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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 20:08:28 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/37652-8.txt b/37652-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..79df716 --- /dev/null +++ b/37652-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,9374 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Nameless Island, by Percy F. Westerman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nameless Island + A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes + +Author: Percy F. Westerman + +Release Date: October 7, 2011 [EBook #37652] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NAMELESS ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: Cover art] + + + + + +[Frontispiece: AMID THE CHEERS OF THE BAND OF BRITISHERS THE ENSIGN WAS +BROKEN AT THE MASTHEAD. See page 68] + + + + +THE NAMELESS ISLAND + + +A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes + + + +BY + +PERCY F. WESTERMAN + +_Author of "The Young Cavalier," etc._ + + + + +London + +C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. + +Henrietta Street + +1920 + + + + +_Second Impression_ + + + + +STORIES OF ADVENTURE. + +_UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME_ + +Each Volume contains Eight Full-Page Illustrations by a well-known +Artist + + +The Boys of the Otter Patrol. + +A Tale of the Boy Scouts. By E. Le Breton-Martin. + + +Kiddie of the Camp. + +A Scouting Story of the Western Prairies. By Robert Leighton. + + +Otters to the Rescue. + +A Sequel to "The Boys of the Otter Patrol." By E. Le Breton-Martin. + + +The Clue of the Ivory Claw. + +By F. Haydn Dimmock. + + +'Midst Arctic Perils. + +By P. F. Westerman. + + +The Phantom Battleship. + +By Rupert Chesterton. + + +Kiddie the Scout. + +A Sequel to "Kiddie of the Camp." By Robert Leighton. + + +The Lost Trooper. + +A Tale of the Great North-West. By F. Haydn Dimmock. + + +The Brigand of the Air. + +By Christopher Beck. + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER + + I. THE HURRICANE + II. AGROUND + III. ABANDONED + IV. THE LANDING + V. THE CAMP + VI. THE ANIMAL THAT WOULDN'T BE RESCUED + VII. THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE + VIII. "A SAIL!" + IX. UNWELCOME VISITORS + X. STRANGE ALLIES + XI. THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE + XII. AT BAY + XIII. ELLERTON TO THE RESCUE + XIV. ROUTING THE SAVAGES + XV. A KNIFE-THRUST IN THE DARK + XVI. THE GALE + XVII. BACK TO THE ISLAND + XVIII. A SURPRISE FOR THE INVADERS + XIX. THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE + XX. THE ENEMY IS CORNERED + XXI. THE BUCCANEERS' CAVE + XXII. THE TREASURE CHAMBER + XXIII. "A SAIL! A SAIL!" + XXIV. A FALSE AND A REAL ALARM + XXV. THE GREAT INVASION + XXVI. A GREAT DISASTER + XXVII. THE LAST STAND + XXVIII. THE RESCUE + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was + broken at the masthead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _Frontispiece_ + +Ellerton was only just in time. Another dazzling flash enabled + him to see the helpless form of the crippled seaman + +Andy, finding the bull close to his heels, gripped a rope and + swung himself into a position of comparative safety + +The chief's canoe was paddled slowly towards the shore + +Crash! fair in the centre of the lightly built fifty-feet hull + struck the sharp stem + +"A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed breathlessly + +A huge turtle had crawled across the beach and ... had set the + alarm bell ringing + +With fierce shouts the savages tore down the path straight for + the barricade + + + + +THE NAMELESS ISLAND + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE HURRICANE + +The _San Martin_, a single-screw cargo steamer of 3050 tons, was on her +way from Realejo to Tahiti. Built on the Clyde twenty years back, this +Peruvian-owned tramp was no longer in her prime. Since passing out of +the hands of her British owners, neglect had lessened her speed, while +the addition of various deck-houses, to suit the requirements of the +South American firm under whose house-flag she sailed, had not +increased her steadiness. + +Captain Antonio Perez, who was in command, was a short, thick-set man +of almost pure Spanish descent, swarthy, greasy, and vain--combining +all the characteristics, good, bad, and indifferent, of the South +American skipper. As part owner of the _San Martin_ he was glad of the +opportunity of adding to the vessel's earnings, so he had willingly +agreed to take five passengers as far as Tahiti. + +The five passengers were Mr. McKay, his son Andrew, Terence Donaghue, +Fanshaw Ellerton, and Quexo; but before relating the circumstances in +which they found themselves on board the _San Martin_, it will be +necessary to introduce them to our readers. + +Mr. McKay, a tall, erect Queenslander, of Scottish descent, had, +through the death of a near relative, migrated from Australia to one of +the Central American republics in order to test the possibilities of an +estate which had been left him, before putting it into the market. + +Andrew McKay, or Andy, as he was called, was a well-set-up young fellow +of nineteen, broad-shouldered and straight-limbed, with a fine head +surmounted by a crop of auburn hair. + +Terence Donaghue, the son of an Irish Canadian, was about Andy's age, +and was on a visit to the McKays. He was impulsive both in manner and +speech, high-spirited, and good-natured. + +Fanshaw Ellerton, a lad of sixteen, was supposed to be serving his +apprenticeship on board the _Tophet_, a barque of 2200 tons, of the +port of Liverpool. He was in reality a deserter--but in circumstances +beyond his control. + +Taking advantage of general leave being granted to the crew of the +_Tophet_, Ellerton had gone "up-country," and, before he actually +realised it, he found himself besieged in Mr. McKay's ranch of San +Eugenio. + +One of those revolutions that occur in many of the South Central +American states had broken out, and the rebels, thinking that Mr. +McKay's house and estate would prove an easy and profitable prize, +promptly attempted to take and plunder San Eugenio. + +In spite of a vigorous defence, it seemed as if numbers would gain the +day, till Quexo, a mulatto lad on the ranch, contrived to steal through +the rebels' lines and bring timely aid, but not before Mr. McKay had +been severely wounded. + +But, so far as his Central American affairs were concerned, Mr. McKay +was practically ruined, and he took steps to return to Queensland with +the least possible delay. + +Andy, of course, was to accompany him, while Terence arranged to go as +far as Tahiti, whence he could take steamer to Honolulu and on to +Victoria, British Columbia. + +"Never mind, old chap," exclaimed Andy, when Ellerton made the +startling yet not altogether unexpected discovery that the _Tophet_ had +sailed without him. "We've stuck together through thick and thin these +last few days, and it seems as if we have been chums for years. I know +the governor will be only too glad to have you with us, and no doubt +you can pick up your ship at Sydney." + +Nor did Mr. McKay forget Quexo's devotion; and, to the mulatto's great +delight, he was engaged as servant at the--to him--princely salary of +five dollars a month. + +A fever-stricken coast was no place for a wounded man, hence Mr. +McKay's anxiety to sail as soon as possible; and since ten days or more +would elapse before one of the regular line of steamers left for +Honolulu, passages were booked on the Peruvian tramp steamer _San +Martin_. + + * * * * * + +"What a scratch crew!" remarked Terence, pointing at the swarm of +olive-featured Peruvians who were scrubbing down decks with the aid of +the ship's hose. + +"But even they have one advantage over most of the crews of the +mercantile marine," replied Ellerton. "They are all of one +nationality. Take the _Tophet's_ crew--there are only eight British +seamen before the mast; the rest are Germans, Finns, and Swedes." + +"That is a crying scandal," interrupted Mr. McKay, who was resting in a +deck-chair a few feet from the head of the poop-ladder. "England, the +principal carrier of the world, has to rely upon foreigners to man her +merchant ships. And the reason is not far to seek," he added. + +The _San Martin_ was in the Doldrums. Not a ripple disturbed the +surface of the ocean, save the white wake of the steamer as she pounded +along at a steady nine knots. Overhead the sun shone fiercely in a +cloudless sky. + +"How deep is it here?" asked Terence, leaning over the rail. + +"Do you know, Ellerton?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"No, sir; I had no opportunity of examining a chart." + +"It's approximately three thousand fathoms. Between the Galapagos and +the Marquesas is a vast sunken plateau. Sunlight never penetrates +these great depths; probably all is dark beyond two hundred fathoms." + +"And are there fish or marine animals in the bed of the ocean?" + +"No one knows. Possibly there are some marine animals capable of +withstanding the enormous pressure, for it may be taken for granted +that at three thousand fathoms the pressure per square inch is about +three tons." + +"Is it always calm in the Doldrums?" continued Terence, for he had +never before "crossed the line." + +"Often for weeks at a stretch. What's your experience of these, +Ellerton?" + +"Three weeks with the canvas hanging straight down from the yards. If +you threw anything overboard it would be alongside for days. I can +assure you, Terence, that I am jolly glad we're on board a steamer." + +"How did you get out of it?" continued the young Canadian, eager for +further information. + +"By one of the frequent and sudden hurricanes that spring up in the +belt of the calms; but even that was looked upon as a slice of luck." + +Thus the days passed. Conversation was the chief means of passing the +time, although the lads derived considerable amusement from their +efforts to teach Quexo English. + +Reading was out of the question, for the ship's library consisted of +only a few Spanish books of little interest to Mr. McKay and Andy, +while to Terence and Ellerton they were unfathomable. + +On the evening of the fourth day there was an ominous change in the +weather. + +The sun, setting between high-banked, ill-defined clouds, gave out +bright copper-coloured rays that betokened much wind at no distant +date; while from the south-east a long, heavy swell, although far from +land, gave further indications of change. + +"How is the glass, Captain?" asked Mr. McKay, as Captain Perez emerged +from the companion and began to make his way for'ard to the bridge. + +The captain shrugged his shoulders. + +"Low, seņor. I like it not." + +"What an admission," exclaimed Mr. McKay, as the officer mounted the +ladder. "Fancy a British skipper replying like that! Here, Andy, you +are not shaky on the pins like I am; just present my compliments to +Captain Perez and ask him to tell you how the barometer stands. I'm +rather curious on that point." + +"You appear to have a good knowledge of seamanship, sir," remarked +Ellerton, as young McKay made his way to the bridge. + +"Well, I must confess I have," admitted Mr. McKay. "Years ago I spent +some months on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait; but that's a long +story. Some day, perhaps, I'll tell you more about it." + +"Seven hundred and forty millimetres--a fall of twenty-two millimetres +in eight hours," announced Andy, reading the figures from a slip of +paper, on which he had noted the captain's reply. + +"By Jove!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. "That's equivalent to a trifle over +29.1 inches. We're in for something, especially with that deck cargo," +as he pointed to the towering baulks of mahogany which were stowed +amidships. + +"Are they doing anything for'ard?" he continued. + +"The men are placing additional lashings over the hatchways." + +"Pity they didn't man the derrick and heave some of that stuff +overboard," replied Mr. McKay, eyeing the timber with concern. +"However, it will be dark in another quarter of an hour, so we had +better turn in and get some sleep while we are able." + +It was shortly after midnight when Ellerton awoke, conscious that +something was amiss. He had slept through severe gales in the old +_Tophet_ when she was scudding under close-reefed canvas before the +wind or lying hove-to in a hurricane in Magellan Straits; but there was +something in the peculiar motion of the _San Martin_ that roused his +seaman's instincts. + +It was blowing. He could hear the nerve-racking clank of the engines +as the propeller raced in the air, and the corresponding jar as the +ship's stern was engulfed in the following seas. That was a mere +nothing; it was the excessive heel and slow recovery of the vessel +which told him that things were not as they should be. + +Hastily dressing, he was about to leave the cabin when a hollow groan +caught his ear. It was pitch dark, for the electric lights had failed, +and the after part of the ship was in a state of absolute blackness. + +"What's up, Terence?" + +Terence was like the sufferer on the Channel mail boat. He was past +the stage when he was afraid he might die, and was entering into the +stage when he was afraid he might not. Ellerton had suffered the +agonies of sea-sickness before, so, knowing that the unhappy victim +would prefer to suffer in solitude, he went outside. + +In the alley-way he collided with the second mate, who, clad in +dripping oilskins, was returning from his watch on deck. + +Ere the two could disengage, a heavy list sent them both rolling +against one of the starboard cabins, and, at the same time, Andy, who, +unable to sleep, was on the point of making his way over to Ellerton's +berth, stepped upon the writhing forms and promptly joined them on the +floor of the alley-way. + +A number of choice expressions in English and Spanish, drowned by the +thunder of the "combers" on deck, arose from the struggling trio, till +at length Ellerton disentangled himself and succeeded in pulling his +chum from under the form of the second mate. + +"Isn't it awful, this gale?" gasped Andy, whose right eye was rapidly +closing from the effects of an accidental knock from the Peruvian's +sea-boot. + +"Yes, it's a bit thick," replied Ellerton, whose knuckles were bleeding +through coming into contact with the brass tread of the cabin door. +"But let's follow this chap up and get him to let us have a candle; +then we can see what we are doing." + +As he spoke, a vivid flash of lightning revealed the Peruvian, still in +his wet oilskins, stretched at full length on his bunk, his head buried +in the blankets. He was in a state of absolute funk! + +A swinging candlestick was affixed to the bulkhead, and Ellerton was +soon able to procure a light. Andy glanced at the barometer. The +mercury stood at 715 millimetres (28.15 in.)--a fall of nearly an inch +since six o'clock on the previous evening. + +"Can't we go on deck?" asked Andy, as the _San Martin_ slowly recovered +from a dangerous list. "It's rotten being cooped up here." + +"You would stand a jolly good chance of being swept overboard," replied +Ellerton. "Everything is battened down, and we can only get out by the +sliding hatch communicating with the----" + +His words were interrupted by a succession of heavy thuds, plainly +audible above the roar of the wind and waves, while the shouts of the +frantic seamen showed that something had broken adrift. + +Taking advantage of the lift of the vessel as she threw her stern clear +of a mountainous sea, Ellerton opened the steel sliding doorway +sufficiently wide for the two chums to gain the poop. Staggering along +the slippery, heaving deck, they reached the lee side of the +deck-house, where, gripping the stout iron stanchion-rail, they awaited +the next flash of lightning. + +They had not long to wait. A brilliant, prolonged succession of +flashes dazzled their eyes, the electric fluid playing on the wet +planks and foam-swept waist of the plunging vessel. + +The reason for the commotion was now apparent. One of the mainmast +derricks had broken adrift, and, charging from side to side like a +gigantic flail, had smashed the rail, crushed two steel +ventilator-cowls, and utterly demolished two boats in the davits. + +The crew, trying to secure the plunging mass of metal, were working +with mad desperation, frequently up to their waists in water. + +Two of the unfortunate men, crushed by the sweep of the derrick, had +been hurled over the side, while another, his leg bent under him, lay +helpless in the lee-scuppers, with only a few inches of broken bulwarks +to prevent him from sharing the fate of his comrades. + +"Stand by, Andy!" shouted Ellerton. "Take a couple of turns round this +bollard," and throwing the end of a coil of signal-halliards to his +friend, he made the other end fast round his waist and jumped down the +poop-ladder. + +He was only just in time. Another dazzling flash enabled him to see +the helpless form of the crippled seaman, and as he wound his arms +round the man's waist in an iron grip, a seething cataract of foam +swept the deck. + +[Illustration: ELLERTON WAS ONLY JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER DAZZLING FLASH +ENABLED HIM TO SEE THE HELPLESS FORM OF THE CRIPPLED SEAMAN] + +The ship, stunned by the force of the gigantic billow, listed till her +deck took an angle of 45 degrees, or more. To the young apprentice, +held only by a single turn of the thin signal-halliard, it seemed as if +the ship were already taking her downward plunge, for all round him +surged the torrent of solid water, his position rendered doubly +horrible by the intense blackness of the night. + +Still he held on like grim death to the disabled seaman, the thin rope +cutting into his breastbone like a steel wire. His feet were unable to +find a hold; the last fragment of the bulwarks had vanished, and only +the rope held him and his burden from a prolonged death in the surging +ocean. + +Quivering like an aspen leaf, the stricken vessel slowly resumed an +even keel, and then began the correspondingly sickening list to +windward. + +Another flash revealed the charging derrick whirling over his head; +then, as he felt the rope slacken and himself slipping across the deck, +his hand managed to grasp the foot of the poop-ladder. + +Almost breathless by his exertions, and half suffocated through being +so long under water, Ellerton retained sufficient presence of mind to +clamber up the ladder, Andy assisting his burden by steadily and +strongly hauling on the rope; then, as the _San Martin_ once more began +her sickening roll to leeward, he sank exhausted to the deck, safe +under the lee of the deck-house, with the Peruvian still in his grip. + +That last tremendous breaker had been the means of saving the ship, +though at the time it had threatened to end her career. The dangerous +deck-load of mahogany baulks had been wrenched from its securing +lashings, and had been swept overboard; while the disabled derrick, +coming into contact with the donkey-engine, had snapped off short. + +At the same time the waves had swept four more of the crew to their +last account, and the remainder, exhausted and disheartened by their +misfortunes, had gained the shelter of the fo'c'sle. + +Securing themselves by the rope, Andy and Ellerton--the latter having +passed a bight round the now conscious and groaning seaman--hung on +with desperation. + +From their comparatively sheltered position they could gain occasional +glimpses of the bridge, where Captain Perez, the first mate, and a +couple of seamen stood braving the elements, their sou'-westers just +visible above the top of the canvas storm-dodgers. + +At one moment, silhouetted against the glare of the lightning, their +heads could be seen against a background of wind-torn clouds; at +another the vessel would be so deep in the trough of the waves that the +crests ahead appeared to rise high above the rigid figures on their +lofty, swaying perch. + +"Will it hold?" shouted Andy above the hiss of the foam and the howling +of the wind, as a few tons of water struck the weather side of the +deck-house. + +"I think so," replied Ellerton. "It would have gone before this if +not." + +"Then let's put the man inside. We can then go below and get the +steward or some of the crew to look after him." + +Accordingly they dragged the groaning seaman into the deck-house, and, +wedging him up with cushions to prevent him from playing the part of +Neptune's shuttlecock, they left him. + +Seizing their opportunity, the two friends contrived to gain the +saloon, where they found Mr. McKay, who had succeeded in procuring and +lighting a pair of cabin-lamps. + +"Thick, isn't it?" remarked Andy's father. Then: "What have you +fellows been up to?" for both were wet to the skin, while Andy's eye +was black and green, and Ellerton's forehead was bleeding from a +superficial cut. + +"Oh, nothing much," replied Ellerton modestly. "We were caught in the +tail end of a comber. The deck cargo's gone, though." + +"That's good news," replied Mr. McKay. "Though I fancy the worst is +yet to come. I suppose Captain Perez is steering to the south'ard to +try and avoid the main path of the hurricane?" + +"I haven't had the chance of looking at the compass," replied Ellerton. +"But I must go for'ard and get help for the poor fellow in the +deck-house." + +"What fellow is that?" asked Mr. McKay of his son as the apprentice +disappeared along the darkened alley-way. + +While Andy was relating with whole-hearted praise the story of his +companion's bravery, Ellerton was feeling his way along the narrow, +heaving passage that communicated with the fore part of the ship. + +At length he came to the engine-room hatchway. Down below he could see +the mass of complicated machinery throbbing in the yellow glimmer of +the oil lamps, while the hot atmosphere was filled with a horrible +odour of steam and burning oil. + +Here, at any rate, the men were doing their duty right manfully, for he +could see the engineers, gripping the shiny rails as they leant over +the swaying, vibrating engines, calmly oiling the bearings of the +plunging rods and cranks. The "chief," his eyes fixed upon the +indicators, was alertly awaiting the frequently recurring clank which +denoted that the propeller was racing. For a few moments Ellerton +stood there fascinated, the spectacle of an engine-room in a vessel in +a storm was new to the lad, whose experience of the sea was confined to +a sailing barque. + +Suddenly above the monotonous clank of the piston-rods came a hideous +grinding sound. The cylinders began to give out vast columns of steam, +as the engines ran at terrifying speed. + +Through the vapour Ellerton could discern the "chief," galvanised into +extraordinary alertness, make a rush for a valve, while his assistants, +shouting and gesticulating, dashed hither and thither amid the confined +spaces between the quivering machinery. + +The main shaft had broken, and the _San Martin_ was helpless in the +teeth of the hurricane. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +AGROUND + +For a brief instant Ellerton hesitated; ought he to return to his +friends or make his way for'ard? The _San Martin_, losing steerage +way, was rolling horribly in the trough of the sea; any instant she +might turn turtle. + +There was a rush of terrified firemen from the grim inferno of the +stokeholds; the engineers, having taken necessary precautions against +an explosion of the boilers, hastened to follow their example, +scrambling in a struggling mass between the narrow opening of the +partially closed hatchway. + +Clearly Ellerton had no means of gaining the deck in the rear of that +human press; so lurching and staggering along the alley-way he made his +way aft, where he met Mr. McKay, who, assisted by Andy, was about to go +on deck. Terence, looking a picture of utter misery in the yellow +light of the saloon, and Quexo, his olive skin ashy grey with fear, had +already joined the others. + +"Come on, Hoppy," shouted Andy cheerfully. "Give me a hand with the +governor. Terence, you had better stay here." + +Carefully watching their chance, the two lads managed to help Mr. McKay +to the shelter of the poop deck-house, and they were about to return +for Donaghue and the mulatto when they encountered Captain Perez and +the first mate. Both were in a state bordering on frenzy, the captain +rolling his eyes and calling for the protection of a thousand saints, +while the mate was mumbling mechanically the last compass course, "Sur +oeste, cuarto oeste" (S.W. by W.). + +The cowardly officers had deserted their posts! + +In an instant Fanshaw Ellerton saw his chance--and took it. + +"Stop him, Andy!" he shouted, setting the example by throwing himself +upon the Peruvian skipper. + +The man did not resist; he seemed incapable of doing anything. + +"Don't bother about the other," hissed the apprentice. "Make this chap +come with us to the bridge. I'll be the skipper and he'll be the +figurehead." + +The two chums dragged the captain across the heaving deck, up the +swaying monkey-ladder, and gained the lofty bridge. + +Ellerton glanced to windward. His seamanship, poor though it was, +began to assert itself. The wind was going down slightly, but, veering +to the nor'ard, was causing a horrible jumble of cross-seas--not so +lofty as the mountainous waves a few hours ago, but infinitely more +trying. + +The _San Martin_, swept on bow, quarter, and broadside, rolled and +pitched, the white cascades pouring from her storm-washed decks; yet +Ellerton realised that she possessed a considerable amount of buoyancy +by the way she shook herself clear of the tons of water that poured +across her. + +The wheel was deserted. The steersman, finding that his officers had +fled and that the vessel carried no way, had followed his superior's +example. + +Cowering under the lee of the funnel casing were about twelve of the +crew, including the bo'sun and quartermaster. + +"Tell the captain," yelled Ellerton to his chum, "to order those men to +set the storm staysail, if they value their hides." + +Andy interpreted the order, which the captain, gaining a faint +suspicion of confidence, communicated to the bo'sun. + +The bare chance of saving their lives urged the men into action. +Unharmed, they succeeded in gaining the fo'c'sle, and in less than ten +minutes the stiff canvas was straining on the forestay. + +Gathering way, the _San Martin_, no longer rolling, pounded sluggishly +through the foam-flecked sea. + +Ellerton would not risk setting any canvas aft; he was content to let +the vessel drive. + +"Ask him whether we have plenty of sea room--whether there is any +danger of running ashore during the next hour or so?" + +Andy put the question. + +"No, seņor; there is plenty of sea room." + +That was enough. The apprentice cared not what course he steered, so +long as he kept the waves well on the quarter. When the hurricane was +over they could carry on till they fell in with some passing vessel and +got a tow into port. + +"That's right. Tell him to take his watch below," continued the +apprentice. "And you might get hold of some oilskins, Andy." + +Obediently the skipper left the bridge, and, steeling himself for a +long trick at the helm, Ellerton grasped the spokes of the wheel with +firm hands. + +At length the day broke, and with it a regular deluge of rain, pouring +from an unbroken mass of scudding, deep blue clouds. The rain beat +down the vicious crests, but the sea still ran "mountains high." + +About noon Mr. McKay expressed his intention of joining Ellerton on the +bridge, and assisted by his son he left the shelter of the poop. + +From the foot of the poop-ladder to that of the bridge a life-line had +been rigged to give the protection that the shattered bulwarks no +longer afforded. + +When midway between the two ladders, a roll of the vessel caused Mr. +McKay to lurch heavily towards the rope. His wounded limb proved +unequal to the strain, and falling heavily upon the main rope his +weight broke the lashings that held it to the ring-bolt. Before Andy +could save him, Mr. McKay had crashed against the main hatchway. + +"Hurt?" asked Andy anxiously. + +"I'm afraid so," replied his father, manfully suppressing a groan. "My +leg is broken." + +By dint of considerable exertion the sufferer was taken back to the +saloon, and the ship's surgeon, who had been routed out of his cabin, +pronounced the injury to be a double fracture. + +Ellerton, his whole attention fixed upon keeping the vessel on her +course, had neither observed nor heard the noise of the accident, and +great was his concern when Andy mounted the bridge and informed him of +the catastrophe. + +"I think I can leave the command," he remarked. "No doubt that +yellow-skinned johnny has recovered his nerve by now." + +Five minutes later Captain Antonio Perez gained the bridge. He had +lost his suave, self-confident manner, and his general appearance +showed a change for the better in his moral and physical condition. +Yet, without a word of thanks to the English lad who had saved the +situation, he called up two of the seamen, and placed them at the wheel. + +"He might have been a bit civil over the business," remarked Andy. + +"Poor brute! I dare say he feels his position pretty acutely. I only +hope he won't break down in a hurry," replied Ellerton. + +For the next two days the _San Martin_ fled before the storm, the +trysail keeping her steady and checking any tendency to broach-to. The +wind had increased to almost its former violence on the evening of the +first day, but the vessel was then close on the outer edge of the +storm-path. + +Mr. McKay, who was suffering considerably, bore his injuries gamely, +while Terence, who had recovered from his bout of sea-sickness, began +to take a new interest in life. Quexo, however, still lay on the floor +of the stateroom, refusing to eat or drink, and groaning dismally at +intervals. + +"I reckon he's sorry he followed the Americanos across the wide river +that tastes of salt," said Terence, quoting the Nicaraguan way of +speaking of the sea. "Even I can feel sorry for him." + +"That's a good sign," remarked Andy. "Yesterday you hadn't the pluck +to feel sorry for yourself." + +On the morning of the fourth day of the storm the wind piped down +considerably, and the Peruvian captain ordered the fore and aft canvas +to be set. The engine-room staff also began to take steps to attempt +the temporary repairing of the shafting, and had already removed a +considerable portion of the plating of the tunnel. + +As yet the sky was completely overcast. At noon the officers, sextant +in hand, waited in vain for an opportunity of "shooting the sun." +Where the ship was, no one on board knew, though it was agreed that she +was driven several miles to the south'ard of her proper course. + +The weather began to improve as night drew on. The setting sun was +just visible in a patch of purple sky, showing that fine weather might +be expected from that quarter. The glass, too, was rising; not +rapidly, but gradually and surely. + +"Now for a good night's rest," exclaimed Andy, for throughout the gale +the lads had turned in "all standing." + +But Andy was doomed to be disappointed, for at four bells in the middle +watch (2 a.m.) a sudden crash roused the sleepers from their berths. +The _San Martin_ was hard and fast aground. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +ABANDONED + +Hastily assuring the helpless Mr. McKay that they would soon return and +tell him how things really stood, the three lads rushed on deck. + +It needed no seaman's instinct to tell that the _San Martin_ was +doomed. Scudding before the lessening gale, she had been lifted on the +crest of a huge roller and dropped fairly on the rocks. Her forward +part, trembling under the tremendous blows of the waves, was hard and +fast aground, while her after part, lifting to the heave of the ocean, +assisted, like a gigantic lever, in the destruction of her bows. + +Above the roar of the waves, the howling of the wind, and the +shattering of iron plates, arose the frantic shouts of the crew. + +Already demoralised by their trying experiences in the gale, the last +vestiges of discipline had vanished. In the darkness, for now no +favouring lightning flash came to throw a light upon the scene, the +Peruvian crew rushed madly for the boats, fighting, cursing, +entreating, and imploring the saints. + +For'ard a succession of rapid cracks, as the trysail, having burst its +sheets, was flogging itself to ribbons, added to the din, till the +foremast, buckling close to the deck, crashed over the side. + +"Come on," shouted Andy, and even then his voice sounded faint in the +midst of the terrifying uproar, "let's get the pater on deck." + +Ellerton shook his head. + +"Better stop where he is. What chance do you think these fellows will +have?" and he pointed to the struggling mass of frenzied seamen as they +clambered into the boats. + +Already the cutter, still in the davits, was crowded, the men striving +to swing her clear with oars and stretchers, while others were +scrambling up the boat ladders. + +Round swung the foremost davit. The men who had already climbed into +her began to lower away the boat-falls. A sudden lurch sent the +cutter, already at a dangerous angle, crashing into the ship's side. +The lower block of the foremost fall became disentangled, and, amidst a +chorus of shrieks, the boat swung stern in the air, shooting its human +freight into the surging waters. + +The next instant a huge wave dashed the swaying cutter into matchwood, +the wind drowning the death shouts of a score of hapless victims. + +Heedless of the fate of their comrades, the remainder of the crew made +a headlong rush for one of the quarter boats. Being more to lee'ard, +for the _San Martin_ had struck with the wind on her starboard quarter, +this boat seemed to stand little chance. + +Ellerton could hear the captain's voice, urging the men to swing the +boat clear. The apprentice sprang towards the falls. + +"You are not going to throw away your life, are you?" shouted Andy, +grasping him by the shoulder. + +"No; but I'm going to give those fellows a chance. Stand by that rope, +take a turn round that cleat, and lower when I give the word." + +The last of the Peruvian seamen had scrambled into the boat. Not one +of these cared who was left; all that they knew was that a few remained +to man the falls, but in the darkness they were unaware that it was the +British lads who stayed to help them. + +"Lower!" yelled Ellerton. + +Swiftly the ropes ran through the blocks. The crest of a wave received +the frail boat, and, more by luck than by good management, the seamen +contrived to disengage the falls. Then the oars splashed, and the next +instant the boat was lost to sight in the darkness. + +For a brief instant the chums stood in silence, grasping one of the now +burdenless davits. They were alone--a crippled man, three lads, and a +native boy--upon an abandoned vessel that threatened every moment to +part amidships. + +Where they were they had no possible knowledge. The ship was aground, +but whether on an isolated rock, or, what was more than likely, upon +the edge of an encircling reef, they knew not. They must wait till +daylight--if they were fated to see the dawn of another day--but they +were determined that the anxious period of waiting should not be passed +in idleness. + +Returning to the cabin where Mr. McKay was lying in suspense, awaiting +news of their hazardous position, the lads briefly explained what had +happened during their absence on deck. + +"We must hope for the best," observed the invalid. "And, after that, +we stand a better chance than those in the boat. Even if those poor +fellows escape being dashed to death upon a rock-bound shore, or being +engulfed in the waves, they'll have a terrible time. No water or +provisions, no compass--a thousand tortures before they reach land or +are picked up by a passing craft." + +"I think the seas are getting less heavy," said Andy. "Is it because +the tide is falling?" + +"The tide may have something to do with it," replied Mr. McKay; "though +the rise and fall is barely four feet." + +"Our stern seems to be settling," said Ellerton. "The ship doesn't +appear quite so lively." + +"That may be because the water is pouring into the after-hold," +remarked Andy. + +"In that case the vessel is settling on the bottom; otherwise she would +sink. That's another point in our favour, and it often happens that +there is deep water close to the reef," said the apprentice. "But +let's to work. Terence, you know where the steward's pantry is. Take +a lamp and fetch up as much stuff as you can carry. Andy, will you +please take Quexo with you and bring up a couple of barricoes of water?" + +While they were thus engaged, Ellerton collected five lifebelts, one of +which he proceeded to fasten round Mr. McKay's body. + +"We may want them, sir; but, on the other hand, we may not. In any +case, if there is an island under our lee we had better wear these, +especially if we have to land through the surf." + +"I fancy I shall have some difficulty in getting through the surf," +replied Mr. McKay with a grim smile. + +"Never fear, sir; we'll pull you through," was the determined assurance. + +Presently Andy and the mulatto returned, having found and secured a +supply of the precious fluid. + +"The fore-hold and the engine-room are flooded," reported the former, +"and I think there's a hole on the starboard quarter. But I believe +there's some of the crew up for'ard--I heard them groaning." + +"Let's go and see," replied Ellerton, buckling on a lifebelt and +picking up a lantern. + +"Be careful, lads," cautioned Mr. McKay. + +"Trust us," answered Andy, likewise putting on a belt. "We need not +wait for Terence." + +"Why, it's not half so rough," he continued as they gained the deck, +which had settled to a list of less than ten degrees, and no longer +lifted as the rollers swept past. "See, very few of the waves break +over the ship." + +"It's a bad job those cowardly beggars pushed off," replied Ellerton. +"They would have done better to have waited. But listen!" + +Above the moaning of the wind came the unmistakable sound of a groan. + +"It's down there," exclaimed Andy, pointing to a battened-down hatchway. + +"There's no harm in opening it now," replied his companion, casting off +the lashings and unbolting the heavy iron slide. "Now, then, down you +go." + +Andy, holding the lantern well behind his head, slowly descended, but +at two steps from the bottom of the ladder his feet encountered water. +At the same time a deafening bellow echoed in the confined space. + +"Great snakes!" he exclaimed, "it's an ox!" + +"Poor brute, it's nearly drowned, and half starved into the bargain. +And here is a pen full of sheep. I wonder where they keep the fodder?" + +"Here's some pressed hay," announced Andy after a short examination. +"And I don't think the salt water has touched it." + +"Throw some down in that corner," continued his companion, pointing to +a part of the flat that the sea, by reason of the ship's list, had not +reached. "We'll let the brutes loose; they can't do much damage." + +"Now set to, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when they returned to the +saloon, and found Terence with a regular store of provisions--the loot +of the steward's pantry. "Make a good meal, for our future movements +are uncertain." + +"It will be light in another hour," remarked Andy. + +"And the sea's going down," chimed in the apprentice. + +"And our spirits are rising," added Terence. + +"You speak for yourself, Terry, my boy," replied Andy, laughing. "Your +spirits were low enough a few days ago." + +All hands set to with a will, for even Quexo had recovered his former +appetite. + +"This storm has lasted longer than usual," remarked Mr. McKay. "It was +of more than ordinary severity. Still, I've known similar instances, +and within three hours of the height of the hurricane the wind has died +away to a flat calm." + +"Then we shall be able to take to the boat almost immediately after +daylight." + +"Is there one left?" + +"Two. I think one is stove in, but the other seems sound." + +"A long voyage in an open boat on the ocean is no light matter," +replied Mr. McKay. "If we were in the latitude of the Trades the task +would be easier; but here we are, I imagine, in a zone of calms +alternating with violent hurricanes. The best thing we can do is to +land on the island--if we are near one, as I firmly believe is the +case--and bring ashore as many of the ship's stores as we can. Then, +if not sighted by any passing craft, we can set to work and deck in one +of the boats, provision her, and shape a course for the nearest trading +station. By the time the boat is ready I trust I shall be firmer on my +feet." + +"Do you hear that, Quexo?" asked Andy. "You may be ashore in a few +hours." + +Quexo grinned approvingly. He had had enough of the sea. + +"Don't build up his hopes too high," continued Mr. McKay. "Even if the +weather continues fine, it may be days before we can effect a landing." + +"Why?" + +"Because after these hurricanes, although the open sea is comparatively +calm, a heavy ground swell sets in on shore. A boat would certainly be +capsized, unless there happens to be a shelter formed by a barrier reef +of coral. But now, up on deck. It will be daylight in less than ten +minutes." + +Eagerly the lads ran up the companion, and what a sight met their gaze +as the tropical day quickly mastered the long hours of darkness! + +The _San Martin_ lay on the outer edge of a long, level reef of coral, +against which the surf still hammered, throwing up clouds of white +spray. + +Less than fifty yards from the port quarter was a gap in the barrier, +giving entrance to the lagoon. The doomed ship had missed the opening +by half her own length. + +She lay with her bows pointed diagonally towards the reef. Her funnel +and foremast had gone by the board, while she showed unmistakable signs +of breaking in two, for her bow and stern had "sagged" till amidships +her port side was flush with the water, while, correspondingly, her +starboard side, owing to the ship's list, was but five feet higher. + +But it was neither the ship nor the reef that attracted the castaways' +attention. Barely a quarter of a mile away was an island, rugged and +precipitous, the highest point towering a thousand feet above the level +of the ocean. + +In several places the ground sloped towards the sea, the valley being +thickly covered with luxuriant foliage, while for a distance of nearly +a mile was a strand of dazzling whiteness, upon which the sheltered +waters of the lagoon lapped as gently as the ripples of a mill pond in +a summer's breeze. Elsewhere, so far as could be seen, the rocks rose +sheer from the sea. + +"Any sign of the boat?" asked Andy. + +"No; but I'll get a glass," replied Ellerton, and swarming up the +stanchion of the bridge--for the ladder had been swept away--he gained +the chart-house. + +From his elevated position he swept the shore with the telescope, but +no trace of the boat was to be seen. Neither, so far as he could +judge, was the island inhabited. + +On rejoining his comrades, the young apprentice next directed his +attention to the two remaining boats. One, a gig, was, as he had +surmised, stove in, three of the planks being shattered. For the time +being she was useless, though, he reflected, she might be patched up at +some future date. + +The other, a 23-ft. cutter, was still secured to the boat-booms, and +was practically uninjured. Her size and weight would, he knew, be a +severe drawback when the time came to hoist her outboard. + +"I vote we bring your pater up on deck, Andy," said he. "We must have +him out of the saloon sooner or later. The sooner the better, I think, +because he can, if we place him on a pile of cushions close to the +break of the poop, direct operations." + +It was a long and tedious task. Mr. McKay was no featherweight, and +his injured limb had to be carefully handled. Moreover, the companion +ladder was steep and narrow. + +At length Ellerton solved the difficulty by procuring one of the men's +mess tables, nailing a strut to one end, against which the victim +steadied himself by his sound leg while he was stretched at full length +on the board. On this improvised sleigh four pairs of strong arms +dragged the patient up the steep stairway and on to the poop deck. + +"What do you think of that, sir?" asked Ellerton, pointing to the +island of refuge. "Isn't it superb?" + +"It is," assented Mr. McKay. "I hope we'll find it so, for we will +have to throw ourselves upon its hospitality for a few weeks." + +"Do you know its name, sir?" continued the apprentice. + +"No; has it one?" was the astonished reply. + +"The Nameless Island," announced Ellerton. "Now, lads, three cheers +for the Nameless Island!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE LANDING + +This burst of high spirits showed how light-hearted the castaways were +in the face of difficulties, for what lay before them and how they were +to reach the island required all their powers of thought and action. + +"How do you propose to get the cutter over the side?