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diff --git a/34347-h/34347-h.htm b/34347-h/34347-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a4879f0 --- /dev/null +++ b/34347-h/34347-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11212 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<!-- $Id: header.txt 236 2009-12-07 18:57:00Z vlsimpson $ --> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=iso-8859-1" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Dave Porter in the South Seas, by Edward Stratemeyer. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +hr { + width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} + +table { + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; +} + +.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; +} /* page numbers */ + + +.blockquot { + margin-left: 5%; + margin-right: 10%; +} + + +.bbox {border: solid 2px;} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +.padbase {padding-bottom: 3em;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +.u {text-decoration: underline;} + +.caption {font-weight: bold;} + +.sig {margin-right: 25%; text-align: right;} + +ins {text-decoration: none; border-bottom: 1px dashed #dcdcdc;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + + +/* Poetry */ +.poem { + margin-left:10%; + margin-right:10%; + text-align: left; +} + +.poem br {display: none;} + +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + +.poem span.i0 { + display: block; + margin-left: 0em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + +.poem span.i2 { + display: block; + margin-left: 2em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; +} + +.poem span.i1 {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Dave Porter in the South Seas, by Edward Stratemeyer + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Dave Porter in the South Seas + or, The Strange Cruise of the Stormy Petrel + +Author: Edward Stratemeyer + +Illustrator: I. B. Hazelton + +Release Date: November 17, 2010 [EBook #34347] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS *** + + + + +Produced by Sharon Verougstraete, Curtis Weyant and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 385px;"> +<img src="images/cover.jpg" width="385" height="603" alt="Cover" title="" /> +</div> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p>EDWARD STRATEMEYER'S BOOKS</p> + + +<p>Old Glory Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Net $1.50 per volume.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +UNDER DEWEY AT MANILA.<br /> +A YOUNG VOLUNTEER IN CUBA.<br /> +FIGHTING IN CUBAN WATERS.<br /> +UNDER OTIS IN THE PHILIPPINES.<br /> +THE CAMPAIGN OF THE JUNGLE.<br /> +UNDER MacARTHUR IN LUZON.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Soldiers of Fortune Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Net $1.50 per volume.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +ON TO PEKIN.<br /> +UNDER THE MIKADO'S FLAG.<br /> +AT THE FALL OF PORT ARTHUR.<br /> +WITH TOGO FOR JAPAN.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Colonial Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Net $1.50 per volume.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +WITH WASHINGTON IN THE WEST.<br /> +MARCHING ON NIAGARA.<br /> +AT THE FALL OF MONTREAL.<br /> +ON THE TRAIL OF PONTIAC.<br /> +THE FORT IN THE WILDERNESS.<br /> +TRAIL AND TRADING POST.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Mexican War Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.00.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +FOR THE LIBERTY OF TEXAS.<br /> +WITH TAYLOR ON THE RIO GRANDE.<br /> +UNDER SCOTT IN MEXICO.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Pan-American Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Price per volume $1.00.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +LOST ON THE ORINOCO.<br /> +THE YOUNG VOLCANO EXPLORERS.<br /> +YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE ISTHMUS.<br /> +YOUNG EXPLORERS OF THE AMAZON.<br /> +TREASURE SEEKERS OF THE ANDES.<br /> +CHASED ACROSS THE PAMPAS.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Dave Porter Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Net $1.50 per volume.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL.<br /> +DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS.<br /> +DAVE PORTER'S RETURN TO SCHOOL.<br /> +DAVE PORTER IN THE FAR NORTH.<br /> +DAVE PORTER AND HIS CLASSMATES.<br /> +DAVE PORTER AT STAR RANCH.<br /> +DAVE PORTER AND HIS RIVALS.<br /> +DAVE PORTER ON CAVE ISLAND.<br /> +DAVE PORTER AND THE RUNAWAYS.<br /> +DAVE PORTER IN THE GOLD FIELDS.<br /> +DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP.<br /> +DAVE PORTER AND HIS DOUBLE.<br /> +DAVE PORTER'S GREAT SEARCH.<br /> +DAVE PORTER UNDER FIRE.<br /> +DAVE PORTER'S WAR HONORS.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>Lakeport Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Net $1.50 per volume.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +THE GUN CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT.<br /> +THE BASEBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT.<br /> +THE BOAT CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT.<br /> +THE FOOTBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT.<br /> +THE AUTOMOBILE BOYS OF LAKEPORT.<br /> +THE AIRCRAFT BOYS OF LAKEPORT.<br /> +</p> + + +<p>American Boys' Biographical Series</p> + +<p><i>Cloth. Illustrated. Net $1.50 per volume.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase"> +AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF WILLIAM McKINLEY.<br /> +AMERICAN BOYS' LIFE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT.<br /> +</p> + +<p class="padbase">DEFENDING HIS FLAG. <i>Price $1.50.</i></p> + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p><a name="front" id="front"></a></p> +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 405px;"> +<img src="images/frontis.jpg" width="405" height="600" alt="The canoe was sent closer and finally beached.—Page 258." title="" /> +<span class="caption">The canoe was sent closer and finally beached.—<i><a href="#Page_258">Page 258</a>.</i></span> +</div> + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> + +<p class="center"> +<big>Dave Porter Series</big><br /> +<br /></p> +<h1>DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS</h1> +<p class="center"><br /><br /> +OR<br /> +<br /> +<big>THE STRANGE CRUISE OF THE STORMY PETREL</big><br /> +<br /> +BY<br /></p> +<h2>EDWARD STRATEMEYER</h2> +<p class="center"><br /><br /> +Author of "Under Togo for Japan," "Under the Mikado's<br /> +Flag," "At the Fall of Port Arthur," "Old Glory<br /> +Series," "Pan-American Series," "Colonial<br /> +Series," "American Boys' Biographical<br /> +Series," etc.<br /> +<br /> +<br /> +<i>ILLUSTRATED BY I. B. HAZELTON</i><br /> +<br /> +<br /> +BOSTON<br /> +LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO.<br /> +</p> + + + + +<p class="center"> +Published, August, 1906<br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Copyright, 1906, by Lothrop, Lee and Shepard Co.</span><br /> +<br /> +<i>All rights reserved</i><br /> +<br /> +<span class="smcap">Dave Porter in the South Seas</span><br /> +<br /> +Norwood Press<br /> +<span class="smcap">Berwick and Smith Co.</span><br /> +<span class="smcap">Norwood, Mass.</span><br /> +U. S. A.<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[iii]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>PREFACE</h2> + + +<p>"Dave Porter in the South Seas" is a complete +story in itself, but forms the second volume in +a line issued under the general title of "Dave Porter +Series."</p> + +<p>In the first volume of this series, called "Dave +Porter at Oak Hall," I introduced a typical American +boy, and gave something of his haps and mishaps +at an American boarding school of to-day. +At this school Dave made a number of warm +friends, and also a few enemies, and was the +means of bringing one weak and misguided youth +to a realization of his better self. Dave was poor +and had to fight his way to the front, and this was +not accomplished until he had shown those around +him what a truly straightforward and manly fellow +he was.</p> + +<p>The one great cloud over Dave's life was the +question of his parentage. He had been raised by +those who knew practically nothing of his past, +and when he thought that he saw a chance to learn +something about himself, he embraced that opportunity +eagerly, even though it necessitated a long +trip to the South Seas and a search among strange<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[iv]</a></span> +islands and still stranger natives. Dave makes the +trip in a vessel belonging to the father of one of +his school chums, and is accompanied by several +of his friends. Not a few perils are encountered, +and what the boys do under such circumstances I +leave for the pages that follow to tell.</p> + +<p>In penning this tale, I have had a twofold object +in view: first, to give my young readers a view of +a long ocean trip and let them learn something of +the numerous islands which dot the South Seas, and, +in the second place, to aid in teaching that old +truth—that what is worth having is worth working +for.</p> + +<p>Again I thank the many thousands of boys and +girls, and older persons, too, who have shown their +appreciation of my efforts to amuse and instruct +them. I can only add, as I have done before, that +I sincerely trust that this volume fulfills their every +reasonable expectation.</p> + +<p class="sig"> +<span class="smcap">Edward Stratemeyer.</span><br /> +<br /></p> +<p>April 10, 1906.<br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[v]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="Contents"> +<tr><td align="left" colspan="2">CHAPTER</td><td align="right">PAGE</td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">I. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Boys of Oak Hall</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_1">1</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">II. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Glimpse of the Past</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_10">10</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">III. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Three Chums on the River</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_19">19</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IV. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Plot to "Square Up"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_28">28</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">V. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">What the Plot Led To</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_37">37</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VI. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Fun of a Night</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_46">46</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Gus Plum's Mysterious Offer</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_55">55</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">VIII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Shadow Hamilton's Confession</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_64">64</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">IX. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">About Athletic Contests</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">72</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">X. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">How a Race was Won</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_81">81</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XI. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Fight and Its Result</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_90">90</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Shadow as a Somnambulist</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_100">100</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Photograph of Importance</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_110">110</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIV. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Gleam of Light</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">119</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XV. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Winding up the School Term</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_128">128</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVI. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Preparing for a Long Trip</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Trip to the Far West</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_146">146</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XVIII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Sailing of the "Stormy Petrel"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_155">155</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XIX. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Days on the Ocean</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_164">164</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XX. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Caught in a Storm</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_174">174</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXI. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Cavasa Island at Last</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_183">183</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">About Some Missing Men</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_192">192</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXIII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">In Which the Supercargo is Cornered</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_201">201</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXIV. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Cargo Mystery Explained</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_210">210</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXV. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Swept Onward by a Tidal Wave</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_219">219</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[vi]</a></span></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXVI. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Exploring a Tropical Island</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_228">228</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXVII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">A Map and a Plot</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_237">237</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXVIII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap"> Marooned</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_245">245</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXIX. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Coming of the Natives</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_254">254</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXX. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">The Retaking of the "Stormy Petrel"</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_262">262</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXXI. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Lifting the Curtain</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_270">270</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="right">XXXII. </td><td align="left"><span class="smcap">Homeward Bound—Conclusion</span></td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_278">278</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vii" id="Page_vii">[vii]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary=""> +<tr><td align="left">The canoe was sent closer and finally beached (page 258)</td><td align="left"><a href="#front"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td></tr> +<tr><td align="left"> </td><td align="left">Page</td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Dave cleared the last hurdle, and came in a winner</td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_87">87</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"Tell me his name, at once!"</td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_121">121</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"Good-by to Oak Hall!"</td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_137">137</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Another flash lit up the scene</td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_179">179</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">The former supercargo was washed off the steps and came down flat on his back </td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_225">225</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">Billy Dill managed to catch the last one and turn him over</td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_233">233</a></td></tr> +<tr><td align="left">"I have come about seven thousand miles to see you"</td><td align="left"><a href="#Page_274">274</a></td></tr> +</table></div> +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_viii" id="Page_viii">[viii]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS</h2> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> + +<h3>THE BOYS OF OAK HALL</h3> + + +<p>"Hello, Dave; where are you bound?"</p> + +<p>"For the river, Phil. I am going out for a row. +Want to come along?"</p> + +<p>"That suits me," answered Phil Lawrence, +throwing down the astronomy he had been studying. +"But I can't stay out late," he added, reaching +for his cap. "Got two examples in algebra to +do. Have you finished up?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Dave Porter. "They are not +so hard."</p> + +<p>"And your Latin?"</p> + +<p>"That's done, too."</p> + +<p>Phil Lawrence eyed the boy before him admiringly. +"Dave, I don't see how you manage it. +You're always on deck for fun, and yet you scarcely +miss a lesson. Let me into the secret, won't you?"</p> + +<p>"That's right, Dave; pull the cover off clean and +clear," came from a youth who had just entered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> +the school dormitory. "If I can get lessons without +studying——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, Roger, you know better than that," burst +out Dave Porter, with a smile. "Of course I have +to study—just the same as anybody. But when I +study, I study, and when I play, I play. I've found +out that it doesn't pay to mix the two up—it is best +to buckle your mind down to the thing on hand and +to nothing else."</p> + +<p>"That's the talk," came from a boy resting on +one of the beds. "It puts me in mind of a story I +once heard about a fellow who fell from the roof +of a house to the ground——"</p> + +<p>"There goes Shadow again!" cried Roger Morr. +"Shadow, will you ever get done telling chestnuts?"</p> + +<p>"This isn't a chestnut, and I haven't told it +over twice in my life. The man fell to the ground +past an open window. As he was going down, he +grabbed another man at the window by the hair. +The hair—it was a wig—came off. 'Say,' yells +the man at the window. 'Leave me alone. If you +want to fall, 'tend to business, and fall!'" And a +smile passed around among the assembled schoolboys.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps Roger would like to come along," continued +Dave. "I was going out for a row, and Phil +said he would go, too," he explained.</p> + +<p>"That suits me," answered Roger Morr. "It +will give us an appetite for supper."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What about you, Shadow?" and Dave turned +to the youth on the bed.</p> + +<p>Maurice Hamilton shook his head slightly. +"Not to-day. I am going to take a nap, if I can +get it. Remember, I was up half the night."</p> + +<p>"So he was," affirmed Phil Lawrence. "But he +hasn't said what it was about."</p> + +<p>"Not much," growled the boy called Shadow. +He was very tall and very thin, hence the nickname. +Turning over, he pretended to go to sleep.</p> + +<p>"There is something wrong about Shadow," said +Dave as he and his two companions left the school +building and hurried for the river at the back of +the grounds. "He has not been himself at all to-day."</p> + +<p>"I think he has had something to do with that +bully, Gus Plum," said Phil. "I saw them together +two days ago, and both were talking earnestly. I +don't know exactly what it was about. But I know +Shadow has been very much disturbed ever since."</p> + +<p>"Well, the best he can do is to leave Plum +alone," returned Dave, decidedly. "I can tell you, +fellows, that chap is not to be trusted; you know +that as well as I do."</p> + +<p>"Of course we know it," said Roger Morr. +"Didn't I warn you against Gus Plum before you +ever came to Oak Hall? And now that Chip +Macklin has turned over a new leaf and refused +to be Plum's toady any longer, the bully is worse<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> +than ever. Only yesterday Buster Beggs caught +him back of the gym., abusing one of the little +fellows. Buster is generally too lazy to rouse up, +but he said it made him mad, and he told Plum to +stop, or it would be the worse for him, and Plum +went off grumbling."</p> + +<p>"It's a great pity Plum can't reform, like +Macklin. I declare, Chip is getting to be quite a +decent sort, now."</p> + +<p>"It's not in Plum to reform," exclaimed Phil +Lawrence. "If I were Doctor Clay, I'd get rid of +him. Why, such a chap can keep a whole school in +hot water."</p> + +<p>"Somebody said that Plum's father had lost +a good bit of his money," observed Roger Morr. +"If that is so, it must be a bitter pill for Gus to +swallow."</p> + +<p>"Well, I wouldn't taunt him with it, if it's true," +replied Dave, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I shan't say a word—although he deserves +to have it rubbed in, for the way he treated you, +Dave."</p> + +<p>"Yes, that was a jolly shame," commented Phil. +"It makes me angry every time I think of it."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to let bygones be bygones," said +Dave, with a little smile. "As it was, it only +showed me who my true friends were, and are. I +can afford to get along without the others."</p> + +<p>"And especially after we waxed Plum and his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> +crowd at baseball, and then won our great victory +over the Rockville boys," said Roger. "Oh, but +wasn't that a dandy victory! And didn't we have +a dandy celebration afterwards!"</p> + +<p>"And do you remember the big cannon cracker +we set off in the courtyard?" Dave's eyes began +to twinkle. "I heard afterwards that Pop Swingly, +the janitor, was scared almost to death. He +thought somebody was trying to blow up the +building."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and Job Haskers said if he could catch the +fellow who——" Phil broke off short. "Here +comes Gus Plum, now," he whispered.</p> + +<p>The others looked up, and saw coming toward +them across the school grounds a tall, broad-shouldered +individual, loudly dressed, and with a shock +of uncombed hair and a cap set over on one ear.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Plum," said Dave, pleasantly, while his +two companions nodded to the newcomer.</p> + +<p>"Hello, yourself," came shortly from Gus Plum. +"Hold up a minute," he went on, planting himself +in front of the three.</p> + +<p>"What's wanted?" questioned Phil, in a little +surprise.</p> + +<p>"I want to know if Shadow Hamilton has been +saying anything about me to you," growled the +bully of Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"I haven't heard anything," answered Phil, +while Dave and Roger shook their heads.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Humph! He had better not!" muttered Plum, +with a scowl. "If he does——" The bully did +not finish.</p> + +<p>"I hope there is no more trouble in the air," was +Dave's comment.</p> + +<p>"There will be trouble, if Hamilton opens his +trap. I won't allow anybody in this school to talk +about me, and all of you had better understand it," +and the bully glared at the others defiantly.</p> + +<p>"I am sure I don't know what you are talking +about," said Dave. "I haven't said anything about +you."</p> + +<p>"And you haven't heard anything?" inquired +Gus Plum, with a look of keen anxiety showing on +his coarse face.</p> + +<p>"I've heard some roundabout story about your +father losing money," said Roger, before Dave +could answer. "If it is true, I am sorry for you, +Gus."</p> + +<p>"Bah! I don't want your sympathy. Did +Hamilton tell you that story?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are spreading it right and left, +eh? Making me out to be a pauper, like your +friend Porter, eh?" continued Gus Plum, working +himself up into a magnificent condition of ill-humor.</p> + +<p>"I am not spreading it right and left," answered +Roger, quietly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And I am not a pauper, Plum!" exclaimed +Dave, with flashing eyes. "I thought we had +settled that difference of opinion long ago. If you +are going to open it up again——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't mind what he says, Dave," broke in +Phil, catching his chum by the arm. "You know +nobody in the school pays attention to him."</p> + +<p>"I won't let any of you run me down!" roared +Gus Plum. "Now, just you remember that! If +any of you say a word about me or my father, I'll +make it so hot for you that you'll wish you had +never been born. My father has lost a little money, +but it ain't a flea-bite to what he is worth, and I +want everybody in this school to know it."</p> + +<p>"And I want you to know that you cannot continue +to insult me," blazed out Dave. "I am not as +rich as most of the boys here, but——"</p> + +<p>"He is just as good as any of us, Plum, remember +that," finished Phil. "It is an outrage for you +to refer to Dave as a pauper."</p> + +<p>"Well, didn't he come from the poorhouse, and +ain't he a nobody?" sneered the bully.</p> + +<p>"He is a better fellow than you will ever be, +Plum," said Roger, warmly. He and Phil were +both holding Dave back. "Don't listen to him, +Dave."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but, fellows——" Dave's face was white, +and he trembled all over.</p> + +<p>"I know it cuts you," whispered Roger. "But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> +Plum is a—a brute. Don't waste your breath on +him."</p> + +<p>"Ho! so I am a brute, am I?" blustered the big +bully, clenching his fists.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you are," answered Roger, boldly. "Any +fellow with a spark of goodness and honor in him +would not speak to Dave as you have done. It +simply shows up your own low-mindedness, Plum."</p> + +<p>"Don't you preach!" shouted the bully. "Say +another word, and I'll—I'll——"</p> + +<p>"We are not afraid of you," said Phil, firmly. +"We've told you that before. We intend to leave +you alone, and the best thing you can do is to leave +us alone."</p> + +<p>"Bah! I know you, and you can't fool me! +You say one thing to my face and another behind +my back. But don't you dare to say too much; and +you can tell Shadow Hamilton not to say too much, +either. If you do—well, there will be war, that's +all—and all of you will get what you don't want!" +And with this threat, Gus Plum hurried around a +corner of the school building and out of sight.</p> + +<p>"What a cad!" murmured Phil.</p> + +<p>"He is worked up; no disputing that," was +Roger's comment. "He acts as if he was afraid +something was being told that he wished to keep +a secret."</p> + +<p>The hot blood had rushed to Dave's face, and +he was still trembling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I wish I had knocked him down," he said in a +low tone.</p> + +<p>"What good would it have done?" returned +Roger. "It would only get you into trouble with +the doctor, and that is just what Plum would like. +When it comes to a standing in the class, he knows +he hasn't as much to lose as you have. He is +almost at the bottom already, while you are close +to the top."</p> + +<p>"But, Roger, he said—oh, I can't bear to think +about it! I suppose he blabs it to everybody, too, +and they will think——"</p> + +<p>"Don't give it another thought, Dave," said Phil, +soothingly, and he turned his chum toward the river +again. "Dismiss Plum and all his meanness from +your mind."</p> + +<p>"I wish I could," answered Dave, and his voice +had a great deal of seriousness in it.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER II</h2> + +<h3>A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST</h3> + + +<p>As the three boys hurried to the river, Dave +Porter felt that all his anticipated sport for that +afternoon had been spoiled. He had been brought +face to face once more with the one dark spot in +his history, and his heart was filled with a bitterness +which his two loyal chums could scarcely +comprehend.</p> + +<p>Dave was indeed a poorhouse boy, and of unknown +parentage. When but a few years of age, +he had been found one evening in the summer wandering +close to the railroad tracks just outside of +the village of Crumville. How he was found by +some farm hands and taken to a house and fed and +cared for otherwise, has already been related in the +first volume of this series, entitled "Dave Porter at +Oak Hall."</p> + +<p>At first, every effort to learn his identity was +made, but, this failing, he was turned over to the +poorhouse authorities. He said his name was +Dave, or Davy, and sometimes added Porter, and +then Dun-Dun, and from this he was called Dave +Porter—a name which suited him very well.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave remained at the poorhouse until he was +about nine years old, when he was taken out of +that institution by a broken-down college professor +named Caspar Potts, who had turned farmer. He +remained with the old professor for several years, +and a warm friendship sprang up between the pair. +Caspar Potts gave Dave a fair education, and, in +return, the boy did all he could for the old man, +who was not in the best of health, and rather eccentric +at times.</p> + +<p>Unfortunately for Professor Potts, there was in +the neighborhood a hard-hearted money-lender +named Aaron Poole, who had a mortgage on the +old educator's farm. The money-lender had a son +named Nat, who was a flippant youth, and this boy +had trouble with Dave. Then the money-lender +would have sold out the old professor, had not +aid come opportunely from a most unexpected +quarter.</p> + +<p>In this volume it is unnecessary to go into the +details of how Dave became acquainted with Mr. +Oliver Wadsworth, a rich manufacturer of the +neighborhood, and how the boy saved Jessie Wadsworth +from being burned to death when the gasoline +tank of an automobile exploded and enveloped +the young miss in flames. For this service the +Wadsworths were all more than grateful, and when +Dave told his story Oliver Wadsworth made the +discovery that Caspar Potts was one of the pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span>fessors +under whom he had studied in his college +days.</p> + +<p>"I must meet him and talk this over," said the +rich manufacturer, and the upshot of the matter +was that the professor and Dave were invited to +dine at the Wadsworth mansion.</p> + +<p>This dinner proved a turning point in the life +of the poorhouse youth. Mr. Wadsworth had lost +a son by death, and Dave reminded him strongly +of his boy. It was arranged that Caspar Potts +should come to live at the Wadsworth mansion, +and that Dave should be sent to some first-class +boarding school, the manufacturer agreeing to pay +all bills, because of the boy's bravery in behalf of +Jessie.</p> + +<p>Oak Hall was the school selected, a fine institution, +located not far from the village of Oakdale. +The school was surrounded by oaks, which partly +shaded a beautiful campus, and the grounds, which +were on a slight hill, sloped down in the rear to the +Leming River.</p> + +<p>Dave's heart beat high when he started off for +Oak Hall, and he had a curious experience before +he reached that institution. The house of a Senator +Morr was robbed, and the boy met the robber on +the train, and, after a good deal of trouble, managed +to recover a valise containing a large share of +the stolen goods. This threw Dave into the company +of Roger Morr, the senator's son, and the two<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> +became warm friends. Roger was on his way to +Oak Hall, and it was through him that Dave became +acquainted with Phil Lawrence—reckoned by +many the leader of the academy; Maurice Hamilton, +generally called Shadow; Sam Day, Joseph +Beggs,—who always went by the name of Buster, +because he was so fat,—and a number of others. In +Crumville Dave had had one boy friend, Ben Basswood, +and Ben also came to Oak Hall, and so did +Nat Poole, as flippant and loud-mouthed as ever.</p> + +<p>But Dave soon found out that Nat Poole was not +half so hard to get along with as was Gus Plum, +the big bully of the Hall. There was a difference +of opinion almost from the start, and Plum did all +he could to annoy Dave and his friends. Plum +wanted to be a leader in baseball and in athletics +generally, and when he found himself outclassed, +he was savagely bitter.</p> + +<p>"I'll get square!" he told his toady, Chip +Macklin, more than once; but his plans to injure +Dave and his chums fell through, and, in the end, +Macklin became disgusted with the bully and left +him. Most of the boys wanted nothing to do with +the boy who had been the bully's toady, but Dave +put in a good word for him, and, in the end, +Macklin was voted a pretty fair fellow, after all.</p> + +<p>With the toady gone, Gus Plum and Nat Poole +became very thick, and Poole lost no opportunity +of telling how Dave had been raised at the poor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>house. +Gus Plum took the matter up, and for a +while poor Dave was made miserable by those who +turned their backs on him. But Doctor Clay, who +presided over the academy, sided with Dave, and +so did all of the better class of students, and soon +the affair blew over, at least for the time being. +But now the bully was agitating it again, as we +have just seen.</p> + +<p>During the winter term at Oak Hall one thing +of importance had occurred, of which some particulars +must be given, for it has much to do with +our present tale. Some of the boys, including +Dave, had skated up the river to what was locally +called the old castle—a deserted stone dwelling +standing in a wilderness of trees. They had arrived +at this structure just in time to view a quarrel between +two men—one a sleek-looking fellow and +the other an elderly man, dressed in the garb of a +sailor. The sleek-looking individual was the man +who had robbed Senator Morr's house, and just as +he knocked the old sailor senseless to the ground, +the boys rushed in and made him a prisoner.</p> + +<p>When the old sailor came to his senses, he stared +at Dave as if the boy were a ghost. He said his +name was Billy Dill and that he had sailed the +South Seas and many other portions of the briny +deep. He insisted that he knew Dave well, and +wanted to know why the youth had shaved off his +mustache. The boys imagined that the tar was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> +out of his head, and he was removed to a hospital. +Later on, as Dave was so interested in the man, +Mr. Wadsworth had him taken to a private sanitarium. +Here he lingered for awhile between life +and death, but at last grew better physically, although +his mind was sadly unbalanced, and he +could recall the past only in a hazy way.</p> + +<p>Yet he insisted upon it, over and over again, +that he had met Dave before, or, if not the youth, +then somebody who looked exactly like him, although +older. Pressed to tell his story, he said he +had met this man on Cavasa Island, in the South +Seas. He also mentioned a crazy nurse and a lost +child, but could give no details, going off immediately +into a wild flight about the roaring of the sea +in his ears and the dancing of the lighthouse beacon +in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"He must know something of my past," Dave +said, when he came away from visiting the old tar. +"Oh, if only his mind were perfectly clear!"</p> + +<p>"We must wait," answered Oliver Wadsworth, +who was along. "I think his mind will clear after +awhile. It is certainly clearer now than it was +some months ago."</p> + +<p>"The man he knows may be my father, or some +close relative."</p> + +<p>"That may be true, Dave. But don't raise any +false hopes. I should not like to see you disappointed +for the world."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave knew that Phil Lawrence's father was a +shipping merchant of considerable standing, owning +an interest in a great number of vessels. He +went to Phil and learned that the boy was going to +take a trip to the South Seas that very summer, and +was going to stop at Cavasa Island.</p> + +<p>"I am going on business for my father," explained +Phil. "It is something special, of which he +wishes the supercargo to know nothing." And then +he told Dave all he knew of Cavasa Island and its +two towns and their inhabitants. After that, Dave +sent a letter to both of the towns, asking if there +were any persons there by the name of Porter, or if +any English-speaking person had lost a child years +ago, but so far no answer had been received.</p> + +<p>Of course, Phil wanted to know why Dave was +so anxious to learn about his proposed trip, and, +in the end, the poorhouse boy told his story, to +which his chum listened with interest.</p> + +<p>"Phil, what would you say if I wanted to go +with you on that trip to Cavasa Island?" Dave +had said, after his story was finished.</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean it, Dave?" had been the +return question, and Phil's face had shown his +astonishment.</p> + +<p>"I do—if matters turn out as I think they may."</p> + +<p>"That is, if that old sailor gets around so that +he can tell a pretty straight story?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I'd like your company, first-rate. But—" +Phil drew a deep breath—"I'd hate to see you +go on a wild-goose chase. Think of traveling thousands +of miles and then being disappointed at the +end of the trip. That old sailor may simply be +crazy."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. Why should he mention a +lost child—a boy?"</p> + +<p>"Well, that is the only thing that makes it look +as if there was something in the story. But couldn't +I do the looking for you?"</p> + +<p>"No, I'd prefer to do that myself. Besides, you +must remember, that sailor did not come directly +from Cavasa Island to this country. So, whoever +was on the island—I mean the person I may be interested +in—may have gone elsewhere—in which +case I should want to follow him."</p> + +<p>"I see. Well, Dave, do what you think is best, +and may good luck go with you!" Phil had said; +and there the conversation on the subject had come +to a close.</p> + +<p>It was not until a week later that Dave had +called on Billy Dill again—to find the old tar +sitting on a porch of the sanitarium, smoking his +pipe contentedly.</p> + +<p>"On deck again, my hearty!" had been the greeting. +"Give us your flipper," and a warm handshake +had followed.</p> + +<p>But the visit had been productive of little good.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> +Billy Dill could remember nothing clearly, excepting +that he knew a man who looked very much like +Dave, and that that man had been his friend while +he was stranded on Cavasa Island and looking for +a chance to ship. He said he could recall a bark +named the <i>Mary Sacord</i> and a crazy nurse called +Polly, but that was all.</p> + +<p>"I had a picter o' that man once—the feller that +looks like you," he said. "But I dunno what's +become o' it," and then he had scratched his head +and gone off into a rambling mumble that meant +nothing at all. And Dave had gone back to Oak +Hall more mystified than ever.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER III</h2> + +<h3>THREE CHUMS ON THE RIVER</h3> + + +<p>Down at the boathouse the three boys procured +a round-bottomed rowboat, and were soon on the +river. Roger took one pair of oars and motioned +to Phil to let Dave take the other.</p> + +<p>"Let him do the most of the rowing—it will help +him to forget his troubles," he whispered, and +Phil understood.</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful afternoon in the early summer, +with just the faintest breeze stirring the trees +which lined the river bank on either side. The +boys pulled a good stroke, and Roger purposely +kept Dave at it, until both were thoroughly +warmed up.</p> + +<p>"You're improving in your stroke," remarked +Dave, as they came to a bend in the watercourse +and rested on their oars for a minute. "Perhaps +you are training for the boat races."</p> + +<p>"Well, I shouldn't mind going into a race," returned +the senator's son. "It would be lots of +sport, even if I didn't win."</p> + +<p>"I am going into some of the field contests this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> +summer," said Phil. "That is, if they come off +before I go away."</p> + +<p>"When do you expect to start?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know yet. It depends upon when one +of my father's vessels gets back to San Francisco +and ships her cargo."</p> + +<p>"I've heard a rumor that the Hall is to be shut +up early this summer," said Dave. "The doctor is +thinking of building an addition before the fall +term begins, and he wants to give the masons and +carpenters as much of a show as possible."</p> + +<p>"Do you remember that day we were on the +river, and Gus Plum ran into us with that gasoline +launch?" observed Phil. "My, what a mess we +were in!"</p> + +<p>"I've had trouble with him ever since I clapped +eyes on him," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Oh, let's talk about something else!" cried +Roger. "No matter where we start from, we always +end up with Gus Plum. And, by the way, +do you notice how thick he is with Nat Poole since +Macklin has refused to toady to him?"</p> + +<p>"They are almost of a stripe, Roger," answered +Dave. "I know Nat Poole thoroughly. The only +difference is that Poole is more of a dandy when it +comes to dress."</p> + +<p>"Poole says he is going in for athletics this summer," +said Phil. "I overheard him telling Luke +Watson so."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is Luke going into training?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. He loves his banjo and guitar +too much."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'd love them, too, if I could play as he +does," returned Dave.</p> + +<p>"Luke told me he had noticed something strange +about Shadow," put in Roger. "He asked me if I +knew what made Shadow so worried. He said he +hadn't heard a funny story out of him for a week, +and that's unusual, for Shadow is generally telling +about a dozen a day."</p> + +<p>"It is possible that he may be fixing for a +regular spell of sickness," was Dave's comment. +"That's the way some things come on, you +know."</p> + +<p>The boys resumed their rowing, and Roger put +on a burst of speed that made Dave work with a +will in order to keep up with him. Then, of a +sudden, there came a sharp click and the senator's +son tumbled over backwards, splashing the water +in every direction.</p> + +<p>"Whoop! look out!" yelled Phil. "I don't want +any shower-bath! Did you catch a crab, Roger?"</p> + +<p>"N—no, I didn't," spluttered the senator's son, +when he had regained a sitting position. "There's +the trouble," and he pointed to a broken oarlock.</p> + +<p>"That's too bad," declared Dave. "Boys, we +shall have to have that fixed before we take the boat +back to the boathouse—or else we'll have to tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> +Mr. Dale." The man he mentioned was the first +assistant instructor at the Hall.</p> + +<p>"Let us row down to Ike Rasmer's boathouse +and see if he will sell us an oarlock," suggested +Roger. "He ought to have plenty on hand."</p> + +<p>"All right," said Phil; "and, as both of you must +be tired now, I'll take my turn," and he motioned +to Dave to change seats with him, while Roger +drew in his remaining oar.</p> + +<p>The man whom Roger had mentioned was a +boatman who rented out craft of various kinds. +His boathouse was about half a mile away, but +Phil covered the distance with ease. They found +Rasmer out on his little dock, painting a tiny sloop +a dark green.</p> + +<p>"How do you do, boys?" he called out, pleasantly. +"Out for an airing?"</p> + +<p>"No, we came down to see if you needed any +painters," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>"Well, I dunno. What do you think of this job +of mine? Ain't it pretty slick?" And Ike Rasmer +surveyed his work with evident satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"It's all right, Ike," answered Roger. "When +you give up boating, take to house-painting, by all +means."</p> + +<p>"House-painting?" snorted the man. "Not fer +me! I ain't goin' to fall off no slippery ladder an' +break my neck. I'd rather paint signs. What's +that you've got, a broken oarlock?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, and I want to know if you'll sell me one +to match?"</p> + +<p>"Sure I will," answered Ike Rasmer, with a +twinkle in his eye. He threw down his paint brush +and walked into his boathouse. "Here you be, my +boy!" And he held up the parts of a broken oarlock.</p> + +<p>"Well—I—I didn't want a broken one," stammered +the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"Didn't ye say you wanted one to match? Ho, +ho! I reckon I cotched you that trip, didn't I?" +And the man continued to laugh, and Dave and +Phil joined in.</p> + +<p>"Ike must have swallowed a whetstone this +morning," observed Dave.</p> + +<p>"A whetstone?" queried the old boatman. +"Why?"</p> + +<p>"You're so awfully sharp."</p> + +<p>"Ho, ho! That's one on me, sure enough." +The man slapped Dave on the shoulder. "You +Hall boys are the cute ones, ain't ye? Well, if you +want a good oarlock, you shall have it," and he +brought forth a number, that Roger might make +his selection. The senator's son did so, and paid +for it out of his pocket-money.</p> + +<p>"We ought to pay for part of that," said Dave, +always ready to do what was fair.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't bother, Dave; it's only a trifle," answered +his chum.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Say, some of you boys are out pretty late +nights," observed Ike Rasmer, as he resumed his +painting, and while Roger was adjusting the new +oarlock to the gunwale of the Hall boat.</p> + +<p>"Out late?" queried Phil.</p> + +<p>"Yes, mighty late."</p> + +<p>"I haven't been out for a month."</p> + +<p>"Nor I," added Dave and Roger.</p> + +<p>"I see that young Hamilton not long ago—the +fellow that tells stories whenever he can get the +chance. And I saw Gus Plum, too."</p> + +<p>"Together?" asked Dave, with sudden interest.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no. But they were out the same night."</p> + +<p>"Late?"</p> + +<p>"I should say so—after twelve o'clock."</p> + +<p>"What were they doing, Ike?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"Rowing along the river. Each had a small +boat—I guess one from the school. It was bright +moonlight, and I saw them quite plainly when they +passed Robbin's Point, where I was fishing."</p> + +<p>"And each was alone?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Hamilton was right ahead of Plum, and +both rowing along at good speed, too. I thought +it was mighty strange, and made up my mind I'd +ask you boys about it. But, say, I don't want you +to get them into trouble," added the old boatman, +suddenly. "They are both customers of mine, +sometimes."</p> + +<p>"I shan't say anything," answered Roger. "But<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> +this puzzles me," he continued, turning to his +friends.</p> + +<p>"Each boy was alone in a boat?" queried Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And Plum was following Hamilton?"</p> + +<p>"He seemed to be. Anyway, his boat was behind +the other."</p> + +<p>"Was anybody else around?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"I didn't see a soul, and the river was almost +as bright as day."</p> + +<p>"Did you see them a second time?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"No, for I was getting ready to go home when +they came along. I don't know where they went, +or when they got back."