages on them. After he had + gathered a lot of moss and made a soft bed for the invalid, he + picked up Dick's gun and walking a few steps down the river + bank, shot a curlew that sat on a branch by the stream and was + young enough to make a broil or stew for the invalid.</p> + + <p>"Been breaking the law, have you, Neddy?"</p> + + <p>"I'd break anything, to get you some nice chicken broth such + as I am going to make now."</p> + + <p>At daylight Ned saw that Dick was sleeping quietly and + taking the shotgun started out in search of a breakfast suited + to a sick boy. When he returned, an hour later, he had a brace + of ducks, a little brown Florida rabbit and a 'possum. Dick was + awake when he returned and when offered his choice of the game + for his breakfast chose all of them. Ned stewed the rabbit and + broiled a duck, giving Dick a little of each, but the 'possum + looked fat and greasy and he kept it for himself.</p> + + <p>"Dick," said Ned after breakfast, "shall I roll that beast + into the river, or do you want his skin?"</p> + + <p>"Want it, of course. I've got no hard feelings against + him."</p> + + <p>"Want him skinned for mounting or a + rug?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page224" + id="page224"></a>[pg 224]</span> + + <p>"Rug, I guess. Think I'll enjoy walking on him."</p> + + <p>The big cat was nearly eight feet long, including his tail, + and was so heavy that Ned found skinning him a hard job. After + he had finished he had to cut a stout stick for a lever, before + he could get the carcass into the river. The bad luck of the + hunters seemed to have run out, and game began to come to them. + Ducks flew over the river beside the camp and plovers often lit + on a bank near them. Ned went out for deer and came back in an + hour with half a buck on his shoulders. When he approached the + camp he saw Dick sitting up and tossing bits of hoe-cake to a + 'coon that was watching him with some suspicion from a distance + of three or four yards.</p> + + <p>"You ought to have seen him, Ned. I had him half tamed. He + took little bits of wet hoe-cake that I threw him and rolled + them up into balls with his funny little hands before he ate + them. In an hour more I'd have had him eating out of my + hand."</p> + + <p>"He'll come back to-morrow, Dick. You've got a way with you + that wild things understand."</p> + + <p>"It's only that I really love them and they know it."</p> + + <p>The 'coon did come back the next day while Ned was out + exploring the bay in the canoe and, although he did not eat out + of Dick's hand, he came within a few feet of him and showed + very little fear. When Ned returned, the 'coon scrambled to the + top of a little tree and looked down on the boys in a friendly + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page225" + id="page225"></a>[pg 225]</span> way. Day by day the 'coon + became more intimate with Dick, even to eating out of his + hand, but always scampered away when Ned came back. On the + third day, as Ned came in from an exploring trip, instead of + the 'coon he found his old friend Tom, the lynx, sitting + beside Dick with the air of a trained nurse.</p> + + <p>"Bully for you, Tom; I'm glad to see you back," said + Ned.</p> + + <p>"I'm not glad he's come back, the murderer. He has killed my + 'coon."</p> + + <p>"You remember what my Indian said. 'Panther eat wildcat, + wildcat eat 'coon.' Shall I shoot him, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"Shoot Tom? Well I guess not. He didn't know any better. I'm + awful sorry the 'coon has gone, but I'd hate worse to lose + Tom."</p> + + <p>"How did it happen?"</p> + + <p>"I was feeding the 'coon, and had just put out my hand to + rub his head when he jumped in the air and started for that + tree like a streak of lightning. He never got there, though. + Something was after him like two streaks of lightning. I didn't + know it was Tom till it was all over. That wasn't very long, + either. If there had been any time I'd have had Tom by the ears + or tail and taught him a thing or two."</p> + + <p>"Glad you didn't have time, Dick. I'm afraid Tom might have + taught you a few things. Don't + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page226" + id="page226"></a>[pg 226]</span> you think you had better + get over what one cat has done to you before you tackle + another?"</p> + + <p>"But Tom isn't that kind of a cat, Ned. I'm not afraid of + his hurting me much. He might scratch me a little at first, but + he'd be sorry for it, soon as he had time to think it over. + Wouldn't you, Tom?"</p> + + <p>"Cats are cats, Dick, and I don't think it's safe to leave + you alone with that wildcat. You are too weak to help yourself + if he really tackled you."</p> + + <p>"But he won't attack me. So what's the use of talking about + things that aren't going to happen? You are a good boy, Neddy, + but you've got your limitations and you can't appreciate + Tom."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/226.jpg" + name="fig226" + id="fig226"><img width="100%" + src="images/226.jpg" + alt='"THE COON SCRAMBLED TO THE TOP OF A LITTLE TREE"' /> + </a>"THE COON SCRAMBLED TO THE TOP OF A LITTLE TREE" + </div> + + <p>Ned spent much of his time coddling the invalid. He paddled + out in the lakes and among its keys. He explored the waters and + the woods and brought Dick wild grapes with much character and + cocoa plums with little; sea-grapes with juice that had the + taste of claret and the color of blood; figs, of which Dick + said: "De breed am small, but de flavor am delicious"; wild + sapadillos that were sweet as honey, but chewed up into a solid + ball of soft india rubber; and mastic berries that were + delicious to the taste, but stuck like a porous plaster to the + roof of the mouth. He got out the rod and caught mangrove + snappers from under the banks and sheephead from their hiding + places among sunken logs and snags. He dove for turtle that he + never got and hacked at young palmettos for buds that he did + get.</p> + + <p>Days followed days and though Dick grew better + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page227" + id="page227"></a>[pg 227]</span> he didn't grow strong. Ned + got anxious and told his chum that he was going to take him + to a doctor. Dick laughed and said:</p> + + <p>"You are my doctor. I've great confidence in you and don't + care to make a change."</p> + + <p>"Glad to hear it. Your doctor, in whom you have such + confidence, desires to consult with his brother physicians in + Fort Myers regarding your case, and you will light out with him + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>The next morning a little canoe with a cat couchant in the + bow, a young invalid comfortably reclining amidships and a + husky youth in the stern started down the river and into the + salt-water lakes. The first day's run was a short one and the + camp was made on a bit of high ground covered with thin grass + and shaded by a group of palmettos. It was bordered about with + cocoa plums and sweet-smelling myrtle, on one of which + flourished an orchid, the vanilla bean, which made heavy with + its fragrance the whole camping site.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"But there lurked a taint in the clime so blest,</p> + + <p>Like a serpent coiled in a ring-dove's + nest"—</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>and as Ned stood dazed by the enchantment of his + environment, he was brought to earth with a jar by the whirring + of rattles almost under his feet. Every muscle of the boy was + tense with excitement as he stood motionless, knowing that + death, in a horrible form, was within striking distance of him. + The strange, paralyzing music of the dreaded + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page228" + id="page228"></a>[pg 228]</span> "King Snake" of the Indians + seems to come from all sides and until the threatened victim + can see the reptile the motion of a hand may be fatal. The + seconds seemed minutes to Ned as he waited and watched, + waited and watched, before he saw the fascinating, dreadful, + gently swaying head and the lightning play of the forked + tongue within easy striking distance.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/232.jpg" + name="fig232" + id="fig232"><img width="100%" + src="images/232.jpg" + alt='"HE SAW THE GENTLY SWAYING HEAD AND THE LIGHTNING FLAY OF THE FORKED TONGUE"' /> + </a>"HE SAW THE GENTLY SWAYING HEAD AND THE LIGHTNING FLAY + OF THE FORKED TONGUE" + </div> + + <p>He felt that if he jumped, the snake, so much quicker than + he, would sink the glistening white fangs of that wide-open + mouth deep in his flesh before he could get out of reach. He + compelled his quivering nerves to hold steady while he slowly, + inch by inch, moved away from the coils of the angry reptile. + When Ned was six feet from the rattlesnake he sprang back and + stood, almost fainting, quite out of reach of the reptile, + which continued to wave its head and jar its rattles, but with + less passion. The boy had often been told never to leave a + rattlesnake alive and he looked around until he found a stick + about five feet long, with which he returned to the field of + his fright. The rattler had uncoiled and was creeping away when + Ned rushed up and struck at him. The snake coiled like a flash + and striking back, sunk his fangs in the stick within a foot of + the hand of the boy. Again Ned struck, and the snake returned + the blow, both of them missing their marks. Then the stick fell + on the coils of the reptile and the back of the rattlesnake was + broken. After a few finishing blows Ned dragged + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page229" + id="page229"></a>[pg 229]</span> the six-foot creature by + the tail to the bank and was thrusting it into the water + when Dick called out:</p> + + <p>"Don't you want to save the skin?"</p> + + <p>"Don't want to save anything to remind me of it. I never + expect to get the frightful sight of the open jaws and white + fangs of that beast out of my dreams."</p> + + <p>Dick rested in camp the next day with the lynx, while Ned + explored with the canoe, looking for the head of some river of + the west coast that led to the Gulf, or for enough dry land to + serve for a camp. Every water course that he followed, sooner + or later closed up on him. He paddled four miles to the west + through a long bay, only to find that there was no outlet on + the western end, excepting a narrow creek which he followed + until he could drag his canoe no farther. He followed floating + wisps of manatee grass, freshly torn up by the roots, hoping to + find the manatee which had spilled them, that he might follow + him to a channel which would lead out of the wilderness. He + discovered the manatee and was nearly swamped by the first dash + of the frightened creature. Then he lost track of the animal + after a long chase among the innumerable keys of the so-called + Ten Thousand Islands, and found that he was himself lost. He + paddled until it was dark and for an hour after that, when he + gave up hope of finding his camp that night.</p> + + <p>He had a map of the country in his brain, but that was for + daylight use only. He was hungry, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page230" + id="page230"></a>[pg 230]</span> that was nothing; but he + was parched with thirst from his long labor, and that was + everything. He had seen no dry land during the day, and it + was hopeless to look for it at night. It was never easy to + keep the canoe balanced; if he dozed for an instant he would + certainly roll it over. He had made up his mind to sentry + duty for the night when through the darkness there came to + him a gleam of light from a far-distant fire. As he + approached, it brightened and sent up a crackling flame, in + the blaze of which Ned saw the tall palmettos of his + camp.</p> + + <p>"Were you worried, Dick?" he asked after the first warm + greetings were over.</p> + + <p>"I sure was. I thought you couldn't get lost and wondered + what had happened to you. Tom was uneasy, too, and I reckon he + is out looking for you now. He went away in a good deal of a + hurry. I made a lighthouse out of those palmetto fans that you + cut for my bed, just on the chance of your having lost your + way."</p> + + <p>Tom came home about daylight and lay down beside Dick, where + he grumbled and growled as if he were a man with a next-morning + headache.</p> + + <p>When daylight came and Ned began to bestir himself, he + missed the cheery "Good-morning" of his companion, who was not + able to lift his head from his pillow of palmetto. His wan + smile went to Ned's heart, and the boy had to busy himself with + the fire to hide his emotion. Every hour of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page231" + id="page231"></a>[pg 231]</span> that day he watched over + the invalid, and from time to time tempted him with bits of + broiled bird, heron soup and sips of hot tea made from + leaves of the sweet bay. Ned's acquaintance with sickness + was slight and his apprehension great, so that the night was + a sleepless one and the day that followed brought no relief + to his mind. Another day brought new anxieties. Dick was no + better, and Ned couldn't bear to leave him, for the + invalid's thirst was continuous, but now the supply of fresh + water was running low, and a trip back to the river was + imperative. He put the bucket, with what water was left, + beside Dick's bed and said:</p> + + <p>"Dick, boy, I've got to go for some water. I'll have to be + away a few hours, but I'll get back the first minute it is + possible."</p> + + <p>Dick put out his hand, and his smile was cheery, though his + voice was weak as he said:</p> + + <p>"Don't you worry, Neddy. I'm all right for all day. I don't + need anything but amusement, and Tom will 'tend to that."</p> + + <p>"I'm afraid to leave a big wildcat with you when you are so + weak. I am going to take Tom with me."</p> + + <p>"Don't do it, Neddy. He'd only be in your way, and I do want + him for company. You don't understand Tom; he likes me and I + like him. Please don't take him away."</p> + + <p>"Of course I won't take him away, Dick, boy, but you will + have to be very good and keep cheerful + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page232" + id="page232"></a>[pg 232]</span> and get strong and well to + pay me for leaving him."</p> + + <p>Ned's apprehensions made the day a hard one for him. He was + afraid of capsizing the canoe and being unable to get back in + it. He imagined a tarpon jumping into it, a shark swimming + against it, or a porpoise smashing it. When he reached the + river of fresh water he carried the canoe up on the bank and + tied it to a tree while he walked along the river bank and shot + a few tender young birds for the nourishment of the invalid. + His nerves were so unstrung that he feared to go far lest he + lose his way, and was even apprehensive of failing to find on + his return the camp where his companion was awaiting him, + although the path to it was plain as a pikestaff. Ned's meeting + with Dick was a joyful one, for the boy was clearly better and + his voice stronger, although his first words were:</p> + + <p>"Don't go away again, Neddy. You've been gone a year, and I + thought you were never coming back."</p> + + <p>By careful economy the five gallons of water which their can + contained was made to last as many days for the three of them, + for Dick insisted that Tom must share the rations of food and + drink of the other members of the family. Each day Ned made a + little trip around the keys nearest the camp by way of doing + the marketing for his family, and returned when he had shot + enough birds for its daily needs. He was happy in the thought + of the invalid's increasing strength, but dreaded the necessary + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page233" + id="page233"></a>[pg 233]</span> trip for fresh water. Dick + surprised him by bearing the separation with cheerfulness, + and his voice was so much firmer and his strength so + obviously on the mend that Ned began again to plan for his + return to civilization.