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"By means of one of the derricks," replied Ellerton promptly. + +"Quite so; but where is the power required to turn the winches to come +from? We've no steam at our command, you know, and these winches are +not adapted to manual power." + +The apprentice's face clouded; he thought for a few minutes, then-- + +"We can top one of the derricks and rig up a tackle, sir." + +"Good!" replied Mr. McKay. "But what is the weight of the boat?" + +"Ours on the _Tophet_ weighed twelve hundredweight; this one is about +the same size." + +"Then rig a gun tackle, and the four of you will manage the job, I +think." + +Accordingly two large double blocks were obtained and the rope rove +ready for use. One of the blocks was secured to the cud of the +derrick, which was then hoisted to an angle of about forty-five +degrees. This took time, but at length everything was ready for the +crucial test. + +"Now, all together!" + +The three lads and the mulatto tailed on to the rope. The blocks +squeaked as the strain began to tell; the cutter began to lift, +then--crash! + +Flat on their backs fell the four lads; high in the air jerked the +disengaged lower block. The slings to which it had been fastened had +snapped. + +Slowly the victims regained their feet, Andy rubbing a tender portion +of his anatomy, Terence gasping for breath, for Andy's head had +well-nigh winded him. Ellerton was clapping his hands to a rapidly +rising bump on the back of his head, while Quexo, whose skull was as +hard as iron, was hopping all over the deck, rubbing his shins, that +had saved the apprentice's head at the mulatto's expense. + +"Try again, boys!" shouted Andy. "Everything on board this blessed +craft seems rotten!" + +A new span was placed in position, and the tackle again manned, and +this time their efforts were crowned with success. The cutter rose +slowly in the air, till it hung fire five feet above the shattered +bulwarks. + +"Belay, there! Man the guy-rope!" + +The derrick swung outboard, till the cutter was poised above the water +and well clear of the sloping sides of the hull. + +"Lower away handsomely." + +Slowly the boat dipped, till at length she rode, sheltered under the +lee of her stranded parent, upon the bosom of the ocean. + +"Capital!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, as his son swarmed down the rope, +disengaged the tackle, and allowed the cutter a generous length of +painter. + +Then the work of loading her was begun. It was decided that for the +first trip nothing more than was absolutely necessary for immediate use +was to be taken, until it was settled where their camp was to be fixed, +and whether the island had any inhabitants. + +"A small barrico of water will be sufficient, though I am certain there +are springs amongst those trees," said Ellerton. His sense of +responsibility was hourly increasing. "A barrel of flour, some tinned +goods, canvas and rope for a tent." + +"Not forgetting hatchets, knives, and firearms," added Mr. McKay. + +"Firearms?" + +"Aye; one never knows how the natives--if there be natives on the +island--will greet us. Most of the Pacific Islanders are fairly +peaceable, thanks to missionary enterprise and the fear of a visit from +a warship; yet cannibalism still exists. I have known instances of the +crews of small 'pearlers' being treacherously surprised, killed, and +eaten. So get hold of the arms; you'll probably find the key of the +captain's cabin in the chart-house; if not, burst open the door." + +Ellerton departed upon his errand, and presently returned with the news +that there was no trace of the key. "Here is a sextant and a bundle of +charts, however," he added. "They are bound to be useful, although I +cannot understand the meaning of the depths on the chart." + +"They are in 'brazas,' equal to about five and a half English feet. +But, as you say, the charts will be of extreme importance to us." + +"Come on, Terence, let's burgle the captain's cabin," exclaimed +Ellerton, laying hold of a hatchet. + +Soon the sound of blows was heard, followed by the splintering of wood, +and the two lads returned literally armed to the teeth. + +Each had a couple of rifles slung across his back; Terence carried half +a dozen revolvers in his arms and a sheath-knife between his teeth, +while Ellerton staggered beneath the weight of several belts of ball +cartridges and a box of revolver ammunition. + +"There's more to come; the place is like a regular armoury," explained +Terence. + +"That's somewhat unusual," replied Mr. McKay. "Most captains keep +firearms of a kind in their cabins. I strongly suspect that those arms +were to be sold to some South American insurgents. They are much too +good for bartering with the South Sea Islanders. Nevertheless, I'm +right glad we have been able to arm ourselves thoroughly, as I expected +we should have to be content with a couple of pistols between the lot +of us." + +The work of loading the boat proceeded briskly, till the strictly +limited quantity of gear was carefully stowed under the thwarts. Then +came the question, how were they going to transport the crippled Mr. +McKay to the shore? + +"Hoist me over by the derrick, of course," replied he. "A couple of +rope spans round the plank and their bights slipped over the hook of +the lower block, and the trick's done." + +Ellerton and Terence thereupon slipped down a rope into the boat and +carefully guided the swaying mess table and its helpless burden on to a +couple of the after thwarts. This done, they were joined by Andy and +Quexo, and, shipping the heavy ash oars, they pulled clear of the ship. + +The first fifty yards meant hard and careful rowing, for directly they +were beyond the shelter of the stranded vessel they felt the full force +of the rollers as they dashed against the coral reef, barely a boat's +length to lee'ard. + +Once, indeed, it seemed as if the cutter were bound to be swept upon +the rocks; but by dint of the utmost exertions of her crew, the boat +surely and slowly drew away from the influence of the rollers. + +"My word, that was a narrow squeak!" exclaimed Andy, wiping his face, +from which the perspiration ran freely. "I thought we were going to be +capsized that time." + +"It doesn't say much for the chances of those poor fellows last night," +replied Ellerton. "They must have dropped smack on top of the reef." + +"We'll soon find out," said Mr. McKay. "You see, they were immediately +to lee'ard of the ship, and it was high water at the time. If they +survived, we'll find them ashore right enough." + +"But I saw no sign of the boat when I looked through the glass." + +"That may be because there is a creek or cove that is invisible from +the ship. Being directly to wind'ard, we are bound to find either the +men or the remains of the boat." + +"The ship is sitting up well," remarked Andy, for, the tide having +dropped nearly six feet--it had been abnormally high by reason of the +terrific wind--they could see the top of one of her propeller blades. +"Do you think she'll stay there?" + +"It certainly doesn't seem as if she is likely to slip off into deep +water, but we cannot say for certain. The first fine day there's +little or no swell we'll sound all round her. Now, give way, lads." + +The rowers resumed their oars, and the boat, passing through the narrow +gap in the reef, gained the shelter of the lagoon. + +"Fine, isn't it?" exclaimed Terence enthusiastically, as he rested on +his oar and gazed into the clear depths of the tranquil water. "Won't +we be able to have some bathes?" + +"You'll have to be careful if you do," remarked Mr. McKay. "There are +bound to be sharks about." + +He did not think it advisable to call the lads' attention to a +commotion in the water a few hundred yards in front of the boat. From +his inclined position he could see ahead, while the rowers had their +backs turned in that direction. His keen eyes had detected the +sinister dorsal fin of not one, but many sharks, all cutting towards +one spot. There could be but little doubt of the fate of the Peruvian +seamen. + +The noise of the approaching oars disturbed the huge monsters, and they +darted off to the shelter of the rock-strewn floor of the lagoon. + +Unaware of the tragedy, the lads urged the boat almost over the fatal +spot, and five minutes later the cutter's forefoot grounded on the +sandy beach. + +"Terence, I want you and Quexo to stay in the boat," said Ellerton, +after the survivors had, by a common impulse, knelt down and returned +thanks to Divine Providence for their escape. "Keep her stern from +slewing round, so that we can push off in a hurry. Andy and I are +going to explore." + +And, buckling on a revolver and an ammunition belt, and grasping a +rifle in his hand, Ellerton took a flying leap over the bows and +alighted on the sand. + +The lads found themselves on the shore of a small bay, its extremities +bounded by two towering cliffs, that rose sheer from the lagoon. That +to the left was not less than five hundred feet in height, while the +other was but slightly lower. Midway between these impassable +boundaries the land sloped abruptly to the beach, and was thickly +covered with cocoanut palms. + +"Keep your weather eye lifting, Andy," cautioned Ellerton, who had +taken the precaution of charging both the magazine of his rifle and the +chambers of his revolver. + +It was an unnecessary warning, for Andy was an infinitely better scout +than his companion; still, it showed that Ellerton was fast adopting +the manner of life required in a wild and unsettled country. + +Skirting the edge of the wood, the lads kept a vigilant look-out for +any traces of human agency, but nothing was visible. + +Presently they came to a small stream, which, trickling down the steep +hillside, was lost in the sand. + +"There'll be no lack of fresh water," exclaimed Andy thankfully, for he +knew the value of that precious fluid. "But, I say, isn't everything +quiet?" For, save the babbling of the brook and the distant roar of +the breakers on the reef, there was an unaccustomed silence. Not a +bird sang in the groves, not an animal rustled the thick undergrowth. + +"I think we may take it for granted that the island is uninhabited--at +least, this part," said Andy, as they completed their walk along the +shores of the bay. "Otherwise, there's almost sure to be a beaten +track to the shore." + +"It doesn't promise much for the boat's crew," answered Ellerton. +Then, with an exclamation of surprise, he shouted: "Look! What's that?" + +Lying on the sand a few feet from the water's edge was a mournful relic +of the unfortunate boat, her back-board bearing the words _San Martin_. +A little farther they found an oar. + +"There were two boats, remember," said Ellerton. "And one we know was +capsized." + +"I vote we explore the next bay," exclaimed Andy. "There's no suitable +clearing here for a camp, and felling trees takes time; so let's get +back to the boat." + +"Well?" asked Mr. McKay on their return. + +"We must push off and land on the other side of the cliff," said his +son. "There may be a better site for our tent. It's too steep and +densely wooded here." + +"Any signs of the crew?" + +"Only part of their boat." + +"I feared as much," replied Mr. McKay. + + * * * * * + +"This looks more promising," exclaimed Andy enthusiastically, as the +boat slowly rounded the northernmost of the two cliffs. + +Here the land sloped less abruptly towards the lagoon, while in places +there were terraces almost bare of trees. In the background towered a +range of mountains whose rugged sides gave the appearance of being +unclimbable, while on either hand of the bay rose lofty cliffs. + +The beach, too, was better adapted for landing purposes than where they +had first touched, consisting of sand interspersed by ledges of rocks +jutting seawards, thus forming convenient natural jetties. + +"This will do admirably," said Ellerton, pointing to a narrow cove +betwixt the ledges. "There's sand at its head, so there's no fear of +the boat being damaged." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE CAMP + +Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, +even bottom. + +The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour. On either hand +the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored +alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while +the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's +gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide. + +"I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," +said Andy. "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any +more than yonder bay." + +"Say, Andy," exclaimed Terence, "isn't it about time I had a spell +ashore?" + +"All right, Terence," replied Ellerton. "You go with Andy and take +Quexo; I'll stay with Mr. McKay." + +"Thanks, Hoppy," replied Terence, and without further ado he jumped +ashore. + +"Here, take this rope and make her stern fast before you go," said +Ellerton. "And you, Andy, stand by with the painter." + +"Where shall I make fast to?" asked Terence. "This rock is as smooth +as a table." + +"See if there's a lump of rock on the other side." + +Terence crossed the landing-place, holding the rope's-end in his hand. +Suddenly he shouted: + +"Come here, you fellows! Here's a boat!" + +There was a rush to where Terence stood, while even Mr. McKay raised +himself on his elbow, eager to hear the news. + +Lying bottom upwards on the sandy shore was the ill-fated boat in which +the last of the crew attempted to reach the shore. Her bows were +considerably damaged, while amidships a portion of her keel and both +garboards had been stove in, leaving a jagged hole nearly two feet in +diameter. + +Four or five oars lay on the shore within a few feet of the boat, but +there were no signs of the hapless crew; the sand above high-water mark +was innocent of footprints. + +"They are drowned, sure enough," said Andy sadly. + +Alas! though they did not know it, the fate of the crew was far more +terrible. Holed on the outer reef, the boat, rapidly filling, had been +swept into the lagoon, where the waves, though high, were not so +terrific as outside the coral barrier. + +Well it was that the watchers on the wreck heard not the awful shrieks +as the sharks fought for and seized their helpless prey. + +Ellerton returned to the cutter to inform Mr. McKay of their discovery, +while the others set off to explore. + +In less than an hour they were back, and reported that there were no +signs of human habitation, although the shore was strewn with the +remains of the first boat that left the wreck, including most of the +oars, gratings, also a quantity of timber, presumably from the +shattered decks of the _San Martin_. + +"But we've found a fine place to pitch the tent," continued Andy. "You +see the second terrace? Well, at the extreme right is a steep ravine. +The other two sides are enclosed by a wall of rock, while on this side +there is a natural path, although you can't distinguish it from where +we are." + +"That sounds all right," said his father. "But how are we to get the +gear up there--including the useless lump of animated clay in the shape +of myself?" + +"I hadn't thought of that," replied Andy. + +"We must find a more convenient spot at first," continued Mr. McKay. +"Then, when we have landed all the gear from the ship that we can +possibly manage to move, we can devise some means of setting up a more +substantial dwelling on the terrace you mention. Now, if you will +please carry me ashore, you can proceed to unload the boat." + +In spite of the adaptable jetty, the work of getting Mr. +McKay--crippled as he was--on shore was no easy task. The patient bore +the discomfort gamely, uttering a heartfelt sigh of relief as the lads +set the improvised stretcher down in the shade of a thin grove of +cocoanut palms. + +"How far away is the stream--I think you mentioned there was a stream +in the bay?" asked Ellerton. + +"Less than a hundred yards away. It's very clean, but not so full as +the one we found," replied Andy. + +"Then let's set up the tent. This place will do for a day or two at +least." + +The chosen site consisted of soft springy turf, sloping very gradually +towards the lagoon. In the background was a wall of rock, about forty +feet in height, forming the limit of the next terrace, while on either +hand the trees served as an efficient screen from all winds save those +blowing from the sea. + +By the aid of their axes the lads felled five young palms, and soon +stripped them of their heads. Four of the trunks were then lashed in +pairs, and set up with guy-ropes at a distance of about fifteen feet +apart, and one end of the fifth pole was placed over the crutch formed +by one of the pairs. + +This done, Ellerton swarmed up the other pair of poles and fastened a +small pulley to the extremity of one of them. A rope was passed +through the block, one end being lashed to the lower part of the fifth +pole that rested on the ground. + +"Haul away, lads!" he shouted. + +And the pole, lifted into a horizontal position, was quickly placed +between, thus forming the ridge of the tent. + +One of the fore and aft sails was then thrown over the ridge pole and +its end pegged down; while to make doubly sure, the lads piled stones +and sand upon the ends of the canvas. Filling in the back and front of +the tent with portions of another sail took an hour's steady work, and +the dwelling was then pronounced ready for occupation. + +The box of ammunition, the rifles, bread cask, and water-beakers were +neatly stowed against the afterpart of their dwelling, till, on Mr. +McKay's suggestion, a low barricade was erected close to the flap of +the tent. Then pieces of canvas were cut and laid down to serve as +beds, the cripple having the use of the cushions that had been brought +ashore. + +"I don't see why we should sleep on the hard ground," remarked Terence. +"Of course, we have been used to it, but, after sleeping in a +comfortable bunk, we are bound to feel the difference. So let us cut a +number of small trees and fasten the strips of canvas to them like a +stretcher." + +This was accordingly done, the beds being raised from the ground by +means of two stout planks lashed to short uprights driven firmly into +the earth. + +"There we are, all in a row," exclaimed Terence, as they surveyed the +result of their labour with evident satisfaction. + +"Now, Quexo," said Andy, "go down to the beach and gather as much +driftwood as you can carry. And, Hoppy, you start opening that tin of +beef there, and I'll slice up the bread. But----" + +"What?" exclaimed Terence and Ellerton. + +"We are a set of donkeys! We haven't brought a pot or a kettle ashore +with us." + +"Boil the water in the beef-tin," said Ellerton. + +"Spoil the coffee," objected Andy. + +"Either that or nothing. But how about a light? Has anyone any +matches?" + +More disappointment. Terence suggested using the object glass of the +telescope as a burning glass, but the sun was low in the heavens; Andy +was for sprinkling some powder on a heap of dry leaves and firing it by +means of a blank cartridge; while Ellerton vaguely remembered that fire +might be obtained by rubbing two pieces of dry wood together. + +"Have you ever tried to make a blaze that way?" asked Mr. McKay. "I +don't think you would succeed. Savages can do the trick, I know, but +I've never seen a white man obtain fire by that means. I would have +suggested flint and steel. We have plenty of steel, only, +unfortunately, flints are as scarce as diamonds on this island, I +fancy. However, now you have exhausted your brains over the problem, +allow me to assist you. Andy, put your hand in the inside pocket of my +coat and you'll find my metal match-box. + +"Now you are satisfied," he continued, as his son produced the required +article. "The fact of the matter is, you were all in such a hurry to +get ashore that you never gave a thought to the things most urgently +required. Lucky for you, my lad, you've a father to think for you. +Now will you please empty that case of biscuits? I am afraid some +spray splashed over it, and in time the salt will make the biscuits +soft." + +Andy did as he was requested, but a moment later he uttered an +exclamation of surprise, for on opening the lid he discovered a kettle, +saucepan, and coffee-pot, knives, forks, and spoons, while wedged in +between the metal articles were bottles containing salt, pepper, +vinegar, and several useful drugs in tabloid form. + +"I say, pater, you are----" + +"Merely one who has learnt by experience the value of forethought. +While you were busy on deck I sent Quexo to gather these things and +stow them in a box." + +Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by a series of shrieks. The +lads seized their rifles and rushed to meet the mulatto, whose face was +livid with fear. + +"A caiman is after me, seņor," he shouted in his native tongue. + +"Nonsense," replied Andy; then turning to his companions he explained +that the mulatto had declared that an alligator had run after him. + +"It's impossible," he added. "However, we'll see what's frightened +him." + +On emerging from the edge of the wood that had obstructed their view of +that part of the bay where Quexo had been to gather dry sticks, the +lads burst into a roar of laughter. Sedately waddling over the sand +was a huge turtle. + +"Follow me, Hoppy," exclaimed Andy. "Get between him and the sea; we +can't afford to lose this chance." + +Finding its retreat cut off, the turtle began to throw up showers of +sand with its flippers, but Andy rushed it, and, seizing one of the +creature's horny limbs, strove to capsize the reptile. + +The task was beyond him; even with the aid of his two chums he could +not raise the shell-clad creature from the sand. + +"Get hold of an oar and one of the empty tubs," he exclaimed +breathlessly. "You go, Terence. Hoppy and I will prevent the turtle +getting away." + +Presently Terence returned with the desired article, and using the oar +as a lever the three lads succeeded in turning the turtle on its back, +when Andy, with a dexterous sweep of his knife, cut the animal's throat. + +"Hurrah! Turtle steak to-morrow, pater!" he shouted on their return to +the camp. + +Quexo gathered up the firewood that he had dropped in his flight, and +as darkness set in, a roaring fire was kindled, and a gorgeous supper +eaten. + +Then, ere the last dying embers had ceased to glow, Terence, who had +volunteered to keep the first two hours' watch, shouldered his rifle +and took up his position in the shelter of the neighbouring palm-trees. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE ANIMAL THAT WOULDN'T BE RESCUED + +No unusual incident marked the castaways' first night on the island. +Guard was relieved with the utmost regularity, while the weary watches +were spent in gazing at the exterior of the tent and listening to the +regular breathing of its four inmates. + +At length the day broke, and the camp became the scene of activity. + +Breakfast over, there was a rush to the boat; Quexo, however, remaining +with the injured Mr. McKay. + +The weather showed every indication of remaining fine, a light +south-easterly breeze--a part of the regular trade-wind--blowing off +shore, while not a cloud was visible in the dark blue sky. + +"We must make two trips to-day," observed Andy, as they pushed off from +the little natural dock. "Yesterday the clouds kept the sun's rays +from us, but to-day we will not be able to work during midday." + +"Honestly, I don't feel like work," remarked Terence, stifling a yawn. + +"I suppose there is some excuse for you, seeing you did two turns of +sentry-go last night," replied his friend. "Still, this is an +exceptional time, and we must set to work with a will. Can we get over +the reef, do you think, Hoppy?" + +"We had better stick to the channel," replied Ellerton. "You see, we +don't know the actual depth, and there is a slight swell on. We'll +board on the port quarter, so as to get between the ship and the reef." + +The lads plied their oars steadily yet without undue exertion, and in +less than half an hour from the time of leaving the shore they ran +alongside the stranded _San Martin_. + +Ellerton's first care on boarding the wreck was to supply fresh water +and food to the animals. To get them safely ashore was a difficult +problem, for the ox was an unwieldy brute to ship aboard the cutter, +while it was equally risky to let it swim ashore on account of the +presence of numerous sharks. The sheep could be trussed up and laid +upon the bottom boards. + +Andy and Terence at once made for the provision-room, and returned +laden with flour, salt beef, tinned goods, and some small chests of +pressed tea. These articles they placed on deck close to the entry +port and proceeded to procure more. + +Ellerton, having attended to the live stock, made a thorough +exploration of the after cabins and staggered on deck looking like a +second-hand wardrobe dealer, for he realised the necessity of having a +good supply of clothing. Then a huge pile of bedding, including +waterproof sheets, blankets, and pillows, was added to the already +large collection of plunder. + +"I think this lot will be sufficient for one trip," remarked Andy. + +"We may as well take the rest of the navigating instruments," replied +Ellerton, "and, what is also necessary, the carpenter's chest." + +"Capital," replied his chum. "That will, of course, come in handy; but +won't we require it on board?" + +"There are enough tools for work both ashore and on board," said +Ellerton. "I've seen to that. But I should like to get the animals +off." + +"The ox?" + +"If possible. Otherwise we must kill it and bring the carcase ashore +piecemeal." + +Andy thought for some moments. He, too, realised the danger of the +animal being devoured by sharks. Dead or alive, the ox would be far +more useful to the castaways. + +"How are we going to get the brute on deck?" asked Terence. + +This was a poser, for with the fall of the foremast the derricks for +working the fore-hold had also been carried away. + +"We must rig up a pair of sheer-legs," observed Ellerton. + +"Well? How are we to pass a sling round the brute's body?" + +"That's as easy as pie; the beast is quiet enough." + +"Then you take the job on, Hoppy; I'd rather not. So let's look sharp +with the sheer-legs; there's plenty of tackle to hoist the creature +with." + +The work of making the early preparations proceeded without a hitch, +then Ellerton commenced his particular part of the operations. + +By the aid of a lantern which he hung from the deck-beams, the +apprentice descended once more to the partially submerged hold. +Holding a stout canvas sling, with a rope ready to haul tight the +moment the lifting gear was in position, Ellerton climbed over the +partition of the stall. + +The animal, now refreshed by its food and drink, had lost its docile +manner, and eyed the intruder with no friendly spirit. Possibly it +thought the youth was one of the brutal Peruvian cattle-drivers. If +so, there was some excuse for its action, for lowering its head the +brute tossed the apprentice right over the wooden partition, landing +him squarely in the midst of the startled sheep in the adjacent pen. + +"Aren't you nearly ready?" asked a voice from above. + +Ellerton sat up. He was beginning to feel pain in more than one part +of his anatomy. The task of tackling an apparently inoffensive ox was +not going to be quite so easy as he imagined. + +"Come and bear a hand," he replied. "The brute is getting vicious." + +Andy thereupon descended into the semi-gloom of the hold. + +"Be careful," continued the apprentice. "He nearly bumped my head +against the deck-beams; as it was, I had a flight through space." + +"Then I'm not going to pass a sling round him," said Andy. "We'll +lasso him just behind the horns." + +This was done, but then came the difficulty: how were they to release +the animal from the stall and drag it to the hatchway? + +"Look here," explained Andy, "I'll take this end of the line on deck, +wind it on to the tackle, and heave taut. Then we'll unship this +ladder and you can unfasten the front of the stall." + +"Then what happens to me?" objected Ellerton. + +"Oh, you can make a bolt to the fore end of the hold and stay there +till Terence and I haul the brute on deck. Then we'll re-ship the +ladder and you can get out." + +Ellerton had his doubts, but he followed his companion's counsel. +Directly there was a strain on the lasso, he threw open the door of the +stall and rushed for the shelter of the sheep-pen. + +Bellowing lustily, and contesting every inch of the way, the animal was +slowly dragged towards the hatch, to the accompaniment of a lusty +"Heave-ho!" from the two youths on deck. + +Terence watched the operation with considerable misgiving, expecting +every moment to see the rope part and to find himself confronted by the +infuriated brute. + +Slowly the animal was forced across the floor of the hold, then its +ponderous carcase rose, kicking and plunging, in the air. + +As the animal appeared above the coaming, the light of day +revealed--not a mild ox, but an unusually sturdy specimen of an +Andalusian bull! + +"Belay there, and lower away the after guy!" shouted Andy, "or he'll +drop down the hatch again when we let go." + +Terence hastened to obey; but, allowing the sheers to incline too far +forward, the infuriated animal's legs touched the deck. + +Instantly the brute made a wild rush, the lassoo parted like pack +thread, and the next moment Terence and Andy were flying for their +lives, while Ellerton, a prisoner in the hold, heard the thunder of the +animal's hoofs and its triumphant bellowing as it revelled in its +new-found freedom. + +Andy made a desperate rush aft, but finding the bull close to his +heels, gripped a rope hanging from the boat booms, and swung himself +into a position of comparative safety upon one of the narrow timbers, +his upward flight being assisted a little too well by the obliging +animal. + +[Illustration: ANDY, FINDING THE BULL CLOSE TO HIS HEELS, GRIPPED A +ROPE AND SWUNG HIMSELF INTO A POSITION OF COMPARATIVE SAFETY] + +Never did matador execute a more rapid leap over the barrier than did +Andy on this occasion. Terence, finding that he was not pursued, took +a more leisurely step, and hoisted himself into the main shrouds, where +he would be quite safe from any further onslaught of the animal. + +For a while the bull eyed the fugitives with undisguised +disappointment, then spying the heap of bedding and clothing on the +deck, it lowered its head and rushed headlong to the attack. + +Both lads watched the proceedings, powerless to prevent the +catastrophe, and indulging in vain regrets that their firearms were not +available, as beds, blankets, and suits of useful clothing were tossed +overboard. + +At length a heavy blanket became impaled upon the brute's horns, the +folds falling over its eyes. + +In vain the bull strove to toss aside the fabric; then, rushing along +the deck, it collided with ventilators, hatchways, and other obstacles, +each obstruction increasing its anger. Wheeling suddenly, the bull +darted through the entry port and vanished over the ship's side. + +"Oh, the boat! The boat will be smashed to firewood," shouted Andy, +sliding down from his perch. + +Terence had joined him, and, heedless of Ellerton's voice shouting to +be released from his prison, the two lads rushed to the side of the +vessel. + +The animal had fallen upon one of the thwarts of the boat, breaking it +completely in half, and was lying on the bottom-boards plunging wildly. +One kick in a vital place and the boat would be holed. + +"There's enough damage done already," muttered Andy. "It's the only +way," and running aft he returned in a moment with a loaded rifle. + +"How are you going to manage it?" asked Terence. "You'll do almost as +much damage to the boat with the bullet----" + +"Shut up!" growled Andy, and, snapping the safety catch of the weapon, +he swung himself without further delay into the stern sheets of the +cutter. + +The bull tried to rise, but in vain. Its head reared itself slightly +above the gunwale; the rifle cracked. + +"There's fresh beef at least, Terence. Throw Hoppy the tail end of a +rope and get him out of that hole." + +Then, as Ellerton appeared, blinking in the strong sunshine, Andy +continued: + +"Throw those things into the boat, and look sharp. We've wasted enough +time and precious cargo this morning--all for the sake of that brute." + +During the time the boat was being rowed shoreward, Andy--usually so +genial and even-tempered--preserved an almost sullen silence; while +Ellerton, annoyed at having failed to bring the bull ashore alive, was +also ill at ease. Nor did the latter guess the cause of his friend's +glumness till some days later, when he observed Andy repairing a rent +in one of his garments. Even a graze from an infuriated bull is likely +to cause discomfort, he thought, though there is no reason why others +should suffer for it. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE + +"You've been a long time," remarked Mr. McKay, as the three youths made +their appearance. + +"Yes," admitted Terence, "I'm afraid we have; but we must blame Hoppy's +bull." + +"Hoppy's bull?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"Yes, the ox turned out to be a bull--and a tough customer he was," +replied Terence, who then proceeded to give Mr. McKay a graphic +description of how they had tried to unload the bull from the wreck. + +"And how do you feel to-day?" asked Ellerton. + +"Considerably better," replied the injured man. + +"You've been moved," declared Andy, pointing to some marks in the grass. + +"I plead guilty," replied his father with a smile. "Quexo dragged my +couch out in the sunshine. I wanted to take an observation at midday. +Just hand me that chart. I've pricked our position. Here it is. +Reduced to English degrees the latitude is 21° 4' 15" S. and the +longitude 134° 17' 14" W. of Greenwich. As I suspected, we are on the +fringe of the Low Archipelago, well away from the Great Circle route +between Panama and New Zealand, and equally remote from the regular +tracks between the Sandwich Islands and Cape Horn. That means that +unless a whaler or stray trading vessel puts in here, or that we make +the cutter seaworthy enough for a thousand-mile voyage, our stay here +is likely to be indefinitely prolonged." + +"I'm sure I don't mind," observed Andy. + +"Nor I, if only my people knew we were safe," added Terence, and +Ellerton expressed himself in a similar manner. + +"Isn't the heat oppressive?" said Andy. "It's like an oven here." + +"Yes," assented his father. "I can see we've made a mistake in +choosing this spot. It's splendidly sheltered--too much so--for what +with the rocks behind us and the palm groves on either side, the air +cannot circulate. We must find a more open spot on the next terrace." + +"There's no reason why we shouldn't have two camps--one for stormy +weather and the other for the dry season," replied Andy. "Once we've +finished with the wreck we can set to and build a more substantial +home. But what do you say? Hadn't we better unload the boat?" + +"I'm game," replied Ellerton. + +"What did you bring ashore?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"Mostly provisions, bedding, and clothing, though that beastly bull +tossed a lot of stuff overboard. We've also brought the rest of the +navigation instruments." + +"Are you making another trip to-day?" + +"I hope so," replied Ellerton. "I shall not be satisfied till those +poor sheep are safely ashore. By the by, Andy, you might tell Quexo to +build a fence between the rock and the edge of this terrace. It won't +take long, and it will inclose enough pasture land to feed the sheep +for some time to come." + +"I'll tell him directly we've had lunch; but come on, unloading the +boat will take all our spare time before lunch, and we mustn't work too +hard in this broiling sun." + +By the time the cutter's cargo was brought up to the camp Quexo had +prepared the meal. This over, the inhabitants of the Nameless Island +indulged in a siesta till the sun was sufficiently low in the heavens +to enable them to resume work. + +"Don't forget to bring some lamps ashore," said Mr. McKay, as the three +lads prepared to set off to the wreck. "And a bundle of signal flags, +while you are about it." + +This time the salvage operations were uninterrupted. The sheep, +securely trussed up, were placed in the boat, while the bunting, lamps, +a portable galley, and a set of blacksmith's tools, including a bellows +and anvil, were also lowered into the cutter without mishap. + +"Let's get the hatch off and see what is in the forehold," suggested +Ellerton. + +The hold was full of water, as the lads had expected, but a hasty +examination showed that the part of the cargo nearest the opening was +composed of several sheets of galvanised corrugated iron. + +"This is fortunate," exclaimed Andy. "We'll be able to knock up a +decent house. But what's that I can see for'ard?" + +"Looks like farming implements," suggested Terence. + +"You are wrong," replied Andy. "I know; it's what the Americans term a +runabout." + +"A what?" asked Ellerton. + +"A runabout--otherwise a motor-car." + +"Fancy a motor-car on the Nameless Island!" exclaimed Terence, and the +lads burst into a fit of hearty laughter at the incongruous idea. + +"We'll have it ashore in time," observed Andy. "It will come in +useful." + +"How?" + +"Never mind how. I have an idea, and, all being well, I'll fix it up +to a good purpose." + +"Suppose we try and find the bill of lading and the charter-party; they +will give us some idea of the nature of the cargo." + +A search revealed the required documents, but, being in Spanish, the +apprentice could make no meaning to the text. + +"Snakes!" ejaculated Andy. "There's enough to set us up as universal +providers! Woollen and cotton goods, boots and leggings, hardware of +American manufacture, nine cases of rifles--for some blooming +insurgents more than likely--30,000 rounds of ammunition, and--hullo, +this looks dangerous!--two tons of dynamite; building and railroad +materials, agricultural implements, and one petrol-driven runabout, +consigned to Monsieur Georges Lacroix, Grand Bassin, Tahiti. Well, I'm +afraid Monsieur Georges Lacroix will have to wait for his motor-car!" + +"By Jove, we are lucky!" ejaculated Ellerton. "That is, provided we +get the stuff ashore." + +"We'll do it," replied his chum resolutely. "Only give us time and +good weather, and we'll leave precious little on the _San Martin_, I +can assure you." + +"Time to be off," exclaimed Terence. "It will be dark in an hour." + +So, thrusting the documents into his belt, Andy dropped over the side, +and received the rest of the articles that the lads had collected. +Then, well laden, the boat returned to the shore. + +"We've much to be thankful for," exclaimed Mr. McKay, after he had +perused the ship's papers. "There is, I think, no need for anxiety as +to our future. You brought the signal flags, I hope?" + +"Yes," replied Ellerton, "and a couple of Peruvian ensigns." + +"Good! I'm going to make up a Union Jack. There are two reasons for +doing so. The first is that it can be used as a means of attracting +passing vessels; the second, and more important to my mind, is that it +signifies that the island becomes part of the British Empire. I've +been going into the question pretty deeply. You may be aware that the +Low Archipelago belongs to France. These islands consists of a number +of flat coral islands, hence their name. Now, as this island is lofty +and of volcanic origin, I cannot see that it can be classed as +belonging to the Low Archipelago, even though it is not far distant +from that group. Neither does it appear to have been inhabited, so we +may be pretty safe in claiming it. Terence, there's a pencil and paper +close to your elbow; will you please sketch a plan of a Union Jack?" + +Terence did so, but the result was not to Mr. McKay's satisfaction. + +"You try, Andy." + +Nor was Andy's attempt any more satisfactory, so Ellerton was put to +the test. + +"Shame on you, lads!" exclaimed Mr. McKay reproachfully. "Three +members of the good old British Empire, and unable to draw its national +ensign correctly. Here, hand me that pencil." + +"Now do you see," he continued, after he had explained the various +minute particulars of the flag. "There's a broad white diagonal above +the two portions of St. Patrick's cross next to the pole, and a broad +white diagonal below the two portions farthest from the pole. If the +flag is hoisted in any manner but the correct the ensign becomes a +signal of distress. Often in bygone days hostile ships have attempted +to sail under British colours, and in nine cases out of ten their +ignorance of its peculiarities has led to their undoing. However, +we'll postpone the cutting out till the rest of the boat's cargo is +brought up." + +"How is Quexo getting on?" asked Ellerton. + +"He's been away the whole afternoon. I guess your fence is nearly +completed by now." + +"Then I'll go and see how he is progressing," remarked the apprentice. + +The mulatto had indeed made rapid strides, for only a few feet more +remained to be done, so Ellerton returned to the boat to liberate the +sheep. Ere nightfall the pen was tenanted by a score of animals, +frisking with enjoyment at finding themselves once more in pasture. + +That evening three large lamps contributed to the comfort of the tent. +The lads, tired out with their exertions, were "taking things easy," +lamenting the fact that there was no literature to beguile the time. + +Mr. McKay, having been raised to a sitting position, called for the +bunting. Laboriously he threaded a needle and commenced his lengthy +task. + +"One moment, sir," exclaimed Ellerton. "Wouldn't a sewing machine be +better?" + +"A what? Bless the lad! Where's a machine to be had?" + +"On board, sir. I noticed a couple in the fo'c'sle. You see, a seaman +has to make his own duds." + +"Very well, I'll put off the job till to-morrow, if you'll remember to +bring one of the things ashore." + +"Any need to keep watch to-night, pater?" asked Andy. + +"I think it would be advisable till we've explored the island. Not +that I anticipate any interference, but forewarned is forearmed." + +Mr. McKay's words proved to be correct. Nothing occurred to disturb +the camp during the second night ashore. + +"Do you think that Terence and you can manage by yourselves?" asked Mr. +McKay during breakfast. + +"I think so," replied Ellerton. + +"Then Andy can take Quexo and make an exploration of the interior. I +particularly want him to reach the summit of the hill, so as to find +out if there are other islands in the vicinity." + +"You understand, Andy?" continued his father. "Keep a sharp look-out +for signs of past or present inhabitants, any animals you may come +across--there may be a few pigs--and, above all, note the general +extent of the island and the position of its neighbours, if visible. +Don't overburden yourselves; a revolver and twenty rounds apiece, a +water-bottle, and some provisions will be quite enough to carry. Rest +on the summit of the hill during the heat of the day, and get back here +well before sunset." + +Having seen the explorers on their way, Ellerton and Donaghue pushed +off the cutter and rowed to the wreck. + +It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boat +was made fast alongside the battered hull of the _San Martin_. + +"I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazing +at the battered boat. + +"Take too much time," was Terence's reply. + +"No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail some +copper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a long +job, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabins +and saloon." + +Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig on +being launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed with +his success. + +"We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may as +well make a start by clearing the for'ard hold." + +So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expert +swimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead. + +Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from the +coaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron was +but a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook was +affixed to the wire rope that held the plates together. + +Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion in +hauling their booty out of the hold. + +Six times the operation was repeated, till the deck resembled a "tin" +city in the western plains of Arizona. + +"It takes it out of you," remarked Ellerton. "I wish we could get rid +of the water in the hold; though I'm afraid the vessel's too badly +strained to be able to patch up her sides." + +"Even then we would have a bother to get rid of the water," replied +Terence. "Still, we've done very well up to now." + +"There's all that railway line material underneath the iron sheeting; +that