</p> + +<p>Ike Rasmer could tell no more than this, and as +it was getting late the three boys lost no time in +shoving off once more and pulling for the Hall +boathouse.</p> + +<p>"This stumps me," declared the senator's son. +"What do you make of it? Do you think Shadow +and Plum are up to something between them?"</p> + +<p>"No, I don't," answered Dave, decidedly. +"Shadow is not the fellow to train with Gus Plum. +He doesn't like the bully any more than we do."</p> + +<p>"No wonder Shadow feels sleepy, if he spends +his nights on the river," said Phil. "But I can't +make out what he is up to, I must confess. If it +was some fun, he would surely take somebody with +him."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boys pulled with all their strength, yet when +they arrived at the Hall boathouse, they found that +they were exactly twelve minutes behind the supper +hour.</p> + +<p>"No time to wash up," said Roger. "We'll be +lucky if we can slip into the dining room without +being observed."</p> + +<p>With all speed they tied up their craft and ran +for the school building. They were just entering +the side door when they were brought face to face +with Job Haskers, the second assistant teacher and +a man who was very dictatorial in his manner.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" cried Job Haskers, catching Dave by +the shoulder. "What do you mean by coming in +at this hour?"</p> + +<p>"We were out on the river and broke an oarlock, +Mr. Haskers," replied Dave.</p> + +<p>"Humph! an old excuse."</p> + +<p>"It is the truth, sir," and Dave's face flushed.</p> + +<p>"I broke the oarlock," said Roger. "We got +back as soon as we could—as soon as we got a new +lock at Ike Rasmer's boathouse."</p> + +<p>"We cannot allow pupils to come in half an hour +late," went on Job Haskers, loftily. "Directly +after supper, report to me in classroom 7," and he +passed on.</p> + +<p>"We are in for it now," grumbled Phil. "It's +a shame! It wasn't our fault that the oarlock +broke."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Wonder what he will make us do?" came from +the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"Something not very pleasant," answered Dave. +He had encountered the second assistant many +times before and knew the harsh instructor well.</p> + +<p>They were soon in their seats at the table. Some +of the other students looked at them inquiringly, +but nothing was said. Not far from Dave sat Gus +Plum and Nat Poole, and both favored the poor +boy with a scowl, to which Dave paid no attention.</p> + +<p>The meal finished, Dave, Phil, and the senator's +son brushed up a bit, and then hurried to classroom +7, located in an angle of the building. They were +soon joined by Job Haskers.</p> + +<p>"The three of you may remain here and each +write the word 'Oarlock' two hundred times," said +the second assistant. "As soon as all of you have +finished, ring the bell, and I will come and inspect +the work. It must be neatly done, or I shall make +you do it over again." And then he left them to +themselves, going out and closing the door tightly +after him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IV</h2> + +<h3>A PLOT TO "SQUARE UP"</h3> + + +<p>"Phew! but this is a real picnic!" came softly +from Phil. "He's as kind as they make 'em, +isn't he?"</p> + +<p>"It's a jolly shame," grumbled the senator's son. +"To make us stay in this stuffy classroom on such +a fine evening as this."</p> + +<p>"I am glad I finished with my lessons," was +Dave's comment. "But I am sorry for you two. +But, as there is no help for it, we might as well +get to work. The sooner begun, the sooner done, +you know." And he began to write away vigorously +on one of the pads the teacher had pointed +out to them.</p> + +<p>"I wish old Haskers had to write it himself," +growled Roger, as he, too, went at the task. "Oh, +but isn't he the mean one! I don't see why the +doctor keeps him."</p> + +<p>"He's smart, that's why," answered Phil. "I +wish we could get square for this. I'm sure Doctor +Clay would have excused us, had he known the +facts. I've a good mind to go to him about it."</p> + +<p>"Don't you do it, Phil," cried Dave. "It's not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span> +worth it. Get to work—and we'll think about +squaring up afterwards."</p> + +<p>In a minute more all three of the boys were +writing as rapidly as their fingers could travel over +the paper. Roger was the best penman of the +three and finished several minutes before the others. +He began to walk up and down the room, whistling +softly to himself.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I go in for squaring up with old Haskers," +he said, rather loudly. "He's about as mean——" +And then he stopped short, as the door swung open +and the second assistant appeared.</p> + +<p>"Huh!" he snorted. "Were you alluding to +me, Master Morr?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>Roger stammered, and his face turned red.</p> + +<p>"Her—here are the words," he stammered.</p> + +<p>"Two hundred, eh? Well, you may write a +hundred more, and after this be careful of what +you say." And then Job Haskers turned to Dave +and Phil. "That is all right, you two can go."</p> + +<p>"Can I stay with Roger?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"No, I shall remain here myself," was the cold +answer, and then Dave and Phil had to leave.</p> + +<p>"I'll wager Roger feels like hugging him," was +Phil's comment. "He will want to get square now, +sure."</p> + +<p>The two boys went out on the campus for awhile +and then up to their dormitory, where they found +a small crowd assembled, some talking, and a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> +studying. The door to the adjoining dormitory +was open, and there Luke Watson was playing on +a banjo, while another student was singing a negro +song in a subdued voice.</p> + +<p>"I say, Dave, will you explain something to +me?" said a voice from a corner. The question +came from Chip Macklin, Gus Plum's former +toady. The small boy was working over a sheet +of algebra sums.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," said Dave, readily, and sat down +by the other's side. "Now, what is it? Oh, I +see. I got twisted on that myself once. This is +the proper equation, and you can reduce it this +way," and he was soon deep in the problem, with +Chip looking on admiringly. When the problem +had been worked out and explained in detail, the +small boy was very grateful.</p> + +<p>"And, Dave," he went on, in a low tone, "I—I +want to tell you something. Be on your guard +against Plum and Nat Poole."</p> + +<p>"Why?"</p> + +<p>"Because they are plotting mischief. I heard +them talking in the gym. I don't know what it is +about, but they are surely up to something."</p> + +<p>"I'll remember, Chip, and much obliged," answered +Dave, and then he turned to the other +boys, leaving the small youth to finish his examples.</p> + +<p>"Hello, where have you been?" came from stout<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> +and lazy Buster Beggs. He was sprawled out on +the end of a couch. "I noticed you didn't get to +supper till late, and went right off, directly you had +finished."</p> + +<p>"Had a special session with Haskers," answered +Dave. "He wants me to improve my handwriting."</p> + +<p>There was a smile at this, for all the boys knew +what it meant.</p> + +<p>"Oh, that fellow is a big peach, he is!" came +from Sam Day, who sat in one of the windows. +"Yesterday, he made me stay in just because I asked +Tolliver for a lead pencil."</p> + +<p>"He was mad because Polly Vane caught him +in an error in grammar," added another youth. +"Didn't you, Polly?" he added, addressing a rather +girlish-looking boy who sat near Chip Macklin.</p> + +<p>"I did," was the soft answer. "It was rather a +complicated sentence, but perfectly clear to me," +explained the boy.</p> + +<p>"I don't wonder, for Polly fairly lives on grammar +and language," put in Phil. "I don't believe +anybody could trip him up," and this compliment +made Bertram Vane blush like a girl. He was in +reality one of the best scholars in the academy.</p> + +<p>"Which puts me in mind of a story," came from +one of the cots. "An——"</p> + +<p>"Hello, are you awake, Shadow?" cried Sam +Day. "I thought you were snoozing."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So I was, but I am slept out, and feel better now. +As I was saying, an old farmer and a college professor +went out rowing together. Says the college +professor, 'Can you do sums in algebra?' 'No,' +answers the farmer. 'Then you have missed a +great opportunity,' says the professor. Just then +the boat struck a rock and went over. 'Save me!' +yells the professor. 'Can't you swim?' asked the +farmer. 'No.' 'Then you have lost the chance of +your life!' says the farmer, and strikes out and +leaves the professor to take care of himself."</p> + +<p>"Two hundredth time!" came in a solemn voice +from the doorway to the next room.</p> + +<p>"Wha—what do you mean? I never told any +story two hundred times," cried Shadow Hamilton. +"And that puts me in mind——"</p> + +<p>"Shadow, if you tell another as bad as that, I'll +heave you out of the window," came from Sam +Day. "That has moss on it three inches th——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know you, Lazy; you're jealous, that's +all. You couldn't tell a story if you stood on your +head."</p> + +<p>"Can you, Shadow?" and then a general laugh +went up, in the midst of which the door opened, +and Job Haskers entered. On catching sight of +the unpopular teacher, Sam Day lost no time in +sliding from the window-sill to a chair.</p> + +<p>"Boys, we cannot permit so much noise up +here!" cried Job Haskers. "And that constant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> +strumming on a banjo must be stopped. Master +Day, were you sitting in the window?"</p> + +<p>"I—er—I think I was," stammered Sam.</p> + +<p>"You are aware that is against the rules. If you +fell out, the Hall management would be held responsible. +After school to-morrow you can write the +words, 'Window-sill,' two hundred times. Hamilton, +get up, and straighten out that cot properly. +I am ashamed of you." And then the hated teacher +passed on to the next dormitory.</p> + +<p>"I told you to get out of the window," said +Macklin, as soon as they were alone. "I was +caught that way myself once, and so was Gus +Plum."</p> + +<p>"Lazy is going to learn how to write a little better, +too," said Dave, with a grin.</p> + +<p>At that moment Roger came in, looking thoroughly +disgusted.</p> + +<p>"Made me write half of it over again," he explained. +"Oh, it's simply unbearable! Say, I am +going to do something to get square, as sure as +eggs is eggs."</p> + +<p>"Eggs are eggs," corrected Polly Vane, sweetly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, thanks, Polly. What about a tailor's +goose?"</p> + +<p>"Eh?"</p> + +<p>"If one tailor's goose is a goose, what are half +a dozen?"</p> + +<p>"Tailor's geese, I suppose—but, no, you'd not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> +say that. Let me see," and the girlish youth dove +into his books. "That's a serious question, truly!" +he murmured.</p> + +<p>"Well, I am willing to get square, too," put in +Sam Day.</p> + +<p>"So am I," grunted Shadow Hamilton. "There +was no need to call me down as he did, simply because +the cot was mussed up a bit. The question +is, what's to be done?"</p> + +<p>The boys paused and looked at each other. +Then a sudden twinkle came into Dave's clear +eyes.</p> + +<p>"If we could do it, it would be great," he murmured.</p> + +<p>"Do what, Dave?" asked several at once.</p> + +<p>"I don't care to say, unless I am certain we are +all going to stand together."</p> + +<p>"We are!" came in a chorus from all but Polly +Vane, who was still deep in his books.</p> + +<p>"What about you, Polly?" called out Roger.</p> + +<p>"Me? Why—er—if a tailor's goose is a real +goose, not a flatiron goose——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, drop the goose business. We are talking +about getting square with Haskers. Will you +stand with the crowd?"</p> + +<p>"You see, we don't want to make gooses of +ourselves," said Phil, with a wink at Polly Vane.</p> + +<p>"I'll stand by you," said Polly. "But please +don't ask me to do something ridiculous, as when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> +we dumped that feather bed down from the third-story +landing, and caught those visitors, instead of +Pop Swingly."</p> + +<p>"I was only thinking of Farmer Cadmore's +ram," said Dave, innocently. "He is now tied up +in a field below here. I don't think he likes to be +out over night. He'd rather be under shelter—say +in Mr. Haskers' room."</p> + +<p>"Whoop!" cried Roger. "Just the thing! We +will store him away in old Haskers' closet."</p> + +<p>This plan met with instant approval, and the +boys drew straws as to which of them should endeavor +to execute the rather difficult undertaking. +Three were to go, and the choice fell upon Dave, +Phil, and Sam Day. The others promised to remain +on guard and issue a warning at the first intimation +of danger.</p> + +<p>"I think the coast will be fairly clear," said Sam +Day. "I heard Haskers tell Doctor Clay he was +going out to-night and would not be back until +eleven, or after. That ought to give us plenty +of time in which to do the trick."</p> + +<p>The three boys could not leave the dormitory +until the monitor, Jim Murphy, had made the +rounds and seen to it that all was right for the +night and the lights put out. Then they stole out +into the hallway and down a back stairs. Soon +they were out of the building and making for +Farmer Cadmore's place.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span></p> + +<p>As they left the Hall they did not see that they +were being watched, yet such was a fact. Nat +Poole had been out on a special errand and had +seen them depart. At once that student hurried to +tell his friend, Gus Plum.</p> + +<p>"Going out, eh?" said the big bully.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I heard them say something about +making it warm when they got back," returned +Nat Poole.</p> + +<p>"Humph! Nat, we must put a spoke in their +wheel."</p> + +<p>"I'm willing. What shall we do?"</p> + +<p>"I'll think something up—before they get back," +replied the bully of Oak Hall. "They haven't +any right to be out, and I guess we've got 'em just +where we want 'em."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER V</h2> + +<h3>WHAT THE PLOT LED TO</h3> + + +<p>It was a clear night, with no moon, but with +countless stars bespangling the heavens. All was +quiet around Oak Hall, and the three boys found +it an easy matter to steal across the campus, gain +the shade of a row of oaks, and get out on the side +road leading to the Cadmore farm.</p> + +<p>"We don't want to get nabbed at this," was +Phil's comment. "If Farmer Cadmore caught us, +he would make it mighty warm. He's as irritable +as old Farmer Brown, and you'll remember what +a time we had with him and his calf."</p> + +<p>"Does he keep a dog?" asked Dave. "I haven't +any use for that sort of an animal, if he is +savage."</p> + +<p>"No, he hasn't any dog," answered Phil. "I +was asking about it last week." But Phil was mistaken; +Jabez Cadmore did have a dog—one he had +purchased a few days before. He was a good-sized +mastiff, and far from gentle.</p> + +<p>Walking rapidly, it did not take the three boys +long to reach the first of Farmer Cadmore's fields. +This was of corn, and passing through it and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> +over a potato patch, they came to an orchard, +wherein they knew the ram was tied to one of the +trees.</p> + +<p>"Now, be careful!" whispered Dave, as he +leaped the rail-fence of the orchard. "Somebody +may be stirring around the farmhouse"—pointing +to the structure some distance away.</p> + +<p>"Oh, they must be in bed by this time," said +Phil. "Farmers usually retire early. Cadmore is +a close-fisted chap, and he won't want to burn up his +oil or his candles."</p> + +<p>With hearts which beat rather rapidly, the boys +stole along from one tree to another. Then they +saw a form rise out of the orchard grass, and all +gave a jump. But it was only the ram, and the +animal was more frightened than themselves.</p> + +<p>"Look out that he doesn't butt you," warned +Dave. "Some of 'em are pretty <i>ram</i>bunctious."</p> + +<p>They approached the ram with caution, and untied +him. Then Phil started to lead him out of the +orchard, with Dave and Sam following. At first +he would not go, but then began to run, so that +Phil kept up with difficulty.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" cried the boy. "Not so fast! Don't +you hear?" But the ram paid no attention, and +now turned to the very end of the orchard. Here +the ground was rough, and in a twinkling all three +of the boys went down in a hollow and rolled over<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> +and over, while the ram, finding himself free, +plunged on, and was hidden from view in the +darkness.</p> + +<p>"He got away!" gasped Phil, scrambling up. +"We must—Hark!"</p> + +<p>He stopped short, and all of the boys listened. +From a distance came the deep baying of the mastiff. +The sounds drew closer rapidly.</p> + +<p>"A dog—and he is after us!" cried Dave. +"Fellows, we have got to get out of this!"</p> + +<p>"If we can!" replied Sam Day. "Which is the +way out? I am all turned around."</p> + +<p>So were the others, and they stared into the +darkness under the apple trees in perplexity. The +dog was coming closer, and to get away by running +appeared to be out of the question.</p> + +<p>"Jump into a tree!" cried Dave, and showed +the way. The others followed, clutching at some +low-hanging branches and pulling themselves up as +rapidly as possible. Dave and Sam were soon +safe, but the mastiff, making a bound, caught Phil +by the sole of his shoe.</p> + +<p>"Hi!" roared Phil. "Let go!" And he kicked +out with the other foot. This made the mastiff +make another snap, but his aim was poor, and he +dropped back to the ground, while Phil hauled +himself up beside his companions.</p> + +<p>"Phew! but that was a narrow escape and no +mistake," was the comment of the big youth, after<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> +he could catch his breath. "I thought sure he had +me by the foot!"</p> + +<p>"We are in a pickle," groaned Sam. "I suppose +that dog will camp right at the foot of this tree till +Farmer Cadmore comes."</p> + +<p>"Yes, he is camping now," announced Dave, +peering down into the gloom. The moment the +mastiff saw him, the canine set up a loud barking.</p> + +<p>For a full minute after that none of the boys +spoke, each being busy with his thoughts.</p> + +<p>"We are treed, that is certain," said Phil, soberly. +"And I must say I don't see any way to +escape."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and don't forget about the ram," added +Sam. "Old Jabez Cadmore will want to know +about him, too."</p> + +<p>"I've got an idea," said Dave, presently. "Perhaps +it won't work, but it won't do any harm to +try it."</p> + +<p>"Give it to us, by all means!"</p> + +<p>"The trees are pretty thick in this orchard. Let +us try to work our way from one tree to another +until we can reach the fence. Then, perhaps, we +can drop outside and get out of the way of that +animal."</p> + +<p>This was considered a good plan, and they proceeded +to put it into execution at once. It was no +easy matter to climb from tree to tree, and each +got a small rent in his clothing, and Sam came near<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> +falling to the ground. The mastiff watched them +curiously, barking but little, much to their satisfaction.</p> + +<p>At last, they came to the final row of apple trees. +A long limb hung over a barbed-wire fence, and +the boys paused, wondering if it would be safe to +drop to the ground.</p> + +<p>"If that mastiff should come through the fence, +it would go hard with us," was Phil's comment. +"I'd rather stay up here and take what comes."</p> + +<p>"I am going to risk it," answered Dave. "I see +a stick down there, and I'll grab that as soon as I +land," and down he dropped, and caught up the +stick with alacrity. The dog pounced forward, +struck the sharp barbs of the fence, and retreated, +howling dismally with pain. Then he made another +advance, with like results.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah! he can't get through!" ejaculated +Dave. "Come on, fellows, it's perfectly safe." +And down his chums dropped, and all hurried +away from the vicinity of the orchard.</p> + +<p>"We had better be getting back," said Sam, +after the orchard and potato patch had been left +behind. "That farmer may be coming after us +before we know it. He must have heard the dog." +But in this he was mistaken, the distance from the +house was too great, and the farmer and his family +slept too soundly to be disturbed.</p> + +<p>"It's too bad we must go back without the ram,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> +observed Dave. "The other fellows will think we +got scared and threw up the job."</p> + +<p>"Well, it can't be helped," began Phil, when he +caught sight of something moving along the road +ahead of them. "Look! Is that the ram?"</p> + +<p>"It is!" exclaimed Dave. "Wait! If you are +not careful, he'll run away again. Stay here, and +I'll catch him. I was brought up on a farm, and I +know all about sheep."</p> + +<p>The others came to a halt, and Dave advanced +with caution until he was within a few feet of the +ram. Then he held out his hand and made a +peculiar sound. The ram grew curious and remained +quiet, while the youth picked up the end of +the rope which was around the animal's neck.</p> + +<p>"I've got him," he said, in a low, even tone. +"Now, keep to the rear and I'll manage him." +And on they went. Once in a while the ram showed +a disposition to butt and to stop short, but Dave +coaxed him, and the trouble was not great.</p> + +<p>When they came in sight of the school building, +they realized that the most difficult part of the +task lay before them. It was decided that Dave +should keep the ram behind the gymnasium building +until Sam and Phil ascertained that the coast +was clear.</p> + +<p>Left to himself, Dave tied the ram to a post and +crawled into the gymnasium by one of the windows. +He procured several broad straps, and also a small<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> +blanket. Just as he came out with the things, Sam +and Phil came hurrying back, each with a look of +deep concern on his face.</p> + +<p>"The jig is up!" groaned Sam. "Plum and +Poole are on to our racket, and they won't let +us in!"</p> + +<p>"Plum and Poole!" exclaimed Dave. "Are they +at that back door?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and when we came up, they jeered us," said +Phil. "Oh, but wasn't I mad! They said if we +tried to force our way in, they'd ring up the doctor, +or Mr. Dale."</p> + +<p>"Does our crowd know about this?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think they do."</p> + +<p>"Plum and Poole intend to keep us out all night, +eh?"</p> + +<p>"It looks that way. They said we could ask +Haskers to let us in when he came."</p> + +<p>"I am not going to Haskers," said Dave, firmly. +"Sam, you look after this ram for a few minutes. +I'll make them let us in, and not give us away, +either. Phil, you come along."</p> + +<p>"But I don't see how you are going to do it," +expostulated the big boy.</p> + +<p>"Never mind; just come on, that's all. Plum +isn't going to have a walk-over to-night."</p> + +<p>Somewhat mystified, Phil accompanied Dave +across the campus and to the rear door of the Hall. +Here the barrier was open only a few inches, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> +Plum peering out, and Poole behind him. The +face of the bully wore a look of triumph.</p> + +<p>"How do you like staying out?" he whispered, +hoarsely. "Fine night for a ramble, eh? You can +tell old Haskers what a fine walk you have had! +He'll be sure to reward you handsomely!"</p> + +<p>"See here, Plum, I am not going to waste words +with you to-night," said Dave, in a low, but intense, +tone. "You let us in, and at once, or you'll +regret it."</p> + +<p>"Will I?"</p> + +<p>"You will. And what is more: don't you dare +to say a word to anybody about what is happening +now."</p> + +<p>"Oh, dear, but you can talk big! Maybe you +want me to get down on my knees as you pass in," +added the bully, mockingly.</p> + +<p>"If you don't let us in, do you know what I shall +do?" continued Dave, in a whisper. "I shall go to +Doctor Clay and tell him that you are in the habit +of going out after midnight to row on the river."</p> + +<p>If Dave had expected this statement to have an +effect upon the bully, his anticipations were more +than realized. Gus Plum uttered a cry of dismay +and fell back on Nat Poole's shoulder. His face +lost its color, and he shook from head to foot.</p> + +<p>"Yo-you——" he began. "Wha-what do you +know about my—my rowing on the river?"</p> + +<p>"I know a good deal."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yo-you've been—following—me?" For once +the bully could scarcely speak.</p> + +<p>"I shan't say any more," said Dave, giving his +chum a pinch in the arm to keep quiet. "Only, are +you going to let us in or not?"</p> + +<p>"N-no—I mean, yes," stammered Gus Plum. +He could scarcely collect himself, he seemed so +upset. "You can come in. Poole, we'll have to let +them in this time."</p> + +<p>"And you will keep still about this?" demanded +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes! I won't say a word, Porter, not a +word! And—and I'll see you to-morrow after +school. I—that is—I want to talk to you. Until +then, mum's the word on both sides." And then, +to the astonishment of both Dave and Phil, Gus +Plum hurried away, dragging Nat Poole with him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VI</h2> + +<h3>THE FUN OF A NIGHT</h3> + + +<p>"My gracious, Plum acts as if he was scared to +death," observed Phil, after the bully and his companion +had departed, leaving the others a clear +field.</p> + +<p>"He certainly was worked up," returned Dave. +"I wonder what he'll have to say to-morrow?"</p> + +<p>There was no answering that question, and the +two boys hurried to where they had left Sam without +attempting to reach a conclusion. They found +their chum watching out anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Well?" came from his lips as soon as he saw +them.</p> + +<p>"It's all right," answered Dave, and told as +much as he deemed necessary. "Come, we must +hurry, or Job Haskers will get back before we can +fix things."</p> + +<p>"This ram is going to be something to handle," +observed Phil. "No 'meek as a lamb' about him."</p> + +<p>"I'll show you how to do the trick," answered +the boy from the country, and with a dexterous +turn of the horns, threw the ram over on one side.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> +"Now sit on him, until I tie his legs with the +straps."</p> + +<p>In a few minutes Dave had the animal secured, +and the blanket was placed over the ram's head, +that he might not make too much noise. Then they +hoisted their burden up between them and started +toward the Hall.</p> + +<p>It was no easy matter to get the ram upstairs and +into Job Haskers' room. On the upper landing +they were met by Roger and Buster Beggs, who +declared the coast clear. Once in the room of the +assistant teacher, they cleared out the bottom of +the closet and then, releasing the animal from his +bonds, thrust him inside and shut and locked the +door, leaving the key in the lock.</p> + +<p>"Now, skip!" cried Dave, in a low voice. "He +may cut up high-jinks in another minute."</p> + +<p>"Here is an apple he can have—that will keep +him quiet for awhile," said Roger, and put it +in the closet, locking the door as before. The ram +was hungry, and began to munch the fruit with +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>A few minutes more found the boys safe in their +dormitory, where they waited impatiently for the +second assistant teacher to get back to Oak Hall. +At last they heard him unlock the front door and +come up the broad stairs. Then they heard his +room door open and shut.</p> + +<p>"Now for the main act in the drama," whis<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span>pered +Roger. "Come on, but don't dare to make +any noise."</p> + +<p>All of the boys, including little Macklin and +Polly Vane, were soon outside of dormitories Nos. +11 and 12—the two rooms the "crowd" occupied. +They went forth on tiptoe, scarcely daring to +breathe.</p> + +<p>Arriving at Job Haskers' door, they listened +and heard the teacher preparing to go to bed. One +shoe after another dropped to the floor, and then +came a creaking of the bed, which told that he had +lain down.</p> + +<p>"That ram isn't going to do anything," began +Sam, in disgust, when there came a bang on the +closet door that caused everybody to jump.</p> + +<p>"Wha-what's that?" cried Job Haskers, sitting +up in bed. He fancied somebody had knocked on +the door to the hall.</p> + +<p>Another bang resounded on the closet door. +The ram had finished the apple, and wanted his +freedom. The teacher leaped to the middle of the +bedroom floor.</p> + +<p>"Who is in there?" he demanded, walking +toward the closet. "Who is there, I say?"</p> + +<p>Getting no answer, he paused in perplexity. +Then a grin overspread his crafty face, and he +slipped on some of his clothing.</p> + +<p>"So I've caught you, eh?" he observed. "Going +to play some trick on me, were you? I am half of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> +mind to make you stay there all night, no matter +who you are. I suppose you thought I wouldn't +get back quite so early. In the morning, I'll——"</p> + +<p>Another bang on the door cut his speculations +short. He struck a match and lit the light, and +then unlocking the closet door, threw it wide open.</p> + +<p>What happened next came with such suddenness +that Job Haskers was taken completely by surprise. +As soon as the door was opened, the ram leaped +out. He caught one glimpse of the teacher, and, +lowering his head, he made a plunge and +caught Job Haskers fairly and squarely in the +stomach, doubling up the man like a jack-knife. +Haskers went down in a heap, and, turning, the +ram gave him a second prod in the side.</p> + +<p>"Hi! stop! murder! help!" came in terror. +"Stop it, you beast! Hi! call him off, somebody! +Oh, my!" And then Job Haskers tried to arise +and place a table between himself and the ram. +But the animal was now thoroughly aroused, and +went at the table with vigor, upsetting it on the +teacher and hurling both over into a corner.</p> + +<p>By this time the noise had aroused nearly the +entire school, and pupils and teachers came hurrying +from all directions.</p> + +<p>"What is the trouble here?" demanded Andrew +Dale, as he came up to where Dave was standing.</p> + +<p>"Sounds like a bombardment in Mr. Haskers' +room, sir," was the answer.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Mr. Haskers is trying some new gymnastic +exercises," came from a student in the rear of the +crowd.</p> + +<p>"Maybe he has got a fit," suggested another. +"He didn't look well at supper time."</p> + +<p>The racket in the room continued, and now +Doctor Clay, arrayed in a dressing-gown and +slippers, came upon the scene, followed by Pop +Swingly, the janitor.</p> + +<p>"Has Mr. Haskers caught a burglar?" asked +the janitor.</p> + +<p>"That's it!" shouted Phil, with a wink at his +friends. "Look out, Swingly, that you don't get +shot!"</p> + +<p>"Shot?" gasped the janitor, who was far from +being a brave man. "I don't want to get shot, not +me!" and he edged behind some of the boys.</p> + +<p>Doctor Clay hurried to the door of the room, +only to find it locked from the inside.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Haskers, what is the trouble?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>Another bang and a thump was the only reply, +accompanied by several yells. Then, of a sudden, +came a crash of glass and an exclamation of +wonder.</p> + +<p>"Something has gone through the window, as +sure as you are born!" whispered Dave to Roger.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, you don't suppose it was Haskers? +If he fell to the ground, he'd be killed!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Open the door, or I shall break in!" thundered +Doctor Clay, and then the door was thrown open +and Job Haskers stood there, a look of misery on +his face and trembling from head to foot.</p> + +<p>"What is the trouble?" asked the doctor.</p> + +<p>"The ram—he butted me—knocked me down—nearly +killed me!" spluttered the assistant +teacher.</p> + +<p>"The ram—what ram?"</p> + +<p>"He's gone now—hit the window and jumped +out."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Haskers, have you lost your senses?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir. There was a ram in this room—in +the closet. I heard him, and opened the door—I—oh! +I can feel the blow yet. He was a—a +terror!"</p> + +<p>"Do you mean a real, live ram?" questioned +Andrew Dale, with a slight smile on his face—that +smile which made all the boys his friends.</p> + +<p>"I should say he was alive! Oh, it's no laughing +matter!" growled Job Haskers. "He nearly killed +me!"</p> + +<p>"An' did he go through the winder?" asked Pop +Swingly, as he stepped to the broken sash.</p> + +<p>"He did—went out like a rocket. Look at the +wreck of the table! I am thankful I wasn't +killed!"</p> + +<p>"How did the ram get here?" asked Doctor +Clay.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span></p> + +<p>"How should I know? He was in the closet +when I came in. Some of those villainous +boys—"</p> + +<p>"Gently, Mr. Haskers. The boys are not villains."</p> + +<p>"Well, they put the ram there, I am sure of +it."</p> + +<p>The doctor turned to the janitor.</p> + +<p>"Swingly, go below and see if you can see +anything of the ram. He may be lying on the +ground with a broken leg, or something like that. +If so, we'll have to kill him, to put him out of his +misery."</p> + +<p>The janitor armed himself with a stout cane and +went downstairs, and after him trooped Andrew +Dale and fully a score of boys. But not a sign of +the ram was to be seen, only some sharp footprints +where he had landed.</p> + +<p>"Must have struck fair an' square, an' run off," +observed the janitor. "Rams is powerful tough +critters. I knowed one as fell over a stone cliff, an' +never minded it at all."</p> + +<p>"Let us take a look around," said the first assistant. +"Boys, get to bed, you'll take cold in this +night air." And then the students trooped back +into the Hall.</p> + +<p>Upstairs they found that Job Haskers and Doctor +Clay had gotten into a wrangle. The assistant +wanted an examination of the boys at once, regard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>less +of the hour of the night, but Doctor Clay +demurred.</p> + +<p>"We'll investigate in the morning," said he. +"And, as the window is broken out, Mr. Haskers, +you may take the room next to mine, which is just +now vacant."</p> + +<p>"Somebody ought to be punished——"</p> + +<p>"We'll investigate, do not fear."</p> + +<p>"It's getting worse and worse. By and by there +won't be any managing these rascals at all," grumbled +the assistant teacher. "Some of them ought +to have their necks wrung!"</p> + +<p>"There, that is enough," returned the doctor, +sternly. "I think we can manage them, even at +such a time as this. Now, boys," he continued, +"go to bed, and do not let me hear any more disturbances." +And he waved the students to their +various dormitories.</p> + +<p>"Say, but isn't old Haskers mad!" exclaimed +Roger, when he and his chums were in their dormitory. +"He'd give a good bit to find out who played +the joke on him."</p> + +<p>"I hope that ram got away all right," came from +Dave. "I didn't want to see the animal injured."</p> + +<p>"I think Pop Swingly is right, animals like that +are tough," was Buster Beggs' comment. "More +than likely he is on his way back to Farmer Cadmore's +farm."</p> + +<p>"We'll find out later on," put in Sam Day.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span></p> + +<p>"There is another thing to consider," continued +Dave. "It wouldn't be right to let Doctor Clay +stand for the expense of that broken window. I +think I'll send him the price of the glass out of my +pocket money."</p> + +<p>"Not a bit of it!" exclaimed Phil. "Let us pass +around the hat. We are all in this as deep as you." +And so it was decided that all of the students of +dormitories Nos. 11 and 12 should contribute to +the fund for mending the broken sash. Then, as +Andrew Dale came around on a tour of inspection, +all hopped into bed and were soon sound asleep.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VII</h2> + +<h3>GUS PLUM'S MYSTERIOUS OFFER</h3> + + +<p>When Doctor Clay came to his desk on the +following morning, he found an envelope lying +there, on which was inscribed the following:</p> + +<p>"To pay for the broken window. If it costs +more, please let the school know, and we'll settle +the bill." Three dollars was inclosed.</p> + +<p>This caused the worthy doctor to smile quietly +to himself. It took him back to his college days, +when he had aided in several such scrapes.</p> + +<p>"Boys will be boys," he murmured. "They are +not villains, only real flesh-and-blood youngsters."</p> + +<p>"You are going to punish those boys?" demanded +Job Haskers, coming up.</p> + +<p>"If we can locate them."</p> + +<p>"Humph! I'd catch them, if it took all day."</p> + +<p>"You may do as you think best, Mr. Haskers; +only remember you have young gentlemen to deal +with. I presume they thought it only a harmless +prank."</p> + +<p>"I'll prank them, if I catch them," growled the +assistant to himself, as he walked away.</p> + +<p>Word had been passed around among the boys,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> +and when the roll was called all were ready to +"face the music."</p> + +<p>"Who knows anything about the proceedings of +last night?" began Job Haskers, gazing around +fiercely.</p> + +<p>There was a pause, and then a rather dull boy +named Carson arose.</p> + +<p>"Great Cæsar! Is he going to blab on us?" +murmured Phil.</p> + +<p>"What have you got to say, Carson?" asked the +teacher.</p> + +<p>"I—I—I kn-know wh-what happened," stuttered +Carson.</p> + +<p>"Very well, tell me what you know?"</p> + +<p>"A ra-ra-ra-ram got into your ro-ro-ro-room, +and he kno-kno-kno-knocked you d-d-d-down!" +went on the boy, who was the worst stutterer at +Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"Ahem! I know that. Who put the ram in +my room?"</p> + +<p>"I d-d-d-d——"</p> + +<p>"You did!" thundered the teacher. "How dare +you do such a thing!"</p> + +<p>"I d-d-d-d——"</p> + +<p>"Carson, I am—er—amazed. What made you +do it?"</p> + +<p>"I d-d-d-didn't say I d-d-d-did it," spluttered +poor Carson. "I said I d-d-d-didn't know."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" Job Haskers' face fell, and he looked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> +as sour as he could. "Sit down. Now, then, whoever +knows who put that ram in my room last night, +stand up."</p> + +<p>Not a boy arose.</p> + +<p>"Will anybody answer?" stormed the teacher.</p> + +<p>There was utter silence, broken only by the ticking +of the clock on the wall. Dave looked at Gus +Plum and Nat Poole, but neither budged.</p> + +<p>"I shall call the roll, and each boy must answer +for himself," went on Job Haskers. "Ansberry!"</p> + +<p>"I can tell you nothing, Mr. Haskers," was the +reply, and the pupil dropped back into his seat.</p> + +<p>"Humph! Aspinwell!"</p> + +<p>"I can tell you nothing, Mr. Haskers."</p> + +<p>"Babcock!"</p> + +<p>"I can tell you nothing, Mr. Haskers."</p> + +<p>"This is—er—outrageous! Beggs!"</p> + +<p>"Sorry, but I can tell you nothing, Mr. Haskers," +drawled the fat youth.</p> + +<p>After that, one name after another was called, +and every pupil said practically the same thing, +even Plum and Poole stating that they could tell +nothing. When the roll-call was finished, the +teacher was fairly purple with suppressed rage.</p> + +<p>"I shall inquire into this at some future time!" +he snapped out. "You are dismissed to your +classes." And he turned away to hide his chagrin.</p> + +<p>"Do you think we are safe?" whispered Phil to +Dave, as they hurried to their room.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think so," was the country boy's reply. And +Dave was right—the truth concerning the night's +escapade did not come out until long after, when it +was too late to do anything in the matter.</p> + +<p>Dave was anxious to make a record for himself +in his studies, and, with the end of the term so close +at hand, he did his best over his books and in the +classroom. He was close to the top of his class, +and he was already certain of winning a special +prize given for mathematics. Roger was just behind +him in the general average, and Phil was but +five points below, with a special prize for language +to his credit. The best scholar of all was Polly +Vane, who, so far, had a percentage of ninety-seven, +out of a possible hundred.</p> + +<p>Dave had not forgotten what Gus Plum had +said, and just before the session for the day was +ended received a note from the bully, asking him +to come down to a point on the lake known as the +Three Rocks, and located at the extreme limit of +the academy grounds. Plum asked him particularly +to come alone.</p> + +<p>"Aren't you afraid Plum will play some trick on +you?" asked Phil, who saw the note delivered, and +read it.</p> + +<p>"I'll be on my guard," answered Dave. "I am +not afraid of him, if it should come to an encounter +between us."</p> + +<p>Having put away his books, Dave sauntered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span> +down to the spot mentioned, which was behind a +thick fringe of bushes. Plum was not yet there, +but soon came up at a quick walk.</p> + +<p>"I couldn't get away from Poole," explained +the bully. "Are you alone?" and he gazed around +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am alone," answered Dave, coolly.</p> + +<p>There was a silence, and each boy looked at the +other. Dave's eyes were clear, but the bully's had +something of the haunted in them.</p> + +<p>"You said something about me last night," began +Plum, lamely, "something about my being on +the river."</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"Did you see me on the river?"</p> + +<p>"I am not going to answer that question just +yet, Plum."</p> + +<p>"Huh! Maybe you are only joking?"</p> + +<p>"Very well, you can think as you please. If you +want to talk to me, very well; if not, I'll go back +to the school," and Dave started to walk away.</p> + +<p>"Hold on!" The bully caught the country boy +by the arm. "If you saw me on the river, what +else did you see?"</p> + +<p>"You were following Shadow Hamilton in a +boat."</p> + +<p>"I wasn't—I didn't have anything to do with +Hamilton. I—I didn't know he was out till afterwards," +went on the bully, fiercely. "Don't you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> +say such a thing—don't you dare!" His face was +very white. "You are not going to get me into +trouble!"</p> + +<p>"Is that all you have to say, Plum?"</p> + +<p>"N-no. I want to talk this over, Porter. I—that +is—let us come to terms—that's the best way. +It won't do you any good to try to get me into +trouble. I—I haven't done anything wrong. I +was out on the river by—by accident, that's all—got +it into my head to have a lark that night, just +as you went out for a lark last night."</p> + +<p>"Well, what do you want to see me about, +then?" questioned Dave. He could readily see +that the bully had something on his mind which +troubled him greatly.</p> + +<p>"I think we might as well come to terms—you +keep still and I'll keep still."</p> + +<p>"I haven't said anything, Plum."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but you might, later on, you know. I—that +is, let us make a sure thing of this," stammered +the bully.</p> + +<p>"What are you driving at, Plum? Talk out +straight."</p> + +<p>"I will." The bully looked around, to make +certain that nobody was within hearing distance. +"You're a poor boy, Porter, aren't you?"</p> + +<p>"I admit it."</p> + +<p>"Just so. And, being poor, some pocket money +comes in mighty handy at times, doesn't it?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I have some spending money."</p> + +<p>"But not as much as you'd like; ain't that so?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I could spend more—if I had it," answered +Dave, trying to find out what the other was driving +at.</p> + +<p>"Well, supposing I promised to give you some +money to spend, Porter, how would that strike +you?"</p> + +<p>Dave was astonished, the suggestion was so entirely +unexpected. But he tried not to show his +feelings.</p> + +<p>"Would you give me money, Gus?" he asked, +calmly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I would—if you'd only promise to keep +quiet."</p> + +<p>"How much?"</p> + +<p>"Well—I—er—I'd do the right thing. Did +Phil Lawrence see me on the river?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Any of the other boys?"</p> + +<p>"Not that I know of."</p> + +<p>"Then you were alone." Gus Plum drew a sigh +of relief. "Now, let us come to terms, by all +means. I'll do the square thing, and you'll have +all the pocket money you want."</p> + +<p>"But how much are you willing to give me?" +queried Dave, his curiosity aroused to its highest +pitch.</p> + +<p>"I'll give you"—the bully paused, to add<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> +impressiveness to his words—"I'll give you fifty +dollars."</p> + +<p>"Fifty dollars!" ejaculated Dave. He was bewildered +by the answer. He had expected Plum to +name a dollar or two at the most.</p> + +<p>"Ain't that enough?"</p> + +<p>"Do you think it is enough?" asked the country +boy. He scarcely knew what to say. He was trying +to study the bully's face.</p> + +<p>"Well—er—if you'll give me your solemn word +not to whisper a word—not a word, remember—I'll +make it a—a hundred dollars."</p> + +<p>"You'll give me a hundred dollars? When?"</p> + +<p>"Before the end of the week. I haven't the +money now, but, if you want it, I can give you ten +dollars on account—just to bind the bargain," and +the bully drew two five-dollar bills from his vest +pocket. "But, remember, mum's the word—no +matter what comes."</p> + +<p>He thrust the bills at Dave, who merely looked +at them. Then the country boy drew himself up.</p> + +<p>"I don't want a cent of your money, Gus Plum," +he said, in a low, but firm, voice. "You can't bribe +me, no matter what you offer."</p> + +<p>The bully dropped back and his face fell. He +put his money back into his pocket. Then he glared +savagely at Dave.</p> + +<p>"Then you won't come to terms!" he fairly +hissed between his teeth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span></p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"You had better. If you dare to tell on me—breathe +a word of what you saw that night—I'll—I'll +make it so hot for you that you'll wish you +had never been born! I am not going to let a +country jay like you ruin me! Not much! You +think twice before you make a move! I can hurt +you in a way you least expect, and if I have to leave +this school, you'll have to go, too!" And shaking +his fist at Dave, Gus Plum strode off, leaving Dave +more mystified than ever before.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER VIII</h2> + +<h3>SHADOW HAMILTON'S CONFESSION</h3> + + +<p>"I simply can't understand it, Phil. Gus Plum +was frightened very much, or he would never have +offered me a hundred dollars to keep quiet."</p> + +<p>Dave and his chum were strolling along the edge +of the campus, an hour after the conversation recorded +in the last chapter. The boy from the poorhouse +had told Phil all that had occurred.</p> + +<p>"It is certainly the most mysterious thing I ever +heard of, outside of this mystery about Billy Dill," +answered Phil. "Plum has been up to something +wrong, but just what, remains to be found out."</p> + +<p>"And what about Shadow Hamilton?"</p> + +<p>"I can't say anything about Shadow. I never +thought he would do anything that wasn't right."</p> + +<p>"Nor I. What would you advise?"</p> + +<p>"Keep quiet and await developments. Something +is bound to come to the surface, sooner or +later."</p> + +<p>"Hello, you fellows, where are you bound?" +came in a cry, and looking up they saw a well-known +form approaching.