initial commit of ebook 18399HEADmain

5 files changed, 2805 insertions, 0 deletions

diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6833f05
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,3 @@
+* text=auto
+*.txt text
+*.md text
diff --git a/18399.txt b/18399.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6284391
--- /dev/null
+++ b/18399.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,2789 @@
+The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Shipwreck, by Joseph Spillman, Translated
+by Mary Richards Gray
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: The Shipwreck
+       A Story for the Young
+
+
+Author: Joseph Spillman
+
+
+
+Release Date: May 16, 2006  [eBook #18399]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SHIPWRECK***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Al Haines
+
+
+
+THE SHIPWRECK
+
+A Story for the Young
+
+by
+
+REV. JOSEPH SPILLMANN, S. J.
+
+Translated from the German
+
+Mary Richards Gray
+
+Second Edition
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+St. Louis, Mo., and Freiburg, (Baden)
+Published by B. Herder,
+1910.
+
+
+
+
+TALES OF FOREIGN LANDS
+A Series of Stories for the Young
+Edited by Rev. Joseph Spillmann, S. J.
+Vol. VII.
+The Shipwreck
+Second Edition
+St. Louis, Mo., and Freiburg, (Baden)
+Published by B. Herder,
+1910.
+Copyright 1906
+by
+Joseph Gummersbach.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+Chapter.
+
+    I. Two Young Friends
+   II. Sad Tidings
+  III. Aboard the "St. George"
+   IV. With the Priest of the God of the Golden Fish
+    V. In the City
+   VI. The Chinese New Year
+  VII. The Unexpected Departure
+ VIII. A Very Real Danger
+   IX. A New Plan
+    X. The Hurricane
+   XI. Stranded
+  XII. At Last
+
+
+
+
+To
+
+ANN ELIZA SMYTHE OF CHICAGO
+
+The translator dedicates her part of this little volume.
+
+
+
+
+THE SHIPWRECK.
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+Two Young Friends.
+
+At the mouth of the great river of Canton lies a maze of islands large
+and small, of which the most important is Hongkong on account of its
+fine harbor.  More than half a century ago the English seized upon this
+island and forced the Chinese to cede it to them.  Then it was little
+more than a barren rock with a low swampy shore on which were a few
+villages inhabited by poor fisher folk.  The swamps have been drained,
+gardens planted, and villas built, until now the once barren heights
+vie in beauty with the grass-grown slopes of the hills at the foot of
+which in the shade of great trees nestle pleasant little fisher
+hamlets.  On the north side of the island stands the capital city,
+Victoria, in which tier above tier, stair-like the rows of houses and
+splendid buildings rise one above another up the side of a hill.
+Beautiful quays, broad streets lined with shade trees, churches,
+barracks, theaters, hospitals, hotels, and shops with great show
+windows take one back in thought to the European capitals; and as the
+elaborately decorated pagodas are not near to the Christian churches,
+and, as there are not many more Chinese than English people in the
+streets, one can almost forget that he is within the confines of China
+and a tropical land.
+
+In this great capital city nearly all the missionary societies of China
+have settlements, and in each of the missionary seminaries the stranger
+finds a hospitable welcome, but the one we like best of all to visit is
+the beautiful College of the Holy Saviour in Mayland.  It stands in the
+very shadow of the cathedral, the tall spires of which, towering to the
+heavens, tell us in which direction to turn our steps to find it.  We
+know full well that the door-keeper, the old Italian Brother with
+snow-white hair and coal-black eyes, will greet us cordially, and show
+us the garden and the grounds on which blonde-haired European boys play
+in brotherly fashion with pig-tailed Chinese youths.  When Brother
+Onufrio--for this is the name of the door-keeper--is in very good humor
+and has the time he tells us stories of his experiences in the College
+of the Holy Saviour in which he has been in active service since its
+foundation.  One of these is the wonderful history of the small Irish
+lad, Willy Brown, the son of a sea captain, and his friend, the Chinese
+foundling, Joseph.  We shall tell the tale just as Brother Onufrio
+would tell it, beginning with the day in the first year of his
+residence in Hongkong when the crosses were placed on the spires of the
+dome of the cathedral.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+A few days before the Chinese New Year in 1858 the work on the
+cathedral had progressed so far that the great golden crosses could be
+erected.  Securely fastened with strong ropes they lay at the foot of
+the scaffolding ready to be drawn up into place, and standing about in
+a half circle were missioners, pupils, and workmen.  The Apostolic
+Prefect, dressed in festal robes, and attended by the small acolytes,
+Willy Brown and the Chinese Joseph, had blessed the crosses.  Then at a
+signal the workmen pulled the ropes and, as they rose on high, the
+clear, piping voices of the boys rang out in the splendid old hymn:
+
+  The Royal banners forward go,
+  The Cross shines forth in mystic glow;
+  On which the One Who in our flesh was made
+  Our sentence bore, our ransom paid.
+
+
+When the crosses had been put in place the Prefect made a speech,
+saying among other things, "Now afar over Hongkong and its harbor where
+it may be seen not only by all the people who dwell here but also by
+those who come in ships from far distant ports shines the sign of Our
+Lord."  Of all that the head of the order of missioners said on this
+occasion this impressed little Willy most, and when the celebration was
+over the small acolyte went to Father Somazzo and said: "Father, the
+Apostolic Prefect said that the cross on the cathedral could be seen
+from all the ships that come into the harbor.  From the cross can you
+see all the ships?"
+
+"Yes, certainly, Willy," he answered.  "From all the ships, streets,
+open squares, and hills round about from which the cross is visible,
+any and all those places are visible from the dome on which the cross
+stands."
+
+"Oh, then, Father, let me climb up.  It is not dangerous.  The ladders
+are fastened tightly to the scaffolding, and the scaffolding is so
+strong that it will hold big men.  Yesterday at recess Joseph almost
+climbed up; he would have gone to the very top, if the Prefect had not
+seen him and called him down.  O Father, don't frown so at me, but let
+me go.  I want so much to see whether my father's ship has come.  He
+wrote that he would be here before the New Year, and I would know his
+ship at a glance from the golden picture of holy Saint George that's on
+the bow.  Please, Father, please."
+
+Father Somazzo shook his head and said: "The ship is too far away for
+you to see what is painted on the bow, and besides it is too dangerous
+for you to climb up there.  You might get dizzy and fall, and what
+would your father say if he were to come here and find you a corpse, or
+with your legs and arms broken?"
+
+"Oh, but Father, I do not get dizzy.  I have often been up on the
+rigging of the 'Saint George', in the crow's nest, and even on the very
+highest yard.  I know every bit of the rigging of the ship.  O Father,
+let me climb up right now."
+
+The teacher looked at Willy earnestly and raised his finger chidingly.
+"Willy," he said, "you've got that stubborn little head of yours set
+again.  How often have I told you that it is not becoming for you to
+insist on having your own way.  No, you cannot climb up to the dome
+under any circumstances.  I forbid it."
+
+With that Father Somazzo left the small boy standing in the garden and
+followed the other missioners into the house.  Willy looked about him,
+half frightened, half defiant, and giving his cap a jerk down over his
+curly yellow hair muttered, as he glanced at the shining cross: "I will
+climb up there, and he can punish me if he likes.  Let him catch me
+first."
+
+Willy Brown was really not a naughty boy, but he could be very willful
+at times.  Irish by birth and accustomed to more liberty than the
+Italian teacher was wont to give his pupils in Hongkong, he did not
+always submit readily to the rather strict discipline of the school,
+but aside from this was an exemplary child.  In order to break him of
+his habit of being so stubborn his teacher often commanded or forbade
+him to do things which otherwise would never have been thought of a
+second time.  Just now the one desire of Willy's heart was to see his
+father's ship, and to him the climbing of the scaffolding seemed so
+wholly without danger that he looked upon the command which he had
+received as an act of tyranny, and resolved to disobey.  His conscience
+said to him, "It is a sin to disobey," but he heeded not the small
+voice within him.  Before going up he sought out his favorite
+companion, a little twelve year old Chinaman.  The boys were of an age
+and were to receive their first communion at the same time--facts which
+created a bond of sympathy between two children almost as totally
+unlike as it was possible for children to be.  The young Chinaman was a
+foundling.  His parents after the fashion of many of the Chinese had
+exposed him when but a few days old, thus consigning him to death,
+although their heathen religion forbids the practice, and if the
+Sisters of Mercy had not found and cared for him in the orphanage he
+would have perished.  There the boy was baptized and brought up in the
+Christian religion.  And when the years passed by, as Joseph--this was
+the name given him at baptism--showed decided talent, he was put in
+school, and finally given over to the missioners in the college, to be
+trained for the priesthood, if God called him to the work.
+
+At the very time that Willy was seeking for Joseph, Joseph was seeking
+for Willy, and, when he heard the voice of his red-cheeked companion,
+his black slanting eyes danced and his yellow face flushed with
+pleasure.
+
+"Hello, Peppo," said Willy, addressing him by the nickname which old
+Brother Onufrio had given him.
+
+"Come with me behind the camelia-bush where Father Somazzo cannot see
+us."
+
+"But why must he not see us?  You are not going to do anything wrong,
+are you?" asked the small Chinaman trembling.
+
+"What?  Anything wrong?  I'll play him a trick or two--the tyrant--and
+that will not be wrong, I say.  Is there anything wrong about my
+looking to see whether my father's boat is here?  Come with me right
+now."  Peppo hesitated.  "Come this minute or I'll drag you along by
+your pig-tail the way naughty Freddy used to do before I took you in
+charge."
+
+Joseph went with his protector without more ado, but did not approve of
+the plan disclosed to him behind the camelia bush.
+
+"Don't do it, Willy.  It will be disobedience, and it's against the
+fourth commandment."
+
+"The fourth commandment of God tells me to love my father, and for love
+of my father I want to climb up and look for his ship.  That cannot be
+against the fourth commandment," said the sinful distorter.
+
+The sophism did not enlighten small Peppo.  "I believe, Willy," he
+said, "that it is against the fourth commandment, because the Father
+has forbidden it.  He will be very sorry to have you do this, and will
+give us a dreadful punishment.  Only think! the day after tomorrow will
+be the Chinese New Year, and then in the evening we shall be allowed to
+go to the marketplace and the harbor to see all the lights,--and the
+fireworks,--and the Punch and Judy show, if we are good boys.  You have
+never in all your life seen anything so beautiful,--green, and red, and
+blue, and yellow lanterns,--and all the people,--and the
+sky-rockets,--and the puppet show.  Wouldn't you be sorry to have to
+stay at home for punishment while all of us boys go to the show?"
+Willy was almost persuaded and hesitated a moment; then he struck his
+heels into the ground defiantly and said:
+
+"Never mind, Peppo, Father Somazzo won't catch me, and, if he does, I
+won't tell on you.  Now you've got to help me over the wall, and I'll
+climb up on the other side where he can't see me from the house.  Come,
+now hurry up, Peppo, if you want to be my friend."
+
+Unwillingly the young Chinaman yielded to his comrade's command.  He
+felt it was wrong to lend a helping hand to one who was disobeying, but
+he did not wish to lose his best friend, the one who had so often
+defended him from the teasings of his companions.  He slipped along
+with Willy in the shadow of the bushes, then helped him climb the wall,
+but even when the youthful sinner had swung himself from the wall to
+the scaffolding he remonstrated, saying:
+
+"Willy, don't do it.  Come down."
+
+"Nonsense, Peppo," he said as he began to ascend.
+
+"Willy,----he does not hear me.  I wish I had not helped him," sighed
+Peppo, as he slipped away to his companions with an uneasy conscience.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+Sad Tidings.
+
+A very few moments after Willy with the help of Peppo had climbed the
+garden wall the bell called Brother Onufrio to the door.  There stood a
+stranger.  He wore a cap marked with a golden anchor and inquired for
+an Irish lad named Willy Brown.
+
+"Yes, Willy is here.  You are his father, are you not?  For days he has
+talked of nothing but your coming.  He will be so pleased to see you.
+Come in, Captain, I'll announce your arrival to the Father Prefect, and
+call Willy."
+
+With these words the Brother showed the Captain into the small
+reception-room near the door, and would have left quickly had not the
+stranger motioned him to wait.
+
+"Hm,--hm,--my coming," he said, "will not give the boy so much pleasure
+as you think.  I am not his father but his guardian.  His father died
+suddenly last week at sea."
+
+"Oh, how sad!  And the poor child knows nothing of it," sighed the
+Brother.  "I'll first speak to the Father Prefect in private; he must
+prepare him somewhat for this sad news.  Wait a moment.  Father Somazzo
+will be here immediately."
+
+The Captain gave the gray-haired man a sinister look as he left the
+room, then muttered to himself: "Prepared!  As if such a piece of news
+could have much effect on a healthy child.  If it would only frighten
+him to death.--Well, there'd be no great damage done.  Then I'd have
+his inheritance--which is really not a trifling sum--instead of being
+merely the administrator, and my creditors would not be driving me
+almost out of my senses.  If his father had only given me a lump sum of
+at least ten thousand pounds, as I begged him to do before he
+died!--Our ship will be confiscated in Melbourne.  The 'St. George'
+does not belong to me but to my nephew, my ward.--Oh, if I only knew
+how to get myself out of this predicament!  One fortunate thing has
+happened since the death of my brother.  I have managed to get all the
+books and accounts out of the way, and perhaps things will go better,
+if I once get the boy in my power."  These were the thoughts which
+occupied the mind of John Brown, as, with downcast eyes and sullen
+mien, he paced up and down the reception-room.
+
+John Brown was the younger brother of George Brown, Willy's father.
+Both men had received from their parents, in Dublin, a large amount of
+money, but they had not managed it equally well.  George, choosing to
+go to sea had invested his in a merchantman, and in a short time
+through prosperous voyages to the Indian and Chinese Seas doubled his
+capital.  In Hongkong he married a Catholic maiden, who unfortunately
+died, leaving a child, Willy, now barely eight years old.  In
+accordance with her last wish this child was taken to the Missionary
+College of the Holy Saviour to be educated.  Here the father had
+frequent opportunities of seeing him, as his trading expeditions often
+took him to Hongkong.  The reports of the child's progress and behavior
+were always good, and he seemed so happy and contented that the father
+questioned the advisability of taking him to a larger European
+institution, especially as Willy begged to remain where he was.