will want some shifting." + +"We'll do it some time, but now we'll get off home." + +It seemed natural for the lads to talk of the camp as "home," for +already they were becoming attached to the free, yet none the less +comfortable, manner of living. + +"Wait while I get the sewing machine from the fo'c'sle. But you may as +well come, too, and we'll take both of them." + +With this, Ellerton, accompanied by Terence, made his way for'ard. In +the gloom of the stuffy fo'c'sle, the sight of which forcibly reminded +him of his quarters on the _Tophet_, Ellerton found the required +articles. + +"Hullo, here's a find!" he exclaimed, holding up a concertina. + +"Sling the blessed thing overboard," replied Terence laughing. "If you +take it ashore it's bound to make trouble in the camp." + +"It may come in handy." + +Ellerton looked upon everything as being likely "to come in handy." He +would have overstocked the island with useless things in the hope that +they might be of use at some distant date. In this case, did he but +know it, the concertina was fated to play a most useful part. + +"All right, then," assented Terence good-humouredly. "To look at us +now one would think we were going to run old women's sewing meetings +and popular Saturday night concerts." + +With the gig in tow, the lads returned to the shore, putting off the +unloading of their boat till the evening, though they brought the +sewing machines with them to the tent. + +"Now I can get on," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "It's slow work lying here +and unable to do a decent bit of hard work." + +Lunch, followed by the customary siesta, occupied the rest of the +afternoon. By the aid of a telescope Andy and Quexo had been seen on +the summit of the hill, and their descent followed till an intervening +spur hid them from sight. Mr. McKay calculated that they would be home +within a couple of hours. + +"You might cut down a suitable palm tree--one about forty feet in +height--Terence," he added. "I should like to have the flag flying on +their return." + +The tree was easily felled, and a small block, with signal halliards +rove, was fastened to its smaller end. This done, a hole was dug to +receive the pole, and by the aid of a pair of guys the flagstaff was +erected and set up in quite a professional style. + +About five in the afternoon Andy and the mulatto returned. They +reported that from the summit of the hill the island appeared to be +nearly circular, without any noticeable bays that might serve as boat +harbours. + +The reef extended completely around the island, approaching it closely +on the southern side, while there were three well-defined entrances +besides the one they already knew about. + +Andy reckoned that the extreme length of the island was about seven +miles, its breadth barely a mile less. There were no other islands +visible, but as the sea was hazy away on the north-west it was possible +that land might lie in that direction. + +"Then, assuming the altitude to be one thousand feet, your horizon +would be approximately forty-two miles off," remarked Mr. McKay. +"Well, in that case we are not likely to be troubled by our neighbours, +for the nearest island cannot be less than fifty miles away. Did you +find any signs of the island having been inhabited?" + +"Yes," replied Andy, "we found this," and opening a leather sling case +he produced a pistol. It was a quaint specimen of a flint-lock weapon, +its large-bore barrel eaten with rust and its silver-mounted walnut +stock pitted and rotted by exposure. + +"I don't think the gentleman who dropped this article is in a fit state +to call upon us," observed Mr. McKay. "Nevertheless, it shows that we +are not the first civilised people to set foot on the island. What is +the interior like?" + +"There are distinct signs of a volcano about. The top of the hill is +most certainly an extinct volcano, while the base is honeycombed with +fissures like the volcano of Monotombo. Otherwise the island is well +wooded." + +"You've done well," commented Mr. McKay. "Now it's nearly sunset, so +there will be just time to hoist the Union Jack." + +"Finished it, then, pater?" + +"Rather! Now, Andy, you hoist the emblem of empire!" + +Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was broken at the +masthead. For a few minutes it fluttered idly in the breeze, then, as +the sun sank beneath the horizon, the Jack was slowly lowered. + +They had asserted the King's authority over the island to which they +had now given the name of McKay's Island. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +"A SAIL!" + +For the next five months things went smoothly at McKay's Island. + +Taking every advantage of the remaining period of the dry season, the +lads worked hard. Almost everything of value was removed from the +wreck. + +The heavy lengths of railway lines were safely transported to the +shore; the motor-car, its mechanism not altogether useless, was stored +under a canvas canopy on the lower terrace. + +The ship's dynamos were removed, as well as the lighter portion of the +main propelling machinery, while the remaining derricks, practically +the whole of the wire rigging, and all the woodwork that could be taken +away, had found a safe storage-place on McKay's Island. + +Most of the dynamite had been cautiously conveyed ashore and placed in +some of the numerous caves at a safe distance from the camp. The +remainder of the explosive had been judiciously used--under Andy's +direction, for his experiences at San Eugenio had not been thrown +away--in demolishing those portions of the wreck that prevented easy +access to the precious cargo. + +Only the bare hull of the _San Martin_ now remained. No doubt the +first on-shore hurricane would sweep away every vestige of the +ill-fated vessel, but the castaways were satisfied with the knowledge +that nothing of value remained on board. + +Nor had the work ashore been delayed. Already a substantial +three-roomed building of galvanised iron reared itself proudly upon the +second terrace. Its furniture--the best that the state-rooms and +cabins of the _San Martin_ could provide--would have made many a +stay-at-home Englishman green with envy. + +The lads had contrived to lay a double set of rails from the shore up +the steep path to the lower terrace. Then, by means of a steel hawser +attached to two sets of trucks, they were able to draw the bulk of +their goods to the higher level with little difficulty. + +The mode of locomotion, thanks to Andy's ready skill, was comparatively +simple. + +At first Terence wished to utilise the motor of the "runabout"; but to +this proposal Andy objected, having another purpose in view for the +undelivered consignment for Monsieur Georges Lacroix. + +Included in the rolling stock were several iron tip waggons, of the +kind generally in use in mining districts. Two of these Andy attached +to each of his "trains." Those on the upper level he filled with +earth, till the weight, being greater than the other set of waggons, +caused the former to descend the incline, and at the same time raise +the trucks filled with cargo from the beach. + +This plan acted very well, but the labour in filling the trucks with +soil was tedious; so Andy conceived the brilliant idea of trapping some +of the water from the little stream, and conveying it by means of a +length of iron pipe supported on trestles into the empty tip waggons. + +From that moment the "McKay's Island Express" was in full working +order, and the task of hauling the salved cargo up the terrace became a +matter of comparative ease. + +Those five months had worked wonders in Mr. McKay. Though weak on his +feet, he was able to walk, and showed promise of soon throwing off all +ill-effects of his double misfortune. + +As a natural result of his prolonged convalescence he had grown stout. +This was a source of worry to him, and he longed to be able to get +about again as usual. + +Amongst their many undertakings, the lads found time to make use of the +remains of the disabled gig. + +Realising that the work of replacing the garboards and keel would not +repay the amount of labour expended on the work, they cut the boat in +two, and built transoms to each of the sound ends. Thus they possessed +two light craft, each about ten feet in length, and easy to haul up and +down the beach. + +When occasion served, they could also bolt the two transoms together, +and thus form one boat, resembling the original gig with a slice of her +'midship section missing. + +The craft proved of great service while the cutter was under +reconstruction. This was a big task, for not only had the lads given +her a fairly deep keel, to make her more seaworthy, but a cabin, +water-tight well, and decked fo'c'sle were added. The rig was altered +to that of a yawl, while Andy hoped at an early date to instal the +motor in her. + +Hitherto his difficulties lay in the fact that the motor was not water +cooled, nor was it adapted to consume kerosene. They had a plentiful +supply of that fuel, but of petrol they had none. Nevertheless, Andy +had firm faith in his capabilities, and trusted to overcome these +difficulties all right. + +In this craft the hopes of the inhabitants of McKay's Island were +centred. Although happy in their little domain, for plenty of work had +proved the greatest factor to their well-being, they yearned at times +for the society of their fellow-men and civilisation. + +Directly the rainy season was over the little party meant to try their +fate upon the broad Pacific. It was to be a risky voyage, but others +had done similar passages under worse conditions. Blythe, of H.M.S. +_Bounty_, for instance, did he not successfully accomplish a voyage of +4000 miles in an open boat in forty-one days? + +The advent of the rainy season was heralded by a hurricane of terrific +force. + +Giving but little warning, the storm swept over the island, uprooting +trees and turning the tiny rivulets into foaming torrents. The usually +placid surface of the lagoon became a seething cauldron, huge breakers +sweeping completely over the reef and lashing themselves upon the +rock-strewn beach. + +Well it was that the lads had hauled their craft above the reach of +those breakers, for on the morning following the commencement of the +storm not a vestige of the hull of the _San Martin_ was to be seen. + +Fortunately the house was solidly constructed. The hail pelted on the +iron roof, the windows rattled and the doors shook to such an extent +that it became necessary to barricade them, while almost incessantly +the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled in deafening peals. + +While the rains lasted there was very little outside work done. +Welcome as were the showers at first, they soon became monotonous. It +was too hot to wear oilskins, the ground was too soft to walk on +without sinking ankle deep in mire, so that the castaways were thrown +upon their own resources to pass the time as well as they were able +within doors. + +Lack of books had been their greatest discomfort, even the study of the +Spanish charts and treatises on navigation became a pleasure; paper and +writing materials they possessed, and Mr. McKay systematically wrote up +his diary. + +But the task that gave the lads the greatest pleasure and amusement was +their efforts to teach Quexo English. + +The mulatto was a willing though difficult pupil, and was doubly +handicapped by being unable to write even his own language. +Nevertheless, before the rainy season was over, Quexo could understand +most of what was said to him, and was able to reply in weird sentences +and phrases that often set the lads laughing. + +At length the "off season"--as Terence termed it--passed, its departure +being marked by almost as severe a hurricane as the one that preceded +it. + +Then for three days and nights a thick mist overspread the island. The +air resembled that of a hothouse, without the least suspicion of a +breeze. + +On the morning of the fourth day the sun shone in an unclouded sky, the +mud disappeared as if by the touch of a magic wand, and the inhabitants +of McKay's Island awoke to their life of outdoor activity. + +"I think we will do well to postpone the time of our departure for +another month," remarked Mr. McKay. "We shall then have more chance of +a wind, and the zone of the Trades will extend farther north by then. +We shall have plenty to see, too, in a month." + +"I want to get the motor fixed up," observed Andy. "I think my plan +for making a water-jacket will succeed, and installing the engine and +tuning it up will take quite a week." + +"If you succeed the motor will prove invaluable, especially if we lose +the benefit of the Trades," replied his father. + +Andy was hard at work making a propeller. This he did by means of two +sheets of steel plating riveted to an iron boss; for, in order to +prevent the boat from being unduly kept back while under sail alone, he +had decided to have but two blades, which when at rest were up and +down, in line with the boat's stern-post. + +Terence, who was also of an engineering turn of mind, had embarked upon +a somewhat ambitious programme. He meant to use the dynamo for +lighting purposes. + +"But," objected Ellerton, "what's the use? We are leaving the island +shortly." + +"Possibly; but I am looking beyond then, Hoppy. Provided I could be +sure of a passage to 'Frisco occasionally I would not mind settling +down here. No doubt I am indulging in wild day-dreams, but still, my +plans may mature, and there's a living to be made out of the island. +But to deal with present events; the dynamo will be of great service to +us, as we can recharge those accumulators we brought ashore. Then Andy +will be able to use electrical ignition for his motor instead of the +slower and more uncertain lamp ignition." + +"Quite so, Terence," assented Andy. "So carry on, my boy." + +Thus encouraged, Terence, assisted by Ellerton and Quexo, dug a deep +trench close to the brink of the lower terrace, the side of which he +lined with thick planks from the wreck. + +Next a water-wheel, twelve feet in diameter, was constructed, the +paddle floats being cut from the iron plates obtained from the same +source. A portion of the ship's piston rods formed the axle of the +wheel, a grooved drum being attached to take the driving belt of the +dynamo. + +At length came the critical test of Terence's work. The stream, once +more diverted, was conducted into the trench, and as the last barrier +to its progress was removed the water rushed through its new channel. +Then, with a cascade of silver splashing from its floats, the wheel +began to gather way, and was soon spinning merrily. + +"That's all very fine," exclaimed Andy, who had left his work to view +the opening ceremony of the McKay Island Power Company. "But how are +you going to stop the wheel? It will soon wear its axle out at that +rate; and, besides, we can't have that noise day and night." + +"Never thought of that!" replied Terence. "We must make a hatch to +trap the water when we don't require the power." + +Two days later the dynamo was in full working order. The lads were +highly delighted, and suggested several schemes for making use of the +electric current. + +Then came Andy's triumph. After many difficulties and failures he +succeeded in duly installing the motor in the yawl, and on a trial trip +inside the lagoon the boat behaved magnificently under power. + +"We'll have a trip round the island to-morrow," he exclaimed, as the +craft was moored for the night. "Let's turn in early so as to make a +start immediately after sunrise." + +The morning dawned bright and calm, with no wind. + +"It will mean running under power," observed Andy, as the lads, laden +with provisions and tins of kerosene, wended their way to the shore. +"I mean to----" + +He stopped, his eyes fixed seaward. + +His companions followed his gaze, and simultaneously there was a shout +of: + +"A sail!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +UNWELCOME VISITORS + +"Great Scott! It's a native canoe," declared Mr. McKay. "And she's +heading straight for the island!" + +The craft was some little distance from the entrance to the reef, her +huge brown sail hanging idly from its yard, while the crew vigorously +plied their paddles as they made the water fly from her sharp prow. + +"Trouble in store?" queried Andy. + +"It's well to be prepared," replied his father. "I know these natives +of old. Sometimes they are quiet and inoffensive, at another time they +are bold and war-like, or, what is worse, extremely treacherous." + +"Then we must arm ourselves?" + +"Assuredly. Quexo, bring my glass." + +The mulatto darted off, and presently reappeared, bringing a glass of +lime-juice. + +"Not that, you ass!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, laughing. +"Glass--telescope--see?" and he raised his hands to imitate the +operation of using a telescope. "I'll have the drink, anyhow." + +Once more Quexo ran to the house, this time bringing back the required +instrument. + +"There are at least forty natives," said Mr. McKay, after a lengthy +examination of the oncoming craft. "They may be armed. If so, their +weapons are lying on the bottom of the canoe. But unless I am very +much mistaken, there's a white man aboard." + +"A prisoner? Let me have a look, pater!" + +In his eagerness Andy almost snatched the telescope from his parent's +hand. + +"A queer set of customers," he exclaimed; "but I don't think the white +man is a captive, for he's talking to a fellow with his hair frizzed up +a foot above his head." + +"We've seen enough for the time being," rejoined Mr. McKay quietly, "so +we'll return to the house and serve out the arms. At the rate they are +travelling, the canoe will be here in ten minutes." + +"They won't injure the boat?" asked Andy anxiously, for the yawl was +almost like a child to him. + +"Not when they see us with rifles in our hands. Whatever you do, don't +let them have reason to think we want to fight, and, above all, don't +show any signs of fear." + +The party quickly strapped on their ammunition belts and revolver +holsters, then, grasping their rifles, they hastened down to the beach. + +The canoe had by this time entered the lagoon, and its occupants had +perceived the house and the other buildings, for they had ceased +paddling, and were gazing in wonder towards the shore. Nor did the +appearance of five armed men serve to set their minds at rest. + +"Hullo, there!" shouted Mr. McKay. + +"Hullo, there!" was the reply. "What's your game?" + +"What's yours?" replied Mr. McKay. + +"All square, governor. Can we land?" + +"Provided you keep your people in order," replied Mr. McKay, then +turning to his companions he exclaimed: "By Jove! I know that fellow; +he's no good, I'm afraid." + +"You know him?" + +"Yes, I met him on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait twenty odd years +ago. He hasn't changed much in appearance, and I'm afraid his manners +haven't. Still, I'll not claim acquaintanceship with him at present." + +The paddles were resumed, and the canoe glided quietly to the shore. +The natives, for the most part stark naked, began to tumble over the +side, some grasping enormous clubs studded with sharks' teeth, and +others long triple-barbed spears. + +"Tell those fellows to throw those weapons back into the canoe," +shouted Mr. McKay sternly. "Otherwise we'll not permit them to land." + +The white man spoke a few words to the turban-haired native, who in +turn uttered an order to his men. Instantly the weapons were thrown +into the canoe with a loud clatter, and the natives, wading ashore, +secured their boat and proceeded to squat in a semicircle. + +"My name's Blight--Jimmy Blight," exclaimed the stranger. + +Mr. McKay merely nodded his head in reply. He could not bring himself +to say the words "Pleased to see you," for the simple reason that he +was not. + +Jimmy Blight had had a chequered career. He was a man of about fifty +years of age, some five feet eight inches in height, and of medium +build. Years of exposure to a tropical sun had not left any trace upon +his face, for his complexion was a chalky white. He had a bristling, +dark moustache; cut high over the lips, a scanty crop of dark hair, a +thin, straight nose, rather deep-set eyes that were continually +shifting in expression, while his hands, the broad nails of which were +bitten to the quick, showed little trace of hard work. + +When Mr. McKay first met him he was mate of a pearling vessel, and +already he bore a bad reputation as a hard drinker and a card-sharper, +while it was well known that his tyranny had more than once caused +bloodshed amongst the Kanaka crew of the vessel. By his white +associates he was commonly known as "Chinese Pork"--in other words, +something very unpleasant. + +"Well, what can I do for you?" asked Mr. McKay bluntly. + +"The island's free, I guess?" replied Blight, with a leer that +ill-concealed his natural aggressiveness. + +"So long as you behave yourself; but should one of those men touch so +much as a copper nail, we'll send you to the right about in double +quick time. Understand?" + +"Yes, boss. But how about a drink? You seem fixed up pretty +comfortable here." + +"You can have as much water as you want at the stream. Beyond that, +I'm afraid we cannot provide you." + +"Humph! Must take pot-luck, I suppose. Say, are you traders?" + +Mr. McKay did not think it advisable to answer. + +"What's your business, might I ask?" he inquired. + +"It's a long story, boss. You see my mates here"--indicating the group +of squatting natives--"belong to the island of Ahii, which lies seventy +miles nor'west of here. In fact, I was very comfortable along of 'em, +but might is right in these parts, I'll allow." + +"Chinese Pork" paused to allow the weight of this sentence to take +effect, but Mr. McKay betrayed no sign. + +"So a few days ago a tribe of natives from Teku came and drove us out. +There was a fight, you bet, but our fellows got the worst of it. So we +hooked it, and took canoe to Ni Atong, which is less than twenty miles +S.E. of Ahii. Ni Atong's all very well, only it ain't big enough, so +we're trying to find a larger island to settle upon. There's close on +a couple of hundred natives, and ten large canoes at Ni Atong. Strikes +me this place 'ud suit, 'specially with white gents like yourselves for +company like." + +"I'm afraid you must give up all idea of bringing your friends here, +Mr. Blight, or yourself either." + +"Say, why?" + +"Because we cannot permit it." + +"Look here, boss," replied Blight with an impudent swagger. "How do +you think you'll stop two