</p> + +<p>"Ben!" cried Dave, rushing up to the newcomer<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> +and shaking hands warmly. "When did you come +in? And how are all the folks at Crumville? Did +you happen to see Professor Potts and the Wadsworths?"</p> + +<p>"One question at a time, please," answered Ben +Basswood, as he shook hands with Phil. "Yes, I +saw them all, and everybody wants to be remembered +to you. Jessie sends her very sweetest regards——"</p> + +<p>"Oh, come now, no fooling," interrupted Dave, +blushing furiously. "Tell us the plain truth."</p> + +<p>"Well, she sent her best regard, anyway. And +all the others did the same. The professor is getting +along finely. You'd hardly know him now, he +looks so hale and hearty. It did him a world of +good to go to live with the Wadsworths."</p> + +<p>"You must have had a pretty nice vacation," +observed Phil.</p> + +<p>"Yes, although it was rather short. But, say, +have you fellows heard about Plum's father?" went +on Ben Basswood, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"We've heard that he lost some money."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he has tied himself up in some sort +of underhanded get-rich-quick concern, and I understand +some folks are going to sue him for all +he is worth. That will be rather rough on Gus—if +his father loses all his money."</p> + +<p>"True enough," said Dave. "But tell us all the +news," he continued, and then Ben related the par<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span>ticulars +of affairs at Crumville, and of a legal fight +between his father and Mr. Aaron Poole, in which +Mr. Basswood had won.</p> + +<p>"That will make Nat more sour on you than +ever," observed Phil.</p> + +<p>"Maybe; but I can't help it. If he leaves me +alone I'll leave him alone."</p> + +<p>The following day passed quietly at Oak Hall. +Gus Plum and Nat Poole kept by themselves. +Shadow Hamilton appeared to brighten a little, +but Dave observed that the youth was by no means +himself. He did not care to play baseball or "do a +turn" at the gym., and kept for the most part by +himself.</p> + +<p>Saturday passed, and on Sunday a large number +of the students marched off to three of the town +churches. Dave, Roger, and Phil attended the +same church and Ben went with them, and all listened +to a strong sermon on Christian brotherhood, +which was destined to do each of them good.</p> + +<p>"It makes a fellow feel as if he's got to help +somebody else," said Roger.</p> + +<p>"Well, it is our duty to help others," answered +Dave. "The fellow who isn't willing to do that is +selfish."</p> + +<p>"You've certainly helped Macklin, Dave," said +Ben. "I never saw such a change in a fellow. I'll +wager he is more than happy to be out of Gus +Plum's influence."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I'd help Plum, too, if he'd let me," said Dave, +and then gave a long sigh.</p> + +<p>Two days later there was a sensation at the +school. Doctor Clay came into the main classroom +in the middle of the forenoon, looking much +worried.</p> + +<p>"Young gentlemen, I wish to talk to you for a +few minutes," he said. "As some of you may know, +I am the proud possessor of a stamp collection which +I value at not less than three thousand dollars. +The stamps are arranged in three books, and I +have spent eight years in collecting them. These +books of stamps are missing, and I wish to know if +anybody here knows anything about them. If they +were taken away in a spirit of fun, let me say that +such a joke is a poor one, and I trust the books will +be speedily returned, and without damage to a +single stamp."</p> + +<p>All of the boys listened with interest, for many +of them had inspected the collection, and they +knew that stamp-gathering was one of the kind +doctor's hobbies.</p> + +<p>"Doctor, I am sorry to hear of this," said one +boy, named Bert Dalgart, a youth who had a small +collection of his own. "I looked at the collection +about ten days ago, as you know. I haven't seen +it since."</p> + +<p>"Nor have I seen it," said Roger, who also collected +stamps.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is there any boy here who knows anything at +all about my collection?" demanded the doctor, +sharply. "If so, let him stand up."</p> + +<p>There was a pause, but nobody arose. The +master of Oak Hall drew a long breath.</p> + +<p>"If this is a joke, I want the collection returned +by to-morrow morning," he went on. "If this is +not done, and I learn who is guilty, I shall expel +that student from this school."</p> + +<p>He then passed on to the next classroom, and so +on through the whole academy. But nothing was +learned concerning the missing stamp collection, +and the end of the inquiry left the worthy doctor +much perplexed and worried.</p> + +<p>"That is too bad," was Dave's comment, after +school was dismissed. "That was a nice collection. +I'd hate to have it mussed up, if it was mine."</p> + +<p>"The fellow who played that joke went too far," +said the senator's son. "He ought to put the collection +back at once."</p> + +<p>The matter was talked over by all the students +for several days. In the meantime Doctor Clay +went on a vigorous hunt for the stamp collection, +but without success.</p> + +<p>"Do you think it possible that somebody stole +that collection?" questioned Dave of Phil one afternoon, +as he and his chum strolled in the direction +of Farmer Cadmore's place, to see if they could +learn anything about the ram.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, it's possible; but who would be so mean?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe some outsider got the stamps."</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. An outside thief would have +taken some silverware, or something like that. No, +I think those stamps were taken by somebody in +the school."</p> + +<p>"Then maybe the chap is afraid to return them—for +fear of being found out."</p> + +<p>So the talk ran on until the edge of the Cadmore +farm was gained. Looking into a field, they saw +the ram grazing peacefully on the fresh, green +grass.</p> + +<p>"He's as right as a button!" cried Phil. "I +guess he wasn't hurt at all, and after jumping from +the window he came straight home," and in this +surmise the youth was correct.</p> + +<p>As the boys walked back to the school they separated, +Phil going to the gymnasium to practice on +the bars and Dave to stroll along the river. The +boy from Crumville wanted to be by himself, to +think over the past and try to reason out what the +sailor had told him. Many a time had Dave tried +to reason this out, but always failed, yet he could +not bear to think of giving up.</p> + +<p>"Some time or another I've got to find out who +I am and where I came from," he murmured. "I +am not going to remain a nobody all my life!"</p> + +<p>He came to a halt in a particularly picturesque +spot, and was about to sit down, when he heard a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> +noise close at hand. Looking through the bushes, +he saw Shadow Hamilton on his knees and with +his clasped hands raised to heaven. The boy was +praying, and remained on his knees for several +minutes. When he arose, he turned around and +discovered Dave, who had just started to leave +the spot.</p> + +<p>"Dave Porter!" came in a low cry, and Hamilton's +face grew red.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Shadow! Taking a walk along the +river? If you are, I'll go along."</p> + +<p>"I—I was walking," stammered the other boy. +His eyes searched Dave's face. "You—were you +watching me?" he asked, lamely.</p> + +<p>"Not exactly."</p> + +<p>"But you saw me—er——"</p> + +<p>"I saw you, Shadow, I couldn't help it. It was +nothing for you to be ashamed of, though."</p> + +<p>"I—I—oh, I can't tell you!" and Hamilton's +face took on a look of keen misery.</p> + +<p>"Shadow, you are in some deep trouble, I know +it," came bluntly from Dave. "Don't you want to +tell me about it? I'll do what I can for you. +We've been chums ever since I came here and I hate +to see you so downcast."</p> + +<p>"It wouldn't do any good—you couldn't help +me."</p> + +<p>"Are you sure of that? Sometimes an outsider +looks at a thing in a different light than that person<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span> +himself. Of course, I don't want to pry into your +secrets, if you don't want me to."</p> + +<p>Shadow Hamilton bit his lip and hesitated.</p> + +<p>"If I tell you something, will you promise to +keep it to yourself?"</p> + +<p>"If it is best, yes."</p> + +<p>"I don't know if it is best or not, but I don't want +you to say anything."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it?"</p> + +<p>"You know all about the doctor losing that collection +of stamps?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"And you know about the loss of some of the +class stick-pins about three weeks ago?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know Mr. Dale lost just a dozen of +them."</p> + +<p>"The stick-pins are worth two dollars each."</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"And that stamp collection was worth over +three thousand dollars."</p> + +<p>"I know that, too."</p> + +<p>"Well, I stole the stick-pins, and I stole the +stamp collection, too!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER IX</h2> + +<h3>ABOUT ATHLETIC CONTESTS</h3> + + +<p>"You stole those things, you!" gasped Dave. +He could scarcely utter the words. He shrank +back a step or two, and his face was filled with +horror.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did it," came from Shadow Hamilton.</p> + +<p>"But—but—oh, Shadow, you must be fooling! +Surely, you didn't really go to work and—and——" Try +his best, Dave could not finish.</p> + +<p>"I stole the things; or, rather, I think I had better +say I took them, although it amounts to the +same thing. But I don't think I am quite as bad as +you suppose."</p> + +<p>"But, if you took them, why didn't you return +them? You have had plenty of time."</p> + +<p>"I would return them, only I don't know where +the things are."</p> + +<p>"You don't know? What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"I'll have to tell you my whole story, Dave. +Will you listen until I have finished?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"Well, to start on, I am a great dreamer and, +what is more, I occasionally walk in my sleep."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Yes, you told me that before."</p> + +<p>"One morning I got up, and I found my clothes +all covered with dirt and cobwebs and my shoes +very muddy. I couldn't explain this, and I thought +some of the fellows had been putting up a job on +me. But I didn't want to play the calf, so I said +nothing.</p> + +<p>"Some days after that I found my clothing in +the same condition, and I likewise found that my +hands were blistered, as if from some hard work. +I couldn't understand it, but suddenly it flashed on +me that I must have been sleep-walking. I was +ashamed of myself, so I told nobody."</p> + +<p>"Well, but this robbery——" began Dave.</p> + +<p>"I am coming to that. When Doctor Clay spoke +about his stamp collection, I remembered that I +had dreamed of that collection one night. It +seemed to me that I must run away with the collection +and put it in a safe place. Then I remembered +that I had dreamed of the stick-pins at another +time, and had dreamed of going to the boathouse +to put them in my locker there. That made +me curious, and I went down to the locker, and +there I found—what do you think? One of the +stick-pins stuck in the wood."</p> + +<p>"A new one?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly. That made me hunt around thoroughly, +and after a while I discovered this, under +my rowing sweater."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p> + +<p>As Shadow finished, he drew from his pocket a +doubled-up sheet of paper. Dave unfolded it, and +saw it was a large sheet of rare American postage +stamps.</p> + +<p>"Did you find any more than this?"</p> + +<p>The other youth shook his head.</p> + +<p>"Did you hunt all around the boathouse?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I hunted high and low, in the building and +out. I have spent all my spare time hunting; that +is why I have had such poor lessons lately."</p> + +<p>"Don't you remember going out to row during +the night, Shadow?"</p> + +<p>At this question, Shadow Hamilton started.</p> + +<p>"What do you know about that?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Not much—only I know you were out."</p> + +<p>"Do you know where I went to?"</p> + +<p>"I do not."</p> + +<p>"Well, neither do I. I dreamed about rowing, +but I can't, for the life of me, remember where I +went. I must have gone a good way, for I blistered +my hands with the oars."</p> + +<p>"And yet you can't remember?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know it sounds like a fairy tale, and I +know nobody will believe it, yet it is true, Dave, +I'll give you my word on it."</p> + +<p>"I believe you, Shadow. Your being out is what +has made you so tired lately. Now you have told +me a secret, I am going to tell you one. Ike Rasmer +saw you out on the river at night, passing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> +Robbin's Point. And there is something stranger +to tell."</p> + +<p>"What is that?"</p> + +<p>"Are you dead certain you were asleep on the +river?"</p> + +<p>"I must have been. I remember nothing more +than my dream."</p> + +<p>"Do you know that you were followed?"</p> + +<p>"By Rasmer?"</p> + +<p>"No, by Gus Plum."</p> + +<p>"Plum!" gasped Shadow Hamilton, and his face +turned pale. "Are—are you certain of this?"</p> + +<p>"That is what Ike Rasmer told me," and then +Dave related all that the old boatman had +said.</p> + +<p>"That makes the mystery deeper," muttered +Shadow. "It puts me in mind of a story I once—but +I can't tell stories now!" He gave a sigh. +"Oh, Dave, I am so wretched over this! I don't +know what to do."</p> + +<p>"I know what I'd do."</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"Go and tell Doctor Clay everything."</p> + +<p>"I—I can't do it. He thought so much of that +stamp collection—he'll surely send me home—and +make my father pay for the collection, too."</p> + +<p>"I don't think he'll send you home. About pay, +that's another question. In one sense, you didn't +really steal the stamps. A fellow isn't responsible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> +for what he does in his sleep. I'd certainly go to +him. If you wish, I'll go with you."</p> + +<p>The two talked the matter over for half an hour, +and, on Dave's continual urging, Shadow Hamilton +at last consented to go to Doctor Clay and make a +clean breast of the matter.</p> + +<p>They found the master of Oak Hall in his private +office, writing a letter. He greeted them +pleasantly and told them to sit down until he had +finished. Then he turned around to them inquiringly.</p> + +<p>It was no easy matter for Shadow Hamilton to +break the ice, and Dave had to help him do it. +But, once the plunge was taken, the youth given to +sleep-walking told him his story in all of its details, +and turned over to the doctor the stick-pin and the +sheet of stamps he had found.</p> + +<p>During the recital, Doctor Clay's eyes scarcely +once left the face of the boy who was making the +confession. As he proceeded, Shadow Hamilton +grew paler and paler, and his voice grew husky +until he could scarcely speak.</p> + +<p>"I know I am to blame, sir," he said, at last. +"But I—I—oh, Doctor Clay, please forgive me!" +he burst out.</p> + +<p>"My boy, there is nothing to forgive," was the +kindly answer, that took even Dave by surprise. +"It would seem that you have been as much of a +victim as I have been. I cannot blame you for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> +doing these things in your sleep. I take it for +granted that you have told me the truth, the whole +truth, and nothing but the truth?"</p> + +<p>"I have, sir, I have!"</p> + +<p>"Then there is nothing to do but to investigate +this as far as we can. Of course, I realize that it +would cut you to have everybody in the school +know of your sleep-walking habit."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. But I shouldn't care, if only you +could get back the stamps and the pins."</p> + +<p>"Is Rasmer sure he saw Plum following Hamilton +on the river?" asked the doctor, turning to +Dave.</p> + +<p>"That is what he told Morr, Lawrence, and myself +the day we stopped at his boathouse for a new +oarlock."</p> + +<p>"Then I must see him and have a talk with him," +said the master of Oak Hall; and after a few words +more the boys were dismissed.</p> + +<p>On the following morning, Doctor Clay drove +down to Ike Rasmer's place. The boatman was +pleasant enough, but he remembered that Gus Plum +was one of his customers, and when questioned +closely, said he could not testify absolutely to the +fact that it had been Plum who had followed Hamilton +on the river.</p> + +<p>"You see, my eyesight ain't of the best, doctor," +said Rasmer, lamely. "I saw Hamilton full in the +face, but the other feller had his face turned away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> +from me. I ain't gittin' nobody into trouble, 'less I +am sure of what I am doin'—that's nateral, ain't +it?"</p> + +<p>"Very," answered Doctor Clay, coldly, and returned +to the academy in deep thought. He realized +that Ike Rasmer was now on his guard, and +would tell no more than was absolutely required +of him.</p> + +<p>The next movement of the worthy doctor was +to call Gus Plum into his office. The bully was +anxious, but had evidently nerved himself for the +ordeal.</p> + +<p>"No, sir, I have not been out on the river at +night this season," said he, blandly, in reply to the +doctor's question. "I have not dared to go out so +late, for I take cold too easily." And he coughed +slightly.</p> + +<p>This was all Doctor Clay could get from Plum, +and he dismissed the bully without mentioning +Hamilton or the missing pins and stamps. Then +the doctor called in Andrew Dale, and the two +consulted together for the best part of an hour; but +what the outcome of that discussion was the boys +were not told. A day later, however, Shadow +Hamilton was told to change his sleeping quarters +to a small room next to that occupied by Andrew +Dale.</p> + +<p>"Hello! Shadow is going to get high-toned and +have a sleeping-room all to himself!" cried Roger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> +and would have asked some questions, only Dave +cut him short.</p> + +<p>"There is a good reason, Roger," whispered the +country boy. "But don't ask me to explain now. +If you question Shadow, you'll only hurt his feelings." +This "tip" spread, and none of the boys +after that said a word before Hamilton about the +change. But later all came to Dave and asked +what it meant.</p> + +<p>"I wish I could tell you, but I can't, fellows. +Some day, perhaps, you'll know; until then, you'll +have to forget it." And that is all Dave would +say.</p> + +<p>The boys were too busy to give the mystery much +attention. A series of athletic contests had been +arranged, and all of the students who were to take +part had gone into training in the gymnasium, and +on the cinder-track which was laid out in the field +beyond the last-named building. The contests were +to come off on the following Saturday, and, to +make matters more interesting, Doctor Clay had +put up several prizes of books and silver medals, +to be presented to the winners.</p> + +<p>Dave had entered for a hurdle race, and Roger, +Phil, and Ben were in various other contests. Dave +felt that he would stand a good chance at the hurdles, +for on Caspar Potts' farm he had frequently +practiced at leaping over the rail fences while on the +run. He did not know surely who would be pitted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> +against him until Ben Basswood brought him the +news.</p> + +<p>"Gus Plum, Fanning, and Saultz are in the hurdle +race," said Ben. "Plum says he feels certain he +will win."</p> + +<p>"Plum," repeated the country boy. "I knew the +others were in it, but I didn't think Gus would take +part."</p> + +<p>"He went in right after he heard that you had +entered. He says he is going to beat you out of +your boots. He wanted to bet with me, but I told +him I didn't bet."</p> + +<p>"Is Nat Poole in the race?"</p> + +<p>"No, he is in the quarter-mile dash, against me +and six others. He thinks he will win, too."</p> + +<p>"I don't think he will, Ben. You can outrun +him."</p> + +<p>"Anyway, I am going to try," answered Ben +Basswood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER X</h2> + +<h3>HOW A RACE WAS WON</h3> + + +<p>It was a bright, clear day in early summer when +the athletic contests of Oak Hall came off. All the +academy boys assembled for the affair, and with +them were a number of folks from the town, and +also some students from the Rockville Military +Academy, a rival institution of learning, as my old +readers already know.</p> + +<p>The contests began with pole vaulting and putting +the shot, and, much to the surprise of all, Chip +Macklin won out over half a dozen boys slightly +larger than himself. Luke Watson also won one of +the contests, and the banjo player and Macklin +were roundly applauded by their friends.</p> + +<p>"Dave Porter coached Macklin," said one small +boy to another. "I saw him doing it. I can tell +you, Chip is picking up."</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the answer. "And he doesn't seem +to be afraid of that bully of a Plum any more, +either."</p> + +<p>After the shot-putting and vaulting came the +quarter-mile dash, for which Ben had entered.</p> + +<p>"Go in and win, Ben!" cried Dave, to his old<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> +chum. "I know you can do it if you'll only +try."</p> + +<p>"Nat Poole will win that race!" came roughly +from Gus Plum, who stood near.</p> + +<p>"Hi, catch the ball, Gus!" sang out Nat Poole, +from across the field, and threw a ball in Ben's +direction. Plum leaped for the sphere, bumped +up against Ben, and both went down, with the bully +on top.</p> + +<p>"Plum, you did that on purpose!" cried Roger, +who was close by. "Shame on you!"</p> + +<p>"Shut up! I didn't do it on purpose!" howled +the bully, arising. "Say that again and I'll knock +you down!"</p> + +<p>"You certainly did do it on purpose," said Phil, +stepping up quickly. "You ought to be reported +for it."</p> + +<p>"Aw, dry up!" muttered Plum, and walked +away.</p> + +<p>When Ben arose he could scarcely get his breath. +He was not hurt, but the wind had been knocked +completely out of him.</p> + +<p>"I—I don't know if I can ru-run or not!" he +gasped. "He came—came down on me like a ton +of bricks!"</p> + +<p>"Wait, I'll speak to Mr. Dale about this," said +Dave, and ran off. As a result of the interview +the contest was delayed ten minutes—another taking +its place—much to the disgust of Gus Plum and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> +Nat Poole, both of whom had reckoned on putting +Ben out of the contest.</p> + +<p>At the start of the quarter-mile dash Nat Poole +and two others forged ahead, but Ben was on his +mettle, and, setting his teeth, soon began to close +up the gap.</p> + +<p>"Go it, Ben!" yelled Dave. "You can win, I +know it!"</p> + +<p>"Sail right past 'em!" came from the senator's +son. "Hump yourself, old man!"</p> + +<p>"Make 'em take the dust!" added Phil.</p> + +<p>Ben hardly heard the words, for he was now +running with all his strength. He passed first one +boy and then another, and then came abreast of +Nat Poole. So they moved on to within a dozen +paces of the finish. Then Ben made a leap ahead, +and so did one of the other contestants, and Ben +came in the winner, with the other boy second, and +Nat Poole third. A roar went right across the +field.</p> + +<p>"Ben Basswood wins!"</p> + +<p>"Jake Tatmon is second!"</p> + +<p>"Nat Poole came in only third, and he boasted +he was going to win, sure!"</p> + +<p>As soon as the race was over, Nat Poole sneaked +out of sight, behind some friends. He was bitterly +disappointed, and could scarcely keep from running +away altogether.</p> + +<p>"You didn't fix him at all," he whispered to Gus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> +Plum, when he got the chance. "He was in prime +condition."</p> + +<p>"I did the best I could—you saw him go down, +with me on top of him," retorted the bully. "Now, +don't you forget what you promised," he added, +sharply.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'll keep my word, don't fear," growled +Nat Poole. "I hate Dave Porter too much to let +him win!"</p> + +<p>There were some standing and running jumps, +in which Roger and Phil won second and third +places, and then came the hurdle race, in which +Dave was to participate. In the meantime Nat +Poole had shed his track outfit and donned his +regular clothes and a rather heavy pair of walking +shoes.</p> + +<p>"Please let me pass," said he to the crowd in +which Dave was standing, and, without warning, +brought one of his heavy shoes down smartly on +Dave's light, canvas foot-covering.</p> + +<p>"Ouch!" cried the country boy, and gave Poole +a quick shove. "What do you mean by stepping +on my foot in that fashion, Nat Poole?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, excuse me," said the Crumville aristocrat, +coolly. "Didn't know it was your foot, Porter, or +I shouldn't have stepped on it for anything."</p> + +<p>"You've just about lamed me!" gasped Dave. +The pain was still intense.</p> + +<p>"Dave, I believe this is a put-up job!" said Ben,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> +quickly. "Plum agreed to lame me so that Poole +could win, and now Poole is trying the same trick +on you for Plum's benefit."</p> + +<p>"No such thing!" roared Nat Poole, but his face +grew fiery red. "It was a pure accident. I don't +have to lame Porter. Plum will win, anyhow."</p> + +<p>"It certainly looks suspicious," said Shadow +Hamilton. "He hadn't any business to force his +way through our crowd."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't you put in your oar, you old sleep-walker!" +growled Nat Poole, and then hurried +off and out of sight behind the gymnasium. At the +parting shot Shadow became pale, but nobody +seemed to notice the remark.</p> + +<p>"Can you go ahead?" asked Phil, of Dave.</p> + +<p>"I think so," was the answer. "But that was a +mean thing to do. He came near crushing my little +toe."</p> + +<p>Fortunately, several of the hurdles had not been +properly placed, and it took some little time to +arrange them properly. During that interval +Roger dressed the injured foot for his chum, which +made it feel much better.</p> + +<p>"Are you all ready?" was the question put to +the contestants, as they lined up. Then came a +pause, followed by the crack of a revolver, and +they were off.</p> + +<p>The encounter with Nat Poole had nerved Dave +as he had seldom been nerved before. Ben had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> +won, and he made up his mind to do the same, +regardless of the fact that Gus Plum and one of +the other boys in the race were bigger than himself. +He took the first and second hurdles with ease, and +then found himself in a bunch, with Plum on one +side and a lad named Cashod on the other.</p> + +<p>"Whoop her up, Cashod!" he yelled out. "Come +on, and show the others what we can do!"</p> + +<p>"Right you are, Porter!" was the answering +cry.</p> + +<p>"Not much!" puffed out Gus Plum. "I'm the +winner here!"</p> + +<p>"Rats!" answered Dave. "You'll come in fifth, +Plum. You're winded already!" And then, with +a mighty effort, he leaped to the front, with Cashod +on his heels. "Poole didn't do your dirty work +well enough," he flung back over his shoulder as he +took his fourth hurdle.</p> + +<p>The taunts angered Gus Plum, and this made +him lose ground, until, almost before he knew it, +the third pupil in the race dashed past him. Then +he found himself neck-and-neck with the fifth contestant.</p> + +<p>"Here they come!"</p> + +<p>"Dave Porter is ahead, with Cashod second!"</p> + +<p>"Collins has taken third place!"</p> + +<p>"Plum and Higgins are tied for fourth place!"</p> + +<p>"Not much! Higgins is ahead!"</p> + +<p>"And there goes Sanderson ahead of Plum, too!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> +Phew! Wonder if that is what Plum calls winning? +He had better study his dictionary!"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 404px;"> +<img src="images/p087.jpg" width="404" height="600" alt="Dave cleared the last hurdle and came in a winner. +Page 87." title="" /> +<span class="caption">Dave cleared the last hurdle and came in a winner.— +<i><a href="#Page_87">Page 87</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>With a mighty leap Dave cleared the last hurdle, +and came in a winner. Then the others finished +in the order named, excepting that Gus Plum was +so disgusted that he refused to take the last hurdle, +for which some of the boys hissed him, considering +it unsportsmanlike, which it was.</p> + +<p>"My shoe got loose," said the bully, lamely. "If +it hadn't been for that, I should have won." But +nobody believed him.</p> + +<p>"Dave, the way you went ahead was simply +great," cried Phil. "It was as fine a hurdle race +as I ever saw."</p> + +<p>"Yes, and he helped me, too," said Cashod. "I +was thinking Plum would go ahead, until Porter +laughed at him. It was all right," and Cashod +bobbed his head to show how satisfied he was.</p> + +<p>If Nat Poole had been disgusted Gus Plum was +more so, and he lost no time in disappearing from +public gaze. The two cronies met back of the +gymnasium.</p> + +<p>"You hurt Porter about as much as I hurt Basswood," +Plum grumbled. "If you can't do better +than that next time, you had better give up trying."</p> + +<p>"Oh, 'the pot needn't call the kettle black,'" +retorted Poole. "You made just as much of a mess +of it as I did. We'll be the laughing stock of the +Porter crowd now."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If they laugh at me, I'll punch somebody's nose. +As it is, I've got an account to settle with Porter, +and I am going to settle it pretty quick, too."</p> + +<p>"What do you mean?"</p> + +<p>"He jeered me while we were in the race. +He has got to take it back, or there is going to be +trouble," muttered the bully, clenching his fists.</p> + +<p>In his usual bragging way Gus Plum let several +students know that he "had it in" for Dave, and +this reached the country boy's ears the next day +directly after school.</p> + +<p>"I am not afraid of him," said Dave, coolly. +"If he wants to find me, he knows where to look +for me."</p> + +<p>Shortly after this Dave and some of his chums +took a walk down to the boathouse dock. There +they ran into Plum, Poole, and several of their +admirers.</p> + +<p>"Here is Porter now!" said one boy, in a low +voice. "Now is your chance, Gus."</p> + +<p>"Yes, let us see you do what you said," came +from another.</p> + +<p>Plum had not expected an encounter so soon, but +there seemed to be no way of backing out, so he +advanced quickly upon Dave, and clenched his fists.</p> + +<p>"You can fight, or apologize," he said, loudly.</p> + +<p>"Apologize, to <i>you</i>?" queried Dave, coolly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, to me, and at once," blustered the bully.</p> + +<p>"I am not apologizing to you, Plum."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Then you'll fight."</p> + +<p>"If you hit me, I shall defend myself."</p> + +<p>"Hit you? If I sail into you, you'll think a +cyclone struck you. If you know where you are +wise, you'll apologize."</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, Plum, I want to let you and all +here know what I think of you. You are a bully, a +braggart—and a coward!"</p> + +<p>Dave's eyes were flashing dangerously, and as +he gazed steadily at Plum, the latter backed away +a step.</p> + +<p>"You—you dare to talk to me like that?"</p> + +<p>"Why not? Nobody ought to be afraid to tell +the truth."</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't stand gassing!" burst out Nat Poole. +"Give it to him, Gus—give it to him good and +hard."</p> + +<p>"I will!" cried the bully, and making a quick +leap, he delivered a blow straight for Dave's face.</p> + +<p>Had the blow landed as intended, the country +boy would undoubtedly have sustained a black eye. +But Dave ducked slightly, and the bully's fist shot +past his ear. Then Dave drew off and hit Plum a +stinging blow on the chin.</p> + +<p>"A fight! A fight!" was the rallying cry from +all sides, and in a twinkling a crowd assembled to +see the impromptu contest.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XI</h2> + +<h3>A FIGHT AND ITS RESULT</h3> + + +<p>"Dave, if you fight, and Doctor Clay hears of +it, you'll get into trouble," whispered Roger. "You +know what his rules are."</p> + +<p>"I am not going to fight, but I'll defend myself," +was the calm answer.</p> + +<p>"Maybe you're afraid to fight," sneered Nat +Poole, who stood close by.</p> + +<p>Before the country youth could answer, Gus +Plum sprang forward and aimed another blow at +Dave's face. Dave ducked, but was not quite quick +enough, and the fist of his enemy landed on his ear.</p> + +<p>This aroused the boy from Crumville as never +before. The look on the bully's face was such as to +nerve him to do his best, and, casting prudence to +the winds, he "sailed in" with a vigor that astonished +all who beheld it. One fist landed on Plum's +nose and the other on the bully's chin, and down he +went in a heap against the boathouse.</p> + +<p>"Have you had enough?" demanded Dave, his +eyes fairly flashing.</p> + +<p>"No!" roared the bully, and scrambling up, he +rushed at Dave, and the pair clenched. Around<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> +and around the little dock they wrestled, first one +getting a slight advantage and then the other.</p> + +<p>"Break away!" cried some of the students. +"Break away!"</p> + +<p>"I'll break, if he'll break!" panted Dave. Plum +said nothing, for he was doing his best to get the +country boy's head in chancery, as it is termed; +that is, under his arm, where he might pummel it +to his satisfaction.</p> + +<p>But Dave was on his guard, and was not to be +easily caught. He knew a trick or two, and, watching +his opportunity, led Plum to believe that he +was getting the better of the contest. Then, with +remarkable swiftness, he made a half-turn, ducked +and came up, and sent the bully flying clean and +clear over his shoulder. When this happened both +were close to the edge of the dock, and, with a cry +and a splash, Gus Plum went over into the river.</p> + +<p>"Gracious! did you see that fling!"</p> + +<p>"Threw him right over his head into the river!"</p> + +<p>"The fellow who tackles Dave Porter has his +hands full every time!"</p> + +<p>So the comments ran on. In the meantime Dave +stood quietly on the edge of the dock, watching for +the bully, and trying to regain his breath.</p> + +<p>Plum had disappeared close to the edge of the +dock, and all the bystanders expected him to reappear +almost immediately. But, to their surprise, he +did not show himself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Where is he? Why doesn't he come up?"</p> + +<p>"He must be playing a trick on Porter. Maybe +he is under the dock."</p> + +<p>"No, he can't get under the dock. It is all +boarded up."</p> + +<p>"He must have struck his head on something, or +got a cramp, being so heated up."</p> + +<p>Dave continued to wait, and as his enemy did +not come to light, a cold chill ran over him. What +if Plum was really hurt, or in trouble under water? +He knew that the bully was not the best of +swimmers.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" came in a shout from one of the +boys, and he pointed out into the stream, to where +Gus Plum's body was floating along, face downward.</p> + +<p>Dave gave one look and his heart seemed to leap +into his throat. By the side of the dock was a rowboat, +with the oars across the seats. He made a +bound for it.</p> + +<p>"Come," he said, motioning to Roger, and the +senator's son followed him into the craft. They +shoved off with vigor, and Dave took up the oars. +Then another boat put off, containing Poole and +two other students.</p> + +<p>A few strokes sufficed to bring the first rowboat +up alongside of the form of the bully. Plum had +turned partly over and was on the point of sinking +again, when Roger reached out and caught him by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> +the foot. Then Dave swung the rowboat around, +and after a little trouble the two got the soaked +one aboard.</p> + +<p>Gus Plum was partly unconscious, and a bruise +on his left temple showed where his head had struck +some portion of the dock in falling. As they placed +him across the seats of the rowboat, he gasped, +spluttered, and attempted to sit up.</p> + +<p>"Better keep still," said Dave, kindly. "We +don't want the boat to go over."</p> + +<p>"Where am I? Oh, I know now! You knocked +me over."</p> + +<p>"Don't talk, Plum; wait till we get back to +shore," warned Roger.</p> + +<p>A few strokes took the boat back to the dock, +and Dave and Roger assisted the dripping youth +to land. Gus Plum was so weak he had to sit down +on a bench to recover.</p> + +<p>"You played me a mean trick," he spluttered, at +last. "A mean trick!"</p> + +<p>"That's what he did," put in Nat Poole, who +had also returned to the dock. "I guess he was +afraid to fight fair."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you wanted to drown me," went on +the bully of Oak Hall.</p> + +<p>"I didn't want to drown you, Plum—I didn't +even want to push you overboard. I didn't think +we were so close to the dock's edge."</p> + +<p>"Humph! It's easy enough to talk!" Gus<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> +Plum gazed ruefully at his somewhat loud summer +suit. "Look at my clothes. They are just about +ruined!"</p> + +<p>"Nonsense," came from Roger. "They need +drying, cleaning, and pressing, that's all. You +can get the job done down in Oakdale for a dollar +and a half."</p> + +<p>"And who is going to pay the bill?"</p> + +<p>"Well, if you are too poor to do it, I'll do so," +answered Roger.</p> + +<p>This reply made the bully grow very red, and he +shook his fist at the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"None of your insinuations!" he roared. "I +am not poor, and I want you to know it. My +father may have lost some money, but he can still +buy and sell your father. And as for such a +poorhouse nobody as your intimate friend there, +Porter——"</p> + +<p>"For shame, Plum!" cried several.</p> + +<p>"Oh, go ahead and toady to him, if you want to. +I shan't stop you. But I'd rather pick my company."</p> + +<p>"And so would I," added Nat Poole. "I once +heard of a poorhouse boy who was the son of a +thief. I'd not want to train with a fellow of that +sort."</p> + +<p>Dave listened to the words, and they seemed to +burn into his very heart. He came forward with +a face as white as death itself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Nat Poole, do you mean to insinuate that I am +the son of a thief?" he demanded.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a fellow don't know what to think," replied +the Crumville aristocrat, with a sneer.</p> + +<p>"Then take that for your opinion."</p> + +<p>It was a telling blow, delivered with a passion +that Dave could not control. It took Nat Poole +squarely in the mouth, and the aristocrat went down +with a thud, flat on his back. His lip was cut and +two of his teeth were loosened, while the country's +boy's fist showed a skinned knuckle.</p> + +<p>"Whoop! did you see that!"</p> + +<p>"My! what a sledge-hammer blow!"</p> + +<p>"Poole is knocked out clean!"</p> + +<p>Such were some of the comments, in the midst +of which Nat Poole sat up, dazed and bewildered. +Then he gasped, and ejected some blood from his +mouth.</p> + +<p>"You—you——" he began.</p> + +<p>"Stay where you are, Nat Poole," said Dave, in +a voice that was as cold as ice. "Don't you dare +to budge!"</p> + +<p>"Wha-what?"</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare to budge until you have begged +my pardon."</p> + +<p>"Me? Beg your pardon! I'd like to see myself!"</p> + +<p>"Well, that is just what you are going to do! If +you don't, do you know what I'll do? I'll throw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> +you into the river and keep you there until you do +as I say."</p> + +<p>"Here, you let him alone!" blustered Plum, +starting to rise.</p> + +<p>"Keep out of this, Plum, or, as sure as I'm standing +here, I'll throw you in again, too!" said Dave.</p> + +<p>"Dave——" whispered Roger. He could see +that his friend was almost beside himself with +passion.</p> + +<p>"No, Roger, don't try to interfere. This is my +battle. They have been talking behind my back +long enough. Poole has got to apologize, or take +the consequences, and so has Plum. I'll make them +do it, if I have to fight them both!" And the eyes +of the country boy blazed with a fire that the senator's +son had never before seen in them. "I don't +deny that I came from the poorhouse, and I don't +deny that I know nothing of my past," went on +Dave, speaking to the crowd. "But I am trying +to do the fair thing, every boy here knows it, and—and——"</p> + +<p>"We are with you, Dave!" came from the rear +of the crowd, and Luke Watson pushed his way to +the front, followed by Phil, Shadow, and Buster +Beggs.</p> + +<p>"Dave Porter is one of the best fellows in this +school," cried Phil.</p> + +<p>"And Plum and Poole are a couple of codfish," +added Buster.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I—I—am a codfish, am I?" roared Plum.</p> + +<p>"You are, Gus Plum. You say things behind +folks' backs and try to bully the little boys, and in +reality you are no better than anybody else, if as +good. You make me sick."</p> + +<p>"I'll—I'll hammer you good for that!"</p> + +<p>"All right, send me word when you are ready," +retorted Buster.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Dave was still standing over +Nat Poole. Suddenly he caught the aristocratic +youth by the ear and gave that member a twist.</p> + +<p>"Ouch! Let go!" yelled Nat Poole. "Let go! +Don't wring my ear off!"</p> + +<p>"Will you apologize?" demanded Dave, and +gave the ear a jerk that brought tears to Poole's +eyes.</p> + +<p>"I—I—oh, you'll have my ear off next! Oh, +you wait—oh! oh! If I ever get—<i>ouch</i>!"</p> + +<p>"Say you are sorry you said what you did to +me," went on Dave, "or into the river you go!" +And despite Poole's efforts, he dragged the aristocrat +toward the edge of the dock.</p> + +<p>"No! no! Oh, I say, Porter! Oh, my ear! I +don't want to go into the river! I—I—I take it +back—I guess I made a mistake. Oh, let me go!"</p> + +<p>"You apologize, then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then get out, and after this behave yourself," +said Dave, and gave Nat Poole a fling that sent<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> +him up against the boathouse with a bang. In +another instant he was by Gus Plum's side. "Now +it's your turn, you overgrown bully," he continued.</p> + +<p>"Wha-what do you mean?" stammered Plum, +who had looked on the scene just enacted with a +sinking heart.</p> + +<p>"I mean you must apologize, just as Poole has +done."</p> + +<p>"And if I won't?"</p> + +<p>"I'll thrash you till you do—no matter what the +consequences are," and Dave hauled off his jacket +and threw off his cap.</p> + +<p>"Would you hit a fellow when he is—er—half +drowned?" whined the bully.</p> + +<p>"You're not half drowned—you're only scared, +Plum. Now, then, will you apologize or not?" +And Dave doubled up his fists.</p> + +<p>"I—I don't have to. I—I—<i>oh</i>!"</p> + +<p>The words on Plum's lips came to a sudden end, +for at that instant the country boy caught him by +the throat and banged his head up against the +boathouse side.</p> + +<p>"Now apologize, and be quick about it," said +Dave, determinedly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, my head! You have cracked my skull! +I'll—I'll have the law on you!"</p> + +<p>"Very well, I'm willing. But you must apologize +first!" And Plum's head came into contact +with the boathouse side again, and he saw stars.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh! Let up—stop, Porter! Don't kill me! +I—I—take it back! I—I apologize! I—I didn't +mean anything! Let up, please do!" shrieked Gus +Plum, and then Dave let go his hold and stepped +back.</p> + +<p>"Now, Gus Plum, listen to me," said the country +boy. "Let this end it between us. If you don't, let +me tell you right now that you will get the worst +of it. After this, keep your distance and don't +open your mouth about me. I shan't say anything +to Doctor Clay about this, but if you say anything, +I'll tell him all, and I know, from what he has +already said, that he will stand by me."</p> + +<p>"Maybe he doesn't know——"</p> + +<p>"He knows everything about my past, and he +has asked me to stay here, regardless of what some +mean fellows like you might say about it. But I +am not going to take anything from you and Poole +in the future; remember that!" added Dave, and +then he picked up his cap and jacket, put them on, +and, followed by Phil, Roger, and a number of his +other friends, walked slowly away.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XII</h2> + +<h3>SHADOW AS A SOMNAMBULIST</h3> + + +<p>The manner in which Dave had brought Gus +Plum and Nat Poole to terms was the talk of Oak +Hall for some time, and many of the pupils looked +upon the country boy as a veritable leader and +conqueror.</p> + +<p>"I wish I had been there," said Chip Macklin +to Roger. "It must have been great to see Plum +and Poole eat humble pie. What do you think +they'll do about it?"</p> + +<p>"They won't do anything, just at present," answered +the senator's son. "They are too scared." +And in this surmise, Roger was correct.</p> + +<p>But, though the majority of the students sided +with Dave, there was a small class, made up of +those who were wealthy, who passed him by and +snubbed him, not wishing to associate with anybody +who had come from a poorhouse. They said +nothing, but their manners were enough to hurt +Dave greatly, and more than once the country boy +felt like packing his trunk and bidding good-by to +Oak Hall forever. But then he would think of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> +many friends and of what kind-hearted Doctor +Clay had said, and grit his teeth and declare to +himself that he would fight the battle to the end, +no matter what the cost.</p> + +<p>If the story of the encounter came to the ears of +the master of the school or the teachers, nothing +was said about it, and, in the multitude of other +events coming up, the incident was forgotten by the +majority. But Dave did not forget, and neither +did Plum and Poole.</p> + +<p>"Oh, how I detest that chap!" grumbled Poole +to Plum, one night when they were alone. "Gus, +we must get square."</p> + +<p>"That's right," returned the bully. "But not +now. Wait till he is off his guard, then we can fix +him, and do it for keeps, too!"</p> + +<p>On the following Saturday evening Chip Macklin +called Dave to one side. The young student +was evidently excited over something.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Chip?" asked Dave. "Hurry up, +I can't wait long, for I want to join the fellows in +the gym."</p> + +<p>"I want to tell you something about Gus Plum," +was the answer. "I think I've discovered something, +but I am not sure."</p> + +<p>"Well, out with it."</p> + +<p>"This afternoon I got permission to ride over to +Rockville on my bicycle, to get some shirts at the +furnishing store there. Well, when I came out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> +the store, I saw Gus Plum coming out of the post-office +on the opposite side of the street. He had +some letters in his hand, and he turned into the +little public park near by, sat down on a bench, and +began to read them."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is remarkable about that, outside +of the fact that he is supposed to get all his letters +in the Hall mail?" remarked Dave.</p> + +<p>"That's just it. I made up my mind something +was wrong, or else he'd have his mail come here. +I saw him tear three of the envelopes to pieces and +scatter the bits in the grass. When he went away, +I walked over to the spot and picked up such bits +of paper as I could find. Of course, you may say +I was a sneak for doing it, but just look at what I +found."</p> + +<p>"I have no desire, Chip, to pry into Plum's private +affairs."