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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:38:15 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 02:38:15 -0700 |
| commit | be1185967bb787797e886fd5d9c38c5237d6eee2 (patch) | |
| tree | 3334b91d82905171ae7b8a3971b3f331440ec357 /28357-tei/28357-tei.tei | |
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diff --git a/28357-tei/28357-tei.tei b/28357-tei/28357-tei.tei new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c685c83 --- /dev/null +++ b/28357-tei/28357-tei.tei @@ -0,0 +1,21058 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> +<!DOCTYPE TEI.2 SYSTEM "http://www.gutenberg.org/tei/marcello/0.4/dtd/pgtei.dtd"> +<TEI.2 lang="en"> + <teiHeader> + <fileDesc> + <titleStmt> + <title>By Conduct and Courage</title> + <author><name reg="Henty, George Alfred">G. A. Henty</name></author> + </titleStmt> + <editionStmt> + <edition n="1">Edition 1</edition> + </editionStmt> + <publicationStmt> + <publisher>Project Gutenberg</publisher> + <date value="2009-03-19">March 19, 2009</date> + <idno type='etext-no'>28357</idno> + <availability> + <p>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 online at www.gutenberg.org/license</p> + </availability> + </publicationStmt> + <sourceDesc> + <p> + <bibl>Henty, G. A.: By conduct and courage. - London : Blackie, 1905</bibl> + </p> + </sourceDesc> + </fileDesc> + <encodingDesc> + </encodingDesc> + <profileDesc> + <langUsage> + <language id="fr" /> + <language id="en" /> + </langUsage> + </profileDesc> + <revisionDesc> + <change> + <date value="2009-03-19">March 19, 2009</date> + <respStmt> + <resp> + Taavi Kalju, Stefan Cramme, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + at http://www.pgdp.net + (This file was produced from images generously made available + by The Internet Archive/Canadian Libraries) + </resp> + </respStmt> + <item>Project Gutenberg TEI edition 1</item> + </change> + </revisionDesc> + </teiHeader> + + <pgExtensions> + <pgStyleSheet> + .bold { font-weight: bold } + .italic { font-style: italic } + .right { text-align: right } + .smallcaps { font-variant: small-caps } + .center { text-align: center } + figure { text-align: center } + head { text-align: center } + </pgStyleSheet> +<!-- uncomment this CharMap to directly generate ISO 8859-1; replace "(two hyphens)" in the first char with the characters mentioned --> + <!--<pgCharMap formats="txt"> + <char id="U0x2014"> + <charName>mdash</charName> + <desc>EM DASH</desc> + <mapping>(two hyphens)</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x2013"> + <charName>ndash</charName> + <desc>EN DASH</desc> + <mapping>-</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x153"> + <charName>oelig</charName> + <desc>LATIN SMALL LIGATURE OE</desc> + <mapping>oe</mapping> + </char> + + <char id="U0x2018"> + <charName>lsquo</charName> + <desc>LEFT SINGLE QUOTATION MARK</desc> + <mapping>'</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x2019"> + <charName>rsquo</charName> + <desc>RIGHT SINGLE QUOTATION MARK</desc> + <mapping>'</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x201C"> + <charName>ldquo</charName> + <desc>LEFT DOUBLE QUOTATION MARK</desc> + <mapping>"</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x201D"> + <charName>rdquo</charName> + <desc>RIGHT DOUBLE QUOTATION MARK</desc> + <mapping>"</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x215b"> + <charName>VULGAR FRACTION ONE EIGHTH</charName> + <mapping>-1/8</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0xbd"> + <charName>frac12</charName> + <mapping>-1/2</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0xbc"> + <charName>frac14</charName> + <mapping>-1/4</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0xbe"> + <charName>frac34</charName> + <mapping>-3/4</mapping> + </char> + <char id="U0x2009"> + <charName>thinsp</charName> + <desc>THIN SPACE</desc> + <mapping></mapping> + </char> + </pgCharMap>--> + + </pgExtensions> + +<text lang="en"> +<front> + <div> + <divGen type="pgheader" /> + </div> + <div> + <divGen type="encodingDesc" /> + </div> + <div rend="page-break-before: always"> + <pb/><anchor id='Pg001a'/> + + <p rend="center; font-size: large"> + BY CONDUCT AND COURAGE + </p> + </div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> + <pb/><anchor id='Pg002a'/> + + <p rend="center"> + MR. HENTY’S HISTORICAL TALES. + </p> + + <list> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Cat of Bubastes</hi>: A Story of Ancient Egypt. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Young Carthaginian</hi>: A Story of the Times of Hannibal. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>For the Temple</hi>: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Beric the Briton</hi>: A Story of the Roman Invasion. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Dragon and the Raven</hi>: or, The Days of King Alfred. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Wulf the Saxon</hi>: A Story of the Norman Conquest. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>A Knight of the White Cross</hi>: The Siege of Rhodes. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>In Freedom’s Cause</hi>: A Story of Wallace and Bruce. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Lion of St. Mark</hi>: A Story of Venice in the 14th Century. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>St. George for England</hi>: A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>A March on London</hi>: A Story of Wat Tyler. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Both Sides the Border</hi>: A Tale of Hotspur and Glendower. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>At Agincourt</hi>: A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>By Right of Conquest</hi>: or, With Cortez in Mexico. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>St. Bartholomew’s Eve</hi>: A Tale of the Huguenot Wars. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>By Pike and Dyke</hi>: A Tale of the Rise of the Dutch Republic. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>By England’s Aid</hi>: or, The Freeing of the Netherlands. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Under Drake’s Flag</hi>: A Tale of the Spanish Main. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Lion of the North</hi>: A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Won by the Sword</hi>: A Tale of the Thirty Years’ War. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>When London Burned</hi>: A Story of the Great Fire. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Orange and Green</hi>: A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>A Jacobite Exile</hi>: In the Service of Charles XII. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>In the Irish Brigade</hi>: A Tale of War in Flanders and Spain. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Bravest of the Brave</hi>: or, With Peterborough in Spain. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Bonnie Prince Charlie</hi>: A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Clive in India</hi>: or, The Beginnings of an Empire. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Frederick the Great</hi>: The Seven Years’ War. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Wolfe in Canada</hi>: or, The Winning of a Continent. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>True To the Old Flag</hi>: The American War of Independence. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Held Fast for England</hi>: A Tale of the Siege of Gibraltar. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>In the Reign of Terror</hi>: The French Revolution. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>No Surrender!</hi> A Tale of the Rising in La Vendée. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>A Roving Commission</hi>: A Story of the Hayti Insurrection. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Tiger of Mysore</hi>: The War with Tippoo Saib. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>At Aboukir and Acre</hi>: Napoleon’s Invasion of Egypt. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Moore at Corunna</hi>: A Tale of the Peninsular War. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Under Wellington’s Command</hi>: The Peninsular War. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Cochrane the Dauntless</hi>: A Tale of his Exploits. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Through the Fray</hi>: A Story of the Luddite Riots. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Through Russian Snows</hi>: The Retreat from Moscow. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>One of the 28th</hi>: A Story of Waterloo. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>In Greek Waters</hi>: A Story of the Grecian War (1821). 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>On the Irrawaddy</hi>: A Story of the First Burmese War. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Through the Sikh War</hi>: A Tale of the Punjaub. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Maori and Settler</hi>: A Story of the New Zealand War. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Lee in Virginia</hi>: A Story of the American Civil War. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>By Sheer Pluck</hi>: A Tale of the Ashanti War. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Out With Garibaldi</hi>: A Story of the Liberation of Italy. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>For Name and Fame</hi>: or, To Cabul with Roberts. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>The Dash for Khartoum</hi>: A Tale of the Nile Expedition. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>Condemned As a Nihilist</hi>: A Story of Escape from Siberia. 5<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + <item><hi rend='smallcaps'>With Buller in Natal</hi>: or, A Born Leader. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi></item> + </list> + + <pb/><anchor id='Pg001'/> + + </div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> + <pb/><anchor id='Pg002'/> + <pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <q>AS THEY CLIMBED UP THEY WERE CONFRONTED BY<lb/> FULLY A HUNDRED ARMED MOORS</q>]</p> + </then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill01"/> + <figure url="images/ill01.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small"><q>AS THEY CLIMBED UP THEY WERE CONFRONTED + BY<lb/> FULLY A HUNDRED ARMED MOORS</q></hi></head><figDesc>Illustration: AS THEY CLIMBED UP THEY WERE CONFRONTED BY FULLY A HUNDRED ARMED MOORS</figDesc></figure></p> + </else></pgIf> + </div> + <titlePage rend="center; page-break-before: right"> + <pb/><anchor id='Pg003'/> + <docTitle> + <titlePart rend="font-size: xx-large">BY CONDUCT AND COURAGE</titlePart> + <lb/><lb/> + <titlePart>A STORY OF THE DAYS OF NELSON</titlePart> + </docTitle> + <lb/><lb/> + <byline>BY<lb/><lb/> <docAuthor rend="font-size: x-large">G. A. HENTY</docAuthor> + <lb/><lb/> + <hi rend="font-size: small">Author of “With Roberts to Pretoria” “With Buller in Natal”<lb/> + “With Kitchener in the Soudan” &c.</hi> + </byline> + <lb/><lb/> + <titlePart><hi rend='italic; font-size: small'>ILLUSTRATED BY WILLIAM RAINEY, R.I.</hi></titlePart> + <lb/><lb/><lb/><lb/> + <docImprint><hi rend="font-size: large">BLACKIE AND SON LIMITED</hi><lb/> + <hi rend="font-size: small">LONDON GLASGOW DUBLIN BOMBAY</hi> + </docImprint> + <lb/> + <docDate>1905</docDate> + <pb/><anchor id='Pg004'/> + </titlePage> + <div rend="page-break-before: right"> + + <pb n='5'/><anchor id='Pg005'/> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> + <head rend="font-size: x-large">PUBLISHERS’ NOTE</head> + + <p> + Mr. George A. Henty, who died in November, 1902, had + completed three new stories, <hi rend='italic'>With the Allies to Pekin</hi>, <hi rend='italic'>Through + Three Campaigns</hi>, and <hi rend='italic'>By Conduct and Courage</hi>. Of these, + <hi rend='italic'>Through Three Campaigns</hi> and <hi rend='italic'>With the Allies to Pekin</hi> were + published in the autumn of 1903; the present story is therefore + the last of Mr. Henty’s great series of historical stories + for boys. + </p> + + <p> + The proofs have been revised by Mr. G. A. Henty’s son, + Captain C. G. Henty. + </p> + + <pb n='6'/><anchor id='Pg006'/> + + </div><div rend="page-break-before: right"> + <pb n='7'/><anchor id='Pg007'/> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> + <head rend="font-size: x-large">CONTENTS</head> + + <table rend="tblcolumns: 'r lw(40m) r'; latexcolumns: 'rp{6.5cm}r'; margin-left: 2"> + + <row> + <cell rend="right; font-size: small"><hi rend="smallcaps">CHAP.</hi></cell> + <cell/> + <cell rend="right; font-size: small">Page</cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">I. </cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">An Orphan</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg011">11</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">II. </cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">In the King’s Service</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg032">32</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">III. </cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">A Sea-Fight</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg053">53</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">IV. </cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Promoted</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg075">75</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">V. </cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">A Pirate Hold</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg096">96</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">VI.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">A Narrow Escape</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg119">119</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">VII.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">An Independent Command</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg137">137</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">VIII.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">A Splendid Haul</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg157">157</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">IX.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">A Spell Ashore</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg178">178</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">X.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Back at Scarcombe</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg197">197</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XI.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Captives Among the Moors</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg212">212</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XII.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Back on the <q>Tartar</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg234">234</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XIII.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">With Nelson</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg250">250</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XIV.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">The Glorious First of June</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg264">264</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XV.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Escaped</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg284">284</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XVI.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">A Daring Exploit</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg300">300</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XVII.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">On Board the <q>Jason</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg321">321</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right"> XVIII.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">St. Vincent and Camperdown</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg342">342</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell rend="right">XIX.</cell> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Conclusion</hi></cell> + <cell rend="right"><ref target="Pg362">362</ref></cell> + </row> + + </table> + <pb n='8'/><anchor id='Pg008'/> + + </div><div rend="page-break-before: right"> + <pb n='9'/><anchor id='Pg009'/> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> + <head rend="font-size: x-large">ILLUSTRATIONS</head> + + <table rows="9" cols="3" rend="tblcolumns:'l lw(50m) r'; latexcolumns:'lp{7cm}r'"> + <row> + <cell> </cell> + <cell/> + <cell rend="right"><hi rend="font-size: small">Page</hi></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps"><q>As they climbed up they were confronted by <lb/> + fully a hundred armed Moors</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><hi rend="italic"><ref target="ill01">Frontis.</ref></hi> <ref target="Pg213">213</ref></cell> + </row> + + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">After His First Fight</hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill02">65</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">Will Leads a Party to take the Enemy in the Rear</hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill03">109</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps">The Rescue</hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill04">155</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps"><q>Tom and Dimchurch made a Desperate Defence</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill05">191</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps"><q>He ordered the man at the helm to steer for the + frigate</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill06">286</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps"><q>He was just in time to see Lucien alight</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill07">312</ref></cell> + </row> + <row> + <cell/> + <cell><hi rend="smallcaps"><q>At last her Captain was compelled to Strike</q></hi></cell> + <cell rend="text-align: right"><ref target="ill08">355</ref></cell> + </row> + </table> + + <pb n='10'/><anchor id='Pg010'/> + + </div> +</front> +<body rend="page-break-before: right"> + <pb n='11'/><anchor id='Pg011'/> + <head>BY CONDUCT AND COURAGE</head> + <div n="1"> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> + +<head>CHAPTER I</head> + +<head type="sub">AN ORPHAN</head> + +<p> +A wandering musician was a rarity in the village of +Scarcombe. In fact, such a thing had not been known +in the memory of the oldest inhabitant. What could +have brought him here? men and women asked themselves. +There was surely nobody who could dance in the village, and +the few coppers he would gain by performing on his violin +would not repay him for his trouble. Moreover, Scarcombe +was a bleak place, and the man looked sorely shaken with +the storm of life. He seemed, indeed, almost unable to hold +out much longer; his breath was short, and he had a hacking +cough. +</p> + +<p> +To the surprise of the people, he did not attempt to play +for their amusement or to ask, in any way, for alms. He had +taken a lodging in the cottage of one of the fishermen, and on +fine days he would wander out with his boy, a child some five +years old, and, lying down on the moorland, would play soft +tunes to himself. So he lived for three weeks; and then the +end came suddenly. The child ran out one morning from his +room crying and saying that daddy was asleep and he could +<pb n='12'/><anchor id='Pg012'/>not wake him, and on the fisherman going in he saw that +life had been extinct for some hours. Probably it had come +suddenly to the musician himself, for there was found among +his scanty effects no note or memorandum giving a clue to the +residence of the child’s friends, or leaving any direction concerning +him. The clergyman was, of course, called in to advise +as to what should be done. He was a kind-hearted man, and +volunteered to bury the dead musician without charging any fees. +</p> + +<p> +After the funeral another question arose. What was to be +done with the child? +</p> + +<p> +He was a fine-looking, frank boy, who had grown and +hardened beyond his years by the life he had led with his +father. Fifteen pounds had been found in the dead man’s kit. +This, however, would fall to the share of the workhouse +authorities if they took charge of him. A sort of informal +council was held by the elder fishermen. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is hard on the child,</q> one of them said. <q>I have no +doubt his father intended to tell him where to find his friends, +but his death came too suddenly. Here is fifteen pounds. Not +much good, you will say; and it isn’t. It might last a year, +or maybe eighteen months, but at the end of that time he +would be as badly off as he is now.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Maybe John Hammond would take him,</q> another suggested. +<q>He lost his boat and nets three weeks ago, and +though he has a little money saved up, it is not enough to +replace them. Perhaps he would take the child in return for +the fifteen pounds. His old woman could do with him, too, +and would soon make him a bit useful. John himself is a +kind-hearted chap, and would treat him well, and in a few +years the boy would make a useful nipper on board his boat.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='13'/><anchor id='Pg013'/> + +<p> +John Hammond was sent for, and the case was put to him. +<q>Well,</q> he said, <q>I think I could do with him, and the brass +would be mighty useful to me just now; but how does the law +stand? If it got to be talked about, the parish might come +down upon me for the money.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, John,</q> one of the others said. <q>The best plan +would be for you, and two of us, to go up to parson, and ask +him how the matter stands. If he says that it is all right, +you may be sure that you would be quite safe.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The clergyman, upon being consulted, said that he thought +the arrangement was a very good one. The parish authorities +had not been asked to find any money for the father’s funeral, +and had therefore no say in the matter, unless they were called +upon to take the child. Should any question be asked, he +would state that he himself had gone into the matter and had +strongly approved of the arrangement, which he considered +was to their advantage as well as the child’s; for if they took +charge of the boy they would have to keep him at least ten +years, and then pay for apprenticing him out. +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly the boy was handed over to John Hammond. +With the buoyancy of childhood, William Gilmore, which +was the best that could be made of what he gave as his +name, soon felt at home in the fisherman’s cottage. It was +a pleasant change to him after having been a wanderer with +his father for as far back as he could remember. The old +woman was kind in her rough way, and soon took to sending +him on small errands. She set him on washing-days to watch +the pot and tell her when it boiled. When not so employed +she allowed him to play with other children of his own age. +</p> + +<p> +Sometimes when the weather was fine, John, who had come +<pb n='14'/><anchor id='Pg014'/>to be very fond of the boy, never having had any children of +his own, would take him out with him fishing, to the child’s +supreme enjoyment. After a year of this life he was put to +the village school, which was much less to his liking. Here, +fortunately for himself, he attracted the notice of the clergyman’s +daughter, a girl of sixteen. She, of course, knew his +story, and was filled with a great pity for him. She was a +little inclined to romance, and in her own mind invented many +theories to account for his appearance in the village. Her +father would laugh sometimes when she related some of these +to him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My dear child,</q> he said, <q>it is not necessary to go so far +to account for the history of this poor wandering musician. +You say that he looked to you like a broken-down gentleman; +there are thousands of such men in the country, ne’er-do-wells, +who have tired out all their friends, and have taken at last to +a life that permits a certain amount of freedom and furnishes +them with a living sufficient for necessary wants. It is from +such men as these that the great body of tramps is largely +recruited. Many such men drive hackney-coaches in our large +towns; some of them enlist in the army; but wherever they +are, and whatever they take up, they are sure to stay near the +foot of the tree. They have no inclination for better things. +They work as hard as men who have steady employment, but +they prefer their own liberty with a crust to a solid meal +regularly earned. I agree with you myself that there was an +appearance of having seen better times about this man; I can +go so far with you as to admit that I think that at some time +or other he moved in decent circles; but if we could get at the +truth I have no doubt whatever that we should find that he +<pb n='15'/><anchor id='Pg015'/>had thrown away every opportunity, alienated every friend, +and, having cut himself adrift from all ties, took to the life of +a wanderer. For such a man nothing could be done; but I +hope that the boy, beginning in vastly poorer circumstances +than his father, will some day come to earn his living honestly +in the position of life in which he is placed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The interest, however, which Miss Warden took in the boy +remained unabated, and had a very useful effect upon him. +She persuaded him to come up every day for half an hour to +the rectory, and then instructed him in his lessons, educating +him in a manner very different from the perfunctory teaching +of the old dame at the school. She would urge him on by +telling him that if he would attend to his lessons he would +some day be able to rise to a better position than that of a +village fisherman. His father, no doubt, had had a good +education, but from circumstances over which he had had no +control he had been obliged to take to the life of a strolling +musician, and she was sure that he would have wished of all +things that his son should be able to obtain a good position +in life when he grew up. +</p> + +<p> +Under Miss Warden’s teaching the boy made very rapid +progress, and was, before two more years had passed, vastly in +advance of the rest of the children of the village. As to this, +however, by Miss Warden’s advice, he remained silent. When +he was ten his regular schooling was a great deal interrupted, +as it was considered that when a boy reached that age it was +high time that he began to assist his father in the boat. He +was glad of his freedom and the sense that he was able to +make himself useful, but of an evening when he was at home, +or weather prevented the boat from going out, he went up for +<pb n='16'/><anchor id='Pg016'/>his lesson to Miss Warden, and, stealing away from the others, +would lie down on the moor and work at his books. +</p> + +<p> +He was now admitted to the society of watchers. He had +often heard whispers among other boys of the look-out that +had to be kept upon the custom-house officers, and heard +thrilling tales of adventure and escape on the part of the fishermen. +Smuggling was indeed carried on on a large scale on the +whole Yorkshire coast, and cargoes were sometimes run under +the very noses of the revenue officers, who were put off the +scent by many ingenious contrivances. Before a vessel was +expected in, rumours would be circulated of an intention to +land the cargo on some distant spot, and a mysterious light +would be shown in that direction by fishing-boats. Sometimes, +however, the smugglers were caught in the act, and +then there would be a fierce fight, ending in some, at least, of +those engaged being taken off to prison and afterwards sent on +a voyage in a ship of war. +</p> + +<p> +Will Gilmore was now admitted as a helper in these proceedings, +and often at night would watch one or other of the +revenue men, and if he saw him stir beyond his usual beat +would quickly carry the news to the village. A score of boys +were thus employed, so that any movement which seemed to +evidence a concentration of the coast-guard men was almost +certain to be thwarted. Either the expected vessel was +warned off with lights, or, if the concentration left unguarded +the place fixed upon for landing, the cargo would be immediately +run. +</p> + +<p> +Thus another five years passed. Will was now a strong lad. +His friend, Miss Warden, could teach him but little more, but +she often had him up of an evening to have a chat with him. +</p> + +<pb n='17'/><anchor id='Pg017'/> + +<p> +<q>I am afraid, William,</q> she said one evening, <q>that a +good deal of smuggling is carried on here. Last week there +was a fight, and three of the men of the village were killed +and several were taken away to prison. It is a terrible state +of affairs.</q> +</p> + +<p> +William did not for a moment answer. It was something +entirely new to him that there was anything wrong in smuggling. +He regarded it as a mere contest of wits between the +coast-guard and the fishermen, and had taken a keen pleasure +in outwitting the former. +</p> + +<p> +<q>But there is no harm in smuggling, Miss Warden. Almost +everyone takes part in it, and the farmers round all send their +carts in when a run is expected.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But it is very wrong, William, and the fact that so +many people are ready to aid in it is no evidence in its +favour. People band together to cheat the King’s Revenue, +and thereby bring additional taxation upon those who deal +fairly. It is as much robbery to avoid the excise duties as +it is to carry off property from a house, and it has been a +great grief to my father that his parishioners, otherwise +honest and God-fearing people, should take part in such +doings, as is evidenced by the fact that so many of them were +involved in the fray last week. He only abstains from denouncing +it in the pulpit because he fears that he might +thereby lose the affection of the people and impair his power +of doing good in other respects.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I never thought of it in that way, miss,</q> the lad said +seriously. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Just think in your own case, William: suppose you were +caught and sent off to sea; there would be an end of the +<pb n='18'/><anchor id='Pg018'/>work you have been doing. You would be mixed up with +rough sailors, and, after being away on a long voyage, you +would forget all that you have learnt, and would be as rough +as themselves. This would be a poor ending indeed to all the +pains I have taken with you, and all the labour you have +yourself expended in trying to improve yourself. It would +be a great grief to me, I can assure you, and a cruel disappointment, +to know that my hopes for you had all come to +naught.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>They sha’n’t, Miss Warden,</q> the boy said firmly. <q>I +know it will be hard for me to draw back, but, if necessary, +I will leave the village now that you are going to be married. +If you had been going to stay I would have stopped too, but +the village will not be like itself to me after you have left.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am glad to think you mean that. I have remained here +as long as I could be of use to you, for though I have taught +you as much as I could in all branches of education that would +be likely to be useful to you, have lent you my father’s books, +and pushed you forward till I could no longer lead the way, +there are still, of course, many things for you to learn. You +have got a fair start, but you must not be content with that. +If you have to leave, and I don’t think a longer stay here +would be of use to you, I will endeavour to obtain some situation +for you at Scarborough or Whitby, where you could, after +your work is done, continue your education. But I beg you +to do nothing rashly. It would be better if you could stay +here for another year or so. We may hope that the men will +not be so annoyed as you think at your refusal to take further +part in the smuggling operations. At any rate, stay if you +can for a time. It will be two months before I leave, and +<pb n='19'/><anchor id='Pg019'/>three more before I am settled in my new home at Scarborough. +When I am so I have no doubt that my husband +will aid me in obtaining a situation for you. He has been +there for years, and will, of course, have very many friends +and acquaintances who would interest themselves in you. If, +however, you find that your position would be intolerable, you +might remain quiet as to your determination. After the fight +of last week it is not likely that there will be any attempt at +a landing for some little time to come, and I shall not blame +you, therefore, if you at least keep up the semblance of still +taking part in their proceedings.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, Miss Warden,</q> the boy said sturdily, <q>I didn’t know +that it was wrong, and therefore joined in it willingly enough, +but now you tell me that it is so I will take no further share +in it, whatever comes of it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am glad to hear you say so, William, for it shows that +the aid I have given you has not been thrown away. What +sort of work would you like yourself, if we can get it for +you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would rather go to sea, Miss Warden, than do anything +else. I have, for the last year, taken a lot of pains to understand +those books of navigation you bought for me. I don’t +say that I have mastered them all, but I understand a good +deal, and feel sure that after a few years at sea I shall be able +to pass as a mate.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, William, you know that, when I got the books for +you, I told you that I could not help you with them, but I +can quite understand that with your knowledge of mathematics +you would be able at any rate to grasp a great deal of +the subject. I was afraid then that you would take to the +<pb n='20'/><anchor id='Pg020'/>sea. It is a hard life, but one in which a young man capable +of navigating a ship should be able to make his way. Brought +up, as you have been, on the sea, it is not wonderful that you +should choose it as a profession, and, though I may regret it, +I should not think of trying to turn you from it. Very well, +then, I will endeavour to get you apprenticed. It is a hard +life, but not harder than that of a fisherman, to which you +are accustomed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When William returned to his foster-father he informed +him that he did not mean to have anything more to do with +the smuggling. +</p> + +<p> +The old man looked at him in astonishment. <q>Are you +mad?</q> he said. <q>Don’t I get five shillings for every night +you are out, generally four or five nights a month, which pays +for all your food.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am sorry,</q> the lad said, <q>but I never knew that it was +wrong before, and now I know it I mean to have nothing more +to do with it. What good comes of it? Here we have three +empty cottages, and five or six others from which the heads +will be absent for years. It is dear at any price. I work +hard with you, father, and am never slack; surely the money +I earn in the boat more than pays for my grub.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can guess who told you this,</q> the old man said angrily. +<q>It was that parson’s daughter you are always with.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Don’t say anything against her,</q> the boy said earnestly; +<q>she has been the best friend to me that ever a fellow had, +and as long as I live I shall feel grateful to her. You know +that I am not like the other boys of the village; I can read +and write well, and I have gathered a lot of knowledge from +books. Abuse me as much as you like, but say nothing +<pb n='21'/><anchor id='Pg021'/>against her. You know that the terms on which you took +me expired a year ago, but I have gone on just as before +and am ready to do the same for a time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have been a good lad,</q> the old man said, mollified, +<q>and I don’t know what I should have done without you. +I am nigh past work now, but in the ten years you have +been with me things have always gone well with me, and I +have money enough to make a shift with for the rest of my +life, even if I work no longer. But I don’t like this freak +that you have taken into your head. It will mean trouble, lad, +as sure as you are standing there. The men here won’t understand +you, and will like enough think that the revenue people +have got hold of you. You will be shown the cold shoulder, +and even worse than that may befall you. We fisher-folk are +rough and ready in our ways, and if there is one thing we +hate more than another it is a spy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have no intention of being a spy,</q> the boy said. <q>I +have spoken to none of the revenue men, and don’t mean to +do so, and I would not peach even if I were certain that a +cargo was going to be landed. Surely it is possible to stand +aside from it all without being suspected of having gone over +to the enemy. No gold that they could give me would tempt +me to say a word that would lead to the failure of a landing, +and surely there can be no great offence in declining to act +longer as a watcher.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The old man shook his head. +</p> + +<p> +<q>A wilful man must have his way,</q> he said; <q>but I know +our fellows better than you do, and I foresee that serious +trouble is likely to come of this.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, if it must be, it must,</q> the boy said doggedly. <q>I +<pb n='22'/><anchor id='Pg022'/>mean, if I live, to be a good man, and now that I know that +it is wrong to cheat the revenue I will have no more to do +with it. It would be a nice reward for all the pains Miss +Warden has spent upon me to turn round and do what she +tells me is wrong.</q> +</p> + +<p> +John Hammond was getting to the age when few things +excite more than a feeble surprise. He felt that the loss of +the boy’s assistance would be a heavy one, for he had done no +small share of the work for the past two years. But he had +more than once lately talked to his wife of the necessity for +selling his boat and nets and remaining at home. With this +decision she quite agreed, feeling that he was indeed becoming +incapable of doing the work, and every time he had gone out +in anything but the calmest weather she had been filled with +apprehension as to what would happen if a storm were to blow +up. He was really sorry for the boy, being convinced that +harm would befall him as the result of this, to him, astonishing +decision. To John Hammond smuggling appeared to be +quite justifiable. The village had always been noted as a nest +of smugglers, and to him it came as natural as fishing. It was +a pity, a grievous pity, that the boy should have taken so +strange a fancy. +</p> + +<p> +He was a good boy, a hard-working boy, and the only fault +he had to find with him was his unaccountable liking for +study. John could neither read nor write, and for the life +of him could not see what good came of it. He had always +got on well without it, and when the school was first started +he and many others shook their heads gravely over it, and +regarded it as a fad of the parson’s. Still, as it only affected +children too young to be useful in the boats, they offered no +<pb n='23'/><anchor id='Pg023'/>active opposition, and in time the school had come to be +regarded as chiefly a place where the youngsters were kept +out of their mothers’ way when washing and cooking were +going on. +</p> + +<p> +He went slowly back into the cottage and acquainted his +wife with this new and astonishing development on the part +of the boy. His wife was full of indignation, which was, +however, modified at the thought that she would now have +her husband always at home with her. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I shall speak my mind to Miss Warden,</q> she said, <q>and +tell her how much harm her advice has done.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, no, Jenny,</q> her husband said; <q>what is the use of +that? It is the parson’s duty to be meddling in all sorts of +matters, and it will do no good to fight against it. Parson +is a good man, all allow, and he always finishes his sermons +in time for us to get home to dinner. I agree with you that +the young madam has done harm, and I greatly fear that +trouble will come to the boy. There are places where smuggling +is thought to be wrong, but this place ain’t among them. +I don’t know what will happen when Will says that he doesn’t +mean to go any more as a watcher, but there is sure to be +trouble of some sort.</q> +</p> + +<p> +It was not long indeed before Will felt a change in the +village. Previous to this he had been generally popular, now +men passed without seeing him. He was glad when John +Hammond called upon him to go out in the boat, when the +weather was fine, but at other times his only recourse was to +steal away to the moors with his books. Presently the elder +boys took to throwing sods at him as he passed, and calling +spy and other opprobrious epithets after him. This brought +<pb n='24'/><anchor id='Pg024'/>on several severe fights, and as Will made up for want of +weight by pluck and activity his opponents more than once +found themselves badly beaten. One day he learned from a +subdued excitement in the village that it was time for one +of the smuggling vessels to arrive. One of his boyish friends +had stuck to him, and was himself almost under a ban for +associating with so unpopular a character. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Don’t you come with me, Stevens,</q> Will had urged again +and again; <q>you will only make it bad for yourself, and it +will do me no good.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t care,</q> the former said sturdily. <q>We have always +been good friends, and you know I don’t in the least believe +that you have anything to do with the revenue men. It is +too bad of them to say so. I fought Tom Dickson only this +morning for abusing you. He said if you were not working +with them, why did you give up being on the watch. I told +him it was no odds to me why you gave it up, I supposed +that you had a right to do as you liked. Then from words +we came to blows. I don’t say I beat him, for he is a good +bit bigger than I am, but I gave him as good as I got, and he +was as glad to stop as I was. You talk of going away soon. +If you do, and you will take me, I will go with you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know yet where I am going, Tommy, but if I go +to a town I have no doubt I shall be able in a short time +to hear of someone there who wants a strong lad, or perhaps +I may be able to get you a berth as cabin-boy in the ship +in which I go. I mean to go for a sailor myself if I can, and +I shall be glad to have you as a chum on board. We have +always been great friends, and I am sure we always shall be, +Tommy. If I were you I would think it over a good many +<pb n='25'/><anchor id='Pg025'/>times before you decide upon it. You see I have learnt a +great deal from books to prepare myself for a sea life. Miss +Warden is going to try to get me taken as an apprentice, and +in that case I may hope to get to be an officer when my time +is out, but you would not have much chance of doing so. Of +course if we were together I could help you on. So far you +have never cared for books or to improve yourself, and without +that you can never rise to be any more than a common +sailor.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hate books,</q> the boy said; <q>still, I will try what I can +do. But at any rate I don’t care much so that I am with +you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, we will see about it when the time comes, Tommy. +Miss Warden was married, as you know, last week. In +another three months she will be at Scarborough, and she has +promised that her husband will try to get me apprenticed +either there or at Whitby, which is a large port. Directly I +get on board a ship I will let you know if there is a vacancy +in her for a cabin-boy. But you think it over well first; you +will find it difficult, for I don’t expect your uncle will let +you go.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t care a snap about him. He is always knocking me +about, and I don’t care what he likes and what he don’t. You +may be sure that I sha’n’t ask him, but shall make off at night +as soon as I hear from you. You won’t forget me, will you, +Will?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly I will not; you may be quite sure of that. Mind, +I don’t promise that I shall be able to get you a berth as +cabin-boy at once, or as an apprentice. I only promise that +I will do so as soon as I have a chance. It may be a month, +<pb n='26'/><anchor id='Pg026'/>and it may be a year; it may even be three or four years, for +though there is always a demand for men, at least so I have +heard, there may not be any demand for boys. But you may +be sure that I will not keep you waiting any longer than I can +help.</q> +</p> + +<p> +One day Will was walking along the cliffs, feeling very +solitary, when he heard a faint cry, and, looking down, saw +Tom Stevens in a deep pool. It had precipitous sides, and +he was evidently unable to climb out. <q>Hold on, Tom,</q> he +shouted, <q>I will come to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +It was half a mile before he could get to a place where he was +able to climb down, and when he reached the shore he ran +with breathless speed to the spot where Tom’s head was still +above the water. He saw at once that his friend’s strength +was well-nigh spent, and, leaping in, he swam to him. <q>Put +your arms round my neck,</q> he said. <q>I will swim down +with you to the point where the creek ends.</q> The boy was +too far gone to speak, and it needed all Will’s strength to +help him down the deep pool to the point where it joined the +sea, and then to haul him ashore. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was nearly gone, Will,</q> the boy said when he recovered +a little. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I saw that. But how on earth did you manage to +get into the water?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was running along by the side of the cliff, when my foot +slipped. I came down on my knee and hurt myself frightfully; +I was in such pain that I could not stop myself from +rolling over. I tried to swim, which, of course, would have +been nothing for me, but I think my knee is smashed, and it +hurt me so frightfully that I screamed out with pain, and had +<pb n='27'/><anchor id='Pg027'/>to give up. I could not have held on much longer, and should +certainly have been drowned had you not seen me. I was +never so pleased as when I heard your voice above.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Can you walk now, do you think?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I am sure I can’t walk by myself, but I might if I +leant on you. I will try anyhow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He hobbled along for a short distance, but at last said: <q>It +is of no use, Will, I can’t go any farther.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, get on my back and I will see what I can do for +you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Slowly and with many stoppages Will got him to the point +where he descended the cliff. <q>I must get help to carry you +up here, Tom; it is very steep, and I am sure I could not take +you myself. I must go into the village and bring assistance.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will wait here till morning, Will. There will be no +hardship in that, and I know that you don’t like speaking to +anyone.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will manage it,</q> Will said cheerfully. <q>I will tell John +Hammond, and he will go to your uncle and get help.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, that will do! Most of the men are out, but I dare +say there will be two or three at home.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will ran all the way back to the village, which was more +than a mile away. <q>Tom Stevens is lying at the foot of the +cliff, father. I think he has broken his leg, and he has been +nearly drowned. Will you go and see his uncle, and get three +or four men to carry him home. You know very well it is no +use my going to his uncle. He would not listen to what I have +to say, and would simply shower abuse upon me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will go,</q> the old man said. <q>The boy can’t be left +there.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='28'/><anchor id='Pg028'/> + +<p> +In a quarter of an hour the men started. Will went +ahead of them for some distance until he reached the top of +the path. <q>He is down at the bottom,</q> he said, and turned +away. Tom was brought home, and roundly abused by his +uncle for injuring himself so that he would be unable to +accompany him in his boat for some days. He lay for a week +in bed, and was then only able to hobble about with the aid of +a stick. When he related how Will had saved him there was a +slight revulsion of feeling among the better-disposed boys, but +this was of short duration. It became known that a French +lugger would soon be on the coast. Will was not allowed to +approach the edge of the cliff, being assailed by curses and +threats if he ventured to do so. Every care was taken to +throw the coast-guard off the scent, but things went badly. +There was some sharp fighting, and a considerable portion of +the cargo was seized as it was being carried up the cliff. +</p> + +<p> +The next day Tom hurried up to Will, who was a short +way out on the moor. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You must run for your life, Will. There are four or five +of the men who say that you betrayed them last night, and I +do believe they will throw you over the cliff. Here they +come! The best thing you can do is to make for the coast-guard +station.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will saw that the four men who were coming along were +among the roughest in the village, and started off immediately +at full speed. With oaths and shouts the men pursued him. +The coast-guard station was two miles away, and he reached +it fifty yards in front of them. The men stopped, shouting: +<q>You are safe there, but as soon as you leave it we will have +you.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='29'/><anchor id='Pg029'/> + +<p> +<q>What is the matter, lad?</q> the sub-officer in charge of the +station said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Those men say that I betrayed them, but you know ’tis +false, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly I do. I know you well by sight, and believe +that you are a good young fellow. I have always heard you +well spoken of. What makes them think that?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is because I would not agree to go on acting as watcher. +I did not know that there was any harm in it till Miss Warden +told me, and then I would not do it any longer, and that set +all the village against me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What are you going to do?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will stay here to-night if you will let me. I am sure +they will keep up a watch for me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will sling a hammock for you,</q> the man said. <q>Now we +are just going to have dinner, and I dare say you can eat +something. You are the boy they call Miss Warden’s pet, +are you not?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, they call me so. She has been very kind to me, and +has helped me on with my books.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, well, a boy is sure to get disliked by his fellows when +he is cleverer with his books than they are!</q> +</p> + +<p> +After dinner the officer said: <q>It is quite clear that you +won’t be able to return to the village. I think I have heard +that you have no father. Is it not so?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, he died when I was five years old. He left a little +money, and John Hammond took me in and bought a boat +with that and what he had saved. I was bound to stay with +him until I was fourteen years old, but was soon going to +leave him, for he is really too old to go out any longer.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='30'/><anchor id='Pg030'/> + +<p> +<q>Have you ever thought of going into the royal navy?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have thought of it, sir, but I have not settled anything. +I thought of going into the merchant navy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Bah! I am surprised at a lad of spirit like you thinking +of such a thing. If you have learned a lot you will, if you +are steady, be sure to get on in time, and may very well +become a petty officer. No lad of spirit would take to the +life of a merchantman who could enter the navy. I don’t say +that some of the Indiamen are not fine ships, but you would +find it very hard to get a berth on one of them. Our lieutenant +will be over here in a day or two, and I have no doubt +that if I speak to him for you he will ship you as a boy in a +fine ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How long does one ship for, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You engage for the time that the ship is in commission, at +the outside for five years; and if you find that you do not like +it, at the end of that time it is open to you to choose some +other berth.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can enter the merchant navy then if I like?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Of course you could, but I don’t think that you would. +On a merchantman you would be kicked and cuffed all round, +whereas on a man-of-war I don’t say it would be all easy sailing, +but if you were sharp and obliging things would go +smoothly enough for you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I will think it over to-night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Good, my boy! you are quite right not to decide in a hurry. +It is a serious thing for a young chap to make a choice like +that; but it seems to me that, being without friends as you are, +and having made enemies of all the people of your village, it +would be better for you to get out of it as soon as possible.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='31'/><anchor id='Pg031'/> + +<p> +<q>I quite see that; and really I think I could not do better +than pass a few years on a man-of-war, for after that I should +be fit for any work I might find to do.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sleep upon it, lad.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will sat down on the low wall in front of the station and +thought it over. After all, it seemed to him that it would be +better to be on a fine ship and have a chance of fighting with +the French than to sail in a merchantman. At the end of +five years he would be twenty, and could pass as a mate if +he chose, or settle on land. He would have liked to consult +Miss Warden, but this was out of the question. He knew +the men who had pursued him well enough to be sure that +his life would not be safe if they caught him. He might +make his way out of the station at night, but even that was +doubtful. Besides, if he were to do so he had no one to go +to at Scarborough; he had not a penny in his pocket, and +would find it impossible to maintain himself until Miss +Warden returned. He did not wish to appear before her as +a beggar. He was still thinking when a shadow fell across +him, and, looking up, he saw his friend Tom. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have come round to see you, Will,</q> he said. <q>I don’t +know what is to be done. Nothing will convince the village +that you did not betray them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The thing is too absurd,</q> Will said angrily. <q>I never +spoke to a coast-guardsman in my life till to-day, except, +perhaps, in passing, and then I would do no more than make +a remark about the weather. Besides, no one in the village +has spoken to me for a month, so how could I tell that the +lugger was coming in that night?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I really don’t think it would be safe for you to go back.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='32'/><anchor id='Pg032'/> + +<p> +<q>I am not going back. I have not quite settled what I +shall do, but certainly I don’t intend to return to the village.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then what are you going to do, Will?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know exactly, but I have half decided to ship as +a boy on one of the king’s ships.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should like to go with you wherever you go, but I +should like more than anything to do that.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is a serious business, you know; you would have to +make up your mind to be kicked and cuffed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I get that at home,</q> Tom said; <q>it can’t be harder for me +at sea than it is there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I have not got to decide until to-morrow; you go +home and think it over, and if you come in the morning with +your mind made up, I will speak to the officer here and ask +him if they will take us both.</q> +</p> + </div><div n="2"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER II</head> + +<head type="sub">IN THE KING’S SERVICE</head> + +<p> +Before morning came Will had thought the matter over +in every light, and concluded that he could not do better +than join the navy for a few years. Putting all other things +aside, it was a life of adventure, and adventure is always +tempting to boys. It really did not seem to him that, if he +entered the merchant service at once, he would be any better +off than he would be if he had a preliminary training in the +royal navy. He knew that the man-of-war training would +make him a smarter sailor, and he hoped that he would find +<pb n='33'/><anchor id='Pg033'/>time enough on board ship to continue his work, so that +afterwards he might be able to pass as a mate in the merchant +service. +</p> + + <p> +Tom Stevens came round in the morning. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have quite made up my mind to go with you if you will +let me,</q> he said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will let you readily enough, Tom, but I must warn you +that you will not have such a good look-out as I shall. You +know, I have learnt a good deal, and if the first cruise lasts +for five years I have no doubt that at the end of it I shall be +able to pass as a mate in the merchant service, and I am +afraid you will have very little chance of doing so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can’t help that,</q> Tom said. <q>I know that I am not like +you, and I haven’t learnt things, and I don’t suppose that if I +had had anyone to help me it would have made any difference. +I know I shall never rise much above a sailor before the mast. +If you leave the service and go into a merchantman I will go +there with you. It does not matter to me where I am. I felt +so before, and of course I feel it all the more now that you +have saved my life. I am quite sure you will get on in the +world, Will, and sha’n’t grudge you your success a bit, however +high you rise, for I know how hard you have worked, and +how well you deserve it. Besides, even if I had had the pains +bestowed upon me, and had worked ever so hard myself, +I should never have been a bit like you. You seem different +from us somehow. I don’t know how it is, but you are +smarter and quicker and more active. I expect some day +you will find out something about your father, and then +probably we shall be able to understand the difference between +us. At any rate I am quite prepared to see you rise, +<pb n='34'/><anchor id='Pg034'/>and I shall be well content if you will always allow me to +remain your friend.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will gratified the sub-officer later by telling him that he +had made up his mind to ship on board one of the king’s +vessels, and that his friend and chum, Tom Stevens, had +made up his mind to go with him. +</p> + +<p> +The coxswain looked Tom up and down. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have the makings of a fine strong man,</q> he said, +<q>and ought to turn out a good sailor. The training you have +had in the fishing-boats will be all in your favour. Well, I +will let you know when the lieutenant makes his rounds. I +am sure there will be no difficulty in shipping you. Boys ain’t +what they were when I was young. Then we thought it an +honour to be shipped on board a man-of-war, now most of +them seem to me mollycoddled, and we have difficulty in +getting enough boys for the ships. You see, we are not +allowed to press boys, but only able-bodied men; so the +youngsters can laugh in our faces. Most of the crimps get +one or two of them to watch the sailors as the boys of the +village watch our men, and give notice when they are going to +make a raid. I don’t think, therefore, that there is any fear of +your being refused, especially when I say that one of you has +got into great trouble from refusing to aid in throwing us off +the scent when a lugger is due. If for no other reason he +owes you a debt for that.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Three days passed. Will still remained at the coast-guard +station, and men still hovered near. Tom came over once +and said that it had been decided among a number of the +fishermen that no great harm should be done to Will when +they got him, but that he should be thrashed within an +<pb n='35'/><anchor id='Pg035'/>inch of his life. On the third day the coxswain said to +Will: +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have a message this morning from the lieutenant, that +he will be here by eleven o’clock. If you will write a line to +your friend I will send it over by one of the men.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Tom arrived breathless two minutes before the officer. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My eye, I have had a run of it,</q> he said. <q>The man +brought me the letter just as I was going to start in the boat +with my uncle. I pretended to have left something behind me +and ran back to the cottage, he swearing after me all the way +for my stupidity. I ran into the house, and then got out of the +window behind, and started for the moors, taking good care +to keep the house in a line between him and me. My, what +a mad rage he will be in when I don’t come back, and he goes +up and finds that I have disappeared! I stopped a minute to +take a clean shirt and my Sunday clothes. I expect, when he +sees I am not in the cottage, he will look round, and he will +discover that they have gone from their pegs, and guess that +I have made a bolt of it. He won’t guess, however, that I +have come here, but will think I have gone across the moors. +He knows very well how hard he has made my life; still, that +won’t console him for losing me, just as I am getting really +useful in the boat.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lieutenant landed from his cutter at the foot of the path +leading up to the station. The sub-officer received him at +the top, and after a few words they walked up to the station +together. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Who are these two boys?</q> he asked as he came up to them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Two lads who wish to enter the navy, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Umph! runaways, I suppose?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='36'/><anchor id='Pg036'/> + +<p> +<q>Not exactly, sir. Both of them are fatherless. That one +has received a fair education from the daughter of the clergyman +of the village, who took a great fancy to him. He has +for some years now been assisting in one of the fishing-boats +and, as he acknowledges, in the spying upon our men, as +practically everyone else in the village does. When, however, +Miss Warden told him that smuggling was very wrong, +he openly announced his intention of having nothing more to +do with it. This has had the effect of making the ignorant +villagers think that he must have taken bribes from us to +keep us informed of what was going on. In consequence he +has suffered severe persecution and has been sent to Coventry. +After the fight we had with them the other day they appear +to think that there could be no further doubt of his being +concerned in the matter, and four men set out after him to +take his life. He fled here as his nearest possible refuge, and +if you will look over there you will see two men on the watch +for him. He had made up his mind to ship as an apprentice +on a merchantman, but I have talked the matter over with +him, and he has now decided to join a man-of-war.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>A very good choice,</q> the officer said. <q>I suppose you +can read and write, lad?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir,</q> Will said, suppressing a smile. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Know a bit more, perhaps?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, if you are civil and well behaved, you will get on. +And who is the other one?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He is Gilmore’s special chum, sir. He has a brute of an +uncle who is always knocking him about, and he wants to go +to sea with his friend.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='37'/><anchor id='Pg037'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, they are two likely youngsters. The second is more +heavily built than the other, but there is no doubt as to which +is the more intelligent. I will test them at once, and then +take them off with me in the cutter and hand them over to +the tender at Whitby. Now send four men and catch those +two fellows and bring them in here. I will give them a sharp +lesson against ill-treating a lad who refuses to join them in +their rascally work.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A minute later four of the men strolled off by the cliffs, +two in each direction. When they had got out of sight of the +watchers, they struck inland, and, making a detour, came down +behind them. The fishermen did not take the alarm until it +was too late. They started to run, but the sailors were +more active and quick-footed, and, presently capturing them, +brought them back to the coast-guard station. +</p> + +<p> +<q>So my men,</q> the lieutenant said sternly, <q>you have been +threatening to ill-treat one of His Majesty’s subjects for refusing +to join you in your attempts to cheat the revenue? I might +send you off to a magistrate for trial, in which case you would +certainly get three months’ imprisonment. I prefer, however, +settling such matters myself. Strip them to the waist, lads.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The orders were executed in spite of the men’s struggles +and execrations. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now tie them up to the flag-post and give them a dozen +heartily.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As the men were all indignant at the treatment that had +been given to Will they laid the lash on heavily, and the +execrations that followed the first few blows speedily subsided +into shrieks for mercy, followed at last by low moaning. +</p> + +<p> +When both had received their punishment, the lieutenant +<pb n='38'/><anchor id='Pg038'/>said: <q>Now you can put on your clothes again and carry the +news of what you have had to your village, and tell your +friends that I wish I had had every man concerned in the +matter before me. If I had I would have dealt out the same +punishment to all. Now, lads, I shall be leaving in an hour’s +time; if you like to send back to the village for your clothes, +one of the men will take the message.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Tom already had all his scanty belongings, but Will was +glad to send a note to John Hammond, briefly stating his +reasons for leaving, and thanking him for his kindness in the +past, and asking him to send his clothes to him by the bearer. +An hour and a half later they embarked in the lieutenant’s +gig and were rowed off to the revenue cutter lying a quarter +of a mile away. Here they were put under the charge of the +boatswain. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They have shipped for the service, Thompson,</q> the lieutenant +said. <q>I think they are good lads. Make them as +comfortable as you can.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So you have shipped, have you?</q> the boatswain said as he +led them forward. <q>Well, you are plucky young cockerels. +It ain’t exactly a bed of roses, you will find, at first, but if you +can always keep your temper and return a civil answer to a +question you will soon get on all right. You will have more +trouble with the other boys than with the men, and will have +a battle or two to fight.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We sha’n’t mind that,</q> Will said; <q>we have had to deal +with some tough ones already in our own village, and have +proved that we are better than most of our own age. At any +rate we won’t be licked easily, even if they are a bit bigger +and stronger than ourselves, and after all a licking doesn’t go +<pb n='39'/><anchor id='Pg039'/>for much anyway. What ship do you think they will send us +to, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, that is a good deal more than I can say! There is a +cutter that acts as a receiving-ship at Whitby, and you will +be sent off from it as opportunity offers and the ships of war +want hands. Like enough you will go off with a batch down +to the south in a fortnight or so, and will be put on board +some ship being commissioned at Portsmouth or Devonport. +A large cutter comes round the coast once a month, to pick +up the hands from the various receiving-ships, and as often +as not she goes back with a hundred. And a rum lot you +will think them. There are jail-birds who have had the offer +of release on condition that they enter the navy; there are +farm-labourers who don’t know one end of a boat from the +other; there are drunkards who have been sold by the crimps +when their money has run out; but, Lord bless you, it don’t +make much difference what they are, they are all knocked into +shape before they have been three months on board. I think, +however, you will have a better time than this. Our lieutenant +is a kind-hearted man, though he is strict enough in the way +of business, and I have no doubt he will say a good word for +you to the commander of the tender, which, as he is the senior +officer, will go a long way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The two boys were soon on good terms with the crew, who +divined at once that they were lads of mettle, and were +specially attracted to Will on account of the persecution he +had suffered by refusing to act as the smugglers’ watcher, and +also when they heard from Tom how he had saved his life. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will do,</q> was the verdict of an old sailor. <q>I can see +that you have both got the right stuff in you. When one +<pb n='40'/><anchor id='Pg040'/>fellow saves another’s life, and that fellow runs away and ships +in order to be near his friend, you may be sure that there is +plenty of good stuff in them, and that they will turn out a +credit to His Majesty’s service.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They were a week on board before the cutter finished her +trip at Whitby. Both boys had done their best to acquire +knowledge, and had learnt the names of the ropes and their +uses by the time they got to port. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You need not go on board the depot ship until to-morrow,</q> +the lieutenant said. <q>I will go across with you myself. I have +had my eye upon you ever since you came on board, and I +have seen that you have been trying hard to learn, and have +always been ready to give a pull on a rope when necessary. +I have no fear of your getting on. It is a pity we don’t get +more lads of your type in the navy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +On the following morning the lieutenant took them on board +the depot and put them under the charge of the boatswain. +<q>You will have to mix with a roughish crew here,</q> the latter +said, <q>but everything will go smoothly enough when you +once join your ship. You had better hand over your kits +to me to keep for you, otherwise there won’t be much left at +the end of the first night; and if you like I will let you stow +yourselves away at night in the bitts forward. It is not cold, +and I will throw a bit of old sail-cloth over you; you will be +better there than down with the others, where the air is almost +thick enough to cut.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much, sir; we should prefer that. We +have both been accustomed to sleep at night in the bottom of +an open boat, so it will come natural enough to us. Are there +any more boys on board?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='41'/><anchor id='Pg041'/> + +<p> +<q>No, you are the only ones. We get more boys down in +the west, but up here very few ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They went below together. <q>Dimchurch,</q> the boatswain +said to a tall sailor-like man, <q>these boys have just joined. I +wish you would keep an eye on them, and prevent anyone +from bullying them. I know that you are a pressed man, and +that we have no right to expect anything of you until you +have joined your ship, but I can see that for all that you are +a true British sailor, and I trust to you to look after these +boys.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>All right, mate!</q> the sailor said. <q>I will take the nippers +under my charge, and see that no one meddles with them. I +know what I had to go through when I first went to sea, and +am glad enough to do a good turn to any youngsters joining.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you! Then I will leave them now in your charge.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is your first voyage, I suppose,</q> the sailor said as he +sat down on the table and looked at the boys. <q>I see by +your togs that you have been fishing.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, we both had seven or eight years of it, though of +course we were of no real use till the last five.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You don’t speak like a fisherman’s boy either,</q> the man +said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No. A lady interested herself in me and got me to work +all my spare time at books.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, they will be of no use to you at present, but they +may come in handy some day to get you a rating. I never +learnt to read or write myself or I should have been mate +long ago. This is my first voyage in a ship of war. Hitherto +I have always escaped being pressed when I was ashore, but +now they have caught me I don’t mind having a try at it. +<pb n='42'/><anchor id='Pg042'/>I believe, from all I hear, that the grub and treatment are +better than aboard most merchantmen, and the work nothing +like so hard. Of course the great drawback is the cat, but I +expect that a well-behaved man doesn’t often feel it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The others had looked on curiously when the lads first came +down, but they soon turned away indifferently and took up +their former pursuits. Some were playing cards, others +lying about half-asleep. Two or three who were fortunate +enough to be possessed of tobacco were smoking. In all there +were some forty men. When the evening meal was served +out the sailor placed one of the boys on each side of him, and +saw that they got their share. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I must find a place for you to sleep,</q> he said when they +had finished. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The officer who brought us down has given us permission +to sleep on deck near the bitts.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, yes, that is quite in the bows of the ship! You will +do very well there, much better than you would down here. +I will go up on deck and show you the place. How is it that +he is looking specially after you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I believe Lieutenant Jones of the <name type="ship">Antelope</name> was good enough +to speak to the officer in command of this craft in our favour.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How did you make him your friend?</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will told briefly the story of his troubles with the +smugglers. The sailor laughed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well,</q> he said, <q>you must be a pretty plucky one to fly in +the face of a smuggling village in that way. You must have +known what the consequence would be, and it is not every +boy, nor every man either, if it comes to that, that would +venture to do as you did.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='43'/><anchor id='Pg043'/> + +<p> +<q>It did not seem to me that I had any choice when I once +found out that it was wrong.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailor laughed again. <q>Well, you know, it is not what +you could call a crime, though it is against the law of the +land, but everyone does a bit of smuggling when they get the +chance. Lord bless you! I have come home from abroad when +there was not one of the passengers and crew who did not +have a bit of something hidden about him or his luggage—brandy, +’baccy, French wines, or knick-knacks of some sort. +Pretty nigh half of them got found out and fined, but the +value of the things got ashore was six or eight times as much +as what was collared.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Still it was not right,</q> Will persisted. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh, no! it was not right,</q> the sailor said carelessly, <q rend="post: none">but +everyone took his chance. It is a sort of game, you see, between +the passengers and crew on one side and the custom-house +officers on the other. It was enough to make one laugh +to see the passengers land. Women who had been as thin as +whistles came out as stout matrons, owing to the yards and +yards of laces and silk they had wound round them. All +sorts of odd places were choke-full of tobacco; there were +cases that looked like baggage, but really had a tin lining, +which was full of brandy. It was a rare game for those who +got through, I can tell you, though I own it was not so pleasant +for those who got caught and had their contraband goods confiscated, +besides having to pay five times the proper duty. As +a rule the men took it quietly enough, they had played the +game and lost; but as for the women, they were just raging +tigers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>For myself, I laughed fit to split. If I lost anything it +<pb n='44'/><anchor id='Pg044'/>was a pound or two of tobacco which I was taking home for +my old father, and I felt that things might have been a deal +worse if they had searched the legs of my trousers, where I +had a couple of bladders filled with good brandy. You see, +young ’un, though everyone knows that it is against the law, +no one thinks it a crime. It is a game you play; if you lose +you pay handsomely, but if you win you get off scot-free. I +think the lady who told you it was wrong did you a very bad +service, for if she lived near that village she must have known +that you would get into no end of trouble if you were to say +you would have nothing more to do with it. And how is it</q>—turning +to Tom—<q>that you came to go with him? You +did not take it into your head that smuggling was wrong too?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I never thought of it,</q> Tom said, <q>and if I had been told +so should only have answered that what was good enough for +others was good enough for me. I came because Will came. +We had always been great friends, and more than once joined +to thrash a big fellow who put upon us. But the principal thing +was that a little while ago he saved me from drowning. There +was a deep cut running up to the foot of the cliffs. One day +I was running past there, when I slipped, and in falling hurt +my leg badly. I am only just beginning to use it a bit now. +The pain was so great that I did not know what I was doing; +I rolled off the rock into the water. My knee was so bad that +I could not swim, and the rock was too high for me to crawl +out. I had been there for some time, and was beginning to +get weak, when Will came along on the top of the cliff and +saw me. He shouted to me to hold on till he could get down +to me. Then he ran half a mile to a place where he was able +to climb down, and tore back again along the shore till he +<pb n='45'/><anchor id='Pg045'/>reached the cut, and then jumped in and swam to me. There +was no getting out on either side, so he swam with me to the +end of the cut and landed me there. I was by that time +pretty nigh insensible, but he half-helped and half-carried me +till we got to the point of the cliff where he had come down. +Then he left me and ran off to the village to get help. So you +will understand now why I should wish to stick to him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should think so,</q> the sailor said warmly. <q>It was a fine +thing to do, and I would be glad to do it myself. Stick to +him, lad, as long as he will let you. I fancy, from the way he +speaks and his manner, that he will mount up above you, but +never you mind that.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I won’t, as long as I can keep by him, and I hope that +soon I may have a chance of returning him the service he +has done me. He knows well enough that if I could I would +give my life for him willingly.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think,</q> the sailor said to Will seriously, <q>you are a +fortunate fellow to have made a friend like that. A good +chum is the next best thing to a good wife. In fact, I don’t +know if it is not a bit better. Ah, here comes the boatswain +with a bit of sail-cloth, so you had better lie down at once. We +shall most of us turn in soon down below, for there is nothing +to pass the time, and I for one shall be very glad when the +cutter comes for us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The boys chatted for some time under cover of the sail-cloth. +They agreed that things were much better than they +could have expected. The protection of the boatswain was +a great thing, but that of their sailor friend was better. +They hoped that he would be told off to the ship in which +they went, for they felt sure that he would be a valuable +<pb n='46'/><anchor id='Pg046'/>friend to them. The life on board the cutter, too, had been +pleasant, and altogether they congratulated themselves on the +course they had taken. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have no doubt we shall like it very much when we are +once settled. They look a rough lot down below, and that +sentry standing with a loaded musket at the gangway shows +pretty well what sort of men they are. I am not surprised +that the pressed men should try to get away, but I have no +pity for the drunken fellows who joined when they had spent +their last shilling. Our fishermen go on a spree sometimes, +but not often, and when they do, they quarrel and fight a bit, +but they always go to work the next morning.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a different thing altogether, for I heard that in +the towns men will spend every penny they have, give up +work altogether, and become idle, lazy loafers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Two days later, to the great satisfaction of the boys, a +large cutter flying the white ensign was seen approaching +the harbour. No doubt was entertained that she was the +receiving-ship. This was confirmed when the officer in charge +of the depot-ship was rowed to the new arrival as soon as the +anchor was dropped. A quarter of an hour later he returned, +and it became known that the new hands were to be taken to +Portsmouth. The next morning two boats rowed alongside. +Will could not but admire the neat and natty appearance of +the crew, which formed a somewhat striking contrast to the +slovenly appearance of the gang on the depot-ship. A list of +the new men was handed over to the officer in charge, and +these were at once transferred to the big cutter. +</p> + +<p> +Here everything was exquisitely clean and neat. The new-comers +were at once supplied with uniforms, and told off as +<pb n='47'/><anchor id='Pg047'/>supernumeraries to each watch. Will and Tom received no +special orders, and were informed that they were to make +themselves generally useful. Beyond having to carry an +occasional message from one or other of the midshipmen, or +boatswain, their duties were of the lightest kind. They +helped at the distribution of the messes, the washing of the +decks, the paring of the potatoes for dinner, and other odd +jobs. When not wanted they could do as they pleased, and +Will employed every spare moment in gaining what information +he could from his friend Dimchurch, or from any sailor he +saw disengaged and wearing a look that invited interrogation. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You seem to want to know a lot all at once, youngster,</q> +one said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have got to learn it sooner or later,</q> Will replied, <q>and +it is just as well to learn as much as I can while I have time +on my hands. I expect I shall get plenty to do when I join +a ship at Portsmouth. May I go up the rigging?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That you may not. You don’t suppose that His Majesty’s +ships are intended to look like trees with rooks perched all +over them? You will be taught all that in due time. There +is plenty to learn on deck, and when you know all that, it +will be time enough to think of going aloft. You don’t want +to become a Blake or a Benbow all at once, do you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No,</q> Will laughed, <q>it will be time to think of that in +another twenty years.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailor broke into a roar of laughter. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, there is nothing like flying high, young ’un; but +there is no reason why in time you should not get to be +captain of the fore-top or coxswain of the captain’s gig. I +suppose either of these would content you?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='48'/><anchor id='Pg048'/> + +<p> +<q>I suppose it ought,</q> Will said with a merry laugh. <q>At +any rate it will be time to think of higher posts when I have +gained one of these.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The voyage to Portsmouth was uneventful. They stopped +at several receiving-stations on their way down, and before +they reached their destination they had gathered a hundred +and twenty men. Will and Tom were astonished at the bustle +and activity of the port. Frigates and men-of-war lay off +Portsmouth and out at Spithead; boats of various sizes rowed +between them, or to and from the shore. Never had they +imagined such a scene; the enormous bulk of the men-of-war +struck them with wonder. Will admired equally the tapering +spars and the more graceful lines of the frigates and corvettes, +and his heart thrilled with pride as he felt that he too was a +sailor, and a portion, however insignificant, of one of these +mighty engines of war. +</p> + +<p> +The officer in command of the receiving-ship at Whitby had +passed on to the captain of the cutter what had been told him +of the two boys by the lieutenant of the <name type="ship">Antelope</name>, and he in +turn related the story to one of the chief officers of the dockyard. +It happened that they were the only two boys that had +been brought down, and the dockyard official said it would +be a pity to separate them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will put them down as part of the crew of the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. +I want a few specially strong and active men for her; her +commander is a very dashing officer, and I should like to see +that he is well manned.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The two boys had especially noticed and admired the +<name type="ship">Furious</name>, which was a thirty-four-gun frigate, so next morning, +when the new hands were mustered and told off to different +<pb n='49'/><anchor id='Pg049'/>ships, they were delighted when they found their names appear +at the end of the list for that vessel, all the more so because +Dimchurch was to join her also. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am pleased, Dimchurch, that we are to be in the same +ship with you,</q> Will exclaimed as soon as the men were dismissed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am glad too, youngster. I have taken a fancy to you, +as you seem to have done to me, and it will be very pleasant +for us to be together. But now you must go and get your +kit-bags ready at once; we are sure to be sent off to the +<name type="ship">Furious</name> in a short time, and it will be a bad mark against you +if you keep the boat waiting.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a quarter of an hour a boat was seen approaching from +the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. The officer in charge ascended to the deck of +the cutter, and after a chat with the captain called out the +list, and counted the men one by one as they went down to +the boat, each carrying his kit. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Not a bad lot,</q> he said to the young midshipman sitting +by his side. <q>This pretty nearly makes up our complement; +the press gang are sure to pick up the few hands we want +either to-day or to-morrow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I shall be glad when we are off, sir,</q> the midshipman said. +<q>I am never comfortable, after beginning to get into commission, +until we are out on blue water.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Nor am I. I hope the dockyard won’t keep us waiting +for stores. We have got most of them, but the getting on +board of the powder and shot is always a long task, and we +have to be so careful with the powder. There is the captain +on deck; he is looking out, no doubt, to see the new hands. +I am glad they are good ones, for nothing puts him into a +<pb n='50'/><anchor id='Pg050'/>bad temper so readily as having a man brought on board +who is not, as he considers, up to the mark.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As they mustered on deck the captain’s eye ran with a +keen scrutiny over them. A slight smile crossed his lips as +he came to the two boys. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will do, Mr. Ayling; they are not a bad lot, taking +them one for all, and there are half a dozen men among +them who ought to make first-rate topmen. I should say +half of them have been to sea before, and the others will soon +be knocked into shape. The two boys will, of course, go +into the same mess as the others who have come on board. +One of them looks a very sharp young fellow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He has been rather specially passed down, sir. He belonged +to one of the most noted smuggling villages on the +Yorkshire coast, which is saying a great deal, and he struck +against smuggling because some lady in the place told him +that it was wrong. Of course he drew upon himself the +enmity of the whole village. The coast-guard stopped a landing, +and two or three of the fishermen were killed. The +hostility against the lad, which was entirely unfounded, rose +in consequence of this to such a pitch that he was obliged to +take refuge in the coast-guard station. I hear from the captain +of the <name type="ship">Hearty</name> that the boy has been far better educated than +the generality of fisher lads, and was specially recommended +to him by the officer of the receiving-ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Is there anything extraordinary about the other boy?</q> +the captain asked with a slight smile. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir; I believe he joined chiefly to be near his companion, +the two being great friends.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He looks a different kind of boy altogether,</q> the captain +<pb n='51'/><anchor id='Pg051'/>said. <q>You could pick him out as a fisher boy anywhere, and +picture him in high boots, baggy corduroy breeches, and blue +guernsey.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He is a strong, well-built lad, and I should say a good +deal more powerful than his friend.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, they are good types of boys, and are not likely to +give us as much trouble as some of those young scamps, run-away +apprentices and so on, who want a rope’s end every +week or so to teach them to do their duty.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The boys were taken down to a deck below the water-level, +where the crew were just going to begin dinner. At one end +was a table at which six boys were sitting. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Hillo, who are you?</q> the eldest among them asked. <q>I +warn you, if you don’t make things comfortable, you will get +your heads punched in no time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>My name is William Gilmore, and this is Tom Stevens. +As to punching heads, you may not find it as easy as you +think. I may warn you at once that we are friends and will +stick together, and that there will be no punching one head +without having to punch both.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We shall see about that before long,</q> the other said. +<q>Some of the others thought they were going to rule the +roost when they joined a few days ago, but I soon taught +them their place.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, you can begin to teach us ours as soon as you like,</q> +Tom Stevens said. <q>We have met bullies of your sort before. +Now, as dinner is going on, we will have some of it, as they +didn’t victual us before we left the cutter.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, then, you had better go to the cook-house and draw +rations. No doubt the cook has a list of you fellows’ names.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='52'/><anchor id='Pg052'/> + +<p> +The boys took the advice and soon procured a cooked ration +of meat and potatoes. The cook told them where they would +find plates. +</p> + +<p> +<q>One of the mess has to wash them up,</q> he said, <q>and +stow them away in the racks provided for them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Johnson,</q> the eldest boy said to the smallest of the party, +<q>you need not wash up to-day; that is the duty of the last +comer.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose it is the duty of each one of the mess by turn,</q> +Will said quietly; <q>we learnt that much as we came down the +coast.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will have to learn more than that, young fellow,</q> the +bully, who was seventeen, blustered. <q>You will have to learn +that I am senior of the mess, and will have to do as I tell you. +I have made one voyage already, and all the rest of you are +greenhorns.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It seems to me from the manner in which you speak, that +it is not a question of seniority but simply of bounce and +bullying, and I hope that the other boys will no more give in +to that sort of thing than Stevens or myself. I have yet to +learn that one boy is in any way superior to the others, and in +the course of the next hour I shall ascertain whether this is +so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Perhaps, after the meal is over, you will go down to the +lower deck and allow me to give you a lesson.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>As I told you,</q> Will answered quietly, <q>my friend and I +are one. I don’t suppose that single-handed I could fight a great +hulking fellow like you, but my friend and I are quite willing +to do so together. So now if there is any talk of fighting, you +know what to expect.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='53'/><anchor id='Pg053'/> + +<p> +The bully eyed the two boys curiously, but, like most of the +type, he was at heart a coward, and felt considerable doubt +whether these two boys would not prove too much for him. +He therefore muttered sullenly that he would choose his own +time. +</p> + +<p> +<q>All right! choose by all means, and whenever you like to +fix a time we shall be perfectly ready to accommodate you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Who on earth are you with your long words? Are you a +gentleman in disguise?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Never mind who I am,</q> Will said. <q>I have learnt enough, +at any rate, to know a bully and a coward when I meet him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lad was too furious to answer, but finished his dinner +in silence, his anger being all the more acute from the fact +that he saw that some of the other boys were tittering and +nudging each other. But he resolved that, though it might +be prudent for the present to postpone any encounter with +the boys, he would take his revenge on the first opportunity. +</p> + </div><div n="3"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER III</head> + +<head type="sub">A SEA-FIGHT</head> + +<p> +As the conflict of words came to an end, a roar of laughter +burst from the sailors at the next mess-table. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well done, little bantam!</q> one said; <q>you have taken that +lout down a good many pegs, and I would not mind backing +you to thrash him single-handed. We have noticed his goings-on +for the past two or three days with the other boys, and had +<pb n='54'/><anchor id='Pg054'/>intended to give him a lesson, but you have done it right well. +He may have <anchor id="corr054"/><corr sic="been">been on</corr> a voyage before, but I would wager that +he has never been aloft, and I would back you to be at the +masthead before he has crawled through the lubbers’ hole. +Now, my lad, just you understand that if you are ready to +fight both those boys we won’t interfere, but if you try it one +on one of them we will.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The boys’ duties consisted largely of working with the +watch to which they were attached, of scrubbing decks, and +cleaning brass-work. In battle their place was to bring up +the powder and shot for the guns. On the second day, when +the work was done, Will Gilmore went up to the boatswain. +</p> + +<p> +<q>If you please, sir,</q> he said, <q>may I go up the <anchor id="corr054a"/><corr sic="mast.">mast?</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +The boatswain looked at him out of one eye. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you really want to learn, lad?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I do, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, when there are, as at present, other hands aloft, you +may go up, but not at other times.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir!</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will at once started. He was accustomed to climb the +mast of John Hammond’s boat, but this was a very different +matter. From scrambling about the cliffs so frequently he +had a steady eye, and could look down without any feeling of +giddiness. The lubbers’ hole had been pointed out to him, +but he was determined to avoid the ignominy of having to go +up through it. When he got near it he paused and looked +round. It did not seem to him that there was any great +difficulty in going outside it, and as he knew he could trust +to his hands he went steadily up until he stood on the main-top. +</p> + +<pb n='55'/><anchor id='Pg055'/> + +<p> +<q>Hallo, lad,</q> said a sailor who was busy there, <q>do you +mean to say that you have come up outside?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, there did not seem to be any difficulty about it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And is it the first time you have tried?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then one day you will turn out a first-rate sailor. What +are you going to do now?</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will looked up. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am going up to the top of the next mast.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are sure that you won’t get giddy?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I am accustomed to climbing up the cliffs on the +Yorkshire coast, and I have not the least fear of losing my +head.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, then, fire away, lad, and if you find that you are +getting giddy shout and I will come up to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you! I will call if I want help.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Steadily he went up till he stood on the cap of the topmast. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I may as well go up one more,</q> he said. <q>I can’t think +why people make difficulties of what is so easy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailor called to him as he saw him preparing to ascend +still higher, but Will only waved his hand and started up. +When he reached the cap of the top-gallant mast he sat +upon it and looked down at the harbour. Presently he +heard a hail from below, and saw the first lieutenant standing +looking up at him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>All right, sir! I will come down at once,</q> and steadily he +descended to the maintop, where the sailor who had spoken to +him abused him roundly. Then he went to where the lieutenant +was standing. +</p> + +<p> +<q>How old are you, youngster?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='56'/><anchor id='Pg056'/> + +<p> +<q>I am a little past fifteen, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Have you ever been up a mast before?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Never, sir, except that I have climbed up a fishing-boat’s +mast many a time, and I am accustomed to clambering about +the cliffs. I hope there was no harm in my going so high?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No harm as it has turned out. You are a courageous little +fellow; I never before saw a lad who went outside the lubbers’ +hole on his first ascent. Well, I hope, my lad, that you will +be as well-behaved as you are active and courageous. I shall +keep my eye upon you, and you have my permission henceforth, +when you have no other duties, to climb about the masts +as you like.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lieutenant afterwards told the captain of Will’s exploit. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is the sort of lad to make a good topman,</q> the +captain remarked. <q>He will soon be up to the duties, but +will have to wait to get some beef on him before he is of +much use in furling a sail.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am very glad to have such a lad on board,</q> said the +lieutenant. <q>If we are at any station on the Mediterranean, +and have sports between the ships, I should back him against +any other boy in the fleet to get to the masthead and down +again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +One of the midshipmen, named Forster, came up to Will +when he left the lieutenant, and said: <q>Well done, young un! +It was as much as I could do at your age, though I had been +two years in the navy, to climb up where you did. If there +is anything I can do for you at any time I will gladly do it. +I don’t say that it is likely, for midshipmen have no power to +speak of; still, if there should be anything I would gladly help +you.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='57'/><anchor id='Pg057'/> + +<p> +<q>There is something, if you would be so very good, sir. +I am learning navigation, but there are some things that I +can’t make out, and it would be a kindness indeed if you +would spare a few minutes occasionally to explain them to +me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The midshipman opened his eyes. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am blowed,</q> he exclaimed in intense astonishment. +<q>The idea of a newly-joined boy wanting to be helped in +navigation beats me altogether. However, lad, I will certainly +do as you ask me, though I cannot think that, unless you have +been at a nautical school, you can know anything about it. +But come to me this evening during the dog-watches, and +then I will see what you have learned about the subject.</q> +</p> + +<p> +That evening Will went on deck rather shyly with two or +three of his books. The midshipman was standing at a quiet +spot on the deck. He glanced at Will enquiringly when he +saw what he was carrying. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you mean to say that you understand these books?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Not altogether, sir. I think I could work out the latitude +and longitude if I knew something about a quadrant, but I +have never seen one, and have no idea of its use. But what +I wanted to ask you first of all was the meaning of some of +these words which I cannot find in the dictionary.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It seems to me, youngster, that you know pretty well as +much as I do, for I cannot do more than fudge an observation. +How on earth did you learn all this? I thought you were +a fisher-boy before you joined.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So I was, sir. I was an orphan at the age of five. +My father left enough money to buy a boat, and, as one of +the fishermen had lately lost his, he adopted me, and I became +<pb n='58'/><anchor id='Pg058'/>bound to him as an apprentice till I was fourteen. The +clergyman’s daughter took a fancy to me from the first, and +she used to teach me for half an hour a day, which gave me +a great advantage over the other boys in the school. I was +very fond of reading, and she supplied me with books. As +I said I meant to go to sea, she bought me some books that +would help me. So there is nothing extraordinary in my +knowing these things; it all came from her kindness to me for +ten years.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Why didn’t she try to get you into the mercantile +marine?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She got married and left the place, sir, but before she +went she told me that it was very wrong to have anything to +do with smugglers. So I decided to give it up, and that set +the whole village against me, and I should probably have been +killed if I had not taken refuge in the coast-guard station. +There the officer in charge spoke to me of joining the royal +navy, and it seemed to me that it would do me good to serve +a few years in it; for I could afterwards, if I chose, pass as an +officer in the merchant service.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are the rummest boy that I ever came across,</q> Forster +said. <q>Well, I must think it over. Now, if there is anything +that you specially wish to know, I will explain it to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For half an hour they talked together, and the midshipman +solved many of the problems that had troubled the lad. Then +with many thanks Will went below. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Is it true, Will,</q> Tom Stevens said, <q>that you have been +right up the mast?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Not exactly, Tom, but I went up to the top of the top-gallant +mast.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='59'/><anchor id='Pg059'/> + +<p> +<q>But why did you do that?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wanted to get accustomed to going up. There was not +a bit of difficulty about it, except that it was necessary to +keep a steady head. You could do it just as well as I, for we +have climbed about the cliffs together scores of times.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you think it will do any good, Will?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I think so. When they see that a fellow is willing +and anxious to learn, it is sure to do him good in the long run. +It will help him on, and perhaps in two or three years he may +get rated as an able seaman, and no longer be regarded as a +boy, useful only to do odd jobs. One of the midshipmen is +going to give me some help with my navigation. I wish, Tom, +you would take it up too, but I am afraid it would be no +use. You have got to learn a tremendous lot before you can +master it, and what little you were taught at our school would +hardly help you at all.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I know that well enough, Will, and I should never think +of such a thing. I always was a fool, and could hardly take in +the little that old woman tried to teach us. No, it is of no use +trying to make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. I hope that +soon I shall be able to hit a good round blow at a Frenchman; +that is about all I shall be fit for, though I hope I +may some day get to be a smart topman. The next time you +climb the mast I will go with you. I don’t think there is +enough in my head to make it unsteady. At any rate I think +that I can promise that I won’t do anything to bring discredit +upon you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The feat that Will had performed had a great effect upon +the bully of the mess. Before that he had frequently enjoyed +boasting of his experience in climbing, and even hinted that +<pb n='60'/><anchor id='Pg060'/>he had upon one occasion reached the masthead. Now no +more was heard of this, for, as Tom said openly, he was afraid +that Will might challenge him to a climbing-match. The next +evening the first lieutenant said to the captain: <q>That other +lad who was brought down from Yorkshire has been up the +mast with his chum this afternoon. As I told you, sir, I heard +that they were great friends, and Stevens did as well as the +other.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But there is a great difference between them. The one +is as sharp and as bright as can be; the other is simply a +solidly-built fisher-boy who will, I have no doubt, make a good +sailor, but is not likely to set the Thames on fire.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you know, sir, Mr. Forster came to me this morning, +and told me that on his talking to the boy he astounded +him by asking if he would be kind enough to explain a few +things in navigation, as he had pretty well mastered all the +book-work, but had had no opportunity of learning the use of +a quadrant. Forster asked if I had any objection to his giving +him lessons. It is the first time that I ever heard of such a +request, and to allow it would be contrary to all idea of +discipline; still, a lad of that sort deserves encouragement, and +I will talk with the padre concerning him. He is one of the most +good-natured of men, and I think he would not mind giving +a quarter of an hour a day to this boy, after he has dismissed +the midshipmen from their studies. Of course he must do the +same work as the other boys, and no distinction must be made +between them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly not. I think the idea is an excellent one, and I +have not much doubt that Mr. Simpson will fall in with it.</q> +</p> + +<p> + The first lieutenant went off at once to find the <anchor id="corr060"/><corr sic="clergyman">clergyman.</corr> +</p> + +<pb n='61'/><anchor id='Pg061'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, he must be a strange boy,</q> the chaplain said when +the case was laid before him; <q>I should not be surprised if a +fellow like that found his way to the quarter-deck some day. +He appears to be a sort of admirable Crichton. Such an amount +of learning is extraordinary in a boy of his age and with his +opportunities, especially in one active and courageous enough +to go up to the cap of the top-gallant mast on his first trial in +climbing a mast. Certainly I shall be very glad to take the +boy on, and will willingly give him, as you say, a quarter of +an hour a day. I feel sure that my time will not be wasted. +I never before heard of a ship’s boy who wished to be instructed +in navigation, and I shall be glad to help such an +exceptional lad.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next day the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, having received all her stores, +went out to Spithead. The midshipmen had been all fully +engaged, and there were no lessons with the padre, but on the +following day these were resumed, and presently one of the +other boys came down with a message that Will was to go to +the padre’s cabin. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have arranged, lad,</q> the chaplain said when he entered, +<q>to give you a quarter of an hour a day to help you on with +your navigation, and I take it that you, on your part, are +ready to do the work. It seems to me almost out of the question +that you can be advanced enough to enter upon such +studies. That, however, I shall soon ascertain. Now open +that book and let me see how you would work out the following +<corr sic="no quote">observation,</corr></q> and he gave him the necessary data. +</p> + +<p> +In five minutes Will handed him the result. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Of course, sir, to obtain the exact answer I should require +to know more than you have given me.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='62'/><anchor id='Pg062'/> + +<p> +<q>That is quite right. To-morrow you shall go on deck +with me, and I will show you how to use a quadrant and +take the altitude of the sun, and from it how to calculate +the longitude, which is somewhat more difficult than the latitude. +I see you have a good knowledge of figures, and I am +quite sure that at the end of a few days’ work you will be +able to take an observation that will be close enough for all +practical purposes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He then asked Will many questions as to his course of study, +the books he had read, and the manner in which he had got +up the book-work of navigation. +</p> + +<p> +<q>But how did you manage about logarithms,</q> he said. <q>I +generally find them great stumbling-blocks in the way of my +pupils.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t really understand them now, sir. I can look down +the columns and find the number I want, and see how it works +out the result, but why it should do so I have not been able to +understand. It seems quite different from other operations in +figures.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is so,</q> the chaplain said, <q>and let me tell you that not +one navigator in fifty really grasps the principle. They +<q>fudge</q>, as it is termed, the answer, and if they get it right +are quite content without troubling themselves in any way +with the principle involved. If you want to be a good +navigator you must grasp the principle, and work the answer +out for yourself. When you can do this you will have a right +to call yourself a navigator. If you come to me at twelve +o’clock to-morrow I will show you how to work a quadrant. +The theory is easy. You have but to take the angle the +sun makes with the horizon at its moment of highest +ascen<pb n='63'/><anchor id='Pg063'/>sion. In practice, however, this is far from easy, and you +will be some time before you can hit upon the right moment. +It requires patience and close observation, but if you have +these qualities you will soon pick it up.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailors were the next day greatly astonished at seeing +the chaplain take his place at the side of the ship and explain +to Will the methods of taking an observation. +</p> + +<p> +In the meantime Will was making rapid progress in the +good graces of the crew. He was always ready to render +assistance in running messages, in hauling on ropes, and +generally making himself useful in all respects. His fight +with Robert Jones had come off. Will had gained great confidence +in himself when he found that he was able to climb +the mast in the ordinary way, while Tom Stevens was able +only to crawl up through the lubbers’ hole. Goaded to madness +by the chaff of the other boys, all of whom had ranged +themselves under Will’s banner, Jones threw down the challenge. +Tom Stevens was most anxious that Will should not +take it up except on the conditions stated, but Will proclaimed +a profound contempt for the bully. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will try it myself, Tom. I can hardly fail to lick such +a braggart as that. I don’t believe he has any muscles to +speak of in that big body of his, while I am as hard as nails. +No doubt it will be a tough fight if he has a scrap of pluck +in him, but I think I will win. Besides, if he does beat me, +he will certainly get little credit for it, while I shall have +learnt a lot that will be useful to me in the next fight.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly, at the time appointed the two lads went down +to the orlop deck, a good many of the sailors accompanying +them. An ordinary fight between boys attracted little +atten<pb n='64'/><anchor id='Pg064'/>tion, but the disparity between the years of the combatants, +and the liking entertained for Will, brought most of those +who were off duty to witness it. The difference between the +antagonists when they stripped was very marked. Robert +Jones was fully three stone the heavier and four inches the +taller, but he was flabby and altogether out of condition, while +Will was as hard as nails, and as active on his feet as a kid. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is ten to one against the young un,</q> one of the men +said, <q>but if he holds on for the first five rounds I would back +him at evens.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So would I,</q> another said, <q>but I doubt whether he can +do so; the odds are too great against him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will take four to one,</q> another said. <q>Look at the +young un’s muscles down his back. You won’t often see anything +better among lads two years older than he is.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The fight began with a tremendous rush on the part of +Jones. Will stood his ground doggedly, and struck his +opponent fairly between the eyes, making him shake his head +like an exasperated bull. Time after time Jones repeated +the manœuvre, but only once or twice landed a blow, while he +never escaped without a hard return. At length he began to +feel the effects of his own efforts, and stood on the defensive, +panting for breath. Now it was Will’s turn. He danced +round and round his opponent with the activity of a goat, +dodging in and delivering a heavy body-blow and then leaping +out again before his opponent could get any return. The +cheers of the sailors rose louder and louder, and Will heard +them shouting: <q>Go in; finish him, lad!</q> But Will was too +prudent to risk anything; he knew that the battle was in his +hands unless he threw it away, and that Jones was well-nigh +<pb n='65'/><anchor id='Pg065'/>pumped out. At last, after dealing a heavy blow, he saw his +antagonist stagger back, and in an instant sprang forward and +struck him between the eyes with far greater force than he +had before exerted. Jones fell like a log, and was altogether +unable to come up to time. A burst of cheering rose from +the crowd, and many and hearty were the congratulations +Will received. +</p> + <pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: AFTER HIS FIRST FIGHT]</p> + </then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill02"/> + <figure url="images/ill02.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small">AFTER HIS FIRST FIGHT</hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: AFTER HIS FIRST FIGHT</figDesc></figure></p> + </else></pgIf> +<p> +<q>What was going on this afternoon, Mr. Farrance?</q> asked +the captain; <q>I heard a lot of cheering.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I made enquiry about it, sir, and the boatswain told +me that it was only a fight between two of the boys. Of +course he had not been present.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah! It is not often that a boys’ fight excites such interest. +Who were they?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>They were Jones, the biggest of the boys, and by no +means a satisfactory character, and young Gilmore.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Why, Jones is big enough to eat him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, at any rate he ought to have been. He was a +great bully when he first came on board, but the other tackled +him as soon as they were together, and it seems he has to-day +given him as handsome a thrashing as could be wished for, +and that without being seriously hurt himself. He has +certainly established his supremacy among the boys of this +ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That boy is out of the common,</q> the captain said. <q>A +ship’s boy newly joined taking up navigation, going about +the masts like a monkey, and finally thrashing a fellow two +years his senior must be considered as altogether exceptional. +I shall certainly keep my eye upon him, and give him every +opportunity I can for making his way.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='66'/><anchor id='Pg066'/> + +<p> +Will received his honours quietly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is nothing,</q> he said, <q>in fighting a fellow who is +altogether out of condition, and has a very small amount of +pluck to make up for it. I was convinced when we first met +that he had nothing behind his brag, though I certainly did +not expect to beat him as easily as I did. Well, I hope we +shall be good friends in future. I have no enmity against +him, and there is no reason why we should not get on well +together after this.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know,</q> said the sailor to whom he was speaking; +<q>a decent fellow will make it up and think no more about it, +but if I am not mistaken, Robert Jones will do you a bad turn +if he gets the chance.</q> +</p> + +<p> +No one was more delighted at the result than Tom Stevens, +who had cheered loudly and enthusiastically. Dimchurch was +also exuberant at Will’s success. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I knew that you were a good un, but I never thought +you could have tackled that fellow. I don’t know what to +make of you; as a general thing, as far as I have seen, a +fellow who takes to books is no good for anything else, but +everything seems to agree with you. If I am not mistaken, +you will be on the quarter-deck before many years have +passed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They were now running down channel, and the boys were +astonished at the ease and smoothness with which the ship +breasted the waves, and at the mass of snowy canvas that +towered above her. As they sat one day at the bow watching +the sheets of spray rise as the ship cut her way through the +water, Tom said to his friend: <q>You are going up above me +quick, Will. Anyone can see that. You are thought a lot of. +<pb n='67'/><anchor id='Pg067'/>I knew it would be so, and I said I should not grudge it you; +in fact, the greater your success the better I shall be pleased. +But I did not think that your learning would have made such +a difference already. The first lieutenant often says a word +to you as he passes, and the padre generally speaks to you +when he goes along the deck. It is wonderful what a difference +learning makes; not, mind you, that I should ever have gone +in for it, even had I known how useful it is. I could never +have taken it in, and I am sure the old woman could never +have taught me. I suppose some fellows are born clever and +others grow to it. And some never are clever at all. That +was my way, I suppose. I just learned to spell words of two +letters, which, of course, was of no use. A fellow can’t do +much with ba, be, by, and bo, and these are about all the +words I remember. I used to think, when we first became +chums, how foolish you were to be always reading and studying. +Now I see what a pull you have got by it. I expect +it is partly because your father was a clever man, and, as most +of the people thought, a gentleman, that you came to take to it. +Well, if I had my time over again I would really try to learn +something. I should never make much of it, but still, I suppose +I should have got to read decently.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly you would, Tom; and when you once had got +to read, so as to be able to enjoy it, you would have gone +through all sorts of books and got lots of information from +them. I am afraid, however, it is too late to worry over +that. A man may be a good man and a good sailor without +knowing how to read and write. I am sure you will do your +share when it comes to that.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wonder when we shall fall in with a Frenchman?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='68'/><anchor id='Pg068'/> + +<p> +<q>There is no saying. You may be sure that every man on +board is longing to do so. I hope she will be a bit bigger +than we are, and I know the captain hopes so too. He is for +ever watching every ship that comes in sight.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When running down the coast of Spain one day the look-out +at the masthead shouted: <q>A sail!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What is she like?</q> the first lieutenant hailed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can only see her top-gallant sails, sir, but she is certainly +a square-rigged ship bound south, and her sails have a foreign +cut.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The first lieutenant swung his telescope over his shoulder +and mounted the rigging. When he came to the top-gallant +crosstrees he sat down and gazed into the distance through his +glass. +</p> + +<p> +After making a careful examination of the ship he called to +the captain, who was now on deck: +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is, as Johnson says, sir, a square-rigged ship, and I +agree with him as to the cut of her sails. She is certainly a +Frenchman, and evidently a large frigate. She is running +down the coast as we are, and I expect hopes to get through +the Straits at night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, edge in towards her,</q> the captain said. <q>Lower +the top-gallant sails. If she hasn’t already made us out, I +shall be able to work in a good deal closer to her before she +does so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +All hands were now on the <hi rend='italic'>qui vive</hi>, but it was not for +some time that the stranger could be made out from the +deck. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You can get up our top-gallant sails again,</q> the captain +said. <q>She must have made us out by this time, and she +<pb n='69'/><anchor id='Pg069'/>certainly has gained upon us since we first saw her. There is +no longer any possibility of concealment, so hoist royals as +well as top-gallant sails.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The stranger made no addition to her sails. By this time +those on board the <name type="ship">Furious</name> were able to judge of her size, and +came to the conclusion that she was a battle-ship of small +size, and ought to be more than a match for the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. The +vessels gradually approached each other, until at last a shot +was thrown across the bows of the Frenchman. She made no +reply, but continued on her way as if unconscious of the +presence of the English frigate. The crew of the <name type="ship">Furious</name> could +now make out that she had fifty guns, whereas their own ship +had thirty-four. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Just comfortable odds,</q> the captain said quietly when this +was reported to him. <q>I have no doubt she carries heavier +metal as well as more guns. Altogether she would be a satisfactory +prize to send into Portsmouth.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The men had not waited for orders, but had mustered to +quarters on their own account. The guns were run in and +loaded, and the boarding-pikes got ready. In five minutes +orders were given to fire another shot. There was a cheer as +white splinters were seen to fly from the Frenchman’s side. +Her helm was put up at once, and she swept round and fired +a broadside into the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. Four or five shots took effect, +some stays and ropes were cut, and two shot swept across her +deck, killing three of the sailors and knocking down several of +the others. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Aim steadily, lads,</q> the captain shouted; <q>don’t throw +away a shot. It is our turn now. All aim at her centre ports. +Fire!</q> +</p> + +<pb n='70'/><anchor id='Pg070'/> + +<p> +The ship swayed from the recoil of the guns, and then she +swung half-round and a broadside was poured into the +Frenchman from the other side. +</p> + +<p> +After this Will and Tom knew little more of what was +going on, for they were kept busy running to and from the +magazine with fresh cartridges. They were not tall enough to +see over the bulwarks, and were only able to peep out occasionally +from one of the port-holes. They presently heard from +the shouts and exclamations of the men that everything was +going well, and on looking out they saw that the enemy’s +foremast had been shot away, and in consequence she was +unmanageable. The crew of the <name type="ship">Furious</name> had suffered heavily, +but her main spars were intact, and the captain, manœuvring +with great skill, was able to sail backwards and forwards across +the enemy’s stern and rake him repeatedly fore and aft. +</p> + +<p> +So the fight continued until at last the captain gave +the order to lay the ship alongside the Frenchman and board. +There was no more work for the powder-monkeys now, so +Will and Tom seized boarding-pikes and joined in the rush +on to the enemy’s deck. The resistance, however, was short-lived; +the enemy had suffered terribly from the raking fire +of the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, and as the captain and many of the officers had +fallen, the senior survivor soon ordered the flag to be lowered. +A tremendous cheer broke from the British. They now +learned that the ship they had captured was the <name type="ship">Proserpine</name>, +which was on her way to enter the Mediterranean and effect +a junction with the French fleet at Toulon. +</p> + +<p> +The next day the crew worked hard to get up a jury foremast. +When this was done a prize crew was put on board. +The French prisoners were confined below, as they far +out<pb n='71'/><anchor id='Pg071'/>numbered their captors. Then, having repaired her own +damages, the <name type="ship">Furious</name> proceeded on her way. +</p> + +<p> +On arriving at Gibraltar the captain received orders to proceed +to Malta, and to place himself under the order of the +admiral there. For a time matters proceeded quietly, for the +winds were light and baffling, and it took a fortnight to get +to their destination. Here the ship was thoroughly examined, +and the damage she had suffered more satisfactorily repaired +than had been possible while she was at sea. +</p> + +<p> +When the overhauling was completed she received orders +to cruise off the coast of Africa. This was by no means +pleasing to the crew, who considered that they had small +chance of falling in with anything of their own size on that +station. They were told, however, that there had been serious +complaints of piracy on the part of the Moors, and that they +were specially to direct their attention to punishing the perpetrators +of such acts. +</p> + +<p> +One morning three strange craft were sighted lying close +together. Unfortunately, however, it was a dead calm. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They are Moors, certainly,</q> the captain said to the first +lieutenant after examining them with his glass. <q>What would +I not give for a breath of wind now? But they are not going +to escape us. Get all the boats hoisted out, and take command +of the expedition yourself.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Immediately all was bustle on board the ship, and in a very +short time every boat was lowered into the water. Will was +looking on with longing eyes as the men took their places. +The lieutenant noticed him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Clamber down into the bow of my boat,</q> he said; <q>you +deserve it.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='72'/><anchor id='Pg072'/> + +<p> +In the highest state of delight Will seized a spare cutlass +and made his way into the bow of the boat amid the jokes of +the men. These, however, were stilled the moment the first +lieutenant took his place in the stern. +</p> + +<p> +The Moors had not been idle. As soon as they saw that +the boats had been lowered they got out their sweeps and +began to row at a pace which the lieutenant saw would tax +the efforts of his oarsmen to the utmost. The Moors had +fully three miles start, and, although the men bent to their oars +with the best will, they gained very slowly. The officers in +the various boats encouraged them with their shouts, and the +men pulled nobly. Five miles had been passed and but one +mile gained. It was evident, however, that the efforts of the +Moorish rowers were flagging, while the sailors were rowing +almost as strongly as when they started. Three more miles +and another mile had been gained. Then from the three +vessels came a confused fire of cannon of all sizes. +</p> + +<p> +Several men were hit, boats splintered, and oars smashed. +The first lieutenant shouted orders for the boats to open out +so that the enemy would no longer have a compact mass +to aim at. At last, after another mile, the Moors evidently +came to the conclusion that they could not escape by rowing, +and at once drew in their oars, lowered their sails, and all +formed in line. As soon as this manœuvre was completed +heavy firing began again. Will, lying in the bow, looked out +ahead, and, seeing the sea torn up with balls, wondered that +any of the boats should escape unharmed. +</p> + +<p> +The lieutenant shouted to the boats to divide into two parties, +one, led by himself, to attack the vessel on the left of the +line, and the other, under the second lieutenant, to deal with +<pb n='73'/><anchor id='Pg073'/>the ship on the right, for the middle boat would assuredly be +captured if the other two were taken. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Row quietly, men,</q> he shouted; <q>you will want your +breath if it comes to fighting. Keep on at a steady pace +until within two hundred yards of them, and then make +a dash.</q> +</p> + +<p> +This order was carried out by both parties, and when within +the given distance the men gave a cheer, and, bending their +backs to the oars, sent the boats tearing through the water. +The pirate craft were all crowded with men, who raised yells +of rage and defiance. However, except that one boat was +sunk by a shot that struck her full in the bow, Lieutenant +Farrance’s party reached their vessel. +</p> + +<p> +The first to try to climb on board were all cut down or +thrown backwards, but at length the men gained a footing +on the deck, and, led by Mr. Farrance, fell upon the enemy +with great spirit. Will was the last to climb up out of his +boat, but he soon pushed his way forward until he was close +behind the lieutenant. Several times the boarders were +pushed back, but as often they rallied, and won their way +along the deck again. +</p> + +<p> +During one of these rushes Lieutenant Farrance’s foot slipped +in a pool of blood, and he fell to the deck. Two Moors sprang +at him, but Will leapt forward, whirling his cutlass, and by +luck rather than skill cut down one of them. The other +attacked him and dealt him a severe blow on the arm, but +before he could repeat it the lieutenant had regained his feet, +and, springing forward, had run the Moor through the body. +</p> + +<p> +Another five minutes’ fighting and all resistance was at an +end. Some of the Moors rushed below, others jumped +over<pb n='74'/><anchor id='Pg074'/>board and swam to their consort. As soon as resistance had +ceased the lieutenant ordered the majority of the men to +return to the boats, and, leaving a sufficient number to hold +the captured vessel, proceeded to the attack of the middle +craft. +</p> + +<p> +The fight here was even more stubborn than before, for the +men that fled from the ships that had already been taken had +strongly reinforced the crew of this one. The British, however, +were not to be denied. The boats of one division +attacked on one side, those of the second on the other, and, +after nearly a quarter of an hour’s hard fighting, brought the +enemy to their knees. +</p> + +<p> +The pirates were all now battened down, the wounded +seamen cared for by the doctor who had accompanied the +expedition, and the bodies of the dead Moors thrown overboard. +When this was done the successful expedition prepared +to return to the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. They had lost twenty-eight killed, +and nearly forty wounded. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The loss has been very heavy,</q> the first lieutenant said +when the return was given to him; <q>and to do the fellows +justice they fought desperately. Well, now we have to get +back to the ship, which is a good ten miles away. She is still +becalmed, and so are we, and unless the wind springs up we +shall hardly reach her before nightfall. I don’t like to ask +the men for more exertions after a ten miles row at such a +ripping pace; still, it must be done. Let two boats take each +of the pirates in tow; they shall be relieved every hour.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailors, who were in high glee at their success, took +their places in the boats cheerfully, but when night fell they +were still more than four miles away from the frigate. +</p> + +</div><div n="4"> +<pb n='75'/><anchor id='Pg075'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER IV</head> + +<head type="sub">PROMOTED</head> + +<p> +The lieutenant took a boat when it became dusk and rowed +to the frigate, where he handed in his report of the fight. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will read that later, Mr. Farrance,</q> the captain said. +<q>Meanwhile, tell me briefly what is the result? Of course I +saw you returning with the three vessels in tow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We had a very sharp fight, sir, and I am sorry to say that +the casualties are heavy, twenty-eight killed and nearly forty +wounded more or less severely.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a heavy list indeed, Mr. Farrance, very heavy, and +we are the less able to bear it since we have some seventy men +away on the French prize. The rascals must have fought +desperately.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>They did, sir. I am bound to say that men could hardly +have fought better. We had very hard work with the two +outside ships, and as most of the fellows jumped overboard +and swam to the other, we had an even stiffer fight there. In +fact, if we had had only one of our division of boats available +I am sure we should not have carried her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What are the casualties among the officers?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Midshipman Howard is killed, sir, and Lieutenant Ayling +and Midshipman James very severely wounded. I myself +had a very narrow escape. I slipped upon some blood, and +two Moors rushed at me and would have killed me had not +that boy Gilmore thrown himself between us. He waved +his cutlass about wildly, and, principally from good luck, I +<pb n='76'/><anchor id='Pg076'/>think, cut down one of them. On this the other attacked +him, and I had time to get to my feet again. As soon as I +was up I ran the Moor through, but not before he had given +the boy a very ugly wound on the arm.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a wonderful boy,</q> the captain said with a smile. +<q>I think he is too good to remain where he is, and I must put +him on the quarter-deck.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should feel greatly obliged if you would, sir, for there +is no doubt that he saved my life. He is certainly as well up +in his work as any of the midshipmen. The chaplain told me +only yesterday that he had learnt to use the quadrant, and can +take an observation quite as accurately as most of his pupils.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Such a boy as that,</q> said the captain, <q>ought to be given +a chance of rising in his profession. He is quite at home aloft, +and may be fairly called a sailor. He is certainly a favourite +with the whole crew, and I think, if promoted, will give every +satisfaction. Very well, Farrance, we may consider that as +settled.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much, sir! I need hardly say that it +will be a pleasure to me to fit him out.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next morning there was a light breeze, and the three +prizes, which had remained four miles from the frigate through +the night, closed up to her. The wounded were transhipped, +and a prize crew was told off to each of the captures, a considerable +portion of the Moors being also transferred to the +frigate and sent down into the hold. +</p> + +<p> +In the afternoon Will, to his surprise, received word that +the captain wished to speak to him. His jacket had been cut +off and his injured arm was in a sling, so he could only throw +the garment over his shoulders before he hurried aft. When +<pb n='77'/><anchor id='Pg077'/>he reached the poop he found that the crew were mustered, +and in much trepidation as to his appearance, and with a great +feeling of wonder as to why he had been sent for, he made his +way to where the captain was standing surrounded by a group +of officers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Men,</q> the captain said in a loud clear voice, <q>I am going +to take a somewhat unusual step, and raise one of your comrades +to the quarter-deck. Still more unusual is it that such +an honour should fall to a ship’s boy. In this case, however, +I am sure you will all agree with me that the boy in question +has distinguished himself not only by his activity and keenness +aloft, but by the fact that he has, under great difficulties, +educated himself, and in manner and education is perfectly +fit to be a messmate of the midshipmen of this vessel. Moreover, +in the fight yesterday he saved the life of Lieutenant +Farrance when he had fallen and was attacked by two of the +Moors. One of these the lad killed, and the other he engaged. +This gave Lieutenant Farrance time to recover his feet, and +he quickly disposed of the second Moor, not, however, before +the rascal had inflicted a severe wound on the lad. Mr. +William Gilmore, I have real pleasure in nominating you a +midshipman on board His Majesty’s ship <name type="ship">Furious</name>, and inviting +you to join us on the quarter-deck.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The cheer that broke from the men showed that they +heartily approved of the honour that had fallen upon their +young comrade. As to Will himself, he was so surprised and +overcome by this most unexpected distinction that he could +scarcely speak. The captain stepped forward and shook him +by the hand, an example followed by the other officers and +midshipmen. +</p> + +<pb n='78'/><anchor id='Pg078'/> + +<p> +<q>You had better retire,</q> the captain said, seeing that the +lad was quite unable to speak, <q>and when you have recovered +from your wound the ship’s tailor will take your uniform in +hand. Lieutenant Farrance has kindly expressed his intention +of providing you with it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will, with the greatest difficulty, restrained his feelings till +he reached the sick berth, and then he threw himself into a +hammock and burst into tears. Presently Tom Stevens came +in to see him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am glad, Will,</q> he said, <q>more glad than I can possibly +express. It is splendid to think that you are really an +officer.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is too much altogether, Tom. I had hoped that some +day I might come to be a mate, or even a captain in a +merchant ship, but to think that in less than two months after +joining I could be on the quarter-deck was beyond my wildest +dreams. Well I hope I sha’n’t get puffed up, and I am sure, +Tom, that I shall be as much your friend as ever.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t doubt that, Will; you would not be yourself if it +made any difference in you. Dimchurch asked me to tell you +how much he too was pleased, but that he was not surprised +at all, for he felt sure that in less than a year you would be on +the quarter-deck, as it would be ridiculous that anyone who +could take an observation and be at the same time one of the +smartest hands aloft should remain in the position of ship’s +boy. One of the elder sailors said that in all his experience +he had never known but three or four cases of men being +promoted from the deck except when old warrant officers were +made mates and appointed to revenue cutters.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank Dimchurch very heartily for me, Tom, and tell him +<pb n='79'/><anchor id='Pg079'/>that I hope we shall sail many years together, although it may +be in different parts of the ship. Now I will lie quiet for a +time, for my arm is throbbing dreadfully. The doctor tells me +that although the wound is severe it can hardly be called +serious, for with so good a constitution as I have it will heal +quickly, and in a month I shall be able to use it as well as +before.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The agitation and excitement, however, acted injuriously, +and the next day Will was in a state of high fever, which did +not abate for some days, and left him extremely weak. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have had a sharp bout of it, lad,</q> the doctor said, +<q>but you are safe now, and you will soon pick up strength +again. It has had one good effect; it has kept you from +fidgeting over your wound, and I have no doubt that, now +the fever has left you, you will go on nicely.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In another three weeks Will was able to leave the sick bay, +and on the morning he was discharged from the sick list he +found by his hammock two suits of midshipman’s uniform, a +full dress and a working suit, together with a pile of shirts +and underclothing of all kinds, and two or three pairs of shoes. +His other clothes had been taken away, so he dressed himself +in the working suit, and with some little trepidation made his +way to his new quarters. The midshipmen were just sitting +down to breakfast, and, rising, they all shook hands with him +and congratulated him heartily both on his promotion and his +recovery. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are very good to welcome me so heartily,</q> he said. +<q>I know that neither by birth nor station am I your equal.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are quite our equal, youngster,</q> said one of the midshipmen, +<q>whatever you may be by birth. Not one of us +<pb n='80'/><anchor id='Pg080'/>could have worked half so well as you have done; the chaplain +tells us that you can take an observation as well as he can. +I can assure you we are all heartily glad to have you with us. +Sit down and make yourself at home. We have not much to +offer you besides our rations; for we have been out for over a +month, and our soft tack and all other luxuries were finished +long ago, so we are reduced to ham and biscuit.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It could not be better,</q> Will said with a smile, <q>for I +have got such an appetite that I could eat horse with satisfaction. +I feel immensely indebted to you, Mr. Forster; for if +you had not brought my request before the first lieutenant I +should not have been able to make such progress with my +books as I have done.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The chaplain is a first-rate fellow—but, by the way, we +have no misters here; we all call each other by our surname +plain and simple. Even Peters, who has welcomed you in our +name and who is a full-fledged master’s mate, does not claim to +be addressed as mister, though he will probably do so before +long, for the wound of Lieutenant Ayling, who, it is settled, +will be invalided when we get to Malta, will give him his step. +On that occasion we will solemnly drink his health, at his own +expense of course.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is not the ordinary way,</q> the mate laughed. <q>I +know that you fellows will be game to shell out a bottle +apiece—I don’t think I can do it—not at least until I get +three months of my new rate of pay.</q> +</p> + +<p> +So they laughed and chaffed, and Will felt grateful to them, +for he saw that it was in no small degree due to the desire to +set him at his ease. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will be in the starboard watch, Gilmore,</q> the mate +<pb n='81'/><anchor id='Pg081'/>said when the meal was finished. <q>That was the one Ayling +had. The third lieutenant, Bowden, who is now in charge, +isn’t half a bad fellow. Of course he is a little cocky—third +lieutenants on their first commission generally are, but he is +kind-hearted and likes to makes himself popular, and he will +wink one eye when you take a nap under a gun, which is no +mean virtue. The boatswain, who is in the same watch, is a +much more formidable person, and busies himself quite unnecessarily. +One cannot, however, have everything, and on +the whole you will get on very comfortably. I am in the +other watch, Rodwell and Forster are with you. They are +well-meaning lads; I don’t know that I can say anything more +for them, but you will find out their faults soon enough yourself.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will then went up on deck with the others. It seemed +strange to him to enter upon what he had hitherto regarded +as a sort of sacred ground, and he stood shyly aside while the +others fell into their duties of looking after the men and +seeing that the work was being done. Presently the first +lieutenant came on deck. Will went up to him and touched +his hat. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I cannot tell you, sir,</q> he said, <q>how indebted I feel to +you for your kindness in speaking for me to the captain, and +especially in providing me with an outfit. I can assure you, +sir, that as long as I live I shall remember your kindness.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>My lad, these things weigh but little against the saving of +my life, and I can assure you that it was a great satisfaction to +me to be able to make this slight return. I shall watch your +career with the greatest interest, for I am convinced that it +will be a brilliant one.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='82'/><anchor id='Pg082'/> + +<p> +Owing to the fact that two officers had gone away in their +first prize, and that three had been killed or disabled in the +late fight, there was a shortage of officers on the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. +Three had left in the Moorish prizes, and when, a week later, +another Moorish vessel was captured without much fighting, +the captain had no officers to spare above the rank of midshipmen. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Mr. Forster,</q> he said, <q>I have selected you to go in the +prize. You can take one of the juniors with you; I cannot +spare either of the seniors. Who would you like to take?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would rather have Gilmore, sir. I feel that I can trust +him thoroughly.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think you have made a good choice. I cannot spare you +more than thirty men. You will go straight to Malta, hand +over your prize to the agent there, and either wait till we +return, or come back again if there should be any means of +doing so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will was delighted when he heard that he was to go with +Forster. <q>Will you pick the crew?</q> he asked his friend. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, but I could arrange without difficulty for anyone you +specially wished.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should like very much to have my friend Tom Stevens +and the sailor named Dimchurch; they are both good hands in +their way, and were very friendly with me before I got promoted.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>All right! there will no difficulty about that; we shall +want a boy to act as our servant, and one able seaman is as +good as another. I have noticed Dimchurch; he is a fine +active hand, and I will appoint him boatswain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Great was the pride of Will as the prize crew rowed from +<pb n='83'/><anchor id='Pg083'/>the <name type="ship">Furious</name> to the Moorish galley of which he was to be +second in command, but he could not help bursting out laughing +as he went down with Forster into the cabin. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What are you laughing at?</q> Forster asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was having a bit of a laugh at the thought of the change +that has come over my position. Not that I am conceited +about it, but it all seems so strange that I should be here and +second in command.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No doubt it does,</q> laughed Forster, <q>but you will soon +get accustomed to it. It is almost as strange for me, for it is +the first time that I have been in command. I have brought +a chart on board with me. Our course is north-north-east, +and the distance is between two and three hundred miles. In +any decent part of the world we should do it in a couple +of days, but with these baffling winds we may take a week +or more. Well, I don’t much care how long we are; it will +be a luxury to be one’s own master for a bit.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The first step was to divide the crew into two watches. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am entitled not to keep a watch,</q> Forster said, <q>but I +shall certainly waive the privilege. We will take a watch +each.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Tom Stevens was appointed cabin servant, and one of the men +was made cook; nine of the others were told off to each watch. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wish she hadn’t all those prisoners on board,</q> Forster +said. <q>They will be a constant source of anxiety. There +are over fifty of them, and as hang-dog scoundrels as one +would wish to see. We shall have to keep a sharp look-out +on them, to make sure that they don’t get a ghost of a chance +of coming up on deck, for if they did they would not think +twice about cutting our throats.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='84'/><anchor id='Pg084'/> + +<p> +<q>I don’t see how they could possibly get out,</q> Will said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No; it generally does look like that, but they manage it +sometimes for all that. These fellows know that when they +get to Malta they will be set to work in the yards, and if +there was an opportunity, however small, for them to break +out, you may be sure that they would take it. These Moorish +pirates are about as ruffianly scoundrels as are to be found, +and if they don’t put their prisoners to death they only spare +them for what they will fetch as slaves.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After three days’ sailing they had made but little way, for +it was only in the morning and the evening that there was +any breeze. Will had just turned in for the middle watch, +and had scarcely dropped to sleep, when he was suddenly +awakened by a loud noise. He sprang out of bed, seized his +dirk and a brace of pistols which were part of the equipment +given him by the first lieutenant. As he ran up the companion +he heard a coil of rope thrown against the door, so +he leapt down again and ran with all speed to the men’s +quarters. They, too, were all on their feet, but the hatch had +been battened down above them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is a bad job, sir,</q> Dimchurch said. <q>How they have +got out I have no idea. I looked at the fastenings of the +two hatches when I came down twenty minutes ago, and they +looked to me all right. I am afraid they will cut all our +comrades’ throats.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I fear so, Dimchurch. What do you think we had better +do?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know, sir; it will require a good deal of thinking +out. I don’t suppose they will meddle with us at present, but +of course they will sooner or later.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='85'/><anchor id='Pg085'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, Dimchurch, as a first step we will bring all the +mess tables and other portable things forward here, and +make a barricade with them. We will also obtain two or +three barrels of water and a stock of food, so that when +the time comes we may at any rate be able to make a stout +resistance.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a good idea, sir. We will set to work at once.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a short time, with the aid of tubs of provisions, barrels +of water, and bales of goods, a barricade was built across the +bow of the vessel, forming a triangular enclosure of about +fourteen feet on each side. The arms were then collected +and placed inside, and when this was done there was a general +feeling of satisfaction that they could at least sell their lives +dearly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, sir, what is the next step?</q> Dimchurch asked. +<q>You have only to give your orders and we are ready to carry +them out.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have thought of nothing at present,</q> Will said. <q>I fancy +it will be better to allow them to make the first move, for +even with the advantage of attacking them in the dark we +could hardly hope to overcome four times our number.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It would be a tough job certainly, sir; but if the worst +comes to the worst, we might try it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It must come to quite the worst, Dimchurch, before we +take such a step as that.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As evening approached, the Moors were heard descending +the companion. There was a buzz of talk, and then they came +rushing forward. When they reached the door between the +fore and aft portions of the ship Will and his men opened fire +upon them, and as they poured out they were shot down. +<pb n='86'/><anchor id='Pg086'/>Seven or eight fell, and then the others dashed forward. +The seamen lined the barricade and made a strenuous resistance. +Cutlass clashed against Moorish yatagan; the Moors +were too crowded together to use their guns, and as they +could gather no more closely in front than the sailors stood, +they were unable to break through the barricade. At last, +after many had fallen, the rest retired. Three or four of the +sailors had received more or less severe wounds, but none +were absolutely disabled. Tom Stevens had fought pluckily +among the rest, and Will was ready with his shouts of encouragement, +and a cutlass he had taken for use instead of his +dirk, wherever the pressure was most severe. +</p> + +<p> +When the Moors had retired, Dimchurch and two others +went outside the barricade and piled some heavy bales against +the door, after first carrying out the dead Moors. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They will hardly attack us that way again, sir,</q> he said to +Will; <q>it will be our turn next time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, six of their number are killed, and probably several +badly wounded, so we ought to have a good chance of success +if we make a dash at them in the dark.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They waited until night had fallen. Then Will said: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you think you can lift that hatchway, Dimchurch?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will have a pretty hard try anyhow,</q> the man said. <q>I +will roll this tub under it; that will give me a chance of using +my strength.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Although he was able to move it slightly, his utmost efforts +failed to lift it more than an inch or two. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They have piled too many ropes on it for me, sir; but I +think that if some others will get on tubs and join me we +shall be able to move the thing.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='87'/><anchor id='Pg087'/> + +<p> +<q>Wait a minute, Dimchurch. Let each man make sure that +his musket is loaded.</q> +</p> + +<p> +There was a short pause, during which all firelocks were +carefully examined. When he saw that all were in good +order, Will said: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, lads, heave away.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Slowly the hatchway yielded, and with a great effort it was +pushed up far enough for a man to crawl out. Pieces of wood +were shoved in at each corner so as to hold the hatch open, +and the men who had lifted it stood clear. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Clamber out, Dimchurch, and have a look round. Are +there many of them on deck?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Only about a dozen, as far as I can make out, sir. They +are jabbering away among themselves disputing, I should +say, as to the best way to get at us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I expect they intend to leave us alone and take us into +Algiers. However, that does not matter. You two crawl +out and lie down, then give me a hand and hoist me out. +I think the others can all reach, except Tom; you had better +hoist him up after me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Each man, as he clambered out, lay down on the deck. +When all were up, they crawled along aft to within a few +yards of the Moors, then leapt to their feet and fired a volley. +Five of the Moors fell, while the others, panic-stricken, ran +below. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, pile cables over the hatchway,</q> Will shouted. +</p> + +<p> +The sailors rushed to carry out the order. They were +startled as they did so by a shout from above. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Hillo, below there! Have you got possession of the ship?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes. Is that you, Forster?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='88'/><anchor id='Pg088'/> + +<p> +<q>Yes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God for that!</q> Will shouted back, while the men +gave a cheer. <q>Why don’t you come down?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am going to slide down the mast.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What for? Why don’t you come down by the rattlings?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have cut the shrouds. When our last man fell I made +a dash for them, and directly I got to the top I cut them, and +half a dozen men who were climbing after me fell sprawling +to the deck. Then I cut them on the other side. I thought +then that they would at once shoot me, but there was a lively +argument among them and shouts of laughter, and they +evidently thought that it would be a great joke to leave me +up here until I chose to slide down and be killed. Of course +I heard their attack on you, and trembled for the result; +but when the noise suddenly ceased I guessed that you had +repulsed them. Well, here goes!</q> and half a minute later he +slid down to the deck. <q>How do matters stand?</q> he asked, +when he stood among them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We killed six and wounded eight or ten in the first attack +upon us, and we have shot five more now. All the rest are +battened down below.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>There they had better remain for the present. Well, +Gilmore, I congratulate you on having recaptured the ship. +It has been a bad affair, for we have lost nine men killed; but +as far as you are concerned you have done splendidly. I am +afraid I shall get a pretty bad wigging for allowing them to +get out, though certainly the bolts of the hatchways were all +right when we changed the watch. Of course I see now that +I ought to have placed a man there as sentry. It is always so +mighty easy to be wise after the event. I expect the rascals +<pb n='89'/><anchor id='Pg089'/>pretty nearly cut the wood away round the bolts, and after +the watch was changed set to work and completed the job. +We shall not, however, be able to investigate that until we +get to Malta.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We have blocked up the door between the fore and the +after parts of the ship,</q> said Will; <q>but I think it would be +as well to place a sentry at each hatch now, as they might turn +the tables upon us again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly. Are you badly wounded, Dimchurch?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have got a slash across the cheek, sir, but nothing to +speak of.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, will you take post at the after-hatch for the present. +Stevens, you may as well go down and guard the door. You +will be able to tell us, at least, if they are up to any mischief. +I should think, however, the fight is pretty well taken out +of them, and that they will resign themselves to their fate +now.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is a bad job for me,</q> Forster said, as he and Will sat +down together on a gun. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am awfully sorry, Forster, but I am afraid there is no +getting out of it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, that is out of the question.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is one thing, Forster. If you did not put a sentry +over the hatchway, neither did I, so I am just as much to +blame for the disaster as you are. If I had had a man there +they could hardly have cut away the woodwork without his +hearing. I certainly wish you to state in your report that you +took the watch over from me just as I left it, and that no +sentry had been placed there, as ought certainly to have been +done when I came on watch at eight o’clock.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='90'/><anchor id='Pg090'/> + +<p> +<q>It is very kind of you, Gilmore, to wish to take the blame +upon your own shoulders, but the responsibility is wholly +mine. I ought to have reminded you to put a man there, +there can be no question at all about that, but I never gave +the matter a thought, and the blunder has cost us nine good +seamen. I shall be lucky if I only escape with a tremendous +wigging. I must bear it as well as I can.</q> +</p> + +<p> +While they were talking the sailors were busy splicing the +shrouds. When this was done two of the men swarmed up +the mast by means of the halliards. Then they hoisted up +the shrouds, and fastened them round the mast, making all +taut by means of the lanyards. The sails were still standing, +flapping loosely in the light breeze, so the sheets were hauled +in and the vessel again began to move through the water. +Two days later they anchored in Valetta harbour. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Here goes,</q> Forster said, as he stepped into the boat with +his report. <q>It all depends now on what sort of a man the +admiral is, but I should not be surprised if he ordered me to +take court-martial.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh, I hope not!</q> Will exclaimed. <q>I do wish you would +let me go with you to share the blame.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It cannot be thought of,</q> Forster said; <q>the commanding +officer must make the report.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Two hours later Forster returned. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is all right, Gilmore,</q> he said as the boat came alongside. +<q rend="post: none">Of course I got a wigging. The admiral read the report +and then looked at me as fierce as a tiger.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>How was it that no sentry was placed over the +prisoners?</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>I have to admit, sir,</q> I said, <q>that I entirely overlooked +<pb n='91'/><anchor id='Pg091'/>that. I am quite conscious that my conduct was indefensible, +but I have certainly paid very heavily for it.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>It was a smart trick taking to the shrouds,</q> the admiral +said, <q>though one would have thought they would have shot +you at once after you had cut them.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>That is what I expected, sir,</q> said I, <q>but they seemed to +think it was a very good joke, my being a prisoner up there, +and preferred to wait till I was driven down by thirst.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>I suppose your men sold their lives dearly?</q> he asked.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>Yes, sir,</q> I replied. <q>Taken by surprise as they were +they certainly accounted for more than one man each.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>And doubtless you did the same, Mr. Forster?</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>Yes, sir, I cut down two of them, and I did not cease +fighting until I saw that all was lost.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>Then I suppose you thought that your duty to His +Majesty was to take care of yourself,</q> he said slyly.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>I am afraid, sir,</q> I said, <q>at that moment I thought more +of my duty towards myself than of my duty to him.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">He smiled grimly.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>I have no doubt that was so, Mr. Forster. Well, you +committed a blunder, and I hope it will be a lesson to you +in future.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>It will indeed, sir,</q> I said.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">Then he started to question me about you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>Your junior officer seems to have behaved very well,</q> he +said.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>Extremely well, sir,</q> I said. <q>I only wish I had done as +well.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>His plan of forming a barricade across the bow so that +his little force were ample to defend it was excellent,</q> he said. +<pb n='92'/><anchor id='Pg092'/><q>Also the blocking up of the door of communication through +the bulkhead was well thought of, and his final escape through +the hatchway and sudden attack upon the enemy was well +carried out. I will make a note of his name. I suppose he +is not as old as yourself, as he is your junior?</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>No, sir, he is not yet sixteen, and he was only promoted +from being a ship’s boy to the quarter-deck three weeks ago.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>Promoted from being a ship’s boy?</q> the admiral said in +surprise.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">Then I had to give a detailed account, not only of the +fight that led to your promotion, but also of your life so +far as I knew <corr sic="extra quote">it.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">When I had finished, the admiral said:</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q>He must be a singular lad, this Gilmore, and is likely +to prove an honour to the navy. Bring him up here at this +hour to-morrow; I shall be glad to see him. There, now, you +may go, and don’t forget in future that when you are in +charge of prisoners you must always place a guard over +them.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So unknowingly you have done me a good turn, Gilmore, +for I expect that if the admiral had not been so interested in +you he would not have let me off so easily. You must put on +your best uniform for the first time and go up to-morrow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am afraid I should have felt very shaky if I had +not heard your account of the admiral. From what you say +it is evident he is a kindly man, and after all you have told +him about me he can’t have many questions to ask.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I feel a good deal easier in my mind, as you may +guess,</q> Forster said. <q>When I went ashore I felt like a bad +boy who is in for a flogging. I dare say I shall get it a little +<pb n='93'/><anchor id='Pg093'/>hotter from the captain, but it will be just a wigging, and +there will be no talk of courts-martial. By what we saw of +the goods on board this craft before this rumpus took place +I fancy the Moor had captured and plundered a well-laden +merchantman. In that case the prize-money will be worth a +good round sum, and as the admiral gets a picking out of it +he will be still more inclined to look favourably on the matter. +Here comes the boat to take off the prisoners. I have no +doubt some of them will be hanged, especially as they will +not be able to give any satisfactory explanation as to the fate +of the merchantman. As soon as we have got rid of them we +will overhaul a few of the bales and see what are their contents.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When the last of the prisoners were taken ashore Forster +and Gilmore went below and examined the cargo. This +proved to consist of valuable Eastern stuffs, broad-cloths, +silks, and Turkish carpets. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It could not be better,</q> Forster said; <q>she must be worth +a lot of money, and it will add to the nice little handful of +prize-money we shall get when we return home. They ought +to give us a good round sum for the <name type="ship">Proserpine</name>; then there +were the three Moorish vessels, though I don’t think they +were worth much, for their holds were nearly empty and I +fancy they had only been cruising a short time. This fellow, +however, is a rich prize; he certainly had very hard luck, +falling in with us as he did. I fancy the ship they pillaged +was a Frenchman or Italian, more likely the latter. I don’t +think there are many French merchantmen about, and it is +most likely that the cargo was intended for Genoa, whence +a good part of it might be sent to Paris. Well, it makes little +<pb n='94'/><anchor id='Pg094'/>difference to us what its destination was, its proceeds are +certainly destined to enrich us instead of its original consignees.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next morning Will put on his best uniform for the first +time, and, landing with Forster, ascended the Nix Mangare +stairs and called on the admiral. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, Mr. Gilmore,</q> the admiral said as he was shown in, +<q>it gives me great pleasure to meet so promising a young +officer. Will you kindly tell me such details of your early +history as may seem fitting to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will gave him a fairly detailed account of his history up to +the time he joined the navy. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, you cannot be too grateful to that young lady, +but at the same time there are few who would have availed +themselves so well of her assistance. It is nothing short of +astonishing that you should have progressed so far under her +care that you were able, after a few lessons from the chaplain +of your ship, to use a quadrant. As a mark of my approbation +I will present you with one. I will send it off to your ship +to-morrow morning.</q> +</p> + +<p> +With many thanks Will took his leave, and returned with +Forster to the prize. +</p> + +<p> +On the following morning the quadrant arrived. That +afternoon the prize was handed over to the prize-agents, and +the crew transferred to the naval barracks, Forster and Gilmore +receiving lodging money to live on shore. Hitherto, +the only fortifications Will had seen were those of Portsmouth, +so he was greatly interested in the castle with its +heavy frowning stone batteries, the deep cut separating it from +the rest of the island, and its towering rock. Then there was +<pb n='95'/><anchor id='Pg095'/>the church of St. John, paved with tombstones of the knights, +and other places of interest. The costume and appearance of +the inhabitants amused and pleased him, as did the shops with +their laces, cameos, and lovely coral ornaments. Beyond the +walls there were the gardens full of orange-trees, bright with +their fruit, and the burying-place of the old monks, each body +standing in a niche, dressed in his gown and cowl as in life. +</p> + +<p> +Will wished that he could get his share of prize-money at +once, and promised himself that his very first expenditure +would be a suite of coral for the lady who had done so much +for him. In no way, he thought, could he lay out money +with such gratification to himself. +</p> + +<p> +A fortnight later the <name type="ship">Furious</name> came into harbour bringing +another prize with her. This had been taken without any +trouble. One morning, when day broke, she was seen only +a quarter of a mile from the frigate. A gun was at once fired +across her bows, and, seeing that escape was impossible, she +hauled down her colours without resistance. +</p> + +<p> +Forster and Gilmore, with the officers who had brought in +the other prizes, all went on board at once and made their +reports. As Forster had predicted, he was severely reprimanded +for not having placed a sentry over the prisoners, but +in consideration of the fact that he had already been spoken +to by the admiral himself the captain was less severe on him +than he would otherwise have been. Gilmore, on the other +hand, was warmly commended. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You managed extremely well,</q> the captain said, <q>and +showed that you fully deserved your promotion.</q> +</p> + +</div><div n="5"> +<pb n='96'/><anchor id='Pg096'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER V</head> + +<head type="sub">A PIRATE HOLD</head> + + <p> +The <name type="ship">Furious</name> was at once placed in the hands of the dockyard +people, who set to work immediately to repair +damages, while large quantities of provisions were brought off +from the stores on shore. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They are not generally as sharp as this,</q> Forster said; <q>I +should say there must be something in the wind.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Such was the general opinion on board the ship, for double +gangs of workers were put on, and in three days she was +reported to be again ready for sea. The captain came on +board half an hour later and spoke to the first lieutenant, and +orders were at once issued to get up the anchors and set +sail. Her head was pointed west as she left the harbour, and +the general opinion was that she was bound for Gibraltar. It +leaked out, however, in the afternoon that she was sailing +under sealed orders, and as that would hardly be the case if +she were bound for Gibraltar, there were innumerable discussions +among the sailors as to her destination. Could she +be meant to cruise along the west coast of France, or to return +to England and join a fleet being got ready there for some +important <anchor id="corr096"/><corr sic="operation.">operation?</corr> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What do you say, Bill?</q> one of the men asked an old +sailor, who had sat quietly, taking no part in the discussion. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, if you asks me,</q> he said, <q>I should say we are +bound for the West Indies.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The West Indies, Bill! What makes you think that?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='97'/><anchor id='Pg097'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, I thinks that, because it seems to me as that is where +we are most wanted. The French have got a stronger fleet +than we have out there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, they have got as strong a fleet at Toulon, and quite +as strong a one at Brest.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, that may be so, but I think we are pretty safe to +lick them at either of these places if they will come out and +fight us fair, whereas in the West Indies they are a good bit +stronger. There are so <anchor id="corr097"/><corr sic="may">many</corr> ports and islands that, as we are, +so to speak, a good deal scattered, they might at any moment +come upon us in double our strength.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Have you ever been there before, Bill?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">Ay, two or three times. In some respects it could not be +better; you can buy fruit, and ’bacca and rum for next to +nothing, when your officers give you a chance. Lor’, the games +them niggers are up to to circumvent them would make you +laugh! When you land, an old black woman will come up with +a basket full of cocoa-nuts. Your officer steps up to her and +examines them, and they look as right as can be. Perhaps he +breaks one and it is full of milk; very good. So you go up +to buy, and the officer looks on. The woman hands you two +or three, and when she gives you the last one she winks her +eye. She don’t say anything, but you drop a sixpence into +her hand among the coppers you have to pay for the others, +and when she has quite sold out the officer orders you into +the boat to lie off till he comes back. And when he returns +he is quite astonished to find that most of the crew are three +sheets in the wind.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then they will bring you sugar-canes half as thick as your +wrist, looking as innocent as may be; both ends are sealed +<pb n='98'/><anchor id='Pg098'/>up with bits of the pith, and when you open one end you +find that all the joints have been bored through, and the cane +is full of rum. But mind, lads, you are fools if you touch it; +it is new and strong and rank, and a bottle of it would knock +you silly. And that is not the worst of it, for fever catches +hold of you, and fever out there ain’t no joke. You eats a +good dinner at twelve o’clock, and you are buried in the +palisades at six; that’s called yellow jack. It is a country +where you can enjoy yourselves reasonable with fruit, and +perhaps a small sup of rum, but where you must beware of +drinking; if you do that you are all right. The islands are +beautiful, downright beautiful; there ain’t many places which +I troubles myself to look at, but the West Indies are like +gardens with feathery sorts of trees, and mountains, and +everything that you can want in nature.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is very hot, isn’t it, Bill?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">It ain’t, so to speak, cool in summer-time. In winter it is +just right, but in summer you would like to lie naked all day +and have cold water poured over you. Still, one gets accustomed +to it in time. Then, you see, there is always excitement +of some kind. There are pirates and Frenchmen, and there are +Spaniards, whom I regard as a cross between the other two. +They hide about among the islands and pop out when you +least expect them. You always have to keep your eyes in +your head and your cutlass handy when you go ashore. The +worst of them are what they call mulattoes; they are a whity-brown +sort of chaps, neither one thing nor the other, and a +nice cut-throat lot they are. A sailor who drinks too much +and loses his boat is as like as not to be murdered by some +of them before morning. I hate them chaps like poison. +<pb n='99'/><anchor id='Pg099'/>There are scores of small craft manned by them which prey +upon the negroes, who are an honest, merry lot, and not bad +sailors either in their way. Sometimes four or five of these +pirate craft will go together, and many of them are a good size +and carry a lot of guns. They make some island their head-quarters. +Any niggers there may be on it they turn into +slaves. There are thousands of these islands, so at least I +should say, scattered about, some of them mere sand-spots, +others a goodish size.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I hope it is the West Indies. There is plenty of +amusement and plenty of fighting to be done there, and I +should like to know what a sailor can want more.</q> +</p> + +<p> +There was a hum of approval; the picture was certainly +tempting. +</p> + +<p> +After a six days’ run with a favourable wind they passed +through the Straits without touching at Gibraltar, and held +west for twenty-four hours. Then the sealed orders were +opened, and it was soon known throughout the ship that it +was indeed the West Indies for which they were bound. The +ship’s course was at once changed. Teneriffe was passed, +and they stopped for a day to take in fresh water and vegetables +at St. Vincent. Then her head was turned more westward, +and three weeks later the <name type="ship">Furious</name> anchored at Port +Royal. The captain went on shore at once to visit the admiral, +and returned with the news that the <name type="ship">Furious</name> was to cruise off +the coast of Cuba. The exact position of the French fleet +was unknown, but when last heard of was in the neighbourhood +of that island. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I must keep a sharp look-out for them,</q> the captain said, +<q>and bring back news of their whereabouts if I do catch +<pb n='100'/><anchor id='Pg100'/>sight of them; that is, of course, if we don’t catch a tartar, for +not only do the French ships carry heavier guns than we do, +but they sail faster. We are as speedy, however, as any of our +class, and will, I hope, be able to show them a clean pair of +heels. In addition to this, I am told that three piratical craft, +which have their rendezvous on some island off the south +coast of Cuba, have been committing great depredations. A +number of merchantmen have been missed; so I am to keep +a sharp look-out for them and to clip their wings if I can.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What size are they?</q> asked the first lieutenant. +</p> + +<p> +<q>One is said to be a cutter carrying eight guns and a +long-tom, the other two are schooners, each carrying six guns +on a broadside; it is not known whether they have a long-tom, +but the probability is that they have.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>They would be rather formidable opponents then if we +caught them together, as they carry as many guns as we do, +and those long-toms are vastly more powerful than anything +we have. I think it is a pity that they don’t furnish all ships +on this station with a long twenty-four; it would be worth +nearly all our broadsides.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, Mr. Farrance, but somehow the people at home +cannot get out of their regular groove, and fill up the ships with +eight and ten-pounders, while, as you say, one long twenty-four +would be worth a dozen of them. If we do catch one of +these pirates I shall confiscate their long guns to our own use.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It would be a capital plan, sir. Well, I am glad we shall +have something to look for besides the French fleet, which +may be a hundred miles away.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ay, or a thousand,</q> the captain added. +</p> + +<p> +Will had been standing not far from the captain, and heard +<pb n='101'/><anchor id='Pg101'/>this conversation. His heart beat high at the thought of the +possibility of a fight with these murderous pirates. +</p> + +<p> +For three weeks they cruised off the coast of Cuba. They +saw no sign whatever of the French fleet, but from time to +time they heard from native craft of the pirates. The +natives differed somewhat widely as to the head-quarters of +these pests, but all agreed that it was on an island lying in +the middle of dangerous shoals. +</p> + +<p> +One day they saw smoke rising some fifteen miles away +and at once shaped their course for it. When they approached +it they found that it rose from a vessel enveloped in flames. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is a European ship,</q> the captain said as they neared +her. <q>Send an officer in a boat to row round her and gather +any particulars as to her fate. I see no boats near her, and +I am afraid that it is the work of those pirates.</q> +</p> + +<p> +All watched the boat with intent interest as she rowed +round the ship. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have no doubt whatever that it is the work of pirates,</q> +the officer said on his return. <q>Her bulwarks are burnt +away, and I could make out several piles on deck which looked +like dead men.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Send a man up to the mast-head, Farrance, and tell him +to scan the horizon carefully for a sail. I should say this +ship can’t have been burning above three hours at most.</q> +</p> + +<p> +No sooner had the man reached the top of the mast than he +called down <q>Sail ho!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Where away?</q> Mr. Farrance shouted. +</p> + +<p> +<q>On the port bow, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What do you make her out to be?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should say she was a schooner by her topsails.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='102'/><anchor id='Pg102'/> + +<p> +The ship’s course was at once changed, and every rag of sail +put upon her. The first lieutenant climbed to the upper crosstrees, +and after a long look through his telescope returned to +deck. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should say she is certainly one of the schooners that we +are in search of, sir, but I doubt whether with this light wind +we have much chance of overhauling her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We will try anyhow,</q> the captain said. <q>She is probably +steering for the rendezvous, so by following her we may at +least get some important information.</q> +</p> + +<p> +All day the chase continued, but there was no apparent +change in the position of the two vessels. The <name type="ship">Furious</name> was +kept on the same course through the night, and to the satisfaction +of all on board they found, when morning broke, that +they had certainly gained on the schooner, as her mainsails +were now visible. At twelve o’clock a low bank of sand was +sighted ahead, and the schooner had entered a channel in this +two hours later. The <name type="ship">Furious</name> had to be hove-to outside the +shoal. The sand extended a long distance, but there were +several breaks in it, and from the masthead a net-work of +channels could be made out. It was a great disappointment +to the crew of the <name type="ship">Furious</name> to have to give up the chase and +see the schooner only some four miles off on her way under +easy sail. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is an awkward place, Mr. Farrance,</q> the captain said, +<q>and will need a deal of examination before we go any farther. +The first thing to do will be to sail round and note and sound +the various channels. I wish you would go aloft with your +glass and see whether there is any ground higher than the rest. +Such a place would naturally be the point of rendezvous.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='103'/><anchor id='Pg103'/> + +<p> +Lieutenant Farrance went aloft and presently returned. +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is a clump of green trees,</q> he said, <q>some ten miles +off. The schooner is nearing them, and I think, though of +this I am not certain, that I can make out the masts of another +craft lying there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, it is something to have located her,</q> the captain +said. <q>Now we must find how we can best get there; that +will be a work of time. We may as well begin by examining +some of these channels.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Four boats were at once lowered and rowed to the mouths +of those nearest. The sounding operations quickly showed +that in three of them there was but two feet of water; the +other was somewhat deeper, but there was still two feet less +water than the <name type="ship">Furious</name> drew. The deep part was very narrow +and winding. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It may be this one that the schooner has gone up,</q> the +captain said. <q>I have no doubt she draws three or four feet +less than we do, and, knowing the passage perfectly, she could +get up it easily. I hope, however, we shall find something +deeper presently.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next three days were spent in circumnavigating the +sand-banks and in sounding the various channels, but at last +the captain was obliged to admit that none of them were deep +enough for the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, although there were fully half a dozen +by which vessels of lighter draught might enter. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am ready to run any fair risk, Mr. Farrance,</q> he said, +<q>but I daren’t send a boat expedition against such a force as +that, especially as they have no doubt thrown up batteries to +strengthen their position. They must have any number of +cannon which they have taken from ships they have captured.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='104'/><anchor id='Pg104'/> + +<p> +<q>It would certainly be a desperate enterprise,</q> the first +lieutenant agreed, <q>and, as you say, too dangerous to be +attempted now.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Gilmore,</q> Forster said, as the midshipmen met at dinner, +<q>you are always full of ideas; can’t you suggest any way by +which we might get at them?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am afraid not,</q> Will laughed. <q>The only possible way +that I can see would be to sail away, get together a number of +native craft, and then make a dash at the place.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What would be the advantage of native craft over our +boats,</q> one of the others said scoffingly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The great advantage would be that, if we had a dozen +native craft, the men would be scattered about their decks +instead of being crowded in boats, and would therefore be +able to land with comparatively little loss.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Upon my word,</q> one of the seniors said, <q>I think there is +something in Gilmore’s idea. Of course they would have to +be very shallow, and one would have to choose a night when +there was just enough breeze to take them quietly along. At +any rate I will run the risk of being snubbed, and will mention +it to one of the lieutenants. ’Pon my word, the more I +think of it the more feasible does it seem.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After dinner was over the midshipman went up to Mr. +Peters, who was now third lieutenant, and saluted. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What is it?</q> the lieutenant asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, it is an idea of Gilmore’s. It may not be worth +anything at all, but it certainly seemed to me that there was +something in it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>His ideas are generally worth something. What is it?</q> +</p> + +<p> +The midshipman explained Will’s plan. +</p> + +<pb n='105'/><anchor id='Pg105'/> + +<p> +<q>There is certainly something in it,</q> Peters said. <q>What +a beggar that boy is for ideas! At any rate, I will mention it +to Mr. Farrance.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Mr. Farrance at first pooh-poohed the idea, but, on thinking +it over, he concluded that it would be as well at any rate to +lay it before the captain. +</p> + +<p> +<q>’Pon my word it does seem feasible,</q> the captain said. +<q>They could tow the boats in after them, so that, when they +came under the pirates’ fire, the men could get into the boats +and so be in shelter. Only one hand would be required to +steer each vessel, and the rest would remain out of sight +of the enemy until near enough to make a dash either for +the shore or the pirates’ craft, as the case might be. It is +a good idea, a really brilliant idea, and well worth putting +into effect. Besides, each of the vessels could carry one or two +small guns, and so keep down the enemy’s fire to some extent. +Send for Gilmore.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a few minutes Will entered the captain’s cabin cap in +hand. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Mr. Farrance tells me, Mr. Gilmore, that you have an idea +that by collecting a number of native craft of shallow draught +we might attack the pirates with some hope of success.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It was only an idea, sir, that occurred to me on the spur +of the moment.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am inclined to regard it as a feasible one,</q> the +captain said. <q>A dozen boats of that kind would carry the +greater part of the ship’s crew, and if each had a couple of +light cannon on board they would be able to answer the +enemy’s fire. If I do attack in this manner I propose to send +the boats in towing behind the native craft, so that when the +<pb n='106'/><anchor id='Pg106'/>enemy’s fire becomes really heavy the men can take their +places in these, and so be in shelter until close enough to +make a dash. Is there any other suggestion you can offer I?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir. The plan of taking the boats certainly seems to +me to be a good one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The captain smiled a little. He was not accustomed to have +his plans approved of by midshipmen. However, he only +said: <q>I think it will work. Should any other suggestion +occur to you, you will mention it to Mr. Farrance. I am really +obliged to you for the idea, which does great credit to your +sharpness.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir!</q> said Will, and retired. +</p> + +<p> +An hour later the frigate was sailing away from the sand-banks. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What did the old man say?</q> the midshipmen asked Will +as he rejoined them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>He thinks that there was something in the idea, but of +course he has greatly improved it. He means to send the +boats towing behind the native craft, so that if the fire gets +very heavy the men can take to them and be towed in perfect +shelter until near enough to make a rush. He intends to put +a gun or two in each of the native boats, to keep down the +enemy’s fire a bit as they approach.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is an improvement,</q> Forster said, <q>and it certainly +seems, Gilmore, as if you had found a way out of our dilemma.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Those who had been most disposed to laugh at Will’s suggestion +were eager to congratulate him now that the captain +had expressed his approval of it and had adopted it. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Furious</name> sailed direct for Port Royal. There was no +fear that the pirates would abandon their island, for they +<pb n='107'/><anchor id='Pg107'/>would naturally take the retirement of the <name type="ship">Furious</name> as an +admission of defeat. They were, of course, open to a boat +attack, but they would consider themselves strong enough to +beat off any such attempt without difficulty. +</p> + +<p> +Arriving at Port Royal, Lieutenant Farrance went ashore +in search of suitable craft. He had no difficulty in buying a +dozen old native boats. He then procured a large quantity of +cane, and lashed these in the bottom of the boats, using a sufficient +quantity to keep them afloat even if they were riddled +with balls. Then the carpenters set to work to make platforms +in the bows of each to carry a seven-pounder gun. In three +days the work was completed and the <name type="ship">Furious</name> started again, +putting two men in each of the boats and taking them in tow. +</p> + +<p> +Five days later they arrived off the sand-spits, and preparations +were at once made for the attack. Lying low in the +water, and keeping in a line behind the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, the native +craft would be altogether invisible from the central islands, +so that the pirates would not be aware of the method of +attack. The greater portion of the men were told off to them, +only forty remaining on board the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. All was ready +an hour after nightfall, and the men took their places in the +native craft, fastening their boats to the stern in each case. +The sails were at once got up, and, following each other in +single file, they entered the channel which had been found to +be the deepest. The leading boat kept on sounding—an easy +matter, as, the wind being light, the rate of progress did not +exceed a mile an hour. +</p> + +<p> +Will had been posted by the first lieutenant in his own +boat, which was the leader, and Dimchurch and Tom Stevens +were among the crew. Dimchurch had exchanged places with +<pb n='108'/><anchor id='Pg108'/>another seaman; Tom had been allowed a place by the special +solicitation of Will. +</p> + +<p> +<q>He fought stoutly in that fight on the Moorish prize, and +he is very much attached to me. I should be obliged, sir, if +you would take him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>All right!</q> said the first lieutenant; <q>let him stow himself +away in the bow till the fighting begins.</q> Accordingly Tom +curled himself up by the gun. +</p> + +<p> +It was between two and three in the morning when the +trees of the central island were made out; they were not +more than five hundred yards away. Presently from a projecting +point, where a heavy mass could be made out, a cannon +was fired. The shot flew overhead, but the effect was instantaneous. +Shouts were heard on shore and the sound of oars +in rowlocks. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Take to the boats!</q> the lieutenant shouted. The two +lines of lights in the port-holes showed the positions of two +vessels, and the men on the native craft left to work the guns +at once opened fire at them. For a minute or two there was +no return, and it was evident that the greater portion of the +crew had been ashore. The battery that had first fired now +kept up a steady discharge, but as the boats were almost invisible, +the shot flew wildly overhead or splashed harmlessly in +the water. The gunners on board disregarded it, and maintained +a steady fire at the ports of the enemy’s vessels. From +these now came answering flashes, but the shot did little +damage. +</p> + +<p> +When the attacking party had got within a hundred yards +of the pirate ships, the lieutenant gave the signal, and the +boats, with a cheer, dashed forward at full speed. They had +<pb n='109'/><anchor id='Pg109'/> +received instructions how to act in case two vessels were found, +and, dividing, they made for their respective quarters. +</p> + +<p> +The race was short and sharp, each officer urging his men +to the fullest exertions. The instant they were alongside the +oars were cast aside, and the men, drawing their cutlasses, +leapt to their feet and endeavoured to climb up. They were +thrust back with boarding-pikes, axes, and weapons of all +kinds, but at last managed to get a foothold aft. +</p> + +<p> +Will in vain endeavoured to get on deck; the sides were too +high for him. Finding himself left with half the crew, he +made his way in the boat forward along the side of the pirate +vessel and clambered up by the bowsprit shrouds. Some of +the men in the other boats, seeing what he was doing, followed +his example. They were unnoticed. A fierce fight was raging +on the quarter-deck, and the shouting was prodigious. When +some thirty men were gathered Will led the way aft. Their +arrival was opportune, for the attacking party, under the +lieutenant, had been vastly outnumbered by the pirates, and +although fighting stoutly, had been penned against the bulwark, +where with difficulty they defended themselves. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: WILL LEADS A PARTY TO TAKE THE ENEMY IN THE REAR]</p> + </then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill03"/> + <figure url="images/ill03.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small">WILL LEADS A PARTY TO TAKE THE ENEMY IN THE REAR</hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: WILL LEADS A PARTY TO TAKE THE ENEMY IN THE REAR</figDesc> + </figure></p> + </else></pgIf> +<p> +With a cheer Will’s party rushed aft, taking the pirates in +the rear. Many of these were cut down, and the rest fell +back confused by this unexpected attack. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now is your time, lads!</q> the lieutenant shouted. <q>Throw +yourselves upon them and drive them back!</q> +</p> + +<p> +Although the pirates still fought desperately, knowing that +no mercy would be extended them, the steady valour of the +sailors was too much for them. At last the pirate captain +was cut down by Dimchurch, and with his fall his men entirely +lost heart. Some threw down their arms, and many of them +<pb n='110'/><anchor id='Pg110'/>jumped overboard and swam ashore. A loud cheer burst from +the sailors as the resistance came to an end. +</p> + +<p> +The fight was still raging on board the other ship, and the +lieutenant ordered the men of his own and another boat to +row to it. Unseen by the pirates they reached the bow and +climbed on deck. Then as soon as all had gained a footing +they rushed aft. Here, too, the rear attack decided the +struggle; in five minutes all was over. +</p> + +<p> +Daylight was now breaking, and they were able to see that +there was a line of storehouses on the islands together with a +large number of huts. The greater portion of the men were +ordered to land, and the fugitives from the ships were hunted +down. Most of these had taken refuge in the battery at the +mouth of the harbour, but as this was open on the land side it +was soon stormed and the defenders all cut down. Then the +huts were searched and burnt and the storehouses opened. +</p> + +<p> +These were found to contain an enormous quantity of goods, +the spoil evidently of many ships, and the men were at once +set to work to transfer it to the prizes, and when these were +full, to the native craft. A boat had been sent off, directly the +fighting was over, with news to the captain of the success they +had gained, and in the morning another message was sent saying +that it would take four or five days to transfer the stores +to the ships, and the <name type="ship">Furious</name> had in consequence hoisted anchor +and gone for a short cruise away from the dangerous proximity +of the sands. +</p> + +<p> +On the afternoon of the third day a large cutter was seen +approaching. Lieutenant Farrance ordered the native craft to +be towed behind a small islet, where they were hidden from +sight of a vessel entering the harbour, and the crews to take +<pb n='111'/><anchor id='Pg111'/>their places on the captured vessels. When this was done +the guns were loaded and the men stood to their quarters. +The new-comer approached without apparently entertaining +any suspicion that anything unusual had happened, the huts +that had been destroyed being hidden by the groves of trees. +</p> + +<p> +As she came abreast of them the guns were run out and the +lieutenant shouted: <q>I call upon you to surrender! These +vessels are prizes of His Majesty’s frigate <name type="ship">Furious</name>, and if you +don’t surrender we will sink you at once!</q> +</p> + +<p> +There was a hoarse shout of fury and astonishment, and +then the captain called back: <q>We will never surrender!</q> +</p> + +<p> +Both the schooners at once poured in their broadsides, +doing immense damage, and killing large numbers of the +pirates. A few cannon were fired in answer, but in such haste +that they had no effect. When two more broadsides had been +fired into her, the cutter blew up with a tremendous explosion +which shook both vessels to the keel and threw many of the +men down. When the smoke cleared away the cutter had disappeared. +Whether a shot had reached her magazine, or +whether she was blown up by her desperate commander, was +never known, as not a single survivor of the crew was picked +up. +</p> + +<p> +When the work of loading was completed, and the storehouses +had been destroyed by fire, the two schooners sailed +out, followed by the native craft with the boats towing behind. +</p> + +<p> +The victory had been won at very little cost. Only three +men had been killed and some seventeen wounded, while with +the exception of some thirty prisoners, for the most part +wounded, the whole pirate force had been annihilated. +</p> + +<p> +The captain had already visited the scene, having rowed in +<pb n='112'/><anchor id='Pg112'/>as soon as he had received news of the success of the expedition. +In Lieutenant Farrance’s despatch several officers +were noted for distinguished conduct. Among these was +Will Gilmore, to whom the lieutenant gave great credit for +the manner in which he had boarded the pirate, and by his +sudden attack upon the rear of the enemy converted what +was a distinctly perilous situation into a success. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I tell you what it is, Gilmore,</q> one of the midshipmen +jestingly said, <q>if you go on like this we shall send you to +Coventry. It is unbearable that you should always get to the +front.