hundred natives if they set their minds on +landing here? Even I couldn't stop 'em." + +"Let them try," replied Mr. McKay. "Now, Mr. Blight, I cannot refuse +you hospitality. Food will be sent down to you; then, when your men +have rested sufficiently, I must ask you to leave this island." + +And turning on his heel, Mr. McKay began to make his way back to the +house, the lads following him closely. + +Before he had taken a dozen steps the ex-pearler ran after him. + +"See here, boss; I don't mean to give offence--no offence meant--but +you'll allow it's hard on a chap to be done out of his own crib by a +pack o' niggers. And then you can't deny you've treated me +off-handish, specially as you're the first white man I've seen these +two years. So let's come to terms. I see you're well armed. Why not +come back to Ahii with us, and make those chaps from Teku clear off +back to their own island? Then the Ahii people won't want to trouble +you. See?" + +"I'll consider the matter," replied Mr. McKay. "By the by, do you ever +go to Tahiti?" + +"Not often, boss. I was there two years ago. When I've got a cargo of +copra ready I send it by a native boat. Why do you ask?" + +"I merely wanted to know, Mr. Blight. But now I must be off. I'll +send the provisions along shortly, and will give you a definite reply +to your proposal in a few hours. It seems to me that the easiest way +out of the mess is to accept the fellow's advice," remarked Mr. McKay +as they entered their house. "We certainly don't want to try +conclusions with a horde of savages on this island. No doubt we could +beat them off, but in any case there is a considerable amount of risk. +If I can get Blight to give me a guarantee--though I don't place much +reliance on his word--backed by the chief's assurance that his men will +not trespass upon the island, I think we can very well help them." + +"Do you think there will be much of a struggle?" asked Ellerton. + +"Between whom?" + +"The natives of Ahii and the natives who took possession of their +island." + +"No; our presence will soon turn the scale, though we may not even have +to use our firearms. You can rely upon it that I'll do my best to +prevent bloodshed. Are you willing to go, lads? If you have +objections don't hesitate to say so." + +"I haven't," said Ellerton. + +"Nor I," added the others. + +"Very well, then. Quexo, take this keg of flour down to the beach, and +tell that white man that his people can gather as much taro and +cocoanuts as they want, so long as they don't cross to this side of the +stream. You understand? Do you think we might spare Blight a lamb, +Andy?" + +"I think so, pater. We've twenty at least." + +"Then tell Quexo to take one down when he comes back. Now, boys, if we +are going on this trip, we had better make preparations. We ought to +start by sunrise at least, if we want to reach Ahii before dark." + +"But are we going straight to Ahii?" + +"No, by Jove! I forgot that for the moment. Of course, it will be +much better to spend the night off Ni Atong--I suppose there's a +lagoon--and proceed to Ahii on the following morning." + +"Well, Quexo," said Andy, on the mulatto's return, "what did the white +man say?" + +"He say: 'Come here you number one size blackamoor. What your massa +name is?' An' I say: 'I no number one size blackamoor; I no niggah, +sah; an' my massa name me no give, massa he tell you his name if you +ask.'" + +"That's a smart reply, Quexo," replied Mr. McKay, laughing. "There's +nothing like keeping your master's counsel and your own. Now take that +carcase down to the beach. Ellerton, you might take a stroll along the +edge of the cliff and, without attracting undue attention, keep an eye +on the rascals. I don't want them straggling across the stream." + +Thus bidden, Ellerton walked cautiously to the edge of the first +terrace, then laying his rifle on the ground, stretched himself into a +comfortable position so that he could see without being seen, and hear +without being heard. + +Most of the natives had dispersed, and were busily engaged in seeking +taro and cocoanuts, although they kept strictly within the bounds laid +down by Mr. McKay. + +Blight, the chief, and a couple of natives had killed the lamb and were +roasting it by the aboriginal method of caking it with clay and placing +it in the red-hot embers of a fire. Although the white man cast +several curious glances at the cliff, above which the roof of the house +was just visible, he refrained from setting foot upon the path that led +to Mr. McKay's settlement. + +Late in the afternoon Mr. McKay went down to the beach and informed +Blight that he had decided to lend his aid, at the same time +stipulating that the natives must promise not to molest the inhabitants +of McKay's Island. + +The remainder of the yawl's stores were then carried aboard, Andy and +Ellerton volunteering to keep watch on the boat while Mr. McKay, +Terence, and Quexo took turns in patrolling the edge of the terrace. + +A tent, some blankets, and a few luxuries in the way of provisions were +then sent down to the ex-pearler, while the natives prepared to sleep +under the shelter of the palm trees and bushes. + +"If you see or hear anything of a suspicious nature, Andy," cautioned +Mr. McKay, "here is a signal rocket. Don't use it except in +circumstances that warrant our interference. You have plenty of +ammunition?" + +"Seventy rounds of rifle ammunition and fifty revolver cartridges each. +You'll see that another box of ammunition comes off in the morning." + +"Aye, aye," replied his father. "Now I think everything is ready to +make an early start, so you had better be off." + +Then, having bade the rest of the party good night, Andy and his trusty +companion descended to the beach, passed between knots of curious +natives, and embarked in the yawl's tender. + +Five minutes later they were on board, and the ammunition stowed away +within easy reach. + +The lads had made an excellent job in converting the ship's cutter. +From the awning-covered well a short ladder led to the cabin. Here +four roomy folding bunks, a swing table, plenty of lockers and racks +had been fitted, while the linoleum-covered floor, the red baize +curtains, and the polished brass lamp imparted an air of comfort. +Overhead a skylight served to admit both fresh air and light. + +In the fo'c'sle, to which access could be obtained either by sliding +doors between it and the cabin, or through a hatch on deck, were the +sails, spare ropes, anchor cable, and a small stove constructed from +one of the galleys of the _San Martin_. + +The motor had been installed under the floor of the well, while on the +afterside of the cabin bulkhead was fixed a boat's compass, illuminated +by means of the cabin lamp, so that the steersman could keep a course +with comfort, whether by day or night. + +"Now, Hoppy, I'll take the first watch," remarked Andy, as the sun sank +beneath the lofty peak of McKay's Island. "I'll turn you out at two in +the morning, and then you can carry on till daybreak, if that will suit +you." + +"Righto!" replied Ellerton. + +And turning in upon his bunk he was soon fast asleep, lulled by the +slight motion of the little craft as she rose and fell to the gentle +heave of the lagoon. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +STRANGE ALLIES + +"Turn out, Hoppy!" + +Ellerton was awake in an instant, but forgetting that the cabin of a +small craft does not possess unlimited headroom, he sat up and brought +his head violently in contact with the deck beams. + +"What's up?" he exclaimed, grasping his revolver. "Anything wrong?" + +"No," replied Andy. "Only it's two o'clock, and your watch." + +"Goodness! I feel as if I've only been asleep five minutes." + +"Sorry for you, then, old chap, for you've got to keep awake five +hours." + +So saying, Andy slid into his bunk, and within a minute his regular +breathing showed that he was asleep. + +Ellerton took up his position under the shelter of the dew-sodden +awning. Everything was quiet, save for the occasional splash of a fish +as it played upon the surface of the placid water, and the ever-present +rumble of the breakers upon the distant reef. + +Shorewards the outline of the island was dimly visible against the loom +of the starlit sky, while a light from the seaward window of the house +and the dull red gleam of the dying embers of the fire the natives had +kindled were the only sign of human occupation. + +Yet, Ellerton reflected, the bush might be alive with savages, awaiting +the opportunity to fall upon the settlement, murder his friends, and +possess themselves of the valuable stores. + +Perhaps the story of the seizure of Ahii and the flight of the +inhabitants to Ni Atong was a myth, invented by that rogue Blight for +the purpose of luring the castaways into a false position. + +There could be no doubt about it, Ellerton's nerves were "jumpy." +Perhaps it was that the suddenness of coming into contact with human +beings other than his comrades had acted upon his nerves. + +Ellerton realised that he was entering into a new phase of his +existence. He regretted it, for, beyond his natural anxiety concerning +his parents, he had grown to love the isolated life on McKay's Island. + +Then, should Blight's story prove to be correct, Ellerton felt sure +that Mr. McKay's action was the only course permissible. The little +colony was to fight for its existence, and the more remote the scene of +hostilities the better chance they had of securing the sole +proprietorship of the island. + +Hist! A succession of faint sounds like those of a man stealthily +swimming caused Ellerton to sit bolt upright, grasp his rifle, and peer +intently through the darkness. + +There was no mistake about it. It was some object heading directly for +the yawl, its track being marked by a faint blur of phosphorescence. + +Visions of bloodthirsty savages, swimming, knife in mouth, to surprise +the crew of the little craft, filled Ellerton with alarm. He raised +his rifle, released the safety catch, and took aim at the mysterious +intruder. + +"Andy," he whispered, but his friend was too deep in slumber to be +awakened by a whisper. + +"I'll wait till he's close alongside," muttered Ellerton, fingering the +trigger. + +At that moment there was a perceptible jar alongside the boat, followed +by a prolonged grating sound, as if a piece of sandpaper were slowly +drawn over a rough surface. Then, with a swirl and a succession of +phosphorescent splashes, the object vanished. + +The sound had roused Andy. + +"What's up?" he exclaimed, springing into the cockpit. + +Both lads looked over the side. Deep beneath the surface they saw a +huge luminous shape slowly gliding away. + +"My word!" whispered Andy. "Can't you see what it is? It's a shark." + +"I thought it was some natives swimming off to us." + +"Never fear. They'll never attempt such a thing with a sentry like +that brute," replied Andy as he re-entered the cabin. + +Slowly the weary hours passed, till the sun rose in a sky of misty +grey, and the inhabitants of McKay's Island, both black and white, +bestirred themselves into activity. + +"Not much wind, boss," was Chinese Pork's salutation as Mr. McKay and +his companions arrived at the beach, whither Andy had rowed in the +tender. + +"There'll be some before long," replied Mr. McKay. "It usually springs +up about an hour after sunrise." + +"It'll mean a long pull if it doesn't," rejoined Blight. "Shall I lend +you four or five hands to work the sweeps?" + +"I'll not trouble you, thanks. It's your men who will find it hard +work, I fancy." + +"Say, why? You just see them use those paddles. They'll keep it up +for hours at a stretch. Your craft'll be the tail end of this 'ere +procession, I guess." + +"We shall see," replied Mr. McKay quietly, for he had no desire to +enlighten the ex-pearler upon the subject of the motor. + +"Say, boss?" + +"Well?" + +"That's a rum packet," said Blight, indicating with a jerk of his thumb +the boat the lads had made from the wreck of the gig. "I bet you never +bought her at Hilo?" + +Mr. McKay did not reply. He quite realised that the ex-pearler was +trying to pump him, while, on the other hand, he was equally determined +to conceal the fact that he and his companions were on the island +through shipwreck. + +Although Mr. McKay hated deception, he wished to convey the impression +that they settled here by choice, yet Blight's question showed that he +kept his eyes open. + +"Are you ready to start?" demanded Mr. McKay. "There's a wind +springing up from the south-east'ard." + +"As soon as you like. But can you lend me a revolver, cap'n? I've got +a bloomin' Martini, but I've run out o' cartridges months and months +ago." + +"Here you are, and here are fifty cartridges. I'll make you a present +of the pistol," replied Mr. McKay, though he realised that he was +playing into the man's hands. + +Then, without waiting to receive the ex-pearler's thanks, he stepped +into the boat and was rowed off to the yawl. + +"Good morning, Ellerton," he exclaimed. "All quiet, I suppose? Well, +let's get the canvas on her." + +Already the natives were hauling their canoe down the beach, and by the +time the yawl had set her sails the splash of a score of paddles showed +that they had lost no time in embarking. + +"Up with your helm, Andy; check the jib sheets." + +Then, as the little craft drew clear of the land, the freshening breeze +caused her to heel and glide through the ruffled water of the lagoon. + +By the time they had gained the passage through the reef the yawl was +ahead of the canoe. + +"Glorious!" ejaculated Andy. "See, they're setting their sail. It +will be a good race, after all." + +Half a dozen bronzed natives were setting the raking mast and bending +the yard with its enormous sail of cocoa fibre. Then, as the sail rose +swiftly in the air, the breeze filled the mat-like canvas. The crew +took in their paddles and watched the yawl with curious eyes. + +"We are gaining on her, I think," remarked Andy. + +"Yes; we must shorten sail," replied Mr. McKay. "But I want +particularly to note the respective speeds of the two craft. I should +think that, under sail and aided by her paddles, that canoe could +overhaul us under sail alone. Yes," he continued, after a few moments' +careful observation. "I think I've seen enough in case of future +developments, so we'll strike the topsail." + +Under reduced canvas the yawl kept the canoe at a regular distance from +her, neither gaining nor allowing the latter to overhaul her. Quexo, +fearing an attack of sea-sickness, had retired to the seclusion of a +berth in the fo'c'sle, while Ellerton and Terence, who had kept the +last portion of the previous night's watch, followed his example, +though from other motives. + +Andy was steering. His father, who had given him the course, was below +preparing a meal. + +The wind held steadily all the forenoon, and by eleven o'clock the +summit of McKay's Island had dipped beneath the horizon. It was not +without feelings of regret that Andy saw it disappear. He, too, +realised that they were embarked upon a hazardous mission, and that +possibly great sacrifice would have to be made ere they returned to +their island home. + +At midday the wind died away to a flat calm, the yawl rolling +sluggishly in the oily swell, with her boom swaying violently from side +to side, and threatening dire disaster to the heads of any of the crew +that incautiously came within its reach. + +The canoe, similarly situated, did not hesitate to lower the sail, and +paddle close alongside. + +"This is a bit rotten, cap'n," shouted Blight. "Shall I give you a +tow?" + +"No thanks, don't trouble about us," replied Mr. McKay. "You can +paddle on ahead, and we'll follow when the breeze springs up. If we +can't fetch Ni Atong before dark you might get those fellows to light a +fire on the beach, so that we can come up to the anchorage." + +"Righto, boss! Ta-ta!" + +There was a peculiar glint in the man's eye. He fancied that the +superior speed of the canoe under paddles was an asset in his favour +for the events he had already planned. + +The chief gave the word, the blades dipped, and, gathering way, the +canoe soon gained a rapid pace. The long-drawn song of the paddlers +gradually died away as the distance increased, and an hour later the +canoe was lost to sight. + +"Now, Andy, we'll start the motor, and creep up within a couple of +miles of Ni Atong. They will think we have picked up a breeze." + +"Why don't you want to let that chap Blight know we've a motor?" + +"Frankly, Andy, I don't trust him. If he plays a straight game, well +and good; but, should he act treacherously--and I have every reason to +believe he will, judging by his past career--we must keep a trump card +up our sleeves. That's why I wanted to make sure of the respective +speeds of the two craft, for you may be certain that, since the chief +is in her, yonder canoe is the largest and swiftest they possess. +Under power we can easily outstrip her, I have no doubt." + +No sooner had the motor started than Terence and Ellerton appeared. + +"Hullo! Where's the wind?" asked the latter. + +"And where's the canoe? added Donaghue. + +"Hull down," replied Andy. "They've gone on ahead to give us a +house-warming. Now, you fellows, get yourselves something to eat, and +then give us a spell. I'll let you have the course. Keep your weather +eye lifting, and look out for a breeze. It may come down suddenly." + +"You bet I will," assented Ellerton. "How far are we from Ni Atong?" + +"About twenty miles. Directly the island hoves in sight call us." + +At about four in the afternoon Terence, who had climbed the main-mast +and had taken up a perch upon the diminutive cross-trees, reported land +ahead. + +Mr. McKay and Andy were instantly warned, and, a breeze springing up, +the motor was shut off. + +Half an hour later the heads of a patch of palm trees were visible from +the deck. + +"That's Ni Atong, right enough," commented Mr. McKay, as bit by bit the +land appeared to rise above the horizon. "Blight told me that the +entrance to the lagoon is easily picked out." + +Ni Atong resolved itself into a low, regularly outlined island barely +two miles in length. Its surface was covered with dense scrub and a +few cocoanut palms, the soil being apparently loose and sandy. So far +as could be seen, a coral reef extended round the island at a distance +of half a mile from the shore, the rocks in places protruding above +water to a height of nearly three feet. + +"There's another island showing up on our port bow, sir," announced +Ellerton. + +"Then that's Ahii. It's a lofty island something like ours, judging by +the appearance of that mountain. However, we'll hear and see more of +it later on. Now, Andy, we are approaching the reef. Do you climb +aloft and con the boat in through the channel." + +This is the only practical method of entering an unbeaconed lagoon, for +owing to the sudden increase in depth, a lead line is of little use. +On the other hand, the extreme clearness of the water makes it possible +for a man aloft to detect instantly any rocks or shoals that lurk +beneath the surface. + +For the space of five minutes it was an anxious time. On either hand +the breakers thrashed themselves in masses of milk-white foam upon the +glistening coral reef, while ahead a narrow patch of undulating, yet +unbroken water showed the presence of the only available channel into +the shelter of the lagoon. + +"Starboard--bear away--starboard again--port, steady!" + +Under the light breeze the yawl was in danger of dropping to leeward +upon the merciless rocks. One moment her stern was lifted high in the +air, the rudder consequently being useless. The next she threw her +streaming bows above the following wave, then, shaving the edge of the +reef by a bare five yards, the little vessel glided into the quiet +waters of the anchorage. + +The crew now had time to look about them. Drawn up on the sandy beach +were seven large canoes, similar to that which had paid an unwelcome +visit to McKay's Island, while others, only slightly smaller in size, +were hauled up beneath the shelter of the bushes, their lofty carved +prows alone being visible. + +The beach was lined with natives, numbering at least 180 men, besides a +host of women and children. + +The men were of medium stature, muscular, and well built. In colour +they resembled that of Quexo, being considerably lighter than the +natives of New Guinea. Many of them bore scars, possibly +self-inflicted or the result of inter-tribal wars. + +"Stand by to let go!" shouted Andy to Terence and Ellerton. Then, as +the yawl shot up into the wind, he followed up with: "Let go!" + +With a roar and rattle of chain the anchor plunged to the bottom of the +lagoon, and as the crew prepared to lower and stow the sails, Mr. McKay +waved his arm towards the crowded shore. + +"Well, lads," he exclaimed, "what do you think of our allies?" + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE + +"A rum-looking crowd," observed Terence. "They look as if they could +do a lot of damage, though." + +"Yes," replied Mr. McKay, "I am sure of it. These fellows often fight +for fighting's sake, and a pretty spectacle they make of it at times. +I've seen them at it before." + +"What, these natives?" + +"No, the inhabitants of New Guinea. They are strongly associated, +however, not only in manners and customs, but in language. I must +polish up my Polynesian lingo, though after acquiring a smattering of +Spanish I'm afraid I've become very rusty. Come, now, hurry up and +snug down, and we'll go ashore." + +"Armed, of course?" + +"Yes, certainly. Take your revolvers only. I don't think we need fear +anything at present. If there's to be trouble it will be after the +natives have made the best use of us." + +Accordingly the little crew worked with a will; then, directly the +canvas was stowed and a second anchor laid out, the whole party went +ashore. + +They were received with great show of goodwill, the natives crowding +round them with shouts of welcome, while the ceremony of rubbing noses +was duly performed. + +Several of the women advanced bearing long garlands, and, to the +undisguised bashfulness of the three lads, placed the flowing chains +round the necks of their visitors. Quexo, however, was denied that +honour. He was a coloured man, and therefore, in the eyes of the +natives, of no consequence. + +"You made a quick passage, boss, after all," observed Blight. + +"Aye, we picked up with a breeze," replied Mr. McKay, though he did not +offer to explain when the breeze was encountered. + +"They've prepared a feast for you," continued