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but this is not his private affair—to my +way of thinking. It concerns the whole school," +returned Chip Macklin, eagerly.</p> + +<p>Dave glanced at the bits of paper, and at once +became interested. One piece contained the words, +"Stamp Dealer"; another, "Rare Sta— w York," +and another, "Stamps Bought and Sold by Isaac +Dem— —nett Street, Sa——"</p> + +<p>"These must have come from dealers in stamps," +said Dave, slowly.</p> + +<p>"That is what I thought."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did you ever know Gus Plum to be interested +in stamps?"</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Were the letters addressed to him?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Strange as it may seem, I +couldn't find any of the written-on portions of the +envelopes."</p> + +<p>"Did Plum see you?"</p> + +<p>"Not until later—when I was on my way back +to the Hall."</p> + +<p>"What did he say?"</p> + +<p>"Nothing. He acted as if he wanted to avoid +me."</p> + +<p>After this the pair talked the matter over for +several minutes, but could reach no satisfactory +conclusion regarding the bits of paper.</p> + +<p>"Do as you think best, Chip," said Dave, at last. +"If you want to go to Doctor Clay, I fancy he will +be glad to hear what you have to say."</p> + +<p>"Well, if Plum has those lost stamps, don't you +think he should be made to return them?"</p> + +<p>"By all means. But you've got to prove he has +them first, and the doctor won't dare to say anything +to Plum until he is sure of what he is doing. +Otherwise, Plum's father could raise a big row, +and he might even sue the doctor for defamation +of character, or something like that."</p> + +<p>A little later found Chip Macklin in the doctor's +office. The small boy was rather scared, but told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> +a fairly straight story, and turned over the bits of +paper to the master of the Hall. Doctor Clay was +all attention.</p> + +<p>"I will look into this," he said. "In the meantime, +Macklin, I wish you would keep it to yourself."</p> + +<p>"I have already told Dave Porter about it. I +wanted his advice."</p> + +<p>"Then request Porter to remain quiet, also," and +Chip said that he would do as asked, and later on +did so.</p> + +<p>The end of the school term was now close at +hand, and Dave turned to his studies with renewed +vigor, resolved to come out as near to the head of +the class as possible. He received several letters +from Professor Potts, Mr. Wadsworth, and a delicately +scented note from Jessie, and answered them +all without delay. The letter from Jessie he prized +highly, and read it half a dozen times before +he stowed it carefully away among his few valued +possessions.</p> + +<p>On Wednesday evening Dave partook rather +freely of some hash that was served up. On the +sly, Sam Day salted his portion, and, as a consequence, +the country boy went to bed feeling remarkably +thirsty. He drank one glass of water, and an +hour later got up to drink another, only to find the +water pitcher empty.</p> + +<p>"It's no use, I've got to have a drink," he told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> +himself. "And if I catch the fellow who salted my +hash——"</p> + +<p>He slipped into part of his clothing, and, taking +the water pitcher, made his way through the hallway +to the nearest of the bathrooms. Here he +obtained the coldest drink possible, and then, filling +the pitcher, started to return to dormitory No. 12.</p> + +<p>As he neared the dormitory, he saw somebody +pass along the other end of the hallway. It was +a boy, fully dressed, and with a cap set back on +his head.</p> + +<p>"Shadow Hamilton!" he murmured, as the boy +passed close to a dimly burning hall light. "Now, +what is he up to?"</p> + +<p>He put down his pitcher and stole forward, until +he was directly behind Shadow. Then, of a sudden, +he beheld the boy swing around and put out +his hands, feeling for the rail of a rear stairs. +Shadow Hamilton was fast asleep.</p> + +<p>"He is doing some more of his sleep-walking!" +thought Dave. "Now, what had I best do?"</p> + +<p>There was no time to think long, for the sleep-walker +was already descending the back stairs +slowly and noiselessly. Dave hurried into the +dormitory, set down the pitcher, and aroused +Roger, who was nearest to him.</p> + +<p>"Come, quick!" he whispered. "Slip on your +clothes, and don't make any noise."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I'm too sleepy for fun!" murmured Roger.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This isn't fun, it's important. Come, I say!"</p> + +<p>Thus aroused, the senator's son rolled from his +couch and hurried into his clothing. In a few minutes +both boys had their shoes and caps on, and +along the hallway they sped, and down the back +stairs. The door below was unlocked, but closed. +Soon they were out in the rear yard of the Hall, +and there they beheld Shadow Hamilton walking +slowly in the direction of the boathouse.</p> + +<p>"Who is it?" whispered Roger.</p> + +<p>"It is Shadow. He is walking in his sleep. I +want to find out where he is going and what he'll +do."</p> + +<p>"Humph! This certainly is interesting," answered +the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"Whatever you do, Roger, don't arouse him, or +there may be an accident," cautioned Dave. "Let +him go his own way."</p> + +<p>"But he may hurt himself, anyway."</p> + +<p>"No, he won't. A sleep-walker can walk a slack +wire, if he tries it, and never tumble. Haven't you +heard of them walking on the ridge pole of a +house? I have."</p> + +<p>"I've read about such things. And I know they +say you mustn't arouse them. He is going into the +boathouse!"</p> + +<p>The chums ran forward and reached the doorway +of the boathouse just as Shadow Hamilton +was coming out. The somnambulist had a pair of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> +oars, and he stepped to the edge of the dock and +untied one of the boats and leaped in.</p> + +<p>"I must find them!" they heard the youth mutter +to himself. "I must find them and bring them +back!"</p> + +<p>"Did you hear that?" asked Roger. "What is +he talking about?"</p> + +<p>"That remains to be found out. Come, let us +follow him," returned Dave.</p> + +<p>They procured two pairs of oars, and were soon +in another boat and pulling behind Shadow Hamilton. +The boy who was asleep seemed to possess +supernatural strength, and they had no easy time of +it keeping up with him. His course was up the +Leming River, past Robbin's Point, and then into +a side stream that was rather narrow, but almost +straight for a distance of two miles.</p> + +<p>"Do you know where this stream leads to?" +questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"I do not."</p> + +<p>"Almost to the old castle that we visited last +winter on our skates, the day we caught that robber +and saved Billy Dill. The river makes half a +dozen twists and turns before the castle is reached, +but this is a direct route and much shorter."</p> + +<p>"Can it be possible that Shadow is going to the +old castle?" queried the country boy.</p> + +<p>"I'm sure I don't know. We'll learn pretty +soon."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span></p> + +<p>As my old readers know, the place referred to +was a dilapidated structure of brick and stone +which had been erected about the time of the Revolutionary +War. It set back in a wilderness of +trees, and was given over largely to the owls and +to tramps. It belonged to an unsettled estate that +had gone into litigation, and there was no telling +if it would ever be rebuilt and occupied in a +regular way.</p> + +<p>It was dark under the trees, but by pulling close +to the boat ahead, Dave and Roger managed to +keep Shadow Hamilton in sight. As soon as the +somnambulist came near to the castle he ran his +boat up the bank, leaped ashore, and stalked toward +the building.</p> + +<p>"He has disappeared!" cried Roger, softly.</p> + +<p>"I see him," answered Dave. "Come!" and he +led the way into the old structure and to the very +rooms where the encounter with the robber and +with Billy Dill had occurred.</p> + +<p>Scarcely daring to breathe, they watched Shadow +move around in an uncertain way, touching this +object and that, and opening and shutting several +closet doors, and even poking into the chimney-place.</p> + +<p>"Gone! gone! gone!" they heard him mutter. +"What shall I do? What shall I do?" And he +gave a groan.</p> + +<p>Five minutes passed and the sleep-walker left<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> +the castle and hurried to his boat. His course was +now down the stream toward the Hall, and Dave +and Roger followed, as before. At the dock the +boats were tied up, the oars put away, and Shadow +Hamilton went back to the room from which he +had come. Peering in, Dave and Roger saw him +undress and go to bed, just as if nothing out of the +ordinary had occurred.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIII</h2> + +<h3>A PHOTOGRAPH OF IMPORTANCE</h3> + + +<p>"I should not believe it, had I not seen it with +my own eyes."</p> + +<p>It was in this fashion that Roger expressed himself +on the following day, when discussing the +affair of the night previous with Dave. Shadow +was around, as usual. He looked sleepy, but otherwise +acted as if nothing out of the ordinary had +happened.</p> + +<p>"It certainly is remarkable," was Dave's comment. +"The question is, what made him go to the +castle? I think I know, but I cannot speak about +it. But I'll tell you what I should like to do, +Roger: go up to the castle while it is daylight and +take a thorough look around."</p> + +<p>Roger was willing to do this, and the upshot of +the talk was that Dave and the senator's son paid +the old brick-and-stone structure a visit on the following +Saturday half-holiday, taking Phil and Ben +with them. They went up in a boat by the short +route, arriving there about half-past three o'clock.</p> + +<p>There was not a soul about the deserted mansion, +and the few birds flew away at their approach. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> +was a clear, sunny day, and they lost no time in +throwing every door and window wide open, so +that they might have the full benefit of the light +and fresh air.</p> + +<p>"Here is the room in which he moved around the +most," remarked Roger, gazing around earnestly. +"But I can't say that I see anything unusual, do +you?"</p> + +<p>They were all searching around, and after a few +minutes had passed Ben uttered a low cry and +held up a small object, almost covered with dust +and dirt.</p> + +<p>"A class pin!" cried Dave. "We must see if we +can find any more of them."</p> + +<p>It was not long before Phil came upon two pins +sticking on a board of a closet. Then Roger ran +into the next room and, after a short hunt, uncovered +a flat pasteboard box with several more of +the class pins, each a bit tarnished by the dampness, +but otherwise uninjured.</p> + +<p>"He must have come for the pins," said Ben. +"That solves the mystery of how they disappeared +from Mr. Dale's possession."</p> + +<p>"Here is a postage stamp!" ejaculated Phil, and +held it up. "It's an old German issue," he added. +"And here are half a dozen others, all evidently +torn from a sheet. Boys, Shadow must have taken +the doctor's collection!"</p> + +<p>Dave said nothing to this, for he had discovered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> +a cupboard in a corner, tightly closed and with the +wooden button of the door missing. He now +opened the door of the cupboard with a knife.</p> + +<p>"Hello, what's in there?" asked Roger, who +was behind him.</p> + +<p>"Seems to be some clothing," answered Dave, +and hauled forth some loose garments and also an +old satchel. The garments formed part of a sailor's +garb, and the satchel was marked on the bottom +with the name, "William Dill."</p> + +<p>"It's Billy Dill's missing outfit!" cried Dave, +eagerly. "Oh, Roger, how glad I am that I have +found this! It's the best yet!"</p> + +<p>All the boys were interested, for they knew +Dave's story and the tale of the strange sailor. +As Dave ran to the light with the satchel, they +crowded around him.</p> + +<p>"I think I am fully justified in opening this grip," +said the country boy. He was so agitated he could +scarcely speak.</p> + +<p>"Why, certainly," cried Phil. "Open it, by all +means. It may throw light on some things which +Billy Dill has been unable to explain."</p> + +<p>The satchel was not locked and came open with +ease. Inside was a bag containing some loose silver +and a roll of forty-six dollars in bankbills. There +was also a locket, containing the picture of a +motherly old lady, probably the sailor's parent. +Under the locket were a small Bible and a work on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> +ocean navigation, and at the bottom a thick, brown +envelope containing a photograph.</p> + +<p>"Let us see whose picture that is," said Phil, and +Dave opened the envelope and drew the photograph +forth. As he held it up there was a general +cry, in which he was forced to join.</p> + +<p>"That's the man who looks like you, Dave!" +cried Roger.</p> + +<p>"What a striking resemblance!" exclaimed Phil.</p> + +<p>"And he has the mustache, just as the sailor +said," added Ben. "Dave, that man looks enough +like you to be your older brother, or your father!"</p> + +<p>Dave said nothing, for he was too much overcome +to speak. As he gazed at the picture, he +began to tremble from head to foot. Taking away +the mustache, the face was exactly like his own, +only older and more careworn. He did not wonder +that Billy Dill had become confused because of +the resemblance. He turned the picture over. +There was not a scrap of printing or writing on +it anywhere.</p> + +<p>What was the meaning of this mystery? What +was this man to him? Was he the man who +had once lost a child through a crazy nurse? In +his perplexed state of mind, the questions were +maddening ones to the boy.</p> + +<p>"What do you think of it, Dave?" asked Phil, +after a pause, and the eyes of all the others were +turned on the poorhouse boy.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What do I think of it?" he repeated, slowly. +"I think this: I am going to find this man, if he is +alive, even if I have to go around the world to do +it. He must know something of my past—most +likely he is a relative of mine. I am going to be a +poorhouse nobody no longer. I am going to establish +my identity—and I am going to do that before +I do anything else."</p> + +<p>Dave spoke deliberately, weighing every word. +It was almost as if he was registering a vow. The +others saw a look of determination settle on his +face, and knew that he would do as he said.</p> + +<p>The boy from the country had suddenly lost +interest in clearing up the mystery surrounding +Shadow Hamilton, and allowed the others to finish +the search for class pins and postage stamps. One +more pin was found and three rare stamps from +Brazil, and then the search was abandoned, and +they returned to Oak Hall, Dave carrying the +sailor's possessions.</p> + +<p>That evening there was an interesting interview +in Doctor Clay's office, in which Dave and his +friends took an active part. The worthy master +of Oak Hall listened to all the boys had to tell with +keen attention, and smiled quietly when told how +Dave and Roger had first followed Shadow in his +somnambulistic feat. He took possession of the +class pins and the stamps, and said the latter were +undoubtedly from his collection.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span></p> + +<p>"We now have nearly all of the class pins," he +said. "But fully nine-tenths of the postage stamps +are still missing and they represent a value of at +least twenty-five hundred dollars. I am tolerably +sure that Maurice Hamilton took them in his sleep, +but the question is, did he destroy the others, or did +somebody else come along and take them?"</p> + +<p>"I believe Chip Macklin came to see you, sir," +said Dave, significantly.</p> + +<p>"He did, Porter, and I am going to follow that +clew up—if it is a clew," answered Doctor Clay, +gravely.</p> + +<p>After the others had departed, Dave showed the +things he had found belonging to Billy Dill. The +master of the Hall was as much astonished as anybody +over the resemblance between his pupil and +the photograph, and examined the picture with +care.</p> + +<p>"I do not wonder that you wish to investigate +this," said he. "I should wish to do so, were I in +your position."</p> + +<p>"I have simply got to do it, Doctor!" cried Dave. +"I shall not be able to settle my mind on a thing +until it's done. Would you go home and see Mr. +Wadsworth and Professor Potts first, or go direct +to that sailor?"</p> + +<p>"Why not send a long letter to your friends, +telling them what you have told me? You can add +that I agree that the photograph resembles you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span> +closely, and that you wish to talk the matter over +once again with this William Dill."</p> + +<p>As impatient as he was, Dave concluded to follow +this advice, and a letter of ten pages was sent +to Mr. Wadsworth and to Caspar Potts the next +morning. In the meantime, it may be added here, +Doctor Clay had a closer watch than ever set on +Shadow Hamilton's movements, and he also began +a quiet investigation of Gus Plum's doings.</p> + +<p>The letter that Dave sent to Crumville created +a sensation in the Wadsworth household, and was +read and re-read several times by the members of +the manufacturer's family and by Professor Potts.</p> + +<p>"There is undoubtedly something in this," said +the professor. "It certainly is entitled to a strict +investigation. If you will permit me, I will run up +to Oak Hall to see Dave, and then take him to see +this Billy Dill."</p> + +<p>"I will go with you," answered the rich manufacturer. +"The outing will do us both good, and I +am greatly interested in Dave's welfare. I only +trust that there is a happy future in store for him."</p> + +<p>"And I say the same, sir, for no boy deserves it +more," answered Professor Potts.</p> + +<p>A telegram was sent to Dave, and on the following +day Oliver Wadsworth and Caspar Potts +journeyed to Oakdale. Dave met them at the +depot with the Hall carriage.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" exclaimed old Caspar Potts, rush<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>ing +up and shaking hands. "My boy! my boy! I +am glad to see you again!" And he fairly quivered +with emotion.</p> + +<p>"And I am glad to see you," cried Dave, in return. +He shook hands with both men. "Mr. +Wadsworth, it was kind of you to answer my letter +so quickly," he added.</p> + +<p>"I knew you would be anxious, Dave. My, how +well and strong you look! The air up here must do +you good."</p> + +<p>"It is a very healthful spot," answered the +youth, "and I like it better than I can tell."</p> + +<p>"A fine school—a fine school!" murmured Professor +Potts. "You could not go to a better."</p> + +<p>On the way to the Hall, Dave told his story in +detail, and exhibited the photograph, which he had +brought with him, scarcely daring to leave it out +of his sight.</p> + +<p>"It is just as you have said," remarked Oliver +Wadsworth. "A most remarkable resemblance, +truly!"</p> + +<p>"That man must be some relative to Dave," +added Caspar Potts. "There could not be such a +resemblance otherwise. It is undoubtedly the same +strain of blood. He may be a father, uncle, cousin, +elder brother—there is no telling what; but he is +a relative, I will stake my reputation on it."</p> + +<p>The visitors were cordially greeted at Oak Hall +by Doctor Clay and made to feel perfectly at home.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> +They were given rooms for the night, and in the +morning the doctor and his visitors and Dave had +breakfast together.</p> + +<p>It had been decided that a visit should be paid +to Billy Dill that very afternoon, and by nine +o'clock Mr. Wadsworth, Professor Potts, and +Dave were on the way to the town where was +located the sanitarium to which the sailor had been +taken. Dave had the tar's satchel and clothing +with him, and the precious photograph was stowed +away in his pocket. Just then he would not have +parted with that picture for all the money in the +world.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIV</h2> + +<h3>A GLEAM OF LIGHT</h3> + + +<p>"I would advise that you keep that satchel and +the picture out of sight at first," said Professor +Potts, as he rang the bell of the sanitarium. "Talk +to the old sailor and try to draw him out. Then +show him his belongings when you think the time +ripe."</p> + +<p>Mr. Wadsworth and Dave thought this good +advice, and when they were ushered into the old +sailor's presence, the boy kept the satchel behind +him.</p> + +<p>"Well, douse my toplights, but I'm glad to see +ye all!" cried Billy Dill, as he shook hands. "It's +kind o' you to pay a visit to such an old wreck as +I am."</p> + +<p>"Oh, you're no wreck, Mr. Dill," answered +Oliver Wadsworth. "We'll soon have you as +right and tight as any craft afloat," he added, falling +into the tar's manner of speaking.</p> + +<p>"Bless the day when I can float once more, sir. +Do you know, I've been thinkin' that a whiff o' salt +air would do me a sight o' good. Might fix my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> +steerin' apparatus," and the tar tapped his forehead.</p> + +<p>"Then you must have a trip to the ocean, by all +means," said Caspar Potts. He turned to the rich +manufacturer. "It might be easily arranged."</p> + +<p>"Dill, I want to talk to you about the time you +were out in the South Seas," said Dave, who could +bear the suspense no longer. "Now, please follow +me closely, will you?"</p> + +<p>"Will if I can, my hearty." The sailor's forehead +began to wrinkle. "You know my memory +box has got its cargo badly shifted."</p> + +<p>"Don't you remember when you were down +there—at Cavasa Island, and elsewhere—how hard +times were, and how somebody helped you."</p> + +<p>"Seems to me I do."</p> + +<p>"Don't you remember traveling around with +your bundle and your satchel? You had some +money in bankbills and some loose silver, and a +work on navigation, and a Bible——"</p> + +<p>"Yes! yes! I remember the Bible—it was the +one my aunt gave me—God bless her! She, Aunt +Lizzie—took care o' me when my mother died, an' +she told me to read it every day—an' I did, most +o' the time."</p> + +<p>"Well, you had the Bible and your satchel and +your bundle of clothes," went on Dave, impressively. +"And at that time you fell in with a man +who afterwards gave you his photograph."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> + +<p>"So I did—the man who looks like you. But +I——"</p> + +<p>"Wait a minute. Don't you remember his telling +you a story about a crazy nurse and a lost +child?"</p> + +<p>"I certainly do, but——"</p> + +<p>Dave drew the photograph from his pocket and +thrust it forward, directly before the tar's eyes.</p> + +<p>"There is the man!" he cried. "Now, what is +his name? Tell me his name, at once!"</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 406px;"> +<img src="images/p121.jpg" width="406" height="600" alt=""Tell me his name, at once!"—Page 121." title="" /> +<span class="caption">"Tell me his name, at once!"—<i><a href="#Page_121">Page 121</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>"Dunston Porter!" fairly shouted the sailor. +"Dunston Porter! That's it! I knew I would +remember it sometime! Dunston Porter, of course +it was! Funny how I forgot it. Better write it +down, afore it slips my cable again."</p> + +<p>"Dunston Porter!" murmured Dave, and the +others likewise repeated the name.</p> + +<p>"Ha! this is remarkable!" ejaculated Caspar +Potts. "Dave, do you remember what you called +yourself when you were first found and taken to +the poorhouse."</p> + +<p>"I do, sir. I called myself Davy, and Porter, +and Dun-Dun."</p> + +<p>"Exactly, and Dun-Dun meant Dunston. You +were trying to repeat the name, 'Dunston Porter'!"</p> + +<p>"That would seem to be the fact," came from +Oliver Wadsworth. "And if so——" He paused +significantly.</p> + +<p>"You think my real name is Dunston Porter?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Either that, or else that is the name of some +relative of yours."</p> + +<p>Dave's heart beat fast. He felt that he was +getting at least a faint glimpse of his past. He +turned again to Billy Dill.</p> + +<p>"Then this Dunston Porter was your friend?" +he observed.</p> + +<p>"He was, and he helped me when I was +stranded," was the answer. "I can't give ye all the +particulars, cos some o' 'em is more like a dream +than anything to me. When I try to think, my +head begins to swim," and the sailor wrinkled his +forehead as before and twitched his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Tell me one thing," said the rich manufacturer, +"Do you think this Dunston Porter is still at Cavasa +Island, or in that locality?"</p> + +<p>"I suppose so—I don't know."</p> + +<p>"When did you come away from there?" asked +Professor Potts.</p> + +<p>"It must be nigh on to a year ago. I came +straight to 'Frisco, went up the coast on a lumber +boat to Puget Sound, and then took passage to New +York. Next, I drifted up here to look up some +friends, and you know what happened after that."</p> + +<p>"Was Dunston Porter alone out there?" questioned +Oliver Wadsworth.</p> + +<p>"Why—er—I can't say as to that. He didn't +say much about himself, that I can remember. +Once he told me about that child, but—but it's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> +hazy—I can't think! Oh, it drives me crazy when +I try to think! The roar of the sea gets in my +ears, and the light from the lighthouse fires my +brain!" And the old tar began to pace the floor +in a rolling gait.</p> + +<p>"He is growing excited!" whispered Caspar +Potts. "It is too bad! Were he in his right mind, +he might be able to tell us a great deal."</p> + +<p>"Supposing we go out and have lunch together," +suggested Oliver Wadsworth. "And then we can +go for a ride on the lake."</p> + +<p>He spoke to the sanitarium manager, and the +upshot of the matter was that the whole party went +out to a hotel for dinner. Previous to going, Dave +gave Billy Dill the satchel and money and the +bundle, which seemed to tickle the tar immensely.</p> + +<p>"Douse my toplight, but I feel like old times +again!" he cried, when they had had a good dinner +and were seated on the forward deck of one of the +lake boats, used to take out pleasure parties. "Oh, +but I love the water!"</p> + +<p>"I suppose this doesn't look anything like around +Cavasa Island," remarked Dave, trying to draw the +sailor out.</p> + +<p>"Not much, my boy. Cavasa Island has a volcano +in the middle of it, and once in a while that +volcano gets busy, and folks run for their lives. +An' they have earthquakes, too. Once I was out +with Dunston Porter, and along came an earth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>quake, +and the other fellow, Mr. Lemington, almost +had his leg broken."</p> + +<p>"Who was Mr. Lemington?" asked Caspar +Potts, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Why, he was Dunston Porter's partner in the +treasure-hunting scheme. Oh, I didn't tell you +about that, did I? Funny, how it slipped my mind, +eh? They went to the volcano for the treasure. +I guess that was when the baby disappeared—and +that other man—I don't remember much of him, +he was wild. It was misty, misty. But they didn't +get any treasure, I know that. And then Mr. +Lemington got disgusted and sailed for Australia."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever see the baby?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"Did I? Why—I think so. I don't remember."</p> + +<p>This was all they could get out of the sailor, try +their best, and, upon Oliver Wadsworth's advice, +they did not bother him any further. Before returning +to the sanitarium, the rich manufacturer +called Dave to one side.</p> + +<p>"Dave, do you want to go to Cavasa Island?" +he asked, with a quiet smile.</p> + +<p>"I do," was the prompt answer. "I was going +to speak to you about it. You know I told you +that Phil Lawrence is going—on one of his father's +ships this summer. I'd like very much to go with +Phil."</p> + +<p>"Then you shall go, if we can make the necessary +arrangements. Now, what I want to know is: Do<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span> +you not think it would be an excellent thing to take +this Billy Dill along? The trip might cure him +entirely, and he might aid you greatly in clearing +up this mystery."</p> + +<p>"Why, Mr. Wadsworth, you must have been +reading my thoughts!" exclaimed the country boy. +"I was going to suggest that very thing."</p> + +<p>"Then we will speak to Dill about it before we +leave him. Do you know when your friend Lawrence +is to join his father's ship?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; but I can soon find out. And here is +Mr. Lawrence's address, if you want it," added +Dave, and wrote it on a card.</p> + +<p>When the idea of sailing on the Pacific once more +was broached to Billy Dill, his eyes lit up with +pleasure.</p> + +<p>"I'd like nothing better!" he cried. "I've been +a-thinkin' I might ship again. I can't stay an' +be spongin' on you folks any longer, it wouldn't be +proper. I want to pay up, now Dave has found +my money for me."</p> + +<p>"Keep your money, Dill," returned Oliver +Wadsworth. "You may need it later." And then +he explained what Dave wished to do, and how the +tar might accompany the youth on his long trip.</p> + +<p>"I'll go—an' glad o' the chance," said Billy Dill, +readily. "Just draw up your articles, an' I'll sign +'em any time ye want." And so the matter was +settled.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave returned to Oak Hall late that night in a +very thoughtful mood. So much had been done +and said that he wanted time in which to think it +over. It was not until the next day that he got a +chance to talk matters over with Phil and Roger, +both of whom listened attentively to his tale.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me you are learning something, +Dave," said Roger. "I hope the whole matter is +cleared up before long. Then Plum and Poole will +have to stop casting slurs on you."</p> + +<p>"And now, Phil, I want to go out to the South +Seas with you," continued Dave. "And, what is +more, I am going to ask your father to find a place +on the vessel for Billy Dill."</p> + +<p>"I fancy he'll do that, if I ask him," answered +Phil. "I'll write and tell the whole story, and I +know he will be as much interested as I am."</p> + +<p>"I wish I was going on that trip with you," said +Roger. "Such an outing would suit me to a T."</p> + +<p>"I guess there will be room enough for another +passenger," answered Phil. "Why don't you ask +your folks about it?"</p> + +<p>"I will!" burst out the senator's son. "They +are going to Europe, you know. I was to go +along, but I'll see if I can't go with you two +instead."</p> + +<p>After that there was a good deal of letter-writing, +and the boys waited anxiously for replies. In +the meanwhile, the final examinations for the term<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> +began. Dave did his best to keep his mind on his +lessons, and succeeded so well that he came out +second from the top, studious Polly Vane heading +the list. Roger came next to Dave, with Ben Basswood +fourth, Phil sixth, and Sam Day seventh. +Gus Plum was almost at the end of the list, and +Nat Poole was but little better. In a lower class, +Luke Watson stood second, Buster Beggs fourth, +and Chip Macklin fifth. Shadow Hamilton, although +generally a good student, dropped to tenth +place in his class.</p> + +<p>"I am more than gratified at this showing," said +Doctor Clay, when the examinations were over. +"The general average is higher than usual. You +have done well, and I shall award the prizes with +much pleasure."</p> + +<p>After that there was an entertainment lasting +the best part of the afternoon, and in the evening +the students celebrated by a bonfire on the campus +and a general merrymaking. They sang the school +song over and over again, and gave the Hall cry:</p> + +<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> +<span class="i1">"Baseball!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Football!<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Oak Hall<br /></span> +<span class="i2">Has the call!<br /></span> +<span class="i0">Biff! Boom! Bang! Whoop!"<br /></span> +</div></div> + +<p>"To-night's the night!" whispered Phil, as he +entered the school with his chums. "Just wait and +see!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XV</h2> + +<h3>WINDING UP THE SCHOOL TERM</h3> + + +<p>"I must say, I don't feel much like fun to-night," +observed Dave, as he hurried up the stairs to +dormitory No. 12. "I am anxious to get started +on that trip to the Pacific."</p> + +<p>"Oh, that will hold for one day longer," said +Ben. "I wish I was going, too. Roger, have you +got word yet?"</p> + +<p>"No, but I expect a letter to-morrow. If it +doesn't come, I'll have to wait till I get home."</p> + +<p>Dave was in advance and was the first to throw +open the dormitory door. As he did so, a powerful +smell of onions greeted him.</p> + +<p>"Great Cæsar!" he ejaculated. "Smells like an +onion factory up here. Somebody must have been +eating a dozen or two. Open the window, Phil, +while I make a light."</p> + +<p>"Hello, what's this!" spluttered Ben, and fell +headlong over something. "A decayed cabbage! +Who put that on the floor?"</p> + +<p>"Look out, everybody!" shouted Roger. "I just +stepped on something soft. Phew! Some decayed +sweet potatoes!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span></p> + +<p>By this time Dave made a light, and all of the +boys who had come up gazed around the dormitory. +Then a cry of amazement and anger arose.</p> + +<p>"This is a rough-house, and no mistake!"</p> + +<p>"Somebody has been heaving decayed vegetables +all over the room!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and ancient eggs, too! This is an outrage!"</p> + +<p>"Here is a rotten cabbage in my trunk!" called +out Roger. He held the object at arm's length. +"I'd like to soak the fellow who did it!" he added, +savagely.</p> + +<p>With caution, all made an investigation. They +found their clothing and other belongings disarranged, +and decayed vegetables, stale eggs, and +sour milk were everywhere in evidence. It was a +mess bad enough to make them weep.</p> + +<p>"We ought to report this," was Phil's comment. +"I don't mind real fun, but this is going too +far."</p> + +<p>"This stuff must have come from the cellar," put +in Buster Beggs. "I heard the head cook telling +Pop Swingly that the place must be cleaned out, +or he would report it to the doctor. Swingly said +he didn't know the bad stuff was there."</p> + +<p>"Well, Swingly didn't put the stuff here," put in +Dave. "It's the work of some of the other +fellows."</p> + +<p>"I know where the janitor is!" cried Ben.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> +"Shall I go down and question him? Maybe he +can give us a pointer."</p> + +<p>"Yes, go ahead," said Dave.</p> + +<p>"And I'll go along," added the senator's son, +and a moment later the two boys were off.</p> + +<p>While the pair were gone, the others surveyed +the damage done. The most of the decayed vegetables +were swept into a corner, and then the boys +did what they could toward straightening out their +things.</p> + +<p>"Here's a stale egg in my hat-box!" groaned +Sam. "I'd like to throw it at some fellow's head!"</p> + +<p>Dave had found his trunk open, and was searching +the box with care. Suddenly he gave a loud +cry:</p> + +<p>"It's gone! It's gone!"</p> + +<p>"What's gone?" queried Phil.</p> + +<p>"The photograph! I had it among my books +and papers, and the whole bunch is missing!"</p> + +<p>"You mean the photo of the man who looks like +you?" asked Sam, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Yes." Dave gave a groan that came straight +from his heart. "Oh, boys, I must get that back! +I can't afford to lose it! I must get it back! It is +worth more to me than anything in the world!" +He was so agitated that he could scarcely control +himself.</p> + +<p>"Let us hunt for the picture," came from Buster +Beggs, who knew about the photograph, and all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> +started a search, which lasted until Ben and Roger +returned.</p> + +<p>"We've discovered the chaps who are responsible," +said Ben, in triumph.</p> + +<p>"They are Gus Plum and Nat Poole," asserted +the senator's son. "Pop Swingly was throwing this +stuff away in a hole back of the campus, when Plum +and Poole came up. He heard them talking about +playing a trick, but he didn't think they'd lower +themselves by touching the mess. I suppose they +thought that they were doing something quite +smart."</p> + +<p>"Dave's photo is gone," said Phil. "We have +been hunting for it everywhere."</p> + +<p>"You don't say! Dave, that is too bad."</p> + +<p>"We ought to make Plum and Poole clean up +this mess," came from Buster. "Let us try to +capture them."</p> + +<p>The suggestion met with instant approval, and +the boys started to locate the bully and his crony. +Plum and Poole were still below, but Shadow Hamilton +announced that they were preparing to come +up by a side stairs.</p> + +<p>"We must get them, sure!" cried Dave. "I +want that picture back, if nothing else."</p> + +<p>Soon one boy, who was acting as a spy, announced +the coming of Plum and Poole. The pair +were allowed to reach the door of their dormitory, +when they were pounced on from behind and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> +made prisoners. They tried to escape, but the +crowd was too many for them, and towels pulled +down over their mouths kept them from raising an +outcry.</p> + +<p>"What's the meaning of this?" spluttered Nat +Poole, when he found himself and his crony in +dormitory No. 12, and with the door closed and +locked.</p> + +<p>"It means, in the first place, that I want my +things back," said Dave, "and especially a photograph +that was between my books."</p> + +<p>"Humph! that photo is burned up," growled +Gus Plum.</p> + +<p>"Gus Plum!" gasped Dave. He could say no +more.</p> + +<p>"Plum, do you mean to say you burned that +picture up?" demanded Roger. "If you did, you +ought to be tarred and feathered for it!"</p> + +<p>"He wouldn't dare to do it!" came boldly from +Phil. "If he did, I know what Dave will do—have +him sent to jail for it."</p> + +<p>"Bah! You can't send me to jail for a little +fun," blustered the bully.</p> + +<p>"That is no fun, Plum," put in Ben. "That +photo was of great importance. If you burned it +up, you will surely suffer."</p> + +<p>"Is it really burned or not?" muttered Dave, +hoarsely. "Answer me, you—you cur!" and he +caught the bully by the throat.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Le-let go—don't strangle me! N-no—it's all +right. I was only fooling."</p> + +<p>"Then, where is it?"</p> + +<p>"In the—the closet—on the top shelf."</p> + +<p>Dave dropped his hold and ran to the closet +pointed out. True enough, on the top shelf, in +a back corner, were the books, with the precious +photograph between them. Dave lost no time in +placing the picture in an inside pocket.</p> + +<p>"You're a fine fellow, not to take a bit of fun +without getting mad," grumbled Gus Plum. He +did not dare to say too much in such a crowd.</p> + +<p>"So you call this fun?" remarked Phil, sarcastically. +"Fun! to play the scavenger and bring this +stuff up here? Well, I must say, I don't like your +preference for a calling."</p> + +<p>"Look here, you needn't call us scavengers!" +howled Nat Poole. "I am a gentleman, I am!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you brought this up here, you and +Plum."</p> + +<p>"It was only a—re—a joke. Everybody has +got to put up with jokes to-night."</p> + +<p>"Well, you are going to put up with a little hard +work," came from Roger.</p> + +<p>"Work?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. You and Plum are going to clean up the +muss and put this room in apple-pie order."</p> + +<p>"Huh! I see myself doing it!" stormed the +aristocratic youth.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You will do it," observed Ben. "Isn't that so, +fellows?"</p> + +<p>There was a chorus of approvals.</p> + +<p>"So take off your coats and get to work," said +Dave, who felt easier, now that he had the picture +back. "I guess you both need a little exercise."</p> + +<p>"I'll be hanged if I do a stroke!" roared Gus +Plum.</p> + +<p>Hardly had he spoken, when Ben caught up a +pitcher of ice-water and held it over the bully's +head.</p> + +<p>"Take your choice, Plum!" he cried, and allowed +a little of the ice-water to trickle down the bully's +backbone. There was a roar of fright and a shiver.</p> + +<p>"Oh! Don't do that! Do you want to freeze +me to death!"</p> + +<p>"Now, Poole, maybe you want some," added +Ben, advancing. Poole tried to retreat, stumbled, +and sat down heavily on a decayed cabbage, which +squashed beneath him. He set up a roar.</p> + +<p>"Now see what you've done, Ben Basswood! +My best gray suit, too! I'll fix you for this!"</p> + +<p>"Both of you must get to work!" declared Dave. +"We'll give you two minutes in which to get +started. If you don't start——"</p> + +<p>"We'll roll you in the decayed vegetables and +kick you out," finished Buster Beggs. With the +term so nearly ended, he was growing reckless. +"I'll play timekeeper," and he drew out his watch.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span></p> + +<p>Plum and Poole begged and protested, but all to +no purpose, and, badly scared, took off their coats +and cuffs, rolled up their sleeves, and began to clean +up the muss they had made. While this was under +way, the other boys of the dormitory came up and +viewed the scene with amazement and satisfaction.</p> + +<p>At last the dirty job was at an end, at least so +far as Plum and Poole could go. They had worked +hard and were bathed in perspiration, and their +hands were in anything but a clean condition. Both +were "boiling mad," but neither dared to say a +word, for fear the others would make them do +more.</p> + +<p>"Now you have learned your trade," said Phil, +finally, "you can graduate as full-fledged scavengers. +When you go out, don't fail to place that +bag of nasty stuff in a corner of your own room. +The smell will give you both pleasant dreams."</p> + +<p>"Phil Lawrence——" began the bully.</p> + +<p>"Just wait till I——" came from Nat Poole.</p> + +<p>"Silence!" cried Dave. "Not a word, or you'll +be sorry. Take up the bag. Now, march!"</p> + +<p>The door was flung open, and with the bag of +messy stuff between them, Plum and Poole marched +forth into the corridor and to the stairs leading to +the back yard. The boys of dormitory No. 12 +watched them out of sight, then returned to their +room.</p> + +<p>"I'll wager they are the maddest boys in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> +Hall," said Dave, when the door had been locked +once more.</p> + +<p>"Will they come back, do you think?" questioned +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't think so. But we can be on our guard."</p> + +<p>They remained on guard for half an hour, but +Plum and Poole did not reappear. They had had +enough of their so-called fun, and they sneaked out +of sight at the first opportunity.</p> + +<p>But, without this, there was fun galore that night +in the various dormitories. Two crowds of boys +held feasts, to which even the monitors were invited, +and dormitories Nos. 3 and 4 got into a +pillow fight, in the midst of which Job Haskers +appeared. The teacher was knocked over by a +pillow, and then some other pillows were piled on +top of him. After that he was hustled out of the +room, and, completely bewildered, he rolled down +the broad stairs, bumping on every step. Then +Pop Swingly came up, followed by "Horsehair," +the carriage driver, to quell the disturbance, and +each received a pitcher of ice-water over his head, +which made both beat a hasty retreat. But by one +o'clock the school quieted down, and all of the +pupils went to sleep as if nothing out of the ordinary +had occurred.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVI</h2> + +<h3>PREPARING FOR A LONG TRIP</h3> + + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 410px;"> +<img src="images/p137.jpg" width="410" height="600" alt=""Good-by to Oak Hall!"—Page 137." title="" /> +<span class="caption">"Good-by to Oak Hall!"—<i><a href="#Page_137">Page 137</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>"Whoop! hurrah! Off we go! Good-by to +Oak Hall!"</p> + +<p>The carryall belonging to the school was moving +away from the campus. It was loaded with +students and behind it came two wagons, full of +trunks and dress-suit cases. Back on the campus a +crowd was assembled to bid the departing ones +good-by.</p> + +<p>"Write to me often!"</p> + +<p>"Don't forget, Tom! Atlantic City, middle of +August!"</p> + +<p>"Be sure and ask him to join the team!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we are going to Casco Bay. Come up, if +you can."</p> + +<p>"Tell Jack——Say, get off my toes, will you? +Tell Jack to come up to Lake Titus, back of +Malone. We'll give him a dandy——"</p> + +<p>"<i>Toot! toot! toot!</i> Now then, Horsehair, start +'em up, and be lively, or I'll miss that connection +for Albany!"</p> + +<p>"I'll start 'em up, all right, if you young gents +will give me a show," responded the driver. "Say,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span> +Buster, don't use the whip. Give me the reins, +Master Porter."</p> + +<p>"Don't you want me to drive, Horsehair?"</p> + +<p>"No, I want——Say, you in the back, give +me my hat, will you?" shouted the driver, turning +around. "I ain't a-going a step till I git that hat!"</p> + +<p>"All right, Horsehair, darling!" replied Sam +Day. "I thought I'd keep it to remember you by, +but if you want——"</p> + +<p>"Which puts me in mind of a story," said +Shadow Hamilton. He had caught the humor of +the occasion. "A lady once——"</p> + +<p>"No stories allowed," broke in Phil.</p> + +<p>"I can't tell a story unless I speak it aloud," +answered Shadow, tartly.</p> + +<p>"Phew, what a pun!" came from Roger. "Somebody +please dump him off for that."</p> + +<p>"Hold tight, all of you!" called out the anxious +driver, and with a lurch the carryall made a turn +and started out of the academy grounds and along +the broad highway leading to Oakdale. All of the +boys shouted themselves hoarse, and horns and +rattles added to the din. Such a thing as holding +the students in was out of the question, and Doctor +Clay and his assistants did not attempt it. The +doctor and Andrew Dale smiled broadly and waved +their hands, and only Job Haskers looked bored. +The other teachers were busy in the building and +did not show themselves.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> + +<p>This was the first load to leave, and another +was ready to depart directly after dinner. Nearly +all of the boys were in high spirits, and sang and +"cut up" all the way to the town, much to the +terror of Jackson Lemond, known only to the lads +as Horsehair, because he carried the signs of his +calling continually.</p> + +<p>If there was one boy in the crowd particularly +sober at times, it was Shadow Hamilton. Doctor +Clay had communicated with his parents, and Mr. +Hamilton and the master of the school had had a +long conference regarding the pins and stamps that +had been taken. Shadow's father had agreed to +pay for the missing articles, if they could not be +recovered inside of the next few months. In the +meantime, a private detective was to be called in to +watch the movements of Gus Plum.</p> + +<p>At Oakdale the party split into three parts, one +to go up the railroad line, another to go down, and +the third to take the connection for Albany. Phil, +Roger, Ben, and Dave took the same train, and +managed to get seats together.</p> + +<p>"I wish I had heard from my folks," remarked +Roger. "But I think it is all right," he added, +hopefully.</p> + +<p>"Don't be too sure, Roger," said Dave. "I +don't want you to be disappointed."</p> + +<p>"I shall write to you as soon as I get home and +can talk to my father," said Phil to Dave. "We'll<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> +be able to arrange everything without much trouble, +I am sure."</p> + +<p>Near the end of their journey Dave and Ben +found themselves alone, Roger and Phil having +said good-by at places further up the road. As +they neared Crumville, the heart of the country +boy beat quicker. How many things had happened +since he had left that town to go to Oak Hall!