+Oftentimes the Captain took his little son with him on short trips to
+the neighboring ports of Canton and Malacca; and for one of these Willy
+was now hoping, as his father was just returning from a voyage to
+Ireland.  But instead of the father, there came the uncle, whom he had
+never seen, and of whose existence he did not even know, bringing the
+sad news of the death of George Brown.
+
+John Brown was a man of an altogether different stamp, and had lived an
+altogether different life.  Possessed of a passion for drinking and
+gambling he had indulged in riotous living until he made an end of his
+patrimony, then appealed to his brother to pay his debts.  In order to
+save the family name from disgrace George furnished him money, but the
+appeals for more were so constant that he was obliged to give no heed
+to them or else ruin himself.  On the occasion of his last visit to
+Dublin he found his brother in trouble, and, to escape the charges
+preferred against him in the criminal courts, took him with him on what
+proved to be his last voyage.  Captain Brown died a few days out from
+Hongkong and was buried at sea.
+
+John Brown was innocent of his brother's death, and so the officers and
+crew of the "St. George" believed, yet the death came so suddenly and
+opportunely that it gave grounds for suspicion.  John was left
+administrator of the estate of his nephew, and, directly on landing in
+Hongkong, had himself, as next of kin, appointed Willy's guardian, with
+the idea of taking him with him on board the "St. George."  But how to
+get him away from the school in the middle of the term was a puzzling
+question.
+
+Father Somazzo appeared in the doorway and greeted the stranger
+politely, but with utmost reserve.  "You are the brother of the
+esteemed Captain Brown, the father of dear little Willy," began the
+priest, noting as he spoke the dark features of the man and the
+striking resemblance which he bore to his brother.
+
+"I am the Captain's younger brother and the guardian of his son.
+George died at sea last week, as the door-keeper undoubtedly told you,"
+said the man with a stiff bow.  "How is my nephew?  Is he doing well?
+Is he advanced sufficiently so that he can take business training or
+have the schooling of life at sea prove of value to him?"
+
+"We are much pleased with Willy and the progress he is making,"
+answered Father Somazzo, inviting the stranger to be seated.  "He is a
+good, pious child, only somewhat stubborn and capable of playing mad
+tricks at times.  Just now he has been guilty of disobedience for which
+we would punish him, were it not that he must be told of the death of
+his father.  That, of course, drives away all thought of harsh
+treatment."
+
+"What has my nephew been doing?"
+
+"Oh, nothing so very bad.  He climbed to the dome of the Cathedral on
+the scaffolding, or, rather worse than that, he went after being
+expressly forbidden to go.  Of course, he did it--he can in a measure
+be excused--out of love of his father, whose ship--"
+
+"Is that the careless way in which you watch over the boys in this
+institution?" interrupted the Captain.  "On a bright day like this can
+your pupils climb the scaffolding on that dome at will without being
+stopped?  Now, what if my nephew, for whose welfare I, as guardian,
+have a care, had fallen headlong and been killed or crippled for life?
+My dear Father, that decides me right now to take my nephew out of your
+institution immediately."
+
+"Captain Brown, before I give the boy over to your care you must give
+proof of being his guardian.  And, then, too, before taking such a rash
+step you ought to consider well what is for his best interest.  His
+revered father would have sanctioned no such thing as this; your
+reasons for taking him away from here are groundless.  He is neither
+ready to go into business, nor into training on shipboard, and what is
+more has no desire for any such thing.  Of that I'm very sure."
+
+Father Somazzo spoke very quietly and firmly, yet not without anger, as
+he scrutinized the man before him, and pictured what Willy's life would
+be on board the "St. George."
+
+Captain Brown gave the priest a wicked look and said sarcastically:
+"Indeed, my ward is to be neither a sea-faring man nor a business
+man--but a priest, I suppose, in which case you would inherit the not
+unimportant property which has been left him by his father?--Oh, do not
+look so angry--holy intentions of such a sort as that are not unheard
+of.  That is another reason for my taking the boy away from your
+influence.  Here is the official proof that I am his guardian, and I
+wish him given over to me at once."
+
+Father Somazzo examined the paper.  It was legal, therefore he could
+not refuse the request, but he asked permission to keep the child until
+the following day to comfort him as much as he could over the death of
+his father.  The Captain objected and Willy was sent for.  Frightened
+and with tears streaming from his eyes he was led into the
+reception-room by Brother Onufrio.  At sight of his uncle he screamed,
+"I won't go, I won't go with him," and buried his face in Father
+Somazzo's skirts.  "Father, send the bad man away that says he is my
+uncle, and that my father is dead.  He doesn't tell the truth.  I have
+no uncle.  My father never told me anything at all about having an
+uncle.  And see what wicked eyes he has.  I don't want to, and I won't
+go with him."
+
+With difficulty Father Somazzo quieted the child, saying:
+
+"God knows that I am willing to keep you here, Willy, but your
+uncle--the Captain is your uncle, even though you never have seen or
+heard of him--has control over you, and you owe obedience to him in all
+things which are not sinful.  Go with him, and may God and his guardian
+angels watch over you.  We will pray to the Blessed Virgin for you, and
+I hope she will safely bring you back to us.  Perhaps you will come
+sooner than you think for."
+
+Blessing the boy the priest sprinkled him with holy water and then gave
+him over to the Captain, saying:
+
+"Only because I am compelled to, Captain, do I give this boy into your
+care.  He is good and innocent.  Bear in mind that from now on you are
+accountable to God for his soul."
+
+The Captain muttered something which could not be understood and tried
+to make an end to the scene.  He took the boy by the arm, made a stiff
+bow, and stepped to the door.  Here, on hearing the news that Willy was
+about to leave the school, most of his companions had assembled to bid
+him good-bye.  Many shed tears, and Peppo, at the last moment, came
+flying in breathless.  "Oh, Willy, Willy," he cried embracing him,
+"never, never shall I forget how good you were to me.  Who will protect
+me now when they all tease me?"
+
+"Oh, but you are all here together and like each other so much,"
+answered Willy.  "Who is going to protect me from this bad man?"  The
+last words he whispered in the ear of his little friend.
+
+"Your holy guardian angel," he answered, "and we will all pray for you."
+
+"Come on, nephew, I don't want to stay here any longer," urged the
+Captain, and a moment later the two had left the College of the Holy
+Saviour and were out in the street.
+
+Immediately after their departure Father Somazzo called his pupils into
+the chapel and there they commended their small companion to the
+Blessed Virgin and the holy guardian angels.  Of all there assembled
+small Peppo prayed most earnestly.
+
+"O holy guardian angel, thou who art my protector," he said in his
+childish simplicity, "Willy will now have need of two guardian angels
+instead of one, if God will permit, go and help Willy's guardian angel
+to protect him from the bad man who has taken him away.  You see here
+where I am the good Fathers will watch over me, and it will be enough
+if each day you but look at me and then fly away to Willy.  But, dear
+angel, come to me when I am in danger and call for help."
+
+After this the boys returned to the schoolroom, and as soon as they
+were at work, Father Somazzo took his hat and walking-stick and went to
+the city to consult Mr. Black, an English lawyer.  To him he stated the
+case assuring the learned gentleman that the father would not willingly
+have placed his child under the guardianship of this younger brother,
+who was a gambler and a spendthrift, and asked if there was any way of
+getting the boy a way from him.  Mr. Black said that according to law
+the uncle, as next of kin, could claim the guardianship of his
+brother's children, and unless sufficient proof that he was not a fit
+person to have such guardianship could be secured immediately, months
+might elapse before he could be taken from him.  At the time of our
+story Hongkong was not connected with Europe by telegraph, as it now
+is, and it took from eight to ten weeks to communicate with people in
+Dublin.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+Aboard the "St. George."
+
+The Captain took his nephew directly to the harbor.  The boy cried
+softly to himself as he trudged along, and at last his uncle said to
+him in a mild tone of voice, "Willy, stop your crying.  See, all the
+passersby are looking at you.  If I were a boy like you, I would be
+only too happy to get out of such a tiresome old place where you just
+learn and pray all day long.  I am going to take you into quite a
+different school, one in which all is bright and gay.  On board the
+ship you won't have any old exercises to do."
+
+"Oh, but I liked everything at the College so much, and in the new
+school there won't anybody know me," wailed Willy.  "And you--are you
+really my uncle?"
+
+"Most assuredly.  How can you doubt if?  Just look at me!  Have I not
+the same hooked nose that your father had?"
+
+"Yes, but you have no such friendly eye.  And my father always had so
+much reverence for the Father Prefect."
+
+"While I speak to the Father Prefect only compliments in which all the
+i's are dotted and all the t's are crossed most punctiliously--ha!
+ha!--not so bad.  But now see here: let us strike a bargain.  You
+recognize me as your uncle to whom you owe obedience, and everything
+will be all right.  If you go on in this obstinate, defiant way, you
+shall, so sure as my name is John Brown, this very day make the
+acquaintance of the cat-o'-nine-tails, and take a diet of bread and
+water in the company of the rats in the hold of the ship for awhile."
+
+Willy had once seen a cabin boy flogged with a cat-o'-nine-tails, and
+there was nothing in the world which he feared more than rats, so he
+thought it best to make peace with his uncle.  After a pause he said:
+
+"If you really are my uncle, I must obey you, but don't whip me, and
+don't shut me up with the rats, please.--If you wish me to love you
+very much indeed, send me back to the College."
+
+"Don't say another word about that College," snarled the Captain with a
+dark look.  "Now dry your eyes.  Here we are on the shore, and here is
+our boat.  Get in, obey--else--"
+
+The Captain sprang into the boat and Willy followed without more ado.
+He looked back toward the city to seek among the domes that of the
+Cathedral of the Holy Saviour, and soon recognized it by the
+scaffolding.  At sight of the glittering crosses tears came to his
+eyes, but the thought that those he had left behind would pray for him
+comforted him.  Unmoved he gazed while the boat glided in and out
+between the great ships at anchor in the harbor, and at last, far out,
+they reached the ship they sought.  The "St. George" was a beautiful
+boat with three masts, and as we have said Willy had made more than one
+trip on it with his father.  He was then the darling of the crew.  Now
+as he climbed the ladder behind the Captain strange faces peered down
+at him over the railing; there were new officers, and officers and crew
+alike seemed rough fellows.  Late in the evening as he stood on the
+rear deck watching the golden crosses of the Church of the Holy Saviour
+in the light of the setting sun, he heard a well-known voice behind him
+speak his name.
+
+"Oh, it is you, Tommy Green!" said Willy looking around in a friendly
+manner.  "So there really is after all one old friend on board.  Are
+you still the second mate?  Where are James and John and all the rest?"
+
+"Well, Master Willy," said Tommy, "they are all gone, one to the 'South
+Star,' and the others to 'The Water Rose.'  I was on the point of
+leaving"--then he added, looking around cautiously and lowering his
+voice, "for the life on the 'St. George' is not what it was when your
+father was alive.  God rest his soul!  Now instead of rice sacks and
+bales of merchandise we carry human freight--slant-eyed, pig-tailed
+Chinamen bound for the gold fields of Australia."
+
+"I am so glad you are here, Tommy; there is one human being on board I
+know," repeated Willy.
+
+"Why Master Willy, do you not know your uncle, the Captain?"
+
+"I did not know until today that I had an uncle."
+
+"Is that possible?  Well, your father surely had no reason to be proud
+of his brother.  Why, in a single night he gambled away 'The Gold
+Nixie' and more, too.  I believe that he would gamble away the 'St.
+George' if it were his, but it belongs to you, Master Willy.  I ought
+not to say anything to such a young lad as you about the matter--I know
+that, but--"
+
+In the cabin Redfox, the first officer, and the Captain sat in earnest
+conversation.  "Redfox, your wish is fulfilled.  My nephew is on board,
+but, do you know, now that I have seen the boy--he so much resembles my
+poor dear brother when he was his age--I have not the heart to carry
+out our plan," said the Captain.
+
+"Hm, hm," answered the first officer, stroking his red beard, and
+giving the Captain a wicked side glance, "hm--and we have everything so
+well planned.  It is our only salvation.  Must I repeat the reasons
+why?"
+
+"It is not necessary; I understand them, but when our salvation is
+bought at such a price--shall I say it?--bought at the price of crime."
+
+"Mr. Brown, you can do it, and it is not only your salvation, but also
+mine.--I am far from planning to sacrifice the half million for which
+the 'St. George' is insured on account of any evasion on your part.
+The half million will suffice to pay our debts and give us enough to
+live on for awhile.  After your brother had the good grace to die just
+at the right time--"
+
+"Do not speak to me of his death.  As time goes on I become more and
+more convinced, Redfox, that you had a hand in his death."
+
+"Your brother died a natural death," said the first officer with a
+lowering look; "and even if that were not the case, the most of the
+suspicion would fall on you instead of me.  And so surely as I stand
+here, I swear to you, that if you upset my plan I'll manage matters
+so you'll be condemned as the murderer of your brother.  Since
+his death nothing stands in our way except this boy.  Now, if he
+should--accidentally--follow in the footsteps of his father, he would
+surely go to heaven, that is, if what the priests teach is true.  If he
+does not die now in the days of his innocence, ten chances to one, he
+will grow up to be as reckless and worthless as ourselves.  It would be
+the greatest luck imaginable for him, if now--by chance, of course,--he
+were to make his journey to heaven."
+
+"True, most true.  I wish that I had died when I was his age," groaned
+the Captain.
+
+"You leave all with me.  The boy is on board.  That is enough--"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+With the Priest of the God of the Golden Fish.
+
+On the south side of the island of Hongkong are a number of small
+villages occupied by fishermen.  Any one of these hidden away under the
+shade of the great bamboos may be taken as a type of all the others.
+The little houses have roofs made of reeds and bundles of twigs, but
+these do not serve so well for protection from wind and weather as the
+thick foliage of the overhanging trees.  On the beach fishing nets are
+spread to dry; and in the calm waters of the little bay a number of
+poor old junks ride lazily at anchor.  One of these is drawn up on the
+shore and the men are examining the haul of fish just brought in.