</p> + + <p>On one of his marketing excursions Ned saw a skiff + containing two men about a quarter of a mile distant. He waved + his hat to the men and paddled toward them, but they rowed + away. He followed, but was unable to find them, and concluded + that they were outlaws, who did not care to extend their + acquaintance. After this he paddled about on the lookout for + some one who might help him to carry Dick to the outside world, + for he had given up the idea of attempting it by + himself.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page234" + id="page234"></a>[pg 234]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXI</h3> + + <h3>CONVALESCENCE AND CATASTROPHE</h3> + + <p>Ned's hopes and plans were suddenly changed, and he no + longer hoped for help, but planned to take Dick to the coast + himself. For Dick was getting well. There was no doubt about + it. His appetite came back, until, instead of urging him to + eat, Ned waited for him to ask twice for food before giving it + to him. He was still thin and weak, but his spirits bubbled + over, and his laughter was on tap, ready to be turned on any + minute. He began to clamor for a move toward the coast, but Ned + was obdurate and refused to stir for a week. Then one day Ned + started out and paddled some miles toward the coast, examining + the shores of the keys and the mangrove-lined banks of the + salt-water rivers for a camping-ground. He could have made his + own camp on the overflowed meadows almost anywhere, but Dick + was still an invalid and Ned was always anxious about him. Six + miles from the camp, where he had left Dick with Tom, Ned found + a good camping site, marked by a freak palmetto with a trunk + that branched into two stems about midway up. The + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page235" + id="page235"></a>[pg 235]</span> ground was covered with + palmetto scrub, which Ned examined carefully for + rattlesnakes, after which he got out his fly-rod and caught + a mess of fish for supper. On his return to camp the lynx + sprang into the canoe, seized one of the fish and growled so + fiercely that Ned thought best to let him keep it.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/234.jpg" + name="fig234" + id="fig234"><img width="100%" + src="images/234.jpg" + alt="NED FOUND A GOOD CAMPING SITE MARKED BY A FREAK PALMETTO" /> + </a>"NED FOUND A GOOD CAMPING SITE MARKED BY A FREAK + PALMETTO" + </div> + + <p>"Fresh water is all out, Dick," said Ned that night, "so + I'll start at daylight and go back to the river and fill up. + I'll take it slowly and be here about noon. Then we can start + out and make easy work of being in the new camp long before + sun-down."</p> + + <p>"Ned, I can paddle all right, and I'm going to help. I am + sick of being a baby."</p> + + <p>"Go 'way, chile, you make me tired. Don't forget that I'm + your doctor," replied Ned.</p> + + <p>"Do you see any chance of getting to the coast?"</p> + + <p>"Yes; pretty sure thing. I found a deep channel near the + camp with some porpoises playing in it, and I think it's near + the head of one of the big coast rivers. I am almost certain + it's Rodgers River."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/236.jpg" + name="fig236" + id="fig236"><img width="100%" + src="images/236.jpg" + alt="THE LYNX SPRANG INTO THE CANOE AND SEIZED ONE OF THE FISH" /> + </a>"THE LYNX SPRANG INTO THE CANOE AND SEIZED ONE OF THE + FISH" + </div> + + <p>Ned was a tired boy when the day's work was done and the + young explorers were settled in the new camp, but a night's + sleep braced him up so that he agreed to his chum's plan to + make a dash for the coast, for Dick had said:</p> + + <p>"What is the use of losing a lot of time in prospecting for + a soft spot for me to sleep? We can + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page236" + id="page236"></a>[pg 236]</span> be on the coast to-night + within sight of houses and help if we need it, which we + don't, for I'm going to do my share of the paddling. I know + that coast and you don't, so I'll naturally be boss."</p> + + <p>When the little canoe had been loaded with all their stores + and trophies, and the boys were ready for their final trip, Tom + stepped gravely aboard, and seating himself in the bow, turned + to Ned with an expression which Dick translated as:</p> + + <p>"I am here, you may start the engine."</p> + + <p>Ned dipped his paddle deeply in the water, that with his + every stroke flowed more swiftly. The banks became well + defined, and although the stream was so crooked that it flowed + by turns to every point of the compass, its general trend was + to the west. The river broadened and the channel deepened, the + forest on the banks became more heavily timbered, and the boys + recognized the beautiful Rodgers River. Curlews and + water-turkeys watched them from the trees; herons flew lazily + up from the shoals as the canoe approached; porpoises, going + out with the tide, rolled their backs out of water and gave + sniffs of affright as they saw the canoe beside them. The fin + of a great shark, longer than their canoe, cut the water as its + owner swiftly pursued a six-foot tarpon, which escaped by + leaping in the air within thirty feet of the canoe, toward + which it was headed. Another clash of the shark brought its + huge body within its length of the boys, while the great mouth, + with its rows of serrated + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page237" + id="page237"></a>[pg 237]</span> teeth, razor-sharp, opened + wide to take in the tarpon, which leaped wildly ten feet in + the air, and turning, plunged head-down straight for Ned as + he sat in the canoe, paddle in hand. Dick started up from + his seat, while Ned tried to fend off with the paddle, but + the hard, pointed head of the big tarpon tore through the + bottom of the fragile canoe as if it had been paper. A + minute later the shattered canoe was floating down the + river, while everything sinkable had gone to the bottom.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/238.jpg" + name="fig238" + id="fig238"><img width="100%" + src="images/238.jpg" + alt="PORPOISES ROLLED THEIR BACKS OUT OF THE WATER" /> + </a>"PORPOISES ROLLED THEIR BACKS OUT OF THE WATER" + </div> + + <p>Tom, who had been asleep in the bottom of the canoe, was + swimming for shore, and Ned, who had not for a second lost his + presence of mind, was treading water and supporting the + unconscious Dick, who had been struck by the tail of the tarpon + as the big fish crushed the canoe. Even as the tarpon struck + the canoe Ned was reaching out for Dick, and the boys went down + together.</p> + + <p>Then to Ned came the struggle for life—for two lives. + His only thought was of Dick. Dick mustn't drown; Dick's face + must be kept out of the water; he must get Dick ashore. He swam + high, wasting his efforts to keep Dick's head above the + surface. Strength goes fast when one struggles in the water, + and Ned was soon gasping for breath. As he struck out more and + more feebly for the bank, while the current swept him down the + stream, he sank lower and lower, until only his eyes were above + the surface and his lungs seemed bursting for want of air. A + great shark swept past him, and the wave + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page238" + id="page238"></a>[pg 238]</span> from the big fish rolled + over him. He felt his senses going, his muscles refused to + respond to the call of his brain. His grasp on Dick was + loosening, and the thought of this roused him to renew the + struggle. To save Dick he must save himself; he must + breathe; he must not exhaust himself, and above all his mind + must not wander. He was <i>so</i> tired; for himself he + would have given up the struggle and dropped into rest, but + for Dick—never! A great calmness came to him. He + rolled over with his head thrown back until all but his face + was under water. This floated clear of the surface as he lay + back and drew air into his smothered lungs in great gulps. + He began to kick out with his feet and was soon swimming on + his back toward the bank, making fair progress with little + effort. Some of his strength came back, and he found that he + was easily dragging Dick along, happily with his face + upward. Hope took the place of despair, and Ned felt that + now he could swim for hours. He saw the overhanging branches + of trees above him and knew he was nearing the bank. Then + suddenly he found himself aground on a shoal with water less + than knee-deep. He dragged the unconscious form of his + companion into the jungle on the bank, and a great wave of + thankfulness rolled over him as he felt the weak beating of + Dick's heart, which was followed by the familiar smile as + the boy opened his eyes.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/242.jpg" + name="fig242" + id="fig242"><img width="100%" + src="images/242.jpg" + alt="THE HARD, POINTED HEAD OF THE BIG TARPON TORE THROUGH THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAGILE CANOE" /> + </a>"THE HARD, POINTED HEAD OF THE BIG TARPON TORE THROUGH + THE BOTTOM OF THE FRAGILE CANOE" + </div> + + <p>"Well, Neddy, what have you been doing now, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page239" + id="page239"></a>[pg 239]</span> and what are you going to + do? Last time I saw you a thousand-pound fish was dropping + on your head. Seems as if he hit me, too."</p> + + <p>"Going to make a camp for the two of us, feed us, and get us + out of the wilderness. That's what I am going to do," replied + Ned.</p> + + <p>"You'll do it, all right; but what have you got to work + with?"</p> + + <p>"Pocket-knife and some matches. First thing I'll make a fire + to dry you. Then I'll forage. You see, Dick, we've got to stay + right here until you get strong enough to travel. I can make a + palmetto shack big enough to keep the rain off in half a day. + The worst trouble will be fresh water, but I think I can fix + that. I know how to get things to eat. I have picked up a + couple of old cocoanuts, and I'll bring them to you in an hour + full of water. Then to-morrow I will start early and find that + old shack where we camped in the graveyard. You remember that + old kettle there? Well, I'll bring it here full of fresh water. + Then if you don't get well pretty quick I'll leave you plenty + to eat and drink and find my way to the coast. I can do it in a + day, and have your old friend, who don't believe we know a + manatee from a tarpon, up here with his boat the next day + sure."</p> + + <p>"Don't do it, Neddy. I'd be thinking of a hundred things + happening to you, and the night would be pretty lonesome + without even Tom."</p> + + <p>Ned started away from the river through a wooded + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page240" + id="page240"></a>[pg 240]</span> swamp, and before he had + gone a quarter of a mile struck a prairie on which several + deer were feeding. The animals seemed to know that he had no + weapon, for they showed no alarm until he had walked some + distance toward them. There were a number of small ponds + near him, and as Ned approached the nearest one a small + alligator slipped from the bank into the water. The boy had + provided himself with a short, heavy pole, and he waded + fearlessly in after the 'gator; but although the pond was + not thirty feet across and he explored every foot of it, he + could not find the reptile. He finally came across an + opening in the bank, in which he thrust his pole, when it + was promptly seized by the alligator. Ned tried to pull the + reptile within reach, but when the head came out of the cave + it was larger than he had looked for, and before he had made + up his mind to tackle it the creature had let go of the pole + and gone back in his cave. Then the boy got earnest and + determined to have that alligator if he had to crawl into + the cave after him. He sharpened a bit of branch that stuck + out beside the big end of his pole like the barb of a + harpoon, and again thrust it in the cave. Soon he had the + reptile fighting mad with his head out of the cave, when he + pushed the pole into his open mouth, and catching the barb + in the soft skin under the alligator's jaw, just as Dick had + done weeks before, hauled him out of the cave and dragged + him out on the bank. When a few yards from the pond the + reptile broke loose <span class="pagenum"><a name="page241" + id="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span> from the barb and started + back for the pond. Ned was after him like a tiger and struck + two or three smashing blows on the creature's head with his + pole, and then, as the reptile neared the water, threw + himself on its back and seizing its jaws held them together + while he turned the brute on its back. At first the + alligator lashed out with its tail, but soon became quiet; + and then Ned got out his knife and severed the spine of the + reptile.</p> + + <p>The water of the pond was so nearly fresh that its taste was + only slightly sweetish, and after Ned had drank all he could + hold he filled his two cocoanuts for Dick. On his way to camp + he hunted up a young palmetto for the bud or cabbage which grew + in the top of the tree. The sharp edges of the great, tough + leaves tore his flesh as he climbed through them, and it was + only after more than an hour of hard work with his knife that + he secured the cabbage he was working for. By this time the + water he had drunk had oozed out through his pores. He was so + parched with thirst that he took a long walk back to the pond + and filled up again.</p> + + <p>That night Dick and Ned had broiled alligator steak and + palmetto cabbage for supper. Both suffered so much for want of + water that Ned started out at daylight to find the old + abandoned plantation. Dick was pale and his smile so wan that + Ned's heart was sore at leaving him. He was too earnest to + think of trivial things, and he sloshed through the swamp + without thought of the swaying heads + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" + id="page242"></a>[pg 242]</span> of little speckle-bellies + in his path, or the great, ugly cotton-mouth moccasins that + moved slowly aside as he wallowed through their lairs. He + stopped long enough on the border of the prairie to find a + club, with which he fiercely pounded to death a rattlesnake, + upon whose coils he had nearly stepped when the locust-like + warning found its way to his consciousness.</p> + + <p>After about three miles of tramping, during which he waded + waist-deep across two sloughs, the prairie opened upon familiar + ground, and Ned knew that he was opposite the plantation he + sought. In the decaying building he found an old bucket that + would hold three or four gallons, and a couple of quart cans in + which water could be boiled. From a tamarind tree he gathered + the half-dried fruit with its sweet acidity, and in the old + garden he discovered a few stalks of sugar-cane. He picked up a + rusty fish-hook and from an old net got a quantity of string. + Then filling his bucket with rain water, he started back to + Dick and the camp. The journey was a hard one, and though he + refused to drink a drop of the water, half of it was lost on + the way. The weight of it pressed him down in the mire of the + sloughs until he sank to the armpits as he held the heavy + bucket on his head. Dick laughed aloud with joy, even if it was + a bit hysterical, when Ned got home to camp.</p> + + <p>"Been lonesome?" asked Ned after Dick had + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" + id="page243"></a>[pg 243]</span> drank a quart of water and + looked as if he wanted a gallon more.</p> + + <p>"Not very. Tom has amused me," replied Dick, as he pointed + to a branch over his head. Ned looked up, and there was Tom + gazing benignly down upon him.</p> + + <p>"Wonder if Tom is hungry?" said Ned.