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Great was the rejoicing among the merchants of Port Royal +when the <name type="ship">Furious</name> returned with her two prizes and it became +known that the third had been destroyed and the nest of +pirates completely broken up. +</p> + +<p> +On the following day Will was sent for by the admiral. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My lad,</q> he said, <q>I wish to tell you that although it is +not usual for a captain to acknowledge in official despatches +that he acted on the ideas of a young midshipman, Captain +Marker has done full justice to you in his verbal report to +me. Your idea showed great ingenuity, and although the +surprise was so complete that even had the attack been made +by ships’ boats only it would probably have been successful, +this detracts in no way from the merit of the suggestion. Of +course you have some years to serve yet before you can pass, +but I can promise you that as soon as you do so you shall, +if you are still here, have your appointment at once as mate, +with employment in which you can distinguish <corr sic="no quote">yourself.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much, sir!</q> Will said, and, saluting, retired. +</p> + +<p> +In three days the ship’s prizes and native craft were +un<pb n='113'/><anchor id='Pg113'/>loaded, and their contents were found to be of very great +value, for by the marks upon the goods it was evident that at +least twenty-three merchantmen must have been captured and +pillaged, and as none of these were ever heard of after they +had sailed it was reasonably concluded that all must have +been burnt, and those on board murdered. The case was so +atrocious that the prisoners were all tried, condemned to death, +and executed in batches. There was little doubt that the +pirates must have had agents in the various ports who had +kept them informed of the sailing of ships, but there was no +means of ascertaining who these parties were. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Furious</name> sailed four days after her return, and this time +cruised on the northern coast of Cuba. One day, when sailing +along by a stretch of high cliffs, a ship of war suddenly appeared +from a narrow inlet; she was followed by two others. +The <name type="ship">Furious</name> was headed round at once, and with the three +French frigates in pursuit started on her way back. The +wind was light, and though every stitch of canvas was set, it +was evident, after an hour’s sailing, that one, at least, of her +pursuers gained steadily on her. The French ship would, +indeed, have gained more than she had done had she not +yawed occasionally and fired with her bow-chasers. The +<name type="ship">Furious</name> had shifted two of her broadside guns to her stern +to reply, but, although the aim was good, only one or two +hits were made, the distance being still too great for accurate +shooting. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wish the other two Frenchmen were a little slower,</q> +the captain said to the first lieutenant. <q>They are only a +little farther behind her than when we started, and are, I +think, only about half a mile astern of her. If she continues +<pb n='114'/><anchor id='Pg114'/>to travel at her present rate she will be close up to us by +sunset. She is just about our own size, and I make no doubt +that we should give a good account of her, but we could not +hope to do so before her two consorts came up, and we could +not expect to beat all three. If we could but fall in with one +of our cruisers I would fight them willingly.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, the odds are too much against us at present, sir. +I don’t say that we could not fight them separately, but we +could hardly hope to beat three of them at once. We can’t +make her go through the water faster than she is doing as far +as I can see.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, every sail seems to be doing its best. There is +nothing for it but to pray either for another frigate or for +more wind. I am not sure that wind would help us, still it +might.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think, sir,</q> the lieutenant said, two hours later, <q>that +one of your wishes is going to be fulfilled. There is a cloud +rising very rapidly on the larboard bow, and from its colour +and appearance it seems to me that we are going to have +a tornado.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It will be welcome indeed,</q> the captain said. <q>We have +been hit ten times in the last half-hour, and the nearest ship +is not more than three-quarters of a mile away.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Five minutes later the captain said: <q>It is certainly a +tornado. All hands reduce sail. Don’t waste a moment, lads; +it will be on us in three minutes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a moment the vessel was a scene of bustle; the men +swarmed up the rigging, urged to the greatest exertions not +only by the voices of their officers but by the appearance of +the heavens. The frigate behind held on three or four minutes +<pb n='115'/><anchor id='Pg115'/>longer, then her sheets were let fly, and immediately she was +a scene of wild confusion. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It will be on her before she is ready,</q> the captain said +grimly, <q>and if it is, she will turn turtle. It is as much as we +shall do to be ready.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Just as a line of white foam was seen approaching with the +speed of a race-horse, the last man reached the deck. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would give a great deal,</q> the captain said, <q>to have +time to get down all our light spars. Get ready your small +fore try-sail, and a small stay-sail to run up on the mizzen.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A minute later the storm was upon them. A blinding +sheet of spray, driven with almost the force of grape-shot, +swept over the ship, followed by a deafening roar and a force +of wind that seemed about to lift the ship bodily out of the +water. Over and over she heeled, and all thought that she +was about to founder, when, even above the noise of the +storm, three loud crashes were heard, and the three masts, +with all their lofty hamper, went over the side. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God,</q> the lieutenant exclaimed, <q>that has saved +her!</q> +</p> + +<p> +All hands with axes and knives began cutting away the +wreckage. At the same time the two try-sails were hoisted, +but they at once blew out of the bolt-ropes. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Don’t you think, sir,</q> the first lieutenant shouted, <q>that +if we lash a hawser to all this hamper, and hang to it, it will act +as a floating anchor, and bring her head up to the wind?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well thought of, Mr. Farrance,</q> the captain shouted +back; <q>by all means do so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The order was given and immediately carried out. The +tangle of ropes and spars, with the ship’s strongest hawser +<pb n='116'/><anchor id='Pg116'/>attached, soon drifted past her, and as the cable tightened the +vessel’s head began to come slowly up into the wind. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will delay her fate for a bit,</q> the captain said, <q>but +we can’t hope that it will more than delay it, unless we can +get up some sail and crawl off the coast. Get ready the +strongest try-sails we have in case they may be wanted.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a few minutes the sails were got ready, but for the +present there was nothing for it but to hang on to the wreckage. +The shore was some miles away, but in spite of the floating +anchor the drift was great. The crew of the <name type="ship">Furious</name> had now +time to breathe, but it was pitch dark and nothing could be +seen save the white heads of the waves which now every +moment threatened to overwhelm them. Not a trace of the +frigate which had so hotly pursued them could be seen. +</p> + +<p> +<q>God rest their souls!</q> the captain said earnestly. <q>I am +afraid she is gone. In fair fight one strives to do as much +damage as possible, but such a catastrophe as this is awful. I +trust the other two took warning in time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hope so too. They were under the lee of that island we +passed shortly before it began, so would be partially sheltered. +There is no hope for the first, and their fate is terrible indeed, +sir; all the more awful, perhaps, because we know that it may +become ours before long.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is no doubt about that,</q> the captain said. <q>Unless +the wind drops or chops round our fate is sealed, and a few +hours will see the ship grinding her bones on that rocky shore. +It is too dark to see it, but we know that we are most surely +approaching it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As day broke the shore was made out a little more than +half a mile away. The captain then called the crew together. +</p> + +<pb n='117'/><anchor id='Pg117'/> + +<p> +<q>My lads,</q> he shouted, but in spite of his efforts his voice +was heard but a few yards away, <q>everything has been done +for the ship that could be done, but as you see for yourselves +our efforts have been in vain. I trust that you will all get +ashore, but as far as we can see at present the rocks are almost +precipitous, and, high as they are, the spray flies right over +them. I thank you all for your good conduct while the ship +has been in commission, and am sure that you will know how +to die, and will preserve your calm and courage till the end. +Go to your stations and remain there until she is about to +strike; then each man must make the best fight for life that +he can.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The men went quietly off. Mr. Farrance stood watching +the shore with his telescope. Presently he exclaimed: <q>See, +sir, there is a break in the cliff! I do not know how far it +goes in, but it looks to me as if it might be the opening to an +inlet. We are nearly opposite to it, so if we shift the hawser +from the bow to the stern she will swing round, and will +probably drift right into the creek if that is what it is.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>By all means let us make the attempt,</q> the captain said. +<q>Thank God, there is a hope of escape for us all!</q> +</p> + +<p> +The men sprang to their feet with alacrity when they heard +the news. Another hawser was brought up and firmly spliced +to the one in use just beyond the bulwark forward. Then it +was led along outside the shrouds and fastened to the bitts +astern and then to the mizzen-mast. This done, the first +hawser was cut at the bulwark forward, and the ship swung +round almost instantly. As soon as she headed dead for shore +the raffle that had so long served for their floating anchor was +cut adrift and the try-sail was hoisted on the stump of the +<pb n='118'/><anchor id='Pg118'/>foremast, and with six good men at the wheel the vessel +surged shorewards under the force of the gale, every man on +board holding his breath. The opening was but a ship’s-length +across, but driven by the wind and steered with the greatest +care the <name type="ship">Furious</name> shot into it as quickly and as surely as if +she were propelled with oars. A great shout of relief burst +from the whole crew when, after proceeding for a hundred +yards along a narrow channel, the passage suddenly widened +out into a pool a quarter of a mile across. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Let go the anchor!</q> the captain cried, and he had scarce +spoken when the great anchor went thundering down. <q>Pay +out the chain gradually,</q> was the next order, <q>and check her +when she gets half-way across.</q> The order was obeyed and +the vessel’s head swung round, and in less than a minute she +was riding quietly over great waves that came rolling in +through the entrance and broke in foam against the shore of +the inlet. The quiet after the roar and din was almost +startling. Above, the clouds could be seen flying past in +rugged masses, but the breast of the pool, sheltered as it was +from the wind by its lofty sides, was scarcely rippled, and the +waves rolled in as if they were made of glass. Not a word +was heard until the captain spoke. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is the least we can do, men, to thank God for this +miraculous escape. I trust that there is not a man on board +this ship who will not offer his fervent thanks to Him who +has so wonderfully brought us out of the jaws of death.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Every head was bared, and for two or three minutes no +sound was heard on board the ship. Then the captain replaced +his hat, and the men went quietly off to their duties. +</p> + +</div><div n="6"> +<pb n='119'/><anchor id='Pg119'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER VI</head> + +<head type="sub">A NARROW ESCAPE</head> + +<p> +They were hardly anchored before the gale showed signs +of breaking, and in a few hours the sun shone out and +the wind subsided. The destruction of the timber on the +hillsides had been prodigious, and large spaces were entirely +cleared. +</p> + +<p> +The captain and first lieutenant had an anxious consultation. +Every boat had gone, and all the masts and rigging. +They were in what was practically a hostile country, for +although Spain had not declared war against us, she gave +every assistance to the French and left her ports open to them. +In a few weeks probably she would openly throw herself into +the scale against us. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is clear that we must communicate with Port Royal +somehow,</q> the captain said, <q>but it certainly isn’t clear how +we are to do it. Between this and the nearest port there may +be miles and miles of mountain all encumbered by fallen trees, +which it would be almost impossible to get through. Then +again we have heard that there are always bands of fugitive +slaves in the mountains, who would be sure to attack us. As +to the sea, we might possibly make shift to build a boat. +There is certainly no lack of timber lying round, and we have +plenty of sail-cloth for sails, so we could fit her out fairly +well. It would be a journey of fully a thousand miles, but +that seems the most feasible plan. A small craft of, say, forty +feet long might be built and got ready for sea in the course +of a week.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='120'/><anchor id='Pg120'/> + +<p> +<q>I should say so certainly, sir. With the amount of labour +we have at our disposal it might be built even sooner than +that. We have plenty of handy men on board who could give +efficient help to the carpenter’s gang.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose you would build it rather as a ship than as a +boat?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I think so. We could build her of one-and-a-half-inch +planks, fill the seams well with oakum, and give her a +couple of coats of paint. Let her be of shallow draft with +plenty of beam. She should, of course, be decked over, as she +might meet with another tornado. The crew would consist +of an officer and ten men. With such a vessel there should +be no difficulty in reaching Port Royal.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The carpenters were at once told off to carry out the +work. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You can have as many hands to help you as you wish,</q> +the captain said to the head of the gang. <q>What will you +do first?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I shall get some planks from below, sir, and make a raft. +By means of that we can get on shore and choose the trunks +that would be most suitable for the purpose; we are sure to +find plenty about. Then we will find a suitable spot for a +ship-yard, and at once start on the work. I will set a gang of +men with axes to square the trunks and make them ready for +sawing. They need not be more than six inches square when +finished, and as I have a couple of double-handed saws we can +soon rip these into planks.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How long do you think you will be?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should say, sir, with the help I can get, I ought to be +ready to start in less than a week. Of course the ribs will +<pb n='121'/><anchor id='Pg121'/>take some time to prepare, but when I have them and the keel +and stem- and stern-post in place the planking will not take us +very long.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is to be decked, Thompson.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>All over, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I think so. She may meet with weather like that +we have just come through, and if she is well decked we may +feel assured that she will reach Port Royal. I will leave Mr. +Farrance and you to draw out her lines.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think,</q> said the first lieutenant, <q>she should be like a +magnified launch, with greater beam and a larger draft of +water, which could, perhaps, best be gained by giving her a +deep keel. Of course she must be a good deal higher out of +the water than a launch, say a good four feet under the deck. +There should be no need to carry much ballast; she will gain +her stability by her beam.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I understand, sir. The first thing to be done is to form +the raft.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The ship’s crew were soon at work, and it was not long +before a raft was constructed. A rope was at once taken +ashore and made fast to a tree, so that the raft could be hauled +rapidly backwards and forwards between the ship and the +shore. +</p> + +<p> +The carpenter and his mates were the first to land, and +while the chief selected a suitable point for a yard his assistants +scattered, examining all fallen trees and cutting the +branches off those that seemed most suitable. These were +soon dragged down to the yard. Then strong gangs set to +work to square them, and the carpenters to cut them into +planks. +</p> + +<pb n='122'/><anchor id='Pg122'/> + +<p> +The first lieutenant remained with them, encouraging them +at their work, while the junior officers and midshipmen were +divided among the various gangs. By six o’clock, when the +<name type="ship">Furious</name> signalled for all hands to come on board, they had +indeed done a good day’s work. A pile of planks lay ready +to be used as required. The carpenters had made some progress +with a keel, which they were laboriously chopping out +from the straight trunk of a large tree. By evening of the +next day this was finished and placed in position. On the +third day some started to shape the stem- and stern-posts, +while the head-carpenter made from some thin planks +templates of the ribs, and set others to chop out the ribs +to fit. +</p> + +<p> +In two more days all was ready for fastening on the planks. +A hundred and fifty men can get through an amazing amount +of labour when they work well and heartily. The planks +were bent by main strength to fit in their places, and as there +was an abundance of nails and other necessary articles on +board, the sheathing was finished in two days. The rest of the +work was comparatively easy. While the deck was being laid +the hull was caulked and painted, and the two masts, sails, +and rigging prepared. The boat had no bulwarks, it being +considered that she would be a much better sea-boat without +them, as in case of shipping a sea the water would run off at +once. The hatchways fore and aft were made very small, +with close-fitting hatches covered with tarpaulin. +</p> + +<p> +The captain was delighted when she was finished. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is really a fine boat,</q> he said, <q>with her forty feet of +length and fifteen of beam. It has taken longer to build her +than I had expected, but we had not reckoned sufficiently on +<pb n='123'/><anchor id='Pg123'/>the difficulties. Everything, however, has now been done to +make her seaworthy, so those of us who remain here may feel +sure that she will reach Port Royal safely. In case of a gale +the sails must be lowered and lashed to the deck, and all +hands must go below and fasten the hatchways securely. She +has no ballast except her stores, but I think she will be perfectly +safe; there is very little chance of her capsizing.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>With such beam and such a depth of keel,</q> said the +first lieutenant, <q>she could not possibly capsize. In case of a +tornado the masts might very well be taken out of her and +used as a floating anchor to keep her head to it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now whom do you intend to send in her, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will send two officers,</q> the captain said. <q>Peters, and +a midshipman to take his place in case he should be disabled. +I think it is Robson’s turn for special service.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next morning the boat started soon after daybreak, the +ship’s crew all watching her till the two white lug-sails disappeared +through the opening. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now we will take a strong party of wood-cutters,</q> the +captain said, <q>and see if we can make a way to the top of the +hill and get some idea of the country round. I don’t expect +we shall see much of interest, but it is just as well that we +should be kept employed. By the way, before we do that, we +will get hawsers to the shore and work the frigate round so as +to bring her broadside to bear upon the opening; we ought to +have done that at first. The French may know of this place, +or if they don’t they may learn of it from the Spaniards. +Those two ships astern of us probably got themselves snug +before the tornado struck them, and weathered it all right, +though I doubt very much if they did so, unless they knew +<pb n='124'/><anchor id='Pg124'/>of some inlets they could run for. If they did escape, it +is likely that they will be taking some trouble to find out +what became of us. They may have seen their companion’s +fate, but they would hardly have made us out in the darkness. +Still, they would certainly want to report our loss, and may +sail along close inshore to look for timbers and other signs +of wreck. I think, therefore, that it will be advisable to +station a well-armed boat at this end of the cut, and tell them +to row every half-hour or so to the other end and see if they +can make out either sailing or rowing craft coming along the +shore. If they do see them they must retire to this end of +the opening, unless they can find some place where they could +hide till a boat came abreast of them, and then pounce out and +capture it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It would certainly be a good precaution, sir. I will see +to it at once—but we are both forgetting that we have no +boats.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Bless me, I did forget that altogether! Well, here is that +little dug-out the carpenters made for sending messages to and +from the ship. It will carry three. I should be glad if you +would take a couple of hands and row down to the mouth of +the entrance and see if there is any place where, without any +great difficulty, a small party with a gun could be stationed +so as not to be noticed by a boat coming up.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I understand, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lieutenant started at once, and when he returned, some +hours later, he reported that there was a ledge some twenty +feet long and twelve deep. <q>It is about eight feet from the +water’s edge and some twelve above it, sir,</q> he said, <q>and is +not noticeable until one is almost directly opposite it. If we +<pb n='125'/><anchor id='Pg125'/>were to pile up rocks regularly four feet high along the face, +both the gun and its crew would be completely hidden.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Get one of the hands on board, Mr. Farrance; I will myself +go and see it with you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +One of the men at once climbed on deck, and the captain +took his place in the little dug-out. When they reached the +ledge he made a careful inspection of it. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes,</q> he said, <q>ten men could certainly lie hidden here, +and with a rough parapet, constructed to look as natural as +possible, they should certainly be unobserved by an incoming +boat, especially as the attention of those in the stern +would be directed into the inlet. Will you order Mr. +Forster and one of the other midshipmen to go with as many +men as the raft will carry, and build such a parapet. They +had better take one of the rope-ladders with them and fix +it to the ledge by means of a grapnel. There is plenty of +building material among the rocks that have fallen from +the precipices above. I must leave it to their ingenuity to +make it as natural as possible.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When they returned to the ship the first lieutenant called +Forster and gave him the captain’s orders. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You can take young Gilmore with you,</q> he said. <q>Your +object will be to make it as natural as possible, so as to look, +in fact, as if the rocks that had fallen out behind had lodged +on the ledge. The height is not very important, for if a boat +were coming along, the men would, of course, lie down till +it was abreast of them, and the cannon would be withdrawn +and only run out at the last moment.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, sir, I will do my best.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The raft was again brought into requisition, and it was +<pb n='126'/><anchor id='Pg126'/>found that it could carry twelve men. Dimchurch and nine +others were chosen, and, using oars as paddles, they slowly +made their way down to the spot. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It will be a difficult job to make anything like a natural +wall there,</q> Forster said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes,</q> Will agreed, <q>I don’t see how it is to be managed +at all. Of course we could pile up a line of stones, but that +would not look in the least natural. If we could get up +three or four big chunks they might do if filled in with +small stones, but it would be impossible to raise great blocks +to that shelf.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The ladder was fixed and they climbed up to the ledge. +When they reached it they found that it was very rough and +uneven, and consequently that the task was more difficult +than it had seemed from below. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The only way I see,</q> Forster said, <q>would be to blast out +a trench six feet wide and one foot deep, in which the men +could lie hidden. The question is whether the captain will +not be afraid that the blasting might draw attention to our +presence here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>They were just starting for the top of the hill when we +came away,</q> Will said, <q>and may be able to see whether +there are any habitations in the neighbourhood. A couple of +men in the dug-out would be able to bring us news of any +craft in sight. I certainly don’t see any other way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When Forster made his report the captain said: +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">I believe it will be the best plan. At the top of the hill +we could see nothing but forests, for the most part levelled; +we could make out no sign of smoke anywhere. The operation +of blasting can be done with comparatively small charges, and +<pb n='127'/><anchor id='Pg127'/>occurring as it does at the foot of a gorge like that, the sound +would hardly spread much over the surrounding country, and +we could, of course, take care that there was no ship in sight +when we fired the charges.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, you can begin to-morrow. I believe there are some +blasting-tools in the store. Take the gunner with you; this +work comes within his province.</q> +</p> + +<p> +On the following morning the raft went off again, and at +midday a number of sharp explosions told that the work was +begun. In the evening another series of shots were fired, and +the party returned with the news that the ground had been +broken up to the depth of two feet and of ample size to give +the men cover. The next morning the rocks were cleared out, +and a seven-pounder and carriage, with tackle for hoisting it +up, were sent over. +</p> + +<p> +In the afternoon the captain went in the dug-out and inspected +the work, and expressed himself as thoroughly satisfied +with it. A garrison consisting of an officer and ten men +was then placed in the fort. They remained there all day +and returned to the ship as darkness fell, as it was thought +pretty certain that no one would try to explore the inlet +during the night. The next morning another party was told +off to garrison duty, and so on, no man being given two +consecutive days in the fort. +</p> + +<p> +On the fourth day the dug-out returned in haste to the +ship from its post at the mouth of the gap, and reported that +two men-of-war were to be seen in the distance cruising close +inshore. Mr. Farrance landed, and with difficulty made his +way up the hill to a point near the mouth of the opening, +which commanded a view over the sea. From that point he +<pb n='128'/><anchor id='Pg128'/>could easily see the hulls of the ships with his telescope, and +had no doubt whatever that they were the former antagonists +of the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. After watching for some time he made out +four little black specks very close to the shore. He examined +them closely and then hurried down to the cove. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They are searching the coast with boats,</q> he reported, +<q>as I feared they would.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The news had been given to the little party at the battery +as the dug-out came in, and they were at once on the alert. +The carpenters, who after the departure of their first boat had +been employed in building a large gig to pull twelve oars, +were at once recalled to the ship, and the magazines were +opened and the guns loaded. All the guns from the larboard +main deck had been brought up to the upper deck and port-holes +made for them, and a boom of trees had been built from +the bow and stern of the ship to the shore, so as to prevent +any craft from getting inside her. Thus prepared, the captain +considered that he was fully a match for any two ships of his +own size, but he knew, nevertheless, that, even if he beat +them off, he might be exposed to attack from a still larger +force unless assistance arrived from Jamaica. +</p> + +<p> +But he did not think only of the ship. The dug-out, which +had brought Mr. Farrance back with his report, was at once +sent off with orders to the party at the battery that they +must, if possible, sink any boat or boats that entered, but that +if ships of war came in they must not try to work their gun +after the first shot, as if they did so they would simply be swept +away by the enemy’s fire. That one shot was to be aimed at +the enemy’s rudder; then they were to lie down, and if they +had not disabled the ship they were to keep up a heavy +<pb n='129'/><anchor id='Pg129'/>musketry fire, aimed solely against her steersman. It was +hardly likely that they would be attacked by boats, as the +enemy would be fully engaged with the <name type="ship">Furious</name>; but even if +they should, the Frenchmen would have no means of climbing +the eight feet of precipitous rock. +</p> + +<p> +The dug-out went to and from the entrance, bringing back +news of the progress made by the enemy’s boats. About three +hours from the time when they had first been made out by +Mr. Farrance the little boat reported that they were only two +or three hundred yards from the entrance. On board the ship +all listened anxiously, for a slight bend in the narrow passage +prevented them from seeing the battery. Presently the +boom of a cannon was heard, followed by a cheer, which told +that the little garrison had been successful; then for two or +three minutes there was a rattle of musketry. When this +stopped, the dug-out at once went out to the fort, and returned +with the news that two boats had come up abreast, that one of +them had been sunk by the cannon at the fort, and that its +crew had been picked up by the other boat, which had rowed +hastily back, suffering a good deal from the musketry fire +under which the operation was carried on. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is act one,</q> the captain said; <q>now we shall have to +look for act two. I will go up with you, Mr. Farrance, to the +place whence you saw them; we may be sure that there will be +a great deal of signalling and consultation before they make +any further step.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly they landed and went up to the look-out. The +two vessels were lying close to each other with their sails +aback. The more fortunate of the two boats which had attempted +to explore the passage had just returned to them with +<pb n='130'/><anchor id='Pg130'/>its load of wounded and the survivors of its late companion, +and boats were passing to and fro between the two ships. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is an awkward question for them to decide,</q> the captain +said. <q>Of course they know well enough that a ship must be +in here, the gun shows them that, but they cannot tell that +we are capable of making any defence beyond the single gun +battery on the ledge.</q> +</p> + +<p> +It was an hour before there was any change in the position, +but at the end of that time the sails were filled and the +two vessels headed for the mouth of the inlet. They had +evidently concluded that the English ship was lying there +disabled. The two officers hurried back to the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, +and gave orders to prepare for the attack. The men at +once stood to their posts. Presently the gun of the fort +boomed out again, and by the cheering that followed the sound +it was evident that the shot had taken effect and smashed the +rudder of one of the French ships. Several guns were fired in +reply, but a minute later the bowsprit of the leading ship +came into view. The men waited until they could see the +whole vessel, then a crashing broadside from every gun on +board the <name type="ship">Furious</name> was poured into her bow. +</p> + +<p> +The effect was tremendous; a hole ten or twelve feet wide +was torn in her bow, and the ship was swept from end to end +by balls and splinters, and the shrieks and groans that arose +from her told that the execution was heavy. It was evident +that the battle was already half-won as far as she was concerned. +There was not room enough in the little inlet for her +to manœuvre in the light wind so as to bring her broadside to +bear on the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, and another crashing broadside from the +latter vessel completed her discomfiture. The other vessel now +<pb n='131'/><anchor id='Pg131'/>came up by her side, but she had been disabled by the fort, +and her helm would not act. Her captain at once lowered +her boats and tried to get her head round, but these were +smashed up by the fire of the <name type="ship">Furious</name>, and the two vessels lay +together side by side, helpless to reply in any efficient way to +the incessant fire kept up upon them. The Frenchmen did all +that was possible for brave men to do in the circumstances, but +their position was hopeless, and after suffering terribly for ten +minutes, one after the other hauled down their flag. +</p> + +<p> +A tremendous burst of cheering broke from the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. +She had lost but two men killed and four or five wounded by the +bullets of the French topmen. She had also been struck twice +by balls from the bow-chaser of the second ship; but this was +the extent of her damage, while the loss of life on board the +French frigates had been frightful. Some sixty men had been +killed and eighty wounded on the first ship, while thirty were +killed and still more wounded in the boats of the second +vessel. +</p> + +<p> +Captain Harker went on board the captures to receive the +swords of their commanders. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have done your best, gentlemen,</q> he said; <q>no one in +the circumstances could have done more. Had there been ten +of you instead of two the result must have been the same. If +your boats had got in and seen the situation you would have +understood that the position was an impossible one. There +was no room in here for manœuvring, and even had one of you +not been damaged by the shot from that little battery of ours, +your position would have been practically unchanged, and you +could not possibly have brought your broadsides to bear upon +us.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='132'/><anchor id='Pg132'/> + +<p> +The French captains, who were much mortified by the disaster, +bowed silently. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is the fortune of war, sir,</q> one of them said, <q>and +certainly we could not have anticipated that you would be so +wonderfully placed for defence. I agree with you that our +case was hopeless from the first, and I compliment you upon +your dispositions, which were certainly admirable.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You and your officers will be perfectly at liberty,</q> the +captain said; <q>your crews must be placed in partial confinement, +but a third of them can always be on deck. My surgeon +has come on board with me, and will at once assist yours in +attending to your wounded.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A considerable portion of the crew of the <name type="ship">Furious</name> were at +once put on board the French frigate <name type="ship">Eclaire</name>, and set to work +to dismantle her. The masts, spars, and rigging were transferred +to the <name type="ship">Furious</name> and erected in place of her own shattered +stumps, which were thrown overboard. Thus, after four days +of the hardest work for all, the <name type="ship">Furious</name> was again placed in +fighting trim. +</p> + +<p> +Preparations were immediately made for sailing. The +<name type="ship">Furious</name> led the way, towing behind her the dismantled hull in +which the whole of the prisoners were carried. A prize crew +of sixty were placed on board the <name type="ship">Actif</name>. +</p> + +<p> +When they were about half-way to Jamaica a squadron of +three vessels were sighted. Preparations were made to throw +off the <name type="ship">Eclaire</name> if the ships proved to be hostile, but before long +it was evident that they were English. They approached +rapidly, and when they rounded-to near the <name type="ship">Furious</name> the crews +manned the yards and greeted her with tremendous cheers. +The officer in command was at once rowed to the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. +<pb n='133'/><anchor id='Pg133'/>As the boat neared the ship his friends recognized Mr. Peters +and Robson sitting in the stern. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What miracle is this, Captain Harker?</q> the officer cried +as he came on deck. <q>Your lieutenant brought us news that +you were dismasted and lying helpless in some little inlet, +and here you are with what I can see is a French equipment +and a couple of prizes! I can almost accuse you of having +brought us here on a fool’s errand.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It must have that appearance to you; but the facts of +the case are simple;</q> and he told the story of the fight. <q>The +battle was practically over when the first shot was fired,</q> he +said. <q>The two French ships lost upwards of seventy killed +and over a hundred wounded, while we had only four men +killed and two wounded. If the place had been designed by +nature specially for defence it could not have been better +adapted for us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I see that,</q> Captain Ingham said; <q>but you made the +most of the advantages. Your plan of laying her broadside +to the entrance, getting all your cannon on one side, and building +a boom to prevent any vessel from getting behind you, +was most excellent. Well, it is a splendid victory, the more +so as it has been won with so little loss. The French certainly +showed but little discretion in thus running into the trap you +had prepared for them. Of course they could not tell what +to expect, but at least, whatever it might have cost them, they +ought to have sent a strong boat division in to reconnoitre. +No English captain would have risked his vessel in such a +way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +With very little delay the voyage to Jamaica was continued. +Two of the relief party went straight on, the other remained +<pb n='134'/><anchor id='Pg134'/>with the <name type="ship">Furious</name> in case she should fall in with a French +fleet. When the little squadron entered Port Royal they received +an enthusiastic welcome from the ships on the station. +Both prizes were bought into the service and handed over +to the dockyard for a thorough refit. Their names were +changed, the <name type="ship">Eclaire</name> being rechristened the <name type="ship">Sylph</name>, the <name type="ship">Actif</name> +becoming the <name type="ship">Hawke</name>. Lieutenant Farrance was promoted to +the rank of captain, and given the command of the latter +vessel, and some of the survivors of a ship that had a fortnight +before been lost on a dangerous reef were told off to +her. He was, according to rule, permitted to take a boat’s +crew and a midshipman with him from his old ship, and he +selected Will Gilmore, and, among the men, Dimchurch and +Tom Stevens. +</p> + +<p> +The planters of Jamaica were celebrated for their hospitality, +and the officers received many invitations. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are quite at liberty to accept any of them you like,</q> +Captain Farrance said to Will. <q>Till the vessel gets out of +the hands of the dockyard men there is nothing whatever for +you to do. But I may tell you that there is a good deal of +unrest in the island among the slaves. The doings of the +French revolutionists, and the excitement they have caused +by becoming the patrons of the mulattoes has, as might be +expected, spread here, and it is greatly feared that trouble may +come of it. Of course the planters generally pooh-pooh the idea, +but it is not to be despised, and a few of them have already left +their plantations and come down here. I don’t say that you +should not accept any invitation if you like, but if an outbreak +takes place suddenly I fancy very few of the planters +will get down safely. I mean, of course, if there is a general +<pb n='135'/><anchor id='Pg135'/>rising, which I hope will not be the case. Negroes are a good +deal like other people. Where they are well treated they +are quite content to go on as they are. Where they are badly +treated they are apt to try and better themselves. Still, that +is not always the case. There is no doubt that altogether the +French planters of San Domingo are much gentler in their +treatment of their slaves than our people are here. Large +numbers of them are of good old French families, and look on +their slaves rather as children to be ruled by kindness than +as beasts of burden, as there is no doubt some, not many, I +hope, but certainly some of the English planters do. With +San Domingo in the throes of a slave revolution, therefore, +it will not be surprising if the movement communicates itself +to the slaves here. I know that the admiral thinks it prudent +to keep an extra ship of war on the station so as to be prepared +for any emergency.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, sir. Then I will not accept invitations for +overnight.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t say that, Mr. Gilmore. In nine cases out of ten +I should say it could be done without danger; for if a rebellion +breaks out it will not at first be general, but will begin at +some of the most hardly-managed plantations, and there will +be plenty of time to return to town before it spreads.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As Will had no desire to mix himself up in a slave insurrection, +he declined all invitations to go out to houses beyond +a distance whence he could drive back in the evening. At all +the houses he visited he was struck by the apparently good +relations between masters and slaves. The planters were +almost aggrieved when he insisted on leaving them in the +evening, but he had the excuse that he was a sort of +aide-de-<pb n='136'/><anchor id='Pg136'/>camp to Captain Farrance, and was bound to be there the first +thing in the morning to receive any orders that he might have +to give. He generally hired a gig and drove over early so as +to have a long day there, and always took either Dimchurch +or Tom with him. He enjoyed himself very much, but was +not sorry when the repairs on the <name type="ship">Hawke</name> were completed. +</p> + +<p> +As the admiral was anxious for her to be away, some men +were drafted from the other ships; others were recruited +from the crews of the merchantmen in the port by Dimchurch, +who spoke very highly of the life on board a man-of-war, and +of the good qualities of the <name type="ship">Hawke’s</name> commander. The complement +was completed by a draft of fresh hands from England, +brought out to make good the losses of the various +ships on the station. Within three weeks, therefore, of her +leaving the dockyard the <name type="ship">Hawke</name> sailed to join the expedition +under Sir John Laforey and General Cuyler, to capture the +island of Tobago, where, on 14th April, 1793, some troops were +landed. The French governor was summoned to surrender, +but refused, so the works were attacked and carried after a +spirited resistance. But the attempt to capture St. Pierre in the +island of Martinique was not equally successfully. The French +defended the place so desperately that the troops were re-embarked +with considerable loss. +</p> + +</div><div n="7"> +<pb n='137'/><anchor id='Pg137'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER VII</head> + +<head type="sub">AN INDEPENDENT COMMAND</head> + +<p> +Will was hit by a musket-ball in the last engagement +that took place, and was sent back with a batch of +wounded to Port Royal. Three of the fingers of his left +hand had been carried away, but he bore the loss with +equanimity, as it would not compel him to leave the service. +Tom, who went with him as his servant, fretted a good deal +more over it than he himself, and was often loud in his +lamentations. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It would not have made any difference if it had been me,</q> +he said, <q>but it is awfully hard on you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What ridiculous nonsense, Tom!</q> Will said quite angrily, +after one of these outbursts. <q>If it had been you it would +have been really serious, for though an officer can get on very +well without some of his fingers a sailor would be useless and +would be turned adrift with some trifling pension. I shall +do very well. I have been mentioned in despatches and I am +certain to get my step as soon as I have served long enough +to pass, so after a time I shall not miss them at all.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Tom was silenced, though not convinced. The wound healed +rapidly, thanks to Will’s abstemious habits, and in six weeks +after entering the hospital he was discharged as fit for duty. +The <name type="ship">Hawke</name> was not in harbour, so he went to an hotel. On +the following day he received an order to call upon the admiral. +When he did so that officer received him very kindly. <q>I +am sorry,</q> he said, <q>to learn that you have lost some fingers, +Mr. Gilmore.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='138'/><anchor id='Pg138'/> + +<p> +<q>I hope it will not interfere much with my efficiency, +sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think not,</q> the admiral said; <q>I have received the +surgeon’s report this morning. In it he stated that your +wound had from the first gone on most favourably, and that +they had really kept you in hospital a fortnight longer than +was absolutely necessary, lest in your anxiety to rejoin you +might do yourself harm. Three days since a cutter of about +a hundred tons was sent in by the <name type="ship">Sylph</name>. She was a pirate, +and, like all vessels of that class, very fast, and would most +likely have outsailed the <name type="ship">Sylph</name> had she not caught her up +a creek. I have purchased her for the government service, +and I propose to place you in command.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will gave a start of surprise. At his age he could not +have expected for a moment to be given an independent +command. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have noted your behaviour here, and have looked through +the records of your service since you joined, and I am convinced +that you will do credit to the post. I shall give you +a midshipman junior to yourself from the <name type="ship">Thetis</name>, and you will +have forty hands before the mast. The <name type="ship">Hawke</name> is expected +in in a few days, so you can pick five men from her. The +rest I will make up from the other ships. The cutter will be +furnished with four twelve-pounders, and the long sixteen as a +bow gun, which she had when she was captured. Your duty +will be to police the coasts and to overhaul as many craft as +you may find committing depredations, of course avoiding a +combat with adversaries too strong for you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I thank you most heartily, sir, for selecting me for this +service, and will do my best to merit your kindness.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='139'/><anchor id='Pg139'/> + +<p> +<q>That is all right, Mr. Gilmore. I have acted, as I believe, +for the good of the service, and to some extent as an incentive +to other young officers to use their wits.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will went out with his head in a whirl. He could hardly +have hoped, within a year of his term of service as a midshipman, +to obtain a separate command, and he could have shouted +with joy at this altogether unexpected promotion. The first +thing he did was to take a boat and row off in it to his new +command. She was a handsome boat, evidently designed to +be fast and weatherly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>These beggars know how to build boats much better than +how to fight them,</q> he said, when he had examined her. +<q><corr sic="no quote">Assuredly</corr> in anything like a light wind she would run away +from the <name type="ship">Sylph</name>. The admiral was right when he said that +it was only by chance that she was caught. I hope the fellow +who is going with me is a good sort. It would be awkward +if we did not pull well together. At any rate, as the admiral +seems to have picked him out for the service, he must be worth +his salt. Of course I shall have Dimchurch as my boatswain; +he will take one watch and the youngster the other. It will +be hard if we don’t catch something.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Having rowed round the cutter two or three times he +returned to the shore. As the little vessel had been taken by +surprise, and had not been able to offer any resistance to a +craft so much more powerful than herself, she was uninjured, +and was in a fit state to be immediately recommissioned. She +was called <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, a name which Will thought very suitable +for her. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Forty men will be none too strong for her,</q> he said, <q>for +we shall have to work two guns on each side and that long +<pb n='140'/><anchor id='Pg140'/>one in the bow.</q> He went to bed that night and dreamt of +fierce fights and many captures, and laughed at himself when +he awoke. <q>Still,</q> he said, <q>I shall always be able to tackle +any craft of our own size and carrying anything like our +number of men.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Three days later the <name type="ship">Hawke</name> came in. Will at once rowed +off to her and had a chat with his friends. When he mentioned +his new command his news was at first received with +absolute incredulity, but when at last his messmates came to +understand that he was not joking, he was heartily congratulated +on his good fortune. Afterwards he was not a little +chaffed on the tremendous deeds he and his craft were going +to perform. When at last they became serious, Latham, the +master’s mate, remarked: <q>But what is your new command +like?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is a cutter of about a hundred tons, carrying four +twelve-pounders, and a sixteen-pounder long pivot gun at the +bow. I am to have forty men and a young midshipman from +the <name type="ship">Thetis</name>.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>A very tidy little craft, I should say, Gilmore, and you +will probably get a good deal more fun out of her than from +a frigate or line-of-battle ship. You will want a good +boatswain to take charge of one of the watches.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I shall have one, for I am to take five men out of the +<name type="ship">Hawke</name>, and you may be sure I shall take Dimchurch as boatswain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You could not have a better man,</q> Latham said; <q>he is +certainly one of the smartest fellows on board the ship. He +is very popular with all the men, and is full of life and go, +and always the first to set an example when there is any work +<pb n='141'/><anchor id='Pg141'/>to be done. I suppose we shall also lose the services of that +boy Tom?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think so,</q> Will laughed; <q>I should be quite lost without +so faithful a hand, and indeed, though he still ranks as a boy, +he is a big powerful fellow, and a match for many an A.B. at +hauling a rope or pulling an oar.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are right. He is as big round the chest as many of +the men, and though perhaps not so active, quite as powerful. +When will you hoist your pendant?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have to get the crew together yet. I am to have small +drafts from several of the ships, and it may be a few days +before they can be collected.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next morning the <name type="ship">Thetis</name> arrived, and the young midshipman +came on shore an hour later to report himself to Will. +He looked surprised for a moment at the age of his new commander, +but gravely reported himself for service. Will was +pleased with his appearance. He was a merry-faced boy, but +with a look on his face which indicated pluck and determination. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are surprised at my age, no doubt, Harman,</q> Will +said, <q>and I cannot be more than a year older than yourself, +but I have been fortunate enough to be twice mentioned in +despatches, indeed have had wonderful luck. I feel sure +that we shall get on well together, and I hope both do well. +We are to act as police on the coast of Cuba; it swarms with +pirates, and it will be hard if we don’t fall in with some of +them. You will, of course, keep one watch, and the boatswain, +who is a thoroughly good man, will take the other. I +need hardly say that we shall have no nonsense about commanding +officer. Except when on duty, I hope we shall be +<pb n='142'/><anchor id='Pg142'/>good chums, which means, of course, that when an enemy +is in sight or the weather is dirty I must be in absolute +command.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir!</q> Harman said. <q>These are good terms, +and I promise to obey your commands as readily as if you +were old enough to be my father.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good. Now I have dinner ordered and I hope +you will share it with me. We can then talk over matters +comfortably.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Before dinner was over, the lad was more than satisfied with +his new chief, and felt sure that at any rate the cruise would +be a pleasant one. Just as they had finished, Dimchurch and +Tom came in to see Will. On finding that he was engaged +they would have withdrawn, but Will called them in. <q>Sit +down and join Mr. Harman and myself in a chat. This, +Harman, is Bob Dimchurch, who is going to be our boatswain, +and Tom Stevens, whom I have known since we were +five years old, and although I have gone over his head we are +as good friends as ever. Dimchurch took me under his wing +when I first joined, and since then has fought by my side on +several occasions.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We came to wish you success in your new command, sir,</q> +Dimchurch said, <q>and should not have intruded had we known +that you were not alone.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is no intrusion at all, Dimchurch. There is no man +whose congratulations can be more pleasing to me. Have you +seen the cutter?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir. Tom and I noticed what a smart, likely craft +she was when we came in and dropped anchor. I little +thought that it was you who had command of her, but I have +<pb n='143'/><anchor id='Pg143'/>no fear but that you will do her full justice. I could hardly +believe my ears when I was told this afternoon, and Tom was +ready to jump out of his clothes with joy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is wonderfully good fortune, Dimchurch; I can hardly +believe it myself yet.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am sure you deserve it, sir. It was you who recaptured +that prize in the Mediterranean; it was you who saved the +first lieutenant’s life; and it was you who suggested a plan by +which we accounted for those three pirates. If that didn’t +deserve promotion, it is hard to say what would.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I owe no small portion of it, Dimchurch, to the fact that +I was able to take an observation so soon after I had joined, +and that was due to the kindness of my good friend Miss +Warden.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, that goes for something, no doubt, but there is a +good deal more than that in it.</q> After some further talk both +of the past and the future, Dimchurch sprang to his feet, +saying: <q>Well, sir, I wish you success. But it is time we +were off. I am told we are to remove our duds on board the +new craft to-morrow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, we are going to start manning her at once; I shall +be on board with Mr. Harman directly after breakfast. I +have not put foot upon her yet, and am most anxious to do +so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The craft fully answered Will’s expectations. Her after-accommodation +was exceedingly good; the cabin was handsomely +fitted, and there were two state-rooms. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We shall be in clover here, Harman,</q> he said; <q>no one +could wish for a better command. I must set to work to get +stores shipped at once. How many of the crew are on board?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='144'/><anchor id='Pg144'/> + +<p> +<q>Twenty-three, sir, and I believe we shall have our full +complement before night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As they spoke a boat laden with provisions came alongside, +and all hands were at once engaged transferring her load to +the cutter. In the course of the forenoon the remainder of the +men came on board in twos and threes. After dinner Will +called the crew together and read out his commission. Then +he made his maiden speech. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My lads,</q> he said, <q>I wish this to be a comfortable ship, +and I will do my best to make it so. I shall expect the ready +obedience of all; and you may be assured that if possible I +will put you in the way of gaining prize-money. There are +plenty of prizes to be taken, and I hope confidently that many +of them will fall to our share.</q> The men gave three cheers, +and Will added: <q>I will order an extra supply of grog to be +served out this evening.</q> +</p> + +<p> +On the following day <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> dipped her ensign to the +admiral and set off on her voyage. Will was well pleased +with the smartness the crew displayed in getting under +weigh, and more than satisfied with the pace at which she +moved through the water. For a month they cruised off the +coast of Cuba, during which time they picked up eight small +prizes. These were for the most part rowing-galleys carrying +one large lateen sail. None of them were sufficiently strong to +show fight; they were not intended to attack merchantmen, but +preyed upon native craft, and were manned by from ten to +twenty desperadoes. Most of them, when overhauled, pretended +to be peaceful fishermen or traders, but a search always +brought to light concealed arms, and in some cases captured +goods. The boats were burned, and their crews, mostly +<pb n='145'/><anchor id='Pg145'/>mulattoes, with a sprinkling of negroes—rascals whose countenances +were sufficiently villainous to justify their being +hanged without trial,—were put ashore; for the admiral had +given instructions to Will not to burden himself with prisoners, +who would have to be closely guarded, and would +therefore weaken his crew, and, if brought to Port Royal, +would take up prison accommodation. +</p> + +<p> +At last one day a schooner rather bigger than themselves +was sighted. Her appearance was rakish, and there was little +doubt as to her character. All sail was at once crowded on +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name>. The schooner was nearly as fast as she was, and at +the end of a six hours’ chase she was still two miles ahead. +Suddenly she headed for the shore and disappeared among +the trees. <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> proceeded on her course until opposite the +mouth of the inlet which the pirate had entered. It was +getting dark, and Will decided to wait until morning, and +then to send a boat in to reconnoitre. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have not forgotten,</q> he said to Harman, <q>the way in +which those two French frigates I have told you of ran into a +trap, and I don’t mean to be caught so if I can help it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name> remained hove to during the night, and in the +morning lowered a boat, with four hands, commanded by +Dimchurch, who was ordered to row in until he obtained a +fair view of the enemy, and observe as far as possible what +preparation had been made for defence. He was absent for +half an hour, and then returned, saying that the schooner was +lying anchored with her sails stowed at the far end of the +inlet, which was about half a mile long and nearly as wide, +with her broadside bearing on the entrance. +</p> + +<p> +<q>If it is as large as that,</q> Will said, <q>there will be plenty +<pb n='146'/><anchor id='Pg146'/>of room for us to manœuvre. Did you make out what number +of guns she carried?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, she mounted four guns on each side; I should say +they were for the most part ten-pounders.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think we can reckon upon taking her. Our guns are of +heavier metal than hers, and the long-tom will make up for our +deficiency in numbers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name> was put under as easy sail as would suffice to give +her manœuvring powers, and then headed for the mouth of +the inlet. She was half-way through when suddenly two +hidden batteries, each mounting three guns, opened upon her. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Drop the anchor at once,</q> Will shouted; <q>we will finish +with these gentlemen before we go farther.</q> The schooner at +the same time opened fire, but at half a mile range her guns +did not inflict much damage upon the cutter. Lying between +the two batteries she engaged them both, her broadside guns +firing with grape, while the long-tom sent a shot into each +alternately. In a quarter of an hour their fire was silenced, +three of the guns were dismounted, and the men who had been +working them fled precipitately. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Take a boat and spike the remaining guns, Dimchurch,</q> +Will said; <q>I don’t want any more bother with them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a few minutes Dimchurch returned to the cutter, having +accomplished his mission. The anchor was then got up again, +and she proceeded to attack the schooner. <name type="ship">L’Agile’s</name> casualties +had been trifling; only one had been killed and three wounded, +all of them slightly. As she sailed up the inlet she replied +with her pivot-gun to the fire of the enemy. At every shot +the splinters were seen to fly from the schooner’s side, much +to the discomfiture of the pirate gunners, whose aim became +<pb n='147'/><anchor id='Pg147'/>so wild that scarcely a shot struck <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>. When within a +hundred yards of the schooner the helm was put down, and +the cutter swept round and opened fire with her two broadside +guns. +</p> + +<p> +The shots had scarcely rung out when Harman touched +Will on the shoulder. <q>Look there, sir,</q> he said. Will +turned and saw a vessel emerging from a side channel, which +was so closed in with trees that it had been unperceived by +anybody aboard the cutter. Her aim was evidently to get +between them and the sea. She was a cutter of about the +same size as <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, but carried six ten-pounders. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The schooner has enticed us in here,</q> Will said, <q>there is no +doubt about that, and now there is nothing to do but to fight it +out. Take her head round,</q> he said, <q>we will settle it with the +cutter first. The schooner cannot come to her assistance for +some minutes as she has all her sails furled.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly he ranged up to the new-comer, and a furious +contest ensued. He engaged her with two broadside guns +and the long-tom, and at the same time kept his other two +guns playing upon the schooner, the crew of which were busy +getting up sail. The long-tom was served by Dimchurch himself, +and every shot went crashing through the side of the pirate +cutter, the fire of the two broadside guns being almost equally +effective. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Keep it up, lads,</q> Will shouted; <q>we shall finish with her +before the other can come up.</q> As he spoke a shot from the +long-tom struck the cutter’s mainmast, which tottered for a +moment and then fell over her side towards <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, and the +sails and hamper entirely prevented the crew from working +her guns. For another five minutes the fire was kept up; +<pb n='148'/><anchor id='Pg148'/>then the crew were seen to be leaping overboard, and presently +a man stood up and shouted that she surrendered. The +schooner was now coming up fast. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Don’t let her escape,</q> Will shouted; <q>she has had enough +of it, and is trying to get away. Run her aboard!</q> In a +minute the two vessels crashed together, and headed by Will, +Harman, and Dimchurch, <name type="ship">L’Agile’s</name> crew sprang on board the +schooner. +</p> + +<p> +The pirate crew were evidently discouraged by the fate of +their consort and by the complete failure of their plan to +capture <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>. The captain, a gigantic mulatto, fought +desperately, as did two or three of his principal men. One of +them charged at Will while he was engaged with another, +and would have killed him had not Tom Stevens sprung forward +and caught the blow on his own cutlass. The sword +flew from the man’s hand, and Tom at once cut him down. +Dimchurch engaged in a single-handed contest with the great +mulatto captain. Strong as the sailor was he could with +difficulty parry the ruffian’s blows, but skill made up for inequality +of strength, and after a few exchanges he laid the +man low with a clever thrust. The fall of their leader completed +the discomfiture of the pirates, most of whom at once +sprang overboard and made for the shore, those who remained +being cut down by the sailors. +</p> + +<p> +When at last they were masters of the ship the crew gave +three lusty cheers. But Will did not permit them to waste +precious time in rejoicing. He knew that, though they had +accomplished so much, there was still a great deal to be done, +for the prizes might even yet be recaptured before they got +them out to sea. Without a moment’s delay, therefore, he +<pb n='149'/><anchor id='Pg149'/>sent a boat to take possession of the cutter. The sail and +wreckage were cleared away, and the boat proceeded to tow +her out of the inlet. In the meantime a warp was taken +from <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> to the schooner, the sails of the latter were +lowered, and Will sailed proudly out with his second prize in +tow. Once fairly at sea the crew began to repair damages. +Five men in all had been killed and eleven were wounded. +Several of the latter, however, were able to lend a hand. The +shot-holes in <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> were first patched with pieces of plank, +then covered with canvas, and afterwards given a coat of paint. +Then the schooner was taken in hand, and when she was got +into something like ship-shape order her sails were hoisted +again, and ten men under Harman placed on board to work +her. The cutter was taken in tow, only three men being left +on board to steer. +</p> + +<p> +It was late in the afternoon before all the repairs were completed. +Before sailing, a rough examination was made of the +holds of the two vessels, and to the great satisfaction of +<name type="ship">L’Agile’s</name> crew both were found to contain a considerable +amount of booty. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is probable that there is a storehouse somewhere,</q> Will +said; <q>but as we have under thirty available men it would +be madness to try to land, for certainly two-thirds of the +scoundrels escaped by swimming, and as each craft must have +carried nearly a hundred men we should have been altogether +overmatched. Well, they had certainly a right to count upon +success; their arrangements were exceedingly good. No +doubt they expected us to leave the batteries alone, and from +the position in which they were placed they could have +peppered us hotly while we were engaged with the schooner; +<pb n='150'/><anchor id='Pg150'/>in which case they would probably have had an easy victory. +It was a cleverly-laid trap and ought to have succeeded.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And it would, sir,</q> Dimchurch said, <q>if you had not turned +from the schooner and settled with the cutter before the +other could come to her assistance.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The credit is largely due to you,</q> Will said; <q>that shot +of yours that took the mast out was the turning-point of +the fight. It completely crippled her, and as it luckily fell +towards us it altogether prevented them from returning our +fire.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Very proud were Will and his crew when they sailed into +Port Royal with their two prizes. Will at once rowed to the +flagship, where he received a very hearty greeting. <q>You +have not come empty-handed, I see, Mr. Gilmore,</q> the admiral +said; <q>you were lucky indeed to take two ships of your own +size one after the <corr sic="no quote">other.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We took them at the same time, sir,</q> Will said, <q>as you +will see by my report.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The admiral gave a look of surprise and opened the document. +First he ran his eye over it, then he read it more +attentively. When he had finished he said: <q>You have +fought a most gallant action, Mr. Gilmore, a most gallant +action. It was indeed long odds you had against you, two +vessels each considerably over your own size and manned by +far heavier crews, besides the two batteries. It was an excellent +idea to leave the vessel with which you were first engaged and +turn upon the second one. If you had tried to fight them +both at once you would almost certainly have been overcome, +and you succeeded because you were cool enough to grasp the +fact that the schooner at anchor and with her sails down +<pb n='151'/><anchor id='Pg151'/>would not be able to come to her friend’s assistance for some +minutes, and acted so promptly on your conclusions. The +oldest officer in the service could not have done better. I +congratulate you very heartily on your conduct. What are +the contents of the cargoes of the prizes?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I cannot say, sir. With three vessels on my hands I had +no time to examine them, but they certainly contain a number +of bales of various sorts. I opened one which contained +British goods.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then no doubt they are the pick of the cargoes they +captured,</q> the admiral said; <q>I will go off with you myself +and ascertain. I have nothing else to do this afternoon, and +it will be a matter of interest to me as well as to you. You +may as well let your own gig row back and I will take mine.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly the gig was sent back to <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> with orders +for two boats to be lowered and twenty of the men to be +ready to go to the two prizes. As soon as the admiral came on +board the hatchways were opened, and the men brought up a +number of the bales. These were found to contain fine cloths, +material for women’s dresses, china, ironmongery, carpets, and +other goods of British manufacture. The other vessel contained +sugar, coffee, ginger, spices, and other products of the +islands. <q>That is enough,</q> said the admiral; <q>I don’t think +we shall be far wrong if we put down the value of those two +cargoes at £10,000. The two vessels will sell for about £1000 +apiece, so that the prize-money will be altogether about +£12,000, and even after putting aside my portion you will +all share to a handsome amount in the proceeds. That is the +advantage of not belonging to a squadron. In that case your +share would not be worth anything like what it will now +<pb n='152'/><anchor id='Pg152'/>be. By the way, since you have been absent I have received +the account of the prize-money earned by the <name type="ship">Furious</name> in the +Mediterranean and by the capture of the French frigates. It +amounts in all to £35,000. Of course as a midshipman your +share will not be very large; probably, indeed, it will not +exceed £250, so, you see, pirate-hunting in the West Indies, +in command even of a small craft, pays enormously better than +being a midshipman on board a frigate.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It does indeed, sir, though £250 would be a fortune to a +midshipman.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, if our calculations as to the value of the cargoes and +ships are correct, you will get more than ten times that +amount now. And as there are only the flag and one other +officer to share with you, the men’s portion will be something +like £100 apiece. A few more captures like this,</q> and he +laughed, <q>and you will become a rich man.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He then rowed away to his own ship, and Will returned to +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name> and gladdened the hearts of Harman and the crew +with the news of the value of their captures. <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> remained +another week in harbour, during which time all signs +of the recent conflict were removed, and he received a draft +of men sufficient to bring his crew up to its former level. +Then she again set sail. +</p> + +<p> +They had cruised for about a fortnight when one morning, +just as Will was getting up, Dimchurch ran down and reported +that they had sighted two sails suspiciously near each other. +<q>One,</q> he said, <q>looks to me a full-rigged ship, and the other +a large schooner.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will have a look at them,</q> Will said, and, putting on his +clothes, he ran on deck. +</p> + +<pb n='153'/><anchor id='Pg153'/> + +<p> +<q>Yes, it certainly looks suspicious,</q> he said, when he had +examined them through his telescope; <q>we will head towards +them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She looks to me a very large schooner, sir,</q> said Dimchurch. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, she is larger than these pirates generally are, but +there is very little doubt as to her character. How far are +they off, do you think?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ten miles, sir, I should say; but we have got the land-breeze +while they are becalmed. By the look of the water +I should say we should carry the wind with us until we are +pretty close to them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Every sail the cutter could carry was hoisted, and she +approached the two vessels rapidly. They were some four +miles from them when the sails of the schooner filled and she +began to move through the water. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It will be a long chase now,</q> Will said; <q>but the cutter +has light wings, so we have a good chance of overhauling +her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The sails of the ship are all anyhow, sir,</q> Harman said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>So they are, Mr. Harman; foul play has been going on +there, I have not the least doubt. The fact that the crew +are not making any effort to haul in her sheets and come to +meet us is in itself a proof of it. I think it is our duty to +board her and see what has taken place. Even if we allow +the schooner to escape we shall light upon her again some +day, I have no doubt.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is very low in the water,</q> he said, after examining +the merchantman carefully through his telescope, <q>and either +her cargo is of no value to the pirates, and they have allowed +it to remain in her, or they have scuttled her.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='154'/><anchor id='Pg154'/> + +<p> +<q>I am afraid it is that, sir,</q> Dimchurch said, <q>for she is +certainly lower in the water than when I first saw her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are right, Dimchurch, the scoundrels have scuttled +her. Please God we shall get to her before she founders! +Oh for a stronger wind! Do you think we could row there +quicker than we sail?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir. The gig might go as fast as the cutter, but the +other boat would not be able to keep pace with her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, make all preparations for lowering. Heaven only +knows what tragedy may have taken place there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After all had been got ready, every eye on board the cutter +was fixed on the vessel. There was no doubt now that she was +getting deeper in the water every minute. When they got +within a quarter of a mile of the ship she was so low that +it was evident she could not float many minutes longer. +</p> + +<p> +<q>To the boats, men,</q> Will cried, <q>row for your lives.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A moment later three boats started at full speed. The +gig, in which Dimchurch and Tom were both rowing, was +first to search the sinking ship. Will leapt on board at once, +and as he did so he gave an exclamation of horror, for the +deck was strewn with dead bodies. Without stopping to look +about him he ran aft to the companion and went down to the +cabin, which was already a foot deep in water. There he +found some fifteen men and women sitting securely bound +on the sofas. Will drew his dirk, and running along cut +their thongs. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Up on deck for your lives,</q> he cried, <q>and get into the +boats alongside; she will not float three minutes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +At the farther end of the cabin a young girl was kneeling +by the side of a stout old lady, who had evidently fainted. +</p> +<pb n='155'/><anchor id='Pg155'/> +<p> +<q>Come,</q> Will said, going up to her, <q>it is a matter of life +and death; we shall have the water coming down the companion +in a minute or two.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can’t leave her,</q> the girl cried. +</p> + +<p> +Will attempted to lift the old lady, but she was far too +heavy for him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I cannot save her,</q> he said, and raised a shout for Dimchurch. +It was unanswered. <q>There,</q> he said, <q>the water +is coming down; she will sink in a minute. I cannot save +her—indeed she is as good as dead already—but I can save +you,</q> and snatching the girl up he ran to the foot of the +companion. The water was already pouring down, but he +struggled up against it, and managed to reach the deck; but +before he could cross to the side the vessel gave a sudden +lurch and went down. He was carried under with the suck, +but by desperate efforts he gained the surface just as his +breath was spent. For a moment or two he was unable to +speak, but he was none the less ready to act. Looking round he +saw a hen-coop floating near, and, swimming to it, he clung +to it with one arm while he held the girl’s head above water +with the other. Then, when he had recovered his breath, he +shouted <q>Dimchurch!</q> Fortunately the gig was not far +away, and his hail was at once answered, and a moment later +the boat was alongside the hen-coop. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: THE RESCUE]</p> +</then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill04"/> + <figure url="images/ill04.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small">THE RESCUE</hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: THE RESCUE</figDesc></figure></p> +</else></pgIf> +<p> +<q>Take this young lady, Dimchurch, and lay her in the +stern-sheets. She can’t be dead, for she was sensible when +the ship went down, and we were not under water a minute.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After the girl had been laid down, Will was helped in. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Did we save them all?</q> he asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir; at least I think so. They all came running on +<pb n='156'/><anchor id='Pg156'/>deck and jumped straight into the boats. I was busy helping +them, and did not notice that you were missing. As the last +seemed to have come up, I called to the other boats to make +off, for I saw that she could only float a minute longer, and +as it was we had only just got clear when she went down. +Indeed we had a narrow escape of it, and the men had to +row. I was standing up to look for you, and had just discovered +that you were not in any of the boats, when I heard +you call. It gave me a bad turn, as you may guess, sir, and +glad I was when I saw you were holding on to that hen-coop.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, let us try and bring this young lady round,</q> Will +said. +</p> + +<p> +They turned her over first upon her face and let the water +run out of her mouth. Then they laid her flat on her back +with a jersey under her head, and rubbed her hands and feet +and pressed gently at times on her chest. After five minutes +of this treatment the girl heaved a sigh, and shortly afterwards +opened her eyes and looked round in bewilderment at +the faces of the men. Then suddenly she realized where she +was and remembered what had happened. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh, it was dreadful!</q> she murmured. <q>Poor Miss Morrison +was lost, was she not?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>If that was the name of the lady you were kneeling +by I regret to say that she was. It was impossible to save +her; for though I tried my best I could not lift her. As you +call her Miss Morrison I presume she is not a close relation.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, she had been my governess since I was a child, and +has been a mother to me. Oh, to think that she is dead +while I am saved!</q> +</p> + +<pb n='157'/><anchor id='Pg157'/> + +<p> +<q>You must remember that it might have been worse,</q> Will +said; <q>you certainly cannot require a governess many more +years, and will find others on whom to bestow your affection. +How old are you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am fourteen,</q> the girl said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, here is my ship, and we will all do our best to +make you comfortable.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Your ship!</q> the girl said in surprise; <q>do you mean to +say that you are in command of her? You do not look more +than a boy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am not much more than a boy,</q> he said with a smile, +<q>but for all that I am the commander of this vessel, and this +young gentleman is my second in command.</q> +</p> +</div><div n="8"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER VIII</head> + +<head type="sub">A SPLENDID HAUL</head> + +<p> +When all were got on board, and the boats hoisted to the +davits, Will conducted the ladies down to the cabin, +which he handed over to them. Then, having ordered the +cook to prepare some hot soup for the girl he had rescued, he +came on deck again and questioned the male passengers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We were all dressing for dinner,</q> one said, <q rend="post: none">when we +heard a shouting on deck. Almost immediately there was +a great bump, which knocked most of us off our feet, and we +thought that we had been run into, but directly afterwards +we heard a great tumult going on above us, and we guessed +that the ship had been attacked by pirates. The clashing of +<pb n='158'/><anchor id='Pg158'/>swords and the falling of bodies went on for two or three +minutes, and then there was a loud savage yell that told us +that the pirates had taken the ship. Next moment the +ruffians rushed down upon us, took away any valuables we +had about our persons, and then tied us up and threw us on +the sofas. After scouring all the cabins they left us, and by +the noise that followed we guessed that they had removed +the hatches and were getting up the cargo.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This continued all night, and some time this morning we +heard the brutes going down to their boats, and thanked God +that they had spared our lives. Presently all became still; +but after a time we saw the water rising on the floor, and the +dreadful thought struck us that they had scuttled the ship +and left us to perish. One of us managed, in spite of his +bonds, to make his way up the companion and endeavour to +open the door. He found, however, to his horror that it was +fastened outside. Time after time he flung himself against +it, but it would not yield. The water rose higher and higher, +and we were waiting for the end when, to our delight, we +heard a bump as of a boat coming alongside the vessel, then +the sound of someone running along the deck and of the +companion door being hurriedly opened. You know the rest. +The ship was the <name type="ship">Northumberland</name> of Bristol.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God we arrived in time!</q> Will said. <q>It was an +affair of seconds. If we had been two minutes later you +would all have been drowned.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What has become of that terrible pirate?</q> asked one of +the passengers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>There he is, six miles away. I hope some day to avenge +the murder of your captain and crew.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='159'/><anchor id='Pg159'/> + +<p> +<q>But his ship looks a good deal larger than yours.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes,</q> Will said, <q>but we don’t take much account of size. +We captured two pirates in one fight, both of them bigger +than ourselves.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And your ship looks such a small thing, too, in comparison +with our vessel!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, your ship could pretty well take her up and carry +her. Weight doesn’t go for much in fighting.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And are you really her commander?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have that honour. I am a midshipman, and before I +got command of <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> I was on board His Majesty’s ships +<name type="ship">Furious</name> and <name type="ship">Hawke</name>. I had a great deal of luck in several +fights we came through, and as a result was entrusted by the +admiral with the command of this vessel. As you say, she is +small, but her guns are heavy for her size, and are more than +a match for most of those carried by the pirates.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, in the name of myself and all my fellow-passengers +I offer you my sincerest thanks for the manner in +which you saved our lives. How close a shave it was is shown +by the fact that you were yourself unable to get off the ship +in time and were carried down with her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It was all in the way of business,</q> Will laughed. <q>We +were after the pirates, and when we saw the state of your +vessel we reluctantly gave up the chase in order to see if we +could be of any assistance. I expect the schooner wouldn’t +have run away from us had she not been so full of the cargo +she got from your ship. They could not have had time to +stow it all below, and it would have hampered them in working +their guns, besides probably affecting their speed. I shall +know her again when I see her, and then will try if these +<pb n='160'/><anchor id='Pg160'/>scoundrels are as good at fighting as they are at cold-blooded +murder.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Where are you going now, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am cruising at present, and am master of my own movements, +so if you will let me know where you are bound for, I +will try to set as many of you down at your destination as +I can.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Most of us are bound for Jamaica, sir, and the others will +be able to find their way to their respective islands from there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, then, I will head for Jamaica at once. In the +meantime my cabin and that of my second in command are +at the service of the ladies. There are the sofas, too, in the +saloon, and if these are not enough I will get some hammocks +slung. I shall myself sleep on deck, and those of you who +prefer it can do the same; for the others I will have hammocks +slung in the hold.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Most of the ladies soon came up, but the girl Will had +saved did not appear till the next morning. She was very +pretty, and likely to be more so. If he had allowed her she +would have overwhelmed him with thanks, but he made light +of the whole affair. He learned from the other passengers +that she was the daughter of one of the richest merchants in +Jamaica. At the death of her mother, when she was five +years old, she was sent home to England in charge of the +governess who had been drowned in the <name type="ship">Northumberland</name>, and +when this catastrophe occurred had been on her way to rejoin +her father. Although saddened by the death of her old friend, +she soon showed signs of a disposition naturally bright and +cheerful. She bantered Will about his command, and professed +to regard <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> as a toy ship, expressing great +<pb n='161'/><anchor id='Pg161'/>wonder that it was not manned by boy A.B.’s as well as +boy officers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It must surely seem very ridiculous to you,</q> she said, <q>to +be giving orders to men old enough to be your father.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can quite understand that it seems so to you,</q> he said, +<q>for it does to me sometimes; but custom is everything, and +I don’t suppose the men give the matter a thought. At any +rate they are as ready to follow me as they are the oldest +veteran in the service.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will carried all the sail he could set, as he was anxious to +get the craft free from passengers and to be off in search of +the schooner that had escaped him. He was again loaded +with thanks by the passengers when they landed, and after +seeing them off he went and made his report to the admiral. +</p> + +<p> +<q>How is this, Mr. Gilmore?</q> the admiral said as he entered +the cabin; <q>no prizes this time? And who are all those people +I saw landing just now?</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will handed in his report; but, as usual, the admiral insisted +on hearing all details. +</p> + +<p> +<q>But your uniform looks shrunk, Mr. Gilmore,</q> he said +when Will had finished. <q>You said nothing about being in +the water!</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will was then obliged to relate how he had rescued the girl +from the cabin. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well done again, young sir! it is a deed to be as proud +of as the capturing of those two pirates. Well done, indeed! +Now I suppose you want to be off again?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, I should like to sail as soon as possible; in the first +place, because I am most anxious to fall in with that schooner +and bring the captain and crew in here to be hanged.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='162'/><anchor id='Pg162'/> + +<p> +<q>That is a very laudable ambition. And why in the second +place?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Because I want to get off before a lot of people come to +thank me for saving their relatives, and so on, sir. If I get +away at once, then I may hope that before I come back again +the whole thing will be forgotten.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It oughtn’t to be, for you acted very wisely and gallantly.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I don’t want a lot of thanks for only doing what +was my duty.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very good, Mr. Gilmore, I understand your feelings, but +I quite expect that when you do return you will have to go +through the ordeal of being presented with a piece of plate, +and probably after that you will have to attend a complimentary +ball. Now, you can go back to your ship at once. +Here is a letter to the chief of the store department instructing +him to furnish you with any stores you may want without +waiting for my signature.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much, sir! I hope, when I return, that I +shall bring that pirate in tow. Can I have three months from +the present time?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly, and I hope you will be able to make good use +of it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Returning to his ship, Will at once made out the list of the +stores he required, and sent Harman on shore with it, telling +him to take two boats and bring everything back with him. +At five o’clock in the afternoon the two boats returned, carrying +all the stores required. The water-tanks had already been +filled up, and a quarter of an hour later the cutter was under +sail and leaving the harbour. +</p> + +<p> +Will, of course, had nothing whatever to guide him in his +<pb n='163'/><anchor id='Pg163'/>search for the schooner beyond the fact that she was heading +west at the time when he last saw her. At that time they +were to the south of Porto Rico, so he concluded that she was +making for Cuba. Every day, therefore, he cruised along the +coast of that island, sometimes sending boats ashore to examine +inlets, at other times running right out to sea in the hope that +the pirate, whose spies he had no doubt were watching his +movements, might suppose he had given up the search and was +sailing away. Nevertheless, he could not be certain that she +would endeavour to avoid him should she catch sight of him, +for with a glass the pirate captain could have made out the +number of guns <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> carried, and would doubtless feel +confident in his own superiority, as he would not be able to +discover the weight of the guns. Will felt that if the pirate +should fight, his best policy would be at first to make a pretence +of running, in the hope that in a long chase he might +manage to knock away some of the schooner’s spars. +</p> + +<p> +One day he saw the boats, which had gone up a deep inlet, +coming back at full speed<corr sic=".+dq">.</corr> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We saw a schooner up there,</q> Harman reported; <q>I think +she is the one we are in search of. When we sighted her she +was getting up sail.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will just suit me. We will run out to sea at once; +that will make him believe we are afraid of him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Scarcely had the boats been got on board, and the cutter’s +head turned offshore, when the schooner was seen issuing +from the inlet. Will ordered every sail to be crowded on, +and had the satisfaction of seeing the schooner following his +example. He then set the whole of the crew to shift the long-tom +from the bow to the stern. Its muzzle was just high +<pb n='164'/><anchor id='Pg164'/>enough to project above the taffrail, and in order to hide it +better he had hammocks and other material piled on each side +of it so as to form a breastwork three feet high. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They will think,</q> he said, <q>that we have put this up as a +protection against shot from his bow-chasers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After watching the schooner for a quarter of an hour, Will +said: +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t think she gains upon us at all; lower a sail over +the bow to deaden her way. A small topsail will do; I only +want to check her half a knot an hour.</q> +</p> + +<p> +It was an hour before the schooner yawed and fired her +bow-guns. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good,</q> Will said to Dimchurch; <q>it shows that +she doesn’t carry a long-tom. I thought she didn’t, but they +might have hidden it, as we have done. Don’t answer them +yet; I don’t want to fire till we get within half a mile of her; +then they shall have it as hot as they like.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The schooner continued to gain slowly, occasionally firing +her bow-chasers. When she had come up to within a mile of +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name> the cutter was yawed and two broadside guns fired; +they were purposely aimed somewhat wide, as Will was +anxious that the pirates should not suspect the weight of +his metal, and did not wish, by inflicting some small injury, +to deter her from continuing the chase. The schooner evidently +depended upon the vastly superior strength of her +crew to carry the cutter by boarding, and so abstained from +attempting to injure her, as the less damage she suffered the +better value she would be as a prize. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They are not more than half a mile off now, I think, sir,</q> +Dimchurch said at last. +</p> + +<pb n='165'/><anchor id='Pg165'/> + +<p> +<q>Very well then, we will let her have it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The gun was already loaded, so Dimchurch took a steady +aim and applied the match. All leapt upon the bulwarks to +see the effect of the shot, and a cheer broke from the crew as +it struck the schooner on the bow, about four feet above the +water. In return the schooner yawed so as to bring her whole +broadside to bear on the cutter, and six tongues of flame +flashed from her side. At the same moment <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> swung +round and fired her two starboard guns. Both ships immediately +resumed their former positions, and as they did so +Dimchurch fired again, his shot scattering a shower of splinters +from almost the same spot as the other had struck. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You must elevate your gun a little more, Dimchurch,</q> +said Will, <q>and bring a mast about their ears. Get that sail +on board!</q> he shouted; <q>I don’t want the schooner to get +any nearer.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The order was executed, and the difference in the speed of +the cutter was at once manifest. Again and again Dimchurch +fired. Several of the shot went through the schooner’s foresail, +but as yet her masts were untouched. +</p> + +<p> +<q>A little more to the right, Dimchurch.</q> +</p> + +<p> +This time the sailor was longer than usual in taking aim, +but when he fired the schooner’s foremast was seen to topple +over, and her head flew up into the wind, thus presenting her +stern to the cutter. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is a lame duck now,</q> Will said, <q>but we may as well +take her mainmast out of her too. Fire away, and take as +good aim as you did last time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Ten more shots were fired, and with the last the pirate’s +mainmast went over the side. +</p> + +<pb n='166'/><anchor id='Pg166'/> + +<p> +<q>Well done, Dimchurch! Now we have her at our mercy. +We will sail backwards and forwards under her stern and +rake her with grape. I don’t want to injure her more than +is necessary, but I do want to kill as many of the crew as +possible; it is better for them to die that way than to be +taken to Jamaica to be hanged.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For an hour the cutter kept at work crossing and recrossing +her antagonist’s stern, and each time she poured in a volley +from two broadside guns and the long-tom. The stern of +the schooner was knocked almost to pieces, and the grape-shot +carried death along her decks. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am only afraid that they will blow her up,</q> Will said; +<q>but probably, as they have not done so already, her captain +and most of her officers are killed, for it would require a +desperado to undertake that job.</q> +</p> + +<p> +At last the black flag was hoisted on a spar at the stern, +and then lowered again. When they saw this the crew of +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name> stopped firing, and sent up cheer after cheer. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now we must be careful, sir,</q> Dimchurch said; <q>those +scoundrels are quite capable of pretending to surrender, and +then, when we board her, blowing their ship and us into the +air.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are right, Dimchurch. They might very well do +that, for they must know well enough that they can expect +no mercy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Bringing the cutter to within a hundred yards of the +schooner, Will shouted: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Have you a boat that can swim?</q> and receiving a reply in +the negative, shouted back: <q>Very well, then, I will drop one +to you.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='167'/><anchor id='Pg167'/> + +<p> +He then placed the cutter exactly to windward of the +schooner, and, lowering one of the boats, to which a rope was +attached, let it drift down to the prize. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now,</q> he shouted, <q>fasten a hawser to that boat; the +largest you have.</q> +</p> + +<p> +There was evidently some discussion among the few men +gathered on the deck of the pirate, and, seeing that they hesitated, +Will shouted: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do as you are ordered, or I will open fire again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +This decided the pirates, and in a short time the end of a +hawser was tied to one of the thwarts of the boat. The boat +was then hauled back to <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, and when the cable was got +on board it was knotted to their own strongest hawser. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will keep them a good bit astern,</q> Will said; <q>otherwise, +if the wind were to drop at night, they might haul their +own vessel up to us, and carry out their plan of blowing us +up.