+Women and children with baskets and buckets are hurrying down to the
+beach to do their part in the work of sorting.  The large shining blue
+fishes with bands of blue and rose-red and the yellow ones with spots
+of red and green they pack in small baskets between rows of green
+leaves.  The lobsters, always plentiful, they place in baskets having
+compartments so that they cannot get at each other and mangle their
+bodies fighting; the oysters they throw into a large common bucket,
+keeping out the small and inferior ones to carry to their huts to use
+for food.  Whenever wind and weather permit the men go off on fishing
+expeditions, and this is the usual scene which attends their home
+coming.  Then, according to whether the haul has been a good or a poor
+one, Lihoa, the oldest man in the village, says: "We will take to the
+God of the Sea who rides on the Golden Fish a thank offering," or "The
+God who rides on the Golden Fish is angry with us; we must pacify him
+with strips of gold-paper."  And, regularly on an appointed day, the
+old man goes up to the cell of the priest carrying the thank- or the
+sin-offering, as the case may be, to the God with the dreadful goggle
+eyes who rides a gilded sea-monster.
+
+On the day on which the crosses had been erected on the Cathedral of
+the Holy Saviour Lihoa and his people had had a miserably small catch
+of fish.
+
+"My children," cried Lihoa, "what crime against the God of the Golden
+Fish have you committed?  So small a haul as this we have not had for a
+year and a day.  The New Year is at hand.  How can we have our usual
+celebration with only a sapeck or two in our pockets?"
+
+"How shall we celebrate the New Year?" cried one.  "How shall we
+appease the God?" wailed others mournfully.
+
+An old Chinaman, whose wrinkled face looked like parchment cried out:
+
+"Why do you even ask the cause of our bad luck?  Do you not know why it
+has come upon us?  Were not those white-faced women here again
+yesterday whose God is the enemy of our God?  Again they have carried
+off bur babies to the great white house in Hongkong.  Why do not the
+people kill the superfluous children according to the old custom of the
+land?  Why let living children get into the hands of these foreign
+women to be murdered and to have their eyes and hearts stewed up into
+magic drinks?  The God of the Golden Fish is angry with us.  Not
+another good haul shall we have; and what is more we shall be swallowed
+up in the sea, if we allow any more children to be taken to the house
+of the foreign God."
+
+"Be still, be still, old Loha," answered Lihoa.  "You don't know what
+you are taking about.  I myself have been to the great white house of
+the foreign women in Hongkong.  There they do naught but good, and
+nobody ever hears of your doing anything good from morning till night.
+Our children are better taken care of there than here in our poor old
+huts.  If our women only loved their babes as much as these white-faced
+women do!  Be still.  Your drivelling talk about stewing up their eyes
+and hearts to make drinks is all a foolish lie.  Did we not open one of
+the graves of one of the children to see if the eyes and hearts were
+there?  And they were.  A nephew of mine, the son of my sister Luli,
+who was exposed twelve years ago by his mother, because her husband was
+drowned and she had no means of bringing him up, was taken to the great
+house and now he is a splendid big boy.  From there they sent him to
+the school, and he can speak and write the Chinese language and also
+that of the West.  Some day I shall go and get him and bring him back
+to live with our family.--Ah! here we stand and gossip like old women,
+while the sun is sinking.  It is time to take the fish and the oysters
+to the market.  Whose turn is it to go?"
+
+Four men stepped forward and raised the wooden yoke having attached to
+it buckets of oysters and baskets of fish.  The sack containing the
+crabs Lihoa himself swung over his shoulder, and they started at a
+quick pace up the hill over which the path to Victoria lay.  The women
+as they turned to go with the children to the huts to prepare the
+evening meal bade them farewell and called out, "A fortunate sale!"
+
+Night settled down quickly, for in a tropical climate the twilight does
+not last so long as with us.  In Hongkong the sun hardly sets before it
+is dark, and this evening as the moon, almost at the full, stood high
+in the heavens, Lihoa had no occasion to light the little lantern which
+he carried with him.  He found the footpath leading up the hill without
+difficulty, and his people followed after him goose-fashion in single
+file.  Almost at the top they came to the cell in the rock occupied by
+the priest of the God of the Golden Fish, and in the moonlight to their
+astonishment saw in the broad open space in front of it a group of men
+from the neighboring villages.  At a signal from Lihoa the carriers
+placed their burden upon the ground and all went forward to see what
+the gathering meant.
+
+"Have you heard nothing, Lihoa, of the great scheme which is on foot?"
+asked the leader of the most important of the villages on the north
+coast of Hongkong.  "Has not the recruiting officer of the rich Natse
+been to your village?--Oh, it is so small and hidden away that he does
+not deem it worth his while to go to you, and then, besides, the three
+hundred who are wanted have announced their intention to go, for who
+would remain here and tiresomely drag out existence with the niggardly
+sums to be made from fishing when elsewhere the gold lies in such heaps
+that one can pick up whole bags full in a few days?"
+
+"How?  What?  For heaven's sake!--sacks full of gold in a few days?"
+cried Lihoa, who, like all Chinamen, was covetous of great wealth.
+"Speak, Lohe, tell us, can we get some of the gold,--at least a handful
+or two?  It is just as you say, our village is the last and the very
+least in the world, and not a soul has come to us with the good news.
+Tell us the road to fortune."
+
+The agent Lohe, who for each able-bodied Chinaman whom he secured,
+received a hundred sapecks, agreed to tell Lihoa the road for the
+reason that he was "his cousin and was glad to do him a little
+service".  He pictured to him a land, bearing the barbaric name
+Australia, which the "devils from the West" had discovered many days'
+journey away beyond the islands to the south, where the gold lay in the
+fields like the stones on the island of Hongkong, and where great
+nuggets, as large as a man's head, were to be had.  This Goldland "the
+devils from the West" wanted for themselves, but the priest of the God,
+in whose cell he had just been, said that this gold could be taken away
+only by the sons of the Celestial Kingdom, that the treasures of this
+land belonged to the Chinese, and not to the barbarians of the West.
+The sly discoverers of the Goldland had come to get the Chinese to
+bring these lumps of gold to their ships, where the men from the West
+and the sons of the Celestial Kingdom would divide the spoils.  The
+rich Natse was out in search of three hundred men to bring this gold
+from the distant land to the south.  Of course, each one of the three
+hundred fortunate enough to go would receive his own weight in gold,
+and for him and his entire family there would be a life of wealth and
+honor on his return home.
+
+Thus Lohe explained the situation.
+
+"More than a hundred pounds of gold, and wealth and honor," repeated
+Lihoa, on whom the story of the gold which the God had said was to be
+given to the Chinese and not to the hated barbarians from the West, had
+made a deep impression.
+
+"Have you heard it, my people?  We can all become as rich as rich
+Natse, and even richer, if we go on the ship to the southland."
+
+"Yes", said one of the oyster carriers, "if all that is true--"
+
+"And if we are not drowned on the long journey," put in another.
+
+"Or, if 'the devils from the West' do not kill us for our money after
+we have brought all the gold from the land to the ship for them," put
+in the third fish carrier.
+
+"Yes, but if I knew that I would surely come back with some of the
+gold, I would go," added the fourth.
+
+"There, just see how sharp you all are!" said Lohe.  "Just such doubts
+as these troubled my friends and myself, so we are here to consult the
+priest of the God of the Golden Fish, who surely knows.  We have
+promised to have a new fish made of solid gold to replace the gilded
+wooden one, if he counsels us well and has a care over us while on the
+way.  The priest is now in his cell burning incense before the God, and
+when the moon reaches that constellation in the middle of the heavens,
+he will tell us the God's answer."
+
+The moon had almost reached the place designated.  Lihoa and his
+followers with the rest of the men seated themselves on the mossy rocks
+before the sanctuary, to await the answer of the spirit.  The nearer
+the time came the quieter they were; until at last they scarcely dared
+breathe.  The rim of the moon touched the constellation: no sound was
+heard in the cave.  Softly the silver beams of light fell upon the bare
+rocks and cast over the "waters of the sea a shimmering bridge that
+stretched from the foot of the hill away into the darkness.
+
+"Will the spirit not answer?" whispered Lihoa impatiently.
+
+"Wait.  The moon is not yet in the middle of the constellation,"
+answered Lohe.  Hardly had he uttered these words when from the cell
+came the sound of a gong, then a song in a high nasal tone, which was
+plainly heard, but being in a strange language was not understood by
+any of the listeners.
+
+"The Spirit speaks to the priest," said the credulous men, trembling
+with superstitious fear.  The secret song lasted for a minute perhaps,
+then from the depths of the cave came a flash of lightning and a loud
+peal of thunder.  Many of the Chinamen, half frightened out of their
+wits, fled screaming at the top of their lungs.  Again the gong
+sounded, and the priest came to the entrance of the cell with a smoking
+pan of incense in his hand.  So suddenly did he appear, that it seemed
+as if he had sprung out of the very rock on which they stood.  All gave
+a wild cry of terror, as with utter abhorrence they gazed, while a
+little deformed old man described figures in the air with his smoking
+pan, and said, shaking his great bald head:
+
+"What do you fear, O children of the Middle Kingdom?  Surely not my
+master, the terrible God that rides on the back of the Golden Fish, nor
+me, poor old Lihong.  For you and you alone I have just subjected
+myself to his terrible gaze.  Had you seen his burning eyes, your
+courage would have failed you.  He is angry because some of you do not
+hate enough those who serve the foreign God, his deadly enemy; yet he
+answered your questions, because many of you have heretofore brought to
+him your offerings.  Listen to the words of the Spirit which rides upon
+the back of the Golden Fish:
+
+      Gold, gold, gold,
+  In distant fields so far away!
+  'Tis his who comes to seek, I say;
+  'Tis his to take where'er he will,
+  'Tis his go where he will--his still.
+
+      Gold, gold, gold,
+  In getting it three things beware!
+  In discord take no part or share;
+  Beware the sea's engulfing waves,
+  And thirst which drives men to their graves."
+
+
+With open mouths the Chinamen listened to the mysterious words of the
+priest, and when he had finished his slyly contrived speech, they sat
+for a time in mute astonishment.  Finally Lohe spoke up:
+
+"To me the answer seems favorable.  The God confirms the idea of there
+being gold in a distant laud to the south, and says that we can get and
+keep possession of it, if we only take heed of three things--discord,
+the sea, and thirst.  As to discord--it lies within our power to avoid
+that; as to the sea--we could be drowned quite as easily on our own
+coast as on a long journey to the south, if that is to be our fate; and
+as to thirst, who would not endure thirst for the sake of becoming ten
+times richer than the rich Natse?"
+
+All agreed that the answer was most favorable.  The greedy priest did
+not stop, but went on to tell that the God could not be relied upon to
+take them safely through all dangers, unless rich sacrificial offerings
+were made.  "Daily", said he, "I will burn incense and strips of gold
+paper before his picture.  The clouds of smoke will appease the spirits
+of the storm and fall upon you as rain-drops which will quench your
+burning thirst, and the gold paper will reconcile the spirits that
+watch over the gold in the distant Goldland, so that they will
+willingly give to you their treasures."
+
+The Chinamen reached into their pockets and handed over their last
+sapeck to the priest, then in silence left, firmly resolved to attempt
+the journey to the Goldland.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+In the City.
+
+Lohe attached himself to the party of fish carriers, because he did not
+wish them to get away before binding themselves to go to the gold
+fields.  A two hours' walk diagonally across the island brought them to
+a high point of land above the city of Hongkong.  Below them the white
+houses shimmered in the moonlight, stretching row after row like steps
+down to the harbor, and out on the glistening sea many large vessels
+lay at anchor.  The carriers put down their burden to rest for a time
+before descending into the streets of the city.
+
+"The barbarians of the West are a capable people after their fashion,"
+said Lohe.  "See what a great city they have built here where a few
+years ago there were only a half dozen or more bamboo huts.  And, too,
+each day their power increases.  Over there another great building with
+towers reaching to the very sky is going up.  What can it be?"
+
+"One of their pagodas," answered Lihoa, "and down there is the school
+in which one of my nephews is being instructed in the learning of the
+West.  The white-faced women with the long veils brought him up because
+my sister exposed him when a baby.  They found and cared for him in the
+great white house where a light burns in the window; there they bring
+up the children which our women are not able to care for.  Let us go
+down and see what is going on at this time of the night."
+
+Lohe and Lihoa went down to the long low orphanage in which the Sisters
+of Mercy care for a hundred or more foundlings.  The shutters were
+drawn, but they found a tiny hole through which they could peep.  In
+the dormitory they saw four rows of small white beds, all spread with
+beautiful white linen, and in each little bed lay a child.  The most of
+them were asleep, but a few were crying and fretting--for Chinese
+babies have quite as many troubles as American children.  Some of the
+nuns were walking up and down between the rows of beds, lovingly
+tucking up the fretful little beings, giving the bottle to some, and
+rocking others with the utmost patience.  Hardly did they quiet one
+before another began to whimper, and so it went on.  Shaking their
+heads the two Chinamen slipped away.  They had seen for themselves the
+love and patience with which the Sisters care for these poor deserted
+infants.
+
+"I thought we were going to find them putting the children's eyes out,"
+said Lohe, "when I heard the cries in there.  These women show greater
+love for these babes than their own mothers."
+
+"Yes, yes," answered Lihoa.  "It is wonderful.  I wish our priests
+would do for our children what the foreigners do for them."
+
+Without further delay Lihoa went to Nona, the fish dealer, who lived in
+one of the alleys near the harbor.  All night long he watched and
+waited for the fishermen who came to him from all parts of the island.
+Complaining as he took what Lihoa had brought, he weighed the fish and
+poured the oysters out in a heap to estimate their value, then handed
+the old Chinaman a tael ($1.50) and several sapecks.
+
+"What?  Is that all you are going to give me, when you know that the
+sum must be divided among twenty families?" complained Lihoa.
+"To-morrow morning in the market you will get three times that amount
+for the beautiful fish."
+
+"Well--and why not?  When I take inferior things to the market, I have
+to content myself with a small price.--Not a sapeck more for you,"
+answered the dealer.
+
+"Now then, Nona, don't be surprised if you get no more fish from us.
+We are going into a more profitable business.  We are going to the
+distant Goldland, and shall come back rich men."