</p> + + <p>"Guess not. I tried him with a piece of alligator steak, and + he turned his nose up at that."</p> + + <p>"What do you think he would say to a mess of fish?" and Ned + produced his fish-hook and line. Dick's eyes glistened.</p> + + <p>"Oh! I am so hungry for some broiled fish."</p> + + <p>Most Florida streams are alive with fish that are not fussy + about the tackle with which they are taken. Ned baited his hook + with a piece of alligator, which was promptly seized by a + salt-water cat. The cat-fish was given to the wildcat, which + grabbed it fiercely. Two mangrove snappers were the result of a + few minutes' fishing. Ned put some tamarinds in one of the + quart tins, which he filled with water and then stirred with a + stick of sugar-cane which had been peeled and split.</p> + + <p>Dick perked up a good deal during his supper of broiled + fish, palmetto cabbage and tamarind water, after which Ned made + him a tin of tea from the leaves of the sweet bay. In the days + that followed Ned gathered oysters, which he found some + distance down the river, caught fish and killed several heron + and a young curlew with sticks. The + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" + id="page244"></a>[pg 244]</span> broils, roasts and stews + which he made would have done credit to a professional cook. + He wanted to set snares for rabbits and birds, but had to + give it up owing to the difficulty of making a snare which + would distinguish between Tom, whom he didn't wish to catch, + and the rabbits which he wanted.</p> + + <p>Dick was improving, but so very slowly that Ned determined + to find his way to the coast and get help. He put it off, at + Dick's request, for several days, until they had been in camp a + week, when one afternoon it was agreed that Ned should start + early the next morning. Dick, who was feeling very blue at the + prospect of Ned's leaving him, was lying on his bed of moss + when suddenly he sat + up.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" + id="page245"></a>[pg 245]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXII</h3> + + <h3>THE RESCUE</h3> + + <p>"Listen, Ned, listen! There is a motor-boat in the river. + Don't you hear it?"</p> + + <p>"I don't hear it, Dick."</p> + + <p>"But you must hear it. It's growing plainer every minute. + It's a four-cycle engine, and a fast boat, too. I can tell you + that. Who can it be? Do you suppose it is your father looking + for you?"</p> + + <p>"I hear it now. No, it isn't Dad. My time isn't up for + several days yet. After that anything might happen, but until + then Dad won't lift a finger toward looking me up."</p> + + <p>"Oh, Ned! It's coming nearer, nearer, nearer! There! It's + 'round the bend. Of course, you see it now. How it is + coming!"</p> + + <p>"You bet it's coming. You ought to see the water pile up + against the bow. It's a glass-cabin launch. There's a man + standing on top of the cabin. I think he sees us, for he is + pointing this way, and—the boat's headed straight for + us—hear that whistle, and—Dick, Dick, + boy!—there's a tall man and a girl standing in front of + the pilot-house, and—oh, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" + id="page246"></a>[pg 246]</span> Dick! it's too good to be + true, but it's Dad and Molly!"</p> + + <p>"Molly?" said Dick.</p> + + <p>"Yes, my sister, you know. Sometimes we call her Mary."</p> + + <p>"I didn't know your sister's name was Molly. What does she + look like?"</p> + + <p>"Just watch that girl who is waving her hat as if she was + crazy. That's Molly."</p> + + <p>Ned was in the launch before it touched the bank, and Mr. + Barstow was holding his son by the hand, although neither + spoke, while Molly had her arms around Ned's neck and was + laughing, crying and talking by turns.</p> + + <p>"You blessed, blessed Neddy! What did happen to you? We were + frightened, oh! so frightened."</p> + + <p>"Ned," said Mr. Barstow, "your friend, young Williams, was + with you. I never saw him, but I hope no harm came to him."</p> + + <p>"No, daddy; Dick will be all right, now you are here, but he + has been very, very sick, and I was dreadfully afraid he + wouldn't get well, and all his trouble came because he saved my + life without thinking of his own. Come right ashore and see + him."</p> + + <p>"Shall I come, too?" asked Molly.</p> + + <p>"Sure," replied Ned. "He wants to see you especially."</p> + + <p>A moment later Mr. Barstow had one of Dick's hands in both + of his own.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page247" + id="page247"></a>[pg 247]</span> + + <p>"My boy, my boy, what made you run away? The hue and cry is + out for you in Key West. Why did you never tell me that you + were Ned's nearest friend? Why didn't you tell Molly who you + were? Ned has talked to her for years about you. Come here, + Molly, and tell your friend Dick Williams what you think of him + for hiding his name from you."</p> + + <p>But Molly didn't tell him just then. For Dick's strength had + been overtaxed, and when his eyes met Molly's he promptly + fainted.</p> + + <p>When Dick had recovered, Ned invited his father and sister + to dine before going aboard the motor-boat, and as he was busy + preparing the meal and his father had much to hear from him, + the care of the invalid fell upon Molly, a duty which she + performed to the apparent satisfaction of her patient.</p> + + <p>"Those oysters are lovely," said the girl as she speared + with a chop-stick a small one which had been roasted in the + shell.</p> + + <p>"Yes. Ned waded through half a mile of mud to get them."</p> + + <p>"I wondered how Neddy got so muddy. I was so glad to see him + that I just hugged him, and now I ought to be in a wash-tub. + Just look at me."</p> + + <p>Dick obeyed her so literally that she added a moment + later:</p> + + <p>"I mean look at the mud on my dress."</p> + + <p>The broiled snappers were pronounced the finest fish ever + served, the palmetto cabbage better than cauliflower, and then + the girl asked:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" + id="page248"></a>[pg 248]</span> + + <p>"This white meat is pretty good. What is it?"</p> + + <p>"Alligator."</p> + + <p>"Really?"</p> + + <p>"Really and truly. You said you liked it."</p> + + <p>"I didn't know it was a reptile. Why didn't you tell me? I + wouldn't have eaten it if I had known."</p> + + <p>"Ned wouldn't have liked it if I had told. He is my doctor, + you know, and I have to mind him."</p> + + <p>"You don't need a doctor any more. What you want is a + nurse."</p> + + <p>"That's so. I could mind her easy," said Dick.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I meant a man nurse," said the girl.</p> + + <p>Ned produced some joints of sugar-cane for dessert, and made + a can of after-dinner sweet-bay tea, and then began to ask + questions.</p> + + <p>"Daddy, I want to find out whether you and Molly are crazy + or whether I am. You never saw Dick before. You said so half an + hour ago. Dick never saw you or Molly. He said so half an hour + ago—"</p> + + <p>"But Ned—" interrupted Dick.</p> + + <p>"You keep still. I've got the floor. Now, Dad, you and Molly + rush up to this chap, whom you never saw before, and fall into + his arms—"</p> + + <p>"Neddy Barstow, I didn't do anything of the kind. But I had + seen him and I did know him," said the girl.</p> + + <p>"Now, there you go. How ever did you know this chum of mine, + who never saw you?"</p> + + <p>"How did Dick save your life, Ned?" asked Mr. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" + id="page249"></a>[pg 249]</span> Barstow in a voice that + wasn't quite as steady as usual.</p> + + <p>"I can tell you," broke in Dick. "He didn't do it at all. + That's how."</p> + + <p>"Dad, when our canoe was wrecked, we lost the beautifullest + skin of the biggest kind of a panther—eight feet from tip + to tip. Dick saw the panther first, when he was ten feet from + us, ready to jump. I fired at the beast, and he sprang for me, + but Dick jumped at the same time and got between us, so the + panther landed on him and I was saved. That's why he is sick + now. I s'pose that is what knocked his memory endwise, so he + don't remember anything about it."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Barstow," said Dick, "I wish you would ask Ned who it + was that swam ashore with me when the big tarpon smashed the + canoe and knocked me out. Yes, and he almost lost his own life + in saving mine. Please ask him. I want to see if he has lost + his memory."</p> + + <p>Ned tried to speak, but Molly had her arms around his neck, + saying nice things to him.</p> + + <p>"See here, sis, doesn't part of this belong to Dick?" said + Ned, and got his ears boxed very promptly.</p> + + <p>"Did not Dick tell you, Ned, that he came from New York to + Key West on the steamer with us, and that Molly and I got + acquainted with him, and that he then slipped away at Key West + so that we could not find him?" asked Mr. + Barstow.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page250" + id="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span> + + <p>"Never told me a word. Dick, you gay deceiver, you pretended + to tell me everything, and you left out the most interesting + part. You probably thought I wasn't interested in Dad or + Molly."</p> + + <p>"But, Ned, I never knew they were your father and sister + until just now. I told you everything that seemed worth + speaking of."</p> + + <p>"Hear that, Molly? This young man says you didn't seem worth + speaking of. Can't you get even with him for that? Now, tell me + how you happen to be here, you and Dad. I told Dick that he + wouldn't move a finger for us till the time of my vacation was + up."</p> + + <p>"You were all right about that, Neddy. He wouldn't budge an + inch, for I tried to make him start out and hunt you up, and he + refused until—Well, one day the boat that carries the + mail between Key West and Chokoloskee picked up, out in the + Gulf of Mexico, a broken canoe that everybody seemed to know + was the one you and Mr. Williams were out in. Then Mr. Streeter + made a night run to Myers, got Dad out of bed, and things began + to happen. Of course, I was coming, so I got into a few + clothes, skipped my breakfast and was aboard this boat barely + in time not to be left, for Dad was just plain crazy. But + before he came away he chartered everything in sight and told + the men not to leave an unexplored channel in the whole Ten + Thousand Islands."</p> + + <p>Ned held out his hand to his father without speaking, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" + id="page251"></a>[pg 251]</span> but Dick looked at the girl + with more gratitude in his eyes than she could possibly have + deserved, although she seemed willing to accept a good deal + of it.</p> + + <p>"Well, boys," said Mr. Barstow, "if you are ready we will go + aboard. I don't see much that you will care to take with + you."</p> + + <p>"Nothing but Tom," said Dick. "Can't he go? He'll be + good."</p> + + <p>"Of course he can. But who is Tom?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, he's nothing but a savage old wildcat," replied Ned. + "He'll probably eat us all up but Dick. He has eaten some of + him already."</p> + + <p>"Oh, what a beauty!" cried Molly, when Tom, who had been + sitting in a tree over their heads, was pointed out to her. + Dick soon coaxed the lynx, which sat there looking suspiciously + at the strangers, down to his shoulder.</p> + + <p>"Can't I pet him?" asked Molly.</p> + + <p>"No!" said Ned.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Dick, and Molly stepped forward and laid her + hand fearlessly on the soft fur of the beautiful creature. Tom + began a low growl, but Dick talked soothingly to him, and in a + few minutes he became quite friendly with the girl.</p> + + <p>"There!" said Molly. "Now we're friends, and I can play with + him all I want to."</p> + + <p>"Oh, no, not yet. You must promise that you won't touch him + unless I am with you," said + Dick.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" + id="page252"></a>[pg 252]</span> + + <p>"Of course, I won't promise. I'll pet him when I + please."</p> + + <p>"Then poor Tom will have to stay here."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean to say that if I don't make that ridiculous + promise I can't have Tom?"</p> + + <p>"Tom belongs to you the minute you make that promise, but + not before."</p> + + <p>"Well, Mr. Williams, I make the promise rather than lose + Tom, but as for you—" And the blank which Molly left was + filled with feminine possibilities.</p> + + <p>A bunk was fixed up in the cabin of the launch for Dick, and + the throb of the heavy engines became a steady hum as the boat + turned down the stream, with water and spray curling up from + its bow and heavy waves from its propeller breaking with a + sullen roar on the banks of the river. Dick's bunk must have + been uncomfortable, for very soon he crawled up on deck and, + going forward to where he could lean back against the cabin, + sat down, looking pale, but not unhappy. Molly, who happened to + be on the bow of the boat, was so indignant with him that she + told him he ought to have a guardian, and then went below and + brought back an armful of pillows and cushions, with which she + proceeded to make life a burden to Dick. Then, as she seemed + about to go away, Dick began to talk to her about the old + plantations on the river and tell her the ghost stories that + belonged to them, until she sat down near him. "I hope you + don't think I was rude <span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" + id="page253"></a>[pg 253]</span> about Tom? I was + only—" But Molly interrupted him.</p> + + <p>"You need to be good and strong before I tell you what I + think of that." And the girl walked away from him so indignant + that she didn't return for nearly two minutes.</p> + + <p>As the launch neared the mouth of the river a yawl-rigged + craft with an auxiliary engine had just entered it. Her captain + was sitting on deck with his right hand grasping the wheel, his + body leaning forward, rigid as bronze, while his roving eye + scanned water and sky, reefs, banks and keys. A roll of the + wheel, and the launch darted toward him. When within a hundred + yards the whir of the big engine and the chugging of the + two-cycle motor of the yawl stopped, and as the boats were + passing each other, Mr. Barstow hailed the skipper of the + yawl.</p> + + <p>"Oh, Captain Hull! All's well. The boys have been found. + Spread the news. Hunt up the other boats and all hands report + to me at Myers."</p> + + <p>"Aye, aye, sir!" came from the bronze statue, and the + chugging and the whirring began again as the yawl resumed its + course, while the launch wove in and out among the oyster + reefs, that guard the mouth of the river, at a speed that would + have torn the propeller out of her had she struck one of + them.</p> + + <p>Dick's eyes sparkled as the Gulf opened out, and the launch + turned down the coast to clear the bar before making her + course. Before him were the waters where the waterspout + destroyed the <i>Etta</i>; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" + id="page254"></a>[pg 254]</span> the Shark River bight was + near, and in the distance the cocoa-palms of the Northwest + Cape could be made out. He turned eagerly to the girl beside + him, and was telling her the story of the waterspout when + Mr. Barstow came to them and said:</p> + + <p>"Run away, little girl, I want to talk to Dick."</p> + + <p>"So do I," said Molly as she made a little face at her + father, who laughed at her.</p> + + <p>"You mustn't think you own Dick. Go play with Tom, there. He + looks pretty amiable just now."</p> + + <p>"But he won't let me play with Tom. He's mean about + that."</p> + + <p>Dick began to explain, but the girl had gone.</p> + + <p>"What are your plans for your future, Dick?" asked Mr. + Barstow.</p> + + <p>"I am going home and going to work at anything I can find to + do."