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is wise to take every precaution, sir,</q> Harman said; +<q>but I don’t think any trick of that sort would be likely to +succeed. You may be sure we should keep too sharp a watch +on them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +While the hawsers were being spliced, Will shouted to the +pirates to cut away the wreckage from their ship, and when +this was done he started with his prize in tow. As soon as +they were fairly under weigh he hailed the prisoners through +his speaking-trumpet and questioned them about their casualties. +They replied that at the beginning of the engagement +they had had one hundred and twenty men on board. The +captain had been killed by the first volley of grape, and the +slaughter among the crew had been terrible, all the officers +<pb n='168'/><anchor id='Pg168'/>being killed and eighty of the men. The remainder had run +down into the hold, and remained there until, after a consultation, +one of them crawled up on deck and hoisted and lowered +the black flag. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose,</q> Will said, <q>your intention was to blow the +ship and yourselves and us into the air as soon as we came +on board.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is just what we did mean,</q> one of them shouted +savagely; <q>if we could but have paid you out we would not +have minded what became of ourselves.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is well, indeed, Dimchurch, that you suggested the possibility +of their doing this to us. But for that we should +certainly have lost nearly all our number, for, not knowing +how many of the crew survived, I could not have ventured to +go on board without pretty nearly every man. It will be a +lesson to me in future, when I am fighting pirates, to act as if +they were wild beasts.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I don’t know that they are altogether to be +blamed; it is only human nature to pay back a blow for a +blow, and with savages like these, especially when they know +that they are bound to be hanged, you could hardly expect +anything else.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose not, Dimchurch, and certainly for myself I would +rather be blown up than hanged. I suppose the reason why +they did not blow up the ship when they found their plan +had failed was that they clung to life even for a few days.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I expect it is that, sir; besides, you know, each man may +think that although no doubt the rest will be hanged, he himself +may get off.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I dare say that has something to do with it,</q> Will +<pb n='169'/><anchor id='Pg169'/>agreed. <q rend="post: none">I don’t think it likely, however, that any one of +them will be spared after that affair of the <name type="ship">Northumberland</name>, +and very probably that was only one of a dozen ships destroyed +in the same way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, Harman, we will put her head round and sail +back.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Sail back, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly; I think there is no doubt that that inlet is the +pirates’ head-quarters, and that they are certain to have storehouses +there choke-full of plunder. Some of their associates +will in that case be on shore looking after it, and if their ship +doesn’t return they will divide the most valuable portion of +these stores among themselves, and set fire to all the rest. +We have done extremely well so far, but another big haul +will make matters all the pleasanter.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But what will you do with the prize?</q> asked Harman. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will cast her off eight or ten miles from the shore; they +have no boats, and the schooner is a mere log on the water. +When we see what plunder they have collected I shall be able +to decide how to act. The cutter can hold a great deal, but if +we find more than she can carry we must load the schooner +also.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But what would you do with the pirates in that case, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should try to make them come off in batches, and then +iron them; but if they would not do that, I should be inclined +to tow the schooner to within half a mile of the shore, and so +give all that could swim the chance of getting away. Those +of them that are unable to do so would probably manage to +get off on spars or hatchways. They have been richly punished +already, and I fancy the admiral would be much better pleased +<pb n='170'/><anchor id='Pg170'/>to see the schooner come in loaded with valuable plunder than +if she carried only forty scoundrels to be handed over to the +hangman.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But if we were to let them escape we should have to take +great care on shore while we were rifling the storehouse.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You may be sure that I should do that, Harman. The +fellows could certainly take no firearms on shore, and I should +keep ten men with loaded muskets always on guard, while +those who are at work would have their firearms handy to +them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They towed the schooner to within seven or eight miles of +the shore, and then cast her off and made for the creek from +which the pirates had come out. As they entered the inlet, +which was two miles long, they could see no signs of houses, +so they sailed as far as they could and anchored. Will then +landed with a party of ten well-armed men, and at once began +to make a careful examination of the beach. In a short time +they found a well-beaten path going up through the wood. +Before following this, however, Will took the precaution to +have fifteen more men sent ashore, as it was, of course, impossible +to say how many of a guard had been left at the +head-quarters. When the second party had landed, all advanced +cautiously up the path, holding their muskets in +readiness for instant action. They met, however, with no +opposition; the pirates were evidently unaware of their presence. +They had gone but a very short distance when they +came to a large clearing, in the middle of which they saw +several large huts and three great storehouses. They went +on at the double towards them, but they had gone only a +short distance when they heard a shout and a shot, and saw +<pb n='171'/><anchor id='Pg171'/>a dozen men and a number of women issue from the backs of +the huts and make for the wood. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, my lads,</q> shouted Will, <q>break open the doors of +those storehouses; there is not likely to be much that is of +value in the huts. You had better take four men, Dimchurch, +and set fire to them all; of course you can just look in and +see if there is anything worth taking before you apply a light.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will himself superintended the breaking open of the storehouses. +When he entered the first he paused in amazement; +it was filled to the very top with boxes and bales. The other +two were in a similar condition. +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is enough to fill the cutter and the prize a dozen +times,</q> Will said. <q>I expect they trade to some extent with +the Spaniards, but they evidently had another intention in +storing these goods. Probably they proposed, when they had +amassed sufficient, to charter a large ship, fill her up to the +hatchways, and sail to some American port or some other place +where questions are not usually asked.</q> +</p> + +<p> +There was a safe in the corner of one of the storehouses; +this they blew open, and when Will examined its contents +he found that they consisted of the papers and manifests of +cargoes of no fewer than eleven ships. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My conjecture was right,</q> he said. <q>They intended, no +doubt, to keep some large merchantman they had captured, +fill her with the contents of their prizes, and then with the +papers and manifests of cargo they could go almost anywhere +and dispose of their ill-gotten goods.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have no doubt that is so, sir,</q> Dimchurch said; <q>I only +wonder they did not set about it before.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is quite possible they have done so already,</q> Will said, +<pb n='172'/><anchor id='Pg172'/><q>but they may have taken prizes quicker than they could +dispose of them, which would account for this immense accumulation. +Now, Dimchurch, I will sit down and go through +those bills of lading and pick out the most valuable goods. +We will then take these off to begin with, and can leave it +to the admiral to send a man-of-war or charter some merchantman +to bring the rest. The schooner should carry between +two and three hundred tons, and we could manage to cram +eighty or a hundred into our hold. If we get all that safely +to Jamaica, we need not grieve much if we find that the rest +of the goods have been burned before the ships can come to +fetch them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +It took him three hours to go through the bills of lading, +making a mark against all the most valuable goods. Then +some of the men were set to sort these out. There was no +great difficulty about this, as the goods had been very neatly +stored, those belonging to each ship being separated by narrow +passages from the rest. The remainder of the men except two +were meanwhile brought from the cutter. Sentries were then +placed to watch all the approaches to the storehouses, and +while ten men got out the bales and boxes, the remaining +twenty-six carried them down the path. At night half the +men remained in the storehouses, the other half returning to +the cutter. +</p> + +<p> +Before sunset Will went with a small escort to the top of a +neighbouring hill to see that all was well with the hulk of the +schooner. With the aid of his telescope he could see her +plainly, and to his great satisfaction noted that she had made +but little drift. +</p> + +<p> +The next morning the work was resumed, and was carried +<pb n='173'/><anchor id='Pg173'/>on all day with only short breaks for meals, and so on the +following two days. At the end of that time as much had +been put on board the cutter as she could carry. Ten men +were then left to guard the stores, and the rest, going on board, +sailed out to the schooner and towed her in. They did not, +as was at first intended, stop a mile outside the inlet, but came +right into it and anchored opposite the path, as the labour of +continually loading the cutter and then transferring her cargo +to the hulk would have been very great. The next morning +a party of twelve men went on board her, and found, as Will +had expected, that she was entirely deserted. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They will be too happy at having made their escape to do +anything for the next day or two,</q> Will said, <q>so we can go +on working as usual. Fortunately the fellows who were left +in the huts were taken so completely by surprise that they +bolted at once and left their guns behind. If, therefore, they +are joined by their friends from the schooner, and attack us, they +will have no firearms with them, for, as the hulk is anchored +about two hundred yards from shore, it would require a +marvellously good swimmer to carry his musket and ammunition +ashore with him. In future, however, we will leave +twenty men to guard the storehouses at night; there is no +boat in the inlet by means of which they could attack the +cutter, and they are not likely to try to do so by swimming. +At any rate, Harman, I will place you in command of her, +and shall therefore feel perfectly confident that we shall not +be taken by surprise.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You can trust me for that, sir; I promise you that I will +sleep with one eye open, though I don’t think they would be +likely to attempt such an enterprise. They are much more +<pb n='174'/><anchor id='Pg174'/>likely to attack you at the stores. I think it would be advisable +to take twenty-five men with you and leave me with +fifteen, which would be ample. I should divide them into +two watches, so that there would always be seven on deck. +Jefferson, who is an uncommonly sharp fellow, would be in +charge of one of the watches, and Williams of the other; and +as I should myself be up and down all night, there would be +no chance of our being caught napping.</q> Will agreed to this +arrangement. +</p> + +<p> +The prize was now brought close inshore, the water being +deep enough to allow of this. It was a great advantage, as +the goods could be put on board direct, and the work was +thereby greatly accelerated. +</p> + +<p> +Behind a pile of goods another safe was discovered, and this +was found to contain £8500 in money, nearly a hundred +watches, and a large amount of ladies’ jewellery. Many +watches had also been found in the huts before these were +burned. The bales and boxes contained chiefly spices, silks +and sateens, shawls, piece-goods, and coffee. +</p> + +<p> +On the night of the fourth day after the escape of the +prisoners one of the sentries perceived a dark mass moving +from the wood. He at once fired his musket, and in a minute +Will and Dimchurch, with their five-and-twenty men, were all +in readiness. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, my men,</q> Will said, <q>these fellows will attempt to +rush us. We will divide into three parties and will fire by +volleys; one party must not fire till they see that all are +loaded. In that way we shall always have sixteen muskets +ready for them. I have no fear of the result, and even if they +close with us our cutlasses will be more than a match for their +<pb n='175'/><anchor id='Pg175'/>knives. Here they come! Get ready, the first section, and +don’t fire till I tell you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The enemy, fully sixty strong, came on with fierce cries, +knowing that the garrison were on guard, although they +could not see them in the shadow of the storehouses. When +they got within fifty yards Will gave the order to fire, and +the first eight muskets flashed out. The second eight fired +almost immediately after, and the third eight, waiting only +till the first section had reloaded, followed suit. Nearly every +shot told, and the shock was so great that it caused the +advancing enemy to hesitate for a moment. This gave the +second and third sections time to reload, so that, when the +pirates again advanced, three more deadly volleys were poured +into them in quick succession. The effect of these was instantaneous. +Fully five-and-thirty had been brought to the +ground by the six volleys; the remainder halted, swayed for a +moment, then turned and fled at full speed, pursued, however, +before they reached the wood, by another general discharge. +</p> + +<p> +Will was well pleased with the tremendously heavy punishment +he had inflicted. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Out of the sixty men who attacked us,</q> he said to Harman +the next morning, <q>I calculate that forty belonged to +the schooner. I don’t suppose they were worse than the other +twenty; but we had ourselves seen some of the crimes they +had committed. We have accounted for forty in all, so of +those who escaped from the schooner probably some five- or +six-and-twenty have been killed. After such a thrashing they +are not likely to make another attempt.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He was right. The work now went on undisturbed, and +at the end of a fortnight the schooner was laden. All the +<pb n='176'/><anchor id='Pg176'/>hatches had been closed and made water-tight; and so full +was she that her deck was only two feet and a half above +the water, although her guns had been thrown overboard or +landed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now I think we are all ready to sail,</q> Harman said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ready to sail! We have a fortnight’s hard work before +us,</q> said Will. <q>You don’t suppose I am going to leave all +these hogsheads of sugar, puncheons of rum, and bales of goods +to be burnt or destroyed by those scoundrels.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How can you prevent it?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very easily. There are plenty of materials on the spot to +form four batteries, one on each side of the storehouses. We +will drag up eight of the schooner’s guns and mount two on +each battery; they shall be loaded and crammed to the muzzle +with grape-shot. The batteries shall be built clear of the +storehouses and in echelon, so that if one is attacked it can +be supported by the others. As a garrison I will leave sixteen +men under Dimchurch.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Dimchurch was called up and the matter explained to him, +and he readily agreed to take charge. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Two men,</q> he said, <q>can be on watch in each battery +while the others sleep; so there will be no chance of being +taken by surprise, and you may be quite sure that, no matter +how strong a mob may come down, they won’t stand the discharge +of eight cannon loaded as you say. I suppose, sir, you +mean to form the batteries of bales of cotton. There is a +whole ship-load of them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is my intention, Dimchurch; I have had it in my +mind all the time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The whole strength of the crew, with the exception of two +<pb n='177'/><anchor id='Pg177'/>to watch on board the cutter, now went up to the storehouses, +and the men, delighted to know that all this booty was not +to be lost, set to work with great vigour. Will marked out +the sites for the batteries, and the bales of cotton were rolled +to them and built up into substantial walls. It took ten days +of hard labour to do this and haul up the guns. +</p> + +<p> +When the work was completed Dimchurch chose sixteen +of the crew. There was an ample supply of provisions, which +had been taken out of the huts before they were burnt; so +it was not necessary to draw upon the stores of the cutter. +When all was ready the two parties said good-bye, and, with +a mutual cheer, the cutter’s crew went on board. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is a hazardous business, I admit,</q> Will said, as, having +got up sail, they moved down the inlet with the schooner in +tow. <q>Of course I shall be a little uneasy until we can +return from Jamaica and relieve Dimchurch; but I feel convinced +that he will be able to hold his own and to give another +lesson to the pirates if necessary. When they see us +sail out they will naturally conclude that no great number can +be left to guard the stores. Still, we may be sure that they +have kept a watch on our doings from the edge of the forest, +and that the sight of the guns will inspire a wholesome dread +in them. I cannot but think that eight discharges of grape +and langrage will send them to the right-about however strong +they may be. Besides, we have given the men three muskets +each, in addition to their own, from those we found on board +the schooner; so if the enemy press on they will be able +to give them a warm reception. And then, even if the attack +is too much for them, they have still a resource, for we have +left an exit in the rear of each battery by which they can +<pb n='178'/><anchor id='Pg178'/>retire to the storehouses. I have instructed them to carry +all their muskets back with them; sixteen men with four +muskets apiece could make a very sturdy defence. As you +know, I had the doors repaired and strengthened and loopholes +cut in the walls. Still, I don’t think they will be needed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How much do you think the prize will be worth?</q> Harman +asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have really no idea, but I am sure that what we have +got here and in the schooner must be worth some thousands of +pounds. What we have left behind must be the contents of +about ten vessels, as all we have been able to take is only a +full cargo for one good-sized <corr sic="no quote">ship.</corr></q> +</p> +</div><div n="9"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER IX</head> + +<head type="sub">A SPELL ASHORE</head> + +<p> +Ten days later they arrived at Jamaica, and Will at once +went to make his report to the admiral. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well,</q> the admiral said heartily, <q>you have brought in +another prize, Mr. Gilmore. She looks a mere hulk, and is +remarkably deep in the water. What is she?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is the schooner that sank the <name type="ship">Northumberland</name>.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You must have knocked her about terribly, for she is +evidently sinking.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir, she is all right except that the stern is shattered. +We have covered it over with tarpaulins backed by battens; +otherwise she is almost uninjured.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='179'/><anchor id='Pg179'/> + +<p> +<q>I am glad, indeed, to hear that you have caught that +scoundrel, Mr. Gilmore, but I hardly think she can be worth +towing in.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is worth a good deal, sir, for both she and the cutter +are choke-full of loot.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Indeed!</q> the admiral said in a tone of gratification. <q>In +that case she must be valuable; but let me hear all about it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have stated it in my report, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But you always leave out a good deal in your report. +Please give me a full account of it. First, how many guns +did she carry?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Six guns a-side, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then you must have done wonders. Now tell me all +about it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will modestly gave a full account of the fight and of the +steps he had afterwards taken to prevent them from playing +a treacherous trick upon him, and of the land fight and the +arrangements made to secure the goods he found at their head-quarters. +</p> + +<p> +<q>And now, what have you brought home this time?</q> the +admiral asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is the list, sir. I took it from the bills of lading +which we found at the pirate head-quarters. Altogether the +storehouses contained the cargoes of eleven ships. We picked +out the most valuable goods and loaded the cutter and schooner +with them, but that was only a very small portion of the total. +I have left nearly half my crew there to guard the storehouses +until you could send some ships from here to bring home +their contents. With the cutter to navigate and the schooner +to tow I dared not weaken myself further. I have left +six<pb n='180'/><anchor id='Pg180'/>teen of my men there under my boatswain, and have erected +four batteries with cotton bales, each mounting two guns, +which are charged to the muzzle with grape and langrage. +I have every confidence, therefore, that the little garrison will +be able to hold its own against a greatly superior force.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It was a great risk,</q> the admiral said gravely. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am aware of that, sir, but it was worth running the risk +for such a splendid prize. The value of nearly eleven cargoes +must be something very great.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Indeed it must,</q> the admiral said; <q>what are they composed +of?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will see the entire list in the bills of lading, sir. I +should say that nearly half the goods are sugar, rum, and +molasses; the other half are bales and boxes, of which the +details are given. Those we have brought home are silks, +satins, cloth, shawls, and other materials of female dress, +coffee, and spices.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, Mr. Gilmore, this certainly appears to be the richest +haul that has ever been made in these islands, at any rate +since the days of the Spanish galleons. I will lose no time +in chartering some ships. How many do you think will be +necessary?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should say, sir, that if you had five vessels you could do +it in two trips. Meanwhile I wish you would give me another +thirty men to strengthen the garrison.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly I will do so. There are several vessels in the +harbour which have discharged their cargoes and have not +yet taken fresh ones on board, but are waiting to sail for +England under a convoy. They will, no doubt, be glad of +a job in the meantime.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='181'/><anchor id='Pg181'/> + +<p> +Four days later the cutter again put to sea, with five +merchantmen and a frigate, which was charged to act as a +convoy. When they arrived off the inlet Will went ashore, +and to his delight found the storehouses intact, and the little +garrison all well. The crews of all the ships were at once +landed, and in a short time the place was a scene of bustle +and activity. In spite, however, of their exertions it was a +fortnight before all the ships were loaded. +</p> + +<p> +Before setting sail again Will told off the thirty additional +men to remain, and Harman was left in command. Dimchurch +had reported that only once had the pirates shown in force. +He had allowed them to come within a hundred yards of the +battery they were facing, and then poured the contents of both +guns into them, whereupon they had at once fled, leaving +ten killed behind them. +</p> + +<p> +When the little fleet arrived at Jamaica again, Will found +that the goods which he had brought in the cutter and schooner +were valued at a far higher price than his estimate. +</p> + +<p> +The merchantmen were unloaded as fast as possible, and +started again for Cuba without delay. All was well with the +garrison at the inlet. A serious attack had been made on the +forts the day after the fleet had sailed for Jamaica, but the +garrison had repulsed it so effectually that they had not seen +a sign of the enemy since. Even the hope of plunder was not +strong enough to induce the negroes to make another attempt, +and as for the pirates, they had been almost entirely wiped out. +</p> + +<p> +After the storehouses had been emptied they were burned, +and Harman and his party returned to the cutter, and the +fleet once more sailed for Jamaica. +</p> + +<p> +Will immediately started again on a short cruise. This +<pb n='182'/><anchor id='Pg182'/>time he met with no adventures. At the end of three weeks +he returned, and when he went to make his report the admiral +told him that the total value of the capture amounted to +£140,000. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I must congratulate you,</q> he said, <q>as well as myself, on +this haul. I should say it would make you the richest +midshipman in the service. My share, as you know, is an +eighth. You, as officer in command, and altogether independent +of the fleet, will get one quarter. Mr. Harman’s +share will be an eighth, and the rest will be divided among +the crew, the boatswain getting four shares.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am astounded, sir,</q> Will said, <q>it seems almost impossible +that I can be master of so much money.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have the satisfaction at any rate, Mr. Gilmore, of +knowing that you have earned it by your own exertions, +courage, and skill. I think now that it is only fair that +I should send you back to your ship when she next comes +in, and give someone else a chance.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I agree with you, sir, and I cannot but feel deeply +indebted to you for having put me in the way of making +a fortune.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I little knew what was coming of it,</q> the admiral said, +<q>when I gave you the command of that little craft. If I +had had the slightest notion I should assuredly have given +it to an older officer.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will returned to the cutter in a state of bewilderment +at his good fortune. When he came on deck a little later +he found waiting for him a gentleman who advanced with +open arms. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Mr. Gilmore,</q> he said, <q>my name is Palethorpe. I am +<pb n='183'/><anchor id='Pg183'/>the father of the young girl whose life you so gallantly saved +when the <name type="ship">Northumberland</name> sank. I have been trying to catch +you ever since, but I live up among the hills, except when +business calls me down here, and your stay here has always +been so short that I never before heard of your arrival until +you had started again. I cannot say, sir, how intensely grateful +I feel. She is my only child, and you may guess what a +terrible blow it would have been to me had she been lost.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I only did my duty, sir, and I am glad indeed that I was +able to save your daughter’s life. Pray do not say anything +more about it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But, my dear sir, that is quite impossible. One man +cannot render so vast a service to another and escape without +being thanked. I have driven down here to carry you off to +my home whether you like it or not. I called on the admiral +this morning, and he said that he would willingly grant you +a week’s leave or longer, and, in fact, that you would be unemployed +until the <name type="ship">Hawke</name> came in, as a master’s mate would +take over your command.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will felt that he could not decline an invitation so heartily +given. Accordingly he packed up his shore-going kit, left +Harman in temporary command, and went with his new friend +ashore. A well-appointed vehicle with a pair of fine horses +was waiting for them, and as soon as they were seated they +at once started inland. After leaving the town they began +to mount, and were soon high among the mountains. The +scenery was lovely, and Will, who had not before made an +excursion so far into the interior, was delighted with his drive. +So much so, indeed, that Mr. Palethorpe gradually ceased speaking +of the subject nearest his heart, and suffered Will to enjoy +<pb n='184'/><anchor id='Pg184'/>the journey in silence. At last they drove up to a handsome +house which was surrounded by a broad veranda covered +with roses and other flowers. As they stopped, a girl of +fourteen ran out. Will would scarcely have recognized her. +She was now dressed in white muslin, and her hair was tied +up with blue ribbon, while a broad sash of the same colour +encircled her waist. She had now also recovered her colour, +which the shock of her adventure had driven from her cheeks, +and she looked the picture of health and happiness. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh, you dear boy!</q> she cried out, and to Will’s astonishment +and consternation she threw her arms round his neck +and kissed him. <q>Oh, how much you have done for us! If +it hadn’t been for you father would have had no one to pet +him and scold him. It would have been dreadful, wouldn’t +it, daddy?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It would indeed, my child,</q> her father said gravely; <q>it +would have taken all the joy out of my life, and left me a +lonely old man.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have told you before,</q> she said, <q>that you are not to +call yourself old. I don’t call you old at all; I consider that +you are just in your prime. Now come in, Mr. Gilmore, I +have all sorts of iced drinks ready for you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Alice and Will soon became excellent friends. She took +him over the plantations and showed him the negro cabins, +fed him with fruit until he almost fell ill, and, as he said, +treated him more like a baby than as an officer in His +Majesty’s service. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The stars don’t look so bright to-night,</q> Will said, as he +stood on the veranda with Mr. Palethorpe on the last evening +of his visit. +</p> + +<pb n='185'/><anchor id='Pg185'/> + +<p> +<q>No, I have been noticing it myself, and I don’t like the +look of the weather at all.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No!</q> Will repeated in surprise; <q>it certainly looks as if +there was a slight mist.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, that is what it looks like, but at this time of year we +don’t often have mists. I am afraid we are going to have +a hurricane; it is overdue now by nearly a month. October, +November, and the first half of December are the hurricane +months, and I fear that, as it is late, we shall have a heavy +one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have seen one since I came out, and then we were at sea +and were nearly wrecked. I saw its effects on land, however, +for we spent some weeks ashore in consequence of it. The +forest was almost levelled. I certainly should not care to see +another one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, it is not a thing that anyone would wish to see a +second time. Words cannot describe how terrible they are. +I hope, however, if we have one, that it will be a light one, +but I am rather afraid of it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Nothing more was said on the matter till they retired to +bed, when Mr. Palethorpe said, half in fun and half in +earnest: <q>I should advise you to have your clothes handy by +your bedside, Mr. Gilmore, for you may want them quickly +and badly if a hurricane comes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will laughed to himself at the warning, but nevertheless +took the advice. He had been asleep for an hour when he +felt the whole house rock. A moment later the roof blew +bodily from over his head, and at the same time there was +a roar so terrible that he did not even hear the crash of the +falling timber. He leapt out of bed, seized his clothes, and +<pb n='186'/><anchor id='Pg186'/>hurried down. He met Mr. Palethorpe coming from his +daughter’s room, carrying her wrapped up in her bed-clothes. +They went down together to the front door. Will turned +the handle, and the door was blown in with a force that +knocked him to the floor. He struggled to his feet again +and tried to get out, but the force of the wind was so tremendous +that for some time he could not stem it. When he +did manage to get through the doorway he saw Mr. Palethorpe +standing some distance from the house. He fought his +way towards him against the wind. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Are you not going to get into shelter?</q> he shouted in the +planter’s ear. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is safer here in the open,</q> the planter said; <q>I dare not +get below a tree, but I will put my daughter in a place where +she will be safe.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Struggling along against the gale he led the way to a +small shed where the gardener’s tools were kept. It was +about six feet long and three broad, and was built of bricks. +The floor was some feet below the surface of the ground, so in +entering one had to descend a short flight of steps. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Just hold my daughter on her feet,</q> the planter said, +<q>while I clear this place out.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Much as he tried, Will was unable to keep the girl upright, +and after a vain effort he allowed her to sink down on her +knees and then knelt by her side. As soon as he had cleared +away the tools Mr. Palethorpe came up and carried her down +into the shed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think we are quite safe here,</q> he said; <q>the wall is +only two feet above the ground, so even this gale will not +shake us. The roof is strongly put together to keep out +<pb n='187'/><anchor id='Pg187'/>marauders. Now, Mr. Gilmore, there is room for us to crouch +inside; it is the only place of safety I know of, for even in +the open we might be struck by the flying branches torn from +the trees. Besides, it will be a comfort to Alice to know that +we are in safety beside her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They spoke only occasionally, for the roar of the tempest +was deafening. Every now and then they would hear a crash +as some tree yielded to the force of the hurricane. Towards +morning the gale abated, and soon after sunrise the wind +suddenly stilled. When they looked out a scene of terrible +devastation met their eyes. Some trees had been torn up by +the roots, and branches twisted from others were strewed +upon the ground everywhere. The house was a wreck; the +whole of the roof was gone, and parts of the wall had been +blown down. Inside there was utter confusion; the furniture +was scattered about in all directions, and even looking-glasses +had been torn from the walls and smashed. The planter, +however, wasted but little time in looking at the wreck. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You had better go up and dress at once, Alice,</q> he said, +<q>though you will have some trouble in finding your clothes. +I have no doubt that all the loose ones are scattered about +everywhere, and that some of the things are miles away. I +will go down with Will at once to the slave-huts; I am afraid +the damage and loss of life there has been great.</q> +</p> + +<p> +During his passage from the house to the shed the wind had +several times threatened to tear Will’s clothes from his arms, +but he had clung to them with might and main, and succeeded +in carrying them safely into shelter. He had therefore been +able to dress while they waited for the storm to abate. Mr. +Palethorpe had felt so sure that a hurricane was impending that +<pb n='188'/><anchor id='Pg188'/>he had simply lain down on his bed without taking off his +clothes. Accordingly they started at once for the slave-huts. +As they had expected, the destruction there was complete. +Every hut had been blown down. The negroes, who had fled +to various places for shelter, were just returning, and Mr. +Palethorpe soon learned from them that many were missing. +He at once set all hands to remove the fallen timbers, and +after two hours’ work sixteen dead bodies were recovered, for +the most part children, and nearly as many injured. Some, +also, of those who had come in had broken limbs. +</p> + +<p> +Alice came down as soon as she was dressed, and brought +a bundle of sheets, needles, and thread, and Mr. Palethorpe +took off his coat and set to work to bind and bandage the +limbs and wounds. Alice suggested that a man on horseback +should be sent down to the town for a surgeon, but her father +pointed out that it would be absolutely useless to do so, as, +judging by what they could see, the destruction wrought in +the town would be terrible. Every surgeon would have his +hands full, and certainly none would be able to spare time to +come into the country. He decided to have all the worst +cases carried down to the town and seen to there; slighter +cases he could deal with himself. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know much about bandaging wounds,</q> he said, +<q>but I know a little, and some of the native women are very +good at nursing.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Alice, aided by the negresses, tore up the linen into strips +and sewed these together to make bandages. Canes split up +formed excellent splints. Will rendered all the assistance in +his power. Now he held splints in position while Mr. Palethorpe +wound the bandages round them, and now he helped +<pb n='189'/><anchor id='Pg189'/>to distribute among the wounded the soothing drinks that the +servants of the house brought down. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What are you going to do now?</q> he asked as the last +bandage had been applied. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will drive down to the town and see how things are +doing there. Peter tells me that two of my horses are killed, +but the other two seemed to have escaped without injury, +as the part of the stable in which they stood was sheltered +by a huge tree, which lost its head, but was fortunately +otherwise uninjured. You had better come down with us, +Alice; we must stop at our house in town till things are put +straight here. I will, of course, ride backwards and forwards +every day.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Can’t I be of some help here, father?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>None at all; by nightfall the slaves will have built temporary +shelters of canes and branches of trees. The overseer +is among those who were killed; he was on his way from his +house to the huts when a branch struck him on the head and +killed him on the spot. I will put Sambo in his place for +the present; he is a very reliable man, and I can trust him to +issue the stores to the negroes daily. I am afraid it will be +some time before we get the house put right again, as there +will be an immense demand for carpenters in the town. We +may feel very thankful, however, that we have got a house +there. It is a good strong one, built of stone, so we may +hope to find it intact.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The carriage was brought round and they took their seats +in it. The planter ordered two strong negroes to get axes +and to stand on the steps, and when all was ready they started. +The journey was long and broken; at every few yards trees +<pb n='190'/><anchor id='Pg190'/>had fallen across the road, and these had to be chopped through +and removed before the carriage could pass. It was therefore +late in the day before they reached the town. Will could +not help grieving at the terrible destruction wrought in the +forest. In some places acres of ground had been cleared of +the trees, in others the trunks and branches lay piled in an +inextricable chaos. All the huts and cottages they passed on +their way were in ruins, and their former inhabitants were +standing listlessly gazing at the destruction. Mr. Palethorpe +had placed in the carriage two gallon jars of spirits and a +large quantity of bread, and these he had distributed among +the forlorn inhabitants while his men were chopping a road +through the trees. +</p> + +<p> +When they arrived in the town they beheld a terrible scene +of devastation. The streets occupied by the dwellings of +well-to-do inhabitants had, for the most part, escaped, but +in the suburbs, where the poorer part of the population dwelt, +the havoc was something terrible. Parties of soldiers and +sailors were hard at work here, clearing the ruins away and +bringing out the dead and injured. Will, after saying good-bye +to his friends at their door, joined one of these parties, and +until late at night laboured by torchlight. At midnight he +went to Mr. Palethorpe’s house, to which he had promised +to return, and slept till morning. Two long days were occupied +in this work, and even then there was much to be done +in the way of clearing the streets of the debris and restoring +order. Not until this was finished did Will cease from his +labours. He then drove up with Mr. Palethorpe to his estate. +They found that a great deal of progress had been made there, +and that a gang of workmen were already engaged in preparing +<pb n='191'/><anchor id='Pg191'/>to replace the roof and to restore the house to its former condition. +The slaves were still in their temporary homes, but +with their usual light-heartedness had already recovered from +the effects of their shock and losses, and seemed as merry and +happy as usual. +</p> + +<p> +On his return to Port Royal, Will was the object of the +greatest attentions on the part of the other passengers of the +<name type="ship">Northumberland</name>, and received so many invitations to dinner +that he was obliged to ask the admiral to allow him to give +up his leave and to take another short cruise in <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, +promising that if he did so he would take good care not to +capture any more prizes. The admiral consented, and in a +few days the cutter set sail once more. +</p> + +<p> +After they had been out a month Will found it necessary +to put in to get water. He chose a spot where a little stream +could be seen coming down from the mountains and losing +itself in the shingle, and he rowed ashore and set some of his +men to fill the barrels. When he saw the work fairly under +weigh he started to walk along the shore with Dimchurch and +Tom. They had gone but a short distance when a number of +negroes rushed suddenly out upon them. Will had just time +to discharge his pistols before he was knocked senseless by a +negro armed with a bludgeon. Tom and Dimchurch stood +over him and made a desperate defence, and just before they +were overpowered Dimchurch shouted at the top of his voice: +<q>Put off, we are captured,</q> for he saw that the number of +their assailants was so great that it would only be sacrificing +the crew to call them to their assistance. They were bound +and carried away by the exulting negroes. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <q>TOM AND DIMCHURCH MADE A DESPERATE DEFENCE</q>]</p> + </then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill05"/> + <figure url="images/ill05.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small"><q>TOM AND DIMCHURCH MADE A DESPERATE DEFENCE</q></hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: <q>TOM AND DIMCHURCH MADE A DESPERATE DEFENCE</q></figDesc> + </figure></p> + </else></pgIf> +<p> +<q>This is a bad job,</q> Will said when he came to his senses. +</p> + +<pb n='192'/><anchor id='Pg192'/> + +<p> +<q>A mighty bad job, Master Will. Who are these niggers, +do you think?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose they are escaped slaves; there are certainly +many of them in the mountains of Cuba. I suppose they saw +us sailing in, and came down from the hills in the hope of +capturing some of us. It is likely enough they take us for +pirates, who are a constant scourge to them, capturing them +in their little fishing-boats and either cutting their throats or +forcing them to serve with them. I am afraid we shall have +but very little opportunity of explaining matters to them, for, +of course, they don’t speak English, and none of us understand +a word of Spanish.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They were carried up the hill and thrown down in a small +clearing on the summit. Will in vain endeavoured to address +them in English, but received no attention whatever. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What do you think they are going to do with us, sir?</q> +Dimchurch asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I should say that they are most likely going to burn +us alive, or put us to death in some other devilish way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I don’t think these niggers know much about +tying ropes. It seems to me that I could get free without +much trouble.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Could you, Dimchurch? I can’t say as much, for mine +are knotted so tightly that I cannot move a finger.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That won’t matter, sir. If I can shift out of mine I have +got my jack-knife in my pocket, and can make short work of +your ropes and Tom’s.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, try then, Dimchurch. Half those fellows are away +in the wood, and by the sounds we hear they are cutting +brushwood; so there is no time to lose.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='193'/><anchor id='Pg193'/> + +<p> +For five minutes no remark was made, and then Dimchurch +said: <q>I am free.</q> Immediately afterwards Will felt his +bonds fall off, and half a minute later an exclamation of +thankfulness from Tom showed that he too had been liberated. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now we must all crawl towards the edge of the forest,</q> +Will said, <q>and then, instead of going straight down the hill +we will turn off for a short distance. They are sure to miss +us immediately, and will believe that we have made direct for +the sea.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They had barely got into the shelter of the forest when +they heard a sudden shout, so they at once turned aside and +hid in the brushwood. A minute or two later they had the +satisfaction of hearing the negroes rushing in a body down the +hill. They waited until their pursuers had covered a hundred +yards, and then they jumped to their feet and held on their +way along the hillside for nearly a quarter of a mile, after +which they began to descend. Just as they changed their +course they heard an outburst of musketry <corr sic='fire."'>fire.</corr> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Hooray!</q> Dimchurch exclaimed, <q>our fellows are coming +up the hill in search of us. That’s right, give it them hot! I +guess they’ll go back as quick as they came.</q> They now +changed their direction, taking a line that would bring them +to the rear of their friends. The firing soon ceased, the +negroes having evidently got entirely out of sight of the +sailors, but by the shouting they had no difficulty in ascertaining +the position of the party, who were pushing on up the hill, +and presently Will hailed them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is the captain’s voice,</q> one of the party exclaimed, +and then a general cheer broke from the seamen. In another +<pb n='194'/><anchor id='Pg194'/>two minutes they were among their friends. Harman had +landed with three-and-thirty men, leaving only five on board +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name>. Great was their rejoicing on finding that the three +missing men were all safe. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We had better fall back now,</q> Will said. <q>There must be +at least three hundred negroes at the top, and though I don’t +say we would not beat them we should certainly suffer some +loss which might well be avoided. There is no doubt they +took us for pirates and believed they were going to avenge +their own wrongs. So we may as well make our way down +before their whole force gathers and attacks us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They retired at once to the shore, and had but just taken +their places in the boats when a crowd of negroes rushed down +to the beach. Four or five shots were fired, but by Will’s +order no reply was made. They pushed off quietly and in a +few minutes reached the cutter. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That has been a narrow escape,</q> Will said when he +and Harman were together again on the quarter-deck; <q>as +narrow as I ever wish to experience. If it hadn’t been for +Dimchurch I don’t think you would have arrived in time, for +they were cutting brushwood for a fire on which they intended +to roast us. Fortunately he was not so tightly bound as we +were, and so managed to free himself and us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I cannot say how thankful I was when I heard your voice. +Of course we were proceeding only by guesswork, and could +only hope that we should find you at the top of the hill. If +they had carried you any farther away we could not have +followed. I was turning this over in my mind as we advanced, +when we heard the rushing of a large number of men down +the hill towards us, and we at once concluded that you had +<pb n='195'/><anchor id='Pg195'/>escaped and that they were in pursuit, and as soon as the +negroes appeared we opened fire.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, all is well that ends well. It was very foolish of me +to wander away from the men. Of course there was nothing +whatever to tell us that we were being watched, but I ought +to have assumed that there was a possibility of such a thing +and not to have run the risk. I’ll be mighty careful that I +don’t play such a fool’s trick again. It was lucky that Dimchurch +shouted when he did to the watering-party, otherwise +we should have lost the whole of them, and with ten gone you +would have found it very hazardous work to land a sufficiently +strong party.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should have tried if I had only had a dozen men. I +concluded that it must have been negroes who had carried +you off, and my only thought was to rescue you before they +set to work to torture you in some abominable manner.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I expect it would soon have been over, Harman, +but certainly it would have been a very unpleasant ending. +To fall in battle is a death at which none would grumble, +but to be burnt by fiendish negroes would be horrible. Of +course every man must run risks and take his chances, but +one hardly bargains for being burnt alive. It makes my flesh +creep to think of it, more now, I fancy, than when I was face +to face with it. When I was lying helpless on the hill, there +seemed something unreal about it, and I could not appreciate +the position, but now that I think of it in cold blood it makes +me shiver. I will take your watch to-night; I am quite sure +that if I did get to sleep I should have a terrible nightmare.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can quite understand that you would rather be on deck +than lying down and trying to sleep. I am sure I should +<pb n='196'/><anchor id='Pg196'/>do so myself, and even now the thought of the peril you were +in makes me shudder.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For a time <name type="ship">L’Agile</name> cruised off the shore of Cuba, effecting +a few small captures, but none of importance. Finally she +fell in with three French frigates and was chased for two +days, but succeeded in giving her pursuers the slip by running +between two small islands under cover of night. The +passage was very shallow, and the Frenchmen were unable +to follow, and before they could make a circuit of the islands +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name> was out of sight. When the cutter at length returned +to Jamaica the admiral decided to lay her up for a +time, and the crew was broken up and retransferred to the +vessels to which they belonged. +</p> + +<p> +Will was greeted with enthusiasm when he rejoined the +<name type="ship">Hawke</name>. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You certainly have singular luck, Gilmore,</q> said Latham, +who was the <name type="ship">Hawke’s</name> master’s mate. <q>Here we have been +cruising and cruising, till we are sick of the sight of islands, +without picking up a prize of importance, while you have been +your own master, and have made a fortune. And now, just +as there is a rumour that we are to go home you rejoin.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A few weeks after this conversation the <name type="ship">Hawke</name> received +orders to sail for Portsmouth, and after a long and wearisome +voyage arrived home late in the summer of the year 1793. +</p> + +</div><div n="10"> +<pb n='197'/><anchor id='Pg197'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER X</head> + +<head type="sub">BACK AT SCARCOMBE</head> + +<p> +The news of their destination had created great satisfaction +among the crew, as there was little honour or prize-money +to be gained, and the vessel had been for some time incessantly +engaged in hunting for foes that were never found. Not the +least pleased was Will. He had left England a friendless +ship’s-boy; he returned home a midshipman, with a most +creditable record, and with a fortune that, when he left the +service, would enable him to live in more than comfort. +</p> + +<p> +On arriving at Portsmouth the crew were at once paid off, +and Will was appointed to the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>, a thirty-four gun frigate. +On hearing the name of the ship, Dimchurch and Tom Stevens +at once volunteered. They were given a fortnight’s leave; so +Will, with Tom Stevens, determined to take a run up to Scarcombe, +and the same day took coach to London. Dimchurch +said he should spend his time in Portsmouth, as there was no +one up in the north he cared to see, especially as it would take +eight days out of his fortnight’s leave to go to his native place +and back. +</p> + +<p> +On the fourth day after leaving London the two travellers +reached Scarborough. Tom Stevens started at once, with his +kit on a stick, to walk to the village, while Will made enquiries +for the house of Mrs. Archer, which was Miss Warden’s +married name. Without much trouble he made his way to it; +and when the servant answered his knock he said: <q>I wish to +see Mrs. Archer.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='198'/><anchor id='Pg198'/> + +<p> +<q>What name, sir?</q> the girl said respectfully, struck with +the appearance of the tall young fellow in a naval uniform. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would rather not say the name,</q> Will said. <q>Please +just say that a gentleman wishes to speak to her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Will you come this way?</q> the girl said, leading him to +a sitting-room. A minute later Mrs. Archer appeared. She +bowed and asked: <q>What can I do for you, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then you do not know me, madam?</q> said Will. +</p> + +<p> +She looked at him carefully. <q>I certainly do not,</q> she +said, and after a pause: <q>Why, it can’t be!—yes, it is—Willie +Gilmore!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is, madam, but no doubt changed out of all recognition.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have from time to time got your letters,</q> said Mrs. +Archer, <q>and learned from them with pleasure and surprise +that you had become an officer, but never pictured you as +grown and changed in this way. I hope you have got my +letters in return?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I only got one, Mrs. Archer, and it reached me just before +we sailed from the Mediterranean two years ago. I was not +surprised, however, for of course the post is extremely uncertain. +It is only very seldom that letters reach a ship on a +foreign station.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Dear, dear, you have lost some fingers!</q> Mrs. Archer +cried, suddenly noticing Will’s left hand. <q>How sad, to be +sure!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is quite an old story, Mrs. Archer. I lost them at +the attempt to capture St. Pierre, and am so accustomed to the +loss now that I hardly notice it. It is surprising how one can +do without a thing. I have to be thankful, indeed, that it was +<pb n='199'/><anchor id='Pg199'/>the left hand instead of the right, as, had it been the other +way, I should probably have had to leave the navy, which +would have meant ruin to me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is all very well to make light of it,</q> she said, <q>but you +must feel it a great drawback.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, you see, Mrs. Archer, the loss of three fingers is of +course terrible for a sailor, who has to row, pull at ropes, +scrub decks, and do work of all sorts; but an officer does not +have to do manual work of any kind, and hardly feels such +a loss, except, perhaps, at meals. I am going to sea again +almost directly, but the first time I have a long holiday I shall +have some false fingers fitted on, more for the sake of avoiding +being stared at than for anything else.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am more than pleased at seeing you again, Willie. +It is so natural for me to call you that, that it will be some +time before I can get out of it. So you have got on very +well?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">Entirely owing to you, Mrs. Archer, as I told you in the +first letter I wrote to you after I got my promotion. You +taught me to like study, and were always ready to help me on +with my work, and it was entirely owing to my having learned +so much, especially mathematics, that I was able to attract the +attention of the officers and to get put on the quarter-deck. +I have, I am happy to say, done very well, and I am sure +of my step as soon as I have passed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I had the extraordinary good fortune,</q> he said, after +chatting for some time, <q>to be put in command of a prize that +had been taken from some pirates, and was thus able to earn +a good deal of prize-money. But nothing has given me greater +pleasure since I went away than the purchasing of this little +<pb n='200'/><anchor id='Pg200'/>present for you as a token, though a very poor one, of my +gratitude to you for your kindness;</q> and he handed her a little +case containing a diamond brooch, for which he had paid one +hundred and fifty pounds as he came through London. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Willie!</q> she exclaimed in surprise as she opened it, <q>how +could you think of buying such a valuable ornament for me?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should have liked to buy something more valuable,</q> he +said. <q>If I had paid half my prize-money it would only have +been fair, for I should never have won it but for you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have nothing nearly so valuable,</q> she said. <q>Well, now, +you must take up your abode with us while you stay here. +How long have you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have a fortnight’s leave, but it has taken me four days +to come down here, and of course I shall have to allow as +many for the return journey. I have therefore six days to +spare, and I shall be very pleased indeed to stay with you. I +must, of course, spend one day going over to the village to +see John Hammond and his wife. I am happy to say that I +shall be able to make their declining days comfortable. Your +father is, I hope, well, Mrs. Archer?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, he is going on just as usual. I was over there a fortnight +ago. I am sure he will be very glad to see you; he +always enquires, when I go over, whether I have had a letter +from you, and takes great interest in your progress.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Tom Stevens has come back with me, and has gone on +to-day to the village. I told him not to mention about my +coming, as I want to take the old couple by surprise.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That you certainly will do. Of course they have aged a +little since you went away, but there is no great change in +them. Ah, there is my husband’s knock! Lawrence,</q> she +<pb n='201'/><anchor id='Pg201'/>said, as he entered, <q>this is the village lad I have so often +spoken to you about. He has completely changed in the +three years and a half he has been away. We heard, you +remember, that he had become an officer, but I was quite +unprepared for the change that has come over him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am glad to see you, Mr. Gilmore. My wife has talked +about you so often that I quite seem to know you myself, +but, of course, as I did not know you in those days I can +hardly appreciate the change that has come over you. One +thing I can say, however, and that is that you bear no resemblance +whatever to a fisher lad.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will was soon quite at home with Mr. and Mrs. Archer, +who introduced him with pride as <q>our sailor boy</q> to many +of their friends. On the third day of his stay he hired a gig +and drove over to Scarcombe. Alighting at the one little inn, +he walked to John Hammond’s cottage, watched on the way +by many enquiring eyes, the fisher folk wondering whether +this was a new revenue officer. He knocked at the door, +lifted the latch, and entered. The old couple were sitting +at the fire, and looked in surprise at the young officer standing +at the door. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir,</q> John asked, <q>what can I do for you? I have +done with smuggling long ago, and you won’t find as much as +a drop of brandy in my house.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So I suppose, John,</q> Will said; <q>your smuggling didn’t +do you much good, did it?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I don’t see as that is any business of yours,</q> the +old man answered gruffly. <q>I don’t mind owning that I have +handled many a keg in my time, but you can’t bring that +against me now.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='202'/><anchor id='Pg202'/> + +<p> +<q>I have no intention of doing so, John. I dare say you +gave it up for good when that dirty little boy who used to +live with you chucked it and got into trouble for doing so. +You recollect me, don’t you, mother?</q> he said, as the old +woman sat staring at him with open eyes. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Why, it is Willie himself!</q> she exclaimed; <q>don’t you +know him, John, our boy Willie, who ran away and went to +sea?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You don’t say it is Will!</q> the old man said, getting up. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is Will sure enough,</q> the lad said, holding out his +hand first to one and then to the other. <q>He has come back, +as you see, an officer.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, Parson told us that. Well, well! Why, it was only +two days ago that Tom Stevens came in. He has growed to +be a fine young fellow too, and he told us that you were well +and hearty and had been through lots of fights. But he didn’t +say nothing about your having come home.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, here I am, John; and what is better, I have brought +home some money with me, and I shall be able to allow you +and the mother a guinea a week as long as you live.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You don’t mean it, lad!</q> the old man said with a gasp of +astonishment; <q>a guinea a week! may the Lord be praised! +Do you hear that, missis? a guinea a week!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Lord, Lord, only to think of it; why, we shall be downright +rich!</q> said his wife. <q>Plenty of sugar and tea, a bit of +meat when we fancy it, and a drop of rum to warm our old +bones on Saturday night. It is wonderful, John. The Lord +be praised for His mercies! But can you afford it, Will? We +wouldn’t take it from you if you can’t, not for ever so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can afford it very well,</q> Will said, <q>and it will give me +<pb n='203'/><anchor id='Pg203'/>more pleasure to give it you than to spend it in any other +way. Now, mother, let us say no more about it. Here is a +guinea as a start, and I wish you would go to the shop and +get some tea and sugar and bread and butter and a nice piece +of bacon, and let us have a meal just as we used to do when +we had made a good haul, or taken a hand in a successful +run.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is three years and a half since I saw a golden guinea,</q> +the old woman said as she put on her bonnet, <q>and they won’t +believe their eyes at the shop when I go in with it. You +are sure you would like tea better than beer?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Much better, though if John would prefer beer, get it for +him; but I think we had better put that off till this evening, +then we will have a glass of something hot together before I +start.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are not going away so soon as that, Will, surely?</q> +the old man said when his wife had left them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, John, this is a short visit. I have only four days, +and am staying with Miss Warden; that is to say, Miss +Warden that was. I must go in and see her father for a few +minutes. We’ll have plenty of time to talk over everything +before I leave, which I won’t do till eight o’clock. I don’t +suppose you have much to tell me, for there are not many +changes in a place like this. This man, perhaps, has lost his +boat, and that one his life, but that is about all. Now I have +gone through a big lot, and have many adventures to tell +you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But how did you come to be made an officer, Will? That +is what beats me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Entirely owing to my work at books, which you used +<pb n='204'/><anchor id='Pg204'/>always to be raging about. But for that I should have +remained before the mast all my life. Now in a couple of +years or so I’ll be a lieutenant.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, well! one never knows how things will turn out. +I did think you were wasting your time in reading, and +reading, and reading. I didn’t see what good so much book-learning +would do you; but if it got you made an officer, there +is no doubt that you were right and I was wrong. But you +see, lad, I was never taught any better.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It has all turned out right, John, and there is no occasion +for you to worry over the past. I felt sure that it would do +me good some day, so I stuck to it in spite of your scolding, +and you will allow that I was never backward in turning out +when you wanted me for the boat.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will allow that, Will, allow it hearty; for there was no +better boy in the village. And so you have been fighting, +I suppose, just like Tom Stevens.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Just the same, father. We have been together all the +time, and we have come back together.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And he didn’t say a word about it!</q> the old man said. +<q>He talked about you just as if you were somewhere over the +sea.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I told him not to tell,</q> Will said, <q>as I wanted to take +you by surprise.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But he is not an officer, Will. He is just a sailor like those +revenue men. How does that come about? Didn’t he fight +well?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, no one could fight better. If he had had as much +learning as I had he would have been made an officer too; but, +you see, he can hardly read or write, and, fight as he may, he +<pb n='205'/><anchor id='Pg205'/>will always remain as he is. A finer fellow never stepped; +but because he has no learning he must always remain before +the mast.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And you have lost some fingers I see, Will.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, they were shot off by a musket-ball in the West +Indies. Luckily it was my left hand; so I manage very well +without them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hope you blew off the fingers of the fellow that shot +you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I can’t say who did it, and indeed I never felt anything +at all until some little time after.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wish I had been there,</q> John said, <q>I would have had +a slap at him with a musket. That was an unlucky shot, Will.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I have always considered it a lucky one, for if it +had gone a few inches on one side it would have probably +finished me altogether.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, well, it is wonderful to me. Here am I, an old man, +and never, so far as I can remember, been a couple of miles +from Scarcombe, and you, quite a young chap, have been +wandering and fighting all over the world.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Not quite so much as that, John, though I have certainly +seen a good deal. But here is mother.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Mrs. Hammond entered with a face beaming with delight. +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none">You never saw anyone so astonished as Mrs. Smith when +I went in and ordered all those things. Her eyes opened +wider and wider as I went on, and when I offered her the gold +I thought she would have a fit. She took it and bit it to +make sure that it was good, and then said: <q>Have you found +it, Mrs. Hammond, or what good fortune have you <corr sic="extra double quote">had?</corr></q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q rend="post: none"><q><corr sic="missing single quote">The</corr> best of fortunes, Mrs. + <corr sic="double quote instead of single quote">Smith,</corr></q> says I. + <q><corr sic="double quote instead of single quote">My</corr> boy +<pb n='206'/><anchor id='Pg206'/>Will has come back from the wars a grand officer, with his +pocket lined with gold, so you will find I’ll be a better customer +to you than I have <corr sic="double quote instead of single quote">been.</corr></q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q><q>You don’t say so, Mrs. Hammond!</q> says she. <q>I always +thought he was a nice boy, well spoken and civil. And so he +is an officer, is he? Only to think of it! Well, I am mighty +pleased to hear it,</q> and with that I came off with my basket +full of provisions. The whole village will be talking of it +before nightfall. Mrs. Smith is a good soul, but she is an +arrant gossip, and you may be sure that the tale will gain by +the telling, and before night people will believe that you have +become one of the royal family.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In half an hour a meal was ready—tea, crisp slices of fried +bacon, and some boiled eggs—and never did three people sit +down to table in a more delighted state of mind. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My life,</q> the old woman said, when at last the meal was +finished, <q>just to think that we’ll be able to feed every day of +the year like this! Why, we’ll grow quite young again, John; +we sha’n’t know ourselves. We had five shillings a week +before, and now we’ll have six-and-twenty. I don’t know +what we’ll do with it. Why, we didn’t get that on an average, +not when you were a young man and as good a fisherman as +there was in the village. We did get more sometimes when +you made a great haul, or when a cargo was run, but then, +more often, when times were bad, we had to live on fish for +weeks together.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, missis, clear away the things and reach me down +my pipe from the mantel, and we’ll hear Will’s tales. I’ll +warrant me they will be worth listening to.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When the table was cleared the old woman put some more +<pb n='207'/><anchor id='Pg207'/>coal on the fire and they sat round it, the old folk one on +each side, with Will in the middle. Then Will told his adventures, +the fight with the French frigate, the battle with +the three Moorish pirates, how he had had the luck to save +the first lieutenant’s life and so obtained his promotion, and +how the next prize they took was recaptured, but that he +and a portion of the crew again overcame the Moors. Then +he related how he had had the good fortune to obtain the +command of a prize, with forty men and another midshipman +under him, and gave a vivid account of the adventures he +had gone through while cruising about in her. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, well!</q> John Hammond said, when he brought his +story to a conclusion, <q>you have had goings-on. To think +that a boy like you should command a vessel and forty men, +and should take three pirates.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But the most awful part of it all,</q> the old woman said, <q>is +about them black negroes that carried you off and were going +to burn you alive. Lor’, I’ll dream of it at nights.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hope not, missis,</q> John said. <q>You dream more than +enough now, and wake me up with your jumps and starts, +and give me a lot of trouble to pacify you and convince you +that you have only been dreaming. I am sorry, Will, that +you told us about those niggers. I know I’ll have lots of +trouble over it. Generally all she has had to dream about +has been that my boat was sinking, or that the revenue officers +had taken me and were going to hang me; but that will be +nothing to this ’ere negro business.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>They are terrible creatures these negroes, ain’t they?</q> the +old woman said. <q>I have heard tell that they have horns +and hoofs like the devil.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='208'/><anchor id='Pg208'/> + +<p> +<q>No, no, mother, they are not so bad as that, and they don’t +have tails, either. They are not good-looking men for all that, +and they look specially ugly when they are gathering firewood +to make a bonfire of you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>For goodness sake don’t say more about them; it makes +me all come over in a sweat to think about them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Just at this moment Tom Stevens came in and sat and +chatted for some time. Will asked him to come in again +later and to bring with him a bottle of the best spirits he +could find in the village. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I’ll warrant I will get some good stuff,</q> Tom said. <q>There +are plenty of kegs of the best hidden away in the village, and +I think I know where to lay my hand on one of them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will then went to the rectory and had a chat with Mr. +Warden, who was unaffectedly glad to see him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I never quite approved,</q> he said, <q>of my daughter’s hobby +of educating you, but I now see that she was perfectly right. +I thought myself that at best you would obtain some small +clerkship, and that your life would be a happier one as a +fisherman. It has, however, turned out admirably well, and +she has a right to be proud of her pupil. After the way you +have begun there is nothing in your own line to which you +may not attain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wanted to ask you, Mr. Warden, what you could remember +about my father. My own recollection of him is +very dim. I am going to sea again in a week, but next time +I return I’ll have a longer spell on shore, and I am resolved +to make an effort to discover who he was.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I fear that is quite hopeless, but I will certainly tell you +all I know about him. I saw him, of course, many times in +<pb n='209'/><anchor id='Pg209'/>the village. He was a tall thin man with what I might call a +devil-may-care, and at the same time a mournful expression. +I have no doubt that had his death not been so sudden he would +have told you something about himself. I have his effects +tied up in a bundle. I examined them at the time, but there +was nothing of any value in them except a signet-ring. It +bore a coat-of-arms with a falcon at the top. I intended to +hand this to you when you grew up, but of course you left so +suddenly that I had no opportunity to do so. I will give you +the bundle now.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much, sir! That ring may be the means +of discovering my identity. Of course I have no time to make +enquiries now, but when I next return I will advertise largely +and offer a reward for information. It is not that I want to +thrust myself on any family, or to raise any claim, but I should +like, for my own satisfaction, to know that I come of a +decent family.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is very natural,</q> the clergyman said; <q>but were I +you I should not hope to be successful. You see, nearly +thirteen years have elapsed since his death, and he may have +been wandering about for three or four years before. That +is a long time to elapse before making any enquiries.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That may be so, but if these arms belong, as I suppose, +to a good family, there must be others bearing them, and an +advertisement of a lost member of it might at once catch +their eye, and might very possibly bring a reply. Besides, +surely there must be some place where a record is kept of +these things.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I do not know that, but I am sure I wish you success in +your search, and can well understand that, now you are an +<pb n='210'/><anchor id='Pg210'/>officer in His Majesty’s navy, you would like to claim relationship +with some big family.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Quite so, sir. Of course I cannot imagine how it was my +father came to be in such reduced circumstances.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should say, Will, that he quarrelled with his father, perhaps +over his marriage, and left home in a passion. He was +a man who, I could well imagine, when he once quarrelled, +would not be likely to take the first step to make it up.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Perhaps that was it, sir. Well, I am exceedingly obliged +to you, and will, you may be sure, investigate the contents of +the bundle carefully.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Returning to the cottage, Will found Tom Stevens already +there with a small keg of brandy. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is good stuff, Will,</q> he said; <q>it has been lying hidden +for eight years, and was some of the choicest landed. I got it +as a favour, and had to pay pretty high for it; but I knew you +would not stick at the price.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly not, I wanted the best that could be got. Now, +mother, mix us three good stiff tumblers, and take a glass for +yourself.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is twenty year since I tasted spirits,</q> the old woman +said, <q>though John has often got a drop after a successful +run; but this afternoon I don’t mind if I do try a little, if +it is only to put the thought of them bonfiring negroes out of +my mind.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hope it will have that effect,</q> Will laughed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, John, I told you about my adventures; let me hear +a little village gossip.</q> +</p> + +<p> +John’s tale was not a very long, nor, it must be owned, a very +interesting one. Mary Johnson, Elizabeth Cruikshank, Mary +<pb n='211'/><anchor id='Pg211'/>Leaper, and Susie Thurston had all had boys, while there had +been five girls born. It was not necessary, however, to specify +the names of their mothers, as girls were considered quite +secondary persons in Scarcombe. One small cargo had been +run, but the revenue people were so sharp that the French +lugger had given up making the village a landing-place. +John Mugby and his two sons had been drowned, and John +Hawkins’s boat had been smashed up. As a result of the +decline of smuggling there had been a revulsion of the feeling +against Will, and the four men who had been the ringleaders +in the movement had made themselves so generally obnoxious +that they had had to leave the village. +</p> + +<p> +At seven o’clock Will said: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, father, I must be moving. Here are fifty guineas. +They will last you for nearly a year. I’ll hand another fifty +to Mr. Archer, and ask him to send you twenty pounds at a +time. I’ll probably be back in England before it has all gone, +and if not I will manage to find a means of sending more over +to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I sha’n’t sleep,</q> the old woman said; <q>I never shall sleep +with all that money in the house. It is sure to get known +about, and I should never feel safe.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, mother, take the money up to Mr. Warden, +and ask him to hand you a guinea every Monday.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Tom Stevens,</q> said the old woman, <q>I will ask you to go +up to the rectory with me this very evening. I daren’t keep +it here, and I daren’t carry it through the village, for there +might be a pedlar about, and everybody knows that pedlars +are apt to be thieves.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well,</q> Tom said with a smile, <q>I will go with you, +<pb n='212'/><anchor id='Pg212'/>missis, when Will has left. I am big enough to tackle a pedlar +if we meet one on the way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very heartily, Tom! I’ll be comfortable now; +but I should never get a wink of sleep with fifty gold guineas +in the house.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will had noticed that the old couple’s clothes were sorely +patched, and the next morning he purchased a complete +new outfit for both. These he sent over by a carrier, with a +note, saying: <q>My dear father, it is only right that you should +start with a fair outfit, and I therefore send you and the missis +a supply that will last you for some time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Tom Stevens came over two days later, and he and Will +started together for London. On their arrival at Portsmouth +they at once joined the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>, which was quite ready to sail, +and which was under orders to join Lord Hood’s fleet in the +Mediterranean. +</p> +</div><div n="11"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XI</head> + +<head type="sub">CAPTIVES AMONG THE MOORS</head> + +<p> +A week later the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> proceeded to the Mediterranean. +One morning after cruising there for some weeks, when +the light mist lifted, a vessel was seen some three miles away. +The captain looked at her through his telescope. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a suspicious-looking craft,</q> he said to the first +lieutenant, Mr. Roberts. <q>We will lower a cutter and overhaul +her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The cutter’s crew were at once mustered. Will was the +<pb n='213'/><anchor id='Pg213'/>midshipman in charge of her, and took his place by the side +of the third lieutenant, Mr. Saxton. The lieutenant ordered +the men to take their muskets with them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>May I take Dimchurch and Stevens?</q> Will asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, if you like. There is room for them in the bow, +and two extra muskets may be useful.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The two men, who were standing close by, took their places +when they heard the permission given. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I certainly don’t like her appearance, Gilmore,</q> the lieutenant +said. <q>I cannot help thinking that she is an Algerine +by her rig; and though every Algerine is not necessarily +a pirate, a very large number of them are. I fancy +a breeze will spring up soon, and in that case we may have +a long row before we overtake her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The breeze came presently, and the Algerine began to slip +away. It was, however, but a puff, and the boat again began +to gain on her. When they were five miles from the ship +they were within a quarter of a mile from the chase. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Confound the fellow!</q> the lieutenant muttered; <q>but I +think I was mistaken, for there are not more than half a dozen +men on her deck.</q> +</p> + +<p> +At length the boat swept up to the side of the craft. As the +men leapt to their feet a couple of round shot were thrown into +the boat, one of them going through the bottom. The cutter +immediately began to fill, and the men as they climbed up +were confronted by fully a hundred armed Moors. Lieutenant +Saxton was at once cut down, and most of the sailors +suffered the same fate. As usual, Will, Dimchurch, and +Stevens held together and fought back to back. The contest, +however, was too uneven to last, and the Moorish captain +<pb n='214'/><anchor id='Pg214'/>came up to them and signed to them that they must lay down +their arms. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do it at once,</q> Will said. <q>They evidently prefer to +take us prisoners to killing us, which they could do without +difficulty. We have been caught in a regular trap, and must +make the best of <corr sic="no quote">it.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +So saying he threw down his cutlass, and the others followed +his example. +</p> + +<p> +They were taken down below with three other unwounded +sailors, and the wounded and dead were at once thrown overboard. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is the worst affair we have been in together,</q> said +Dimchurch, <q>since we fell into the hands of those negroes. +Unless the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> overtakes us I am afraid we are in for a +bad time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am afraid so, Dimchurch, and I fear that there is little +chance indeed of the frigate overtaking us. In such a light +wind this craft would run away from her, and with fully five +miles start it would be useless for the boats to try to overtake +her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What are they going to do with us?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is very little doubt about that. They will make +slaves of us, and either set us to work on the fortifications +or sell us to be taken up-country.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t expect they will keep us long,</q> Dimchurch said +grimly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know; they have great numbers of Christians +whom they hold captive, and it is rare indeed that one of +them escapes. I suppose some day or other we’ll send a fleet +to root them out, but our hands are far too full for anything +<pb n='215'/><anchor id='Pg215'/>of that sort at present. If we have a chance of escape you +may be sure that we’ll take it, but we had better make up +our minds at once to make the best of things until opportunity +offers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I only hope we’ll be kept together, sir. I could put up +with it if that were so, but it would be awful if we were separated; +for even if one saw a chance for escape he could not let +the others know.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You may be sure, Dimchurch, that whatever opportunity +I might see I would not avail myself of it unless I could take +you both off with me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The same here, sir,</q> Dimchurch said; and the words were +echoed by Tom. +</p> + +<p> +Six days later they heard the anchor run down, and presently +the hatchway was lifted and they were told to come +on deck. They found, as they had expected, that the craft +was lying in the harbour of Algiers. At any other time they +might have admired the city, with its mosques and minarets, +its massive fortifications, and the shipping in the port, but +they were in no humour to do so now. They regarded it +as their jail. They and the three sailors were put into a +boat and rowed ashore, the captain of the craft going with +them. They were met at the wharf by a Moor, who was +evidently an official of rank. He and the captain held an +animated conversation, and by their laughter Will had no +doubt whatever that the captain was telling the clever manner +in which he had effected their capture. Then the official said +something which was not altogether pleasing to the captain, +who, however, crossed his hands on his breast and bowed +submissively. The official then handed the six prisoners over +<pb n='216'/><anchor id='Pg216'/>to some men who had accompanied him, and they were immediately +marched across to a large barrack-like building, +which was evidently a prison. Two hours afterwards a great +troop of captives came in. These were so worn and wearied +that they asked but few questions of the new-comers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Don’t talk about it,</q> one said in answer to a question +from Will. <q>There is not one of us who would not kill himself +if he got the chance. It is work, work, work from daybreak +till sunset. We have enough to eat to keep us alive; +we are too valuable to be allowed to die. We get food before +we start in the morning, again at mid-day, and again when +we get back here. Oh, they are very careful of us, but they +don’t mind how we suffer! The sun blazes down all day, and +not a drop of drink do we get except at meals. In spite of +their care we slip through their hands. Sunstroke and fever +are always thinning our ranks. That is the history of it, +mate, and if I were to talk till morning I could not tell you +more. I suppose by your cut that you are a man-of-war’s-man?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You’re right,</q> Dimchurch said. <q>We got caught in a +trap, and our nine mates were killed without having a chance +to fire a shot.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah!</q> the man said with a sigh, <q>I wish I had had their +luck, and you will wish so too before you have been here +long.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Rough food was served out, and then the slaves, after +eating, lay down without exchanging a word, anxious only +to sleep away the thought of their misery. The three friends +lay down together. To each prisoner a small rug had been +served out, and this was their only bedding. +</p> + +<pb n='217'/><anchor id='Pg217'/> + +<p> +<q>We are certainly in a bad corner,</q> Dimchurch said, <q>but +the great point will be to keep up our spirits and make the +best of it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so,</q> Will agreed. <q rend="post: none">I am convinced that, however +sharp a watch they may keep, three resolute men will find +some way of escape. We’ll know a little more about it to-morrow. +If there are windows to this building we ought to +be able to get out of them, and if it is surrounded by walls we +ought to be able to scale them. Besides, if we are set to work +in the city we might find an opportunity of evading the diligence +of our guards. For one thing, we must assume an air +of cheerfulness while we work. In time, when they see that +we do our work well and are contented and obedient, their +watch will relax. Above all, we must not, like these poor +fellows, make up our minds that our lot is hopeless. If we +once lose hope we shall lose everything. At any rate, for the +present we must wait patiently. We have still got to find +out everything; all we know is that we are confined in a +prison, and that we shall have to do some work or other +during the day.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We have got to find out the plan of the city and its +general bearings, to learn something, if we can, of the surrounding +country, and to see how we should manage to +subsist if we got away. Of course the natural idea would +be to make for the sea and steal a boat. But we came up +from the shore through an archway in the wall; it was +strongly guarded, and I fear it would be next to impossible +to get down to the port. Our best plan, I think, would be +to take to the country if we can, and go down to the shore +some distance from the city. We might then light upon +<pb n='218'/><anchor id='Pg218'/>a boat belonging to some fisherman. Of course all this is +pure conjecture, and all we can arrange is that we shall +keep our eyes about us, and look for an empty house in +which we might hide and discover how we might leave the +town on the land side, where it is not likely the fortifications +will be nearly so strong as on the sea-face.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next morning the captives were deprived of their +clothes, and in their place were given dirty linen jackets +and loose trousers. Their shoes were also taken away. +They then fell in with the rest of the captives. On leaving +the prison they were formed into companies, each of which, +under a strong guard, marched off in different directions. +The three friends kept close together, and were assigned to +a company which was told off to clean the streets of a certain +quarter of the town. They were furnished with brooms and +brushes, and were soon hard at work. As the morning went +on, the heat became tremendous. Several men fell, but the +overseers lashed them until they got upon their feet again. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My eye! this is like working in an oven,</q> Dimchurch +muttered; <q>the dust is choking me. We must certainly get +out of this as soon as we can, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I agree with you, Dimchurch. I feel as if I were melting +away. If I were to put a bit of food in my mouth I believe +the heat would bake it in no time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I couldn’t swallow anything,</q> Tom said, <q>not even a mackerel +fresh out of the sea.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You know we agreed that we must make the best of +everything,</q> Will said. <q>If we work as we are doing we +can’t but please our overseers, and shall save ourselves from +blows.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='219'/><anchor id='Pg219'/> + +<p> +<q>They had better not strike me,</q> Dimchurch said; <q>the +man that did it would never live to strike another.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That might be,</q> Will said, <q>but it would be a small +satisfaction to you if you were to be flogged to death afterwards.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I suppose not, sir; but flesh and blood can’t stand +such a thing as being struck by one of these yellow hounds.</q> +</p> + +<p> +At twelve o’clock the gang returned, and the men drank +eagerly from a fountain in the courtyard of the prison. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Take as little as you can,</q> Will said; <q>if you drink much +it will do you harm. You can drink often if you like, provided +that you only take a sip at a time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is easy to say, Mr. Gilmore, but it is not so easy to +do. I feel as if I could drink till I burst.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I dare say you do; I feel the same myself; but I am sure +that to take a lot of water just now would do us harm instead +of good.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Their abstinence so far benefited them that they felt their +work in the afternoon less than they had done in the morning, +though the heat was, if anything, greater. +</p> + +<p> +That evening they examined their prison. It consisted of +one great hall supported by rows of pillars. Here the whole +of the prisoners were confined. It was lighted by windows +five-and-twenty feet from the ground. There was no guard +inside, but fifty men, some of whom were always on sentry, +slept outside the hall. It was clear to them, therefore, that +no escape could be made after they were once locked up, +and that if they were to get away at all they must make the +attempt when they were employed outside. +</p> + +<p> +On the third day one of the sailors from the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>, who +<pb n='220'/><anchor id='Pg220'/>had disregarded Will’s advice to drink sparingly, fell down +dead after drinking till he could drink no more. Scarcely a +day passed without one or more of the captives succumbing; +some of them went mad and were at once despatched by their +guards. +</p> + +<p> +After working for a fortnight in the streets the gang were +marched in another direction, and were put to labour on the +fortifications. This was a great relief. They were now free +from the choking dust of the streets, and obtained a view of +the surrounding country. The three, as usual, laboured +together, and showed so much zeal and activity that they +pleased the head of their guard. They had the great advantage +that they were accustomed to work together, while the +majority of the gang had no such experience. There were +men of all nationalities—French, Spanish, Italians, Maltese, +and Greeks, and though most of them were accustomed to a +warm climate, they had nothing like the strength of the three +Englishmen. In moving heavy stones, therefore, the three +friends were able to perform as much work as any dozen +other prisoners. They were the only Englishmen in the +gang, for the other two sailors had been from the first placed +with another party. +</p> + +<p> +On the march to their work they passed by a palace of +considerable extent, surrounded by grounds which were entered +on that side by a small postern gate. <q>I would give a good +deal to know if that gate is locked,</q> Will said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What good would that do, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, if we could get in there we might hide in the shrubbery, +and stop there till the first pursuit was over. No one +would think of searching there. I should say we might, if we +<pb n='221'/><anchor id='Pg221'/>had luck, seize and bind three of the gardeners or attendants, +and so issue from one of the gates dressed in their clothes +without exciting suspicion.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What should we do for grub, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, for that we must trust to chance. There are houses +that might be robbed, and travellers who might be lightened +of their belongings. I can’t think that three active men, +though they might be unarmed, would allow themselves to +starve. Of course we should want to get rid of these clothes, +and find some weapons; but the great point of all is to discover +whether that door is locked.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>All right, sir! I am ready to try anything you may suggest, +for I am sick to death of this work, and the heat, and the +food, and the guard, and everything connected with it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They looked at the door with longing eyes each time they +passed it. At last one day a man came out of the gateway +just as they were passing, and, pulling the gate to behind +him, walked away without apparently thinking of locking it. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That settles that point,</q> Will said. <q>The next most +important question is, Are there people moving about inside? +Then how are we to slip away unseen? To begin with, we +will manage always to walk in the rear of the gang. There +are often rows; if some poor wretch goes mad and attacks +the guard there is generally a rush of the others to his assistance. +If such a thing were to happen near this gate we +might manage to slip in unnoticed. Still, I admit the chances +are against anything of the sort taking place just at that +point, and I expect we must try and think of something +better.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A fortnight later, just as they were passing the door, a +<pb n='222'/><anchor id='Pg222'/>small party of cavalry, evidently the escort to some great +chief, came dashing along at full speed. The road being +somewhat narrow the slaves and guards scattered in all +directions, several of them being knocked down. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now is our chance!</q> Will exclaimed; and the three ran to +the gate and entered the garden. There was no one in sight; +evening was coming on, and any men who might have been +working in the garden had left. They closed the gate behind +them and turned the key in the lock, then ran into a shrubbery +and threw themselves down. They trusted that in the +confusion their absence would not be noticed, and this seemed +to be the case, for they heard loud orders given and then all +was quiet. +</p> + +<p> +<q>So far so good,</q> Will said. <q>The first step is taken, and +the most difficult one. To-morrow, when the gardeners come, +we will spring upon three of them and bind them. I should +not think that there will be more than that.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Fortune favoured them, however, for an hour later three +servants came along, laughing and talking together. The +sailors prepared to act, and as the men passed their hiding-place +Will gave the word, and, leaping out upon them, they +hurled them to the ground. Tom and Dimchurch both +stunned their men, and then aided Will to secure the one +he had knocked down. Without ceremony they stripped off +the clothes of the fallen men, tore up their own rags, and +bound the captives securely, shoving a ball of the material +between the teeth of each, and then secured them to three +trees a short distance apart. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good,</q> said Will, as they put on the servants’ +clothes; <q>they are safe till they are found in the morning. +<pb n='223'/><anchor id='Pg223'/>In these clothes we can boldly venture out from the town +gate as soon as it is opened. There is always the risk that +our colour may betray us, but we are all burnt nearly as +dark as mahogany and may very well pass.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Shall we start now, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, they will find out when they get to the prison that +we are missing, and there will be a keen hunt for us. And +now I come to think of it, the guards at the gate will be +warned of our escape, and will probably question us, particularly +as these bright-coloured garments would attract their +attention. I really think our best plan would be to go out +into the town at once and try to get hold of other disguises.