+
+"What?  What do you mean, you fools?" cried Nona.  "Do you want to be
+drowned?  Well, if you get back with whole skins you'll be doing well,
+and no matter how much gold you get, the rich Natse will have it all
+before you are through with him."
+
+"As far as drowning is concerned, we could drown easily in the business
+in which we are now engaged, and as to Natse's getting our gold, we'll
+attend to that."  With these words Lihoa put the money in his pocket
+and started with his followers to the harbor, where, behind one of the
+warehouses, they laid down and took a nap.
+
+At break of day they went to interview Natse, who was trying to get
+three hundred men to sail on the "St. George".  When they arrived, he
+had just engaged a hundred or more, and there seemed no likelihood of
+there being a place for Lihoa and his followers, "though Lohe's people
+always had the preference".  "But", said Natse, "if you have some one
+among your people who understands the language of the West well enough
+to act as interpreter, perhaps I can arrange for you and a dozen or
+more of your friends to go."
+
+Then an idea popped into old Lihoa's head: "Wait until to-night, and I
+will bring you an answer," he said.  "I think I can get an interpreter."
+
+Lihoa sent his companions to the hamlet with the command, that those
+who wished to go on the trip to the Goldland were to get ready
+immediately, and he betook himself straight to the College of the Holy
+Saviour.  There he asked to see the foreign teacher.  Father Somazzo
+came into the reception room, and learned to his utter astonishment
+that the old Chinaman had called to demand his beloved pupil, little
+Peppo.  Quietly the priest listened while the old man spoke, then took
+a pinch of snuff, and said: "My dear friend, for twelve years we have
+had this boy in our care, and have spent much time and money on him,
+and now that he is old enough to be of use, you ask us to give him to
+you.  You are unreasonable.  Prove in the court that the child is
+yours, and then, that we took him illegally, and you can have him.  He
+has not been brought up in your religion, as you know, but is a
+Christian.  We have many plans and hopes for him, and I am sure he will
+not care to leave us.  Go, and may peace attend you."
+
+"But I am the boy's uncle, and an uncle has paternal power over his
+sister's children according to Chinese law.  I know the boy by the
+birthmark on his wrist," said Lihoa.
+
+"Take your claims into court, and we will settle them there.  In the
+meantime may peace attend you," repeated the missioner as he left the
+man.
+
+Lihoa expected a refusal, for he was not so simple-minded as to believe
+that the child would be given over to him without ado, but the answer
+that he received, according to his way of thinking, justified his
+kidnapping his nephew.  He knew a Chinese youth, who was a servant at
+the seminary, and to him he went for help to carry out his plan of
+getting possession of Peppo.  In a nearby tavern he waited for
+Totu--for that was the youth's name--knowing that while the missioners
+and their pupils were at table, he was accustomed to come here for a
+glass of saki, a wine made from burnt rice.  When he entered, Lihoa
+went and sat down beside him, addressed him as cousin, and ordered and
+paid for a second glass of saki.  The two conversed for a time in low
+tones, then finally Totu said:
+
+"Agreed!  The day after to-morrow, at the New Year's celebration, I'll
+see to it that you get your nephew, but may the gods of the sea destroy
+your ship, if you do not pay me the money you say you will.  I must
+have three tael to-morrow, for this may cost me my job, and you know,
+'No penny, no paternoster'."  Lihoa promised what Totu asked, and the
+two separated.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+The Chinese New Year.
+
+The New Year came and found Hongkong in festal array.  All the Chinese
+houses were decorated with plants and flowers, and from long cords
+stretched from house to house, and diagonally across the streets, were
+suspended hundreds upon hundreds of lanterns of various colors.  At the
+first peep of day thousands of people, dressed in holiday attire, began
+to throng the streets and crowd into the great open squares, where
+eatables of all sorts were to be had.  Here were tables loaded down
+with all kinds of Chinese delicacies, many of which, I fear, my little
+readers would not find palatable.  For example, there were sugar-coated
+worms, preserved red snails, trepang,--a kind of sea-worm,--and putrid
+doves' eggs in an unspeakable sauce.  The cakes made of honey, sugar
+and rice-meal, I am sure, would have been much more to your liking.
+Each hour the crowd increased, as the people poured into the city from
+the villages on the island of Hongkong, and from neighboring places.
+It was a general reception day.  Whenever a Chinaman met an
+acquaintance, putting his hands in the wide, flowing sleeves of his
+gown, he greeted him with many bows, wished him a happy New Year, and
+invited him to have a cup of tea or saki.  Even the poorest people had
+saved up enough to take part in the celebration.  All over the great
+city joy reigned.
+
+The missioners, glad to give their pupils English as well as Chinese,
+all the pleasure they could, always celebrated the New Year by having a
+more elaborate supper than usual, and taking the boys to see the
+brilliantly lighted city and the puppet shows.  For weeks beforehand
+all looked forward to the great holiday, and could hardly wait for the
+time to come when the city would be in holiday attire, and the
+fireworks and puppet shows in progress.  On this night supper was over,
+the bell had rung, and the boys were in a double line ready to start on
+their little excursion.  At the head of the ranks stood young Peppo,
+the leader, in a state of subdued excitement.  He was anxious to see
+the beautiful lights, and also hoped to find his little companion,
+Willy, at the puppet show, where he knew he would be, if possible.
+Just as the happy band was about to start, Father Somazzo called Peppo
+back, for it occurred to him that perhaps the man, who had a few days
+previous to this so impudently demanded possession of him, might try to
+kidnap him.
+
+"Peppo", he said, addressing Lihu by his Italian nickname, "Peppo, you
+know that I mean well by you."
+
+"Yes, Father," answered the boy impatiently, "but please don't keep me
+now.  We are going to the city and I am to be the leader of the ranks."
+
+"Peppo, not very long ago you said that you were willing to make a
+great sacrifice to God, because he saved you from death, and permitted
+you to be baptized, and because you are soon to receive your first
+communion."
+
+"Yes, Father, I did, and I will willingly make a sacrifice, but let me
+go now.  Brother Onufrio has already opened the door."
+
+"Peppo, would it not be a beautiful sacrifice for you to give up going
+to-night?"
+
+"O Father," stammered the child with tears in his eyes, "no, I don't
+want to.  I will make a sacrifice, but not to-night.  I want to see the
+fire-works and the puppet show.  And Willy will be at the puppet show,
+I want to find him, too.  He will go if he can, for he knows that every
+New Year's night we boys go.  Please, Father, do not keep me.  I will
+willingly live on rice and water for a month rather than stay home
+to-night."
+
+"Poor child, you do not know what is for your best good," answered
+Father Somazzo.  "I wanted you to look upon this as a sacrifice which
+you were willing to make, but since you will not, I command you to
+remain at home, for a reason which I cannot tell you.  Come, Peppo,
+into the class-room.  You may take my big picture-book with all the
+pictures of European cities and churches, ladies and gentlemen in fine
+clothes and battles and ships.  The time will pass quickly.  Come and
+win the reward of obedience."
+
+"I don't want to, I won't go!" cried the boy, crying at the top of his
+lungs and stamping his feet on the floor.
+
+"What?  What?  Such a thing as this from you?  That is no way to
+behave.  If you do not come with me willingly, you shall not have the
+pretty picture-book."
+
+With these words Father Somazzo led the weeping child into the
+class-room, while he went to get the promised book.  Totu, the servant,
+who was standing near the door at the time, was a witness of the scene.
+His plan was to seize the boy at the puppet show, when the attention of
+all the by-standers was on the stage, fasten him to himself by a
+cunningly contrived chain and belt, so that he could not possibly
+escape in the crowd, and deliver him over to his uncle.  When he saw
+that the boy was detained against his will, the sly fellow changed his
+tactics.
+
+"Ha, ha," said he, "this is much easier for Totu," and hurrying into
+the garden, stationed himself under the window which opened into and
+was on a level with the garden.  As soon as Father Somazzo left the
+room, Peppo went to the window to watch the sky rockets that every now
+and then went shooting into the sky, and to listen to the shouts of the
+merry revelers in the streets.
+
+"What, little Lihu, are you not going to the celebration?  Why, down in
+the marketplace there is the finest puppet show that was ever seen or
+heard of anywhere," said Totu in a sympathetic tone of voice.
+
+"I can't," said he, "Father Somazzo is an old tyrant.  He wants me to
+renounce this pleasure, to make a sacrifice to God to-night by staying
+at home."
+
+"Oh, nonsense!" answered the tempter.  "You come with me.  I'll take
+you down into the city, and to the puppet show, and the fireworks, and
+everything else.  We'll be back in an hour, and Father Somazzo, who is
+saying his prayers, won't even know you've been away."
+
+"He has locked the door, and will be angry if he finds me gone," said
+the boy, half ready to yield to the tempter.
+
+"He won't find it out.  Quick.  Climb up on the window-sill, I'll lift
+you down, and in a moment we'll be out through the little gate in the
+wall, for I have the key that unlocks it.  We've no time to lose.
+Don't you hear the drums and tomtoms in the market-place?  The puppet
+show is beginning."
+
+Little Peppo's conscience told him that he ought not to go, but his
+anger at what seemed to him an unjust command, caused him to give no
+heed to its dictation.  "Well, anyway, when Father Somazzo shuts me up
+for punishment, I'll have seen the puppet show and the fireworks," he
+said, climbing up on the window-sill, and the next moment he was in the
+garden.  Taking Totu by the hand, he slunk along in the shadow of the
+wall to the little gate, and soon the two were with the crowd out in
+the brilliantly lighted street.
+
+Father Somazzo was detained a short time, and when he returned to the
+classroom was dumbfounded to find his favorite pupil gone.  He went to
+the window and called "Peppo, Peppo", but received no answer.  At first
+he could scarcely believe that the boy, who had always been so
+obedient, could be guilty of such a grievous breach of discipline; but
+as calling and searching proved of no avail, at last, with a heavy
+heart, he had to admit that even good little Peppo had yielded to
+temptation.
+
+"Lord, deal not harshly with the erring," sighed the missioner, and
+then he prayed: "Let not his disobedience cause him and us too much
+sorrow, Blessed Virgin.  Take the poor child to thy motherly bosom, and
+bring him back to us in safety.  Thou knowest we have great hopes for
+him."
+
+Father Somazzo could do no more than this, for he could not leave the
+house alone; and, even if he had been able to do so, his attempts to
+find the child in the crowds that thronged the streets would have
+availed nothing.  Hoping that Peppo would join his companions and
+return with them, the good Father waited, but in vain.  He neither came
+with the boys, nor later by himself.
+
+On the following morning Father Somazzo received a visit from Mr.
+Black, the lawyer, whom he had consulted concerning the guardianship of
+Willy.  He came to report that he believed he had sufficient proof to
+ask the court to take Willy away from John Brown, and also to cause his
+imprisonment.  He had through agents sought out the sailors dismissed
+from the "St. George", and from them not only learned of the life of
+John Brown in Dublin, but also of the peculiar circumstances attendant
+upon his brother's death at sea.  Mr. Black asked whether he should
+prosecute, adding: "Whatever is done, must be done quickly, for I am
+told that the 'St. George' will sail to-morrow morning, or the morning
+after at the latest, for Australia with three hundred Chinaman on
+board."
+
+Father Somazzo signed the necessary papers, then told of little Peppo's
+disappearance, and his conjecture that he had been carried off by a
+Chinaman named Lihoa, who claimed to be a relative.
+
+"I'll wager ten to one, this Lihoa is one of the greedy Chinamen who is
+going to sail on the 'St. George'," said Mr. Black.  "Let's go down to
+the office of the Chief of Police, and, if my conjecture is true, we'll
+find the people we want on board the 'St. George'--'kill two birds with
+one stone', as the old saying has it.  Be quick, Father, get your hat
+and walking stick and come with me.  We haven't a moment to lose."
+
+The two men hurried down to the harbor.  The Chief of Police received
+them in a friendly manner, but when they laid their case before him, he
+shrugged his shoulders and said: "I am very sorry, indeed.  You have
+come just eight hours too late.  The 'St. George' sailed this morning
+at two with the tide and a favorable wind."
+
+"What is to be done?" questioned the Father.
+
+"We will send your papers to Melbourne and Sidney and have the Captain
+and Lihoa arrested when they put into port.  That is all that can be
+done," answered the Chief.
+
+Matters had to be left thus.  Mr. Black returned to his office to make
+out the necessary documents, and Father Somazzo to the College to
+commend both boys to God and his ministering angels.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+An Unexpected Departure.
+
+On the morning following the Chinese New Year, with a favoring west
+wind the "St. George" put to sea with Green at the helm, because the
+Captain was unable to find a man that he liked better, who was capable
+of taking his place.  Restlessly the Captain paced up and down the
+deck, gazing at the island in the moonlight until it was lost in the
+sea.  As soon as the morning light gave better opportunities, he
+climbed to the crow's nest and with a field glass searched the western
+horizon, and not until the sun was well up did he push the glass
+together.  Then he muttered to himself as he came down from the rigging:
+
+"My fears are vain.  Why, that Italian priest wouldn't have the Chief
+of Police send a steam launch after us on account of that boy.  And yet
+Redfox states positively that he sent the agents of the police to the
+sailors' home, to sidle up to the crew that I dismissed and to try to
+get out of them all the information they could.  But what do they know?
+What can they prove?--Oh, I am such a coward!  Come, John, come.  Drive
+these stupid fears out of your head.  Think of the future and not of
+the past."
+
+The Captain went to the helmsman and found the boatswain and first
+officer, Redfox, with him.  All greeted the Captain in a becoming
+manner and wished for favoring winds to carry them on their way.
+
+"We could make use of them all right," cried the Captain.  "Gray, the
+ship can carry more canvas.  Set all the sails, and Green, do you steer
+as straight as a crow flies for the Channel of Balintang.  How far is
+it to Balintang, Redfox?"
+
+"Four hundred and fifty sea miles, but we can save a hundred miles by
+holding for the southern point of Luzon--"
+
+"Yes, and be wrecked on some one of the hundred reefs and islands which
+make the route by the Philippines so dangerous!  No, Mr. Redfox, though
+it is of great importance for me to get to Melbourne as soon as
+possible, I shall not take any risks going that way.  We'll go farther
+to the north through the Balintang, from there down between the Palau
+and Caroline Islands, on through by the Soloman Islands, and the
+Lousiade Archipelago."
