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diff --git a/294-h/294-h.htm b/294-h/294-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8971878 --- /dev/null +++ b/294-h/294-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,9700 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + The Captain of the Polestar, and Others by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + div.poetry {text-align:center;} +div.poem {font-size:90%;margin:auto auto;text-indent:0%; +display: inline-block; text-align: left;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Captain of the Pole-Star and Other Tales, by Arthur Conan Doyle</p> +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and +most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms +of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online +at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you +are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the +country where you are located before using this eBook. +</div> + +<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Captain of the Pole-Star and Other Tales</p> +<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Arthur Conan Doyle</p> +<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 10, 2008 [EBook #294]<br /> +[Last updated: April 30, 2022]</p> +<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> + <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Mike Lough and David Widger</p> +<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CAPTAIN OF THE POLE-STAR AND OTHER TALES ***</div> + <h1> + THE CAPTAIN OF THE POLESTAR + </h1> + <h2> + AND OTHER TALES. <br /><br /> <br /> By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + TO + MY FRIEND + MAJOR-GENERAL A. W. DRAYSON + AS A SLIGHT TOKEN + OF + MY ADMIRATION FOR HIS GREAT + AND AS YET UNRECOGNISED SERVICES TO ASTRONOMY + This little Volume + IS + DEDICATED + + +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE + </h2> + <p> + For the use of some of the following Tales I am indebted to the courtesy + of the Proprietors of “Cornhill,” “Temple Bar,” “Belgravia,” “London + Society,” “Cassell’s,” and “The Boys’ Own Paper.” + </p> + <h4> + A. CONAN DOYLE, M.D. + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary=""> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE CAPTAIN OF THE “POLE-STAR.” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> J. HABAKUK JEPHSON’S STATEMENT. </a> </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> THE GREAT KEINPLATZ EXPERIMENT. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> THE MAN FROM ARCHANGEL. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> THAT LITTLE SQUARE BOX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> JOHN HUXFORD’S HIATUS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> CYPRIAN OVERBECK WELLS—A LITERARY + MOSAIC. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> JOHN BARRINGTON COWLES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART"> PART II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> ELIAS B. HOPKINS, THE PARSON OF JACKMAN’S + GULCH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE RING OF THOTH. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + THE CAPTAIN OF THE “POLE-STAR.” + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Being an extract from the singular journal of JOHN + M’ALISTER RAY, student of medicine.] +</pre> + <p> + September 11th.—Lat. 81 degrees 40’ N.; long. 2 degrees E. Still + lying-to amid enormous ice fields. The one which stretches away to the + north of us, and to which our ice-anchor is attached, cannot be smaller + than an English county. To the right and left unbroken sheets extend to + the horizon. This morning the mate reported that there were signs of pack + ice to the southward. Should this form of sufficient thickness to bar our + return, we shall be in a position of danger, as the food, I hear, is + already running somewhat short. It is late in the season, and the nights + are beginning to reappear. + </p> + <p> + This morning I saw a star twinkling just over the fore-yard, the first + since the beginning of May. There is considerable discontent among the + crew, many of whom are anxious to get back home to be in time for the + herring season, when labour always commands a high price upon the Scotch + coast. As yet their displeasure is only signified by sullen countenances + and black looks, but I heard from the second mate this afternoon that they + contemplated sending a deputation to the Captain to explain their + grievance. I much doubt how he will receive it, as he is a man of fierce + temper, and very sensitive about anything approaching to an infringement + of his rights. I shall venture after dinner to say a few words to him upon + the subject. I have always found that he will tolerate from me what he + would resent from any other member of the crew. Amsterdam Island, at the + north-west corner of Spitzbergen, is visible upon our starboard quarter—a + rugged line of volcanic rocks, intersected by white seams, which represent + glaciers. It is curious to think that at the present moment there is + probably no human being nearer to us than the Danish settlements in the + south of Greenland—a good nine hundred miles as the crow flies. A + captain takes a great responsibility upon himself when he risks his vessel + under such circumstances. No whaler has ever remained in these latitudes + till so advanced a period of the year. + </p> + <p> + 9 P.M,—I have spoken to Captain Craigie, and though the result has + been hardly satisfactory, I am bound to say that he listened to what I had + to say very quietly and even deferentially. When I had finished he put on + that air of iron determination which I have frequently observed upon his + face, and paced rapidly backwards and forwards across the narrow cabin for + some minutes. At first I feared that I had seriously offended him, but he + dispelled the idea by sitting down again, and putting his hand upon my arm + with a gesture which almost amounted to a caress. There was a depth of + tenderness too in his wild dark eyes which surprised me considerably. + “Look here, Doctor,” he said, “I’m sorry I ever took you—I am indeed—and + I would give fifty pounds this minute to see you standing safe upon the + Dundee quay. It’s hit or miss with me this time. There are fish to the + north of us. How dare you shake your head, sir, when I tell you I saw them + blowing from the masthead?”—this in a sudden burst of fury, though I + was not conscious of having shown any signs of doubt. “Two-and-twenty fish + in as many minutes as I am a living man, and not one under ten foot.<a + href="#linknote-1" name="linknoteref-1" id="linknoteref-1"><small>1</small></a> + Now, Doctor, do you think I can leave the country when there is only one + infernal strip of ice between me and my fortune? If it came on to blow + from the north to-morrow we could fill the ship and be away before the + frost could catch us. If it came on to blow from the south—well, I + suppose the men are paid for risking their lives, and as for myself it + matters but little to me, for I have more to bind me to the other world + than to this one. I confess that I am sorry for you, though. I wish I had + old Angus Tait who was with me last voyage, for he was a man that would + never be missed, and you—you said once that you were engaged, did + you not?” + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-1" id="linknote-1"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-1">return</a>)<br /> [ A whale is measured among + whalers not by the length of its body, but by the length of its + whalebone.] + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, snapping the spring of the locket which hung from my + watch-chain, and holding up the little vignette of Flora. + </p> + <p> + “Curse you!” he yelled, springing out of his seat, with his very beard + bristling with passion. “What is your happiness to me? What have I to do + with her that you must dangle her photograph before my eyes?” I almost + thought that he was about to strike me in the frenzy of his rage, but with + another imprecation he dashed open the door of the cabin and rushed out + upon deck, leaving me considerably astonished at his extraordinary + violence. It is the first time that he has ever shown me anything but + courtesy and kindness. I can hear him pacing excitedly up and down + overhead as I write these lines. + </p> + <p> + I should like to give a sketch of the character of this man, but it seems + presumptuous to attempt such a thing upon paper, when the idea in my own + mind is at best a vague and uncertain one. Several times I have thought + that I grasped the clue which might explain it, but only to be + disappointed by his presenting himself in some new light which would upset + all my conclusions. It may be that no human eye but my own shall ever rest + upon these lines, yet as a psychological study I shall attempt to leave + some record of Captain Nicholas Craigie. + </p> + <p> + A man’s outer case generally gives some indication of the soul within. The + Captain is tall and well-formed, with dark, handsome face, and a curious + way of twitching his limbs, which may arise from nervousness, or be simply + an outcome of his excessive energy. His jaw and whole cast of countenance + is manly and resolute, but the eyes are the distinctive feature of his + face. They are of the very darkest hazel, bright and eager, with a + singular mixture of recklessness in their expression, and of something + else which I have sometimes thought was more allied with horror than any + other emotion. Generally the former predominated, but on occasions, and + more particularly when he was thoughtfully inclined, the look of fear + would spread and deepen until it imparted a new character to his whole + countenance. It is at these times that he is most subject to tempestuous + fits of anger, and he seems to be aware of it, for I have known him lock + himself up so that no one might approach him until his dark hour was + passed. He sleeps badly, and I have heard him shouting during the night, + but his cabin is some little distance from mine, and I could never + distinguish the words which he said. + </p> + <p> + This is one phase of his character, and the most disagreeable one. It is + only through my close association with him, thrown together as we are day + after day, that I have observed it. Otherwise he is an agreeable + companion, well-read and entertaining, and as gallant a seaman as ever + trod a deck. I shall not easily forget the way in which he handled the + ship when we were caught by a gale among the loose ice at the beginning of + April. I have never seen him so cheerful, and even hilarious, as he was + that night, as he paced backwards and forwards upon the bridge amid the + flashing of the lightning and the howling of the wind. He has told me + several times that the thought of death was a pleasant one to him, which + is a sad thing for a young man to say; he cannot be much more than thirty, + though his hair and moustache are already slightly grizzled. Some great + sorrow must have overtaken him and blighted his whole life. Perhaps I + should be the same if I lost my Flora—God knows! I think if it were + not for her that I should care very little whether the wind blew from the + north or the south to-morrow. + </p> + <p> + There, I hear him come down the companion, and he has locked himself up in + his room, which shows that he is still in an unamiable mood. And so to + bed, as old Pepys would say, for the candle is burning down (we have to + use them now since the nights are closing in), and the steward has turned + in, so there are no hopes of another one. + </p> + <p> + September 12th.—Calm, clear day, and still lying in the same + position. What wind there is comes from the south-east, but it is very + slight. Captain is in a better humour, and apologised to me at breakfast + for his rudeness. He still looks somewhat distrait, however, and retains + that wild look in his eyes which in a Highlander would mean that he was + “fey”—at least so our chief engineer remarked to me, and he has some + reputation among the Celtic portion of our crew as a seer and expounder of + omens. + </p> + <p> + It is strange that superstition should have obtained such mastery over + this hard-headed and practical race. I could not have believed to what an + extent it is carried had I not observed it for myself. We have had a + perfect epidemic of it this voyage, until I have felt inclined to serve + out rations of sedatives and nerve-tonics with the Saturday allowance of + grog. The first symptom of it was that shortly after leaving Shetland the + men at the wheel used to complain that they heard plaintive cries and + screams in the wake of the ship, as if something were following it and + were unable to overtake it. This fiction has been kept up during the whole + voyage, and on dark nights at the beginning of the seal-fishing it was + only with great difficulty that men could be induced to do their spell. No + doubt what they heard was either the creaking of the rudder-chains, or the + cry of some passing sea-bird. I have been fetched out of bed several times + to listen to it, but I need hardly say that I was never able to + distinguish anything unnatural. + </p> + <p> + The men, however, are so absurdly positive upon the subject that it is + hopeless to argue with them. I mentioned the matter to the Captain once, + but to my surprise he took it very gravely, and indeed appeared to be + considerably disturbed by what I told him. I should have thought that he + at least would have been above such vulgar delusions. + </p> + <p> + All this disquisition upon superstition leads me up to the fact that Mr. + Manson, our second mate, saw a ghost last night—or, at least, says + that he did, which of course is the same thing. It is quite refreshing to + have some new topic of conversation after the eternal routine of bears and + whales which has served us for so many months. Manson swears the ship is + haunted, and that he would not stay in her a day if he had any other place + to go to. Indeed the fellow is honestly frightened, and I had to give him + some chloral and bromide of potassium this morning to steady him down. He + seemed quite indignant when I suggested that he had been having an extra + glass the night before, and I was obliged to pacify him by keeping as + grave a countenance as possible during his story, which he certainly + narrated in a very straight-forward and matter-of-fact way. + </p> + <p> + “I was on the bridge,” he said, “about four bells in the middle watch, + just when the night was at its darkest. There was a bit of a moon, but the + clouds were blowing across it so that you couldn’t see far from the ship. + John M‘Leod, the harpooner, came aft from the foc’sle-head and reported a + strange noise on the starboard bow. + </p> + <p> + “I went forrard and we both heard it, sometimes like a bairn crying and + sometimes like a wench in pain. I’ve been seventeen years to the country + and I never heard seal, old or young, make a sound like that. As we were + standing there on the foc’sle-head the moon came out from behind a cloud, + and we both saw a sort of white figure moving across the ice field in the + same direction that we had heard the cries. We lost sight of it for a + while, but it came back on the port bow, and we could just make it out + like a shadow on the ice. I sent a hand aft for the rifles, and M‘Leod and + I went down on to the pack, thinking that maybe it might be a bear. When + we got on the ice I lost sight of M‘Leod, but I pushed on in the direction + where I could still hear the cries. I followed them for a mile or maybe + more, and then running round a hummock I came right on to the top of it + standing and waiting for me seemingly. I don’t know what it was. It wasn’t + a bear any way. It was tall and white and straight, and if it wasn’t a man + nor a woman, I’ll stake my davy it was something worse. I made for the + ship as hard as I could run, and precious glad I was to find myself + aboard. I signed articles to do my duty by the ship, and on the ship I’ll + stay, but you don’t catch me on the ice again after sundown.” + </p> + <p> + That is his story, given as far as I can in his own words. I fancy what he + saw must, in spite of his denial, have been a young bear erect upon its + hind legs, an attitude which they often assume when alarmed. In the + uncertain light this would bear a resemblance to a human figure, + especially to a man whose nerves were already somewhat shaken. Whatever it + may have been, the occurrence is unfortunate, for it has produced a most + unpleasant effect upon the crew. Their looks are more sullen than before, + and their discontent more open. The double grievance of being debarred + from the herring fishing and of being detained in what they choose to call + a haunted vessel, may lead them to do something rash. Even the harpooners, + who are the oldest and steadiest among them, are joining in the general + agitation. + </p> + <p> + Apart from this absurd outbreak of superstition, things are looking rather + more cheerful. The pack which was forming to the south of us has partly + cleared away, and the water is so warm as to lead me to believe that we + are lying in one of those branches of the gulf-stream which run up between + Greenland and Spitzbergen. There are numerous small Medusae and sealemons + about the ship, with abundance of shrimps, so that there is every + possibility of “fish” being sighted. Indeed one was seen blowing about + dinner-time, but in such a position that it was impossible for the boats + to follow it. + </p> + <p> + September 13th.—Had an interesting conversation with the chief mate, + Mr. Milne, upon the bridge. It seems that our Captain is as great an + enigma to the seamen, and even to the owners of the vessel, as he has been + to me. Mr. Milne tells me that when the ship is paid off, upon returning + from a voyage, Captain Craigie disappears, and is not seen again until the + approach of another season, when he walks quietly into the office of the + company, and asks whether his services will be required. He has no friend + in Dundee, nor does any one pretend to be acquainted with his early + history. His position depends entirely upon his skill as a seaman, and the + name for courage and coolness which he had earned in the capacity of mate, + before being entrusted with a separate command. The unanimous opinion + seems to be that he is not a Scotchman, and that his name is an assumed + one. Mr. Milne thinks that he has devoted himself to whaling simply for + the reason that it is the most dangerous occupation which he could select, + and that he courts death in every possible manner. He mentioned several + instances of this, one of which is rather curious, if true. It seems that + on one occasion he did not put in an appearance at the office, and a + substitute had to be selected in his place. That was at the time of the + last Russian and Turkish war. When he turned up again next spring he had a + puckered wound in the side of his neck which he used to endeavour to + conceal with his cravat. Whether the mate’s inference that he had been + engaged in the war is true or not I cannot say. It was certainly a strange + coincidence. + </p> + <p> + The wind is veering round in an easterly direction, but is still very + slight. I think the ice is lying closer than it did yesterday. As far as + the eye can reach on every side there is one wide expanse of spotless + white, only broken by an occasional rift or the dark shadow of a hummock. + To the south there is the narrow lane of blue water which is our sole + means of escape, and which is closing up every day. The Captain is taking + a heavy responsibility upon himself. I hear that the tank of potatoes has + been finished, and even the biscuits are running short, but he preserves + the same impassible countenance, and spends the greater part of the day at + the crow’s nest, sweeping the horizon with his glass. His manner is very + variable, and he seems to avoid my society, but there has been no + repetition of the violence which he showed the other night. + </p> + <p> + 7.30 P.M.—My deliberate opinion is that we are commanded by a + madman. Nothing else can account for the extraordinary vagaries of Captain + Craigie. It is fortunate that I have kept this journal of our voyage, as + it will serve to justify us in case we have to put him under any sort of + restraint, a step which I should only consent to as a last resource. + Curiously enough it was he himself who suggested lunacy and not mere + eccentricity as the secret of his strange conduct. He was standing upon + the bridge about an hour ago, peering as usual through his glass, while I + was walking up and down the quarterdeck. The majority of the men were + below at their tea, for the watches have not been regularly kept of late. + Tired of walking, I leaned against the bulwarks, and admired the mellow + glow cast by the sinking sun upon the great ice fields which surround us. + I was suddenly aroused from the reverie into which I had fallen by a + hoarse voice at my elbow, and starting round I found that the Captain had + descended and was standing by my side. He was staring out over the ice + with an expression in which horror, surprise, and something approaching to + joy were contending for the mastery. In spite of the cold, great drops of + perspiration were coursing down his forehead, and he was evidently + fearfully excited. + </p> + <p> + His limbs twitched like those of a man upon the verge of an epileptic fit, + and the lines about his mouth were drawn and hard. + </p> + <p> + “Look!” he gasped, seizing me by the wrist, but still keeping his eyes + upon the distant ice, and moving his head slowly in a horizontal + direction, as if following some object which was moving across the field + of vision. “Look! There, man, there! Between the hummocks! Now coming out + from behind the far one! You see her—you MUST see her! There still! + Flying from me, by God, flying from me—and gone!” + </p> + <p> + He uttered the last two words in a whisper of concentrated agony which + shall never fade from my remembrance. Clinging to the ratlines he + endeavoured to climb up upon the top of the bulwarks as if in the hope of + obtaining a last glance at the departing object. His strength was not + equal to the attempt, however, and he staggered back against the saloon + skylights, where he leaned panting and exhausted. His face was so livid + that I expected him to become unconscious, so lost no time in leading him + down the companion, and stretching him upon one of the sofas in the cabin. + I then poured him out some brandy, which I held to his lips, and which had + a wonderful effect upon him, bringing the blood back into his white face + and steadying his poor shaking limbs. He raised himself up upon his elbow, + and looking round to see that we were alone, he beckoned to me to come and + sit beside him. + </p> + <p> + “You saw it, didn’t you?” he asked, still in the same subdued awesome tone + so foreign to the nature of the man. + </p> + <p> + “No, I saw nothing.” + </p> + <p> + His head sank back again upon the cushions. “No, he wouldn’t without the + glass,” he murmured. “He couldn’t. It was the glass that showed her to me, + and then the eyes of love—the eyes of love. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Doc, don’t let the steward in! He’ll think I’m mad. Just bolt the + door, will you!” + </p> + <p> + I rose and did what he had commanded. + </p> + <p> + He lay quiet for a while, lost in thought apparently, and then raised + himself up upon his elbow again, and asked for some more brandy. + </p> + <p> + “You don’t think I am, do you, Doc?” he asked, as I was putting the bottle + back into the after-locker. “Tell me now, as man to man, do you think that + I am mad?” + </p> + <p> + “I think you have something on your mind,” I answered, “which is exciting + you and doing you a good deal of harm.” + </p> + <p> + “Right there, lad!” he cried, his eyes sparkling from the effects of the + brandy. “Plenty on my mind—plenty! But I can work out the latitude + and the longitude, and I can handle my sextant and manage my logarithms. + You couldn’t prove me mad in a court of law, could you, now?” It was + curious to hear the man lying back and coolly arguing out the question of + his own sanity. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not,” I said; “but still I think you would be wise to get home as + soon as you can, and settle down to a quiet life for a while.” + </p> + <p> + “Get home, eh?” he muttered, with a sneer upon his face. “One word for me + and two for yourself, lad. Settle down with Flora—pretty little + Flora. Are bad dreams signs of madness?” + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “What else? What would be the first symptoms?” + </p> + <p> + “Pains in the head, noises in the ears flashes before the eyes, delusions”—— + </p> + <p> + “Ah! what about them?” he interrupted. “What would you call a delusion?” + </p> + <p> + “Seeing a thing which is not there is a delusion.” + </p> + <p> + “But she WAS there!” he groaned to himself. “She WAS there!” and rising, + he unbolted the door and walked with slow and uncertain steps to his own + cabin, where I have no doubt that he will remain until to-morrow morning. + His system seems to have received a terrible shock, whatever it may have + been that he imagined himself to have seen. The man becomes a greater + mystery every day, though I fear that the solution which he has himself + suggested is the correct one, and that his reason is affected. I do not + think that a guilty conscience has anything to do with his behaviour. The + idea is a popular one among the officers, and, I believe, the crew; but I + have seen nothing to support it. He has not the air of a guilty man, but + of one who has had terrible usage at the hands of fortune, and who should + be regarded as a martyr rather than a criminal. + </p> + <p> + The wind is veering round to the south to-night. God help us if it blocks + that narrow pass which is our only road to safety! Situated as we are on + the edge of the main Arctic pack, or the “barrier” as it is called by the + whalers, any wind from the north has the effect of shredding out the ice + around us and allowing our escape, while a wind from the south blows up + all the loose ice behind us and hems us in between two packs. God help us, + I say again! + </p> + <p> + September 14th.—Sunday, and a day of rest. My fears have been + confirmed, and the thin strip of blue water has disappeared from the + southward. Nothing but the great motionless ice fields around us, with + their weird hummocks and fantastic pinnacles. There is a deathly silence + over their wide expanse which is horrible. No lapping of the waves now, no + cries of seagulls or straining of sails, but one deep universal silence in + which the murmurs of the seamen, and the creak of their boots upon the + white shining deck, seem discordant and out of place. Our only visitor was + an Arctic fox, a rare animal upon the pack, though common enough upon the + land. He did not come near the ship, however, but after surveying us from + a distance fled rapidly across the ice. This was curious conduct, as they + generally know nothing of man, and being of an inquisitive nature, become + so familiar that they are easily captured. Incredible as it may seem, even + this little incident produced a bad effect upon the crew. “Yon puir + beastie kens mair, ay, an’ sees mair nor you nor me!” was the comment of + one of the leading harpooners, and the others nodded their acquiescence. + It is vain to attempt to argue against such puerile superstition. They + have made up their minds that there is a curse upon the ship, and nothing + will ever persuade them to the contrary. + </p> + <p> + The Captain remained in seclusion all day except for about half an hour in + the afternoon, when he came out upon the quarterdeck. I observed that he + kept his eye fixed upon the spot where the vision of yesterday had + appeared, and was quite prepared for another outburst, but none such came. + He did not seem to see me although I was standing close beside him. Divine + service was read as usual by the chief engineer. It is a curious thing + that in whaling vessels the Church of England Prayer-book is always + employed, although there is never a member of that Church among either + officers or crew. Our men are all Roman Catholics or Presbyterians, the + former predominating. Since a ritual is used which is foreign to both, + neither can complain that the other is preferred to them, and they listen + with all attention and devotion, so that the system has something to + recommend it. + </p> + <p> + A glorious sunset, which made the great fields of ice look like a lake of + blood. I have never seen a finer and at the same time more weird effect. + Wind is veering round. If it will blow twenty-four hours from the north + all will yet be well. + </p> + <p> + September 15th.—To-day is Flora’s birthday. Dear lass! it is well + that she cannot see her boy, as she used to call me, shut up among the ice + fields with a crazy captain and a few weeks’ provisions. No doubt she + scans the shipping list in the Scotsman every morning to see if we are + reported from Shetland. I have to set an example to the men and look + cheery and unconcerned; but God knows, my heart is very heavy at times. + </p> + <p> + The thermometer is at nineteen Fahrenheit to-day. There is but little + wind, and what there is comes from an unfavourable quarter. Captain is in + an excellent humour; I think he imagines he has seen some other omen or + vision, poor fellow, during the night, for he came into my room early in + the morning, and stooping down over my bunk, whispered, “It wasn’t a + delusion, Doc; it’s all right!” After breakfast he asked me to find out + how much food was left, which the second mate and I proceeded to do. It is + even less than we had expected. Forward they have half a tank full of + biscuits, three barrels of salt meat, and a very limited supply of coffee + beans and sugar. In the after-hold and lockers there are a good many + luxuries, such as tinned salmon, soups, haricot mutton, &c., but they + will go a very short way among a crew of fifty men. There are two barrels + of flour in the store-room, and an unlimited supply of tobacco. Altogether + there is about enough to keep the men on half rations for eighteen or + twenty days—certainly not more. When we reported the state of things + to the Captain, he ordered all hands to be piped, and addressed them from + the quarterdeck. I never saw him to better advantage. With his tall, + well-knit figure, and dark animated face, he seemed a man born to command, + and he discussed the situation in a cool sailor-like way which showed that + while appreciating the danger he had an eye for every loophole of escape. + </p> + <p> + “My lads,” he said, “no doubt you think I brought you into this fix, if it + is a fix, and maybe some of you feel bitter against me on account of it. + But you must remember that for many a season no ship that comes to the + country has brought in as much oil-money as the old Pole-Star, and every + one of you has had his share of it. You can leave your wives behind you in + comfort while other poor fellows come back to find their lasses on the + parish. If you have to thank me for the one you have to thank me for the + other, and we may call it quits. We’ve tried a bold venture before this + and succeeded, so now that we’ve tried one and failed we’ve no cause to + cry out about it. If the worst comes to the worst, we can make the land + across the ice, and lay in a stock of seals which will keep us alive until + the spring. It won’t come to that, though, for you’ll see the Scotch coast + again before three weeks are out. At present every man must go on half + rations, share and share alike, and no favour to any. Keep up your hearts + and you’ll pull through this as you’ve pulled through many a danger + before.” These few simple words of his had a wonderful effect upon the + crew. His former unpopularity was forgotten, and the old harpooner whom I + have already mentioned for his superstition, led off three cheers, which + were heartily joined in by all hands. + </p> + <p> + September 16th.—The wind has veered round to the north during the + night, and the ice shows some symptoms of opening out. The men are in a + good humour in spite of the short allowance upon which they have been + placed. Steam is kept up in the engine-room, that there may be no delay + should an opportunity for escape present itself. The Captain is in + exuberant spirits, though he still retains that wild “fey” expression + which I have already remarked upon. This burst of cheerfulness puzzles me + more than his former gloom. I cannot understand it. I think I mentioned in + an early part of this journal that one of his oddities is that he never + permits any person to enter his cabin, but insists upon making his own + bed, such as it is, and performing every other office for himself. To my + surprise he handed me the key to-day and requested me to go down there and + take the time by his chronometer while he measured the altitude of the sun + at noon. It is a bare little room, containing a washing-stand and a few + books, but little else in the way of luxury, except some pictures upon the + walls. The majority of these are small cheap oleographs, but there was one + water-colour sketch of the head of a young lady which arrested my + attention. It was evidently a portrait, and not one of those fancy types + of female beauty which sailors particularly affect. No artist could have + evolved from his own mind such a curious mixture of character and + weakness. The languid, dreamy eyes, with their drooping lashes, and the + broad, low brow, unruffled by thought or care, were in strong contrast + with the clean-cut, prominent jaw, and the resolute set of the lower lip. + Underneath it in one of the corners was written, “M. B., aet. 19.” That + any one in the short space of nineteen years of existence could develop + such strength of will as was stamped upon her face seemed to me at the + time to be well-nigh incredible. She must have been an extraordinary + woman. Her features have thrown such a glamour over me that, though I had + but a fleeting glance at them, I could, were I a draughtsman, reproduce + them line for line upon this page of the journal. I wonder what part she + has played in our Captain’s life. He has hung her picture at the end of + his berth, so that his eyes continually rest upon it. Were he a less + reserved man I should make some remark upon the subject. Of the other + things in his cabin there was nothing worthy of mention—uniform + coats, a camp-stool, small looking-glass, tobacco-box, and numerous pipes, + including an oriental hookah—which, by-the-bye, gives some colour to + Mr. Milne’s story about his participation in the war, though the + connection may seem rather a distant one. + </p> + <p> + 11.20 P.M.—Captain just gone to bed after a long and interesting + conversation on general topics. When he chooses he can be a most + fascinating companion, being remarkably well-read, and having the power of + expressing his opinion forcibly without appearing to be dogmatic. I hate + to have my intellectual toes trod upon. He spoke about the nature of the + soul, and sketched out the views of Aristotle and Plato upon the subject + in a masterly manner. He seems to have a leaning for metempsychosis and + the doctrines of Pythagoras. In discussing them we touched upon modern + spiritualism, and I made some joking allusion to the impostures of Slade, + upon which, to my surprise, he warned me most impressively against + confusing the innocent with the guilty, and argued that it would be as + logical to brand Christianity as an error because Judas, who professed + that religion, was a villain. He shortly afterwards bade me good-night and + retired to his room. + </p> + <p> + The wind is freshening up, and blows steadily from the north. The nights + are as dark now as they are in England. I hope to-morrow may set us free + from our frozen fetters. + </p> + <p> + September 17th.—The Bogie again. Thank Heaven that I have strong + nerves! The superstition of these poor fellows, and the circumstantial + accounts which they give, with the utmost earnestness and self-conviction, + would horrify any man not accustomed to their ways. There are many + versions of the matter, but the sum-total of them all is that something + uncanny has been flitting round the ship all night, and that Sandie + M’Donald of Peterhead and “lang” Peter Williamson of Shetland saw it, as + also did Mr. Milne on the bridge—so, having three witnesses, they + can make a better case of it than the second mate did. I spoke to Milne + after breakfast, and told him that he should be above such nonsense, and + that as an officer he ought to set the men a better example. He shook his + weather-beaten head ominously, but answered with characteristic caution, + “Mebbe aye, mebbe na, Doctor,” he said; “I didna ca’ it a ghaist. I canna’ + say I preen my faith in sea-bogles an’ the like, though there’s a mony as + claims to ha’ seen a’ that and waur. I’m no easy feared, but maybe your + ain bluid would run a bit cauld, mun, if instead o’ speerin’ aboot it in + daylicht ye were wi’ me last night, an’ seed an awfu’ like shape, white + an’ gruesome, whiles here, whiles there, an’ it greetin’ and ca’ing in the + darkness like a bit lambie that hae lost its mither. Ye would na’ be sae + ready to put it a’ doon to auld wives’ clavers then, I’m thinkin’.” I saw + it was hopeless to reason with him, so contented myself with begging him + as a personal favour to call me up the next time the spectre appeared—a + request to which he acceded with many ejaculations expressive of his hopes + that such an opportunity might never arise. + </p> + <p> + As I had hoped, the white desert behind us has become broken by many thin + streaks of water which intersect it in all directions. Our latitude to-day + was 80 degrees 52’ N., which shows that there is a strong southerly drift + upon the pack. Should the wind continue favourable it will break up as + rapidly as it formed. At present we can do nothing but smoke and wait and + hope for the best. I am rapidly becoming a fatalist. When dealing with + such uncertain factors as wind and ice a man can be nothing else. Perhaps + it was the wind and sand of the Arabian deserts which gave the minds of + the original followers of Mahomet their tendency to bow to kismet. + </p> + <p> + These spectral alarms have a very bad effect upon the Captain. I feared + that it might excite his sensitive mind, and endeavoured to conceal the + absurd story from him, but unfortunately he overheard one of the men + making an allusion to it, and insisted upon being informed about it. As I + had expected, it brought out all his latent lunacy in an exaggerated form. + I can hardly believe that this is the same man who discoursed philosophy + last night with the most critical acumen and coolest judgment. He is + pacing backwards and forwards upon the quarterdeck like a caged tiger, + stopping now and again to throw out his hands with a yearning gesture, and + stare impatiently out over the ice. He keeps up a continual mutter to + himself, and once he called out, “But a little time, love—but a + little time!” Poor fellow, it is sad to see a gallant seaman and + accomplished gentleman reduced to such a pass, and to think that + imagination and delusion can cow a mind to which real danger was but the + salt of life. Was ever a man in such a position as I, between a demented + captain and a ghost-seeing mate? I sometimes think I am the only really + sane man aboard the vessel—except perhaps the second engineer, who + is a kind of ruminant, and would care nothing for all the fiends in the + Red Sea so long as they would leave him alone and not disarrange his + tools. + </p> + <p> + The ice is still opening rapidly, and there is every probability of our + being able to make a start to-morrow morning. They will think I am + inventing when I tell them at home all the strange things that have + befallen me. + </p> + <p> + 12 P.M.—I have been a good deal startled, though I feel steadier + now, thanks to a stiff glass of brandy. I am hardly myself yet, however, + as this handwriting will testify. The fact is, that I have gone through a + very strange experience, and am beginning to doubt whether I was justified + in branding every one on board as madmen because they professed to have + seen things which did not seem reasonable to my understanding. Pshaw! I am + a fool to let such a trifle unnerve me; and yet, coming as it does after + all these alarms, it has an additional significance, for I cannot doubt + either Mr. Manson’s story or that of the mate, now that I have experienced + that which I used formerly to scoff at. + </p> + <p> + After all it was nothing very alarming—a mere sound, and that was + all. I cannot expect that any one reading this, if any one ever should + read it, will sympathise with my feelings, or realise the effect which it + produced upon me at the time. Supper was over, and I had gone on deck to + have a quiet pipe before turning in. The night was very dark—so dark + that, standing under the quarter-boat, I was unable to see the officer + upon the bridge. I think I have already mentioned the extraordinary + silence which prevails in these frozen seas. In other parts of the world, + be they ever so barren, there is some slight vibration of the air—some + faint hum, be it from the distant haunts of men, or from the leaves of the + trees, or the wings of the birds, or even the faint rustle of the grass + that covers the ground. One may not actively perceive the sound, and yet + if it were withdrawn it would be missed. It is only here in these Arctic + seas that stark, unfathomable stillness obtrudes itself upon you in all + its gruesome reality. You find your tympanum straining to catch some + little murmur, and dwelling eagerly upon every accidental sound within the + vessel. In this state I was leaning against the bulwarks when there arose + from the ice almost directly underneath me a cry, sharp and shrill, upon + the silent air of the night, beginning, as it seemed to me, at a note such + as prima donna never reached, and mounting from that ever higher and + higher until it culminated in a long wail of agony, which might have been + the last cry of a lost soul. The ghastly scream is still ringing in my + ears. Grief, unutterable grief, seemed to be expressed in it, and a great + longing, and yet through it all there was an occasional wild note of + exultation. It shrilled out from close beside me, and yet as I glared into + the darkness I could discern nothing. I waited some little time, but + without hearing any repetition of the sound, so I came below, more shaken + than I have ever been in my life before. As I came down the companion I + met Mr. Milne coming up to relieve the watch. “Weel, Doctor,” he said, + “maybe that’s auld wives’ clavers tae? Did ye no hear it skirling? Maybe + that’s a supersteetion? What d’ye think o’t noo?” I was obliged to + apologise to the honest fellow, and acknowledge that I was as puzzled by + it as he was. Perhaps to-morrow things may look different. At present I + dare hardly write all that I think. Reading it again in days to come, when + I have shaken off all these associations, I should despise myself for + having been so weak. + </p> + <p> + September 18th.—Passed a restless and uneasy night, still haunted by + that strange sound. The Captain does not look as if he had had much repose + either, for his face is haggard and his eyes bloodshot. I have not told + him of my adventure of last night, nor shall I. He is already restless and + excited, standing up, sitting down, and apparently utterly unable to keep + still. + </p> + <p> + A fine lead appeared in the pack this morning, as I had expected, and we + were able to cast off our ice-anchor, and steam about twelve miles in a + west-sou’-westerly direction. We were then brought to a halt by a great + floe as massive as any which we have left behind us. It bars our progress + completely, so we can do nothing but anchor again and wait until it breaks + up, which it will probably do within twenty-four hours, if the wind holds. + Several bladder-nosed seals were seen swimming in the water, and one was + shot, an immense creature more than eleven feet long. They are fierce, + pugnacious animals, and are said to be more than a match for a bear. + Fortunately they are slow and clumsy in their movements, so that there is + little danger in attacking them upon the ice. + </p> + <p> + The Captain evidently does not think we have seen the last of our + troubles, though why he should take a gloomy view of the situation is more + than I can fathom, since every one else on board considers that we have + had a miraculous escape, and are sure now to reach the open sea. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you think it’s all right now, Doctor?” he said, as we sat + together after dinner. + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “We mustn’t be too sure—and yet no doubt you are right. We’ll all be + in the arms of our own true loves before long, lad, won’t we? But we + mustn’t be too sure—we mustn’t be too sure.” + </p> + <p> + He sat silent a little, swinging his leg thoughtfully backwards and + forwards. “Look here,” he continued; “it’s a dangerous place this, even at + its best—a treacherous, dangerous place. I have known men cut off + very suddenly in a land like this. A slip would do it sometimes—a + single slip, and down you go through a crack, and only a bubble on the + green water to show where it was that you sank. It’s a queer thing,” he + continued with a nervous laugh, “but all the years I’ve been in this + country I never once thought of making a will—not that I have + anything to leave in particular, but still when a man is exposed to danger + he should have everything arranged and ready—don’t you think so?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” I answered, wondering what on earth he was driving at. + </p> + <p> + “He feels better for knowing it’s all settled,” he went on. “Now if + anything should ever befall me, I hope that you will look after things for + me. There is very little in the cabin, but such as it is I should like it + to be sold, and the money divided in the same proportion as the oil-money + among the crew. The chronometer I wish you to keep yourself as some slight + remembrance of our voyage. Of course all this is a mere precaution, but I + thought I would take the opportunity of speaking to you about it. I + suppose I might rely upon you if there were any necessity?” + </p> + <p> + “Most assuredly,” I answered; “and since you are taking this step, I may + as well”—— + </p> + <p> + “You! you!” he interrupted. “YOU’RE all right. What the devil is the + matter with YOU? There, I didn’t mean to be peppery, but I don’t like to + hear a young fellow, that has hardly began life, speculating about death. + Go up on deck and get some fresh air into your lungs instead of talking + nonsense in the cabin, and encouraging me to do the same.” + </p> + <p> + The more I think of this conversation of ours the less do I like it. Why + should the man be settling his affairs at the very time when we seem to be + emerging from all danger? There must be some method in his madness. Can it + be that he contemplates suicide? I remember that upon one occasion he + spoke in a deeply reverent manner of the heinousness of the crime of + self-destruction. I shall keep my eye upon him, however, and though I + cannot obtrude upon the privacy of his cabin, I shall at least make a + point of remaining on deck as long as he stays up. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Milne pooh-poohs my fears, and says it is only the “skipper’s little + way.” He himself takes a very rosy view of the situation. According to him + we shall be out of the ice by the day after to-morrow, pass Jan Meyen two + days after that, and sight Shetland in little more than a week. I hope he + may not be too sanguine. His opinion may be fairly balanced against the + gloomy precautions of the Captain, for he is an old and experienced + seaman, and weighs his words well before uttering them. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The long-impending catastrophe has come at last. I hardly know what to + write about it. The Captain is gone. He may come back to us again alive, + but I fear me—I fear me. It is now seven o’clock of the morning of + the 19th of September. I have spent the whole night traversing the great + ice-floe in front of us with a party of seamen in the hope of coming upon + some trace of him, but in vain. I shall try to give some account of the + circumstances which attended upon his disappearance. Should any one ever + chance to read the words which I put down, I trust they will remember that + I do not write from conjecture or from hearsay, but that I, a sane and + educated man, am describing accurately what actually occurred before my + very eyes. My inferences are my own, but I shall be answerable for the + facts. + </p> + <p> + The Captain remained in excellent spirits after the conversation which I + have recorded. He appeared to be nervous and impatient, however, + frequently changing his position, and moving his limbs in an aimless + choreic way which is characteristic of him at times. In a quarter of an + hour he went upon deck seven times, only to descend after a few hurried + paces. I followed him each time, for there was something about his face + which confirmed my resolution of not letting him out of my sight. He + seemed to observe the effect which his movements had produced, for he + endeavoured by an over-done hilarity, laughing boisterously at the very + smallest of jokes, to quiet my apprehensions. + </p> + <p> + After supper he went on to the poop once more, and I with him. The night + was dark and very still, save for the melancholy soughing of the wind + among the spars. A thick cloud was coming up from the north-west, and the + ragged tentacles which it threw out in front of it were drifting across + the face of the moon, which only shone now and again through a rift in the + wrack. The Captain paced rapidly backwards and forwards, and then seeing + me still dogging him, he came across and hinted that he thought I should + be better below—which, I need hardly say, had the effect of + strengthening my resolution to remain on deck. + </p> + <p> + I think he forgot about my presence after this, for he stood silently + leaning over the taffrail, and peering out across the great desert of + snow, part of which lay in shadow, while part glittered mistily in the + moonlight. Several times I could see by his movements that he was + referring to his watch, and once he muttered a short sentence, of which I + could only catch the one word “ready.” I confess to having felt an eerie + feeling creeping over me as I watched the loom of his tall figure through + the darkness, and noted how completely he fulfilled the idea of a man who + is keeping a tryst. A tryst with whom? Some vague perception began to dawn + upon me as I pieced one fact with another, but I was utterly unprepared + for the sequel. + </p> + <p> + By the sudden intensity of his attitude I felt that he saw something. I + crept up behind him. He was staring with an eager questioning gaze at what + seemed to be a wreath of mist, blown swiftly in a line with the ship. It + was a dim, nebulous body, devoid of shape, sometimes more, sometimes less + apparent, as the light fell on it. The moon was dimmed in its brilliancy + at the moment by a canopy of thinnest cloud, like the coating of an + anemone. + </p> + <p> + “Coming, lass, coming,” cried the skipper, in a voice of unfathomable + tenderness and compassion, like one who soothes a beloved one by some + favour long looked for, and as pleasant to bestow as to receive. + </p> + <p> + What followed happened in an instant. I had no power to interfere. + </p> + <p> + He gave one spring to the top of the bulwarks, and another which took him + on to the ice, almost to the feet of the pale misty figure. He held out + his hands as if to clasp it, and so ran into the darkness with + outstretched arms and loving words. I still stood rigid and motionless, + straining my eyes after his retreating form, until his voice died away in + the distance. I never thought to see him again, but at that moment the + moon shone out brilliantly through a chink in the cloudy heaven, and + illuminated the great field of ice. Then I saw his dark figure already a + very long way off, running with prodigious speed across the frozen plain. + That was the last glimpse which we caught of him—perhaps the last we + ever shall. A party was organised to follow him, and I accompanied them, + but the men’s hearts were not in the work, and nothing was found. Another + will be formed within a few hours. I can hardly believe I have not been + dreaming, or suffering from some hideous nightmare, as I write these + things down. + </p> + <p> + 7.30 P.M.—Just returned dead beat and utterly tired out from a + second unsuccessful search for the Captain. The floe is of enormous + extent, for though we have traversed at least twenty miles of its surface, + there has been no sign of its coming to an end. The frost has been so + severe of late that the overlying snow is frozen as hard as granite, + otherwise we might have had the footsteps to guide us. The crew are + anxious that we should cast off and steam round the floe and so to the + southward, for the ice has opened up during the night, and the sea is + visible upon the horizon. They argue that Captain Craigie is certainly + dead, and that we are all risking our lives to no purpose by remaining + when we have an opportunity of escape. Mr. Milne and I have had the + greatest difficulty in persuading them to wait until to-morrow night, and + have been compelled to promise that we will not under any circumstances + delay our departure longer than that. We propose therefore to take a few + hours’ sleep, and then to start upon a final search. + </p> + <p> + September 20th, evening.—I crossed the ice this morning with a party + of men exploring the southern part of the floe, while Mr. Milne went off + in a northerly direction. We pushed on for ten or twelve miles without + seeing a trace of any living thing except a single bird, which fluttered a + great way over our heads, and which by its flight I should judge to have + been a falcon. The southern extremity of the ice field tapered away into a + long narrow spit which projected out into the sea. When we came to the + base of this promontory, the men halted, but I begged them to continue to + the extreme end of it, that we might have the satisfaction of knowing that + no possible chance had been neglected. + </p> + <p> + We had hardly gone a hundred yards before M’Donald of Peterhead cried out + that he saw something in front of us, and began to run. We all got a + glimpse of it and ran too. At first it was only a vague darkness against + the white ice, but as we raced along together it took the shape of a man, + and eventually of the man of whom we were in search. He was lying face + downwards upon a frozen bank. Many little crystals of ice and feathers of + snow had drifted on to him as he lay, and sparkled upon his dark seaman’s + jacket. As we came up some wandering puff of wind caught these tiny flakes + in its vortex, and they whirled up into the air, partially descended + again, and then, caught once more in the current, sped rapidly away in the + direction of the sea. To my eyes it seemed but a snow-drift, but many of + my companions averred that it started up in the shape of a woman, stooped + over the corpse and kissed it, and then hurried away across the floe. I + have learned never to ridicule any man’s opinion, however strange it may + seem. Sure it is that Captain Nicholas Craigie had met with no painful + end, for there was a bright smile upon his blue pinched features, and his + hands were still outstretched as though grasping at the strange visitor + which had summoned him away into the dim world that lies beyond the grave. + </p> + <p> + We buried him the same afternoon with the ship’s ensign around him, and a + thirty-two pound shot at his feet. I read the burial service, while the + rough sailors wept like children, for there were many who owed much to his + kind heart, and who showed now the affection which his strange ways had + repelled during his lifetime. He went off the grating with a dull, sullen + splash, and as I looked into the green water I saw him go down, down, down + until he was but a little flickering patch of white hanging upon the + outskirts of eternal darkness. Then even that faded away, and he was gone. + There he shall lie, with his secret and his sorrows and his mystery all + still buried in his breast, until that great day when the sea shall give + up its dead, and Nicholas Craigie come out from among the ice with the + smile upon his face, and his stiffened arms outstretched in greeting. I + pray that his lot may be a happier one in that life than it has been in + this. + </p> + <p> + I shall not continue my journal. Our road to home lies plain and clear + before us, and the great ice field will soon be but a remembrance of the + past. It will be some time before I get over the shock produced by recent + events. When I began this record of our voyage I little thought of how I + should be compelled to finish it. I am writing these final words in the + lonely cabin, still starting at times and fancying I hear the quick + nervous step of the dead man upon the deck above me. I entered his cabin + to-night, as was my duty, to make a list of his effects in order that they + might be entered in the official log. All was as it had been upon my + previous visit, save that the picture which I have described as having + hung at the end of his bed had been cut out of its frame, as with a knife, + and was gone. With this last link in a strange chain of evidence I close + my diary of the voyage of the Pole-Star. + </p> + <p> + [NOTE by Dr. John M’Alister Ray, senior.—I have read over the + strange events connected with the death of the Captain of the Pole-Star, + as narrated in the journal of my son. That everything occurred exactly as + he describes it I have the fullest confidence, and, indeed, the most + positive certainty, for I know him to be a strong-nerved and unimaginative + man, with the strictest regard for veracity. Still, the story is, on the + face of it, so vague and so improbable, that I was long opposed to its + publication. Within the last few days, however, I have had independent + testimony upon the subject which throws a new light upon it. I had run + down to Edinburgh to attend a meeting of the British Medical Association, + when I chanced to come across Dr. P——, an old college chum of + mine, now practising at Saltash, in Devonshire. Upon my telling him of + this experience of my son’s, he declared to me that he was familiar with + the man, and proceeded, to my no small surprise, to give me a description + of him, which tallied remarkably well with that given in the journal, + except that he depicted him as a younger man. According to his account, he + had been engaged to a young lady of singular beauty residing upon the + Cornish coast. During his absence at sea his betrothed had died under + circumstances of peculiar horror.