</p> + + <p>"How would you like to work for me?"</p> + + <p>"I don't know of anything else in the world I would like so + well." And Dick fairly beamed.</p> + + <p>"Then, if the work suits you, your engagement will date from + to-day."</p> + + <p>"What will be my duties, sir?"</p> + + <p>"First a vacation to get well in and visit your mother. Then + you and Ned will go to my timber property in Canada, + familiarize yourselves with the present methods of working it, + and suggest any improvements that occur to you, and make the + best estimate you can of the amount and kind of lumber + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page255" + id="page255"></a>[pg 255]</span> I have. I don't care for + present returns, but I wish the property administered in + accordance with the most advanced knowledge of the science + of forestry."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Barstow, you are good to me, too good, and I am as + grateful as I can be, but I can't take money for amusing + myself. You would be paying me for taking the most delightful + excursion in the world, and there wouldn't be any other side to + it. I couldn't make good to you in any way. I don't know + anything about lumbering, forestry or practical surveying."</p> + + <p>"Don't begin by criticizing your employer, Dick. Just make + believe that he knows what he is about. I am not paying you for + what you know now, but for what you will know in a few months. + I am expecting great things of you. The science of forestry and + economic methods of lumbering are fairly well understood in + Canada. You will find yourselves with young men of education + and enterprise, enthusiasts who think nothing of starting out + alone on snowshoes for a week or a month in the woods, where + the mercury in the thermometer often freezes. You will find + your work cut out for you if you only keep up with them, and I + am hoping that you will get near the head of your class. I want + you to learn the business from the beginning to the end from + the planting to the cutting of the tree, and from forest to + freight car. So don't fear that you will not have a chance to + earn your salary. Your <span class="pagenum"><a name="page256" + id="page256"></a>[pg 256]</span> pay and Ned's will be the + same. It will take good care of you, but you will not find + much over to waste. Here, Molly, come back and hear the rest + of that romance that I interrupted. And don't look so cross + at me next time I speak to Dick."</p> + + <p>"Isn't he the nice old daddy?" said the girl to Dick, as she + sat down near him. Dick looked as if he thought so too, but was + troubled to find words to express all he felt. The launch, + which was now flying up the coast, was just opposite the shack + of the fisherman whom the boys had hired to help with the + manatee which couldn't be found. Dick was telling the girl the + story of the manatee when Ned put in an appearance.</p> + + <p>"Run away, Molly. I want to talk to Dick."</p> + + <p>"Neddy Barstow, when daddy says 'Run away, Molly,' I have to + go, but when you say it, I stay right where I am. See?"</p> + + <p>"But this is important, Molly. It's business."</p> + + <p>"So am I important, even if I'm not business. If business is + in a hurry, it can go ahead; if it isn't it can wait."</p> + + <p>"Dick," said Ned, "Dad thinks we need a little vacation + before going to work, and he offers to take us on a cruise in + the <i>Gypsey</i> to the Bahamas and to Cuba, or to charter a + light-draft boat that could go through the Bay of Florida and + let us finish our cruise in the crocodile country, beginning + where we turned back when the fresh water gave out. Maybe he + will let Molly go."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page257" + id="page257"></a>[pg 257]</span> + + <p>"Let Molly go!" repeated the girl mockingly. "Only question + is whether she will let you go. But I thought you said it was + business. That isn't business; it's fun. We choose the small + boat and the crocodiles. That will be new. I know all about the + <i>Gypsey</i> now."</p> + + <p>"Shall we let it go at that, Dick?"</p> + + <p>"Sure. Wonder if we can find my crocodile + again."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page258" + id="page258"></a>[pg 258]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXIII</h3> + + <h3>MOLLY AND THE MANATEE</h3> + + <p>A week later the party of five (for both Molly and Dick + insisted that Tom belonged) was sailing down the coast in the + <i>Irene</i>, a half houseboat with auxiliary engine, which was + sailed by Captain Hull. An engineer and a darky cook had been + engaged, but the three young folks held a meeting and then + announced that Dick had been elected engineer and Molly chief + cook, with Ned as assistant. They added that the man engineer + and the darky could "go bounce." When they notified Mr. Barstow + of the result of the meeting he told them to see Captain Hull + and that if they could stand their own cooking and engineering + he thought the captain and himself might manage to live through + it.</p> + + <p>The captain grimly assented; said that he had been wondering + where he could sleep his cook when it rained; that Dick + couldn't be a worse engineer than the one he had engaged, and + that he hoped he would keep sober more of the time than the + other one was in the habit of doing.</p> + + <p>The <i>Irene</i> was of less than three feet draft, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page259" + id="page259"></a>[pg 259]</span> towed or carried on her + davits a small launch and a skiff. Excepting when the wind + was especially favorable, the sails were kept furled, and an + awning stretched above the cabin-top made of it a pleasant + lounging place. When the <i>Irene</i> was opposite the mouth + of Broad and Rodgers rivers, the whole party, including Tom, + who kept beside Dick, were sitting on the cabin roof, and + Mr. Barstow said to his son, as he pointed to Broad + River:</p> + + <p>"Is that the river where you caught your phantom manatee, + that wasn't there when you brought a fisherman to get it? You + know the story is all over Myers that you saw a porpoise and + imagined the rest. How was it, Ned?"</p> + + <p>"Yon've made a lot of fun of me, Dad, and Molly has bothered + the life out of Dick about that manatee ghost. Now, if you will + let Dick and me boss this boat for three days, no questions to + be asked, we'll show you a sure-enough manatee and give some + folks a chance to think up real handsome apologies."</p> + + <p>"But supposing you don't make good?"</p> + + <p>"Then Dick and I will do a whole lot of kow-towing + ourselves."</p> + + <p>"What do you say to that, Molly?"</p> + + <p>"See here, sis," interrupted Ned, "it's up to you to put up + or shut up. If you don't give us this chance to make good you + are not to say 'manatee' again on this trip."</p> + + <p>"Give 'em what they want, Daddy. They can't + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page260" + id="page260"></a>[pg 260]</span> do much harm in three days, + and just think of the fun I'll have with them + afterwards."</p> + + <p>"Well, hoys, you shall have your chance. It may prove a good + lesson to you."</p> + + <p>"You heard that, Captain? Dick and I are boss for three + days, and we want this boat to start up Broad River + immejit!"</p> + + <p>"Tide's jist a-bilin' out of the river. It'll take all day + to get anywhere. Hadn't you better anchor at the mouth of the + river till it turns? We can run up the river in the night, so + you won't lose any time."</p> + + <p>The <i>Irene's</i> anchor was dropped behind the bar that + lies opposite the mouth of the river, and Molly and the boys + went out in the skiff to call on a family of pelicans which + were keeping house on a little coral key, surrounded by oyster + reefs, between Rodgers and Broad rivers. As the skiff neared + the key the old birds flew lazily away and lit on a mud-flat a + hundred yards distant, but the pelican children waddled around + on the oyster reef without showing much alarm until Dick caught + one, when the indignant bird struck him with its big bill and + punched holes in his hat. As the tide fell the oyster bars were + uncovered, the water shoaled on the mud-flats, and the boys + gathered oysters from one, and clams weighing from half a pound + to four pounds each from the other.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/260.jpg" + name="fig260" + id="fig260"><img width="100%" + src="images/260.jpg" + alt='"THE INDIGNANT BIRD PUNCHED HOLES THROUGH HIS HAT"' /> + </a>"THE INDIGNANT BIRD PUNCHED HOLES THROUGH HIS HAT" + </div> + + <p>A fire was built on the reef, bread and coffee brought from + the <i>Irene</i>, and Mr. Barstow and Captain + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page261" + id="page261"></a>[pg 261]</span> Hull invited to a picnic + supper which they were polite enough to say they enjoyed + greatly. After supper Molly and the boys took a walk on the + beach on the north side of Rodgers River and amused + themselves by chasing the crabs that were skurrying along + close to the shore to keep out of the way of their enemies. + They had a lot of fun, but caught no crabs, until Dick went + back to the <i>Irene</i> for a scoop-net and a bucket, which + he soon filled with the crustaceans. Molly had never before + seen shell-fish growing on trees, so Dick cut a few + oyster-bearing branches from a mangrove tree and roasted + bunches of the bivalves on the beach. When the sputtering of + the oysters on the branch told Dick they were cooked, he + hauled the limb from the coals, sat down with his companion + on the beach, and with sharpened sticks the young people + picked the roasted oysters from their shells, while Dick + told the girl of that other picnic on the coast near-by + after the waterspout had wrecked the <i>Etta</i>. They + talked after the oysters were eaten and the fire had gone + out, until Ned's voice came to them:</p> + + <p>"Do you kids expect to settle here and grow up with the + country? Don't you know it's 'most night, the tide's been right + for the river for an hour, and everybody is waiting for + you?"</p> + + <p>When they reached the <i>Irene</i>, Mr. Barstow proposed + putting off their start until morning to give Molly and him a + chance to see the river as they + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page262" + id="page262"></a>[pg 262]</span> sailed up it. Mr. Barstow + replied to a quizzical look from his son:</p> + + <p>"Of course, this doesn't come out of your time, Ned. You are + to have your full three days."</p> + + <p>"Maybe you'd like to see some fire-hunting," said the + captain. "There are 'gators in these rivers, and there's time + before the moon rises to find one or two. If you don't want one + killed I'll fire a blank cartridge at him, unless you'd like to + shine the eyes of one yourself."</p> + + <p>"I don't think I'll try any fire-hunting, but I should like + to see it done," said Mr. Barstow.</p> + + <p>Dick was proud of his sculling, and at his request it was + arranged that he should scull the skiff for the captain, while + Ned was to pole the little motor-boat, in which his father and + sister would go with him. Before they had gone far Dick found + that he had overestimated his strength, and that handling the + heavy sculling oar was too much for him. Mr. Barstow offered to + pole the motor-boat, and Ned took Dick's place at the oar in + the skiff, where Dick remained as a passenger. They entered + Broad River and Ned sculled slowly along the bank, while the + beam of light from the lantern, which was bound to the + captain's forehead, played along the surface of the water under + the mangroves that overhung the banks and sometimes swept the + banks above the water. In the shallow places mullet leaped + wildly as the rays of the bull's-eye lantern fell on them, + while porpoises sniffed and tarpon splashed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page263" + id="page263"></a>[pg 263]</span> in their light. Sculling + was hard work for Ned, who had none of the easy and graceful + swing with which Dick threw his weight on a sculling oar, a + skill which he had acquired during his life on the sponger. + Several times the oar jumped out of the scull hole in the + skiff, and once Ned nearly went overboard. But a little + extra noise didn't much disturb wild creatures that were + fascinated by the light; and on the land 'coons sat + motionless, two dots of greenish light told of a hypnotized + wildcat, and when all on the skiff saw the light reflected + from two big, round eyes, while the captain held the beam + from the lantern steadily upon them, Dick whispered:</p> + + <p>"What is it?"</p> + + <p>"A big buck. Wish I didn't have a blank cartridge in the + rifle," replied the captain.</p> + + <p>They cruised for half a mile up Broad River, then back to + its mouth against a tide that made the captain take the oars of + the skiff, to which the painter of the motor-boat was then + fastened. Then Ned sculled to the mouth of Rodgers River, + where, upon a little beach, the captain first saw the gleam for + which he had been looking. Then for a few minutes Dick took the + oar and slowly and more slowly sculled toward those little + round stars. Soon the light from the bull's-eye on the + captain's forehead showed the head and body of the reptile, + which remained as motionless as if cast in bronze, while Dick + held the skiff in place that the launch might + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page264" + id="page264"></a>[pg 264]</span> come near. With the roar of + the blank cartridge came the scream of a girl and the quick + scrambling of the alligator into the water. Every one wanted + to continue the hunt, but the rising of the moon put a stop + to the sport.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/264.jpg" + name="fig264" + id="fig264"><img width="100%" + src="images/264.jpg" + alt="THE LIGHT FROM THE BULL'S EYE SHOWED THE HEAD AND BODY OF THE REPTILE" /> + </a>"THE LIGHT FROM THE BULL'S EYE SHOWED THE HEAD AND BODY + OF THE REPTILE" + </div> + + <p>In the morning the tide was rushing up the river, and with + it came rolling porpoises and schools of leaping tarpon.</p> + + <p>"Couldn't you catch one of those tarpon?" asked Molly.</p> + + <p>Dick said nothing, but Ned shook his head slowly, and Molly + understood that he couldn't so quickly forget that desperate + struggle in the water, during which two lives hung by a thread + after a tarpon had wrecked their canoe.</p> + + <p>As the <i>Irene</i> sailed up the river birds flew from the + trees on her approach, alligators slid from their beds on the + banks, and otters lifted their round heads above the surface of + the stream. Six miles from its mouth the river spreads out into + a bay, and as the boat was entering it Mr. Barstow called + out:</p> + + <p>"There is your manatee, sure enough, boys!"</p> + + <p>A big, ugly head appeared beside the <i>Irene</i> for an + instant, followed by a column of water thrown in the air by the + huge porpoise-like tail of the frightened animal. The anchor + was quickly dropped and the little motor-boat, with Dick at the + wheel and Mr. Barstow and Molly as passengers, started in + pursuit of the sea-cow. Captain Hull and Ned were in the skiff, + which was towed by the motor-boat. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page265" + id="page265"></a>[pg 265]</span> Every few minutes the long + eel-grass of the shallow bay choked the propeller of the + motor-boat. Then the motor was stopped, the skiff pulled + under the stern of the power-boat, and Ned, with half his + head and shoulders under water, tore the grass from the + wheel. For two miles all eyes scanned the surface of the + water without sight of the quarry; then came a shout from + Molly:</p> + + <p>"There it is!"</p> + + <p>"Take the wheel, Molly; it's your manatee," replied + Dick.