</p> + +<p>"I see the old white church steeple!" cried Ben, +as they came out of a patch of timber. "Looks +natural, doesn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I feel as if I had been away a year, instead of a +few months," answered Dave. He was peering +anxiously out of the window. "Here we come to +the station, and, yes, there is Mr. Wadsworth's +automobile, and Mr. Wadsworth himself and +Jessie!"</p> + +<p>Soon the train came to a halt, and they piled out, +dress-suit cases in hand, and walked over to the +automobile.</p> + +<p>"How do you do?" cried Jessie Wadsworth, a +beautiful miss of thirteen, with soft eyes and golden +curls. "I told papa you would be on this train."</p> + +<p>"How do you do?" returned Dave, dropping his +suit case to lift his cap and shake hands. "I hope +you are well."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am," replied the miss, shaking back her +curls. "How do you do, Ben?" And then there +was more handshaking.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></p> + +<p>Both of the boys were invited to enter the automobile, +and did so, and in a few minutes Ben found +himself at his own door. Then the machine was +turned toward the Wadsworth mansion.</p> + +<p>"I like to go riding with papa," explained Jessie. +"I never go out with our man, though. Not since—you +know!" and she turned a pair of grateful +eyes upon Dave that made the boy color up.</p> + +<p>"The machine appears to be perfectly safe, since +we have had it repaired," put in Mr. Wadsworth. +"But our man is better with the horses."</p> + +<p>At the mansion Mrs. Wadsworth, an aristocratic +but motherly lady, came out to greet Dave, +followed by Caspar Potts, whose face was wreathed +in smiles. All told, it was a homecoming that +would have warmed the heart of any lad, and it +made Dave forget completely that he was a "poorhouse +nobody."</p> + +<p>"You must tell me all about everything," said +Jessie, after a somewhat elaborate supper had been +served. "I don't want to miss a single thing!"</p> + +<p>"Seems to me you are cutting out a big job for +Dave," laughed her father.</p> + +<p>"Well, I guess I can tell all she'll wish to hear," +answered the youth, and seated at one end of a +couch, with Jessie at the other, he told much of his +life at Oak Hall, with its studies, its pranks, and +its athletic sports. Dave could see the humorous +side of a thing as well as anybody, and some stories<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> +he told made Mr. and Mrs. Wadsworth laugh as +well as Jessie. On his trials he touched but lightly, +for he could not dream of giving his little lady +friend pain.</p> + +<p>On the following day Nat Poole came home, +and Dave met the aristocratic youth in one of the +stores of Crumville. Poole gave him a glassy stare +and did not speak. A few minutes later Dave met +Ben.</p> + +<p>"Just ran into Poole," said the latter, "and what +do you think, he made out that he didn't see me."</p> + +<p>"He was in Parsons' store, but he wouldn't speak +to me, either," answered Dave. "He must feel +awfully sore. But I shan't mind."</p> + +<p>"Nor I, Dave. I never did like that fellow, and +I don't like his father, either. By the way, have +you heard anything more about the farm that belongs +to Professor Potts?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I am glad, and so is he, that we didn't +let Nat's father get hold of it. The new trolley +company is going to put a line past it, and Mr. +Wadsworth says it will be quite valuable in time."</p> + +<p>Two days passed, and then Dave got long letters +from Phil and Roger. Senator Morr had been to +see Mr. Lawrence and had arranged to have his +son go on the long trip to the South Seas. Roger +was almost wild with joy, and said he was going to +prepare for the trip immediately.</p> + +<p>The letter from Phil told Dave that the start<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> +for San Francisco was to be made on the following +Monday morning. All the boys were to meet at +the Grand Central Depot, in New York City, and +take the limited express which left for Chicago at +noon.</p> + +<p>"I will go with you as far as New York," announced +Mr. Wadsworth. "I wish to see that your +journey is safely begun."</p> + +<p>The last days of the week were busy ones for +Dave. A steamer trunk was procured for him, and +into this was packed his outfit, including a semi-nautical +suit that fitted him to perfection and gave +him quite a sailor look.</p> + +<p>"I suppose you'll be a regular sailor by the time +you come back," said Jessie.</p> + +<p>"I don't know about that," answered Dave. "I +am not going for that purpose," and his tone grew +serious.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know that, Dave. I hope you find what +you are going for. But—but——"</p> + +<p>"But what, Jessie?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, I—I don't want you to leave us, Dave. If +you find a father, or an uncle, or brother, or somebody +like that, I suppose you won't stay with us +any more." And the young miss pouted engagingly.</p> + +<p>"I'll certainly not care to leave you, Jessie," he +answered, gently. "But you cannot blame me for +wanting to find out who I am, I am sure."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, no, Dave!"</p> + +<p>"I don't want to remain a nobody and have folks +shun me on that account."</p> + +<p>"Who would do such a thing?" she asked, her +eyes opening widely.</p> + +<p>"Oh, a good many folks."</p> + +<p>"It is very mean of them," came from the little +miss, firmly. "But, never mind, Dave, I'll not shun +you," she went on, catching his hand and squeezing +it as hard as she could. "We're going to be just +like a brother and sister always, aren't we?"</p> + +<p>"If you say so."</p> + +<p>"Don't you say so, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, Jessie."</p> + +<p>"Then that is settled, and we won't talk about +it any more. Shun you! I just want to see them +do it! I won't speak to anybody that does such a +thing!" And Jessie looked as tragic as a miss of +thirteen can look.</p> + +<p>Among the things provided by thoughtful Mr. +Wadsworth for Dave was a money belt, and in +this was placed a fair amount of bankbills, and also +a letter of credit.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Wadsworth, you are more than kind!" +cried the country boy, and something like tears +stood in his honest eyes. "How can I ever repay +you?"</p> + +<p>"In one way only, Dave. By making a real +man of yourself."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I shall do my best, sir."</p> + +<p>"Then that is all I ask."</p> + +<p>Billy Dill had been communicated with, and +Caspar Potts went after the tar and brought him +to Crumville, where Oliver Wadsworth procured +the sailor a new outfit. Billy Dill's health was now +restored completely, and the only thing he suffered +from was a slight loss of memory, and even that +defect seemed to be gradually wearing away.</p> + +<p>"I'll be the happiest tar afloat when I have the +rolling ocean under me once more," said he to +Dave. "Cables an' capstans! but I do love the salt +breeze!"</p> + +<p>"Well, you'll soon get enough of it," answered +the boy. "We have a long trip before us."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVII</h2> + +<h3>THE TRIP TO THE FAR WEST</h3> + + +<p>"My stars! what a very busy place!"</p> + +<p>This was Dave's exclamation as he and Oliver +Wadsworth hurried along one of the streets of +New York City, on the way to buy some small +thing which had been forgotten. They had arrived +in the metropolis an hour ahead of time, and the +country boy had stared at the many sights in +wonder.</p> + +<p>"It is one of the busiest cities in the world," +answered the manufacturer, with a smile. "A +fortune can be made or lost here in no time."</p> + +<p>"I believe you. And the people! Why, there +is a regular crowd, no matter where you turn."</p> + +<p>"Don't you think you'd like the city, Dave?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know—perhaps I should, after I got +used to it."</p> + +<p>Roger and Phil had not yet come in, and they +had left Billy Dill at the depot to watch out for +them. On returning to the station, Dave and Mr. +Wadsworth met the three at the doors.</p> + +<p>"Here we are again!" cried Roger, shaking +hands. "And not very much time to spare, either."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Is the train in?" asked the manufacturer.</p> + +<p>"Will be in a few minutes, so the gateman said," +answered Phil.</p> + +<p>They saw to it that their trunks were properly +cared for, and a short while after the cars came in +and they climbed aboard. Seats had been engaged +beforehand, so there was no trouble on that score.</p> + +<p>"Now remember to write whenever you get the +chance," said Oliver Wadsworth to Dave. "And +if you run short of funds, don't hesitate to let me +know."</p> + +<p>"I'll remember, and thank you very much," replied +Dave, and then the long train moved off, +slowly at first, and then at a good rate of speed. +Dave's long journey to solve the mystery of his +identity had begun.</p> + +<p>"Say, what mountain is this we're goin' under, +anyway?" came presently from the sailor. "I +noticed it when I came to New York."</p> + +<p>"This isn't a mountain," laughed Roger. "It +is New York City itself. We are under the streets."</p> + +<p>"Great whales! Wonder they don't knock down +the wall o' somebuddy's cellar!"</p> + +<p>It was not long before they came out into the +open, and then both Dave and the sailor looked out +of the windows with interest. Phil and Roger +were more used to traveling, and spent the time in +pointing out objects of interest and in answering +questions.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span></p> + +<p>The fine coach was a revelation to Billy Dill, +who, in the past, had traveled exclusively in the +ordinary day cars.</p> + +<p>"These here seats are better nor them in a barber +shop," he observed. "An' thet little smoking-room +is the handiest I ever see. But, boys, we made one +big mistake," he added, suddenly.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"Unless we tie up to an eatin' house on the way, +we'll be starved. Nobody brung any grub along."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry about that," said Roger, with a +wink at the others. "I think I can scrape up some +crackers and cheese somewhere."</p> + +<p>"Well, that's better—although I allow as how +we could have brought some ham sandwiches as +well as not."</p> + +<p>They had all had dinner, so nobody was hungry +until about six o'clock, when a waiter from the +dining-car came through in his white apron.</p> + +<p>"First call to supper!"</p> + +<p>"Wot's thet?" queried Billy Dill.</p> + +<p>"Come and see," answered Dave, and led the +way to the dining-car. When the old sailor saw +the tables, and saw some folks eating as if at home, +he stared in amazement.</p> + +<p>"Well, keelhaul me, if this don't beat the +Dutch!" he ejaculated, dropping into a chair +pointed out to him. "Reg'lar hotel dinin'-room on +wheels, ain't it? Never heard o' such a thing in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> +my life, never! Say, Roger, better keep that +crackers an' cheese out o' sight, or they'll laugh at +ye!" he added, with a chuckle.</p> + +<p>"You never saw anything like this, then?" asked +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Never. I allers traveled in one o' them, plain, +every-day kind o' trains, an' took my grub along +in a pasteboard box."</p> + +<p>Though amazed, Billy Dill was not slow about +eating what was set before him, and he declared +the repast the finest he had ever tasted. After the +meal he went into the smoking compartment for +a smoke, and then came back to the boys.</p> + +<p>"Feelin' a bit sleepy," he announced. "I suppose +there ain't no objections to my going to +sleep."</p> + +<p>"Not at all," said Phil. "Do you want your +berth made up right away?"</p> + +<p>"Humph! that's a good one!" laughed the tar. +"They may have an eatin' room, but they ain't got +no bedrooms, an' I know it. I'll do my best in the +seat, though I allow a reg'lar long sofy would be +better."</p> + +<p>"Just you wait until I call the porter," said +Roger, and touched the push-button. "This gentleman +will have his berth made up," he went on, +as the porter appeared.</p> + +<p>"Yes, sah."</p> + +<p>"Make it up with real sheets, messmate," put in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> +Billy Dill, thinking it was a joke. "An' you might +add a real feather piller, while ye are at it."</p> + +<p>"Yes, sah," answered the porter, with a grin. +"Please step to another seat, sah."</p> + +<p>"Come," said Dave, and arose and took Billy +Dill to the opposite side of the sleeping-coach.</p> + +<p>The old tar dropped into a vacant seat and +watched the porter as he began to make up the +berths. From a smile his face changed to a look of +wonder, and when he saw the clean sheets, blankets, +and pillows brought forth he could scarcely control +himself.</p> + +<p>"Cables, capstans, an' codfish!" he murmured. +"Thet beats the dinin'-room, don't it? Say, maybe +they hev got a ballroom on board, an' a church, an' +a—a—farm, an' a few more things."</p> + +<p>"Not quite," answered Roger, with a laugh. +"But there is a library, if you want any books to +read."</p> + +<p>"Beats all! Why, this here train is equipped like +a regular ship, ain't she?"</p> + +<p>"Almost," said Dave. "Here are two berths; +you can take one and I'll take the other."</p> + +<p>"Good enough, Dave. Which will ye have?"</p> + +<p>The boy said he preferred the lower berth, and +Billy Dill swung himself up in true sailor fashion +to that above.</p> + +<p>"Makes me think o' a ship!" he declared. "I +know I'll sleep like a rock!" And half an hour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> +later he was in the land of dreams, and then the +boys also retired.</p> + +<p>Morning found them well on their way to Chicago, +and just before noon they rolled into the great +city by the lakes. Here they had two hours to +wait, and spent the time in getting dinner and taking +a short ride around to see the sights.</p> + +<p>"This is as far west as I have been," said Roger. +"The rest of the journey will be new to me."</p> + +<p>"I once took a journey to Los Angeles," said +Phil. "But I went and returned by the southern +route, so this is new to me also."</p> + +<p>"I have never traveled anywhere—that is, since +I can remember," put in Dave. "But I am sure I +am going to like it—that is, if I don't get seasick +when I am on the ocean."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I suppose we'll all get our dose of that," +responded the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"Maybe not," said Billy Dill. "Some gits it, an' +some don't."</p> + +<p>Nightfall found them well on the second portion +of their journey to San Francisco. There was an +observation car on the train, and the whole party +spent hours seated on camp-chairs, viewing scenery +as it rushed past them. Now and then, for a +change, they would read, and Billy Dill would +smoke, and the boys often talked over what was +before them.</p> + +<p>"My father said I might tell you the object of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> +my trip," said Phil to his chums. "But he does not +want anybody else to know of it, unless it becomes +necessary for me to say something to the captain. +The supercargo of the ship is a man named Jasper +Van Blott. He has worked for my father for +some years, and my father always thought him +honest. But lately things have happened which +have caused my father to suspect this supercargo. +He sometimes disposes of certain portions of a +cargo, and his returns are not what they should be."</p> + +<p>"Then you are to act as a sort of spy," said +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I am to watch everything he does without letting +him know exactly what I am doing. And +when he makes a deal of any kind, I am to do my +best to ascertain if his returns are correct. If I +find he is honest, my father is going to retain him +and increase his salary; if he is dishonest, my father +will discharge him, and possibly prosecute him."</p> + +<p>"Have you ever met this Van Blott?" asked +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Once, when he called on my father two years +ago. He is a smooth talker, but I did not fancy his +general style. He is supposed to be a first-class +business man, and that is why my father has retained +him. I do not believe Captain Marshall +likes him much, by the way he writes to father."</p> + +<p>"Have you ever met Captain Marshall?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, twice. You'll like him, I know, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> +is so bluff and hearty. My father has known him +for many years, and he thinks the captain one of +the best skippers afloat. He has sailed the Pacific +for ten years and never suffered a serious accident."</p> + +<p>"In that case, we'll be pretty safe in sailing under +him," observed Roger. "It will certainly be a +long trip—four thousand miles, or more!"</p> + +<p>"Do you know anybody else on the ship?" asked +Dave.</p> + +<p>"I do not, and I don't know much about the ship +herself, excepting that she is named the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>. Father bought her about a year ago. She +is said to be a very swift bark, and yet she has great +carrying capacity."</p> + +<p>"Will you please explain to me just what a bark +is?" said Roger. "I must confess I am rather +dumb on nautical matters."</p> + +<p>"A bark is a vessel with three masts. The front +mast, or foremast, as sailors call it, and the main, +or middle, mast are rigged as a ship, that is, with +regular yardarms and sails. The back mast, called +the mizzen mast, is rigged schooner fashion, that +is, with a swinging boom."</p> + +<p>"That's plain enough. Hurrah for the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>! Dave, we'll be full-fledged sailors before +we know it."</p> + +<p>"We must get Billy Dill to teach us a thing or +two before we go aboard," said the country boy. +"Then we won't appear so green."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p> + +<p>This all thought good advice, and for the remainder +of the journey they frequently talked nautical +matters over with the old tar. Billy Dill had +his book on navigation with him, and also a general +work on seamanship, and he explained to them +how a ship, and especially a bark, was constructed, +and taught them the names of the ropes and sails, +and many other things.</p> + +<p>"You'll soon get the swing on it," he declared. +"It ain't so much to learn fer a feller as is bright +an' willin' to learn. It's only the blockheads as +can't master it. But I allow as how none o' you +expect to work afore the mast, do ye?"</p> + +<p>"Not exactly," answered Phil. "But there is no +harm in learning to do a sailor's work, in case we +are ever called on to take hold. Somebody might +get sick, you know."</p> + +<p>"Thet's true, lad—an' I can tell ye one thing: +A ship in a storm on the Pacific, an' short-handed, +ain't no plaything to deal with," concluded the old +tar.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> + +<h3>SAILING OF THE "STORMY PETREL"</h3> + + +<p>As soon as the party arrived at San Francisco, +Phil set out to learn if the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> was in +port. This was easy, for the firm of which Mr. +Lawrence was the head had a regular shipping +office near the docks.</p> + +<p>"Yes, she is in and almost loaded," said the +clerk at the office, as soon as he learned Phil's +identity. "I'll take you down to her, if you wish."</p> + +<p>"Very well," answered the youth, and soon he +and his chums and Billy Dill were on board of the +bark. A gang of stevedores were on hand, bringing +aboard boxes, crates, and barrels, and in the +midst of the crowd were Captain Frank Marshall +and Van Blott, the supercargo, both directing +operations.</p> + +<p>"Well! well!" ejaculated the captain, on catching +sight of Phil. "Got here at last, eh? Glad to +see you. So these are the young gentlemen to go +along? Well, I reckon you'll find the trip long +enough. Glad to know you, Porter, and the same +to you, Morr. Yes, we are mighty busy just now. +Got a little of the cargo in the wrong way—tell you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> +about it later"—the last words to Phil. "I shall be +glad of your company. Go down into the cabin +and make yourselves at home, and I'll be with you +presently."</p> + +<p>"Thank you," answered Phil. "But is that Mr. +Van Blott over yonder?"</p> + +<p>"It is. Want to see him? Trot along, if you +do." And the captain turned to his work once +more.</p> + +<p>By his general manner Captain Marshall showed +that he did not wish to come into contact with the +supercargo just then, and Phil walked over to that +personage alone. The supercargo was a tall, thin +individual with a sallow face and a thin, yellowish +mustache.</p> + +<p>"This is Mr. Van Blott, I believe," said Phil.</p> + +<p>"Yes," was the short and crusty answer, and the +supercargo gave the boy a sharp look.</p> + +<p>"I am Phil Lawrence. I guess you do not remember +me?"</p> + +<p>"Oh!" cried the supercargo, and his manner +changed instantly. "How do you do? I didn't +think you'd be here quite so soon. I hope your +father is well?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir. Then you got his letter, Mr. Van +Blott?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, this morning. I haven't read it very carefully +yet. He said something about you helping +me, if I needed help. Well, I won't bother you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> +much. I have done the work alone in the past, and +I can do it now."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to do all I can to assist you," +said Phil, politely.</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it. But I won't trouble you—so +you and your friends can just lie back and enjoy +yourselves," returned Jasper Van Blott, smoothly. +"No use in working, when you are on a vacation."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I shan't call it work. I want to learn a +little about the business. Some day, you know, I +am to go into my father's office."</p> + +<p>At this a slight frown crossed the supercargo's +face, but he quickly smiled it off. "As you please," +he said. "But excuse me now, I'm very busy. We +are trying to get ready to sail to-morrow by noon, +and there is still a great deal to do."</p> + +<p>In some way Phil felt himself dismissed, and he +rejoined Dave and Roger, who were standing by +the companionway. All went below, to find the +cabin of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> deserted.</p> + +<p>"This is a fine cabin," remarked Dave, gazing +around. "It's as cozy as can be."</p> + +<p>"Where is Billy Dill?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"He said he'd go forward and await orders."</p> + +<p>"Did he say anything about the vessel?"</p> + +<p>"Said she looked to be a first-class sailer and in +prime condition," answered the senator's son. "He +was delighted with her."</p> + +<p>"What do you think of the captain?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think I shall like him," returned Dave. +"Roger thinks the same."</p> + +<p>"I don't like that supercargo," went on Phil, +lowering his voice. "I am afraid I shall have +trouble with him before the trip is over. He +doesn't want me to know a thing about what he is +doing."</p> + +<p>A little later Captain Marshall came in and +showed them the staterooms they were to occupy—one +fair-sized one for Dave and Roger and a +smaller one adjoining for Phil. Then he introduced +the boys to his first mate, Paul Shepley, and +to several others. When he got Phil by himself +he asked the youth if the supercargo had said anything +about the loading of the bark.</p> + +<p>"Not a word," answered Phil. "Why do you +ask that question?"</p> + +<p>"We had some trouble just before you came on +board. Mr. Van Blott wanted some things done +one way and I wanted them another. He thinks +he can run things, but I am going to let him understand +that I am master here. I tell you this, because +I want you to understand how matters are +going."</p> + +<p>"From what you say, I don't think you like Mr. +Van Blott," said Phil. "If so, let me say, I don't +think I shall like him myself."</p> + +<p>"Oh, I can get along with him, if he will mind +his own business and do what is right," answered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> +the captain of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>. "But he must not +attempt to dictate to me, even if he is the supercargo."</p> + +<p>"Well, I trust we have no trouble," answered +Phil, with a sigh. But the trouble, he felt, was +already in the air.</p> + +<p>Late that afternoon their baggage came on +board, and the boys set to work to establish themselves +on the ship which was to be their home for +so many weeks to come. In the meantime Billy +Dill reported to the captain, and was assigned to +his place in the forecastle as an extra hand at full +pay. The old tar was pleased mightily, and the +smell of oakum and bilge water appeared to act on +him like a tonic. He was one to make friends +readily, and soon established himself as a favorite +among the foremast hands.</p> + +<p>In the morning the boys took a final run ashore, +purchasing a few things they thought they needed +and mailing some long letters home. Coming back +to the bark, they caught sight of the supercargo +coming, with another man, from a drinking place +on a corner.</p> + +<p>"Humph! that shows he drinks," muttered Phil.</p> + +<p>"I think most seafaring men do," answered +Roger.</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall does not."</p> + +<p>They had to pass the supercargo, who stood on +the corner with his back to them, talking to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> +other man. Just as they went by, they heard Van +Blott remark:</p> + +<p>"Don't worry; this trip is going to pay me big, +Bangor, and when I come back you shall have all +that is coming to you." This was all the three boys +heard, but it set Phil to thinking.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to know how this trip is going to pay +him big," said the shipowner's son. "Father says +he gets his regular salary and a small commission."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps he has some private deal he wishes to +put through," suggested Dave.</p> + +<p>"No; by his agreement he has no right to do any +outside work. His time belongs exclusively to the +<i>Stormy Petrel</i> and her cargo."</p> + +<p>They returned to the bark, and quarter of an +hour later the supercargo followed, with a flushed +face that showed he had been imbibing more liquor +than was good for him.</p> + +<p>"Are you ready to sail?" demanded Captain +Marshall, striding up.</p> + +<p>"All ready," was the surly response, and the +supercargo walked down to his stateroom and disappeared.</p> + +<p>Orders were given to cast off, and in a very few +minutes the bark was on her way from San Francisco +Bay toward the Golden Gate. It was a perfect +day, and by nightfall the harbor was left +behind and land became a mere speck in the distance.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> + +<p>The first night on the bark passed pleasantly +enough for the three chums. At first the quarters +on the vessel appeared small to them, but they soon +grew accustomed to the change. All slept soundly +and they were out on deck very shortly after +sunrise.</p> + +<p>"Well, how do you like life on <i>Mother Carey's +Chicken</i>?" asked Phil, when they were gazing at +the rolling ocean.</p> + +<p>"<i>Mother Carey's Chicken</i>?" repeated Dave, +with a puzzled look.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I know what he means!" cried Roger, with +a laugh. "A stormy petrel is a bird that the sailors +call a Mother Carey's chicken."</p> + +<p>"What a name! I think I like <i>Stormy Petrel</i> +better," observed Dave. "But, I say, isn't this just +grand! A fellow can open his lungs and drink in +ozone by the barrel!"</p> + +<p>"And hardly a cloud in the sky," added Roger. +"If this is any criterion, we'll have the finest kind +of a trip."</p> + +<p>"Well, boys, I see you are up on time," came +from a little behind them, and now Captain Marshall +strode up. "Fine sea this, and a fine breeze, +too."</p> + +<p>"How long will this nice weather last?" asked +Roger.</p> + +<p>"Humph!" The captain humped his shoulders. +"No man alive can tell that. A few days, at least,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> +maybe a week or more. But, sooner or later, we'll +pay up for it. The finer the weather, the bigger +the storm to follow."</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't mind an ordinary storm," observed +Dave. "But I don't want to be wrecked."</p> + +<p>"No danger of that, lad. The <i>Stormy Petrel</i> +can outride any storm likely to blow in these parts. +She is one of the best vessels I ever sailed in—a +man couldn't ask for a better."</p> + +<p>"How much of a crew have you, Captain Marshall?" +asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"I have sixteen men, all told, besides the tar you +brought along." The brow of the shipmaster +wrinkled slightly. "They are all pretty fair men, +too, excepting four, and those four Mr. Van Blott +brought in."</p> + +<p>"What's the trouble with the four?"</p> + +<p>"They drink, and they don't mind as they +should." Captain Marshall turned to Phil. "After +breakfast, I'd like to talk to you on business in +the cabin," he added.</p> + +<p>This was a hint that Dave and Roger were not +desired, and, accordingly, after the meal they left +Phil and the captain alone.</p> + +<p>"I've been studying your father's instructions to +me," said Captain Marshall to Phil. "As I view +it, you are to be a sort of assistant to Mr. Van +Blott."</p> + +<p>"If he will allow it."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> + +<p>"And if he won't?" The captain gazed at Phil +sharply.</p> + +<p>"Then, perhaps, I'll do something on my own +account."</p> + +<p>"Are you going to keep your eye on him?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but you need not tell him so."</p> + +<p>"Don't worry—I shan't open my mouth, Philip. +I am glad to hear of this, for, I tell you privately, +Van Blott needs watching. He is a sly dog, and I +am satisfied in my own mind that he has something +up his sleeve."</p> + +<p>"Do you know a man named Bangor in San +Francisco? He was with Mr. Van Blott just +before we sailed."</p> + +<p>"Ah! I thought so! Yes, I know him, and his +reputation among shippers is none of the best. He +used to be a supercargo for the Donaldson-Munroe +Company, but they discharged him for some +crooked work. What were he and Van Blott +doing?"</p> + +<p>Phil told of what he had overheard.</p> + +<p>"That confirms my idea exactly!" cried the captain +of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>. "There is something in +the wind. You must watch out, by all means, and +I'll do the same. This man must not be allowed +to do anything wrong, if we can possibly prevent +it."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XIX</h2> + +<h3>DAYS ON THE OCEAN</h3> + + +<p>The weather remained fine for a full week, and +with favoring winds the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> bowled +along merrily on her course. The ocean rolled +lazily in the warm sunshine, a few birds circled +about the ship, and once they passed a steamer coming +from the Hawaiian Islands, and a schooner +from Manila, and that was all.</p> + +<p>"Shall we stop at Honolulu?" asked Roger, of +the captain.</p> + +<p>"No. I thought of doing so at first, but now I +shall make no stops until we get to Christmas +Island, and from there we will go direct to Cavasa +and then to Sobago. What we do after that will +depend largely on what is done about a cargo."</p> + +<p>So far none of the boys had experienced any seasickness, +and they congratulated themselves on their +escape, but Billy Dill put a little damper on their +ardor.</p> + +<p>"This ain't no weather to judge by," was his +comment. "Wait till we get some cross-winds and +the ships starts to roll. Maybe then ye won't be +so settled in the stomach."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> + +<p>The few days on the ocean had done the old tar +a world of good. His eyes were brighter and he +was physically in the best of health once more. His +mind, too, was clearer, and one day he announced to +Dave that he had something to tell.</p> + +<p>"I ain't quite sure as I have the exact straight +on 't," he began. "A little on 't is still like a +dream. But I know enough to make a putty +straight story," and then he told his tale.</p> + +<p>A good portion of it was not unlike the story +of many sailors. When very young, he had had a +strong desire to go to sea, and at his first opportunity +had shipped as a cabin boy. From cabin boy +he had become a foremast hand, and had been in +such service more years than he could count. He +had visited nearly every portion of the globe, and +had been wrecked twice, once off the coast of +Africa and once while trying to round Cape Horn.</p> + +<p>Three years before had found him at Sydney, +Australia, looking for a chance to ship. While +down among the wharves, he had discovered a +tramp vessel, the <i>Mary Sacord</i>, bound for Cavasa +and other islands in the South Seas, and had signed +articles for a year's cruise. The captain proved +to be a brute, and there was fighting on the vessel +from the time she left Sydney until Cavasa was +reached. There, at the main seaport, Billy Dill +went ashore and refused to go aboard again.</p> + +<p>The captain of the <i>Mary Sacord</i> was very angry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> +over the refusal of the seaman to continue on the +trip, and threatened Dill with imprisonment, and +even had the old tar arrested. But, at this juncture, +two men came forward and aided the sailor in his +trouble, and, as a consequence, Billy Dill was set +free and the vessel went on her way without him.</p> + +<p>One of the men who had helped Billy Dill was +Dunston Porter and the other was Samuel Lemington. +They were both Americans and fairly well-to-do. +At first, they did not tell the old sailor much +about their business, but they asked him if he +wished to work for them, and he said he was willing, +and they offered him thirty dollars a month +and all his expenses.</p> + +<p>The two Americans, so the tar discovered later, +were after a treasure of precious stones, said upon +good authority to have been hidden years before +in the mountains by a former cannibal king of +Cavasa and some other South Sea islands. The +three journeyed into the interior of the island and +spent months in looking for the treasure, but without +success. Then came an earthquake and the +volcano in the center of the island began to grow +active, and all three had to flee to the coast in order +to escape destruction.</p> + +<p>It was on this treasure hunt that Billy Dill heard, +through Dunston Porter, about the lost child that +had been carried off by a nurse who was not mentally +sound, although usually good-hearted. Dun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>ston +Porter had not said very much about the matter, +for it seemed to hurt him a great deal—so +much, in fact, that the old sailor did not think it +best to ask for the particulars. But he knew one +thing, that, try his best, Dunston Porter could not +learn what had become of the woman and the little +one, and he was half inclined to believe that both +were dead.</p> + +<p>"Well, did he say that the child was his son?" +asked Dave, with deep interest.</p> + +<p>"No, it was some relative of his, I think. I don't +believe Dunston Porter was married."</p> + +<p>"When you came back to the coast, what did this +Mr. Porter do?"</p> + +<p>"He and Mr. Lemington stayed in the town, +trying to make up their minds as to what they'd do +next. I got a chance to ship, and, as they didn't +seem to want me any more, I sailed away, and then +I did as I've told you before."</p> + +<p>This was practically all the information Billy +Dill could give concerning Dunston Porter and the +missing child, although he told much more concerning +the treasure hunt, and of several fights with +the natives of the interior. He said the natives +were a bad lot, and he wanted no more to do with +them than was absolutely necessary.</p> + +<p>"How old should you judge this Dunston Porter +to be?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"Forty to forty-five years old, my lad."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Did he ever tell you where he came from?"</p> + +<p>"Not exactly. But he was an American, and he +knew a good bit about San Francisco, Chicago, and +New York, and I remember he once told about +hunting in the Maine woods and in the Adirondacks."</p> + +<p>"He didn't say a word about coming back to the +United States?"</p> + +<p>"Not that I can remember."</p> + +<p>With this information Dave had to be content. +The story had been a strain on Billy Dill, and afterward +he complained of a headache and of feeling +dizzy. But a good night's rest restored him +completely.</p> + +<p>The sailor was at all times delighted to instruct +the boys in the art of seamanship, and under his +tutelage they learned rapidly, so that any of them +could go aloft and make or take in sail whenever +required. He also taught them how to make knots +of various kinds, and many other things useful on +board a ship. In the meantime Captain Marshall +allowed them to read his works on navigation, and +gave them a few lessons in steering, and in the +use of the compass, sextant, and other nautical +instruments.</p> + +<p>"We'll be full-fledged sailors before this voyage +is over," remarked Roger to his chums. "I declare, +I almost feel as if I could handle a small +ship already."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Maybe you could, on the Leming River," rejoined +Phil. "But when it came to a big storm on +the Pacific, I rather believe you'd find it a different +story."</p> + +<p>So far, Phil had had but little to do with the +supercargo, but now he asked the man if he could +look over the books. Jasper Van Blott agreed, but +the scowl on his face showed plainly that the move +was not to his liking. Phil went over the accounts +at his leisure, but could find nothing wrong in them. +There were a few entries that looked odd, but the +supercargo was ready with explanations concerning +them.</p> + +<p>"Well, have you found anything wrong?" questioned +Dave, after Phil had spent three days over +the books.</p> + +<p>"Nothing much, Dave," was the answer from +the shipowner's son.</p> + +<p>"The supercargo isn't very friendly, I notice."</p> + +<p>"Oh, he hates it, that I am going on this trip," +answered Phil.</p> + +<p>There seemed to be but one man on the ship +with whom the supercargo was thoroughly friendly, +and that was Paul Shepley, the first mate. The +pair were together a large part of the time, and +their conversation was frequently an animated one.</p> + +<p>"I can't get it out of my head that those two are +working together over something," said Dave. +"Why, they are as thick as bees in a sugar barrel."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I've noticed that, too," came from Roger. +"Perhaps they are hatching up some mischief."</p> + +<p>On the following day the weather became more +unsettled, and occasionally the clouds showed themselves +above the horizon. Captain Marshall gave +orders to his mate that a strict watch should be kept +for a blow.</p> + +<p>"I guess we are in for it, now!" cried Dave, that +afternoon. "It is much rougher than it has yet +been."</p> + +<p>"I know I am in for it," answered Roger. His +face was white, and wore a troubled look.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter, seasick?"</p> + +<p>"I—I fancy so. My head spins like a top and +my stomach is starting to do the same."</p> + +<p>"Better go below, lad," said Captain Marshall, +coming up. "It won't do you any good to remain +on deck."</p> + +<p>Roger shuffled off to the companionway, and +Dave went after him. The senator's son was +growing worse every minute, and it was not long +before Phil announced that he also felt sick. Both +went to their staterooms, and Dave did what he +could to relieve their distress.</p> + +<p>"If the old tub would only stop for a minute—just +one minute!" groaned Roger.</p> + +<p>"That's what I say," responded Phil. "Oh, +dear! I'd give a hundred dollars to be on shore +again!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I think I'd make it a thousand," groaned the +senator's son. "Why, Dave, don't you feel it at +all?"</p> + +<p>"Well, I feel a little strange," answered the +country boy, but he did not add that it was because +he had to stand by and assist his friends. He made +them as comfortable as possible, and then rushed +to the deck, to get some fresh air and to get the +matter off his mind.</p> + +<p>A storm was certainly brewing, and Dave wondered +how soon it would strike the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> +and how long it would last. The black clouds were +piling up in the sky and the wind came in unsteady +puffs. Below, the clear, blue water had turned to +a dark green.</p> + +<p>The first mate was in charge of the deck and, so +far, he had given no orders to shorten sail. Ever +and anon a sail would crack in the wind and the +bark would give a plunge in the sea. Dave walked +forward to where Billy Dill stood by the rail, +watching the sky anxiously.</p> + +<p>"This looks stormy, doesn't it?" questioned the +youth.</p> + +<p>"Stormy? Great dogfish! I should allow as +how it did, lad. We're in for a blow, an' a big one, +too."</p> + +<p>"Then isn't it about time to take in sail?"</p> + +<p>"I should say it was."</p> + +<p>"Then why doesn't the mate do so?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span></p> + +<p>At this question the old tar shrugged his +shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Reckon he wants to take the benefit o' all the +breeze he can," he answered. "But it ain't the best +thing to do—not to my way o' reasonin'. If he +ain't keerful, we may lose a topmast, or more."</p> + +<p>"I suppose you don't dare to say anything to +him?"</p> + +<p>"No. He's in charge, an' thet's all there is +to it."</p> + +<p>The storm continued to approach, and now +several of the sailors looked anxiously at the first +mate. He was evidently in a savage mood, and +paid no attention to them.</p> + +<p>"Unless he does sumthin' soon, we'll lose a stick, +sure," said Billy Dill to Dave, in a low tone. "I +never saw sech a contrary mate in my life!"</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I had better speak to Captain Marshall," +suggested the country youth.</p> + +<p>"I wish ye would—it would be safer. But don't +let Shepley know it—or he'll be as mad as a hornet +at ye," added the old tar.</p> + +<p>Leaving the bow, Dave hurried to the stern and +toward the companionway. Here he almost ran +headlong into the first mate.</p> + +<p>"Hi! look where you are going!" ejaculated the +man, roughly. "Have you no manners?"</p> + +<p>"Excuse me," returned Dave. "Don't you think +we are having a pretty big blow, sir?" he added.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, this won't amount to much," grumbled +Paul Shepley. "Nothing to get scared about."</p> + +<p>Dave said nothing to this. He hurried below, +and a moment later stood in front of Captain +Marshall's stateroom door. The master of the +<i>Stormy Petrel</i> was taking a nap, but at the boy's +knock roused up instantly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XX</h2> + +<h3>CAUGHT IN A STORM</h3> + + +<p>"Who is there?"</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall, can I speak to you a +moment?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, so it is you, Porter! What do you want?"</p> + +<p>"There seems to be a big storm coming up, and +I thought I had better tell you about it."</p> + +<p>"Why—er—isn't Mr. Shepley on deck?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir—but I thought I had better tell you, +anyway," went on Dave.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Shepley knows what to do," answered the +captain, rather shortly. He did not fancy having +his much-needed nap disturbed.</p> + +<p>"I suppose that is true, sir—but some of the +sailors are getting very anxious. I don't care to +mention their names, but they think some sail ought +to be taken in."</p> + +<p>The master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> arose and +stretched himself. Then he put on the shoes he +had dropped on lying down, and came out into the +cabin. He gave one look at the barometer and his +sleepiness vanished.</p> + +<p>"I should say there was a storm coming!" he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> +exclaimed, and ran for the companionway. He +was soon on deck, and cast an anxious eye around.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Shepley, why haven't you shortened sail?" +he demanded, in a low but sharp voice.</p> + +<p>"I didn't think it necessary, just yet," was the +cool response.</p> + +<p>"I don't agree with you," returned the master of +the bark, shortly, and then, without delay, gave +orders to take in fully half the sails, while the +crew were ordered to remain in readiness to stow +away still more of the canvas at a moment's notice. +The sailors, for the most part, worked with a will, +although there were several laggards, for laziness +among certain classes of men is not confined to the +land alone.</p> + +<p>Captain Marshall was angry, and he did not +hesitate to let the first mate know it.</p> + +<p>"There is no sense in taking too many risks," he +remarked, after his orders had been obeyed. "That +storm is coming, as sure as fate."</p> + +<p>"I wanted to make as much headway as possible +before it struck us," grumbled Shepley. "We +haven't suffered any."</p> + +<p>"No, but we might have lost a topmast or a topsail. +After this, you will please be a little more +careful."</p> + +<p>There was no time to argue the matter, for a +little later the storm began in earnest. All of the +sails were taken in but the fore sheet, and this was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> +reefed down, allowing just enough canvas to fly to +keep the bark before the wind. The breeze was +turning to half a gale, and from a distance came +the rumble of thunder. Then the sky grew still +blacker and a flash of lightning illuminated the +angry waters.</p> + +<p>Dave had followed Captain Marshall on deck, +but now he went below once more, to learn how +Phil and Roger were faring. He found them both +out in the cabin, having come from their staterooms +in alarm.</p> + +<p>"Is it very bad outside?" questioned the senator's +son.</p> + +<p>"Not yet, but I am afraid it is going to be," was +Dave's reply.</p> + +<p>"Phew, that certainly means business!" burst +out Roger, as another flash of lightning was followed +by a heavy peal of thunder. "I hope the +ship weathers it all right."</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall is on deck, and he knows +what he is doing," answered Dave. "I am glad I +called him up," he added.</p> + +<p>"Oh, so you called him up, did you?" came in a +voice from the cabin doorway, and, turning, Dave +beheld Paul Shepley there. The mate had come +below to get his raincoat.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I did," answered the country boy, boldly. +Now that the truth was out, he did not mean to +mince matters.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Thought you knew more about running a ship +than I did, eh?"</p> + +<p>"I thought it was time to take in sail—and so did +the captain."</p> + +<p>"Humph! This blow isn't going to kill anybody, +and we want to take all the advantage of the +wind that we can. We are expected to make a +quick trip, but we can't do it if we are going to +haul down sail all the time."</p> + +<p>"I am sure Captain Marshall will do what is +right," said Phil.</p> + +<p>"Really?" sneered the mate. "I didn't ask you +to put in your oar."</p> + +<p>"I know you didn't—but my father owns the +vessel, and I shall stand by Captain Marshall and +by my friend, Dave Porter."</p> + +<p>"Oh, so it's something of a plot against me, +eh?" snorted the mate, more angry than ever. +"Well, don't let it go too far." And he turned +into his own room, banging the door after him. +A minute later he came out, wearing his raincoat, +and hurried out on deck once more.</p> + +<p>"He's a real nice man, I don't think," was +Roger's comment. "My, how he would lord it +over us, if he dared!"