+
+"We shall meet with dangerous seas that way, too, but if it's the route
+you've decided on, that's all there is to it.  What's going on with the
+three hundred Chinamen in the steerage?"
+
+"I don't know.  Let them stay down where they are; they won't suffocate
+yet awhile, and we'll have peace on deck for an hour or two," growled
+the Captain.
+
+"With the last lot that came on board there was a little pigmy, barely
+ten years old," said Gray.  "An old Chinaman carried him in his arms
+and said he was asleep.  It seemed to me that he was in a stupor, and I
+had more than half a mind to send them back, and then it occurred to me
+that we could use the lad in the kitchen, as the cook's assistant.
+I'll get the boy, Captain, and let you see what you think of giving him
+over to the cook.  By cuffs and knocks perhaps he can be developed into
+something useful."
+
+"Go ahead, Gray," answered the Captain.  "And you, Redfox, want my
+nephew, of whom this small Chinaman makes me think."  Then he added in
+a low tone: "Since our last talk I have thought the thing over.--You
+are right.  It cannot be otherwise.  He must disappear, at least for a
+time, that is, until we are in possession of the money; later I will
+restore it to him."
+
+"Quite right.  And if--by any accident--he should fall from the
+rigging, or else--"
+
+"No, no, I won't have him put to death.  God knows I wish my brother
+were alive.  The thought even that perhaps in my drunkenness I
+sanctioned the changing of his medicine, almost drives me mad.--I am
+satisfied, though, that we will have to hide this boy for a time in
+some institution, and then announce to the authorities that at the
+shipwreck, which we contemplate having, he perished."
+
+"Captain, you are always for half-way measures.  But as you like, so
+long as you hold fast to our agreement--the half of the property."
+
+"On the day on which I come into possession of the property, the half
+is yours."
+
+"Very well.  You have sworn to this, and now be assured that just so
+surely as you betray me, or attempt to cheat me out of the wages of my
+sins, you are a dead man, even if at that very hour I go to eternal
+damnation with you."
+
+"You may depend upon me.  Half and half, just as I have sworn.  And now
+I'll go for my nephew."
+
+With these words the Captain stepped into the cabin.  Through this
+cabin ran a partition, and in one corner of the smaller part Willy had
+hung his hammock.  So soundly had he slept, that his first knowledge
+that the "St. George" was under sail came when he noticed the motion of
+the ship, and heard the swishing of the water.
+
+"O dear!  We've left Hongkong, and Father Somazzo couldn't get me away
+from my uncle," was his first thought.  "And last night I dreamed that
+he did get me away, and that Brother Onufrio and Peppo were with me,
+but I can't remember where.--O dear, we are out at sea and on the way
+to Australia, or God knows where."
+
+Willy was almost in tears.  Father Somazzo's comforting words came to
+his mind, then kneeling down for a short morning prayer, he commended
+himself to the care of his guardian angel.  Strengthened by the thought
+that God's holy guardian angels are companions and protectors at sea as
+well as on land, he was rising from his knees just as his uncle came
+into the room.
+
+"What, up and dressed!  By the seven sleepers of old, I verily believe
+that you have been praying!  That's what they set you to doing at the
+pension, but you'll soon get over it; a seaman has no time for any such
+superfluous business as that."
+
+"Superfluous to say one's prayers?" questioned Willy in utmost
+surprise, opening wide his big blue eyes.  "The good Fathers prayed
+every day, and used to say that 'he who knows not how to pray, the sea
+will teach to pray'.  What will become of us, if God and his angels do
+not watch over and guard us?"
+
+"Oh, dear me!  You talk just like the preaching Brothers," laughed the
+Captain, in a way that made the boy shudder.
+
+"Well, for aught that I care keep on praying to your guardian angel to
+watch over you, but now go into the kitchen and get a cup of coffee and
+a biscuit or two.  Hurry yourself.  In five minutes be ready for work
+and report on deck to the first officer."
+
+In the meantime the boatswain had started for the steerage, where three
+hundred Chinamen were packed like herrings on the floor and in the
+berths along the sides of the room.  When he opened the trap-door to go
+down the stairs, the poisonous stench which assailed his nostrils
+almost knocked him down.  "By all the great sharks in the sea," he
+cried angrily, "I believe it would be easier to breathe in the bottom
+of the ocean than down there with those pig-tailed Chinamen!  He!  I
+don't want to go down there.  Be quick, and send the interpreter up
+here," he called.
+
+A babel of Chinese words came from the unventilated room which was
+lighted by an old kerosene lamp, and the crowd pushed to the gangway to
+get up on deck.  The boatswain thundered "Back", and to make his words
+emphatic as well as intelligible, drew his revolver.  The men went
+back, and Lihoa brought his nephew, the small Peppo, to the foot of the
+gangway.  "Tell him that he is to let us come out on deck before we
+suffocate in this vile hole," commanded Lihoa.
+
+As soon as Peppo began to tell in English what he had been told to say,
+the boatswain cried out: "Ha, ha!  So you are the interpreter, you
+little pigmy?  Why, that's all right.  How lucky!  Come up.  I am
+looking for you, but your pig-tailed cousins will have to stay down
+there.  They won't suffocate for awhile; the air of the steerage is
+thicker and more nourishing than that on deck."
+
+After a little parleying Lihoa let his nephew go.  Quickly he ran up
+the ladder, and when Gray had closed the trap-door he threw himself at
+his feet, and with outstretched hands begged to land, because he had
+been brought on board against his will.
+
+"Land?" laughed Gray.  "Land on what?  We have been under sail for six
+hours or more and are now a goodly number of miles from Hongkong, and
+probably won't see land again for weeks.  For good or for evil, for
+better or for worse, my little pigmy, you'll have to go with us until
+we land those cousins of yours in Australia.  Get up.  I'll take you to
+the kitchen, and there our cook will find so much for you to do, that
+you won't have time for sad thoughts."
+
+With these words he seized Peppo by the arm and led him to the kitchen,
+where he gave him over to the cook.  The fat cook with the big white
+apron looked at the slender youth half angrily, half compassionately,
+and grumbled:
+
+"That little Chinaman is to give me the promised help?  How is he to
+lift the heavy kettles of rice off the fire, Mr. Gray?"
+
+"Well now, Mr. Blue, it's better to have a little help than none at
+all.  Why, indeed, you'll have to lift the heavy kettles off the fire
+yourself.  The boy can peel potatoes and wash dishes."
+
+"Yes, and break more than his neck is worth in Brothers.  I
+understand.--Now, little one, come here and get into this apron, and
+begin work.--Oh, wait a moment.  You have not had any breakfast.
+There, take that bowl of rice; you are more accustomed to that than to
+our bread and coffee.  When you have finished get at those dishes, and
+wash and wipe them quicker than scat, and for every one you break a
+precious good thump you'll get."
+
+With tears in his eyes poor little Peppo choked down his rice, and went
+to work.  "Oh, dear," he said to himself, as he dipped the plates in
+hot water and burned his fingers trying to get them out, "Oh, dear, how
+God is punishing me for my disobedience!  If I had only stayed where I
+was told.  Father Somazzo must have known what Lihoa was going to do.
+This is what I get for running off and having my own way.  And who
+knows whether I'll ever see Hongkong and the good Fathers again so long
+as I live?"
+
+Poor little Peppo's cup was full to overflowing.  As with trembling
+fingers he kept on fishing the hot plates out of the dishpan, he
+noticed that all the plates had on them the word "St. George"; then he
+recalled that that was the name of Willy's father's boat.  Just as it
+was dawning on him that he must be on the "St. George" the kitchen door
+opened and he heard a well-known voice say, "Give me some breakfast
+quicker than a wink, dear cook, for I've got to go to work as cabin-boy
+right away."
+
+Peppo was walking across the floor to the crockery chest to put away a
+dozen or more clean plates which he had in his hands, when at the sound
+of the voice he turned and saw Willy whom the Captain had given a push
+that sent him half across the kitchen.  The small Chinaman gave a cry
+of surprise and let the plates fall on the floor where they broke into
+a thousand rattling pieces.  Angrily the cook sprang at him, and would
+have struck him with the big wooden cooking spoon, if Willy had not
+come between them and received the blow meant for Peppo.
+
+"Peppo, Peppo," he cried, "are you here?"
+
+"Yes, Willy, as a punishment for my disobedience.  And now see what
+more mischief I have done, and what more punishment I shall get.  The
+cook will beat me half to death for breaking all the beautiful plates,"
+moaned Peppo.
+
+"But I was all to blame for that," said Willy.  "I frightened you so
+that you let them fall.  That's so, isn't it, dear cook?  You won't
+punish him, will you?"
+
+The cook's anger was somewhat mollified.  The good-natured man was
+pleased with the boys, and gave them both some breakfast on a little
+table.  Peppo told of his adventures, and Willy comforted him by
+saying, "You have been disobedient and you'll have to take your
+punishment, but the dear God ordained it that you should come to me.
+We'll pray together and be good, so that our holy guardian angels will
+take us back to Hongkong again to the Fathers."
+
+Just here the boatswain came in and ordered Willy on deck, or they
+would have continued talking indefinitely.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+A Very Real Danger.
+
+Meanwhile the "St. George" under full sail and well over on her side
+was running before a strong west wind.  The waves washed over the deck;
+the sea was so rough that it was hard for an experienced seaman to make
+his way, and only those sure of foot and hand dared venture on the
+rigging.  Nevertheless Redfox ordered Willy to climb the mainmast with
+him to help unfurl the sail at the very top.
+
+"If you want to be a good seaman like your father you must learn to
+climb the rigging not only in a light breeze like this but also in a
+hurricane.  You want to get so that you can run around up there like a
+squirrel in a Christmas tree.  There is no danger; just hold tight to
+the rigging with one hand and don't get frightened when the boat
+pitches.  You can't learn to do any climbing that's worth while
+standing around here on deck.  Up, my little man, let's see if you have
+any nerve."
+
+"Yes, I have nerve, and lots of times in pleasant weather I've been up
+the mast, but when the ship rocks as it does now, my father would never
+let me think of going up," answered Willy.
+
+"And he had good reason, too," put in the helmsman, who was standing
+near Redfox and had heard all the conversation.
+
+"I never heard of such a thing as asking the cabin-boy to climb the
+rigging when the sea is rough, and before he has had a chance to prove
+himself a good climber in pleasant weather.  Master Willy, don't obey
+any such foolhardy order.  The Captain, I am sure, does not want you to
+try any such thing."
+
+"Oho, helmsman, you dare to order this boy to be insubordinate, do you?
+I'll have you put in irons for your impudence," cried Redfox, giving
+him a wicked look.
+
+"Green, don't be frightened.  I can climb much better than you think,
+and then besides my guardian angel will watch over me and keep me from
+falling.  I am sure I won't come down any more of a corpse than I did
+from the dome of the cathedral.  I must obey this man.  Let me go.  You
+just see my guardian angel will take care of me."
+
+"Mr. Redfox, I tell you plainly it's a foolhardy game you are playing
+with that boy," said the helmsman earnestly.  "If anything happens to
+him you'll answer for it on a charge of criminal carelessness at the
+first port we put into."
+
+"Wait till you get a chance," growled the officer to Green; to Willy he
+said, "Go on up."
+
+Willy crossed himself, then swung himself without fear up on the rope
+ladder leading from the side of the vessel to the crow's nest.  Right
+after him followed Redfox.  With anger and fear Green watched how the
+wind blew Willy's blonde hair and the officer's red beard; for a moment
+the two disappeared behind the sails, then they appeared scaling the
+topmost ladder.  The wind had increased; the vessel tipped still more
+to the side.  Willy clambered on courageously higher and higher up, but
+the real danger was yet to come.
+
+"Now see, he is astride the yard sliding out fully twelve feet from the
+main mast--now he is loosening the rope by which the top-sail is
+fastened to the arm!  Redfox ought to do that himself," said the
+helmsman to himself.  "But no, he forces the boy before him out on the
+yard, orders him to stand up and unfasten the rope.  The inhuman
+wretch!--That means the boy's death.  It is no easy task even for an
+experienced seaman.  And he is not even holding him by the belt, only
+by the bottom part of his jacket.----Now he is holding him tighter.
+There----O holy Mother of God the boy is falling!"  Green closed his
+eyes for a moment and gasped.  "No, he is sliding along the yard.  Hold
+fast, Willy, hold fast for two or three minutes.  I'll come to help
+you."
+
+He threw the rope over the wheel and ran like a cat up the rigging.
+Willy, in utmost danger of falling, was sliding and swinging along
+between the sails of the fore and mainmast, every moment expecting that
+his strength would give out and that he would fall on the planks of the
+deck below or into the sea.
+
+"Holy guardian angel," he cried, "take me; I cannot hold on any
+longer!"  Everything swam before his eyes, and in a moment he would
+have fallen, if the helmsman had not, almost miraculously reached him
+and seized him in his arms.  He carried him down to the deck and laid
+him in a dead faint on a pile of rope, and began working over him.
+Before Redfox came down from the rigging Willy had recovered.  "You
+see," he said to Green, "my holy guardian angel did not leave me."
+
+"Indeed, Master Willy, you speak the truth, for without the help of
+your guardian angel I should not have been able to save you," affirmed
+Green, wiping drops of cold sweat from his forehead.  Then he thundered
+at Redfox:
+
+"Thank God, that you lay yourself down to rest tonight without a murder
+on your conscience.  It is no fault of yours that that boy came down
+from the rigging alive."
+
+"I forbid any such talk," answered Redfox without meeting the gaze of
+the helmsman.  "The stupid youngster got dizzy when I let go of his
+jacket and started to get a better hold of his belt."
+
+"No, no, Mr. Redfox," answered Willy firmly, "you pushed me instead of
+getting hold of my bolt.  I did not get dizzy."
+
+"Ridiculous!  Your fear put that notion into your head.  Now if you go
+to telling that story round here--even once--I'll have the Captain shut
+you up in the steerage with the Chinamen.  You go to telling the wrongs
+you suffer from your superior officer and you'll get yourself into
+trouble.  No more of this."
+
+Redfox went to the Captain's cabin.  Indignantly the helmsman looked
+after him, and then he again asked the boy if he was very sure that
+Redfox had pushed him.