</p> + + <p>And the girl, without a hat and with her loosened hair + streaming down her back, headed the power-boat straight for the + creature, which was distant about the eighth of a mile. Twice + the grass choked the wheel and twice with desperate haste it + was cleared by Ned. The boat had gone many yards beyond the + place where Molly had seen the animal when there was a great + swirl in the water beside the craft, followed by other swirls, + which grew less and less as they led in a straight line up a + broad tideway that opened into the upper end of the bay. A + moment later another series of swirls was seen and followed, + after which, for a time, nothing was seen, although four pairs + of eyes were scanning every inch of the stream ahead of the + boat. Then came a cry from the captain, who had been cannily + watching the water behind the craft. The sea-cow had turned + around, and, swimming silently beneath the boat, would have + escaped but for the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page266" + id="page266"></a>[pg 266]</span> glimpse the captain got of + him as he rose to breathe just before reaching a bend in the + stream, which would have hidden him from his pursuers. Soon + the motor-boat was again on his trail, never to leave it + till the creature was a captive. For the manatee was tired + and had to come to the surface for breath at shorter and + shorter intervals, until the power-boat almost ran over him + at every turn.</p> + + <p>"Turn us loose!" shouted Ned, and in a moment the skiff was + free and being sculled by the captain toward the quarry, while + Ned stood in the bow with a noosed rope in his hand. Soon the + manatee rose beside the skiff, so near that Ned laid the noose + over the creature's nose. But it didn't stay there, for a + column of water rose in the air, and when it subsided Ned was + swimming two yards from the skiff.</p> + + <p>There was a cry from Molly in the motor-boat which no one + noticed, for in half a minute Ned was back in the skiff and the + pursuit was on keener than ever. Every ten seconds the manatee + came up to breathe, every time he rose he was driven back under + water by the blow of the rope across his nose. Finally the + half-strangled creature lifted his whole head out of the water + and held it there long enough for Ned to slip the noose over + it. The next instant the blow of the manatee's tail deluged the + boy with water and jarred the skiff from bow to stern, which + was then dragged through the water at a rate which for minutes + left the motor-boat behind. The sea-cow carried the skiff + around keys, through deep + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page267" + id="page267"></a>[pg 267]</span> channels, over shallow + banks and under bushes that projected from the shore, until + the animal was fairly tired out. As the speed of the + creature slackened, Ned drew the skiff close beside him, and + plunging overboard, threw his left arm over the neck and + with his right hand grasped the right flipper of the + manatee. Then Captain Hull took a hand, and pulling the + skiff up to the manatee was soon swimming beside him and + clinging to his left flipper.</p> + + <p>Dick slowed down the motor, while Molly kept the boat + circling around the swimmers until the manatee surrendered and + became quiet as a cow. The motor was stopped, and the sea-cow + was brought beside the boat, where Molly patted the head and + laid her hand on the soft lips of the gentle creature.</p> + + <p>"Now, Daddy," said Ned, "Dick and I want a certificate that + this isn't a phantom manatee or a porpoise."</p> + + <p>"I'll certify to that, Ned. You boys have made good, + although nobody ever doubted it, anyway, for the fisherman was + only having a little fun with you."</p> + + <p>The manatee was so tractable that Captain Hull swam back for + the skiff, while Ned loosened his hold on the flipper of the + creature. Suddenly a cascade of water half-filled the + power-boat, drenched every one in it, and the manatee + disappeared. Ned was chagrined, but Mr. Barstow cheered + him:</p> + + <p>"It is all for the best, Ned. He had done all he could do + for us. We hadn't time to arrange for his + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page268" + id="page268"></a>[pg 268]</span> shipment, and so had to set + him free. The only thing I am sorry for is that I didn't go + overboard, too, and have some of the fun. I am just as wet + as you are, without having anything-to show for it."</p> + + <p>"Me, too," said Molly, whose red cheeks and sparkling eyes + shone from among streaming mermaid tresses, and whose pretty + frock had been deluged.</p> + + <p>"Dad," said Ned, after they were back on the <i>Irene</i>, + "you know Dick and I are in command for two days more."</p> + + <p>"I thought you were to have charge for three days, or until + you found a manatee."</p> + + <p>"No, sir; three days—seventy-two hours, and not a + minute less."</p> + + <p>"What are you going to do with all that time?"</p> + + <p>"I have elected myself senior boss and Dick junior boss, and + we are going to show you and Molly the Everglades. The + <i>Irene</i> will start down Broad River at once. But Molly is + to take the power-boat through the cut-off to Rodgers River, + and down that river to its mouth, where she will find us. Oh, + by the way, Dick will go with her as engineer, but subject to + her orders."</p> + + <p>When the <i>Irene</i> was opposite the cut-off, the + power-boat, with Molly and Dick on board, was set adrift and + was soon twisting and turning at half speed as it followed the + channel of the crooked creek. Swimming through the creek would + have made a snake dizzy, and the girl at the wheel had to keep + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page269" + id="page269"></a>[pg 269]</span> it spinning. There were + logs to be dodged and sharp-ended stumps to be avoided. + Trees lay nearly across the stream, leaving barely the width + of the boat to spare, and others under which the boat had to + be driven between flexible branches, while the steerswoman + crouched low down in the craft. There were birds and beasts + on the bank, fish and reptiles in the water, but the girl + could spare them scarcely a glance. Great spiders hung in + midair on nets that stretched from bank to bank, and Molly's + face was matted with webs that she could not avoid, while + her teeth were tightly clenched lest she scream when the + hairy legs of a spider with a spread of five inches traveled + across her face. Dick saw her trouble and came forward to + where he could lean ahead of her and take the brunt of the + spider's work. Molly spared him a grateful glance, but got + in trouble for it the next instant. For just then a quick + turn of the craft happened to be necessary, and although + Dick helped to roll the wheel, it was too late, and because + of the inattention of a moment the motor-boat crashed into + the bank. The pilot and engineer were thrown violently + against the wheel, but nothing was injured excepting the + temper of the girl, who said to her companion:</p> + + <p>"That was all your fault, Dick Williams, and I wish you + would go back to your engine. I will try to manage the wheel by + myself."</p> + + <p>After two miles of squirmy navigation the boat came out into + the broad, beautiful Rodgers River, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page270" + id="page270"></a>[pg 270]</span> down which they turned; and + when Dick pointed out where the tarpon had wrecked their + canoe and stunned him, and told of Ned's struggles to save + his life, the girl's voice trembled and there were tears in + her eyes as she listened and asked questions. The tide was + low when they arrived at the mouth of the river, and Molly + ran the boat on one of the oyster bars that form a network + across the entrance to Broad and Rodgers rivers. Almost the + instant the boat touched, Dick was overboard heaving on the + bow, and soon had the craft afloat. Then turning to Molly, + he said, while mischief sparkled in his eyes:</p> + + <p>"I am sorry I ran you on that bar, Miss Barstow."</p> + + <p>"You shouldn't bear malice, Dick," replied the + girl.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page271" + id="page271"></a>[pg 271]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXIV</h3> + + <h3>TO THE GLADES IN THE "IRENE"</h3> + + <p>They found the <i>Irene</i> waiting for them near the mouth + of the river, with Ned impatient to be off to catch the + inflowing-tide from the mouth of Harney's River, which was + about two miles down the coast.</p> + + <p>It was still daylight when they crossed the bar and passed + the little key inside the mouth of the river, but they sailed + up the stream by the light of the stars, which gave mystic + beauty to the smooth water and the shadowy outlines of the + tropical forest that bordered the banks of the river. Captain + Hull anchored the <i>Irene</i> for the night in Tussock Bay, at + the head of the lower division of Harney's River, because, as + he said, he needed all the daylight he could get when he + tackled the crooked courses between Tussock Bay and the + Everglades.</p> + + <p>When the anchor was hoisted in the morning, Dick was at the + wheel, which he held on to when the captain came up to relieve + him. The captain stood by as the boy steered across the bay, + and wondered at the chance that kept him for miles on exactly + the right course. As the boat was passing Tussock Key, Dick + headed up to the + northeast.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page272" + id="page272"></a>[pg 272]</span> + + <p>"Too far north," said the captain. "Course is + east-southeast."</p> + + <p>"No talking to the man at the wheel," said Dick, and Captain + Hull laughed and waited for the trouble that was coming. But no + trouble came, and the <i>Irene</i> twisted in and out, always + in plenty of water, for a mile and a half of crooked creek, + until it floated in a wider stream, the banks of which were + covered with long prairie grass, when Dick handed over the + wheel to the captain, saying:</p> + + <p>"Guess you know the rest of the way, don't you, Captain? If + you get in any trouble call on me."</p> + + <p>"That was one on me," said Captain Hull as he took the + wheel. "I never came that way before. Wonder who taught you + piloting? Mighty few pilots can find their way up this + river."</p> + + <p>"I came that way," said Dick nonchalantly, "because the + water is deeper and there is less grass. The other river is + pretty shallow and gets badly choked up at this season."</p> + + <p>"That's so," replied the captain, "but I'd like to know who + told you."</p> + + <p>It took the rest of the day to reach the Everglades. There + were narrow streams so crooked that the <i>Irene</i> had to be + poled around the sharp corners, broad, shallow rivers, so + choked with eel and manatee-grass that every five minutes one + of the boys went overboard to clear the clogged propeller, and + twisting creeks, through which the water of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page273" + id="page273"></a>[pg 273]</span> Everglades poured so + swiftly, that to make headway and avoid snags kept the + captain busy at the wheel and the boys fending off from the + banks with oars. Sometimes for miles the channel was clear; + and while the captain stood at the wheel the rest of the + exploring family sat upon the cabin roof and chattered like + children about the turtle and terrapin heads that dotted the + surface, the leaping young tarpon, grave old alligators, shy + otters, and birds that flew from the trees or soared + overhead.</p> + + <p>The sensitive Tom resented Dick's neglect, and was seen + sitting on the after end of the cabin, in front of the wheel, + making friends with the captain. Every few minutes Tom put out + a paw and rested it on the captain's hand as it rolled the + wheel. Then Tom would look up in his face, and finally rubbed + his cheek on the captain's hand, and after that became his + shadow. That night Tom abandoned his sleeping place beside + Dick's bunk and turned in with the captain. Dick was a little + annoyed at first, but his conscience told him that he had + neglected Tom, and had himself to blame.</p> + + <p>When the anchor was dropped, the <i>Irene</i> rested in a + solid mass of lily pads, with her bowsprit extending over the + border of the Everglades, which stretched out eastward, a + great, grassy, overflowed meadow, dotted with keys, to the + horizon. A slough of clear water, deep enough to float the + little power-boat, zigzagged out into the Glades, and the + captain, with Mr. Barstow, Molly and Dick in the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page274" + id="page274"></a>[pg 274]</span> craft, followed it for more + than a mile. There was water enough over the light grass of + the Glades to float the skiff, which Ned poled through a + carpet of white pond-lilies, that here and there covered the + surface. Many little grassy mounds showed where an alligator + had his cave. From one of them an alligator slid out and + started across the Glades at full speed. Ned was soon on his + trail, poling like mad. He was nearly up to the reptile when + it swung around and darted away at right angles to its + former course, gaining many yards on its pursuer, for the + grass prevented the quick turning of the skiff. Time after + time the reptile repeated this dodge, time after time the + boy was near enough to have touched the alligator with a + pole, but always he dodged, until Ned was too exhausted to + follow the creature any farther.</p> + + <p>"Oh, I wish you could have caught it," said Molly when Ned + returned.</p> + + <p>"We'll get one to-morrow sure," said Dick, while Ned's only + comment was:</p> + + <p>"Don't you get Dick to try fool things, sis."</p> + + <p>"Captain," said Dick that evening, "I want an alligator, and + if you will help Ned pole in the skiff in the morning until we + are near enough to one, I'll either put a rope over his head or + go overboard and grab him."</p> + + <p>"Don't try that on these 'gators; but I'll rig up a harpoon + for you, and if you can hit one with that there won't be any + trouble in getting + him."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page275" + id="page275"></a>[pg 275]</span> + + <p>"I don't want to kill the thing with a harpoon."</p> + + <p>"I'll fix that. I'll stop down the harpoon so you can't + drive it more than an inch beyond the hide, and the 'gator will + never know he's hurt. He'll think a fly lit on him."</p> + + <p>In the morning, as they were about to start on the 'gator + chase, Ned said to his father:</p> + + <p>"This is our third day and our last chance, so we have got + to keep busy."</p> + + <p>"Not quite," replied Mr. Barstow. "You and Dick have done so + well that you can stay in command until I have to call you + down."</p> + + <p>"Where do I come in?" said Molly. "Haven't I got something + to say about things?"</p> + + <p>"Looks as if you were having too much to say now. You + mustn't try to influence the officers of this ship or lure them + away from their duties."</p> + + <p>The little face that Molly made at her father wasn't quite + respectful, but Mr. Barstow only laughed at it.</p> + + <p>On this day of the 'gator hunt, Molly took the wheel and her + father ran the engine of the motor-boat, while Ned and the + captain poled the skiff and Dick stood in the bow with the + harpoon pole. They soon started a nine-foot alligator out of + his cave, and after a chase of ten minutes and a few sudden + turns were so near the reptile that Dick fixed his harpoon to + the end of the pole and stood ready. Twice he threw and missed, + and each time many yards were lost while the pole was being + recovered. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page276" + id="page276"></a>[pg 276]</span> Dick was so mortified at + missing that he offered the harpoon to the captain, who + refused it, saying:</p> + + <p>"You threw all right and almost got him last throw. You'll + fetch him next time."