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It would be a good thing if we could do so, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Dear me, how stupid I am!</q> exclaimed Will after a pause. +<q>You know that wall we were repairing to-day? It was only +about fourteen feet above the ground outside, so we should +have no difficulty in dropping down.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, sir. It is an easy drop, and by leaving in that +way we’ll avoid being questioned, and get well away before +the alarm is given.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then we will lose no time,</q> said Will. <q>We have to +pass through a busy quarter, but if we go separately we shall +attract no notice, though no doubt by this time the search will +have begun. They will be looking, however, for three men +together. Of course they will not so much as cast an eye +upon the servants of this palace, for they will know nothing +of our doings here till to-morrow morning. I will go first +when we get into the street. You, Dimchurch, follow me forty +or fifty yards behind, and Tom the same distance behind you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hardly think they will be in search of us yet,</q> +Dim<pb n='224'/><anchor id='Pg224'/>church said. <q>It is little more than an hour since we +escaped, and they won’t find out till they get to the prison +and count the gang. When they have done that they would +have to see who it was that was missing, and then they would +take some time to organize the <corr sic="no quote">search.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, Dimchurch; still, we will take every precaution.</q> +</p> + +<p> +So saying they started. When they were half-way to the +wall they saw a number of soldiers and convict guards come +running along, questioning many people as they passed. They +trembled lest they should be discovered, but fortunately no +question was put to any of them, and they kept on their way. +Presently Will emerged upon the open space of ground between +the wall and the houses, and when Dimchurch and Tom +had come up they went together along the foot of the wall +until they came to the place where they had been working. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Keep your eyes open,</q> Will said as they climbed up, +<q>there are crowbars and hammers lying about, and, where the +stone-cutters were working, chisels. A crowbar or a heavy +hammer is a weapon not to be despised.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a few minutes each was armed with a chisel and a light +crowbar. They then went to the edge of the wall, and, throwing +these weapons down, lowered themselves as far as they +could reach and dropped to the ground. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God we are out of that place!</q> Will said fervently; +<q>we won’t enter it again alive. Now, the first thing is to get +as far away as possible, keeping as nearly parallel to the line +of the coast as we can, but four or five miles back, for we +may be sure that when they cannot find us in the town they +will suspect that we have made for the coast, and a dozen +<pb n='225'/><anchor id='Pg225'/>horsemen will be sent out to look for us along the shore. +It is no use our thinking of trying to get to sea until the +search has been given up. Our principal difficulty will be +to live. From the walls the country looked well cultivated +in parts, and even if we have to exist on raw grain we shall +not be much worse off than when we were in <corr sic="no quote">prison.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t care what it is,</q> Tom said, <q>so long as there is +enough of it to keep us alive; but we must have water.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t think there will be much difficulty about that, +Tom, as every one of the houses scattered over the plain +will have wells and fountains in their gardens. Thank goodness, +they won’t miss any we take, and we could go every +night and fetch water without exciting any suspicion that we +had been there!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>One of the first things we must do,</q> said Will, <q>is to +dirty these white jackets and trousers so that we may look +like field labourers, for then if anyone should catch sight of us +in the distance we should attract no attention.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They walked all night, and just as morning was breaking +they saw a large country house with the usual garden. They +climbed over the wall, which was not high, and drew some +water in a bucket which they found standing at the mouth of +the well. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This bucket we will confiscate,</q> Will said; <q>we can hardly +lie hidden all day without having a drink. Of course they +will miss it; but when they cannot find it they will suppose +that it has been mislaid or stolen. One of the gardeners will +probably get the blame, but we can’t help that. Now we +will go another mile and then look for a hiding-place. There +are a lot of sand-hills scattered about, and if we can’t find +<pb n='226'/><anchor id='Pg226'/>a hole that will suit us we must scoop one out. I believe +they are pretty hard inside, but our crowbars will soon make +a place large enough.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After an hour’s walk they fixed upon a spot on the shady +side of a hill and began to make a cave that would allow the +three to lie side by side. The work was completed in less +than an hour, and they crawled in and scraped up some of +the fallen sand so as partially to close the mouth behind them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank goodness, we have got shelter and water!</q> Will +said. <q>As for food, we must forage for it to-night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am quite content to go without it for to-day,</q> Dimchurch +said, <q>and to lie here and sleep and do nothing. I +don’t think anything would tempt me to get up and walk a +mile farther, not even the prospects of a good dinner.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, as we are all so tired we shall probably sleep till +evening.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a few minutes all were asleep. Once or twice in the +course of the day they woke up and took a drink from the +bucket and then fell off again. At sunset all sat up quite +refreshed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I begin to feel that I have an appetite,</q> Will said; <q>now +I think, for to-night, we will content ourselves with going +into one of the fields and plucking a lot of the ears of maize. +Messages may have been sent out all over the country, and +the people may be watchful. It will be wise to avoid all risk +of discovery. We can gather a few sticks and make a fire in +there to roast the maize; there are sand-hills all round, so +what little flame we make would not be <corr sic="noticed.'">noticed.</corr></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But how about a light?</q> Dimchurch asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I picked up a piece of flint as we came along this +morn<pb n='227'/><anchor id='Pg227'/>ing,</q> Will said, <q>and by means of one of these chisels we +ought to be able to strike a light; a few dead leaves, finely +crumbled up, should do instead of tinder.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is a good thing to keep one’s eyes open,</q> Dimchurch +remarked. <q>Now if I had seen that piece of stone I should +not have given it a thought, and here it is going to give us a +hot dinner!</q> +</p> + +<p> +As there were numbers of fields in the neighbourhood they +soon returned with an armful of maize each. Dried weeds +and sticks were then collected, and after repeated failures a +light was at last obtained, and soon the grain was roasted. A +jacket was stretched across the entrance of their den so that, +should anyone be passing near, they would not observe the light. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now,</q> Will said as they munched some maize the next +evening, <q>we must start foraging. We will go in opposite +directions, and each must take his bearing accurately or we’ll +never come together again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They were out for some hours, and when they returned it +was found that Will had come across four fowls, Tom had +gathered a variety of fruit, consisting chiefly of melons and +peaches, while Dimchurch, who was the last to come in, +brought a small sheep. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We only want one thing to make us perfect,</q> Will said, +<q>and that is a pipe of ’bacca.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, that would be a welcome addition,</q> Tom admitted, +<q>but it does not do to expect too much. I should not be at +all surprised if we were to light upon some tobacco plants in +one of the gardens, but of course it could hardly be like a +properly dried leaf. I dare say, though, we could make something +of it.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='228'/><anchor id='Pg228'/> + +<p> +So they lived for a month, sometimes better, sometimes +worse, but with sufficient food of one sort or another. So far +as they knew no suspicion of their presence had been excited, +though their petty robberies must have been noticed. One evening, +however, Will, on going to the top of the sand-hill, as he +generally did, saw a large detachment of soldiers coming along, +searching the ground carefully. He ran down at once to his +companions. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Take your weapons, lads,</q> he said, <q>and make off; a +strong party of soldiers are searching the country, and they +are coming this way. No doubt they are looking for us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They had run but a few hundred yards when they heard +shouts, and, looking round, they saw a Moorish officer waving +his hands and gesticulating. This was alarming, but they +reckoned that they had fully five hundred yards start. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Keep up a steady pace,</q> Will said; <q>I don’t expect the +beggars can run faster than we can. It will be pitch dark in +half an hour, and as, fortunately, there is no moon, I expect +we’ll be able to give them the slip.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As they advanced they found that the vegetation became +scarcer and scarcer. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am afraid we are on the edge of a desert,</q> Will said, +<q>which means that there are no more fowls and fruit for us. +I see, Dimchurch, that you have been the most thoughtful this +time. That half sheep and those cakes will be very valuable +to us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wasn’t going to leave them for the soldiers if I knew it, +sir; they wouldn’t have gone far among them, while they will +last us some time with care.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They changed their course several times as soon as it +<pb n='229'/><anchor id='Pg229'/>became quite dark, and presently had the satisfaction of +hearing the shouts of their pursuers fade away behind them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now we can take it quietly, lads. We can guide ourselves +towards the sea by means of the stars. I fancy it +must be fully twenty miles away. We must hold on till we +get to it, and then gradually work our way along among +the sand-hills or clumps of bush bordering it till we come +to a village. Then we must contrive to get a good supply of +food and water, steal a boat, and make off. If galleys were +sent out to search for us they must have given it up long ago. +As for other craft, we’ll have to take our chance with them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They kept steadily north and at last came down to the +coast. As it was still dark they lay down till morning. When +the sun rose they thought they could make out a village some +eight miles away. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now it will be quite safe to cook our breakfast,</q> Dimchurch +said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I think so,</q> Will answered, <q>but we must be sparing +with the mutton; that is our only food at present, and it may +be some little time before we get hold of anything else.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After breakfast they lay down among the bushes and slept +till evening. Then they started along the shore towards the +village. When they got within half a mile of it they halted. +They could see some boats on the shore, so they felt that the +only difficulty in their way was the question of provisions. +When it was quite dark they went into the village and started +to forage, but on meeting again they had very little to show. +Between them they had managed to take five fowls; but the +village was evidently a poor place, for with the exception of a +few melons there was no fruit. +</p> + +<pb n='230'/><anchor id='Pg230'/> + +<p> +<q>The beggars must have grain somewhere,</q> said Will. +<q>They can’t live on fowls and melons.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I expect, sir, they live very largely on fish.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is likely enough,</q> Will agreed. <q>Let us put down +these fowls and melons under this bush, and have a nap for a +couple of hours, till we are sure that everyone is asleep. We +can then go down and have a look at the boats. Those of +them that come in late may probably leave some of their catch +on board.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When they went down to the boats they found that three +of them contained a fair quantity of fish. They helped themselves +to some of these, and then retreated some distance from +the village, picking up the other provisions on the way, and +then, going into a clump of bushes, cooked a portion of the fish. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That pretty well settles the question of provisions,</q> Will +said. <q>We must choose a night when there is a good wind +blowing offshore, so that we may run a good many miles before +morning. Then we must trust to falling in with one of our +cruisers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Fish won’t keep long in this climate,</q> suggested Tom. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No,</q> said Will, <q>but we can dry some of them in the sun +and they will then keep good for some time. Then we might +clean half a dozen fowls and cook them before we start.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The great difficulty will be water.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, but we can get over that by stripping the gardens +clean of their melons. They weigh four or five pounds apiece +and would supply us with fluid for a week easily.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next evening they went down and made a more careful +examination of the boats. One in particular attracted their +attention. She was nearly new, and looked likely to be +<pb n='231'/><anchor id='Pg231'/>faster than the rest. She was anchored some fifty yards +from the shore. Three more evenings were spent in prowling +about the village collecting food. It was evident that the +villagers were alarmed at their depredations, for on the third +evening they were fired at by several men. In consequence +of this they moved a mile farther away, in case a search should +be made, and the next night carried the provisions down to +the shore. As they were all expert swimmers they were soon +alongside the chosen craft. They pushed the provisions before +them on a small raft, and when they had put them on board +they made a trip to one or two of the other boats and brought +away some twenty pounds of fish. Then they cut the hawser +and hoisted sail. As they did so they heard a great tumult +on shore, and the villagers ran down to the water’s edge and +opened fire upon them. The shooting, however, was wild, and +they were very soon out of range. Several boats put off in +pursuit. This caused them some uneasiness, and they watched +them somewhat anxiously, for the wind, though favourable, +was light, and they felt by no means certain that they would +be able to keep ahead of the rowers. The stolen craft, however, +proved unexpectedly fast, and the boats, after following +fifteen miles without sensibly gaining, at last gave up the +chase. About this time, too, the wind, to their great relief, +became stronger, and the little vessel flew more and more +rapidly over the sea. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is a fine craft,</q> Dimchurch said; <q>these Moors certainly +know how to build boats. It would require a smart +cutter to hold her own with us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Dimchurch kept at the helm and the other two investigated +their capture. She was three parts decked. In the cabin +<pb n='232'/><anchor id='Pg232'/>they came upon a lantern and flint and steel, and soon had +light, which helped them greatly in their work. In the bow +ropes were stored away, while in a locker they found some +bread, which, although stale, was very acceptable. They also +unearthed two or three suits of rough sea clothes with which +they were glad to replace the light clothes they had carried +away with them from the palace grounds, for though the +weather on shore was warm the sea-breeze was chilly. Among +other useful things they also discovered several long knives, +and axes, and a flat stone for cooking upon. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now it is all a question of luck,</q> Will said; <q>the danger +will be greater when we get a bit farther out. All vessels +going up and down the Mediterranean give the Barbary coast +a wide berth. Of course those pirate fellows are most +numerous along the line of traffic, but they are to be found +right up to the Spanish, French, and Italian coasts, though of +late, I fancy, they have not been so active. There are too +many of our cruisers about for their taste, and the Spaniards, +when they get a chance, show the scoundrels no mercy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When morning broke not a sail was visible. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think, sir,</q> Dimchurch said, <q>that there is going to be +a change of weather, and that we are in for a gale.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It does not matter much. I fancy this boat would go +through it however severe it might be.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, but it would check our progress, and we want to +run north as fast as we can. I see, by the line you are +making, that you are aiming at Toulon, and at our present +pace it would take us something like four days to get there. +If we are caught in a gale we may take two days longer.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so,</q> Will agreed; <q>but on the other hand, if the +<pb n='233'/><anchor id='Pg233'/>wind becomes much stronger we’ll have to take in sail, and +in that case we should have more chance of escaping notice if +we come near any of those Moorish craft. Besides, if the sea +were really rough it would be difficult for them to board us +even if they did come up with us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are right, sir; still, for myself, I should prefer a +strong southerly wind and a clear sky.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am afraid you will not get your wish, for the +clouds certainly seem to be banking up from the north, and +we’ll get a change of wind ere long.</q> +</p> + +<p> +By night the wind was blowing fiercely and the sea rapidly +rising. The sails were closely reefed, and even then they +felt with pleasure that the little craft was making good way. +The wind increased during the night, and was blowing a gale +by morning. Just at twelve o’clock a craft was seen approaching +which all were convinced was an Algerine. She changed +her course at once and bore down upon them, firing a gun as +a signal for them to stop. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is rather faster than we are,</q> Dimchurch said, <q>but +we’ll lead her a good dance before she gets hold of us. She +could not work her guns in this sea, and if she is the faster, +at least we are the handier.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For three hours the chase continued. Again and again the +Algerine came up on them, but each time the little boat, turning +almost on her heel, so cleverly was she handled, glided +away from underneath the enemy’s bows. Each time, when +they saw the chase slipping away from them, the angry Moors +sent a volley of musketry after her, but the fugitives took +refuge in the cabin, or lay down on the deck close under the +bulwarks, and so escaped. +</p> + +<pb n='234'/><anchor id='Pg234'/> + +<p> +Soon the Moors were so intent on the chase that they +began to take great risks with their own vessel. In fact, they +became positively reckless. For this they paid very heavily. +After many disappointments they felt that the fugitives were +at last in their clutches, and were preparing to board her +when suddenly Dimchurch put down his helm sharply. He +nearly capsized the little craft, and indeed they would rather +have gone down with her than fall into the hands of the +Moors again, but she righted immediately, and once more +skimmed away from her pursuers. In the excitement of the +moment the Moorish steersman attempted the same manœuvre. +If he had succeeded he would probably have run down the +cockle-shell that had baffled him so long. But at that moment +a violent squall struck his ship with its full force, and her +mainmast snapped a few feet above the deck. The three +fugitives jumped to their feet and cheered, and then calmly +proceeded on their way. +</p> +</div><div n="12"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XII</head> + +<head type="sub">BACK ON THE <q>TARTAR</q></head> + +<p> +The next morning broke fair. Their late foe had dropped +out of sight on the previous evening, but now, when the +sun rose, Tom made out the top-sails of a large ship on the +horizon. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is coming towards us, lads, and by the course she is +steering she will pass within three miles of us. Is she English +or French?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='235'/><anchor id='Pg235'/> + +<p> +<q>She is too far away yet to be certain,</q> Dimchurch said, +<q>but I can’t help thinking she is French.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>At any rate, Dimchurch, our best course will be to lower +the sail, shake the reef-points out, and have it ready for +hoisting at a moment’s notice. Now that the wind is light +again I should fancy we could get away from her; with a +start of two or three miles she would have no chance whatever +of catching us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Suddenly Tom Stevens exclaimed: +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is a sail coming up from behind. She looks to me +close-hauled. If both ships come on they are bound to meet; +if one is French and the other is English they are likely to +have a talk to each other. In that case we should be able to +tell friend from foe by the colours, and could then make +for the English ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They sat anxiously watching the two ships, and soon they +saw that the point of meeting must be very near their own +position. Presently their hulls became visible, and Dimchurch +pronounced one to be a thirty-two-gun frigate, and the other +a forty or forty-two. They then made out that the one coming +up from the south was flying the white ensign, and at once +they hoisted their sail and made for her. Equally intent +upon a fight, the two vessels approached each other without +paying the slightest attention to the little craft. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The Frenchman means fighting, and as he has ten guns +to the good he may well think he is more than a match for +our ship. Do you know her, Dimchurch?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think she is the <name type="ship">Lysander</name>, sir, though I can’t be sure; +there are so many of these thirty-twos.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The vessels, as they passed, exchanged broadsides. Then +<pb n='236'/><anchor id='Pg236'/>both tacked, but the Englishman was the quicker, and he +raked the French frigate as she came round. Then they +went at it hammer and tongs. The Frenchman suffered very +heavily in spars and rigging, but at last the foremast of the +English ship fell over her side. The Frenchman at once +closed with her, and after pouring in a broadside, tried to +board her. +</p> + +<p> +The little boat bore up to the stern of the English ship. +A desperate conflict was going on at that point, and failing +to get up they moved along the side. Here a rope, which +had been cut by the French fire, was hanging overboard, +and, grasping this, they climbed up to a port-hole. The deck +was deserted, all hands having rushed up to meet the attack +of the French boarders. Without a moment’s delay they +snatched cutlasses from a rack and ran up the companion +to the upper deck. +</p> + +<p> +Here things were going somewhat badly. The French were +much more numerous than the English, and were forcing them +back by sheer weight of numbers. The new-comers rushed at +once into the fray, and laid about them lustily. The force +and suddenness of the onslaught caused the enemy to hesitate, +and at the same time it had the effect of inspiring to fresh +efforts the English crew, who, having lost their captain and +first lieutenant, were beginning to lose heart. They answered +the cheers of their strangely-clad allies, and with one accord +charged to meet them. At that moment Dimchurch almost +severed the French captain’s head from his body by a sweeping +blow, and the French, being disheartened by the loss +of their leader, gave way. The English sailors redoubled +their efforts, and after ten minutes of desperate fighting +<pb n='237'/><anchor id='Pg237'/>succeeded in driving their foes back to their own ship. +Then the men ran to their guns again and the cannonade +recommenced. But the spirit of the two crews had changed. +The French were discouraged by their failure, and the British +were exultant over their success. Consequently the guns +of the English ship were fired with far more rapidity and +precision than those of the French. Several of the port-holes +of the French ship were knocked into one, and when +at last her mainmast, which had been hit several times, fell +over her side, her flag was run down amidst tremendous cheering +from the English ship. +</p> + +<p> +Immediately all hands were engaged in disarming and securing +the French prisoners. When these had been sent +below, the decks of both ships were cleared of the dead. +Then the bulk of the crew set to work to cut away the +wreckage, secure damaged spars, and stop holes near the +water’s edge. At last the second lieutenant, who was now +in command, had time to turn to the strangers. Will was +superintending the work, while Dimchurch and Tom were +working hand in hand with the crew. +</p> + +<p> +<q>May I ask,</q> said the lieutenant, addressing Will, <q>who it +is that has so mysteriously come to our assistance?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly,</q> said Will, laughing; <q>I had quite forgotten +that I am clothed in strange garments. I am a midshipman +belonging to the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>. One of my companions is a boatswain’s +mate, and the other is an A.B. on the same ship. We +were sent with a lieutenant and ten men to overhaul a craft +which, though she was somewhat suspicious looking, seemed +to have but a small crew. When we got alongside her, however, +we found to our disgust that she was manned by at least +<pb n='238'/><anchor id='Pg238'/>a hundred Algerines. The lieutenant and seven of the crew +were killed, and three others, my two companions, and myself +were made prisoners and carried to Algiers. We three escaped, +and, capturing the small craft which you will see lying by the +side of your ship, made for the open sea. An Algerine nearly +recaptured us in the gale yesterday, but fortunately she +carried away her mast and we again escaped. This morning +we saw two ships approaching us, and when we made out +their nationalities we knew there was bound to be a fight. +Naturally we made for your ship, and when we found that the +French had boarded you we did our best to aid you to drive +them back. My name is Gilmore.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, Mr. Gilmore, I have to thank you most heartily for +the very efficacious aid you have rendered us. Things were +going very badly, but your unexpected appearance, your +strange attire, and the strength and bravery with which you +fought, quite turned the tables. I think,</q> he said with a +laugh, <q>the French must have taken you for three devils +come to our assistance, and certainly you could not have +fought harder if you had been. You will, I hope, give us +your assistance until we reach Malta, to which port, of course, +I shall carry the prize. Our third lieutenant is severely +wounded, and I have lost two of my midshipmen.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly, sir, and I will place myself at once under your +orders.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The two midshipmen who have fallen were the seniors,</q> +the lieutenant said, <q>and as you must be two or three years +older than the others I’ll appoint you acting-lieutenant. Our +first duty here will be to rig up a jury foremast. I’ll appoint +you, however, temporary commander of the <name type="ship">Camille</name>, which is, +<pb n='239'/><anchor id='Pg239'/>I see, the name of our prize. I can only spare you forty men. +We have lost forty-three killed and at least as many wounded, +and I have therefore only a hundred and ten altogether fit +for service, and must retain seventy for the work of refitting. +I should not attempt to get up a jury mainmast on the <name type="ship">Camille</name>. +It will be better to clear away the wreckage and secure her +other two masts in case we meet with another squall.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I understand, sir. If either of the midshipmen that have +been killed is about my size, I should be glad to rig myself +out with a suit from his chest, for my appearance at present +is rather undignified for a British officer. I should also be +glad if the purser’s clerk would issue a couple of suits for my +two men. I may tell you that they have been with me in +every ship in which I have served, and indeed entered the +navy with me. I therefore regard them quite as personal +friends. The bigger of the two held the position of boatswain +under me in a small craft of which I had command +in the West Indies, as well as on the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, then, by all means give him the temporary +rank of boatswain on board the <name type="ship">Camille</name>, and you can appoint +the other as boatswain’s mate.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir! I am very much obliged. It would be +difficult to find two better men.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In ten minutes Will was attired in a midshipman’s uniform, +and his two companions, to their great relief, in the clothes +of British seamen. They then crossed to the <name type="ship">Camille</name> with the +forty men whom the lieutenant had told off as a prize crew. +Work was at once begun, and before sundown the fore and +mizzen masts were as firmly secured as if the mainmast were +still in its place. Will felt that they could now meet a storm +<pb n='240'/><anchor id='Pg240'/>without uneasiness. Next morning the repairs to the hull +were begun, pieces of plank covered with tarred canvas being +nailed over the shot-holes, and ere the day was done the +<name type="ship">Camille</name> had a fairly presentable appearance. Meanwhile +the crew of the <name type="ship">Lysander</name> had been hard at work, and had +got the jury-foremast into position and securely stayed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have made a very good job of the prize, Mr. Gilmore,</q> +the lieutenant said. <q>Of course she is a lame duck +without her mainmast, but we’ll sail together, and so will +show a good face to any single ship we may meet.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should certainly think so, sir. Should any ship heave +in sight I will get all the guns loaded on both broadsides. +Of course, I should only be able to work one side at a time, +but with forty good men I could keep up a pretty hot fire.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will give you ten more, Mr. Gilmore. Now that our +repairs are finished I can manage that easily, and as the +<name type="ship">Camille</name> is a bigger ship than the <name type="ship">Lysander</name> you ought certainly +to have as many as can be spared.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir! I am sure I could make a good fight +with that number, and as we have covered all the shot-holes +with canvas, and so do not appear to be injured in the hull, +I don’t think any one ship would think of meddling with +us, unless, of course, she were a line-of-battle ship. In that +case our chance would be a small one, although, by presenting +a resolute front, we might cause her to sheer off without engaging +us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Fortunately they fell in with no enemy on their way to +Malta. When they arrived in port the lieutenant went to +the flag-ship with his report. The admiral was greatly +pleased at the capture, and he was specially interested when +<pb n='241'/><anchor id='Pg241'/>he learned the share that Will and his two companions had +taken in the fight, and the manner in which Will had performed +his duties while in command of the <name type="ship">Camille</name>. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Gilmore?</q> he asked. <q>That is the name of a young midshipman +who was on board the <name type="ship">Furious</name>. Is that the man?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I believe he is, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, tell him to come and see me when he is disengaged.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lieutenant reported this when he returned, and a little +later Will went on board the flag-ship. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, Mr. Gilmore,</q> said the admiral, <q>so you are still +to the fore. I read some time ago the official report of a midshipman +of your name in the West Indies who had captured +two vessels, each larger than the craft he commanded, and I +wondered whether it was the lad I had met here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will acknowledged that he had commanded on that +occasion. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It shows that the admiral there was as struck as I was +myself with your doings, that he should have appointed you +to command that craft, when he must have had so many +senior midshipmen to select from. What had you done?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It was really nothing, sir. We were lying off a pirate +stronghold, but could not get at it, as our ship was too deep +for the shallow approaches. In the course of conversation in +the midshipmen’s mess I happened to suggest that if we got +hold of some native craft we might be able to beard the lion +in his den, and one of the elder midshipmen reported the +idea to one of the lieutenants, who passed it on to the captain, +who put it into execution. The result was that we +captured two vessels and a very large amount of plunder +which they had stored on an island. I got a great deal more +<pb n='242'/><anchor id='Pg242'/>credit than was due to me, for I had only suggested the plan +when joking with my companions, and the captain improved +upon it greatly in carrying it out. It was very good of +him to mention in his report that the original idea was mine.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It was a good plan,</q> the admiral said, <q>and you well +deserve the credit you got. And so it was for that that you +got the command of the cutter! Tell me about the capture of +those two pirate vessels.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will related the story of the trap that had been formed for +<name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, and the manner in which he had captured his two + <corr sic='opponents."'>opponents.</corr> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Admirably managed, Mr. Gilmore,</q> the admiral said. +<q>How much longer have you to serve?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have another year yet, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, a commission is to sit here next week to pass +midshipmen. I will direct them to examine you, and will +see that you get your step the day you finish your term +of service. If I had the power I would pass you at once, +but that is one of the things an admiral cannot do. But how +was it that you got on board the <name type="ship">Lysander</name>?</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will related the story of his captivity with the Algerines +and his escape. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Just what I should have expected of you,</q> the admiral +said. <q>I fancy it would take a very strong prison to hold +you. Well, tell Lieutenant Hearsey that I shall expect him +to dinner to-day, and that he is to bring you with him. I’ll +ask two or three other officers to meet you, and you shall then +tell the story of your adventures.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A post-captain and three other captains dined that evening +with the admiral, and when Will had modestly related his +<pb n='243'/><anchor id='Pg243'/>adventures they complimented him highly. Two of them +happened to be on the examining committee, and consequently +Will passed almost without question. A few days later he +was appointed temporarily to a ship bound for the blockading +fleet of Toulon, where he was informed he would probably find +his own ship. When he and his two companions rejoined the +<name type="ship">Tartar</name> they were warmly congratulated on their escape from +Algiers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am sorry for the loss of Lieutenant Saxton,</q> the captain +said, when Will had reported the manner in which they had +been captured. <q rend="post: none">He was a good officer, and in this case he +was not to blame. With our telescopes we could only see a +few men on board the Algerine, and they must have kept up +the deception till the last. It is to be regretted that you +followed her so far out of reach of our guns, though, so far +as his fate was concerned, we could not have altered it even +if we had been within easy range.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>At any rate, Mr. Gilmore, you were by no means to blame +in the affair, and I congratulate you on having effected your +escape with your two followers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They had only rejoined the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> a short time when, on the +5th February, 1794, the captain was signalled to proceed with +a small squadron that was to sail, under Captain Linzee of the +<name type="ship">Alcide</name>, as commodore, to Corsica, where a force under General +Paoli had asked for assistance in their endeavours to regain +their freedom. +</p> + +<p> +The chief strongholds of that island were the fortified towns +of San Fiorenzo, Bastia, and Calvi. These towns are near +each other, and as the troops scornfully rejected his summons +to surrender, the commodore was placed in a difficulty. The +<pb n='244'/><anchor id='Pg244'/>force under his command was not strong enough to blockade +the three forts at once, while they were so near each other +that to blockade one or two and leave the entrance to the +other open would have been useless. He determined at first +to take Forneilli, a fortified place two miles from San Fiorenzo, +but when he opened the attack he found that it was so much +more strongly fortified than he had anticipated that its capture +could not be effected without more loss than the gain of the +position would justify. +</p> + +<p> +Lord Hood then placed a squadron of frigates under Captain +Nelson’s command to cruise off the north-western coast of the +island so as to prevent supplies being introduced, and he also +sailed there himself with some of his seventy-fours and a body +of soldiers under Major-general Dundas. Before he arrived, +Nelson had done something towards facilitating his enterprise, +for, having learned that the French in San Fiorenzo drew their +supplies of flour from a mill near the shore, he landed a body +of seamen and soldiers and burnt the mill, threw into the sea +all the flour contained in it and in a large storehouse close to +it, and regained his ship without the loss of a man. +</p> + +<p> +When Lord Hood arrived he ordered Nelson to land on +the island to prevent supplies from getting into Bastia, and +took charge of the siege of San Fiorenzo himself. On his +way Nelson captured the town of Maginaggio, routed the +garrison, and destroyed a great quantity of provisions which +were being prepared for a number of French vessels in the +harbour. Lord Hood commenced the siege by attacking the +town of Mortella. The garrison fought with great bravery +and inflicted heavy loss upon the <name type="ship">Fortitude</name>, seventy-four guns, +to which the task of battering was assigned. As she was +<pb n='245'/><anchor id='Pg245'/>evidently getting the worst of it the <name type="ship">Fortitude</name> was withdrawn, +but the shore batteries were more successful, and the place +being set on fire the garrison surrendered. +</p> + +<p> +The Convention redoubt was the next place to be attacked. +It was fortified in a most formidable manner, and indeed was +so strongly constructed as to withstand any ordinary attack. +A short distance away, however, was a rock rising seven +hundred feet above the level of the sea, which entirely commanded +it. This the enemy had left unfortified and unguarded +because they believed it was inaccessible. In many +places it was almost perpendicular, and though there was a +path leading to the summit, this was in very few places wide +enough to allow more than one person to ascend at a time. +Admiral Hood in person reconnoitred and decided that a +battery could be formed on the summit. +</p> + +<p> +The next day Will was on shore in command of a party +of thirty men who were to start getting up the guns. The +sailors looked at the rock and at the guns in dismay. +</p> + +<p> +<q>La, Mr. Gilmore,</q> one of them said, <q>we can never get +them up there! In the first place it is too steep, and in the +second it is too rough. It would take two hundred men to +do it, and even they would not be much good, for the path +winds and twists so much that they could not put their +strength on together.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will looked at the path, and at the hill on which the new +battery was to be formed. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You see, sir,</q> another said, <q>the path would have to be +blasted in lots of places to make room for the guns, and we +have got no tools for the job.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will did not answer. He saw that what the men said was +<pb n='246'/><anchor id='Pg246'/>correct. Presently, however, his eye fell upon an empty rum +puncheon, and at once his thoughts flashed back to the West +Indies. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Wheel that puncheon here, men.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Much surprised, the men did as they were ordered. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now knock out both ends, and when you have tightened +the hoops again, fill the barrel about a third full with sticks, +grass, bits of wood, anything you can come across.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The men scattered at once to collect the ballast, with some +doubts in their minds as to whether the midshipman had not +gone out of his senses. In about fifteen minutes they had +carried out his instructions. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Dismount the gun,</q> he then ordered, <q>and put it inside +the barrel.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When this had, with some difficulty, been accomplished, +and the barrel surrounded the centre of the gun, he said: +<q>Now fill up the barrel with the rest of that rubbish.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailors had now caught the idea, and very soon they +had the gun tightly packed into its novel carriage. Two long +ropes were then passed round the puncheon, the ends being +carried a little way up the hill. This formed a parbuckle, +and when the men hauled upon the upper lengths of the ropes +the cask easily rolled up to the ends of the lower lengths. +This operation was repeated again and again, and gradually +the cask moved up the rock. At places it had to be hauled +up lengthways, boards being placed underneath it to give it +a smooth surface over which to glide instead of the rough +rock, and men encouraging it from behind with levers. While +they were at work Nelson came up and stood watching them +for some minutes without speaking. +</p> + +<pb n='247'/><anchor id='Pg247'/> + +<p> +<q>Where did you learn how to do that?</q> he said to Will +at last. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I heard of it at the siege of St. Pierre, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, you profited by your lesson. It is a pleasure to +see a young fellow use his wits in that way. But for your +sharpness I question whether we should ever have got the +guns up there. I was looking at it myself yesterday, and I +doubted then whether it was at all practicable. You have +settled the question for me, and I’ll not forget you. What is +your name, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Gilmore of the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Nelson made a note of it and walked away. +</p> + +<p> +The work took two days of tremendous labour, the seamen +being relieved three times a day. Will was constantly on +the spot directing and superintending the operations, and +had the satisfaction at last of seeing six guns placed on the +summit of the rock. +</p> + +<p> +Next morning the besieged were astonished when the guns +opened fire upon them from the rock, for, the path being at +the back, they had not seen what was going on. As they +could obtain no shelter from this attack, and there was no +possibility of silencing the guns, they hastily abandoned the +post and retreated on San Fiorenzo. The battery on the rock, +however, also commanded the town, which, accordingly, had +to be abandoned on the following day, the garrison retiring +to the adjoining ridge of ground and to Bastia, which was +considered the strongest place in the island. +</p> + +<p> +The capture of San Fiorenzo was the more valuable, inasmuch +as in the harbour were two frigates, the <name type="ship">Minerve</name> and <name type="ship">La +Fortunée</name>, both of which became our prizes. The <name type="ship">Minerve</name>, +thirty-<pb n='248'/><anchor id='Pg248'/>eight guns, was sunk by the French, but was weighed by our +men and taken into the service, when she was renamed the +<name type="ship">San Fiorenzo</name>. +</p> + +<p> +Nelson was immensely pleased with the manner in which +the operation of getting the guns up the rock had been performed, +and requested the captain of the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> that Will +should be permanently stationed on shore to act as his own +aide-de-camp, a request which was, of course, complied with. +</p> + +<p> +In the meantime Nelson had reconnoitred Bastia and the +neighbouring coast, and recommended that troops and cannon +be disembarked, for he was convinced that a land force of +about a thousand, in co-operation with a few ships, would be +sufficient to reduce the place. Unfortunately the general +commanding the troops was one of the most irresolute of +men, and when, after a few days, he resigned the command, +in consequence of his differences with Lord Hood, his successor, +General D’Aubant, was still more incapable. He pronounced +at once that, though the force at his command was almost +double that which Nelson asked for, it was insufficient for the +work required of it. Nelson, burning with indignation, decided +that the attempt to take Bastia must be made, and that +if the army would not do it the navy must. +</p> + +<p> +Lord Hood agreed with him, but even when it was decided +to undertake the siege, D’Aubant insisted on their doing without +a single soldier or a single cannon, and, retiring to San +Fiorenzo, kept his men inactive while the sailors were performing +the work. On the 17th of February, 1794, the fortified +town of Mareno, a little to the north of Bastia, was captured, +and four days later a reconnaissance was made. Nelson’s ship, +the <name type="ship">Agamemnon</name>, was supported by the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> and the frigate +<pb n='249'/><anchor id='Pg249'/><name type="ship">Romulus</name>. As they passed slowly in front of the town thirty +guns opened upon them with shot and shell. Nelson lowered +his sails, and for an hour and three-quarters peppered the forts +so warmly that at last the French garrison deserted their +guns. One battery, containing six guns, was totally destroyed. +The citizens of Bastia were eager to surrender, but the +governor declared that he would blow up the city if such a +step were taken. Two days later Nelson was preparing to +repeat the blow, but a sudden calm set in, and he could not +get near the town. In a short time the opportunity for carrying +the place by assault passed away, as the French officers +were indefatigable in strengthening their fortifications, and +soon rendered the town practically impregnable. +</p> + +<p> +Nelson, however, maintained the blockade in spite of heavy +weather, and in the middle of March provisions were so short +in the place that a pound of bread was selling for half a crown. +Nelson himself was almost as much straitened for provisions, +but the admiral contrived to send him a supply. +</p> + +<p> +Nelson pitched a tent on shore and personally superintended +all the operations. A considerable body of seamen +were landed, and worked like horses, dragging guns up heights +that appeared inaccessible, making roads, and cutting down +trees with which to build abattis. +</p> + +</div><div n="13"> +<pb n='250'/><anchor id='Pg250'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XIII</head> + +<head type="sub">WITH NELSON</head> + +<p> +One day during the siege Nelson said to Will: <q>I’ll be glad, +Mr. Gilmore, if you will accompany me on an excursion +along the shore. I have my eye on a spot from which, if we +could get guns up to it, we should be able to command the +town. From what I have seen of you I believe you know +more about mounting guns than anyone here, so I’ll be glad +to have your opinion of the position.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will of course expressed his willingness to go, and they at +once started in the gig. They rowed on for some time, keeping +a sharp look-out for suitable landing-places. At last +Nelson bade the men lie on their oars, and pointed to the +ridge of which he had spoken. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, what do you say?</q> he asked, after Will had made +a careful examination of it from the boat. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am afraid it would not be possible, sir, to carry out your +plan. The labour of getting the guns up from the shore +would be enormous, and considering the rugged state of the +country I question if they could be taken across to the ridge +when they were up.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No; I agree with you. I did not examine it so closely before; +and at any rate, underhanded as we are, we could not spare +enough men for the business. We may as well, however, row +a bit along the shore. I am convinced that if we could land +three or four hundred men within five or six miles of the town, +and attack it simultaneously on both sides, we should carry it +<pb n='251'/><anchor id='Pg251'/>without much trouble. The French have been fighting well, +but they must have been losing heart for some time. A Frenchman +hates to be cornered, and as they see our batteries rising +they cannot but feel that sooner or later they must give in. +I fancy by this time they are asking each other what use it is +to keep on being killed when they must surrender in the end.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They had rowed on for a couple of hours without fixing on +a suitable place, when Nelson exclaimed: <q>We are going to be +caught in a fog. That is distinctly unpleasant. Have we a +compass in the boat?</q> he said, turning to the <anchor id="corr251"/><corr sic="coxwain">coxswain</corr>. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir. I thought you were only going to row out to the +ship, and did not think of bringing one with me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Never forget a compass, my man,</q> Nelson said, <q>for +though the sky may be blue when you start, a sudden storm +may overtake you and blow you far from your ship. However, +it can’t be helped now.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In less than ten minutes the boat was enveloped in a dense +fog. The position was decidedly awkward. Had there been +any wind they could have steered by the sound of the surf +breaking at the foot of the cliffs, but the sea was absolutely +calm, and they could hear nothing. They rowed on for some +time, and then Nelson said: <q>Lay in your oars, men, we may +be pulling in the wrong direction for all we know. We’ll +have to remain here till this fog lifts, even if it takes a week +to clear. This is a northerly fog,</q> he said to Will. <q>Cold +wind comes down from the Alps and condenses when it reaches +the sea. These fogs are not very common, but they sometimes +last for a considerable time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The afternoon passed, and presently night fell. There was +no food of any kind in the boat. The men chewed their quids, +<pb n='252'/><anchor id='Pg252'/>but the two officers could not indulge in that relief. At night +Nelson and Will wrapped themselves in their boat-cloaks and +made themselves as comfortable as they could, getting uneasy +snatches of sleep. Morning broke and there was no change; +a white wall of fog rose all round the boat. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is awkward,</q> Nelson said. <q>I wish one of the +batteries would fire a few guns; that might give us some +indication as to our position, though I am by no means sure +that in this thick atmosphere the sound would reach so far. +I think we were about eleven miles away when the fog caught +us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In the afternoon a breeze sprang up. +</p> + +<p> +<q>God grant that it may continue!</q> Nelson said. <q>Slight +as it is, two or three hours of it might raise <anchor id="corr252"/><corr sic="as well">a swell</corr>, and we +might then hear the wash of the waves on the rocks.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Hour after hour passed, but at last the coxswain said: <q>I +think I hear a faint sound over on the right.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have thought so some little time,</q> Will said, <q>but I +would not speak until I was sure.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Out oars,</q> Nelson ordered, <q>and row in that direction.</q> +The sound became more and more distinct as they proceeded, +and soon they were satisfied that they were heading for the +land. In a quarter of an hour the boat ran up on a sandy +beach. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have not seen this spot before, it must therefore be farther +away from the town than the point we had reached, and as +we have been nearly twenty-four hours in the fog the current +may have taken us a good many miles. However, we will +land. I am parched with thirst, and you must be the same, +lads. Leave two men in the boat; the rest of us will go in +<pb n='253'/><anchor id='Pg253'/>search of water and bring some down to those left behind +when we find it. I think we had better scatter and look for +some way up the cliff. If we can find a path we must follow +it until we come to some house or other. Where there is a +house there must be water. Mr. Gilmore and I will go to +the right. If any of you find water, shout; we will do the +same. But whether you find water or not, come down to the +boat in three hours’ time. Thirsty or not thirsty we must row +back to the town this evening. Now, Mr. Gilmore, we will +walk along the beach until we come to a path, or at any rate +some place where we can climb. I hope, as we get higher, +the fog will become less dense.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For an hour they groped their way along the foot of the +cliff, and then, finding a place where it seemed not so steep as +elsewhere, began to climb. When they had reached a height +of some three or four hundred feet they emerged from the fog +into bright sunshine. Below them stretched a white misty +lake. On all sides rose hill above hill, for the most part +covered to the top by foliage. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I see some smoke rising from among the trees over there +to the right, sir, a mile or a mile and a half away.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will take your word for it, Mr. Gilmore. As you know, +my sight is not at all in good condition. Let us be off at +once, for the very thought of water makes me thirstier than +ever.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Half an hour’s walking brought them to the hut of a peasant. +The owner came to the door as they approached. He was a +rough-looking man in a long jacket made of goat-skin, coarse +trousers reaching down to the knee, and his legs bound with +long strips of wadding. <q>Who are you,</q> he asked in his own +<pb n='254'/><anchor id='Pg254'/>language, <q>and how come you here?</q> As neither of the +officers understood one word of the patois of the country they +could only make signs that they wanted something to eat and +drink. The peasant understood, and beckoned to them to +come into the hut. As they entered he gave some instructions +to a boy, who went out and presently returned with a jug of +water. While the officers were quenching their thirst the boy +went out again, and the man brought from a cupboard some +black bread and goats’-milk cheese, which he set before them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t altogether like that man’s movements, sir. He +crawls about as if he were trying to put away as much time +as possible. The boy, too, has disappeared.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Perhaps he has gone to get some more water,</q> Nelson +suggested. +</p> + +<p> +<q>He could have gone a dozen times by now, sir. It is +possible that he takes us for French officers. A peasant living +in such a spot as this, sixteen or twenty miles from a town, +might not even know that there are English troops in the +country.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Having satisfied their hunger and thirst, they tried to make +the man understand that they were willing to buy all the +bread and cheese he had, together with a large jar for carrying +water. +</p> + +<p> +The man showed a prodigious amount of stupidity, and +although his eyes glistened when Nelson produced gold, he +still seemed unable to understand that, having had as much +as they could eat, they wanted to buy more. At last Nelson, +in a passion, said: <q>Look here, my man, there is a sovereign, +which is worth at least twenty times your miserable store of +bread and cheese. If you don’t choose to accept the money +<pb n='255'/><anchor id='Pg255'/>you needn’t, but we will take the food whether or no,</q> and +he pointed to his store. As he spoke there was a sound of +footsteps outside, and a moment later the door was darkened +by the entry of a dozen wild figures, who flung themselves +upon the two officers before they had time to make any effort +to defend themselves. +</p> + +<p> +In vain Nelson attempted in French and Italian to make +himself understood. The men would not listen, but poured +out objurgations upon them whenever they attempted to speak. +The word Français frequently occurred in their speeches, +mixed up with what were evidently expressions of hatred. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is awkward, Mr. Gilmore,</q> Nelson said quietly as +they lay bound together in a corner of the hut. <q>A more +unpleasant situation I was never in.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was in one as bad once before. I was captured by a band +of negroes in Cuba, and they were preparing to burn me alive +when I managed to escape.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should not be at all surprised if that is what these gentlemen +are preparing to do now, Gilmore. I am sorry I have +brought you into this.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It cannot be helped, sir,</q> Will said cheerfully; <q>and if +they do kill us, my loss to the nation will be as nothing compared +with yours. There is no doubt they take us for French +officers who have lost their way in the mountains, and they +are preparing to punish us for the misdeeds of our supposed +countrymen. There are only two things that could help us +out of this plight so far as I can see. One is the arrival of a +priest; I suppose they have priests hereabouts with a knowledge +of French or Italian. The other is the appearance on the +scene of our boat’s crew.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='256'/><anchor id='Pg256'/> + +<p> +<q>Both are very unlikely, I am afraid. The crew, you know, +all went the other way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir; but it is just possible that they may have seen +the smoke of this hut also, and be making their way here. +Though I looked carefully on all sides I could see no other +signs of life.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is possible,</q> Nelson said; <q>but for my part I think the +priest the more likely solution, if there is to be a solution. +Well, it is a comfort to know that we have eaten a hearty +meal and shall not die hungry or thirsty. It was foolish of +us to come up here alone, knowing what wild savages these +people in the mountains are. It would have been better to +have gone on suffering ten or twelve hours longer, and to have +made our way to the fleet by following close in by the foot of +the rocks.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t think we could have done it in that time, sir. We +should have had to keep within an oar’s-length of the rocks, +and so must have progressed very slowly. Besides, we might +have staved in the boat at any moment.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so. Still, we were only drifting for about twenty-four +hours, and we shouldn’t have taken so long to go back. +Even twenty-four hours of hunger and thirst would have been +better than this. It is useless, however, to think of that now.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In the meantime the men were engaged in a noisy talk, each +one apparently urging his own view. At last they seemed to +come to an agreement, and four of them, going to the corner, +dragged the two officers to their feet, and hauled them out of +the cottage. Then they bound them to trees seven or eight +feet apart, and piled faggots round them. When this was +done they amused themselves by dancing wildly round their +<pb n='257'/><anchor id='Pg257'/>prisoners, taunting them and heaping execrations upon +them. +</p> + +<p> +<q>The sooner this comes to an end the better,</q> Nelson said +quietly. <q>Well, Mr. Gilmore, we have both the satisfaction +of knowing that we have done our duty to our country. After +all, it makes no great difference to a man whether he dies in +battle or is burnt, except that the burning method lasts a little +longer. But it won’t last long in our case, I fancy. Do you +notice that these faggots are all lately cut? We’ll probably be +suffocated before the flames touch us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I see that, sir, and am very grateful for it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The dance was finished, and two men brought brands from +the cottage. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Listen, Mr. Gilmore,</q> said Nelson at this moment. <q>I +think I can hear footsteps; I am sure I heard a branch crack.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Brands were applied to the faggots, but these were so +green that at first they would not catch. At this, several of +the peasants rushed into the cottage, and were returning +with larger brands, when some figures suddenly appeared at +the edge of the little clearing in the direction from which +Nelson had heard sounds. They stood silent for a minute, +looking at the scene, and then with a loud shout they rushed +forward with drawn cutlasses and attacked the natives. Four +or five of the peasants were cut down, and the remainder fled +in terror. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God, your honour, we have arrived in time!</q> the +coxswain said as he cut Nelson’s bonds, while another sailor +liberated Will. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God indeed! Now, my lads, we have not a moment +to lose. Those fellows are sure to gather a number of their +<pb n='258'/><anchor id='Pg258'/>comrades at the nearest village, and I have no wish to see any +more of them. Go into that hut; you will find enough bread +and cheese there to give you each a meal, and there is a spring +of water close by.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The sailors scattered at once, and were not long in discovering +the spring. There they knelt down and drank long and +deeply. Then they went into the cottage and devoured the +bread and cheese, which, although far from being sufficient to +satisfy them, at least appeased their hunger for a time. After +they had finished they all went back to the spring for another +drink. Then, taking some bread and cheese and a large jug +of water for the boat keepers, they followed Nelson and Will +from the place which had so nearly proved fatal to their officers. +They went down the hill at a brisk pace until they reached +the top of the fog. After this they proceeded more cautiously. +They had no longer any fear of pursuit, for, once in the fog, +it would require an army to find them. At last they reached +the strand and found the boat. When the two men who had +been left in charge had finished their share of the food and +water, Nelson said: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, my lads, we must row on. If we keep close to the +foot of the rocks, that is, within fifty yards of them, the noise +of the waves breaking will be a sufficient guide to prevent our +getting too far out to sea.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>May I be so bold as to ask how far we’ll have to row?</q> the +coxswain said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is more than I can tell you. It may be a little over +eleven miles, it may be twice or even three times that distance. +Now, however, that you have had something to eat and drink +you can certainly row on until we reach the ships.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='259'/><anchor id='Pg259'/> + +<p> +<q>That we can, sir. We feel like new men again, though +we did feel mighty bad before.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So did we, lads. Now it is of no use your trying to row +racing pace; take a long, quiet stroke, and every hour or two +rest for a few minutes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It will be dark before very long,</q> Nelson remarked quietly +to Will when the men began to row; <q>but fortunately that +will make no difference to us, as we are guided not by our +eyes but by our ears. There is more wind than there was, +and on a still night like this we can hear the waves against +the rocks half a mile out, so there is no fear of our losing our +way, and it will be hard indeed if we don’t reach the ships +before daylight. The boat is travelling about four knots an +hour. If the current has not carried us a good deal farther +than we imagine, five or six hours ought to take us there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The hours passed slowly. Sometimes the men had to row +some distance seaward to avoid projecting headlands. At last, +however, about twelve o’clock, Will exclaimed: +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hear a ripple, sir, like the water against the bow of a +ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Easy all!</q> Nelson said at once. +</p> + +<p> +The order was obeyed, and all listened intently. Presently +there was a general exclamation as the sound of footsteps was +heard ahead. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a marine pacing up and down on sentry. Give +way, lads.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In a few minutes a black mass rose up close in front of +them. The coxswain put the helm down, and the boat glided +along the side of the ship. As she did so there came the +sharp challenge of a sentry: +</p> + +<pb n='260'/><anchor id='Pg260'/> + +<p> +<q>Who goes there? Answer, or I fire.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is all right, my man; it is Captain Nelson.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Wait till I call the watch, Captain Nelson,</q> the sentry +replied in the monotonous voice of his kind. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, sentry, you are quite right to do your duty.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In half a minute an officer’s voice was heard above, and a +lantern was shown over the side. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Is it you, sir?</q> he asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes; what ship is this?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The <name type="ship">Romulus</name>.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Can you lend me a compass?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, I will fetch one in a moment.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you!</q> Nelson said when the officer returned with +the instrument. <q>I have lost my bearings in the fog, and I +want to get to my tent on shore. I know its exact bearings, +however, from this ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Twenty minutes’ row brought them to the landing-place. +Nelson’s first thought was for the crew, and, going to the +storehouse close at hand, he knocked some of the people up, +and saw that they were supplied with plenty of food and +drink. Then he went into his tent. Here the table was +spread, with various kinds of food standing on it. His servant +being called up, a kettle was boiled, and he and Will sat down +to a hearty meal. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you know what has been said about us in our absence, +Chamfrey?</q> Nelson asked his servant. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir; everything has been upset by this fog. They sent +down from the batteries to enquire where you and Mr. Gilmore +were, and we could only say that we supposed you were on +board the ship. They sent from the ships to ask, and we +<pb n='261'/><anchor id='Pg261'/>could only say that we didn’t know, but supposed that you +were somewhere up in the batteries. Some thought, when +you did not return this afternoon, that you had lost your +way in the fog; but no one seemed to think that anything +serious could have happened to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Nelson got up and went to where the boat’s crew were +sitting after having finished their meal. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Coxswain, here are two guineas for yourself and a guinea +for each of the men. Now I want every man of you to keep +his mouth tightly shut about what has happened. I promise +you that if any man blabs he will be turned out of my gig. +You understand?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir,</q> they replied together. <q>You can trust us to +keep our mouths shut. We will never say a word about it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a good thing,</q> Nelson remarked when he returned +to Will. <q>If what has happened came to be known, I should +get abused by Lord Hood for having gone so far away and +run so great a risk. Of course, as you and I are aware, there +would have been no risk at all if that fog had not set in and +we had not forgotten to bring a compass. But, you know, +a naval man is supposed to foresee everything, and I should +have been blamed just as much as if I had rowed into the fog +on purpose. I should have had all the captains in the fleet +remonstrating with me, and they would be saying: <q>I knew, +Nelson, the way you are always running about, that you would +get into some scrape or other one of these days.</q> A report, +indeed, might be sent to England, enormously magnified, of +course, with the headings: <q>Captain Nelson lost in a fog!</q> +<q>Captain Nelson roasted alive by Corsican brigands!</q> I +would not have the news get about for five hundred guineas. +<pb n='262'/><anchor id='Pg262'/>I don’t suppose my absence was noticed the first day. It was +known, of course, that I went off in my gig; but as I sometimes +sleep here and sometimes on board my ship, the fact +that I was not in either place would not cause surprise. As +for to-day, if any questions are asked, I’ll simply say that +I lost my way in the fog and did not return here until late +at night, a tale which will have the advantage of being true.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You may be sure, sir, that no word shall pass my lips on +the matter.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am quite sure of that, Mr. Gilmore. I shall never +forget this danger we have shared together, nor how well you +bore the terrible trial. I shall always regard you as one of +my closest comrades and friends, and when the time comes will +do my best to further your interests. I have not much power +at present, as one of Lord Hood’s captains, but the time may +come when I shall be able to do something for you, and I can +assure you that when that opportunity arrives I shall need no +reminder of my promise.</q> +</p> + +<p> +By the 11th of April, 1794, the three batteries were completed, +and they at once opened fire on the town. The garrison +vigorously replied with hot shot, which set fire to a ship that +had been converted into a battery. Still D’Aubant remained +inactive. The sailors, fired with indignation, worked even +harder than before. Nelson now felt confident of success. +He predicted that the place would fall between the 11th and +17th of May, and his prediction was fulfilled almost to the +letter, for at four o’clock on the afternoon of the 11th a boat +came out from the town to the <name type="ship">Victory</name> offering to surrender. +That afternoon, General D’Aubant, having received some reinforcements +from Gibraltar, arrived from San Fiorenzo only to +<pb n='263'/><anchor id='Pg263'/>find that the work he had pronounced impracticable had been +done without his assistance. +</p> + +<p> +Will had spent the whole of his time during the siege on +shore. He had laboured incessantly in getting the guns up +to their positions, and had been placed in command of one of +the batteries. Nelson specially recommended him for his services, +and Lord Hood mentioned him in his despatches to the +Admiralty at home. +</p> + +<p> +No sooner had Bastia fallen than the admiral determined +to besiege Calvi, the one French stronghold left in the island. +The news came, however, that a part of the French fleet had +broken out of Toulon, and Lord Hood at once started in pursuit, +leaving Nelson to conduct the operations. +</p> + +<p> +Taking the troops, which were now commanded by General +Stuart, a man of very different stamp from D’Aubant, Nelson +landed them on the 19th June without opposition at a narrow +inlet three miles and a half from the town. A body of seamen +were also landed under Will. These instantly began, as at +Bastia, to get the guns up the hills to form a battery. +</p> + +<p> +The enemy were strongly protected with four outlying forts. +There were also in the harbour two French frigates, the <name type="ship">Melpomene</name> +and the <name type="ship">Mignonne</name>. The proceedings resembled those at +Bastia. The work accomplished was tremendous, and batteries +sprang up as if by magic. +</p> + +<p> +At the end of June Lord Hood returned from watching the +French, and the work proceeded even more vigorously than +before. As at Bastia, Nelson animated his men by his +energy and example. He himself was wounded by some +stones which were driven up by a shot striking the ground +close to him, and lost the sight of his right eye for ever. +<pb n='264'/><anchor id='Pg264'/>But although his suffering was very severe he would not +interrupt his labours for a single day. Presently the batteries +opened fire, and one by one the outlying forts were stormed, +and the town itself attacked. At last, on the 1st of August, +the enemy proposed a capitulation. This was granted to them +on the terms that if the Toulon fleet did not arrive in seven +days they would lay down their arms, and surrender the two +frigates. The Toulon fleet was, however, in no position to risk +a battle with Lord Hood’s powerful squadron, and accordingly +on the 10th the garrison surrendered and marched out of the +great gate of the town with the honours of war. Nelson +was exultant at the thought that the capture of this town, as +well as Bastia, was the achievement of his sailors, that the +batteries had been constructed by them, the guns dragged up +by them, and with the exception only of a single artillery-man +all the guns also fought by them. +</p> + +<p> +Will gained very great credit by his work. He had a +natural gift for handling heavy weights, and he had thoroughly +learnt the lesson that the power and endurance of English +sailors could surmount obstacles that appeared insuperable. +</p> +</div><div n="14"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XIV</head> + +<head type="sub">THE GLORIOUS FIRST OF JUNE</head> + +<p> +It was while besieging Calvi that the news came of the great +sea-battle fought in the Channel by Lord Howe, and very +much interested were the sailors on shore in Corsica at hearing +the details of the victory. A vast fleet had assembled at +Spit<pb n='265'/><anchor id='Pg265'/>head under the command of the veteran Lord Howe. It had +two objects in view besides the primary one of engaging the +enemy. First, the convoying of the East and West India and +Newfoundland merchant fleets clear of the Channel; and next, +of intercepting a French convoy returning from America laden +with the produce of the West India Islands. It consisted of +thirty-four line-of-battle ships and fifteen frigates, while the +convoy numbered ninety-nine merchantmen. +</p> + +<p> +On 2nd May, 1794, the fleet sailed from Spithead, and +on the 5th they arrived off the Lizard. Here Lord Howe +ordered the convoys to part company with the fleet, and +detached Rear-admiral Montagu with six seventy-fours and +two frigates with orders to see the merchantmen to the latitude +of Cape Finisterre, where their protection was to be +confided to Captain Rainier with two battle-ships and four +frigates. +</p> + +<p> +Lord Howe now proceeded to Ushant, where he discovered, +by means of his frigates, that the enemy’s fleet were quietly +anchored in the harbour of Brest. +</p> + +<p> +He therefore proceeded in search of the American convoy. +After cruising in various directions for nearly a fortnight he +returned to Ushant on the 18th May, only to find that Brest +harbour was empty. News was obtained from an American +vessel that the French fleet had sailed from that harbour a +few days before. It afterwards turned out that the two fleets +had passed quite close to each other unseen, owing to a dense +fog that prevailed at the time. They were exactly the same +strength in numbers, but the French carried much heavier +guns, and their crews exceeded ours by three thousand men. +</p> + +<p> +For more than a week the two fleets cruised about in the +<pb n='266'/><anchor id='Pg266'/>Bay of Biscay, each taking many prizes, but without meeting. +At last, early on the morning of the 28th of May, they came +in sight of each other. The French were to windward, and, +having a strong south west wind with them, they came down +rapidly towards us, as if anxious to fight. Presently they +shortened sail and formed line of battle. Howe signalled to +prepare for battle, and having come on to the same tack as +the French, stood towards them, having them on his weather +quarter. Soon, however, the French tacked and seemed to +retreat. A general chase was ordered, and the English ships +went off in pursuit under full sail. Between two and three +o’clock the <name type="ship">Russell</name>, which was the fastest of the seventy-fours, +began to exchange shots with the French, and towards evening +another seventy-four, the <name type="ship">Bellerophon</name>, began a close action +with the <name type="ship">Révolutionnaire</name>, one hundred and ten guns. The +<name type="ship">Bellerophon</name> soon lost her main top-mast, and dropped back; +but the fight with the great ship was taken up, first by the +<name type="ship">Leviathan</name> and afterwards by the <name type="ship">Audacious</name>, both seventy-fours, +which, supported by two others, fought her for three hours. +By that time the <name type="ship">Révolutionnaire</name> had a mast carried away and +great damage done to her yards, and had lost four hundred +men. When darkness fell she was a complete wreck, and it was +confidently expected that in the morning she would fall into +our hands. At break of day, however, the French admiral +sent down a ship which took her in tow, for her other mast +had fallen during the night, and succeeded in taking her in +safety to Rochefort. The <name type="ship">Audacious</name> had suffered so severely +in the unequal fight that she was obliged to return to Plymouth +to repair damages. +</p> + +<p> +During the night the hostile fleets steered under press of +<pb n='267'/><anchor id='Pg267'/>canvas on a parallel course, and when daylight broke were still +as near together as on the previous day, but the firing was of +a desultory character, Lord Howe’s efforts to bring on a general +engagement being thwarted by some of the ships misunderstanding +his signals. The next day was one of intense fog, +but on the 31st the weather cleared, and the fleets towards +evening were less than five miles apart. A general action +might have been brought on, but Lord Howe preferred to +wait till daylight, when signals could more easily be made out. +Our admiral was surprised that none of the French ships +showed any damage from the action of the 29th. It was +afterwards found that they had since been joined by four +fresh ships, and that the vessels that had suffered most had +been sent into Brest. +</p> + +<p> +During the 31st various manœuvres had been performed, +which ended by giving us the weather-gage; and the next +morning, the 1st of June, Lord Howe signalled that he intended +to attack the enemy, and that each ship was to steer +for the one opposed to her in the line. The ships were +arranged so that each vessel should be opposite one of equal +size. The <name type="ship">Defence</name> led the attack, and came under a heavy +fire. The admiral’s ship, the <name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name>, pressed forward, +replying with her quarter-deck guns only to the fire of some +of the French ships which assailed her as she advanced, keeping +the fire of her main-deck guns for the French admiral, +whom he intended to attack. So close and compact, however, +were the French lines that it was no easy matter to pass +through. As the <name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name> came under the stern of the +<name type="ship">Montagne</name> she poured in a tremendous fire from her starboard +guns at such close quarters that the rigging of the two vessels +<pb n='268'/><anchor id='Pg268'/>were touching. The <name type="ship">Jacobin</name>, the next ship to the <name type="ship">Montagne</name>, +shifted her position and took up that which the <name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name> +had intended to occupy. Lord Howe then engaged the two +vessels, and his fire was so quick that ere long both had to +fall out of the fight. A furious combat followed between the +<name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name> and the <name type="ship">Juste</name>, in which the latter was totally +dismasted. The former lost her main-topmast, and as she had +previously lost her fore-topmast she became totally unmanageable. +</p> + +<p> +Thus almost single-handed, save for the distant fire of the +<name type="ship">Invincible</name>, Lord Howe fought these three powerful ships. At +this time a fourth adversary appeared in the <name type="ship">Républicain</name>, one +hundred and ten guns, carrying the flag of Rear-admiral +Bouvet. Just as they were going to engage, however, the +<name type="ship">Gibraltar</name> poured in a broadside, bringing down the main and +mizzen-masts of the Frenchman, who bore up and passed +under the stern of the <name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name>, but so great was the +confusion on board her that she neglected to rake the flagship. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Montagne</name>, followed by the <name type="ship">Jacobin</name>, now crowded on all +sail; and Lord Howe, thinking they intended to escape, gave +the order for a general chase, but they were joined by nine +other ships, and wore round and sailed towards the <name type="ship">Queen</name>. +This craft was almost defenceless, owing to the loss of her +mainmast and mizzen-topmast. +</p> + +<p> +Seeing her danger, Lord Howe signalled to his ships to +close round her, and he himself wore round and stood to her +assistance. +</p> + +<p> +He was followed by five other battle-ships, and Admiral +Villaret-Joyeuse gave up the attempt and sailed to help his +own crippled ships, and, taking five of them in tow, made off. +</p> + +<pb n='269'/><anchor id='Pg269'/> + +<p> +Six French battle-ships were captured, and the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name>, +which had been engaged in a desperate fight with the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name>, +went down ten minutes after she surrendered. +</p> + +<p> +The British loss in the battle of the 1st of June, and in +the preliminary skirmishes of the 28th and 29th of May, was +eleven hundred and forty-eight, of whom two hundred and +ninety were killed and eight hundred and fifty-eight wounded. +</p> + +<p> +The French placed their loss in killed and mortally wounded +at three thousand, so that their total loss could not have been +much under seven thousand. +</p> + +<p> +Decisive as the victory was, it was the general opinion in +the fleet that more ought to have been done; that the five +disabled ships should have been taken, and a hot chase instituted +after the flying enemy. Indeed, the only explanation of +this inactivity was that the admiral, who was now an old man, +was so enfeebled and exhausted by the strain through which +he had gone as to be incapable of coming to any decision or +of giving any order. +</p> + +<p> +One of the most desperate combats in this battle was that +which took place between the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name>, seventy-four guns, +under Captain John Harvey, and the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name>, also a seventy-four. +The <name type="ship">Brunswick</name> had not been engaged in the battles of +the 28th and 29th of May, but she played a brilliant part on +the 1st of June. She was exposed to a heavy fire as the fleet +bore down to attack, and she suffered some losses before she +had fired a shot. She steered for the interval between the +<name type="ship">Achille</name> and <name type="ship">Vengeur</name>. The former vessel at once took up a +position closing the gap, and Captain Harvey then ran foul +of the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name>, her anchors hooking in the port fore channels +of the Frenchman. +</p> + +<pb n='270'/><anchor id='Pg270'/> + +<p> +The two ships now swung close alongside of each other, and, +paying off before the wind, they ran out of the line, pouring +their broadsides into each other furiously. +</p> + +<p> +The upper-deck guns of the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name> got the better of those +of the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name>, killing several officers and men, and wounding +Captain Harvey so severely as to compel him to go +below. +</p> + +<p> +At this moment the <name type="ship">Achille</name> bore down on the <name type="ship">Brunswick’s</name> +quarter, but was received by a tremendous broadside, which +brought down her remaining mast, a foremast. The wreck +prevented the <name type="ship">Achille</name> from firing, and she surrendered; but +as the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name> was too busy to attend to her, she hoisted a +sprit-sail—a sail put up under the bowsprit—and endeavoured +to make off. +</p> + +<p> +Meantime the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name> and <name type="ship">Vengeur</name>, fast locked, continued +their desperate duel. The upper-deck guns of the former +were almost silenced, but on the lower decks the advantage +was the other way. Alternately depressing and elevating +their guns to their utmost extent, the British sailors either +fired through their enemy’s bottom or ripped up her decks. +</p> + +<p> +Captain Harvey, who had returned to the deck, was again +knocked down by a splinter, but continued to direct operations +till he was struck in the right arm and so severely +injured as to force him to give up the command, which now +devolved on Lieutenant Cracroft, who, however, continued to +fight the ship as his captain had done. +</p> + +<p> +After being for some three hours entangled, the two ships +separated, the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name> tearing away the <name type="ship">Brunswick’s</name> anchor. As +they drifted apart, some well-aimed shots from the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name> +smashed her enemy’s rudder-post and knocked a large hole +<pb n='271'/><anchor id='Pg271'/>in the counter. At this moment the <name type="ship">Ramillies</name>, sailing up, +opened fire at forty yards’ distance at this particular hole. In +a few minutes she reduced the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name> to a sinking condition, +and then proceeded to chase the <name type="ship">Achille</name>. The <name type="ship">Vengeur</name> now +surrendered. The <name type="ship">Brunswick</name>, however, could render no assistance, +all her boats being damaged, but, hoisting what sail she +could, headed northward with the intention of making for port. +During the fight the <name type="ship">Brunswick</name> lost her mizzen, and had her +other masts badly damaged, her rigging and sails cut to pieces, +and twenty-three guns dismounted. She lost three officers +and forty-one men killed; her captain, second lieutenant, one +midshipman, and one hundred and ten men wounded. Captain +Harvey only survived his wounds a few months. +</p> + +<p> +The greater portion of the crew of the <name type="ship">Vengeur</name> were taken +off by the boats of the <name type="ship">Alfred</name>, <name type="ship">Culloden</name>, and <name type="ship">Rattler</name>, but she +sank before all could be rescued, and two hundred of her +crew, most of whom were wounded, were drowned. Among +the survivors were Captain Renaudin and his son. Each was +ignorant of the rescue of the other, and when they met by +chance at Portsmouth their joy can be better imagined than +described. +</p> +<pgIf output="txt"><then><p><milestone unit="tb" rend="stars: 5"/></p></then><else><p><milestone unit="tb"/></p></else></pgIf> +<p> +The <name type="ship">Tartar</name> returned to the blockade of Toulon after the +work in Corsica was done. When she had been there some +time she was ordered to cruise on the coast, where there were +several forts under which French coasting-vessels ran for shelter +when they saw an English sail approaching, and she was, if +possible, to destroy them. There was one especially, on one of +the Isles d’Hyères, which the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> was particularly ordered +to silence, as more than any other it was the resort of coasters. +<pb n='272'/><anchor id='Pg272'/>The <name type="ship">Tartar</name> sailed in near enough to it to exchange shots, +and so got some idea of the work they had to undertake; +then, having learned all she could, she stood out to sea again. +All preparations were made during the day for a landing; +arms were distributed, and the men told off to the boats. +After nightfall she again sailed in, and arrived off the forts +about midnight. The boats had already been lowered, and +the men took their places in them while the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> was still +moving through the water, and, dividing into three parties, +made respectively for the three principal batteries. +</p> + +<p> +Dimchurch was not in the boat in which Will had a place, +as he rowed stroke of the first gig and Will was in the launch. +Tom was also in another boat, but was in the same division. +No lights were to be seen, and absolute silence reigned. +Noiselessly the men landed and formed up on the beach. +To reach the batteries they had to climb the cliff by a zigzag +pathway, up which they were obliged to go in single file. +They arrived at the summit without apparently creating +a suspicion of their presence, and then advanced at a run. +Suddenly three blue lights gleamed out, illuminating the whole +of the ground they had to traverse, and at the same moment +a tremendous volley was fired from the battery. Simultaneously +fire opened from the other batteries, showing that the +boats’ crews had all arrived just at the same instant, and +that while the French were supposed to be asleep they were +awake and vigilant. Indeed, from the heaviness of the fire +there was little question that the force on the island had +been heavily reinforced from the mainland. +</p> + +<p> +Numbers of the men fell, but nevertheless the sailors rushed +forward fearlessly and reached the foot of the fort. This was +<pb n='273'/><anchor id='Pg273'/>too high to be climbed, so, separating, they ran round to endeavour +to effect an entrance elsewhere. Suddenly they were +met by a considerable body of troops. The first lieutenant, +who commanded the division, whistled the order for the sailors +to fall back. This was done at first slowly and in some sort +of order, but the fire kept up on them was so hot that they +were compelled to increase their pace to a run. A stand was +made at the top of the pass, as here the men were only able +to retreat in single file. At length the survivors all reached +the beach and took to the boats again under a heavy fire +from the top of the cliffs, which, however, was to some extent +kept down by the guns of the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>. The other divisions +had suffered almost as severely, and the affair altogether cost +the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> fifty killed and over seventy wounded. Will was +in the front rank when the French so suddenly attacked +them, and was in the rear when the retreat began. Suddenly +a shot struck him in the leg and he fell. In the confusion +this was not noticed, and he lay there for upwards of an hour, +when, the fire of the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> having ceased, the French came +out with lanterns to search for the wounded. Will was lifted +and carried to some barracks behind the fort, where his wound +was attended to. They asked whether he spoke French, and +as, though he had studied the language whenever he had had +time and opportunity and had acquired considerable knowledge +of it, he was far from being able to speak it fluently, he +replied that he did not, a French officer came to him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What is your name, monsieur?</q> he asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>William Gilmore.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What is your rank?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Midshipman.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='274'/><anchor id='Pg274'/> + +<p> +<q>Age?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Nearly nineteen.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Nationality, English</q> was added. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What ship was that from which you landed?</q> +</p> + +<p> +There was no reason why the question should not be +answered, and he replied: <q>The <name type="ship">Tartar</name>, thirty-four guns.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, you have made a bad evening’s business, monsieur!</q> +the officer said. <q>When the ship was seen to sail in and sail +away again, after firing a few shots, we felt sure that she +would come back to-night, and five hundred men were brought +across from the mainland to give you a hot reception. And, +parbleu, we did so.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You did indeed,</q> Will said, <q>a desperately hot reception. +I cannot tell what our loss was, but it must have been very +heavy. You took us completely by surprise, which was what +we had intended to do to you. Well, it is the fortune of war, +and I must not grumble.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will be sent to Toulon as soon as you can be moved, +monsieur.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Three other wounded officers had fallen into the hands of +the enemy, and these were placed in the same room as Will. +One was the third lieutenant, another the master’s mate, and +the third was a midshipman. They were well treated and cared +for and were very cheery together, with the exception of the +lieutenant, whose wound was a mortal one, and who died two +days after the fight. +</p> + +<p> +A month after their reception into the hospital all were able +to walk, and they were taken across in a boat to the mainland +and sent to Toulon. They were all asked if they would give +their parole, and though his two companions agreed to do so, +<pb n='275'/><anchor id='Pg275'/>Will refused. He was accordingly sent to a place of confinement, +while the other two were allowed to take quarters in +the town. +</p> + +<p> +Will was privately glad of this, for, though both were +pleasant fellows, he thought that if he were to make his +escape it must be alone, and had the others been quartered +with him he could not well have left them. His prison was a +fort on a hill which ran out into the sea, and Will could see +the sails of the blockading vessels as they cruised backwards +and forwards. He also commanded a view over the town, +with its harbour crowded with shipping, its churches, and +fortifications. He longed continually for the company of his +two faithful followers, Dimchurch and Tom. They had been +with him in all his adventures, and he felt that if they were +together again they would be able to contrive some plan of +escape. At present no scheme occurred to him. The window +of the room in which he was confined was twenty feet +from the ground, and was protected by iron bars. In front +was a wall some twelve feet high, enclosing a courtyard in +which the garrison paraded and drilled. At night sentinels +were planted at short intervals, from which Will concluded +that there must be many other prisoners besides himself in +the fort. He was attended by an old soldier, with whom he +often had long chats. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They certainly know how to make prisons,</q> he grumbled +to himself. <q>If it was not that I shall never lose hope of +something turning up, I would accept my parole.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After he had been there for three months he was one day +led out and, with three other midshipmen, taken down to a +prison in the town. He had no doubt that prisoners of more +<pb n='276'/><anchor id='Pg276'/>importance had arrived, and that he and the others had been +moved to make way for them. A month later they were +again taken out, and, having been joined by a hundred other +prisoners under a strong guard, were marched out of the town. +There were five officers among them, and the rest were seamen. +All were glad of the change, though it was not likely +to be for the better. Will was sorry, inasmuch as at Toulon +he could always hope that if he escaped from prison he would +be able to get hold of a boat and row out to the blockading +squadron. Inland he felt that escape would be vastly more +difficult. Even if he got out of prison he knew but little +French, and therefore could hardly hope to make his way across +country. They trudged along day after day, each according +to his fancy, some sullen and morose, others making the best +of matters and trying to establish some speaking acquaintance +with their guards, who evidently regarded the march as a sort +of holiday after the dull routine of life in a garrison town. +Will, who had during his imprisonment at Toulon studied to +improve his French to the best of his ability by the aid of +some books he had obtained and by chatting with his jailer, +worked his hardest to add to his knowledge of the language, +and as the French soldiers were quite glad to beguile the time +away by talking with their captives, he succeeded at the end +of the journey, which lasted nearly a month, in being able to +chat with a certain amount of fluency. Verdun was one of +the four places in which British prisoners were confined. At +that time France had fifteen thousand prisoners, England +forty thousand. By an agreement between the governments +these were held captive in certain prisons, so that they could, +when occasion offered, be exchanged; but owing to the vastly +<pb n='277'/><anchor id='Pg277'/>greater number of English prisoners the operation went on +very slowly. The health of the prison was bad, the large +number confined in the narrow space, and the lack of sanitary +arrangements, causing a vast amount of fever to prevail. +</p> + +<p> +When he got to Verdun, Will continued to devote himself +to the study of French. He knew that, should he escape, he +could have no hope of finding his way across country unless he +could speak the language fluently, and accordingly he passed +the whole day in conversation with the guards and others +employed about the prison. These were inclined to regard +his anxiety to become proficient in the language as a national +compliment. Some of the prisoners also knew French well, so +that at the end of four months he could talk with perfect +fluency. He was a good deal laughed at by the English officers +for the zeal he was displaying in studying French, for, as +they said, he might as well try to get to the moon as out +of Verdun. He accepted their chaff good-humouredly, and +simply said: <q>Time will show, but for my part I would as +soon be shot as continue to live as prisoner here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Many of the prisoners passed their time in manufacturing +little trifles. The sailors, for the most part, made models of +ships; some of them were adepts at sewing patchwork quilts, +and got their warders to purchase scraps of various materials +for the purpose. The soldiers were also, many of them, skilled +in making knick-knacks. These were sold in the town, chiefly +to country people who came in to market, and so their makers +were able to purchase tobacco and other little luxuries. A few +of the prisoners were allowed every day to go into the town, +which, being strongly walled, offered no greater facility for +escape than did the prison itself. They carried with them +<pb n='278'/><anchor id='Pg278'/>and sold their own manufactures and those of other prisoners, +and with the proceeds purchased the things they required. +</p> + +<p> +Several times Will was one of those allowed out, and he +set himself to work to make the acquaintance of some of +the townspeople. As he was one of the few who could +speak French, he had no difficulty in getting up a chatty +acquaintance with several people, among them a young girl +living in a house close to the wall. She had looked pitifully +at him the first time he had come out with a small load of +merchandise. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, my poor young fellow,</q> she said in French, <q>how +hard it is for you to be thus kept a prisoner far from all your +friends!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, mademoiselle,</q> he said, <q>but it is the fortune +of war, and English as well as French must submit to it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You speak French!</q> she said. <q>Yes, yes, monsieur, I +feel it as much as any. There is one who is very dear to me +a prisoner in England. He is a soldier.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, mademoiselle, it is a pity that they don’t exchange +us. We give a lot of trouble to your people, and the French +prisoners give a lot of trouble to ours, so it would be much +better to restore us to our friends.