+
+"Quite sure," he replied, "and he looked at me more wickedly than I
+thought any man could look.  What has he against me?  I have never done
+him any harm.  And my uncle, too, acts so strangely, he has never once
+given me a pleasant word or look."
+
+"I understand well enough," answered the helmsman.  "Be on your guard
+with Redbeard and your uncle; I don't dare to tell you any more.  I'd
+like to open your eyes, but I can't.  Trust in God and your holy
+guardian angel who saved you almost miraculously today.  In the first
+port that we put into Redbeard will answer for what he did today--and
+for a few other things, too."
+
+To the Captain Redfox reported, "I did not think it possible for that
+boy to come down from the rigging alive, and now he is telling that I
+tried to push him off the yard, and, of course, that numbskull of a
+Green is only to ready to believe him.  That fellow has got wind of
+some things, too.  We must see to it that he gets no chance to tell
+what he knows or thinks he knows."
+
+"You are my bad angel, Redfox, and want to drag me deeper and deeper
+into crime," said the Captain.  "Haven't I told you again and again
+that I will not have that boy put out of the way?"
+
+"Oh, you are always for half-way measures.  I take no account of them
+in my reckonings.  It would have been very fine for you,
+if--accidentally--he had fallen from the rigging," growled Redfox.
+
+"No, no, I won't have any bloodshed," said the Captain most earnestly.
+"There are enough things now for which I have to answer,--and there
+will be more when we wreck the 'St. George' on one of the many reefs
+off the east coast of Australia, as we have planned to do.  Now, if
+against my will, you do anything to that boy, I'll have you turned over
+to the authorities, even if I run the danger of being arrested as your
+accomplice.  You may know what to expect."
+
+With these words the Captain left Redfox standing at the door of the
+cabin.  He muttered to himself, "Well, do you know, I really believe
+his conscience is troubling him--the mushhead!  I must deal with him
+more firmly.--No, no, Captain, after what happened this morning the
+only thing to do is to get him out of the way,--and the helmsman along
+with him.  I'll tend to that.  Ha, ha!  Mr. Captain, you'll get up in
+the morning early to turn Redfox over to the authorities!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+A New Plan.
+
+Weeks had passed since the happenings told of in the previous chapter
+took place, and nothing of any importance had occurred.  Redfox had not
+again ordered Willy to climb the mast with him, and even when the ship
+was becalmed and lay with slackened sails on a sea smooth and clear as
+a looking-glass, he would not allow him to go up to the crow's nest.
+
+"Oh, no, no, if you were to get dizzy and fall, you'd tell that I
+pushed you," he sneered at every possible opportunity.  Green he
+avoided as much as possible.
+
+"The boy was perhaps mistaken, and my suspicions of the Captain and
+Redfox may be wholly unfounded," thought honest Green, when week after
+week went by without their taking revenge on either him or Willy.  The
+voyage had been an extraordinarily quick and fortunate one.  The days
+which ships usually spend in being becalmed under the Equator the 'St.
+George' spent under full sail with favoring winds.  Everything on
+shipboard was going very well, yet the Captain was always sullen and
+morose.  He and Redfox sat in the cabin and gambled and drank most of
+their time.  Rarely did they finish one debauch before they began on
+another.  Redfox seemed to exercise hypnotic power over the Captain.
+
+Willy, the darling of the crew, at first was much grieved over his
+uncle's behavior and the aversion which the first officer showed for
+him, but he soon became accustomed to their ways.  The companionship of
+Green, who initiated him into the mysteries of the compass and the
+practical work of steering the ship, was pleasant, and he had Peppo.
+The Captain had allowed the boatswain to put up another hammock in
+Willy's cabin, so that Peppo could sleep there instead of going down
+into the steerage.  Together the boys said their morning and evening
+prayers, just as they were accustomed to do in the pension in Hongkong,
+and slept like nabobs in their little hammocks while the ship went
+ploughing its way through the placid ocean.
+
+The "St. George" was at this time in the sea between the New Britain
+Archipelago, as the group of islands which now goes by the name of the
+Bismarck Archipelago was at that time called, and the Soloman Islands.
+With full sail the boat was running before a stiff northwest breeze.
+The fiery tropical sun burned in the heavens, and far as the eye could
+reach the waters rolled in a long swell on the deep blue southern sea.
+A pair of screaming sea-gulls circled round the top of the mast, the
+sails flapped, the rigging creaked, and the waters swished and dashed
+against the sides of the vessel.  Other sounds there were none.  The
+vessel might almost have been a phantom ship upon an enchanted sea.
+
+Green sat near the wheel in the shade of one of the sails smoking his
+pipe and with difficulty keeping his eyes open sufficiently to glance
+at the big compass and the distant horizon occasionally.  "If our
+reckonings are right we shall sight the Soloman Islands now at any
+minute," he said to himself, and was about to call to the man on watch
+in the crow's nest to see that he was not asleep, when Willy came out
+from the cabin and motioned to Green that he had something important to
+tell him.
+
+"Hello, Willy, what's the matter?  Any one would think from the
+expression on your face that you had seen 'The Klabautermann'!"
+
+"The Klabautermann" is a spirit of the sea similar to the brownies of
+the mountains and the goblins which play such a part in children's
+stories.  Ordinarily unseen this spirit helps the sailors in their work
+when they are good and true, but when he appears with a fiery head and
+green teeth, attired in riding boots, yellow hose, and pointed hat,--as
+the sailors assert they have seen him--then look out.  Beware of
+misfortune.  Some awful fate awaits the ship, so the superstitious
+sailors solemnly swear.
+
+"I have not seen 'The Klabautermann'," answered Willy, "and I don't
+believe there is any such spirit, although you are so positive about
+it; but I have something to tell you that will surprise you more than a
+visit from the Flying Dutchman's haunted ship, that you told me about."
+
+"Well, let's have the surprise."
+
+"Can any one play eavesdropper here?"
+
+"No; no one at all.  We are here all by ourselves aft and who is there
+that would want to listen to us?"
+
+"Redbeard and my uncle, but they are in the cabin, drinking and
+gambling as usual.  Last night, you know, Peppo had toothache all night
+and couldn't sleep, so this afternoon I took his place in the kitchen
+while he went up to have a nap in his hammock.  He just came and told
+me that he had overheard Redbeard plotting some dreadful thing against
+us.  Peppo couldn't understand it all, but he got this much, that at
+the island to which we are coming today, or at the latest tomorrow
+morning, he is going to send you ashore for drinking water.  He has let
+the water leak out of the casks.  'When Green goes ashore,' he said, 'I
+haven't a doubt in the world but that the young one, who stands in your
+way, will want to go with him, and the little Chinaman, whom I do not
+trust, will also want to go--We can just send them, even if you don't
+hanker after this plan.  And--well--if they don't come back, why the
+wild Soloman Islanders will know what to do with them.'  Peppo heard
+the first officer say this."
+
+"Oh, the traitor!" said Green.  "And so he is going to furnish the
+cannibals with a nice juicy stew for their pots, is he?  And pray tell,
+what did that nice uncle of yours, the Captain, say to all this?"
+
+"At first he would not listen to a word of it; then Redfox threatened
+him with something which Peppo could not understand, and at last he
+said, 'Oh, you are my bad angel.  I am in your power.  Do what you
+must, but I won't have any part in it.'"
+
+"Pontius Pilate made similar remarks when he gave Our Lord over to
+death, but handwashing of that sort is of no use.  As for the rest you
+are right.  Redfox is the chief sinner and forces the Captain into
+things which he would never think of doing otherwise.--But what are we
+to do?  Here we are helpless in the power of these monsters.  We might
+give them over to the authorities at the first port at which we touch,
+but the trouble with that plan comes in just here: Gray will not listen
+to or believe what that little Chinaman says.  It couldn't be done
+without a life and death struggle.  I must win over the Chinamen--and
+if I fail, by so much as a hair-breadth, I'll go to the gallows as a
+rebel.--And yet--I must risk my life for you as well as for the rest of
+us.  Quick, bring your little friend here.  I'll tell him what to say
+to the men in the steerage.  They will be on our side for they have
+been badly treated."
+
+Willy did not understand all that the honest helmsman said for he was
+half talking to himself, but he got enough to realize that they were in
+great danger, and that Green scarcely knew what to do.  Why did
+Redbeard wish their death?  Green had told him a number of times, but
+the boy could not understand the question of the property, even after
+it was explained to him, and now there was no time to talk about it.
+"Be quick, go get Peppo for me," repeated the helmsman, instead of
+answering his questions.  "The crisis may come any moment.  In the
+meantime pray to your guardian angel, who once saved you miraculously
+from the power of these monsters."
+
+A few minutes later Peppo slipped down to the steerage and delivered
+Green's message to his uncle, and he in turn held a secret counsel with
+the most resolute of his companions.  They talked much of the warning
+which the God of the Golden Fish had given them about keeping out of
+broils without arriving at any conclusion, though their feelings
+prompted them to wreak vengeance on the Captain for his rough treatment
+of them.  While they were talking a voice from the crow's nest called,
+"Land--ahoy!" and in a moment the ship was all life.  The boatswain
+sounded his pipe calling every sailor to his place and the Captain came
+on deck to give orders.  On the left in the South Sea a wooded hill
+rose from the water, and quickly became larger, as the ship flew
+towards it like a bird.  The Captain and Redfox stepped up to the wheel
+and the Captain said to Green, "We must heave to."
+
+"What?  Heave to in such a fine breeze as this?  What have we got for
+the cannibals over there?"
+
+"We must have water," said the Captain without looking at the helmsman.
+"Redfox says that the cask has leaked and that there is not enough
+water to last us through to Australia."
+
+"I saw the cask yesterday, and then there was no leak in it.  If it is
+empty now there has been foul play."
+
+"Hello!  What ails the man?" cried Redfox.  "Who has been doing the
+foul play?"
+
+"Since you ask I'll tell you.  You have.  And as you let the water run
+out you can see to getting more to put in.  Under no circumstances will
+I do it."
+
+"Well, Captain, what do you think of the fellow's impudence?  I say he
+belongs in chains," cried Redfox in a rage.
+
+"Quite right.  Insubordination on shipboard cannot be tolerated.
+Either you take a small boat and go for water to fill the cask or I'll
+put you in irons.  A dozen Chinamen and the small interpreter are to
+accompany you."
+
+"Just as I thought.  And your nephew is to go, too, and when we are on
+shore the 'St. George' is to take advantage of favoring breezes, and we
+are to be left for the cannibals.  You'll have to murder the boy and me
+right here; we'll not run our heads into any such trap.  Heda! my
+little Chinaman, now is the time for your countrymen to defend
+themselves.  The responsibility is mine," and with these words he threw
+himself upon Redfox who drew out his knife with a curse.  Green struck
+him a blow that knocked him senseless, and then turned on the Captain,
+who called loudly for help.  The sailors to a man rushed to his aid,
+while the Chinamen refused to mix in the white men's quarrel.  Green
+was quickly overpowered and was thrown into chains in the steerage.
+There the Captain also put the boys who had openly taken the helmsman's
+part.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+The Hurricane.
+
+In utmost astonishment the sailors looked after the helmsman and the
+two boys as they were led away.  All honored and trusted Green as a man
+true to his duty and a brave comrade; the Captain's nephew was the
+favorite of the crew, and everybody liked faithful little Peppo.  What
+did it all mean?  Now before their very eyes the helmsman had attacked
+the first officer and the Captain, and even commanded the Chinamen to
+be insubordinate, and the boys openly had taken sides with the helmsman.
+
+"Green has lost his mind," cried an old sailor.
+
+"It must be so," answered his companion.  "Perhaps he is moonstruck;
+more than one good fellow has gone moonstruck in the tropics."
+
+"He must be out of his mind," put in the Captain, "but that's a matter
+for the judge to find out.  You can testify as to what he said and did,
+and if the judge sends him to the mad-house instead of the gallows, I
+shall be glad.  Redfox has fortunately recovered himself after the
+murderous attack and is going into my cabin."  The Captain started
+across the deck.  "But hello, here!--What's the matter?  The wind has
+changed all of a sudden, or rather the breeze has ceased.  The sails
+are flapping against the mast, and the pennons are not moving.  Every
+man to his post," he shouted.  "I fear the wind will veer suddenly
+before we have time to turn round, and blow harder than will be
+pleasant for us.  Gray, go to the wheel.  The rest of you mount the
+rigging, furl the sails, all, even the great topsail.  Oh, here, you
+Chinamen, get down stairs."
+
+The scene which had just taken place on deck had so absorbed the
+attention of the entire crew that now for the first time they took note
+of the change.  There was the same long swell on the sea, but the
+beautiful blue green waters had taken on a dull leaden hue.  The sky
+was threatening; instead of being azure, as it had been for weeks, it
+was of a peculiar grayish color, although not a cloud was visible.  In
+the west the sun surrounded by a dark halo was going down.  First a
+dark bank of clouds appeared above the horizon; then quickly, like a
+giant's hand with outstretched fingers to grasp the ship which lay
+motionless on the waters, it spread until it covered the sun.  With
+greatest anxiety the sailors watched the signs of the approaching
+hurricane, making what preparations they could by furling the sails,
+locking the hatchways, and fastening every rope securely.
+
+"We're going to have a hurricane, I fear, Captain.  Just see how the
+quicksilver has dropped in the barometer, and we are right upon this
+accursed island with its coral reefs.  God have mercy on us or we are
+lost," said Gray.
+
+White with fear he looked at the barometer, then at the sky.  Already
+the rumblings of the storm could be heard, and in the distance sheets
+of foam like a mist were being driven before the wind.
+
+"It will be here in a moment.  The first shock will strike us on the
+side.--If we only don't capsize," said the Captain.
+
+"I cannot turn the ship against the wind so long as it is lying still
+like this.  We must let the waves wash over us--there!"
+
+While Gray was speaking the storm broke and went howling through the
+rigging, filling the only sail which was unfurled.  The mast creaked;
+the ship groaned in all its joints, as it tipped on its side until the
+ends of the yards touched the water, and for one awful moment it seemed
+as if it could not right itself.  Then yielding to the rudder it swung
+round to the west, and offered the point of the bow to the storm.  Only
+the fact that it was very strongly built saved it from destruction.