</p> + + <p>The captain's prophecy was fulfilled and at the next throw + the harpoon pierced the soft hide of the hind leg of the + reptile. From the beginning of the chase the alligator had been + making for the river and was within a hundred yards of it when + struck. They headed it off from the river and Dick dragged on + the line while the others poled until the skiff was beside the + 'gator. A heavy blow on the bow of the boat from the tail of + the reptile and the big open jaws with their rows of great + gleaming teeth that swung before Dick's face made him drop the + line and fall backward into the skiff, while the alligator + started off in a new direction. On the next approach the + creature turned on the skiff again and though the captain + fended it off with an oar the reptile had the best of the + battle. Several times Dick brought the skiff near the alligator + and tried to lasso it with the painter of the boat, but the + reptile was too wary for him. The captain suggested running the + reptile into the river, saying it would be easier to take it + aboard from the deeper water. As soon as they gave the brute a + chance it plunged into the river and towed the skiff two + hundred yards down the stream, then turning and rising to the + surface the alligator came with open mouth at Dick, who sprang + from his place in the bow and, seizing + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page277" + id="page277"></a>[pg 277]</span> the painter, the boy soon + had a rope around the head of the brute and its jaws tied. + They tried towing the alligator up the river to the + <i>Irene</i>, but it is easier to drag an anchor than an + alligator. Then as Dick was winded the captain and Ned + finally hauled it aboard the skiff, where for a time it + amused itself by trying to smash the skiff or knock somebody + overboard with its tail. It became perfectly quiet before + the <i>Irene</i> was reached, when the captain dragged on + the rope which bound its jaws while Ned boosted with his + arms around the tail of the brute. But the alligator was + playing 'possum and had Ned just where it wanted him and, + with a swing of its powerful tail, lifted the boy in the air + and neatly tossed him overboard. It was fortunate for Ned + that he was holding the alligator so tightly that it was + more of a push than a blow that he received. As it was, the + breath was so completely knocked out of him that for an + instant he could not swim and was drifting with the current, + feebly paddling with his hands, just enough to keep afloat, + when he felt Dick's supporting hand and heard a voice in his + ear:</p> + + <p>"Don't say you're hurt, Neddy."</p> + + <p>"No—no—not a—bit. Nothing but—the + talk—knocked out of me. Gee! Wouldn't he make a fine + spanking machine?"</p> + + <p>Both of the boys were glad when the captain came for them + with the skiff and they were saved a hard swim against the + current.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page278" + id="page278"></a>[pg 278]</span> + + <p>"Where is our alligator?" said Ned to the captain. "Hope you + didn't turn him loose."</p> + + <p>"Nope. He's all right. He slipped back into the water when + you went in swimming, and of course I knew you wanted him + looked after first, so I gave his line a turn round the big + cleat. When I left he was trying to pull it out."</p> + + <p>When the boys were back on the <i>Irene</i>, Molly clung to + her brother's hand, hardly able to speak, while Mr. Barstow + said to his son:</p> + + <p>"Is that the sort of thing you boys have been doing in your + odd hours when you were not squabbling with panthers or mixing + up with tarpon? I am afraid you need a traveling guardian to + look after you."</p> + + <p>A hundred feet was added to the rope that held the alligator + and he was left to pasture in the water until the <i>Irene</i> + was ready to sail, when he was hauled aboard the skiff and + lashed there. While he was being tied he was perfectly tame and + peaceful, but, though he looked as if butter wouldn't melt in + his mouth, no one trusted him and even the captain fought shy + of his tail.</p> + + <p>For two miles from the Glades the river was broad and the + navigation, excepting for many bunches of moss and manatee + grass, was easy. Then came half a mile of a twisting narrow + creek, in places not twice the width of the <i>Irene</i>, + through which poured swiftly the whole volume of the big + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page279" + id="page279"></a>[pg 279]</span> river. At the head of this + creek the captain came to anchor.</p> + + <p>"We won't get through this creek without a lot of trouble. + The current will throw us against the bank a dozen times and we + haven't speed to prevent it and couldn't turn the corners if we + had. The launch must go ahead and keep the bow of the big boat + out of the bushes if it can. Then we can't be bothered with the + skiff or the 'gator. We'd likely lose both. Somebody must take + the launch and tow the skiff through and then come back, if he + can get back, and help the big boat through. I hate to do it, + but we can't tow the skiff and, of course, it would be torn off + of the davits in two minutes. We are going to scrape the sides + and perhaps tear out half the rigging of the <i>Irene</i>, + anyhow. Now who volunteers to tow the skiff through the creek? + I can't go because the launch may not be able to buck the + current and get back and I must stand by the big boat."</p> + + <p>"I volunteer," said Molly, "if you can get anybody to go as + engineer."</p> + + <p>Every one laughed at this, excepting Molly, who blushed a + little, and Dick pulled the power boat up beside the + <i>Irene</i> as if he were afraid that somebody would change + her mind if there was any delay.</p> + + <p>"Can she do it and is it quite safe?" asked Mr. Barstow.</p> + + <p>"Do it as well as anybody. They may swamp the skiff or get + caught in a corner, but they can get out + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page280" + id="page280"></a>[pg 280]</span> on the bank without + anything worse than a ducking."</p> + + <p>As the power boat started, with Molly at the wheel, Dick + standing by the motor and the skiff hauled close under the + stern, the captain called out to Dick:</p> + + <p>"Full speed. It's your only chance to get through. Don't + bother with the skiff, but keep an oar handy to fend off from + the bank." The speed of the boat was doubled by the current and + Dick's heart was in his mouth as the banks flew past and some + log-guarded point threatened to smash the bow of the boat. But + Molly was quick to see the coming peril and the wheel rolled + swiftly to starboard or port, always in time to avert it. There + were double turns which the boat could never have made but for + the rush of the current which often swept them aside from a + stump or log that it seemed impossible to avoid. It was a + thrilling experience to both pilot and engineer, and when the + broad, placid river opened before them and the perilous trip + was past, the girl turned a flushed and beaming face toward her + companion and said:</p> + + <p>"Wasn't it just lovely?"</p> + + <p>And the boy replied with enthusiasm:</p> + + <p>"It was glorious!"</p> + + <p>Dick fastened the skiff to a tree on the bank, gave a look + at the lashing of the alligator and the return through the + creek began. There was nothing exciting about this trip. As the + craft was working <span class="pagenum"><a name="page281" + id="page281"></a>[pg 281]</span> against the current, the + flow of the water balanced the power of the engine, and log + stumps and points on the bank were passed slowly, inch by + inch. Often there was no progress and then the boat was + steered close beside the bank and Dick pushed with his oar + against the trees until less swift water was found. The run + down the creek was made in three minutes. The return 'took + half as many hours. On the <i>Irene</i> all were anxious but + the captain and Tom. At the end of an hour Ned was for + starting down the creek with the big boat, but Captain Hull + said:</p> + + <p>"No. It may take them three hours. Give them two at least. + If we start now we'll make sure of a smash-up."</p> + + <p>In another minute the motor of the launch could be heard, + although it was half an hour more before the wanderers were + welcomed aboard the <i>Irene</i> and their story told.</p> + + <p>"It's our turn for trouble now," said the captain, "and + we're likely to get it, good and plenty."</p> + + <p>"Want me to tow?" said Dick.</p> + + <p>"Sure," replied the captain.</p> + + <p>"Me, too?" inquired Molly.</p> + + <p>"No," replied the captain, rather sharply. "It isn't + piloting this time. You can't steer the launch much while it's + fast to the big boat. Best you can do is to fend off and then + you're likely to get caught, and when you do get caught and + fifteen tons comes down on you at ten miles an hour, somebody + has got to be spry."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page282" + id="page282"></a>[pg 282]</span> + + <p>"Is there much danger to whoever goes in the little boat?" + asked Mr. Barstow.</p> + + <p>"Some, not much. It's the big boat that is likely to get + caught and if the launch did get stuck and we couldn't sheer + off it would only mean a quick jump and a little swim + and—a busted launch."</p> + + <p>The <i>Irene</i> started down the creek with her engine at + half speed, the captain at the wheel and Dick standing in the + bow of the motor boat with an oar at hand. Molly stood in the + companionway at the captain's request because he feared her + being swept overboard by overhanging branches. Mr. Barstow and + Ned were stationed near the bow with long poles for fending off + from the banks when necessary. The first trouble came from a + wooded point on the starboard side, but Dick swung the power + boat to port while Ned nearly went overboard as he threw his + weight on the pole with which he was fending. The bow cleared + the point, though the bowsprit swept the bushes and a + low-growing branch tore out the screens on the starboard side. + Before the point was passed Dick had the launch on the + starboard side, working to turn the <i>Irene</i> before she + should strike the opposite bank. The efforts of all hands + failed to make the turn in time and a stump by the bank caught + in the jib-stay of the boat and held her fast. As the stern of + the <i>Irene</i> swung on the point she had nearly passed, she + lay broad-side to the current, subject to all its + power.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page283" + id="page283"></a>[pg 283]</span> + + <p>"We're in for it now, if that jib-stay don't part pretty + sudden," said the captain.</p> + + <p>And before the words were out of his mouth the eye-bolt that + held the stay broke short off and the <i>Irene's</i> bow swung + down the stream. The boat was not caught badly again, although + her fore rigging on the port side was carried away and her + sides somewhat scarred. The only accident that threatened was + prevented by a precaution which Dick had taken. He had fastened + his tow line to the stern of the launch with a knot that could + be slipped and led the end of the line forward to where he + stood by the wheel. It happened that when nearly through the + creek it became needful to drag the bow of the <i>Irene</i> far + to port. Dick did this, but found himself in a pocket from + which he could not escape and in position to be dragged stern + first under the bow of the big boat. A quick jerk on the towing + line, and the launch was safe behind the <i>Irene</i>. There + was no more trouble for the big boat, which a minute later was + headed down the broad but shallow river, at half speed, while + Dick picked up the skiff with its alligator passenger who + slowly opened one eye when spoken to. In a few minutes the + <i>Irene</i> was traveling at full speed toward Tussock Bay + while her joyful passengers sat on the cabin roof and talked of + perils which had passed.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/284.jpg" + name="fig284" + id="fig284"><img width="100%" + src="images/284.jpg" + alt='"SLOWLY LIFTING HIS HUGE HEAD OVER THE SIDE OF THE SKIFF"' /> + </a>"SLOWLY LIFTING HIS HUGE HEAD OVER THE SIDE OF THE + SKIFF" + </div> + + <p>From Tussock Bay to the coast, the <i>Irene</i> sailed by + way of a branch of Shark River. The deep water of this river + near the Gulf of Mexico was + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page284" + id="page284"></a>[pg 284]</span> roughened by a high wind + and the rising and falling of the skiff seemed to excite the + alligator which for hours had been as quiet as if he were + asleep or dead. Slowly lifting his huge head over the side + of the skiff he gave a lurch which strained the rope that + held him and enough of the weight of the reptile was on the + side of the skiff to capsize it. The captain, who first + heard the struggle and saw the upset of the skiff, shouted + to Ned, who was below oiling the engine, to shut off the + power. Before the <i>Irene</i> lost her headway Ned was in + the river with the alligator, resting on the bottom of the + skiff which he rolled from over the reptile to save it from + drowning. Instantly the freed jaws of the alligator opened + wide in his face and the boy threw himself backward in the + water and swam swiftly away from his dangerous companion. + The rope had slipped from the head of the reptile, which now + seized the gunwale of the boat and thrashed about until he + had freed himself from the rope which bound him, after which + he quickly disappeared. Half an hour later Ned was pouring + his grievances into the ear of his chum, who was resting in + his bunk from the fatigue of the morning.</p> + + <p>"Don't you think, Dick, it was bad enough to be scared to + death by a whopping old alligator that I thought was going to + bite me in two, without being scolded by everybody on board for + recklessness? First there was Dad, and he uses pretty powerful + language when he gets real earnest, then Captain + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page285" + id="page285"></a>[pg 285]</span> Hull gave it to me like a + Dutch uncle, and even Molly lectured me and squeezed out a + few tears. I told Dad it wasn't half as bad as your jumping + in the way of that panther, but he said that was altogether + a different thing and had some sense in + it."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page286" + id="page286"></a>[pg 286]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXV</h3> + + <h3>IN FLORIDA BAY</h3> + + <p>After the <i>Irene</i> had sailed twenty miles down the + coast and was about opposite East Cape (Sable) Captain Hull + asked for his orders.</p> + + <p>"Isn't Madeira Hammock on the coast, about thirty miles from + here?" inquired Ned.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but you will have to go seventy to get there. You've + got to go way round by the keys."</p> + + <p>"Isn't there water enough for the <i>Irene</i> along the + coast?"</p> + + <p>"Isn't enough to float the skiff. You can go about ten + miles. After that there's an inch of water and I reckon a mile + of blue, soft, sticky mud. I've been a few feet down in it and + the farther I went the softer and stickier it got."</p> + + <p>"Suppose we go the ten miles you talk about what will we + find?"</p> + + <p>"Tarpon, sharks, porpoises, lots of fish, birds and enough + sawfish to make a picket fence of their saws all around the + coast."</p> + + <p>"That's us, Captain," said Ned.</p> + + <p>And the <i>Irene's</i> mud hook went to the bottom that + night in eight feet of water off Joe Kemp's + Key.