</p> + +<p>"He is certainly sore," said Phil. "I must say, +in a way, he and the supercargo are a team. When +I get a chance, I am going to write to father and let +him know exactly the sort of fellows they are."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p> + +<p>The boys felt little like discussing the subject +further just then, for the storm had now burst over +the vessel in all of its mad fury. The wind was +whistling through the rigging, making the masts +and yards creak and groan, and the rain came down +in sheets, sweeping the decks by the bucketful. It +was with difficulty that the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> could be +kept before the wind. The waves were running like +so many big hills, with the bark first on a crest and +then down in a valley between. The sky was almost +black, lit up occasionally by flashes of lightning +that were blinding.</p> + +<p>"We'll go to the bottom, sure!" groaned Roger, +for at least the tenth time. "I'd rather be at Oak +Hall any day than in such a storm as this." He was +still seasick, but the storm made him forget the +ailment for the time being; and what was true of +the senator's son in this regard was likewise true +of Phil.</p> + +<p>"I think I'll take another look on deck," said +Dave, as the bark gave a pitch that sent them all +against a partition.</p> + +<p>"Take care that you don't fall overboard," returned +Phil.</p> + +<p>"I'll be on my guard, never fear."</p> + +<p>Putting on his raincoat, the country boy made +his way cautiously up the companionway. The +moment he stuck his head into the open he realized +that it was blowing "great guns," and more. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> +rain dashed violently into his face, drenching him +completely.</p> + +<p>"This is no place for you, lad!" bellowed Captain +Marshall, trying to make himself heard above +the wind. "Better go below again."</p> + +<p>"I'll be careful," pleaded Dave. "I love to +watch a storm—I always did, when I was on the +farm. I never thought of hiding, no matter how +hard it thundered or lightened."</p> + +<p>The master of the bark gazed for a second at +him in admiration.</p> + +<p>"Well, I was the same," he said. "But be careful, +and don't go close to the rail."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 404px;"> +<img src="images/p179.jpg" width="404" height="600" alt="Another flash lit up the scene.—Page 179." title="" /> +<span class="caption">Another flash lit up the scene.—<i><a href="#Page_179">Page 179</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>Dave remained in the vicinity of the cabin. +When another flash lit up the scene, he saw Billy +Dill near the bow, stowing away some rope in the +most unconcerned fashion possible. The old tar +was in his element, and said afterward that the +storm had done him more good than gallons of +medicine would have accomplished. "Saterated me +with salt brine, an' thet's wot I needed," were his +words.</p> + +<p>"How do you like it, now?" asked Captain Marshall, +coming up a little later, while there was something +of a lull.</p> + +<p>"I don't mind it," answered Dave, smiling. +"It's a little excitement, and that is what I like."</p> + +<p>"I am thankful that you called me when you +did."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I did what I thought was best, sir. But I +reckon it has put me into a hole with your first +mate."</p> + +<p>"Why, did you tell him anything?"</p> + +<p>"No, but he overheard me telling the other boys +that I had called you. He didn't say much, but +he showed that he was angry."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Well, don't you mind, Porter. It +was the right thing to do. Shepley is a good sailor, +but once in a while he takes risks that I don't like. +If he troubles you about this, let me know, do you +hear?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir; but I am willing to fight my own +battles."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it, for you are gritty, I can see +that. Nevertheless, you let me know."</p> + +<p>"How long do you suppose this storm will last?"</p> + +<p>"There is no telling, perhaps twenty-four hours +and maybe two or three days. We are paying up +for that nice weather we had," concluded the +captain.</p> + +<p>Finding he could do nothing on deck, and that +he was getting wet through, Dave went below and +to his stateroom. He found Roger and Phil lying +down as before, and as miserable as ever. A little +later supper was announced, but Dave had to eat +alone, for neither the captain nor the mate came to +join in the repast. It was a meal under difficulties, +and Dave did not remain at the table long. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> +asked Roger and Phil if they wanted anything, but +both declined.</p> + +<p>"Why, the very idea of anything to eat makes +me sicker than ever," declared the senator's son.</p> + +<p>The storm did not abate during the evening, and +the three boys spent rather a dismal time of it in +the cabin and the staterooms. As night came on, +none of them felt like going to bed, although advised +to do so by Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>"We have seen the worst of the blow," said the +master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, coming down about +ten o'clock.</p> + +<p>It was not until morning that Dave fell into a +troubled doze, from which he did not awaken until +Roger shook him.</p> + +<p>"Hello! I went to sleep, after all!" cried the +country boy. "What time is it?"</p> + +<p>"About seven o'clock, Dave. There is something +unusual going on on deck," continued the +senator's son.</p> + +<p>"What is it?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, but I am going up to see, and so +is Phil."</p> + +<p>The three were soon ready, and crawled up the +companionway and out on the rain-drenched and +slippery deck.</p> + +<p>"We must man the pumps," they heard Captain +Marshall cry. "And, Scader, report as soon as +you can."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Aye, aye, sir!" came from Scader, who was +the ship's carpenter. "But I am afraid, sir, it's a +bad leak to get at," he added.</p> + +<p>"Have we sprung a leak?" cried Phil.</p> + +<p>"We have," answered the captain. His face +wore a serious look, and the boys saw that he was +much troubled.</p> + +<p>The sailors were at the pumps, and worked away +with a will. Roger and Phil still felt too weak to +take part, but Dave leaped to Billy Dill's side and +worked as hard as any of the foremast hands. +Leaving the ship in charge of the first mate, Captain +Marshall went below, to learn what the ship's +carpenter might have to say about the condition of +affairs.</p> + +<p>"We are bringing up a good deal of water, are +we not?" asked Dave of Billy Dill.</p> + +<p>"You have it right, lad; more water nor I care +to see," answered the old tar.</p> + +<p>"That means the leak is a bad one, eh?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, some of the ship's seams must be wide +open."</p> + +<p>"Will it sink us?"</p> + +<p>"I can't tell anything more about that than you, +Dave. We must hope for the best," replied Billy +Dill.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXI</h2> + +<h3>CAVASA ISLAND AT LAST</h3> + + +<p>Phil and Roger heard the conversation between +Dave and the old sailor, and it worried them so +much that they hurried below, to learn what might +be going on.</p> + +<p>"We must shift that part of the cargo first," +came from the ship's carpenter. "Then, I think, I +can do something, but I am not sure."</p> + +<p>Captain Marshall at once ordered the cargo +shifted as desired. This did not please the supercargo, +but the master of the vessel paid no attention +to Van Blott's objections.</p> + +<p>"It is a question of keeping the ship afloat, Mr. +Van Blott," said he, coldly. "If necessary, I'll +have the whole cargo heaved overboard."</p> + +<p>"But, sir——" commenced the supercargo.</p> + +<p>"I can't talk about it now. My duty is to save +the ship. Do you want to go to the bottom of the +ocean?" And Captain Marshall spoke in such a +decided way that Jasper Van Blott sneaked off and +said no more for the time being.</p> + +<p>A portion of the crew came below, and not +without difficulty a number of heavy boxes and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> +casks were shifted. Then the ship's carpenter and +an assistant went to work to tighten up the seams, +through which the water of the ocean was spurting +furiously. It was a difficult and dangerous task, +and it lasted the best part of three hours. But, at +last, the workers got the better of the elements, and +then the water went down steadily in the ship's well, +as the men at the pumps continued their labors.</p> + +<p>"Will the ship pull through?" asked Phil, of the +captain.</p> + +<p>"Yes, my lad, I think we are safe now—unless +the blow makes us open some more seams."</p> + +<p>After the repairs below had been made and the +alarm had passed, Captain Marshall called the +first mate to his side.</p> + +<p>"I thought you said those seams were all right +when we were at the dock at San Francisco," he +began.</p> + +<p>"They looked all right," mumbled Paul Shepley.</p> + +<p>"You couldn't have examined them very +closely."</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"Humph! After this I had better look to things +myself," was the captain's comment, and he moved +away.</p> + +<p>A little later the supercargo and the first mate +met in the waist. The storm was now dying down +rapidly, and it looked as if the sun would soon +break through the clouds.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Well, I see you had another run-in with the old +man," remarked Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"So did you."</p> + +<p>"You mean about the cargo?"</p> + +<p>"Of course."</p> + +<p>"Well, I didn't want him to nose around too +much," and the supercargo grinned.</p> + +<p>"Afraid he might run across some of that private +stuff?"</p> + +<p>"Hush! Somebody might hear you, Shepley. +What was your row about?"</p> + +<p>"He laid the opening of the seams on my shoulders—said +I didn't inspect things properly at San +Francisco."</p> + +<p>"He seems to be getting harder than ever +on us."</p> + +<p>"That's it, and I am done, after this trip," +growled the first mate.</p> + +<p>"So am I—if I can make my little pile."</p> + +<p>"That's what I mean. Van Blott, we must do +it, too."</p> + +<p>"I expect to, but it isn't going to be so easy as +we thought. The owner of the ship has sent his +son to watch me, and he and those other lads are +rather clever."</p> + +<p>"Pooh! you are not afraid of those boys, are +you?"</p> + +<p>"It isn't that. I'm afraid they'll discover something +and take the news to the old man."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> + +<p>Here the talk had to come to an end, and the +two men separated, promising to meet in the evening. +That they had some scheme they wished to +work, there could not be the slightest doubt.</p> + +<p>By nightfall the storm was at an end, and the +sun set in a perfect blaze of glory. Of the gale +only a stiff breeze remained, and Captain Marshall +lost no time in setting his sails as before. All the +loose seams had been mended and the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> +now took in no more water than was usual with her, +and is usual with ordinary sea-going craft.</p> + +<p>"I am glad that is over," remarked Phil, the +next day, after a fair night's sleep.</p> + +<p>"So am I, and I never want to experience another +such storm," came from Roger.</p> + +<p>"How do you both feel?" asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"My seasickness is gone, thank goodness," answered +Phil.</p> + +<p>"Ditto here," said the senator's son. "Dave, +you are a lucky dog, to keep so well," he added, a +bit enviously.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it will be my turn next time, Roger."</p> + +<p>After that the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> continued on her +course for many days with but little out of the ordinary +happening. Once or twice the boys had some +sharp words with the first mate, and Phil had a +"tiff" with the supercargo, but nothing like an open +quarrel ensued. Yet the flames were smoldering, +ready to break out at the first opportunity.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Those two men hate us worse than poison," +said Dave, one day. "I can see it plainly."</p> + +<p>"That supercargo has it in for me," replied Phil. +"I wish I could let my father know just how he is +acting. He'd soon lose his situation."</p> + +<p>They were now near the equator, and the +weather was very warm, and would have been +unendurably hot, had it not been for the constant +breeze that was blowing. Nobody cared to do +much in such an atmosphere, and the three boys +were content to sit around or loll in hammocks +suspended in shady portions of the deck. The +broiling sun started the tar from the seams, and +the odor therefrom was almost overpowering.</p> + +<p>"I wish we had an ice-making machine on +board," said Roger, as he fanned himself. They +had taken ice along, but the supply was running +low, and he could not get quite as much as he +desired.</p> + +<p>"Never mind, we'll have a run ashore soon," +said Dave. "That will be something of a change."</p> + +<p>He had in mind the stop at Christmas Island, a +small body of land belonging to England and lying +in the Pacific, close to the equator. The island was +sighted the next day, and they made a landing and +roamed around for three hours, while some fresh +water and other things were taken on board. Then, +by nightfall, the bow of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> was +once more headed for the southwestward.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Now we are in southern seas," cried Dave, one +day, after the equator had been left behind. "I +suppose we'll begin to sight some of the numerous +islands before long."</p> + +<p>"I shan't mind sighting the islands, but I don't +want to run on some hidden reef," returned Roger. +"The charts show a great number of reefs in this +portion of the ocean."</p> + +<p>Once more the days slipped by. It was fearfully +hot, and the boys did not move, excepting when it +was absolutely necessary. Occasionally they would +sit at the bow and Billy Dill would tell them stories +of the sea and of sights in foreign lands. He now +said that he felt as of old.</p> + +<p>"I was born for the sea," he observed. "It was +a mistake for me to travel all the way across land +to Oakdale, an' I reckon I got punished fer it."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you suffered, but I am glad I had +the chance to meet you," answered Dave. "It may +mean a great deal to me, you know."</p> + +<p>"Thet's true, Dave. But take my advice an' +don't depend upon it too much. I'd hate awfully +to see ye disapp'inted."</p> + +<p>"Yes—but I wish we were at Cavasa Island," +said the country boy, wistfully.</p> + +<p>The nearer the ship drew to the island mentioned, +the more anxious did he become, although +he did his best to conceal his feelings. But Phil +and Roger understood.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I sincerely hope Dave isn't disappointed," said +the senator's son, when he and Phil chanced to be +alone. "Think of coming such a distance as this +on a wild-goose chase!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it was the only thing to do," answered +the son of the bark owner. "You and I would +have done the same."</p> + +<p>"I don't doubt it. But, look at it from every +point of view, it is an odd situation. I only hope +this Dunston Porter is still at Cavasa Island, or in +that vicinity."</p> + +<p>At last came the day when Captain Marshall +called the boys to him and said they might sight +Cavasa Island inside of the next twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>"You'll know the island at a glance," said he. +"Approaching it from this side, it looks exactly +like a long loaf of bread with a hump in the middle. +The hump is the old volcano. The town at which +we are to stop is located at the western extremity +of the island. There is where the real shipping is +done. There is a town at the eastern end, but the +harbor is poor, and most of the inhabitants are +natives."</p> + +<p>"And what of the people where we are to stop?" +asked Dave.</p> + +<p>"About one-half are natives and the others a +mixture of Americans and Europeans. The harbor +there is a very good one indeed, and that is why it +is so popular."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> + +<p>As they neared Cavasa Island, both the supercargo +and the first mate appeared to grow more +than ordinarily anxious, and talked together by the +half-hour. Dave noticed this and so did the others.</p> + +<p>"They have something in mind," said the country +boy to Phil. "You'll surely have to be on guard +when the cargo for Tolao is taken ashore."</p> + +<p>The next day the boys kept on the lookout, having +borrowed Captain Marshall's best glass. +About noon Roger uttered a loud cry:</p> + +<p>"I see something! It must be the island!"</p> + +<p>"Let me look!" exclaimed Dave, and took the +glass. "Yes, it is Cavasa Island!" he went on, +"for it looks exactly as the captain said."</p> + +<p>Inside of an hour they could see Cavasa Island +quite plainly, and by nightfall they were ready to +enter the harbor. But this was not to be accomplished +in the dark, and so they had to remain outside +until daybreak, impatient as Dave was to get +ashore.</p> + +<p>"What an odd collection of ships!" said Phil, as +the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> made her way into the harbor. +"They must have come from all parts of the +world!" And this remark was largely true.</p> + +<p>It had been arranged that Dave and Billy Dill +should go ashore at the first opportunity, and Roger +was to go with them.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry I can't go," said Phil, to Dave. +"But, you understand how it is," and he jerked his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span> +thumb in the direction of the supercargo, who was +writing in one of his books.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I understand, Phil," answered Dave. "I +hope you don't have any trouble."</p> + +<p>The shipping of Tolao was very much huddled +together, and the boys had to depend upon Billy +Dill to pilot them to the main thoroughfare of the +town. The old sailor declared that the place had +changed but little since his last visit, and said he +would take them directly to the hotel at which +Dunston Porter had been in the habit of stopping.</p> + +<p>"All right," said Dave. "You can't get there +any too quick for me," and they walked on, with +the heart of the country boy beating as it had seldom +beat before. To him, his whole future seemed +to rest upon what he might learn in the next few +hours.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXII</h2> + +<h3>ABOUT SOME MISSING MEN</h3> + + +<p>The hotel proved to be a one-story building of +Spanish architecture, with numerous small windows +and a rather low door. It was presided over by a +round-faced Englishman, who stared at Billy Dill +curiously when the old tar presented himself.</p> + +<p>"Do you remember me, Mr. Chadsey?" asked +the sailor.</p> + +<p>"I do," was the answer. "You were here some +years ago. But I cannot recall your name."</p> + +<p>"Billy Dill."</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, yes; you were with Mr. Porter and +Mr. Lemington," returned the hotel-keeper.</p> + +<p>"That's it. I am looking for Mr. Porter now."</p> + +<p>"Sorry, but he isn't here."</p> + +<p>"Isn't here?" cried Dave, and his heart sank. +"Isn't he in town at all?"</p> + +<p>"No, he left the island a couple of months ago."</p> + +<p>"And where did he go to?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know. He said something about going +to Sobago Island and something about going to +Australia, but where he really did go to, I have +not learned."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> + +<p>"This young man is very much interested in +meeting Mr. Porter," explained Billy Dill. "His +name is Porter, too, and I reckon they are related. +Have you any idea where we can find out where +Dunston Porter went?"</p> + +<p>"Might find out at the shipping offices."</p> + +<p>"Why, of course!" exclaimed Dave. "Let us +go to the different offices at once."</p> + +<p>Billy Dill was willing, and without loss of time +led the way to the street upon which the majority +of the shipping of Cavasa Island was booked. The +offices were mostly small and rather dirty, and +around them hung sailors and other men, of various +nationalities, and some of them far from <a name="possess" id="possess"></a><ins title="Original has preposessing">prepossessing</ins> +in their general appearance.</p> + +<p>They visited two offices without success, and +then came to a place located on a corner, with doors +on both streets.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" cried Roger. "There is Mr. Van +Blott just ahead of us! Is this the shipping firm +with which Mr. Lawrence does business?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think it is," answered Billy Dill.</p> + +<p>"Then what is he doing here?"</p> + +<p>"Must have a little business of his own," said +Dave. "But I don't care. Come along." Just +then he was thinking only of his personal affairs.</p> + +<p>They entered the office, which reeked of tobacco +smoke and the smell of rum. In the rear was +another office, and they were just in time to see<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> +the supercargo go into this, shutting a partition +door behind him.</p> + +<p>Looking around, Dave saw a clerk at a corner +desk looking over some papers with an elderly +German.</p> + +<p>"I will be at liberty in a few minutes," said the +clerk, in broken English. "Please to take seats," +and he pointed to a couple of low benches set +against the wall and the partition.</p> + +<p>Billy Dill sat down on the bench along the wall +and Dave and Roger upon that next to the partition, +which was not over seven feet in height. +Save for the rattling of the papers at the corner +desk the office was very quiet, and the boys readily +heard the talk going on behind the partition.</p> + +<p>"So you really have some goots on board?" +came in a somewhat German voice. "I vos afraid +you vould not bring any."</p> + +<p>"Didn't I say I'd bring them, Baumann?" returned +Jasper Van Blott. "I've got them, and the +only question is, how am I to get them here, and +when are you going to pay me?"</p> + +<p>"I pay so soon as de goots is here," said the +German shipping agent. "I not pay a dollar +before."</p> + +<p>"But you will send your men down to the dock?"</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes, I do dot. Vot dime you vonts dem, +hey?"</p> + +<p>"To-morrow morning at eight o'clock, sharp.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> +Tell them to watch me, and when I wave my +handkerchief they can come forward and get the +goods."</p> + +<p>"How many poxes vos dere?"</p> + +<p>"Sixteen, all told. You want to be careful and +caution your men. I don't want Captain Marshall +to learn what I am——"</p> + +<p>The boys heard no more, for at this juncture the +clerk came forward, having finished his work at +the corner desk.</p> + +<p>"What can I do for you?" he asked, blandly.</p> + +<p>"I am looking for a man who is supposed to have +left Cavasa Island by steamer, or sailboat, about +two months ago," said Dave. "His name is Dunston +Porter. Can you tell me if he shipped from +here?"</p> + +<p>The clerk looked over a book he drew from a +desk.</p> + +<p>"I see nothing of the name," he said, after a +pause.</p> + +<p>"You would have the name, if he had taken +passage from here?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>The clerk nodded. Then, when he found that +he could do nothing more for them, he dropped +into an easy chair, lit a black-looking cigar and +took up a newspaper.</p> + +<p>"There is one more shipping office," said Billy +Dill, as he led the way to the street. "We'll go +there."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Dave, did you hear that talk in the back +room?" questioned the senator's son, as they were +hurrying down the street.</p> + +<p>"I did."</p> + +<p>"What do you think of it?"</p> + +<p>"I think the supercargo is up to some game, and +we must tell Phil and Captain Marshall."</p> + +<p>"That's just my idea, too, Dave. Let me see, +the name of the firm was Baumann & Feltmuller, +wasn't it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>They were soon at the last of the shipping offices. +Here the clerk could scarcely talk English, and +they had to call in the services of a gentleman who +chanced to be present and who could speak the +native tongue. A booking list was consulted, and +it was announced that Dunston Porter had taken +passage for Nanpi, on Sobago Island, just six +weeks before.</p> + +<p>"Six weeks!" cried Dave. "I hope he is there +still. Now, how can I communicate with him, +Roger?"</p> + +<p>"You can send him a letter," answered Roger. +"But you must remember that the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> is +going to Nanpi as soon as her cargo for this town +is unloaded."</p> + +<p>From the shipping clerk they learned that Dunston +Porter had gone to Sobago alone—that is, +without his partner, Mr. Lemington. A further<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> +searching into the shipping lists revealed the fact +that the partner had sailed for Australia seven +weeks past.</p> + +<p>"I reckon they dissolved partnership," observed +Billy Dill, "an' one went his way, an' tudder the +other way. An' I likewise guess they didn't git +thet treasure."</p> + +<p>There was now nothing to do but to return to +the bark, and this they did without delay. The +boys found that Captain Marshall had gone ashore +on business, and so called Phil aside and related to +him what had been heard in the office of Baumann +& Feltmuller.</p> + +<p>"You are right—there is something in the wind," +said the shipowner's son. "I wish the captain was +here, so I could consult with him."</p> + +<p>"He'll be back soon, won't he?" questioned +Roger.</p> + +<p>"He said he might not be back until late this +evening."</p> + +<p>Phil was interested in what Dave had to tell +about Dunston Porter, and said he would urge the +captain of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> to set sail for Nanpi +at the earliest possible moment.</p> + +<p>It was not until ten o'clock that Jasper Van +Blott came back to the bark. He immediately +walked up to the first mate and the pair engaged +in conversation for some time. Then the supercargo +went to bed, and Roger and Dave did the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> +same. Phil sat up, reading and awaiting the captain's +return.</p> + +<p>It was almost seven o'clock when the country +boy sprang up and awakened the senator's son. +Both hurried into their clothes and then into the +cabin, where they met Phil, whose face was full of +worry.</p> + +<p>"What's the matter?" asked both.</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall hasn't come back yet."</p> + +<p>"Hasn't come back?" ejaculated Dave. "Do +you mean to say he stayed away all night?"</p> + +<p>"Exactly; and I don't know what to make of it."</p> + +<p>"Did he say he might remain away?" came from +Roger.</p> + +<p>"No."</p> + +<p>"Where did he go?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know, and neither does Mr. Shepley."</p> + +<p>"What will you do about——" began Dave, and +cut himself short, as Jasper Van Blott came into the +cabin.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Van Blott, do you know anything about +the captain?" questioned Phil.</p> + +<p>"I do not," was the short reply.</p> + +<p>"It is queer that he should stay away all +night."</p> + +<p>"Oh, captains like to have good times occasionally," +continued the supercargo, with a sickly grin.</p> + +<p>"If you mean by that, that Captain Marshall +went off to have a good time, as you put it, I do not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> +think so," returned Phil, coldly. "He is not that +sort."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you know him better than I do," flared +up the supercargo.</p> + +<p>"I know that he is a man who sticks to his duty, +Mr. Van Blott. Something has gone wrong, or +he would be back."</p> + +<p>"As you please." The supercargo paused. +"Well, it doesn't matter much," he continued. "I +know what to do, and I am going ahead without +waiting for him."</p> + +<p>"You mean about unloading?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Would it not be better to wait until Captain +Marshall returns?"</p> + +<p>"No, it would only be a waste of time."</p> + +<p>No more was said just then, and a few minutes +later breakfast was announced. As soon as it was +over, Phil called his chums aside.</p> + +<p>"I wish you'd do me a favor," he whispered. +"Go ashore and try to hunt up the captain. He +must be around somewhere. I will try to hold the +supercargo back as much as I can."</p> + +<p>Dave and the senator's son were willing, and in +less than ten minutes were on the dock and moving +for the streets beyond.</p> + +<p>"Where are those boys going?" asked Jasper +Van Blott, coming up to Phil.</p> + +<p>"They are going to look for Captain Marshall."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Humph!" muttered the supercargo, and said +no more.</p> + +<p>"I think we had better wait until the captain +returns," went on Phil.</p> + +<p>"I am not going to wait," snapped Van Blott. +"I am going to get that cargo ashore as quickly as +it can be done."</p> + +<p>And fifteen minutes later the hatches were +opened and the work of getting out the boxes, +barrels, and casks began.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> + +<h3>IN WHICH THE SUPERCARGO IS CORNERED</h3> + + +<p>From one street corner Dave and Roger hurried +to another, looking in every direction for some sign +of Captain Marshall. This hunt they kept up for +the best part of half an hour, but without success.</p> + +<p>"He is certainly nowhere in this vicinity," said +the senator's son. "I wonder where he can be +keeping himself."</p> + +<p>They walked on more slowly, and at the entrance +to a lane came to another halt. Then, chancing +to look into the lane, Dave uttered a short cry:</p> + +<p>"There he is!"</p> + +<p>Coming along the lane was Captain Marshall. +His step was an uncertain one, and he pitched +from side to side. As the two boys ran forward, +the master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> gave a lurch and +landed on some old boxes with a crash.</p> + +<p>"Oh, Dave, can this be possible!" murmured +Roger. "I did not think the captain would do it."</p> + +<p>"Let us help him to the ship," answered Dave. +He was as much shocked as his companion, and he +could not help but think of what the supercargo +had said.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Oh, is it you, boys?" mumbled the captain, as +he espied them. "I want to—to get back to the +ship."</p> + +<p>"We'll help you," said Dave.</p> + +<p>"I've had an awful night—my mind is in a +perfect whirl," went on the master of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>.</p> + +<p>"We'll soon have you safe on the bark," put in +Roger.</p> + +<p>The two assisted the captain to his feet. His +eyes had a peculiar stare in them. Suddenly he +clapped his hand to his pocket.</p> + +<p>"Funny!" he muttered. "Very funny! I've got +my watch! And I've got my money, too!"</p> + +<p>"Did you think they were gone?" queried Dave.</p> + +<p>"Well, I shouldn't be—be surprised. I thought +they did it to rob me. What time is it? Oh, but +I am weak in the legs, boys!"</p> + +<p>"It is about eight o'clock."</p> + +<p>"In the morning?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"Then I must get back to the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> by +all means. I—how did you come to find me?"</p> + +<p>"We were out looking for you," answered +Roger. "We were alarmed, and so was Phil, because +you didn't come back last night."</p> + +<p>"I—I meant to come back. Oh, how my head +spins! I wish I had a drink of water! That coffee +they dosed me with was vile."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Coffee they dosed you with?" queried Dave. +"Were you drugged?"</p> + +<p>"I must have been, lad. I met some men, and +they wanted me to drink with them. I refused. +Then they offered me some coffee and native cakes, +and, to be sociable, I took the stuff. Directly afterward +I began to grow sleepy, and then I didn't +know a thing until I woke up at the end of that +lane awhile ago."</p> + +<p>"Did you know the men?" asked Roger.</p> + +<p>"I did not, but they pretended to know me. It's +queer they didn't rob me. I wonder why they +drugged me?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Dave, "unless——"</p> + +<p>"Unless what?"</p> + +<p>"I shouldn't like to say, Captain Marshall. But +I'll tell you one thing, you are wanted on board of +the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> at once."</p> + +<p>"Who wants me?"</p> + +<p>"Phil Lawrence. We have learned something +about Mr. Van Blott which we think you ought to +know. But you must get your head cleared up, first +of all."</p> + +<p>They walked the captain back to the bark, and, +by accident more than design, managed to get the +skipper on board without the supercargo seeing the +party. Then they called Phil into the cabin, and +in the meantime got the captain some fresh water +and some other things they fancied might do him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> +good. They were glad to note that his dizziness +was fast leaving him.</p> + +<p>"This looks suspicious to me," said Captain +Marshall, after he had heard what the boys had +to relate. "But I cannot accuse Van Blott of +having me drugged, as I have no proof of it. I +do not know who those men were, and, more than +likely, they will keep themselves out of sight."</p> + +<p>"That is true," returned Phil. "But you can +help me regarding this stuff to be taken away by +Baumann & Feltmuller, can't you?"</p> + +<p>"Certainly, Phil. I want to know all about that +stuff before it leaves this ship. Have you the +records of the goods?"</p> + +<p>"No, sir; Mr. Van Blott has locked the books in +the safe."</p> + +<p>"Then, if I were you, as your father's representative, +I should demand to see the records. I +will back you up."</p> + +<p>"If you will back me up, I'll go to him at once. +He is already getting the goods out of the hold."</p> + +<p>"I'll put a stop to that," answered the captain.</p> + +<p>He was still feeble in the legs, but managed to +climb to the deck, and walked to where the supercargo +and the first mate were directing the unloading +of a portion of the cargo.</p> + +<p>"Hello, so you are back!" exclaimed the supercargo, +and his face paled a little.</p> + +<p>"I am," returned the captain, coldly. "Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> +Shepley, did you give orders to unload?" he went +on, turning to the mate.</p> + +<p>"I—I—er—did," stammered the mate. "You +said yesterday we were to start first thing this +morning."</p> + +<p>"I did—but I expected to be here when we +began. Mr. Van Blott, Philip Lawrence wishes to +see you in your office."</p> + +<p>"I haven't time to bother with him now," +growled the supercargo. "Go ahead with those +cases!" he shouted to some stevedores who were +nearby, and pulling out his handkerchief he gave +it a flourish toward the dock.</p> + +<p>"Drop those cases!" roared Captain Marshall, +his face growing red. "Drop them, I say!" And +the natives who were carrying the cases stopped +short.</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall——" began Jasper Van +Blott. "I—what do you mean by this—er—by +this——"</p> + +<p>"I told you that Philip Lawrence wanted to see +you in your office. You had better see him before +we move any more of this cargo."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but——"</p> + +<p>"I won't argue the matter, Mr. Van Blott. I +was drugged last night. Do you understand? +Drugged! But my mind is clear now, and I want +everything on this bark to run smoothly. You had +better go to your office, and I'll go with you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p> + +<p>The supercargo glared at the captain, and the +latter glared in return. Then Van Blott shrugged +his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"As you please," he said. "But it is a strange +proceeding." And he walked to that part of the +ship where was located his little office. As he +passed the first mate, he gave the man a wink and +turned his eyes toward the cases on the deck. Paul +Shepley nodded slightly.</p> + +<p>In the office they found Phil awaiting them. +Roger followed the pair, but Dave had seen the +wink that was passed, and remained on deck, and +a moment later seated himself on one of the very +cases the stevedores had been in the act of removing +from the ship.</p> + +<p>"Ain't you going with them?" asked the first +mate, coming up with a dark frown on his face.</p> + +<p>"No, I think I'll stay here until they come back," +answered Dave, lightly.</p> + +<p>"Then please get off of that box."</p> + +<p>"I am not hurting the box, Mr. Shepley."</p> + +<p>"Get off, I say!"</p> + +<p>The boy from the country did so.</p> + +<p>"I believe Captain Marshall wanted nothing +moved until he came back," said Dave, gazing +boldly into the mate's angry face. "Perhaps I had +better call him, if you are going to work again."</p> + +<p>"Who said I was going to move anything?" +growled Paul Shepley, his manner showing that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> +that was just what he had had in mind to do. +"Don't you get too fresh around me, or there will +be trouble!"</p> + +<p>"Well, if there is trouble, I'll do my best to stand +up against it."</p> + +<p>"Aw! you make me tired!" grumbled the first +mate, and strode away in deep disgust, leaving +Dave master of the field.</p> + +<p>In the meantime a stormy meeting was being +held in the supercargo's office. At first Van Blott +flatly refused to allow Phil to look at his books, but +at last brought forth several, which the shipowner's +son knew were of little importance.</p> + +<p>"I want the books that relate to the goods to be +landed here," said Phil. "I want to know all about +each piece before it is put ashore."</p> + +<p>"Humph! You are getting very particular, +young man!" observed the supercargo.</p> + +<p>"I do not deny it."</p> + +<p>"Did your father send you on this trip to spy +on me?"</p> + +<p>"You may put it that way, if you wish, Mr. Van +Blott. I am here simply to learn this business and +to see that everything is O. K."</p> + +<p>"If everything is all right, what have you to fear +from an inspection like this?" came suggestively +from Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>"I am not going to work here and be watched +like a criminal!" stormed Jasper Van Blott. "If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> +old man Lawrence can't trust me, it is time we +parted company!"</p> + +<p>"I agree with you," returned the captain.</p> + +<p>"Do you?" came with a sneer. "Very well. I'll +close up my accounts and quit."</p> + +<p>"You'll not do it just yet," put in Phil. He was +pale, but determined.</p> + +<p>"I won't?"</p> + +<p>"No. Before you quit you must make an accounting +to me of goods and money, and satisfy me, +and also Captain Marshall, that everything is O. K. +in every particular."</p> + +<p>"Bah! Boy, who gave you authority to talk to +me in this fashion?"</p> + +<p>"My father."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it. Why, you are a mere boy—you +don't know what you are saying. I'll close +up this business to suit myself and leave my keys +with Captain Marshall, and that will end it."</p> + +<p>"Mr. Van Blott, you must remember that Philip +Lawrence is the shipowner's son," said the captain, +sternly.</p> + +<p>"I don't care if he is. He has no legal authority, +and I don't propose to let him drive me."</p> + +<p>"Just wait a minute, until I come back," said +Phil, starting for the door.</p> + +<p>"Where are you going?" asked Roger.</p> + +<p>"To my stateroom. I'll be back in a few +minutes."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What is he going to do?" questioned the supercargo, +uneasily.</p> + +<p>"I don't know," answered Captain Marshall, +shortly. "But, if I were you, Mr. Van Blott, I +should listen to him. In a certain sense, he represents +his father on this vessel."</p> + +<p>"He doesn't represent him with me!" muttered +the supercargo. His anger had made him lose a +good portion of his common sense.</p> + +<p>There was a minute of silence, during which +Jasper Van Blott strode up and down the narrow +office. Then a step was heard outside, and Phil +reappeared, carrying a large envelope in his hand.</p> + +<p>"My father said I was not to use this unless it +was necessary," he said, drawing a paper from the +envelope.</p> + +<p>At the appearance of a legal-looking document +the supercargo started back.</p> + +<p>"What's that?" he demanded, hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"This is a document authorizing Captain Marshall +to take charge of your affairs, Mr. Van Blott. +He is to investigate everything, under my supervision, +and is to hold you strictly accountable for +everything you have done since starting on this +voyage."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> + +<h3>THE CARGO MYSTERY EXPLAINED</h3> + + +<p>There was a death-like silence for several seconds +after Phil made his announcement. Even +Captain Marshall was astonished, for he had not +anticipated such a turn of affairs.</p> + +<p>"Let me see that paper!" demanded Jasper Van +Blott, wildly. "I will not believe a word of what +you have said until I read that paper."</p> + +<p>"Then read it," answered the shipowner's son, +and passed it over.</p> + +<p>With compressed lips, the supercargo perused +the document. Then he gritted his teeth.</p> + +<p>"So this is the game you have been playing on +me, eh?" he snarled. "Well, it doesn't work."</p> + +<p>"Doesn't work?" came from Roger, who was as +much interested as any one.</p> + +<p>"No, it doesn't work. That paper isn't worth +the ink it's written with. It was drawn up in the +United States, and we are not in the United States +now."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps not, but we are sailing under the +United States flag, Mr. Van Blott," said Captain +Marshall, quickly. "Besides that, I think the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> +authorities here will respect a legal document drawn +up in Uncle Sam's country."</p> + +<p>"It's not worth a pinch of snuff!" roared the +supercargo, and would have torn the paper to bits, +had not Phil and Roger leaped forward and prevented +him.</p> + +<p>"None of that!" cried Phil. "Let that alone, +or I'll have Captain Marshall place you under +arrest."</p> + +<p>"Arrest? Me under arrest? I'd like to see you +do it!" fumed the supercargo.</p> + +<p>"I'll do it, unless you do what is right," said the +master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, quickly. "Mr. Van +Blott, your actions do you no credit. Trying to +destroy that document proves to me beyond a doubt +that you have something to conceal. I shall begin +an investigation at once, and the boys shall aid +me."</p> + +<p>"I don't care!" roared Jasper Van Blott. "But +I am done with the ship and the whole crowd."</p> + +<p>"Please hand over the keys to your safe boxes."</p> + +<p>With bad grace, the supercargo did so.</p> + +<p>"Now you will please sit down and let us go +through the accounts," continued the captain.</p> + +<p>The supercargo squirmed and argued, and did +his best to get away, but it was all to no purpose, +and, in the end, he had to remain in the office until +the captain, Phil, and Roger had examined all the +shipping accounts. Some of the entries were mixed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> +up, and they could not obtain any satisfactory explanation +regarding them.</p> + +<p>"Now we will go on deck and examine that stuff +that was to go ashore," said Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>"Especially the goods for Baumann & Feltmuller," +put in the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"Ha! What do you know about that firm?" +gasped Jasper Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"Not much."</p> + +<p>"You—you have been spying on me—you must +have followed me on shore," gasped the supercargo. +"But you are mistaken, you will find nothing +wrong," he added, suddenly, and then appeared +to calm down.</p> + +<p>They went on deck, where they found Dave still +on guard. The first mate was sulking near the +rail. As soon as the captain appeared Dave walked +up to him.</p> + +<p>"I am glad you are here," he whispered. "Mr. +Shepley wanted to send the goods ashore, but I told +him that, if he did so, I would call you."</p> + +<p>"Is that so? Thank you, Dave, I am glad you +went on watch," replied the master of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>.</p> + +<p>The inspection of the goods began, and in the +midst of the work Jasper Van Blott gave an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"Did anybody bring that brown book up?" he +queried.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span></p> + +<p>Nobody knew anything about a brown book, and +all looked puzzled.</p> + +<p>"That has this transaction in it in full," went on +the supercargo. "I remember now, I put the book +in my stateroom. I will go below and get it. That +will prove everything is as straight as a string. +Then I am going to sue somebody for heavy damages," +he added.</p> + +<p>He walked to the companionway and disappeared. +Captain Marshall continued to inspect +the goods to go ashore, and the boys aided him. +That something was wrong they did not doubt, +and they waited impatiently for the supercargo to +reappear with his brown book.</p> + +<p>"The first mate has gone below, too," announced +Roger, presently. "Maybe the pair are talking it +over between them. They are certainly hand-in-glove +with each other, according to what Dave +says."</p> + +<p>"Go below and tell Mr. Van Blott I want him to +come up at once," returned Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>The senator's son disappeared down the companionway +and was gone for several minutes. He +came up with a worried look on his face.</p> + +<p>"I can't find Mr. Van Blott anywhere!" he cried.</p> + +<p>"What!" roared the master of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>. "He must be down there."</p> + +<p>"Unless he has sneaked ashore!" came quickly +from Dave.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Could he do that?" questioned Phil.</p> + +<p>"He might."</p> + +<p>"I will go below and look around," went on +Captain Marshall. "You boys scatter on the deck +and watch for him. He must not be allowed to +get away!"</p> + +<p>The boys did as requested, and the captain went +below, to be gone quarter of an hour and more. +When he came up, his face was much downcast.</p> + +<p>"He has certainly gotten away," he declared. +"His valise and some of his clothing are gone, and +his money box is wide open and empty."</p> + +<p>"Where is the mate?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"There he is!" exclaimed Dave, pointing to the +bow.</p> + +<p>The captain ran forward.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Shepley, have you seen Mr. Van Blott?"</p> + +<p>"When?" inquired the mate, slowly.</p> + +<p>"Within the last ten or twenty minutes."</p> + +<p>"Why, yes."</p> + +<p>"Where is he?"</p> + +<p>"I think he walked ashore. I didn't notice, particularly."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Did he have his valise?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know but what he did. I wasn't paying +any particular attention. Are we to unload, or +not?" went on the first mate.</p> + +<p>"We are to do nothing until Mr. Van Blott is +found," answered the captain, shortly.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p> + +<p>"All right; in that case, you'll wait a long time," +murmured the mate to himself.</p> + +<p>After that a regular hunt was instituted, and the +boys went ashore, along with Billy Dill. They even +visited the offices of Baumann & Feltmuller, but +not a trace of the missing supercargo could be +found anywhere.</p> + +<p>When the boys got back to the bark, they found +that Captain Marshall had begun on an examination +of the goods taken from the hold. He found +a number of cases mismarked—those which were +to have been sent to Baumann & Feltmuller.