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah! that is what I say. How happy I should be if my +dear Lucien were restored to me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +So the acquaintance became closer and closer, and at last +Will ventured to say: <q>If I were back in England, mademoiselle, +I might perhaps get your Lucien out. You could +give me his name and the prison in which he is confined, +and it would be hard if I could not manage to aid him to +escape.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='279'/><anchor id='Pg279'/> + +<p> +<q>Ah, monsieur, that would be splendid!</q> the girl said, +clasping her hands. <q>If you could but get away!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, mademoiselle, I think I could manage to escape if I +had but a little help. For example, from the top window of +this house I think I could manage to jump upon the wall, and +if you could but furnish me with a rope I could easily make +my escape. Of course I should want a suit of peasant’s clothes, +for, you see, I should be detected at once if I tried to get +away in this uniform. I speak French fairly now, and think +I could pass as a native.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You speak it very well, monsieur, but oh, I dare not help +you to escape!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am not asking you to, mademoiselle; I am only saying +how it could be managed, and that if I could get back to +England I might aid your lover.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The girl was silent. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It could never be,</q> she murmured. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am not asking it, mademoiselle; and now I must be +going on.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next time he came she said: <q>I have been thinking +over what you said, monsieur, and I feel that it would be +cowardly indeed if I were to shrink from incurring some little +danger for the sake of Lucien. I know that he would give +his life for me. We were to have been married in a fortnight, +when they came and carried him off to the war. Now tell me +exactly what you want me to do.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I want a disguise, the dress of a travelling pedlar. I +could give you two English sovereigns, which would be ample +to get that. I want also a rope forty feet long. Then you +must let me go up through your house to the top story. I +<pb n='280'/><anchor id='Pg280'/>have been looking at it from behind, and see that from the +upper window I could climb up to the roof, and I am sure +that from there I could easily jump across the narrow lane to +the wall.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will do it, monsieur, partly for Lucien and partly because +you are kind and gentle and,</q> she added with a little +blush and laugh, <q>good-looking.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I thank you with all my heart, mademoiselle, and I swear +to you that when I get to England I will spare no pains to +find Lucien and aid him to escape.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>When will you be out again, monsieur?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This day week.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will have everything ready by that time,</q> she said. +<q>You will come as late as you can?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I will come the last thing before we all have to return +to the prison. It will be dark half an hour later.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But there are sentries on the walls,</q> she said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, but not a large number. The prison is strongly +guarded at night, but not the outer walls; I have often +watched. There is one other thing which I shall want, and +that is a sack in which to put this long box. I carry it, +as you see, full of goods, but to-day I have intentionally +abstained from selling any of them. I will leave the things +with you if you have any place in which to hide them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will put them under my bed,</q> the girl said. <q>My grand’mère +never goes into my room. Besides, she is generally +away at the time you will arrive, and if she is not she will not +hear you go upstairs, as she is very deaf. My father is one of +the warders of the prison, and only comes home once a week.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will then returned to the prison. When the appointed day +<pb n='281'/><anchor id='Pg281'/>arrived he put only a few small articles into his box. For +these he paid cash. Then he said good-bye to four or five of +the officers with whom he was most friendly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are mad to try to escape,</q> one of them said, <q>there +is no getting over the walls.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am going to try at any rate. I am utterly sick of this +life.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But you may be exchanged before long.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is most improbable,</q> he said. <q>Only a few are exchanged +at a time, and as I have not a shadow of influence my +name would not be included in the list.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But how are you going to attempt it?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now that I must keep to myself. A plan may succeed +once, but may fail if it is tried again. I really think I have +a chance of getting through, but of course I may be caught. +However, I am going to take the risk.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I wish you luck, but I can hardly even hope that +you will succeed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After going about the town as usual, without making any +serious effort to sell his goods, Will made his way, towards the +end of the day, to the house in the lane. Marie was standing +at the door. As he approached she looked anxiously up and +down the street, to be certain that there was no one there, and +then beckoned to him to enter quickly. He obeyed at once, +and she closed the door behind him. <q>Are you sure no one +saw you enter, monsieur?</q> she said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes,</q> he said, <q>I am quite certain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now,</q> said Marie, <q>you must go at once up to the attic +in case my grand’mère should come in. I have everything +ready for you there. It will be dark in half an hour. I hear +<pb n='282'/><anchor id='Pg282'/>the prison bell ringing for the return of the prisoners who are +out, but the roll-call is not made until all have returned to +their cells and are locked up for the night, which will not be +for an hour and a half, so you have plenty of time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I thank you with all my heart, mademoiselle.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He went up with her to the attic and looked out at the wall. +The lane was only some twelve feet across, and he was convinced +that he could leap it without difficulty. He emptied +his box and repacked it, selecting chiefly articles which would +take up the smallest amount of room. He made quite sure +how he could best climb from the window to the roof above +it, then he waited with what patience he could until it was +absolutely dark. When he was ready to start he fastened the +rope firmly round the box and said good-bye to Marie. +</p> + +<p> +His last words were: <q>I will do my very best for Lucien, +and when the war is over I will send you a gold watch to +wear at your wedding.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Then he got upon the window-sill, with the end of the rope +tied round his waist, and with some little difficulty climbed to +the roof of the house, and when he had got his breath began +to pull at the rope and hoisted up the box. He had, before +starting, put on the disguise Marie had bought for him, and +handed her the remains of his uniform, telling her to burn it +at once, and to hide away the buttons for the present, and +throw them away the first time she left the town. <q>There +will be a strict search,</q> he said, <q>for any signs of me, and +those buttons would certainly betray you if they were found.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When he got the box up he listened attentively for a little, +and as, to his great joy, he could not hear the footsteps of a +sentinel, he threw it on to the wall and jumped after it. He +<pb n='283'/><anchor id='Pg283'/>landed on his feet, and, picking up the box, ran along the wall +till he came to a gun. He tied the end of the rope round this +and slipped down. Then without a moment’s delay he slung +the box over his shoulder and walked away. He had two or +three outworks to pass, but luckily there were no guards, so +he made his way through them without difficulty. All night +he tramped on, and by morning was forty miles away from +Verdun. He did not want to begin to ply his assumed trade +till he was still farther away, so he lay down to sleep in a +large wood. He had saved from his rations during the week +a certain amount of bread, and he had bought a couple of +loaves while wandering with his wares through the town. He +slept for the best part of the day, and started again at night. +Beyond making sure that he was going west he paid but little +attention to the roads he followed, but, keeping steadily in +that direction, he put another forty miles between him and +Verdun by the following morning. Then after a few hours’ +sleep he boldly went into a village and entered an inn. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are a pedlar,</q> the landlord said, <q>are you not?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes,</q> he said, <q>I am selling wares manufactured by the +prisoners at Verdun.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The news spread and the villagers flocked in to look at these +curiosities. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I bought them at a low price, and will sell at the same. +They could not be made by ordinary labour at ten times the +price I charge for them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The bait took, and soon a good many small articles were +sold. Two hours later he again started on his way. +</p> + +</div><div n="15"> +<pb n='284'/><anchor id='Pg284'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XV</head> + +<head type="sub">ESCAPED</head> + +<p> +So he travelled across France, avoiding all large towns. +Once or twice he got into trouble with a pompous village +official on account of his not holding a pedlar’s permit; but +the feeling of the people was strong in favour of a man who +was selling goods for the benefit of poor prisoners, and, of +course, he always had some plausible story ready to account +for its absence. At last he came to Dunkirk. He had saved +money as he went, and on his arrival there had eight louis +in his pocket. He took up a lodging at a little cabaret, and, +leaving his box, which was now almost empty, strolled down +to the harbour. Fishing-boats were coming in and going out. +Observing that they were not very well manned, probably +because many of the men had been drafted into the navy, he +selected one which had but four men, a number barely sufficient +to raise the heavy lug-sail, and when she made fast alongside +the quay he went on board. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you want a hand?</q> he said, <q>I am not accustomed to +the sea, but I have no doubt I could haul on a rope as well as +others.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Where do you come from,</q> one asked, <q>and how is it +that you have escaped the conscription?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am exempt,</q> he said, <q>as the only son of my mother. +I come from Champagne.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But why have you left?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I came away because the girl I was engaged to jilted me +<pb n='285'/><anchor id='Pg285'/>for a richer suitor, and I could not stop there to see her +married; I should have cut his throat or my own. So I have +tramped down here to see if I can find some work for a time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are a fool for your pains,</q> the skipper said. <q>No +girl is worth it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, you never could have been jilted! If you had been +you wouldn’t think so lightly of it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, mates, what do you say? Shall we take this young +fellow? He looks strong and active, and I dare say will +suit us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>At any rate we can give him a trial for a voyage or two.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, you may begin by helping us up into the town with +our fish. We have had a heavy catch to-day.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will at once shouldered a basket and went up with them +to the market-place. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We are going to get a drink,</q> the fisherman said. <q>Let +us see how well you can sell for us. You must get a franc a +kilogramme. Here are scales.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For a couple of hours Will sold fish, attracting, by his +pleasant face, buyers who might otherwise have passed him; +and when the fishermen returned they were pleased to find +that he had almost sold out their stock, and accounted for his +take to the last sou. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have been watching you all the time,</q> the captain said, +<q>though you did not know. I wanted to see if you were +honest, and, now that I have a proof of it, will take you +willingly. The pay is twelve francs a week and a tenth share +in the sales. The boat takes a third, I take two, and the +sailors take one apiece, and you will have half a share besides +your pay till you know your business. Do you agree to that?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='286'/><anchor id='Pg286'/> + +<p> +<q>Yes,</q> Will said. +</p> + +<p> +Accordingly he settled down to the work of a fisherman, +and gave great satisfaction. His mates were indeed astonished +at the rapidity with which he learned his work, and congratulated +themselves upon the acquisition of so promising a +recruit. +</p> + +<p> +A month after he had joined the smack a ship-of-war was +seen sailing along three miles from shore. The fishermen were +half-way between her and the land, and paid no great attention +to her, knowing that British men-of-war did not condescend +to meddle with small fishing-boats. Will waited until +the captain and one of the men were below; then, suddenly +pushing the hatch to and throwing a coil of rope over it, he +produced from his pockets a brace of pistols which he had +bought at Dunkirk out of the stock of money he had had in +his pocket when he was captured, and ordered the man at the +helm to steer for the frigate. The man let go the tiller at +once, and he and his companion prepared to make a rush upon +Will. But the sight of the levelled pistols checked them. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <q>HE ORDERED THE MAN AT THE HELM TO STEER + FOR THE FRIGATE</q>]</p> + </then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill06"/> + <figure url="images/ill06.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small"><q>HE ORDERED THE MAN AT THE HELM TO STEER + FOR THE FRIGATE</q></hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: <q>HE ORDERED THE MAN AT THE HELM TO STEER FOR THE FRIGATE</q></figDesc></figure></p> + </else></pgIf> +<p> +<q>You will come to no harm,</q> Will said. <q>You have but +to put me on board, and I warrant you shall be allowed to +depart unmolested. I am an English officer. Now, down +with the helm without hesitation, or I will put a bullet +through your head; and do you, Jacques, sit down by his +side.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Sullenly the men obeyed his orders, and the boat went +dancing through the water in a direction which, Will calculated, +would enable him to cut off the frigate. In the meantime +the captain and his companion, unable to understand +what was going on, were thumping at the hatchway. Will, +<pb n='287'/><anchor id='Pg287'/>however, paid no attention to them, but stood on it, keeping +his eye upon the men in the stern. Twenty minutes brought +them close to the frigate, which, on seeing a small boat making +for her, threw her sails aback to wait for it. As they came +close a rope was thrown; Will grasped it and swung himself +up the side, leaving the boat to drift away. The sailors stood +looking in surprise at him, but Will went straight up to the +first lieutenant. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I beg to report myself as having come on board, sir. I +am, or rather was, a midshipman on board the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>. I +have just escaped from Verdun.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you really mean it?</q> the lieutenant said. <q>I thought +only one or two English prisoners had ever made their escape +from there.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, sir, and I am one of the fortunate ones.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But how on earth have you managed to pass right through +France?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was detained three months at Toulon, sir, and there was +allowed to buy some French books. I was then a month on +the way to Verdun, and five months there. During that time +I practised French incessantly, and picked up enough to pass +muster. At last, thanks to a French girl, I succeeded in +getting a disguise and climbing over the wall, and passed +through France as a pedlar with wares made by the +prisoners.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Come with me to the captain’s cabin. He will, I am sure, +be glad to hear your story. How were you captured?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>In the attack the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> made on a battery on one of the +Isles d’Hyères I was shot through the leg and left behind in +the retreat.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='288'/><anchor id='Pg288'/> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I heard of that affair, and a most unfortunate one it +was. You caught it hot there, and no mistake!</q> +</p> + +<p> +The captain listened to the story with great interest, and +then said: <q>Well, Mr. Gilmore, I congratulate you very +heartily on getting out of that terrible prison. I am rather +short of officers, and will rate you as midshipman until I have +an opportunity of sending you home. I have no doubt your +brother officers will manage to rig you out.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lieutenant went out with Will and introduced him to +the officers of the ship, to whom he had again to tell the tale +of his adventure. <q>Now come down below to our berth,</q> the +senior midshipman said, <q>and we will see what we can do to +rig you out. We lost one of our number the other day, and I +have no doubt the purser’s clerk will let you take what you +require out of his kit if you give him a bill on your paymaster.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Fortunately the clothes fitted Will, so he took over the +whole of the effects, as there was sufficient standing to his +account on the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> to pay for them, in addition to the pay +that would accrue during the time of his captivity. +</p> + +<p> +He learned that they were on their way to the Texel, where +they were to cruise backwards and forwards to watch the +flotilla of boats that Napoleon was accumulating there for the +invasion of England. It was arduous work, for the heavy +fogs rendered it necessary to use the greatest caution, as there +were many dangerous shoals and currents in the vicinity. +</p> + +<p> +One dark night, when they thought that they were in +deep water, the ship grounded suddenly. The tide was +running out, and though they did everything in their power +they could not get her off. +</p> + +<pb n='289'/><anchor id='Pg289'/> + +<p> +<q>If we have but another couple of hours,</q> the first lieutenant +said, <q>we shall float, as the tide will be turning very +soon. But it is getting light already, and we are likely to +have their gun-boats out in no time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +His anticipation turned out correct, for six gun-boats were +soon seen making their way out of the Texel. When within +range they opened fire. The <name type="ship">Artemis</name> replied with such guns +as she could bring to bear on them. She suffered a good deal of +damage, but the tide had turned and was flowing fast. Hawsers +had been run out at the stern and fastened to the capstan, +and the bars were now manned, and the sailors put their whole +strength into the work. At last there was a movement; the +ship quivered from stem to stern, and then slipped off into +deep water. A joyous cheer burst from the crew. But they +did not waste time. They ran at once to their guns, and +opened a broadside fire on the gun-boats. One was disabled +and taken in tow by two others; and the rest, finding themselves +no match for the frigate, sheered off and re-entered the +Texel. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Artemis</name> continued to cruise to and fro for upwards of a +month. One evening the first lieutenant said to Will: <q>The +captain is worried because we were told to expect a messenger +with news as to the state of affairs at Amsterdam and in +Holland generally, and none has arrived. There is no doubt +that they are adding to the number of gun-boats there, and +also to the flat-bottomed boats for the conveyance of troops. +The delay is most annoying, especially as we have orders to +sail for England with the news as soon as we get it, and we +are all heartily sick of this dull and dreary work.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will volunteer to land and communicate with some of +<pb n='290'/><anchor id='Pg290'/>the country-people near Amsterdam,</q> Will said, <q>if the captain +would like it. We know that their sympathies are all with +us, and I have no doubt that I could get what information is +required. If my offer is accepted I should greatly prefer to +go in uniform, for, while I am quite ready to run the risk of +being taken prisoner, I have certainly no desire to be captured +out of uniform, as I should be liable to be hanged as a spy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The first lieutenant mentioned the matter to the captain, +who at once embraced the offer, for he, too, was sick of the +work, in which no honour was to be obtained, and in which +the risks were great, as the coast was a dangerous one. He +sent for Will and said: <q>I hear, Mr. Gilmore, that you are +willing to volunteer to land and gain information. Have you +considered the risks?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I know that, of course, there is a certain amount of danger, +sir, but do not consider it to be excessive. At any rate I am +ready to try it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am very much obliged to you,</q> the captain said, <q>for we +are all anxious to get away from this place; but mind, I cannot +but consider that the risk is considerable. With our glasses +we constantly see bodies of horsemen riding along the sands, +and have sometimes noticed solitary men, no doubt sentinels; +and it is probably because of them that the messenger we +expected has not been able to put out. I will give you his +address. He lives within half a mile of Amsterdam, in a +house near the shore of the Texel. When are you prepared +to start?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This evening if you wish it, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I think the sooner you go the better. If you land +to-night I will send the boat ashore to the same spot to-morrow +<pb n='291'/><anchor id='Pg291'/>night. They will lie off two or three hundred yards, and +come to your whistle.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will had no preparations to make for his journey. He received +a letter from the captain authorizing the man to give +every information in his power to the bearer, and with this in +his pocket he took his place in the boat after dark and was +rowed towards the shore. The <name type="ship">Artemis</name> was four miles from +the land when he embarked in the gig, the oars were muffled, +and the men were enjoined to row with the greatest care when +they approached the land. An officer went in charge, and the +<name type="ship">Artemis</name> was to show a light an hour after they started, so +that they could find their way back to her. Will chatted in +a whisper to the officer till they were, he judged, within half +a mile of the land. Then they rowed on in perfect silence till +the keel grated on the sands. At that moment a musket shot +was heard from a sand-hill a couple of hundred yards away. +Will leapt out and ran at full speed for some little distance, +and then threw himself down. The shots were repeated from +point to point, and men ran down to the water’s edge and fired +after the retiring boat. +</p> + +<p> +Presently the noise ceased. Whether he had been seen or +not he could not say, but he hoped that, although the sentinel +had made out the boat against the slight surf that broke on +the beach, he had not been able to see him leave it. He got +up cautiously, and, stooping low, moved off until he was quite +certain that he was well beyond the line of sentries. Once +or twice he heard the galloping of parties of men, evidently +attracted by the sound of firing, but none of them came very +near him, and he ran on without interruption. In two hours +<pb n='292'/><anchor id='Pg292'/>he saw lights before him, and knew that he was approaching +Amsterdam. He turned to the right, and went on until he +came to a wide sheet of water, which must, he knew, be the +Texel. Then he lay down and slept for some hours. At the +first gleam of dawn he was on his feet again, and made his +way to a farmhouse which exactly agreed with the description +that had been given him. He knocked at the door, and it +was presently opened by a man in his shirt-sleeves. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Are you Meinheer Johan Van Duyk?</q> he asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am,</q> the man said. <q>Who are you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am the bearer of this letter from the captain of the +<name type="ship">Artemis</name>, who had expected you to communicate with him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Come in,</q> the man said. <q>We are early risers here, and +it is advisable that no one should see you. Yes,</q> he went on +when the door was closed, <q>I have been trying to communicate, +but the cordon of sentries along the shore has been so +close, and the watch so vigilant, that it has been quite impossible +for me to come out. I suppose you are an officer of +that ship?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Do you speak Dutch?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I speak French.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The man read the letter. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is all right; I can furnish you with all these particulars +when you leave to-night, but of course in that uniform +you must lie dark until then. For some reason or other the +French have suspicions of me, and they have paid me several +visits. Were you seen to land last night?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I do not know. They fired on the boat, and I expect +they have a shrewd idea that somebody was put on shore.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='293'/><anchor id='Pg293'/> + +<p> +<q>In that case,</q> the man said, <q>it is probable that they will +search my house to-day. By this time they know every little +corner of it, so I cannot see where I am to conceal you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I observed a stack behind your house,</q> suggested Will. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, there is one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, if you would at once get a ladder, and take off some +of the thatch and make a hole, I could get into it, and you +could then replace the thatch long before the soldiers are likely +to come out from Amsterdam.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I could do that, and I could hand you in a bottle +of schnapps and some water and bread and meat.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will do very well. I suppose you have men?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I have two, and both of them are true Dutchmen, and +may be trusted. I will give you at once the list of the gun-boats +and flat-boats I have made ready to send on the first +opportunity. I shall be glad to get it out of the house, for, +though it is well hidden, they search so strictly that they +might find it. They broke all my wainscots, pulled up the +flooring, and almost wrecked the house the last time they +came; and I don’t suppose they will be less vigilant this time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He went to the cupboard and brought out some food and +drink. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, sir,</q> he said, <q>if you will eat this I will call up my +two men and set to work at once to get your hiding-place +made, so that you may be safely lodged in it before any people +are about.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will was by no means sorry to take breakfast. He ate the +food leisurely, and just as he had finished Van Duyk came in +to say that the place was ready for him. +</p> + +<p> +It was not a large hole, but sufficient to let him lie down at +<pb n='294'/><anchor id='Pg294'/>full length under the thatch. He climbed up the ladder the +men had used and got into his nest, and after Van Duyk had +handed him in the provisions he had promised, the two men +set to work with all speed to replace the thatch. It was +made thin, so that he had no difficulty in raising it, and could +even with his finger make a tiny opening through which he +could look. The hay that had been removed to make room +for him was carried away and thrown down in the mangers for +the cows, so that there was nothing to show that the stack had +recently been touched. +</p> + +<p> +Two hours later Will heard the trampling of horses, and +two officers, with a troop of cavalry, rode up. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I bear a warrant to search your house, Van Duyk,</q> Will +heard one of them say. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You have searched it three times already, meinheer, but +you can, of course, search it again if you wish. You will certainly +find no more now than you did then.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>A spy landed last night, Van Duyk, and it is more than +probable that he is taking shelter here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t know why you should suspect me more than anyone +else. I am a quiet man, meddling in no way with public +matters, and attending only to my own business.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is all very well to say that; we have certain information +about you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am well known to my neighbours as a peaceable man,</q> +Van Duyk repeated, <q>and think it monstrous that I should +be so interfered with and harried.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, we don’t want any talk. Now, men, set to work +and search every corner of the house, not only where a man +could be hidden, but even a paper. These Dutchmen are +<pb n='295'/><anchor id='Pg295'/>traitors to a man, and if this fellow is no worse than others he +is at least as bad.</q> +</p> + +<p> +For an hour and a half Will, in his hiding-place, heard the +sound of smashing panels and furniture, and the pulling up +of floors. At the end of that time the troopers left the house +and mounted, the officer saying: <q>You have deceived us this +time, old traitor, but we will catch you yet.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Catch me if you can. I tell you that if you level the +house to the ground you will find nothing.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After they had ridden off, Van Duyk went out to the haystack. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They have gone for the present, meinheer, but you had +better stay where you are. They are quite capable of coming +back again in the hope that you may have come out from some +hiding-place they may have overlooked.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Indeed, an hour later the troop galloped up again, only +to find the Dutchman smoking placidly on a seat before his +house. Another search was made, but equally without success, +and then, with much use of strong language, the party rode off. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think you can come down safely now,</q> the Dutchman +said to Will. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, but I don’t wish to run the least risk. I will +remain where I am till it gets dark; I can very well sleep the +time away till then. I sha’n’t get much sleep to-night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Not until it was quite dark did Van Duyk and his men +come with a ladder to remove the thatch again. It took but +a minute to extricate Will from his hole. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We will get that filled up and mended before morning,</q> +Van Duyk said. <q>Now, can I let you have a horse?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, thank you, I have but twelve miles to walk. I noted +<pb n='296'/><anchor id='Pg296'/>the road as I came, and can find the spot where I landed without +difficulty.</q> +</p> + +<p> +With thanks for the Dutchman’s kindness, and handing him +the reward with which the captain had entrusted him, Will +started on his walk. When he approached the spot it was +still four hours from the time at which the boat was to arrive, +and seeing a light in a cottage he went and looked in at the +window. Only a girl and an old woman were there, so he +lifted the latch and went in. <q>I am an English officer,</q> he +said, <q>will you let me sit down by your fire for a couple of +hours? The cold is piercing outside.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The old woman answered in broken French, bidding him +welcome, and he sat down and began to talk to her. Her +stock of French was small, and the conversation soon languished. +Presently the girl leapt to her feet and exclaimed +in Dutch: <q>Soldiers!</q> The old woman translated, and Will +then heard the trampling of horses. He jumped up, snatched +a long cloak of the old woman’s from the wall, and threw it +round him. He also took one of her caps that hung there +and put it on his head. It was large, with frills, and almost +covered his face. He had but just time to reseat himself by +the fire and cower over it, as if warming his hands, when the +door opened and a French officer entered. At the sight of the +two apparently old women bending over the fire, and the girl +sitting knitting, he stopped. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Madam,</q> he said courteously, <q>it is my duty to search +your house. It is believed that a spy who landed here last +night may be returning to-night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You can look,</q> the old woman said in her quavering voice, +<q>as much as you like; you will not find any spy here.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='297'/><anchor id='Pg297'/> + +<p> +As the cottage consisted of only two rooms the search was +quickly effected. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, madam!</q> the French officer said; <q>I am quite +satisfied, and am sorry I have incommoded you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a civil fellow,</q> Will said, as the sound of the +retreating hoofs was heard. <q>Some of these fellows would +have blustered and sworn and turned the whole place upside +down. Well, madam, I am deeply obliged to you for the +shelter you have given me and the risk you have run for my +sake. Here is a guinea; it is all the gold I have with me, +but it may buy some little comfort for you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It will buy me enough turf to last me all the winter,</q> the +old woman said. <q>My son is a fisherman who is sometimes +weeks from home, and our supply of turf is running low. +Thank you very much! though I would gladly have done it +without reward, for we all hate the French.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will went out cautiously and made his way down to the +shore, listening at every step for some sound that would tell +of the presence of a sentry. He lay down near the edge of the +sea and watched. At last he saw a dim shape lying stationary +a hundred yards out. He gave a low whistle, but this was +almost instantaneously followed by the report of a musket +within fifty yards of him. He did not hesitate, but with a +shout to the boat ran into the water and struck out towards +it. Another musket was fired, fifty yards to the left, and the +signal was, as before, repeated by sentry after sentry till the +sound died away in the distance. Almost immediately the +galloping of horses could be heard. The boat rowed in to +meet him, and as he scrambled on board a volley of carbines +rang out from the shore. The sailors bent to their oars and, +<pb n='298'/><anchor id='Pg298'/>although the firing continued for some time, they knew that +the enemy had lost sight of them. A quarter of an hour later +the sound of oars was heard. <q>Stop rowing,</q> the lieutenant +in command of the boat ordered, <q>and don’t move.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In about three minutes a large rowing-boat, manned by +a number of oars, could be made out passing across ahead of +them. The ship’s boat, however, was so small an object in +comparison that it remained unnoticed. They waited till the +beat of oars ceased in the distance and then rowed on again. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That was a narrow escape,</q> the lieutenant muttered. +<q>Evidently she was lying in wait to catch you, and if she +had been fifty yards nearer to us she must have made us out. +I think we are safe now, for the course she was taking will +not carry her anywhere near the frigate. At any rate we +have a good start, and I have a lantern here to show in case +we are chased.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They had rowed two miles farther when they again heard +the sound of oars. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We must row for it now,</q> the lieutenant said. <q>The +frigate is not much more than a mile away.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The men bent to their oars, and the lieutenant raised and +lowered his lantern three times. This signal was almost +immediately answered by the boom of a gun from the frigate. +For a time the enemy continued the pursuit, but on a +second gun being fired they ceased rowing. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They must know that the frigate can’t see them,</q> the +lieutenant said, <q>but they have no doubt come to the conclusion +that they cannot overtake us before we get to her. +Anyhow it is certain that they have given it up as a bad job.</q> +</p> + +<p> +In ten more minutes they were alongside the frigate. +</p> + +<pb n='299'/><anchor id='Pg299'/> + +<p> +<q>Is Mr. Gilmore with you?</q> a voice asked from above. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I am here, sir, safe and sound.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good news,</q> the first lieutenant said, as Will stepped +on deck. <q>The captain was afraid, after he had let you go, +that he had sacrificed you, and that, going as you did in your +uniform, you would be certain to be captured.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir; I had two narrow escapes, but got off all right, +and have brought you the list of gun-boats and row-boats that +you required. I am afraid, though, that it will require careful +opening, for I had to swim off to the boat.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will not matter as long as we can read it,</q> the +lieutenant said. <q>Now you had better come to the captain +and hand it to him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am heartily glad to see you, Mr. Gilmore,</q> the captain +said. <q>I have been very uneasy about you, and I really hardly +expected you to return to-night. We knew that the boat +was being chased, by the lights Lieutenant Falcon showed, but +I feared that she was coming back without you. Now tell +me what has happened to you. We knew by the firing that +French sentries saw the boat come to land last night.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will gave a full account of his adventures. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well done indeed, Mr. Gilmore! I shall have much +pleasure in reporting your conduct. Now let us examine +the list.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The words were a good deal blurred by water, but were +still quite legible. +</p> + +<p> +<q>They are stronger in gun-boats than I expected,</q> the +captain said when he had read it. <q>If they had had an ounce +of pluck about them they would have come out and fought us. +A thirty-two-gun frigate is no match for sixteen gunboats. +<pb n='300'/><anchor id='Pg300'/>Well, now that we have got this despatch, we can make for +Sheerness at once. Have her headed for that port, Mr. Falcon, +if you please. We won’t lose a moment before making for +England.</q> +</p> +</div><div n="16"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XVI</head> + +<head type="sub">A DARING EXPLOIT</head> + +<p> +On reaching Sheerness the captain at once went ashore, +accompanied by Will, and they proceeded to London. +Will took up his quarters at the Golden Cross, and next day +called at the Admiralty, where he sent in his name to the First +Lord. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have received a most favourable report from Captain +Knowles of your conduct in landing on the coast of Holland, +and of obtaining despatches of much value. How were +you taken prisoner?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>At the attack by a force from the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> on some batteries +on one of the Isles d’Hyères. I was hit in the leg, and, being +left behind in the confusion of the retreat, fell into the hands +of the French. I was imprisoned for four months at Toulon, +and then sent to Verdun. Six months after leaving Toulon +I effected my escape in a disguise procured for me by a French +girl. I had learned the language while in prison, and, travelling +through France in the disguise of a pedlar, reached Dunkirk. +There I worked in a fishing-boat for a month, and then, +seeing the <name type="ship">Artemis</name> cruising off the town, I shut up two of the +<pb n='301'/><anchor id='Pg301'/>sailors in their cabin, and frightened the other two into taking +me off to her.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>In consideration of the valuable services you have rendered +I have much pleasure in appointing you master’s mate.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir! but I own I had rather hopes of obtaining +a lieutenancy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>A lieutenancy!</q> the admiral said in a changed tone. <q>I +am surprised to hear you say so, when you have had no +service as a master’s mate. What makes you entertain such +a hope?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>My past services, sir,</q> Will said boldly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Captain Purfleet, will you hand me down the volume of +services under the letter G. Ah! here it is.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He glanced at it cursorily at first, and then read it carefully. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You were right, Mr. Gilmore, in entertaining such a hope. +I see that you have been highly spoken of by the various +officers under whom you have served; that you were most +strongly recommended by the admirals both at Malta and in +the West Indies for your singular services, and also by Lord +Hood for your conduct in Corsica. You were in command +of a small craft for nearly a year, and in that capacity you +not only took a number of prizes, some of them valuable, but +actually captured, in one hard-fought action, two pirates, each +of which was stronger than yourself. You have, therefore, +well shown your capacity to command. Captain Purfleet, +have any appointments been made yet to the <name type="ship">Jason</name>?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, then appoint Mr. Gilmore to be second lieutenant +of her. You need not thank me, sir; you owe your commission +<pb n='302'/><anchor id='Pg302'/>to your own gallantry and good conduct. I don’t know that +I have at any time seen such strong testimonials and so good +a record for any officer of your age and standing. I am quite +sure that you will do full justice to the appointment that I +have made. As the <name type="ship">Jason</name> will not be ready for two months +I can grant you six weeks leave.</q> +</p> + +<p> +No sooner was this matter settled than Will took the coach +to Fairham. Thence he drove to the village of Porchester, +where Marie’s fiancé was confined. Here he put up at a little +inn. He had, before starting from London, bought and put +on the disguise of a countryman, as he could hardly have +stayed in the village as a gentleman without exciting remark +or suspicion. He had, however, brought other clothes with +him, so that if necessary he could resume them, and appear +either as a naval officer or as a civilian. His first step was to +make a tour of the great wall which enclosed the castle and +the huts in which the prisoners were confined. He saw at +once that any attempt to scale the wall would be useless. +At the inn he gave out that by the death of a relative he +had just come into a few pounds and meant to enjoy himself. +</p> + +<p> +The inn he had selected was scarcely more than a tavern, +and he had chosen it because he thought it probable that +it would be frequented by the soldiers whose camp stood +near the walls, and who supplied the guards in the castle. +This expectation was fulfilled a short time after his arrival by +four or five soldiers coming in. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Will you drink a glass with me?</q> he said. <q>I have been +telling the landlord that I have come into a little brass, and +mean to spend it.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='303'/><anchor id='Pg303'/> + +<p> +The soldiers, not unwillingly, accepted the invitation, and +sat down at a table with him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It must be slow work,</q> he said, <q>keeping guard here, and +I expect you would sooner be out at the war.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That we should,</q> one of them replied; <q>there is nothing +to do here but to drill all day, and stare across the water +when we are off duty, and wish we were at Portsmouth, +where there is something to do and something to amuse one. +This is the dullest hole I ever was quartered in. Cosham +on one side and Fairham on the other are the only places +that one can walk to. We expect, however, to be relieved +before long, and I never want to see the place again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose you take recruits here?</q> Will said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh yes, we take recruits when we can get them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How long is a recruit before he begins to be a soldier, and +takes his regular turn as guard and so on?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Two or three months,</q> the man said; <q>that is long enough +to get them into something like shape.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should like to go in and have a look at the prisoners,</q> +Will said after a little chat. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, there is no chance of your doing that,</q> the soldier +replied. <q>Orders are very strict, and only three or four +hucksters are allowed to go in, to sell things to them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How many are there of them?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>About three thousand.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He chatted for some time, and then, after calling for another +pint of beer all round, sauntered out, leaving the soldiers to +finish it. He saw at once that his only possible plan in the +time he had at his command was either to bribe some of +the guards, which appeared to him too hazardous a plan to +<pb n='304'/><anchor id='Pg304'/>adopt, and not likely to lead to success, or to get at one or +other of the people who were allowed in. +</p> + +<p> +He spent two days watching the gate of the prison. During +that time five people in civilian dress went in. One of these +was a short fat woman, who carried a large basket with cakes +and other eatables. Another was similarly laden. A third, a +man of about his own height, took in a variety of material +used by the prisoners for making articles for sale. He had +needles and thread, scraps of materials of many colours for +making patchwork quilts, blocks of wood for carving out +model ships, straw dyed various colours for making fancy +boxes, glass beads, and other small articles. Will at once +fixed on him as being the most likely of the visitors to serve +his purpose. He spoke to him after he had left the prison. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My friend,</q> he said, <q>do you want to earn fifty pounds?</q> +</p> + +<p> +The man opened his eyes in surprise. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should certainly like to,</q> he said, <q>if I could see my +way to do it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I will double that if you do as I tell you. I want +you, in the first place, to find out the hut in which Lucien +Dupres is confined, and give him a letter.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>There will be no great difficulty about that,</q> the man +said. <q>I only have to whisper to the first prisoner I meet +that I want to find a man, and have got a letter from his +friends for him, and if he doesn’t know him he will find +him out for me. That is not much to do for a hundred +pounds.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No; but in the next place I want you to keep out of the +way for a week, and to lend me your clothes and pass. I +want to go in and see the man.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='305'/><anchor id='Pg305'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, that is a more dangerous business. How could you +pass for me?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think I could do that without fear. We are about the +same height. I should have a wig made to imitate your hair, +and should, I imagine, have no difficulty in getting my face +made up so as to be able to pass for you. You must be so well +known that they will do no more than glance at me as I go +in. The only alternative to that will be for you to take to +him a rope and other things I will give you. I tell you +frankly I want to aid his escape. Mind, a hundred pounds is +not to be earned without some slight risk.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Of the two things I would rather risk carrying the rope +and the tools, if they are not too bulky. Mind you, it is +a big risk, for I should be liable to be shot for aiding in the +escape of a prisoner.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, look here,</q> Will said, <q>I will go into Portsmouth +this afternoon and find some man who can fake me up. There +are sure to be two or three men who make that their business, +for young naval officers are constantly getting into scrimmages, +and must want to have their eyes painted before they +go back on board. Do you go to the prison to-morrow morning. +Find out the man, and deliver this letter to him. Then +come into Portsmouth in the coach. I will be waiting there +till it arrives, and you can go with me, and when I have got +myself made up you shall judge for yourself whether I shall +pass muster for you. There will be no difficulty in getting +whiskers to match yours.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well,</q> the man said, <q>I will be on the coach to-morrow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will at once changed his clothes to an ordinary walking +<pb n='306'/><anchor id='Pg306'/>suit, and went into town. On making enquiries he found +that there was a barber who made it his business to paint +black eyes and to remove the signs of bruises. He went to +him and said: <q>I hear you are an artist in black eyes.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The man smiled. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You don’t look as if you wanted my services, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, not in that way, but I suppose you could make up +a face so as to resemble another.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, I was at one time engaged at a theatre in London +in making up the performers, and feel sure that I could accomplish +such a job to your satisfaction.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have made a bet,</q> Will said, <q>that I could disguise +myself as a certain man so well that I could take my friends +in. Have you a sandy wig in your shop?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, half a dozen.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And whiskers?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have several sets, sir, and I dare say one would be the +right colour.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, then, I will bring the man here to-morrow, +and you shall paint me so as to resemble him as closely as +possible. I don’t mind giving you a five-pound note for the +job.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, if I am not mistaken I can paint you so that +his own mother wouldn’t know the difference.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will took a bed at the George, and at mid-day went to +the inn where the coach stopped. The man was on the +outside. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I have found the Frenchman, and given him the +letter, so that part of the business is done.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good. What is the number of the man’s hut?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='307'/><anchor id='Pg307'/> + +<p> +<q>Number sixty-eight;</q> and the man carefully described its +position. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well. Now we will set about the second part.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When they arrived at the shop the barber seated them in +two chairs next to each other, in a room behind the shop, and +set to work at once. He first produced a wig and whiskers, +which, with a little clipping, he made of the size and shape of +the hair on the huckster’s face. Then he set to work with +his paints, first staining Will’s face to the reddish-brown of +the man’s complexion, and then adding line after line. After +two hours’ work he asked them to stand together before a +glass, and both were astonished; the resemblance was indeed +perfect. Will’s eyebrows had been stained a grayish white, +and some long hairs had been inserted so as to give them +the shaggy appearance of the pedlar. A crow’s foot had been +painted at the corner of each eye, and a line drawn from the +nose to the corners of the lips. The chin and lower part of +the cheeks had been tinted dark, to give them the appearance +of long shaving. Both of them burst into a laugh as they +looked at the two faces in the mirror. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will do, sir,</q> the man said. <q>It would need a sharp +pair of eyes to detect the difference between us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I think that will do,</q> Will said, <q>and to aid the +deception I will, as I go in, use my handkerchief and pretend +to have a bad cold.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Is there a basket-maker’s near?</q> Will asked the barber. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, first turning to the right, and first to the left, +two or three doors down, there is a small shop.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I want you at once to go and choose one the size and +shape of your own,</q> Will said to his companion. <q>When +<pb n='308'/><anchor id='Pg308'/>you see one, set the man to work to weave a false bottom +to it. I want it to lodge so as to leave a recess four or five +inches deep. Have it made with two handles, so that it can +be lifted in and out. How long would he be doing it, do you +think?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>About an hour and a half, I should say.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well; order the man to send it round to the George, +wrapped up in paper, to the address of Mr. Earnshaw. When +you have done this, come back here. We cannot go into the +street together; our singular resemblance would at once be +noticed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now,</q> Will said to the pedlar when he returned, <q>meet +me on the road a hundred yards from where it turns down +to Porchester; bring a stock of goods with you, and I will +put them in my basket. Of course you will bring your pass, +and the clothes you now have on in a bundle. I will change +there; as far as I have seen it is very seldom that anyone +passes that way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will then went for a walk, and when it became quite dark +he took off his wig and whiskers and went into the town +again. Here he bought a long rope, very slender, but still +strong enough to support a man’s weight, and a grapnel which +folded up flat when not in use. Then he went to the George, +having wrapped a muffler round his face as if he were suffering +with toothache. His basket was standing in the <corr sic='hall."'>hall.</corr> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I shall not return this evening,</q> he said, <q>so I will pay +my bill.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Then, having bought a suit of ready-made sailor’s clothes, +with hat complete, he put them into his basket, hired a +vehicle, and drove to Fairham. In the morning at nine +<pb n='309'/><anchor id='Pg309'/>o’clock he walked along the main road towards Cosham till +he reached the turning to Porchester, went down it a couple +of hundred yards, and sat on a grassy bank till he saw the +pedlar approaching. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is a foggy morning,</q> the huckster said when he came +up. +</p> + +<p> +<q>So much the better. I hope it will last over to-morrow, +and then they won’t be able to signal the news of the +prisoner’s escape. It is only in clear weather that the +semaphores can be made out from hill to hill.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The goods were changed from the pedlar’s basket to the +one Will had brought. +</p> + +<p> +<q>There, then, is the hundred pounds I promised you; I +hope you are perfectly satisfied?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Perfectly, sir; it is the best two days’ work I have ever +done.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now for my clothes,</q> Will said; and no one being in sight +he quickly changed into the clothes the pedlar had brought. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We are more alike than ever,</q> the man said with a laugh, +<q>but you will have to remember that I walk with a limp. +I got a ball in my leg in the fighting at Trinidad, and was +discharged as being unfit for service. But I got a small +pension, and the right to sell things to the prisoners in Porchester +Castle.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I noticed the limp when I saw you first,</q> Will said, <q>and +there will be no great difficulty in copying it. I regarded it +as rather fortunate, as when the soldiers see me limp along +they will not look farther.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I wish you luck. You are the freest-handed +gentleman I ever came across.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='310'/><anchor id='Pg310'/> + +<p> +Will hid his own clothes in a neighbouring bush, and +then started, imitating the pedlar’s limp so exactly that +the man laughed as he looked after him before starting for +Fairham. +</p> + +<p> +There were few people in the streets of the quiet little +village as Will passed through it. When he neared the castle +he overtook the fat apple-woman, who hailed him as a friend, +and they walked together into the castle. They showed their +passes to the guard at the gate, but he scarcely looked at +them. They then separated, and Will, stopping now and +then to sell small articles, made his way at last to Lucien’s +hut. He had in his letter informed Lucien of his reasons +for trying to get him free, and had directed him to be leaning +at that hour against the corner of the hut. When Lucien saw +the pedlar approaching, if all was clear he was to retire into +it, but if there were others inside he was to shake his head +slightly. As Will approached the hut he saw a prisoner +standing there according to his instructions, but he gave the +danger signal and Will passed on. This he did twice, but +when Will returned the third time the man went quietly into +the hut. +</p> + +<p> +<q>There is not a moment to lose,</q> Will said as he followed, +and he at once lifted up the false bottom and pulled out the +rope and grapnel. He had knotted the rope about every foot, +to assist the prisoner in climbing, and had covered the iron +of the grapnel with strips of flannel so that it would make no +noise when it struck the wall. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Hide them in your bed. It will be a very dark night, and +you must steal out and make your way to the middle of the +south wall. There fling your grapnel up and scale the wall. +<pb n='311'/><anchor id='Pg311'/>I shall be there waiting for you. It looks as if it will be very +wet as well as very dark, so you ought to be able to avoid the +sentinel.</q> +</p> + +<p> +At this moment he heard someone at the door, and adroitly +changing his tone said: <q>You do not like these colours for +a bed-quilt? Very well, I am getting a fresh stock from +London in a few days, and I have no doubt you will be +able to suit yourself. Good-morning!</q> +</p> + +<p> +He then turned and offered some of his goods to the new-comer, +who bought a block for carving out a ship, and some +twine and other things for rigging her. When he left the +hut he went about the yard till he had disposed of a considerable +amount of his goods, and then left the prison and +made his way back to the spot where he had hidden his clothes. +On arriving there he changed at once, rubbed the pigment +from his face, threw away the wig and whiskers, hid the +basket in a place which he and the pedlar had agreed upon, +with the clothes in it and the pass in one of the pockets, +and then went back into the village, where he hired a chaise +and drove to Fairham. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Landlord,</q> he said, as he drew up at the principal hotel, +<q>I shall want a post-chaise to-night for London. I shall be at +a party to-night and cannot say at what time I may get away, +but have the horses ready to put in at twelve o’clock. If they +have to wait an hour or two you shall not be the loser.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After ordering dinner, he strolled about the town till he +thought it would be nearly ready. Then he asked for a room, +and there changed into his naval uniform, which he had +brought with him. He ate a good dinner, and then, putting +on his cloak, started to walk back to Porchester, carrying +<pb n='312'/><anchor id='Pg312'/>with him a bag in which was the sailor’s suit he had +bought for Lucien. The night was pitch dark, and the rain +had set in heavily, but although his walk was not an agreeable +one he was in high spirits. In his letter to Lucien he +had told him that if anything should prevent him from +making his way to the wall that night he would expect +him on the following one. Nevertheless he felt sure that +in such favourable circumstances he would be able to get +through the sentries without difficulty. He took up a position +as near as he could guess at the centre of the south wall, on +the narrow strip of ground between it and the lake. He had +waited about an hour when he heard a slight noise a few yards +on one side of him. He moved towards the sound, and was +just in time to see Lucien alight. He grasped him by the +hand. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <q>HE WAS JUST IN TIME TO SEE LUCIEN ALIGHT</q>]</p> +</then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill07"/> + <figure url="images/ill07.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small"><q>HE WAS JUST IN TIME TO SEE LUCIEN ALIGHT</q></hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: <q>HE WAS JUST IN TIME TO SEE LUCIEN ALIGHT</q></figDesc></figure></p> +</else></pgIf> +<p> +<q>Thank heaven,</q> he said in French, <q>that I have got you +free, as I promised your sweetheart I would! Now let us first +make our way up the village. I have a suit of sailor’s clothes +for you in this bag; you can change into them when we +get beyond the houses, and throw those you are wearing +into the pond there, with a few stones in them to make them +sink.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, monsieur, how can I thank you?</q> Lucien said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am only paying a debt. Marie risked a good deal to +aid me, and I promised solemnly that I would, if it were +at all possible, get you out of prison in return, so there is +no occasion for any thanks.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Few words passed between them as they walked through +the village, and when they had left it behind, Lucien changed +his clothes and disposed of his old ones as Will had suggested. +</p> +<pb n='313'/><anchor id='Pg313'/> +<p> +<q>It was necessary to get rid of them,</q> Will said, <q>because +if they were found in the morning it would show that you +had got a change, and instead of looking for someone in +a well-worn uniform they would direct their attention to +other people.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They tramped along to Fairham, and reached the hotel just +as it was about to be shut up, the stage-coach having passed +a few minutes before. They had some refreshments, and then +took their seats in the chaise. At once the postilions cracked +their whips, and the four horses started at a gallop. +</p> + +<p> +<q>We are absolutely safe now,</q> Will said; <q>they will not +discover that you have gone until the roll-call in the morning, +and by that time we shall be within a few miles of London. +In such weather as this they will be unable to signal. Before +we arrive I will put on civilian clothes again, and as soon as +we have discharged the chaise we will go to a clothier’s and +get a suit for you. There are so many emigrants in London +that your speaking French will attract no attention.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The journey was quickly accomplished. Will was very +liberal to the postilions at the first stage, and these hurried +up those who were to take the next, and so from stage to +stage they went at the top of the horses’ speed, the ninety +miles being covered in the very fast time, for the period, +of ten hours. At the last stage Will asked for a room to +himself for a few minutes and there changed his clothes. +They were put down in front of a private house, and, having +seen the post-chaise drive off, took their bags and walked on +until they reached a tailor’s shop. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I want to put my man into plain clothes while he is +with me in town,</q> Will said to the shopman. +</p> + +<pb n='314'/><anchor id='Pg314'/> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir. What sort of clothes?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh, just private clothes, such as a valet might wear when +out of livery!</q> +</p> + +<p> +Lucien was soon rigged out in a suit of quiet but respectable +garments, and, putting his sailor suit into his bag, they went on. +They looked about for a considerable time before they found +a suitable lodging, but at last they came upon a French hotel. +Entering, Will asked in French for two rooms. They were at +once accommodated, and after washing and dressing they went +down to the coffee-room, where several French gentlemen were +breakfasting. It had been arranged that Will should say that +they were two emigrants who had just effected their escape +from France. +</p> + +<p> +The next day they took the coach to Weymouth, the port +from which at that time communication was kept open with +France by means of smugglers and men who made a business +of aiding the French emigrants who wanted to escape, or +the Royalists who went backwards and forwards trying to get +up a movement against the Republic. On making enquiries +they heard of a man who had a very fast little vessel, and they +at once looked him up. <q>This gentleman wants to go across,</q> +Will said. <q>What would you do it for?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It depends whether he will wait till I get some more +passengers or not.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He is pressed for time,</q> Will said; <q>what will you run +him over for alone?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Fifty pounds,</q> the man said. Will thought it advisable +not to appear to jump at the offer. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is rather stiff,</q> he said; <q>I should think thirty-five +would be ample.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='315'/><anchor id='Pg315'/> + +<p> +<q>It seems a good sum,</q> the man said; <q>but you see there +are dangers. I might be overhauled by a British cruiser.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You might,</q> Will said; <q>but when they learned your +business they would not interfere with you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then there are the port authorities,</q> the man said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, but a few francs would prevent them from asking +inconvenient questions. Besides, my friend is not a royalist, +he is only going over to see his friends.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, we will say thirty-five,</q> the man said with a smile. +<q>When will you want to start?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He doesn’t care whether he sails this evening or to-morrow +morning.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, we will say to-morrow morning at daybreak.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Where will you land him?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>At Cherbourg or one of the villages near; most likely at +Cherbourg if the coast is clear, for I have friends there who +work with me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They went to an hotel for the night. In the morning Will +gave Lucien a small package containing a very handsome +gold watch and chain which he had bought in London. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Give this to Marie from me,</q> he said; <q>I promised that +she should have one for her wedding-day. Here are a +thousand francs of French money, which will carry you +comfortably from Cherbourg to Verdun and give you a bit +of a start there. No, you need not refuse it, I am a rich +man, and can afford it without in the least hurting myself. +Give my love to Marie,</q> he said, <q>and tell her that I shall +never forget her kindness.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Lucien was profuse in his gratitude, but Will cut him short +by hurrying him down to the boat, which was lying at the +<pb n='316'/><anchor id='Pg316'/>quay with her sails already hoisted. Will watched the boat +till it was well out to sea, and then took the next coach back +to London, filled with pleasure that he had been able to carry +out his plan and to repay the kindness that Marie had shown +him. +</p> + +<p> +He had given Lucien the address of his London agent, so +that on his arrival at Verdun he could write him a letter +saying how he had fared, and when he and Marie were to +be married. This letter he received on his return from the +next cruise. It contained the warmest thanks of Marie and +her lover, and the information that they were to be married +the following week, and that the young man had an offer +of good employment in the town. +</p> + +<p> +When he reached London, Will obtained the address of a +respectable solicitor, and called upon him to ask his advice +as to advertising to try to discover a family bearing the arms +on his seal. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should advise you,</q> the lawyer said, <q>to leave the matter +until you return from sea again. Questions of this sort always +require a good deal of time to answer. You would have +to be present to give information, and when the matter is +taken up it should be pressed through vigorously. Of course +there would be difficulties to face. The mere fact of this seal +being in the possession of your father, that is, if he was your +father, would not be sufficient to prove his identity, and there +would be all sorts of investigations to make, which would, of +course, take time. <corr sic="extra quote">If</corr> you will leave the matter in my hands +I will cause enquiries to be made as to the arms. That will +probably only take a day or two, and it would perhaps be a +satisfaction to you to know the family with which you might +<pb n='317'/><anchor id='Pg317'/>be connected. It will be in the subsequent steps that delays +will occur.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir! I should certainly like to know, though +I quite see that, as you say, it will be very difficult for me +to establish my connection.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The lawyer then took down what particulars Will could +give him of his early history. When he returned a week +later the lawyer gave him a cordial reception. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I congratulate you, Mr. Gilmore,</q> he said. <q>The head of +the family carrying those arms is Sir Ralph Gilmore, one of our +oldest baronets. He has no male issue. He had one son who +died six years ago. There was another son, a younger one, of +whom there is no record. He may be alive and he may be +dead; that is not known. It is, of course, possible that you +were stolen as a child by your reputed father, and that he +gave you the family name in order that when the time came +he could produce you, but of course that is all guesswork. +When you return from sea again I will set people to work to +trace, if possible, the wanderings of this person; but as I said, +this will take time, and as you will be going to sea in a fortnight +the matter can very well stand over. So long as you +are on board a ship your parentage can make very little +difference to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will had still a fortnight of his leave remaining. He +wandered about London for a couple of days, but he found +it rather dull now that he had finished his business, as he +had no friends in town. On the second day he was walking +along one of the fashionable streets of Bloomsbury, +considering whether he should not go down by the next +coach to Portsmouth, where he was sure of meeting friends, +<pb n='318'/><anchor id='Pg318'/>when a carriage passed him, drawn by a pair of fine horses. +A young lady who was sitting in it happened to notice him. +She glanced at him carelessly at first, and then with great +interest. She stopped the carriage before it had gone many +yards, and when Will came up, looked at him closely. <q>Excuse +me, sir,</q> she said as he was passing; <q>but are you not +Mr. Gilmore?</q> Greatly surprised he replied in the affirmative. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I thought so!</q> she exclaimed. <q>Do you not remember +me?</q> +</p> + +<p> +He looked at her hard. <q>Why—why,</q> he hesitated, +<q>surely it is not—</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>But it is!</q> she cried. <q>I am Alice Palethorpe!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Miss Palethorpe!</q> he exclaimed, grasping the hand she +held out. <q>Is it possible?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Not Miss Palethorpe,</q> she said. <q>To you I am Alice, +as I was nearly four years ago. Get into the carriage. My +father will be delighted to see you. We have talked of you +so often. He made enquiries at the Admiralty when he came +home, but found that you were a prisoner in France, and he +has been trying to get your name down in the list of those +to be exchanged, but he had so little interest that he could not +succeed, and, indeed, for the past two years no exchange had +taken place.</q> +</p> + +<p> +By this time he was in the carriage, and they were driving +rapidly along the busy streets. Presently they stopped before +a large house in Bedford Square. +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is our home, for the present at any rate,</q> she said. +<q>Now come in.</q> +</p> + +<p> +She ran upstairs before him and signed to him to wait at the +<pb n='319'/><anchor id='Pg319'/>top. <q>Father,</q> she said, bursting into a room, <q>I have taken +a captive; someone you certainly don’t expect to see. Now, +you must guess.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How can I, my dear, when you say I don’t expect to see +him? Is it—?</q> and he mentioned five or six of his friends in +Jamaica, any of whom might be returning. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, father. You are out altogether.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then I give it up, Alice.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is Will,</q> she said. +</p> + +<p> +Will heard him spring to his feet and hurry to the door. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My dear young friend!</q> he exclaimed. <q>At least I +suppose it is you, for you have grown out of all recognition.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, father!</q> the girl broke in. <q>You see, he hadn’t +changed so much as to deceive me. I felt sure of him the +moment I set eyes upon him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, then, your eyes do you credit,</q> her father said. +<q>Certainly I should not have recognized him. He has grown +from a lad into a man since we saw him last. He has widened +out tremendously. He was rather one of the lean <anchor id="corr319"/><corr sic="kine">kind</corr> at that +time.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Oh, father, how can you say so? I consider that he was +just right.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, my dear, I quite understand that. At that time he +was perfect in your eyes, but for all that he was lean.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are quite right, sir, I was, and I really wonder that +I have put on flesh so much. The diet of a French prisoner +is not calculated to promote stoutness. But your daughter +was not only sharper-sighted than you, but even than myself. +Till she spoke to me I had not an idea who she was. I saw +that she thought she recognized me, but I was afraid it would +<pb n='320'/><anchor id='Pg320'/>be rude on my part to look at her closely. Of course now I +do see the likeness to the Alice I knew, but she has changed +far more than I have. She was a little girl of fourteen then, +very pretty, certainly, I thought, but still quite a girl—</q> and +he stopped. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, you mean that I have grown into a young woman, +and have lost my prettiness?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think your looking-glass tells you another story,</q> he +laughed. <q>If it doesn’t, it must be a very bad one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, now, do sit down,</q> her father said. <q>You must +have an immense deal to tell us.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is a longish story,</q> Will replied, <q>too long to tell +straight off. Besides, I want to ask some questions. When +did you come home? Have you come for good? If not, how +long are you going to stay? though I am sorry to say that the +length of your visit can affect me comparatively little, for +I am appointed second-lieutenant of the <name type="ship">Jason</name>, and must join +in a few days.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I congratulate you very heartily, Will,</q> Mr. Palethorpe +said. <q>You are fortunate indeed to get such promotion so +early.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am most fortunate, sir. Though just at present I feel +inclined to wish that it hadn’t come quite so soon.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>In answer to your question, Will, I can say that we are +home for good. I have disposed of my estate and wound up +my business, principally, I think, because this little girl had +made up her mind that she should like England better than +Jamaica.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am glad to hear that, sir. I shall have something to +look forward to when I return to England.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='321'/><anchor id='Pg321'/> + +<p> +<q>Where are you staying?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>At the Golden Cross.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, then, you must go and fetch your luggage here at +once. It would be strange indeed if you were to be staying +at any house but mine while you are in London.</q> +</p> + +<p> +As he saw that the planter would not hear of a refusal, Will +gladly accepted the invitation, and, taking a fly, drove to the +hotel, paid his bill, and took his things away. +</p> +</div><div n="17"> + <index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XVII</head> + +<head type="sub">ON BOARD THE <q>JASON</q></head> + +<p> +<q>I won’t ask you for your story till after dinner,</q> Mr. +Palethorpe said. <q>To enjoy a yarn one needs to be +comfortable, and I feel more at home in my arm-chair in the +dining-room than I do in this room, with all its fal-lals. You +see, I have taken the house furnished. When I settle down +in a home of my own, I can assure you it will look very +different from this. In fact I have one already building for +me. It is at Dulwich, and will be as nearly as possible like +my house in Jamaica. Of course there will be differences. +I at first wished to have the same sort of veranda, but the +architect pointed out that while in Jamaica one requires +shade, here one wants light. So they are getting large +sheets of glass specially made for putting in instead of wood +above the windows. Then, of course, we want good fireplaces, +whereas in Jamaica a fire is only necessary for a few +<pb n='322'/><anchor id='Pg322'/>days in the year. There are also other little differences, but +on the whole it will remind me of the place I had for so many +years.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The house will have one advantage over that in Jamaica, +Mr. Palethorpe.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What is that?</q> he asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You will be able to go to bed comfortably without fear +of having the roof taken from over your head by a hurricane.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah! that is indeed a matter to which I have not given +sufficient consideration, but it is certainly a very substantial +advantage, as we have all good reason to know.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I never think of it without shuddering,</q> Alice said. <q>It +was awful! It seemed as if there was an end of everything! +I think it was the memory of that night that first set me +thinking of going to England.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then I cannot but feel grateful to that hurricane, for if +you had remained out there it is probable that I should never +have met you again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am having a large conservatory built so that we can have +greenness and flowers all the year,</q> Mr. Palethorpe remarked +presently. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should think that would be charming. I hope you will +be settled at Dulwich long before I come back from my next +cruise.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I don’t know that I can say the same, Will. I hope +your next cruise will be a short one.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When dinner was over, the chairs were drawn up to the fire, +and Will related his adventures since his return from the +West Indies. +</p> + +<pb n='323'/><anchor id='Pg323'/> + +<p> +<q>Have you heard of your two favourite sailors?</q> Alice +interrupted. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Dimchurch and Tom Stevens? No, I have not. I shall +feel lost without them at sea, and sincerely hope that I may +some day run against them, in which case I am sure, if they +are free, they will join my ship.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>How terribly cut up they must have been,</q> the girl said, +<q>when they got down to the beach and found that you were +missing!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am sure they would be,</q> he replied. <q>I expect the rest +of the men almost had to hold them back by force.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, go on. You were hit and made prisoner.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will went on with his story till he came to his escape from +Verdun. +</p> + +<p> +<q>What was she like?</q> the girl asked. <q>I expect she was +very pretty.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, not particularly so. She was a very pleasant-looking +girl.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can imagine she seemed very pleasant to you,</q> the girl +laughed; <q>and, of course, before you got out of the window +and climbed to the top of the house you kissed her, didn’t +you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I did,</q> Will said. <q>Of course she expected to be +kissed. I am not at all used to kissing. In fact, I only experienced +it once before, and then I was a perfectly passive +actor in the affair.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The girl flushed up rosily. +</p> + +<p> +<q>You drew that upon yourself, Alice,</q> her father said. +<q>If you had left him alone he would not have brought up that +old affair.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='324'/><anchor id='Pg324'/> + +<p> +<q>I don’t care,</q> she said. <q>I was only thirteen, and he had +saved my life.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You didn’t do it again, my dear, I hope, when you met +him in the street to-day.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Of course not!</q> she exclaimed indignantly. <q>The idea of +such a thing!</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Very well, let this be a lesson to you not to enquire too +strictly into such matters.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah! I will bear it in mind,</q> she said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can assure you, Alice, that it was a perfectly friendly +kiss. She was engaged to be married to a young soldier who +was a prisoner at Porchester, and during the past week I have +been employed in setting him free, as you will hear presently. +I promised her I would do so if possible, and of course I kept +my word.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What! you, an English officer, set a French prisoner free! +I am shocked!</q> Mr. Palethorpe said. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would have tried to set twenty of them free if twenty +of their sweethearts had united to get me away from prison.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They laughed heartily at the story of his escape as a pedlar, +and were intensely interested in his account of the manner +in which he succeeded in getting a despatch from the agent +of the British Government at Amsterdam. He continued the +narrative until his arrival in England. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now we shall hear, I suppose, how this British officer perpetrated +an act of treason against His Most Gracious Majesty.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I suppose it was that in the eyes of the law,</q> Will +laughed. <q>Fortunately, however, the law has no cognizance of +the affair, at any rate not of my share in it. I don’t suppose it +has been heard of outside Porchester. As His Gracious Majesty +<pb n='325'/><anchor id='Pg325'/>has some forty thousand prisoners in England, the loss of one +more or less will not trouble his gracious brain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He then related the whole story of Lucien’s escape. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I should have liked to see you dressed up like a pedlar, +with your face all painted, and a wig and whiskers,</q> the girl +said, <q>though I don’t suppose I should have recognized you in +that disguise to-day.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It was a capitally-managed plan, Will, and had it been +for a legitimate object I should have given it unstinted praise. +And so you saw him fairly off from England?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes; and by this time I have no doubt he is on the top of +a vehicle of some sort, going as fast as horses can gallop to +join his sweetheart.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I wonder,</q> Alice said mischievously, <q>whether she will +ever tell him of that kiss at the window.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I dare say she will,</q> laughed Will, <q>but perhaps not till +they are married. I sent her the gold watch I promised her, +and when she holds it up before his eyes I think he won’t +grudge her the kiss. Still, I believe these things are not +always mentioned.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I suppose not,</q> she said, with an affectation of not +understanding him. <q>Why should they be?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can’t say indeed, if you can’t.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am not ashamed of it one little bit, though I own +that I never have told anybody. But I don’t see why I +shouldn’t. I am sure there were at least half a dozen ladies +in Jamaica who would willingly have kissed you for what you +did for them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you! I should certainly not have willingly submitted +to the ordeal.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='326'/><anchor id='Pg326'/> + +<p> +It was late when the story was finished, and they soon +afterwards went to bed. +</p> + +<p> +Will spent a delightful week with his friends. Alice had +grown up into a charming young woman, full of life and +vivacity, and even prettier than she had promised to be as a +girl. They went about together to all the sights of London, +for Mr. Palethorpe said that he didn’t care about going, and +young people were best left to themselves. When the time +came for parting, Will for the first time experienced a feeling +of reluctance at joining his ship. He and Alice were now +almost on their old footing, and Will thought that she was by +far the nicest girl he had ever seen; but it was not until he +was on the top of the Portsmouth coach that he recognized +how much she was to him. <q>Well,</q> he said to himself, <q>I +never thought I should feel like this. Some young fellows are +always falling in love. I used to think it was all nonsense, +but now I understand it. I do not know why her father +should object to me, as I am fairly well off. I must see as +much of her as I can when I land next time. I hope she +won’t meet anyone in the meantime she likes better.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Jason</name> was now lying out in the harbour, and the riggers +had taken possession of her. Will at once reported himself +and went on board. The other officers had not yet joined, +but he at once took up his work with his usual zeal, and spent +a busy fortnight looking after the riggers, and seeing that +everything was done in the best manner. He was, however, +somewhat angry to find that Alice’s face and figure were constantly +intruding themselves into the cordage and shrouds. +<q>I am becoming a regular mooncalf,</q> he said angrily to himself. +<q>It is perfectly absurd that I can’t keep my thoughts +<pb n='327'/><anchor id='Pg327'/>from wandering away from my work, and for a girl whom I +can hardly dare hope to win. I shall be very glad when we +are off to sea. I’ll then have, I won’t say something better, but +something else to think of. If this is being in love, certainly +it is not the thing a sailor should engage in. I have often +heard it said that a sailor’s ship should be his wife, and I have +no longer any doubt about it. But I know I’ll get over it +when I hear the first broadside fired.</q> +</p> + +<p> +A week later the first lieutenant joined. His name was +Somerville. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, Mr. Gilmore,</q> he said, <q>I see you have taken time by +the forelock and given an eye to everything! I only received +my appointment two days ago or I should have joined before. +There is nothing like having an officer to superintend things, +and I feel really very much obliged to you for not having +extended your leave, which, of course, you could have done, +especially as, so far as I know, no boatswain has yet been +appointed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was glad to get back to work, sir, and it is really +very interesting seeing all the rigging set up from the very +beginning.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, but for all that men don’t generally want to +rejoin,</q> the first lieutenant said with a smile. <q>The difficulty +is to get young officers on board. They hang back, as a rule, +till the very last moment. Well, if you will dine with me +this evening, Mr. Gilmore, at the George, I shall be glad to +hear of some of your services. That they are distinguished I +have no doubt, for nothing but the most meritorious services +or extraordinary interest could have gained you at your age +the appointment of second lieutenant in a fine ship like this. I +<pb n='328'/><anchor id='Pg328'/>think it a very good thing for the first lieutenant to know the +antecedents of those serving with him. Such knowledge is very +useful to him in any crisis or emergency.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After dinner that evening Will gave an account of his services, +the lieutenant at times asking for more minute details, +especially of the capture of the two pirates. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much!</q> Lieutenant Somerville said when +he had finished. <q>Now I feel that I can, in any emergency, +depend upon you to second me, which I can assure you is by +no means commonly the case, for promotion goes so much by +influence, and such incapable men are pushed up in the service +that it is a comfort indeed to have an officer who knows +his work thoroughly. I hope to goodness we shall have the +captain so fine a ship deserves.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hope so indeed, sir. I have hitherto been extremely +fortunate in having good captains, as good as one could wish +for.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are fortunate indeed, then. I have been under two +or three men who, either from ignorance or ill-temper or sheer +indifference, have been enough to take the heart entirely out +of their officers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +On the day when the <name type="ship">Jason</name> was ready for commission the +captain came down to Portsmouth and put up at the George, +and Mr. Somerville and Will called upon him there. He was +a young man, some years younger than the first <corr sic='lieutenant."'>lieutenant.</corr> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Gentlemen,</q> he began, <q>I have pleasure in making your +acquaintance. I saw the admiral this morning, and he assured +me that I could not wish for better officers. I hope we shall +get on pleasantly together, and can assure you that if we do +not it will not be my fault. We have as fine a ship as men +<pb n='329'/><anchor id='Pg329'/>could wish to sail in, and I will guarantee that you will not +find me slack in using her. As you may guess by my age, I +owe my present position partly to family interest, but my +object will be to prove that that interest has not been altogether +misplaced. I have already had command of a frigate, +and we had our full share of hard service. I am afraid that +with a seventy-four we shall not have quite so many opportunities +of distinguishing ourselves, but shall generally have +to work with the fleet and fight when other people bid us, +and not merely when we see a good chance. There is, however, +as much credit, if not as much prize-money, to be gained +in a pitched battle as in isolated actions. I was kindly permitted +by the admiral to read both your records of service, +and I cannot say how gratified I was to find that I had two +such able and active officers to second me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am sure we are much obliged to you, sir,</q> Lieutenant +Somerville replied, <q>for speaking to us as you have done. I +can answer for it that we will second you to the very best of +our power, and I am glad indeed to find that we have a commander +whose sentiments so entirely accord with our own.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Now, gentlemen, we have done with the formalities. Let +us crack a bottle of wine together to our better acquaintance, +and I hope I shall very often see you at my table on board, +for while I feel that discipline must be maintained, I have +no belief in a captain holding himself entirely aloof from his +officers, as if he were a little god. On the quarter-deck a +captain must stand somewhat aloof, but in his own cabin I +cannot see why he should not treat his officers as gentlemen +like himself.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They sat and chatted for an hour, and when they left, +<pb n='330'/><anchor id='Pg330'/>Lieutenant Somerville said to Will: <q>If I am not much +mistaken, we shall have a very pleasant time on board the +<name type="ship">Jason</name>. I believe Captain Charteris means every word he says, +and that he is a thoroughly good fellow. He has a very +pleasant face, though a firm and resolute one, and when he +gives an order it will have to be obeyed promptly; but he is +a man who will make allowances, and I do not think the cat +will be very often brought into requisition on board.</q> +</p> + +<p> +One day Will was sauntering down the High Street when +he saw two country-looking men coming along. One of them +looked at him and staggered back in astonishment. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Why,</q> he exclaimed, <q>it is Mr. Gilmore! We thought +you were in prison in the middle of France, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>So I was, Dimchurch; but, as you see, I have taken leg-bail.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That was a terrible affair, sir, at them French batteries. +When I got down to the shore, and found you were missing, +it was as much as they could do to keep Tom here and me +from going back. You mayn’t believe me, Mr. Gilmore, but +we both cried like children as we rowed to the <name type="ship">Tartar</name>.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am indeed glad to see you again, and you too, Tom. +I guessed that if I ever came across the one I should meet the +other also. What are you doing in those togs?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, we put them on because we did not want to be +impressed by the first ship that came in, but preferred to +wait a bit till we saw one to suit us. I see, sir, that you have +shipped a swab. That means, of course, that you have got a +lieutenancy. I congratulate you indeed, sir, on your promotion.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I got it a month ago, and to a fine ship, the <corr sic="no quote"><name type="ship">Jason</name>.</corr></q> +</p> + +<pb n='331'/><anchor id='Pg331'/> + +<p> +<q>She is a fine ship, sir, and no mistake. Tom and I were +watching her lying out in the harbour yesterday, and were +saying that, though we have always been accustomed to +frigates, we should not mind shipping in her if we found out +something about the captain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I can tell you, Dimchurch, that he is just the man +you would like to serve under, young and dashing, and, I +should say, a good officer and a fine fellow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And who is the first lieutenant, sir, because that matters +almost as much as the captain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He is a good fellow too, Dimchurch, a man who loves his +profession and has a good record.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And who is the second, sir? not that it matters much +about him if the captain and first luff are all right. I suppose +she has four on board, as she is a line-of-battle ship?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, she carries four. As to the second, I can only tell +you that he is one of the finest fellows in the service, and you +will understand that when I say that I am the second lieutenant.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>What, sir!</q> Dimchurch almost shouted, <q>they have made +you second lieutenant on a line-of-battle ship! Well, that is +one of the few times I have known promotion go by merit. +I am glad, sir. Well, I will go and sign articles at once, and +so, of course, will Tom; and what is more, I will guarantee to +find you a score of first-rate hands, maybe more.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good indeed,</q> Will said. <q>I will speak to the +first lieutenant and get you rated as boatswain, if possible. +You have already served in that capacity, and unless the +berth is filled up, which is not likely, I have no doubt I can +get it for you.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='332'/><anchor id='Pg332'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, if you can, of course I shall be glad; but I would +ship with you if it was only as loblolly boy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>The same here,</q> Tom said; <q>you know that, sir, without +my saying it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Is there any berth that I could get you, Tom?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir, thank you! A.B. is good enough for me. I am +not active enough to be captain of the top, but I can pull +on a rope, or row an oar, or strike a good blow, with any +man.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That you can, Tom; but I do wish I could get you a lift +too. How about gunner’s mate?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, thank you, sir! I would rather stop A.B. I should +like to be your honour’s servant, but, lor’, I should never do to +wait in the ward-room. I am as clumsy as a bear, and should +always be spilling something, and breaking glasses, and getting +into trouble. No, sir, I will be A.B., but of course I should +like to be appointed to your boat.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is a matter of course, Tom. Well, I will go round +to the dockyard at once and see you sworn in, and then +gladden the first lieutenant’s heart by telling him that you +will bring a good number of men along with you, for at +present we are very short-handed.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You trust me for that, sir. I know where lots of them +are lying hid, not because they don’t want to serve, but +because they want a good ship and a good captain. When I +tell them that it is a fine ship, and a good captain, and a good +first and second, they will jump at it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Dimchurch was as good as his word, and the following week +persuaded thirty first-class seamen to sign on. +</p> + +<p> +<q>At the same time, sir,</q> he said as they went towards +<pb n='333'/><anchor id='Pg333'/>the harbour, <q>I would rather she had been a frigate. One +has always a chance of picking up something then, as one +gets sent about on expeditions, while on a battle-ship one is +just stuck blockading.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is just what I think,</q> Tom said. <q>There are no +boat expeditions, no chances of picking up a prize every two +or three days, or of chasing a pirate. Still, though the <name type="ship">Tartar</name> +was a frigate, we did not have much fun in her, except when +we were on shore. That was good enough, though it would +not have been half so good if the sailors had not done it alone. +We wanted to show these redcoats what British seamen could +do when they were on their metal. I know I never worked +half so hard in my life.