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page287" + id="page287"></a>[pg 287]</span> + + <p>In the shoal water over the broad banks which lay to the + south and east of the <i>Irene</i> the bayonet fins of many + tarpon rose high above the surface as the fish beneath them + pursued their prey. Often the two fins shown by a wandering + shark swept swiftly across a bank, or three big reddish fins + moving in a straight line slowly behind a great, swaying, + four-foot weapon marked the course of a fifteen-foot sawfish. + There was water to float the power boat in the channels between + the banks, and families of porpoises or dolphins were always + ready to serve as pilots and point the path through these + labyrinthine waterways. A school of porpoises, rolling in the + water and leaping in the air, passed the motor boat as if they + had been telephoned for in the greatest haste. Two minutes + later, a quarter of a mile away, a great splashing could be + seen and huge bodies hurled in the air, which seemed to be + filled with flying fragments.</p> + + <p>The power boat, with Molly at the wheel, started for the + fray at its best speed and when it reached the battlefield its + occupants saw a little band of porpoises in the midst of a + great school of silver mullet. Each blow of a porpoise tail + sent several mullet flying in the air, each blow that was + struck was followed by a quick turn or leap of the agile animal + for the victim which it caught before it fell. Ned and Dick + were in the skiff which had been towed by the power boat, + hoping to harpoon a sawfish or a shark. They had not before + thought of the swift <span class="pagenum"><a name="page288" + id="page288"></a>[pg 288]</span> and wary porpoise. They + called to the captain to cast them loose, and soon Ned was + poling the skiff toward the busy porpoises while Dick stood + in the bow of the skiff with his harpoon handy. Quick as a + flash the porpoises separated and scattered in every + direction and the boys followed several in vain. Then Molly + took a hand in the game and sent the power boat at one after + another of them until the captain called to her:</p> + + <p>"If you'll stick to one you'll run him down."</p> + + <p>Then Molly kept steadily after a single porpoise, until the + animal came to understand that it was the chosen victim, and + quickly put half a mile between it and its pursuer. In a few + minutes the half mile between them had vanished and the + creature made another frantic dash. After that it swam back and + forth as if confused, and traveled in narrowing circles, + wasting its strength, while the wheel of the pursuing boat + rolled back and forth without ceasing as it followed the course + of the animal or took short cuts to head it off. The boys came + near with the skiff, but the worried quarry paid so little heed + to them that soon Dick sunk his harpoon in the tail of the + porpoise. All the life and strength of the creature seemed to + come back and it threw a column of water in the air which + nearly swamped the skiff, while Dick's hands were torn and + blistered by the outgoing harpoon line, before way could be had + on the skiff. The frantic creature tore back and forth, + sometimes striking the skiff a powerful blow with + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page289" + id="page289"></a>[pg 289]</span> its tremendous tail as it + passed, sometimes towing it at high speed until Dick, who + was not yet strong, was more tired than the porpoise. He + changed places with Ned and the two were nearly worn out + when the porpoise surrendered.</p> + + <p>They took the harpoon from the animal's tail and tried to + drag the creature over the gunwale of the skiff, but found it + too heavy for them. At length they lifted and dragged the + porpoise up on the gunwale of the skiff which they pressed down + until the water was beginning to flow over it. Half of the + animal was now over the side of the skiff and the boys threw + their weight backward expecting to roll the porpoise into the + bottom of the craft. This would have happened if the porpoise + had kept still, which it neglected to do. With a blow of its + tail on the water the animal threw its own body forward and Ned + and Dick found assistance instead of resistance as they pulled, + and promptly went over backward into the water with the + porpoise and the capsized skiff on top of them. When they got + to the surface their captive had escaped, but the power boat + was beside them with three highly edified occupants. After the + skiff had been righted and bailed out and the floating poles, + oar, hats, and line tub gathered in, Ned saw the fin and + swaying tail of a shark cutting the surface of the water near + them, and calling on Dick to take the harpoon, began to pole + the skiff toward the tiger of the + sea.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page290" + id="page290"></a>[pg 290]</span> + + <p>"Look out," shouted the captain. "That's a shark. You'll + lose your iron if you strike him."</p> + + <p>Th captain spoke too late, for the shark was struck and the + skiff was towed at speed for a hundred feet by the angry fish, + which then turned and rolled up on the taut line till it caught + the rope in its mouth and bit it in two as easily as scissors + snip thread.</p> + + <p>"Told you so," said the captain. "A shark always bites the + line and often rolls up in it. An alligator always rolls up in + it, but can't bite it. I've had an alligator roll up against a + skiff and pretty near come aboard after I'd harpooned it. + There's another harpoon on the <i>Irene</i>, and I'll fix it + to-night with a few feet of wire for the next shark to bite on. + I reckon it'll give him a surprise."</p> + + <p>Molly was in full command of the power boat for the day, and + as harpooning was over, she ran it at her own sweet will. + Sometimes the captain helped her with a hint when he saw her + heading for water that was too shoal. The course she took was + southerly and brought her near Man-o'-war Bush, from which rose + hundreds of man-o'-war hawks, or frigate pelicans, the most + graceful bird on the continent, excepting the fork-tailed kite. + These birds soared high overhead, circling, rising and falling + with scarcely a perceptible motion of their wings. From another + key a flock of roseate spoon-bill, or pink curlew, flew at the + approach of the boat, while young herons sat fearlessly on + branches of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page291" + id="page291"></a>[pg 291]</span> trees or spread wings and + stretched long legs as they fled in affright.</p> + + <p>That night Mr. Barstow called a council on the cabin + top.</p> + + <p>"Boys, I would like to have you make Miami in four days from + now, if you can manage it."</p> + + <p>"That's easy," said Ned. "We can make the trip in a day. + That leaves us one day here and two at Madeira Hammock to find + Dick's pet crocodile."</p> + + <p>"If you're going to Miami by way of Madeira Hammock," said + the captain, "you'd better allow two days for the trip. You're + likely to get some tangled up in that country."</p> + + <p>"Then we'll cut out our day here. We have had our share of + fun out of this place. What is there in that bay to the east of + us, Captain?"</p> + + <p>"There's a creek that leads to the Cuthbert Rookery, but it + isn't the season for that. It's a hard trip anyway, through + small salt-water lakes and little overgrown creeks where you + have to drag your skiff most of the way. And you've got to + carry all the water you drink and you won't find that a + joke."</p> + + <p>"We have had all we want of that kind of country, Captain, + so we'll hike out of here at daylight and get to Madeira + Hammock quick as you can find the way."</p> + + <p>"I can find the way now, anyhow as far as Lignum Vitae Key, + and if the tide doesn't bother me too much in the cut, maybe to + Hammer Point. Beyond <span class="pagenum"><a name="page292" + id="page292"></a>[pg 292]</span> that I want daylight and + then I ain't sure. Do you want to make a night run?"</p> + + <p>"Sure," said both the boys together.</p> + + <p>"If you will excuse me from any share in this night + navigation," said Mr. Barstow, "I think I will turn in. How is + it with you, Molly?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, I'll stay up a while and help Captain Hull navigate the + ship."</p> + + <p>The moon rose soon after the anchor was broken out, and its + light reflected from the white canvas of the bellying sails and + the tops of the white-capped waves, gave a dream-like beauty to + the night. Captain Molly called to Engineer Dick:</p> + + <p>"Stop that noise in the engine room!" and Dick promptly shut + off the gasoline from the motor. Captain Hull made no complaint + of this mutinous interference with his authority, but said:</p> + + <p>"That's right, we don't need the engine now and I reckon we + ain't going to need it to-night."</p> + + <p>The wind was fair and strong from the north, and every + minute its sweep grew wider and the waves bigger as the + <i>Irene</i> drew from under the shelter of the cape. The + captain and Ned stood by the wheel, while the girl and Dick sat + on the front of the cabin in the moonlight, watching the white + water that rose from under the bow of the clumsy craft, with + each heavy blow that it struck upon the waves.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/292.jpg" + name="fig292" + id="fig292"><img width="100%" + src="images/292.jpg" + alt='"YOUNG HERONS SPREAD WINGS AND STRETCHED LONG LEGS AS THEY FLED"' /> + </a>"YOUNG HERONS SPREAD WINGS AND STRETCHED LONG LEGS AS + THEY FLED" + </div> + + <p>As they sailed the wind grew stronger and at Horse-neck + Shoals the crest of breaking waves covered the deck of the + <i>Irene</i> with foam. Following + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page293" + id="page293"></a>[pg 293]</span> the swish of each heaving + wave as it lifted and swept past the boat came a heavy jar + as the craft struck in the soft mud beneath her and her + headway was checked.</p> + + <p>"It's all right," said the captain, in answer to Ned's look + of anxiety. "I expected her to touch, but she'll pull + through."</p> + + <p>No one else was alarmed, for Mr. Barstow was asleep in his + bunk below, while Molly and Dick were too busy watching the + effect of the moonlight on the breaking waves and the distant + keys to notice that anything unusual was happening. Soon the + water became deeper, the waves ceased breaking and subsided, + and the <i>Irene</i> sailed smoothly on till she was hauled up + in the wind to enter the cut in the bank near Lignum Vitae Key, + through which an adverse tide was pouring. Dick was called from + his post near the bow to start the motor, which was kept + running until the boat had made her way through the channel + between the white banks that showed clear under the moon as + daylight could have made them. Then the motor was shut off and + Dick returned to his post and resumed his study of moonlight + effects as its rays fell on the palms of Lignum Vitae, the line + of outer keys, the Matecumbies, and the jewel of an Indian Key, + of which he told Molly the legend. At this Molly jumped up and + said:</p> + + <p>"It's all too lovely for anything and Daddy has got to come + on deck and see it."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page294" + id="page294"></a>[pg 294]</span> + + <p>She went below and when she returned had Mr. Barstow in tow, + to whom she pointed out the beauties of sea and sky, of clouds + and light just as Dick had been doing to her. Then she went for + Captain Hull, who turned the wheel over to Ned and came + forward, where he answered the rapid fire of the girl's + questions, about Shell, McGinty and other keys as they passed + them and about the channel and cuts through which their course + lay, until he assured her he had told all he knew and if she + remembered it she was as good a pilot as he. But questions + continued until, having passed Tavernier Creek and neared + Hammer Point, the <i>Irene</i> was anchored for the night.</p> + + <p>All hands were on deck when the rays of the next morning's + sun first fell on the mirror-like water about them, but Ned + spoke sadly as he said:</p> + + <p>"I've shipped as cook and I s'pose I've got to get + breakfast, but I wish my assistant didn't waste so much of her + time."</p> + + <p>"If you'd let me keep the cook I hired we'd have crawfish + for breakfast," said Captain Hull.</p> + + <p>"Where would we get them?" inquired Ned.</p> + + <p>"Every one of these coral keys is built on crawfish and + Snake Creek here is full of 'em."</p> + + <p>"Then after you've shown us a lot of crawfish and we've + caught them we'll have breakfast."</p> + + <p>Captain Hull lashed two tarpon hooks to broomsticks, and + getting in the skiff with Molly and the two boys, poled to the + nearest key. Beneath the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page295" + id="page295"></a>[pg 295]</span> water the steep coral banks + of the key were filled with deep holes from out of many of + which long feelers projected. Pushing a hook into one of + these holes the captain gave it a quick turn and brought out + a squirming, squeaking imitation of a young lobster. Then he + handed the hooks to the boys. Ned got overboard and began to + haul out crawfish at the rate of two a minute. Dick was less + successful, for Molly had promptly commandeered his hook and + left him nothing to do but watch her when she tried to hook + the shell-fish. They didn't get many fish and when Ned came + along with a bunch of crawfish which he dropped in the + skiff, he said:</p> + + <p>"Here, you kids, you aren't earning your salt. Just take my + hook, Dick, and catch some crawfish. I'll help Molly do + whatever she's doing."</p> + + <p>On the way to the <i>Irene</i> Molly called out:</p> + + <p>"Oh, the beautiful, beautiful, bubble!"</p> + + <p>"Don't touch it," shouted Dick.</p> + + <p>But he was too late, for Molly had picked up a Portuguese + man-o'-war and sat wringing her hands with the pain of its + poison. For, while nothing in nature is more exquisite, few + things are more virulent than this animated, opalescent, + iridescent bubble with its long, delicate, purplish + tentacles.</p> + + <p>Molly's hand pained her all that day and the next, while + Dick's commiseration was boundless, but was kept in restraint + by Ned, who frequently assured both of them that, although a + surgical case, it was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page296" + id="page296"></a>[pg 296]</span> probably not quite + hopeless. A run of two hours in directions that varied, but + averaged northwest, brought the <i>Irene</i> to Madeira + Hammock, where the anchor was + dropped.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page297" + id="page297"></a>[pg 297]</span> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXVI</h3> + + <h3>MADEIRA HAMMOCK AND—THE END</h3> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/298.jpg" + name="fig298" + id="fig298"><img width="100%" + src="images/298.jpg" + alt='"THEY SAW A CROCODILE SWIMMING UNDER WATER NEAR THEM"' /> + </a>"THEY SAW A CROCODILE SWIMMING UNDER WATER NEAR THEM" + </div> + + <p>Mr. Barstow wanted to explore Deer Key which was nearby and + Ned took him there in the power boat. The captain took Molly + and Dick out in the skiff to show them a crocodile and Dick + stood in the bow with the harpoon while Molly sat amidship and + the captain poled. Almost as they left the <i>Irene</i> they + saw a crocodile swimming under water near them, but failed to + get another sight of him. They cruised vainly in open water, + beside banks and in narrow channels. Finally while going + through a narrow creek a wave rolling high ahead of the skiff + showed that some big creature was fleeing before them. The next + moment a four-foot weapon of a hand's breadth, armed with a + double row of teeth, was lifted for a second above the surface + and was followed by the three fins, tandem, that proved the + presence of a sawfish. Dick fairly quivered with excitement as + he held his harpoon at ready.</p> + + <p>"Captain," said he sharply, "will there be the least bit of + danger to Miss Barstow if I strike that fish + now?"