+
+"Keep to the south as much as you can," called the Captain.
+
+"The first danger is over," said Gray breathless, "but what now?  How
+am I to steer a ship that won't and can't be steered in such a storm as
+this.  I wish Green were here in my place."
+
+"Keep to the south as much as you can.  Every inch that we get away
+from the Soloman Islands is so much away from sure destruction.  If we
+can only avoid those coral reefs we shall be safe.--Oh, that I was ever
+fool enough to listen to Redfox and steer for those accursed islands."
+These last words the Captain muttered under his breath, as he realized
+how quickly God's punishment was overtaking him.
+
+"To the south, Captain, so long as mast and sails remain and the good
+ship yields to the rudder; but do let Green come and take my place.  I
+am not capable of steering in such a storm as this."
+
+The Captain left Gray and went immediately to the room where the
+helmsman was chained.  The thrashing of the vessel, and the noise of
+the waves dashing over its decks told that a frightful storm was
+raging, and of the dangers of the coral reefs he knew only too well.
+Consequently he said when the Captain came in, "It is no time now to
+talk of grievances and discipline, you need my help.  I give you my
+word that when the ship is saved, if saved it can be, I will put on my
+chains again."
+
+"I hope it will not be necessary.  You will see that there is some
+misunderstanding.--What was that awful crash?  Death is upon us," cried
+the Captain, interrupting himself.
+
+"One of the masts has broken and gone over board!" cried Green.  "Come
+quickly or we'll go to the bottom.  Bring the two boys into the cabin
+and let them pray.  If God will not spare these two innocent children
+there is no hope for the rest of us.  We can only repent and prepare
+for the end."
+
+A moment later Green was on deck.  The mizzen-mast had broken off, but
+still hung to the side of the vessel with all its tackling.
+
+"Cut the ropes and clear the ship; then try one of the jib-sails,
+otherwise there will be no such thing as steering," he said.
+
+The sailors obeyed quickly.  They were approaching nearer and nearer to
+the reefs, over which the breakers washed with a thundering noise.
+
+"If only the jib-sail will stand the pressure on it, perhaps we can
+avoid the reefs.  I reckon they are not a half mile away; the ship
+yields a little," said Green.
+
+The Captain again came on board, but avoided the helmsman.  To Gray he
+said, "Put out the flying-jib so as to be prepared in case the jib does
+not hold, and get ready to cast the anchor."  The sailors took their
+places at the capstan and made ready to lower the anchor.  Meantime the
+night had settled down quickly, for in the tropics night follows the
+going down of the sun without any twilight.  There was a rainbow but
+thick banks of clouds driven along by the storm hid it.  The darkness
+was so intense that you could not see the top of the mast, and even on
+the deck it was impossible to distinguish objects only a step or two
+away.  Now and again a flash of lightning showed the foaming breakers
+washing over the reefs and the dark outlines of the island beyond them.
+Anxiously every eye was turned towards the point of danger.
+
+"We're not two knots away from those accursed islands," said Gray.
+
+"The storm is rising.  The sails will be in shreds in a moment.  Such
+waves I have never seen before," answered Gray.
+
+The ship danced like a nutshell on the raging waters.  The bowsprit
+raised itself high in the air, while the stern was buried in the trough
+of the sea.  All clung to the ropes or whatever object presented itself
+expecting to be washed overboard, as the boat shook and creaked in its
+agony.
+
+Hanging for dear life to the railing near the wheel the Captain looked
+upon the uproar of the elements, and must have admitted to himself that
+the helmsman's words of accusation were only too well founded.  A
+frightful cry shook his soul.  "Cain, where is thy brother Abel?  What
+hast thou done with thy brother's child?  What judgment will be
+pronounced on thee?"  Now he did not seek to put the guilt on his
+corrupter, his bad angel, but admitted that he was guilty, and despair
+almost broke his heart.  "There is no forgiveness, miserable sinner,"
+whispered the arch enemy.  "Thou art a murderer, thy brother's
+murderer!"  Then came back a happier thought, a picture of his innocent
+youth.  He saw himself before the miraculous image of the Blessed
+Virgin, which he then so often visited.  There were the lights of many
+candles, and her motherly eyes looking down upon him, and at the foot
+of the image written on a little tablet these words: "Mother of mercy,
+refuge of sinners: pray for us."  Like a friendly star in the night of
+awful darkness came this bright picture, and in his agony he cried to
+heaven: "O Lord, give me time to repent and atone for my sins."
+
+The vessel swept on.  The wind tore the sails to shreds.  The sailors
+cast the anchor.  With a thud it went into the sea, and for a moment
+held the vessel.
+
+"Cut the masts," thundered the Captain.  The sailors obeyed orders, but
+with the first stroke of the ax, above the roaring of winds and waves
+came the awful human cry: "The anchor is lost!  We're drifting!"
+
+"God have mercy on our souls," cried Green crossing himself, and the
+Captain fell on his knees, moaning, "Mercy, mercy, O Lord, have mercy
+on us!"
+
+A dazzling streak of lightning showed the white outlines of the reef
+and the next moment a wave mountain high washed the vessel upon it.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+Stranded.
+
+When the ship stranded on the reef all on board were thrown from their
+feet, and the anguishing cries of the shipwrecked mingled with the
+creaking of the vessel and the roaring of the waves.  The two boys
+found themselves in utter darkness in a corner of the cabin.  Willy,
+the first to recover himself sufficiently to speak, said:
+
+"Oh, Peppo, are you alive?"
+
+"I thought the ship was sinking and that we were drowning.  Oh, if we
+had only all repented and atoned," groaned Peppo.
+
+"Hear your people calling," said Willy.
+
+"They are not baptized and will go to hell.  Shall we not try to
+baptize them?  Come, quickly, let us try.  If I could only find the
+door--here it is.  Come, come."
+
+Willy wished to make the effort with his little friend acting as
+interpreter and preacher, but scarcely had he and Peppo groped their
+way out of the cabin before they found themselves caught in a crowd of
+human beings, who screaming and howling at the top of their lungs, were
+making their way from the steerage into which the water was streaming.
+The prow of the ship had struck the reef and was high above the water
+while great waves washed over the stern.  All were crowding up the
+narrow gangway and soon with three hundred Chinaman on deck there was
+not an inch of space not covered with water which was unoccupied.  In
+their fear of death they climbed what was left of the rigging and hung
+there like monkeys calling upon Buddha and all the heathen gods for
+help and giving utterance to wild, maniacal shrieks.  The boys would
+have been pushed overboard in this panic had it not been that they fell
+in with the Captain and helmsman who protected them as best they could.
+
+"Tell your people," cried Green to Peppo, "that there is no need of
+this frightful, insane howling.  We are so securely lodged that we
+cannot possibly sink, and the wreck will hold together until morning.
+Five minutes ago when I saw that we were going to strike the reef, I
+wouldn't have given a pipeful of tobacco for all our lives."  And the
+Captain said to Willy in a more friendly manner than he had ever
+spoken: "You prayed well, my little man."
+
+"Will the first officer also be good to me?" asked Willy, happy to
+receive a kind word.
+
+"Hello, Redfox," cried Green, "we quite forgot you in this mad
+scramble," and the helmsman went to him and helped him along the deck.
+"We are all in the same fix, and as Christians who pray 'Our Father' we
+should forgive and be brothers.  Here is my hand."  The first officer
+refused the proffered hand, turning his back on the honest helmsman.
+
+The night with its raging storm wore away; towards morning the moon
+showing itself in a rift in the clouds lighted the scene.  Scarcely two
+ships' lengths away the sea thundered on the beach; farther out the
+waves, mountain-high, rolled in endless succession; to the right and
+left extended the reef like a wall, several meters above the water,
+except in one place it sank down so abruptly that even at low tide it
+was under water.
+
+"Truly it is a marvel that we struck this reef just in this particular
+place, instead of there where it breaks off so abruptly," said the
+Captain, "yet we are not in a fortunate position.  We have been saved
+from sudden death, but in its place we shall have a lingering and
+perhaps more agonizing one.  The ship is a total loss.  The provisions
+in the stern are under water, and the nearest port is a thousand miles
+away."--Today the great island of Bougainville, on the east coast of
+which the "St. George" stranded, belongs to Germany, and now it is not
+so difficult for those who meet with misfortunes at sea to reach a
+German harbor, but at the time of my story the nearest ports were those
+of Australia and New Caledonia.--"How are three hundred Chinamen to
+live here for an indefinite length of time?"
+
+The full light of day revealed the fact that the reef which was of
+great length was only a few feet wide and separated from the main land
+by an inlet of water.  The first thing that the Captain did was to
+order the Chinamen to take what was left of the sails and build
+themselves tents; then he gave his attention to the question of the
+water supply.
+
+"We must cross to the main land and get some drinking water," he said,
+"for we have only one cask left."
+
+"Just enough to last the big boat on its trip to Australia," whispered
+Redfox to the Captain.  "You and I and Gray, and a couple of the
+strongest of the young fellows will attempt the journey.  Let Green and
+the boys stay here with the Chinamen until we bring help.  Our plans
+will come out all right after all.  The half million for which the ship
+is insured will be ours--and we shall be able to take it with a clear
+conscience, too."
+
+"No, Redfox, enough of your machinations.  I have resolved to turn over
+a new leaf, and to do good hereafter, that is, if there is any good
+left in me.  We must fix up these people the best that we can with the
+wreckage of the ship, build a fort for them yonder on that little
+brook, and give them arms and provisions, then we will cast lots as to
+who is to go in the open boat to the nearest Australian port."
+
+The Captain went on then with preparations for crossing to the island
+for drinking water and edible fruits.  Unfortunately the powder and
+firearms were all under water, so that the men had to make the
+dangerous landing armed only with clubs and knives.  The Captain led
+the party, taking with him four sailors, a dozen or more Chinamen, and
+small Peppo to act as interpreter.  Willy would have gone gladly, but
+his uncle would not hear to his risking his life unnecessarily.
+
+"I'll pray for you, uncle," said the boy, "that it won't go with you
+as--as--"
+
+"As certain people had planned it for you and others," the uncle
+finished the sentence of the faltering child.  "Yes, pray that the old
+saying that 'He who digs a grave for another, himself falls therein,'
+may not be fulfilled."  Turning to Redfox, he asked: "Don't you want to
+go with me?"
+
+The latter muttered something under his breath and slipped away.  The
+Captain gave the signal and soon they were on the opposite shore.  A
+group of natives came down to greet them, seemingly in friendly
+fashion, offered them fruit, and helped to roll the casks up on the
+beach; then all of a sudden with unearthly shrieks they fell upon them
+with their clubs.  With difficulty the Captain and two sailors managed
+to get into the boat and across the inlet, to where their companions,
+pale with fear, stood shuddering to think of the awful fate of their
+comrades.
+
+"Poor, poor Peppo," wailed Willy, "can't we help him?  Will he be eaten
+up by the cannibals?"
+
+Immediately there appeared on the shore whole troops of cannibals, and
+more poured out of the woods.  Swinging their clubs and giving
+frightful war cries they challenged the intruders to do battle with
+them.
+
+"Quickly, boatswain," said the Captain, "order the Chinaman to make a
+raft from the beams of the boat, and to arm themselves as best they
+can.  We must force a landing and get some drinking water or we are
+lost.  It we only had half a dozen guns and some ammunition.--Just
+listen to the cries of these men whom they are putting to death," said
+the Captain, turning his eyes away from the sickening sight. [1]
+
+By means of signs the boatswain tried to incite the Chinamen to action.
+They understood perfectly well what was wanted but remained passive,
+for Lihoa reminded them of the warning of the God of the Golden Fish
+not to engage in any strife.
+
+"Leave the cowards to their fate," said Gray.  "We'll take the single
+cask of water, the salted meat and hardtack which we fished out of the
+sea and get out of here tonight secretly."
+
+The sailors to a man agreed to this plan, but as the boat would hold
+only six persons the thing could not be managed.  The Captain offered
+to remain, and asked who was willing to stay with him.  The helmsman
+was the only one to signify his willingness to stay; the rest preferred
+to settle the matter by drawing lots.  According to this Redfox and
+Gray were to remain, so the Captain appointed Green to direct the boat
+to Australia.
+
+"Green, you are the only man equal to the task, and I give my nephew
+into your keeping.  The boy's life must be saved.  The dangers which
+threaten you on this perilous trip are scarcely less than those which
+we face here.  Perhaps on some neighboring island you can get
+drinking-water, perhaps you will fall in with some ship which will come
+to our rescue.  If we are here a month, yes, a week, even, without
+drinking-water, what then?  But as God wills.  For my part I will
+willingly offer my life as a sacrifice in atonement for the past.  May
+the best of fortune favor you, and may you save the life of my nephew.
+The insurance on this boat all goes to him; and if you rescue him, send
+him to Father Somazzo in Hongkong.  If you cannot save us, come back
+and see that our bones receive decent Christian burial."
+
+Thus spoke the Captain.  The helmsman, who would willingly have stayed
+behind on the dreary reef, made ready for the trip and at midnight set
+sail with the ebb of the tide.
+
+
+
+[1] NOTE.--What is told here and in the following chapter concerning
+the cannibals happened at the time that the "St. Paul" was wrecked on
+the Island of Rossel in July, 1858.  Compare this account with the one
+found in Jos. Spillmann's story, called "Over the South Sea."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+At Last.
+
+Night had settled down.  The Chinamen lay under their tents and
+listened to what Lihoa spoke: "So far we have avoided discord; from the
+sea we have been saved, and now surely the God of the Golden Fish will
+not let us perish from thirst.  Within a few days it must rain;
+drinking-water will come to us from the heavens.  Tonight, I
+understand, that the helmsman is to set sail for Australia in a small
+boat, and take the boy with him.  That will never do.  As you know the
+Captain and Redbeard are the helmsman's enemies and have conspired
+against his life.  He will not come back to save them--he would be a
+fool if he did--but he loves the boy.  Our only salvation lies in
+keeping the boy here with us; in holding him as a whiplash over the
+helmsman.  Otherwise we are lost."