</p> + +<p>"This stuff seems to have been meant for some +firm in Australia—Featherstone & Harmsworth," +said the captain. "How it came on my ship is a +mystery to me."</p> + +<p>"Wait!" shouted Dave. "I know something +about that. Just before we left San Francisco I +heard some dock officials speaking about some +costly cases of goods which had disappeared from +a neighboring dock. The goods were for the firm +of Featherstone & Harmsworth, I remember the +name well. The stuff was to go to Sydney. They +said they had tried their best, but could get no trace +of the stolen cases."</p> + +<p>"That explains it!" exclaimed Phil. "Van Blott +took the cases and had them stowed away in the +hold of this ship. He was going to sell the stuff +to Baumann & Feltmuller, in part or in whole."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I believe you have struck the truth," returned +Captain Marshall. "And now, fearing exposure, +he has fled."</p> + +<p>"What can you do with the goods?" questioned +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't know, yet. Either return them to their +owners, or sell them and forward the money. I'll +have to think the matter over."</p> + +<p>"What a rascal Van Blott has proved himself +to be!" was Phil's comment.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I reckon that man in San Francisco, +Bangor, was in with him," said Dave, and he was +correct in his surmise. It may be added here, +though, that Bangor never suffered for this crime, +for he was caught, shortly after the sailing of the +<i>Stormy Petrel</i>, and tried for something equally +unlawful, and sentenced to prison for several years.</p> + +<p>The stolen goods were placed in another part of +the ship, and then the work of unloading a part of +the regular cargo began. Paul Shepley had to +superintend this work, and did so in a thoughtful +mood.</p> + +<p>"I wish I knew the truth about the mate," said +Phil to Dave. "I am going to watch him pretty +closely after this."</p> + +<p>"He certainly had something in common with +the supercargo," replied the country boy.</p> + +<p>From Baumann & Feltmuller, Captain Marshall +could learn but little. The merchants said that the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> +supercargo had offered to sell them some goods +which, he declared, had not been accepted by other +parties because of delay in shipment. They had +agreed to take the same and pay on delivery, and +when convinced that all was fair and above board.</p> + +<p>"They are a tricky firm," said the captain to the +boys. "But, as I have no proof against them, I'll +have to let them go."</p> + +<p>In spite of the excitement over the exposure of +the supercargo, Dave was anxious to sail from +Cavasa Island and be on the way to Sobago. It was +with great satisfaction that he heard Captain Marshall +say they would set sail on the following Monday +morning.</p> + +<p>"And how long will it take us to reach Nanpi?" +he asked of the master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>.</p> + +<p>"That will depend upon the wind, lad. If we +have luck, we ought to get there in four or five +days. But sometimes the wind is mighty contrary +around these parts."</p> + +<p>While at Cavasa the boys spent one whole day +ashore, and went out riding in the direction of the +volcano in company with Billy Dill. The old tar +showed them where he and Dunston Porter and +Mr. Lemington had camped out, and where they +had hunted for the treasure.</p> + +<p>"I'd like to feel an earthquake once, just for +fun," remarked Roger. "It must be a queer sensation."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is," answered Billy Dill. "An' one ye ain't +apt to forgit in a hurry."</p> + +<p>"If it was bad, I think I'd be scared out of my +wits," said Phil. "What do you think about it, +Dave?"</p> + +<p>"I don't want any in mine."</p> + +<p>"Oh, what's a little earthquake!" cried the senator's +son. "It would be an experience worth talking +about, that's all."</p> + +<p>"Well, maybe you'll have your wish gratified +before we leave this region of the globe," said +Dave. "I understand that earthquakes are common +for thousands of miles around. Sometimes +the quakes make new islands, while other islands +sink out of sight."</p> + +<p>"Excuse me from being on an island when it +sinks out of sight," cried Phil. "I'd rather be on +solid ground any time." And in this statement the +others agreed with him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXV</h2> + +<h3>SWEPT ONWARD BY A TIDAL WAVE</h3> + + +<p>"Off at last, and I am glad of it!"</p> + +<p>"I suppose you are anxious to get to Nanpi, +Dave?"</p> + +<p>"I am, Roger. Can you blame me?"</p> + +<p>"Not at all. In fact, if I were in your place, I +think I'd be even more anxious. Meeting this +Dunston Porter means so much to you," went on +the senator's son.</p> + +<p>The two chums were on the forward deck of the +<i>Stormy Petrel</i> and the bark was just leaving the +harbor of Tolao. It was a clear day, with a bright +sun high overhead, and the boys felt in excellent +spirits.</p> + +<p>Nothing had been seen or heard of Jasper Van +Blott, and, with the sailing of the bark, he was +practically forgotten by Dave and Roger. But +Phil and the captain remembered him and were +sorry that they had not been able to bring the +wicked supercargo to justice.</p> + +<p>Although he was in nominal authority, Captain +Marshall turned over the cargo books to Phil, and +the shipowner's son did very well when it came to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> +straightening out the tangle left by Van Blott. +Phil wished to make a clean report to his father and +worked with a will, until he "knew where he was +at," as he declared.</p> + +<p>"I rather think it will open my father's eyes," +said Phil. "He has suspected Van Blott for some +time, but he didn't think of anything like this."</p> + +<p>On the second day out the wind died down +utterly, and this state of affairs continued for several +days. The sails flapped idly against the masts, +and scarcely any progress was made.</p> + +<p>"We are not going to make such a quick passage, +after all," remarked Roger. "My! but this is +slow work, I must declare!"</p> + +<p>"And haven't you noticed the heat?" added +Phil. "It seems to me to be unusually hot."</p> + +<p>"It is," said Dave, who had been consulting a +thermometer. "This is our warmest day, by four +degrees. If it gets much warmer, we'll certainly +melt."</p> + +<p>That afternoon the sea appeared to be strangely +agitated, and toward night the sailors noticed a +large number of dead fish rising to the surface. +Dave discovered a large shark, and this proved to +be dead, also.</p> + +<p>"There has been some disturbance under the +ocean's surface," said Captain Marshall. "More +than likely an earthquake."</p> + +<p>"An earthquake! And we never knew it!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> +ejaculated Roger, and his tone showed his disappointment.</p> + +<p>In the morning the sea was more agitated than +ever. One minute it would appear to flatten out, +the next, two waves would come together with a +clash that sent the spray flying upward for many +feet. More dead fish were in evidence on every +hand.</p> + +<p>"I have never witnessed anything like this," +commented Captain Marshall. "I trust it gets +no worse."</p> + +<p>When the breeze sprang up, it came from the +wrong direction, and the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> had to tack +as best she could. The breeze kept growing stiffer +and stiffer, until it was little short of a gale. Then +a thick mist settled down on the ocean, shutting +out the view upon all sides.</p> + +<p>"I must say I don't like this," observed the senator's +son. "Supposing we should run into something?"</p> + +<p>"There isn't much to run into," replied Dave. +"I just asked the captain, and he told me we were +a good many miles from land of any sort."</p> + +<p>"We might run into some other ship."</p> + +<p>"There seem to be very few ships in this +locality."</p> + +<p>Morning found the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> still surrounded +by the mist, and there was now little or no +wind. The barometer had gone down, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> +captain ordered some sail taken in, in anticipation +of a storm.</p> + +<p>At noon the mist appeared to lift a little, and +once more the wind sprang up. This continued for +several hours, when, of a sudden, a strange +humming filled the air.</p> + +<p>"What can that be?" cried Dave, who was on +the forward deck.</p> + +<p>"It's wind!" cried Billy Dill. "A reg'lar tornado, +too."</p> + +<p>Captain Marshall was on deck, no longer disposed +to trust his first mate. He at once ordered +all of the sails taken in and stowed away securely. +This was just accomplished, when the hurricane—for +it was nothing less—struck the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, +almost sending the bark on her beam ends.</p> + +<p>"Better go below!" shrieked the captain to the +three boys. "It's not safe for you on deck."</p> + +<p>"I'll be careful," answered Phil, but the master +of the bark shook his head, and then the three lads +started for the companionway, holding on to first +one thing and then another as they moved along.</p> + +<p>Phil had just reached the bottom of the steps, +Roger was half-way down, and Dave still at the +top, when a wild cry from the bow reached their +ears.</p> + +<p>"Hold tight, all of ye!" came in the voice of +Billy Dill. "Hold on, or ye'll be swept overboard, +sure!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span></p> + +<p>Everybody on board the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> realized +that this could be no idle warning, and all held on +like grim death to anything that was handy. The +next moment there was a strange hissing and pounding +of the ocean, and, in a twinkling, the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i> was caught on what seemed to be the top of +a giant wave and carried along as if in the grip of +a demon of the deep!</p> + +<p>The upward and forward movement came with +such a force that nearly everybody was taken clean +and clear off his feet, and had not each one clung +fast, as directed by Billy Dill, somebody must surely +have been flung overboard. The bark turned +around and around on the top of the wave, and +then lurched forward and went on and on, the +spray flying so thickly that scarcely a thing of +what was beyond could be seen.</p> + +<p>"My gracious!" gasped Roger, who had been +flung down on top of Phil. "What is this?"</p> + +<p>"Don't ask me!" returned Dave, who was sitting +on the upper step with his arms entwined around +the companionway rail. "I guess it's an earthquake +and a hurricane rolled into one."</p> + +<p>"Has anybody gone overboard?" asked Phil, as +he tried to stand up.</p> + +<p>"I don't know. Billy Dill gave the warning."</p> + +<p>The door to the cabin was open, and the three +lads fairly tumbled into the compartment. The +bark was rocking to such an extent that to stand<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> +upright was out of the question. Everything that +was loose was on the floor, shifting from one side +to the other.</p> + +<p>The boys waited with bated breath, and a few +minutes later heard a crash on the deck, which told +that a topmast, or one of the yards, had come down. +Then came a yell of alarm from one of the sailors.</p> + +<p>"We are going to sink! We are going to sink!"</p> + +<p>"Did you hear that?" ejaculated Roger. "He +said the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> was going to sink!"</p> + +<p>"What shall we do?" put in Phil. "I don't want +to drown!"</p> + +<p>Phil had scarcely spoken when a side door to one +of the staterooms burst open and a man came forth, +wild with terror, his face scratched and bleeding. +Much to their amazement, they saw it was Jasper +Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"Is the ship really going down?" cried the +former supercargo, in a trembling voice.</p> + +<p>"Where did you come from?" cried Dave.</p> + +<p>"I—er—I've been in hiding. But, tell me, are +we going down?"</p> + +<p>"I don't know."</p> + +<p>"I—er—I must go on deck and see. It nearly +killed me, the bark bounced around so," went on +Van Blott.</p> + +<p>He started for the companionway, but had not +yet reached the top when a big wave hit the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i> broadside, sweeping the deck from end to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> +end and sending some of the water into the cabin. +The former supercargo was washed off the steps +and came down flat on his back, screaming with +terror.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 406px;"> +<img src="images/p225.jpg" width="406" height="600" alt="The former supercargo was washed off the steps and came +down flat on his back.—Page 225." title="" /> +<span class="caption">The former supercargo was washed off the steps and came +down flat on his back.—<i><a href="#Page_225">Page 225</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>The boys were nearly as much alarmed, and, as +soon as it was possible to do so, all three crawled +up to where they could get a view of the deck and +the sea beyond.</p> + +<p>The outlook was truly startling. The ocean was +whipped up into a milk-white foam and was dashing +and churning in all directions. One tremendous +wave was rolling straight to the southward, +and on this the bark was riding, like a monkey +on a runaway race horse. The wind was whistling +through the rigging, and the sky was filled with +dark clouds and a strange, whitish dust.</p> + +<p>"What is this?" called Dave to the captain, as +the latter passed.</p> + +<p>"It's a tidal wave!" yelled back Captain Marshall. +"There has been another earthquake, and, +most likely, some of the volcanoes in this vicinity +have become active."</p> + +<p>"Are we going down, as that sailor said?"</p> + +<p>"Not yet. I will warn you, if there is any +danger of our sinking."</p> + +<p>"You can't put out any small boats, can you?" +asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"No, a small boat would not live a minute in +such a sea as is now running."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Has anybody been washed overboard?" asked +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I believe not—but I am not sure. It came on +so sudden, we had no time to prepare for it," said +Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>"Mr. Van Blott is below," said Dave.</p> + +<p>"Van Blott! You must be dreaming!"</p> + +<p>"No. He had been in hiding, and the alarm +scared him."</p> + +<p>"Humph! Well, we'll take care of him later—if +we get out of this with a whole skin."</p> + +<p>The boys could do nothing on deck, and so went +below again, to find that the former supercargo +had disappeared.</p> + +<p>"It doesn't matter," observed Phil. "We know +he is on board, and he can't get away until we land, +and I guess we can root him out before that time."</p> + +<p>The <i>Stormy Petrel</i> was still being carried forward, +but now the motion was a bit more steady +than before. It was true that she had encountered +a tidal wave, due to a submarine earthquake, and +also true that a volcano on the island of Cholomu +had become active. The fine volcanic dust floated +for miles over the ocean, covering the bark from +stem to stern as with flour.</p> + +<p>Half an hour later came another alarm. Somebody +roared out: "Breakers ahead!" and in a +moment more the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> was in the midst +of a choppy sea, and staggered from side to side, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> +if ready to go over. Then came a scraping at the +bottom.</p> + +<p>"We have struck a reef!" cried the first mate. +"We are done for now!" But, even as he spoke, +the bark went on, over the reef and into what +seemed to be a large harbor. Far in the distance +could be seen a palm-fringed shore, with the waves +dashing high up on the sands.</p> + +<p>It took Captain Marshall but an instant to consider +the situation, and he immediately gave orders +to cast an anchor. The <i>Stormy Petrel</i> continued to +rush onward, but quarter of a mile from the shore +the forward progress was checked. Then another +anchor was dropped, and it was seen that this had +secured a good hold. In the meantime the waters +of the tidal wave began to recede, and by sunset the +ocean was almost as calm as ever.</p> + +<p>"Thank fortune, that peril is a thing of the +past!" said Dave, fervently; and the other boys +and Captain Marshall echoed his sentiments.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVI</h2> + +<h3>EXPLORING A TROPICAL ISLAND</h3> + + +<p>The night to follow was an anxious one for all +on board the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>. The sea was still too +rough to think of venturing ashore, and so it was +impossible to learn to what harbor they had floated +and what was the prospect of continuing their +voyage to Sobago Island.</p> + +<p>"We must be at least two hundred miles out of +our reckoning," said Captain Marshall, in reply +to a question from Phil. "This may be Tapley +Island, but I am not sure."</p> + +<p>"Is Tapley Island inhabited?"</p> + +<p>"I am not sure about that, either. There was +once a colony there, but I think it died out. The +natives on the other islands around here are very +fierce."</p> + +<p>"Then I hope we haven't landed on one of the +other islands," remarked Dave.</p> + +<p>"If we came over a reef, how are we to get out +of this harbor?" questioned Roger.</p> + +<p>"That remains to be learned, Roger," answered +the master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, gravely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span></p> + +<p>During the night the sea went down a great +deal, and in the morning the harbor could be plainly +distinguished. A boat was lowered, and Captain +Marshall went ashore, taking Dave and Phil with +him.</p> + +<p>It was an easy matter to beach the rowboat on +the sands, and the boys leaped ashore quickly and +ran up to the nearest of the palm trees. A look +around showed all how the gigantic tidal wave had +torn and twisted everything growing near the +water's edge. In some spots the sand lay a foot +thick on beds of grass and moss and small brushwood.</p> + +<p>"We can be thankful that our ship was not cast +up high and dry on the shore," remarked Captain +Marshall, as he gazed around. "That wave must +have done the shipping for hundreds of miles +around great damage."</p> + +<p>The party walked up and down the beach for +almost a mile, but without seeing the first sign of +inhabitants of any sort. The shore was full of +dead fish and overturned turtles, and the sailors +took some back to the ship with them for eating +purposes.</p> + +<p>It was nearly midday when they returned to the +ship, and the boys were so hungry that a mess of +fried fish was particularly appetizing to them. At +noon the captain made some observations and got +out his charts, and finally announced that they must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> +be at a small island, one hundred and sixty miles +to the southward of Sobago.</p> + +<p>"The island is not of great importance," said +he. "It is shaped a good deal like the letter B, and +this harbor is formed by the double curve on one +side. The interior of each of the two portions is +mostly marsh land—a good place for tropical +fevers. The reef outside of the harbor is well defined +on the chart, and extends in a semicircle for +many miles."</p> + +<p>"Isn't there any opening at all?" queried Dave.</p> + +<p>"For small vessels, yes."</p> + +<p>"But not for a bark the size of ours?"</p> + +<p>"That remains to be found out. I shall go this +afternoon and make some soundings."</p> + +<p>"If there isn't any opening in the reef, what are +we to do?" asked Phil, blankly. "Why, the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i> will have to remain here forever!"</p> + +<p>"Which puts me in mind of a story, as Shadow +Hamilton would say," came from Dave. "I once +heard of a fellow who built a rowboat in the garret +of his house. After the boat was done, it was so +large he couldn't get it out of the door or window, +and he had to take the boat apart again."</p> + +<p>"If the boys at Oak Hall could see us now!" +cried Roger. "But about our ship. We didn't +build it here—the tidal wave sent it in, over yonder +reef. Now the question arises, how are we to get +over the reef again?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span></p> + +<p>"If there is no opening in the reef, maybe we can +blow one out with dynamite," suggested Phil.</p> + +<p>After dinner Captain Marshall went out in the +largest of the rowboats, taking with him his pick +of the sailors. They took a lead line along, and +remained away until dark, taking as many soundings +as they possibly could. It was dangerous +work, and those on the bark were glad when the +rowboat returned.</p> + +<p>"Well, did you find a channel?" asked the first +mate.</p> + +<p>"No," was the short answer. "There are several +openings, but none, that I discovered, wide +enough for the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>."</p> + +<p>"Of course, you didn't cover the whole reef?"</p> + +<p>"By no means. I will go out again to-morrow—or +you may do so."</p> + +<p>The news the captain brought was very disheartening, +and it was a gloomy party that assembled +in the cabin of the bark that evening.</p> + +<p>"We shall be perfectly safe in this harbor, so +long as the weather remains fair," said Captain +Marshall. "But a heavy blow might cause us to +drag our anchors and either run ashore or on the +reef. We must get away in the near future, if it +can possibly be accomplished."</p> + +<p>"You can't get away and to Sobago any too quick +for me," replied Dave.</p> + +<p>That evening Jasper Van Blott came out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> +hiding and attempted to take his place at the cabin +table. But Captain Marshall would have none of +this and sent the former supercargo forward, where +the sailors made room for him in the forecastle. +This angered Van Blott intensely, and he gritted +his teeth with rage.</p> + +<p>"Wait until I get the chance," he said to himself. +"I'll get square for this insult!"</p> + +<p>"He can't run away for the present," the captain +explained to the boys. "When we get to a regular +stopping place, I'll put him in irons."</p> + +<p>On the following morning it was so fair all the +boys begged to be allowed to go ashore and do a +little exploring. The captain was willing, but told +them to be careful. Billy Dill was to go with them, +and they took along a pistol, a shotgun, and some +provisions.</p> + +<p>"If you get into trouble, fire two shots in quick +succession," said Captain Marshall. "If I want +you to return, I'll fire two shots."</p> + +<p>The boys got into the boat, and Billy Dill took +one pair of oars and Dave the others. They were +soon at the beach and landed in true nautical style. +Then the rowboat was drawn up out of the water +and into the shade of some palms, that the sun +might not crack open the seams.</p> + +<p>"We must be extremely careful," observed Phil. +"Remember, we do not know what is on this +island."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Sure, there might be lions," suggested Roger, +with a wink and a glance at Billy Dill.</p> + +<p>"You boys know better nor thet," rejoined the +old tar. "None o' these South Sea islands have +much in the way o' wild beasts. But you may +strike a big snake."</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, but I don't want to be introduced +to his snakeship," cried the senator's son.</p> + +<p>After a little look around, they determined to +start up the shore, and did so, with their provisions +on their backs and Dave carrying the shotgun and +Phil the pistol. Roger and the old tar armed +themselves with big sticks.</p> + +<p>A half-mile was covered, when they came to a +hollow, in which were basking a number of turtles, +all of great size. Phil gave a shout, and on the +instant the turtles all headed for the ocean with +clumsy, but swift, strides. Billy Dill made after +them and managed to catch the last one and turn +him over.</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"> +<img src="images/p233.jpg" width="400" height="600" alt="Billy Dill managed to catch the last one and turn him over. +Page 233." title="" /> +<span class="caption">Billy Dill managed to catch the last one and turn him over.—<i><a href="#Page_233">Page 233</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>"He will make fine turtle soup," said the tar.</p> + +<p>"So he will!" cried Dave. "I suppose I might +have shot at them."</p> + +<p>"Not worth while, lad; one is enough."</p> + +<p>They soon came to a portion of the shore where +the undergrowth was exceedingly close, and they +had to journey a short distance inland. The palms +were thick, and they saw numerous cocoanuts and +great varieties of beautiful ferns and gigantic<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> +creeping vines. Billy Dill also pointed out three +varieties of bread-fruit trees.</p> + +<p>"Well, a fellow wouldn't starve here, in spite of +the scarcity of meat," observed Dave.</p> + +<p>"And meat isn't especially good in hot weather," +added Roger.</p> + +<p>"Natives down here eat very little meat," said +the old tar. "They use lots of yams and such stuff, +besides bananas and plantains. Everything grows +of itself, and they have a lazy man's life of it."</p> + +<p>"Excepting when they fight each other," observed +Phil.</p> + +<p>An hour later they came out on the shore again. +They were now away from the harbor and could +look straight out on the ocean.</p> + +<p>"Look! look!" cried Roger, pointing seaward. +"Am I mistaken, or do I see a long canoe filled +with men?"</p> + +<p>"It certainly is a canoe," declared Dave, after a +look.</p> + +<p>"And it is filled with natives," added Phil. +"What do you make of this?" he added, turning to +Billy Dill. "Are they coming here?"</p> + +<p>"I don't think they are, Phil. They seem to be +headed away from this island."</p> + +<p>The canoe was certainly a large one, and they +counted at least twelve natives at the paddles, or +sweeps. Other natives were in the bow and stern +of the craft. In quarter of an hour the canoe was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> +but a speck in the distance, and then it was lost to +sight altogether.</p> + +<p>"We'll have to tell the captain about this," declared +Dave. "If there are natives around, he will +want to know it."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they can tell us of a way out of the +harbor," suggested Roger.</p> + +<p>"Like as not, if there is a way out," spoke up +Billy Dill. "They generally know the coasts putty +well—bein' out so much in their canoes."</p> + +<p>The little party continued on its exploring tour, +but soon came to a portion of the marsh land the +captain had mentioned. Not wishing to get stuck, +they began to retrace their steps, until they were in +the midst of the thickets again. Then a strange +rushing sound through the trees broke upon their +ears.</p> + +<p>"Wait!" whispered Billy Dill, "I know what +that is. Don't make any noise."</p> + +<p>"Is there any danger?" queried Roger.</p> + +<p>The old tar shook his head. Then he pointed +upward, and the boys saw a large flock of beautiful +tropical birds settling down on all sides of them.</p> + +<p>"What a sight!" murmured Dave. "How +pretty they are!"</p> + +<p>"They get birds for ladies' hats from places like +this," whispered Billy Dill.</p> + +<p>"I know it. What a shame to shoot them down, +too!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p> + +<p>"It is a shame, lad; and ladies ought to stop +wearin' sech finery," said the old tar, soberly.</p> + +<p>They watched the beautiful birds for some time. +Then the creatures discovered the strangers, and +off they went in a mad flight, and were lost to sight.</p> + +<p>An hour later found the party passing down the +shore once more. Here they walked on the sand +until they came to something of a cove, surrounded +by stately palms.</p> + +<p>"Might as well rest a bit——" began Roger, +when Dave uttered a cry:</p> + +<p>"See, the remains of a campfire!"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and the remains of a feast, too!" added +Phil. "Those natives must have been here!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVII</h2> + +<h3>A MAP AND A PLOT</h3> + + +<p>The boys and Billy Dill viewed the surroundings +with interest. Some bones lay on the ground, +and they kicked them over.</p> + +<p>"These can't be human bones, can they?" whispered +the senator's son to Dave.</p> + +<p>"No, Roger, they are nothing but the bones of +some small animal."</p> + +<p>"I was afraid the natives might be cannibals!"</p> + +<p>To one side of the camp lay a fantastically +carved stick, evidently cut by somebody during his +leisure. Dave picked this up and saw that it contained +a heart, an anchor, a cross, several links of +a chain, and some stars. At the big end of the stick +was an American flag.</p> + +<p>"Hello, look here!" exclaimed the country boy. +"This is strange, to say the least. I don't believe +any native would cut a stick in this fashion."</p> + +<p>"Neither do I," declared Phil. "That must have +been carved by an American, and with his jack-knife. +Perhaps some sailors were camping out +here."</p> + +<p>"To me this campfire, or what's left o' it, looks<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> +to be about a week old," said Billy Dill. "The +question is, where did the crowd go to from here?"</p> + +<p>"Maybe there were some Americans with those +natives in that canoe," suggested Roger.</p> + +<p>"In that case, the natives must be friendly," returned +Phil.</p> + +<p>They walked around the locality and down the +shore half a mile further, but could find nothing +more of interest. Then they sat down to enjoy the +lunch they had brought, washing the meal down +at a spring, close by where the campfire had been.</p> + +<p>"It is wonderful that fresh water should be so +close to the salt," observed the senator's son. +"You'd think it would all get salt."</p> + +<p>"Nature knew man wanted fresh water, and so +it was placed there," replied Billy Dill. "Trust a +kind Providence to take care on us every time."</p> + +<p>After the meal the party set off for the opposite +shore of the island, over a small hill which divided +one end from the other. Here the jungle was so +thick they had to literally force their way through, +and each of the boys got his clothing torn more or +less. Once the old tar became so completely fastened +that the lads had to go to his assistance and +cut him loose with their pocket-knives.</p> + +<p>"I'm jest about anchored!" remarked Billy Dill. +"This is worse nor the Sargasso Sea, ain't it?"</p> + +<p>By the middle of the afternoon they gained the +opposite shore of the island. Here the ground was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> +very rough, but at one spot they found the remains +of a village—two houses of logs and half a dozen +thatched huts. The houses and huts were bare, +and nothing of interest was to be found around the +remains of half a dozen campfires.</p> + +<p>"This shows that somebody lived here once upon +a time," observed Phil. "But it couldn't have been +much of a population."</p> + +<p>"Can't tell as to thet," came from the old sailor. +"These natives live pretty thick sometimes, ten or +a dozen in one hut—and a good many live right +out under the trees."</p> + +<p>Dave and Roger had passed into one of the +deserted log houses, and the country youth struck +a match, that they might see around a little better. +Somewhat to their astonishment, they saw pinned +up on a wall a sheet of water-stained brown wrapping +paper, upon which was drawn something of a +map, with a heavy cross where two lines met.</p> + +<p>"Here's a discovery!" cried Dave. "Wonder +what this map was for?"</p> + +<p>The others came in, and a minute later a torch +was lit, and all examined the map with care. Then +Roger uttered a cry:</p> + +<p>"Dave, look there!" and the senator's son +pointed to one corner of the map. In faint letters +was the written name:</p> + +<p> +<i>Dunston A. Porter.</i><br /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The very man I am looking for!" ejaculated +Dave, and his heart gave a bound. "Oh, boys, +what can it mean?"</p> + +<p>"It means that Mr. Porter has been here," answered +Roger.</p> + +<p>"He must have been hunting for that treasure," +said Phil. "This may be one of his maps."</p> + +<p>"That's a fact," said Billy Dill. "He was always +drawing jest such things when I was with +him. He said he was bound to find that treasure +some day."</p> + +<p>"This map looks to be quite old," went on Dave, +in disappointed tones. "I wish it was fresh and he +was here."</p> + +<p>"He must have come here after sailing to Sobago +Island," said the senator's son, "and that can't be +so very long ago."</p> + +<p>After that they made a closer hunt than before +in and around the camp, but found nothing, outside +of two buttons, a bit of lead pencil, and the broken +handle of a spade.</p> + +<p>"That spade proves there was some digging +done," said Phil. "Undoubtedly he came here +looking for that treasure."</p> + +<p>"Did you ever get any of the particulars of that +treasure?" asked Dave, of the old sailor.</p> + +<p>"Not much, exceptin' that it was a treasure of +pearls and precious stones once hidden by some +native king. Mr. Porter didn't want to tell much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> +about it, and I didn't feel as I had the right to ask +him."</p> + +<p>It was now growing late, and all felt that it was +time to return to the ship. Before leaving the hut, +Dave pinned a slip of paper over the map, writing +upon it as follows:</p> + +<blockquote> +<p> +"<span class="smcap">To Dunston A. Porter:</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>"I am very anxious to meet you. I am on board +the bark <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, in the harbor of this +island, and bound for Sobago Island. Please see +me, by all means.</p> + +<p class="sig"> +<span class="smcap">David Porter.</span>"<br /> +</p></blockquote> + +<p>To this the youth added the date, and also his +home address, in case he should fail to meet Dunston +Porter and the man should wish to write to +him.</p> + +<p>"That certainly ought to interest him—especially +if he is interested in a lost boy," was Roger's +comment.</p> + +<p>Dave was in a sober mood when he returned to +the ship and did not feel much like talking. He +allowed the others to relate the day's experience, to +which Captain Marshall listened closely.</p> + +<p>"It is certainly a pity we didn't get a chance to +talk to those natives," said the master of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>. "They might have shown me some way +out of this harbor."</p> + +<p>"Then you haven't found any passage through +the reef?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Not yet. The first mate was out with four of +the crew, but they could find nothing wide enough," +answered Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>The master of the bark thought he spoke the +truth, but he was mistaken. Unknown to the captain, +the first mate had found a passage, rather +twisting in shape, but perfectly safe. It was near +the northern end of the reef—a locality Captain +Marshall had not visited. One of the sailors who +had been out with the mate also knew of the +passage, but Paul Shepley had pledged him to +secrecy for the time being.</p> + +<p>While the boys and Billy Dill were in the cabin +of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> relating their experiences, an +interesting conversation was going on in another +part of the ship, between the first mate and Jasper +Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"I have made an important discovery," said +Shepley, in a low tone, so that no others might hear. +"I have found a safe passageway out of this harbor."</p> + +<p>"Did you tell the old man?" demanded the +former supercargo, quickly.</p> + +<p>"No; I told him that there wasn't any opening +wide enough for the bark."</p> + +<p>"Good! Now, if we can only arrange this other +matter, Shepley, we'll make a fine thing of this," +went on Jasper Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"I don't know about this other thing, as you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> +call it," grumbled the first mate. "I'll be running +a tremendous risk."</p> + +<p>"Oh, it will be perfectly safe."</p> + +<p>"Don't you know that mutiny on the high seas +is punishable by death?"</p> + +<p>"I do—if you get caught. But you won't get +caught. Besides that, please to remember that I +am not going to suffer for this cargo affair alone. +If I have to stand trial, you'll have to do the +same."</p> + +<p>"Then you really mean to drag me into it, eh?" +said the first mate, sourly.</p> + +<p>"Unless you consent to my plan. Why, man, it's +dead easy," continued the former supercargo, +earnestly. "I know that at least four of the sailors +will stand in with us from the start, and we can +easily win over the others by the promise of a big +reward. All we have got to do is to get Captain +Marshall, Billy Dill, and those three boys ashore, +and then sail away for some distant port. On the +way we can change the name of the bark and I'll fix +up the clearance papers, and there you are. You +and I can become equal owners, and we can go into +the regular Australian-New Zealand trade and +make a barrel of money in a few years."</p> + +<p>"But supposing some of the men raise a row?"</p> + +<p>"We won't give them a chance, until we are out +on the ocean. We can tell them—after the captain's +crowd is gone—that you have orders to try<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> +to clear the reef. When we are on the ocean, I +don't think it will be so hard to manage things. +We can arm ourselves and lock up all the other +weapons, and tell the men they shall have big +money if they ask no questions and stick to their +duty," added Jasper Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"Well, how do you propose to get that crowd +ashore? They may not happen to go of their own +free will."</p> + +<p>"I think I can manage that, sooner or later. The +main thing is, we must watch our chances and strike +as soon as the right moment arrives. Now then, +what do you say, Shepley?"</p> + +<p>The first mate hesitated, and an argument lasting +a full hour ensued, during which the former supercargo's +plot was discussed from every possible +point of view. At last the first mate agreed to do +as Jasper Van Blott wanted, and then the two separated, +to await the time for making their first move.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXVIII</h2> + +<h3>MAROONED</h3> + + +<p>On the following morning Captain Marshall +went out once more to look for a passageway +through the reef. Dave accompanied him, and so +did Billy Dill. In the meantime Roger and Phil +rowed ashore, to see if they could find any more +traces of the natives.</p> + +<p>The captain and Dave had been out about an +hour, when they noticed a small boat coming +toward them, containing two sailors and the first +mate.</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall, you are wanted on shore +at once!" cried Paul Shepley, when within hearing +distance. "Those two boys just sent word to the +ship by a native. They said to bring young Porter +and Dill along."</p> + +<p>"They must have discovered something!" cried +Dave, quickly. "Oh, let us go, by all means!"</p> + +<p>"I will," answered the master of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>. "Did they say where they were?"</p> + +<p>"Near the interior of the island, I believe," answered +the mate.</p> + +<p>No more was said, and, winding up his lead line,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> +the captain had the rowboat turned around and +headed for the island. In the meantime the first +mate returned to the bark. Once on the deck of +the ship he was quickly joined by the former supercargo.</p> + +<p>"What did he say?" asked Jasper Van Blott, +anxiously.</p> + +<p>"Said he'd go."</p> + +<p>"Then we must lose no time in getting up the +anchors. Luckily the breeze is just right."</p> + +<p>"Wait until they are ashore and have disappeared," +answered the first mate, nervously. He +was really a coward at heart, and now fairly under +the thumb of Van Blott.</p> + +<p>It took but a few minutes for the captain, Dave, +and Billy Dill to gain the stretch of sand. Then +those on the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> saw them draw the +small craft up to a safe place and disappear in +among the trees.</p> + +<p>"Now then, act as quickly as you can," said +Jasper Van Blott.</p> + +<p>An order was issued for the sailors to come on +deck, and all did so, and the second mate, a young +man named Bob Sanders, also appeared. Then +Paul Shepley issued orders to hoist the anchors and +raise some of the sails.</p> + +<p>"What does this mean, Mr. Shepley?" asked the +second mate, in surprise.</p> + +<p>"The captain has found a passageway and wants<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> +me to take the ship out and around to the other +side of the island," replied the first mate. "He +wants us to be lively, too."</p> + +<p>Bob Sanders was mystified, but, as he was not on +particularly good terms with the first mate, he +asked no more questions. Soon the sails were up, +and Paul Shepley himself steered the bark toward +the passageway he had discovered.</p> + +<p>"You are sure of what you are doing?" asked +Jasper Van Blott, coming to the wheel. "We +don't want to strike and go to the bottom."</p> + +<p>"I wish I was as sure of the future as I am of +the passageway," answered the first mate, somewhat +grimly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, don't worry about the future," answered +the former supercargo, lightly. "In a few days +we'll have everything in apple-pie order."</p> + +<p>There was a good breeze, and the bark cleared +the reef with but little difficulty. Then Paul Shepley +had all the sails set, and soon the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> +was leaving the island far behind.</p> + +<p>In the meantime Captain Marshall, Dave, and +the old tar were looking everywhere for Phil and +Roger. They dove straight into the jungle and +called out as loudly as they could. But no answer +came back.</p> + +<p>"It is queer that we can't locate them," was +Dave's comment. "If they wanted us, I should +think they would be watching out, wouldn't you?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span></p> + +<p>"Perhaps they are in trouble," answered the captain, +gravely.</p> + +<p>He fired his pistol as a signal, and at last came +an answering shot from the lower end of the island. +At once they hurried in that direction, only to find +themselves cut off by a stretch of impassable marsh +land.</p> + +<p>"Reckon as how we'll have to go around," observed +Billy Dill. "If we try to go through thet +we'll git stuck, fer sartin!"</p> + +<p>Going around was not so easy, and it took them +nearly half an hour to cover a mile. Then the captain +discharged his pistol once more, and a minute +later came an answering shot but a short distance +away.</p> + +<p>"I see them—at the top of the hill!" cried Dave, +and, looking ahead, the others discovered Phil and +Roger at the top of the slight rise of ground, waving +their handkerchiefs to attract attention. Soon +the two parties were together.</p> + +<p>"What's the news?" cried Captain Marshall, +looking around to see if anybody else was present.</p> + +<p>"No news," answered Phil. He gazed at them +curiously. "What's up? You look rather excited!"</p> + +<p>"Didn't you send for us?" gasped Dave.</p> + +<p>"Send for you? What do you mean?" queried +Roger.</p> + +<p>"The first mate said you sent a native to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> +bark, asking us to come to you," said Captain +Marshall.</p> + +<p>"We sent nobody—we have seen no natives to-day."</p> + +<p>There was a pause, during which each looked +blankly at the others.</p> + +<p>"I can't understand this," said Dave, slowly. +"Mr. Shepley certainly delivered that message."</p> + +<p>"It is a trick of some sort!" burst out Captain +Marshall. "The very best thing we can do is to +get back to the vessel without delay."</p> + +<p>The others thought so, too, and in a moment +more all were on their way to the shore, hurrying +through the undergrowth as rapidly as the bushes +and vines would permit. Phil and Roger had +managed to shoot two small animals that looked +like hares, but that was all.</p> + +<p>At last they came out on the sands, and a shout +of dismay went up.</p> + +<p>"The ship is gone!"</p> + +<p>"The <i>Stormy Petrel</i> has sailed away and left +us!"</p> + +<p>The boys and the old sailor turned to Captain +Marshall, whose face had turned white. Now it +grew dark and stern.</p> + +<p>"How could they get out of the harbor?" questioned +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Shepley must have found a passageway," answered +the captain.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span></p> + +<p>"But where has the ship gone to?" queried Phil. +"I can't see her anywhere."</p> + +<p>Instead of replying, the captain of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i> clenched his hands and compressed his lips. +He was doing some deep thinking.</p> + +<p>"I must say, this looks to me as if somebody had +run off with the ship!" declared the senator's +son.</p> + +<p>"And that is just what they have done!" cried +the captain. "Oh, the rascals! the scoundrels! If +I ever catch them——" He could not finish, so +great was his rage.</p> + +<p>"Run off with the ship!" burst out Dave. "How +could they do that? Do you think there was a +regular mutiny?"</p> + +<p>"There may have been—anyway, the bark is +gone—and we are left to shift for ourselves."</p> + +<p>"I think I see through it," said Phil. "The first +mate and Van Blott have hatched this up between +them. I know they were as thick as peas—in fact, +I suspect Shepley helped the supercargo to hide +away on board. They must have bought over the +crew and Mr. Sanders."</p> + +<p>"I don't think they could buy over Bob Sanders," +declared the captain. "I know him too well. He is +very quiet, but I'd trust him with almost anything. +But I can't say as much for all the crew. Shepley +got some of the men to ship, and he most likely +knew whom he was getting."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span></p> + +<p>"What are you going to do about it?" asked +Roger.</p> + +<p>"I don't exactly know what to do, yet, lad. We +are marooned, that is all there is to it. And it +doesn't look as if they had left us anything to live +on, either," added the captain, casting his eyes +along the shore.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean to say they have deserted us?" +cried Dave.</p> + +<p>"Doesn't it look like it?"</p> + +<p>"And stolen the bark?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>Dave drew a long breath. Here was another +set-back, of which he had not dreamed. If the +<i>Stormy Petrel</i> had really sailed away, not to return, +what were they to do, and when would they get a +chance to leave the lonely island?</p> + +<p>"This is positively the worst yet!" groaned +Roger. "The fellows who would do such a thing +ought to be—be hanged! And they haven't left us +a thing!"</p> + +<p>"Let us separate and see if we can sight the +bark," said the captain, and this was done, one +party going to the upper end of the island and the +other to the lower. But not a trace of the missing +vessel was to be seen.</p> + +<p>It was a decidedly sober party that gathered on +the sands two hours later to discuss the situation +and decide upon what was to be done. Here they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> +were, marooned on a deserted island, with no food +and but little shelter, and with only two pistols and +a shotgun between them. It was certainly not a +situation to be envied.</p> + +<p>"I used to think, when I was a small boy, that +I'd like to play Robinson Crusoe," remarked +Roger. "But I've changed my mind, and I'd much +rather be back on the ship."</p> + +<p>"Humph! If you are going to talk that way, +what will you say if we have to stay here weeks, or +months, or maybe years?" asked Phil.</p> + +<p>"Gracious!" burst out Dave. "You don't think +we'll have to stay here years, do you?"</p> + +<p>"We'll have to stay until we can git away," was +the sage remark of Billy Dill. "Captain, are we +in the track o' any ships?"