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + J. HABAKUK JEPHSON’S STATEMENT. + </h2> + <p> + In the month of December in the year 1873, the British ship Dei Gratia + steered into Gibraltar, having in tow the derelict brigantine Marie + Celeste, which had been picked up in latitude 38 degrees 40’, longitude 17 + degrees 15’ W. There were several circumstances in connection with the + condition and appearance of this abandoned vessel which excited + considerable comment at the time, and aroused a curiosity which has never + been satisfied. What these circumstances were was summed up in an able + article which appeared in the Gibraltar Gazette. The curious can find it + in the issue for January 4, 1874, unless my memory deceives me. For the + benefit of those, however, who may be unable to refer to the paper in + question, I shall subjoin a few extracts which touch upon the leading + features of the case. + </p> + <p> + “We have ourselves,” says the anonymous writer in the Gazette, “been over + the derelict Marie Celeste, and have closely questioned the officers of the + Dei Gratia on every point which might throw light on the affair. They are + of opinion that she had been abandoned several days, or perhaps weeks, + before being picked up. The official log, which was found in the cabin, + states that the vessel sailed from Boston to Lisbon, starting upon October + 16. It is, however, most imperfectly kept, and affords little information. + There is no reference to rough weather, and, indeed, the state of the + vessel’s paint and rigging excludes the idea that she was abandoned for + any such reason. She is perfectly watertight. No signs of a struggle or of + violence are to be detected, and there is absolutely nothing to account + for the disappearance of the crew. There are several indications that a + lady was present on board, a sewing-machine being found in the cabin and + some articles of female attire. These probably belonged to the captain’s + wife, who is mentioned in the log as having accompanied her husband. As an + instance of the mildness of the weather, it may be remarked that a bobbin + of silk was found standing upon the sewing-machine, though the least roll + of the vessel would have precipitated it to the floor. The boats were + intact and slung upon the davits; and the cargo, consisting of tallow and + American clocks, was untouched. An old-fashioned sword of curious + workmanship was discovered among some lumber in the forecastle, and this + weapon is said to exhibit a longitudinal striation on the steel, as if it + had been recently wiped. It has been placed in the hands of the police, + and submitted to Dr. Monaghan, the analyst, for inspection. The result of + his examination has not yet been published. We may remark, in conclusion, + that Captain Dalton, of the Dei Gratia, an able and intelligent seaman, is + of opinion that the Marie Celeste may have been abandoned a considerable + distance from the spot at which she was picked up, since a powerful + current runs up in that latitude from the African coast. He confesses his + inability, however, to advance any hypothesis which can reconcile all the + facts of the case. In the utter absence of a clue or grain of evidence, it + is to be feared that the fate of the crew of the Marie Celeste will be + added to those numerous mysteries of the deep which will never be solved + until the great day when the sea shall give up its dead. If crime has been + committed, as is much to be suspected, there is little hope of bringing + the perpetrators to justice.” + </p> + <p> + I shall supplement this extract from the Gibraltar Gazette by quoting a + telegram from Boston, which went the round of the English papers, and + represented the total amount of information which had been collected about + the Marie Celeste. “She was,” it said, “a brigantine of 170 tons burden, + and belonged to White, Russell & White, wine importers, of this city. + Captain J. W. Tibbs was an old servant of the firm, and was a man of known + ability and tried probity. He was accompanied by his wife, aged + thirty-one, and their youngest child, five years old. The crew consisted + of seven hands, including two coloured seamen, and a boy. There were three + passengers, one of whom was the well-known Brooklyn specialist on + consumption, Dr. Habakuk Jephson, who was a distinguished advocate for + Abolition in the early days of the movement, and whose pamphlet, entitled + “Where is thy Brother?” exercised a strong influence on public opinion + before the war. The other passengers were Mr. J. Harton, a writer in the + employ of the firm, and Mr. Septimius Goring, a half-caste gentleman, from + New Orleans. All investigations have failed to throw any light upon the + fate of these fourteen human beings. The loss of Dr. Jephson will be felt + both in political and scientific circles.” + </p> + <p> + I have here epitomised, for the benefit of the public, all that has been + hitherto known concerning the Marie Celeste and her crew, for the past ten + years have not in any way helped to elucidate the mystery. I have now + taken up my pen with the intention of telling all that I know of the + ill-fated voyage. I consider that it is a duty which I owe to society, for + symptoms which I am familiar with in others lead me to believe that before + many months my tongue and hand may be alike incapable of conveying + information. Let me remark, as a preface to my narrative, that I am Joseph + Habakuk Jephson, Doctor of Medicine of the University of Harvard, and + ex-Consulting Physician of the Samaritan Hospital of Brooklyn. + </p> + <p> + Many will doubtless wonder why I have not proclaimed myself before, and + why I have suffered so many conjectures and surmises to pass unchallenged. + Could the ends of justice have been served in any way by my revealing the + facts in my possession I should unhesitatingly have done so. It seemed to + me, however, that there was no possibility of such a result; and when I + attempted, after the occurrence, to state my case to an English official, + I was met with such offensive incredulity that I determined never again to + expose myself to the chance of such an indignity. I can excuse the + discourtesy of the Liverpool magistrate, however, when I reflect upon the + treatment which I received at the hands of my own relatives, who, though + they knew my unimpeachable character, listened to my statement with an + indulgent smile as if humouring the delusion of a monomaniac. This slur + upon my veracity led to a quarrel between myself and John Vanburger, the + brother of my wife, and confirmed me in my resolution to let the matter + sink into oblivion—a determination which I have only altered through + my son’s solicitations. In order to make my narrative intelligible, I must + run lightly over one or two incidents in my former life which throw light + upon subsequent events. + </p> + <p> + My father, William K. Jephson, was a preacher of the sect called Plymouth + Brethren, and was one of the most respected citizens of Lowell. Like most + of the other Puritans of New England, he was a determined opponent to + slavery, and it was from his lips that I received those lessons which + tinged every action of my life. While I was studying medicine at Harvard + University, I had already made a mark as an advanced Abolitionist; and + when, after taking my degree, I bought a third share of the practice of + Dr. Willis, of Brooklyn, I managed, in spite of my professional duties, to + devote a considerable time to the cause which I had at heart, my pamphlet, + “Where is thy Brother?” (Swarburgh, Lister & Co., 1859) attracting + considerable attention. + </p> + <p> + When the war broke out I left Brooklyn and accompanied the 113th New York + Regiment through the campaign. I was present at the second battle of + Bull’s Run and at the battle of Gettysburg. Finally, I was severely + wounded at Antietam, and would probably have perished on the field had it + not been for the kindness of a gentleman named Murray, who had me carried + to his house and provided me with every comfort. Thanks to his charity, + and to the nursing which I received from his black domestics, I was soon + able to get about the plantation with the help of a stick. It was during + this period of convalescence that an incident occurred which is closely + connected with my story. + </p> + <p> + Among the most assiduous of the negresses who had watched my couch during + my illness there was one old crone who appeared to exert considerable + authority over the others. She was exceedingly attentive to me, and I + gathered from the few words that passed between us that she had heard of + me, and that she was grateful to me for championing her oppressed race. + </p> + <p> + One day as I was sitting alone in the verandah, basking in the sun, and + debating whether I should rejoin Grant’s army, I was surprised to see this + old creature hobbling towards me. After looking cautiously around to see + that we were alone, she fumbled in the front of her dress and produced a + small chamois leather bag which was hung round her neck by a white cord. + </p> + <p> + “Massa,” she said, bending down and croaking the words into my ear, “me + die soon. Me very old woman. Not stay long on Massa Murray’s plantation.” + </p> + <p> + “You may live a long time yet, Martha,” I answered. “You know I am a + doctor. If you feel ill let me know about it, and I will try to cure you.” + </p> + <p> + “No wish to live—wish to die. I’m gwine to join the heavenly host.” + Here she relapsed into one of those half-heathenish rhapsodies in which + negroes indulge. “But, massa, me have one thing must leave behind me when + I go. No able to take it with me across the Jordan. That one thing very + precious, more precious and more holy than all thing else in the world. + Me, a poor old black woman, have this because my people, very great + people, ‘spose they was back in the old country. But you cannot understand + this same as black folk could. My fader give it me, and his fader give it + him, but now who shall I give it to? Poor Martha hab no child, no + relation, nobody. All round I see black man very bad man. Black woman very + stupid woman. Nobody worthy of the stone. And so I say, Here is Massa + Jephson who write books and fight for coloured folk—he must be good + man, and he shall have it though he is white man, and nebber can know what + it mean or where it came from.” Here the old woman fumbled in the chamois + leather bag and pulled out a flattish black stone with a hole through the + middle of it. “Here, take it,” she said, pressing it into my hand; “take + it. No harm nebber come from anything good. Keep it safe—nebber lose + it!” and with a warning gesture the old crone hobbled away in the same + cautious way as she had come, looking from side to side to see if we had + been observed. + </p> + <p> + I was more amused than impressed by the old woman’s earnestness, and was + only prevented from laughing during her oration by the fear of hurting her + feelings. When she was gone I took a good look at the stone which she had + given me. It was intensely black, of extreme hardness, and oval in shape—just + such a flat stone as one would pick up on the seashore if one wished to + throw a long way. It was about three inches long, and an inch and a half + broad at the middle, but rounded off at the extremities. The most curious + part about it were several well-marked ridges which ran in semicircles + over its surface, and gave it exactly the appearance of a human ear. + Altogether I was rather interested in my new possession, and determined to + submit it, as a geological specimen, to my friend Professor Shroeder of + the New York Institute, upon the earliest opportunity. In the meantime I + thrust it into my pocket, and rising from my chair started off for a short + stroll in the shrubbery, dismissing the incident from my mind. + </p> + <p> + As my wound had nearly healed by this time, I took my leave of Mr. Murray + shortly afterwards. The Union armies were everywhere victorious and + converging on Richmond, so that my assistance seemed unnecessary, and I + returned to Brooklyn. There I resumed my practice, and married the second + daughter of Josiah Vanburger, the well-known wood engraver. In the course + of a few years I built up a good connection and acquired considerable + reputation in the treatment of pulmonary complaints. I still kept the old + black stone in my pocket, and frequently told the story of the dramatic + way in which I had become possessed of it. I also kept my resolution of + showing it to Professor Shroeder, who was much interested both by the + anecdote and the specimen. He pronounced it to be a piece of meteoric + stone, and drew my attention to the fact that its resemblance to an ear + was not accidental, but that it was most carefully worked into that shape. + A dozen little anatomical points showed that the worker had been as + accurate as he was skilful. “I should not wonder,” said the Professor, “if + it were broken off from some larger statue, though how such hard material + could be so perfectly worked is more than I can understand. If there is a + statue to correspond I should like to see it!” So I thought at the time, + but I have changed my opinion since. + </p> + <p> + The next seven or eight years of my life were quiet and uneventful. + </p> + <p> + Summer followed spring, and spring followed winter, without any variation + in my duties. As the practice increased I admitted J. S. Jackson as + partner, he to have one-fourth of the profits. The continued strain had + told upon my constitution, however, and I became at last so unwell that my + wife insisted upon my consulting Dr. Kavanagh Smith, who was my colleague + at the Samaritan Hospital. + </p> + <p> + That gentleman examined me, and pronounced the apex of my left lung to be + in a state of consolidation, recommending me at the same time to go + through a course of medical treatment and to take a long sea-voyage. + </p> + <p> + My own disposition, which is naturally restless, predisposed me strongly + in favour of the latter piece of advice, and the matter was clinched by my + meeting young Russell, of the firm of White, Russell & White, who + offered me a passage in one of his father’s ships, the Marie Celeste, + which was just starting from Boston. “She is a snug little ship,” he said, + “and Tibbs, the captain, is an excellent fellow. There is nothing like a + sailing ship for an invalid.” I was very much of the same opinion myself, + so I closed with the offer on the spot. + </p> + <p> + My original plan was that my wife should accompany me on my travels. She + has always been a very poor sailor, however, and there were strong family + reasons against her exposing herself to any risk at the time, so we + determined that she should remain at home. I am not a religious or an + effusive man; but oh, thank God for that! As to leaving my practice, I was + easily reconciled to it, as Jackson, my partner, was a reliable and + hard-working man. + </p> + <p> + I arrived in Boston on October 12, 1873, and proceeded immediately to the + office of the firm in order to thank them for their courtesy. As I was + sitting in the counting-house waiting until they should be at liberty to + see me, the words Marie Celeste suddenly attracted my attention. I looked + round and saw a very tall, gaunt man, who was leaning across the polished + mahogany counter asking some questions of the clerk at the other side. His + face was turned half towards me, and I could see that he had a strong dash + of negro blood in him, being probably a quadroon or even nearer akin to + the black. His curved aquiline nose and straight lank hair showed the + white strain; but the dark restless eye, sensuous mouth, and gleaming + teeth all told of his African origin. His complexion was of a sickly, + unhealthy yellow, and as his face was deeply pitted with small-pox, the + general impression was so unfavourable as to be almost revolting. When he + spoke, however, it was in a soft, melodious voice, and in well-chosen + words, and he was evidently a man of some education. + </p> + <p> + “I wished to ask a few questions about the Marie Celeste,” he repeated, + leaning across to the clerk. “She sails the day after to-morrow, does she + not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir,” said the young clerk, awed into unusual politeness by the + glimmer of a large diamond in the stranger’s shirt front. + </p> + <p> + “Where is she bound for?” + </p> + <p> + “Lisbon.” + </p> + <p> + “How many of a crew?” + </p> + <p> + “Seven, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Passengers?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, two. One of our young gentlemen, and a doctor from New York.” + </p> + <p> + “No gentleman from the South?” asked the stranger eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “No, none, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there room for another passenger?” + </p> + <p> + “Accommodation for three more,” answered the clerk. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll go,” said the quadroon decisively; “I’ll go, I’ll engage my passage + at once. Put it down, will you—Mr. Septimius Goring, of New + Orleans.” + </p> + <p> + The clerk filled up a form and handed it over to the stranger, pointing to + a blank space at the bottom. As Mr. Goring stooped over to sign it I was + horrified to observe that the fingers of his right hand had been lopped + off, and that he was holding the pen between his thumb and the palm. I + have seen thousands slain in battle, and assisted at every conceivable + surgical operation, but I cannot recall any sight which gave me such a + thrill of disgust as that great brown sponge-like hand with the single + member protruding from it. He used it skilfully enough, however, for, + dashing off his signature, he nodded to the clerk and strolled out of the + office just as Mr. White sent out word that he was ready to receive me. + </p> + <p> + I went down to the Marie Celeste that evening, and looked over my berth, + which was extremely comfortable considering the small size of the vessel. + Mr. Goring, whom I had seen in the morning, was to have the one next mine. + Opposite was the captain’s cabin and a small berth for Mr. John Harton, a + gentleman who was going out in the interests of the firm. These little + rooms were arranged on each side of the passage which led from the + main-deck to the saloon. The latter was a comfortable room, the panelling + tastefully done in oak and mahogany, with a rich Brussels carpet and + luxurious settees. I was very much pleased with the accommodation, and + also with Tibbs the captain, a bluff, sailor-like fellow, with a loud + voice and hearty manner, who welcomed me to the ship with effusion, and + insisted upon our splitting a bottle of wine in his cabin. He told me that + he intended to take his wife and youngest child with him on the voyage, + and that he hoped with good luck to make Lisbon in three weeks. We had a + pleasant chat and parted the best of friends, he warning me to make the + last of my preparations next morning, as he intended to make a start by + the midday tide, having now shipped all his cargo. I went back to my + hotel, where I found a letter from my wife awaiting me, and, after a + refreshing night’s sleep, returned to the boat in the morning. From this + point I am able to quote from the journal which I kept in order to vary + the monotony of the long sea-voyage. If it is somewhat bald in places I + can at least rely upon its accuracy in details, as it was written + conscientiously from day to day. + </p> + <p> + October 16.—Cast off our warps at half-past two and were towed out + into the bay, where the tug left us, and with all sail set we bowled along + at about nine knots an hour. I stood upon the poop watching the low land + of America sinking gradually upon the horizon until the evening haze hid + it from my sight. A single red light, however, continued to blaze + balefully behind us, throwing a long track like a trail of blood upon the + water, and it is still visible as I write, though reduced to a mere speck. + The Captain is in a bad humour, for two of his hands disappointed him at + the last moment, and he was compelled to ship a couple of negroes who + happened to be on the quay. The missing men were steady, reliable fellows, + who had been with him several voyages, and their non-appearance puzzled as + well as irritated him. Where a crew of seven men have to work a fair-sized + ship the loss of two experienced seamen is a serious one, for though the + negroes may take a spell at the wheel or swab the decks, they are of + little or no use in rough weather. Our cook is also a black man, and Mr. + Septimius Goring has a little darkie servant, so that we are rather a + piebald community. The accountant, John Harton, promises to be an + acquisition, for he is a cheery, amusing young fellow. Strange how little + wealth has to do with happiness! He has all the world before him and is + seeking his fortune in a far land, yet he is as transparently happy as a + man can be. Goring is rich, if I am not mistaken, and so am I; but I know + that I have a lung, and Goring has some deeper trouble still, to judge by + his features. How poorly do we both contrast with the careless, penniless + clerk! + </p> + <p> + October 17.—Mrs. Tibbs appeared upon deck for the first time this + morning—a cheerful, energetic woman, with a dear little child just + able to walk and prattle. Young Harton pounced on it at once, and carried + it away to his cabin, where no doubt he will lay the seeds of future + dyspepsia in the child’s stomach. Thus medicine doth make cynics of us + all! The weather is still all that could be desired, with a fine fresh + breeze from the west-sou’-west. The vessel goes so steadily that you would + hardly know that she was moving were it not for the creaking of the + cordage, the bellying of the sails, and the long white furrow in our wake. + Walked the quarter-deck all morning with the Captain, and I think the keen + fresh air has already done my breathing good, for the exercise did not + fatigue me in any way. Tibbs is a remarkably intelligent man, and we had + an interesting argument about Maury’s observations on ocean currents, + which we terminated by going down into his cabin to consult the original + work. There we found Goring, rather to the Captain’s surprise, as it is + not usual for passengers to enter that sanctum unless specially invited. + He apologised for his intrusion, however, pleading his ignorance of the + usages of ship life; and the good-natured sailor simply laughed at the + incident, begging him to remain and favour us with his company. Goring + pointed to the chronometers, the case of which he had opened, and remarked + that he had been admiring them. He has evidently some practical knowledge + of mathematical instruments, as he told at a glance which was the most + trustworthy of the three, and also named their price within a few dollars. + He had a discussion with the Captain too upon the variation of the + compass, and when we came back to the ocean currents he showed a thorough + grasp of the subject. Altogether he rather improves upon acquaintance, and + is a man of decided culture and refinement. His voice harmonises with his + conversation, and both are the very antithesis of his face and figure. + </p> + <p> + The noonday observation shows that we have run two hundred and twenty + miles. Towards evening the breeze freshened up, and the first mate ordered + reefs to be taken in the topsails and top-gallant sails in expectation of + a windy night. I observe that the barometer has fallen to twenty-nine. I + trust our voyage will not be a rough one, as I am a poor sailor, and my + health would probably derive more harm than good from a stormy trip, + though I have the greatest confidence in the Captain’s seamanship and in + the soundness of the vessel. Played cribbage with Mrs. Tibbs after supper, + and Harton gave us a couple of tunes on the violin. + </p> + <p> + October 18.—The gloomy prognostications of last night were not + fulfilled, as the wind died away again, and we are lying now in a long + greasy swell, ruffled here and there by a fleeting catspaw which is + insufficient to fill the sails. The air is colder than it was yesterday, + and I have put on one of the thick woollen jerseys which my wife knitted + for me. Harton came into my cabin in the morning, and we had a cigar + together. He says that he remembers having seen Goring in Cleveland, Ohio, + in ‘69. He was, it appears, a mystery then as now, wandering about without + any visible employment, and extremely reticent on his own affairs. The man + interests me as a psychological study. At breakfast this morning I + suddenly had that vague feeling of uneasiness which comes over some people + when closely stared at, and, looking quickly up, I met his eyes bent upon + me with an intensity which amounted to ferocity, though their expression + instantly softened as he made some conventional remark upon the weather. + Curiously enough, Harton says that he had a very similar experience + yesterday upon deck. I observe that Goring frequently talks to the + coloured seamen as he strolls about—a trait which I rather admire, + as it is common to find half-breeds ignore their dark strain and treat + their black kinsfolk with greater intolerance than a white man would do. + His little page is devoted to him, apparently, which speaks well for his + treatment of him. Altogether, the man is a curious mixture of incongruous + qualities, and unless I am deceived in him will give me food for + observation during the voyage. + </p> + <p> + The Captain is grumbling about his chronometers, which do not register + exactly the same time. He says it is the first time that they have ever + disagreed. We were unable to get a noonday observation on account of the + haze. By dead reckoning, we have done about a hundred and seventy miles in + the twenty-four hours. The dark seamen have proved, as the skipper + prophesied, to be very inferior hands, but as they can both manage the + wheel well they are kept steering, and so leave the more experienced men + to work the ship. These details are trivial enough, but a small thing + serves as food for gossip aboard ship. The appearance of a whale in the + evening caused quite a flutter among us. From its sharp back and forked + tail, I should pronounce it to have been a rorqual, or “finner,” as they + are called by the fishermen. + </p> + <p> + October 19.—Wind was cold, so I prudently remained in my cabin all + day, only creeping out for dinner. Lying in my bunk I can, without moving, + reach my books, pipes, or anything else I may want, which is one advantage + of a small apartment. My old wound began to ache a little to-day, probably + from the cold. Read “Montaigne’s Essays” and nursed myself. Harton came in + in the afternoon with Doddy, the Captain’s child, and the skipper himself + followed, so that I held quite a reception. + </p> + <p> + October 20 and 21.—Still cold, with a continual drizzle of rain, and + I have not been able to leave the cabin. This confinement makes me feel + weak and depressed. Goring came in to see me, but his company did not tend + to cheer me up much, as he hardly uttered a word, but contented himself + with staring at me in a peculiar and rather irritating manner. He then got + up and stole out of the cabin without saying anything. I am beginning to + suspect that the man is a lunatic. I think I mentioned that his cabin is + next to mine. The two are simply divided by a thin wooden partition which + is cracked in many places, some of the cracks being so large that I can + hardly avoid, as I lie in my bunk, observing his motions in the adjoining + room. Without any wish to play the spy, I see him continually stooping + over what appears to be a chart and working with a pencil and compasses. I + have remarked the interest he displays in matters connected with + navigation, but I am surprised that he should take the trouble to work out + the course of the ship. However, it is a harmless amusement enough, and no + doubt he verifies his results by those of the Captain. + </p> + <p> + I wish the man did not run in my thoughts so much. I had a nightmare on + the night of the 20th, in which I thought my bunk was a coffin, that I was + laid out in it, and that Goring was endeavouring to nail up the lid, which + I was frantically pushing away. Even when I woke up, I could hardly + persuade myself that I was not in a coffin. As a medical man, I know that + a nightmare is simply a vascular derangement of the cerebral hemispheres, + and yet in my weak state I cannot shake off the morbid impression which it + produces. + </p> + <p> + October 22.—A fine day, with hardly a cloud in the sky, and a fresh + breeze from the sou’-west which wafts us gaily on our way. There has + evidently been some heavy weather near us, as there is a tremendous swell + on, and the ship lurches until the end of the fore-yard nearly touches the + water. Had a refreshing walk up and down the quarter-deck, though I have + hardly found my sea-legs yet. Several small birds—chaffinches, I + think—perched in the rigging. + </p> + <p> + 4.40 P.M.—While I was on deck this morning I heard a sudden + explosion from the direction of my cabin, and, hurrying down, found that I + had very nearly met with a serious accident. Goring was cleaning a + revolver, it seems, in his cabin, when one of the barrels which he thought + was unloaded went off. The ball passed through the side partition and + imbedded itself in the bulwarks in the exact place where my head usually + rests. I have been under fire too often to magnify trifles, but there is + no doubt that if I had been in the bunk it must have killed me. Goring, + poor fellow, did not know that I had gone on deck that day, and must + therefore have felt terribly frightened. I never saw such emotion in a + man’s face as when, on rushing out of his cabin with the smoking pistol in + his hand, he met me face to face as I came down from deck. Of course, he + was profuse in his apologies, though I simply laughed at the incident. + </p> + <p> + 11 P.M.—A misfortune has occurred so unexpected and so horrible that + my little escape of the morning dwindles into insignificance. Mrs. Tibbs + and her child have disappeared—utterly and entirely disappeared. I + can hardly compose myself to write the sad details. + </p> + <p> + About half-past eight Tibbs rushed into my cabin with a very white face + and asked me if I had seen his wife. I answered that I had not. He then + ran wildly into the saloon and began groping about for any trace of her, + while I followed him, endeavouring vainly to persuade him that his fears + were ridiculous. We hunted over the ship for an hour and a half without + coming on any sign of the missing woman or child. Poor Tibbs lost his + voice completely from calling her name. Even the sailors, who are + generally stolid enough, were deeply affected by the sight of him as he + roamed bareheaded and dishevelled about the deck, searching with feverish + anxiety the most impossible places, and returning to them again and again + with a piteous pertinacity. The last time she was seen was about seven + o’clock, when she took Doddy on to the poop to give him a breath of fresh + air before putting him to bed. There was no one there at the time except + the black seaman at the wheel, who denies having seen her at all. The + whole affair is wrapped in mystery. My own theory is that while Mrs. Tibbs + was holding the child and standing near the bulwarks it gave a spring and + fell overboard, and that in her convulsive attempt to catch or save it, + she followed it. I cannot account for the double disappearance in any + other way. It is quite feasible that such a tragedy should be enacted + without the knowledge of the man at the wheel, since it was dark at the + time, and the peaked skylights of the saloon screen the greater part of + the quarter-deck. Whatever the truth may be it is a terrible catastrophe, + and has cast the darkest gloom upon our voyage. The mate has put the ship + about, but of course there is not the slightest hope of picking them up. + The Captain is lying in a state of stupor in his cabin. I gave him a + powerful dose of opium in his coffee that for a few hours at least his + anguish may be deadened. + </p> + <p> + October 23.—Woke with a vague feeling of heaviness and misfortune, + but it was not until a few moments’ reflection that I was able to recall + our loss of the night before. When I came on deck I saw the poor skipper + standing gazing back at the waste of waters behind us which contains + everything dear to him upon earth. I attempted to speak to him, but he + turned brusquely away, and began pacing the deck with his head sunk upon + his breast. Even now, when the truth is so clear, he cannot pass a boat or + an unbent sail without peering under it. He looks ten years older than he + did yesterday morning. Harton is terribly cut up, for he was fond of + little Doddy, and Goring seems sorry too. At least he has shut himself up + in his cabin all day, and when I got a casual glance at him his head was + resting on his two hands as if in a melancholy reverie. I fear we are + about as dismal a crew as ever sailed. How shocked my wife will be to hear + of our disaster! The swell has gone down now, and we are doing about eight + knots with all sail set and a nice little breeze. Hyson is practically in + command of the ship, as Tibbs, though he does his best to bear up and keep + a brave front, is incapable of applying himself to serious work. + </p> + <p> + October 24.—Is the ship accursed? Was there ever a voyage which + began so fairly and which changed so disastrously? Tibbs shot himself + through the head during the night. I was awakened about three o’clock in + the morning by an explosion, and immediately sprang out of bed and rushed + into the Captain’s cabin to find out the cause, though with a terrible + presentiment in my heart. Quickly as I went, Goring went more quickly + still, for he was already in the cabin stooping over the dead body of the + Captain. It was a hideous sight, for the whole front of his face was blown + in, and the little room was swimming in blood. The pistol was lying beside + him on the floor, just as it had dropped from his hand. He had evidently + put it to his mouth before pulling the trigger. Goring and I picked him + reverently up and laid him on his bed. The crew had all clustered into his + cabin, and the six white men were deeply grieved, for they were old hands + who had sailed with him many years. There were dark looks and murmurs + among them too, and one of them openly declared that the ship was haunted. + Harton helped to lay the poor skipper out, and we did him up in canvas + between us. At twelve o’clock the foreyard was hauled aback, and we + committed his body to the deep, Goring reading the Church of England + burial service. The breeze has freshened up, and we have done ten knots + all day and sometimes twelve. The sooner we reach Lisbon and get away from + this accursed ship the better pleased shall I be. I feel as though we were + in a floating coffin. + </p> + <p> + Little wonder that the poor sailors are superstitious when I, an educated + man, feel it so strongly. + </p> + <p> + October 25.—Made a good run all day. Feel listless and depressed. + </p> + <p> + October 26.—Goring, Harton, and I had a chat together on deck in the + morning. Harton tried to draw Goring out as to his profession, and his + object in going to Europe, but the quadroon parried all his questions and + gave us no information. Indeed, he seemed to be slightly offended by + Harton’s pertinacity, and went down into his cabin. I wonder why we should + both take such an interest in this man! I suppose it is his striking + appearance, coupled with his apparent wealth, which piques our curiosity. + Harton has a theory that he is really a detective, that he is after some + criminal who has got away to Portugal, and that he chooses this peculiar + way of travelling that he may arrive unnoticed and pounce upon his quarry + unawares. I think the supposition is rather a far-fetched one, but Harton + bases it upon a book which Goring left on deck, and which he picked up and + glanced over. It was a sort of scrap-book it seems, and contained a large + number of newspaper cuttings. All these cuttings related to murders which + had been committed at various times in the States during the last twenty + years or so. The curious thing which Harton observed about them, however, + was that they were invariably murders the authors of which had never been + brought to justice. They varied in every detail, he says, as to the manner + of execution and the social status of the victim, but they uniformly wound + up with the same formula that the murderer was still at large, though, of + course, the police had every reason to expect his speedy capture. + Certainly the incident seems to support Harton’s theory, though it may be + a mere whim of Gorings, or, as I suggested to Harton, he may be collecting + materials for a book which shall outvie De Quincey. In any case it is no + business of ours. + </p> + <p> + October 27, 28.—Wind still fair, and we are making good progress. + Strange how easily a human unit may drop out of its place and be + forgotten! Tibbs is hardly ever mentioned now; Hyson has taken possession + of his cabin, and all goes on as before. Were it not for Mrs. Tibbs’s + sewing-machine upon a side-table we might forget that the unfortunate + family had ever existed. Another accident occurred on board to-day, though + fortunately not a very serious one. One of our white hands had gone down + the afterhold to fetch up a spare coil of rope, when one of the hatches + which he had removed came crashing down on the top of him. He saved his + life by springing out of the way, but one of his feet was terribly + crushed, and he will be of little use for the remainder of the voyage. He + attributes the accident to the carelessness of his negro companion, who + had helped him to shift the hatches. The latter, however, puts it down to + the roll of the ship. Whatever be the cause, it reduces our shorthanded + crew still further. This run of ill-luck seems to be depressing Harton, + for he has lost his usual good spirits and joviality. Goring is the only + one who preserves his cheerfulness. I see him still working at his chart + in his own cabin. His nautical knowledge would be useful should anything + happen to Hyson—which God forbid! + </p> + <p> + October 29, 30.—Still bowling along with a fresh breeze. All quiet + and nothing of note to chronicle. + </p> + <p> + October 31.—My weak lungs, combined with the exciting episodes of + the voyage, have shaken my nervous system so much that the most trivial + incident affects me. I can hardly believe that I am the same man who tied + the external iliac artery, an operation requiring the nicest precision, + under a heavy rifle fire at Antietam. I am as nervous as a child. I was + lying half dozing last night about four bells in the middle watch trying + in vain to drop into a refreshing sleep. There was no light inside my + cabin, but a single ray of moonlight streamed in through the port-hole, + throwing a silvery flickering circle upon the door. As I lay I kept my + drowsy eyes upon this circle, and was conscious that it was gradually + becoming less well-defined as my senses left me, when I was suddenly + recalled to full wakefulness by the appearance of a small dark object in + the very centre of the luminous disc. I lay quietly and breathlessly + watching it. Gradually it grew larger and plainer, and then I perceived + that it was a human hand which had been cautiously inserted through the + chink of the half-closed door—a hand which, as I observed with a + thrill of horror, was not provided with fingers. The door swung cautiously + backwards, and Goring’s head followed his hand. It appeared in the centre + of the moonlight, and was framed as it were in a ghastly uncertain halo, + against which his features showed out plainly. It seemed to me that I had + never seen such an utterly fiendish and merciless expression upon a human + face. His eyes were dilated and glaring, his lips drawn back so as to show + his white fangs, and his straight black hair appeared to bristle over his + low forehead like the hood of a cobra. The sudden and noiseless apparition + had such an effect upon me that I sprang up in bed trembling in every + limb, and held out my hand towards my revolver. I was heartily ashamed of + my hastiness when he explained the object of his intrusion, as he + immediately did in the most courteous language. He had been suffering from + toothache, poor fellow! and had come in to beg some laudanum, knowing that + I possessed a medicine chest. As to a sinister expression he is never a + beauty, and what with my state of nervous tension and the effect of the + shifting moonlight it was easy to conjure up something horrible. I gave + him twenty drops, and he went off again with many expressions of + gratitude. I can hardly say how much this trivial incident affected me. I + have felt unstrung all day. + </p> + <p> + A week’s record of our voyage is here omitted, as nothing eventful + occurred during the time, and my log consists merely of a few pages of + unimportant gossip. + </p> + <p> + November 7.—Harton and I sat on the poop all the morning, for the + weather is becoming very warm as we come into southern latitudes. We + reckon that we have done two-thirds of our voyage. How glad we shall be to + see the green banks of the Tagus, and leave this unlucky ship for ever! I + was endeavouring to amuse Harton to-day and to while away the time by + telling him some of the experiences of my past life. Among others I + related to him how I came into the possession of my black stone, and as a + finale I rummaged in the side pocket of my old shooting coat and produced + the identical object in question. He and I were bending over it together, + I pointing out to him the curious ridges upon its surface, when we were + conscious of a shadow falling between us and the sun, and looking round + saw Goring standing behind us glaring over our shoulders at the stone. For + some reason or other he appeared to be powerfully excited, though he was + evidently trying to control himself and to conceal his emotion. He pointed + once or twice at my relic with his stubby thumb before he could recover + himself sufficiently to ask what it was and how I obtained it—a + question put in such a brusque manner that I should have been offended had + I not known the man to be an eccentric. I told him the story very much as + I had told it to Harton. He listened with the deepest interest, and then + asked me if I had any idea what the stone was. I said I had not, beyond + that it was meteoric. He asked me if I had ever tried its effect upon a + negro. I said I had not. “Come,” said he, “we’ll see what our black friend + at the wheel thinks of it.” He took the stone in his hand and went across + to the sailor, and the two examined it carefully. I could see the man + gesticulating and nodding his head excitedly as if making some assertion, + while his face betrayed the utmost astonishment, mixed I think with some + reverence. Goring came across the deck to us presently, still holding the + stone in his hand. “He says it is a worthless, useless thing,” he said, + “and fit only to be chucked overboard,” with which he raised his hand and + would most certainly have made an end of my relic, had the black sailor + behind him not rushed forward and seized him by the wrist. Finding himself + secured Goring dropped the stone and turned away with a very bad grace to + avoid my angry remonstrances at his breach of faith. The black picked up + the stone and handed it to me with a low bow and every sign of profound + respect. The whole affair is inexplicable. I am rapidly coming to the + conclusion that Goring is a maniac or something very near one. When I + compare the effect produced by the stone upon the sailor, however, with + the respect shown to Martha on the plantation, and the surprise of Goring + on its first production, I cannot but come to the conclusion that I have + really got hold of some powerful talisman which appeals to the whole dark + race. I must not trust it in Goring’s hands again. + </p> + <p> + November 8, 9.—What splendid weather we are having! Beyond one + little blow, we have had nothing but fresh breezes the whole voyage. These + two days we have made better runs than any hitherto. + </p> + <p> + It is a pretty thing to watch the spray fly up from our prow as it cuts + through the waves. The sun shines through it and breaks it up into a + number of miniature rainbows—“sun-dogs,” the sailors call them. I + stood on the fo’csle-head for several hours to-day watching the effect, + and surrounded by a halo of prismatic colours. + </p> + <p> + The steersman has evidently told the other blacks about my wonderful + stone, for I am treated by them all with the greatest respect. Talking + about optical phenomena, we had a curious one yesterday evening which was + pointed out to me by Hyson. This was the appearance of a triangular + well-defined object high up in the heavens to the north of us. He + explained that it was exactly like the Peak of Teneriffe as seen from a + great distance—the peak was, however, at that moment at least five + hundred miles to the south. It may have been a cloud, or it may have been + one of those strange reflections of which one reads. The weather is very + warm. The mate says that he never knew it so warm in these latitudes. + Played chess with Harton in the evening. + </p> + <p> + November 10.—It is getting warmer and warmer. Some land birds came + and perched in the rigging today, though we are still a considerable way + from our destination. The heat is so great that we are too lazy to do + anything but lounge about the decks and smoke. Goring came over to me + to-day and asked me some more questions about my stone; but I answered him + rather shortly, for I have not quite forgiven him yet for the cool way in + which he attempted to deprive me of it. + </p> + <p> + November 11, 12.—Still making good progress. I had no idea Portugal + was ever as hot as this, but no doubt it is cooler on land. Hyson himself + seemed surprised at it, and so do the men. + </p> + <p> + November 13.—A most extraordinary event has happened, so + extraordinary as to be almost inexplicable. Either Hyson has blundered + wonderfully, or some magnetic influence has disturbed our instruments. + Just about daybreak the watch on the fo’csle-head shouted out that he + heard the sound of surf ahead, and Hyson thought he saw the loom of land. + The ship was put about, and, though no lights were seen, none of us + doubted that we had struck the Portuguese coast a little sooner than we + had expected. What was our surprise to see the scene which was revealed to + us at break of day! As far as we could look on either side was one long + line of surf, great, green billows rolling in and breaking into a cloud of + foam. But behind the surf what was there! Not the green banks nor the high + cliffs of the shores of Portugal, but a great sandy waste which stretched + away and away until it blended with the skyline. To right and left, look + where you would, there was nothing but yellow sand, heaped in some places + into fantastic mounds, some of them several hundred feet high, while in + other parts were long stretches as level apparently as a billiard board. + Harton and I, who had come on deck together, looked at each other in + astonishment, and Harton burst out laughing. Hyson is exceedingly + mortified at the occurrence, and protests that the instruments have been + tampered with. There is no doubt that this is the mainland of Africa, and + that it was really the Peak of Teneriffe which we saw some days ago upon + the northern horizon. At the time when we saw the land birds we must have + been passing some of the Canary Islands. If we continued on the same + course, we are now to the north of Cape Blanco, near the unexplored + country which skirts the great Sahara. All we can do is to rectify our + instruments as far as possible and start afresh for our destination. + </p> + <p> + 8.30 P.M.—Have been lying in a calm all day. The coast is now about + a mile and a half from us. Hyson has examined the instruments, but cannot + find any reason for their extraordinary deviation. + </p> + <p> + This is the end of my private journal, and I must make the remainder of my + statement from memory. There is little chance of my being mistaken about + facts which have seared themselves into my recollection. That very night + the storm which had been brewing so long burst over us, and I came to + learn whither all those little incidents were tending which I had recorded + so aimlessly. Blind fool that I was not to have seen it sooner! I shall + tell what occurred as precisely as I can. + </p> + <p> + I had gone into my cabin about half-past eleven, and was preparing to go + to bed, when a tap came at my door. On opening it I saw Goring’s little + black page, who told me that his master would like to have a word with me + on deck. I was rather surprised that he should want me at such a late + hour, but I went up without hesitation. I had hardly put my foot on the + quarter-deck before I was seized from behind, dragged down upon my back, + and a handkerchief slipped round my mouth. I struggled as hard as I could, + but a coil of rope was rapidly and firmly wound round me, and I found + myself lashed to the davit of one of the boats, utterly powerless to do or + say anything, while the point of a knife pressed to my throat warned me to + cease my struggles. The night was so dark that I had been unable hitherto + to recognise my assailants, but as my eyes became accustomed to the gloom, + and the moon broke out through the clouds that obscured it, I made out + that I was surrounded by the two negro sailors, the black cook, and my + fellow-passenger Goring. Another man was crouching on the deck at my feet, + but he was in the shadow and I could not recognise him. + </p> + <p> + All this occurred so rapidly that a minute could hardly have elapsed from + the time I mounted the companion until I found myself gagged and + powerless. It was so sudden that I could scarce bring myself to realise + it, or to comprehend what it all meant. I heard the gang round me speaking + in short, fierce whispers to each other, and some instinct told me that my + life was the question at issue. Goring spoke authoritatively and angrily—the + others doggedly and all together, as if disputing his commands. Then they + moved away in a body to the opposite side of the deck, where I could still + hear them whispering, though they were concealed from my view by the + saloon skylights. + </p> + <p> + All this time the voices of the watch on deck chatting and laughing at the + other end of the ship were distinctly audible, and I could see them + gathered in a group, little dreaming of the dark doings which were going + on within thirty yards of them. Oh! that I could have given them one word + of warning, even though I had lost my life in doing it! but it was + impossible. The moon was shining fitfully through the scattered clouds, + and I could see the silvery gleam of the surge, and beyond it the vast + weird desert with its fantastic sand-hills. Glancing down, I saw that the + man who had been crouching on the deck was still lying there, and as I + gazed at him, a flickering ray of moonlight fell full upon his upturned + face. Great Heaven! even now, when more than twelve years have elapsed, my + hand trembles as I write that, in spite of distorted features and + projecting eyes, I recognised the face of Harton, the cheery young clerk + who had been my companion during the voyage. It needed no medical eye to + see that he was quite dead, while the twisted handkerchief round the neck, + and the gag in his mouth, showed the silent way in which the hell-hounds + had done their work. The clue which explained every event of our voyage + came upon me like a flash of light as I gazed on poor Harton’s corpse. + Much was dark and unexplained, but I felt a great dim perception of the + truth. + </p> + <p> + I heard the striking of a match at the other side of the skylights, and + then I saw the tall, gaunt figure of Goring standing up on the bulwarks + and holding in his hands what appeared to be a dark lantern. He lowered + this for a moment over the side of the ship, and, to my inexpressible + astonishment, I saw it answered instantaneously by a flash among the + sand-hills on shore, which came and went so rapidly, that unless I had + been following the direction of Goring’s gaze, I should never have + detected it. Again he lowered the lantern, and again it was answered from + the shore. He then stepped down from the bulwarks, and in doing so + slipped, making such a noise, that for a moment my heart bounded with the + thought that the attention of the watch would be directed to his + proceedings. It was a vain hope. The night was calm and the ship + motionless, so that no idea of duty kept them vigilant. Hyson, who after + the death of Tibbs was in command of both watches, had gone below to + snatch a few hours’ sleep, and the boatswain who was left in charge was + standing with the other two men at the foot of the foremast. Powerless, + speechless, with the cords cutting into my flesh and the murdered man at + my feet, I awaited the next act in the tragedy. + </p> + <p> + The four ruffians were standing up now at the other side of the deck. The + cook was armed with some sort of a cleaver, the others had knives, and + Goring had a revolver. They were all leaning against the rail and looking + out over the water as if watching for something. I saw one of them grasp + another’s arm and point as if at some object, and following the direction + I made out the loom of a large moving mass making towards the ship. As it + emerged from the gloom I saw that it was a great canoe crammed with men + and propelled by at least a score of paddles. As it shot under our stern + the watch caught sight of it also, and raising a cry hurried aft. They + were too late, however. A swarm of gigantic negroes clambered over the + quarter, and led by Goring swept down the deck in an irresistible torrent. + All opposition was overpowered in a moment, the unarmed watch were knocked + over and bound, and the sleepers dragged out of their bunks and secured in + the same manner. + </p> + <p> + Hyson made an attempt to defend the narrow passage leading to his cabin, + and I heard a scuffle, and his voice shouting for assistance. There was + none to assist, however, and he was brought on to the poop with the blood + streaming from a deep cut in his forehead. He was gagged like the others, + and a council was held upon our fate by the negroes. I saw our black + seamen pointing towards me and making some statement, which was received + with murmurs of astonishment and incredulity by the savages. One of them + then came over to me, and plunging his hand into my pocket took out my + black stone and held it up. He then handed it to a man who appeared to be + a chief, who examined it as minutely as the light would permit, and + muttering a few words passed it on to the warrior beside him, who also + scrutinised it and passed it on until it had gone from hand to hand round + the whole circle. The chief then said a few words to Goring in the native + tongue, on which the quadroon addressed me in English. At this moment I + seem to see the scene. The tall masts of the ship with the moonlight + streaming down, silvering the yards and bringing the network of cordage + into hard relief; the group of dusky warriors leaning on their spears; the + dead man at my feet; the line of white-faced prisoners, and in front of me + the loathsome half-breed, looking in his white linen and elegant clothes a + strange contrast to his associates. + </p> + <p> + “You will bear me witness,” he said in his softest accents, “that I am no + party to sparing your life. If it rested with me you would die as these + other men are about to do. I have no personal grudge against either you or + them, but I have devoted my life to the destruction of the white race, and + you are the first that has ever been in my power and has escaped me. You + may thank that stone of yours for your life. These poor fellows reverence + it, and indeed if it really be what they think it is they have cause. + Should it prove when we get ashore that they are mistaken, and that its + shape and material is a mere chance, nothing can save your life. In the + meantime we wish to treat you well, so if there are any of your + possessions which you would like to take with you, you are at liberty to + get them.” As he finished he gave a sign, and a couple of the negroes + unbound me, though without removing the gag. I was led down into the + cabin, where I put a few valuables into my pockets, together with a + pocket-compass and my journal of the voyage. They then pushed me over the + side into a small canoe, which was lying beside the large one, and my + guards followed me, and shoving off began paddling for the shore. We had + got about a hundred yards or so from the ship when our steersman held up + his hand, and the paddlers paused for a moment and listened. Then on the + silence of the night I heard a sort of dull, moaning sound, followed by a + succession of splashes in the water. That is all I know of the fate of my + poor shipmates. Almost immediately afterwards the large canoe followed us, + and the deserted ship was left drifting about—a dreary, spectre-like + hulk. Nothing was taken from her by the savages. The whole fiendish + transaction was carried through as decorously and temperately as though it + were a religious rite. + </p> + <p> + The first grey of daylight was visible in the east as we passed through + the surge and reached the shore. Leaving half-a-dozen men with the canoes, + the rest of the negroes set off through the sand-hills, leading me with + them, but treating me very gently and respectfully. It was difficult + walking, as we sank over our ankles into the loose, shifting sand at every + step, and I was nearly dead beat by the time we reached the native + village, or town rather, for it was a place of considerable dimensions. + The houses were conical structures not unlike bee-hives, and were made of + compressed seaweed cemented over with a rude form of mortar, there being + neither stick nor stone upon the coast nor anywhere within many hundreds + of miles. As we entered the town an enormous crowd of both sexes came + swarming out to meet us, beating tom-toms and howling and screaming. On + seeing me they redoubled their yells and assumed a threatening attitude, + which was instantly quelled by a few words shouted by my escort. A buzz of + wonder succeeded the war-cries and yells of the moment before, and the + whole dense mass proceeded down the broad central street of the town, + having my escort and myself in the centre. + </p> + <p> + My statement hitherto may seem so strange as to excite doubt in the minds + of those who do not know me, but it was the fact which I am now about to + relate which caused my own brother-in-law to insult me by disbelief. I can + but relate the occurrence in the simplest words, and trust to chance and + time to prove their truth. In the centre of this main street there was a + large building, formed in the same primitive way as the others, but + towering high above them; a stockade of beautifully polished ebony rails + was planted all round it, the framework of the door was formed by two + magnificent elephant’s tusks sunk in the ground on each side and meeting + at the top, and the aperture was closed by a screen of native cloth richly + embroidered with gold. We made our way to this imposing-looking structure, + but, on reaching the opening in the stockade, the multitude stopped and + squatted down upon their hams, while I was led through into the enclosure + by a few of the chiefs and elders of the tribe, Goring accompanying us, + and in fact directing the proceedings. On reaching the screen which closed + the temple—for such it evidently was—my hat and my shoes were + removed, and I was then led in, a venerable old negro leading the way + carrying in his hand my stone, which had been taken from my pocket. The + building was only lit up by a few long slits in the roof, through which + the tropical sun poured, throwing broad golden bars upon the clay floor, + alternating with intervals of darkness. + </p> + <p> + The interior was even larger than one would have imagined from the outside + appearance. The walls were hung with native mats, shells, and other + ornaments, but the remainder of the great space was quite empty, with the + exception of a single object in the centre. This was the figure of a + colossal negro, which I at first thought to be some real king or high + priest of titanic size, but as I approached it I saw by the way in which + the light was reflected from it that it was a statue admirably cut in + jet-black stone. I was led up to this idol, for such it seemed to be, and + looking at it closer I saw that though it was perfect in every other + respect, one of its ears had been broken short off. The grey-haired negro + who held my relic mounted upon a small stool, and stretching up his arm + fitted Martha’s black stone on to the jagged surface on the side of the + statue’s head. There could not be a doubt that the one had been broken off + from the other. The parts dovetailed together so accurately that when the + old man removed his hand the ear stuck in its place for a few seconds + before dropping into his open palm. The group round me prostrated + themselves upon the ground at the sight with a cry of reverence, while the + crowd outside, to whom the result was communicated, set up a wild whooping + and cheering. + </p> + <p> + In a moment I found myself converted from a prisoner into a demi-god. I + was escorted back through the town in triumph, the people pressing forward + to touch my clothing and to gather up the dust on which my foot had trod. + One of the largest huts was put at my disposal, and a banquet of every + native delicacy was served me. I still felt, however, that I was not a + free man, as several spearmen were placed as a guard at the entrance of my + hut. All day my mind was occupied with plans of escape, but none seemed in + any way feasible. On the one side was the great arid desert stretching + away to Timbuctoo, on the other was a sea untraversed by vessels. The more + I pondered over the problem the more hopeless did it seem. + </p> + <p> + I little dreamed how near I was to its solution. + </p> + <p> + Night had fallen, and the clamour of the negroes had died gradually away. + I was stretched on the couch of skins which had been provided for me, and + was still meditating over my future, when Goring walked stealthily into + the hut. My first idea was that he had come to complete his murderous + holocaust by making away with me, the last survivor, and I sprang up upon + my feet, determined to defend myself to the last. He smiled when he saw + the action, and motioned me down again while he seated himself upon the + other end of the couch. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of me?” was the astonishing question with which he + commenced our conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Think of you!” I almost yelled. “I think you the vilest, most unnatural + renegade that ever polluted the earth. If we were away from these black + devils of yours I would strangle you with my hands!” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t speak so loud,” he said, without the slightest appearance of + irritation. “I don’t want our chat to be cut short. So you would strangle + me, would you!” he went on, with an amused smile. “I suppose I am + returning good for evil, for I have come to help you to escape.” + </p> + <p> + “You!” I gasped incredulously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I,” he continued. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, there is no credit to me in the matter. I am quite consistent. There + is no reason why I should not be perfectly candid with you. I wish to be + king over these fellows—not a very high ambition, certainly, but you + know what Caesar said about being first in a village in Gaul. Well, this + unlucky stone of yours has not only saved your life, but has turned all + their heads so that they think you are come down from heaven, and my + influence will be gone until you are out of the way. That is why I am + going to help you to escape, since I cannot kill you”—this in the + most natural and dulcet voice, as if the desire to do so were a matter of + course. + </p> + <p> + “You would give the world to ask me a few questions,” he went on, after a + pause; “but you are too proud to do it. Never mind, I’ll tell you one or + two things, because I want your fellow white men to know them when you go + back—if you are lucky enough to get back. About that cursed stone of + yours, for instance. These negroes, or at least so the legend goes, were + Mahometans originally. While Mahomet himself was still alive, there was a + schism among his followers, and the smaller party moved away from Arabia, + and eventually crossed Africa. They took away with them, in their exile, a + valuable relic of their old faith in the shape of a large piece of the + black stone of Mecca. The stone was a meteoric one, as you may have heard, + and in its fall upon the earth it broke into two pieces. One of these + pieces is still at Mecca. The larger piece was carried away to Barbary, + where a skilful worker modelled it into the fashion which you saw to-day. + These men are the descendants of the original seceders from Mahomet, and + they have brought their relic safely through all their wanderings until + they settled in this strange place, where the desert protects them from + their enemies.” + </p> + <p> + “And the ear?” I asked, almost involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was the same story over again. Some of the tribe wandered away + to the south a few hundred years ago, and one of them, wishing to have + good luck for the enterprise, got into the temple at night and carried off + one of the ears. There has been a tradition among the negroes ever since + that the ear would come back some day. The fellow who carried it was + caught by some slaver, no doubt, and that was how it got into America, and + so into your hands—and you have had the honour of fulfilling the + prophecy.” + </p> + <p> + He paused for a few minutes, resting his head upon his hands, waiting + apparently for me to speak. When he looked up again, the whole expression + of his face had changed. His features were firm and set, and he changed + the air of half levity with which he had spoken before for one of + sternness and almost ferocity. + </p> + <p> + “I wish you to carry a message back,” he said, “to the white race, the + great dominating race whom I hate and defy. Tell them that I have battened + on their blood for twenty years, that I have slain them until even I + became tired of what had once been a joy, that I did this unnoticed and + unsuspected in the face of every precaution which their civilisation could + suggest. There is no satisfaction in revenge when your enemy does not know + who has struck him. I am not sorry, therefore, to have you as a messenger. + There is no need why I should tell you how this great hate became born in + me. See this,” and he held up his mutilated hand; “that was done by a + white man’s knife. My father was white, my mother was a slave. When he + died she was sold again, and I, a child then, saw her lashed to death to + break her of some of the little airs and graces which her late master had + encouraged in her. My young wife, too, oh, my young wife!” a shudder ran + through his whole frame. “No matter! I swore my oath, and I kept it. From + Maine to Florida, and from Boston to San Francisco, you could track my + steps by sudden deaths which baffled the police. I warred against the + whole white race as they for centuries had warred against the black one. + At last, as I tell you, I sickened of blood. Still, the sight of a white + face was abhorrent to me, and I determined to find some bold free black + people and to throw in my lot with them, to cultivate their latent powers, + and to form a nucleus for a great coloured nation. This idea possessed me, + and I travelled over the world for two years seeking for what I desired. + At last I almost despaired of finding it. There was no hope of + regeneration in the slave-dealing Soudanese, the debased Fantee, or the + Americanised negroes of Liberia. I was returning from my quest when chance + brought me in contact with this magnificent tribe of dwellers in the + desert, and I threw in my lot with them. Before doing so, however, my old + instinct of revenge prompted me to make one last visit to the United + States, and I returned from it in the Marie Celeste. + </p> + <p> + “As to the voyage itself, your intelligence will have told you by this + time that, thanks to my manipulation, both compasses and chronometers were + entirely untrustworthy. I alone worked out the course with correct + instruments of my own, while the steering was done by my black friends + under my guidance. I pushed Tibbs’s wife overboard. What! You look + surprised and shrink away. Surely you had guessed that by this time. I + would have shot you that day through the partition, but unfortunately you + were not there. I tried again afterwards, but you were awake. I shot + Tibbs. I think the idea of suicide was carried out rather neatly. Of + course when once we got on the coast the rest was simple. I had bargained + that all on board should die; but that stone of yours upset my plans. I + also bargained that there should be no plunder. No one can say we are + pirates. We have acted from principle, not from any sordid motive.” + </p> + <p> + I listened in amazement to the summary of his crimes which this strange + man gave me, all in the quietest and most composed of voices, as though + detailing incidents of every-day occurrence. I still seem to see him + sitting like a hideous nightmare at the end of my couch, with the single + rude lamp flickering over his cadaverous features. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” he continued, “there is no difficulty about your escape. These + stupid adopted children of mine will say that you have gone back to heaven + from whence you came. The wind blows off the land. I have a boat all ready + for you, well stored with provisions and water. I am anxious to be rid of + you, so you may rely that nothing is neglected. Rise up and follow me.” + </p> + <p> + I did what he commanded, and he led me through the door of the hut. + </p> + <p> + The guards had either been withdrawn, or Goring had arranged matters with + them. We passed unchallenged through the town and across the sandy plain. + Once more I heard the roar of the sea, and saw the long white line of the + surge. Two figures were standing upon the shore arranging the gear of a + small boat. They were the two sailors who had been with us on the voyage. + </p> + <p> + “See him safely through the surf,” said Goring. The two men sprang in and + pushed off, pulling me in after them. With mainsail and jib we ran out + from the land and passed safely over the bar. Then my two companions + without a word of farewell sprang overboard, and I saw their heads like + black dots on the white foam as they made their way back to the shore, + while I scudded away into the blackness of the night. Looking back I + caught my last glimpse of Goring. He was standing upon the summit of a + sand-hill, and the rising moon behind him threw his gaunt angular figure + into hard relief. He was waving his arms frantically to and fro; it may + have been to encourage me on my way, but the gestures seemed to me at the + time to be threatening ones, and I have often thought that it was more + likely that his old savage instinct had returned when he realised that I + was out of his power. Be that as it may, it was the last that I ever saw + or ever shall see of Septimius Goring. + </p> + <p> + There is no need for me to dwell upon my solitary voyage. I steered as + well as I could for the Canaries, but was picked up upon the fifth day by + the British and African Steam Navigation Company’s boat Monrovia. Let me + take this opportunity of tendering my sincerest thanks to Captain + Stornoway and his officers for the great kindness which they showed me + from that time till they landed me in Liverpool, where I was enabled to + take one of the Guion boats to New York. + </p> + <p> + From the day on which I found myself once more in the bosom of my family I + have said little of what I have undergone. The subject is still an + intensely painful one to me, and the little which I have dropped has been + discredited. I now put the facts before the public as they occurred, + careless how far they may be believed, and simply writing them down + because my lung is growing weaker, and I feel the responsibility of + holding my peace longer. I make no vague statement. Turn to your map of + Africa. There above Cape Blanco, where the land trends away north and + south from the westernmost point of the continent, there it is that + Septimius Goring still reigns over his dark subjects, unless retribution + has overtaken him; and there, where the long green ridges run swiftly in + to roar and hiss upon the hot yellow sand, it is there that Harton lies + with Hyson and the other poor fellows who were done to death in the Marie + Celeste. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GREAT KEINPLATZ EXPERIMENT. + </h2> + <p> + Of all the sciences which have puzzled the sons of men, none had such an + attraction for the learned Professor von Baumgarten as those which relate + to psychology and the ill-defined relations between mind and matter. A + celebrated anatomist, a profound chemist, and one of the first + physiologists in Europe, it was a relief for him to turn from these + subjects and to bring his varied knowledge to bear upon the study of the + soul and the mysterious relationship of spirits. At first, when as a young + man he began to dip into the secrets of mesmerism, his mind seemed to be + wandering in a strange land where all was chaos and darkness, save that + here and there some great unexplainable and disconnected fact loomed out + in front of him. As the years passed, however, and as the worthy + Professor’s stock of knowledge increased, for knowledge begets knowledge + as money bears interest, much which had seemed strange and unaccountable + began to take another shape in his eyes. New trains of reasoning became + familiar to him, and he perceived connecting links where all had been + incomprehensible and startling. + </p> + <p> + By experiments which extended over twenty years, he obtained a basis of + facts upon which it was his ambition to build up a new exact science which + should embrace mesmerism, spiritualism, and all cognate subjects. In this + he was much helped by his intimate knowledge of the more intricate parts + of animal physiology which treat of nerve currents and the working of the + brain; for Alexis von Baumgarten was Regius Professor of Physiology at the + University of Keinplatz, and had all the resources of the laboratory to + aid him in his profound researches. + </p> + <p> + Professor von Baumgarten was tall and thin, with a hatchet face and + steel-grey eyes, which were singularly bright and penetrating. Much + thought had furrowed his forehead and contracted his heavy eyebrows, so + that he appeared to wear a perpetual frown, which often misled people as + to his character, for though austere he was tender-hearted. He was popular + among the students, who would gather round him after his lectures and + listen eagerly to his strange theories. Often he would call for volunteers + from amongst them in order to conduct some experiment, so that eventually + there was hardly a lad in the class who had not, at one time or another, + been thrown into a mesmeric trance by his Professor. + </p> + <p> + Of all these young devotees of science there was none who equalled in + enthusiasm Fritz von Hartmann. It had often seemed strange to his + fellow-students that wild, reckless Fritz, as dashing a young fellow as + ever hailed from the Rhinelands, should devote the time and trouble which + he did in reading up abstruse works and in assisting the Professor in his + strange experiments. The fact was, however, that Fritz was a knowing and + long-headed fellow. Months before he had lost his heart to young Elise, + the blue-eyed, yellow-haired daughter of the lecturer. Although he had + succeeded in learning from her lips that she was not indifferent to his + suit, he had never dared to announce himself to her family as a formal + suitor. Hence he would have found it a difficult matter to see his young + lady had he not adopted the expedient of making himself useful to the + Professor. By this means he frequently was asked to the old man’s house, + where he willingly submitted to be experimented upon in any way as long as + there was a chance of his receiving one bright glance from the eyes of + Elise or one touch of her little hand. + </p> + <p> + Young Fritz von Hartmann was a handsome lad enough. There were broad + acres, too, which would descend to him when his father died. To many he + would have seemed an eligible suitor; but Madame frowned upon his presence + in the house, and lectured the Professor at times on his allowing such a + wolf to prowl around their lamb. To tell the truth, Fritz had an evil name + in Keinplatz. Never was there a riot or a duel, or any other mischief + afoot, but the young Rhinelander figured as a ringleader in it. No one + used more free and violent language, no one drank more, no one played + cards more habitually, no one was more idle, save in the one solitary + subject. + </p> + <p> + No wonder, then, that the good Frau Professorin gathered her Fraulein + under her wing, and resented the attentions of such a <i>mauvais sujet</i>. As to + the worthy lecturer, he was too much engrossed by his strange studies to + form an opinion upon the subject one way or the other. + </p> + <p> + For many years there was one question which had continually obtruded + itself upon his thoughts. All his experiments and his theories turned upon + a single point. A hundred times a day the Professor asked himself whether + it was possible for the human spirit to exist apart from the body for a + time and then to return to it once again. When the possibility first + suggested itself to him his scientific mind had revolted from it. It + clashed too violently with preconceived ideas and the prejudices of his + early training. Gradually, however, as he proceeded farther and farther + along the pathway of original research, his mind shook off its old fetters + and became ready to face any conclusion which could reconcile the facts. + There were many things which made him believe that it was possible for + mind to exist apart from matter. At last it occurred to him that by a + daring and original experiment the question might be definitely decided. + </p> + <p> + “It is evident,” he remarked in his celebrated article upon invisible + entities, which appeared in the Keinplatz wochenliche Medicalschrift about + this time, and which surprised the whole scientific world—“it is + evident that under certain conditions the soul or mind does separate + itself from the body. In the case of a mesmerised person, the body lies in + a cataleptic condition, but the spirit has left it. Perhaps you reply that + the soul is there, but in a dormant condition. I answer that this is not + so, otherwise how can one account for the condition of clairvoyance, which + has fallen into disrepute through the knavery of certain scoundrels, but + which can easily be shown to be an undoubted fact. I have been able + myself, with a sensitive subject, to obtain an accurate description of + what was going on in another room or another house. How can such knowledge + be accounted for on any hypothesis save that the soul of the subject has + left the body and is wandering through space? For a moment it is recalled + by the voice of the operator and says what it has seen, and then wings its + way once more through the air. Since the spirit is by its very nature + invisible, we cannot see these comings and goings, but we see their effect + in the body of the subject, now rigid and inert, now struggling to narrate + impressions which could never have come to it by natural means. There is + only one way which I can see by which the fact can be demonstrated. + Although we in the flesh are unable to see these spirits, yet our own + spirits, could we separate them from the body, would be conscious of the + presence of others. It is my intention, therefore, shortly to mesmerise + one of my pupils. I shall then mesmerise myself in a manner which has + become easy to me. After that, if my theory holds good, my spirit will + have no difficulty in meeting and communing with the spirit of my pupil, + both being separated from the body. I hope to be able to communicate the + result of this interesting experiment in an early number of the Keinplatz + wochenliche Medicalschrift.” + </p> + <p> + When the good Professor finally fulfilled his promise, and published an + account of what occurred, the narrative was so extraordinary that it was + received with general incredulity. The tone of some of the papers was so + offensive in their comments upon the matter that the angry savant declared + that he would never open his mouth again or refer to the subject in any + way—a promise which he has faithfully kept. This narrative has been + compiled, however, from the most authentic sources, and the events cited + in it may be relied upon as substantially correct. + </p> + <p> + It happened, then, that shortly after the time when Professor von + Baumgarten conceived the idea of the above-mentioned experiment, he was + walking thoughtfully homewards after a long day in the laboratory, when he + met a crowd of roystering students who had just streamed out from a + beer-house. At the head of them, half-intoxicated and very noisy, was + young Fritz von Hartmann. The Professor would have passed them, but his + pupil ran across and intercepted him. + </p> + <p> + “Heh! my worthy master,” he said, taking the old man by the sleeve, and + leading him down the road with him. “There is something that I have to say + to you, and it is easier for me to say it now, when the good beer is + humming in my head, than at another time.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it, then, Fritz?” the physiologist asked, looking at him in mild + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I hear, mein herr, that you are about to do some wondrous experiment in + which you hope to take a man’s soul out of his body, and then to put it + back again. Is it not so?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true, Fritz.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you considered, my dear sir, that you may have some difficulty + in finding some one on whom to try this? Potztausend! Suppose that the + soul went out and would not come back. That would be a bad business. Who + is to take the risk?” + </p> + <p> + “But, Fritz,” the Professor cried, very much startled by this view of the + matter, “I had relied upon your assistance in the attempt. Surely you will + not desert me. Consider the honour and glory.” + </p> + <p> + “Consider the fiddlesticks!” the student cried angrily. “Am I to be paid + always thus? Did I not stand two hours upon a glass insulator while you + poured electricity into my body? Have you not stimulated my phrenic + nerves, besides ruining my digestion with a galvanic current round my + stomach? Four-and-thirty times you have mesmerised me, and what have I got + from all this? Nothing. And now you wish to take my soul out, as you would + take the works from a watch. It is more than flesh and blood can stand.” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, dear!” the Professor cried in great distress. “That is very true, + Fritz. I never thought of it before. If you can but suggest how I can + compensate you, you will find me ready and willing.” + </p> + <p> + “Then listen,” said Fritz solemnly. “If you will pledge your word that + after this experiment I may have the hand of your daughter, then I am + willing to assist you; but if not, I shall have nothing to do with it. + These are my only terms.” + </p> + <p> + “And what would my daughter say to this?” the Professor exclaimed, after a + pause of astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Elise would welcome it,” the young man replied. “We have loved each other + long.” + </p> + <p> + “Then she shall be yours,” the physiologist said with decision, “for you + are a good-hearted young man, and one of the best neurotic subjects that I + have ever known—that is when you are not under the influence of + alcohol. My experiment is to be performed upon the fourth of next month. + You will attend at the physiological laboratory at twelve o’clock. It will + be a great occasion, Fritz. Von Gruben is coming from Jena, and + Hinterstein from Basle. The chief men of science of all South Germany will + be there. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be punctual,” the student said briefly; and so the two parted. + The Professor plodded homeward, thinking of the great coming event, while + the young man staggered along after his noisy companions, with his mind + full of the blue-eyed Elise, and of the bargain which he had concluded + with her father. + </p> + <p> + The Professor did not exaggerate when he spoke of the widespread interest + excited by his novel psychophysiological experiment. Long before the hour + had arrived the room was filled by a galaxy of talent. Besides the + celebrities whom he had mentioned, there had come from London the great + Professor Lurcher, who had just established his reputation by a remarkable + treatise upon cerebral centres. Several great lights of the Spiritualistic + body had also come a long distance to be present, as had a Swedenborgian + minister, who considered that the proceedings might throw some light upon + the doctrines of the Rosy Cross. + </p> + <p> + There was considerable applause from this eminent assembly upon the + appearance of Professor von Baumgarten and his subject upon the platform. + The lecturer, in a few well-chosen words, explained what his views were, + and how he proposed to test them. “I hold,” he said, “that when a person + is under the influence of mesmerism, his spirit is for the time released + from his body, and I challenge any one to put forward any other hypothesis + which will account for the fact of clairvoyance. I therefore hope that + upon mesmerising my young friend here, and then putting myself into a + trance, our spirits may be able to commune together, though our bodies lie + still and inert. After a time nature will resume her sway, our spirits + will return into our respective bodies, and all will be as before. With + your kind permission, we shall now proceed to attempt the experiment.” + </p> + <p> + The applause was renewed at this speech, and the audience settled down in + expectant silence. With a few rapid passes the Professor mesmerised the + young man, who sank back in his chair, pale and rigid. He then took a + bright globe of glass from his pocket, and by concentrating his gaze upon + it and making a strong mental effort, he succeeded in throwing himself + into the same condition. It was a strange and impressive sight to see the + old man and the young sitting together in the same cataleptic condition. + Whither, then, had their souls fled? That was the question which presented + itself to each and every one of the spectators. + </p> + <p> + Five minutes passed, and then ten, and then fifteen, and then fifteen + more, while the Professor and his pupil sat stiff and stark upon the + platform. During that time not a sound was heard from the assembled + savants, but every eye was bent upon the two pale faces, in search of the + first signs of returning consciousness. Nearly an hour had elapsed before + the patient watchers were rewarded. A faint flush came back to the cheeks + of Professor von Baumgarten. The soul was coming back once more to its + earthly tenement. Suddenly he stretched out his long thin arms, as one + awaking from sleep, and rubbing his eyes, stood up from his chair and + gazed about him as though he hardly realised where he was. “Tausend + Teufel!” he exclaimed, rapping out a tremendous South German oath, to the + great astonishment of his audience and to the disgust of the + Swedenborgian. “Where the Henker am I then, and what in thunder has + occurred? Oh yes, I remember now. One of these nonsensical mesmeric + experiments. There is no result this time, for I remember nothing at all + since I became unconscious; so you have had all your long journeys for + nothing, my learned friends, and a very good joke too;” at which the + Regius Professor of Physiology burst into a roar of laughter and slapped + his thigh in a highly indecorous fashion. The audience were so enraged at + this unseemly behaviour on the part of their host, that there might have + been a considerable disturbance, had it not been for the judicious + interference of young Fritz von Hartmann, who had now recovered from his + lethargy. Stepping to the front of the platform, the young man apologised + for the conduct of his companion. “I am sorry to say,” he said, “that he + is a harum-scarum sort of fellow, although he appeared so grave at the + commencement of this experiment. He is still suffering from mesmeric + reaction, and is hardly accountable for his words. As to the experiment + itself, I do not consider it to be a failure. It is very possible that our + spirits may have been communing in space during this hour; but, + unfortunately, our gross bodily memory is distinct from our spirit, and we + cannot recall what has occurred. My energies shall now be devoted to + devising some means by which spirits may be able to recollect what occurs + to them in their free state, and I trust that when I have worked this out, + I may have the pleasure of meeting you all once again in this hall, and + demonstrating to you the result.” This address, coming from so young a + student, caused considerable astonishment among the audience, and some + were inclined to be offended, thinking that he assumed rather too much + importance. The majority, however, looked upon him as a young man of great + promise, and many comparisons were made as they left the hall between his + dignified conduct and the levity of his professor, who during the above + remarks was laughing heartily in a corner, by no means abashed at the + failure of the experiment. + </p> + <p> + Now although all these learned men were filing out of the lecture-room + under the impression that they had seen nothing of note, as a matter of + fact one of the most wonderful things in the whole history of the world + had just occurred before their very eyes Professor von Baumgarten had been + so far correct in his theory that both his spirit and that of his pupil + had been for a time absent from his body. But here a strange and + unforeseen complication had occurred. In their return the spirit of Fritz + von Hartmann had entered into the body of Alexis von Baumgarten, and that + of Alexis von Baumgarten had taken up its abode in the frame of Fritz von + Hartmann. Hence the slang and scurrility which issued from the lips of the + serious Professor, and hence also the weighty words and grave statements + which fell from the careless student. It was an unprecedented event, yet + no one knew of it, least of all those whom it concerned. + </p> + <p> + The body of the Professor, feeling conscious suddenly of a great dryness + about the back of the throat, sallied out into the street, still chuckling + to himself over the result of the experiment, for the soul of Fritz within + was reckless at the thought of the bride whom he had won so easily. His + first impulse was to go up to the house and see her, but on second + thoughts he came to the conclusion that it would be best to stay away + until Madame Baumgarten should be informed by her husband of the agreement + which had been made. He therefore made his way down to the Grüner Mann, + which was one of the favourite trysting-places of the wilder students, and + ran, boisterously waving his cane in the air, into the little parlour, + where sat Spiegler and Müller and half a dozen other boon companions. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! my boys,” he shouted. “I knew I should find you here. Drink up, + every one of you, and call for what you like, for I’m going to stand treat + to-day.” + </p> + <p> + Had the green man who is depicted upon the signpost of that well-known inn + suddenly marched into the room and called for a bottle of wine, the + students could not have been more amazed than they were by this unexpected + entry of their revered professor. They were so astonished that for a + minute or two they glared at him in utter bewilderment without being able + to make any reply to his hearty invitation. + </p> + <p> + “Donner und Blitzen!” shouted the Professor angrily. “What the deuce is + the matter with you, then? You sit there like a set of stuck pigs staring + at me. What is it, then?” + </p> + <p> + “It is the unexpected honour,” stammered Spiegel, who was in the chair. + </p> + <p> + “Honour—rubbish!” said the Professor testily. “Do you think that + just because I happen to have been exhibiting mesmerism to a parcel of old + fossils, I am therefore too proud to associate with dear old friends like + you? Come out of that chair, Spiegel my boy, for I shall preside now. + Beer, or wine, or shnapps, my lads—call for what you like, and put + it all down to me.” + </p> + <p> + Never was there such an afternoon in the Grüner Mann. The foaming flagons + of lager and the green-necked bottles of Rhenish circulated merrily. By + degrees the students lost their shyness in the presence of their + Professor. As for him, he shouted, he sang, he roared, he balanced a long + tobacco-pipe upon his nose, and offered to run a hundred yards against any + member of the company. The Kellner and the barmaid whispered to each other + outside the door their astonishment at such proceedings on the part of a + Regius Professor of the ancient university of Kleinplatz. They had still + more to whisper about afterwards, for the learned man cracked the + Kellner’s crown, and kissed the barmaid behind the kitchen door. + </p> + <p> + “Gentlemen,” said the Professor, standing up, albeit somewhat totteringly, + at the end of the table, and balancing his high old-fashioned wine glass + in his bony hand, “I must now explain to you what is the cause of this + festivity.” + </p> + <p> + “Hear! hear!” roared the students, hammering their beer glasses against + the table; “a speech, a speech!—silence for a speech!” + </p> + <p> + “The fact is, my friends,” said the Professor, beaming through his + spectacles, “I hope very soon to be married.” + </p> + <p> + “Married!” cried a student, bolder than the others “Is Madame dead, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Madame who?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Madame von Baumgarten, of course.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” laughed the Professor; “I can see, then, that you know all about + my former difficulties. No, she is not dead, but I have reason to believe + that she will not oppose my marriage.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very accommodating of her,” remarked one of the company. + </p> + <p> + “In fact,” said the Professor, “I hope that she will now be induced to aid + me in getting a wife. She and I never took to each other very much; but + now I hope all that may be ended, and when I marry she will come and stay + with me.” + </p> + <p> + “What a happy family!” exclaimed some wag. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, indeed; and I hope you will come to my wedding, all of you. I won’t + mention names, but here is to my little bride!” and the Professor waved + his glass in the air. + </p> + <p> + “Here’s to his little bride!” roared the roysterers, with shouts of + laughter. “Here’s her health. Sie soll leben—Hoch!” And so the fun + waxed still more fast and furious, while each young fellow followed the + Professor’s example, and drank a toast to the girl of his heart. + </p> + <p> + While all this festivity had been going on at the Grüner Mann, a very + different scene had been enacted elsewhere. Young Fritz von Hartmann, with + a solemn face and a reserved manner, had, after the experiment, consulted + and adjusted some mathematical instruments; after which, with a few + peremptory words to the janitors, he had walked out into the street and + wended his way slowly in the direction of the house of the Professor. As + he walked he saw Von Althaus, the professor of anatomy, in front of him, + and quickening his pace he overtook him. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Von Althaus,” he exclaimed, tapping him on the sleeve, “you were + asking me for some information the other day concerning the middle coat of + the cerebral arteries. Now I find——” + </p> + <p> + “Donnerwetter!” shouted Von Althaus, who was a peppery old fellow. “What + the deuce do you mean by your impertinence! I’ll have you up before the + Academical Senate for this, sir;” with which threat he turned on his heel + and hurried away. Von Hartmann was much surprised at this reception. “It’s + on account of this failure of my experiment,” he said to himself, and + continued moodily on his way. + </p> + <p> + Fresh surprises were in store for him, however. He was hurrying along when + he was overtaken by two students. These youths, instead of raising their + caps or showing any other sign of respect, gave a wild whoop of delight + the instant that they saw him, and rushing at him, seized him by each arm + and commenced dragging him along with them. + </p> + <p> + “Gott in himmel!” roared Von Hartmann. “What is the meaning of this + unparalleled insult? Where are you taking me?” + </p> + <p> + “To crack a bottle of wine with us,” said the two students. “Come along! + That is an invitation which you have never refused.” + </p> + <p> + “I never heard of such insolence in my life!” cried Von Hartmann. “Let go + my arms! I shall certainly have you rusticated for this. Let me go, I + say!” and he kicked furiously at his captors. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if you choose to turn ill-tempered, you may go where you like,” the + students said, releasing him. “We can do very well without you.” + </p> + <p> + “I know you. I’ll pay you out,” said Von Hartmann furiously, and continued + in the direction which he imagined to be his own home, much incensed at + the two episodes which had occurred to him on the way. + </p> + <p> + Now, Madame von Baumgarten, who was looking out of the window and + wondering why her husband was late for dinner, was considerably astonished + to see the young student come stalking down the road. As already remarked, + she had a great antipathy to him, and if ever he ventured into the house + it was on sufferance, and under the protection of the Professor. Still + more astonished was she, therefore, when she beheld him undo the + wicket-gate and stride up the garden path with the air of one who is + master of the situation. + </p> + <p> + She could hardly believe her eyes, and hastened to the door with all her + maternal instincts up in arms. From the upper windows the fair Elise had + also observed this daring move upon the part of her lover, and her heart + beat quick with mingled pride and consternation. + </p> + <p> + “Good day, sir,” Madame Baumgarten remarked to the intruder, as she stood + in gloomy majesty in the open doorway. + </p> + <p> + “A very fine day indeed, Martha,” returned the other. “Now, don’t stand + there like a statue of Juno, but bustle about and get the dinner ready, + for I am well-nigh starved.” + </p> + <p> + “Martha! Dinner!” ejaculated the lady, falling back in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, dinner, Martha, dinner!” howled Von Hartmann, who was becoming + irritable. “Is there anything wonderful in that request when a man has + been out all day? I’ll wait in the dining-room. Anything will do. + Schinken, and sausage, and prunes—any little thing that happens to + be about. There you are, standing staring again. Woman, will you or will + you not stir your legs?” + </p> + <p> + This last address, delivered with a perfect shriek of rage, had the effect + of sending good Madame Baumgarten flying along the passage and through the + kitchen, where she locked herself up in the scullery and went into violent + hysterics. In the meantime Von Hartmann strode into the room and threw + himself down upon the sofa in the worst of tempers. + </p> + <p> + “Elise!” he shouted. “Confound the girl! Elise!” + </p> + <p> + Thus roughly summoned, the young lady came timidly downstairs and into the + presence of her lover. “Dearest!” she cried, throwing her arms round him, + “I know this is all done for my sake! It is a _ruse_ in order to see me.” + </p> + <p> + Von Hartmann’s indignation at this fresh attack upon him was so great that + he became speechless for a minute from rage, and could only glare and + shake his fists, while he struggled in her embrace. When he at last + regained his utterance, he indulged in such a bellow of passion that the + young lady dropped back, petrified with fear, into an armchair. + </p> + <p> + “Never have I passed such a day in my life,” Von Hartmann cried, stamping + upon the floor. “My experiment has failed. Von Althaus has insulted me. + Two students have dragged me along the public road. My wife nearly faints + when I ask her for dinner, and my daughter flies at me and hugs me like a + grizzly bear.” + </p> + <p> + “You are ill, dear,” the young lady cried. “Your mind is wandering. You + have not even kissed me once.” + </p> + <p> + “No, and I don’t intend to either,” Von Hartmann said with decision. “You + ought to be ashamed of yourself. Why don’t you go and fetch my slippers, + and help your mother to dish the dinner?” + </p> + <p> + “And is it for this,” Elise cried, burying her face in her handkerchief—“is + it for this that I have loved you passionately for upwards of ten months? + Is it for this that I have braved my mother’s wrath? Oh, you have broken + my heart; I am sure you have!” and she sobbed hysterically. + </p> + <p> + “I can’t stand much more of this,” roared Von Hartmann furiously. “What + the deuce does the girl mean? What did I do ten months ago which inspired + you with such a particular affection for me? If you are really so very + fond, you would do better to run away down and find the schinken and some + bread, instead of talking all this nonsense.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my darling!” cried the unhappy maiden, throwing herself into the arms + of what she imagined to be her lover, “you do but joke in order to + frighten your little Elise.” + </p> + <p> + Now it chanced that at the moment of this unexpected embrace Von Hartmann + was still leaning back against the end of the sofa, which, like much + German furniture, was in a somewhat rickety condition. It also chanced + that beneath this end of the sofa there stood a tank full of water in + which the physiologist was conducting certain experiments upon the ova of + fish, and which he kept in his drawing-room in order to insure an equable + temperature. The additional weight of the maiden, combined with the + impetus with which she hurled herself upon him, caused the precarious + piece of furniture to give way, and the body of the unfortunate student + was hurled backwards into the tank, in which his head and shoulders were + firmly wedged, while his lower extremities flapped helplessly about in the + air. This was the last straw. Extricating himself with some difficulty + from his unpleasant position, Von Hartmann gave an inarticulate yell of + fury, and dashing out of the room, in spite of the entreaties of Elise, he + seized his hat and rushed off into the town, all dripping and dishevelled, + with the intention of seeking in some inn the food and comfort which he + could not find at home. + </p> + <p> + As the spirit of Von Baumgarten encased in the body of Von Hartmann strode + down the winding pathway which led down to the little town, brooding + angrily over his many wrongs, he became aware that an elderly man was + approaching him who appeared to be in an advanced state of intoxication. + Von Hartmann waited by the side of the road and watched this individual, + who came stumbling along, reeling from one side of the road to the other, + and singing a student song in a very husky and drunken voice. At first his + interest was merely excited by the fact of seeing a man of so venerable an + appearance in such a disgraceful condition, but as he approached nearer, + he became convinced that he knew the other well, though he could not + recall when or where he had met him. This impression became so strong with + him, that when the stranger came abreast of him he stepped in front of him + and took a good look at his features. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sonny,” said the drunken man, surveying Von Hartmann and swaying + about in front of him, “where the Henker have I seen you before? I know + you as well as I know myself. Who the deuce are you?” + </p> + <p> + “I am Professor von Baumgarten,” said the student. “May I ask who you are? + I am strangely familiar with your features.” + </p> + <p> + “You should never tell lies, young man,” said the other. “You’re certainly + not the Professor, for he is an ugly snuffy old chap, and you are a big + broad-shouldered young fellow. As to myself, I am Fritz von Hartmann at + your service.” + </p> + <p> + “That you certainly are not,” exclaimed the body of Von Hartmann. “You + might very well be his father. But hullo, sir, are you aware that you are + wearing my studs and my watch-chain?” + </p> + <p> + “Donnerwetter!” hiccoughed the other. “If those are not the trousers for + which my tailor is about to sue me, may I never taste beer again.” + </p> + <p> + Now as Von Hartmann, overwhelmed by the many strange things which had + occurred to him that day, passed his hand over his forehead and cast his + eyes downwards, he chanced to catch the reflection of his own face in a + pool which the rain had left upon the road. To his utter astonishment he + perceived that his face was that of a youth, that his dress was that of a + fashionable young student, and that in every way he was the antithesis of + the grave and scholarly figure in which his mind was wont to dwell. In an + instant his active brain ran over the series of events which had occurred + and sprang to the conclusion. He fairly reeled under the blow. + </p> + <p> + “Himmel!” he cried, “I see it all. Our souls are in the wrong bodies. I am + you and you are I. My theory is proved—but at what an expense! Is + the most scholarly mind in Europe to go about with this frivolous + exterior? Oh the labours of a lifetime are ruined!” and he smote his + breast in his despair. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” remarked the real Von Hartmann from the body of the Professor, “I + quite see the force of your remarks, but don’t go knocking my body about + like that. You received it in excellent condition, but I perceive that you + have wet it and bruised it, and spilled snuff over my ruffled + shirt-front.” + </p> + <p> + “It matters little,” the other said moodily. “Such as we are so must we + stay. My theory is triumphantly proved, but the cost is terrible.” + </p> + <p> + “If I thought so,” said the spirit of the student, “it would be hard + indeed. What could I do with these stiff old limbs, and how could I woo + Elise and persuade her that I was not her father? No, thank Heaven, in + spite of the beer which has upset me more than ever it could upset my real + self, I can see a way out of it.” + </p> + <p> + “How?” gasped the Professor. + </p> + <p> + “Why, by repeating the experiment. Liberate our souls once more, and the + chances are that they will find their way back into their respective + bodies.” + </p> + <p> + No drowning man could clutch more eagerly at a straw than did Von + Baumgarten’s spirit at this suggestion. In feverish haste he dragged his + own frame to the side of the road and threw it into a mesmeric trance; he + then extracted the crystal ball from the pocket, and managed to bring + himself into the same condition. + </p> + <p> + Some students and peasants who chanced to pass during the next hour were + much astonished to see the worthy Professor of Physiology and his + favourite student both sitting upon a very muddy bank and both completely + insensible. Before the hour was up quite a crowd had assembled, and they + were discussing the advisability of sending for an ambulance to convey the + pair to hospital, when the learned savant opened his eyes and gazed + vacantly around him. For an instant he seemed to forget how he had come + there, but next moment he astonished his audience by waving his skinny + arms above his head and crying out in a voice of rapture, “Gott sei + gedanket! I am myself again. I feel I am!” Nor was the amazement lessened + when the student, springing to his feet, burst into the same cry, and the + two performed a sort of <i>pas de joie</i> in the middle of the road. + </p> + <p> + For some time after that people had some suspicion of the sanity of both + the actors in this strange episode. When the Professor published his + experiences in the Medicalschrift as he had promised, he was met by an + intimation, even from his colleagues, that he would do well to have his + mind cared for, and that another such publication would certainly consign + him to a madhouse. The student also found by experience that it was wisest + to be silent about the matter. + </p> + <p> + When the worthy lecturer returned home that night he did not receive the + cordial welcome which he might have looked for after his strange + adventures. On the contrary, he was roundly upbraided by both his female + relatives for smelling of drink and tobacco, and also for being absent + while a young scapegrace invaded the house and insulted its occupants. It + was long before the domestic atmosphere of the lecturer’s house resumed + its normal quiet, and longer still before the genial face of Von Hartmann + was seen beneath its roof. Perseverance, however, conquers every obstacle, + and the student eventually succeeded in pacifying the enraged ladies and + in establishing himself upon the old footing. He has now no longer any + cause to fear the enmity of Madame, for he is Hauptmann von Hartmann of + the Emperor’s own Uhlans, and his loving wife Elise has already presented + him with two little Uhlans as a visible sign and token of her affection. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE MAN FROM ARCHANGEL. + </h2> + <p> + On the fourth day of March, in the year 1867, being at that time in my + five-and-twentieth year, I wrote down the following words in my note-book—the + result of much mental perturbation and conflict:— + </p> + <p> + “The solar system, amidst a countless number of other systems as large as + itself, rolls ever silently through space in the direction of the + constellation of Hercules. The great spheres of which it is composed spin + and spin through the eternal void ceaselessly and noiselessly. Of these + one of the smallest and most insignificant is that conglomeration of solid + and of liquid particles which we have named the earth. It whirls onwards + now as it has done before my birth, and will do after my death—a + revolving mystery, coming none know whence, and going none know whither. + Upon the outer crust of this moving mass crawl many mites, of whom I, John + M‘Vittie, am one, helpless, impotent, being dragged aimlessly through + space. Yet such is the state of things amongst us that the little energy + and glimmering of reason which I possess is entirely taken up with the + labours which are necessary in order to procure certain metallic disks, + wherewith I may purchase the chemical elements necessary to build up my + ever-wasting tissues, and keep a roof over me to shelter me from the + inclemency of the weather. I thus have no thought to expend upon the vital + questions which surround me on every side. Yet, miserable entity as I am, + I can still at times feel some degree of happiness, and am even—save + the mark!—puffed up occasionally with a sense of my own importance.” + </p> + <p> + These words, as I have said, I wrote down in my note-book, and they + reflected accurately the thoughts which I found rooted far down in my + soul, ever present and unaffected by the passing emotions of the hour. At + last, however, came a time when my uncle, M‘Vittie of Glencairn, died—the + same who was at one time chairman of committees of the House of Commons. + He divided his great wealth among his many nephews, and I found myself + with sufficient to provide amply for my wants during the remainder of my + life, and became at the same time owner of a bleak tract of land upon the + coast of Caithness, which I think the old man must have bestowed upon me + in derision, for it was sandy and valueless, and he had ever a grim sense + of humour. Up to this time I had been an attorney in a midland town in + England. Now I saw that I could put my thoughts into effect, and, leaving + all petty and sordid aims, could elevate my mind by the study of the + secrets of nature. My departure from my English home was somewhat + accelerated by the fact that I had nearly slain a man in a quarrel, for my + temper was fiery, and I was apt to forget my own strength when enraged. + There was no legal action taken in the matter, but the papers yelped at + me, and folk looked askance when I met them. It ended by my cursing them + and their vile, smoke-polluted town, and hurrying to my northern + possession, where I might at last find peace and an opportunity for + solitary study and contemplation. I borrowed from my capital before I + went, and so was able to take with me a choice collection of the most + modern philosophical instruments and books, together with chemicals and + such other things as I might need in my retirement. + </p> + <p> + The land which I had inherited was a narrow strip, consisting mostly of + sand, and extending for rather over two miles round the coast of Mansie + Bay, in Caithness. Upon this strip there had been a rambling, grey-stone + building—when erected or wherefore none could tell me—and this + I had repaired, so that it made a dwelling quite good enough for one of my + simple tastes. One room was my laboratory, another my sitting-room, and in + a third, just under the sloping roof, I slung the hammock in which I + always slept. There were three other rooms, but I left them vacant, except + one which was given over to the old crone who kept house for me. Save the + Youngs and the M‘Leods, who were fisher-folk living round at the other + side of Fergus Ness, there were no other people for many miles in each + direction. In front of the house was the great bay, behind it were two + long barren hills, capped by other loftier ones beyond. There was a glen + between the hills, and when the wind was from the land it used to sweep + down this with a melancholy sough and whisper among the branches of the + fir-trees beneath my attic window. + </p> + <p> + I dislike my fellow-mortals. Justice compels me to add that they appear + for the most part to dislike me. I hate their little crawling ways, their + conventionalities, their deceits, their narrow rights and wrongs. They + take offence at my brusque outspokenness, my disregard for their social + laws, my impatience of all constraint. Among my books and my drugs in my + lonely den at Mansie I could let the great drove of the human race pass + onwards with their politics and inventions and tittle-tattle, and I + remained behind stagnant and happy. Not stagnant either, for I was working + in my own little groove, and making progress. I have reason to believe + that Dalton’s atomic theory is founded upon error, and I know that mercury + is not an element. + </p> + <p> + During the day I was busy with my distillations and analyses. Often I + forgot my meals, and when old Madge summoned me to my tea I found my + dinner lying untouched upon the table. At night I read Bacon, Descartes, + Spinoza, Kant—all those who have pried into what is unknowable. They + are all fruitless and empty, barren of result, but prodigal of + polysyllables, reminding me of men who, while digging for gold, have + turned up many worms, and then exhibit them exultantly as being what they + sought. At times a restless spirit would come upon me, and I would walk + thirty and forty miles without rest or breaking fast. On these occasions, + when I used to stalk through the country villages, gaunt, unshaven, and + dishevelled, the mothers would rush into the road and drag their children + indoors, and the rustics would swarm out of their pot-houses to gaze at + me. I believe that I was known far and wide as the “mad laird o’ Mansie.” + It was rarely, however, that I made these raids into the country, for I + usually took my exercise upon my own beach, where I soothed my spirit with + strong black tobacco, and made the ocean my friend and my confidant. + </p> + <p> + What companion is there like the great restless, throbbing sea? What human + mood is there which it does not match and sympathise with? There are none + so gay but that they may feel gayer when they listen to its merry turmoil, + and see the long green surges racing in, with the glint of the sunbeams in + their sparkling crests. But when the grey waves toss their heads in anger, + and the wind screams above them, goading them on to madder and more + tumultuous efforts, then the darkest-minded of men feels that there is a + melancholy principle in Nature which is as gloomy as his own thoughts. + When it was calm in the Bay of Mansie the surface would be as clear and + bright as a sheet of silver, broken only at one spot some little way from + the shore, where a long black line projected out of the water looking like + the jagged back of some sleeping monster. This was the top of the + dangerous ridge of rocks known to the fishermen as the “ragged reef o’ + Mansie.” When the wind blew from the east the waves would break upon it + like thunder, and the spray would be tossed far over my house and up to + the hills behind. The bay itself was a bold and noble one, but too much + exposed to the northern and eastern gales, and too much dreaded for its + reef, to be much used by mariners. There was something of romance about + this lonely spot. I have lain in my boat upon a calm day, and peering over + the edge I have seen far down the flickering, ghostly forms of great fish—fish, + as it seemed to me, such as naturalist never knew, and which my + imagination transformed into the genii of that desolate bay. Once, as I + stood by the brink of the waters upon a quiet night, a great cry, as of a + woman in hopeless grief, rose from the bosom of the deep, and swelled out + upon the still air, now sinking and now rising, for a space of thirty + seconds. This I heard with my own ears. + </p> + <p> + In this strange spot, with the eternal hills behind me and the eternal sea + in front, I worked and brooded for more than two years unpestered by my + fellow men. By degrees I had trained my old servant into habits of + silence, so that she now rarely opened her lips, though I doubt not that + when twice a year she visited her relations in Wick, her tongue during + those few days made up for its enforced rest. I had come almost to forget + that I was a member of the human family, and to live entirely with the + dead whose books I pored over, when a sudden incident occurred which threw + all my thoughts into a new channel. + </p> + <p> + Three rough days in June had been succeeded by one calm and peaceful one. + There was not a breath of air that evening. The sun sank down in the west + behind a line of purple clouds, and the smooth surface of the bay was + gashed with scarlet streaks. Along the beach the pools left by the tide + showed up like gouts of blood against the yellow sand, as if some wounded + giant had toilfully passed that way, and had left these red traces of his + grievous hurt behind him. As the darkness closed in, certain ragged clouds + which had lain low on the eastern horizon coalesced and formed a great + irregular cumulus. The glass was still low, and I knew that there was + mischief brewing. About nine o’clock a dull moaning sound came up from the + sea, as from a creature who, much harassed, learns that the hour of + suffering has come round again. At ten a sharp breeze sprang up from the + eastward. At eleven it had increased to a gale, and by midnight the most + furious storm was raging which I ever remember upon that weather-beaten + coast. + </p> + <p> + As I went to bed the shingle and seaweed were pattering up against my + attic window, and the wind was screaming as though every gust were a lost + soul. By that time the sounds of the tempest had become a lullaby to me. I + knew that the grey walls of the old house would buffet it out, and for + what occurred in the world outside I had small concern. Old Madge was + usually as callous to such things as I was myself. It was a surprise to me + when, about three in the morning, I was awoke by the sound of a great + knocking at my door and excited cries in the wheezy voice of my + house-keeper. I sprang out of my hammock, and roughly demanded of her what + was the matter. + </p> + <p> + “Eh, maister, maister!” she screamed in her hateful dialect. “Come doun, + mun; come doun! There’s a muckle ship gaun ashore on the reef, and the + puir folks are a’ yammerin’ and ca’in’ for help—and I doobt they’ll + a’ be drooned. Oh, Maister M‘Vittie, come doun!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold your tongue, you hag!” I shouted back in a passion. “What is it to + you whether they are drowned or not? Get back to your bed and leave me + alone.” I turned in again and drew the blankets over me. “Those men out + there,” I said to myself, “have already gone through half the horrors of + death. If they be saved they will but have to go through the same once + more in the space of a few brief years. It is best therefore that they + should pass away now, since they have suffered that anticipation which is + more than the pain of dissolution.” With this thought in my mind I + endeavoured to compose myself to sleep once more, for that philosophy + which had taught me to consider death as a small and trivial incident in + man’s eternal and everchanging career, had also broken me of much + curiosity concerning worldly matters. On this occasion I found, however, + that the old leaven still fermented strongly in my soul. I tossed from + side to side for some minutes endeavouring to beat down the impulses of + the moment by the rules of conduct which I had framed during months of + thought. Then I heard a dull roar amid the wild shriek of the gale, and I + knew that it was the sound of a signal-gun. Driven by an uncontrollable + impulse, I rose, dressed, and having lit my pipe, walked out on to the + beach. + </p> + <p> + It was pitch dark when I came outside, and the wind blew with such + violence that I had to put my shoulder against it and push my way along + the shingle. My face pringled and smarted with the sting of the gravel + which was blown against it, and the red ashes of my pipe streamed away + behind me, dancing fantastically through the darkness. I went down to + where the great waves were thundering in, and shading my eyes with my + hands to keep off the salt spray, I peered out to sea. I could distinguish + nothing, and yet it seemed to me that shouts and great inarticulate cries + were borne to me by the blasts. Suddenly as I gazed I made out the glint + of a light, and then the whole bay and the beach were lit up in a moment + by a vivid blue glare. They were burning a coloured signal-light on board + of the vessel. There she lay on her beam ends right in the centre of the + jagged reef, hurled over to such an angle that I could see all the + planking of her deck. She was a large two-masted schooner, of foreign rig, + and lay perhaps a hundred and eighty or two hundred yards from the shore. + Every spar and rope and writhing piece of cordage showed up hard and clear + under the livid light which sputtered and flickered from the highest + portion of the forecastle. Beyond the doomed ship out of the great + darkness came the long rolling lines of black waves, never ending, never + tiring, with a petulant tuft of foam here and there upon their crests. + Each as it reached the broad circle of unnatural light appeared to gather + strength and volume, and to hurry on more impetuously until, with a roar + and a jarring crash, it sprang upon its victim. Clinging to the weather + shrouds I could distinctly see some ten or twelve frightened seamen, who, + when their light revealed my presence, turned their white faces towards me + and waved their hands imploringly. I felt my gorge rise against these poor + cowering worms. Why should they presume to shirk the narrow pathway along + which all that is great and noble among mankind has travelled? There was + one there who interested me more than they. He was a tall man, who stood + apart from the others, balancing himself upon the swaying wreck as though + he disdained to cling to rope or bulwark. His hands were clasped behind + his back and his head was sunk upon his breast, but even in that + despondent attitude there was a litheness and decision in his pose and in + every motion which marked him as a man little likely to yield to despair. + Indeed, I could see by his occasional rapid glances up and down and all + around him that he was weighing every chance of safety, but though he + often gazed across the raging surf to where he could see my dark figure + upon the beach, his self-respect or some other reason forbade him from + imploring my help in any way. He stood, dark, silent, and inscrutable, + looking down on the black sea, and waiting for whatever fortune Fate might + send him. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me that that problem would very soon be settled. As I looked, + an enormous billow, topping all the others, and coming after them, like a + driver following a flock, swept over the vessel. Her foremast snapped + short off, and the men who clung to the shrouds were brushed away like a + swarm of flies. With a rending, riving sound the ship began to split in + two, where the sharp back of the Mansie reef was sawing into her keel. The + solitary man upon the forecastle ran rapidly across the deck and seized + hold of a white bundle which I had already observed but failed to make + out. As he lifted it up the light fell upon it, and I saw that the object + was a woman, with a spar lashed across her body and under her arms in such + a way that her head should always rise above water. He bore her tenderly + to the side and seemed to speak for a minute or so to her, as though + explaining the impossibility of remaining upon the ship. Her answer was a + singular one. I saw her deliberately raise her hand and strike him across + the face with it. He appeared to be silenced for a moment or so by this, + but he addressed her again, directing her, as far as I could gather from + his motions, how she should behave when in the water. She shrank away from + him, but he caught her in his arms. He stooped over her for a moment and + seemed to press his lips against her forehead. Then a great wave came + welling up against the side of the breaking vessel, and leaning over he + placed her upon the summit of it as gently as a child might be committed + to its cradle. I saw her white dress flickering among the foam on the + crest of the dark billow, and then the light sank gradually lower, and the + riven ship and its lonely occupant were hidden from my eyes. + </p> + <p> + As I watched those things my manhood overcame my philosophy, and I felt a + frantic impulse to be up and doing. I threw my cynicism to one side as a + garment which I might don again at leisure, and I rushed wildly to my boat + and my sculls. She was a leaky tub, but what then? Was I, who had cast + many a wistful, doubtful glance at my opium bottle, to begin now to weigh + chances and to cavil at danger. I dragged her down to the sea with the + strength of a maniac and sprang in. For a moment or two it was a question + whether she could live among the boiling surge, but a dozen frantic + strokes took me through it, half full of water but still afloat. I was out + on the unbroken waves now, at one time climbing, climbing up the broad + black breast of one, then sinking down, down on the other side, until + looking up I could see the gleam of the foam all around me against the + dark heavens. Far behind me I could hear the wild wailings of old Madge, + who, seeing me start, thought no doubt that my madness had come to a + climax. As I rowed I peered over my shoulder, until at last on the belly + of a great wave which was sweeping towards me I distinguished the vague + white outline of the woman. Stooping over, I seized her as she swept by + me, and with an effort lifted her, all sodden with water, into the boat. + There was no need to row back, for the next billow carried us in and threw + us upon the beach. I dragged the boat out of danger, and then lifting up + the woman I carried her to the house, followed by my housekeeper, loud + with congratulation and praise. + </p> + <p> + Now that I had done this thing a reaction set in upon me. I felt that my + burden lived, for I heard the faint beat of her heart as I pressed my ear + against her side in carrying her. Knowing this, I threw her down beside + the fire which Madge had lit, with as little sympathy as though she had + been a bundle of fagots. I never glanced at her to see if she were fair or + no. For many years I had cared little for the face of a woman. As I lay in + my hammock upstairs, however, I heard the old woman as she chafed the + warmth back into her, crooning a chorus of, “Eh, the puir lassie! Eh, the + bonnie lassie!” from which I gathered that this piece of jetsam was both + young and comely. + </p> + <p> + The morning after the gale was peaceful and sunny. As I walked along the + long sweep of sand I could hear the panting of the sea. It was heaving and + swirling about the reef, but along the shore it rippled in gently enough. + There was no sign of the schooner, nor was there any wreckage upon the + beach, which did not surprise me, as I knew there was a great undertow in + those waters. A couple of broad-winged gulls were hovering and skimming + over the scene of the shipwreck, as though many strange things were + visible to them beneath the waves. At times I could hear their raucous + voices as they spoke to one another of what they saw. + </p> + <p> + When I came back from my walk the woman was waiting at the door for me. I + began to wish when I saw her that I had never saved her, for here was an + end of my privacy. She was very young—at the most nineteen, with a + pale somewhat refined face, yellow hair, merry blue eyes, and shining + teeth. Her beauty was of an ethereal type. She looked so white and light + and fragile that she might have been the spirit of that storm-foam from + out of which I plucked her. She had wreathed some of Madge’s garments + round her in a way which was quaint and not unbecoming. As I strode + heavily up the pathway, she put out her hands with a pretty child-like + gesture, and ran down towards me, meaning, as I surmise, to thank me for + having saved her, but I put her aside with a wave of my hand and passed + her. At this she seemed somewhat hurt, and the tears sprang into her eyes, + but she followed me into the sitting-room and watched me wistfully. “What + country do you come from?” I asked her suddenly. + </p> + <p> + She smiled when I spoke, but shook her head. + </p> + <p> + “Francais?” I asked. “Deutsch?” “Espagnol?”—each time she shook her + head, and then she rippled off into a long statement in some tongue of + which I could not understand one word. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast was over, however, I got a clue to her nationality. + </p> + <p> + Passing along the beach once more, I saw that in a cleft of the ridge a + piece of wood had been jammed. I rowed out to it in my boat, and brought + it ashore. It was part of the sternpost of a boat, and on it, or rather on + the piece of wood attached to it, was the word “Archangel,” painted in + strange, quaint lettering. + </p> + <p> + “So,” I thought, as I paddled slowly back, “this pale damsel is a Russian. + A fit subject for the White Czar and a proper dweller on the shores of the + White Sea!” It seemed to me strange that one of her apparent refinement + should perform so long a journey in so frail a craft. When I came back + into the house, I pronounced the word “Archangel” several times in + different intonations, but she did not appear to recognise it. + </p> + <p> + I shut myself up in the laboratory all the morning, continuing a research + which I was making upon the nature of the allotropic forms of carbon and + of sulphur. When I came out at mid-day for some food she was sitting by + the table with a needle and thread, mending some rents in her clothes, + which were now dry. I resented her continued presence, but I could not + turn her out on the beach to shift for herself. Presently she presented a + new phase of her character. Pointing to herself and then to the scene of + the shipwreck, she held up one finger, by which I understood her to be + asking whether she was the only one saved. I nodded my head to indicate + that she was. On this she sprang out of the chair with a cry of great joy, + and holding the garment which she was mending over her head, and swaying + it from side to side with the motion of her body, she danced as lightly as + a feather all round the room, and then out through the open door into the + sunshine. As she whirled round she sang in a plaintive shrill voice some + uncouth barbarous chant, expressive of exultation. I called out to her, + “Come in, you young fiend, come in and be silent!” but she went on with + her dance. Then she suddenly ran towards me, and catching my hand before I + could pluck it away, she kissed it. While we were at dinner she spied one + of my pencils, and taking it up she wrote the two words “Sophie Ramusine” + upon a piece of paper, and then pointed to herself as a sign that that was + her name. She handed the pencil to me, evidently expecting that I would be + equally communicative, but I put it in my pocket as a sign that I wished + to hold no intercourse with her. + </p> + <p> + Every moment of my life now I regretted the unguarded precipitancy with + which I had saved this woman. What was it to me whether she had lived or + died? I was no young, hot-headed youth to do such things. It was bad + enough to be compelled to have Madge in the house, but she was old and + ugly, and could be ignored. This one was young and lively, and so + fashioned as to divert attention from graver things. Where could I send + her, and what could I do with her? If I sent information to Wick it would + mean that officials and others would come to me and pry, and peep, and + chatter—a hateful thought. It was better to endure her presence than + that. + </p> + <p> + I soon found that there were fresh troubles in store for me. There is no + place safe from the swarming, restless race of which I am a member. In the + evening, when the sun was dipping down behind the hills, casting them into + dark shadow, but gilding the sands and casting a great glory over the sea, + I went, as is my custom, for a stroll along the beach. Sometimes on these + occasions I took my book with me. I did so on this night, and stretching + myself upon a sand-dune I composed myself to read. As I lay there I + suddenly became aware of a shadow which interposed itself between the sun + and myself. Looking round, I saw to my great surprise a very tall, + powerful man, who was standing a few yards off, and who, instead of + looking at me, was ignoring my existence completely, and was gazing over + my head with a stern set face at the bay and the black line of the Mansie + reef. His complexion was dark, with black hair, and short, curling beard, + a hawk-like nose, and golden earrings in his ears—the general effect + being wild and somewhat noble. He wore a faded velveteen jacket, a + red-flannel shirt, and high sea boots, coming half-way up his thighs. I + recognised him at a glance as being the same man who had been left on the + wreck the night before. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” I said, in an aggrieved voice. “You got ashore all right, then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” he answered, in good English. “It was no doing of mine. The waves + threw me up. I wish to God I had been allowed to drown!” + </p> + <p> + There was a slight foreign lisp in his accent which was rather pleasing. + “Two good fishermen, who live round yonder point, pulled me out and cared + for me; yet I could not honestly thank them for it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ho! ho!” thought I, “here is a man of my own kidney. Why do you wish to + be drowned?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Because,” he cried, throwing out his long arms with a passionate, + despairing gesture, “there—there in that blue smiling bay, lies my + soul, my treasure—everything that I loved and lived for.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well,” I said. “People are ruined every day, but there’s no use + making a fuss about it. Let me inform you that this ground on which you + walk is my ground, and that the sooner you take yourself off it the better + pleased I shall be. One of you is quite trouble enough.” + </p> + <p> + “One of us?” he gasped. + </p> + <p> + “Yes—if you could take her off with you I should be still more + grateful.” + </p> + <p> + He gazed at me for a moment as if hardly able to realise what I said, and + then with a wild cry he ran away from me with prodigious speed and raced + along the sands towards my house. Never before or since have I seen a + human being run so fast. I followed as rapidly as I could, furious at this + threatened invasion, but long before I reached the house he had + disappeared through the open door. I heard a great scream from the inside, + and as I came nearer the sound of a man’s bass voice speaking rapidly and + loudly. When I looked in the girl, Sophie Ramusine, was crouching in a + corner, cowering away, with fear and loathing expressed on her averted + face and in every line of her shrinking form. The other, with his dark + eyes flashing, and his outstretched hands quivering with emotion, was + pouring forth a torrent of passionate pleading words. He made a step + forward to her as I entered, but she writhed still further away, and + uttered a sharp cry like that of a rabbit when the weasel has him by the + throat. + </p> + <p> + “Here!” I said, pulling him back from her. “This is a pretty to-do! What + do you mean? Do you think this is a wayside inn or place of public + accommodation?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sir,” he said, “excuse me. This woman is my wife, and I feared that + she was drowned. You have brought me back to life.” + </p> + <p> + “Who are you?” I asked roughly. + </p> + <p> + “I am a man from Archangel,” he said simply; “a Russian man.” + </p> + <p> + “What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “Ourganeff.” + </p> + <p> + “Ourganeff!—and hers is Sophie Ramusine. She is no wife of yours. + She has no ring.” + </p> + <p> + “We are man and wife in the sight of Heaven,” he said solemnly, looking + upwards. “We are bound by higher laws than those of earth.” As he spoke + the girl slipped behind me and caught me by the other hand, pressing it as + though beseeching my protection. “Give me up my wife, sir,” he went on. + “Let me take her away from here.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here, you—whatever your name is,” I said sternly; “I don’t + want this wench here. I wish I had never seen her. If she died it would be + no grief to me. But as to handing her over to you, when it is clear she + fears and hates you, I won’t do it. So now just clear your great body out + of this, and leave me to my books. I hope I may never look upon your face + again.” + </p> + <p> + “You won’t give her up to me?” he said hoarsely. + </p> + <p> + “I’ll see you damned first!” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Suppose I take her,” he cried, his dark face growing darker. + </p> + <p> + All my tigerish blood flushed up in a moment. I picked up a billet of wood + from beside the fireplace. “Go,” I said, in a low voice; “go quick, or I + may do you an injury.” He looked at me irresolutely for a moment, and then + he left the house. He came back again in a moment, however, and stood in + the doorway looking in at us. + </p> + <p> + “Have a heed what you do,” he said. “The woman is mine, and I shall have + her. When it comes to blows, a Russian is as good a man as a Scotchman.” + </p> + <p> + “We shall see that,” I cried, springing forward, but he was already gone, + and I could see his tall form moving away through the gathering darkness. + </p> + <p> + For a month or more after this things went smoothly with us. I never spoke + to the Russian girl, nor did she ever address me. Sometimes when I was at + work in my laboratory she would slip inside the door and sit silently + there watching me with her great eyes. At first this intrusion annoyed me, + but by degrees, finding that she made no attempt to distract my attention, + I suffered her to remain. Encouraged by this concession, she gradually + came to move the stool on which she sat nearer and nearer to my table, + until after gaining a little every day during some weeks, she at last + worked her way right up to me, and used to perch herself beside me + whenever I worked. In this position she used, still without ever obtruding + her presence in any way, to make herself very useful by holding my pens, + test-tubes, or bottles, and handing me whatever I wanted, with + never-failing sagacity. By ignoring the fact of her being a human being, + and looking upon her as a useful automatic machine, I accustomed myself to + her presence so far as to miss her on the few occasions when she was not + at her post. I have a habit of talking aloud to myself at times when I + work, so as to fix my results better in my mind. The girl must have had a + surprising memory for sounds, for she could always repeat the words which + I let fall in this way, without, of course, understanding in the least + what they meant. I have often been amused at hearing her discharge a + volley of chemical equations and algebraic symbols at old Madge, and then + burst into a ringing laugh when the crone would shake her head, under the + impression, no doubt, that she was being addressed in Russian. + </p> + <p> + She never went more than a few yards from the house, and indeed never put + her foot over the threshold without looking carefully out of each window + in order to be sure that there was nobody about. By this I knew that she + suspected that her fellow-countryman was still in the neighbourhood, and + feared that he might attempt to carry her off. She did something else + which was significant. I had an old revolver with some cartridges, which + had been thrown away among the rubbish. She found this one day, and at + once proceeded to clean it and oil it. She hung it up near the door, with + the cartridges in a little bag beside it, and whenever I went for a walk, + she would take it down and insist upon my carrying it with me. In my + absence she would always bolt the door. Apart from her apprehensions she + seemed fairly happy, busying herself in helping Madge when she was not + attending upon me. She was wonderfully nimble-fingered and natty in all + domestic duties. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before I discovered that her suspicions were well founded, + and that this man from Archangel was still lurking in the vicinity. Being + restless one night I rose and peered out of the window. The weather was + somewhat cloudy, and I could barely make out the line of the sea, and the + loom of my boat upon the beach. As I gazed, however, and my eyes became + accustomed to the obscurity, I became aware that there was some other dark + blur upon the sands, and that in front of my very door, where certainly + there had been nothing of the sort the preceding night. As I stood at my + diamond-paned lattice still peering and peeping to make out what this + might be, a great bank of clouds rolled slowly away from the face of the + moon, and a flood of cold, clear light was poured down upon the silent bay + and the long sweep of its desolate shores. Then I saw what this was which + haunted my doorstep. It was he, the Russian. He squatted there like a + gigantic toad, with his legs doubled under him in strange Mongolian + fashion, and his eyes fixed apparently upon the window of the room in + which the young girl and the housekeeper slept. The light fell upon his + upturned face, and I saw once more the hawk-like grace of his countenance, + with the single deeply-indented line of care upon his brow, and the + protruding beard which marks the passionate nature. My first impulse was + to shoot him as a trespasser, but, as I gazed, my resentment changed into + pity and contempt. “Poor fool,” I said to myself, “is it then possible + that you, whom I have seen looking open-eyed at present death, should have + your whole thoughts and ambition centred upon this wretched slip of a girl—a + girl, too, who flies from you and hates you. Most women would love you—were + it but for that dark face and great handsome body of yours—and yet + you must needs hanker after the one in a thousand who will have no traffic + with you.” As I returned to my bed I chuckled much to myself over this + thought. I knew that my bars were strong and my bolts thick. It mattered + little to me whether this strange man spent his night at my door or a + hundred leagues off, so long as he was gone by the morning. As I expected, + when I rose and went out there was no sign of him, nor had he left any + trace of his midnight vigil. + </p> + <p> + It was not long, however, before I saw him again. I had been out for a row + one morning, for my head was aching, partly from prolonged stooping, and + partly from the effects of a noxious drug which I had inhaled the night + before. I pulled along the coast some miles, and then, feeling thirsty, I + landed at a place where I knew that a fresh water stream trickled down + into the sea. This rivulet passed through my land, but the mouth of it, + where I found myself that day, was beyond my boundary line. I felt + somewhat taken aback when rising from the stream at which I had slaked my + thirst I found myself face to face with the Russian. I was as much a + trespasser now as he was, and I could see at a glance that he knew it. + </p> + <p> + “I wish to speak a few words to you,” he said gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Hurry up, then!” I answered, glancing at my watch. “I have no time to + listen to chatter.” + </p> + <p> + “Chatter!” he repeated angrily. “Ah, but there. You Scotch people are + strange men. Your face is hard and your words rough, but so are those of + the good fishermen with whom I stay, yet I find that beneath it all there + lie kind honest natures. No doubt you are kind and good, too, in spite of + your roughness.” + </p> + <p> + “In the name of the devil,” I said, “say your say, and go your way. I am + weary of the sight of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Can I not soften you in any way?” he cried. “Ah, see—see here”—he + produced a small Grecian cross from inside his velvet jacket. “Look at + this. Our religions may differ in form, but at least we have some common + thoughts and feelings when we see this emblem.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not so sure of that,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + He looked at me thoughtfully. + </p> + <p> + “You are a very strange man,” he said at last. “I cannot understand you. + You still stand between me and Sophie. It is a dangerous position to take, + sir. Oh, believe me, before it is too late. If you did but know what I + have done to gain that woman—how I have risked my body, how I have + lost my soul! You are a small obstacle to some which I have surmounted—you, + whom a rip with a knife, or a blow from a stone, would put out of my way + for ever. But God preserve me from that,” he cried wildly. “I am deep—too + deep—already. Anything rather than that.” + </p> + <p> + “You would do better to go back to your country,” I said, “than to skulk + about these sand-hills and disturb my leisure. When I have proof that you + have gone away I shall hand this woman over to the protection of the + Russian Consul at Edinburgh. Until then, I shall guard her myself, and not + you, nor any Muscovite that ever breathed, shall take her from me.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is your object in keeping me from Sophie?” he asked. “Do you + imagine that I would injure her? Why, man, I would give my life freely to + save her from the slightest harm. Why do you do this thing?” + </p> + <p> + “I do it because it is my good pleasure to act so,” I answered. “I give no + man reasons for my conduct.” + </p> + <p> + “Look here!” he cried, suddenly blazing into fury, and advancing towards + me with his shaggy mane bristling and his brown hands clenched. “If I + thought you had one dishonest thought towards this girl—if for a + moment I had reason to believe that you had any base motive for detaining + her—as sure as there is a God in Heaven I should drag the heart out + of your bosom with my hands.” The very idea seemed to have put the man in + a frenzy, for his face was all distorted and his hands opened and shut + convulsively. I thought that he was about to spring at my throat. + </p> + <p> + “Stand off,” I said, putting my hand on my pistol. “If you lay a finger on + me I shall kill you.” + </p> + <p> + He put his hand into his pocket, and for a moment I thought he was about + to produce a weapon too, but instead of that he whipped out a cigarette + and lit it, breathing the smoke rapidly into his lungs. + </p> + <p> + No doubt he had found by experience that this was the most effectual way + of curbing his passions. + </p> + <p> + “I told you,” he said in a quieter voice, “that my name is Ourganeff—Alexis + Ourganeff. I am a Finn by birth, but I have spent my life in every part of + the world. I was one who could never be still, nor settle down to a quiet + existence. After I came to own my own ship there is hardly a port from + Archangel to Australia which I have not entered. I was rough and wild and + free, but there was one at home, sir, who was prim and white-handed and + soft-tongued, skilful in little fancies and conceits which women love. + This youth by his wiles and tricks stole from me the love of the girl whom + I had ever marked as my own, and who up to that time had seemed in some + sort inclined to return my passion. I had been on a voyage to Hammerfest + for ivory, and coming back unexpectedly I learned that my pride and + treasure was to be married to this soft-skinned boy, and that the party + had actually gone to the church. In such moments, sir, something gives way + in my head, and I hardly know what I do. I landed with a boat’s crew—all + men who had sailed with me for years, and who were as true as steel. We + went up to the church. They were standing, she and he, before the priest, + but the thing had not been done. I dashed between them and caught her + round the waist. My men beat back the frightened bridegroom and the + lookers on. We bore her down to the boat and aboard our vessel, and then + getting up anchor we sailed away across the White Sea until the spires of + Archangel sank down behind the horizon. She had my cabin, my room, every + comfort. I slept among the men in the forecastle. I hoped that in time her + aversion to me would wear away, and that she would consent to marry me in + England or in France. For days and days we sailed. We saw the North Cape + die away behind us, and we skirted the grey Norwegian coast, but still, in + spite of every attention, she would not forgive me for tearing her from + that pale-faced lover of hers. Then came this cursed storm which shattered + both my ship and my hopes, and has deprived me even of the sight of the + woman for whom I have risked so much. Perhaps she may learn to love me + yet. You, sir,” he said wistfully, “look like one who has seen much of the + world. Do you not think that she may come to forget this man and to love + me?” + </p> + <p> + “I am tired of your story,” I said, turning away. “For my part, I think + you are a great fool. If you imagine that this love of yours will pass + away you had best amuse yourself as best you can until it does. If, on the + other hand, it is a fixed thing, you cannot do better than cut your + throat, for that is the shortest way out of it. I have no more time to + waste on the matter.” With this I hurried away and walked down to the + boat. I never looked round, but I heard the dull sound of his feet upon + the sands as he followed me. + </p> + <p> + “I have told you the beginning of my story,” he said, “and you shall know + the end some day. You would do well to let the girl go.” + </p> + <p> + I never answered him, but pushed the boat off. When I had rowed some + distance out I looked back and saw his tall figure upon the yellow sand as + he stood gazing thoughtfully after me. When I looked again some minutes + later he had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + For a long time after this my life was as regular and as monotonous as it + had been before the shipwreck. At times I hoped that the man from + Archangel had gone away altogether, but certain footsteps which I saw upon + the sand, and more particularly a little pile of cigarette ash which I + found one day behind a hillock from which a view of the house might be + obtained, warned me that, though invisible, he was still in the vicinity. + My relations with the Russian girl remained the same as before. Old Madge + had been somewhat jealous of her presence at first, and seemed to fear + that what little authority she had would be taken away from her. By + degrees, however, as she came to realise my utter indifference, she became + reconciled to the situation, and, as I have said before, profited by it, + as our visitor performed much of the domestic work. + </p> + <p> + And now I am coming near the end of this narrative of mine, which I have + written a great deal more for my own amusement than for that of any one + else. The termination of the strange episode in which these two Russians + had played a part was as wild and as sudden as the commencement. The + events of one single night freed me from all my troubles, and left me once + more alone with my books and my studies, as I had been before their + intrusion. Let me endeavour to describe how this came about. + </p> + <p> + I had had a long day of heavy and wearying work, so that in the evening I + determined upon taking a long walk. When I emerged from the house my + attention was attracted by the appearance of the sea. It lay like a sheet + of glass, so that never a ripple disturbed its surface. Yet the air was + filled with that indescribable moaning sound which I have alluded to + before—a sound as though the spirits of all those who lay beneath + those treacherous waters were sending a sad warning of coming troubles to + their brethren in the flesh. The fishermen’s wives along that coast know + the eerie sound, and look anxiously across the waters for the brown sails + making for the land. When I heard it I stepped back into the house and + looked at the glass. It was down below 29 degrees. Then I knew that a wild + night was coming upon us. + </p> + <p> + Underneath the hills where I walked that evening it was dull and chill, + but their summits were rosy-red, and the sea was brightened by the sinking + sun. There were no clouds of importance in the sky, yet the dull groaning + of the sea grew louder and stronger. I saw, far to the eastward, a brig + beating up for Wick, with a reef in her topsails. It was evident that her + captain had read the signs of nature as I had done. Behind her a long, + lurid haze lay low upon the water, concealing the horizon. “I had better + push on,” I thought to myself, “or the wind may rise before I can get + back.” + </p> + <p> + I suppose I must have been at least half a mile from the house when I + suddenly stopped and listened breathlessly. My ears were so accustomed to + the noises of nature, the sighing of the breeze and the sob of the waves, + that any other sound made itself heard at a great distance. I waited, + listening with all my ears. Yes, there it was again—a long-drawn, + shrill cry of despair, ringing over the sands and echoed back from the + hills behind me—a piteous appeal for aid. It came from the direction + of my house. I turned and ran back homewards at the top of my speed, + ploughing through the sand, racing over the shingle. In my mind there was + a great dim perception of what had occurred. + </p> + <p> + About a quarter of a mile from the house there is a high sand-hill, from + which the whole country round is visible. When I reached the top of this I + paused for a moment. There was the old grey building—there the boat. + Everything seemed to be as I had left it. Even as I gazed, however, the + shrill scream was repeated, louder than before, and the next moment a tall + figure emerged from my door, the figure of the Russian sailor. Over his + shoulder was the white form of the young girl, and even in his haste he + seemed to bear her tenderly and with gentle reverence. I could hear her + wild cries and see her desperate struggles to break away from him. Behind + the couple came my old housekeeper, staunch and true, as the aged dog, who + can no longer bite, still snarls with toothless gums at the intruder. She + staggered feebly along at the heels of the ravisher, waving her long, thin + arms, and hurling, no doubt, volleys of Scotch curses and imprecations at + his head. I saw at a glance that he was making for the boat. A sudden hope + sprang up in my soul that I might be in time to intercept him. I ran for + the beach at the top of my speed. As I ran I slipped a cartridge into my + revolver. This I determined should be the last of these invasions. + </p> + <p> + I was too late. By the time I reached the water’s edge he was a hundred + yards away, making the boat spring with every stroke of his powerful arms. + I uttered a wild cry of impotent anger, and stamped up and down the sands + like a maniac. He turned and saw me. Rising from his seat he made me a + graceful bow, and waved his hand to me. It was not a triumphant or a + derisive gesture. Even my furious and distempered mind recognised it as + being a solemn and courteous leave-taking. Then he settled down to his + oars once more, and the little skiff shot away out over the bay. The sun + had gone down now, leaving a single dull, red streak upon the water, which + stretched away until it blended with the purple haze on the horizon. + Gradually the skiff grew smaller and smaller as it sped across this lurid + band, until the shades of night gathered round it and it became a mere + blur upon the lonely sea. Then this vague loom died away also and darkness + settled over it—a darkness which should never more be raised. + </p> + <p> + And why did I pace the solitary shore, hot and wrathful as a wolf whose + whelp has been torn from it? Was it that I loved this Muscovite girl? No—a + thousand times no. I am not one who, for the sake of a white skin or a + blue eye, would belie my own life, and change the whole tenor of my + thoughts and existence. My heart was untouched. But my pride—ah, + there I had been cruelly wounded. + </p> + <p> + To think that I had been unable to afford protection to the helpless one + who craved it of me, and who relied on me! It was that which made my heart + sick and sent the blood buzzing through my ears. + </p> + <p> + That night a great wind rose up from the sea, and the wild waves shrieked + upon the shore as though they would tear it back with them into the ocean. + The turmoil and the uproar were congenial to my vexed spirit. All night I + wandered up and down, wet with spray and rain, watching the gleam of the + white breakers and listening to the outcry of the storm. My heart was + bitter against the Russian. I joined my feeble pipe to the screaming of + the gale. “If he would but come back again!” I cried with clenched hands; + “if he would but come back!” + </p> + <p> + He came back. When the grey light of morning spread over the eastern sky, + and lit up the great waste of yellow, tossing waters, with the brown + clouds drifting swiftly over them, then I saw him once again. A few + hundred yards off along the sand there lay a long dark object, cast up by + the fury of the waves. It was my boat, much shattered and splintered. A + little further on, a vague, shapeless something was washing to and fro in + the shallow water, all mixed with shingle and with seaweed. I saw at a + glance that it was the Russian, face downwards and dead. I rushed into the + water and dragged him up on to the beach. It was only when I turned him + over that I discovered that she was beneath him, his dead arms encircling + her, his mangled body still intervening between her and the fury of the + storm. It seemed that the fierce German Sea might beat the life from him, + but with all its strength it was unable to tear this one-idea’d man from + the woman whom he loved. There were signs which led me to believe that + during that awful night the woman’s fickle mind had come at last to learn + the worth of the true heart and strong arm which struggled for her and + guarded her so tenderly. Why else should her little head be nestling so + lovingly on his broad breast, while her yellow hair entwined itself with + his flowing beard? Why too should there be that bright smile of ineffable + happiness and triumph, which death itself had not had power to banish from + his dusky face? I fancy that death had been brighter to him than life had + ever been. + </p> + <p> + Madge and I buried them there on the shores of the desolate northern sea. + They lie in one grave deep down beneath the yellow sand. Strange things + may happen in the world around them. Empires may rise and may fall, + dynasties may perish, great wars may come and go, but, heedless of it all, + those two shall embrace each other for ever and aye, in their lonely + shrine by the side of the sounding ocean. I sometimes have thought that + their spirits flit like shadowy sea-mews over the wild waters of the bay. + No cross or symbol marks their resting-place, but old Madge puts wild + flowers upon it at times, and when I pass on my daily walk and see the + fresh blossoms scattered over the sand, I think of the strange couple who + came from afar, and broke for a little space the dull tenor of my sombre + life. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THAT LITTLE SQUARE BOX. + </h2> + <p> + “All aboard?” said the captain. + </p> + <p> + “All aboard, sir!” said the mate. + </p> + <p> + “Then stand by to let her go.” + </p> + <p> + It was nine o’clock on a Wednesday morning. The good ship <i>Spartan</i> was + lying off Boston Quay with her cargo under hatches, her passengers + shipped, and everything prepared for a start. The warning whistle had been + sounded twice; the final bell had been rung. Her bowsprit was turned + towards England, and the hiss of escaping steam showed that all was ready + for her run of three thousand miles. She strained at the warps that held + her like a greyhound at its leash. + </p> + <p> + I have the misfortune to be a very nervous man. A sedentary literary life + has helped to increase the morbid love of solitude which, even in my + boyhood, was one of my distinguishing characteristics. As I stood upon the + quarter-deck of the Transatlantic steamer, I bitterly cursed the necessity + which drove me back to the land of my forefathers. The shouts of the + sailors, the rattle of the cordage, the farewells of my fellow-passengers, + and the cheers of the mob, each and all jarred upon my sensitive nature. I + felt sad too. An indescribable feeling, as of some impending calamity, + seemed to haunt me. The sea was calm, and the breeze light. There was + nothing to disturb the equanimity of the most confirmed of landsmen, yet I + felt as if I stood upon the verge of a great though indefinable danger. I + have noticed that such presentiments occur often in men of my peculiar + temperament, and that they are not uncommonly fulfilled. There is a theory + that it arises from a species of second-sight, a subtle spiritual + communication with the future. I well remember that Herr Raumer, the + eminent spiritualist, remarked on one occasion that I was the most + sensitive subject as regards supernatural phenomena that he had ever + encountered in the whole of his wide experience. Be that as it may, I + certainly felt far from happy as I threaded my way among the weeping, + cheering groups which dotted the white decks of the good ship <i>Spartan</i>. Had + I known the experience which awaited me in the course of the next twelve + hours I should even then at the last moment have sprung upon the shore, + and made my escape from the accursed vessel. + </p> + <p> + “Time’s up!” said the captain, closing his chronometer with a snap, and + replacing it in his pocket. “Time’s up!” said the mate. There was a last + wail from the whistle, a rush of friends and relatives upon the land. One + warp was loosened, the gangway was being pushed away, when there was a + shout from the bridge, and two men appeared, running rapidly down the + quay. They were waving their hands and making frantic gestures, apparently + with the intention of stopping the ship. “Look sharp!” shouted the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Hold hard!” cried the captain. “Ease her! stop her! Up with the gangway!” + and the two men sprang aboard just as the second warp parted, and a + convulsive throb of the engine shot us clear of the shore. There was a + cheer from the deck, another from the quay, a mighty fluttering of + handkerchiefs, and the great vessel ploughed its way out of the harbour, + and steamed grandly away across the placid bay. + </p> + <p> + We were fairly started upon our fortnight’s voyage. There was a general + dive among the passengers in quest of berths and luggage, while a popping + of corks in the saloon proved that more than one bereaved traveller was + adopting artificial means for drowning the pangs of separation. I glanced + round the deck and took a running inventory of my <i>compagnons de voyage</i>. + They presented the usual types met with upon these occasions. There was no + striking face among them. I speak as a connoisseur, for faces are a + specialty of mine. I pounce upon a characteristic feature as a botanist + does on a flower, and bear it away with me to analyse at my leisure, and + classify and label it in my little anthropological museum. There was + nothing worthy of me here. Twenty types of young America going to + “Yurrup,” a few respectable middle-aged couples as an antidote, a + sprinkling of clergymen and professional men, young ladies, bagmen, + British exclusives, and all the <i>olla podrida</i> of an ocean-going steamer. I + turned away from them and gazed back at the receding shores of America, + and, as a cloud of remembrances rose before me, my heart warmed towards + the land of my adoption. A pile of portmanteaus and luggage chanced to be + lying on one side of the deck, awaiting their turn to be taken below. With + my usual love for solitude I walked behind these, and sitting on a coil of + rope between them and the vessel’s side, I indulged in a melancholy + reverie. + </p> + <p> + I was aroused from this by a whisper behind me. “Here’s a quiet place,” + said the voice. “Sit down, and we can talk it over in safety.” + </p> + <p> + Glancing through a chink between two colossal chests, I saw that the + passengers who had joined us at the last moment were standing at the other + side of the pile. They had evidently failed to see me as I crouched in the + shadow of the boxes. The one who had spoken was a tall and very thin man + with a blue-black beard and a colourless face. His manner was nervous and + excited. His companion was a short plethoric little fellow, with a brisk + and resolute air. He had a cigar in his mouth, and a large ulster slung + over his left arm. They both glanced round uneasily, as if to ascertain + whether they were alone. “This is just the place,” I heard the other say. + They sat down on a bale of goods with their backs turned towards me, and I + found myself, much against my will, playing the unpleasant part of + eavesdropper to their conversation. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Müller,” said the taller of the two, “we’ve got it aboard right + enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” assented the man whom he had addressed as Müller, “it’s safe + aboard.” + </p> + <p> + “It was rather a near go.” + </p> + <p> + “It was that, Flannigan.” + </p> + <p> + “It wouldn’t have done to have missed the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “No, it would have put our plans out.” + </p> + <p> + “Ruined them entirely,” said the little man, and puffed furiously at his + cigar for some minutes. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve got it here,” he said at last. + </p> + <p> + “Let me see it.” + </p> + <p> + “Is no one looking?” + </p> + <p> + “No, they are nearly all below.” + </p> + <p> + “We can’t be too careful where so much is at stake,” said Müller, as he + uncoiled the ulster which hung over his arm, and disclosed a dark object + which he laid upon the deck. One glance at it was enough to cause me to + spring to my feet with an exclamation of horror. Luckily they were so + engrossed in the matter on hand that neither of them observed me. Had they + turned their heads they would infallibly have seen my pale face glaring at + them over the pile of boxes. + </p> + <p> + From the first moment of their conversation a horrible misgiving had come + over me. It seemed more than confirmed as I gazed at what lay before me. + It was a little square box made of some dark wood, and ribbed with brass. + I suppose it was about the size of a cubic foot. It reminded me of a + pistol-case, only it was decidedly higher. There was an appendage to it, + however, on which my eyes were riveted, and which suggested the pistol + itself rather than its receptacle. This was a trigger-like arrangement + upon the lid, to which a coil of string was attached. Beside this trigger + there was a small square aperture through the wood. The tall man, + Flannigan, as his companion called him, applied his eye to this, and + peered in for several minutes with an expression of intense anxiety upon + his face. + </p> + <p> + “It seems right enough,” he said at last. + </p> + <p> + “I tried not to shake it,” said his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Such delicate things need delicate treatment. Put in some of the needful, + Müller.” + </p> + <p> + The shorter man fumbled in his pocket for some time, and then produced a + small paper packet. He opened this, and took out of it half a handful of + whitish granules, which he poured down through the hole. A curious + clicking noise followed from the inside of the box, and both the men + smiled in a satisfied way. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing much wrong there,” said Flannigan. + </p> + <p> + “Right as a trivet,” answered his companion. + </p> + <p> + “Look out! here’s some one coming. Take it down to our berth. It wouldn’t + do to have any one suspecting what our game is, or, worse still, have them + fumbling with it, and letting it off by mistake.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, it would come to the same, whoever let it off,” said Müller. + </p> + <p> + “They’d be rather astonished if they pulled the trigger,” said the taller, + with a sinister laugh. “Ha, ha! fancy their faces! It’s not a bad bit of + workmanship, I flatter myself.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” said Müller. “I hear it is your own design, every bit of it, isn’t + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the spring and the sliding shutter are my own.” + </p> + <p> + “We should take out a patent.” + </p> + <p> + And the two men laughed again with a cold harsh laugh, as they took up the + little brass-bound package, and concealed it in Müller’s voluminous + overcoat. + </p> + <p> + “Come down, and we’ll stow it in our berth,” said Flannigan. “We won’t + need it until to-night, and it will be safe there.” + </p> + <p> + His companion assented, and the two went arm-in-arm along the deck and + disappeared down the hatchway, bearing the mysterious little box away with + them. The last words I heard were a muttered injunction from Flannigan to + carry it carefully, and avoid knocking it against the bulwarks. + </p> + <p> + How long I remained sitting on that coil of rope I shall never know. The + horror of the conversation I had just overheard was aggravated by the + first sinking qualms of sea-sickness. The long roll of the Atlantic was + beginning to assert itself over both ship and passengers. I felt + prostrated in mind and in body, and fell into a state of collapse, from + which I was finally aroused by the hearty voice of our worthy + quartermaster. + </p> + <p> + “Do you mind moving out of that, sir?” he said. “We want to get this + lumber cleared off the deck.” + </p> + <p> + His bluff manner and ruddy healthy face seemed to be a positive insult to + me in my present condition. Had I been a courageous or a muscular man I + could have struck him. As it was, I treated the honest sailor to a + melodramatic scowl which seemed to cause him no small astonishment, and + strode past him to the other side of the deck. Solitude was what I wanted—solitude + in which I could brood over the frightful crime which was being hatched + before my very eyes. One of the quarter-boats was hanging rather low down + upon the davits. An idea struck me, and climbing on the bulwarks, I + stepped into the empty boat and lay down in the bottom of it. Stretched on + my back, with nothing but the blue sky above me, and an occasional view of + the mizen as the vessel rolled, I was at least alone with my sickness and + my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + I tried to recall the words which had been spoken in the terrible dialogue + I had overheard. Would they admit of any construction but the one which + stared me in the face? My reason forced me to confess that they would not. + I endeavoured to array the various facts which formed the chain of + circumstantial evidence, and to find a flaw in it; but no, not a link was + missing. There was the strange way in which our passengers had come + aboard, enabling them to evade any examination of their luggage. The very + name of “Flannigan” smacked of Fenianism, while “Müller” suggested nothing + but socialism and murder. Then their mysterious manner; their remark that + their plans would have been ruined had they missed the ship; their fear of + being observed; last, but not least, the clenching evidence in the + production of the little square box with the trigger, and their grim joke + about the face of the man who should let it off by mistake—could + these facts lead to any conclusion other than that they were the desperate + emissaries of some body, political or otherwise, who intended to sacrifice + themselves, their fellow-passengers, and the ship, in one great holocaust? + The whitish granules which I had seen one of them pour into the box formed + no doubt a fuse or train for exploding it. I had myself heard a sound come + from it which might have emanated from some delicate piece of machinery. + But what did they mean by their allusion to to-night? Could it be that + they contemplated putting their horrible design into execution on the very + first evening of our voyage? The mere thought of it sent a cold shudder + over me, and made me for a moment superior even to the agonies of + sea-sickness. + </p> + <p> + I have remarked that I am a physical coward. I am a moral one also. It is + seldom that the two defects are united to such a degree in the one + character. I have known many men who were most sensitive to bodily danger, + and yet were distinguished for the independence and strength of their + minds. In my own case, however, I regret to say that my quiet and retiring + habits had fostered a nervous dread of doing anything remarkable or making + myself conspicuous, which exceeded, if possible, my fear of personal + peril. An ordinary mortal placed under the circumstances in which I now + found myself would have gone at once to the Captain, confessed his fears, + and put the matter into his hands. To me, however, constituted as I am, + the idea was most repugnant. The thought of becoming the observed of all + observers, cross-questioned by a stranger, and confronted with two + desperate conspirators in the character of a denouncer, was hateful to me. + Might it not by some remote possibility prove that I was mistaken? What + would be my feelings if there should turn out to be no grounds for my + accusation? No, I would procrastinate; I would keep my eye on the two + desperadoes and dog them at every turn. Anything was better than the + possibility of being wrong. + </p> + <p> + Then it struck me that even at that moment some new phase of the + conspiracy might be developing itself. The nervous excitement seemed to + have driven away my incipient attack of sickness, for I was able to stand + up and lower myself from the boat without experiencing any return of it. I + staggered along the deck with the intention of descending into the cabin + and finding how my acquaintances of the morning were occupying themselves. + Just as I had my hand on the companion-rail, I was astonished by receiving + a hearty slap on the back, which nearly shot me down the steps with more + haste than dignity. + </p> + <p> + “Is that you, Hammond?” said a voice which I seemed to recognise. + </p> + <p> + “God bless me,” I said, as I turned round, “it can’t be Dick Merton! Why, + how are you, old man?” + </p> + <p> + This was an unexpected piece of luck in the midst of my perplexities. Dick + was just the man I wanted; kindly and shrewd in his nature, and prompt in + his actions, I should have no difficulty in telling him my suspicions, and + could rely upon his sound sense to point out the best course to pursue. + Since I was a little lad in the second form at Harrow, Dick had been my + adviser and protector. He saw at a glance that something had gone wrong + with me. + </p> + <p> + “Hullo!” he said, in his kindly way, “what’s put you about, Hammond? You + look as white as a sheet. <i>Mal de mer</i>, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “No, not that altogether,” said I. “Walk up and down with me, Dick; I want + to speak to you. Give me your arm.” + </p> + <p> + Supporting myself on Dick’s stalwart frame, I tottered along by his side; + but it was some time before I could muster resolution to speak. + </p> + <p> + “Have a cigar,” said he, breaking the silence. + </p> + <p> + “No, thanks,” said I. “Dick, we shall be all corpses to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s no reason against your having a cigar now,” said Dick, in his cool + way, but looking hard at me from under his shaggy eyebrows as he spoke. He + evidently thought that my intellect was a little gone. + </p> + <p> + “No,” I continued, “it’s no laughing matter; and I speak in sober earnest, + I assure you. I have discovered an infamous conspiracy, Dick, to destroy + this ship and every soul that is in her;” and I then proceeded + systematically, and in order, to lay before him the chain of evidence + which I had collected. “There, Dick,” I said, as I concluded, “what do you + think of that? and, above all, what am I to do?” + </p> + <p> + To my astonishment he burst into a hearty fit of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “I’d be frightened,” he said, “if any fellow but you had told me as much. + You always had a way, Hammond, of discovering mares’ nests. I like to see + the old traits breaking out again. Do you remember at school how you swore + there was a ghost in the long room, and how it turned out to be your own + reflection in the mirror. Why, man,” he continued, “what object would any + one have in destroying this ship? We have no great political guns aboard. + On the contrary, the majority of the passengers are Americans. Besides, in + this sober nineteenth century, the most wholesale murderers stop at + including themselves among their victims. Depend upon it, you have + misunderstood them, and have mistaken a photographic camera, or something + equally innocent, for an infernal machine.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing of the sort, sir,” said I, rather touchily “You will learn to + your cost, I fear, that I have neither exaggerated nor misinterpreted a + word. As to the box, I have certainly never before seen one like it. It + contained delicate machinery; of that I am convinced, from the way in + which the men handled it and spoke of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You’d make out every packet of perishable goods to be a torpedo,” said + Dick, “if that is to be your only test.” + </p> + <p> + “The man’s name was Flannigan,” I continued. + </p> + <p> + “I don’t think that would go very far in a court of law,” said Dick; “but + come, I have finished my cigar. Suppose we go down together and split a + bottle of claret. You can point out these two Orsinis to me if they are + still in the cabin.” + </p> + <p> + “All right,” I answered; “I am determined not to lose sight of them all + day. Don’t look hard at them, though, for I don’t want them to think that + they are being watched.” + </p> + <p> + “Trust me,” said Dick; “I’ll look as unconscious and guileless as a lamb;” + and with that we passed down the companion and into the saloon. + </p> + <p> + A good many passengers were scattered about the great central table, some + wrestling with refractory carpet bags and rug-straps, some having their + luncheon, and a few reading and otherwise amusing themselves. The objects + of our quest were not there. We passed down the room and peered into every + berth, but there was no sign of them. “Heavens!” thought I, “perhaps at + this very moment they are beneath our feet, in the hold or engine-room, + preparing their diabolical contrivance!” It was better to know the worst + than to remain in such suspense. + </p> + <p> + “Steward,” said Dick, “are there any other gentlemen about?” + </p> + <p> + “There’s two in the smoking-room, sir,” answered the steward. + </p> + <p> + The smoking-room was a little snuggery, luxuriously fitted up, and + adjoining the pantry. We pushed the door open and entered. A sigh of + relief escaped from my bosom. The very first object on which my eye rested + was the cadaverous face of Flannigan, with its hard-set mouth and + unwinking eye. His companion sat opposite to him. They were both drinking, + and a pile of cards lay upon the table. They were engaged in playing as we + entered. I nudged Dick to show him that we had found our quarry, and we + sat down beside them with as unconcerned an air as possible. The two + conspirators seemed to take little notice of our presence. I watched them + both narrowly. The game at which they were playing was “Napoleon.” Both + were adepts at it, and I could not help admiring the consummate nerve of + men who, with such a secret at their hearts, could devote their minds to + the manipulating of a long suit or the finessing of a queen. Money changed + hands rapidly; but the run of luck seemed to be all against the taller of + the two players. At last he threw down his cards on the table with an + oath, and refused to go on. + </p> + <p> + “No, I’m hanged if I do,” he said; “I haven’t had more than two of a suit + for five hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” said his comrade, as he gathered up his winnings; “a few + dollars one way or the other won’t go very far after to-night’s work.” + </p> + <p> + I was astonished at the rascal’s audacity, but took care to keep my eyes + fixed abstractedly upon the ceiling, and drank my wine in as unconscious a + manner as possible. I felt that Flannigan was looking towards me with his + wolfish eyes to see if I had noticed the allusion. He whispered something + to his companion which I failed to catch. It was a caution, I suppose, for + the other answered rather angrily— + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! Why shouldn’t I say what I like? Over-caution is just what + would ruin us.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you want it not to come off,” said Flannigan. + </p> + <p> + “You believe nothing of the sort,” said the other, speaking rapidly and + loudly. “You know as well as I do that when I play for a stake I like to + win it. But I won’t have my words criticised and cut short by you or any + other man. I have as much interest in our success as you have—more, + I hope.” + </p> + <p> + He was quite hot about it, and puffed furiously at his cigar for some + minutes. The eyes of the other ruffian wandered alternately from Dick + Merton to myself. I knew that I was in the presence of a desperate man, + that a quiver of my lip might be the signal for him to plunge a weapon + into my heart, but I betrayed more self-command than I should have given + myself credit for under such trying circumstances. As to Dick, he was as + immovable and apparently as unconscious as the Egyptian Sphinx. + </p> + <p> + There was silence for some time in the smoking-room, broken only by the + crisp rattle of the cards, as the man Müller shuffled them up before + replacing them in his pocket. He still seemed to be somewhat flushed and + irritable. Throwing the end of his cigar into the spittoon, he glanced + defiantly at his companion and turned towards me. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me, sir,” he said, “when this ship will be heard of again?” + </p> + <p> + They were both looking at me; but though my face may have turned a trifle + paler, my voice was as steady as ever as I answered— + </p> + <p> + “I presume, sir, that it will be heard of first when it enters Queenstown + Harbour.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha!” laughed the angry little man, “I knew you would say that. Don’t + you kick me under the table, Flannigan, I won’t stand it. I know what I am + doing. You are wrong, sir,” he continued, turning to me, “utterly wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Some passing ship, perhaps,” suggested Dick. + </p> + <p> + “No, nor that either.” + </p> + <p> + “The weather is fine,” I said; “why should we not be heard of at our + destination.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t say we shouldn’t be heard of at our destination. Possibly we may + not, and in any case that is not where we shall be heard of first.” + </p> + <p> + “Where then?” asked Dick. + </p> + <p> + “That you shall never know. Suffice it that a rapid and mysterious agency + will signal our whereabouts, and that before the day is out. Ha, ha!” and + he chuckled once again. + </p> + <p> + “Come on deck!” growled his comrade; “you have drunk too much of that + confounded brandy-and-water. It has loosened your tongue. Come away!” and + taking him by the arm he half led him, half forced him out of the + smoking-room, and we heard them stumbling up the companion together, and + on to the deck. + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think now?” I gasped, as I turned towards Dick. He was + as imperturbable as ever. + </p> + <p> + “Think!” he said; “why, I think what his companion thinks, that we have + been listening to the ravings of a half-drunken man. The fellow stunk of + brandy.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, Dick I you saw how the other tried to stop his tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he did. He didn’t want his friend to make a fool of himself + before strangers. Maybe the short one is a lunatic, and the other his + private keeper. It’s quite possible.” + </p> + <p> + “O Dick, Dick,” I cried, “how can you be so blind! Don’t you see that + every word confirmed our previous suspicion?” + </p> + <p> + “Humbug, man!” said Dick; “you’re working yourself into a state of nervous + excitement. Why, what the devil do you make of all that nonsense about a + mysterious agent which would signal our whereabouts?” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll tell you what he meant, Dick,” I said, bending forward and grasping + my friend’s arm. “He meant a sudden glare and a flash seen far out at sea + by some lonely fisherman off the American coast. That’s what he meant.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn’t think you were such a fool, Hammond,” said Dick Merton testily. + “If you try to fix a literal meaning on the twaddle that every drunken man + talks, you will come to some queer conclusions. Let us follow their + example, and go on deck. You need fresh air, I think. Depend upon it, your + liver is out of order. A sea-voyage will do you a world of good.” + </p> + <p> + “If ever I see the end of this one,” I groaned, “I’ll promise never to + venture on another. They are laying the cloth, so it’s hardly worth while + my going up. I’ll stay below and unpack my things.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope dinner will find you in a more pleasant state of mind,” said Dick; + and he went out, leaving me to my thoughts until the clang of the great + gong summoned us to the saloon. + </p> + <p> + My appetite, I need hardly say, had not been improved by the incidents + which had occurred during the day. I sat down, however, mechanically at + the table, and listened to the talk which was going on around me. There + were nearly a hundred first-class passengers, and as the wine began to + circulate, their voices combined with the clash of the dishes to form a + perfect Babel. I found myself seated between a very stout and nervous old + lady and a prim little clergyman; and as neither made any advances I + retired into my shell, and spent my time in observing the appearance of my + fellow-voyagers. I could see Dick in the dim distance dividing his + attentions between a jointless fowl in front of him and a self-possessed + young lady at his side. Captain Dowie was doing the honours at my end, + while the surgeon of the vessel was seated at the other. I was glad to + notice that Flannigan was placed almost opposite to me. As long as I had + him before my eyes I knew that, for the time at least, we were safe. He + was sitting with what was meant to be a sociable smile on his grim face. + It did not escape me that he drank largely of wine—so largely that + even before the dessert appeared his voice had become decidedly husky. His + friend Müller was seated a few places lower down. He ate little, and + appeared to be nervous and restless. + </p> + <p> + “Now, ladies,” said our genial Captain, “I trust that you will consider + yourselves at home aboard my vessel. I have no fears for the gentlemen. A + bottle of champagne, steward. Here’s to a fresh breeze and a quick + passage! I trust our friends in America will hear of our safe arrival in + eight days, or in nine at the very latest.” + </p> + <p> + I looked up. Quick as was the glance which passed between Flannigan and + his confederate, I was able to intercept it. There was an evil smile upon + the former’s thin lips. + </p> + <p> + The conversation rippled on. Politics, the sea, amusements, religion, each + was in turn discussed. I remained a silent though an interested listener. + It struck me that no harm could be done by introducing the subject which + was ever in my mind. It could be managed in an off-hand way, and would at + least have the effect of turning the Captain’s thoughts in that direction. + I could watch, too, what effect it would have upon the faces of the + conspirators. + </p> + <p> + There was a sudden lull in the conversation. The ordinary subjects of + interest appeared to be exhausted. The opportunity was a favourable one. + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, Captain,” I said, bending forward and speaking very + distinctly, “what you think of Fenian manifestoes?” + </p> + <p> + The Captain’s ruddy face became a shade darker from honest indignation. + </p> + <p> + “They are poor cowardly things,” he said, “as silly as they are wicked.” + </p> + <p> + “The impotent threats of a set of anonymous scoundrels,” said a + pompous-looking old gentleman beside him. + </p> + <p> + “O Captain!” said the fat lady at my side, “you don’t really think they + would blow up a ship?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no doubt they would if they could. But I am very sure they shall + never blow up mine.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask what precautions are taken against them?” asked an elderly man + at the end of the table. + </p> + <p> + “All goods sent aboard the ship are strictly examined,” said Captain + Dowie. + </p> + <p> + “But suppose a man brought explosives aboard with him?” I suggested. + </p> + <p> + “They are too cowardly to risk their own lives in that way.” + </p> + <p> + During this conversation Flannigan had not betrayed the slightest interest + in what was going on. He raised his head now and looked at the Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t you think you are rather underrating them?” he said. “Every secret + society has produced desperate men—why shouldn’t the Fenians have + them too? Many men think it a privilege to die in the service of a cause + which seems right in their eyes, though others may think it wrong.” + </p> + <p> + “Indiscriminate murder cannot be right in anybody’s eyes,” said the little + clergyman. + </p> + <p> + “The bombardment of Paris was nothing else,” said Flannigan; “yet the + whole civilised world agreed to look on with folded arms, and change the + ugly word ‘murder’ into the more euphonious one of ‘war.’ It seemed right + enough to German eyes; why shouldn’t dynamite seem so to the Fenian?” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate their empty vapourings have led to nothing as yet,” said the + Captain. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” returned Flannigan, “but is there not some room for doubt yet + as to the fate of the <i>Dotterel</i>? I have met men in America who asserted + from their own personal knowledge that there was a coal torpedo aboard + that vessel.” + </p> + <p> + “Then they lied,” said the Captain. “It was proved conclusively at the + court-martial to have arisen from an explosion of coal-gas—but we + had better change the subject, or we may cause the ladies to have a + restless night;” and the conversation once more drifted back into its + original channel. + </p> + <p> + During this little discussion Flannigan had argued his point with a + gentlemanly deference and a quiet power for which I had not given him + credit. I could not help admiring a man who, on the eve of a desperate + enterprise, could courteously argue upon a point which must touch him so + nearly. He had, as I have already mentioned, partaken of a considerable + quantity of wine; but though there was a slight flush upon his pale cheek, + his manner was as reserved as ever. He did not join in the conversation + again, but seemed to be lost in thought. + </p> + <p> + A whirl of conflicting ideas was battling in my own mind. What was I to + do? Should I stand up now and denounce them before both passengers and + Captain? Should I demand a few minutes’ conversation with the latter in + his own cabin, and reveal it all? For an instant I was half resolved to do + it, but then the old constitutional timidity came back with redoubled + force. After all there might be some mistake. Dick had heard the evidence + and had refused to believe in it. I determined to let things go on their + course. A strange reckless feeling came over me. Why should I help men who + were blind to their own danger? Surely it was the duty of the officers to + protect us, not ours to give warning to them. I drank off a couple of + glasses of wine, and staggered upon deck with the determination of keeping + my secret locked in my own bosom. + </p> + <p> + It was a glorious evening. Even in my excited state of mind I could not + help leaning against the bulwarks and enjoying the refreshing breeze. Away + to the westward a solitary sail stood out as a dark speck against the + great sheet of flame left by the setting sun. I shuddered as I looked at + it. It was grand but appalling. A single star was twinkling faintly above + our mainmast, but a thousand seemed to gleam in the water below with every + stroke of our propeller. The only blot in the fair scene was the great + trail of smoke which stretched away behind us like a black slash upon a + crimson curtain. It was hard to believe that the great peace which hung + over all Nature could be marred by a poor miserable mortal. + </p> + <p> + “After all,” I thought, as I gazed into the blue depths beneath me, “if + the worst comes to the worst, it is better to die here than to linger in + agony upon a sick-bed on land.” A man’s life seems a very paltry thing + amid the great forces of Nature. All my philosophy could not prevent my + shuddering, however, when I turned my head and saw two shadowy figures at + the other side of the deck, which I had no difficulty in recognising. They + seemed to be conversing earnestly, but I had no opportunity of overhearing + what was said; so I contented myself with pacing up and down, and keeping + a vigilant watch upon their movements. + </p> + <p> + It was a relief to me when Dick came on deck. Even an incredulous + confidant is better than none at all. + </p> + <p> + “Well, old man,” he said, giving me a facetious dig in the ribs, “we’ve + not been blown up yet.” + </p> + <p> + “No, not yet,” said I; “but that’s no proof that we are not going to be.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, man!” said Dick; “I can’t conceive what has put this + extraordinary idea into your head. I have been talking to one of your + supposed assassins, and he seems a pleasant fellow enough; quite a + sporting character, I should think, from the way he speaks.” + </p> + <p> + “Dick,” I said, “I am as certain that those men have an infernal machine, + and that we are on the verge of eternity, as if I saw them putting the + match to the fuse.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, if you really think so,” said Dick, half awed for the moment by the + earnestness of my manner, “it is your duty to let the Captain know of your + suspicions.” + </p> + <p> + “You are right,” I said; “I will. My absurd timidity has prevented my + doing so sooner. I believe our lives can only be saved by laying the whole + matter before him.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, go and do it now,” said Dick; “but for goodness’ sake don’t mix me + up in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll speak to him when he comes off the bridge,” I answered; “and in the + meantime I don’t mean to lose sight of them.” + </p> + <p> + “Let me know of the result,” said my companion; and with a nod he strolled + away in search, I fancy, of his partner at the dinner-table. + </p> + <p> + Left to myself, I bethought me of my retreat of the morning, and climbing + on the bulwark I mounted into the quarter-boat, and lay down there. In it + I could reconsider my course of action, and by raising my head I was able + at any time to get a view of my disagreeable neighbours. + </p> + <p> + An hour passed, and the Captain was still on the bridge. He was talking to + one of the passengers, a retired naval officer, and the two were deep in + debate concerning some abstruse point in navigation. I could see the red + tips of their cigars from where I lay. It was dark now, so dark that I + could hardly make out the figures of Flannigan and his accomplice. They + were still standing in the position which they had taken up after dinner. + A few of the passengers were scattered about the deck, but many had gone + below. A strange stillness seemed to pervade the air. The voices of the + watch and the rattle of the wheel were the only sounds which broke the + silence. + </p> + <p> + Another half-hour passed. The Captain was still upon the bridge. It seemed + as if he would never come down. My nerves were in a state of unnatural + tension, so much so that the sound of two steps upon the deck made me + start up in a quiver of excitement. I peered over the edge of the boat, + and saw that our suspicious passengers had crossed from the other side, + and were standing almost directly beneath me. The light of a binnacle fell + full upon the ghastly face of the ruffian Flannigan. Even in that short + glance I saw that Müller had the ulster, whose use I knew so well, slung + loosely over his arm. I sank back with a groan. It seemed that my fatal + procrastination had sacrificed two hundred innocent lives. + </p> + <p> + I had read of the fiendish vengeance which awaited a spy. I knew that men + with their lives in their hands would stick at nothing. All I could do was + to cower at the bottom of the boat and listen silently to their whispered + talk below. + </p> + <p> + “This place will do,” said a voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the leeward side is best.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder if the trigger will act?” + </p> + <p> + “I am sure it will.” + </p> + <p> + “We were to let it off at ten, were we not?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, at ten sharp. We have eight minutes yet.” There was a pause. Then + the voice began again— + </p> + <p> + “They’ll hear the drop of the trigger, won’t they?” + </p> + <p> + “It doesn’t matter. It will be too late for any one to prevent its going + off.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s true. There will be some excitement among those we have left + behind, won’t there?” + </p> + <p> + “Rather. How long do you reckon it will be before they hear of us?” + </p> + <p> + “The first news will get in at about midnight at earliest.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be my doing.” + </p> + <p> + “No, mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha! we’ll settle that.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause here. Then I heard Müller’s voice in a ghastly whisper, + “There’s only five minutes more.” + </p> + <p> + How slowly the moments seemed to pass! I could count them by the throbbing + of my heart. + </p> + <p> + “It’ll make a sensation on land,” said a voice. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, it will make a noise in the newspapers.” + </p> + <p> + I raised my head and peered over the side of the boat. There seemed no + hope, no help. Death stared me in the face, whether I did or did not give + the alarm. The Captain had at last left the bridge. The deck was deserted, + save for those two dark figures crouching in the shadow of the boat. + </p> + <p> + Flannigan had a watch lying open in his hand. + </p> + <p> + “Three minutes more,” he said. “Put it down upon the deck.” + </p> + <p> + “No, put it here on the bulwarks.” + </p> + <p> + It was the little square box. I knew by the sound that they had placed it + near the davit, and almost exactly under my head. + </p> + <p> + I looked over again. Flannigan was pouring something out of a paper into + his hand. It was white and granular—the same that I had seen him use + in the morning. It was meant as a fuse, no doubt, for he shovelled it into + the little box, and I heard the strange noise which had previously + arrested my attention. + </p> + <p> + “A minute and a half more,” he said. “Shall you or I pull the string?” + </p> + <p> + “I will pull it,” said Müller. + </p> + <p> + He was kneeling down and holding the end in his hand. Flannigan stood + behind with his arms folded, and an air of grim resolution upon his face. + </p> + <p> + I could stand it no longer. My nervous system seemed to give way in a + moment. + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” I screamed, springing to my feet. “Stop misguided and unprincipled + men!” + </p> + <p> + They both staggered backwards. I fancy they thought I was a spirit, with + the moonlight streaming down upon my pale face. + </p> + <p> + I was brave enough now. I had gone too far to retreat. + </p> + <p> + “Cain was damned,” I cried, “and he slew but one; would you have the blood + of two hundred upon your souis?” + </p> + <p> + “He’s mad!” said Flannigan. “Time’s up. Let it off, Müller.” I sprang down + upon the deck. + </p> + <p> + “You shan’t do it!” I said. + </p> + <p> + “By what right do you prevent us?” + </p> + <p> + “By every right, human and divine.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s no business of yours. Clear out of this.” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Confound the fellow! There’s too much at stake to stand on ceremony. I’ll + hold him, Müller, while you pull the trigger.” + </p> + <p> + Next moment I was struggling in the herculean grasp of the Irishman. + Resistance was useless; I was a child in his hands. + </p> + <p> + He pinned me up against the side of the vessel, and held me there. + </p> + <p> + “Now,” he said, “look sharp. He can’t prevent us.” + </p> + <p> + I felt that I was standing on the verge of eternity. Half-strangled in the + arms of the taller ruffian, I saw the other approach the fatal box. He + stooped over it and seized the string. I breathed one prayer when I saw + his grasp tighten upon it. Then came a sharp snap, a strange rasping + noise. The trigger had fallen, the side of the box flew out, and let off—TWO + GREY CARRIER PIGEONS! + </p> + <p> + Little more need be said. It is not a subject on which I care to dwell. + The whole thing is too utterly disgusting and absurd. Perhaps the best + thing I can do is to retire gracefully from the scene, and let the + sporting correspondent of the New York Herald fill my unworthy place. Here + is an extract clipped from its columns shortly after our departure from + America:— + </p> + <p> + “Pigeon-flying Extraordinary.—A novel match has been brought off + last week between the birds of John H. Flannigan, of Boston, and Jeremiah + Müller, a well-known citizen of Lowell. Both men have devoted much time + and attention to an improved breed of bird, and the challenge is an + old-standing one. The pigeons were backed to a large amount, and there was + considerable local interest in the result. The start was from the deck of + the Transatlantic steamship <i>Spartan</i>, at ten o’clock on the evening of the + day of starting, the vessel being then reckoned to be about a hundred + miles from the land. The bird which reached home first was to be declared + the winner. Considerable caution had, we believe, to be observed, as some + captains have a prejudice against the bringing off of sporting events + aboard their vessels. In spite of some little difficulty at the last + moment, the trap was sprung almost exactly at ten o’clock. + </p> + <p> + “Müller’s bird arrived in Lowell in an extreme state of exhaustion on the + following morning, while Flannigan’s has not been heard of. The backers of + the latter have the satisfaction of knowing, however, that the whole + affair has been characterised by extreme fairness. The pigeons were + confined in a specially invented trap, which could only be opened by the + spring. It was thus possible to feed them through an aperture in the top, + but any tampering with their wings was quite out of the question. A few + such matches would go far towards popularising pigeon-flying in America, + and form an agreeable variety to the morbid exhibitions of human endurance + which have assumed such proportions during the last few years.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JOHN HUXFORD’S HIATUS. + </h2> + <p> + Strange it is and wonderful to mark how upon this planet of ours the + smallest and most insignificant of events set a train of consequences in + motion which act and react until their final results are portentous and + incalculable. Set a force rolling, however small; and who can say where it + shall end, or what it may lead to! Trifles develop into tragedies, and the + bagatelle of one day ripens into the catastrophe of the next. An oyster + throws out a secretion to surround a grain of sand, and so a pearl comes + into being; a pearl diver fishes it up, a merchant buys it and sells it to + a jeweller, who disposes of it to a customer. The customer is robbed of it + by two scoundrels who quarrel over the booty. One slays the other, and + perishes himself upon the scaffold. Here is a direct chain of events with + a sick mollusc for its first link, and a gallows for its last one. Had + that grain of sand not chanced to wash in between the shells of the + bivalve, two living breathing beings with all their potentialities for + good and for evil would not have been blotted out from among their + fellows. Who shall undertake to judge what is really small and what is + great? + </p> + <p> + Thus when in the year 1821 Don Diego Salvador bethought him that if it + paid the heretics in England to import the bark of his cork oaks, it would + pay him also to found a factory by which the corks might be cut and sent + out ready made, surely at first sight no very vital human interests would + appear to be affected. Yet there were poor folk who would suffer, and + suffer acutely—women who would weep, and men who would become sallow + and hungry-looking and dangerous in places of which the Don had never + heard, and all on account of that one idea which had flashed across him as + he strutted, cigarettiferous, beneath the grateful shadow of his limes. So + crowded is this old globe of ours, and so interlaced our interests, that + one cannot think a new thought without some poor devil being the better or + the worse for it. + </p> + <p> + Don Diego Salvador was a capitalist, and the abstract thought soon took + the concrete form of a great square plastered building wherein a couple of + hundred of his swarthy countrymen worked with deft nimble fingers at a + rate of pay which no English artisan could have accepted. Within a few + months the result of this new competition was an abrupt fall of prices in + the trade, which was serious for the largest firms and disastrous for the + smaller ones. A few old-established houses held on as they were, others + reduced their establishments and cut down their expenses, while one or two + put up their shutters and confessed themselves beaten. In this last + unfortunate category was the ancient and respected firm of Fairbairn + Brothers of Brisport. + </p> + <p> + Several causes had led up to this disaster, though Don Diego’s debut as a + corkcutter had brought matters to a head. When a couple of generations + back the original Fairbairn had founded the business, Brisport was a + little fishing town with no outlet or occupation for her superfluous + population. Men were glad to have safe and continuous work upon any terms. + All this was altered now, for the town was expanding into the centre of a + large district in the west, and the demand for labour and its remuneration + had proportionately increased. Again, in the old days, when carriage was + ruinous and communication slow, the vintners of Exeter and of Barnstaple + were glad to buy their corks from their neighbour of Brisport; but now the + large London houses sent down their travellers, who competed with each + other to gain the local custom, until profits were cut down to the + vanishing point. For a long time the firm had been in a precarious + position, but this further drop in prices settled the matter, and + compelled Mr. Charles Fairbairn, the acting manager, to close his + establishment. + </p> + <p> + It was a murky, foggy Saturday afternoon in November when the hands were + paid for the last time, and the old building was to be finally abandoned. + Mr. Fairbairn, an anxious-faced, sorrow-worn man, stood on a raised dais + by the cashier while he handed the little pile of hardly-earned shillings + and coppers to each successive workman as the long procession filed past + his table. It was usual with the employees to clatter away the instant + that they had been paid, like so many children let out of school; but + to-day they waited, forming little groups over the great dreary room, and + discussing in subdued voices the misfortune which had come upon their + employers, and the future which awaited themselves. When the last pile of + coins had been handed across the table, and the last name checked by the + cashier, the whole throng faced silently round to the man who had been + their master, and waited expectantly for any words which he might have to + say to them. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Charles Fairbairn had not expected this, and it embarrassed him. He + had waited as a matter of routine duty until the wages were paid, but he + was a taciturn, slow-witted man, and he had not foreseen this sudden call + upon his oratorical powers. He stroked his thin cheek nervously with his + long white fingers, and looked down with weak watery eyes at the mosaic of + upturned serious faces. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry that we have to part, my men,” he said at last in a crackling + voice. “It’s a bad day for all of us, and for Brisport too. For three + years we have been losing money over the works. We held on in the hope of + a change coming, but matters are going from bad to worse. There’s nothing + for it but to give it up before the balance of our fortune is swallowed + up. I hope you may all be able to get work of some sort before very long. + Good-bye, and God bless you!” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, sir! God bless you!” cried a chorus of rough voices. + “Three cheers for Mr. Charles Fairbairn!” shouted a bright-eyed, smart + young fellow, springing up upon a bench and waving his peaked cap in the + air. The crowd responded to the call, but their huzzas wanted the true + ring which only a joyous heart can give. Then they began to flock out into + the sunlight, looking back as they went at the long deal tables and the + cork-strewn floor—above all at the sad-faced, solitary man, whose + cheeks were flecked with colour at the rough cordiality of their farewell. + </p> + <p> + “Huxford,” said the cashier, touching on the shoulder the young fellow who + had led the cheering; “the governor wants to speak to you.” + </p> + <p> + The workman turned back and stood swinging his cap awkwardly in front of + his ex-employer, while the crowd pushed on until the doorway was clear, + and the heavy fog-wreaths rolled unchecked into the deserted factory. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, John!” said Mr. Fairbairn, coming suddenly out of his reverie and + taking up a letter from the table. “You have been in my service since you + were a boy, and you have shown that you merited the trust which I have + placed in you. From what I have heard I think I am right in saying that + this sudden want of work will affect your plans more than it will many of + my other hands.” + </p> + <p> + “I was to be married at Shrovetide,” the man answered, tracing a pattern + upon the table with his horny forefinger. “I’ll have to find work first.” + </p> + <p> + “And work, my poor fellow, is by no means easy to find. You see you have + been in this groove all your life, and are unfit for anything else. It’s + true you’ve been my foreman, but even that won’t help you, for the + factories all over England are discharging hands, and there’s not a + vacancy to be had. It’s a bad outlook for you and such as you.” + </p> + <p> + “What would you advise, then, sir?” asked John Huxford. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I was coming to. I have a letter here from Sheridan and + Moore, of Montreal, asking for a good hand to take charge of a workroom. + If you think it will suit you, you can go out by the next boat. The wages + are far in excess of anything which I have been able to give you.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, this is real kind of you,” the young workman said earnestly. + “She—my girl—Mary, will be as grateful to you as I am. I know + what you say is right, and that if I had to look for work I should be + likely to spend the little that I have laid by towards housekeeping before + I found it. But, sir, with your leave I’d like to speak to her about it + before I made up my mind. Could you leave it open for a few hours?” + </p> + <p> + “The mail goes out to-morrow,” Mr. Fairbairn answered. “If you decide to + accept you can write tonight. Here is their letter, which will give you + their address.” + </p> + <p> + John Huxford took the precious paper with a grateful heart. An hour ago + his future had been all black, but now this rift of light had broken in + the west, giving promise of better things. He would have liked to have + said something expressive of his feelings to his employer, but the English + nature is not effusive, and he could not get beyond a few choking awkward + words which were as awkwardly received by his benefactor. With a scrape + and a bow, he turned on his heel, and plunged out into the foggy street. + </p> + <p> + So thick was the vapour that the houses over the way were only a vague + loom, but the foreman hurried on with springy steps through side streets + and winding lanes, past walls where the fishermen’s nets were drying, and + over cobble-stoned alleys redolent of herring, until he reached a modest + line of whitewashed cottages fronting the sea. At the door of one of these + the young man tapped, and then without waiting for a response, pressed + down the latch and walked in. + </p> + <p> + An old silvery-haired woman and a young girl hardly out of her teens were + sitting on either side of the fire, and the latter sprang to her feet as + he entered. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve got some good news, John,” she cried, putting her hands upon his + shoulders, and looking into his eyes. “I can tell it from your step. Mr. + Fairbairn is going to carry on after all.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dear, not so good as that,” John Huxford answered, smoothing back her + rich brown hair; “but I have an offer of a place in Canada, with good + money, and if you think as I do, I shall go out to it, and you can follow + with the granny whenever I have made all straight for you at the other + side. What say you to that, my lass?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, surely, John, what you think is right must be for the best,” said + the girl quietly, with trust and confidence in her pale plain face and + loving hazel eyes. “But poor granny, how is she to cross the seas?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, never mind about me,” the old woman broke in cheerfully. “I’ll be no + drag on you. If you want granny, granny’s not too old to travel; and if + you don’t want her, why she can look after the cottage, and have an + English home ready for you whenever you turn back to the old country.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course we shall need you, granny,” John Huxford said, with a cheery + laugh. “Fancy leaving granny behind! That would never do! Mary! But if you + both come out, and if we are married all snug and proper at Montreal, + we’ll look through the whole city until we find a house something like + this one, and we’ll have creepers on the outside just the same, and when + the doors are shut and we sit round the fire on the winter’s nights, I’m + hanged if we’ll be able to tell that we’re not at home. Besides, Mary, + it’s the same speech out there, and the same king and the same flag; it’s + not like a foreign country.” + </p> + <p> + “No, of course not,” Mary answered with conviction. She was an orphan with + no living relation save her old grandmother, and no thought in life but to + make a helpful and worthy wife to the man she loved. Where these two were + she could not fail to find happiness. If John went to Canada, then Canada + became home to her, for what had Brisport to offer when he was gone? + </p> + <p> + “I’m to write to-night then and accept?” the young man asked. “I knew you + would both be of the same mind as myself, but of course I couldn’t close + with the offer until we had talked it over. I can get started in a week or + two, and then in a couple of months I’ll have all ready for you on the + other side.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be a weary, weary time until we hear from you, dear John,” said + Mary, clasping his hand; “but it’s God’s will, and we must be patient. + Here’s pen and ink. You can sit at the table and write the letter which is + to take the three of us across the Atlantic.” Strange how Don Diego’s + thoughts were moulding human lives in the little Devon village. + </p> + <p> + The acceptance was duly despatched, and John Huxford began immediately to + prepare for his departure, for the Montreal firm had intimated that the + vacancy was a certainty, and that the chosen man might come out without + delay to take over his duties. In a very few days his scanty outfit was + completed, and he started off in a coasting vessel for Liverpool, where he + was to catch the passenger ship for Quebec. + </p> + <p> + “Remember, John,” Mary whispered, as he pressed her to his heart upon the + Brisport quay, “the cottage is our own, and come what may, we have always + that to fall back upon. If things should chance to turn out badly over + there, we have always a roof to cover us. There you will find me until you + send word to us to come.” + </p> + <p> + “And that will be very soon, my lass,” he answered cheerfully, with a last + embrace. “Good-bye, granny, good-bye.” The ship was a mile and more from + the land before he lost sight of the figures of the straight slim girl and + her old companion, who stood watching and waving to him from the end of + the grey stone quay. It was with a sinking heart and a vague feeling of + impending disaster that he saw them at last as minute specks in the + distance, walking townward and disappearing amid the crowd who lined the + beach. + </p> + <p> + From Liverpool the old woman and her granddaughter received a letter from + John announcing that he was just starting in the barque St. Lawrence, and + six weeks afterwards a second longer epistle informed them of his safe + arrival at Quebec, and gave them his first impressions of the country. + After that a long unbroken silence set in. Week after week and month after + month passed by, and never a word came from across the seas. A year went + over their heads, and yet another, but no news of the absentee. Sheridan + and Moore were written to, and replied that though John Huxford’s letter + had reached them, he had never presented himself, and they had been forced + to fill up the vacancy as best they could. Still Mary and her grandmother + hoped against hope, and looked out for the letter-carrier every morning + with such eagerness, that the kind-hearted man would often make a detour + rather than pass the two pale anxious faces which peered at him from the + cottage window. At last, three years after the young foreman’s + disappearance, old granny died, and Mary was left alone, a broken + sorrowful woman, living as best she might on a small annuity which had + descended to her, and eating her heart out as she brooded over the mystery + which hung over the fate of her lover. + </p> + <p> + Among the shrewd west-country neighbours there had long, however, ceased + to be any mystery in the matter. Huxford arrived safely in Canada—so + much was proved by his letter. Had he met with his end in any sudden way + during the journey between Quebec and Montreal, there must have been some + official inquiry, and his luggage would have sufficed to have established + his identity. Yet the Canadian police had been communicated with, and had + returned a positive answer that no inquest had been held, or any body + found, which could by any possibility be that of the young Englishman. The + only alternative appeared to be that he had taken the first opportunity to + break all the old ties, and had slipped away to the backwoods or to the + States to commence life anew under an altered name. Why he should do this + no one professed to know, but that he had done it appeared only too + probable from the facts. Hence many a deep growl of righteous anger rose + from the brawny smacksmen when Mary with her pale face and sorrow-sunken + head passed along the quays on her way to her daily marketing; and it is + more than likely that if the missing man had turned up in Brisport he + might have met with some rough words or rougher usage, unless he could + give some very good reason for his strange conduct. This popular view of + the case never, however, occurred to the simple trusting heart of the + lonely girl, and as the years rolled by her grief and her suspense were + never for an instant tinged with a doubt as to the good faith of the + missing man. From youth she grew into middle age, and from that into the + autumn of her life, patient, long-suffering, and faithful, doing good as + far as lay in her power, and waiting humbly until fate should restore + either in this world or the next that which it had so mysteriously + deprived her of. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime neither the opinion held by the minority that John Huxford + was dead, nor that of the majority, which pronounced him to be faithless, + represented the true state of the case. Still alive, and of stainless + honour, he had yet been singled out by fortune as her victim in one of + those strange freaks which are of such rare occurrence, and so beyond the + general experience, that they might be put by as incredible, had we not + the most trustworthy evidence of their occasional possibility. + </p> + <p> + Landing at Quebec, with his heart full of hope and courage, John selected + a dingy room in a back street, where the terms were less exorbitant than + elsewhere, and conveyed thither the two boxes which contained his worldly + goods. After taking up his quarters there he had half a mind to change + again, for the landlady and the fellow-lodgers were by no means to his + taste; but the Montreal coach started within a day or two, and he consoled + himself by the thought that the discomfort would only last for that short + time. Having written home to Mary to announce his safe arrival, he + employed himself in seeing as much of the town as was possible, walking + about all day, and only returning to his room at night. + </p> + <p> + It happened, however, that the house on which the unfortunate youth had + pitched was one which was notorious for the character of its inmates. He + had been directed to it by a pimp, who found regular employment in hanging + about the docks and decoying new-comers to this den. The fellow’s specious + manner and proffered civility had led the simple-hearted west-countryman + into the toils, and though his instinct told him that he was in unsafe + company, he refrained, unfortunately, from at once making his escape. He + contented himself with staying out all day, and associating as little as + possible with the other inmates. From the few words which he did let drop, + however, the landlady gathered that he was a stranger without a single + friend in the country to inquire after him should misfortune overtake him. + </p> + <p> + The house had an evil reputation for the hocussing of sailors, which was + done not only for the purpose of plundering them, but also to supply + outgoing ships with crews, the men being carried on board insensible, and + not coming to until the ship was well down the St. Lawrence. This trade + caused the wretches who followed it to be experts in the use of stupefying + drugs, and they determined to practise their arts upon their friendless + lodger, so as to have an opportunity of ransacking his effects, and of + seeing what it might be worth their while to purloin. During the day he + invariably locked his door and carried off the key in his pocket, but if + they could render him insensible for the night they could examine his + boxes at their leisure, and deny afterwards that he had ever brought with + him the articles which he missed. It happened, therefore, upon the eve of + Huxford’s departure from Quebec, that he found, upon returning to his + lodgings, that his landlady and her two ill-favoured sons, who assisted + her in her trade, were waiting up for him over a bowl of punch, which they + cordially invited him to share. It was a bitterly cold night, and the + fragrant steam overpowered any suspicions which the young Englishman may + have entertained, so he drained off a bumper, and then, retiring to his + bedroom, threw himself upon his bed without undressing, and fell straight + into a dreamless slumber, in which he still lay when the three + conspirators crept into his chamber, and, having opened his boxes, began + to investigate his effects. + </p> + <p> + It may have been that the speedy action of the drug caused its effect to + be evanescent, or, perhaps, that the strong constitution of the victim + threw it off with unusual rapidity. Whatever the cause, it is certain that + John Huxford suddenly came to himself, and found the foul trio squatted + round their booty, which they were dividing into the two categories of + what was of value and should be taken, and what was valueless and might + therefore be left. With a bound he sprang out of bed, and seizing the + fellow nearest him by the collar, he slung him through the open doorway. + His brother rushed at him, but the young Devonshire man met him with such + a facer that he dropped in a heap upon the ground. Unfortunately, the + violence of the blow caused him to overbalance himself, and, tripping over + his prostrate antagonist, he came down heavily upon his face. Before he + could rise, the old hag sprang upon his back and clung to him, shrieking + to her son to bring the poker. John managed to shake himself clear of them + both, but before he could stand on his guard he was felled from behind by + a crashing blow from an iron bar, which stretched him senseless upon the + floor. + </p> + <p> + “You’ve hit too hard, Joe,” said the old woman, looking down at the + prostrate figure. “I heard the bone go.” + </p> + <p> + “If I hadn’t fetched him down he’d ha’ been too many for us,” said the + young villain sulkily. + </p> + <p> + “Still, you might ha’ done it without killing him, clumsy,” said his + mother. She had had a large experience of such scenes, and knew the + difference between a stunning blow and a fatal one. + </p> + <p> + “He’s still breathing,” the other said, examining him; “the back o’ his + head’s like a bag o’ dice though. The skull’s all splintered. He can’t + last. What are we to do?” + </p> + <p> + “He’ll never come to himself again,” the other brother remarked. “Sarve + him right. Look at my face! Let’s see, mother; who’s in the house?” + </p> + <p> + “Only four drunk sailors.” + </p> + <p> + “They wouldn’t turn out for any noise. It’s all quiet in the street. Let’s + carry him down a bit, Joe, and leave him there. He can die there, and no + one think the worse of us.” + </p> + <p> + “Take all the papers out of his pocket, then,” the mother suggested; “they + might help the police to trace him. His watch, too, and his money—£3 + odd; better than nothing. Now carry him softly and don’t slip.” + </p> + <p> + Kicking off their shoes, the two brothers carried the dying man down + stairs and along the deserted street for a couple of hundred yards. There + they laid him among the snow, where he was found by the night patrol, who + carried him on a shutter to the hospital. He was duly examined by the + resident surgeon, who bound up the wounded head, but gave it as his + opinion that the man could not possibly live for more than twelve hours. + </p> + <p> + Twelve hours passed, however, and yet another twelve, but John Huxford + still struggled hard for his life. When at the end of three days he was + found to be still breathing, the interest of the doctors became aroused at + his extraordinary vitality, and they bled him, as the fashion was in those + days, and surrounded his shattered head with icebags. It may have been on + account of these measures, or it may have been in spite of them, but at + the end of a week’s deep trance the nurse in charge was astonished to hear + a gabbling noise, and to find the stranger sitting up upon the couch and + staring about him with wistful, wondering eyes. The surgeons were summoned + to behold the phenomenon, and warmly congratulated each other upon the + success of their treatment. + </p> + <p> + “You have been on the brink of the grave, my man,” said one of them, + pressing the bandaged head back on to the pillow; “you must not excite + yourself. What is your name?” + </p> + <p> + No answer, save a wild stare. + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from?” + </p> + <p> + Again no answer. + </p> + <p> + “He is mad,” one suggested. “Or a foreigner,” said another. “There were no + papers on him when he came in. His linen is marked ‘J. H.’ Let us try him + in French and German.” + </p> + <p> + They tested him with as many tongues as they could muster among them, but + were compelled at last to give the matter over and to leave their silent + patient, still staring up wild-eyed at the whitewashed hospital ceiling. + </p> + <p> + For many weeks John lay in the hospital, and for many weeks efforts were + made to gain some clue as to his antecedents, but in vain. He showed, as + the time rolled by, not only by his demeanour, but also by the + intelligence with which he began to pick up fragments of sentences, like a + clever child learning to talk, that his mind was strong enough in the + present, though it was a complete blank as to the past. The man’s memory + of his whole life before the fatal blow was entirely and absolutely + erased. He neither knew his name, his language, his home, his business, + nor anything else. The doctors held learned consultations upon him, and + discoursed upon the centre of memory and depressed tables, deranged + nerve-cells and cerebral congestions, but all their polysyllables began + and ended at the fact that the man’s memory was gone, and that it was + beyond the power of science to restore it. During the weary months of his + convalescence he picked up reading and writing, but with the return of his + strength came no return of his former life. England, Devonshire, Brisport, + Mary, Granny—the words brought no recollection to his mind. All was + absolute darkness. At last he was discharged, a friendless, tradeless, + penniless man, without a past, and with very little to look to in the + future. His very name was altered, for it had been necessary to invent + one. John Huxford had passed away, and John Hardy took his place among + mankind. Here was a strange outcome of a Spanish gentleman’s + tobacco-inspired meditations. + </p> + <p> + John’s case had aroused some discussion and curiosity in Quebec, so that + he was not suffered to drift into utter helplessness upon emerging from + the hospital. A Scotch manufacturer named M‘Kinlay found him a post as + porter in his establishment, and for a long time he worked at seven + dollars a week at the loading and unloading of vans. In the course of + years it was noticed, however, that his memory, however defective as to + the past, was extremely reliable and accurate when concerned with anything + which had occurred since his accident. From the factory he was promoted + into the counting-house, and the year 1835 found him a junior clerk at a + salary of L120 a year. Steadily and surely John Hardy fought his way + upward from post to post, with his whole heart and mind devoted to the + business. In 1840 he was third clerk, in 1845 he was second, and in 1852 + he became manager of the whole vast establishment, and second only to Mr. + M‘Kinlay himself. + </p> + <p> + There were few who grudged John this rapid advancement, for it was + obviously due to neither chance nor favouritism, but entirely to his + marvellous powers of application and industry. From early morning until + late in the night he laboured hard in the service of his employer, + checking, overlooking, superintending, setting an example to all of + cheerful devotion to duty. As he rose from one post to another his salary + increased, but it caused no alteration in his mode of living, save that it + enabled him to be more open-handed to the poor. He signalised his + promotion to the managership by a donation of L1000 to the hospital in + which he had been treated a quarter of a century before. The remainder of + his earnings he allowed to accumulate in the business, drawing a small sum + quarterly for his sustenance, and still residing in the humble dwelling + which he had occupied when he was a warehouse porter. In spite of his + success he was a sad, silent, morose man, solitary in his habits, and + possessed always of a vague undefined yearning, a dull feeling of + dissatisfaction and of craving which never abandoned him. Often he would + strive with his poor crippled brain to pierce the curtain which divided + him from the past, and to solve the enigma of his youthful existence, but + though he sat many a time by the fire until his head throbbed with his + efforts, John Hardy could never recall the least glimpse of John Huxford’s + history. + </p> + <p> + On one occasion he had, in the interests of the firm, to journey to + Quebec, and to visit the very cork factory which had tempted him to leave + England. Strolling through the workroom with the foreman, John + automatically, and without knowing what he was doing, picked up a square + piece of the bark, and fashioned it with two or three deft cuts of his + penknife into a smooth tapering cork. His companion picked it out of his + hand and examined it with the eye of an expert. “This is not the first + cork which you have cut by many a hundred, Mr. Hardy,” he remarked. + “Indeed you are wrong,” John answered, smiling; “I never cut one before in + my life.” “Impossible!” cried the foreman. “Here’s another bit of cork. + Try again.” John did his best to repeat the performance, but the brains of + the manager interfered with the trained muscles of the corkcutter. The + latter had not forgotten their cunning, but they needed to be left to + themselves, and not directed by a mind which knew nothing of the matter. + Instead of the smooth graceful shape, he could produce nothing but + rough-hewn clumsy cylinders. “It must have been chance,” said the foreman, + “but I could have sworn that it was the work of an old hand!” + </p> + <p> + As the years passed John’s smooth English skin had warped and crinkled + until he was as brown and as seamed as a walnut. His hair, too, after many + years of iron-grey, had finally become as white as the winters of his + adopted country. Yet he was a hale and upright old man, and when he at + last retired from the manager-ship of the firm with which he had been so + long connected, he bore the weight of his seventy years lightly and + bravely. He was in the peculiar position himself of not knowing his own + age, as it was impossible for him to do more than guess at how old he was + at the time of his accident. + </p> + <p> + The Franco-German War came round, and while the two great rivals were + destroying each other, their more peaceful neighbours were quietly ousting + them out of their markets and their commerce. Many English ports benefited + by this condition of things, but none more than Brisport. It had long + ceased to be a fishing village, but was now a large and prosperous town, + with a great breakwater in place of the quay on which Mary had stood, and + a frontage of terraces and grand hotels where all the grandees of the west + country came when they were in need of a change. All these extensions had + made Brisport the centre of a busy trade, and her ships found their way + into every harbour in the world. Hence it was no wonder, especially in + that very busy year of 1870, that several Brisport vessels were lying in + the river and alongside the wharves of Quebec. + </p> + <p> + One day John Hardy, who found time hang a little on his hands since his + retirement from business, strolled along by the water’s edge listening to + the clanking of the steam winches, and watching the great barrels and + cases as they were swung ashore and piled upon the wharf. He had observed + the coming in of a great ocean steamer, and having waited until she was + safely moored, he was turning away, when a few words fell upon his ear + uttered by some one on board a little weather-beaten barque close by him. + It was only some commonplace order that was bawled out, but the sound fell + upon the old man’s ears with a strange mixture of disuse and familiarity. + He stood by the vessel and heard the seamen at their work, all speaking + with the same broad, pleasant jingling accent. Why did it send such a + thrill through his nerves to listen to it? He sat down upon a coil of rope + and pressed his hands to his temples, drinking in the long-forgotten + dialect, and trying to piece together in his mind the thousand half-formed + nebulous recollections which were surging up in it. Then he rose, and + walking along to the stern he read the name of the ship, The Sunlight, + Brisport. Brisport! Again that flush and tingle through every nerve. Why + was that word and the men’s speech so familiar to him? He walked moodily + home, and all night he lay tossing and sleepless, pursuing a shadowy + something which was ever within his reach, and yet which ever evaded him. + </p> + <p> + Early next morning he was up and down on the wharf listening to the talk + of the west-country sailors. Every word they spoke seemed to him to revive + his memory and bring him nearer to the light. From time to time they + paused in their work, and seeing the white-haired stranger sitting so + silently and attentively, they laughed at him and broke little jests upon + him. And even these jests had a familiar sound to the exile, as they very + well might, seeing that they were the same which he had heard in his + youth, for no one ever makes a new joke in England. So he sat through the + long day, bathing himself in the west-country speech, and waiting for the + light to break. + </p> + <p> + And it happened that when the sailors broke off for their mid-day meal, + one of them, either out of curiosity or good nature, came over to the old + watcher and greeted him. So John asked him to be seated on a log by his + side, and began to put many questions to him about the country from which + he came, and the town. All which the man answered glibly enough, for there + is nothing in the world that a sailor loves to talk of so much as of his + native place, for it pleases him to show that he is no mere wanderer, but + that he has a home to receive him whenever he shall choose to settle down + to a quiet life. So the seaman prattled away about the Town Hall and the + Martello Tower, and the Esplanade, and Pitt Street and the High Street, + until his companion suddenly shot out a long eager arm and caught him by + the wrist. “Look here, man,” he said, in a low quick whisper. “Answer me + truly as you hope for mercy. Are not the streets that run out of the High + Street, Fox Street, Caroline Street, and George Street, in the order + named?” “They are,” the sailor answered, shrinking away from the wild + flashing eyes. And at that moment John’s memory came back to him, and he + saw clear and distinct his life as it had been and as it should have been, + with every minutest detail traced as in letters of fire. Too stricken to + cry out, too stricken to weep, he could only hurry away homewards wildly + and aimlessly; hurry as fast as his aged limbs would carry him, as if, + poor soul! there were some chance yet of catching up the fifty years which + had gone by. Staggering and tremulous he hastened on until a film seemed + to gather over his eyes, and throwing his arms into the air with a great + cry, “Oh, Mary, Mary! Oh, my lost, lost life!” he fell senseless upon the + pavement. + </p> + <p> + The storm of emotion which had passed through him, and the mental shock + which he had undergone, would have sent many a man into a raging fever, + but John was too strong-willed and too practical to allow his strength to + be wasted at the very time when he needed it most. Within a few days he + realised a portion of his property, and starting for New York, caught the + first mail steamer to England. Day and night, night and day, he trod the + quarter-deck, until the hardy sailors watched the old man with + astonishment, and marvelled how any human being could do so much upon so + little sleep. It was only by this unceasing exercise, by wearing down his + vitality until fatigue brought lethargy, that he could prevent himself + from falling into a very frenzy of despair. He hardly dared ask himself + what was the object of this wild journey? What did he expect? Would Mary + be still alive? She must be a very old woman. If he could but see her and + mingle his tears with hers he would be content. Let her only know that it + had been no fault of his, and that they had both been victims to the same + cruel fate. The cottage was her own, and she had said that she would wait + for him there until she heard from him. Poor lass, she had never reckoned + on such a wait as this. + </p> + <p> + At last the Irish lights were sighted and passed, Land’s End lay like a + blue fog upon the water, and the great steamer ploughed its way along the + bold Cornish coast until it dropped its anchor in Plymouth Bay. John + hurried to the railway station, and within a few hours he found himself + back once more in his native town, which he had quitted a poor corkcutter, + half a century before. + </p> + <p> + But was it the same town? Were it not for the name engraved all over the + station and on the hotels, John might have found a difficulty in believing + it. The broad, well-paved streets, with the tram lines laid down the + centre, were very different from the narrow winding lanes which he could + remember. The spot upon which the station had been built was now the very + centre of the town, but in the old days it would have been far out in the + fields. In every direction, lines of luxurious villas branched away in + streets and crescents bearing names which were new to the exile. Great + warehouses, and long rows of shops with glittering fronts, showed him how + enormously Brisport had increased in wealth as well as in dimensions. It + was only when he came upon the old High Street that John began to feel at + home. It was much altered, but still it was recognisable, and some few of + the buildings were just as he had left them. There was the place where + Fairbairn’s cork works had been. It was now occupied by a great brand-new + hotel. And there was the old grey Town Hall. The wanderer turned down + beside it, and made his way with eager steps but a sinking heart in the + direction of the line of cottages which he used to know so well. + </p> + <p> + It was not difficult for him to find where they had been. The sea at least + was as of old, and from it he could tell where the cottages had stood. But + alas, where were they now! In their place an imposing crescent of high + stone houses reared their tall front to the beach. John walked wearily + down past their palatial entrances, feeling heart-sore and despairing, + when suddenly a thrill shot through him, followed by a warm glow of + excitement and of hope, for, standing a little back from the line, and + looking as much out of place as a bumpkin in a ballroom, was an old + whitewashed cottage, with wooden porch and walls bright with creeping + plants. He rubbed his eyes and stared again, but there it stood with its + diamond-paned windows and white muslin curtains, the very same down to the + smallest details, as it had been on the day when he last saw it. Brown + hair had become white, and fishing hamlets had changed into cities, but + busy hands and a faithful heart had kept granny’s cottage unchanged and + ready for the wanderer. + </p> + <p> + And now, when he had reached his very haven of rest, John Huxford’s mind + became more filled with apprehension than ever, and he came over so deadly + sick, that he had to sit down upon one of the beach benches which faced + the cottage. An old fisherman was perched at one end of it, smoking his + black clay pipe, and he remarked upon the wan face and sad eyes of the + stranger. + </p> + <p> + “You have overtired yourself,” he said. “It doesn’t do for old chaps like + you and me to forget our years.” + </p> + <p> + “I’m better now, thank you,” John answered. “Can you tell me, friend, how + that one cottage came among all those fine houses?” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” said the old fellow, thumping his crutch energetically upon the + ground, “that cottage belongs to the most obstinate woman in all England. + That woman, if you’ll believe me, has been offered the price of the + cottage ten times over, and yet she won’t part with it. They have even + promised to remove it stone by stone, and put it up on some more + convenient place, and pay her a good round sum into the bargain, but, God + bless you! she wouldn’t so much as hear of it.” + </p> + <p> + “And why was that?” asked John. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that’s just the funny part of it. It’s all on account of a mistake. + You see her spark went away when I was a youngster, and she’s got it into + her head that he may come back some day, and that he won’t know where to + go unless the cottage is there. Why, if the fellow were alive he would be + as old as you, but I’ve no doubt he’s dead long ago. She’s well quit of + him, for he must have been a scamp to abandon her as he did.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, he abandoned her, did he?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes—went off to the States, and never so much as sent a word to bid + her good-bye. It was a cruel shame, it was, for the girl has been + a-waiting and a-pining for him ever since. It’s my belief that it’s fifty + years’ weeping that blinded her.” + </p> + <p> + “She is blind!” cried John, half rising to his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Worse than that,” said the fisherman. “She’s mortal ill, and not expected + to live. Why, look ye, there’s the doctor’s carriage a-waiting at her + door.” + </p> + <p> + At this evil tidings old John sprang up and hurried over to the cottage, + where he met the physician returning to his brougham. + </p> + <p> + “How is your patient, doctor?” he asked in a trembling voice. + </p> + <p> + “Very bad, very bad,” said the man of medicine pompously. “If she + continues to sink she will be in great danger; but if, on the other hand, + she takes a turn, it is possible that she may recover,” with which + oracular answer he drove away in a cloud of dust. + </p> + <p> + John Huxford was still hesitating at the doorway, not knowing how to + announce himself, or how far a shock might be dangerous to the sufferer, + when a gentleman in black came bustling up. + </p> + <p> + “Can you tell me, my man, if this is where the sick woman is?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + John nodded, and the clergyman passed in, leaving the door half open. The + wanderer waited until he had gone into the inner room, and then slipped + into the front parlour, where he had spent so many happy hours. All was + the same as ever, down to the smallest ornaments, for Mary had been in the + habit whenever anything was broken of replacing it with a duplicate, so + that there might be no change in the room. He stood irresolute, looking + about him, until he heard a woman’s voice from the inner chamber, and + stealing to the door he peeped in. + </p> + <p> + The invalid was reclining upon a couch, propped up with pillows, and her + face was turned full towards John as he looked round the door. He could + have cried out as his eyes rested upon it, for there were Mary’s pale, + plain, sweet homely features as smooth and as unchanged as though she were + still the half child, half woman, whom he had pressed to his heart on the + Brisport quay. Her calm, eventless, unselfish life had left none of those + rude traces upon her countenance which are the outward emblems of internal + conflict and an unquiet soul. A chaste melancholy had refined and softened + her expression, and her loss of sight had been compensated for by that + placidity which comes upon the faces of the blind. With her silvery hair + peeping out beneath her snow-white cap, and a bright smile upon her + sympathetic face, she was the old Mary improved and developed, with + something ethereal and angelic superadded. + </p> + <p> + “You will keep a tenant in the cottage,” she was saying to the clergyman, + who sat with his back turned to the observer. “Choose some poor deserving + folk in the parish who will be glad of a home free. And when he comes you + will tell him that I have waited for him until I have been forced to go + on, but that he will find me on the other side still faithful and true. + There’s a little money too—only a few pounds—but I should like + him to have it when he comes, for he may need it, and then you will tell + the folk you put in to be kind to him, for he will be grieved, poor lad, + and to tell him that I was cheerful and happy up to the end. Don’t let him + know that I ever fretted, or he may fret too.” + </p> + <p> + Now John listened quietly to all this from behind the door, and more than + once he had to put his hand to his throat, but when she had finished, and + when he thought of her long, blameless, innocent life, and saw the dear + face looking straight at him, and yet unable to see him, it became too + much for his manhood, and he burst out into an irrepressible choking sob + which shook his very frame. And then occurred a strange thing, for though + he had spoken no word, the old woman stretched out her arms to him, and + cried, “Oh, Johnny, Johnny! Oh dear, dear Johnny, you have come back to me + again,” and before the parson could at all understand what had happened, + those two faithful lovers were in each other’s arms, weeping over each + other, and patting each other’s silvery heads, with their hearts so full + of joy that it almost compensated for all that weary fifty years of + waiting. + </p> + <p> + It is hard to say how long they rejoiced together. It seemed a very short + time to them and a very long one to the reverend gentleman, who was + thinking at last of stealing away, when Mary recollected his presence and + the courtesy which was due to him. “My heart is full of joy, sir,” she + said; “it is God’s will that I should not see my Johnny, but I can call + his image up as clear as if I had my eyes. Now stand up, John, and I will + let the gentleman see how well I remember you. He is as tall, sir, as the + second shelf, as straight as an arrow, his face brown, and his eyes bright + and clear. His hair is well-nigh black, and his moustache the same—I + shouldn’t wonder if he had whiskers as well by this time. Now, sir, don’t + you think I can do without my sight?” The clergyman listened to her + description, and looking at the battered, white-haired man before him, he + hardly knew whether to laugh or to cry. + </p> + <p> + But it all proved to be a laughing matter in the end, for, whether it was + that her illness had taken some natural turn, or that John’s return had + startled it away, it is certain that from that day Mary steadily improved + until she was as well as ever. “No special license for me,” John had said + sturdily. “It looks as if we were ashamed of what we are doing, as though + we hadn’t the best right to be married of any two folk in the parish.” So + the banns were put up accordingly, and three times it was announced that + John Huxford, bachelor, was going to be united to Mary Howden, spinster, + after which, no one objecting, they were duly married accordingly. “We may + not have very long in this world,” said old John, “but at least we shall + start fair and square in the next.” + </p> + <p> + John’s share in the Quebec business was sold out, and gave rise to a very + interesting legal question as to whether, knowing that his name was + Huxford, he could still sign that of Hardy, as was necessary for the + completion of the business. It was decided, however, that on his producing + two trustworthy witnesses to his identity all would be right, so the + property was duly realised and produced a very handsome fortune. Part of + this John devoted to building a pretty villa just outside Brisport, and + the heart of the proprietor of Beach Terrace leaped within him when he + learned that the cottage was at last to be abandoned, and that it would no + longer break the symmetry and impair the effect of his row of aristocratic + mansions. + </p> + <p> + And there in their snug new home, sitting out on the lawn in the + summer-time, and on either side of the fire in the winter, that worthy old + couple continued for many years to live as innocently and as happily as + two children. Those who knew them well say that there was never a shadow + between them, and that the love which burned in their aged hearts was as + high and as holy as that of any young couple who ever went to the altar. + And through all the country round, if ever man or woman were in distress + and fighting against hard times, they had only to go up to the villa to + receive help, and that sympathy which is more precious than help. So when + at last John and Mary fell asleep in their ripe old age, within a few + hours of each other, they had all the poor and the needy and the + friendless of the parish among their mourners, and in talking over the + troubles which these two had faced so bravely, they learned that their own + miseries also were but passing things, and that faith and truth can never + miscarry, either in this existence or the next. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CYPRIAN OVERBECK WELLS—A LITERARY MOSAIC. + </h2> + <p> + From my boyhood I have had an intense and overwhelming conviction that my + real vocation lay in the direction of literature. I have, however, had a + most unaccountable difficulty in getting any responsible person to share + my views. It is true that private friends have sometimes, after listening + to my effusions, gone the length of remarking, “Really, Smith, that’s not + half bad!” or, “You take my advice, old boy, and send that to some + magazine!” but I have never on these occasions had the moral courage to + inform my adviser that the article in question had been sent to well-nigh + every publisher in London, and had come back again with a rapidity and + precision which spoke well for the efficiency of our postal arrangements. + </p> + <p> + Had my manuscripts been paper boomerangs they could not have returned with + greater accuracy to their unhappy dispatcher. Oh, the vileness and utter + degradation of the moment when the stale little cylinder of closely + written pages, which seemed so fresh and full of promise a few days ago, + is handed in by a remorseless postman! And what moral depravity shines + through the editor’s ridiculous plea of “want of space!” But the subject + is a painful one, and a digression from the plain statement of facts which + I originally contemplated. + </p> + <p> + From the age of seventeen to that of three-and-twenty I was a literary + volcano in a constant state of eruption. Poems and tales, articles and + reviews, nothing came amiss to my pen. From the great sea-serpent to the + nebular hypothesis, I was ready to write on anything or everything, and I + can safely say that I seldom handled a subject without throwing new lights + upon it. Poetry and romance, however, had always the greatest attractions + for me. How I have wept over the pathos of my heroines, and laughed at the + comicalities of my buffoons! Alas! I could find no one to join me in my + appreciation, and solitary admiration for one’s self, however genuine, + becomes satiating after a time. My father remonstrated with me too on the + score of expense and loss of time, so that I was finally compelled to + relinquish my dreams of literary independence and to become a clerk in a + wholesale mercantile firm connected with the West African trade. + </p> + <p> + Even when condemned to the prosaic duties which fell to my lot in the + office, I continued faithful to my first love. I have introduced pieces of + word-painting into the most commonplace business letters which have, I am + told, considerably astonished the recipients. My refined sarcasm has made + defaulting creditors writhe and wince. Occasionally, like the great Silas + Wegg, I would drop into poetry, and so raise the whole tone of the + correspondence. Thus what could be more elegant than my rendering of the + firm’s instructions to the captain of one of their vessels. It ran in this + way:— + </p> +<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"> + “From England, Captain, you must steer a<br /> + Course directly to Madeira,<br /> + Land the casks of salted beef,<br /> + Then away to Teneriffe.<br /> + Pray be careful, cool, and wary<br /> + With the merchants of Canary.<br /> + When you leave them make the most<br /> + Of the trade winds to the coast.<br /> + Down it you shall sail as far<br /> + As the land of Calabar,<br /> + And from there you’ll onward go<br /> + To Bonny and Fernando Po”—— + </div></div> + <p style="text-indent:0%;"> + and so on for four pages. The captain, instead of treasuring up this + little gem, called at the office next day, and demanded with quite + unnecessary warmth what the thing meant, and I was compelled to translate + it all back into prose. On this, as on other similar occasions, my + employer took me severely to task—for he was, you see, a man + entirely devoid of all pretensions to literary taste! + </p> + <p> + All this, however, is a mere preamble, and leads up to the fact that after + ten years or so of drudgery I inherited a legacy which, though small, was + sufficient to satisfy my simple wants. Finding myself independent, I + rented a quiet house removed from the uproar and bustle of London, and + there I settled down with the intention of producing some great work which + should single me out from the family of the Smiths, and render my name + immortal. To this end I laid in several quires of foolscap, a box of quill + pens, and a sixpenny bottle of ink, and having given my housekeeper + injunctions to deny me to all visitors, I proceeded to look round for a + suitable subject. + </p> + <p> + I was looking round for some weeks. At the end of that time I found that I + had by constant nibbling devoured a large number of the quills, and had + spread the ink out to such advantage, what with blots, spills, and + abortive commencements, that there appeared to be some everywhere except + in the bottle. As to the story itself, however, the facility of my youth + had deserted me completely, and my mind remained a complete blank; nor + could I, do what I would, excite my sterile imagination to conjure up a + single incident or character. + </p> + <p> + In this strait I determined to devote my leisure to running rapidly + through the works of the leading English novelists, from Daniel Defoe to + the present day, in the hope of stimulating my latent ideas and of getting + a good grasp of the general tendency of literature. For some time past I + had avoided opening any work of fiction because one of the greatest faults + of my youth had been that I invariably and unconsciously mimicked the + style of the last author whom I had happened to read. Now, however, I made + up my mind to seek safety in a multitude, and by consulting <i>all</i> the + English classics to avoid?? the danger of imitating any one too closely. I + had just accomplished the task of reading through the majority of the + standard novels at the time when my narrative commences. + </p> + <p> + It was, then, about twenty minutes to ten on the night of the fourth of + June, eighteen hundred and eighty-six, that, after disposing of a pint of + beer and a Welsh rarebit for my supper, I seated myself in my arm-chair, + cocked my feet upon a stool, and lit my pipe, as was my custom. Both my + pulse and my temperature were, as far as I know, normal at the time. I + would give the state of the barometer, but that unlucky instrument had + experienced an unprecedented fall of forty-two inches—from a nail to + the ground—and was not in a reliable condition. We live in a + scientific age, and I flatter myself that I move with the times. + </p> + <p> + Whilst in that comfortable lethargic condition which accompanies both + digestion and poisoning by nicotine, I suddenly became aware of the + extraordinary fact that my little drawing-room had elongated into a great + salon, and that my humble table had increased in proportion. Round this + colossal mahogany were seated a great number of people who were talking + earnestly together, and the surface in front of them was strewn with books + and pamphlets. I could not help observing that these persons were dressed + in a most extraordinary mixture of costumes, for those at the end nearest + to me wore peruke wigs, swords, and all the fashions of two centuries + back; those about the centre had tight knee-breeches, high cravats, and + heavy bunches of seals; while among those at the far side the majority + were dressed in the most modern style, and among them I saw, to my + surprise, several eminent men of letters whom I had the honour of knowing. + There were two or three women in the company. I should have risen to my + feet to greet these unexpected guests, but all power of motion appeared to + have deserted me, and I could only lie still and listen to their + conversation, which I soon perceived to be all about myself. + </p> + <p> + “Egad!” exclaimed a rough, weather-beaten man, who was smoking a long + churchwarden pipe at my end of the table, “my heart softens for him. Why, + gossips, we’ve been in the same straits ourselves. Gadzooks, never did + mother feel more concern for her eldest born than I when Rory Random went + out to make his own way in the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Right, Tobias, right!” cried another man, seated at my very elbow. + </p> + <p> + “By my troth, I lost more flesh over poor Robin on his island, than had I + the sweating sickness twice told. The tale was well-nigh done when in + swaggers my Lord of Rochester—a merry gallant, and one whose word in + matters literary might make or mar. ‘How now, Defoe,’ quoth he, ‘hast a + tale on hand?’ ‘Even so, your lordship,’ I returned. ‘A right merry one, I + trust,’ quoth he. ‘Discourse unto me concerning thy heroine, a comely + lass, Dan, or I mistake.’ ‘Nay,’ I replied, ‘there is no heroine in the + matter.’ ‘Split not your phrases,’ quoth he; ‘thou weighest every word + like a scald attorney. Speak to me of thy principal female character, be + she heroine or no.’ ‘My lord,’ I answered, ‘there is no female character.’ + ‘Then out upon thyself and thy book too!’ he cried. ‘Thou hadst best burn + it!’—and so out in great dudgeon, whilst I fell to mourning over my + poor romance, which was thus, as it were, sentenced to death before its + birth. Yet there are a thousand now who have read of Robin and his man + Friday, to one who has heard of my Lord of Rochester.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Defoe,” said a genial-looking man in a red waistcoat, who was + sitting at the modern end of the table. “But all this won’t help our good + friend Smith in making a start at his story, which, I believe, was the + reason why we assembled.” + </p> + <p> + “The Dickens it is!” stammered a little man beside him, and everybody + laughed, especially the genial man, who cried out, “Charley Lamb, Charley + Lamb, you’ll never alter. You would make a pun if you were hanged for it.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be a case of haltering,” returned the other, on which + everybody laughed again. + </p> + <p> + By this time I had begun to dimly realise in my confused brain the + enormous honour which had been done me. The greatest masters of fiction in + every age of English letters had apparently made a rendezvous beneath my + roof, in order to assist me in my difficulties. There were many faces at + the table whom I was unable to identify; but when I looked hard at others + I often found them to be very familiar to me, whether from paintings or + from mere description. Thus between the first two speakers, who had + betrayed themselves as Defoe and Smollett, there sat a dark, saturnine + corpulent old man, with harsh prominent features, who I was sure could be + none other than the famous author of Gulliver. There were several others + of whom I was not so sure, sitting at the other side of the table, but I + conjecture that both Fielding and Richardson were among them, and I could + swear to the lantern-jaws and cadaverous visage of Lawrence Sterne. Higher + up I could see among the crowd the high forehead of Sir Walter Scott, the + masculine features of George Eliott, and the flattened nose of Thackeray; + while amongst the living I recognised James Payn, Walter Besant, the lady + known as “Ouida,” Robert Louis Stevenson, and several of lesser note. + Never before, probably, had such an assemblage of choice spirits gathered + under one roof. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said Sir Walter Scott, speaking with a pronounced accent, “ye ken + the auld proverb, sirs, ‘Ower mony cooks,’ or as the Border minstrel sang— + </p> +<div class="poetry"><div class="poem"> + ‘Black Johnstone wi’ his troopers ten<br /> +     Might mak’ the heart turn cauld,<br /> +  But Johnstone when he’s a’ alane<br /> +     Is waur ten thoosand fauld.’ +</div></div> + <p> + The Johnstones were one of the Redesdale families, second cousins of the + Armstrongs, and connected by marriage to——” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps, Sir Walter,” interrupted Thackeray, “you would take the + responsibility off our hands by yourself dictating the commencement of a + story to this young literary aspirant.” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na!” cried Sir Walter; “I’ll do my share, but there’s Chairlie over + there as full o’ wut as a Radical’s full o’ treason. He’s the laddie to + give a cheery opening to it.” + </p> + <p> + Dickens was shaking his head, and apparently about to refuse the honour, + when a voice from among the moderns—I could not see who it was for + the crowd—said: + </p> + <p> + “Suppose we begin at the end of the table and work round, any one + contributing a little as the fancy seizes him?” + </p> + <p> + “Agreed! agreed!” cried the whole company; and every eye was turned on + Defoe, who seemed very uneasy, and filled his pipe from a great + tobacco-box in front of him. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, gossips,” he said, “there are others more worthy——” But + he was interrupted by loud cries of “No! no!” from the whole table; and + Smollett shouted out, “Stand to it, Dan—stand to it! You and I and + the Dean here will make three short tacks just to fetch her out of + harbour, and then she may drift where she pleases.” Thus encouraged, Defoe + cleared his throat, and began in this way, talking between the puffs of + his pipe:— + </p> + <p> + “My father was a well-to-do yeoman of Cheshire, named Cyprian Overbeck, + but, marrying about the year 1617, he assumed the name of his wife’s + family, which was Wells; and thus I, their eldest son, was named Cyprian + Overbeck Wells. The farm was a very fertile one, and contained some of the + best grazing land in those parts, so that my father was enabled to lay by + money to the extent of a thousand crowns, which he laid out in an + adventure to the Indies with such surprising success that in less than + three years it had increased fourfold. Thus encouraged, he bought a part + share of the trader, and, fitting her out once more with such commodities + as were most in demand (viz., old muskets, hangers and axes, besides + glasses, needles, and the like), he placed me on board as supercargo to + look after his interests, and despatched us upon our voyage. + </p> + <p> + “We had a fair wind as far as Cape de Verde, and there, getting into the + north-west trade-winds, made good progress down the African coast. Beyond + sighting a Barbary rover once, whereat our mariners were in sad distress, + counting themselves already as little better than slaves, we had good luck + until we had come within a hundred leagues of the Cape of Good Hope, when + the wind veered round to the southward and blew exceeding hard, while the + sea rose to such a height that the end of the mainyard dipped into the + water, and I heard the master say that though he had been at sea for + five-and-thirty years he had never seen the like of it, and that he had + little expectation of riding through it. On this I fell to wringing my + hands and bewailing myself, until the mast going by the board with a + crash, I thought that the ship had struck, and swooned with terror, + falling into the scuppers and lying like one dead, which was the saving of + me, as will appear in the sequel. For the mariners, giving up all hope of + saving the ship, and being in momentary expectation that she would + founder, pushed off in the long-boat, whereby I fear that they met the + fate which they hoped to avoid, since I have never from that day heard + anything of them. For my own part, on recovering from the swoon into which + I had fallen, I found that, by the mercy of Providence, the sea had gone + down, and that I was alone in the vessel. At which last discovery I was so + terror-struck that I could but stand wringing my hands and bewailing my + sad fate, until at last taking heart, I fell to comparing my lot with that + of my unhappy camerados, on which I became more cheerful, and descending + to the cabin, made a meal off such dainties as were in the captain’s + locker.” + </p> + <p> + Having got so far, Defoe remarked that he thought he had given them a fair + start, and handed over the story to Dean Swift, who, after premising that + he feared he would find himself as much at sea as Master Cyprian Overbeck + Wells, continued in this way:— + </p> + <p> + “For two days I drifted about in great distress, fearing that there should + be a return of the gale, and keeping an eager look-out for my late + companions. Upon the third day, towards evening, I observed to my extreme + surprise that the ship was under the influence of a very powerful current, + which ran to the north-east with such violence that she was carried, now + bows on, now stern on, and occasionally drifting sideways like a crab, at + a rate which I cannot compute at less than twelve or fifteen knots an + hour. For several weeks I was borne away in this manner, until one + morning, to my inexpressible joy, I sighted an island upon the starboard + quarter. The current would, however, have carried me past it had I not + made shift, though single-handed, to set the flying-jib so as to turn her + bows, and then clapping on the sprit-sail, studding-sail, and fore-sail, I + clewed up the halliards upon the port side, and put the wheel down hard + a-starboard, the wind being at the time north-east-half-east.” + </p> + <p> + At the description of this nautical manoeuvre I observed that Smollett + grinned, and a gentleman who was sitting higher up the table in the + uniform of the Royal Navy, and who I guessed to be Captain Marryat, became + very uneasy and fidgeted in his seat. + </p> + <p> + “By this means I got clear of the current and was able to steer within a + quarter of a mile of the beach, which indeed I might have approached still + nearer by making another tack, but being an excellent swimmer, I deemed it + best to leave the vessel, which was almost waterlogged, and to make the + best of my way to the shore. + </p> + <p> + “I had had my doubts hitherto as to whether this new-found country was + inhabited or no, but as I approached nearer to it, being on the summit of + a great wave, I perceived a number of figures on the beach, engaged + apparently in watching me and my vessel. My joy, however, was considerably + lessened when on reaching the land I found that the figures consisted of a + vast concourse of animals of various sorts who were standing about in + groups, and who hurried down to the water’s edge to meet me. I had scarce + put my foot upon the sand before I was surrounded by an eager crowd of + deer, dogs, wild boars, buffaloes, and other creatures, none of whom + showed the least fear either of me or of each other, but, on the contrary, + were animated by a common feeling of curiosity, as well as, it would + appear, by some degree of disgust.” + </p> + <p> + “A second edition,” whispered Lawrence Sterne to his neighbour; “Gulliver + served up cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you speak, sir?” asked the Dean very sternly, having evidently + overheard the remark. + </p> + <p> + “My words were not addressed to you, sir,” answered Sterne, looking rather + frightened. + </p> + <p> + “They were none the less insolent,” roared the Dean. “Your reverence would + fain make a Sentimental Journey of the narrative, I doubt not, and find + pathos in a dead donkey—though faith, no man can blame thee for + mourning over thy own kith and kin.” + </p> + <p> + “Better that than to wallow in all the filth of Yahoo-land,” returned + Sterne warmly, and a quarrel would certainly have ensued but for the + interposition of the remainder of the company. As it was, the Dean refused + indignantly to have any further hand in the story, and Sterne also stood + out of it, remarking with a sneer that he was loth to fit a good blade on + to a poor handle. Under these circumstances some further unpleasantness + might have occurred had not Smollett rapidly taken up the narrative, + continuing it in the third person instead of the first:— + </p> + <p> + “Our hero, being considerably alarmed at this strange reception, lost + little time in plunging into the sea again and regaining his vessel, being + convinced that the worst which might befall him from the elements would be + as nothing compared to the dangers of this mysterious island. It was as + well that he took this course, for before nightfall his ship was + overhauled and he himself picked up by a British man-of-war, the + Lightning, then returning from the West Indies, where it had formed part + of the fleet under the command of Admiral Benbow. Young Wells, being a + likely lad enough, well-spoken and high-spirited, was at once entered on + the books as officer’s servant, in which capacity he both gained great + popularity on account of the freedom of his manners, and found an + opportunity for indulging in those practical pleasantries for which he had + all his life been famous. + </p> + <p> + “Among the quartermasters of the Lightning there was one named Jedediah + Anchorstock, whose appearance was so remarkable that it quickly attracted + the attention of our hero. He was a man of about fifty, dark with exposure + to the weather, and so tall that as he came along the ‘tween decks he had + to bend himself nearly double. The most striking peculiarity of this + individual was, however, that in his boyhood some evil-minded person had + tattooed eyes all over his countenance with such marvellous skill that it + was difficult at a short distance to pick out his real ones among so many + counterfeits. On this strange personage Master Cyprian determined to + exercise his talents for mischief, the more so as he learned that he was + extremely superstitious, and also that he had left behind him in + Portsmouth a strong-minded spouse of whom he stood in mortal terror. With + this object he secured one of the sheep which were kept on board for the + officers’ table, and pouring a can of rumbo down its throat, reduced it to + a state of utter intoxication. He then conveyed it to Anchorstock’s berth, + and with the assistance of some other imps, as mischievous as himself, + dressed it up in a high nightcap and gown, and covered it over with the + bedclothes. + </p> + <p> + “When the quartermaster came down from his watch our hero met him at the + door of his berth with an agitated face. ‘Mr. Anchorstock,’ said he, ‘can + it be that your wife is on board?’ ‘Wife!’ roared the astonished sailor. + ‘Ye white-faced swab, what d’ye mean?’ ‘If she’s not here in the ship it + must be her ghost,’ said Cyprian, shaking his head gloomily. ‘In the ship! + How in thunder could she get into the ship? Why, master, I believe as how + you’re weak in the upper works, d’ye see? to as much as think o’ such a + thing. My Poll is moored head and starn, behind the point at Portsmouth, + more’n two thousand mile away.’ ‘Upon my word,’ said our hero, very + earnestly, ‘I saw a female look out of your cabin not five minutes ago.’ + ‘Ay, ay, Mr. Anchorstock,’ joined in several of the conspirators. ‘We all + saw her—a spanking-looking craft with a dead-light mounted on one + side.’ ‘Sure enough,’ said Anchorstock, staggered by this accumulation of + evidence, ‘my Polly’s starboard eye was doused for ever by long Sue + Williams of the Hard. But if so be as she be there I must see her, be she + ghost or quick;’ with which the honest sailor, in much perturbation and + trembling in every limb, began to shuffle forward into the cabin, holding + the light well in front of him. It chanced, however, that the unhappy + sheep, which was quietly engaged in sleeping off the effects of its + unusual potations, was awakened by the noise of this approach, and finding + herself in such an unusual position, sprang out of the bed and rushed + furiously for the door, bleating wildly, and rolling about like a brig in + a tornado, partly from intoxication and partly from the night-dress which + impeded her movements. As Anchorstock saw this extraordinary apparition + bearing down upon him, he uttered a yell and fell flat upon his face, + convinced that he had to do with a supernatural visitor, the more so as + the confederates heightened the effect by a chorus of most ghastly groans + and cries. + </p> + <p> + “The joke had nearly gone beyond what was originally intended, for the + quartermaster lay as one dead, and it was only with the greatest + difficulty that he could be brought to his senses. To the end of the + voyage he stoutly asserted that he had seen the distant Mrs. Anchorstock, + remarking with many oaths that though he was too woundily scared to take + much note of the features, there was no mistaking the strong smell of rum + which was characteristic of his better half. + </p> + <p> + “It chanced shortly after this to be the king’s birthday, an event which + was signalised aboard the Lightening by the death of the commander under + singular circumstances. This officer, who was a real fair-weather Jack, + hardly knowing the ship’s keel from her ensign, had obtained his position + through parliamentary interest, and used it with such tyranny and cruelty + that he was universally execrated. So unpopular was he that when a plot + was entered into by the whole crew to punish his misdeeds with death, he + had not a single friend among six hundred souls to warn him of his danger. + It was the custom on board the king’s ships that upon his birthday the + entire ship’s company should be drawn up upon deck, and that at a signal + they should discharge their muskets into the air in honour of his Majesty. + On this occasion word had been secretly passed round for every man to slip + a slug into his firelock, instead of the blank cartridge provided. On the + boatswain blowing his whistle the men mustered upon deck and formed line, + whilst the captain, standing well in front of them, delivered a few words + to them. ‘When I give the word,’ he concluded, ‘you shall discharge your + pieces, and by thunder, if any man is a second before or a second after + his fellows I shall trice him up to the weather rigging!’ With these words + he roared ‘Fire!’ on which every man levelled his musket straight at his + head and pulled the trigger. So accurate was the aim and so short the + distance, that more than five hundred bullets struck him simultaneously, + blowing away his head and a large portion of his body. There were so many + concerned in this matter, and it was so hopeless to trace it to any + individual, that the officers were unable to punish any one for the affair—the + more readily as the captain’s haughty ways and heartless conduct had made + him quite as hateful to them as to the men whom they commanded. + </p> + <p> + “By his pleasantries and the natural charm of his manners our hero so far + won the good wishes of the ship’s company that they parted with infinite + regret upon their arrival in England. Filial duty, however, urged him to + return home and report himself to his father, with which object he posted + from Portsmouth to London, intending to proceed thence to Shropshire. As + it chanced, however, one of the horses sprained his off foreleg while + passing through Chichester, and as no change could be obtained, Cyprian + found himself compelled to put up at the Crown and Bull for the night. + </p> + <p> + “Ods bodikins!” continued Smollett, laughing, “I never could pass a + comfortable hostel without stopping, and so, with your permission, I’ll + e’en stop here, and whoever wills may lead friend Cyprian to his further + adventures. Do you, Sir Walter, give us a touch of the Wizard of the + North.” + </p> + <p> + With these words Smollett produced a pipe, and filling it at Defoe’s + tobacco-pot, waited patiently for the continuation of the story. + </p> + <p> + “If I must, I must,” remarked the illustrious Scotchman, taking a pinch of + snuff; “but I must beg leave to put Mr. Wells back a few hundred years, + for of all things I love the true mediaeval smack. To proceed then:— + </p> + <p> + “Our hero, being anxious to continue his journey, and learning that it + would be some time before any conveyance would be ready, determined to + push on alone mounted on his gallant grey steed. Travelling was + particularly dangerous at that time, for besides the usual perils which + beset wayfarers, the southern parts of England were in a lawless and + disturbed state which bordered on insurrection. The young man, however, + having loosened his sword in his sheath, so as to be ready for every + eventuality, galloped cheerily upon his way, guiding himself to the best + of his ability by the light of the rising moon. + </p> + <p> + “He had not gone far before he realised that the cautions which had been + impressed upon him by the landlord, and which he had been inclined to look + upon as self-interested advice, were only too well justified. At a spot + where the road was particularly rough, and ran across some marsh land, he + perceived a short distance from him a dark shadow, which his practised eye + detected at once as a body of crouching men. Reining up his horse within a + few yards of the ambuscade, he wrapped his cloak round his bridle-arm and + summoned the party to stand forth. + </p> + <p> + “‘What ho, my masters!’ he cried. ‘Are beds so scarce, then, that ye must + hamper the high road of the king with your bodies? Now, by St. Ursula of + Alpuxerra, there be those who might think that birds who fly o’ nights + were after higher game than the moorhen or the woodcock!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Blades and targets, comrades!’ exclaimed a tall powerful man, springing + into the centre of the road with several companions, and standing in front + of the frightened horse. ‘Who is this swashbuckler who summons his + Majesty’s lieges from their repose? A very soldado, o’ truth. Hark ye, + sir, or my lord, or thy grace, or whatsoever title your honour’s honour + may be pleased to approve, thou must curb thy tongue play, or by the seven + witches of Gambleside thou may find thyself in but a sorry plight.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I prythee, then, that thou wilt expound to me who and what ye are,’ + quoth our hero, ‘and whether your purpose be such as an honest man may + approve of. As to your threats, they turn from my mind as your caitiffly + weapons would shiver upon my hauberk from Milan.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Nay, Allen,’ interrupted one of the party, addressing him who seemed to + be their leader; ‘this is a lad of mettle, and such a one as our honest + Jack longs for. But we lure not hawks with empty hands. Look ye, sir, + there is game afoot which it may need such bold hunters as thyself to + follow. Come with us and take a firkin of canary, and we will find better + work for that glaive of thine than getting its owner into broil and + bloodshed; for, by my troth! Milan or no Milan, if my curtel axe do but + ring against that morion of thine it will be an ill day for thy father’s + son.’ + </p> + <p> + “For a moment our hero hesitated as to whether it would best become his + knightly traditions to hurl himself against his enemies, or whether it + might not be better to obey their requests. Prudence, mingled with a large + share of curiosity, eventually carried the day, and dismounting from his + horse, he intimated that he was ready to follow his captors. + </p> + <p> + “‘Spoken like a man!’ cried he whom they addressed as Allen. ‘Jack Cade + will be right glad of such a recruit. Blood and carrion! but thou hast the + thews of a young ox; and I swear, by the haft of my sword, that it might + have gone ill with some of us hadst thou not listened to reason!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Nay, not so, good Allen—not so,’ squeaked a very small man, who + had remained in the background while there was any prospect of a fray, but + who now came pushing to the front. ‘Hadst thou been alone it might indeed + have been so, perchance, but an expert swordsman can disarm at pleasure + such a one as this young knight. Well I remember in the Palatinate how I + clove to the chine even such another—the Baron von Slogstaff. He + struck at me, look ye, so; but I, with buckler and blade, did, as one + might say, deflect it; and then, countering in carte, I returned in + tierce, and so—St. Agnes save us! who comes here?’ + </p> + <p> + “The apparition which frightened the loquacious little man was + sufficiently strange to cause a qualm even in the bosom of the knight. + Through the darkness there loomed a figure which appeared to be of + gigantic size, and a hoarse voice, issuing apparently some distance above + the heads of the party, broke roughly on the silence of the night. + </p> + <p> + “‘Now out upon thee, Thomas Allen, and foul be thy fate if thou hast + abandoned thy post without good and sufficient cause. By St. Anselm of the + Holy Grove, thou hadst best have never been born than rouse my spleen this + night. Wherefore is it that you and your men are trailing over the moor + like a flock of geese when Michaelmas is near?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Good captain,’ said Allen, doffing his bonnet, an example followed by + others of the band, ‘we have captured a goodly youth who was pricking it + along the London road. Methought that some word of thanks were meet reward + for such service, rather than taunt or threat.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Nay, take it not to heart, bold Allen,’ exclaimed their leader, who was + none other than the great Jack Cade himself. ‘Thou knowest of old that my + temper is somewhat choleric, and my tongue not greased with that unguent + which oils the mouths of the lip-serving lords of the land. And you,’ he + continued, turning suddenly upon our hero, ‘are you ready to join the + great cause which will make England what it was when the learned Alfred + reigned in the land? Zounds, man, speak out, and pick not your phrases.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I am ready to do aught which may become a knight and a gentleman,’ said + the soldier stoutly. + </p> + <p> + “‘Taxes shall be swept away!’ cried Cade excitedly—‘the impost and + the anpost—the tithe and the hundred-tax. The poor man’s salt-box + and flour-bin shall be as free as the nobleman’s cellar. Ha! what sayest + thou?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘It is but just,’ said our hero. + </p> + <p> + “‘Ay, but they give us such justice as the falcon gives the leveret!’ + roared the orator. ‘Down with them, I say—down with every man of + them! Noble and judge, priest and king, down with them all!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Nay,’ said Sir Overbeck Wells, drawing himself up to his full height, + and laying his hand upon the hilt of his sword, ‘there I cannot follow + thee, but must rather defy thee as traitor and faineant, seeing that thou + art no true man, but one who would usurp the rights of our master the + king, whom may the Virgin protect!’ + </p> + <p> + “At these bold words, and the defiance which they conveyed, the rebels + seemed for a moment utterly bewildered; but, encouraged by the hoarse + shout of their leader, they brandished their weapons and prepared to fall + upon the knight, who placed himself in a posture for defence and awaited + their attack. + </p> + <p> + “There now!” cried Sir Walter, rubbing his hands and chuckling, “I’ve put + the chiel in a pretty warm corner, and we’ll see which of you moderns can + take him oot o’t. Ne’er a word more will ye get frae me to help him one + way or the other.” + </p> + <p> + “You try your hand, James,” cried several voices, and the author in + question had got so far as to make an allusion to a solitary horseman who + was approaching, when he was interrupted by a tall gentleman a little + farther down with a slight stutter and a very nervous manner. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” he said, “but I fancy that I may be able to do something + here. Some of my humble productions have been said to excel Sir Walter at + his best, and I was undoubtedly stronger all round. I could picture modern + society as well as ancient; and as to my plays, why Shakespeare never came + near ‘The Lady of Lyons’ for popularity. There is this little thing——” + (Here he rummaged among a great pile of papers in front of him). “Ah! + that’s a report of mine, when I was in India! Here it is. No, this is one + of my speeches in the House, and this is my criticism on Tennyson. Didn’t + I warm him up? I can’t find what I wanted, but of course you have read + them all—‘Rienzi,’ and ‘Harold,’ and ‘The Last of the Barons.’ Every + schoolboy knows them by heart, as poor Macaulay would have said. Allow me + to give you a sample:— + </p> + <p> + “In spite of the gallant knight’s valiant resistance the combat was too + unequal to be sustained. His sword was broken by a slash from a brown + bill, and he was borne to the ground. He expected immediate death, but + such did not seem to be the intention of the ruffians who had captured + him. He was placed upon the back of his own charger and borne, bound hand + and foot, over the trackless moor, in the fastnesses of which the rebels + secreted themselves. + </p> + <p> + “In the depths of these wilds there stood a stone building which had once + been a farm-house, but having been for some reason abandoned had fallen + into ruin, and had now become the headquarters of Cade and his men. A + large cowhouse near the farm had been utilised as sleeping quarters, and + some rough attempts had been made to shield the principal room of the main + building from the weather by stopping up the gaping apertures in the + walls. In this apartment was spread out a rough meal for the returning + rebels, and our hero was thrown, still bound, into an empty outhouse, + there to await his fate.” + </p> + <p> + Sir Walter had been listening with the greatest impatience to Bulwer + Lytton’s narrative, but when it had reached this point he broke in + impatiently. + </p> + <p> + “We want a touch of your own style, man,” he said. “The + animal-magnetico-electro-hysterical-biological-mysterious sort of story is + all your own, but at present you are just a poor copy of myself, and + nothing more.” + </p> + <p> + There was a murmur of assent from the company, and Defoe remarked, “Truly, + Master Lytton, there is a plaguey resemblance in the style, which may + indeed be but a chance, and yet methinks it is sufficiently marked to + warrant such words as our friend hath used.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you will think that this is an imitation also,” said Lytton + bitterly, and leaning back in his chair with a morose countenance, he + continued the narrative in this way:— + </p> + <p> + “Our unfortunate hero had hardly stretched himself upon the straw with + which his dungeon was littered, when a secret door opened in the wall and + a venerable old man swept majestically into the apartment. The prisoner + gazed upon him with astonishment not unmixed with awe, for on his broad + brow was printed the seal of much knowledge—such knowledge as it is + not granted to the son of man to know. He was clad in a long white robe, + crossed and chequered with mystic devices in the Arabic character, while a + high scarlet tiara marked with the square and circle enhanced his + venerable appearance. ‘My son,’ he said, turning his piercing and yet + dreamy gaze upon Sir Overbeck, ‘all things lead to nothing, and nothing is + the foundation of all things. Cosmos is impenetrable. Why then should we + exist?’ + </p> + <p> + “Astounded at this weighty query, and at the philosophic demeanour of his + visitor, our hero made shift to bid him welcome and to demand his name and + quality. As the old man answered him his voice rose and fell in musical + cadences, like the sighing of the east wind, while an ethereal and + aromatic vapour pervaded the apartment. + </p> + <p> + “‘I am the eternal non-ego,’ he answered. ‘I am the concentrated negative—the + everlasting essence of nothing. You see in me that which existed before + the beginning of matter many years before the commencement of time. I am + the algebraic <i>x</i> which represents the infinite divisibility of a + finite particle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sir Overbeck felt a shudder as though an ice-cold hand had been placed + upon his brow. ‘What is your message?’ he whispered, falling prostrate + before his mysterious visitor. + </p> + <p> + “‘To tell you that the eternities beget chaos, and that the immensities + are at the mercy of the divine ananke. Infinitude crouches before a + personality. The mercurial essence is the prime mover in spirituality, and + the thinker is powerless before the pulsating inanity. The cosmical + procession is terminated only by the unknowable and unpronounceable’—— + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, Mr. Smollett, what you find to laugh at?” + </p> + <p> + “Gad zooks, master,” cried Smollett, who had been sniggering for some time + back. “It seems to me that there is little danger of any one venturing to + dispute that style with you.” + </p> + <p> + “It’s all your own,” murmured Sir Walter. + </p> + <p> + “And very pretty, too,” quoth Lawrence Sterne, with a malignant grin. + “Pray sir, what language do you call it?” + </p> + <p> + Lytton was so enraged at these remarks, and at the favour with which they + appeared to be received, that he endeavoured to stutter out some reply, + and then, losing control of himself completely, picked up all his loose + papers and strode out of the room, dropping pamphlets and speeches at + every step. This incident amused the company so much that they laughed for + several minutes without cessation. Gradually the sound of their laughter + sounded more and more harshly in my ears, the lights on the table grew dim + and the company more misty, until they and their symposium vanished away + altogether. I was sitting before the embers of what had been a roaring + fire, but was now little more than a heap of grey ashes, and the merry + laughter of the august company had changed to the recriminations of my + wife, who was shaking me violently by the shoulder and exhorting me to + choose some more seasonable spot for my slumbers. So ended the wondrous + adventures of Master Cyprian Overbeck Wells, but I still live in the hopes + that in some future dream the great masters may themselves finish that + which they have begun. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + JOHN BARRINGTON COWLES. + </h2> + <p> + It might seem rash of me to say that I ascribe the death of my poor + friend, John Barrington Cowles, to any preternatural agency. I am aware + that in the present state of public feeling a chain of evidence would + require to be strong indeed before the possibility of such a conclusion + could be admitted. + </p> + <p> + I shall therefore merely state the circumstances which led up to this sad + event as concisely and as plainly as I can, and leave every reader to draw + his own deductions. Perhaps there may be some one who can throw light upon + what is dark to me. + </p> + <p> + I first met Barrington Cowles when I went up to Edinburgh University to + take out medical classes there. My landlady in Northumberland Street had a + large house, and, being a widow without children, she gained a livelihood + by providing accommodation for several students. + </p> + <p> + Barrington Cowles happened to have taken a bedroom upon the same floor as + mine, and when we came to know each other better we shared a small + sitting-room, in which we took our meals. In this manner we originated a + friendship which was unmarred by the slightest disagreement up to the day + of his death. + </p> + <p> + Cowles’ father was the colonel of a Sikh regiment and had remained in + India for many years. He allowed his son a handsome income, but seldom + gave any other sign of parental affection—writing irregularly and + briefly. + </p> + <p> + My friend, who had himself been born in India, and whose whole disposition + was an ardent tropical one, was much hurt by this neglect. His mother was + dead, and he had no other relation in the world to supply the blank. + </p> + <p> + Thus he came in time to concentrate all his affection upon me, and to + confide in me in a manner which is rare among men. Even when a stronger + and deeper passion came upon him, it never infringed upon the old + tenderness between us. + </p> + <p> + Cowles was a tall, slim young fellow, with an olive, Velasquez-like face, + and dark, tender eyes. I have seldom seen a man who was more likely to + excite a woman’s interest, or to captivate her imagination. His expression + was, as a rule, dreamy, and even languid; but if in conversation a subject + arose which interested him he would be all animation in a moment. On such + occasions his colour would heighten, his eyes gleam, and he could speak + with an eloquence which would carry his audience with him. + </p> + <p> + In spite of these natural advantages he led a solitary life, avoiding + female society, and reading with great diligence. He was one of the + foremost men of his year, taking the senior medal for anatomy, and the + Neil Arnott prize for physics. + </p> + <p> + How well I can recollect the first time we met her! Often and often I have + recalled the circumstances, and tried to remember what the exact + impression was which she produced on my mind at the time. + </p> + <p> + After we came to know her my judgment was warped, so that I am curious to + recollect what my unbiassed{sic} instincts were. It is hard, however, to + eliminate the feelings which reason or prejudice afterwards raised in me. + </p> + <p> + It was at the opening of the Royal Scottish Academy in the spring of 1879. + My poor friend was passionately attached to art in every form, and a + pleasing chord in music or a delicate effect upon canvas would give + exquisite pleasure to his highly-strung nature. We had gone together to + see the pictures, and were standing in the grand central salon, when I + noticed an extremely beautiful woman standing at the other side of the + room. In my whole life I have never seen such a classically perfect + countenance. It was the real Greek type—the forehead broad, very + low, and as white as marble, with a cloudlet of delicate locks wreathing + round it, the nose straight and clean cut, the lips inclined to thinness, + the chin and lower jaw beautifully rounded off, and yet sufficiently + developed to promise unusual strength of character. + </p> + <p> + But those eyes—those wonderful eyes! If I could but give some faint + idea of their varying moods, their steely hardness, their feminine + softness, their power of command, their penetrating intensity suddenly + melting away into an expression of womanly weakness—but I am + speaking now of future impressions! + </p> + <p> + There was a tall, yellow-haired young man with this lady, whom I at once + recognised as a law student with whom I had a slight acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + Archibald Reeves—for that was his name—was a dashing, handsome + young fellow, and had at one time been a ringleader in every university + escapade; but of late I had seen little of him, and the report was that he + was engaged to be married. His companion was, then, I presumed, his + fiancee. I seated myself upon the velvet settee in the centre of the room, + and furtively watched the couple from behind my catalogue. + </p> + <p> + The more I looked at her the more her beauty grew upon me. She was + somewhat short in stature, it is true; but her figure was perfection, and + she bore herself in such a fashion that it was only by actual comparison + that one would have known her to be under the medium height. + </p> + <p> + As I kept my eyes upon them, Reeves was called away for some reason, and + the young lady was left alone. Turning her back to the pictures, she + passed the time until the return of her escort in taking a deliberate + survey of the company, without paying the least heed to the fact that a + dozen pair of eyes, attracted by her elegance and beauty, were bent + curiously upon her. With one of her hands holding the red silk cord which + railed off the pictures, she stood languidly moving her eyes from face to + face with as little self-consciousness as if she were looking at the + canvas creatures behind her. Suddenly, as I watched her, I saw her gaze + become fixed, and, as it were, intense. I followed the direction of her + looks, wondering what could have attracted her so strongly. + </p> + <p> + John Barrington Cowles was standing before a picture—one, I think, + by Noel Paton—I know that the subject was a noble and ethereal one. + His profile was turned towards us, and never have I seen him to such + advantage. I have said that he was a strikingly handsome man, but at that + moment he looked absolutely magnificent. It was evident that he had + momentarily forgotten his surroundings, and that his whole soul was in + sympathy with the picture before him. His eyes sparkled, and a dusky pink + shone through his clear olive cheeks. She continued to watch him fixedly, + with a look of interest upon her face, until he came out of his reverie + with a start, and turned abruptly round, so that his gaze met hers. She + glanced away at once, but his eyes remained fixed upon her for some + moments. The picture was forgotten already, and his soul had come down to + earth once more. + </p> + <p> + We caught sight of her once or twice before we left, and each time I + noticed my friend look after her. He made no remark, however, until we got + out into the open air, and were walking arm-in-arm along Princes Street. + </p> + <p> + “Did you notice that beautiful woman, in the dark dress, with the white + fur?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I saw her,” I answered. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know her?” he asked eagerly. “Have you any idea who she is?” + </p> + <p> + “I don’t know her personally,” I replied. “But I have no doubt I could + find out all about her, for I believe she is engaged to young Archie + Reeves, and he and I have a lot of mutual friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Engaged!” ejaculated Cowles. + </p> + <p> + “Why, my dear boy,” I said, laughing, “you don’t mean to say you are so + susceptible that the fact that a girl to whom you never spoke in your life + is engaged is enough to upset you?