+
+All nodded assent to Lihoa's words, but as they had no way of telling
+the Captain what they wanted, they decided that when the time came for
+the boat to sail they would forcibly detain Willy.  Just here little
+Peppo, whom they thought dead, appeared in their midst.  He and one
+sailor had escaped and swum across the little inlet.  The cannibals had
+not killed them when they did their companions for some reason or other
+but had bound them with cords and left them on the shore.  These cords
+they had managed to unfasten, and, protected by the darkness, had got
+away.  While the sailor was telling his companions of his awful
+experience Lihoa told Peppo what to say to the Captain, and to add
+force to the words, the Chinamen in a body attended the small
+interpreter on his mission.  Great was the noise and excitement
+following his announcement, but how could a handful of men oppose three
+hundred Chinaman?  Willy was ready to stay behind.
+
+"Tommy," he said to the helmsman, "leave me here with Peppo and my
+uncle.  In the boat I'd only be in the way.  I'll pray that you may
+return soon.  Good luck to you.  Be brave of heart, Tommy, and may your
+holy guardian angel watch over you."
+
+Those embarking promised faithfully to come back or to send help as
+soon as possible, and parted with tears in their eyes.  Tommy kissed
+Willy and said: "God knows that if I do not put my faith in your
+guardian angel there is little hope of ever seeing you again on this
+earth.  Once more good-bye until we meet again.  Pray for us all,
+little one."
+
+Thereupon he sprang into the boat, and they were off.  The moon was
+full and in its light they could be seen as they passed through the
+opening in the reef.  Again they called farewell and waved their
+handkerchiefs.  The crew raised the sail and in a few moments the stiff
+breeze had carried the little boat beyond the tongue of land and out of
+sight.  With hearts too full for utterance the men sat and wondered
+what the future would bring.  If by chance the boat fell in with a
+merchant vessel--not a likely thing, as few vessels frequented this
+route--help might come soon, otherwise under the most favorable of
+circumstances they must wait for months for Green to go to Australia
+and come back.
+
+In the crow's nest of the mast which was still standing they kept a
+constant watch in the hope of sighting a vessel and signalling of their
+distress.  Day after day went by with no sign of help.  Mercilessly the
+tropical sun burned down on the dreary sandbar.  Scurvy broke out.  The
+small amount of rations which they had, water-soaked biscuits and
+salted meats, increased their thirst, and to add to their distress the
+cannibals on the opposite shore mockingly showed them bunches of
+luscious bananas and other tropical fruits.
+
+"Don't look there any more, Willy," said Peppo.  "Those dreadful
+cannibals are only just showing us the fruit to tantalize us, and if we
+go after it we shall be murdered and eaten up the way I've told you
+about."
+
+"But, Peppo, I think the thirst is just as bad as being killed,"
+complained Willy, "I'd just as soon be killed as die of thirst."
+
+"That's just what my people were saying today," answered Peppo.  "Lihoa
+told them that they were to be patient a little longer, that the rain
+would surely come for he had seen unfailing signs.  We will bear the
+thirst with patience for a little time yet.  You know why I want them
+to hold out.  I want to convert them.  My poor countrymen!"
+
+"Peppo! how came you to think of that?" said Willy, looking at his
+friend with open eyes.
+
+"I don't know.  Just a little while ago when I was praying the thought
+came to me, and I firmly believe that God saved me from the cannibals
+for this purpose.  I have been talking to Lihoa and the others about
+the belief in Jesus Christ and baptism, and many of them said that if
+our God would save them now in their hour of peril, they would be
+baptized.  The most of them are looking for help from one of their gods
+who rides on a Golden Fish.  They expect he will be forced to rescue
+them from this miserable reef through the offerings of one of their
+priests."
+
+"A God that rides on a Golden Fish?  I'd like to see him," said Willy.
+"You are right about advising them to be baptized.  We may all perish
+here before Tommy gets back with help.  And if we do, the Chinese with
+the holy grace of baptism will go to heaven.  If we are all saved, then
+they will take back with them to Hongkong a greater treasure than all
+the gold of the Goldland to the south.  That would be such a fine thing
+for yon, Peppo!  Do you not remember what Father Somazzo said about the
+saving of a soul--that one precious soul was worth more to God than all
+the gold and jewels in the world.  What a happy boy you will be, if you
+save not one but three hundred souls?  Oh, if I only understood Chinese
+and could help you explain our faith!"
+
+"You can help by offering this awful desire for water to God as a
+sacrifice.  Father Somazzo used to tell us to offer up many unpleasant
+little things as sacrifices to God for the conversion of the heathens
+and promised us our reward for so doing."
+
+Willy did as Peppo suggested and his thirst became easier to bear.
+Captain Brown who happened to be standing by and overheard this
+conversation most heartily approved of the plan.  Since the rescue from
+the shipwreck he had been a different man.  Redfox no longer held him
+in his power; drinking and gambling had no attractions for him and he
+turned away from "his bad angel" in disgust.  His sins and frivolity he
+repented most sincerely, and with tears in his eyes, he said to the
+boys, "If only you and the rest can be saved I will give my life.--O
+Lord, Lord, take my life as atonement for the past," he prayed aloud.
+
+Next day Lihoa's prophecy came true.  The heavens clouded over and
+there came a frightful thunderstorm.  The rain poured down.  The
+thirsty men caught it by spreading out the sails and soon the empty
+casks were filled.  Its coming gave relief to dire distress but brought
+with it a new misery.  The water soaked and rotted the sun-dried wood
+of the wreck, which the Chinese had made into small huts, until fever
+broke out to add to the suffering caused by scurvy.  The coming of the
+fever more than anything else caused the Chinese to lose their faith in
+the God of the Golden Fish.
+
+"Neither by discord, the sea, nor thirst, concerning which our lying
+priest warned us, have we lost a single one of our number, but now
+disease rages until our men die like flies," said Lihoa.
+
+From this time on all of the sick were willing to be baptized--not by
+the Captain but by the two boys, Willy and Peppo.  The Captain became
+very ill and Willy nursed him.  Redfox was taken with fever, and in his
+delirium would trust no one to wait upon him.  Constantly he cried
+"Water! water!" then would not take it when offered him.  Willy gave
+him a glass and he threw it at his head screaming, "Poison! poison!
+The boy wants to poison me!"  One morning he was gone.  His companions
+searched for him in vain, and finally recognized his agonizing cries
+from the opposite shore where the cannibals were torturing him.  In his
+delirium he had swum across the narrow inlet which separated them from
+their enemies; his heartrending cries told of the reception accorded
+him.  "Oh, if he had only repented!" cried the boys with a shudder, as
+they listened.
+
+      *      *      *      *      *      *
+
+The rainy season had been over for weeks and again the water in the
+casks was running short.  When it was gone, what then?--Men looked
+death in the face and prepared for it.  Of the crew barely a dozen were
+left; and of the Chinamen not more than fifty, and all of them were
+suffering from scurvy.  They wandered about looking more like ghosts
+than human beings, and now still another danger threatened.  For a long
+time they had noticed that the cannibals were preparing to attack them.
+
+"How shall we protect ourselves?" asked the Captain; "if they really do
+fall upon us, we are lost.  Willy go have Peppo tell his people who
+have not been baptized that it is high time that they attend to the
+matter, and then climb the mast to see if you can make out what the
+cannibals are doing.  We will sell our hides as dearly as possible."
+
+Willy delivered the message to Peppo, and climbed the mast, which after
+the destruction of the wreck had been put up on the shore as a place
+from which to keep a lookout for passing vessels rather than to spy on
+the neighbors opposite.  The sailors were so sick and weak that none of
+them could climb the mast to the crow's nest, so the task always
+devolved on the two boys, who though they had eaten of the salt meat,
+had not as yet been attacked with scurvy.  This time instead of
+watching the sea Willy gave his attention to the natives who had built
+a raft and were manning it to cross the inlet and make an attack.
+After reporting what he saw his uncle called to him to come down and
+help baptize the Chinamen.  Just then the boy glanced seaward and to
+his surprise discovered a ship lying at anchor not a mile away.  "Holy
+guardian angel!  Blessed Mother of God!" he cried in joy.  "A ship! a
+ship!  A ship in sight!  Ship--ahoy!  Wait, wait, they're coming!
+They're launching a small boat!"  Willy was so excited that he did not
+know what he was saying, as he slid down the mast and ran for the shore
+followed by all his companions.
+
+It was really true that a ship was at anchor but a short distance away
+and that the needed help was at hand, for, "When need is greatest God's
+help is nearest."  Just as the first raft loaded with cannibals
+attempted to land, a boat with Tommy Green at the helm appeared in the
+opening of the coral reef and a half dozen shots sufficed to frighten
+away the enemy.  A moment or two later Willy was in the arms of his old
+friend.  It did not take long for the men who had survived the horrors
+of life on the coral reef to make their way to "The South Star."
+
+What had been Tommy Green's experiences at sea in an open boat?  He
+told of storms, a calm, hunger, and thirst, and how more than once he
+and his companions were in utter despair, but ever to their minds in
+the hour of greatest trial came the thought "Surely the guardian angels
+of those two innocent boys will not desert us."
+
+"And they have not," said Tommy, "for they have brought us to you now
+when you needed us most.  Is that not true, my children."
+
+With good care and treatment the most of the sick recovered before "The
+South Star" put into the harbor of Hongkong.  On disembarking at
+Willy's request the Captain gave each of the Chinamen a sum of gold,
+which to them seemed a great fortune.  Lihoa thanking the Captain for
+himself and his people said, "This is not the real treasure which we
+have brought home with us; our real treasure is the true religion."
+Full of joy they went back to their little hamlet where they told of
+their experiences and soon converted many of their people to the
+Christian faith.  Still greater than the rejoicing in the little hamlet
+was that at the College of the Holy Saviour when the shipwrecked boys
+put in their appearance.  Brother Onufrio shed tears of joy and Father
+Somazzo was deeply moved when told of the sufferings endured on the
+coral reef.  "God has done all things for the best," he said, "and His
+guardian angels watched over you, my children, in your hour of greatest
+need."
+
+When the excitement attendant upon the arrival of the sufferers had
+somewhat died down Tommy Green asked to be received as lay brother in
+the congregation of missioners, in accordance with a solemn vow he made
+on the night of the shipwreck.  Captain Brown showed a desire to follow
+his example, but God in His mercy took the deed for the word, calling
+the repentant man to Him within a few months.  The two boys continued
+their studies in the College.  Peppo became a missioner, and is perhaps
+this very day carrying on his blessed work among his people.  Willy
+made law his life work and had an honorable career in his chosen
+profession.
+
+
+
+***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SHIPWRECK***
+
+
+******* This file should be named 18399.txt or 18399.zip *******
+
+
+This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/1/8/3/9/18399
+
+
+
+Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
+will be renamed.
+
+Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
+one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
+(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
+permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
+set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
+copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
+protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
+Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
+charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
+do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
+rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
+such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
+research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
+practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
+subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
+redistribution.
+
+
+
+*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
+
+THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
+PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
+
+To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
+distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
+(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at
+http://www.gutenberg.org/license).
+
+
+Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic works
+
+1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
+and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
+(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
+the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
+all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
+If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
+terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
+entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
+
+1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
+used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
+agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
+things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
+even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
+paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
+and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
+
+1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
+or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
+collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
+individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
+located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
+copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
+works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
+are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
+Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
+freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
+this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
+the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
+keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
+Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
+
+1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
+what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
+a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
+the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
+before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
+creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
+Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
+the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
+States.
+
+1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
+
+1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
+access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
+whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
+phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
+Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
+copied or distributed:
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
+from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
+posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
+and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
+or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
+with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
+work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
+through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
+Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
+1.E.9.
+
+1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
+with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
+must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
+terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
+to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
+permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
+
+1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
+work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
+
+1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
+electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
+prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
+active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm License.
+
+1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
+compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
+word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
+distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
+"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
+posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
+you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
+copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
+request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
+form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
+
+1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
+performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
+unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
+
+1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
+access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
+that
+
+- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
+     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
+     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
+     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
+     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
+     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
+     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
+     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
+     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
+     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
+     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
+     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
+
+- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
+     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
+     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
+     License.  You must require such a user to return or
+     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
+     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
+     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
+     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
+     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
+     of receipt of the work.
+
+- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
+     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
+
+1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
+electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
+forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
+both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
+Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
+Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
+
+1.F.
+
+1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
+effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
+public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
+collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
+"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
+corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
+property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
+computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
+your equipment.
+
+1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
+of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
+Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
+Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
+liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
+fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
+LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
+PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
+TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
+LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
+INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
+DAMAGE.
+
+1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
+defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
+receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
+written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
+received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
+your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
+the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
+refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
+providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
+receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
+is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
+opportunities to fix the problem.
+
+1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
+in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
+WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
+WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
+
+1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
+warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
+If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
+law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
+interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
+the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
+provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
+
+1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
+trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
+providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
+with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
+promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
+harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
+that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
+or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
+work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
+Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
+
+
+Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
+electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
+including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
+because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
+people in all walks of life.
+
+Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
+assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
+goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
+remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
+Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
+and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
+To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
+and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
+and the Foundation web page at http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/pglaf.
+
+
+Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
+Foundation
+
+The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
+501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
+state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
+Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
+number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
+permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
+
+The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
+Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
+throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at
+809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email
+business@pglaf.org.  Email contact links and up to date contact
+information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official
+page at http://www.gutenberg.org/about/contact
+
+For additional contact information:
+     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
+     Chief Executive and Director
+     gbnewby@pglaf.org
+
+Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
+Literary Archive Foundation
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
+spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
+increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
+freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
+array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
+($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
+status with the IRS.
+
+The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
+charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
+States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
+considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
+with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
+where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
+SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
+particular state visit http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
+have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
+against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
+approach us with offers to donate.
+
+International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
+any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
+outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
+
+Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
+methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
+ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
+To donate, please visit:
+http://www.gutenberg.org/fundraising/donate
+
+
+Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
+works.
+
+Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
+concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
+with anyone.  For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project
+Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
+
+Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
+editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
+unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
+keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
+
+Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
+
+     http://www.gutenberg.org
+
+This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
+including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
+Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
+subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
+
diff --git a/18399.zip b/18399.zip
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..7e938a3
--- /dev/null
+++ b/18399.zip
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..096b36e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #18399 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/18399)