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I quite agree with you. It is more pleasant commanding +a small craft than being second officer in a large one, +although I must say I could not have had a more pleasant +captain and first lieutenant than I have now if I had picked +them out from the whole fleet. I am sorry that I cannot get +leave at present, for I want to make researches about my +father. According to what my lawyer said it is likely to be +a long job. I hope, however, to get it well in trim on my +next spell ashore. It makes really no difference to me now +who or what my father was. I have a good position, and +what with the prize-money I made before, and shall gain now +by my share of the sale of the frigates we took at Corsica, to +say nothing of the guns and stores we captured, I have more +than enough to satisfy all my wants.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have done extraordinarily well too, Mr. Gilmore,</q> Dimchurch +said. <q>I took your advice, and Tom and I have put +all our prize-money aside. He has over a thousand saved, and +<pb n='334'/><anchor id='Pg334'/>I have quite sufficient to keep me in idleness all my life, +even if I never do a stroke of work again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Mr. Somerville, on Will’s recommendation, at once appointed +Dimchurch boatswain, and he soon proved himself +thoroughly efficient. <q>He is a fine fellow, that sailor of yours,</q> +the lieutenant said, <q>and will make a first-rate boatswain. +He has done good service in bringing up so many hands, and +good ones too, and he is evidently popular among the men.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He is a thoroughly good man, sir. He attached himself +to my fortunes when I was but a ship’s boy, and has stuck to +me ever since. He and Tom Stevens are, with one exception, +the greatest friends I have ever had, and both of them would +lay down their lives for me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>A good master makes a good man,</q> Lieutenant Somerville +said with a smile. <q>Your greatest friend was, of course, the +lady who pushed you on with your education.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, certainly I regard her as the best friend I ever +had.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, there is no better friend for a lad than a good +woman, Gilmore. In that sense my mother was my greatest +friend. Most mothers are against their sons going to sea. In +my case it was my father who objected, but my mother, seeing +how I was bent upon it, persuaded him to let me go.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Three weeks after being commissioned the complement of +the <name type="ship">Jason</name> was complete, and she was ordered to proceed to +the West Indies, to which place they made a fast passage. To +their disappointment they fell in with none of the enemy’s +cruisers on their way. The voyage, however, sufficed to give +the crew confidence in their commander. He was prompt +and quick in giving orders, and at the same time pleasant in +<pb n='335'/><anchor id='Pg335'/>manner. He paid far more attention than most captains to +the comfort of his crew, and, while he insisted upon the most +perfect order and discipline, abstained from giving unnecessary +work. In cases where punishments were absolutely necessary +he punished severely, but when it was at all possible he let +delinquents off with a lecture. So, while he was feared by +the rougher spirits of the crew, he was regarded with liking +and respect by the good men. +</p> + +<p> +On their arrival at Carlisle Bay, Barbados, they found that +they were in time to join a naval expedition whose object was +to recover the islands of St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, +which had been captured by the French the previous year. +</p> + +<p> +A fleet had been sent from England under the command of +Rear-admiral Christian, consisting of two ships of the line and +five frigates, convoying a large fleet of transports with a strong +body of troops on board under the command of Sir Ralph +Abercrombie. +</p> + +<p> +At Carlisle Bay this fleet were joined by most of the ships +on the West Indian station, and on the 21st April, 1796, the +augmented fleet, under the command of Sir John Laforey, +sailed to Marin Bay, Martinique, where they anchored. On +the following day Sir John Laforey resigned his command to +Admiral Christian and sailed for England. The fleet then +stood across to St. Lucia. The troops were landed at three +different points under the protection of the guns of the fleet. +</p> + +<p> +The first point was protected by a five-gun battery. The +fire of the ships, however, soon silenced it, and the first division +made good its landing. The seventy-four-gun ship <name type="ship">Alfred</name> +was to have led the second division, supported by the fifty-four-gun +ship <name type="ship">Madras</name> and the forty-gun frigate <name type="ship">Beaulieu</name>, but +<pb n='336'/><anchor id='Pg336'/>the attempt was thwarted by lightness of wind and a strong +lee current. On the next day, however, a landing was effected +with little opposition. Eight hundred seamen, under the +command of Captains Lane of the thirty-two-gun frigate <name type="ship">Astrea</name> +and Ryves of the bomb-vessel <name type="ship">Bulldog</name>, were landed to co-operate +with the troops. Morne Chabot was attacked and carried +that night with the loss of thirteen officers and privates killed, +forty-nine wounded, and twelve missing. +</p> + +<p> +On the 3rd of May an attempt was made to dislodge the +enemy from their batteries at the base of the mountains, but +was repulsed with loss, as was an attack on the 17th on the +place called Vigie. +</p> + +<p> +In the meantime the men had been busy building batteries +and planting guns, and when these opened fire on the evening +of the 24th of May the enemy capitulated, two thousand +marching out and laying down their arms. A great quantity +of guns, together with stores of every description, were found +in the different forts, and some small privateers and merchantmen +were captured in the offing. Eight hundred seamen and +three hundred and twenty marines had been landed from the +ships of war, and had behaved with their usual courage and +promptitude. The manner, indeed, in which they established +batteries and planted guns in places deemed almost impracticable +astonished the troops, unused as they were to exercises +demanding strength and skill. +</p> + +<p> +As soon as St. Lucia had surrendered, the expedition moved +to St. Vincent. The defence here was decidedly weak, and +after some skirmishing, the enemy, composed chiefly of negroes +and Caribs, capitulated. Our loss amounted to thirty-eight +killed and one hundred and forty-five wounded. Grenada +<pb n='337'/><anchor id='Pg337'/>offered a comparatively slight resistance. The monster, Fedon, +who was in command there, massacred twenty white people +who were in his power in full view of the British, who were +on the plain below. He and his men, however, were hotly +pursued through the forest by a detachment of German riflemen, +and the greater portion of them killed without mercy. +</p> + +<p> +A detachment of British and colonial troops from the garrison +of Port au Prince in St. Domingo proceeded to besiege +the town of Leogane in that island. Covered by the guns of +the fleet the troops were landed in two divisions, while the +<name type="ship">Swiftsure</name>, seventy-four, cannonaded the town, and the <name type="ship">Leviathan</name> +and <name type="ship">Africa</name> the forts. The place, however, was too strong +for them, and at nightfall the ships moved off to an anchorage, +while those who had landed were withdrawn on the following +morning. Two of the frigates were so much damaged that +they were compelled to return to Jamaica to refit. An attack +was next made upon the fort of Bombarde, which stood at a +distance of fifteen miles from the coast. Will and a detachment +from his ship formed part of the force engaged. The +road was extremely rough, and was blocked by fallen trees +and walls built across it. The labour of getting the cannon +along was prodigious. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I must say,</q> Will said to Dimchurch, who was one of the +party, <q>I greatly prefer fighting on board to work like this. +We have to labour like slaves from early morning till late in +the evening; but I don’t so much mind that, as the fact that +at night we have to lie down with only the food that remains +in our haversacks, and what water we may have saved, for +supper. Now in a fight at sea one at least gets as much to +drink as one wants.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='338'/><anchor id='Pg338'/> + +<p> +<q>I quite agree with you, Mr. Gilmore. It’s dog’s work +without dog’s food. I don’t mind myself working here with a +chopper eight or ten hours a day, but I do like a good supper +at the end of it. The worst of it is, that when it is all over +it is the troops who get all the credit, while we poor beggars +do the greater part of the work. The soldiers are well +enough in their way, but they are very little good for hard +work. How do you account for that, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can only suppose, Dimchurch, that while they get as +much food as we do, they have nothing like the same amount +of hard work to do.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That’s it, sir. Why, look at them at Portsmouth! They +just go out of a morning and drill on the common for a bit, +and then they have nothing else to do all day but to stroll +about the town and talk to the girls. How can you expect +a man to have any muscle to speak of when he never does +a stroke of hard work? I don’t say they don’t fight well, for +I own they do their duty like men in that line; but when it +comes to work, why, they ain’t in it with a jack-tar. I do +believe I could pull a couple of them over a line.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I dare say you could, Dimchurch, but you must remember +that you are much stronger than an ordinary seaman.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, I grant I am stronger than usual, but I should be +ashamed of myself if I could not tackle two of them soldiers.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, but don’t forget they have been cooped up on board +a ship for a month, with nothing to keep them in health, and +certainly no exercise, while you are constantly doing hard +work. If you were to put these men into sailors’ clothes, and +give them sailors’ work for six months, they would be just as +strong and useful.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='339'/><anchor id='Pg339'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, if they are that sort of men why do they go +and enlist in the army instead of becoming sailors. It stands +to reason that it is because they know that they cannot do +work.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Why, Dimchurch, I have heard that in the great towns +girls think as much of soldiers as of sailors.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, that shows how little they know about them. In a +seaport, what girl would look at a soldier if she were pretty +enough to get a sailor for a sweetheart.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are a prejudiced beggar,</q> Will laughed, <q>and it is of +no use arguing with you. If you had gone as a soldier instead +of taking to the sea you would think just the other way.</q> +</p> + +<p> +On the next morning the march was renewed, and in the +evening they reached the fort. They had had several severe +skirmishes during the day, losing eight killed and twenty-two +wounded, but the garrison, consisting of three hundred, surrendered +without further resistance as soon as the place was +surrounded, and the sailors then rejoined their ships. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am mighty glad I am back on board,</q> Dimchurch +said to Will the evening they re-embarked. <q>This marching, +and chopping trees, and being shot at from ambushes, doesn’t +suit me. There is nothing manly or straightforward about it. +Hand to hand and cutlass to cutlass is what I call a man’s +work.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is all very well, Dimchurch, but though you may +capture ships you will never get possession of islands or +colonies in that way. If you want them you must land and +fight for them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, that is all very good, but it seems to me that the +hard work of making batteries and mounting guns falls on the +<pb n='340'/><anchor id='Pg340'/>sailor, while the soldier gets all the credit. It is not our +admiral who sends the despatches, it is the general. He may +speak a few good words for the sailors, as a man speaks up +for a dog, but all the credit of the fighting, and the surrender, +and all that business goes to the soldiers. The sooner we sail +away from here, and do some fighting nearer home, where +there are no soldiers, and where the sailors get their due, the +better pleased I shall be.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, Dimchurch, I hope our turn out here is nearly +finished. We may have to take part in a few more attacks +on French possessions, but as soon as that work is over I +have great hopes that we shall get sailing orders for home +again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Indeed, late in August a fast cruiser arrived with orders +that the <name type="ship">Jason</name> was at once to return to Brest and join the +Channel fleet. To the great delight of everyone the wind +continued favourable throughout the whole voyage, and after +an exceptionally speedy passage they joined Admiral Bridport, +who was cruising off Ushant on the look-out for the French +fleet that was preparing for the invasion of Ireland. +</p> + +<p> +The French fleet, under Admiral Morard-de-Galles, got +under weigh from Brest on 26th December, 1796. It consisted +of seventeen ships of the line, thirteen frigates, six +corvettes, seven transports, and a powder-ship, forty-four sail +in all, conveying eight thousand troops under the command of +Generals Grouchy, Borin, and Humbert. Misfortune, however, +dogged the fleet from the very commencement, for the +<name type="ship">Séduisant</name>, a seventy-four-gun battle-ship, got on shore shortly +after leaving Brest, and out of thirteen hundred seamen and +soldiers on board six hundred and eighty were drowned. +</p> + +<pb n='341'/><anchor id='Pg341'/> + +<p> +They were noticed by Vice-admiral <anchor id="corr341"/><corr sic="Colpoy’s">Colpoys’</corr> fleet, who sent +off two frigates to warn Lord Bridport, and after chasing the +French for some distance himself, sailed for Falmouth to +report the setting out of the expedition. +</p> + +<p> +Admiral Bouvet, with thirty-two sail, managed to reach the +mouth of Bantry Bay, but the weather was so tempestuous +that he was unable to land his troops. After struggling for +some days against this boisterous weather, the fleet scattered, +and the majority of the ships returned to Brest. The rest +reached the coast of Ireland, but not finding the main portion +of their fleet there, they returned to France. +</p> + +<p> +The failure of the expedition was as complete as was that +of the Spanish Armada, and was due greatly to the same +cause. Out of the forty-four ships that sailed from Brest +only thirty-one managed to return to France. The British +frigates, by the vigilance they displayed, had done good service, +cutting off four transports and three ships of war; but +the stormy weather had dispersed the expedition, and was accountable +for the loss of two battle-ships, three frigates, and a +transport. It was curious that although Lord Bridport’s fleet +was constantly patrolling the Channel during this time, the +two fleets never came in contact. +</p> + +</div><div n="18"> +<pb n='342'/><anchor id='Pg342'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XVIII</head> + +<head type="sub">ST. VINCENT AND CAMPERDOWN</head> + +<p> +On the 19th of January, 1797, Lord Bridport detached +Rear-admiral Parker with five battle-ships—among them +the <name type="ship">Jason</name>—and one frigate, to Gibraltar, and on the 6th of +February they joined Admiral Sir John Jervis off Cape St. +Vincent. +</p> + +<p> +They were cruising along the Portuguese coast when, on +the morning of the 13th of February, Nelson brought Admiral +Jervis the long-expected news of the approach of the Spanish +fleet. Its exact strength he had not discovered, but it was +known to exceed twenty sail of the line, while Jervis had but +fifteen, two of which had been greatly injured by a collision +the night before. The repairs, however, were quickly executed, +and they fell into their positions. Jervis made the +signal to prepare for action. During the night the signal guns +of the Spaniards were heard, and before daylight a Portuguese +frigate came along and reported that they were about four +leagues to windward. At that time the fleet were south-west +of Cape St. Vincent. The Spaniards, who had hitherto been +prevented by an adverse wind from getting into Cadiz, were +ready to meet us, not knowing that the British admiral had +been reinforced, and believing that he had but some ten ships. +</p> + +<p> +The wind, however, changed during the night, and, acting +in strict obedience to his orders, the Spanish commander-in-chief +determined to set sail for Cadiz. When day broke, his +fleet was seen about five miles off, the main body huddled +<pb n='343'/><anchor id='Pg343'/>together in a confused group, with one squadron to leeward. +It was then seen what a formidable fleet lay before us. The +admiral’s flag was carried by the <name type="ship">Santissima-Trinidada</name>, one +hundred and thirty, and he had with him six three-deckers of +one hundred and twelve guns each, two of eighty, and eighteen +seventy-fours. Our fleet had scarcely half the ships and +guns. We had two ships of one hundred guns, three of +ninety-eight, one of ninety, eight seventy-fours, and a sixty-four. +There was, however, no comparison between the men. +Our own were for the most part tried and trained sailors, +while a considerable proportion of the Spaniards were almost +raw levies. +</p> + +<p> +The morning of the 14th February was foggy, and neither +the number nor the size of our ships could be made out by the +Spaniards until we were within a mile of them. Then, as mid-day +approached and the fog cleared off, they saw Jervis bearing +down upon them in two lines. His object was to separate +the Spanish squadron to leeward from the main body, and in +this he completely succeeded. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Culloden</name> led the way, and the greater part of the fleet +followed, opening a tremendous fire as they came up with +the Spaniards, and receiving their broadsides in return. The +Spanish vice-admiral attempted to cut through the British line, +but was thwarted by the rapid advance of the <name type="ship">Victory</name>, which +forced the admiral’s ship, the <name type="ship">Principe de Asturias</name>, to tack close +under her lee, pouring in a tremendous raking broadside as +she did so. Fortunately at this moment Commodore Nelson +was in the rear, and had a better view of the movements of +the enemy than had the commander-in-chief. He perceived +that the Spanish admiral was beginning to bear up before the +<pb n='344'/><anchor id='Pg344'/>wind, with the object of uniting the main body with the second +division. Accordingly he ordered his ship the <name type="ship">Captain</name> to +wear. +</p> + +<p> +Up to this time she had hardly fired a gun, but this movement +gave her the lead of the fleet, and brought her at once +into action with the enemy. In a few minutes she was attacked +by no fewer than four first-raters and two third-raters. +The <name type="ship">Culloden</name>, however, bore down with all speed to her assistance, +and some time afterwards the <name type="ship">Blenheim</name> came up to take +a share in the fight. Two of the Spanish ships dropped astern +to escape the tremendous fire of the three British seventy-fours, +but they only fell in with the <name type="ship">Excellent</name> coming up to support +the <name type="ship">Captain</name>, and she poured so tremendous a fire into them +both that one of them struck at once. She left the other to +her own devices and pressed on to join Nelson, who greatly +needed help, for the <name type="ship">Captain</name> was now little better than a +wreck. +</p> + +<p> +Her chief antagonist at this time was the <name type="ship">San Nicholas</name>. +Into that ship she poured a tremendous fire, and then passed +on to the <name type="ship">San Isidro</name> and <name type="ship">Santissima-Trinidada</name>, with which the +<name type="ship">Captain</name> had been engaged from the beginning. The fire of the +<name type="ship">Excellent</name> had completed the work done by the <name type="ship">Captain</name>, and +the <name type="ship">San Nicholas</name> and the <name type="ship">San Josef</name> had collided with each +other. Nelson, being in so crippled a state that he could no +longer take an active part in the action, laid his ship alongside +the <name type="ship">San Nicholas</name> and carried her by boarding; and after this +was done the crew crossed to the <name type="ship">San Josef</name>, and carried her +also. Other prizes had been taken elsewhere; the <name type="ship">Salvador Del +Mundo</name> and <name type="ship">Santissima-Trinidada</name> surrendered, as did the <name type="ship">Soberano</name>. +The <name type="ship">Santissima-Trinidada</name>, however, was towed away by +<pb n='345'/><anchor id='Pg345'/>one of her frigates. Evening was closing in, and as the +Spanish fleet still greatly outnumbered the British, Jervis +made the signal to discontinue the action, and the next morning +the fleets sailed in different directions, the British carrying +their four prizes with them. Considering the desperate nature +of the fighting the British loss was extraordinarily small, only +seventy-three being killed and two hundred and twenty-seven +wounded. Of these nearly a third belonged to the <name type="ship">Captain</name>, +upon which the brunt of the fight had fallen. For this victory +Admiral Jervis was made an earl, and two admirals baronets. +Nelson might have had a baronetcy, but he preferred the +ribbon of the Bath. Also, he shortly afterwards was promoted +to the rank of Rear-admiral. Captain Calder received the +ribbon of the Bath, and all the first lieutenants were promoted. +</p> + +<p> +The captain of the <name type="ship">Jason</name> had earned golden opinions from +his crew by the manner in which he had fought his vessel and +the careless indifference he had shown to the enemy’s fire as +he walked up and down on the quarter-deck issuing what +orders were necessary. Their losses had not been heavy, but +among them, to Will’s deep regret, the first lieutenant had +been killed by a cannon-ball. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am grieved indeed,</q> the captain said the next morning +to Will, <q>at the death of Mr. Somerville. He was an excellent +officer and a most worthy man. It is, however, a consolation +to me that I have a successor so worthy to take his +place. Since we have sailed together, Mr. Gilmore, I have +always been gratified by the manner in which you have done +your duty, and by the skill you have shown in handling the +ship during your watch. It is a great satisfaction to me that +I have so good an officer for my first lieutenant.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='346'/><anchor id='Pg346'/> + +<p> +It was but a few months after the battle of St. Vincent that +a greater danger threatened England than she had ever before +been exposed to. The seamen in the navy had long been +seething with discontent, and all their petitions had been +neglected, their remonstrances treated as of no account. +</p> + +<p> +Rendered desperate, they at last determined to mutiny, and +the first outbreak occurred on the 15th April in the Channel +fleet, which was at the time anchored at Spithead. On +Admiral Lord Bridport giving the signal to weigh anchor, the +seamen of the flagship, instead of proceeding to their stations, +ran up the rigging and gave three cheers, and the crews of +the rest of the ships at once did the same. The officers +attempted to induce the men to return to their duty, but in +vain. The next day two delegates from each ship met on the +<name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name>, the flagship, to deliberate, and the day after +all the men swore to stand by their leaders, and such officers +as had rendered themselves obnoxious to the men were put +on shore. +</p> + +<p> +The delegates then drew up two petitions, one to Parliament +the other to the Admiralty, asking that their wages +should be increased—they had remained at the same point +since Charles II was king,—that the pound should be reckoned +at sixteen ounces instead of fourteen, and that the food should +be of better quality. Further, that vegetables should be +occasionally served out, that the sick should be better attended +and their medical comforts not embezzled; and, finally, that +on returning from sea the men should be allowed a short +leave to visit their friends. +</p> + +<p> +On the 18th a committee of the Board of Admiralty arrived +at Portsmouth, and in answer to the petition agreed to ask +<pb n='347'/><anchor id='Pg347'/>the king to propose to Parliament an increase of wages, and +also to grant them certain other privileges; but these terms +the sailors would not accept, and expressed their determination +not to weigh anchor till their full demands were granted. +</p> + +<p> +The committee now sent, through Lord Bridport, a letter +to the seamen granting still further concessions, and promising +pardon to all concerned; but the sailors answered expressing +their thanks for what had been granted, but reiterating their +demands. +</p> + +<p> +On the 21st Vice-admirals Sir Allen Gardner and Colpoys +and Rear-admiral Pole went on board the <name type="ship">Queen Charlotte</name> to +confer, but they were informed that until the reforms were +sanctioned by the king and Parliament they would not be +accepted as final. This so angered Admiral Gardner that he +seized one of the delegates by the collar and swore he would +hang the lot, and every fifth man in the fleet. The delegates +at once returned to their ships, and the seamen of the fleet +proceeded to load the guns. Watches were set as at sea, and +the ships were put into a complete state of defence. +</p> + +<p> +On the 22nd Lord Bridport, having received a letter from +the mutineers explaining the cause of the steps they had +taken, went on board, and after a short deliberation his offers +were accepted, and the men returned to their duty. +</p> + +<p> +The fleet was detained at St. Helens by a foul wind until +the 7th of May, when news was received that the French were +preparing to sail. Lord Bridport made the signal to weigh, +but the crews again refused to obey orders, alleging that the +silence that Parliament had observed respecting their grievances +led them to suspect that the promised redress was to be +withheld. +</p> + +<pb n='348'/><anchor id='Pg348'/> + +<p> +For four days matters continued in the same state, but on +the 14th Admiral Lord Howe arrived from London with full +powers to settle all disputes with an Act of Parliament which +had been passed on the 9th, and a proclamation granting the +king’s pardon to all who should return at once to their duty. +</p> + +<p> +After various discussions the men agreed to the terms, and +on the 16th May, all matters having been amicably settled, +Lord Bridport put to sea with his fleet of fifteen sail of the +line. +</p> + +<p> +Notwithstanding these concessions the sailors of the ships +lying at the Nore broke into mutiny on the 20th of May, +their ringleader being a seaman of the name of Richard +Parker, one of a class of men denominated sea-lawyers. The +delegates drew up a statement of demands containing eight +articles, most of which were perfectly impossible, and the +Admiralty replied by pointing out the concessions the Legislature +had recently made, and refusing to accede to any more, +but offering to pardon the men if they would at once return +to their duty. The mutineers refused, and hoisted the red +flag. They landed at Sheerness and marched through the +streets, and in many ways went to greater lengths than their +comrades at Spithead. They even flogged and otherwise ill-treated +some of the officers. +</p> + +<p> +This outbreak now assumed the most alarming proportions. +Eleven ships belonging to the North Sea fleet, on the way to +blockade the Texel, turned back and joined Parker, and the +greatest alarm was felt in London, the Funds falling to an +unheard-of price. The Government acted, however, with +vigour; buoys were removed, and the forts were manned and +the men ordered to open fire should the fleet sail up the river. +<pb n='349'/><anchor id='Pg349'/>Bills were rushed through Parliament in two days, authorizing +the utmost penalties on the mutineers and on all who aided +them. +</p> + +<p> +This had the desired effect, and early in June the fleets at +Portsmouth and Plymouth disavowed all complicity with +Parker, and two ships—the <name type="ship">Leopard</name> and <name type="ship">Repulse</name>—hauled down +the red flag and retreated up the Thames, being fired on by +the rest of the fleet. The example was, however, contagious, +and ship after ship deserted until, on the 14th, the crew of the +<name type="ship">Sandwich</name> handed over Parker to the authorities. +</p> + +<p> +He was tried, convicted, and hanged on board that ship +on the 29th of June. Some of the other leaders were also +hanged, some were flogged through the fleet, and some sent +to prison. +</p> + +<p> +The mutiny was not confined to the ships on the home +stations, but it never became serious at any point, and a +display of timely severity soon brought matters back to their +usual condition of discipline and obedience to orders. +</p> + +<p> +A mutiny of a different character, as it was caused by the +tyranny of the captain, and had very different results, took +place in the West Indies. +</p> + +<p> +On the night of the 21st of September the thirty-two-gun +frigate <name type="ship">Hermione</name> was cruising off Porto Rico. Its captain, +Pigot, was known to be one of the most harsh and brutal +officers in the navy. On the previous day, while the crew +were reefing topsails, he had called out that he would flog the +last man down. The poor fellows, knowing well that he would +keep his word, hurried down; and two of them, in trying to +jump over those below them, missed their footing and were +killed. When this was reported to the captain he simply said: +<pb n='350'/><anchor id='Pg350'/><q>Throw the lubbers overboard.</q> All the other men were +severely reprimanded. The result of this, the last of a succession +of similar acts of tyranny, was that the crew broke +into mutiny. The first lieutenant went to enquire into the +disturbance, but he was killed and thrown overboard. The +captain, hearing the tumult, ran on deck, but he suffered the +same fate as his second in command. The mutineers then +proceeded to murder eight other officers, two lieutenants, the +purser, the surgeon, the captain’s clerk, one midshipman, the +boatswain, and the lieutenant of marines. The master, a midshipman, +and the gunner were the only officers spared. They +then carried the ship into the port of La Guayra, representing +to the Spanish governor that they had turned their officers +adrift. The real circumstances of the case were explained +to the governor by the British admiral, but he insisted upon +detaining the vessel and fitting her out as a Spanish frigate. +</p> + +<p> +Many of the perpetrators of this horrible crime were afterwards +captured and executed. Had they contented themselves +with wreaking their vengeance on their captain, some excuse +might have been offered for them when the catalogue of his +brutalities was published, but nothing could be said in condonation +of the cold-blooded murder of the other officers, +including even a midshipman and the young captain’s clerk, +neither of whom could have in any way influenced their +commander’s conduct. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Hermione</name>, however, was of but little use to the +Spaniards. Sir Hyde Parker, in October, 1799, hearing that +she was about to sail from Porto Cabello, in Havana, detached +the <name type="ship">Surprise</name> under Captain Hamilton, to attempt to obtain +possession of her. On arriving off Porto Cabello he found the +<pb n='351'/><anchor id='Pg351'/><name type="ship">Hermione</name>, which was manned by four hundred men, moored +between two strong batteries at the entrance to the harbour, +but, nothing daunted, Captain Hamilton resolved to cut her +out. At eight o’clock in the evening he pushed off from the +<name type="ship">Surprise</name> with all his boats, manned by one hundred officers and +men. +</p> + +<p> +Undeterred by a heavy fire, the boats made for the <name type="ship">Hermione</name> +and were soon alongside. The main attack at the gangways +was beaten off, but the captain, with his cutter’s crew, +made good his footing on the forecastle, and here he was +joined by the crew of the gig and some of the men from the +jolly-boat. He then fought his way to the quarter-deck, +where he was soon reinforced by the crews of the boats that +had at first been repulsed. In a very short time, after some +desperate fighting, the <name type="ship">Hermione</name> was captured. The cables +were now cut and the sails hoisted, and under a heavy fire +from the batteries the frigate was brought off, though much +damaged both in rigging and hull. A few days later she +anchored in Port Royal. +</p> + +<p> +This feat stands perhaps unparalleled in naval history for its +audacity and success. The victors had only twelve wounded; +the enemy lost one hundred and nineteen killed and ninety-seven +wounded. Captain Hamilton was knighted for this +achievement, the legislature of Jamaica presented him with a +sword valued at three hundred guineas, and on his arrival in +England after his exchange, for he was taken prisoner on his +way home, the common council of London voted him the +freedom of the city. He was, however, much injured in the +attack, and was to the end of his life under medical treatment. +</p> + +<p> +After the battle of St. Vincent the <name type="ship">Jason</name> required some +<pb n='352'/><anchor id='Pg352'/>repairs to her hull, but as her spars were uninjured she was +ordered by Admiral Jervis to proceed to Portsmouth with +despatches. Here, to Will’s great joy, he was confirmed in +his position as first lieutenant. He was unable to get leave, +as it was found the repairs would take but a short time, and +after ten days’ stay in port the <name type="ship">Jason</name> sailed to join Lord +Bridport’s fleet. On doing so, she was at once despatched to +reinforce the North Sea fleet under Admiral Duncan, then +blockading the Texel. +</p> + +<p> +It was while engaged in this monotonous work that the news +came of Admiral Nelson’s disastrous attack on Santa Cruz. +The expedition was a complete failure, one hundred and +forty-one being killed or drowned, and one hundred and five +wounded or missing. Among the wounded was Admiral +Nelson himself, who lost his arm. +</p> + +<p> +The news of the mutinies taking place at Spithead and the +Nore was a source of great anxiety to the officers, but the men +were so attached to them that there was no real cause for +uneasiness with regard to their own ship, and when the eleven +ships of Duncan’s fleet joined the mutineers at the Nore, the +<name type="ship">Jason</name> was one of the few that remained with the admiral. +</p> + +<p> +During the equinoctial gales many of the ships were so +badly strained that Admiral Duncan returned to Yarmouth +Roads to gather and repair his fleet, leaving the <name type="ship">Jason</name> and +two other ships to watch the enemy. De Winter lost not a +moment in taking advantage of his absence, and on the 7th +of October sailed out with his whole fleet, chasing the watch +vessels before him. On their way, however, they met a +squadron under Captain Trollope, consisting of Duncan’s ships +which had been refitted. The Dutch fleet, on seeing them, +<pb n='353'/><anchor id='Pg353'/>thought that the whole British fleet was behind, and not +at the time wishing to engage, went about and steered again +for the Texel. On the 9th the <name type="ship">Active</name> came in sight off +Yarmouth Roads with the signal flying that the enemy were +at sea. At once a general chase was ordered, and by the time +the <name type="ship">Active</name> joined them the whole fleet was under way. Her +captain was hailed and ordered to guide the fleet to the +precise spot where he had last seen the enemy. +</p> + +<p> +Captain Trollope had, as soon as the Dutch fleet went +about, started in chase of them, and kept them in sight +until they approached the Texel, when he steered to meet +Admiral Duncan. He was therefore able to give the exact +position of the enemy, and at once the fleet sailed towards +them. On the morning of the 11th October, 1797, the admiral +came in sight of the enemy about nine miles from shore and +nearly opposite the village of Camperdown. The fleet, however, +was greatly scattered owing to the different speeds of +the ships. De Winter, as soon as he saw the British coming, +got up his anchors and made for shore, hoping that he might +be able to get so close in among its shoals and sand-banks, +which were much better known to him than to his antagonists, +as to deter Duncan from pursuing him. He was, above all +things, anxious to avoid action; not so much because his +fleet was slightly inferior to the British, as because his instructions +enjoined him to regard his junction with the French +at Brest as his chief object. +</p> + +<p> +The British admiral, seeing his arrangements and divining +his object, pressed on, regardless of the scattered state of his +fleet, and made the signal for each ship to attack as she came +up. Another signal intimated that he should attempt to +<pb n='354'/><anchor id='Pg354'/>break the enemy’s line, so as to get between it and the land. +But this signal was not generally seen by the fleet. It was, +however, seen and acted upon by the second in command, +Admiral Onslow, in the <name type="ship">Monarch</name>, who soon after led the +larboard division through the Dutch line, three ships from +the rear, and then closely engaged the <name type="ship">Jupiter</name>. Duncan’s own +ship, the <name type="ship">Venerable</name>, the leading ship of the starboard division, +marked out the <name type="ship">Vryhide</name>, De Winter’s flagship, as his own +antagonist. +</p> + +<p> +The Dutch ship <name type="ship">States-general</name>, the flagship of their rear-admiral, +seeing his design, pressed so close up to his chief +that the British admiral was compelled to change his course +and pass astern of her; but as he did so he poured so terrible +a fire into her stern that she was glad to fall back and leave +the <name type="ship">Venerable</name> free to attack the <name type="ship">Vryhide</name>. Others of our ships +followed the example of their chief, breaking the Dutch line +at several points. At one o’clock the battle became general, +and was carried on with unsurpassed courage on both sides. +The two biggest Dutch frigates, which carried as heavy guns +as the British line-of-battle ships, crept forward into the fight +and fought gallantly, the <name type="ship">Mars</name> raking the <name type="ship">Venerable</name> severely +while she was engaged with no fewer than three Dutch line-of-battle +ships. +</p> + +<p> +The crew of the <name type="ship">Venerable</name> had been particularly anxious to +fight, their ship having been for the past five months engaged +in the dreary work of blockading the Texel; and when they +had seen the Dutch with their topsails bent, as if intending +to come out, they had offered to advance into the narrow +entrance to the Texel, and in that position stop the way +against the whole fleet, or at least fight their ship till she +<pb n='355'/><anchor id='Pg355'/>sank. Now they proved that their offer had been no empty +boast, for, although fighting against overwhelming odds, they +stuck to their guns with unexampled devotion. +</p> + +<p> +More than once every flag they hoisted was shot away, and +at last one of the sailors went aloft and nailed the admiral’s +colours to the stump of the main topgallant mast. The <name type="ship">Vryhide</name> +also fought with desperate courage. Other British ships, however, +came up, and the disparity in numbers turned the other +way. The <name type="ship">Ardent</name> attacked her on the other side, and the +<name type="ship">Triumph</name> and <name type="ship">Director</name> poured a raking fire along her decks. +One after another her masts fell, and the wreck rendered half +her guns unworkable. Her crew were swept away, until De +Winter was left alone on her quarter-deck, while below there +were hardly enough men left to man the pumps. Then the +gallant admiral with his own hand hauled down his colours, +having fought to the admiration of the whole British fleet. +The <name type="ship">States-general</name>, almost disabled by the fruitless attempt to +foul the <name type="ship">Venerable</name>, maintained a vigorous conflict for some +time against a succession of adversaries, during which she lost +above three hundred men killed and wounded, until at last her +captain was compelled to strike. No one, however, attempted +to take possession of her, and, gradually dropping astern until +clear of both fleets, she rehoisted her colours and made off to +the Texel. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <q>AT LAST HER CAPTAIN WAS COMPELLED TO STRIKE</q>]</p> + </then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill08"/> + <figure url="images/ill08.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend="font-size: small"><q>AT LAST HER CAPTAIN WAS COMPELLED TO STRIKE</q></hi></head> + <figDesc>Illustration: <q>AT LAST HER CAPTAIN WAS COMPELLED TO STRIKE</q></figDesc> + </figure></p> + </else></pgIf> +<p> +Ship after ship struck, and of the whole Dutch fleet but six +ships of the line and two frigates managed to reach the Texel, +and this was only due to the fact that several of the Dutch +vessels, knowing that the orders had been that they were not +to fight, stood aloof and disregarded their admiral’s signal to +engage. The entire casualties among our men exceeded a +<pb n='356'/><anchor id='Pg356'/>thousand. Many of the ships were completely riddled by +shot, and on some of them the men were employed day and +night at the pumps to keep them afloat till they could cross +the Channel to our own harbours. Two seventy-fours, five +fifty-fours, two gun-ships, and two frigates remained in our +hands, but all were so battered that not one of them could +ever be made fit for service. The two fleets were nearly +equal in strength, the British being about one-twelfth the +stronger. Some of the Dutch ships took no share in the +action, but the same is true of the British. Some of them +arrived too late, the hazy weather having prevented the +signals of the <name type="ship">Venerable</name> from being seen by them. For one +of them, however, the <name type="ship">Agincourt</name>, no excuse could be found, so +her captain was tried by court-martial and declared incapable +of serving in the navy for the future. +</p> + +<p> +The <name type="ship">Jason</name> had taken her share in the battle. She had at +once placed herself alongside the <name type="ship">Brutus</name>, a battle-ship of the +same size as herself. All the afternoon the duel was continued, +and both ships lost some masts and spars and had their hulls +completely shattered. It was not until the engagement had +almost ceased elsewhere that the enemy hauled down her +colours. The battle was a desperate one, and Will had felt +the strain greatly; there was comparatively little for him to +do, for both ships sailed along side by side, and there was no +attempt at manœuvring. He had, therefore, simply to move +about, encouraging the sailors and directing their fire. So +incessant was the cannonade that it was with difficulty he could +make his orders heard, and, cool as he was, he was almost +confused by the terrible din that went on around. It was +found, after the <name type="ship">Brutus</name> surrendered, that her loss had been +<pb n='357'/><anchor id='Pg357'/>one hundred and twenty killed and wounded, while on board +the <name type="ship">Jason</name> little over half that number had suffered. +</p> + +<p> +As soon as the prize surrendered, parties were put on board +to take possession, while the rest of the men were engaged in +attending to their own and the Dutch wounded. The next +day jury-masts were got up, and the <name type="ship">Jason</name>, with her prize in +tow, sailed with the rest of the fleet for England. When they +arrived at Sheerness the <name type="ship">Jason</name> was found to require a complete +refit. The crew were therefore ordered to be paid off, and +Will was promoted to the rank of captain, and at once +appointed to the command of the frigate <name type="ship">Ethalion</name>, thirty-four +guns, which had just been fitted ready for sea. +</p> + +<p> +He had no difficulty in manning his ship, as a sufficient +number of the <name type="ship">Jason’s</name> old crew volunteered, and he was soon +ready for service. +</p> + +<p> +He was at once despatched to join Lord Bridport’s fleet, +and for nearly nine months was engaged in the incessant +patrolling which at that time the British frigates maintained +in the Channel. +</p> + +<p> +Towards the end of July, 1798, the vigilance of the frigates, +if possible, increased, for it became known that two French +squadrons were being prepared with the intention of landing +troops in Ireland. On the 6th of August a small squadron +slipped out of Rochefort, and, eluding the British cruisers, +succeeded, on the 22nd, in landing General Humbert and +eleven hundred and fifty men at Killala Bay, and then at +once returned to Rochefort. +</p> + +<p> +The attempt ended in failure; the peasantry did not join as +was expected, and on the 8th of September General Humbert +surrendered at Ballinamuck to Lieutenant-general Lake. +</p> + +<pb n='358'/><anchor id='Pg358'/> + +<p> +Another fleet sailed from Brest on the 16th of September, +1798, consisting of one ship of the line, the <name type="ship">Hoche</name>, and eight +frigates, under Commodore Bompart. It had on board three +thousand troops, a large train of artillery, and a great quantity +of military stores. It had set sail for Ireland before the news +of the failure of Humbert’s expedition had arrived, and it +was certain that as soon as it reached its intended place of +landing in Ireland it would endeavour to return without delay. +Two or three days earlier the <name type="ship">Ethalion</name> and the eighteen-gun +brig <name type="ship">Sylph</name> had joined the thirty-eight-gun frigate <name type="ship">Boadicea</name>, +which was watching Brest. At daybreak a light breeze +sprang up, and the French made sail. Leaving the <name type="ship">Ethalion</name> +to watch the French fleet, the <name type="ship">Boadicea</name> sailed to carry the +news of the start of the expedition to Lord Bridport. +</p> + +<p> +At two o’clock on the 18th the <name type="ship">Ethalion</name> was joined by the +<name type="ship">Amelia</name>, a thirty-eight-gun frigate, and at daylight the French +directed their course as if for the West Indies. At eight +o’clock they bore up, and five of their frigates chased the +English ships. Presently, however, finding that they did not +gain, they rejoined the squadron, which bore away to the +south-west. On the 20th the two frigates were joined by the +forty-four-gun frigate <name type="ship">Anson</name>. At noon the French were nearly +becalmed. There was now no doubt that the destination of +the squadron was Ireland, and the news was despatched by +the <name type="ship">Sylph</name> to the commander-in-chief of the Irish station. +</p> + +<p> +On the 26th the French ships turned on the frigates, but +gave this up about noon, and proceeded on their way. The +sea now became so rough that all the ships shortened sail. +On the 29th the weather moderated, and the French squadron +again started in chase. About nine o’clock the French +battle-<pb n='359'/><anchor id='Pg359'/>ship, the <name type="ship">Hoche</name>, sprung her main-topmast, and one of the +French frigates carried away her top-sail yard. At this both +the French and the British ships shortened sail. The French +ships wore away to the north-west, and the British again +followed them; but the <name type="ship">Anson</name> had sprung her topmast, and in +the evening the <name type="ship">Hoche</name> lowered hers. The weather now became +very bad, and the frigates hauled up and soon lost sight of the +enemy. A week later the <name type="ship">Amelia</name> left them, but three days +after, they fell in with the squadron that had been despatched +from Cawsand Bay when the <name type="ship">Boadicea</name> arrived with news of +the start of the French squadron from Brest. They were also +joined by the frigates <name type="ship">Melampus</name> and <name type="ship">Doris</name>, which while at +Lough Swilly had received news from the <name type="ship">Sylph</name> of the destination +of the French squadron. The whole were under the +command of Sir John Warren. +</p> + +<p> +With the hope that he had now shaken off his pursuers, +Admiral Bompart bore away for Killala Bay, but as he neared +the land his leading frigate signalled the appearance of the +British squadron. Sir John Warren immediately gave the +signal for a general chase, but a heavy gale set in that evening, +during which the <name type="ship">Anson</name> carried away her mizzen-mast main-yard +and main-topsail-yard. The <name type="ship">Hoche</name>, however, was even +more unfortunate, for she carried away her main-topmast, and +this in its fall brought down the fore and mizzen-topgallant-masts. +A few hours later the <name type="ship">Résolue</name> signalled that she had +sprung a leak which she could not stop, and the admiral +signalled orders to her captain to sail towards the coast, and +by burning blue lights and sending up rockets to endeavour +to lead the British squadron after him, and so allow the rest +of the fleet to make off. +</p> + +<pb n='360'/><anchor id='Pg360'/> + +<p> +Admiral Bompart now changed his course, but at daybreak +found himself almost surrounded by the British vessels. Both +squadrons waited, but with very different feelings, the order +to commence action. The <name type="ship">Robust</name> led the way, followed closely +by the <name type="ship">Magnanime</name>, and was received with a fire from the stern-chasers +and the quarter guns of the French frigates <name type="ship">Embuscade</name> +and <name type="ship">Coquille</name>. A few minutes later the <name type="ship">Robust</name> returned the +fire, and bore down to leeward for the purpose of engaging +the <name type="ship">Hoche</name>, which, like herself, was a seventy-four-gun ship. +In half an hour all the French frigates that could get away +were making off. The <name type="ship">Hoche</name> by this time was a mere wreck, +having suffered terribly from the fire of the <name type="ship">Robust</name>; her hull +was riddled with shot, she had five feet of water in her hold, +twenty-five of her guns were dismounted, and a great portion +of her crew were killed and wounded. After the battle had +raged for three hours she struck her colours. The <name type="ship">Embuscade</name> +had also surrendered. The other British vessels set out in +pursuit of the fugitives. The <name type="ship">Coquille</name>, after a brave resistance, +was forced to haul down her colours, and the <name type="ship">Ethalion</name> pursued +and captured the <name type="ship">Bellone</name>. Five French frigates attempted to +escape, and in doing so sailed close to the <name type="ship">Anson</name>, which had +been unable to take part in the action owing to the loss of her +mizzen-mast, and as they passed ahead of her, poured in such +destructive broadsides that she lost her fore and main masts, +and had much other serious damage. Of the ships that had +escaped, the <name type="ship">Résolue</name> was captured two or three days later. +The <name type="ship">Loire</name> made a good fight; she was pursued by the <name type="ship">Mermaid</name>, +and <name type="ship">Kangaroo</name>. The latter, which was an eighteen-gun +brig, engaged her, but lost her fore-topmast. The <name type="ship">Mermaid</name>, +a thirty-two-gun frigate, continued the pursuit. +</p> + +<pb n='361'/><anchor id='Pg361'/> + +<p> +At daybreak the <name type="ship">Loire</name>, seeing that her pursuer was alone, +shortened sail. As the <name type="ship">Loire</name> was a forty-gun ship the fight +was a desperate one, and both vessels were so badly injured +that by mutual consent they ceased fire. The <name type="ship">Mermaid</name> lost +her mizzen-mast, main topmast, and had her shrouds, spars, +and boats cut to pieces. She was also making a great deal of +water, and was therefore necessarily obliged to discontinue the +fight. The <name type="ship">Loire</name>, however, was out of luck, for a day or two +later she fell in with the <name type="ship">Anson</name> and <name type="ship">Kangaroo</name>, and in consequence +of her battered condition she had to surrender without +resistance. Similarly, the <name type="ship">Immortalité</name>, while making her way +to Brest, fell in with the <name type="ship">Fisgard</name>, a vessel of just the same +size. The <name type="ship">Immortalité’s</name> fire was so well aimed that in a short +time the <name type="ship">Fisgard</name> was quite unmanageable. Repairs, however, +were executed with great promptness, and after a chase the +action was recommenced. At the end of half an hour the +<name type="ship">Fisgard</name> had received several shots between wind and water +and she had six feet of water in her hold. Nevertheless +she continued the fight, and at three o’clock the <name type="ship">Immortalité</name>, +which was in a semi-sinking state, and had lost her captain +and first lieutenant, hauled down her colours. +</p> + +<p> +Thus seven out of the ten vessels under the command of +Commodore Bompart were captured. +</p> + +<p> +In the combat with the <name type="ship">Bellone</name> Will had been slightly +wounded, and as he was most anxious to proceed with his +investigation with regard to his relations, he applied for leave +on his arrival at Portsmouth. +</p> + +<p> +This was at once granted, and at the same time he received +his promotion to post rank in consequence of his capture of +the <name type="ship">Bellone</name>. +</p> + +</div><div n="19"> +<pb n='362'/><anchor id='Pg362'/> +<index index="toc"/><index index="pdf"/> +<head>CHAPTER XIX</head> + +<head type="sub">CONCLUSION</head> + +<p> +Will’s first visit, after arriving in London, was to Dulwich. +He had visited the house with Mr. Palethorpe +when it was in progress of building, and had been favourably +impressed with it, but now that it was complete he thought +it was one of the prettiest houses that he had ever seen. The +great conservatory was full of plants and shrubs, which he +recognized as natives of Jamaica, and the garden was brilliant +with bright flowers. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am delighted to see you again, Will,</q> Mr. Palethorpe +said, as he was shown in. <q>Alice is out at present, but she +will be back before long. I must congratulate you on your +promotion, which I saw in the <hi rend="italic">Gazette</hi> this morning.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir, my good fortune sticks to me, except for this +wound, and it is nothing serious and will soon be right again.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Don’t say good fortune, lad. You have won your way by +conduct and courage, and you have a right to be proud of +your position. I believe you are the youngest captain in the +service, and that without a shadow of private interest to push +you on. I am very glad to hear that your wound is so slight.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You are not looking well, sir,</q> Will said, after they had +chatted for a time. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I have had a shock which, I am ashamed to say, +I have allowed to annoy me. I came home with £70,000. +Of that I invested £40,000 in good securities, and allowed the +rest to remain in my agent’s hands until he came upon some +<pb n='363'/><anchor id='Pg363'/>good and safe security. Well, I was away with Alice in the +country when he wrote to me to say that he strongly recommended +me to buy a South Sea stock which everyone was +running after, and which was rising rapidly. I must own that +it seemed a good thing, so I told him to buy. Well, it went +up like wildfire, and I could have sold out at four times the +price at which I bought. At last I wrote to him to realize, +and he replied that it had suddenly fallen a bit, and recommending +me to wait till it went up again, which it was sure to +do. I didn’t see a London paper for some days, and when I +did get one I found, to my horror, that the bubble had burst, +and that the stock was virtually not worth the paper on which +it was printed. The blow has affected me a good deal. I +admit now that it was foolish, and feel it so; but when a man +has been working all his life, it is hard to see nearly half of +the fortune he has gained swept away at a blow.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is hard, sir, very hard. Still, it was fortunate that you +had already invested £40,000 in good securities. After all, +with this house and £40,000 you will really not so very much +miss the sum you have lost.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is exactly what I tell myself, Will. Still, you know, +a dog with two bones in his mouth will growl if he loses one +of them. Nevertheless £40,000 is not to be despised by any +means, and I shall have plenty to give my little Alice a good +portion when she marries.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That will be comfortable for her, sir, but I should say that +the man would be lucky if he got her without a shilling.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, well, we’ll see, we’ll see. I have no desire to part +with her yet.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That I can well understand, sir.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='364'/><anchor id='Pg364'/> + +<p> +<q>Ah, here she is!</q> +</p> + +<p> +A rosy colour spread over the girl’s face when she saw who +her father’s visitor was. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I expected you in a day or two,</q> she said, <q>but not so +soon as this. When we saw your name in the <hi rend="italic">Gazette</hi> we made +sure that it would not be long before you paid us a visit. I +am glad to see that your wound has not pulled you down +much.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No indeed. I am all right; but it was certain that I +should come here first of all.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And what are your plans now?</q> Mr. Palethorpe asked. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am going to set to work at once to discover my family. +I have not been to my lawyer yet, so I don’t know how much +he has done, but I certainly mean to go into the business in +earnest.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, it doesn’t matter to you much now, Will, whether +your family are dukes or beggars. You can stand on your +own feet as a captain in the royal navy with a magnificent +record of services.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, I see that, sir; but still I certainly do wish to be +able to prove that I come of at least a respectable family. I +have not the least desire to obtain any rank or anything of that +kind, only to know that I have people of my own.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I do not say that it is not a laudable ambition, but I don’t +believe that anyone would think one scrap better or worse of +you were you to find that you were heir to a dukedom.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will slept there that night, and the next morning drove +into the city to his lawyer’s office. <q>Well, Captain Gilmore?</q> +said that gentleman as Will entered his private room. <q rend="post: none">I +am glad to see you. I have been quietly at work making +<pb n='365'/><anchor id='Pg365'/>enquiries since you were last here. I sent a man down to +Scarcombe some months ago. He learned as much as he could +there, and since then has been going from village to village +and has traced your father’s journeyings for some months. +Now that you are home I should suggest employing two or +three men to continue the search and to find out if possible +the point from which your father started his wanderings. +Assuming, as I do, that he was the son of Sir Ralph Gilmore, +I imagine that he must have quarrelled with his father at +or about the time of his marriage. In that case he would +probably come up to London. I have observed that most +men who quarrel with their parents take that step first. +There, perhaps, he endeavoured to obtain employment. The +struggle would probably last two, or three, or four years. I +take the last to be the most likely period, for by that time +you would be about three years old. I say that because he +could hardly have taken you with him had you been younger.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is evident that he had either no hope of being reconciled +to his father or that he was himself too angry to make +advances. I therefore propose to send men north from London +to enquire upon all the principal roads. A man with a +violin and a little child cannot have been altogether forgotten +in the villages in which he stopped, and I hope to be able to +trace his way up to Yorkshire. Again, I should employ +one of the Bow Street runners to make enquiries in London +for a man with his wife and child who lived here so many +years ago, and whose name was Gilmore. I am supposing, +you see, that that was his real name, and not one that he had +assumed. I confess I have my doubts about it. A man who +quits his home for ever after a desperate quarrel is as likely +<pb n='366'/><anchor id='Pg366'/>as not to change his name. That of course we must risk. +While these enquiries are being made I should like you to go +back to your old home; it is possible that other mementoes +of his stay there may have escaped the memory of the old +people with whom you lived. Anything of that kind would +be of inestimable value.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will go down,</q> Will said. <q>I am afraid there is little +chance of my finding them both alive now. I fancy they were +about fifty-five when I went to live with them, which would +make them near eighty now. One or other of them, however, +may be alive. I have not been to my agent yet, and therefore +do not know whether he still sends them the allowance +I made them.</q> +</p> + +<p> +After leaving the lawyer he went to his agent and found +that the allowance was still paid, and regularly acknowledged +by a receipt from the clergyman. He supposed, therefore, +that certainly one, if not both, of the old people were still +alive. He went back to Dulwich and said that he had taken +a seat on the north coach for that day week. <q>I could not +bring myself to leave before,</q> he said, <q>and I knew you would +keep me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly, my boy. I don’t think either Alice or myself +would forgive you were you to run away the moment you +returned.</q> +</p> + +<p> +When the time came Will started for the north, though he +felt much reluctance to leave Alice. He acknowledged now +to himself that he was deeply in love with her. Though from +her father’s manner he felt that when he asked for her hand +he would not be refused, about Alice herself he felt far less +confident. She was so perfectly open and natural with him +<pb n='367'/><anchor id='Pg367'/>that he feared lest she might regard him rather as a brother +than as a lover, and yet the blush which he had noticed when +he first met her on his return gave him considerable hope. +</p> + +<p> +On arriving at Scarborough he stopped for the night at the +house of his old friend Mrs. Archer. She and her husband +listened with surprise and pleasure to his stories of his adventures +in spite of his assurances that these were very ordinary +matters, and that it was chiefly by luck that he had got on. +He was a little surprised when, in reply to this, Mrs. Archer +used the very words Mr. Palethorpe had uttered. <q>It is of +no use your talking in that way, Will,</q> she said. <q>No doubt +you have had very good fortune, but your rapid promotion +can only be due to your conduct and courage.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I may have conducted myself well,</q> he said warmly, <q>but +not one bit better than other officers in the service. I really +owe my success to the fortunate suggestion of mine as to the +best method of attacking that pirate hold. As a reward for +this the admiral gave me the command of <name type="ship">L’Agile</name>, and so, +piece by piece, it has grown. But it was to my good fortune +in making that suggestion, which really was not made in +earnest, but only in reply to the challenge of another midshipman, +that it has all come about. Above all, Mrs. Archer, +I shall never forget that it was the kindness you showed me, +and the pains you took in my education, that gave me my +start in life.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next day he drove over to Scarcombe, and to his pleasure, +on entering the cottage, found John and his wife both +sitting just where he had last seen them. They both rose +to greet him. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank God, Will,</q> John said, <q>that we have been spared +<pb n='368'/><anchor id='Pg368'/>to see you alive again! I was afraid that our call might come +before you returned.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Why, father, I don’t think you look a year older than you +did when I last saw you. Both you and mother look good +for another ten years yet.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>If we do, Will, it will be thanks to the good food you +have provided for us. We live like lords; meat every day +for dinner, and fish for breakfast and supper. I should not +feel right if I didn’t have a snack of fish every day. Then +we have ale for dinner and supper. There is no one in the +village who lives as we do. When we first began we both +felt downright fat. Then we agreed that if we went on like +that we never could live till you came back, so we did with +a little less, and as you see we both fill out our clothes a long +way better than we did when you were here last.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well you certainly do both look uncommonly well, father.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And you ain’t married yet, Will?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, I’ve not done anything about that yet, though perhaps +it won’t be very long before I find a wife. I am not +going to apply to go on service again for a time, so I’ll +have a chance to look round, though I really have one in +my mind’s eye.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Tell us all about it, Will,</q> the old woman said eagerly; +<q>you know how interested we must be in anything that +affects you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, mother, among the many adventures I have been +through I must tell you the one connected with this young lady.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He then told her of his first meeting, of his stay at her +father’s house, and of the hurricane which they experienced +together. +</p> + +<pb n='369'/><anchor id='Pg369'/> + +<p> +<q>Well, mother, I met her again unexpectedly more than +two and a half years ago in London. Her father had come +over here to live, and has a fine house at Dulwich. I have +just been staying there for a week, and I have some hope that +when I ask her she will consent to be my wife.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Of course she will,</q> the old woman said quite indignantly. +<q>How could she do otherwise? Why, if you were to ask the +king’s daughter I am sure she would take you. Here you are, +one of the king’s captains, have done all sorts of wonderful +things, and have beaten his enemies all over the world, and +you are as straight and good-looking a young gentleman as +anyone wants to see. No one, who was not out of her mind, +could think of saying <q>No</q> to you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Ah, mother, you are prejudiced! To you I am a sort +of swan that has come out of a duck’s egg.</q> +</p> + +<p> +They chatted for some time, and then Will said: +</p> + +<p> +<q>Are you quite sure, John, that the bundle the clergyman +handed over to me contained every single thing my father +left behind him?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, now I think of it, Will, there is something else. +I never remembered it at the time, but when my old woman +was sweeping a cobweb off the rafters the other day she said: +<q>Why, here is Will’s father’s fiddle</q>, and, sure enough, there +it was. It had been up there from the day you came into the +house, and if we noticed it none of us ever gave it a thought.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I remember it now,</q> Will exclaimed. <q>When I was a +young boy I used to think I should like to learn to play on it, +and I spoke to Miss Warden about it. But she said I had +better stick to my lessons, and then as I grew up I could +learn it if I still had a fancy to do so.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='370'/><anchor id='Pg370'/> + +<p> +He got on to a chair, and took it from the rafter on which +it had so long lain. Then he carefully wiped the dust off it. +</p> + +<p> +<q>It looks a very old thing, but that makes no difference in +its value to me. I don’t see in the least how this can be any +clue whatever to my father’s identity. Still, I will take it +away with me and show it to my lawyer, who is endeavouring +to trace for me who my father was.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And do you think that he will succeed, Will?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I rather believe he will. At any rate he has found a gentleman, +a baronet, who has the same name and bears the same +coat of arms as is on the seal which was in my father’s bundle. +We are trying now to trace how my father came down here, +and where he lived before he started. You see I must get +as clear a story as I can before I go to see this gentleman. +Mind, I don’t want anything from him. He may be as rich +as a lord for anything I care, and may refuse to have anything +to do with me, but I want to find out to what family I really +belong.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>He must be a bad lot,</q> John said, <q>to allow your father +to tramp about the country with a fiddle.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would not say that,</q> Will said; <q>there are always two +sides to a story, and we know nothing of my father’s reasons +for leaving home. It may have been his fault more than his +father’s, so until I know the rights and wrongs of the case +I will form no judgment whatever.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is right, my boy,</q> the old woman said. <q>I have +noticed that when a boy runs away from home and goes +to sea it is as often his fault as his father’s. Sometimes it +is six of one and half a dozen of the other; sometimes the +father is a brute, but more often the son is a scamp, a +worth<pb n='371'/><anchor id='Pg371'/>less fellow, who will settle down to nothing, and brings discredit +on his family. So you are quite right, Will, not to +form any hard judgment on your grandfather till you know +how it all came about.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I certainly don’t mean to, mother. Of course I have so +little recollection of my father that it would not worry me +much if I found that it were his fault, though of course I +would rather know that he was not to blame. Still, I should +wish to like my grandfather if I could, and if I heard that my +poor father was really entirely to blame I should not grieve +much over it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can’t help thinking that he was to blame, Will. He +was a curious-looking man, with a very bitter expression at +times on his face, as if he didn’t care for anyone in the +world, except perhaps yourself, and he often left you alone +in the village when he went and wandered about by himself +on the moor.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, well,</q> Will said, <q>it matters very little to me which +way it is. It is a very old story now, and I dare say that +there were faults on both sides.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will spent a long day with the old people and then returned +to Scarborough, taking the violin with him. When he told +how he had found it Mr. Archer took the instrument and +examined it carefully. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I think really,</q> he said at last, <q>that this violin may +prove a valuable clue, as valuable almost as that coat of arms. +That might very well have been picked up or bought for +a trifle at a pawnshop, or come into the hands of its possessor +in some accidental way. But this is different; this, +unless I am greatly mistaken, is a real Amati, and therefore +<pb n='372'/><anchor id='Pg372'/>worth at least a couple of hundred guineas. That could +hardly have come accidentally into the hands of a wandering +musician; it must be a relic of a time when he was in very +different circumstances, and may well have been his before +he left the home of his childhood.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you very much for the information, Mr. Archer! +I see at once that it may very well be a strong link in the +chain.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Two days later he returned to London. Mr. Palethorpe +was greatly pleased to hear that he had found so valuable +a clue. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I don’t care a rap for family,</q> he said, <q>but at the same +time I suppose every man would like his daughter—</q> Here +he stopped abruptly. <q>I mean to say,</q> he said, <q>would like +to have for his son-in-law a man of good family. I grant that +it is a very stupid prejudice, still I suppose it is a general one. +You told me, I think, that your lawyer had found out that +this Sir Ralph Gilmore had only two sons, and that one of +them had died suddenly and unmarried.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Then in that case, you see, if you prove your identity you +would certainly be heir to the baronetcy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I suppose so, sir. I have never given the matter any +thought. It is not rank I want, but family. Still, I might +not be heir to the baronetcy, for even supposing that my +father was really the other son, he might have had children +older than I am who remained with their grandfather.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is possible,</q> Mr. Palethorpe said, <q>though unlikely. +Why should he have left them behind him when he went out +into the world?</q> +</p> + +<pb n='373'/><anchor id='Pg373'/> + +<p> +<q>He might not have wished to bother himself with them; +he might have intended to claim them later. No one can +say.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, on the whole, I should say that your chance of coming +into the baronetcy is distinctly good. It would look well, +you know—Captain Sir William Gilmore, R.N.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>We mustn’t count our chickens too soon, Mr. Palethorpe,</q> +Will laughed; <q>but nevertheless I do think that the prospects +are favourable. Still, I must wait the result of the search that +my lawyer has been carrying on.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, you know my house is your home as long as you +like to use it.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Thank you, sir! but I don’t like to intrude upon your +kindness too much, and I think that I will take a lodging +somewhere in the West End, so that I may be within easy +reach of you here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, it must be as you like, lad. In some respects, +perhaps, it will be best so. I may remind you, my boy, that +it is not always wise for two young people to be constantly in +each other’s society.</q> And he laughed. +</p> + +<p> +Will made no answer; he had decided to defer putting the +question until his claim was settled one way or the other. +</p> + +<p> +In a few days he again called upon his lawyer. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have found out enough,</q> the latter said, <q>to be certain +that your father started from London with his violin and you, +a child of three. I have considerable hopes that we shall, ere +long, get a clue to the place where he lived while in London. +The runner has met a woman who remembers distinctly such a +man and a sick wife and child lodging in the house of a friend +of hers. The friend has moved away and she has lost sight +<pb n='374'/><anchor id='Pg374'/>of her, but she knows some people with whom the woman +was intimate, and through them we hope to find out where +she lives.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is good news indeed,</q> Will said. <q>I had hardly +hoped that you would be so successful.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>It is a great piece of luck,</q> the lawyer said. <q>I have +written to my other agents to come home. It will be quite +sufficient to prove that he journeyed as a wandering musician +for at least fifty miles from London. Of course if further +evidence is necessary they can resume their search.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have found a clue too, sir,</q> Will said; and he then +related the discovery of the Amati, the possession of which +showed that the minstrel must at one time have been in +wealthy circumstances. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is important indeed,</q> the lawyer said, rubbing his +hands. <q>Now, sir, if we can but find out where the man +lived in London I think the chain will be complete, especially +if he was in comparatively good circumstances when he went +there. The woman will also, doubtless, be able to give a +description of his wife as well of himself, and with these +various proofs in your hand I think you may safely go down +and see Sir Ralph Gilmore, whom I shall, of course, prepare +by letter for your visit.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Four days afterwards Will received a letter by an office-boy +from his lawyer asking him to call. +</p> + +<p> +<q>My dear sir,</q> he said as Will entered, <q>I congratulate +you most heartily. I think we have the chain complete now. +The day before yesterday the Bow Street runner came in to +say that he had found the woman, and that she was now +living out at Highgate. Yesterday I sent my clerk up to see +<pb n='375'/><anchor id='Pg375'/>her, and this is his report. I may tell you that nothing could +possibly be more satisfactory.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The document was as follows: +</p> + +<p> +<q>I called on Mrs. Giles. She is a respectable person who +lets her house in lodgings. Twenty-five years ago she had +a house in Westminster, and let the drawing-room floor to a +gentleman of the name of Gilmore. He was rather tall and +dark, and very variable in his temper. He had his wife with +him, and two months afterwards a child was born. It was +christened at St. Matthew’s. I was its god-mother, as they +seemed to have very few friends in the town. Mr. Gilmore +was out a good deal looking for employment. He used to +write of an evening, and I think made money by it. He +was very fond of his violin. Sometimes it was soft music he +played, but if he was in a bad temper he would make it shriek +and cry out, and I used to think there was a devil shut up +in it. It was awful! When he came to me he had plenty +of money, but it was not long before it began to run short, +and they lived very plain. He had all sorts of things, whips +and books and dressing-cases. These gradually went, and a +year after the child was born they moved upstairs, the rooms +being cheaper for them. A year later they occupied one room. +The wife fell ill, and the rent was often in arrears. He was +getting very shabby in his dress too. The child was three +years old when its mother died. He sold all he had left to +bury her decently, and as he had no money to pay his arrears +of rent, he gave me a silver-mounted looking-glass, which I +understood his mother had given him, and he said: <q>Don't +you sell this, but keep it, and one day or other I will come +back and redeem it.</q></q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This is the glass, sir,</q> the lawyer said. <q>My clerk redeemed +it after telling her that her lodger had died long ago. +<pb n='376'/><anchor id='Pg376'/>He went round to St. Matthew’s Church and obtained the +certificate of the child’s baptism. So I think now, Mr. Gilmore, +that we have all the evidence that can be required. +Mrs. Giles, on hearing that the child was alive, said she +would be happy to come forward and repeat what she had +said to my clerk. She seemed very interested in the affair, +and is evidently a kindly good-hearted woman. I fancy the +silver frame is of Italian workmanship, and will probably be +recognized by your grandfather. At any rate, someone there +is sure to know it. Now I think you are in a position to +go down and see him, and if you wish I will write to him +to-day. I shall not go into matters at all, and shall merely +say that the son of his son, Mr. William Gilmore, is coming +down to have an interview with him, and is provided with all +necessary proofs of his birth.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The next morning Will took the coach and went down to +Radstock, in Somersetshire. He put up at the inn on his +arrival, and next morning hired a gig and drove to the house +of Sir Ralph Gilmore. It was a very fine mansion standing +in an extensive park. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Not a bad place by any means,</q> Will said to himself; <q>I +should certainly be proud to bring Alice down here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +He alighted at the entrance and sent in his name, and was +immediately shown into the library, where a tall old man was +sitting. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I understand, sir,</q> he said stiffly, <q>that you claim to be +the son of my son, William Gilmore?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I do, sir, and I think the proofs I shall give you will +satisfy you. You will understand, sir, please, before I do so, +that I have no desire whatever to make any claim upon +you; I simply wished to be recognized as a member of your +family.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='377'/><anchor id='Pg377'/> + +<p> +The old man looked him up and down, and then motioned +him to take a seat. +</p> + +<p> +<q>And what has become of your father, supposing him to be +your father?</q> he asked with an evident effort. +</p> + +<p> +<q>He died, sir, nearly twenty years ago.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The old man was silent for some little time, and then he +said: <q>And you, sir, what have you been doing since then? +But first, in what circumstances did he die?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>In the very poorest. For the last two years of his life he +earned his living and mine as a wandering fiddler.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And what became of you?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I was brought up, sir, by a fisherman in the village in +Yorkshire in which my father died.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Your manner of speech does not at all agree with that, +sir,</q> the old man said sharply. +</p> + +<p> +<q>No, sir,</q> Will said quietly. <q>I had the good fortune to +attract the interest of the clergyman’s daughter, and she was +good enough to assist me in my education and urge me on +to study.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And what is your trade or profession, sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have the honour, sir, to be post-captain in His Majesty’s +navy.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>You a post-captain in His Majesty’s navy!</q> the old man +said scornfully. <q>Do you think to take me in with such +a tale as that? You might possibly be a very junior lieutenant.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am not surprised that you think so, sir. Nevertheless +I am indeed what I say. My name appeared in the <hi rend="italic">Gazette</hi> a +month ago.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I remember now,</q> the baronet said, <q>there was a William +Gilmore appointed to that rank. The name struck me as +I glanced through the <hi rend='italic'>Gazette</hi>. I had noticed it before on +<pb n='378'/><anchor id='Pg378'/>several occasions, and I sighed as I thought to myself how +different must have been his career from that of my unfortunate +son. Now, sir, I beg that you will let me see your +proofs.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>In the first place, sir, there is this seal with your armorial +bearings, which was found upon him after his death. +This is a looking-glass, one which I believe was given to him +by his mother. This is the violin with which he earned his +living.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The old man stretched his hand out for the violin, with +tears in his eyes. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I gave it to him,</q> he said, <q>when he was eighteen. I +thought it a great piece of extravagance at the time, but he +had such a taste for music that I thought he deserved the +best instrument I could get. The looking-glass I also recognize, +and of course the seal. Is there anything more, +sir?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>This, sir, is the certificate of my baptism at St. Matthew’s +Church, Westminster. This is a statement of my lawyer’s +clerk, who interviewed the woman in whose house my father +and mother lived, and my mother died.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The baronet took it and read it in silence. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I can produce also,</q> Will went on, as the old man laid +it down with a sigh, <q>the evidence of the lady who educated +me, and to whom I owe all the good fortune that has befallen +me. The old fisherman and his wife who brought me up are +still alive, though very old. I have means of obtaining abundant +evidence from my shipmates in the various vessels in +which I have sailed that I am the boy who left that village +at the age of fifteen, and entered as a ship’s boy in one of +His Majesty’s vessels.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And you are now—?</q> the baronet asked. +</p> + +<pb n='379'/><anchor id='Pg379'/> + +<p> +<q>I am now twenty-three, sir.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>And a captain?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is so, sir. I was made a midshipman before I had +been three months on board, partly because I saved the first +lieutenant’s life, and partly because I understood enough mathematics +to take an observation. Of course I served my time as +a midshipman, and a year after passing I was made a second +lieutenant. By the death of my first lieutenant at the battle +of St. Vincent I succeeded to his post, and obtained the rank +of captain for my share in the battle of Camperdown. I +received post rank the other day when, in command of the +<name type="ship">Ethalion</name>, I brought the <name type="ship">Bellone</name>, a frigate of Admiral Bompart’s +fleet, a prize to Portsmouth.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, sir, your career has indeed been creditable and successful, +and I am proud to acknowledge, as my grandson and +heir to my title, a young gentleman who has so greatly distinguished +himself. For I do acknowledge you. The proofs +you have given me leave no doubt in my mind whatever that +you are the son of my second son. You were, of course, too +young to remember whether he ever spoke to you of me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Yes, sir. I was but five at the time of his death, and have +but a very faint recollection of him.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Of course, of course,</q> the baronet said; <q>it was a sad +affair. Perhaps I was to blame to some extent, though I have +never thought so. Your father was, as doubtless you know, +a second son. Although somewhat eccentric in disposition, +and given to fits of passion, I had no serious occasion to complain +of him until he went up to Oxford. There he got into +a wild and dissipated set, and became the wildest and most +dissipated among them. His great talent for music was his +bane. He was continually asked out. After being two years +up there, and costing me very large sums in paying his debts, +<pb n='380'/><anchor id='Pg380'/>he was sent down from the university. He would not turn +his hands to anything, and went up to London with the idea +of making his way somehow. He made nothing but debts, +got into various scandalous affairs, and dragged our name +through the dust. At last he came home one day and calmly +informed me that he had married a woman in a rank of life +beneath him. She was, I believe, the daughter of a horse-dealer +of very doubtful character. He also said that he wanted +£1200 to enable him to start fair. I lost my temper and said +that he should not have another pound from me. We had +a desperate quarrel, and he left the house, taking with him +all his belongings. It was four years before I took any steps +to bring him back. Then his elder brother died, and on that +I took every means to find him out. That he would ever be +a credit to me I did not even dare to hope, but at least he +could not be allowed to live in poverty. I advertised widely +and employed detectives for months, but all without result. +I have long since given up any hopes of ever seeing him again. +I am glad, indeed, to find that the title, at my death, will not +go to a distant cousin, but to my grandson, a gentleman in +every way worthy of it. You are not married, I hope?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I am not married, sir; but I think, if you had asked the +question, I should have replied that I was engaged, or rather +had hopes of being engaged soon.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Who is she?</q> the baronet asked quickly. +</p> + +<p> +<q>She is the only daughter of a successful West Indian +planter, a man of the highest standing in the colony, who has +now returned and settled here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +The baronet heaved a sigh of relief. +</p> + +<p> +<q>That is well,</q> he said; <q>and considering that you have +been all your life at sea, and have had no opportunity of +making the acquaintance of ladies of titled families, it is better +<pb n='381'/><anchor id='Pg381'/>than I could have expected. As I do not know the procedure +in these matters I had better consult my lawyer as to the best +way of using these relics and the proofs you have given me that +you are my grandson. It may be that my recognition of you +is sufficient, but it would be as well to make sure that at my +death there will be no opposition to your succession. You +will stop here for a day or two, I hope, before going up to +town to arrange the little affair you spoke of, and I think if +your chances were good before, they will be still better now +that you are recognized as heir to a baronetcy and one of the +finest estates in England.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have never thought of that, sir. I have my profession +and nearly £40,000 of prize-money, which will enable us to +live in great comfort; and indeed I anticipate that her father +will wish us to reside with him, or, at any rate, that she shall +do so while I am away on service.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I hope you will not think of remaining at sea. It would +be monstrous for a man heir to £10,000 a year, besides very +large accumulations, to be knocking about the world and running +the risk of having his head taken off with a round-shot +every day. I earnestly entreat you not to dream of such a +thing.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I will think it over. I am fond of the sea, but shall +certainly be fonder of my wife, and I feel that your wishes in +the matter should weigh with me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I hope you will at least spend a portion of your +time here. It will be your future home, and it is well that +you should acquaint yourself with your duties. Besides, remember +the years that I have been a lonely man.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I would rather not give a promise, but I shall certainly +take your wishes into consideration.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, I am content with that, my boy. You will stay +<pb n='382'/><anchor id='Pg382'/>here now a few days, I hope. I have so much to hear of +your life, and of course I wish to become better acquainted +with you.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Will remained a week, during which time he made a great +advance in the baronet’s affections, and the old man seemed +to gain some years of life as he walked in the garden and +drove through the country with his young heir, whom he was +delighted to introduce to everyone. +</p> + +<p> +When he returned to London he at once drove over to +Dulwich. +</p> + +<p> +<q>Well, Will, what is the result of it all?</q> Mr. Palethorpe +asked, for Will had purposely abstained from going to their +house after his last interview with his lawyer. <q>Alice has +been imagining all sorts of things: that you had been run +over, or had run away with some girl.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Father! I never thought that for a moment,</q> his daughter +said indignantly, <q>though I have been very anxious, for it is +nearly a fortnight since he was here.</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>I have done a good deal in the time,</q> Will said. <q>I did +not write to you, because I wanted to tell you. I am acknowledged +as the grandson and heir to the title and estates +of Sir Ralph Gilmore.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Both gave an exclamation of pleasure. +</p> + +<p> +<q>And now,</q> he said, taking her hand, <q>I only need one +thing to complete my happiness, and that is, that you will +share my good fortune with me. May I hope that it will +be so?</q> +</p> + +<p> +<q>Certainly you may, Will. I think I have loved you ever +since I was a little girl, and acknowledge that my principal +reason for inducing father to come to live in England was +that I believed I should have more chance of meeting you +again here than in Jamaica.</q> +</p> + +<pb n='383'/><anchor id='Pg383'/> + +<p> +<q>I am heartily glad, too, that it is all settled,</q> Mr. Palethorpe +said. <q>I have seen it coming on ever since you met us +the first time in London, and I may say that I have seen it with +pleasure, for there is no one to whom I would sooner trust +her happiness than you. Now I will leave you to yourselves.</q> +</p> + +<p> +It need hardly be said that Alice was as anxious as Sir +Ralph Gilmore that Will should quit the navy, and he consequently +yielded to their entreaties. He wrote to his grandfather +to tell him of his engagement, and the baronet wrote +back by return of post to Mr. Palethorpe, begging him to +come down with his daughter and Will for a time. +</p> + +<p> +<q>I only half know him at present,</q> he said, <q>and as I understand +that just at present he will not want to leave the young +lady of his choice, you will gladden an old man if you will +all three come down to stay with me.</q> +</p> + +<p> +Three months later the marriage took place from the house +at Dulwich. Sir Ralph Gilmore came up for the ceremony, +and the change that the three months had effected in him was +extraordinary. He was the gayest of the party. +</p> + +<p> +Among those present at the ceremony were also Will’s two +devoted friends, Dimchurch and Tom Stevens. The baronet +was greatly pleased with their affection and pride in Will, and +offered both good posts on the estate. So none of the comrades +went to sea again. +</p> + +<p> +The baronet gave into Will’s hands the entire management +of the estate and house, so his death, seven years later, made +practically no difference to Will’s position. Will took to +country pursuits, and became one of the most popular landlords +in Somersetshire, while his wife was quite one of the +most popular ladies in the county. Her father, up to the time +of his death, spent most of his time down there, and they used +the house at Dulwich as their abode when they stayed in +<pb n='384'/><anchor id='Pg384'/>London during the season. Mrs. Archer came more than once +to stay with them, as their most honoured guest. Stevens and +Dimchurch both married. The former became head-gamekeeper +on the estate, a post in which he showed great talent. The +latter took a small cottage with a bit of land just outside the +park gates, for he was able to live very comfortably on the +interest of his prize-money. He had no children of his own, +and his great pleasure was to wander about with Will’s, telling +them of their father’s adventures in the great war. +</p> + +<p> +It was not till well on in the sixties that Sir William Gilmore, +captain, R.N., departed this life, a few weeks after the +death of his wife, leaving behind him a large family to carry +on the old name. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 4; text-align: center; font-size: small"> +THE END +</p> + +</div></body> + <back> + <div rend="page-break-before: right"> + <index index="pdf" level1="[Advertisements]"/> +<pb n='A-1'/><anchor id='Pga01'/> + +<p> +<q>English boys owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. Henty.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Athenæum</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-large; center"> +Blackie & Son’s +<lb/> +Illustrated Story Books +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="font-size: large"> +<hi rend='italic'>HISTORICAL TALES BY</hi> +</p> +<p rend="font-size: large"> +G. A. HENTY +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">With the Allies to Pekin:</hi> +A story of the Relief +of the Legations. +Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>. With a Map. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +On the outbreak of the Boxer movement Rex Bateman, by a daring +stratagem, rescues some relatives from an outlying village, and conducts +them into Pekin. Then he makes his way down to Tien-tsin and joins +Admiral Seymour’s column. When the advance of this force is checked +he pushes on alone to the capital, where his courage and ready invention +are invaluable to the defenders. On the declaration of an armistice, however, +he again succeeds in eluding the Boxer bands, goes through the +storming of Tien-tsin, and marches with the allied army to Pekin. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> + +<q>The hero contrives and performs all kinds of exciting undertakings, and a clever +story is woven into an accurate account of the various expeditions.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>School Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A boy could have no better guide to that story of British pluck and energy.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Through Three Campaigns:</hi> +A Story of Chitral, +the Tirah, and Ashanti. Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>. With 3 Maps. 6<hi rend="italic">s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero of this story, the son of an officer, joins the Chitral expedition +secretly as a private soldier, but the enormous difficulties which have to +be overcome in the course of the march soon call forth his noble qualities, +and before the end of the campaign he qualifies for a commission. His +subsequent career is a series of brilliant successes. He takes part in the +storming of the Dargai heights, is more than once captured by the enemy, +and by a heroic sacrifice wins the V.C. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Every true boy will enjoy this story of plucky adventure.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Educational News</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Gives animation to recent history, and its confident art and abundant spirit will +greatly satisfy the intelligent and spirited boy.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Dundee Advertiser</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-2'/><anchor id='Pga02'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">For the Temple:</hi> +A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem. Illustrated +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Solomon J. Solomon</hi>, +A.R.A. With a Map. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Mr. Henty weaves into the record of Josephus an admirable and attractive +plot. The troubles in the district of Tiberias, the marches of the legions, +the sieges of Jotapata, of Gamala, and of Jerusalem, form an impressive +historic setting to the figure of the lad who passes from the vineyard to the +service of Josephus, becomes the leader of a guerrilla band of patriots, fights +bravely for the Temple, and after a brief term of slavery at Alexandria returns +to his Galilean home with the favour of Titus. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A good tale of early Bible times, told with a verve and vigour that keeps the +interest sustained to the very end.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—With Kitchener in the Soudan:</hi> +A Tale +of Atbara +and Omdurman. With 10 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. Rainey, R.I.</hi>, and +3 Maps. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In carrying out various special missions with which he is entrusted the +hero displays so much dash and enterprise that he soon attains an exceptionally +high rank for his age. In all the operations he takes a distinguished +part, and adventure follows so close on adventure that the +end of the story is reached all too soon. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Mr. Henty has collected a vast amount of information about the reconquest of +the Soudan, and he succeeds in impressing it upon his reader’s mind at the very time +when he is interesting him most.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literary World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—With the British Legion:</hi> +A Story of the Carlist +Wars. With 10 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero joins the British Legion, which was raised by Sir de Lacy +Evans to support the cause of Queen Christina and the Infant Queen +Isabella, and as soon as he sets foot on Spanish soil his adventures begin. +Arthur is one of Mr. Henty’s most brilliant heroes, and the tale of his +experiences is thrilling and breathless from first to last. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>It is a rattling story told with verve and spirit.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Pall Mall Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Treasure of the Incas:</hi> +A Tale of Adventure +in Peru. +With 8 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>, and a Map. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The heroes of this powerful story go to Peru to look for the treasure +which the Incas hid when the Spaniards invaded the country. Their task +is both arduous and dangerous, but though they are often disappointed, +their courage and perseverance are at last amply rewarded. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The interest never flags for one moment, and the story is told with vigour.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: THE LATE G. A. HENTY]</p> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From WITH THE ALLIES TO PEKIN</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By G. A. Henty</hi> (See page 1)]</p> +</then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill09"/> + <figure url="images/ill09.png" rend="width: 100%"><head>THE LATE G. A. HENTY</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: THE LATE G. A. HENTY</figDesc></figure></p> + <p> + <anchor id="ill10"/> + <figure url="images/ill10.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From WITH THE ALLIES TO PEKIN</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By G. A. Henty</hi> (See <ref target="Pga01">page 1</ref>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From WITH THE ALLIES TO PEKIN</figDesc></figure></p> +</else></pgIf> +<pb n='A-3'/><anchor id='Pga03'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">With Roberts to Pretoria:</hi> A Tale of the South +African War. With +12 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>William Rainey, R.I.</hi>, and a Map. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero takes part in the series of battles that end in the disaster at +Magersfontein, is captured and imprisoned in the race-course at Pretoria, +but escapes in time to fight at Paardeberg and march with the victorious +army to Bloemfontein. He rides with Colonel Mahon’s column to the +relief of Mafeking, and accomplishes the return journey with such despatch +as to be able to join in the triumphant advance to Pretoria. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>In this story of the South African war Mr. Henty proves once more his incontestable +pre-eminence as a writer for boys.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Standard</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Both Sides the Border:</hi> A Tale of Hotspur and +Glendower. With 12 page +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Ralph Peacock</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero casts in his lot with the Percys, and becomes esquire to Sir +Henry, the gallant Hotspur. He is sent on several dangerous and important +missions in which he acquits himself with great valour. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>With boys the story should rank among Mr. Henty’s best.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Standard</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A vivid picture of that strange past ... when England and Scotland ... were +torn by faction and civil war.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Onward</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Through Russian Snows:</hi> or, Napoleon’s Retreat +from Moscow. With 8 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. H. Overend</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Julian Wyatt becomes, quite innocently, mixed up with smugglers, who +carry him to France, and hand him over as a prisoner to the French. +He subsequently regains his freedom by joining Napoleon’s army in the +campaign against Russia. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The story of the campaign is very graphically told.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>St. James’s Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>One of Mr. Henty’s best books, which will be hailed with joy by his many eager +readers.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Journal of Education</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Is full of life and action.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Journal of Education</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Out with Garibaldi:</hi> A Story of the Liberation of +Italy. With 8 page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. Rainey, R.I.</hi>, and two Maps. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Mr. Henty makes the liberation of Italy by Garibaldi the groundwork of +an exciting tale of adventure. The hero is an English lad who joins the +expedition and takes a prominent part in the extraordinary series of operations +that ended in the fall of the Neapolitan kingdom. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A first-rate story of stirring deeds.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily Chronicle</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Full of hard fighting, gallant rescues, and narrow escapes.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Graphic</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-4'/><anchor id='Pga04'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">At the Point of the Bayonet:</hi> A Tale of the +Mahratta War. +With 12 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>, and 2 Maps. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Harry Lindsay is carried off to the hills and brought up as a Mahratta. +At the age of sixteen he becomes an officer in the service of the Mahratta +prince at Poona, and afterwards receives a commission in the army of +the East India Company. His courage and enterprise are rewarded by +quick promotion, and at the end of the war he sails for England, where +he succeeds in establishing his right to the family estates. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A brisk, dashing narrative.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Bookman</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Under Wellington’s Command:</hi> A Tale of the Peninsular +War. With 12 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In this stirring romance Mr. Henty gives us the further adventures of +Terence O’Connor, the hero of <hi rend='italic'>With Moore at Corunna</hi>. We are told +how, in alliance with a small force of Spanish guerrillas, the gallant regiment +of Portuguese levies commanded by Terence keeps the whole of the French +army in check at a critical period of the war, rendering invaluable service +to the Iron Duke and his handful of British troops. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>An admirable exposition of Mr. Henty’s masterly method of combining instruction +with amusement.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—To Herat and Cabul:</hi> A Story of the first Afghan +War. With 8 full-page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>C. M. Sheldon</hi>, and Map. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero takes a distinguished part in the defence of Herat, and subsequently +obtains invaluable information for the British army during the first +Afghan war. He is fortunately spared the horrors of the retreat from +Cabul, and shares in the series of operations by which that most disastrous +blunder was retrieved. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>We can heartily commend it to boys, old and young.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—With Cochrane the Dauntless:</hi> A Tale of +his Exploits. +With 12 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. H. Margetson</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +It would be hard to find, even in sensational fiction, a more daring leader +than Lord Cochrane, or a career which supplies so many thrilling exploits. +The manner in which, almost single-handed, he scattered the French fleet +in the Basque Roads is one of the greatest feats in English naval history. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>As rousing and interesting a book as boys could wish for.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Saturday Review</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>This tale we specially recommend.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>St. James’s Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-5'/><anchor id='Pga05'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Redskin and Cow-Boy:</hi> A Tale Of the Western +Plains. With 12 page +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Alfred Pearse</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Hugh Tunstall accompanies a frontiersman on a hunting expedition on +the Plains, and then seeks employment as a cow-boy on a cattle ranch. +His experiences during a <q>round up</q> present in picturesque form the toilsome, +exciting, adventurous life of a cow-boy; while the perils of a frontier +settlement are vividly set forth. Subsequently, the hero joins a wagon-team, +and the interest is sustained in a fight with, and capture of, brigands. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A strong interest of open-air life and movement pervades the whole book.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Scotsman</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—With Buller in Natal:</hi> or, A Born Leader. With +10 page Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>W. Rainey, R.I.</hi>, and a Map. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The heroic story of the relief of Ladysmith forms the theme of one of the +most powerful romances that have come from Mr. Henty’s pen. When the +war breaks out, the hero, Chris King, and his friends band themselves together +under the title of the Maritzburg Scouts. From first to last the boy +scouts are constantly engaged in perilous and exciting enterprises, from +which they always emerge triumphant, thanks to their own skill and courage, +and the dash and ingenuity of their leader. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Just the sort of book to inspire an enterprising boy.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Army and Navy Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—By England’s Aid:</hi> or, The Freeing of the Netherlands +(1585–1604). With 10 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Alfred Pearse</hi>, and 4 Maps. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> & 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two English lads go to Holland in the service of one of <q>the fighting +Veres</q>. After many adventures one of the lads finds himself on board a +Spanish ship at the defeat of the Armada, and escapes from Spain only to +fall into the hands of the Corsairs. He is successful, however, in getting +back to Spain, and regains his native country after the capture of Cadiz. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Boys know and love Mr. Henty’s books of adventure, and will welcome his tale +of the freeing of the Netherlands.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Athenæum</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Condemned as a Nihilist:</hi> A Story of Escape +from Siberia. With +8 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal Paget</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Godfrey Bullen, a young Englishman resident in St. Petersburg, becomes +involved in various political plots, resulting in his seizure and exile to +Siberia. After an unsuccessful attempt to escape, he gives himself up to the +Russian authorities. Eventually he escapes, and reaches home, having +safely accomplished a perilous journey which lasts nearly two years. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The escape from Siberia is well told and the description of prison life is very +graphic.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-6'/><anchor id='Pga06'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Lion of St. Mark:</hi> A Tale of Venice, with +6 page Illustrations. Cloth +elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A story of Venice at a period when intrigue, crime, and bloodshed were +rife. The hero, the son of an English trader, displays a fine manliness, and +is successful in extricating his friends from imminent dangers. Finally he +contributes to the victories of the Venetians at Porto d’Anzo and Chioggia. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Every boy should read The Lion of St. Mark.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Saturday Review</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Dragon and the Raven:</hi> or, The Days +of King Alfred. +With 8 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>C. J. Staniland</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In this story the author gives an account of the desperate struggle between +Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England. The hero, a young +Saxon, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred, and the incidents +in his career are unusually varied and exciting. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>We have nothing but praise for this story, which is excellently written, and will +make the history of the period to which it relates a reality to its readers.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>School Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Bravest of the Brave:</hi> or, with Peterborough +in Spain. With 8 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>H. M. Paget</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +There are few great leaders whose life and actions have so completely +fallen into oblivion as those of the Earl of Peterborough. He showed a +genius for warfare which has never been surpassed. Round the fortunes of +Jack Stilwell, the hero, and of Peterborough, Mr. Henty has woven a +brilliant narrative of the War of the Spanish Succession (1705–6). +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The adventures of the aide-de-camp, Jack, will probably be found to be no less +interesting than the marvellous operations of the General himself, in which he takes +a leading part.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—For Name and Fame:</hi> or, To Cabul with Roberts. +With 8 page Illustrations. +5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +After being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among +the Malays, the hero of this story finds his way to Calcutta, and enlists in +a regiment proceeding to the Afghan Passes. He accompanies the force +under General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner, +and carried to Cabul, whence he is transferred to Candahar, and takes +part in the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The book teems with spirited scenes and stirring adventures, and the boy who +reads it attentively will acquire a sound knowledge on subjects that are of vital +importance to our Indian Empire.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>School Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-7'/><anchor id='Pga07'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Maori and Settler:</hi> A Story of the New Zealand +War. With 8 page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Alfred Pearse</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The Renshaws lose their property and emigrate to New Zealand. Wilfrid, +a strong, self-reliant lad, is the mainstay of the household. The odds seem +hopelessly against the party, but they succeed in establishing themselves +happily in one of the pleasantest of the New Zealand valleys. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A book which all young people, but especially boys, will read with avidity.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Athenæum</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> + <hi rend="font-size: large">—Beric the Briton:</hi> A Story of the Roman Invasion of +Britain. With 12 page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. Parkinson</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Beric is a boy-chief of a British tribe which takes a prominent part in +the insurrection under Boadicea: and after the defeat of that heroic queen +he continues the struggle in the fen-country. Ultimately Beric is defeated +and carried captive to Rome, where he succeeds in saving a Christian maid +by slaying a lion in the arena, and is rewarded by being made the personal +protector of Nero. Finally, he escapes and returns to Britain, where he +becomes a wise ruler of his own people. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>He is a hero of the most attractive kind.... One of the most spirited and well-imagined +stories Mr. Henty has written.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Saturday Review</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>His conflict with a lion in the arena is a thrilling chapter.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>School +Board Chronicle</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Full of every form of heroism and pluck.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Christian World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Dash for Khartoum:</hi> A Tale of the Nile +Expedition. With 10 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>John Schönberg</hi> and <hi rend='smallcaps'>J. Nash</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In the record of recent British history there is no more captivating page +for boys than the story of the Nile campaign, and the attempt to rescue +General Gordon. For, in the difficulties which the expedition encountered, +and in the perils which it overpassed, are found all the excitement of +romance, as well as the fascination which belongs to real events. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The Dash for Khartoum is your ideal boys’ book.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Tablet</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>It is literally true that the narrative never flags a moment.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The Dash for Khartoum will be appreciated even by those who don’t ordinarily +care a dash for anything.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Punch</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—With Wolfe in Canada:</hi> or, The Winning of a +Continent. With 12 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Gordon Browne</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Mr. Henty tells the story of the struggle between Britain and France for +supremacy on the North American continent. The fall of Quebec decided +that the Anglo-Saxon race should predominate in the New World; that +Britain, and not France, should take the lead among the nations. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A moving tale of military exploit and thrilling adventure.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily News</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-8'/><anchor id='Pga08'/> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Held Fast for England:</hi> A Tale of the Siege of +Gibraltar. With 8 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Gordon Browne</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The story deals with one of the most memorable sieges in history. The +hero, a young Englishman resident in Gibraltar, takes a brave and worthy +part in the long defence, and we learn with what bravery, resourcefulness, +and tenacity the Rock was held for England. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>There is no cessation of exciting incident throughout the story.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Athenæum</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—In the Irish Brigade:</hi> A Tale of War in Flanders +and Spain. With 12 page +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Charles M. Sheldon</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero is a young officer in the Irish Brigade, which for many years +after the siege of Limerick formed the backbone of the French army. He +goes through many stirring adventures, successfully carries out dangerous +missions in Spain, saves a large portion of the French army at Oudenarde, +and even has the audacity to kidnap the Prime Minister of England. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A stirring book of military adventure.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Scotsman</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—At Agincourt:</hi> A Tale of the White Hoods of Paris. +With 12 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal +Paget</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Sir Eustace de Villeroy, in journeying from Hampshire to his castle in +France, made young Guy Aylmer one of his escort. Soon thereafter the +castle was attacked, and the English youth displayed such valour that his +liege-lord made him commander of a special mission to Paris. This he +accomplished, returning in time to take part in the campaign against the +French which ended in the glorious victory for England at Agincourt. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Cannot fail to commend itself to boys of all ages.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Manchester Courier</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—A Final Reckoning:</hi> A Tale of Bush Life in +Australia. With 8 page +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. B. Wollen</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero, a young Englishman, emigrates to Australia, where he gets +employment as an officer in the mounted police. A few years of active +work gain him promotion to a captaincy. In that post he greatly distinguishes +himself, and finally leaves the service and settles down as a squatter. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A stirring story capitally told.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Guardian</hi>. +</p> +</div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> +<pb n='A-9'/><anchor id='Pga09'/> + +<p> +<q>Young reader have no better friends than Blackie & Son.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Westminster Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-large; center"> +Blackie & Son’s<lb/> +Story Books for Boys +</p> + + <milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="font-size: large"> +G. MANVILLE FENN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Quicksilver!</hi> or, The Boy with no Skid to his Wheel. +With 6 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>F. Dadd</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Dr. Grayson has a theory that any boy, if rightly trained, can be made +into a gentleman. He chooses a boy from the workhouse, with a bad +reputation but with excellent instincts, and adopts him, the story narrating +the adventures of the mercurial lad. The restless boyish nature, with its +inevitable tendency to get into scrapes, is sympathetically and humorously +drawn. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Quicksilver is little short of an inspiration. In it that prince of story-writers for +boys—George Manville Fenn—has surpassed himself. It is an ideal book for a boy’s +library.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Practical Teacher</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Not only a most engrossing story, but full of noble impulses and lessons.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Newcastle +Journal</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—In the King’s Name.</hi> Illustrated. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New +Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A spirited story of the Jacobite times, concerning the adventures of +Hilary Leigh, a young naval officer on board the <name type="ship" rend="italic">Kestrel</name>, in the preventive +service off the coast of Sussex. Leigh is taken prisoner by the adherents +of the Pretender, amongst whom is an early friend and patron, who desires +to spare his life, but will not release him. The narrative is full of exciting +and often humorous incident. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Mr. Fenn has won a foremost place among writers for boys. This is, we think, +the best of all his productions in this field.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily News</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Golden Magnet:</hi> A Tale of the Land of the +Incas. With 12 page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Gordon Browne</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The tale is of a romantic youth, who leaves home to seek his fortune in +South America. He is accompanied by a faithful companion, who, in the +capacity both of comrade and henchman, does true service, and shows the +dogged courage of an English lad during their strange adventures. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>There could be no more welcome present for a boy. There is not a dull page, +and many will be read with breathless interest.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Journal of Education</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-10'/><anchor id='Pga10'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +Capt. F. S. BRERETON, R.A.M.C. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Foes of the Red Cockade:</hi> A Story of the +French Revolution. Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>William Rainey, R.I.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two English lads, wrecked at St. Malo, are persecuted as Aristocrats. +They see the Reign of Terror in all its horror, but fortunately escape to the +château of an uncle in La Vendée. A quarrel with a cousin ensues, and +fighting occurs at the same time with the Republicans. As a scout the +elder does gallant service till captured and taken to Paris, where he confronts +Robespierre and falls into his cousin’s hands. Again, however, he +escapes, and after many exciting experiences finally reaches safety and friends. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Cannot fail to give great enjoyment to many boys and girls, and not a little +profit.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literary World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—In the Grip of the Mullah:</hi> A Tale of Adventure +in +Somaliland. Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Charles M. Sheldon</hi>. With a Map. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero organizes a search-party and advances into Somaliland to rescue +his father, who has fallen into the hands of the Mullah. The little force is +opposed from the outset, but undaunted they push forward, and in spite of +many difficulties and dangers succeed in accomplishing their object. The +interest increases as the story advances, and becomes intense when the hero +penetrates alone into the heart of the Mullah’s camp. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A fresher, more exciting, and more spirited tale could not be wished for.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>British Weekly</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—One of the Fighting Scouts:</hi> A Tale of Guerilla +Warfare in +South Africa. Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Stanley L. Wood</hi>. With a Map. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This story deals with the guerrilla aspect of the Boer War, and shows +how George Ransome is compelled to leave his father’s farm and take +service with the British. He is given the command of a band of scouts +as a reward for gallantry, and with these he punishes certain rebels for +a piece of rascality, and successfully attacks Botha’s commando. Thanks +to his knowledge of the veldt he is of signal service to his country, and +even outwits the redoubtable De Wet. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Altogether an unusually good story.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Yorkshire Post</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Under the Spangled Banner:</hi> A Tale of the +Spanish-American +War. With 8 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Paul Hardy</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Hal Marchant is in Cuba before the commencement of hostilities. A +Spaniard who has been frustrated in an attempt to rob Hal’s employer +attacks the hacienda and is defeated, but turns the tables by denouncing +Hal as a spy. The hero makes good his escape from Santiago, and +afterwards fights for America both on land and at sea. The story gives a +vivid and at the same time accurate account of this memorable struggle. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Just the kind of book that a boy would delight in.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Schoolmaster</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-11'/><anchor id='Pga11'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +HERBERT STRANG +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Tom Burnaby:</hi> A Story of Uganda and the Great +Congo Forest. Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Charles +M. Sheldon</hi>. With 3 Plans. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +Field-Marshal Lord Wolseley writes:—<q>It is just the sort of book I +would give to any school-boy, for I know he would enjoy every page +of it.</q> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +The Rev. Dr. Wood, Head-master of Harrow, writes:—<q>I have read it +through with interest. It is an excellent book for boys, full of vigour and +romance.</q> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The fierce struggles between the Bahima and the Arabs, with their Manyema allies, +are told with a vigour and enthusiasm that will stir the heart of any boy.... When +we add that Mr. Strang gives us a really graphic and thrilling impression of travel in +the forests of Africa, and an almost living acquaintance with Arab and Negro, it is +scarcely necessary to recommend it to boys as a delightful story of African adventure.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +Dr. GORDON STABLES, R.N. +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">In the Great White Land:</hi> A Tale of the Antarctic +Ocean. With +6 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>J. A. Walton</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This is a most fascinating story from beginning to end. It is a true +picture of what daring healthful British men and boys can do, written by +an author whose name is a household word wherever the English language +is spoken. All is described with a master’s hand, and the plot is just such +as boys love. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The narrative goes with a swing and a dash from start to finish.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Public Opinion</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ERNEST GLANVILLE +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">In search of the Okapi:</hi> A Story of Adventure +in Central Africa. Illustrated +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>William Rainey, R.I.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two school chums join an expedition into the unexplored reaches of +the vast central forest which the Okapi inhabits. The search for the +strange animal, however, serves merely as an excuse for the journey, and +once the little party is afloat on the Congo they go whither fortune leads +them, and many and exciting are their adventures in the unknown wilds. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A story to make a boy’s heart throb with eager interest.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Birmingham Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Diamond Seekers:</hi> A Story of Adventure in +South Africa. With 8 +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>William Rainey, R.I.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The discovery of the plan of the diamond mine, the dangers incurred in +reaching the wild, remote spot in an armoured wagon, and the many +incidents of farm and veldt life, are vividly described by an author who +knows the country well. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>We have seldom seen a better story for boys.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-12'/><anchor id='Pga12'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +FREDERICK HARRISON +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Boys of Wynport College.</hi> With 6 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Harold Copping</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero and his chums differ as widely in character as in personal appearance. +We have Patrick O’Flahertie, the good-natured Irish boy; +Jack Brookes, the irrepressible humorist; Davie Jackson, the true-hearted +little lad, on whose haps and mishaps the plot to a great extent turns; +and the hero himself, who finds in his experiences at Wynport College +a wholesome corrective of a somewhat lax home training. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A book which no well-regulated school-boy should be without.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Whitehall +Review</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +LÉON GOLSCHMANN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Boy Crusoes:</hi> A Story of the Siberian Forest. Adapted +from the Russian by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Léon Golschmann</hi>. +With 6 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>J. Finnemore, R.I.</hi> 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two Russian lads are so deeply impressed by reading <hi rend='italic'>Robinson Crusoe</hi> +that they run away from home. They lose their way in a huge trackless +forest, and for two years are kept busy hunting for food, fighting against +wolves and other enemies, and labouring to increase their comforts, before +they are rescued. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>This is a story after a boy’s own heart.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Nottingham Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +MEREDITH FLETCHER +</p><p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Every Inch a Briton:</hi> A School Story. With 6 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Sydney +Cowell</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This story is written from the point of view of an ordinary boy, who gives +an animated account of a young public-schoolboy’s life. No moral is +drawn; yet the story indicates a kind of training that goes to promote +veracity, endurance, and enterprise; and of each of several of the characters +it might be truly said, he is worthy to be called, <q>Every Inch a Briton</q>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>In Every Inch a Briton Mr. Meredith Fletcher has scored a <anchor id="corra12"/><corr sic="success">success.</corr></q>—<hi rend='italic'>Manchester +Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +EDGAR PICKERING +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">In Press-Gang Days.</hi> With 4 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. S. +Stacey</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In this story Harry Waring is caught by the Press-gang and carried on +board His Majesty’s ship <name type="ship" rend="italic">Sandwich</name>. He takes part in the mutiny of the +Nore, and shares in some hard fighting on board the <name type="ship" rend="italic">Phœnix</name>. He is with +Nelson, also, at the storming of Santa Cruz, and the battle of the Nile. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>It is of Marryat, that friend of our boyhood, we think as we read this delightful +story; for it is not only a story of adventure, with incidents well-conceived and +arranged, but the characters are interesting and well-distinguished.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-13'/><anchor id='Pga13'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +FRED SMITH +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Boyhood of a Naturalist.</hi> With 6 page +Illustrations. +3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Few lovers of Nature have given to the world a series of recollections so +entertaining, so vigorous, and so instinct with life as these delightful reminiscences. +The author takes the reader with him in the rambles in which he +spent the happiest hours of his boyhood, a humble observer of the myriad +forms of life in field and copse, by stream and hedgerow. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>We cannot too highly recommend the book to all readers.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The World of Animal Life.</hi> Edited by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Fred +Smith</hi>. Profusely +Illustrated with Engravings after <hi rend="smallcaps">F. Specht</hi> and other +eminent artists. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The aim of <hi rend='italic'>The World of Animal Life</hi> is to give in non-scientific language +an account of those inhabitants of the land, sea, and sky with whose +names we are all familiar, but concerning whose manner of life the majority +of us have only the haziest conceptions. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>An admirable volume for the young mind enquiring after Nature.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Birmingham +Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +J. CHALMERS +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Fighting the Matabele:</hi> A story of Adventure +in Rhodesia. Illustrated +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Stanley L. Wood</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A story of the great Matabele rising in 1896. The hero and his friends +are surprised by the revolted natives in the heart of the Matopo mountains, +and after many stirring adventures make their way back to Buluwayo. +The hero subsequently joins the Africander Corps, and distinguishes +himself in the operations by which the insurrection is crushed. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The stormy times of the recent insurrection in Matabeleland are described with a +piquantness which will ensure the book becoming a favourite.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Liverpool Courier</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +CLIVE PHILLIPPS-WOLLEY +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Gold, Gold in Cariboo:</hi> A Story of Adventure in +British Columbia. With +4 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>G. C. Hindley</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Ned Corbett, a young Englishman, and his companion set out with +a pack-train in order to obtain gold on the upper reaches of the Fraser +River. After innumerable adventures, and a life-and-death struggle with +the Arctic weather of that wild region, they find the secret gold-mines for +which they have toilsomely searched. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>It would be difficult to say too much in favour of <hi rend='italic'>Gold, Gold in Cariboo</hi>. We +have seldom read a more exciting tale of wild mining adventure in a singularly +inaccessible country. There is a capital plot, and the interest is sustained to the +last page.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Times</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-14'/><anchor id='Pga14'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ROBERT LEIGHTON +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Wreck of the Golden Fleece.</hi> +Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Frank Brangwyn</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The hero is apprenticed on board a Lowestoft fishing lugger, where he +has to suffer many buffets from his shipmates. The storms and dangers +which he braved are set forth with intense power. The narrative deals +with a highway robbery, the trial of the accused fisherman, his escape, +and the mad chase after the criminal out upon the high seas. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Excellent in every respect, it contains every variety of incident. The plot is very +cleverly devised, and the types of the North Sea sailors are capital.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Times</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +S. BARING-GOULD +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Grettir the Outlaw:</hi> A Story of Iceland in the days +of the Vikings. With 6 page +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>M. Zeno Diemer</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A narrative of adventure of the most romantic kind. No boy will be able +to withstand the magic of such scenes as the fight of Grettir with the twelve +bearserks, the wrestle with Karr the Old in the chamber of the dead, the +combat with the spirit of Glam the thrall, and the defence of the dying +Grettir by his younger brother. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Has a freshness, a freedom, a sense of sun and wind and the open air, which make +it irresistible.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>National Observer</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +C. J. CUTCLIFFE HYNE +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Captured Cruiser:</hi> or, Two Years from Land. +With 6 page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>F. Brangwyn</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The central incidents deal with the capture, during the war between Chili +and Peru, of an armed cruiser. The heroes and their companions break +from prison in Valparaiso, board this warship in the night, overpower the +watch, escape to sea under the fire of the forts, and finally, after marvellous +adventures, lose the cruiser among the icebergs near Cape Horn. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The two lads and the two skippers are admirably drawn. Mr. Hyne has now +secured a position in the first rank of writers of fiction for boys.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Stimson’s Reef:</hi> With 4 Page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. S. +Stacey</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This is the extended log of a cutter which sailed from the Clyde to the +Amazon in search of a gold reef. It relates how they discovered the +buccaneer’s treasure in the Spanish Main, fought the Indians, turned aside +the river Jamary by blasting, and so laid bare the gold of <hi rend='italic'>Stimson’s Reef</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Few stories come within hailing distance of <hi rend='italic'>Stimson’s Reef</hi> in startling incidents +and hairbreadth ’scapes. It may almost vie with Mr. R. L. Stevenson’s <hi rend='italic'>Treasure +Island</hi>.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Guardian</hi>. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From IN THE GRIP OF THE MULLAH</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Capt. F. S. Brereton</hi> (See page 10)]</p> +<p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From THE DISPUTED V.C.</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Frederick P. Gibbon</hi> (See page 15)]</p> +</then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill11"/> + <figure url="images/ill11.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From IN THE GRIP OF THE MULLAH</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Capt. F. S. Brereton</hi> (See <ref target="Pga10">page 10</ref>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From IN THE GRIP OF THE MULLAH</figDesc></figure></p> + <p> + <anchor id="ill12"/> + <figure url="images/ill12.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From THE DISPUTED V.C.</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Frederick P. Gibbon</hi> (See <ref target="Pga15">page 15</ref>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From THE DISPUTED V.C.</figDesc></figure></p> +</else></pgIf> +<pb n='A-15'/><anchor id='Pga15'/> +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +PAUL DANBY +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Red Army Book.</hi> With many Illustrations +in colour and in black-and-white. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This book includes chapters on the various branches of the regular army, +and also on such attractive subjects as <q>Boys who have won the V.C.</q>, +<q>Pets of the Regiment</q>, <q>The Colours</q>, <q>Famous War Horses</q>, &c. +Each chapter, besides dealing generally with its subject, is full of capital +anecdotes, and the book as a whole is excellently illustrated with colour +and black-and-white illustrations. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Every boy would glory in the keeping and reading of such a prize.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily +Telegraph</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +FREDERICK P. GIBBON +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Disputed V.C.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Stanley L. +Wood</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A tale of the Great Mutiny which should stir a boy’s blood, and will tell him all +he cares to know of that memorable death-struggle for our supremacy.... Even +Lord Roberts scarcely gives a more spirited account of the defence of Delhi, of the +difficulties to be overcome, and of the good service of the gallant little army which so +long held stubbornly to the Ridge.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Times</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +A. J. CHURCH +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Two Thousand Years Ago.</hi> Illustrated. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +<hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Lucius Marius, a Roman boy, has a very chequered career, being now a +captive in the hands of Spartacus, again an officer on board a vessel detailed +for the suppression of the pirates, and anon a captive once more +on a pirate ship. He escapes to Tarsus, is taken prisoner in the war with +Mithridates, and detained in Pontus for a number of years. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Adventures well worth the telling. The book is extremely entertaining as well +as useful, and there is a wonderful freshness in the Roman scenes and characters.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Times</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +OLIPHANT SMEATON +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Mystery of the Pacific.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Wal +Paget</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New +Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The <name type="ship" rend="italic">Fitzroy</name>, a small sailing vessel, discovers an extraordinary island in +the South Seas, that has been hidden for ages behind a wide belt of sea-weed. +The country is peopled by descendants of colonists from Imperial +Rome, and by a yet older race who trace their origin to the long-lost +Atlantis. In graphic language the author describes the strange experiences +that befell the crew of the <name type="ship" rend="italic">Fitzroy</name> among these remarkable people. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A tale of unprecedented adventure in unknown lands.... Boys will revel +in the book.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Birmingham Gazette</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-16'/><anchor id='Pga16'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +R. STEAD +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Grit will Tell:</hi> The Adventures of a Barge-boy. With +4 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>D. Carleton Smyth</hi>. +Cloth, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A lad whose name has been lost amidst early buffetings by hard fortune +suffers many hardships at the hands of a bargeman, his master, and runs +away. The various adventures and experiences with which he meets on +the road to success, the bear-hunt in which he takes part, and the battle +at which he acts as war correspondent, form a story of absorbing interest +and after a boy’s own heart. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A thoroughly wholesome and attractive book.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Graphic</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +HARRY COLLINGWOOD +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Pirate Island.</hi> With 6 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>C. +J. Staniland</hi> and <hi rend='smallcaps'>J. R. Wells</hi>. +3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +By a deed of true gallantry the hero’s whole destiny is changed, and, going +to sea, he forms one of a party who, after being burned out of their ship in +the South Pacific, are picked up by a pirate brig and taken to the <q>Pirate +Island</q>. After many thrilling adventures, they ultimately succeed in +effecting their escape. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A capital story of the sea; indeed in our opinion the author is superior in some +respects as a marine novelist to the better-known Mr. Clark Russell.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Times</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +FLORENCE COOMBE +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Boys of the Priory School.</hi> With 4 page +Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Harold Copping</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The interest centres in the relations of Raymond and Hal Wentworth, +and the process by which Raymond, the hero of the school, learns that in +the person of his ridiculed cousin there beats a heart more heroic than his +own. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>It is an excellent work of its class, cleverly illustrated with <q>real boys</q> by Mr. +Harold Copping.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literature</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +JOHN C. HUTCHESON +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Afloat at Last:</hi> A Sailor Boy’s Log. With 6 page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. H. Overend</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +From the stowing of the vessel in the Thames to her recovery from the +Pratas Reef on which she is stranded, everything is described with the +accuracy of perfect practical knowledge of ships and sailors; and the incidents +of the story range from the broad humours of the fo’c’s’le to the perils +of flight from, and fight with, the pirates of the China Seas. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>As healthy and breezy a book as one could wish.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +</div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> +<pb n='A-17'/><anchor id='Pga17'/> + +<p rend="font-size: x-large; center"> +Blackie & Son’s +<lb/> +Story Books for Girls +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="font-size: large"> +KATHARINE TYNAN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Girl of Galway.</hi> With 8 full-page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>John H. Bacon</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +When Bertha Grace is on the threshold of young womanhood, she goes +to stay with her grandfather in Ireland, with the trust from her mother of +reconciling him and his son, Bertha’s father. Bertha finds her grandfather +a recluse and a miser, and in the hands of an underling, who is his evil +genius. How she keeps faith with her mother and finds her own fate, +through many strange adventures, is the subject of the story. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Full of the poetic charm we are accustomed to find in the works of that gifted +writer.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Handsome Brandons.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>G. +D. Hammond, R.I.</hi> +3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A delightful story of an ancient Irish family. Every one of the nine +young Brandons was handsome, and every one was spirited and lovable. +The shadows in the picture hang ominously over Castle Angry and its +inmate, the vindictive Sir Rupert de Lacy. The story ends happily for +<q>The Handsome Brandons</q> with the re-establishment of the family +fortunes. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A really excellent piece of work, ... the literary quality of Miss Tynan’s +work is its chief distinction.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +CAROLINE AUSTIN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Cousin Geoffrey and I.</hi> With 6 full-page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. Parkinson</hi>. +3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The only daughter of a country gentleman finds herself unprovided for at +her father’s death, and for some time lives as a dependant upon her kinsman. +Life is saved from being unbearable to her by her young cousin +Geoffrey, who at length meets with a serious accident for which she is held +responsible. She makes a brave attempt to earn her own livelihood, until +a startling event brings her cousin Geoffrey and herself together again. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Miss Austin’s story is bright, clever, and well developed.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Saturday Review</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-18'/><anchor id='Pga18'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Queen among Girls.</hi> With 6 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Harold Copping</hi>. +Cloth, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Augusta Pembroke is the head of her school, the favourite of her teachers +and fellow-pupils, who are attracted by her fearless and independent nature +and her queenly bearing. She dreams of a distinguished professional +career; but the course of her life is changed suddenly by pity for her +timid little brother Adrian, the victim of his guardian-uncle’s harshness. +The story describes the daring means adopted by Augusta for Adrian’s relief. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>An interesting and well-written narrative, in which humour and a keen eye for +character unite to produce a book happily adapted for modern maidens.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Globe</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—A Girl of To-Day.</hi> With 6 page Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>G. D. Hammond, R.I.</hi> 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +<q>What are Altruists?</q> humbly asks a small boy. <q>They are only people +who try to help others,</q> replies the Girl of To-Day. To help their poorer +neighbours, the boys and girls of Woodend band themselves together into +the <hi rend='italic'>Society of Altruists</hi>. That they have plenty of fun is seen in the +shopping expedition and in the successful Christmas entertainment. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>It is a spirited story. The characters are true to nature and carefully developed. +Such a book as this is exactly what is needed to give a school-girl an interest in the +development of character.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Educational Times</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +FRANCES ARMSTRONG +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Girl’s Loyalty.</hi> With 6 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>John H. +Bacon</hi>. Cloth, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New +Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +When she was still but a child, Helen Grant received from her grandfather, +on his death-bed, a secret message. The brief words remained +fast in her memory, and dominated her whole career. She was loyal to +her trust, however, and to her friends in the hour of their need. For the +girl was possessed of that quick courage which leaps up in a shy nature +when evil-doers have to be unmasked, and wrongs made right. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The one book for girls that stands out this year is Miss Frances Armstrong’s +A Girl’s Loyalty.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Review of Reviews</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +MRS. HERBERT MARTIN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Two Dorothys:</hi> A Tale for Girls. Illustrated. +2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In this story the shy, dreamy, unselfish Dorothy Heriot comes to live +with her great-aunt, the other Dorothy. This old lady is kind enough, but +her discipline is unsympathetic. But the younger Dorothy’s loving, unselfish +nature wins upon the proud old lady, and the end is happiness. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Will not only interest and please all girls, but will also stimulate and encourage +to better and higher things, youthful hopes and ambitions.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Lady</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-19'/><anchor id='Pga19'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ETHEL F. HEDDLE +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Strangers in the Land.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Harold +Copping</hi>. +6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two old maiden ladies and their charming young friend, Elspeth Macdonald, +voyage to the beautiful island of Java on a quest that involves a +story of uncommon interest. In the course of a series of exciting adventures, +Elspeth unwittingly makes a discovery which seriously affects her +friends. Towards the close the narrative is darkened by tragedy, but a +flood of sunshine is thrown on the final chapter by the happy ending of +a pleasant love-story. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Apart from providing the best of entertainment, this book is noteworthy as +stimulating high ideals of life and action, and renewing faith in lofty and chivalrous +sentiment as a factor in human service.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Dundee Advertiser</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—An Original Girl.</hi> With 8 full-page Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Gordon Browne</hi>. 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Christobel Beauchamp makes her living by typewriting in an office till +chance throws her across the path of Lady Anne Prideaux, her grandmother. +Her mother had made a <hi rend='italic'>mésalliance</hi> by marrying an actor. Lady +Anne desires to adopt Christobel, but the girl prefers to help her father. +The story tells how the poor actor at last receives his <q>call</q>, and ends +with the promise of good fortune for Christobel and her devoted lover. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A very clever, well-constructed tale is this, and we wish it success.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>British Weekly</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—A Mystery of St. Rule’s.</hi> With 8 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>G. Demain +Hammond, R.I.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The author has been amazingly successful in keeping her secret almost to the +end. Yet the mystery attending a stolen diamond of great value is so skilfully +handled that several perfectly innocent persons seem all but hopelessly identified +with the disappearance of the gem. Cleverly, however, as this aspect of the story +has been managed, it has other sources of strength.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Scotsman</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The chief interest ... lies in the fascinating young adventuress, who finds +a temporary nest in the old professor’s family, and wins all hearts in St. Rule’s by +her beauty and her sweetness.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Morning Leader</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +SARAH DOUDNEY +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Under False Colours.</hi> With 6 Illustrations. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A story which will attract readers of all ages and of either sex. The +incidents of the plot, arising from the thoughtless indulgence of a deceptive +freak, are exceedingly natural, and the keen interest of the narrative is sustained +from beginning to end. <hi rend='italic'>Under False Colours</hi> is a book which will +rivet the attention, amuse the fancy, and touch the heart. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>This is a charming story, abounding in delicate +touches of sentiment and pathos. +Its plot is skilfully contrived. It will be read with a warm interest by every girl who +takes it up.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Scotsman</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-20'/><anchor id='Pga20'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ROSA MULHOLLAND (LADY GILBERT) +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Cynthia’s Bonnet Shop.</hi> With 8 Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>G. Demain Hammond, +R.I.</hi> 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Cynthia, one of three charming lively sisters of an impoverished Connaught +family, desires to make money for the sake of her delicate mother. +Cynthia and her star-struck sister Befind go to London, the former to +open a bonnet shop, which becomes a great success, and the other to +pursue the study of astronomy. How both girls find new interests in +life, more important even than bonnet shop or star-gazing, is described +with mingled humour and pathos. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Just of the kind to please and fascinate a host of girl readers.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Liverpool +Mercury</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Girls of Banshee Castle.</hi> With 6 Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>John H. Bacon</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Three girls, with an old governess, migrate from Kensington to the +West of Ireland. Belonging as they do to <q>the ould family</q>, the girls +are made heartily welcome in the cabins of the peasantry, where they +learn many weird and curious tales from the folk-lore of the district. An +interesting plot runs through the narrative, but the charm of the story lies +in its happy mingling of Irish humour and pathos. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Is told with grace, and brightened by a knowledge of Irish folk-lore, making it +a perfect present for a girl in her teens.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Truth</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Giannetta:</hi> A Girl’s Story of Herself. With 6 full-page +Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Lockhart Bogle</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The story of a changeling who is suddenly transferred to the position of +a rich English heiress. She develops into a good and accomplished woman, +and has gained too much love and devotion to be a sufferer by the surrender +of her estates. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ANNIE E. ARMSTRONG +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Three Bright Girls.</hi> With 6 full-page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. Parkinson</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +By a sudden turn of fortune’s wheel the three heroines are brought down +from a household of lavish comfort to meet the incessant cares and worries +of those who have to eke out a very limited income. The charm of the +story lies in the cheery helpfulness of spirit developed in the girls by their +changed circumstances. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Ever bright and cheerful, they influence other lives, and at last they come out +of their trials with honour to themselves and benefits to all about +them.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Teachers’ Aid</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-21'/><anchor id='Pga21'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ELIZA F. POLLARD +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">For the Red Rose.</hi> With 4 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>James +Durden</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A gipsy finds a little girl in the forest of Wimbourne, after the sacking +of the castle by the Yorkists. He carries her to the camp and she is +adopted by the tribe. The story tells how, when some years later Margaret +of Anjou and her son are wrecked on the coast of England, the gipsy +girl follows the fortunes of the exiled queen, and by what curious chain of +events her own origin is discovered. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>This is a good story, and of special interest to lovers of historical +romance.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Court Circular</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The Doctor’s Niece.</hi> With 6 Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Sydney Cowell</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The scene of this charming story is laid in Brittany at the end of the +eighteenth century. The heroine is educated considerably above her +station. When she is about sixteen she becomes companion to a little +girl at a neighbouring château. Her charge mysteriously disappears during +a peasant rebellion, and she goes out into the woods to find her. The +result of the adventure is that Rosette discovers her mother, who proves +to be the rightful owner of the château, and the tale ends happily. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Full of mystery, adventure, and a winning simplicity.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Bookman</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—The King’s Signet:</hi> The Story of a Huguenot +Family. With 6 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>G. Demain Hammond, R.I.</hi> 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This story relates the adventures of a noble Huguenot family, driven +out of their château by the dragoons after the Revocation of the Edict of +Nantes. A friend of the family, Claudine Malot, who is also a Huguenot, +but a protégée of Madame de Maintenon, possesses a talisman, by means +of which she saves many lives; but this brings trouble upon her, and she +has to leave France. The adventures lead to the battle of the Boyne, +and to the happy reunion of the scattered family in Ireland. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A stirring tale of the persecution of the Huguenots clearly and touchingly +told.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +BESSIE MARCHANT +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Three Girls on a Ranch:</hi> A Story of New +Mexico. Illustrated. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The Lovell family emigrate from England to New Mexico. Mr. Lovell +is delicate and unfit for farming, but the three eldest girls take upon themselves +the burden of working the ranch. They have adventures of a +perilous kind, and the story of their mishaps and how they overcame them +is throughout both exciting and stimulating. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A story with a fresh, bright theme, well handled.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Nottingham Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-22'/><anchor id='Pga22'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +E. EVERETT-GREEN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Little Lady Clare.</hi> Illustrated. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The little Lady Clare inherits the responsibilities of an ancestry and a +family feud, but the estates and title of her father fall to the hated branch +of the family. The child, however, works out for herself the problem of +the divided house, which is at last united again in a romantic manner. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Reminds us in its quaintness and tender pathos of Mrs. Ewing’s delightful tales. +The characters are very real and lifelike. Is quite one of the best stories Miss Green +has yet given us.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literary World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +SARAH TYTLER +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Loyal Little Maid.</hi> With 4 page Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Paul Hardy</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This pretty story is founded on a romantic episode of Mar’s rebellion. +A little girl has information which concerns the safety of her father in hiding, +and this she firmly refuses to divulge to a king’s officer. She is lodged +in the Tolbooth, where she finds a boy champion, whom in future years she +rescues in Paris from the <hi rend='italic'>lettre de cachet</hi> which would bury him in the Bastille. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Has evidently been a pleasure to write, and makes very enjoyable +reading.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literature</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Girl Neighbours.</hi> With 6 Illustrations. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A story for girls, told in that quaint, delightful fashion which has made +Miss Tytler’s books so popular and attractive. The introduction of the +two young ladies from London, who represent the modern institutions of +professional nursing and schools of cookery, is very happily effected. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>One of the most effective and quietly humorous of Miss Sarah Tytler’s stories. +Very healthy, very agreeable, and very well written.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ALICE CORKRAN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Margery Merton’s Girlhood.</hi> With 6 full-page +Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Gordon Browne</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The experiences of an orphan girl who in infancy is left by her father—an +officer in India—to the care of an elderly aunt residing near Paris. The +accounts of the various persons who have an after influence on the story are +singularly vivid. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q><hi rend='italic'>Margery Merton’s Girlhood</hi> is a piece of true literature, as dainty as it is delicate, +and as sweet as it is simple.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Woman’s World</hi>. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then><p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From THE FOUR MISS WHITTINGTONS</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Geraldine Mockler</hi> (See page 23)]</p> +<p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From CYNTHIA’S BONNET SHOP</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Rosa Mulholland</hi> (See page 20)]</p> +</then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill13"/> + <figure url="images/ill13.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From THE FOUR MISS WHITTINGTONS</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Geraldine Mockler</hi> (See <ref target="Pga23">page 23</ref>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From THE FOUR MISS WHITTINGTONS</figDesc></figure></p> + <p> + <anchor id="ill14"/> + <figure url="images/ill14.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From CYNTHIA’S BONNET SHOP</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Rosa Mulholland</hi> (See <ref target="Pga20">page 20</ref>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From CYNTHIA’S BONNET SHOP</figDesc></figure></p> +</else></pgIf> +<pb n='A-23'/><anchor id='Pga23'/> +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +GERALDINE MOCKLER +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Four Miss Whittingtons:</hi> A Story for +Girls. With +8 full-page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Charles M. Sheldon</hi>. 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This story tells how four sisters, left alone in the world, went to London +to seek their fortunes. They had between them £400, and this they resolved +to spend on training themselves for the different careers for which +they were severally most fitted. On their limited means this was hard +work, but their courageous experiment was on the whole very successful. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A story of endeavour, industry, and independence of spirit.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ALICE STRONACH +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Newnham Friendship.</hi> With 6 full-page Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Harold +Copping</hi>. 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A sympathetic description of life at Newnham College. After the tripos +excitements, some of the students leave their dream-world of study and +talk of <q>cocoas</q> and debates and athletics to begin their work in the real +world. Men students play their part in the story, and in the closing +chapters it is suggested that marriage has its place in a girl graduate’s life. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Foremost among all the gift-books suitable for school-girls this season stands Miss +Alice Stronach’s A Newnham Friendship.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily Graphic</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +BESSIE MARCHANT +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Heroine of the Sea.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>A. M‘Lellan</hi>. +3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Maudie’s home was on the wild westerly shore of Vancouver Island, and +she earned her living by fishing in the Inlet, heartily despising all merely +feminine occupations, and not even knowing that she was beautiful. Then +changes come, and Maudie awakes to the charm of a domestic life. Clouds +gather about the home, and many troubles intervene before the mystery +is at last happily cleared away. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A genuine tale of adventure for girls, and girls will thoroughly enjoy it.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Three Girls on a Ranch:</hi> A Story of New +Mexico. With 4 +page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. E. Webster</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +The Lovell family emigrate from England to New Mexico, where they +settle on a ranch. Mr. Lovell is delicate and unfit for farming, but the +three eldest girls take upon themselves the burden of working the ranch. +They have adventures of a perilous kind, and the story of their mishaps +and how they overcame them is throughout both exciting and stimulating. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A story with a fresh, bright theme, well handled.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Nottingham Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A rousing book for young people.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Queen</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-24'/><anchor id='Pga24'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +MRS. HENRY CLARKE +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Fairclough Family.</hi> With 6 Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>G. D. Hammond, R.I.</hi> +Cloth, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +It was matter for amazement when Ronald Hammersley fell in love +with Kathy Fairclough, who was considered a blue-stocking, instead of +with her younger sister Nell, whom Mrs. Hammersley had chosen for +him. Why Mrs. Hammersley desired her wealthy stepson to marry one +of Dr. Fairclough’s penniless daughters was a secret. How the secret +became known, and nearly wrecked the happiness of Kathy and Ronald, +is told in the story. But all ends well, and to the sound of marriage bells. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>One of those stories which all girls enjoy.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +J. M. CALLWELL +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Little Irish Girl.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>H. Copping</hi>. +2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +An orphaned family inherit a small property on the coast of Clare. The +two youngest members of the party have some thrilling adventures in their +western home. They encounter seals, smugglers, and a ghost, and lastly, +by most startling means, they succeed in restoring their eldest brother to +his rightful place as heir to the ancestral estates. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Sure to prove of thrilling interest to both boys and girls.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literary World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +E. EVERETT-GREEN +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Miriam’s Ambition.</hi> With Illustrations. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Miriam’s ambition is to make someone happy, and her endeavour carries +with it a train of incident, solving a mystery which had thrown a shadow +over several lives. A charming foil to her grave elder sister is to be found +in Miss Babs, a small coquette of five, whose humorous child-talk is so +attractive. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Miss Everett-Green’s children are real British boys and girls, not small men +and women. Babs is a charming little one.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Liverpool Mercury</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Those Twins!</hi> With a Frontispiece and 28 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>S. B. Pearce</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two little rogues are the twins, Horatio and Tommy; but loyal-hearted +and generous to boot, and determined to resist the stern decree of their +aunt that they shall forsake the company of their scapegrace grown-up +cousin Algy. So they deliberately set to work to <q>reform</q> the scapegrace; +and succeed so well that he wins back the love of his aunt. +</p> + +</div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> +<pb n='A-25'/><anchor id='Pga25'/> + +<p rend="font-size: x-large; center"> +Blackie & Son’s +<lb/>Illustrated Books for Children +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="font-size: large"> +CHARLES ROBINSON—WALTER JERROLD +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Big Book of Nursery Rhymes.</hi> +Selected and edited by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Walter Jerrold</hi>. With nearly 400 Illustrations +in Colour or Black-and-White by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Charles Robinson</hi>. +Large 4to, cloth elegant, gilt edges, 7<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> net. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This beautiful volume, in which Mr. Charles Robinson has interpreted +with delightful humour and rare artistic skill the old familiar rhymes of the +nursery, will be an unfailing source of pleasure to children of all ages. +The pictures are bold, clear, and direct, as befits a book intended in the +first place for little folk, but they exhibit at the same time a power of +draughtsmanship that will give the volume a permanent artistic value. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>This is a really magnificent gift-book for quite little +children.</q>—<hi>Saturday Review</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +JOHN HASSALL—CLIFTON BINGHAM +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Six and Twenty Boys and Girls.</hi> Pictures by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>John Hassall</hi>; +Verses by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Clifton Bingham</hi>. 25 pages in full colour, +and 24 pages of letterpress. Picture boards, 9 inches by 11¼ +inches, cloth back, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi>; also cloth elegant, 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Most of us know some at least of the little girls and boys portrayed by +Mr. Hassall in this amusing picture-book. As depicted with Mr. Hassall’s +inimitable skill, and described in humorous verse by Mr. Bingham, they +may challenge comparison with the classic Struwwelpeter. Each picture +is not only attractive and amusing in itself, but furnishes a hint of virtues +to be imitated or faults to be avoided. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A most original picture-book.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +MRS. PERCY DEARMER +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Roundabout Rhymes.</hi> With 20 full-page Illustrations +in colour by Mrs. +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Percy Dearmer</hi>. Imperial 8vo, cloth extra, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A charming volume of verses and colour pictures for little folk-rhymes +and pictures about most of the everyday events of nursery life. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The best verses written for children since Stevenson’s <hi rend='italic'>Child’s Garden</hi>.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-26'/><anchor id='Pga26'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +STEWART ORR—JOHN BRYMER +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Gammon and Spinach.</hi> Pictures by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Stewart +Orr</hi>. Verses by <hi rend='smallcaps'>John +Brymer</hi>. Cover design and 24 pages in Full Colour. Picture +boards, cloth back, 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In <hi rend='italic'>Gammon and Spinach</hi> Mr. Stewart Orr has produced a picture-book +unique of its kind. Nothing could be more droll than the situations in +which he represents the frog, the pig, the mouse, the elephant, and the +other well-known characters who appear in his pages. Little folk will +find in these pictures a source of endless delight, and the artistic skill +which they display will have a special appeal to children of an older +growth. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Merry and handsome enough to make thousands of friends among little folk, +what with its original verses and its amusing pictures.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literary World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The book should attain a wide popularity in the nursery.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Morning Post</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">—Two Merry Mariners.</hi> Pictures by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Stewart +Orr</hi>. Verses by <hi rend='smallcaps'>John +Brymer</hi>. Cover design and 24 pages in full colour. Picture +boards, cloth back, 6<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This delightful volume tells in picture and verse how Dick and his friend the +Hare sailed to the Downy Isle, the adventures they met with in that strange +country, their encounter with the Dragon, and their remarkable voyage home. +Mr. Orr exhibits in these designs a rare combination of humorous invention +with brilliant draughtsmanship and command of colour, and the author supports +him with a series of racy verses. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The illustrations are masterpieces of drollery.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Manchester Courier</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The verses are very funny and original.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +FRED SMITH +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Animal Book.</hi> A Natural History for Little +Folk with a Coloured Frontispiece +and 34 full-page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>F. Specht</hi>. Crown quarto, +11¼ inches by 9½ inches, picture boards, cloth back, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +This book consists of a series of bright and instructive sketches of the +better-known wild beasts, describing their appearance, character and habits, +and the position they hold in the animal kingdom. The text is printed in +a large, clear type, and is admirably illustrated with powerful, realistic +pictures of the various creatures in their native state by that eminent animal +artist F. Specht. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A work of the greatest value to the young.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Eastern Morning News</hi>. +</p> +<pgIf output='txt'><then> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From THE BIG BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Charles Robinson—Walter Jerrold</hi> (See page 25)]</p> + <p rend="margin-left: 2; margin-right: 2">[Illustration: <hi rend='italic'>From MY BOOK OF TRUE STORIES</hi> +<lb/> +(See page 31) +<lb/> +SIR PHILIP SIDNEY AND THE DYING SOLDIER +<lb/> +(<hi rend='italic'>Reduced from a Colour Illustration</hi>)]</p> +</then><else> + <p> + <anchor id="ill15"/> + <figure url="images/ill15.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From THE BIG BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES</hi> +<lb/> +<hi rend='smallcaps'>By Charles Robinson—Walter Jerrold</hi> (See <ref target="Pga25">page 25</ref>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From THE BIG BOOK OF NURSERY RHYMES</figDesc></figure></p> + <p> + <anchor id="ill16"/> + <figure url="images/ill16.png" rend="width: 100%"><head><hi rend='italic'>From MY BOOK OF TRUE STORIES</hi> +<lb/> +(See <ref target="Pga31">page 31</ref>) +<lb/> +<hi rend="font-size: small">SIR PHILIP SIDNEY AND THE DYING SOLDIER</hi> +<lb/> +(<hi rend='italic'>Reduced from a Colour Illustration</hi>)</head> + <figDesc>Illustration: From MY BOOK OF TRUE STORIES</figDesc></figure></p> +</else></pgIf> +<pb n='A-27'/><anchor id='Pga27'/> +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +H. B. NEILSON—CLIFTON BINGHAM +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Animals’ Academy.</hi> With 24 full-page +Colour Illustrations +and many Black-and-White Vignettes. Picture-boards, cloth back, +3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi>; cloth, 5<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In <hi rend='italic'>The Animals’ Academy</hi> Mr. Neilson and Mr. Bingham have again +combined their forces, and have turned out a picture-book which for fun +and variety will be difficult to equal. In bright, musical, <q>catchy</q> verse +Mr. Bingham tells of the many amusing events that take place at a school +in which the elephant is master and other well-known animals are the +scholars, and Mr. Neilson illustrates the story as only he can illustrate +animal frolics. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A humorous, clever, and delightful book. The pictures of the dressed-up animals +will captivate little children.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>British Weekly</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +H. B. NEILSON—JOHN BRYMER +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Games and Gambols.</hi> Illustrated by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Harry B. +Neilson</hi>; with Verses by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>John Brymer</hi>. 26 pages in colour, and 24 pages of letterpress. +Picture boards, 9 inches by 11¼ inches, cloth back, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi>; also +cloth elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Mr. Neilson surpasses himself in these irresistible colour pictures representing +the animal world at play. The great test match between the Lions +and the Kangaroos, Mrs. Mouse’s Ping-Pong Party, Mr. Bruin playing +Golf, Towser’s Bicycle Tour, and the Kittens <hi rend='italic'>v.</hi> Bunnies Football Match, +are a few among the many droll subjects illustrated in this amusing and +original series. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Mr. Neilson has a positive genius for making animals comic.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Academy</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Children will revel in his work.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily Graphic</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +S. R. PRAEGER +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">How They Went to School.</hi> With 24 full-page +pictures in +full colour. Picture-boards, cloth back, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi>; cloth extra, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A pretty picture-book for the little ones, full of quiet humour and shrewd +observation of child life. The book tells in picture and story how Hal +and Kitty, two tiny scholars, set out on their way to school, and the +various adventures that happen to them on the road. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Quite the most charming book we have yet seen.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Daily News</hi>. +</p> + +<pb n='A-28'/><anchor id='Pga28'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +OUR DARLING’S FIRST BOOK +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Bright Pictures and Easy Lessons for +Little Folk.</hi> Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches, picture +boards, 1<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi>; cloth, gilt edges, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +An interesting and instructive picture lesson-book for very little folk. +Beginning with an illustrated alphabet of large letters, the little reader goes +forward by easy stages to word-making, reading, counting, writing, and +finally to the most popular nursery rhymes and tales. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>The very perfection of a child’s alphabet and spelling-book.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>St. James’s Budget</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +ELLINOR DAVENPORT ADAMS +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Those Twins!</hi> With a Frontispiece and 28 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>S. B. Pearse</hi>. Cloth elegant, 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Two little rogues are the twins, Horatio and Tommy; but loyal-hearted +and generous to boot, and determined to resist the stern decree of their +aunt that they shall forsake the company of their scapegrace grown-up +cousin Algy. So they deliberately set to work to <q>reform</q> the scapegrace; +and succeed so well that he wins back the love of his aunt, and +delights the twins by earning a V.C. in South Africa. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A merry story for young and old.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +A. B. ROMNEY +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Little Village Folk.</hi> With 37 Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Robert +Hope</hi>. 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A series of delightful stories of Irish village children. Miss Romney +opens up a new field in these beautiful little tales, which have the twofold +charm of humour and poetic feeling. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A story-book that will be welcomed wherever it makes its way.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Literary World</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: large; margin-top: 2"> +MY NEW STORY-BOOK +</p> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Stories, Verses, and Pictures for the +Little Ones.</hi> 290 pages, of which 48 are in colour. +Cloth; 2<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A treasury of entertainment for the nursery. The contents are extremely +varied both as regards the text and the illustrations, and carefully designed +to meet the tastes of the little ones. The many bright colour pictures will +be in themselves a never-failing source of delight. +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>A fascinating little volume, well filled with stories and quaint and pretty illustrations.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>Guardian</hi>. +</p> + +</div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> +<pb n='A-29'/><anchor id='Pga29'/> + +<p rend="font-size: x-large; center"> +STORIES BY GEORGE MAC DONALD +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +(NEW AND UNIFORM EDITION) +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p> +<hi rend="font-size: large">A Rough Shaking.</hi> With 12 page Illustrations by <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. +Parkinson</hi>. Crown 8vo, cloth +elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +Clare, the hero of the story, is a boy whose mother is killed at his side by +the fall of a church during an earthquake. The kindly clergyman and his +wife, who adopt him, die while he is still very young, and he is thrown upon +the world a second time. The narrative of his wanderings is full of interest +and novelty, the boy’s unswerving honesty and his passion for children and +animals leading him into all sorts of adventures. He works on a farm, supports +a baby in an old deserted house, finds employment in a menagerie, +becomes a bank clerk, is kidnapped, and ultimately discovers his father on +board the ship to which he has been conveyed. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">At the Back of the North Wind.</hi> With 75 +Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Arthur Hughes</hi>, and a Frontispiece by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Laurence Housman</hi>. +Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>In <hi rend='italic'>At the Back of the North Wind</hi> we stand with one foot in fairyland and one on +common earth. The story is thoroughly original, full of fancy and pathos.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Times</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">Ranald Bannerman’s Boyhood.</hi> With 36 Illustrations +by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Arthur Hughes</hi>. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: x-small; margin-left: 2"> +<q>Dr. Mac Donald has a real understanding of boy nature, and he has in consequence +written a capital story, judged from their stand-point, with a true ring all through which +ensures its success.</q>—<hi rend='italic'>The Spectator</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Princess and the Goblin.</hi> With 30 Illustrations +by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Arthur +Hughes</hi>, and a Frontispiece by <hi rend='smallcaps'>Laurence Housman</hi>. Crown 8vo, +cloth elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +In the sphere of fantasy George Mac Donald has very few equals, and his +rare touch of many aspects of life invariably gives to his stories a deeper meaning +of the highest value. His <hi rend='italic'>Princess and Goblin</hi> exemplifies both gifts. A +fine thread of allegory runs through the narrative of the adventures of the +young miner, who, amongst other marvellous experiences, finds his way into +the caverns of the gnomes, and achieves a final victory over them. +</p> + +<p rend="margin-top: 2"> +<hi rend="font-size: large">The Princess and Curdie.</hi> With Frontispiece and +30 Illustrations by +<hi rend='smallcaps'>Helen Stratton</hi>. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 3<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="font-size: small"> +A sequel to <hi rend='italic'>The Princess and the Goblin</hi>, tracing the history of the young +miner and the princess after the return of the latter to her father’s court, where +more terrible foes have to be encountered than the grotesque earth-dwellers. +</p> + +</div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> +<pb n='A-30'/><anchor id='Pga30'/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; center"> +NEW <q>GRADUATED</q> SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>With coloured frontispiece and black-and-white illustrations</hi> +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p> +No child of six or seven should have any difficulty in reading and +understanding <hi rend='italic'>unaided</hi> the pretty stories in the 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> series. In the +9<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> series the language used is slightly more advanced, but is well within +the capacity of children of seven and upwards, while the 1<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> series is designed +for little folk of somewhat greater attainments. If the stories are +read <hi rend='italic'>to</hi> and not <hi rend='italic'>by</hi> children, it will be found that the 6<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> 9<hi rend='italic'>d.</hi> and 1<hi rend='italic'>s.</hi> series +are equally suitable for little folk of all ages. +</p> + +<p rend='bold'>“GRADUATED” STORIES AT A SHILLING</p> + +<list> + +<item> +Holidays at Sunnycroft. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Annie S. Swan</hi>. <hi rend='italic'>New Edition.</hi> +</item> + +<item> +At Lathom’s Siege. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Sarah Tytler</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Fleckie. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Bessie Marchant</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Elsie Wins. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Ellinor Davenport Adams</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Bears and Dacoits. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>G. A. Henty</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Crusoes of the Frozen North. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Dr. Gordon Stables</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +A Saxon Maid. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Eliza F. Pollard</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Uncle Bob. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Meredith Fletcher</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Jack of Both Sides. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Florence Coombe</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Do Your Duty! By <hi rend='smallcaps'>G. A. Henty</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Terry. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Rosa Mulholland</hi> (Lady Gilbert). +</item> +</list> + +<p rend="bold">“GRADUATED” STORIES AT NINEPENCE</p> + +<list> + +<item> +Gipsy Dick. By Mrs. <hi rend='smallcaps'>Henry Clarke</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Two to One. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Florence Coombe</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Cherrythorpe Fair. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Mabel Mackness</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Little Greycoat. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Ellinor Davenport Adams</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Tommy’s Trek. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Bessie Marchant</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +That Boy Jim. By Mrs. <hi rend='smallcaps'>Henry Clarke</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +The Adventures of Carlo. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Katharine Tynan</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +The Shoeblack’s Cat. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>W. L. Rooper</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Three Troublesome Monkeys. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>A. B. Romney</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +The Little Red Purse. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Jennie Chappell</hi>. +</item> + +</list> + +<p rend="bold">“GRADUATED” STORIES AT SIXPENCE</p> +<list> +<item> +Hi-Tum, Ti-Tum, and Scrub. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Jennie Chappell</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Edie’s Adventures. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Geraldine Mockler</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Two Little Crusoes. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>A. B. Romney</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +The Lost Doll. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Jennie Chappell</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Bunny and Furry. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Geraldine Mockler</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Bravest of All. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Mabel Mackness</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Winnie’s White Frock. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Jennie Chappell</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Lost Toby. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>M. S. Haycraft</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +A Boy Cousin. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Geraldine Mockler</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Travels of Fuzz and Buzz. By <hi rend='smallcaps'>Geraldine Mockler</hi>. +</item> + +<item> +Teddy’s Adventures. By Mrs. <hi rend='smallcaps'>Henry Clarke</hi>. +</item> +</list> +</div><div rend="page-break-before: always"> +<pb n='A-31'/><anchor id='Pga31'/> + +<p rend="font-size: x-large; center"> +NEW CHILDREN’S PICTURE-BOOKS +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="font-size: large; center"> +Grimm’s Fairy Tales +</p> + +<p> +In this beautiful series of picture-books the best of these fairy tales +are given. The text is printed on good paper in a large and clear +type, and the many illustrations in colour and in black-and-white are +by Miss <hi rend='smallcaps'>Helen Stratton</hi>. +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +HALF-CROWN SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture-boards, 13½ inches by 10 inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='bold'>Grimm’s Fairy Tales</hi> +</p> + +<p> +This handsome volume contains a large selection of the most popular +stories by the brothers Grimm. The cover and no fewer than thirty +pages are in full colour. Also in cloth, 3s. 6d. +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +ONE SHILLING SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture-boards, 13½ inches by 10 inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">Hansel and Grettel</hi> | <hi rend="bold">Cherryblossom</hi><lb/> +<hi rend="bold">Roland and Maybird</hi> +</p> + +<p> +Besides the title story each volume contains several of the most +popular of <hi rend='italic'>Grimm’s Fairy Tales</hi>. +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="center; font-size: large"> +Historical Picture-Books +</p> + +<p> +This novel series comprises those stories in English History that +will interest and amuse little children. The tales are told in such a +manner as to attract children, dates and anything that might even in +the slightest way suggest the lesson-book being carefully avoided. +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +ONE SHILLING SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">My Book of True Stories</hi> +</p> + +<p> +This book contains over thirty full-page drawings and a large +number of smaller illustrations by Mr. T. H. Robinson. The cover +and about twenty pages are in colour. Also in cloth, gilt edges, 2<hi rend="italic">s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +SIXPENNY SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">True Stories of Olden Days</hi><lb/> + <hi rend="bold">True Stories of Great Deeds</hi><lb/> + <hi rend="bold">My Book of Noble Deeds</hi> +</p> + +<p> +Each book contains seven or eight pages in colour and many black-and-white +illustrations. The text is printed in bold type. +</p> + +<pb n='A-32'/><anchor id='Pga32'/> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="center; font-size: large"> +Scripture Picture-Books +</p> + +<p> +This excellent series includes several books of New Testament +stories simply told. The illustrations are by eminent artists, and the +text, which, besides incidents in the life of Christ, includes most of +the Parables, has been specially written by Mrs. L. Haskell, one of +the most popular authors of stories for little folk. +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +ONE SHILLING SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">Stories from the Life of Christ</hi> +</p> + +<p> +This interesting volume contains over thirty full-page drawings, and +a large number of smaller illustrations. The cover and no fewer than +twenty pages are in colour. Also in cloth, gilt edges, 2<hi rend="italic">s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +SIXPENNY SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">Glad Tidings</hi> | <hi rend="bold">Gentle Jesus</hi><lb/> + <hi rend="bold">The Good Shepherd</hi> +</p> + +<p> +Each book contains an average of six full-page illustrations, many +vignettes, and eight pages in colour. The text is printed in bold type. +</p> + +<milestone unit="tb" rend="rule: 20%"/> + +<p rend="center; font-size: large"> +Animal Picture-Books +</p> + +<p> +This is certainly the best series of Animal Picture-books published +at the price. The pictures, which are all drawn by eminent artists, +will form an endless source of pleasure to little folks. The text is +written in very simple language. +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +ONE SHILLING SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">A Picture-Book of Animals</hi> | <hi rend="bold">Faithful Friends</hi> +</p> + +<p> +These bright and attractive volumes contain over thirty full-page +drawings, and a number of smaller illustrations. The cover and +about twenty pages are in colour. Also in cloth, gilt edges, 2<hi rend="italic">s.</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +SIXPENNY SERIES +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend='italic'>Picture-boards. Quarto, 10⅛ inches by 7¾ inches</hi> +</p> + +<p rend="center"> +<hi rend="bold">Talks about Animals</hi> | <hi rend="bold">Bow-wow Picture-Book</hi><lb/> + <hi rend="bold">Animals of All Lands</hi> | <hi rend="bold">Cats and Kits</hi><lb/> + <hi rend="bold">My Book of Animals</hi> | <hi rend="bold">Friends at the Farm</hi> +</p> + +<p> +Each contains seven or eight pages in colour and many black-and-white +illustrations. The covers, also in colour, are very attractive. +</p> +</div> + <div rend="page-break-before:right; x-class: boxed"> + <index index="pdf"/><index index="toc"/> + <head>Transcriber’s Note</head> + <p>The following typographical errors were corrected:</p> + <list><item><ref target="corr054">page 54</ref>, <q>been</q> changed to <q>been on</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr054a">page 54</ref>, <q>mast.</q> changed to <q>mast?</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr060">page 60</ref>, <q>clergyman</q> changed to <q>clergyman.</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr096">page 96</ref>, <q>operation.</q> changed to <q>operation?</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr097">page 97</ref>, <q>may</q> changed to <q>many</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr251">page 251</ref>, <q>coxwain</q> changed to <q>coxswain</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr252">page 252</ref>, <q>as well</q> changed to <q>a swell</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr319">page 319</ref>, <q>kine</q> changed to <q>kind</q></item> + <item><ref target="corr341">page 341</ref>, <q>Colpoy’s</q> changed to <q>Colpoys’</q></item> + <item><ref target="corra12">advertisements, page 12</ref>, <q>success</q> changed to <q>success.</q></item> + </list> + <p>In addition, many missing or wrong quote marks have been standardized.<!-- (for details see the + TEI source of the electronic edition)--></p> + <p>Inconsistent use of hyphens and capitalization of military ranks has been retained as in the original.</p> + <p><ref target="ill02">One illustration</ref>, which was between pages 32 and 33 in the original edition, has been moved to page 65, + as indicated in the list of illustrations.</p> + </div> + <div rend="page-break-before: right"> + <divGen type="pgfooter" /> + </div> + </back> + </text> +</TEI.2> |