</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page298" + id="page298"></a>[pg 298]</span> + + <p>"There'll be some, of course. If he turns round and comes + back at us in this narrow creek the only safe place will be in + the bottom of the boat."</p> + + <p>"Dick Williams, don't you stop for me. I'm not a bit afraid. + If you don't harpoon that sawfish and give me his saw, I won't + speak to you for a week," said the excited girl.</p> + + <p>"No use, Molly, I wouldn't do it if it meant that you'd + never speak to me."</p> + + <p>"If Miss Barstow will wait on the bank for half an hour you + can bring her the saw, all right," said the captain, who seemed + anxious to oblige both of the passengers.</p> + + <p>"Put me ashore quick, then."</p> + + <p>The girl was soon standing on the bank and the chase was + renewed. A hundred yards farther up the narrow stream the great + sawfish was found swimming slowly across a bank where the water + was shoal, with his two fins and tail showing in line above the + water. As the harpoon pole was lifted and Dick's every muscle + strained for the throw, the captain shouted:</p> + + <p>"Throw three feet ahead of that forward fin. That's where + his back is."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/300.jpg" + name="fig300" + id="fig300"><img width="100%" + src="images/300.jpg" + alt='"THE HARPOON STRUCK THE FISH IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS BROAD BACK"' /> + </a>"THE HARPOON STRUCK THE FISH IN THE MIDDLE OF HIS BROAD BACK" + </div> + + <p>The harpoon struck the fish in the middle of his wide back + and as the freed pole splashed in the water the sawfish made a + mighty swirl and was off at express speed. The line was strong, + the barb of the harpoon was under the tough leather of the + creature's back, and the skiff seemed to fly through + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page299" + id="page299"></a>[pg 299]</span> the water as Dick gave the + line a turn around his hand and the captain fended the skiff + from the banks when sharp turns were made by the flying fish + as it followed the channels of the crooked creeks. Sometimes + the stream broadened, often it narrowed; once the sawfish + dashed through an overgrown waterway where Dick and the + captain crouched to the gunwale to avoid the arching + branches that swept over and tore at the sides of the skiff. + There was half an hour of this work. Dick's hands were + blistered and numb and his brain dizzy with the quick turns + and changing courses of the fish, when suddenly he became + panic-stricken and called to his companion:</p> + + <p>"Captain! Are you perfectly <i>sure</i> you know where you + are? <i>Sure</i> you can find Miss Barstow?"</p> + + <p>The captain laughed.</p> + + <p>"Find her? Why she's here within a hundred feet of you + now."</p> + + <p>And, sure enough, the next turn in the creek showed the girl + standing on the bank by the water's edge.</p> + + <p>"Can't I get aboard?" she called out as the skiff swept + past, and Dick would have said "Yes," but the captain shook his + head.</p> + + <p>"There's trouble ahead. That fish is just getting ready to + fight."</p> + + <p>Before they had passed out of sight of the girl, the sawfish + turned around and for the first time headed for the skiff.</p> + + <p>"Down, quick!" yelled the captain and both Dick + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page300" + id="page300"></a>[pg 300]</span> and he crouched low in the + skiff as a great broad sword, swung with all the power of + the tremendous fish, swept over their heads. As the angry + creature passed them, a second blow which fell upon the + skiff and threatened to wreck it was echoed by a cry from + the girl. The attack on the skiff was the last great effort + of the fish, and though he still swam strongly he could be + controlled. The captain ran the skiff on a shallow bank and + helped Dick with the line until sixteen feet of fierceness + lay stranded on the bank. As the sawfish is a species of + shark, Dick had no hesitancy about killing it, but wanted + Molly to first see his captive and have a look at her saw, + before it left the place where it grew. The captain brought + the girl, and then a rope was made fast to the saw of the + fish and tied to a tree, after which the brute's brain was + explored with an axe and the saw cut off as a trophy.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/302.jpg" + name="fig302" + id="fig302"><img width="100%" + src="images/302.jpg" + alt="SIXTEEN FEET OF FIERCENESS LAY STRANDED ON THE BANK" /> + </a> "SIXTEEN FEET OF FIERCENESS LAY STRANDED ON THE BANK" + </div> + + <p>"Better wake up," shouted the captain the next morning, + before the boys were stirring. "There's a shark outside waiting + for you, and I've wired your harpoon line."</p> + + <p>The boys omitted their ablutions that morning and must have + hurried their devotions, for three minutes after they were + called found them aboard the skiff which they drove toward a + big fin and a swaying tail, which was cutting the water a + hundred yards from the <i>Irene</i>. As they neared the shark, + Dick took the harpoon pole and made ready + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page301" + id="page301"></a>[pg 301]</span> with the harpoon, while Ned + sculled quietly in the wake of the ugly fish. Twice the + shark heard them and darted away, but on the third approach + Dick drove the iron deep in the back of the brute. The shark + lashed out with its tail, sending the water flying as the + harpoon struck, and then made a straight-away dash for a + hundred yards while the boys rode in triumph behind it. Then + the maddened creature turned, and rolling up on the line, + bit it savagely but vainly.</p> + + <p>Again and again the brute dashed away and again and again it + turned, biting at the line and attacking the boat with its + teeth. Dick held the skiff close to the shark, which lifted its + head and seized the gunwale in its huge mouth, when Ned struck + the furious creature a powerful blow on its nose with the axe. + For a moment the brute seemed paralyzed, but soon returned to + the attack, when the boy drove the point of the big gaff + through the tough hide of the tiger of the sea.</p> + + <p>Ned held on to the handle of the gaff, although almost + dragged overboard during the first wild struggles of his + captive, and then hauled the head of the brute over the + gunwale, where a few blows with the axe ended the trouble.</p> + + <p>When the boys got back to the <i>Irene</i>, Ned was happily + surprised to find ready a dainty breakfast which his assistant + had graciously prepared for all hands and which drew from him + the unusual praise:</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page302" + id="page302"></a>[pg 302]</span> + + <p>"A girl on a cruise is a mighty nice + thing—sometimes."</p> + + <p>The day was to be devoted to crocodile hunting and Dick went + in the skiff with the captain, while Molly was put in command + of the power boat with Ned as engineer and Mr. Barstow as + passenger.</p> + + <p>Several crocodile caves were found, but none of the + inhabitants were at home. One large crocodile showed itself for + an instant, but the river was deep, the overhanging banks + offered good hiding places, and the reptile escaped. It was + after they had given the hunt up for the day and were on their + way to the <i>Irene</i> that Dick, who had stood faithfully at + his post in the bow, with his harpoon ready, threw hastily at + something he saw crawling on the bottom and found on the end of + his line a squirming baby crocodile, scarcely four feet long. + The harpoon had barely touched the side of the little reptile + and the barb held by a thread-like bit of skin. When the boy + saw how lightly the iron was held he dropped the line and + grabbed the baby with both hands. His arms were scratched and + his clothing torn by the needle-like teeth before he could tie + the jaws of the creature, after which he took the baby + crocodile in his arms and tucked it away in the bow of the + skiff. Before he had time to tie the little reptile in its crib + Ned shouted from the power boat:</p> + + <p>"There's one under that bank, a big fellow."</p> + + <p>The captain sculled the skiff slowly toward the crocodile, + which was lying on the water, just under + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page303" + id="page303"></a>[pg 303]</span> the bank. As they + approached, the creature slowly sank beneath the surface of + the water, which was shallow, and beneath it a bottom of mud + in which the fleeing reptile had left his trail. The captain + followed the trail by the furrow-like track of the tail, the + spoor of the paws and the roiled water, until Dick got a + shot with his harpoon. Then the crocodile towed the skiff + into the deeper channels of the river, among logs and snags + and under banks, sometimes rolling up on the line and biting + at the skiff while Dick vainly tried to get a bight of the + harpoon line around the creature's jaw. The reptile was too + wary for him, until finally the captain threatened the + crocodile with a pole, while Dick got a line around its jaws + and took it in the skiff. There was so little room in the + skiff that Dick sat on the back of his captive until they + reached the <i>Irene</i>. If he had tried this with an + alligator he would have gone overboard, <i>pronto</i>, but + when a crocodile's jaws are tied he is gentler than most + lambs.</p> + + <p>As soon as Dick had his new pets safely on the <i>Irene</i> + he examined them carefully and then shouted to Ned:</p> + + <p>"This is my old crocodile, the very one we turned loose when + we were here before. I'd know him in a thousand. Don't you + remember the broken point to the tooth that stuck out through + his upper jaw, on the right side, too? Why, Crocky, old boy, + how are you? I'm mighty glad to see you + again."</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page304" + id="page304"></a>[pg 304]</span> + + <p>"Don't you want to set them free to-morrow, Dick?" asked Mr. + Barstow.</p> + + <p>"I don't, but I've got to."</p> + + <p>"Would you rather send them North to be educated?"</p> + + <p>"I surely would. I wish I could."</p> + + <p>"I think it can be managed. I know of a zoological + collection where they will be very welcome. If you think they + haven't been injured, I will ship both of them North from + Miami."</p> + + <p>"They are all right. I know that. I made two bad throws and + barely touched both of them. I don't believe you could find + where either of them was hit, now."</p> + + <p>"Then North they go."</p> + + <p>The boys made a box for the little crocodile, gathered a lot + of grass for his bed and stowed him away in the hold where he + would be safe from the attentions of Tom. There was not enough + lumber on board to make a box for the big crocodile and the + brute was put overboard to pasture at the end of a hundred-foot + line. As soon as the crocodile was overboard Dick drew it + beside the boat and untied its jaws. At first it tried to get + away, but soon gave it up and thereafter rose to the surface + every few minutes and gazed gravely upon its new friends on the + boat. When later the <i>Irene</i> was ready to sail, Dick drew + his pet up to the side of the boat and tied his jaws without + remonstrance from the reptile. It took three of them to haul + the creature <span class="pagenum"><a name="page305" + id="page305"></a>[pg 305]</span> aboard, where it was + fastened to a ringbolt on deck for the first stage of its + journey to the Zoo.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/304.jpg" + name="fig304" + id="fig304"><img width="100%" + src="images/304.jpg" + alt='"THEY HAULED THE HEAD OF THE BRUTE OVER THE SIDE OF THE BOAT"' /> + </a>"THEY HAULED THE HEAD OF THE BRUTE OVER THE SIDE OF THE + BOAT" + </div> + + <p>"Captain Hull," said Ned, as the whole party were watching + the stars from the cabin top and waiting for the moon to rise + that night, "we have got back from the Madeira Hammock every + thing we lost there, so we will start for Miami to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Aye, aye, sir."</p> + + <p>"You know you said we might lose a day round here, and now + we have got a day to spare."</p> + + <p>"You'll be lucky if you don't lose it. There's lots of + chances between here and Miami, or between here and anywhere. + There isn't six inches between the <i>Irene's</i> bottom and + the rocks this minute and we're going to stir the mud a dozen + times to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Supposing a storm comes while we are anchored so near the + rocks?"</p> + + <p>"Anybody who supposes in this country won't ever do anything + else."</p> + + <p>"Would we make anything by another night run?"</p> + + <p>"Make sure to pile up on a bank so high that you'd have time + to homestead a farm before you got off."</p> + + <p>The <i>Irene</i> stirred the mud a few times the next day, + but passed through Blackwater, Barnes and Card sounds and all + the cuts and channels to Biscayne Bay without trouble. There a + high wind and a heavy sea held her back, so that it was dusk + when <span class="pagenum"><a name="page306" + id="page306"></a>[pg 306]</span> the anchor was dropped just + outside of the mouth of Miami River. During this, their last + evening on the cabin roof of the <i>Irene</i>, Mr. Barstow + said to Dick:</p> + + <p>"Do you feel perfectly well and strong again?"</p> + + <p>"Never felt so well before in my life and am getting my + strength back fast."</p> + + <p>"Then vacation ends for you and Ned to-day. To-morrow + morning you will take the train for the North, where you will + have about two weeks to spend with your mother. I will wire her + from Miami about our arrangement, which I am sure she will + approve, and tell her when she may expect you. Very soon you + will receive your instructions. You and Ned will be together, + work the same, pay the same, and both of you have my perfect + confidence that you will justify every hope I have of you."</p> + + <p>"Mr. Barstow, I haven't any words—"</p> + + <p>"Don't say anything, Dick, I understand it all, my boy. Just + go ahead and make good, both for yourself and me."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/306.jpg" + name="fig306" + id="fig306"><img width="100%" + src="images/306.jpg" + alt='"HE TOOK THE BABY CROCODILE IN HIS ARMS"' /> + </a>"HE TOOK THE BABY CROCODILE IN HIS ARMS" + </div> + + <p>In the morning Ned and the captain distinguished themselves + by waking up a dealer, buying some lumber, hustling it aboard + and having the two crocodiles boxed up for transportation North + in time for the train of that day. How much of a feat that was + requires a residence in South Florida to appreciate.</p> + + <p>The <i>Irene</i> was run up the river to the railroad dock, + where the crocodiles were put on the cars and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page307" + id="page307"></a>[pg 307]</span> the boys took their train + for the North. When the good-byes were said, the captain + carried Tom across the dock on his shoulder and Dick's last + act before leaving was to formally present him to + Molly.</p><br /> + <br /> + + + <p class="center">THE END</p> + + <div class="figcenter"> + <img width="381" + src="images/cover.jpg" + alt="front cover" /> + </div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13168 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/13168-h/images/112.jpg b/13168-h/images/112.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..7ad6a9f --- /dev/null +++ b/13168-h/images/112.jpg diff --git a/13168-h/images/124.jpg b/13168-h/images/124.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f9788ab --- /dev/null +++ b/13168-h/images/124.jpg diff --git a/13168-h/images/126.jpg b/13168-h/images/126.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..746c36e --- /dev/null +++ b/13168-h/images/126.jpg diff --git a/13168-h/images/130.jpg b/13168-h/images/130.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 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