</p> + +<p>Captain Marshall shook his head slowly.</p> + +<p>"I don't think we are. That storm blew us far +out of our course. I doubt if a ship comes this way +once in three months."</p> + +<p>"There, what did I tell you!" cried Phil. "But +don't think I want to stay," he added, quickly. "I +am just as anxious to get away as any one, and +anxious to regain my father's ship, too. Why, +to lose her would mean a serious loss to my +father!"</p> + +<p>They talked the matter over until nightfall, but +without reaching any satisfactory conclusion. Not +one of the party could bring himself to think that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> +he would really have to stay on the island for any +great length of time.</p> + +<p>"If we do have to stay, we'll have to rassle around +fer somethin' to eat," remarked Billy Dill. "The +mean sharks! They might at least have left us a +barrel o' salt horse an' some canned goods—an' a +little tobacco," he added, dolefully. His pipe was +empty and so was his pouch, and this added the last +drop to his misery.</p> + +<p>As night came on they gathered some driftwood +and lit a campfire, not because they were cold, but +because it looked more cheerful, and because it +also helped to keep away some obnoxious insects +that had appeared. Over the fire they cooked the +game Roger and Phil had shot, and made a supper +of this and some crackers the boys had been carrying +in their pockets. Then they sat down to talk +the matter over once more. As the night advanced, +the bright stars bespangled the heavens and all +became perfectly calm and quiet. Tired out by +what had passed, one after another sought a comfortable +resting-place, and soon all were sound +asleep.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXIX</h2> + +<h3>THE COMING OF THE NATIVES</h3> + + +<p>When Dave awoke, it was with a start. The +wind was blowing half a gale and the rain was +falling.</p> + +<p>"What a change since last night," he murmured +to himself, as he sat up. "Hello, are you up already?"</p> + +<p>"I am," answered Billy Dill. "Thought as how +I'd better keep the fire a-goin', if it's goin' to storm. +This ain't so nice, is it?"</p> + +<p>"I should say not, indeed. My, now the wind is +rising!"</p> + +<p>The others soon roused up, and all gathered +under the shelter of some dense tropical trees and +vines. Soon the rain was pouring down in torrents, +shutting out the landscape on all sides.</p> + +<p>"Well, in one way, it's a good thing the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i> got out of the harbor," remarked Captain +Marshall. "This wind might make her shift, and +either throw her up on the island or on to the reef."</p> + +<p>They could do nothing with the fire, and so +allowed it to die out, and crawled still further into +the jungle in an endeavor to keep dry. But the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span> +rain followed them, until each one of the party was +about soaked.</p> + +<p>"This is another one of the comforts of a Robinson +Crusoe life," remarked Phil. "Soaking wet, +and nothing to eat. Oh, don't I wish I was on the +bark again and had hold of those mutineers!"</p> + +<p>The rain and wind kept up for the best part of +that day. There was but little thunder and lightning, +and at nightfall the storm died away, although +the wind still kept up at a lively rate. During +the afternoon they managed to find a turtle in +a hollow, and, after turning the creature over, +killed it and cooked it in its own shell. The meal +was not particularly appetizing, but all were exceedingly +hungry and partook of it without a +murmur.</p> + +<p>"To-morrow we must gather some yams and +some plantains, and also do some fishing," said the +captain. "We might go hunting, too, but I would +rather save our ammunition for emergencies."</p> + +<p>To keep from taking cold in their wet clothing, +all slept close to the campfire that night, and early +in the morning they hung most of their garments +out in the bright sunshine to dry. Fishing proved +good, and the boys and Billy Dill caught over a +score of good-sized fish, and also discovered a bed +of oysters, which, as Roger declared, "were not +half bad, even if they weren't particularly good." +In the meantime the captain, who knew not a little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> +about tropical life, tramped around and found +some bread-fruit and some luscious berries, which +he declared were perfectly good to eat.</p> + +<p>"This solves the question of food, at least for the +present," said Dave. "Not a very extensive list of +things to eat, but much better than nothing at all."</p> + +<p>"What would the boys of Oak Hall say if they +could see us?" asked Roger.</p> + +<p>"We'll certainly have a tale to tell—if we ever +get back to tell it," returned Phil.</p> + +<p>Having nothing in particular to do, they took +their time about preparing the next meal, and, when +it was done, it proved to be a regular spread. Some +of the fish made particularly good eating, and the +berries topped the repast off in good style.</p> + +<p>"I do not believe that the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> will +come back to this harbor," said Captain Marshall. +"And that being so, I think we had best take ourselves +to the other side of the island, to those log +huts and shacks you mentioned. That is, most +likely, the spot where the natives land and where +ships may stop. We can put up a flag of distress, +and, after that, there will be nothing to do but to +wait and make the best of it."</p> + +<p>"Shall you leave the rowboats here?" asked +Dave.</p> + +<p>"We can leave one boat here and row around +the island in the other. We can carry the craft to +some point beyond the reef."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span></p> + +<p>This advice was followed, and beyond the reef +line the ocean was found to be comparatively quiet, +despite the storm of the day before. All entered +the rowboat, and the captain and Billy Dill took +the oars, and the voyage to the other side of the +island was begun.</p> + +<p>By the end of the day they had reached the log +houses, and they cleaned out the larger of the two +and gave to it as much of a homelike appearance +as possible. Then they set to work to gather all +the driftwood possible, for they had nothing with +which to cut firewood. The boys fell to fishing +once more, and Phil began to manufacture a snare, +with which he hoped to trap some small animals +that had been discovered at a distance.</p> + +<p>Another whole day passed by slowly, and they +began to feel a little more settled, when, in the +middle of the afternoon, Billy Dill, who was out +in the rowboat trying to catch some big fish, set up +a loud shout.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" demanded Captain Marshall, who +was busily at work breaking up some of the driftwood.</p> + +<p>"I see a big canoe comin', loaded with niggers!" +announced the old sailor.</p> + +<p>This news brought all to the shore immediately, +and they watched the approach of the canoe with +much interest. It was all of twenty-five feet in +length and manned by twelve dark-colored men, six<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> +on each side. The natives in the craft numbered, +all told, nineteen, and some of them had guns, +while others had bows and arrows and long spears. +Each man had also a long and sharp knife stuck in +his girdle.</p> + +<p>"Do you think they will be friendly?" asked +Dave, in a low tone.</p> + +<p>"I hope so," answered the captain. "They have +nothing to gain by being otherwise."</p> + +<p>When the natives discovered the whites, they +stopped rowing and set up an animated jabbering +among themselves. They looked around, thinking +a ship must be close by, and, finding none, were +much astonished.</p> + +<p>"Hello!" called out Captain Marshall, waving +a welcome. "Glad to see you!"</p> + +<p>To this the natives did not answer. But the +canoe was sent closer and finally beached, and the +majority of the black men leaped ashore, each +carrying his weapons with him.</p> + +<p>"How do you do?" went on the captain, extending +his hand and smiling. "Glad to see you. Can +anybody speak English?"</p> + +<p>At the question, one of the natives, a short, thickset +fellow with a peculiarly flat nose, came to the +front and shook hands.</p> + +<p>"Soko speak Inglees," he said, and grinned. +"Soko once on Inglees ship."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to know you, Soko," replied the cap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>tain. +"I am Captain Marshall, of the ship <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>. What island is this?"</p> + +<p>"Dis Yam-kolo Island," answered Soko, still +grinning. "How you come dis way? Where he +ship?"</p> + +<p>"Some rascals have stolen my ship. She is a +fine-looking bark. She was here a few days ago. +Have you seen her?"</p> + +<p>"No see ship, no—no ship, so many days," and +the native held up four fingers, all stumpy and not +overly clean. "Steal ship on you? Big thief, +yes!"</p> + +<p>"You are right. Where do you come from?"</p> + +<p>"Come from Waponu. Dat on Sobago Island."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have heard of the place." The captain +turned to the others. "It is a native village some +ten miles from the town for which the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i> was bound," he explained.</p> + +<p>"Then perhaps they can take us to Sobago," said +Dave, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps they can," answered the captain. "But +it must be a long trip in such a canoe as that."</p> + +<p>"Tell me," said Dave, to the native. "Do you +come here often?"</p> + +<p>"Sometime, not many time," answered Soko, +still grinning. He was evidently of a sunny disposition.</p> + +<p>"Did you ever come here with a man named +Dunston Porter?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span></p> + +<p>At this question the native shrugged his shoulders +and looked perplexed.</p> + +<p>"I mean this man," went on the youth, and, taking +the native by the hand, led him into the hut +and up to the map on the wall. Instantly the face +of Soko brightened.</p> + +<p>"Yes, Soko know," he said. "Dat man come, so +many time here——" He held up three fingers. +"Look in ground, dig, not can find much, no. Go +back to Sobago, so." And he made a dejected face, +at which Roger and Phil had to laugh.</p> + +<p>"He means Mr. Porter didn't locate the treasure," +said the senator's son.</p> + +<p>"Is that man in Sobago now?" went on Dave, +paying no attention to his chum's remark.</p> + +<p>"Yes, him at big town, Nanpi!"</p> + +<p>"Good I Then I would like to get to Nanpi just +as soon as I can," cried Dave, enthusiastically. +"Will you take me there? I can pay you well," he +added, for he still had his money belt and cash with +him.</p> + +<p>"Yes, can take to Nanpi," answered the native.</p> + +<p>After that he explained that he and his companions +had come to the island to hunt for some +rare birds and for turtles. They were quite willing +to return to Sobago Island immediately, if paid +for so doing. A bargain was struck, and it was +decided that the voyage should be begun in the +morning. In the meantime all hands were to catch<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> +some fish and cook them, and also gather in a +supply of other eatables. The natives had a number +of hollow reeds with them, and these were filled +with fresh water, just previous to setting out. It +was calculated that, weather permitting, the distance +would be covered in three days.</p> + +<p>"These fellows know how to handle their big +canoes very well," explained Captain Marshall. +"They go out hundreds of miles, and sometimes +weather the worst of storms. Occasionally, of +course, they get swept away, but not often. They +sail altogether by the sun and stars, and can strike +almost as straight a course as if they were using a +compass."</p> + +<p>Dave questioned Soko further about Dunston +Porter, but could learn little, outside of the fact +that the man was a treasure hunter and had paid +very well for what was done for him. Soko added, +however, that he thought the man expected to +remain at Sobago for some time.</p> + +<p>The boys could sleep but little that night, so +anxious were they concerning the trip before them. +They were up at dawn, but, early as it was, found +the natives ahead of them. A hasty breakfast was +had by all, the things to be taken along were packed +in the bow and stern of the canoe, and shortly +after sunrise the craft was pushed from the shore, +whites and natives scrambled in, and the start from +the lonely island was made.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXX</h2> + +<h3>THE RETAKING OF THE "STORMY PETREL"</h3> + + +<p>For the whole of that day the natives kept at the +sweeps of the long canoe, one set of rowers relieving +the other. The whites were willing to assist, +but Soko said the natives could get along best alone, +they having their own peculiar manner of handling +the craft.</p> + +<p>The weather remained fair, with only a bit of +a breeze blowing, and the bosom of the ocean was +as calm as they could wish. They were soon out of +sight of the island, and then all they could behold +was the sky above and the sparkling waters on +every side.</p> + +<p>"It must be terrible to be lost on the ocean," +remarked Phil, as he gazed around. "I don't +wonder that men go mad, after they have been +out days and days."</p> + +<p>"And think of having nothing to eat or to +drink," said Dave. "Ugh! it gives a fellow the +shivers to think of it!"</p> + +<p>At noon the whole party partook of a lunch, +and toward nightfall had supper. Then the whites +went to sleep, and so did half of the natives, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> +remaining blacks keeping at the sweeps, guiding +themselves by the stars, now that the sun had gone +down.</p> + +<p>When the boys awoke they were dismayed to see +that a mist covered the sea.</p> + +<p>"Hello! I didn't expect this!" cried the senator's +son. "Why, a fellow can't see a hundred feet in +any direction."</p> + +<p>"What are the natives going to do now?" asked +Dave of Captain Marshall, who had been awake +for some time.</p> + +<p>"Soko says they must rest and wait," answered +the captain. "He cannot go ahead, for he knows +not in what direction to steer."</p> + +<p>"I've got a pocket compass!" cried Phil, bringing +it forth. "How odd that I didn't think of it +before."</p> + +<p>The captain took the compass and showed it to +the native who could speak English. He had seen +such things before, and, after a short talk with the +master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, set the others to using +the sweeps as before.</p> + +<p>It was about ten o'clock of the forenoon that one +of the natives, who was watching in the bow, +uttered a short cry. At once those at the sweeps +stopped pulling.</p> + +<p>"What is it?" asked Captain Marshall, quickly.</p> + +<p>"Big ship over dare!" announced Soko, a +moment later.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p> + +<p>All of the whites looked in the direction pointed +out, and through the mist saw a large vessel drifting +along, the sails flapping idly against the masts. +The wheel was lashed fast, and nobody was in +sight on the deck.</p> + +<p>"The <i>Stormy Petrel</i>!" ejaculated Captain Marshall.</p> + +<p>"Are you sure?" asked Dave and Phil, in a +breath.</p> + +<p>"Sure it's the bark," cried Billy Dill. "Say, but +this is great luck, ain't it?" and his face brightened +up. "Now we can teach them dirty mutineers a +lesson."</p> + +<p>"Dat you ship?" asked Soko.</p> + +<p>"It is," answered Captain Marshall. "See here, +Soko," he went on, "can I depend upon your helping +me? I will pay you and your men for whatever +you do."</p> + +<p>The native shugged his ebony shoulders and then +consulted with his fellow-tribesmen. All decided +that they would aid the captain, providing he would +give them each a piece of silver "so big," pointing +out the size of a trade dollar. Captain Marshall +agreed on the spot, and preparations were made +for boarding the bark.</p> + +<p>"It is queer that nobody is in sight!" remarked +Phil, as the canoe drew closer.</p> + +<p>"Somebody is coming on deck now!" cried Dave, +in a low tone, and Paul Shepley appeared, followed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> +by Jasper Van Blott and, close behind him, one of +the sailors.</p> + +<p>"Hello! what's this?" sang out the first mate, on +catching sight of the canoe.</p> + +<p>"Captain Marshall and the others!" muttered +the former supercargo. "Hi! keep away from +here!" he roared.</p> + +<p>"Surrender, you villains!" called out the captain. +"What do you mean by running off with my +ship in this fashion?"</p> + +<p>"You keep off!" warned Paul Shepley, without +answering the question. "Keep off, I tell you!"</p> + +<p>"We'll fire on you, if you don't keep off," called +the former supercargo, and he brought forth a big +pistol.</p> + +<p>"Be careful, cap'n, or somebody will git shot!" +whispered Billy Dill. "Those fellers look like they +was des'prit!"</p> + +<p>"Don't you dare to shoot!" called out Captain +Marshall. "The first man who fires shall swing +from the yardarm!"</p> + +<p>The loud talking had brought several sailors to +the deck, and they were followed by the second +mate, who stared at the canoe and its occupants as +if he could not believe his eyes.</p> + +<p>"Hello, Captain Marshall!" sang out Bob Sanders. +"I am mighty glad you have come."</p> + +<p>"Then you are not in this mutiny, Sanders?"</p> + +<p>"Not by a jugful! They tried to buy me up, but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> +I wouldn't consent. Podders, Diski, and McNabb +are not in it, either."</p> + +<p>"I am glad to hear it. Sanders, take control of +the ship until I get aboard."</p> + +<p>"He will do nothing of the kind!" yelled Jasper +Van Blott, and was about to turn on the second +mate, when the latter hit him a blow in the ear, +sending him headlong to the deck.</p> + +<p>"McNabb! Podders!" called the second mate. +"Grab Mr. Shepley!"</p> + +<p>The sailors called upon understood, and before +the first mate could turn, one tar had him from +behind, so that he could not raise his arms. Then +the other seized a pistol and, turning, faced the +crew with the weapon.</p> + +<p>The turn of affairs had been so sudden that +Shepley and Van Blott were taken completely by +surprise, as were likewise the sailors who had sided +with the rascals, and, for the moment, none of them +knew exactly what to do. In the meantime the +canoe bumped alongside of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, and, +catching hold of a trailing rope thrown overboard +by the sailor named Diski, Captain Marshall +hauled himself to the deck, followed by Billy Dill +and the boys.</p> + +<p>"Do you surrender?" demanded the captain, +striding up to the first mate, revolver in hand.</p> + +<p>"Ye-yes!" burst out Shepley. "It's—it's all a +mistake, Captain Marshall—all a mistake!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span></p> + +<p>"I reckon it was!" answered the captain, grimly. +"What about you, Van Blott?" And he turned on +the former supercargo, who was struggling to his +feet.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I've got to give in," muttered Jasper +Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"And what about you men?" demanded Captain +Marshall, turning his stern eyes on the portion of +the crew that had mutinied.</p> + +<p>"We're with you, cap'n," said one, humbly. +"Mr. Shepley led us into this, without us knowin' +what we was a-doin'. Ain't that so, mates?"</p> + +<p>"That's so," said the others, humbly.</p> + +<p>"Are you willing to obey me, after this?"</p> + +<p>"Yes! yes!" came in an eager chorus.</p> + +<p>After this a long talk took place, and Jasper +Van Blott and Paul Shepley were placed in irons +and conducted to a closet in the bow of the ship, +used for the storage of oil and lanterns. The place +was given a rough cleaning, and then the pair were +locked inside, Captain Marshall putting the key in +his pocket. Both of the prisoners wanted to protest, +but the master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> would not +listen.</p> + +<p>"You can do your talking later, when I have time +to listen," said he. "Just now I have other matters +to attend to."</p> + +<p>From Bob Sanders and the three loyal sailors +Captain Marshall got a fairly accurate account of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> +the mutiny. He was told that Jasper Van Blott +had done his best to get all hands to join in the +plot. The former supercargo was the prime mover +in the affair, and the first mate was a coward and +had been little more than his tool. The sailors +who had gone in had done so rather unwillingly, +and, after thinking the matter over, Captain Marshall +decided to read them a stern lecture and then +forgive them.</p> + +<p>It was now no longer necessary for the natives to +take the whites to Sobago Island, and, after a brief +consultation, Soko and his men were paid off and +given some presents, and then, the mists rising, +the canoe was headed back for Yam-kolo Island. +It was the last that Dave and his friends saw of +these black men, who had proven so friendly.</p> + +<p>With the first mate in irons, Bob Sanders was +advanced to fill his place. This left the position of +second mate vacant, and, after a consultation with +the boys, the master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> offered +Billy Dill the position, and he accepted gladly.</p> + +<p>"I always kind o' wanted to be a mate," said +the old tar. "I'm tickled to death!" And his face +showed it.</p> + +<p>With the lifting of the mist a stiff breeze came +up, and preparations were made for continuing the +voyage to Nanpi. It was found that the last +storm had slightly disabled the rudder, which accounted +for the fact that the bark had not made<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> +greater headway on her trip. But additional +parts were on board, and by nightfall the damage +was made good, and then the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> answered +her helm as well as ever.</p> + +<p>"And now for Sobago Island!" cried Dave, to +his chums. "I hope I have no more trouble in finding +Mr. Dunston Porter!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXI</h2> + +<h3>LIFTING THE CURTAIN</h3> + + +<p>The second mate told the truth when he said +Paul Shepley was a coward and under the thumb +of the former supercargo. That very evening +Shepley begged to see Captain Marshall alone, and, +when given the opportunity, actually fell on his +knees before the master of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>.</p> + +<p>"I am willing to do anything, captain!" he +groaned. "Only don't—don't swing me from the—the +yardarm!" He had it firmly fixed in his +mind that he was to be executed.</p> + +<p>"You deserve to be hanged!" answered the captain. +"I don't see why I should spare you."</p> + +<p>"It was all Van Blott's fault—he fixed the whole +thing from beginning to end. He got the stolen +cases on board and made me promise to help in +getting rid of them. And he got up the plan to +run away with the ship."</p> + +<p>After that Paul Shepley told his story in detail, +and the captain became convinced that the first +mate was more of a sneak than a villain.</p> + +<p>"I will let you off, upon two conditions," said +Captain Marshall, at last. "The first is, that you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> +serve as a common sailor for the rest of this trip. +Will you do it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, but it's pretty hard on me," whined Shepley.</p> + +<p>"The second condition is, that you promise to +appear against Van Blott, whenever called upon to +do so."</p> + +<p>"Yes, I'll do that."</p> + +<p>"Then go forward and take Billy Dill's place in +the <a name="castle" id="castle"></a><ins title="Original has forcastle">forecastle</ins>."</p> + +<p>"Where is Dill to go?"</p> + +<p>"I have made him second mate and Sanders first +mate."</p> + +<p>"Oh!" murmured Paul Shepley, and said no +more. It cut him deeply to take up quarters in the +forecastle, where the men treated him any way +but kindly, yet he was glad to get off so cheaply.</p> + +<p>The next day was an anxious one for Dave, who +was on the constant lookout for land. Toward +nightfall a speck was seen in the distance, and in +the morning, when he came on deck, the country +youth saw before him Sobago in all of its tropical +beauty, with its cozy harbor, its long stretch of +white sand, and its waving palms. In the harbor +were ships of several nationalities, and also numerous +native canoes, and the scene was an animated +one.</p> + +<p>The boys had no difficulty in getting ashore, but +once on the streets of Nanpi, they scarcely knew<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> +how to turn. They walked along slowly until they +came to a shipping office, in the window of which +was a sign:</p> + + +<div class="center"> +<table border="1" cellpadding="25" cellspacing="0" summary="sign"> +<tr><td align="left"><i>English Spoken Here.</i></td></tr> +</table></div> + +<p>"I am going in here to ask a few questions," +said Dave, and entered, followed by Phil and +Roger. They found in the office a very stout and +very bald old gentleman, wearing big spectacles.</p> + +<p>"You speak English, I believe," said Dave, +politely.</p> + +<p>"I speak English, and a dozen other languages, +too," said the bald-headed gentleman, peering at +them curiously. "Why—er—how's this?" he +added, to Dave. "Is this some joke? Why did +you shave so clean?"</p> + +<p>"Shave?" repeated Dave. His heart gave a +sudden bound. "Why do you ask that question?"</p> + +<p>"Why, I—er—this is most extraordinary!" +ejaculated the man, still staring at the country +youth. "I don't understand it."</p> + +<p>"Don't understand what?"</p> + +<p>"You look so much like a man I know—a Mr. +Dunston Porter. Maybe he is some relative of +yours?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p> + +<p>"The very man I am looking for!" cried Dave. +"Can you tell me where I can find him?" His +heart was almost in his throat as he asked the +question. Supposing Mr. Dunston Porter had left +Sobago Island for parts unknown?</p> + +<p>"Find him? I think so. He was here yesterday +and said he was going out to the ruins of the +old temple on the Pokali Road. He expected to be +gone all day on the trip. He'll be back to town +by night."</p> + +<p>"Then you'll have to wait, Dave," came from +Phil.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I can't wait!" burst out Dave. "How far +is that old temple from here?"</p> + +<p>"About three miles."</p> + +<p>"Can I hire somebody to take me there? I +want to see Mr. Porter as soon as possible."</p> + +<p>"Certainly; you can get a boy for a few pennies," +answered the bald-headed man. "There is a boy +now who wants a job." And he beckoned to an +urchin who sat on an empty box, eating a banana.</p> + +<p>When the lad came up the man explained in the +native tongue, and soon the party set off, Dave first +thanking the bald-headed man for his kindness.</p> + +<p>To Phil and Roger the walk on the tropical road +was long, hot, and dusty. But Dave was so busy +with his thoughts that he did not notice he was +walking at all. How much the next hour or two +might reveal!<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span></p> + +<p>Presently they came in sight of a ruined pile, +which the native boy pointed out as the old temple. +Dave forged ahead and hurried into the ruins, and +then around to the back. Here, from under some +palms, could be had a fine view of the surrounding +country.</p> + +<p>A hasty glance around revealed to Dave the +form of a man, lying on the grass half asleep. The +country youth hurried forward, gave a good look, +and uttered a little cry, at which the man sat up +suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" asked the man, and then he +began to stare at Dave very hard.</p> + +<p>"Is this Mr. Dunston Porter?" asked Dave, in +a voice he tried in vain to steady.</p> + +<p>"Yes, that's my name. But you——" The man +paused expectantly.</p> + +<p>"I am Dave Porter. I have come about seven +thousand miles to see you."</p> + +<div class="figcenter" style="width: 406px;"> +<img src="images/p274.jpg" width="406" height="600" alt=""I have come about seven thousand miles to see you." +Page 274." title="" /> +<span class="caption">"I have come about seven thousand miles to see you."—<i><a href="#Page_274">Page 274</a>.</i></span> +</div> + +<p>"Dave Porter! Seven thousand miles to see me! +I must be dreaming!" The man leaped to his feet +and came up to Dave. "How is this? Won't you +explain?"</p> + +<p>"I will try, Mr. Porter."</p> + +<p>"They do look exactly alike!" said Phil to +Roger, in a whisper. "What an extraordinary +likeness!"</p> + +<p>"No wonder Billy Dill was startled when he first +met Dave," added the senator's son.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dunston Porter heard the talk and looked at +the others. At this Phil took a step forward.</p> + +<p>"We are Dave Porter's school chums," he explained. +"My name is Phil Lawrence, and this is +Roger Morr."</p> + +<p>"Glad to know you. Did you travel seven thousand +miles to see me, too?" went on the man.</p> + +<p>"Hardly that, but we took the trip with Dave," +answered Roger.</p> + +<p>"He wanted to find the man who looked like +him," continued Phil, for he saw Dave could +hardly speak for his emotion. "And he has found +him. You two look exactly alike—that is, you +would, if your mustache was shaved off."</p> + +<p>"Yes?" Dunston Porter paused. "Is that all?"</p> + +<p>"No! no!" cried Dave, struggling to keep calm. +"I came to—to find out something about myself, if +I could. It's a long story, and I'll have to start at +the beginning. When I was a youngster about +three years old, I was picked up alongside a railroad +track by some farming people. They supposed +I had been put off a train by somebody who +wanted to get rid of me. They asked me my +name, and I said something that sounded to them +like Davy and Dun-Dun and Porter, and so they +called me Dave Porter."</p> + +<p>"Ah!" cried Dunston Porter, and he was all +attention. "Go on."</p> + +<p>"I was taken to the poorhouse, and then went to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> +live with some other folks who were very kind to +me, and one rich gentleman sent me to a boarding +school. While there I helped an old sailor named +Billy Dill——"</p> + +<p>"Billy Dill! Well, I never! Go on, please."</p> + +<p>"He was struck when he saw me—said I was +somebody else with my mustache shaved off, and a +lot more. He finally told me about you, and said +you had told him about a crazy nurse and a lost +child, and so I made up my mind to find you, if I +could, and see if you knew anything about my +past." Dave's lips began to quiver again. "Can +you tell me anything?"</p> + +<p>"I—I—perhaps so." Dunston Porter's voice +was also quivering. "Can you prove this story +about being found near a railroad?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"About thirteen years ago?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"In the eastern part of the United States?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, near a village called Crumville. They say +I said something about a bad man who wouldn't +buy some candy for me. It may be that that man +put me off the train."</p> + +<p>"He did!" almost shouted Dunston Porter. "It +was Sandy Margot, the worthless husband of the +crazy nurse, Polly Margot, you just mentioned. +She took the child and turned the boy over to her +husband. Margot wanted to make money out of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> +the abduction, but, during his travels with the little +one, he learned that detectives were after him, and, +when the train stopped one day, he put the child +off and promised it some candy to keep it from +crying. He got away, and we never heard of him +for about six years. Then he was rounded up in a +burglary and badly wounded. He confessed at +the hospital, but he could not tell the name of the +place where the child had been dropped. We made +a search, but could discover nothing. Margot died, +and so did his crazy wife; and there the whole +matter has been resting."</p> + +<p>"But who am I?" cried Dave, unable to restrain +the question any longer.</p> + +<p>"Oh, you don't know that? I thought Billy Dill +knew. If what you have told me is true, you are +the son of my twin brother, David Breslow +Porter."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span></p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2>CHAPTER XXXII</h2> + +<h3>HOMEWARD BOUND—CONCLUSION</h3> + + +<p>"I am the son of your twin brother?" repeated +Dave, while Roger and Phil listened with intense +interest.</p> + +<p>"Yes," answered Dunston Porter. "He lost his +son exactly as described, and the baby was said to +resemble me very strongly."</p> + +<p>"And where is your brother now?"</p> + +<p>"He is traveling for his health. The last I heard +of him he was in Europe, at one of the well-known +watering places."</p> + +<p>"Is his wife alive?"</p> + +<p>"No, she died years ago. But he has a daughter +with him, Laura—about a year younger than you." +Dunston Porter took Dave's hand. "This is simply +marvelous! I can hardly believe it! My nephew +Dave! Why, it sounds like a fairy tale."</p> + +<p>"It is marvelous, Mr. Por——"</p> + +<p>"Hold on! If we are relatives, you'll have to +call me Uncle Dunston," and the man smiled +pleasantly.</p> + +<p>"Well, then, Uncle Dunston, are my father and +my sister alone in the world?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span></p> + +<p>"They are, excepting for me. We used to have +other brothers, and a sister, but all of them are +dead. I am alone here—an old bachelor."</p> + +<p>"But you used to live with my father, is that +it?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, we were once in business together—owned +a chemical works in New York and another in +Chicago, and we also had some patents for manufacturing +gas by a new process. But both of us +liked to travel around, and so we sold out, and +since that time we have been roaming around the +world, sometimes together, and then again alone, +although he always takes Laura with him, no matter +where he goes. He is afraid to leave her +behind, for fear she will be lost to him just as you +were."</p> + +<p>"Do you know his exact address now?"</p> + +<p>"No; but I think a letter sent to a certain address +in Paris will be forwarded to him. To tell +the truth, I have been out here so long I have partly +lost track of him. He will be amazed to hear +from you, I am sure, and Laura will be surprised, +too."</p> + +<p>"I shall write to him as soon as possible," answered +Dave.</p> + +<p>"Of course! of course! And I will write too," +rejoined Dunston Porter.</p> + +<p>After that, sitting in the shade of the old temple +and the palm trees, Dave and his chums told their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> +story from beginning to end, and then Dunston +Porter related some of his own experiences and told +much more concerning Dave's father and sister +Laura. He said that he and his twin brother +looked somewhat alike, which accounted for Dave's +resemblance to himself. He was glad to add that +both he and his brother were well-to-do, so they +could come and go as they pleased.</p> + +<p>"As you know, I am hunting for a treasure of +pearls and precious stones," said Dunston Porter. +"So far, I have been unsuccessful, but I feel sure +that I shall find them some day. And, even if I +don't, the task of looking for the treasure pleases +me and gives me the chance to visit many of these +beautiful islands of the South Seas."</p> + +<p>The boy who had brought Dave and his chums +to the old temple had been dismissed, and Dunston +Porter took them back to Nanpi, where he had +accommodations in the best public house the place +afforded. Here Billy Dill visited him.</p> + +<p>"Does my heart good to see ye again!" cried the +old tar. "An' ain't it jest wonderful about Dave? +Now stand up, side by side, an' look into thet glass. +As like as two beans, say I!" And Dunston Porter +agreed with him.</p> + +<p>Of course the old sailor had to tell all he knew, +and Dave brought out pictures of Caspar Potts and +the Wadsworths which he had brought along. In +return, Dunston Porter gave Dave pictures of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> +father and his sister Laura. The boy gazed at the +photographs a long while, and the tears filled his +eyes as he did so.</p> + +<p>"Well, there is one thing sure!" he murmured to +Roger. "At any rate, I am no longer a poorhouse +nobody!"</p> + +<p>"That's right, Dave," returned the senator's +son, warmly. "Let me congratulate you. By that +picture, your father must be a nice man, and your +sister is handsome."</p> + +<p>"And to think that they are rich," added Phil. +"That's the best of all."</p> + +<p>"No, the best of all is to find that I belong somewhere +in this world—that I am not a nobody," +answered Dave, earnestly.</p> + +<p>"Won't Nat Poole and Gus Plum stare when +they hear of this!" went on Roger. "I believe it +will really make them feel sore."</p> + +<p>"Ben and Sam and the others will be glad," said +Phil. "And I am sure Doctor Clay will want +to congratulate you. Dave, it paid to take this trip +to the South Seas, after all, didn't it?"</p> + +<p>"I should say it did!" cried Dave. "I shouldn't +have wanted to miss it for the world!"</p> + +<p>For several days Dave felt as if he was dreaming +and walking on air, his heart was so light. The +more the boy saw of his uncle Dunston the more +he liked the man, and Dunston Porter was equally +pleased. Both had long talks regarding the past<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> +and the future, and it was agreed that the man +should return to the United States for the time +being and, instead of hunting for the treasure, trace +up the present address of David Porter, senior, and +Dave's sister Laura.</p> + +<p>"I wish to meet this Caspar Potts, and also the +Wadsworths," said Dunston Porter. "If I can, I +wish to repay them for all they have done for +you."</p> + +<p>"I am sure they will not take any money," +answered the boy. "But they will be glad to meet +you." Later on Dave took his uncle on board +the <i>Stormy Petrel</i>, where Captain Marshall gave +the newly found relative a very enthusiastic welcome.</p> + +<p>The captain of the bark had thought to bring +Jasper Van Blott before the authorities at Nanpi, +but was prevented by an accident, which came close +to terminating fatally and sending the bark up into +smoke and flames. Jasper Van Blott attempted to +break out of the oil closet in the bow of the <i>Stormy +Petrel</i>, and, in so doing, lit a match. This fell on +some oily waste in a corner and, before an alarm +could be given, the former supercargo was seriously +burned, and the whole bow of the bark was on fire. +Jasper Van Blott had to be taken to a hospital, +where it was said he would lose the sight of one eye +and be disfigured for life. Under such circumstances, +it was decided to let the case against him<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> +drop. The damage to the <i>Stormy Petrel</i> was so +serious that the bark had to be laid up for repairs, +and, in such an out-of-the-way place, it was said +these would take a month or six weeks.</p> + +<p>"This has certainly proved to be a strange voyage," +said Roger. "I must say, I don't like the +idea of staying here six weeks. I'd like to get back +home."</p> + +<p>"Just what I say," answered Dave.</p> + +<p>In the port was what is known as a "tramp" +steamer, that is, one picking up any cargo to be +found, from one port to the next. This steamer +had secured a cargo for San Francisco, and was to +sail on the following Saturday.</p> + +<p>"We might secure passage on her," suggested +Dunston Porter, and inside of twenty-four hours it +was arranged that he, with Dave and Roger, should +sail on the steamer. Phil was to remain with Captain +Marshall, to straighten out the mess left by +Jasper Van Blott.</p> + +<p>"But never mind," said the shipowner's son, +when the chums came to separate, "I'll see you +again, sooner or later—and then we'll talk over all +the many adventures we have had."</p> + +<p>Dave and Roger found the accommodations on +the steamer fully as good as those on the bark, and +the voyage to San Francisco passed pleasantly +enough. As soon as the boys went ashore, they +hurried to the post-office, where they found half a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> +dozen letters awaiting them. One, from Ben Basswood +to Dave, interested them greatly:</p> + +<blockquote><p>"You will be glad to learn that Shadow Hamilton +is cleared of the trouble that was laid at his +door," so ran the communication. "Doctor Clay +had somebody set a watch, and, as a consequence, +it has been proved beyond a doubt that Gus Plum +took the stamps from where Shadow placed them +in his sleep. When Plum was accused, he said he +didn't know they were the doctor's stamps. It +seems he needed money, as his father is down in the +world and has cut off Gus' spending allowance. +There was a big row, but the Plum family is hushing +the matter up, and I understand Doctor Clay +has agreed to give Gus one more chance at Oak +Hall."</p></blockquote> + +<p>"It is just like Doctor Clay to give him another +chance," was Roger's comment. "He is as kind-hearted +as any man in the world."</p> + +<p>"If I ever go back to school, I hope I have no +more trouble with Gus Plum," said Dave. But he +did have trouble, of a most peculiar kind, and what +it was will be told in another volume of this series, +to be entitled: "Dave Porter's Return to School; +Or, Winning the Medal of Honor." In this new +volume we shall meet all our old friends once more, +and learn something further of Dave's father and +sister Laura.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span></p> + +<p>Dave did not depend on the mails, but, as soon +as he could, had telegrams flashed to Crumville and +to Doctor Clay, stating he had found an uncle +and soon expected to meet his father and sister. +Then the party of three took a Pullman train for +the East.</p> + +<p>"I can tell you it feels good to get back to the +United States once more," said the senator's son, +as the boys sat by the car window, looking at the +scenery as it glided by.</p> + +<p>"Do you know, it seems an age to me since we +went away," declared Dave. "And yet, it is only +a little over two months!"</p> + +<p>"That is because so much has happened in the +meantime, Dave. It was certainly a remarkable +trip!"</p> + +<p>"And the trip brought remarkable results," said +Dunston Porter, with a quiet smile.</p> + +<p>When Dave arrived at Crumville there was +quite a gathering to receive him and the others. +All the Wadsworths were there, including Jessie, +who rushed straight into his arms, and Caspar +Potts and Ben Basswood.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I am so glad you are back!" cried +Jessie.</p> + +<p>"We are all glad," added Ben.</p> + +<p>"We cannot bear to think of losing you, Dave," +said Mrs. Wadsworth, anxiously. "You have become +very dear to us all."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span></p> + +<p>"You are not going to lose me; that is, not altogether," +answered the boy. "No matter what +happens, I shall never forget all my old friends!"</p> + +<p>And all shook hands warmly. And here, kind +reader, let us take our departure.</p> + +<p>THE END</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>DAVE PORTER SERIES</p> + +<p>By EDWARD STRATEMEYER</p> + +<p class="padbase">12mo Cloth Illustrated $1.50 Net, each</p> + +<p>"Mr. Stratemeyer has seldom introduced a more popular hero +than Dave Porter. He is a typical boy, manly, brave, always ready +for a good time if it can be obtained in an honorable way."—<i>Wisconsin, +Milwaukee, Wis.</i></p> + +<p>"Edward Stratemeyer's 'Dave Porter' has become exceedingly +popular."—<i>Boston Globe.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase">"Dave and his friends are nice, manly chaps."—<i>Times-Democrat, +New Orleans.</i></p> + + +<p class="padbase"> +DAVE PORTER AT OAK HALL<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The School Days of an American Boy</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Strange Cruise of the <i>Stormy Petrel</i></span><br /> +DAVE PORTER'S RETURN TO SCHOOL<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or Winning the Medal of Honor</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER IN THE FAR NORTH<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Pluck of an American Schoolboy</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER AND HIS CLASSMATES<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or For the Honor of Oak Hall</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER AT STAR RANCH<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Cowboy's Secret</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER AND HIS RIVALS<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Chums and Foes of Oak Hall</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER ON CAVE ISLAND<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or A Schoolboy's Mysterious Mission</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER AND THE RUNAWAYS<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or Last Days at Oak Hall</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER IN THE GOLD FIELDS<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Search for the Landslide Mine</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER AT BEAR CAMP<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Wild Man of Mirror Lake</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER AND HIS DOUBLE<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Disappearance of the Basswood Fortune</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER'S GREAT SEARCH<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or The Perils of a Young Civil Engineer</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER UNDER FIRE<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or A Young Army Engineer in France</span><br /> +DAVE PORTER'S WAR HONORS<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Or At the Front with the Fighting Engineers</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt +of price by the publishers</p> + +<p>Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<p>THE LAKEPORT SERIES</p> + +<p>By EDWARD STRATEMEYER</p> + +<p class="padbase">12mo Cloth Illustrated $1.50 Net, each</p> + +<p>"The author of the Lakeport Series, Mr. Edward +Stratemeyer, is well known for his delightful +boys' stories."—<i>Philadelphia Ledger.</i></p> + +<p>"The Lakeport Series, by Edward Stratemeyer, +is the lineal descendant of the better +class of boys' books of a generation ago."—<i>Christian +Advocate, New York.</i></p> + +<p class="padbase">"The Lakeport Series will be fully as popular +as the author's Dave Porter Series."—<i>San Francisco +Call.</i></p> + + +<p class="padbase"> +THE GUN CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Or The Island Camp</span><br /> +THE BASEBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Or The Winning Run</span><br /> +THE BOAT CLUB BOYS OF LAKEPORT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Or The Water Champions</span><br /> +THE FOOTBALL BOYS OF LAKEPORT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Or More Goals Than One</span><br /> +THE AUTOMOBILE BOYS OF LAKEPORT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Or A Run for Fun and Fame</span><br /> +THE AIRCRAFT BOYS OF LAKEPORT<br /> +<span style="margin-left: 12em;">Or Rivals of the Clouds</span><br /> +</p> + +<p>LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., Publishers, Boston</p> + +<div class="bbox"> +<p>Transcriber's Notes:</p> + +<p>Table of Contents, "278" changed to "288"</p> + +<p>Page 193, "preposessing" changed to "<a href="#possess">prepossessing</a>" (far from +prepossessing)</p> + +<p>Page 271, "forcastle" changed to "<a href="#castle">forecastle</a>" (place in the forecastle)</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Dave Porter in the South Seas, by +Edward Stratemeyer + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK DAVE PORTER IN THE SOUTH SEAS *** + +***** This file should be named 34347-h.htm or 34347-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/4/3/4/34347/ + +Produced by Sharon Verougstraete, Curtis Weyant and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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