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, not exactly to upset me,” he answered, forcing a laugh. “But I + don’t mind telling you, Armitage, that I never was so taken by any one in + my life. It wasn’t the mere beauty of the face—though that was + perfect enough—but it was the character and the intellect upon it. I + hope, if she is engaged, that it is to some man who will be worthy of + her.” + </p> + <p> + “Why,” I remarked, “you speak quite feelingly. It is a clear case of love + at first sight, Jack. However, to put your perturbed spirit at rest, I’ll + make a point of finding out all about her whenever I meet any fellow who + is likely to know.” + </p> + <p> + Barrington Cowles thanked me, and the conversation drifted off into other + channels. For several days neither of us made any allusion to the subject, + though my companion was perhaps a little more dreamy and distraught than + usual. The incident had almost vanished from my remembrance, when one day + young Brodie, who is a second cousin of mine, came up to me on the + university steps with the face of a bearer of tidings. + </p> + <p> + “I say,” he began, “you know Reeves, don’t you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. What of him?” + </p> + <p> + “His engagement is off.” + </p> + <p> + “Off!” I cried. “Why, I only learned the other day that it was on.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes—it’s all off. His brother told me so. Deucedly mean of + Reeves, you know, if he has backed out of it, for she was an uncommonly + nice girl.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ve seen her,” I said; “but I don’t know her name.” + </p> + <p> + “She is a Miss Northcott, and lives with an old aunt of hers in + Abercrombie Place. Nobody knows anything about her people, or where she + comes from. Anyhow, she is about the most unlucky girl in the world, poor + soul!” + </p> + <p> + “Why unlucky?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you know, this was her second engagement,” said young Brodie, who + had a marvellous knack of knowing everything about everybody. “She was + engaged to Prescott—William Prescott, who died. That was a very sad + affair. The wedding day was fixed, and the whole thing looked as straight + as a die when the smash came.” + </p> + <p> + “What smash?” I asked, with some dim recollection of the circumstances. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Prescott’s death. He came to Abercrombie Place one night, and stayed + very late. No one knows exactly when he left, but about one in the morning + a fellow who knew him met him walking rapidly in the direction of the + Queen’s Park. He bade him good night, but Prescott hurried on without + heeding him, and that was the last time he was ever seen alive. Three days + afterwards his body was found floating in St. Margaret’s Loch, under St. + Anthony’s Chapel. No one could ever understand it, but of course the + verdict brought it in as temporary insanity.” + </p> + <p> + “It was very strange,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, and deucedly rough on the poor girl,” said Brodie. “Now that this + other blow has come it will quite crush her. So gentle and ladylike she is + too!” + </p> + <p> + “You know her personally, then!” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I know her. I have met her several times. I could easily manage + that you should be introduced to her.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” I answered, “it’s not so much for my own sake as for a friend of + mine. However, I don’t suppose she will go out much for some little time + after this. When she does I will take advantage of your offer.” + </p> + <p> + We shook hands on this, and I thought no more of the matter for some time. + </p> + <p> + The next incident which I have to relate as bearing at all upon the + question of Miss Northcott is an unpleasant one. Yet I must detail it as + accurately as possible, since it may throw some light upon the sequel. One + cold night, several months after the conversation with my second cousin + which I have quoted above, I was walking down one of the lowest streets in + the city on my way back from a case which I had been attending. It was + very late, and I was picking my way among the dirty loungers who were + clustering round the doors of a great gin-palace, when a man staggered out + from among them, and held out his hand to me with a drunken leer. The + gaslight fell full upon his face, and, to my intense astonishment, I + recognised in the degraded creature before me my former acquaintance, + young Archibald Reeves, who had once been famous as one of the most dressy + and particular men in the whole college. I was so utterly surprised that + for a moment I almost doubted the evidence of my own senses; but there was + no mistaking those features, which, though bloated with drink, still + retained something of their former comeliness. I was determined to rescue + him, for one night at least, from the company into which he had fallen. + </p> + <p> + “Holloa, Reeves!” I said. “Come along with me. I’m going in your + direction.” + </p> + <p> + He muttered some incoherent apology for his condition, and took my arm. As + I supported him towards his lodgings I could see that he was not only + suffering from the effects of a recent debauch, but that a long course of + intemperance had affected his nerves and his brain. His hand when I + touched it was dry and feverish, and he started from every shadow which + fell upon the pavement. He rambled in his speech, too, in a manner which + suggested the delirium of disease rather than the talk of a drunkard. + </p> + <p> + When I got him to his lodgings I partially undressed him and laid him upon + his bed. His pulse at this time was very high, and he was evidently + extremely feverish. He seemed to have sunk into a doze; and I was about to + steal out of the room to warn his landlady of his condition, when he + started up and caught me by the sleeve of my coat. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t go!” he cried. “I feel better when you are here. I am safe from her + then.” + </p> + <p> + “From her!” I said. “From whom?” + </p> + <p> + “Her! her!” he answered peevishly. “Ah! you don’t know her. She is the + devil! Beautiful—beautiful; but the devil!” + </p> + <p> + “You are feverish and excited,” I said. “Try and get a little sleep. You + will wake better.” + </p> + <p> + “Sleep!” he groaned. “How am I to sleep when I see her sitting down yonder + at the foot of the bed with her great eyes watching and watching hour + after hour? I tell you it saps all the strength and manhood out of me. + That’s what makes me drink. God help me—I’m half drunk now!” + </p> + <p> + “You are very ill,” I said, putting some vinegar to his temples; “and you + are delirious. You don’t know what you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I do,” he interrupted sharply, looking up at me. “I know very well + what I say. I brought it upon myself. It is my own choice. But I couldn’t—no, + by heaven, I couldn’t—accept the alternative. I couldn’t keep my + faith to her. It was more than man could do.” + </p> + <p> + I sat by the side of the bed, holding one of his burning hands in mine, + and wondering over his strange words. He lay still for some time, and + then, raising his eyes to me, said in a most plaintive voice— + </p> + <p> + “Why did she not give me warning sooner? Why did she wait until I had + learned to love her so?” + </p> + <p> + He repeated this question several times, rolling his feverish head from + side to side, and then he dropped into a troubled sleep. I crept out of + the room, and, having seen that he would be properly cared for, left the + house. His words, however, rang in my ears for days afterwards, and + assumed a deeper significance when taken with what was to come. + </p> + <p> + My friend, Barrington Cowles, had been away for his summer holidays, and I + had heard nothing of him for several months. When the winter session came + on, however, I received a telegram from him, asking me to secure the old + rooms in Northumberland Street for him, and telling me the train by which + he would arrive. I went down to meet him, and was delighted to find him + looking wonderfully hearty and well. + </p> + <p> + “By the way,” he said suddenly, that night, as we sat in our chairs by the + fire, talking over the events of the holidays, “you have never + congratulated me yet!” + </p> + <p> + “On what, my boy?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “What! Do you mean to say you have not heard of my engagement?” + </p> + <p> + “Engagement! No!” I answered. “However, I am delighted to hear it, and + congratulate you with all my heart.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder it didn’t come to your ears,” he said. “It was the queerest + thing. You remember that girl whom we both admired so much at the + Academy?” + </p> + <p> + “What!” I cried, with a vague feeling of apprehension at my heart. “You + don’t mean to say that you are engaged to her?” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you would be surprised,” he answered. “When I was staying with + an old aunt of mine in Peterhead, in Aberdeenshire, the Northcotts + happened to come there on a visit, and as we had mutual friends we soon + met. I found out that it was a false alarm about her being engaged, and + then—well, you know what it is when you are thrown into the society + of such a girl in a place like Peterhead. Not, mind you,” he added, “that + I consider I did a foolish or hasty thing. I have never regretted it for a + moment. The more I know Kate the more I admire her and love her. However, + you must be introduced to her, and then you will form your own opinion.” + </p> + <p> + I expressed my pleasure at the prospect, and endeavoured to speak as + lightly as I could to Cowles upon the subject, but I felt depressed and + anxious at heart. The words of Reeves and the unhappy fate of young + Prescott recurred to my recollection, and though I could assign no + tangible reason for it, a vague, dim fear and distrust of the woman took + possession of me. It may be that this was foolish prejudice and + superstition upon my part, and that I involuntarily contorted her future + doings and sayings to fit into some half-formed wild theory of my own. + This has been suggested to me by others as an explanation of my narrative. + They are welcome to their opinion if they can reconcile it with the facts + which I have to tell. + </p> + <p> + I went round with my friend a few days afterwards to call upon Miss + Northcott. I remember that, as we went down Abercrombie Place, our + attention was attracted by the shrill yelping of a dog—which noise + proved eventually to come from the house to which we were bound. We were + shown upstairs, where I was introduced to old Mrs. Merton, Miss + Northcott’s aunt, and to the young lady herself. She looked as beautiful + as ever, and I could not wonder at my friend’s infatuation. Her face was a + little more flushed than usual, and she held in her hand a heavy dog-whip, + with which she had been chastising a small Scotch terrier, whose cries we + had heard in the street. The poor brute was cringing up against the wall, + whining piteously, and evidently completely cowed. + </p> + <p> + “So Kate,” said my friend, after we had taken our seats, “you have been + falling out with Carlo again.” + </p> + <p> + “Only a very little quarrel this time,” she said, smiling charmingly. “He + is a dear, good old fellow, but he needs correction now and then.” Then, + turning to me, “We all do that, Mr. Armitage, don’t we? What a capital + thing if, instead of receiving a collective punishment at the end of our + lives, we were to have one at once, as the dogs do, when we did anything + wicked. It would make us more careful, wouldn’t it?” + </p> + <p> + I acknowledged that it would. + </p> + <p> + “Supposing that every time a man misbehaved himself a gigantic hand were + to seize him, and he were lashed with a whip until he fainted”—she + clenched her white fingers as she spoke, and cut out viciously with the + dog-whip—“it would do more to keep him good than any number of + high-minded theories of morality.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Kate,” said my friend, “you are quite savage to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “No, Jack,” she laughed. “I’m only propounding a theory for Mr. Armitage’s + consideration.” + </p> + <p> + The two began to chat together about some Aberdeenshire reminiscence, and + I had time to observe Mrs. Merton, who had remained silent during our + short conversation. She was a very strange-looking old lady. What + attracted attention most in her appearance was the utter want of colour + which she exhibited. Her hair was snow-white, and her face extremely pale. + Her lips were bloodless, and even her eyes were of such a light tinge of + blue that they hardly relieved the general pallor. Her dress was a grey + silk, which harmonised with her general appearance. She had a peculiar + expression of countenance, which I was unable at the moment to refer to + its proper cause. + </p> + <p> + She was working at some old-fashioned piece of ornamental needlework, and + as she moved her arms her dress gave forth a dry, melancholy rustling, + like the sound of leaves in the autumn. There was something mournful and + depressing in the sight of her. I moved my chair a little nearer, and + asked her how she liked Edinburgh, and whether she had been there long. + </p> + <p> + When I spoke to her she started and looked up at me with a scared look on + her face. Then I saw in a moment what the expression was which I had + observed there. It was one of fear—intense and overpowering fear. It + was so marked that I could have staked my life on the woman before me + having at some period of her life been subjected to some terrible + experience or dreadful misfortune. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes, I like it,” she said, in a soft, timid voice; “and we have been + here long—that is, not very long. We move about a great deal.” She + spoke with hesitation, as if afraid of committing herself. + </p> + <p> + “You are a native of Scotland, I presume?” I said. + </p> + <p> + “No—that is, not entirely. We are not natives of any place. We are + cosmopolitan, you know.” She glanced round in the direction of Miss + Northcott as she spoke, but the two were still chatting together near the + window. Then she suddenly bent forward to me, with a look of intense + earnestness upon her face, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t talk to me any more, please. She does not like it, and I shall + suffer for it afterwards. Please, don’t do it.” + </p> + <p> + I was about to ask her the reason for this strange request, but when she + saw I was going to address her, she rose and walked slowly out of the + room. As she did so I perceived that the lovers had ceased to talk and + that Miss Northcott was looking at me with her keen, grey eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You must excuse my aunt, Mr. Armitage,” she said; “she is odd, and easily + fatigued. Come over and look at my album.” + </p> + <p> + We spent some time examining the portraits. Miss Northcott’s father and + mother were apparently ordinary mortals enough, and I could not detect in + either of them any traces of the character which showed itself in their + daughter’s face. There was one old daguerreotype, however, which arrested + my attention. It represented a man of about the age of forty, and + strikingly handsome. He was clean shaven, and extraordinary power was + expressed upon his prominent lower jaw and firm, straight mouth. His eyes + were somewhat deeply set in his head, however, and there was a snake-like + flattening at the upper part of his forehead, which detracted from his + appearance. I almost involuntarily, when I saw the head, pointed to it, + and exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “There is your prototype in your family, Miss Northcott.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think so?” she said. “I am afraid you are paying me a very bad + compliment. Uncle Anthony was always considered the black sheep of the + family.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” I answered; “my remark was an unfortunate one, then.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don’t mind that,” she said; “I always thought myself that he was + worth all of them put together. He was an officer in the Forty-first + Regiment, and he was killed in action during the Persian War—so he + died nobly, at any rate.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s the sort of death I should like to die,” said Cowles, his dark + eyes flashing, as they would when he was excited; “I often wish I had + taken to my father’s profession instead of this vile pill-compounding + drudgery.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Jack, you are not going to die any sort of death yet,” she said, + tenderly taking his hand in hers. + </p> + <p> + I could not understand the woman. There was such an extraordinary mixture + of masculine decision and womanly tenderness about her, with the + consciousness of something all her own in the background, that she fairly + puzzled me. I hardly knew, therefore, how to answer Cowles when, as we + walked down the street together, he asked the comprehensive question— + </p> + <p> + “Well, what do you think of her?” + </p> + <p> + “I think she is wonderfully beautiful,” I answered guardedly. + </p> + <p> + “That, of course,” he replied irritably. “You knew that before you came!” + </p> + <p> + “I think she is very clever too,” I remarked. + </p> + <p> + Barrington Cowles walked on for some time, and then he suddenly turned on + me with the strange question— + </p> + <p> + “Do you think she is cruel? Do you think she is the sort of girl who would + take a pleasure in inflicting pain?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, really,” I answered, “I have hardly had time to form an opinion.” + </p> + <p> + We then walked on for some time in silence. + </p> + <p> + “She is an old fool,” at length muttered Cowles. “She is mad.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is?” I asked. + </p> + <p> + “Why, that old woman—that aunt of Kate’s—Mrs. Merton, or + whatever her name is.” + </p> + <p> + Then I knew that my poor colourless friend had been speaking to Cowles, + but he never said anything more as to the nature of her communication. + </p> + <p> + My companion went to bed early that night, and I sat up a long time by the + fire, thinking over all that I had seen and heard. I felt that there was + some mystery about the girl—some dark fatality so strange as to defy + conjecture. I thought of Prescott’s interview with her before their + marriage, and the fatal termination of it. I coupled it with poor drunken + Reeves’ plaintive cry, “Why did she not tell me sooner?” and with the + other words he had spoken. Then my mind ran over Mrs. Merton’s warning to + me, Cowles’ reference to her, and even the episode of the whip and the + cringing dog. + </p> + <p> + The whole effect of my recollections was unpleasant to a degree, and yet + there was no tangible charge which I could bring against the woman. It + would be worse than useless to attempt to warn my friend until I had + definitely made up my mind what I was to warn him against. He would treat + any charge against her with scorn. What could I do? How could I get at + some tangible conclusion as to her character and antecedents? No one in + Edinburgh knew them except as recent acquaintances. She was an orphan, and + as far as I knew she had never disclosed where her former home had been. + Suddenly an idea struck me. Among my father’s friends there was a Colonel + Joyce, who had served a long time in India upon the staff, and who would + be likely to know most of the officers who had been out there since the + Mutiny. I sat down at once, and, having trimmed the lamp, proceeded to + write a letter to the Colonel. I told him that I was very curious to gain + some particulars about a certain Captain Northcott, who had served in the + Forty-first Foot, and who had fallen in the Persian War. I described the + man as well as I could from my recollection of the daguerreotype, and + then, having directed the letter, posted it that very night, after which, + feeling that I had done all that could be done, I retired to bed, with a + mind too anxious to allow me to sleep. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART" id="link2H_PART"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART II. + </h2> + <p> + I got an answer from Leicester, where the Colonel resided, within two + days. I have it before me as I write, and copy it verbatim. + </p> + <p> + “DEAR BOB,” it said, “I remember the man well. I was with him at Calcutta, + and afterwards at Hyderabad. He was a curious, solitary sort of mortal; + but a gallant soldier enough, for he distinguished himself at Sobraon, and + was wounded, if I remember right. He was not popular in his corps—they + said he was a pitiless, cold-blooded fellow, with no geniality in him. + There was a rumour, too, that he was a devil-worshipper, or something of + that sort, and also that he had the evil eye, which, of course, was all + nonsense. He had some strange theories, I remember, about the power of the + human will and the effects of mind upon matter. + </p> + <p> + “How are you getting on with your medical studies? Never forget, my boy, + that your father’s son has every claim upon me, and that if I can serve + you in any way I am always at your command.—Ever affectionately + yours, + </p> + <p> + “EDWARD JOYCE. + </p> + <p> + “P.S.—By the way, Northcott did not fall in action. He was killed + after peace was declared in a crazy attempt to get some of the eternal + fire from the sun-worshippers’ temple. There was considerable mystery + about his death.” + </p> + <p> + I read this epistle over several times—at first with a feeling of + satisfaction, and then with one of disappointment. I had come on some + curious information, and yet hardly what I wanted. He was an eccentric + man, a devil-worshipper, and rumoured to have the power of the evil eye. I + could believe the young lady’s eyes, when endowed with that cold, grey + shimmer which I had noticed in them once or twice, to be capable of any + evil which human eye ever wrought; but still the superstition was an + effete one. Was there not more meaning in that sentence which followed—“He + had theories of the power of the human will and of the effect of mind upon + matter”? I remember having once read a quaint treatise, which I had + imagined to be mere charlatanism at the time, of the power of certain + human minds, and of effects produced by them at a distance. + </p> + <p> + Was Miss Northcott endowed with some exceptional power of the sort? + </p> + <p> + The idea grew upon me, and very shortly I had evidence which convinced me + of the truth of the supposition. + </p> + <p> + It happened that at the very time when my mind was dwelling upon this + subject, I saw a notice in the paper that our town was to be visited by + Dr. Messinger, the well-known medium and mesmerist. Messinger was a man + whose performance, such as it was, had been again and again pronounced to + be genuine by competent judges. He was far above trickery, and had the + reputation of being the soundest living authority upon the strange + pseudo-sciences of animal magnetism and electro-biology. Determined, + therefore, to see what the human will could do, even against all the + disadvantages of glaring footlights and a public platform, I took a ticket + for the first night of the performance, and went with several student + friends. + </p> + <p> + We had secured one of the side boxes, and did not arrive until after the + performance had begun. I had hardly taken my seat before I recognised + Barrington Cowles, with his fiancee and old Mrs. Merton, sitting in the + third or fourth row of the stalls. They caught sight of me at almost the + same moment, and we bowed to each other. The first portion of the lecture + was somewhat commonplace, the lecturer giving tricks of pure legerdemain, + with one or two manifestations of mesmerism, performed upon a subject whom + he had brought with him. He gave us an exhibition of clairvoyance too, + throwing his subject into a trance, and then demanding particulars as to + the movements of absent friends, and the whereabouts of hidden objects all + of which appeared to be answered satisfactorily. I had seen all this + before, however. What I wanted to see now was the effect of the lecturer’s + will when exerted upon some independent member of the audience. + </p> + <p> + He came round to that as the concluding exhibition in his performance. “I + have shown you,” he said, “that a mesmerised subject is entirely dominated + by the will of the mesmeriser. He loses all power of volition, and his + very thoughts are such as are suggested to him by the master-mind. The + same end may be attained without any preliminary process. A strong will + can, simply by virtue of its strength, take possession of a weaker one, + even at a distance, and can regulate the impulses and the actions of the + owner of it. If there was one man in the world who had a very much more + highly-developed will than any of the rest of the human family, there is + no reason why he should not be able to rule over them all, and to reduce + his fellow-creatures to the condition of automatons. Happily there is such + a dead level of mental power, or rather of mental weakness, among us that + such a catastrophe is not likely to occur; but still within our small + compass there are variations which produce surprising effects. I shall now + single out one of the audience, and endeavour ‘by the mere power of will’ + to compel him to come upon the platform, and do and say what I wish. Let + me assure you that there is no collusion, and that the subject whom I may + select is at perfect liberty to resent to the uttermost any impulse which + I may communicate to him.” + </p> + <p> + With these words the lecturer came to the front of the platform, and + glanced over the first few rows of the stalls. No doubt Cowles’ dark skin + and bright eyes marked him out as a man of a highly nervous temperament, + for the mesmerist picked him out in a moment, and fixed his eyes upon him. + I saw my friend give a start of surprise, and then settle down in his + chair, as if to express his determination not to yield to the influence of + the operator. Messinger was not a man whose head denoted any great + brain-power, but his gaze was singularly intense and penetrating. Under + the influence of it Cowles made one or two spasmodic motions of his hands, + as if to grasp the sides of his seat, and then half rose, but only to sink + down again, though with an evident effort. I was watching the scene with + intense interest, when I happened to catch a glimpse of Miss Northcott’s + face. She was sitting with her eyes fixed intently upon the mesmerist, and + with such an expression of concentrated power upon her features as I have + never seen on any other human countenance. Her jaw was firmly set, her + lips compressed, and her face as hard as if it were a beautiful sculpture + cut out of the whitest marble. Her eyebrows were drawn down, however, and + from beneath them her grey eyes seemed to sparkle and gleam with a cold + light. + </p> + <p> + I looked at Cowles again, expecting every moment to see him rise and obey + the mesmerist’s wishes, when there came from the platform a short, gasping + cry as of a man utterly worn out and prostrated by a prolonged struggle. + Messinger was leaning against the table, his hand to his forehead, and the + perspiration pouring down his face. “I won’t go on,” he cried, addressing + the audience. “There is a stronger will than mine acting against me. You + must excuse me for to-night.” The man was evidently ill, and utterly + unable to proceed, so the curtain was lowered, and the audience dispersed, + with many comments upon the lecturer’s sudden indisposition. + </p> + <p> + I waited outside the hall until my friend and the ladies came out. Cowles + was laughing over his recent experience. + </p> + <p> + “He didn’t succeed with me, Bob,” he cried triumphantly, as he shook my + hand. “I think he caught a Tartar that time.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said Miss Northcott, “I think that Jack ought to be very proud of + his strength of mind; don’t you! Mr. Armitage?” + </p> + <p> + “It took me all my time, though,” my friend said seriously. “You can’t + conceive what a strange feeling I had once or twice. All the strength + seemed to have gone out of me—especially just before he collapsed + himself.” + </p> + <p> + I walked round with Cowles in order to see the ladies home. He walked in + front with Mrs. Merton, and I found myself behind with the young lady. For + a minute or so I walked beside her without making any remark, and then I + suddenly blurted out, in a manner which must have seemed somewhat brusque + to her— + </p> + <p> + “You did that, Miss Northcott.” + </p> + <p> + “Did what?” she asked sharply. + </p> + <p> + “Why, mesmerised the mesmeriser—I suppose that is the best way of + describing the transaction.” + </p> + <p> + “What a strange idea!” she said, laughing. “You give me credit for a + strong will then?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I said. “For a dangerously strong one.” + </p> + <p> + “Why dangerous?” she asked, in a tone of surprise. + </p> + <p> + “I think,” I answered, “that any will which can exercise such power is + dangerous—for there is always a chance of its being turned to bad + uses.” + </p> + <p> + “You would make me out a very dreadful individual, Mr. Armitage,” she + said; and then looking up suddenly in my face—“You have never liked + me. You are suspicious of me and distrust me, though I have never given + you cause.” + </p> + <p> + The accusation was so sudden and so true that I was unable to find any + reply to it. She paused for a moment, and then said in a voice which was + hard and cold— + </p> + <p> + “Don’t let your prejudice lead you to interfere with me, however, or say + anything to your friend, Mr. Cowles, which might lead to a difference + between us. You would find that to be very bad policy.” + </p> + <p> + There was something in the way she spoke which gave an indescribable air + of a threat to these few words. + </p> + <p> + “I have no power,” I said, “to interfere with your plans for the future. I + cannot help, however, from what I have seen and heard, having fears for my + friend.” + </p> + <p> + “Fears!” she repeated scornfully. “Pray what have you seen and heard. + Something from Mr. Reeves, perhaps—I believe he is another of your + friends?” + </p> + <p> + “He never mentioned your name to me,” I answered, truthfully enough. “You + will be sorry to hear that he is dying.” As I said it we passed by a + lighted window, and I glanced down to see what effect my words had upon + her. She was laughing—there was no doubt of it; she was laughing + quietly to herself. I could see merriment in every feature of her face. I + feared and mistrusted the woman from that moment more than ever. + </p> + <p> + We said little more that night. When we parted she gave me a quick, + warning glance, as if to remind me of what she had said about the danger + of interference. Her cautions would have made little difference to me + could I have seen my way to benefiting Barrington Cowles by anything which + I might say. But what could I say? I might say that her former suitors had + been unfortunate. I might say that I believed her to be a cruel-hearted + woman. I might say that I considered her to possess wonderful, and almost + preternatural powers. What impression would any of these accusations make + upon an ardent lover—a man with my friend’s enthusiastic + temperament? I felt that it would be useless to advance them, so I was + silent. + </p> + <p> + And now I come to the beginning of the end. Hitherto much has been surmise + and inference and hearsay. It is my painful task to relate now, as + dispassionately and as accurately as I can, what actually occurred under + my own notice, and to reduce to writing the events which preceded the + death of my friend. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the winter Cowles remarked to me that he intended to + marry Miss Northcott as soon as possible—probably some time in the + spring. He was, as I have already remarked, fairly well off, and the young + lady had some money of her own, so that there was no pecuniary reason for + a long engagement. “We are going to take a little house out at + Corstorphine,” he said, “and we hope to see your face at our table, Bob, + as often as you can possibly come.” I thanked him, and tried to shake off + my apprehensions, and persuade myself that all would yet be well. + </p> + <p> + It was about three weeks before the time fixed for the marriage, that + Cowles remarked to me one evening that he feared he would be late that + night. “I have had a note from Kate,” he said, “asking me to call about + eleven o’clock to-night, which seems rather a late hour, but perhaps she + wants to talk over something quietly after old Mrs. Merton retires.” + </p> + <p> + It was not until after my friend’s departure that I suddenly recollected + the mysterious interview which I had been told of as preceding the suicide + of young Prescott. Then I thought of the ravings of poor Reeves, rendered + more tragic by the fact that I had heard that very day of his death. What + was the meaning of it all? Had this woman some baleful secret to disclose + which must be known before her marriage? Was it some reason which forbade + her to marry? Or was it some reason which forbade others to marry her? I + felt so uneasy that I would have followed Cowles, even at the risk of + offending him, and endeavoured to dissuade him from keeping his + appointment, but a glance at the clock showed me that I was too late. + </p> + <p> + I was determined to wait up for his return, so I piled some coals upon the + fire and took down a novel from the shelf. My thoughts proved more + interesting than the book, however, and I threw it on one side. An + indefinable feeling of anxiety and depression weighed upon me. Twelve + o’clock came, and then half-past, without any sign of my friend. It was + nearly one when I heard a step in the street outside, and then a knocking + at the door. I was surprised, as I knew that my friend always carried a + key—however, I hurried down and undid the latch. As the door flew + open I knew in a moment that my worst apprehensions had been fulfilled. + Barrington Cowles was leaning against the railings outside with his face + sunk upon his breast, and his whole attitude expressive of the most + intense despondency. As he passed in he gave a stagger, and would have + fallen had I not thrown my left arm around him. Supporting him with this, + and holding the lamp in my other hand, I led him slowly upstairs into our + sitting-room. He sank down upon the sofa without a word. Now that I could + get a good view of him, I was horrified to see the change which had come + over him. His face was deadly pale, and his very lips were bloodless. His + cheeks and forehead were clammy, his eyes glazed, and his whole expression + altered. He looked like a man who had gone through some terrible ordeal, + and was thoroughly unnerved. + </p> + <p> + “My dear fellow, what is the matter?” I asked, breaking the silence. + “Nothing amiss, I trust? Are you unwell?” + </p> + <p> + “Brandy!” he gasped. “Give me some brandy!” + </p> + <p> + I took out the decanter, and was about to help him, when he snatched it + from me with a trembling hand, and poured out nearly half a tumbler of the + spirit. He was usually a most abstemious man, but he took this off at a + gulp without adding any water to it. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to do him good, for the colour began to come back to his face, + and he leaned upon his elbow. + </p> + <p> + “My engagement is off, Bob,” he said, trying to speak calmly, but with a + tremor in his voice which he could not conceal. “It is all over.” + </p> + <p> + “Cheer up!” I answered, trying to encourage him. + </p> + <p> + “Don’t get down on your luck. How was it? What was it all about?” + </p> + <p> + “About?” he groaned, covering his face with his hands. “If I did tell you, + Bob, you would not believe it. It is too dreadful—too horrible—unutterably + awful and incredible! O Kate, Kate!” and he rocked himself to and fro in + his grief; “I pictured you an angel and I find you a——” + </p> + <p> + “A what?” I asked, for he had paused. + </p> + <p> + He looked at me with a vacant stare, and then suddenly burst out, waving + his arms: “A fiend!” he cried. “A ghoul from the pit! A vampire soul + behind a lovely face! Now, God forgive me!” he went on in a lower tone, + turning his face to the wall; “I have said more than I should. I have + loved her too much to speak of her as she is. I love her too much now.” + </p> + <p> + He lay still for some time, and I had hoped that the brandy had had the + effect of sending him to sleep, when he suddenly turned his face towards + me. + </p> + <p> + “Did you ever read of wehr-wolves?” he asked. + </p> + <p> + I answered that I had. + </p> + <p> + “There is a story,” he said thoughtfully, “in one of Marryat’s books, + about a beautiful woman who took the form of a wolf at night and devoured + her own children. I wonder what put that idea into Marryat’s head?” + </p> + <p> + He pondered for some minutes, and then he cried out for some more brandy. + There was a small bottle of laudanum upon the table, and I managed, by + insisting upon helping him myself, to mix about half a drachm with the + spirits. He drank it off, and sank his head once more upon the pillow. + “Anything better than that,” he groaned. “Death is better than that. Crime + and cruelty; cruelty and crime. Anything is better than that,” and so on, + with the monotonous refrain, until at last the words became indistinct, + his eyelids closed over his weary eyes, and he sank into a profound + slumber. I carried him into his bedroom without arousing him; and making a + couch for myself out of the chairs, I remained by his side all night. + </p> + <p> + In the morning Barrington Cowles was in a high fever. For weeks he + lingered between life and death. The highest medical skill of Edinburgh + was called in, and his vigorous constitution slowly got the better of his + disease. I nursed him during this anxious time; but through all his wild + delirium and ravings he never let a word escape him which explained the + mystery connected with Miss Northcott. Sometimes he spoke of her in the + tenderest words and most loving voice. At others he screamed out that she + was a fiend, and stretched out his arms, as if to keep her off. Several + times he cried that he would not sell his soul for a beautiful face, and + then he would moan in a most piteous voice, “But I love her—I love + her for all that; I shall never cease to love her.” + </p> + <p> + When he came to himself he was an altered man. His severe illness had + emaciated him greatly, but his dark eyes had lost none of their + brightness. They shone out with startling brilliancy from under his dark, + overhanging brows. His manner was eccentric and variable—sometimes + irritable, sometimes recklessly mirthful, but never natural. He would + glance about him in a strange, suspicious manner, like one who feared + something, and yet hardly knew what it was he dreaded. He never mentioned + Miss Northcott’s name—never until that fatal evening of which I have + now to speak. + </p> + <p> + In an endeavour to break the current of his thoughts by frequent change of + scene, I travelled with him through the highlands of Scotland, and + afterwards down the east coast. In one of these peregrinations of ours we + visited the Isle of May, an island near the mouth of the Firth of Forth, + which, except in the tourist season, is singularly barren and desolate. + Beyond the keeper of the lighthouse there are only one or two families of + poor fisher-folk, who sustain a precarious existence by their nets, and by + the capture of cormorants and solan geese. This grim spot seemed to have + such a fascination for Cowles that we engaged a room in one of the + fishermen’s huts, with the intention of passing a week or two there. I + found it very dull, but the loneliness appeared to be a relief to my + friend’s mind. He lost the look of apprehension which had become habitual + to him, and became something like his old self. + </p> + <p> + He would wander round the island all day, looking down from the summit of + the great cliffs which gird it round, and watching the long green waves as + they came booming in and burst in a shower of spray over the rocks + beneath. + </p> + <p> + One night—I think it was our third or fourth on the island—Barrington + Cowles and I went outside the cottage before retiring to rest, to enjoy a + little fresh air, for our room was small, and the rough lamp caused an + unpleasant odour. How well I remember every little circumstance in + connection with that night! It promised to be tempestuous, for the clouds + were piling up in the north-west, and the dark wrack was drifting across + the face of the moon, throwing alternate belts of light and shade upon the + rugged surface of the island and the restless sea beyond. + </p> + <p> + We were standing talking close by the door of the cottage, and I was + thinking to myself that my friend was more cheerful than he had been since + his illness, when he gave a sudden, sharp cry, and looking round at him I + saw, by the light of the moon, an expression of unutterable horror come + over his features. His eyes became fixed and staring, as if riveted upon + some approaching object, and he extended his long thin forefinger, which + quivered as he pointed. + </p> + <p> + “Look there!” he cried. “It is she! It is she! You see her there coming + down the side of the brae.” He gripped me convulsively by the wrist as he + spoke. “There she is, coming towards us!” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” I cried, straining my eyes into the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “She—Kate—Kate Northcott!” he screamed. “She has come for me. + Hold me fast, old friend. Don’t let me go!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold up, old man,” I said, clapping him on the shoulder. “Pull yourself + together; you are dreaming; there is nothing to fear.” + </p> + <p> + “She is gone!” he cried, with a gasp of relief. “No, by heaven! there she + is again, and nearer—coming nearer. She told me she would come for + me, and she keeps her word.” + </p> + <p> + “Come into the house,” I said. His hand, as I grasped it, was as cold as + ice. + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I knew it!” he shouted. “There she is, waving her arms. She is + beckoning to me. It is the signal. I must go. I am coming, Kate; I am + coming!” + </p> + <p> + I threw my arms around him, but he burst from me with superhuman strength, + and dashed into the darkness of the night. I followed him, calling to him + to stop, but he ran the more swiftly. When the moon shone out between the + clouds I could catch a glimpse of his dark figure, running rapidly in a + straight line, as if to reach some definite goal. It may have been + imagination, but it seemed to me that in the flickering light I could + distinguish a vague something in front of him—a shimmering form + which eluded his grasp and led him onwards. I saw his outlines stand out + hard against the sky behind him as he surmounted the brow of a little + hill, then he disappeared, and that was the last ever seen by mortal eye + of Barrington Cowles. + </p> + <p> + The fishermen and I walked round the island all that night with lanterns, + and examined every nook and corner without seeing a trace of my poor lost + friend. The direction in which he had been running terminated in a rugged + line of jagged cliffs overhanging the sea. At one place here the edge was + somewhat crumbled, and there appeared marks upon the turf which might have + been left by human feet. We lay upon our faces at this spot, and peered + with our lanterns over the edge, looking down on the boiling surge two + hundred feet below. As we lay there, suddenly, above the beating of the + waves and the howling of the wind, there rose a strange wild screech from + the abyss below. The fishermen—a naturally superstitious race—averred + that it was the sound of a woman’s laughter, and I could hardly persuade + them to continue the search. For my own part I think it may have been the + cry of some sea-fowl startled from its nest by the flash of the lantern. + However that may be, I never wish to hear such a sound again. + </p> + <p> + And now I have come to the end of the painful duty which I have + undertaken. I have told as plainly and as accurately as I could the story + of the death of John Barrington Cowles, and the train of events which + preceded it. I am aware that to others the sad episode seemed commonplace + enough. Here is the prosaic account which appeared in the Scotsman a + couple of days afterwards:— + </p> + <p> + “Sad Occurrence on the Isle of May.—The Isle of May has been the + scene of a sad disaster. Mr. John Barrington Cowles, a gentleman well + known in University circles as a most distinguished student, and the + present holder of the Neil Arnott prize for physics, has been recruiting + his health in this quiet retreat. The night before last he suddenly left + his friend, Mr. Robert Armitage, and he has not since been heard of. It is + almost certain that he has met his death by falling over the cliffs which + surround the island. Mr. Cowles’ health has been failing for some time, + partly from over study and partly from worry connected with family + affairs. By his death the University loses one of her most promising + alumni.” + </p> + <p> + I have nothing more to add to my statement. I have unburdened my mind of + all that I know. I can well conceive that many, after weighing all that I + have said, will see no ground for an accusation against Miss Northcott. + They will say that, because a man of a naturally excitable disposition + says and does wild things, and even eventually commits self-murder after a + sudden and heavy disappointment, there is no reason why vague charges + should be advanced against a young lady. To this, I answer that they are + welcome to their opinion. For my own part, I ascribe the death of William + Prescott, of Archibald Reeves, and of John Barrington Cowles to this woman + with as much confidence as if I had seen her drive a dagger into their + hearts. + </p> + <p> + You ask me, no doubt, what my own theory is which will explain all these + strange facts. I have none, or, at best, a dim and vague one. That Miss + Northcott possessed extraordinary powers over the minds, and through the + minds over the bodies, of others, I am convinced, as well as that her + instincts were to use this power for base and cruel purposes. That some + even more fiendish and terrible phase of character lay behind this—some + horrible trait which it was necessary for her to reveal before marriage—is + to be inferred from the experience of her three lovers, while the dreadful + nature of the mystery thus revealed can only be surmised from the fact + that the very mention of it drove from her those who had loved her so + passionately. Their subsequent fate was, in my opinion, the result of her + vindictive remembrance of their desertion of her, and that they were + forewarned of it at the time was shown by the words of both Reeves and + Cowles. Above this, I can say nothing. I lay the facts soberly before the + public as they came under my notice. I have never seen Miss Northcott + since, nor do I wish to do so. If by the words I have written I can save + any one human being from the snare of those bright eyes and that beautiful + face, then I can lay down my pen with the assurance that my poor friend + has not died altogether in vain. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ELIAS B. HOPKINS, THE PARSON OF JACKMAN’S GULCH. + </h2> + <p> + He was known in the Gulch as the Reverend Elias B. Hopkins, but it was + generally understood that the title was an honorary one, extorted by his + many eminent qualities, and not borne out by any legal claim which he + could adduce. “The Parson” was another of his sobriquets, which was + sufficiently distinctive in a land where the flock was scattered and the + shepherds few. To do him justice, he never pretended to have received any + preliminary training for the ministry, or any orthodox qualification to + practise it. “We’re all working in the claim of the Lord,” he remarked one + day, “and it don’t matter a cent whether we’re hired for the job or + whether we waltzes in on our own account,” a piece of rough imagery which + appealed directly to the instincts of Jackman’s Gulch. It is quite certain + that during the first few months his presence had a marked effect in + diminishing the excessive use both of strong drinks and of stronger + adjectives which had been characteristic of the little mining settlement. + Under his tuition, men began to understand that the resources of their + native language were less limited than they had supposed, and that it was + possible to convey their impressions with accuracy without the aid of a + gaudy halo of profanity. + </p> + <p> + We were certainly in need of a regenerator at Jackman’s Gulch about the + beginning of ‘53. Times were flush then over the whole colony, but nowhere + flusher than there. Our material prosperity had had a bad effect upon our + morals. The camp was a small one, lying rather better than a hundred and + twenty miles to the north of Ballarat, at a spot where a mountain torrent + finds its way down a rugged ravine on its way to join the Arrowsmith + River. History does not relate who the original Jackman may have been, but + at the time I speak of the camp it contained a hundred or so adults, many + of whom were men who had sought an asylum there after making more + civilised mining centres too hot to hold them. They were a rough, + murderous crew, hardly leavened by the few respectable members of society + who were scattered among them. + </p> + <p> + Communication between Jackman’s Gulch and the outside world was difficult + and uncertain. A portion of the bush between it and Ballarat was infested + by a redoubtable outlaw named Conky Jim, who, with a small band as + desperate as himself, made travelling a dangerous matter. It was + customary, therefore, at the Gulch, to store up the dust and nuggets + obtained from the mines in a special store, each man’s share being placed + in a separate bag on which his name was marked. A trusty man, named + Woburn, was deputed to watch over this primitive bank. When the amount + deposited became considerable, a waggon was hired, and the whole treasure + was conveyed to Ballarat, guarded by the police and by a certain number of + miners, who took it in turn to perform the office. Once in Ballarat, it + was forwarded on to Melbourne by the regular gold waggons. By this plan + the gold was often kept for months in the Gulch before being despatched, + but Conky Jim was effectually checkmated, as the escort party were far too + strong for him and his gang. He appeared, at the time of which I write, to + have forsaken his haunts in disgust, and the road could be traversed by + small parties with impunity. + </p> + <p> + Comparative order used to reign during the daytime at Jackman’s Gulch, for + the majority of the inhabitants were out with crowbar and pick among the + quartz ledges, or washing clay and sand in their cradles by the banks of + the little stream. As the sun sank down, however, the claims were + gradually deserted, and their unkempt owners, clay-bespattered and shaggy, + came lounging into camp, ripe for any form of mischief. Their first visit + was to Woburn’s gold store, where their clean-up of the day was duly + deposited, the amount being entered in the storekeeper’s book, and each + miner retaining enough to cover his evening’s expenses. After that, all + restraint was at an end, and each set to work to get rid of his surplus + dust with the greatest rapidity possible. The focus of dissipation was the + rough bar, formed by a couple of hogsheads spanned by planks, which was + dignified by the name of the “Britannia Drinking Saloon.” Here Nat Adams, + the burly bar-keeper, dispensed bad whisky at the rate of two shillings a + noggin, or a guinea a bottle, while his brother Ben acted as croupier in a + rude wooden shanty behind, which had been converted into a gambling hell, + and was crowded every night. There had been a third brother, but an + unfortunate misunderstanding with a customer had shortened his existence. + “He was too soft to live long,” his brother Nathaniel feelingly observed, + on the occasion of his funeral. “Many’s the time I’ve said to him, ‘If + you’re arguin’ a pint with a stranger, you should always draw first, then + argue, and then shoot, if you judge that he’s on the shoot.’ Bill was too + purlite. He must needs argue first and draw after, when he might just as + well have kivered his man before talkin’ it over with him.” This amiable + weakness of the deceased Bill was a blow to the firm of Adams, which + became so short-handed that the concern could hardly be worked without the + admission of a partner, which would mean a considerable decrease in the + profits. + </p> + <p> + Nat Adams had had a roadside shanty in the Gulch before the discovery of + gold, and might, therefore, claim to be the oldest inhabitant. These + keepers of shanties were a peculiar race, and at the cost of a digression + it may be interesting to explain how they managed to amass considerable + sums of money in a land where travellers were few and far between. It was + the custom of the “bushmen,” i.e., bullock-drivers, sheep tenders, and the + other white hands who worked on the sheep-runs up country, to sign + articles by which they agreed to serve their master for one, two, or three + years at so much per year and certain daily rations. Liquor was never + included in this agreement, and the men remained, per force, total + abstainers during the whole time. The money was paid in a lump sum at the + end of the engagement. When that day came round, Jimmy, the stockman, + would come slouching into his master’s office, cabbage-tree hat in hand. + </p> + <p> + “Morning, master!” Jimmy would say. “My time’s up. I guess I’ll draw my + cheque and ride down to town.” + </p> + <p> + “You’ll come back, Jimmy?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I’ll come back. Maybe I’ll be away three weeks, maybe a month. I + want some clothes, master, and my bloomin’ boots are well-nigh off my + feet.” + </p> + <p> + “How much, Jimmy?” asks his master, taking up his pen. + </p> + <p> + “There’s sixty pound screw,” Jimmy answers thoughtfully; “and you mind, + master, last March, when the brindled bull broke out o’ the paddock. Two + pound you promised me then. And a pound at the dipping. And a pound when + Millar’s sheep got mixed with ourn;” and so he goes on, for bushmen can + seldom write, but they have memories which nothing escapes. + </p> + <p> + His master writes the cheque and hands it across the table. “Don’t get on + the drink, Jimmy,” he says. + </p> + <p> + “No fear of that, master,” and the stockman slips the cheque into his + leather pouch, and within an hour he is ambling off upon his long-limbed + horse on his hundred-mile journey to town. + </p> + <p> + Now Jimmy has to pass some six or eight of the above-mentioned roadside + shanties in his day’s ride, and experience has taught him that if he once + breaks his accustomed total abstinence, the unwonted stimulant has an + overpowering effect upon his brain. Jimmy shakes his head warily as he + determines that no earthly consideration will induce him to partake of any + liquor until his business is over. His only chance is to avoid temptation; + so, knowing that there is the first of these houses some half-mile ahead, + he plunges into a byepath through the bush which will lead him out at the + other side. + </p> + <p> + Jimmy is riding resolutely along this narrow path, congratulating himself + upon a danger escaped, when he becomes aware of a sunburned, black-bearded + man who is leaning unconcernedly against a tree beside the track. This is + none other than the shanty-keeper, who, having observed Jimmy’s manoeuvre + in the distance, has taken a short cut through the bush in order to + intercept him. + </p> + <p> + “Morning, Jimmy!” he cries, as the horseman comes up to him. + </p> + <p> + “Morning, mate; morning!” + </p> + <p> + “Where are ye off to to-day then?” + </p> + <p> + “Off to town,” says Jimmy sturdily. + </p> + <p> + “No, now—are you though? You’ll have bully times down there for a + bit. Come round and have a drink at my place. Just by way of luck.” + </p> + <p> + “No,” says Jimmy, “I don’t want a drink.” + </p> + <p> + “Just a little damp.” + </p> + <p> + “I tell ye I don’t want one,” says the stockman angrily. + </p> + <p> + “Well, ye needn’t be so darned short about it. It’s nothin’ to me whether + you drinks or not. Good mornin’.” + </p> + <p> + “Good mornin’,” says Jimmy, and has ridden on about twenty yards when he + hears the other calling on him to stop. + </p> + <p> + “See here, Jimmy!” he says, overtaking him again. “If you’ll do me a + kindness when you’re up in town I’d be obliged.” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” + </p> + <p> + “It’s a letter, Jim, as I wants posted. It’s an important one too, an’ I + wouldn’t trust it with every one; but I knows you, and if you’ll take + charge on it it’ll be a powerful weight off my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “Give it here,” Jimmy says laconically. + </p> + <p> + “I hain’t got it here. It’s round in my caboose. Come round for it with + me. It ain’t more’n quarter of a mile.” + </p> + <p> + Jimmy consents reluctantly. When they reach the tumble-down hut the keeper + asks him cheerily to dismount and to come in. + </p> + <p> + “Give me the letter,” says Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “It ain’t altogether wrote yet, but you sit down here for a minute and + it’ll be right,” and so the stockman is beguiled into the shanty. + </p> + <p> + At last the letter is ready and handed over. “Now, Jimmy,” says the + keeper, “one drink at my expense before you go.” + </p> + <p> + “Not a taste,” says Jimmy. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that’s it, is it?” the other says in an aggrieved tone. “You’re too + damned proud to drink with a poor cove like me. Here—give us back + that letter. I’m cursed if I’ll accept a favour from a man whose too + almighty big to have a drink with me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, mate, don’t turn rusty,” says Jim. “Give us one drink an’ I’m + off.” + </p> + <p> + The keeper pours out about half a pannikin of raw rum and hands it to the + bushman. The moment he smells the old familiar smell his longing for it + returns, and he swigs it off at a gulp. His eyes shine more brightly and + his face becomes flushed. The keeper watches him narrowly. “You can go + now, Jim,” he says. + </p> + <p> + “Steady, mate, steady,” says the bushman. “I’m as good a man as you. If + you stand a drink I can stand one too, I suppose.” So the pannikin is + replenished, and Jimmy’s eyes shine brighter still. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Jimmy, one last drink for the good of the house,” says the keeper, + “and then it’s time you were off.” The stockman has a third gulp from the + pannikin, and with it all his scruples and good resolutions vanish for + ever. + </p> + <p> + “Look here,” he says somewhat huskily, taking his cheque out of his pouch. + “You take this, mate. Whoever comes along this road, ask ’em what they’ll + have, and tell them it’s my shout. Let me know when the money’s done.” + </p> + <p> + So Jimmy abandons the idea of ever getting to town, and for three weeks or + a month he lies about the shanty in a state of extreme drunkenness, and + reduces every wayfarer upon the road to the same condition. At last one + fine morning the keeper comes to him. “The coin’s done, Jimmy,” he says; + “it’s about time you made some more.” So Jimmy has a good wash to sober + him, straps his blanket and his billy to his back, and rides off through + the bush to the sheeprun, where he has another year of sobriety, + terminating in another month of intoxication. + </p> + <p> + All this, though typical of the happy-go-lucky manners of the inhabitants, + has no direct bearing upon Jackman’s Gulch, so we must return to that + Arcadian settlement. Additions to the population there were not numerous, + and such as came about the time of which I speak were even rougher and + fiercer than the original inhabitants. In particular, there came a brace + of ruffians named Phillips and Maule, who rode into camp one day, and + started a claim upon the other side of the stream. They outgulched the + Gulch in the virulence and fluency of their blasphemy, in the truculence + of their speech and manner, and in their reckless disregard of all social + laws. They claimed to have come from Bendigo, and there were some amongst + us who wished that the redoubted Conky Jim was on the track once more, as + long as he would close it to such visitors as these. After their arrival + the nightly proceedings at the Britannia bar and at the gambling hell + behind it became more riotous than ever. Violent quarrels, frequently + ending in bloodshed, were of constant occurrence. The more peaceable + frequenters of the bar began to talk seriously of lynching the two + strangers who were the principal promoters of disorder. Things were in + this unsatisfactory condition when our evangelist, Elias B. Hopkins, came + limping into the camp, travel-stained and footsore, with his spade + strapped across his back, and his Bible in the pocket of his moleskin + jacket. + </p> + <p> + His presence was hardly noticed at first, so insignificant was the man. + His manner was quiet and unobtrusive, his face pale, and his figure + fragile. On better acquaintance, however, there was a squareness and + firmness about his clean-shaven lower jaw, and an intelligence in his + widely-opened blue eyes, which marked him as a man of character. He + erected a small hut for himself, and started a claim close to that + occupied by the two strangers who had preceded him. This claim was chosen + with a ludicrous disregard for all practical laws of mining, and at once + stamped the newcomer as being a green hand at his work. It was piteous to + observe him every morning as we passed to our work, digging and delving + with the greatest industry, but, as we knew well, without the smallest + possibility of any result. He would pause for a moment as we went by, wipe + his pale face with his bandanna handkerchief, and shout out to us a + cordial morning greeting, and then fall to again with redoubled energy. By + degrees we got into the way of making a half-pitying, half-contemptuous + inquiry as to how he got on. “I hain’t struck it yet, boys,” he would + answer cheerily, leaning on his spade, “but the bedrock lies deep just + hereabouts, and I reckon we’ll get among the pay gravel to-day.” Day after + day he returned the same reply with unvarying confidence and cheerfulness. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before he began to show us the stuff that was in him. One + night the proceedings were unusually violent at the drinking saloon. A + rich pocket had been struck during the day, and the striker was standing + treat in a lavish and promiscuous fashion which had reduced three parts of + the settlement to a state of wild intoxication. A crowd of drunken idlers + stood or lay about the bar, cursing, swearing, shouting, dancing, and here + and there firing their pistols into the air out of pure wantonness. From + the interior of the shanty behind there came a similar chorus. Maule, + Phillips, and the roughs who followed them were in the ascendant, and all + order and decency was swept away. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly, amid this tumult of oaths and drunken cries, men became + conscious of a quiet monotone which underlay all other sounds and obtruded + itself at every pause in the uproar. Gradually first one man and then + another paused to listen, until there was a general cessation of the + hubbub, and every eye was turned in the direction whence this quiet stream + of words flowed. There, mounted upon a barrel, was Elias B. Hopkins, the + newest of the inhabitants of Jackman’s Gulch, with a good-humoured smile + upon his resolute face. + </p> + <p> + He held an open Bible in his hand, and was reading aloud a passage taken + at random—an extract from the Apocalypse, if I remember right. The + words were entirely irrelevant and without the smallest bearing upon the + scene before him, but he plodded on with great unction, waving his left + hand slowly to the cadence of his words. + </p> + <p> + There was a general shout of laughter and applause at this apparition, and + Jackman’s Gulch gathered round the barrel approvingly, under the + impression that this was some ornate joke, and that they were about to be + treated to some mock sermon or parody of the chapter read. When, however, + the reader, having finished the chapter, placidly commenced another, and + having finished that rippled on into another one, the revellers came to + the conclusion that the joke was somewhat too long-winded. The + commencement of yet another chapter confirmed this opinion, and an angry + chorus of shouts and cries, with suggestions as to gagging the reader or + knocking him off the barrel, rose from every side. In spite of roars and + hoots, however, Elias B. Hopkins plodded away at the Apocalypse with the + same serene countenance, looking as ineffably contented as though the + babel around him were the most gratifying applause. Before long an + occasional boot pattered against the barrel or whistled past our parson’s + head; but here some of the more orderly of the inhabitants interfered in + favour of peace and order, aided curiously enough by the afore-mentioned + Maule and Phillips, who warmly espoused the cause of the little Scripture + reader. “The little cus has got grit in him,” the latter explained, + rearing his bulky red-shirted form between the crowd and the object of its + anger. “His ways ain’t our ways, and we’re all welcome to our opinions, + and to sling them round from barrels or otherwise if so minded. What I + says and Bill says is, that when it comes to slingin’ boots instead o’ + words it’s too steep by half, an’ if this man’s wronged we’ll chip in an’ + see him righted.” This oratorical effort had the effect of checking the + more active signs of disapproval, and the party of disorder attempted to + settle down once more to their carouse, and to ignore the shower of + Scripture which was poured upon them. The attempt was hopeless. The + drunken portion fell asleep under the drowsy refrain, and the others, with + many a sullen glance at the imperturbable reader, slouched off to their + huts, leaving him still perched upon the barrel. Finding himself alone + with the more orderly of the spectators, the little man rose, closed his + book, after methodically marking with a lead pencil the exact spot at + which he stopped, and descended from his perch. “To-morrow night, boys,” + he remarked in his quiet voice, “the reading will commence at the 9th + verse of the 15th chapter of the Apocalypse,” with which piece of + information, disregarding our congratulations, he walked away with the air + of a man who has performed an obvious duty. + </p> + <p> + We found that his parting words were no empty threat. Hardly had the crowd + begun to assemble next night before he appeared once more upon the barrel + and began to read with the same monotonous vigour, tripping over words! + muddling up sentences, but still boring along through chapter after + chapter. Laughter, threats, chaff—every weapon short of actual + violence—was used to deter him, but all with the same want of + success. Soon it was found that there was a method in his proceedings. + When silence reigned, or when the conversation was of an innocent nature, + the reading ceased. A single word of blasphemy, however, set it going + again, and it would ramble on for a quarter of an hour or so, when it + stopped, only to be renewed upon similar provocation. The reading was + pretty continuous during that second night, for the language of the + opposition was still considerably free. At least it was an improvement + upon the night before. + </p> + <p> + For more than a month Elias B. Hopkins carried on this campaign. There he + would sit, night after night, with the open book upon his knee, and at the + slightest provocation off he would go, like a musical box when the spring + is touched. The monotonous drawl became unendurable, but it could only be + avoided by conforming to the parson’s code. A chronic swearer came to be + looked upon with disfavour by the community, since the punishment of his + transgression fell upon all. At the end of a fortnight the reader was + silent more than half the time, and at the end of the month his position + was a sinecure. + </p> + <p> + Never was a moral revolution brought about more rapidly and more + completely. Our parson carried his principle into private life. I have + seen him, on hearing an unguarded word from some worker in the gulches, + rush across, Bible in hand, and perching himself upon the heap of red clay + which surmounted the offender’s claim, drawl through the genealogical tree + at the commencement of the New Testament in a most earnest and impressive + manner, as though it were especially appropriate to the occasion. In time, + an oath became a rare thing amongst us. Drunkenness was on the wane too. + Casual travellers passing through the Gulch used to marvel at our state of + grace, and rumours of it went as far as Ballarat, and excited much comment + therein. + </p> + <p> + There were points about our evangelist which made him especially fitted + for the work which he had undertaken. A man entirely without redeeming + vices would have had no common basis on which to work, and no means of + gaining the sympathy of his flock. As we came to know Elias B. Hopkins + better, we discovered that in spite of his piety there was a leaven of old + Adam in him, and that he had certainly known unregenerate days. He was no + teetotaler. On the contrary, he could choose his liquor with + discrimination, and lower it in an able manner. He played a masterly hand + at poker, and there were few who could touch him at “cut-throat euchre.” + He and the two ex-ruffians, Phillips and Maule, used to play for hours in + perfect harmony, except when the fall of the cards elicited an oath from + one of his companions. At the first of these offences the parson would put + on a pained smile, and gaze reproachfully at the culprit. At the second he + would reach for his Bible, and the game was over for the evening. He + showed us he was a good revolver shot too, for when we were practising at + an empty brandy bottle outside Adams’ bar, he took up a friend’s pistol + and hit it plumb in the centre at twenty-four paces. There were few things + he took up that he could not make a show at apparently, except + gold-digging, and at that he was the veriest duffer alive. It was pitiful + to see the little canvas bag, with his name printed across it, lying + placid and empty upon the shelf at Woburn’s store, while all the other + bags were increasing daily, and some had assumed quite a portly rotundity + of form, for the weeks were slipping by, and it was almost time for the + gold-train to start off for Ballarat. We reckoned that the amount which we + had stored at the time represented the greatest sum which had ever been + taken by a single convoy out of Jackman’s Gulch. + </p> + <p> + Although Elias B. Hopkins appeared to derive a certain quiet satisfaction + from the wonderful change which he had effected in the camp, his joy was + not yet rounded and complete. There was one thing for which he still + yearned. He opened his heart to us about it one evening. + </p> + <p> + “We’d have a blessing on the camp, boys,” he said, “if we only had a + service o’ some sort on the Lord’s day. It’s a temptin’ o’ Providence to + go on in this way without takin’ any notice of it, except that maybe + there’s more whisky drunk and more card playin’ than on any other day.” + </p> + <p> + “We hain’t got no parson,” objected one of the crowd. + </p> + <p> + “Ye fool!” growled another, “hain’t we got a man as is worth any three + parsons, and can splash texts around like clay out o’ a cradle. What more + d’ye want?” + </p> + <p> + “We hain’t got no church!” urged the same dissentient. + </p> + <p> + “Have it in the open air,” one suggested. + </p> + <p> + “Or in Woburn’s store,” said another. + </p> + <p> + “Or in Adams’ saloon.” + </p> + <p> + The last proposal was received with a buzz of approval, which showed that + it was considered the most appropriate locality. + </p> + <p> + Adams’ saloon was a substantial wooden building in the rear of the bar, + which was used partly for storing liquor and partly for a gambling saloon. + It was strongly built of rough-hewn logs, the proprietor rightly judging, + in the unregenerate days of Jackman’s Gulch, that hogsheads of brandy and + rum were commodities which had best be secured under lock and key. A + strong door opened into each end of the saloon, and the interior was + spacious enough, when the table and lumber were cleared away, to + accommodate the whole population. The spirit barrels were heaped together + at one end by their owner, so as to make a very fair imitation of a + pulpit. + </p> + <p> + At first the Gulch took but a mild interest in the proceedings, but when + it became known that Elias B. Hopkins intended, after reading the service, + to address the audience, the settlement began to warm up to the occasion. + A real sermon was a novelty to all of them, and one coming from their own + parson was additionally so. Rumour announced that it would be interspersed + with local hits, and that the moral would be pointed by pungent + personalities. Men began to fear that they would be unable to gain seats, + and many applications were made to the brothers Adams. It was only when + conclusively shown that the saloon could contain them all with a margin + that the camp settled down into calm expectancy. + </p> + <p> + It was as well that the building was of such a size, for the assembly upon + the Sunday morning was the largest which had ever occurred in the annals + of Jackman’s Gulch. At first it was thought that the whole population was + present, but a little reflection showed that this was not so. Maule and + Phillips had gone on a prospecting journey among the hills, and had not + returned as yet, and Woburn, the gold-keeper, was unable to leave his + store. Having a very large quantity of the precious metal under his + charge, he stuck to his post, feeling that the responsibility was too + great to trifle with. With these three exceptions the whole of the Gulch, + with clean red shirts, and such other additions to their toilet as the + occasion demanded, sauntered in a straggling line along the clayey pathway + which led up to the saloon. + </p> + <p> + The interior of the building had been provided with rough benches, and the + parson, with his quiet good-humoured smile, was standing at the door to + welcome them. “Good morning, boys,” he cried cheerily, as each group came + lounging up. “Pass in; pass in. You’ll find this is as good a morning’s + work as any you’ve done. Leave your pistols in this barrel outside the + door as you pass; you can pick them out as you come out again, but it + isn’t the thing to carry weapons into the house of peace.” His request was + good-humouredly complied with, and before the last of the congregation + filed in, there was a strange assortment of knives and firearms in this + depository. When all had assembled, the doors were shut, and the service + began—the first and the last which was ever performed at Jackman’s + Gulch. + </p> + <p> + The weather was sultry and the room close, yet the miners listened with + exemplary patience. There was a sense of novelty in the situation which + had its attractions. To some it was entirely new, others were wafted back + by it to another land and other days. Beyond a disposition which was + exhibited by the uninitiated to applaud at the end of certain prayers, by + way of showing that they sympathised with the sentiments expressed, no + audience could have behaved better. There was a murmur of interest, + however, when Elias B. Hopkins, looking down on the congregation from his + rostrum of casks, began his address. + </p> + <p> + He had attired himself with care in honour of the occasion. He wore a + velveteen tunic, girt round the waist with a sash of china silk, a pair of + moleskin trousers, and held his cabbage-tree hat in his left hand. He + began speaking in a low tone, and it was noticed at the time that he + frequently glanced through the small aperture which served for a window + which was placed above the heads of those who sat beneath him. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve put you straight now,” he said, in the course of his address; “I’ve + got you in the right rut if you will but stick in it.” Here he looked very + hard out of the window for some seconds. “You’ve learned soberness and + industry, and with those things you can always make up any loss you may + sustain. I guess there isn’t one of ye that won’t remember my visit to + this camp.” He paused for a moment, and three revolver shots rang out upon + the quiet summer air. “Keep your seats, damn ye!” roared our preacher, as + his audience rose in excitement. “If a man of ye moves down he goes! The + door’s locked on the outside, so ye can’t get out anyhow. Your seats, ye + canting, chuckle-headed fools! Down with ye, ye dogs, or I’ll fire among + ye!” + </p> + <p> + Astonishment and fear brought us back into our seats, and we sat staring + blankly at our pastor and each other. Elias B. Hopkins, whose whole face + and even figure appeared to have undergone an extraordinary alteration, + looked fiercely down on us from his commanding position, with a + contemptuous smile on his stern face. + </p> + <p> + “I have your lives in my hands,” he remarked; and we noticed as he spoke + that he held a heavy revolver in his hand, and that the butt of another + one protruded from his sash. “I am armed and you are not. If one of you + moves or speaks he is a dead man. If not, I shall not harm you. You must + wait here for an hour. Why, you FOOLS” (this with a hiss of contempt which + rang in our ears for many a long day), “do you know who it is that has + stuck you up? Do you know who it is that has been playing it upon you for + months as a parson and a saint? Conky Jim, the bushranger, ye apes. And + Phillips and Maule were my two right-hand men. They’re off into the hills + with your gold——Ha! would ye?” This to some restive member of + the audience, who quieted down instantly before the fierce eye and the + ready weapon of the bushranger. “In an hour they will be clear of any + pursuit, and I advise you to make the best of it, and not to follow, or + you may lose more than your money. My horse is tethered outside this door + behind me. When the time is up I shall pass through it, lock it on the + outside, and be off. Then you may break your way out as best you can. I + have no more to say to you, except that ye are the most cursed set of + asses that ever trod in boot-leather.” + </p> + <p> + We had time to endorse mentally this outspoken opinion during the long + sixty minutes which followed; we were powerless before the resolute + desperado. It is true that if we made a simultaneous rush we might bear + him down at the cost of eight or ten of our number. But how could such a + rush be organised without speaking, and who would attempt it without a + previous agreement that he would be supported? There was nothing for it + but submission. It seemed three hours at the least before the ranger + snapped up his watch, stepped down from the barrel, walked backwards, + still covering us with his weapon, to the door behind him, and then passed + rapidly through it. We heard the creaking of the rusty lock, and the + clatter of his horse’s hoofs, as he galloped away. + </p> + <p> + It has been remarked that an oath had, for the last few weeks, been a rare + thing in the camp. We made up for our temporary abstention during the next + half-hour. Never was heard such symmetrical and heartfelt blasphemy. When + at last we succeeded in getting the door off its hinges all sight of both + rangers and treasure had disappeared, nor have we ever caught sight of + either the one or the other since. Poor Woburn, true to his trust, lay + shot through the head across the threshold of his empty store. The + villains, Maule and Phillips, had descended upon the camp the instant that + we had been enticed into the trap, murdered the keeper, loaded up a small + cart with the booty, and got safe away to some wild fastness among the + mountains, where they were joined by their wily leader. + </p> + <p> + Jackman’s Gulch recovered from this blow, and is now a flourishing + township. Social reformers are not in request there, however, and morality + is at a discount. It is said that an inquest has been held lately upon an + unoffending stranger who chanced to remark that in so large a place it + would be advisable to have some form of Sunday service. The memory of + their one and only pastor is still green among the inhabitants, and will + be for many a long year to come. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE RING OF THOTH. + </h2> + <p> + Mr. John Vansittart Smith, F.R.S., of 147-A Gower Street, was a man whose + energy of purpose and clearness of thought might have placed him in the + very first rank of scientific observers. He was the victim, however, of a + universal ambition which prompted him to aim at distinction in many + subjects rather than preeminence in one. + </p> + <p> + In his early days he had shown an aptitude for zoology and for botany + which caused his friends to look upon him as a second Darwin, but when a + professorship was almost within his reach he had suddenly discontinued his + studies and turned his whole attention to chemistry. Here his researches + upon the spectra of the metals had won him his fellowship in the Royal + Society; but again he played the coquette with his subject, and after a + year’s absence from the laboratory he joined the Oriental Society, and + delivered a paper on the Hieroglyphic and Demotic inscriptions of El Kab, + thus giving a crowning example both of the versatility and of the + inconstancy of his talents. + </p> + <p> + The most fickle of wooers, however, is apt to be caught at last, and so it + was with John Vansittart Smith. The more he burrowed his way into + Egyptology the more impressed he became by the vast field which it opened + to the inquirer, and by the extreme importance of a subject which promised + to throw a light upon the first germs of human civilisation and the origin + of the greater part of our arts and sciences. So struck was Mr. Smith that + he straightway married an Egyptological young lady who had written upon + the sixth dynasty, and having thus secured a sound base of operations he + set himself to collect materials for a work which should unite the + research of Lepsius and the ingenuity of Champollion. The preparation of + this magnum opus entailed many hurried visits to the magnificent Egyptian + collections of the Louvre, upon the last of which, no longer ago than the + middle of last October, he became involved in a most strange and + noteworthy adventure. + </p> + <p> + The trains had been slow and the Channel had been rough, so that the + student arrived in Paris in a somewhat befogged and feverish condition. On + reaching the Hotel de France, in the Rue Laffitte, he had thrown himself + upon a sofa for a couple of hours, but finding that he was unable to + sleep, he determined, in spite of his fatigue, to make his way to the + Louvre, settle the point which he had come to decide, and take the evening + train back to Dieppe. Having come to this conclusion, he donned his + greatcoat, for it was a raw rainy day, and made his way across the + Boulevard des Italiens and down the Avenue de l’Opera. Once in the Louvre + he was on familiar ground, and he speedily made his way to the collection + of papyri which it was his intention to consult. + </p> + <p> + The warmest admirers of John Vansittart Smith could hardly claim for him + that he was a handsome man. His high-beaked nose and prominent chin had + something of the same acute and incisive character which distinguished his + intellect. He held his head in a birdlike fashion, and birdlike, too, was + the pecking motion with which, in conversation, he threw out his + objections and retorts. As he stood, with the high collar of his greatcoat + raised to his ears, he might have seen from the reflection in the + glass-case before him that his appearance was a singular one. Yet it came + upon him as a sudden jar when an English voice behind him exclaimed in + very audible tones, “What a queer-looking mortal!” + </p> + <p> + The student had a large amount of petty vanity in his composition which + manifested itself by an ostentatious and overdone disregard of all + personal considerations. He straightened his lips and looked rigidly at + the roll of papyrus, while his heart filled with bitterness against the + whole race of travelling Britons. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said another voice, “he really is an extraordinary fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know,” said the first speaker, “one could almost believe that by + the continual contemplation of mummies the chap has become half a mummy + himself?” + </p> + <p> + “He has certainly an Egyptian cast of countenance,” said the other. + </p> + <p> + John Vansittart Smith spun round upon his heel with the intention of + shaming his countrymen by a corrosive remark or two. To his surprise and + relief, the two young fellows who had been conversing had their shoulders + turned towards him, and were gazing at one of the Louvre attendants who + was polishing some brass-work at the other side of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Carter will be waiting for us at the Palais Royal,” said one tourist to + the other, glancing at his watch, and they clattered away, leaving the + student to his labours. + </p> + <p> + “I wonder what these chatterers call an Egyptian cast of countenance,” + thought John Vansittart Smith, and he moved his position slightly in order + to catch a glimpse of the man’s face. He started as his eyes fell upon it. + It was indeed the very face with which his studies had made him familiar. + The regular statuesque features, broad brow, well-rounded chin, and dusky + complexion were the exact counterpart of the innumerable statues, + mummy-cases, and pictures which adorned the walls of the apartment. + </p> + <p> + The thing was beyond all coincidence. The man must be an Egyptian. + </p> + <p> + The national angularity of the shoulders and narrowness of the hips were + alone sufficient to identify him. + </p> + <p> + John Vansittart Smith shuffled towards the attendant with some intention + of addressing him. He was not light of touch in conversation, and found it + difficult to strike the happy mean between the brusqueness of the superior + and the geniality of the equal. As he came nearer, the man presented his + side face to him, but kept his gaze still bent upon his work. Vansittart + Smith, fixing his eyes upon the fellow’s skin, was conscious of a sudden + impression that there was something inhuman and preternatural about its + appearance. Over the temple and cheek-bone it was as glazed and as shiny + as varnished parchment. There was no suggestion of pores. One could not + fancy a drop of moisture upon that arid surface. From brow to chin, + however, it was cross-hatched by a million delicate wrinkles, which shot + and interlaced as though Nature in some Maori mood had tried how wild and + intricate a pattern she could devise. + </p> + <p> + “Ou est la collection de Memphis?” asked the student, with the awkward air + of a man who is devising a question merely for the purpose of opening a + conversation. + </p> + <p> + “C’est la,” replied the man brusquely, nodding his head at the other side + of the room. + </p> + <p> + “Vous etes un Egyptien, n’est-ce pas?” asked the Englishman. + </p> + <p> + The attendant looked up and turned his strange dark eyes upon his + questioner. They were vitreous, with a misty dry shininess, such as Smith + had never seen in a human head before. As he gazed into them he saw some + strong emotion gather in their depths, which rose and deepened until it + broke into a look of something akin both to horror and to hatred. + </p> + <p> + “Non, monsieur; je suis Francais.” The man turned abruptly and bent low + over his polishing. The student gazed at him for a moment in astonishment, + and then turning to a chair in a retired corner behind one of the doors he + proceeded to make notes of his researches among the papyri. His thoughts, + however refused to return into their natural groove. They would run upon + the enigmatical attendant with the sphinx-like face and the parchment + skin. + </p> + <p> + “Where have I seen such eyes?” said Vansittart Smith to himself. “There is + something saurian about them, something reptilian. There’s the membrana + nictitans of the snakes,” he mused, bethinking himself of his zoological + studies. “It gives a shiny effect. But there was something more here. + There was a sense of power, of wisdom—so I read them—and of + weariness, utter weariness, and ineffable despair. It may be all + imagination, but I never had so strong an impression. By Jove, I must have + another look at them!” He rose and paced round the Egyptian rooms, but the + man who had excited his curiosity had disappeared. + </p> + <p> + The student sat down again in his quiet corner, and continued to work at + his notes. He had gained the information which he required from the + papyri, and it only remained to write it down while it was still fresh in + his memory. For a time his pencil travelled rapidly over the paper, but + soon the lines became less level, the words more blurred, and finally the + pencil tinkled down upon the floor, and the head of the student dropped + heavily forward upon his chest. + </p> + <p> + Tired out by his journey, he slept so soundly in his lonely post behind + the door that neither the clanking civil guard, nor the footsteps of + sightseers, nor even the loud hoarse bell which gives the signal for + closing, were sufficient to arouse him. + </p> + <p> + Twilight deepened into darkness, the bustle from the Rue de Rivoli waxed + and then waned, distant Notre Dame clanged out the hour of midnight, and + still the dark and lonely figure sat silently in the shadow. It was not + until close upon one in the morning that, with a sudden gasp and an + intaking of the breath, Vansittart Smith returned to consciousness. For a + moment it flashed upon him that he had dropped asleep in his study-chair + at home. The moon was shining fitfully through the unshuttered window, + however, and, as his eye ran along the lines of mummies and the endless + array of polished cases, he remembered clearly where he was and how he + came there. The student was not a nervous man. He possessed that love of a + novel situation which is peculiar to his race. Stretching out his cramped + limbs, he looked at his watch, and burst into a chuckle as he observed the + hour. The episode would make an admirable anecdote to be introduced into + his next paper as a relief to the graver and heavier speculations. He was + a little cold, but wide awake and much refreshed. It was no wonder that + the guardians had overlooked him, for the door threw its heavy black + shadow right across him. + </p> + <p> + The complete silence was impressive. Neither outside nor inside was there + a creak or a murmur. He was alone with the dead men of a dead + civilisation. What though the outer city reeked of the garish nineteenth + century! In all this chamber there was scarce an article, from the + shrivelled ear of wheat to the pigment-box of the painter, which had not + held its own against four thousand years. Here was the flotsam and jetsam + washed up by the great ocean of time from that far-off empire. From + stately Thebes, from lordly Luxor, from the great temples of Heliopolis, + from a hundred rifled tombs, these relics had been brought. The student + glanced round at the long silent figures who flickered vaguely up through + the gloom, at the busy toilers who were now so restful, and he fell into a + reverent and thoughtful mood. An unwonted sense of his own youth and + insignificance came over him. Leaning back in his chair, he gazed dreamily + down the long vista of rooms, all silvery with the moonshine, which extend + through the whole wing of the widespread building. His eyes fell upon the + yellow glare of a distant lamp. + </p> + <p> + John Vansittart Smith sat up on his chair with his nerves all on edge. The + light was advancing slowly towards him, pausing from time to time, and + then coming jerkily onwards. The bearer moved noiselessly. In the utter + silence there was no suspicion of the pat of a footfall. An idea of + robbers entered the Englishman’s head. He snuggled up further into the + corner. The light was two rooms off. Now it was in the next chamber, and + still there was no sound. With something approaching to a thrill of fear + the student observed a face, floating in the air as it were, behind the + flare of the lamp. The figure was wrapped in shadow, but the light fell + full upon the strange eager face. There was no mistaking the metallic + glistening eyes and the cadaverous skin. It was the attendant with whom he + had conversed. + </p> + <p> + Vansittart Smith’s first impulse was to come forward and address him. A + few words of explanation would set the matter clear, and lead doubtless to + his being conducted to some side door from which he might make his way to + his hotel. As the man entered the chamber, however, there was something so + stealthy in his movements, and so furtive in his expression, that the + Englishman altered his intention. This was clearly no ordinary official + walking the rounds. The fellow wore felt-soled slippers, stepped with a + rising chest, and glanced quickly from left to right, while his hurried + gasping breathing thrilled the flame of his lamp. Vansittart Smith + crouched silently back into the corner and watched him keenly, convinced + that his errand was one of secret and probably sinister import. + </p> + <p> + There was no hesitation in the other’s movements. He stepped lightly and + swiftly across to one of the great cases, and, drawing a key from his + pocket, he unlocked it. From the upper shelf he pulled down a mummy, which + he bore away with him, and laid it with much care and solicitude upon the + ground. By it he placed his lamp, and then squatting down beside it in + Eastern fashion he began with long quivering fingers to undo the + cerecloths and bandages which girt it round. As the crackling rolls of + linen peeled off one after the other, a strong aromatic odour filled the + chamber, and fragments of scented wood and of spices pattered down upon + the marble floor. + </p> + <p> + It was clear to John Vansittart Smith that this mummy had never been + unswathed before. The operation interested him keenly. He thrilled all + over with curiosity, and his birdlike head protruded further and further + from behind the door. When, however, the last roll had been removed from + the four-thousand-year-old head, it was all that he could do to stifle an + outcry of amazement. First, a cascade of long, black, glossy tresses + poured over the workman’s hands and arms. A second turn of the bandage + revealed a low, white forehead, with a pair of delicately arched eyebrows. + A third uncovered a pair of bright, deeply fringed eyes, and a straight, + well-cut nose, while a fourth and last showed a sweet, full, sensitive + mouth, and a beautifully curved chin. The whole face was one of + extraordinary loveliness, save for the one blemish that in the centre of + the forehead there was a single irregular, coffee-coloured splotch. It was + a triumph of the embalmer’s art. Vansittart Smith’s eyes grew larger and + larger as he gazed upon it, and he chirruped in his throat with + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + Its effect upon the Egyptologist was as nothing, however, compared with + that which it produced upon the strange attendant. He threw his hands up + into the air, burst into a harsh clatter of words, and then, hurling + himself down upon the ground beside the mummy, he threw his arms round + her, and kissed her repeatedly upon the lips and brow. “Ma petite!” he + groaned in French. “Ma pauvre petite!” His voice broke with emotion, and + his innumerable wrinkles quivered and writhed, but the student observed in + the lamplight that his shining eyes were still as dry and tearless as two + beads of steel. For some minutes he lay, with a twitching face, crooning + and moaning over the beautiful head. Then he broke into a sudden smile, + said some words in an unknown tongue, and sprang to his feet with the + vigorous air of one who has braced himself for an effort. + </p> + <p> + In the centre of the room there was a large circular case which contained, + as the student had frequently remarked, a magnificent collection of early + Egyptian rings and precious stones. To this the attendant strode, and, + unlocking it, he threw it open. On the ledge at the side he placed his + lamp, and beside it a small earthenware jar which he had drawn from his + pocket. He then took a handful of rings from the case, and with a most + serious and anxious face he proceeded to smear each in turn with some + liquid substance from the earthen pot, holding them to the light as he did + so. He was clearly disappointed with the first lot, for he threw them + petulantly back into the case, and drew out some more. One of these, a + massive ring with a large crystal set in it, he seized and eagerly tested + with the contents of the jar. Instantly he uttered a cry of joy, and threw + out his arms in a wild gesture which upset the pot and sent the liquid + streaming across the floor to the very feet of the Englishman. The + attendant drew a red handkerchief from his bosom, and, mopping up the + mess, he followed it into the corner, where in a moment he found himself + face to face with his observer. + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me,” said John Vansittart Smith, with all imaginable politeness; + “I have been unfortunate enough to fall asleep behind this door.” + </p> + <p> + “And you have been watching me?” the other asked in English, with a most + venomous look on his corpse-like face. + </p> + <p> + The student was a man of veracity. “I confess,” said he, “that I have + noticed your movements, and that they have aroused my curiosity and + interest in the highest degree.” + </p> + <p> + The man drew a long flamboyant-bladed knife from his bosom. “You have had + a very narrow escape,” he said; “had I seen you ten minutes ago, I should + have driven this through your heart. As it is, if you touch me or + interfere with me in any way you are a dead man.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no wish to interfere with you,” the student answered. “My presence + here is entirely accidental. All I ask is that you will have the extreme + kindness to show me out through some side door.” He spoke with great + suavity, for the man was still pressing the tip of his dagger against the + palm of his left hand, as though to assure himself of its sharpness, while + his face preserved its malignant expression. + </p> + <p> + “If I thought——” said he. “But no, perhaps it is as well. What + is your name?” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman gave it. + </p> + <p> + “Vansittart Smith,” the other repeated. “Are you the same Vansittart Smith + who gave a paper in London upon El Kab? I saw a report of it. Your + knowledge of the subject is contemptible.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir!” cried the Egyptologist. + </p> + <p> + “Yet it is superior to that of many who make even greater pretensions. The + whole keystone of our old life in Egypt was not the inscriptions or + monuments of which you make so much, but was our hermetic philosophy and + mystic knowledge, of which you say little or nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Our old life!” repeated the scholar, wide-eyed; and then suddenly, “Good + God, look at the mummy’s face!” + </p> + <p> + The strange man turned and flashed his light upon the dead woman, uttering + a long doleful cry as he did so. The action of the air had already undone + all the art of the embalmer. The skin had fallen away, the eyes had sunk + inwards, the discoloured lips had writhed away from the yellow teeth, and + the brown mark upon the forehead alone showed that it was indeed the same + face which had shown such youth and beauty a few short minutes before. + </p> + <p> + The man flapped his hands together in grief and horror. Then mastering + himself by a strong effort he turned his hard eyes once more upon the + Englishman. + </p> + <p> + “It does not matter,” he said, in a shaking voice. “It does not really + matter. I came here to-night with the fixed determination to do something. + It is now done. All else is as nothing. I have found my quest. The old + curse is broken. I can rejoin her. What matter about her inanimate shell + so long as her spirit is awaiting me at the other side of the veil!” + </p> + <p> + “These are wild words,” said Vansittart Smith. He was becoming more and + more convinced that he had to do with a madman. + </p> + <p> + “Time presses, and I must go,” continued the other. “The moment is at hand + for which I have waited this weary time. But I must show you out first. + Come with me.” + </p> + <p> + Taking up the lamp, he turned from the disordered chamber, and led the + student swiftly through the long series of the Egyptian, Assyrian, and + Persian apartments. At the end of the latter he pushed open a small door + let into the wall and descended a winding stone stair. The Englishman felt + the cold fresh air of the night upon his brow. There was a door opposite + him which appeared to communicate with the street. To the right of this + another door stood ajar, throwing a spurt of yellow light across the + passage. “Come in here!” said the attendant shortly. + </p> + <p> + Vansittart Smith hesitated. He had hoped that he had come to the end of + his adventure. Yet his curiosity was strong within him. He could not leave + the matter unsolved, so he followed his strange companion into the lighted + chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was a small room, such as is devoted to a concierge. A wood fire + sparkled in the grate. At one side stood a truckle bed, and at the other a + coarse wooden chair, with a round table in the centre, which bore the + remains of a meal. As the visitor’s eye glanced round he could not but + remark with an ever-recurring thrill that all the small details of the + room were of the most quaint design and antique workmanship. The + candlesticks, the vases upon the chimney-piece, the fire-irons, the + ornaments upon the walls, were all such as he had been wont to associate + with the remote past. The gnarled heavy-eyed man sat himself down upon the + edge of the bed, and motioned his guest into the chair. + </p> + <p> + “There may be design in this,” he said, still speaking excellent English. + “It may be decreed that I should leave some account behind as a warning to + all rash mortals who would set their wits up against workings of Nature. I + leave it with you. Make such use as you will of it. I speak to you now + with my feet upon the threshold of the other world. + </p> + <p> + “I am, as you surmised, an Egyptian—not one of the down-trodden race + of slaves who now inhabit the Delta of the Nile, but a survivor of that + fiercer and harder people who tamed the Hebrew, drove the Ethiopian back + into the southern deserts, and built those mighty works which have been + the envy and the wonder of all after generations. It was in the reign of + Tuthmosis, sixteen hundred years before the birth of Christ, that I first + saw the light. You shrink away from me. Wait, and you will see that I am + more to be pitied than to be feared. + </p> + <p> + “My name was Sosra. My father had been the chief priest of Osiris in the + great temple of Abaris, which stood in those days upon the Bubastic branch + of the Nile. I was brought up in the temple and was trained in all those + mystic arts which are spoken of in your own Bible. I was an apt pupil. + Before I was sixteen I had learned all which the wisest priest could teach + me. From that time on I studied Nature’s secrets for myself, and shared my + knowledge with no man. + </p> + <p> + “Of all the questions which attracted me there were none over which I + laboured so long as over those which concern themselves with the nature of + life. I probed deeply into the vital principle. The aim of medicine had + been to drive away disease when it appeared. It seemed to me that a method + might be devised which should so fortify the body as to prevent weakness + or death from ever taking hold of it. It is useless that I should recount + my researches. You would scarce comprehend them if I did. They were + carried out partly upon animals, partly upon slaves, and partly on myself. + Suffice it that their result was to furnish me with a substance which, + when injected into the blood, would endow the body with strength to resist + the effects of time, of violence, or of disease. It would not indeed + confer immortality, but its potency would endure for many thousands of + years. I used it upon a cat, and afterwards drugged the creature with the + most deadly poisons. That cat is alive in Lower Egypt at the present + moment. There was nothing of mystery or magic in the matter. It was simply + a chemical discovery, which may well be made again. + </p> + <p> + “Love of life runs high in the young. It seemed to me that I had broken + away from all human care now that I had abolished pain and driven death to + such a distance. With a light heart I poured the accursed stuff into my + veins. Then I looked round for some one whom I could benefit. There was a + young priest of Thoth, Parmes by name, who had won my goodwill by his + earnest nature and his devotion to his studies. To him I whispered my + secret, and at his request I injected him with my elixir. I should now, I + reflected, never be without a companion of the same age as myself. + </p> + <p> + “After this grand discovery I relaxed my studies to some extent, but + Parmes continued his with redoubled energy. Every day I could see him + working with his flasks and his distiller in the Temple of Thoth, but he + said little to me as to the result of his labours. For my own part, I used + to walk through the city and look around me with exultation as I reflected + that all this was destined to pass away, and that only I should remain. + The people would bow to me as they passed me, for the fame of my knowledge + had gone abroad. + </p> + <p> + “There was war at this time, and the Great King had sent down his soldiers + to the eastern boundary to drive away the Hyksos. A Governor, too, was + sent to Abaris, that he might hold it for the King. I had heard much of + the beauty of the daughter of this Governor, but one day as I walked out + with Parmes we met her, borne upon the shoulders of her slaves. I was + struck with love as with lightning. My heart went out from me. I could + have thrown myself beneath the feet of her bearers. This was my woman. + Life without her was impossible. I swore by the head of Horus that she + should be mine. I swore it to the Priest of Thoth. He turned away from me + with a brow which was as black as midnight. + </p> + <p> + “There is no need to tell you of our wooing. She came to love me even as I + loved her. I learned that Parmes had seen her before I did, and had shown + her that he too loved her, but I could smile at his passion, for I knew + that her heart was mine. The white plague had come upon the city and many + were stricken, but I laid my hands upon the sick and nursed them without + fear or scathe. She marvelled at my daring. Then I told her my secret, and + begged her that she would let me use my art upon her. + </p> + <p> + “‘Your flower shall then be unwithered, Atma,’ I said. ‘Other things may + pass away, but you and I, and our great love for each other, shall outlive + the tomb of King Chefru.’ + </p> + <p> + “But she was full of timid, maidenly objections. ‘Was it right?’ she + asked, ‘was it not a thwarting of the will of the gods? If the great + Osiris had wished that our years should be so long, would he not himself + have brought it about?’ + </p> + <p> + “With fond and loving words I overcame her doubts, and yet she hesitated. + It was a great question, she said. She would think it over for this one + night. In the morning I should know her resolution. Surely one night was + not too much to ask. She wished to pray to Isis for help in her decision. + </p> + <p> + “With a sinking heart and a sad foreboding of evil I left her with her + tirewomen. In the morning, when the early sacrifice was over, I hurried to + her house. A frightened slave met me upon the steps. Her mistress was ill, + she said, very ill. In a frenzy I broke my way through the attendants, and + rushed through hall and corridor to my Atma’s chamber. She lay upon her + couch, her head high upon the pillow, with a pallid face and a glazed eye. + On her forehead there blazed a single angry purple patch. I knew that + hell-mark of old. It was the scar of the white plague, the sign-manual of + death. + </p> + <p> + “Why should I speak of that terrible time? For months I was mad, fevered, + delirious, and yet I could not die. Never did an Arab thirst after the + sweet wells as I longed after death. Could poison or steel have shortened + the thread of my existence, I should soon have rejoined my love in the + land with the narrow portal. I tried, but it was of no avail. The accursed + influence was too strong upon me. One night as I lay upon my couch, weak + and weary, Parmes, the priest of Thoth, came to my chamber. He stood in + the circle of the lamplight, and he looked down upon me with eyes which + were bright with a mad joy. + </p> + <p> + “‘Why did you let the maiden die?’ he asked; ‘why did you not strengthen + her as you strengthened me?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I was too late,’ I answered. ‘But I had forgot. You also loved her. You + are my fellow in misfortune. Is it not terrible to think of the centuries + which must pass ere we look upon her again? Fools, fools, that we were to + take death to be our enemy!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘You may say that,’ he cried with a wild laugh; ‘the words come well from + your lips. For me they have no meaning.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What mean you?’ I cried, raising myself upon my elbow. ‘Surely, friend, + this grief has turned your brain.’ His face was aflame with joy, and he + writhed and shook like one who hath a devil. + </p> + <p> + “‘Do you know whither I go?’ he asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘Nay,’ I answered, ‘I cannot tell.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I go to her,’ said he. ‘She lies embalmed in the further tomb by the + double palm-tree beyond the city wall.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why do you go there?’ I asked. + </p> + <p> + “‘To die!’ he shrieked, ‘to die! I am not bound by earthen fetters.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘But the elixir is in your blood,’ I cried. + </p> + <p> + “‘I can defy it,’ said he; ‘I have found a stronger principle which will + destroy it. It is working in my veins at this moment, and in an hour I + shall be a dead man. I shall join her, and you shall remain behind.’ + </p> + <p> + “As I looked upon him I could see that he spoke words of truth. The light + in his eye told me that he was indeed beyond the power of the elixir. + </p> + <p> + “‘You will teach me!’ I cried. + </p> + <p> + “‘Never!’ he answered. + </p> + <p> + “‘I implore you, by the wisdom of Thoth, by the majesty of Anubis!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘It is useless,’ he said coldly. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then I will find it out,’ I cried. + </p> + <p> + “‘You cannot,’ he answered; ‘it came to me by chance. There is one + ingredient which you can never get. Save that which is in the ring of + Thoth, none will ever more be made. + </p> + <p> + “‘In the ring of Thoth!’ I repeated; ‘where then is the ring of Thoth?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘That also you shall never know,’ he answered. ‘You won her love. Who has + won in the end? I leave you to your sordid earth life. My chains are + broken. I must go!’ He turned upon his heel and fled from the chamber. In + the morning came the news that the Priest of Thoth was dead. + </p> + <p> + “My days after that were spent in study. I must find this subtle poison + which was strong enough to undo the elixir. From early dawn to midnight I + bent over the test-tube and the furnace. Above all, I collected the papyri + and the chemical flasks of the Priest of Thoth. Alas! they taught me + little. Here and there some hint or stray expression would raise hope in + my bosom, but no good ever came of it. Still, month after month, I + struggled on. When my heart grew faint I would make my way to the tomb by + the palm-trees. There, standing by the dead casket from which the jewel + had been rifled, I would feel her sweet presence, and would whisper to her + that I would rejoin her if mortal wit could solve the riddle. + </p> + <p> + “Parmes had said that his discovery was connected with the ring of Thoth. + I had some remembrance of the trinket. It was a large and weighty circlet, + made, not of gold, but of a rarer and heavier metal brought from the mines + of Mount Harbal. Platinum, you call it. The ring had, I remembered, a + hollow crystal set in it, in which some few drops of liquid might be + stored. Now, the secret of Parmes could not have to do with the metal + alone, for there were many rings of that metal in the Temple. Was it not + more likely that he had stored his precious poison within the cavity of + the crystal? I had scarce come to this conclusion before, in hunting + through his papers, I came upon one which told me that it was indeed so, + and that there was still some of the liquid unused. + </p> + <p> + “But how to find the ring? It was not upon him when he was stripped for + the embalmer. Of that I made sure. Neither was it among his private + effects. In vain I searched every room that he had entered, every box, and + vase, and chattel that he had owned. I sifted the very sand of the desert + in the places where he had been wont to walk; but, do what I would, I + could come upon no traces of the ring of Thoth. Yet it may be that my + labours would have overcome all obstacles had it not been for a new and + unlooked-for misfortune. + </p> + <p> + “A great war had been waged against the Hyksos, and the Captains of the + Great King had been cut off in the desert, with all their bowmen and + horsemen. The shepherd tribes were upon us like the locusts in a dry year. + From the wilderness of Shur to the great bitter lake there was blood by + day and fire by night. Abaris was the bulwark of Egypt, but we could not + keep the savages back. The city fell. The Governor and the soldiers were + put to the sword, and I, with many more, was led away into captivity. + </p> + <p> + “For years and years I tended cattle in the great plains by the Euphrates. + My master died, and his son grew old, but I was still as far from death as + ever. At last I escaped upon a swift camel, and made my way back to Egypt. + The Hyksos had settled in the land which they had conquered, and their own + King ruled over the country. Abaris had been torn down, the city had been + burned, and of the great Temple there was nothing left save an unsightly + mound. Everywhere the tombs had been rifled and the monuments destroyed. + Of my Atma’s grave no sign was left. It was buried in the sands of the + desert, and the palm-trees which marked the spot had long disappeared. The + papers of Parmes and the remains of the Temple of Thoth were either + destroyed or scattered far and wide over the deserts of Syria. All search + after them was vain. + </p> + <p> + “From that time I gave up all hope of ever finding the ring or discovering + the subtle drug. I set myself to live as patiently as might be until the + effect of the elixir should wear away. How can you understand how terrible + a thing time is, you who have experience only of the narrow course which + lies between the cradle and the grave! I know it to my cost, I who have + floated down the whole stream of history. I was old when Ilium fell. I was + very old when Herodotus came to Memphis. I was bowed down with years when + the new gospel came upon earth. Yet you see me much as other men are, with + the cursed elixir still sweetening my blood, and guarding me against that + which I would court. Now at last, at last I have come to the end of it! + </p> + <p> + “I have travelled in all lands and I have dwelt with all nations. Every + tongue is the same to me. I learned them all to help pass the weary time. + I need not tell you how slowly they drifted by, the long dawn of modern + civilisation, the dreary middle years, the dark times of barbarism. They + are all behind me now, I have never looked with the eyes of love upon + another woman. Atma knows that I have been constant to her. + </p> + <p> + “It was my custom to read all that the scholars had to say upon Ancient + Egypt. I have been in many positions, sometimes affluent, sometimes poor, + but I have always found enough to enable me to buy the journals which deal + with such matters. Some nine months ago I was in San Francisco, when I + read an account of some discoveries made in the neighbourhood of Abaris. + My heart leapt into my mouth as I read it. It said that the excavator had + busied himself in exploring some tombs recently unearthed. In one there + had been found an unopened mummy with an inscription upon the outer case + setting forth that it contained the body of the daughter of the Governor + of the city in the days of Tuthmosis. It added that on removing the outer + case there had been exposed a large platinum ring set with a crystal, + which had been laid upon the breast of the embalmed woman. This, then was + where Parmes had hid the ring of Thoth. He might well say that it was + safe, for no Egyptian would ever stain his soul by moving even the outer + case of a buried friend. + </p> + <p> + “That very night I set off from San Francisco, and in a few weeks I found + myself once more at Abaris, if a few sand-heaps and crumbling walls may + retain the name of the great city. I hurried to the Frenchmen who were + digging there and asked them for the ring. They replied that both the ring + and the mummy had been sent to the Boulak Museum at Cairo. To Boulak I + went, but only to be told that Mariette Bey had claimed them and had + shipped them to the Louvre. I followed them, and there at last, in the + Egyptian chamber, I came, after close upon four thousand years, upon the + remains of my Atma, and upon the ring for which I had sought so long. + </p> + <p> + “But how was I to lay hands upon them? How was I to have them for my very + own? It chanced that the office of attendant was vacant. I went to the + Director. I convinced him that I knew much about Egypt. In my eagerness I + said too much. He remarked that a Professor’s chair would suit me better + than a seat in the Conciergerie. I knew more, he said, than he did. It was + only by blundering, and letting him think that he had over-estimated my + knowledge, that I prevailed upon him to let me move the few effects which + I have retained into this chamber. It is my first and my last night here. + </p> + <p> + “Such is my story, Mr. Vansittart Smith. I need not say more to a man of + your perception. By a strange chance you have this night looked upon the + face of the woman whom I loved in those far-off days. There were many + rings with crystals in the case, and I had to test for the platinum to be + sure of the one which I wanted. A glance at the crystal has shown me that + the liquid is indeed within it, and that I shall at last be able to shake + off that accursed health which has been worse to me than the foulest + disease. I have nothing more to say to you. I have unburdened myself. You + may tell my story or you may withhold it at your pleasure. The choice + rests with you. I owe you some amends, for you have had a narrow escape of + your life this night. I was a desperate man, and not to be baulked in my + purpose. Had I seen you before the thing was done, I might have put it + beyond your power to oppose me or to raise an alarm. This is the door. It + leads into the Rue de Rivoli. Good night!” + </p> + <p> + The Englishman glanced back. For a moment the lean figure of Sosra the + Egyptian stood framed in the narrow doorway. The next the door had + slammed, and the heavy rasping of a bolt broke on the silent night. + </p> + <p> + It was on the second day after his return to London that Mr. John + Vansittart Smith saw the following concise narrative in the Paris + correspondence of the Times:— + </p> + <p> + “Curious Occurrence in the Louvre.—Yesterday morning a strange + discovery was made in the principal Egyptian Chamber. The ouvriers who are + employed to clean out the rooms in the morning found one of the attendants + lying dead upon the floor with his arms round one of the mummies. So close + was his embrace that it was only with the utmost difficulty that they were + separated. One of the cases containing valuable rings had been opened and + rifled. The authorities are of opinion that the man was bearing away the + mummy with some idea of selling it to a private collector, but that he was + struck down in the very act by long-standing disease of the heart. It is + said that he was a man of uncertain age and eccentric habits, without any + living relations to mourn over his dramatic and untimely end.” + </p> + +<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CAPTAIN OF THE POLE-STAR AND OTHER TALES ***</div> +<div style='text-align:left'> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will +be renamed. +</div> + +<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> +Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright +law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, +so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United +States without permission and without paying copyright +royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part +of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project +Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ +concept and trademark. 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