the ex-pearler. "So +let's put our best foot foremost." + +At a short distance from the shore was a large clearing, temporary huts +made of branches and leaves of palm trees being erected in a vast +double circle. Here a number of natives were busy baking pigs and +fowls, while there was an abundance of yams and cocoanuts. + +"They are very improvident with their supplies," remarked Andy. "They +evidently seem as if they are certain of returning to the land of +plenty." + +"Yes," replied his father, who had taken an early opportunity of +examining the roasted pigs to make sure they were pigs. "We may as +well set-to and enjoy their hospitality; now, keep close together and +see that your pistols are easy to draw." + +The chiefs, each distinguishable by his huge mop of greased and frizzed +hair, had squatted in a semicircle, and no sooner had the guests seated +themselves than there was a terrific scramble on the part of the native +chiefs to help themselves. + +"We must forget for the moment that we are civilised and follow their +example," remarked Mr. McKay, seizing a bit of pork in his fingers. + +His companions did likewise, and notwithstanding the absence of knives +and forks they managed to eat and enjoy their share of the feast. + +This done, there was a war-dance performed by the young men of the +tribe, the warriors brandishing their clubs with such energy that it +seemed wonderful that no one was hurt. + +The natives did not appear to use their heavy clubs for the purpose of +knocking their imaginary adversaries over the head; instead, they +utilised the upward swing of their arms, lunging with the weapon on its +upward stroke. + +Andy particularly noticed this, and remarked it to his father. + +"Yes," was the reply. "It's a favourite 'knock-out' blow with these +fellows. I've seen them at it in actual combat. The idea is to get +underneath their antagonist's guard, and strike him on the chin with +the upward sweep of the club, and knock him senseless. Afterwards the +winning side secure those who are only stunned and----" + +"And what?" + +"Eat them!" + +At length the display came to an end, and the guests prepared to return +on board. Mr. McKay had attempted to converse with some of the chiefs, +but the result was a failure. He therefore told Blight to inform the +chief that an early start was to be made on the morrow. + +The news was received with redoubled shouts of delight, and the entire +population escorted the white men to the beach. Nor did they stop +there, for men, women, and children rushed headlong into the sea, and +formed a huge bodyguard of swimmers till the yawl was reached. + +All round the boat the water was black with the heads and arms of the +swimmers, for these natives of the Pacific Islands take to the water +often before they can walk. + +Splashing and shouting loud enough to scare every shark within a mile, +they swam round and round the yawl, none offering to climb aboard, till +at a shout from one of the chiefs they turned and swam rapidly to the +shore. + +"We must set watches to-night, I suppose?" asked Andy. + +"Certainly! Although these people are supposed to be our friends, we +must imagine ourselves in hostile waters. I remember once that a small +schooner put into Niihau. The natives came off to barter, and appeared +to be extremely friendly. During the night about a couple of hundred +swam off to the schooner and took her crew entirely by surprise. We +found the charred remains of her timbers about a month afterwards, but +not a trace of her unfortunate crew. They had been made into 'big +pig.'" + +"What's that?" asked Ellerton. + +"Otherwise killed, roasted, and eaten." + +"Then what happened?" + +"The usual. Gunboat, landing party, etc. The village was shelled and +burnt, and the island afterwards annexed to the Empire. So, you see, +we must exercise due caution, although I don't want to upset your +nerves." + +It must have been shortly after midnight when the crew was awakened by +a warning shout from Terence. Turning out of their comfortable bunks, +the others rushed from the cabin, armed in anticipation of a sudden and +treacherous attack. + +A low rumbling greeted their ears, the sound apparently coming from the +shore. For more than a minute the mysterious sound continued, then it +suddenly ceased. + +"What is it?" asked Donald. + +"I'm afraid I cannot tell you," replied his father. "It's rather like +the sound of a submarine explosion; probably a volcanic eruption." + +Again the noise was repeated, yet no agitation of the placid water took +place. The natives did not appear to be disturbed, for no commotion +due to human agency could be heard from the island. This time the +rumbling continued for quite five minutes, dying away in a succession +of long-drawn tremors. Then all was quiet. + +"I can't make it out," remarked Mr. McKay. "Whatever it is it seems to +be accepted by the natives without a protest. To-morrow I'll inquire." + +The party remained on deck for nearly an hour, but as the mysterious +noise was not repeated, they at length retired to the cabin, leaving +Terence to continue the remainder of his watch. + +Just after sunrise Ellerton called Mr. McKay's attention to something +on the beach. Seizing his glasses, the elder man brought them to bear +upon the spot, and the next moment he exclaimed: + +"Come on, lads, get your arms and row ashore as hard as you can." + +Without waiting for an explanation, the three lads jumped into the +boat, Mr. McKay taking his place in the stern sheets. + +"Don't look ahead; keep your eyes on the boat and pull," said Mr. McKay +quietly, yet there was a grim, determined expression on his face that +betokened trouble ahead. + +The moment the little craft touched the beach the lads jumped out, and +led by Mr. McKay, they made their way at top speed along the sandy +shore. + +Fifty yards from where they landed was the chief's canoe, which had +been hauled up on shore since the previous night. At regular intervals +betwixt its lofty prow and the water were six dark objects lying on the +sand. + +The lads gave a gasp of horror, for lashed firmly to bamboo poles were +six natives. Their fellows were preparing to launch the canoe over +their bodies. + +"Stop that!" shouted Mr. McKay sternly, holding up his hand to arrest +the progress of the heavy craft, which was quivering under the grasp of +fifty stalwart blacks. + +The natives hesitated, glaring at the interrupters of their ceremony, +while some of the chiefs made signs for the interfering strangers to +stand aside. + +"Where's Blight?" shouted Mr. McKay, as he opened the cut-off of the +magazine of his rifle. + +"Here I am, boss," replied that individual, coolly sauntering forward. + +"Tell them to knock off this horrible business." + +"Let 'em carry on, boss," was the reply, almost apologetic. "You see, +they ain't got no prisoners, and the chief's canoe must be launched in +this 'ere way, else it's bad luck. So they picked on some of their +least wanted pals. Bless me, you'll soon get used to it. I did years +ago." + +"You can tell them from me that the moment that canoe moves we'll open +fire. You might also explain that if our wishes are not carried out, +we'll go back to our own island, and those rascals can stay here to +starve. Now be quick, and let them know we mean business. Cover these +tow-headed rogues," he continued to his companions. "If I give the +word, let fly continuous volleys till the rest of the rascals bolt." + +Evidently the chiefs knew the power of the white men's rifles, for they +stepped back a few paces. Some of their followers grasped their clubs +and spears, and courageously awaited their leaders' orders. + +Jimmy Blight spoke rapidly. At first his words seemed to enrage the +chiefs, but finally they expostulated. + +"What do they say?" + +"They are willing to let the brutes free if you promise that your +power'll keep off the--the--you know what I mean, boss, the----" + +"Evil eye?"' suggested Mr. McKay. + +"Aye, that's it." + +"You can tell them that there's nothing to fear on that score. Let +them know that six men alive are worth something, and that six squashed +to a pulp will do them no earthly good." + +Once again Blight turned to the half-pacified chiefs, a rapid exchange +of words followed, and in the end the latter signed to their people to +free the captives from their terrible position. + +"That's over, thank God!" ejaculated Mr. McKay with intense fervour. +"Tell the chiefs I'm going to make them a present," and putting his +rifle to his shoulder he fired six shots in the air in rapid succession. + +Astonishment held the natives spell-bound; they had never before seen a +magazine rifle discharged. The sharp "crack" of the weapon, its +smokelessness, and the peculiar screech of the nickel bullets filled +them with awe, and with great hesitation they accepted the six empty +cartridge-cases as an exchange for the release of the intended victims. + +"They've given you a tally, boss," observed Blight. "They call you +'The Wonder that Breathes Fire.'" + +"I hope they will bear it in mind then," replied Mr. McKay. "Now let +them proceed with the launching operations. When all is ready we will +set sail. By the by, what was that noise we heard last night?" he +inquired, turning to the ex-pearler. + +"Noise! What noise, boss?" + +"A kind of prolonged roar of distant thunder. Twice it occurred." + +"Oh! I know what you mean. We don't take no notice of it in these +parts. It's the 'Barking Sands.' See yon hills?"--pointing to a ridge +of sand dunes about sixty feet in height. "The stuff's slippery like, +and often it rolls down, and makes a row. There's a sight of other +islands about here like it." + +Half-an-hour later a flotilla of nine canoes, crowded with armed +natives, paddled slowly towards the entrance of the lagoon. As they +passed the white men's craft, their paddles rose in the air to the +accompaniment of a sonorous salute. + +Then, as the dripping anchor rose clear of the water, the breeze filled +the sails of the yawl, and she, too, started to play her part in the +hazardous enterprise. + +Another five hours would decide whether Ahii would fall into the hands +of its former possessors, and, what was still more important, the fate +of the little band from McKay's Island. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AT BAY + +Once clear of the reef, the canoes ceased paddling, and the brown +cocoa-fibre sails were hoisted. + +The yawl, by reason of her superior spread of canvas, soon forged ahead +till, drawing in line with the largest canoe, in which were Blight and +the head man of the tribe, the speed was regulated so as to keep within +hailing distance of the ex-pearler. + +Mr. McKay had already been given a rough chart of the island of Ahii. +Like their own island and Ni Atong, Ahii was surrounded by a reef, only +that on the eastern side the rocky barrier practically touched the +shore. There were four large passages through the reef, two on the +southern side--which they were approaching--one on the western, and the +fourth on the northern. + +The summit of Ahii was clearly visible from Ni Atong, and as the +flotilla neared the island its peculiarities could be gradually +discerned. It was considerably larger than McKay's Island, and +composed chiefly of a dark brown rock, its flat portions covered with +verdure. The general outline resembled a saddle, the higher of the two +peaks being over two thousand feet above the sea. + +But in place of the glistening sands of McKay's Island there was a +beach of black sand, apparently the ground-up deposit of lava, for from +the lower of the two peaks a thin cloud of smoke was emitted, showing +that Ahii was still an active volcano. + +At the western termination of the beach was perceived the entrance to a +small creek, while beyond this opening low, dark-coloured cliffs rose +sheer from the sea. + +The approach of the invaders was observed long before the flotilla +reached the entrance of the lagoon, and by the aid of their telescopes +and field-glasses the crew of the yawl saw that the beach was lined +with warriors, armed with formidable beak-headed clubs, long spears and +oblong shields, the natives being bedecked with barbaric finery and +plentifully bedaubed with paint and ochre. + +"That's their boat harbour," shouted Blight, pointing to the creek. +"Their canoes are drawn up on the banks about half-a-mile up the river. +The village is on the port side. Shall I tell our men to push right in +and burn their blessed canoes?" + +"No," replied Mr. McKay. "I don't want unnecessary violence; besides, +if their canoes are destroyed, how can they leave the island? Let our +boats remain about two hundred yards from shore. You will then stand +in the chief's canoe and tell the natives to clear out. Say that we +give them till midday. Otherwise we must open fire on them." + +"Then you don't want these fellows to have a set-to?" + +"No! No bloodshed unless it cannot possibly be avoided. Now carry on +and we'll be ready to open fire to cover your retreat if they give +trouble." + +Blight could not but obey. The chief's canoe was paddled slowly +towards the shore, the natives regarding the late inhabitants of Ahii +with contemptuous gestures not unmingled with curiosity. They expected +a mad rush, a fierce conflict on the shore, and an easy victory; but +the apparently timorous approach of a solitary canoe mystified them. + +[Illustration: THE CHIEF'S CANOE WAS PADDLED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE SHORE] + +The ex-pearler stood up and shouted to the hostile chiefs. Whether he +gave Mr. McKay's message in a conciliatory manner the Australian was +not in a position to ascertain. More than likely, Blight, with a white +man's contempt for "niggers," put his own construction upon the +request, for before he had spoken half-a-dozen sentences there was a +blood-curdling yell, and a shower of stones was hurled at the canoe. + +The crew paddled out of range, while their companions, with loud +counter-shouts of defiance, urged their boat to the attack, till by +dint of much hand-waving Mr. McKay kept them temporarily in check. + +"They've asked us to come ashore and be made into 'big pig,'" shouted +Blight. "Shall we let our men loose?" + +"Not here," replied Mr. McKay. "Paddle along the shore and we'll make +a landing as far from the village as possible. That will give the +enemy a chance to clear out if they get the worst of it." + +Headed by the yawl, the little fleet kept parallel with the shore, a +crowd of about two thousand armed savages keeping pace with the +invaders, yelling, dancing, brandishing their weapons, and hurling the +direst insults of which the natives were capable at their apparently +inferior enemies. + +"It must be a sharp lesson, lads," observed Mr. McKay. "What wouldn't +I give for a Maxim or an automatic Colt. Ellerton, you take the helm +and keep the boat just so, no nearer to shore." + +The flotilla was now abreast of that part of the beach that was +terminated by the cliffs. Here the flat shore consisted of a +wedge-shaped piece of ground, so narrow that the enemy was unable to +take due advantage of its superiority in numbers. The rapid fire of +four magazine rifles would play havoc with the dense serried ranks of +bronzed and painted warriors, but still Mr. McKay refrained from making +the first advance. + +"Let them fight it out between themselves," he shouted to Blight, who, +however eager he was to send the natives to the fight, did not show any +strong inclination to lead them. "We'll open fire if our fellows get +the worst of it." + +It was plainly impossible to keep the invaders in hand. With a roar of +defiance that momentarily drowned the yells of their more numerous +adversaries, the natives urged their canoes towards the shore. + +Then, as craft after craft grounded upon the beach, their crews dropped +paddles, grasped their clubs and spears, and plunged waist deep into +the water. + +It was a veritable struggle between a host of bronzed paladins. + +Clubs met with a loud and ponderous clang, spears met shields or else +found a softer billet, while those of the defenders of the island who +could not gain the van hurled enormous stones over the heads of their +foremost ranks at their vindictive foes. + +Above the shouts of the combatants could be heard the shrieks of the +desperately wounded. + +Several received serious wounds on both sides, yet save in extreme +cases, they bore their hurts bravely, returning to the fray with the +utmost determination, till failing strength caused them to drop, still +fighting so long as they could wield a club or thrust with a spear. + +Twice the rightful inhabitants of Ahii gained a footing on the shore, +and twice were they swept back by the weight of numbers, for as fast as +one of the defenders fell, another filled his place, while on the other +hand the invaders had no reserves. True, there were the white men, but +it was impossible to wield a rifle without serious consequence to +friend as well as foe. + +"How these fellows fight!" exclaimed Andy. "They simply won't give +way; they'll be exterminated." + +"It's fighting for fighting's sake," replied his father. "We must chip +in or we'll find ourselves opposed to the whole island without a native +to help us. Luff her up, Ellerton. That's right; now keep her as she +is." + +The yawl moved slowly in the opposite direction to her previous course, +though still parallel with the shore. By this means the scene of the +actual struggle was passed and only the serried rearguard of the +defenders was abeam. + +"Now, lads, aim low!" + +The four rifles opened a rapid fire. It seemed like butchery, yet, as +Mr. McKay had said, there was no alternative. Twenty human beings +cannot stop a modern rifle-bullet fired at one hundred yards' range. + +The defence seemed to melt away, and with redoubled shouts of triumph +the friendly natives started in pursuit of the fugitives, knocking over +the head all who were overtaken. + +"If those fellows won't keep in hand, they will be in danger of being +cut off," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "We must follow our friends up. +Ellerton, you stay on board, and keep our craft underway." + +Hurriedly the two McKays, Terence, and Quexo jumped into the tender, +rowed ashore, and followed the ghastly trail of the victorious natives. + +It was a hazardous undertaking, for some of the fugitives had fled +inland instead of following their main body in their retreat upon the +village. At any moment these might rally and fall upon the little band +of white men, the dense scrub being favourable for such tactics. + +There was no sign of Jimmy Blight. He had not accompanied the natives +in their first attack, although he was known to have been in the +chief's canoe, nor had he made his appearance when the white party +landed. + +"Keep a bright look-out, lads," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Have your +revolvers ready. They are more serviceable than rifles here." + +At almost every yard of the way lay natives either dead or grievously +wounded. Many of the latter were bold enough to attempt to rise and +threaten the white men. So far as possible, the wounded were ignored, +greatly to their surprise, for a savage rarely gives and never expects +quarter. + +Once or twice, however, a warrior would spring to his feet after the +white men had passed, and with his remaining energy throw his club or +spear at his enemies. In that case it became necessary to silence the +desperate native for ever. + +Suddenly from the shelter of a dense belt of scrub three powerful +blacks dashed upon Quexo, who had strayed a few yards behind the rest +of the party. + +The mulatto raised his revolver and fired, and a huge native sprang a +good three feet in the air and tumbled on his face. But ere Quexo +could repeat his shot a triple-barbed spear pierced his shoulder. He +fell, the weapon still embedded in his flesh. + +The man who had thrown the lance drew a stone knife, and threw himself +upon the prostrate mulatto, while the third native raised his club to +complete the business. + +With admirable presence of mind Quexo shot the man with the club, who +in his fall completely covered the hapless mulatto. + +Alarmed by the first shot, Mr. McKay and the two lads ran to the aid of +their companion, but ere they emerged from the bush a third shot rang +out, and the savage who had hurled the spear at the mulatto fell shot +through the head. + +Then as Andy rushed to the spot where Quexo lay, Jimmy Blight stepped +from the cover of a group of palm trees. + +"Not a bad shot, eh, boss?" he exclaimed, as he thrust fresh cartridges +into his revolver. "You'd best get your young fellow on board as quick +as you can, I reckon." + +Quexo was groaning dismally, now the actual struggle was over. The +triple spear-head had made a ghastly wound in his shoulder, for in his +fall the haft had broken off short. Mr. McKay managed to extract it +skilfully. + +In the midst of their misfortunes the roar of the combatants came +nearer and nearer. The enemy had rallied; the savages were driving +back their attackers. Already men were streaming by, flying for their +lives. + +"Guess we'd best hook it," exclaimed Blight. + +"Bear a hand, Andy," said his father, as he pointed to his helpless +servant. + +"Don't be a fool, boss!" shouted the ex-pearler, who was already +beginning to retire. "He's about done for, and we'll be the same if we +stop. Come along!" + +"Not I," replied Mr. McKay sturdily. "You go if you want to. Come on, +Andy, move him across to yonder thicket. We'll make a last stand here +if it comes to the worst." + +Something in Mr. McKay's reply must have appealed to the better nature +of this low-down specimen of the white race, for, turning swiftly on +his heel, he returned. Kneeling beside the unconscious man he helped +himself to his bandolier, revolver, and rifle. + +Without another word the four men lifted Quexo to the shelter of the +trees, and quietly and resolutely made ready to receive the horde of +triumphant savages. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ELLERTON TO THE RESCUE + +Already the last of the fugitives had passed, rushing blindly for the +shelter of their canoes, and the foremost of their pursuers were +emerging from the clearing. + +Mr. McKay, cool in the time of extreme peril, calculated that only +about a hundred of their allies remained alive, while, making due +allowance for the tremendous execution, there were at least a thousand +bloodthirsty foes. Four against a thousand! + +"Don't fire yet!" he whispered. + +The main body of the savages crossed the clearing at breakneck rate, +and disappeared in the direction of the beach, but others came at a +more leisurely pace, examining those of the fugitives who had fallen. +Those who showed signs of life were bound hand and foot, for what +purpose the white men had no doubt whatever. + +Presently the keen eye of one of the savages caught a glimpse of one of +the rifle barrels. The man was evidently a chief, for, in addition to +his coat of paint, he wore a short cloak of feathers. + +Without a moment's hesitation the savage uttered a loud shout and ran +straight in the direction of the white men, followed, at a distance of +about twenty paces, by some fifty yelling natives. + +"You take that fellow, Blight!" exclaimed Mr. McKay quietly. + +Blight raised his rifle to his shoulder, took a sight in the centre of +the chief's broad chest, and pressed the trigger. + +"Missed, by smoke!" he cried, for the man came on steadily. + +It was the work of a few seconds to open and close the bolt of the +rifle, and in that time the chief still ran on; but before Blight could +discharge his weapon a second time, the native's knees appeared to give +way, and he pitched headlong on his face. + +All four men were firing fast into the hostile press. The rush was +stopped, although some of the savages came near enough to hurl their +spears, several of which stuck in the trunks of the palm trees behind +which the little band took shelter. + +Many of the attackers fled for safety, others did not deign to run, but +retired slowly, brandishing their weapons at their enemies as they did +so. Some paid for their rashness, for it was a case of fighting for +existence, and every native put out of action told. + +"The beggars are going to corral us," exclaimed Blight. "See, they are +running round to our left." + +A couple of volleys drove the natives back still farther, yet without +attempting to take cover they continued their tactics of trying to cut +off their enemies' retreat. + +The South Sea Islanders rarely resort to strategy in actual fighting. +They may, indeed, take steps to surround their enemies, and then charge +fearlessly to close quarters. + +The white men were even now surrounded, for the advanced body, having +failed to prevent the embarkation of the discomfited invaders, had been +attracted by the sound of the firing and had completed the hostile +cordon. + +In the lull that ensued, Mr. McKay contrived to place a temporary +bandage over Quexo's shoulder. The mulatto was still unconscious, but +showed no symptoms of having been poisoned by the spear thrust. + +"I wonder what Hoppy is doing?" remarked Terence, after moistening his +parched lips with a draught from his water-bottle. "I guess he's in a +terrible stew." + +"He may manage to make our friends attempt another attack. If so, we +can bolt for the shore; though I'm not going to put much faith in +that," replied Mr. McKay. "They've had too much of a licking, I fancy." + +"Pity you didn't let us burn those blessed canoes, boss; these black +rascals will be able to follow our craft now." + +"Yes, I admit I erred on the side of mercy, Mr. Blight," was the reply. +"It's my fault, and I must take the blame." + +"That comes o' being so mighty particular," retorted the ex-pearler +bluntly. "If we come out o' this I guess your opinion of a nigger will +have an almighty change. Now, stand by, for here they come." + +"Don't be taken alive, lads," continued Mr. McKay, and the next instant +the rifle-fire reopened. + +Upon the dense masses of natives every shot told, yet having only one +rifle for each front the fire was not sufficiently extended to keep the +advancing enemy at bay. + +The air was filled with shouts and shrieks, while stones and spears +flew in deadly showers. Once the magazines were empty there was no +time to recharge. The heated rifles were flung aside and the revolvers +were brought into use. + +The four men shot rapidly and well, the heavy lead bullets stopping the +headlong rush far more effectively than did the nickel rifle ammunition. + +Once again the attack failed, the savages drawing off and leaving at +least fifty of their number dead or wounded on the field. Not one of +the enemy had got within twenty yards of the death-dealing weapons of +the white men. + +"Now, boss," gasped Blight, as he bound a discoloured silk handkerchief +round a spear-scratch on his left wrist. "Shall we make a bolt for it? +We can fight our way to the shore." + +Mr. McKay pointed to the still unconscious Quexo. + +"Put a bullet through his head. He won't feel it. Why should we chuck +away our chance for a wounded nigger?" + +"Look here, Mr. Blight, I've told you before you can go if you want to. +Here are two revolvers you can take; there's a good chance now, so go, +and good luck to you! I must stay here--what do you say, lads?" + +Terence and Andy grimly signified their intention of remaining with +their stricken comrade. + +Blight saw there was a chance, but, in his opinion, far from a good one. + +Although the spot the little band had chosen for their stand was within +a hundred yards of the sea, to return to where the canoes had landed +their armed contents was at least a quarter of a mile distant. + +Then, again, directly he left cover and began to run, a hundred natives +would join in the pursuit. Even could he manage to fight his way +through the ring and outstrip his pursuers, there was a long swim in +front of him. + +Good swimmer though he was, Blight recognised that he was decidedly +inferior in speed to the amphibious natives. + +"I see it's no go, boss," he exclaimed. "So let's stick at it to the +end. Come on, you black fiends!" he added, shaking his fist at the +dark masses of warriors, as they prepared to renew the attack. + +"Don't waste a single shot," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Here's the main +attack, so direct a combined fire in that direction, till they get +within fifty yards. Then each man must look to his front and do his +best." + +The words were scarcely spoken ere the fierce yells of the savages +redoubled, and the rush began. + +Scorning to take advantage of the slightest bit of cover, they raced +furiously, leaping over the low scrub that would have stopped a +civilised race. + +Then the rattle of the rifle-fire rose above the shouts of the natives. +Scores were hit, some falling on the spot, others running several yards +ere their strength failed, while many of the wounded, in their mad +thirst for vengeance, staggered after their comrades in an endeavour to +launch themselves upon the white men. + +No longer was there need to raise rifle to shoulder. Firing from the +hip, the little knot of desperate men emptied their magazines into the +throng of natives, then, casting aside their rifles, as before, they +grasped their revolvers, hardly daring to hope to check the headlong +rush. + +Suddenly to an accompaniment of a peculiar screech, a trail of thin +smoke flashed earthwards from the sky. Then, with a terrific report, +an explosion took place right in the middle of the surging pack of +savages, and ere the cloud of dense, suffocating smoke cleared away, +the natives fled in all directions. Some, indeed, were so terrified +that they fell flat on their faces, clapping their hands to their ears +to shut out the echoes of the thunderous report. + +Those who were on the remote side of the encircling body of natives, +though far from the scene of the explosion, were also seized with +panic, and the whole crowd, save those who had been hit or were too +dazed to move, fled helter-skelter for the village. + +For a full minute none of the white men spoke. Terence and Andy looked +with utter amazement at the retreating foes; Mr. McKay and Blight, more +hardened in peril, seized the opportunity to thrust fresh clips of +cartridges into their magazines. + +"Guess a gunboat's been dropping a shell," observed Blight, who was the +first to break the long-drawn silence. + +"You are wrong," replied Mr. McKay quietly. "A shell would never throw +out a cloud of smoke like that; it's not the colour of lyddite either." + +"Then what is it? Who fired it?" + +"Young Ellerton," was the astonishing reply. + +Mr. McKay was correct in his surmise. Ellerton, on seeing his +companions start in support of their coloured allies, was not +altogether at his ease. He kept tacking the yawl, so as to be within +easy distance of the landing-place in case of a hasty retreat on the +part of the invaders. + +Gradually the sounds of the running fight died away; but no report of +firearms served to show that the white men had got in touch with their +foes. + +Seen from seaward the scrub seemed almost so thick as to be impassable. +Mr. McKay and his companions were literally swallowed up in the +trackless waste that lay beyond the low range of cliffs. + +Ellerton looked around at the canoes. Beyond a man left in each as a +boat-keeper they were deserted. Blight had vanished; when and where +the young Englishman knew not. + +Suddenly the distant report of a revolver burst upon his ears. He knew +it to be a pistol shot, for it had not the short, sharp crack of a +rifle. That meant foes at close quarters. Then came two other reports +in quick succession, followed by a prolonged silence. + +The firing reassured him. He realised that his friends were not with +their savage allies, and that they were, in consequence, between the +village and the beach. Rightly enough he guessed that they were +dealing with a party of stragglers, the noise of only three shots and +the absence of rifle-fire showed that the conflict was brief and +decisive. + +The youth tacked once more, and steered eastward along the beach. +Again the long silence filled him with a nameless anxiety. He +regretted the evil day when Blight and the natives came to McKay's +Island; but in the circumstances nothing else could be done. They had +put their hand to the plough; there was no turning back. + +Then, gradually but surely, came the sound of the natives still engaged +in conflict, unaccompanied by the report of firearms. There was no +mistaking it. Their allies were being driven back; but where were the +white men? + +Nearer and nearer came the sounds of the retreating natives and their +pursuers, till the foremost of the fugitives gained the shore. Jumping +into their canoes they pushed off, panic-stricken and utterly fatigued. +Then came the main body, a sorry remnant at most, grimly fighting their +foes at almost every step. + +Waist deep in water they fought, till the survivors contrived to escape +in their boats. Two canoes were left unmanned, their solitary +occupants paddling laboriously out of the reach of their foes. + +Nor did the pursuit cease at the water's edge, for several of the enemy +dashed boldly into the waves and swam after the retreating craft. + +One of the latter was, indeed, overtaken, and a desperate struggle +ensued between the rival natives, till the crew of another canoe, +seeing their companions' plight, returned and saved them from being +wiped out. + +Then the flotilla moved well out into the lagoon, and took up a +position beyond the yawl, the natives, many of them badly wounded, +being too exhausted to paddle another stroke. + +Ellerton was now confronted with a real peril. His friends, if alive, +were cut off; he was unable to gather any tidings from the natives, who +replied to his gestures by grunts and meaningless exclamations. + +Just then came the rattle of musketry. At all events, Mr. McKay and +his party were still in a position to offer resistance, but against +what odds? + +Just then the wind, hitherto light, died utterly away. Ellerton knew +nothing about the motor, and he himself was now in a position of peril. +Unable to move, save by using a sweep, which was hard work, he was at +the mercy of the savages, who, lining the shore, had realised his +predicament, and were preparing to swim off and carry the yawl by storm. + +Ellerton had plenty of rifles and revolvers, but even then he could not +hope to keep the mob of foes at bay. + +Seizing a rifle, he sprang upon the cabin-top and opened fire. It was +a fairly long range--some six hundred yards--but Ellerton gauged the +distance to a nicety; with the correct elevation, missing a man in that +throng was about an impossibility. A commotion showed that the shot +had taken effect. Another with equally good result! Ellerton again +felt the lust of battle. + +Suddenly, in the midst of his cool and deliberate firing, a blow from +the boom nearly knocked the youth overboard. The breeze had again +sprung up. + +Recovering himself by grasping the main shrouds, Ellerton laid his +rifle on the deck and jumped into the cockpit. He meant to steer along +the coast towards the village, and, if possible, aid his friends by a +long, dropping fire. + +His progress was slow, the wind being still light, and ere the yawl had +travelled a hundred yards the firing on shore died away. + +What did it mean? He thought. Were his companions at length +overwhelmed by dint of numbers? If so he would take revenge; he would +cruise up and down the shore and blaze away so long as a savage +remained on the beach, or a cartridge remained on board. + +And after? He gave but a brief thought to that--a solitary existence +on a boat far from the little island he regarded as his home--but the +thought filled him with the rage of despair. + +Steering by means of the tiller between his knees, Ellerton headed +diagonally towards the shore, at the same time charging the magazines +of half-a-dozen rifles. + +While thus engaged, to his astonishment and delight the sound of firing +was resumed, the scene of action being nearly abreast of where the yawl +was steering. He immediately hove-to, and again ascending the +cabin-top, looked ashore. The scrub and several small groves of +cocoanut palms prevented him from seeing the combatants, and on this +account he refrained from opening a dropping fire, for fear of harming +his friends. + +He was in a helpless state of perplexity till all at once a thought +struck him which gave him new-born hope. + +The night he and Andy kept watch on board, in the lagoon of McKay's +Island, they had taken some rockets to use should they require +assistance. These rockets were of the ordinary sea-pattern, making a +loud explosion by means of a small charge of gun-cotton. + +Hurriedly Ellerton fixed one of the rockets so that it would assume a +curved flight instead of soaring upwards, then turning the vessel's +course till the direction of the projectile would be as near as +possible towards the scene of action, he discharged the novel weapon. + + * * * * * + +"That was a lucky thought of yours, Ellerton, my boy," exclaimed Mr. +McKay, when the little party was safely on board. "They scooted like +rabbits. But, by Jove! it was a narrow squeak." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +ROUTING THE SAVAGES + +There was not the slightest doubt about it. The expedition had failed +disastrously. Quexo was badly wounded, the white men all more or less +exhausted, while barely forty utterly demoralised natives were cowering +in their canoes. + +"Well, we can't stay here," remarked Mr. McKay, after the mulatto's +hurts had been dressed and the wounded man placed on one of the bunks. +"They will be starting in pursuit, I'm thinking, and so, Mr. Blight, +will you tell those black rascals to man two of their canoes and +destroy the others? By that means we may be able to get the survivors +back to Ni Atong." + +Mr. McKay's opinion of the ex-pearler was undergoing a change. No +doubt the man was a bit of a scoundrel, he thought, but he was older +and possibly more of a reformed character than in the old days in +Torres Strait. He had certainly fought well and had impressed the lads +as a resolute and cautious combatant. + +"I'll tell 'em, boss," he replied. "But, by snakes, it's a bad +look-out." + +"It is," assented Mr. McKay, as he prepared to go below and bind up a +slight wound on his shoulder. "Your friends will have to be content +with Ni Atong for a while, I'm thinking." + +Andy was also in the cabin, where he was attending to a surface wound +on his forehead--the legacy of one of the savages' showers of +stones--so only Terence and Ellerton remained on deck with the +ex-pearler. + +"Couldn't the boss bring over the rest of your pals and settle our +score with those niggers?" + +"What pals?"' asked Terence, taken aback by the suddenness of the +question. + +"Why, the other chaps on your island." + +"There are none," replied Terence. + +Barely had the words escaped him, when he realised that he had made an +admission. He had revealed the comparative weakness of the defences of +McKay's Island. + +"Oh! Is that so?" was the rejoinder. + +Blight said no more on the subject, for the yawl was now within hailing +distance of the forlorn flotilla. + +The natives accepted their white companion's orders without demur. The +two most serviceable canoes were brought up with their full complement, +and the rest were scuttled till they floated awash--useless to friend +or foe. Then with a light breeze the three craft--the yawl leading the +forlorn procession--headed for the opening in the reef. + +Jimmy Blight was thinking. He was not of a thinking nature, but +scheming and plotting were the only intellectual subjects in which he +excelled. In fact, he was a past master in the art of intrigue. + +He briefly summed up the situation and enlarged upon it. His house and +store at Ahii were in the hands of a hostile race of savages. His +wealth of copra and other valuable native products had vanished. + +Had his black friends been able to regain possession of Ahii, he would +not have hesitated to incite them to fall treacherously upon the white +men from McKay's Island, and the doubtless valuable stores of that +place would be his. Now, with fewer than forty of his savage friends +at his command, the risk was too great--at least at present. + +No, he must wait his time, return to Ni Atong, and endeavour to find an +opportunity of surprising and slaying the handful of whites. If only +he dared! With a fully charged revolver he might make a sudden +attack---- + +This wicked scheming was suddenly interrupted by a shout from one of +the canoes. The keen-eyed savages had detected an ominous movement +ashore. Their enemies were launching their canoes in pursuit of their +discomfited adversaries. + +"Say, boss!" exclaimed the ex-pearler, as Mr. McKay emerged from the +little cabin. "What's to be done now? There ain't no wind, in a +manner o' speaking, and those reptiles'll overhaul us hand over fist." + +Mr. McKay did not reply at first, but anxiously scanned the shore with +his glasses. + +"There are seven canoes," he announced. "Three for us to tackle and +two for each canoe. 'Tis long odds, but I reckon we'll come out on top." + +"Why not get aboard the canoes, and let this 'ere packet go?" asked +Blight. "There'll be more chance with the blacks using their paddles. +It'll be a flat calm in a minute or so." + +"No," replied Mr. McKay. "We'll fight it out as we are, though we've +had quite enough for one day." + +The crews of the two friendly canoes were still lying on their paddles, +realising that their only hope was in remaining by the white man's +boat. Their indifference had vanished, and weapons were brandished in +a way that showed a grim determination to fight to the death. + +"Tell them to paddle for all they are worth," exclaimed Mr. McKay. + +"What for?" demanded Blight, his old aggressive manner beginning to +return. "What's the use? Let's keep together, I vote." + +"I mean to," replied Mr. McKay coolly. "Now do as I tell you." + +Sullenly the ex-pearler obeyed, and the natives, plying their paddles +to the accompaniment of a mournful chant, soon increased the distance +between them and the almost becalmed yawl. + +"Now, Andy, start the motor." + +Great was Blight's astonishment as the engine began to purr, and the +little craft shot through the water at a good eight knots. He had +never seen an internal combustion engine before. Although motor-driven +craft are common amongst the pearling and trading fleets in the +Pacific, he had left the fishing-grounds some years before the first +motor had made its appearance. + +Nor was the wonder of the crews of the friendly canoes any the less. +To them the white man's boat, vomiting clouds of vapour from the +exhaust and producing a series of rapid explosions, was nothing more or +less than a fiery-dragon. + +"We are going the pace too much," remarked Andy, for the yawl was +easily outdistancing the canoes, whose crews were showing signs of +physical distress. + +"Yes, we must stand by them," replied his father. "See, our pursuers +are gaining; you are quite sure the motor is thoroughly tuned up, I +hope?" + +"Running like clockwork," was Andy's enthusiastic reply. + +"Good! Now, lads, it's revolvers for this business. Get the canvas +off her, then. Keep well under cover; I'm going to ram the leading +canoe." + +The sails were quickly stowed, and the bowsprit run in. The five men, +revolvers in hand, kept in the cockpit so as to be sheltered by the +raised roof of the cabin. + +"Now, Ellerton, how's your nerve?" + +"Perfectly fit." + +"Then put your helm over when I give the word and strike yonder canoe +square amidships." + +The pursuers had trailed out in a long, straggling line, a couple of +hundred yards separating the foremost from the second. + +On they came, fearlessly. Ellerton could see the foam flying from the +sharp prow, the muscular backs of the straining oarsmen, and hear the +steady yet rapid thud of the paddles. Now he could discern the whites +of the eyes of the fierce-looking warriors who were gathering in her +lofty bows. + +"Make due allowance for the way she carries," cautioned Mr. McKay. +"Now, hard over!" + +The youth at the helm put all his strength against the tiller. The +yawl rolled outward as she turned, then recovering herself rushed +straight for her gigantic antagonist. + +With a yell of defiance the savages let fly a shower of arrows and +stones. The masts and deck were literally bristling with darts, while +the stones rolled like hail upon the planks. + +Under the protection of the cabin-top the white men escaped the deadly +volley, but Ellerton, gripping the tiller with a vice-like grip, felt a +hot, stinging pain in his left arm. + +Then, crash! Fair in the centre of the lightly-built fifty-feet hull +struck the sharp stem. There was a terrific splintering of wood and +the gurgling sound of inrushing water, while at the same time the fore +part of the yawl was crowded with a score of black fiends. + +[Illustration: CRASH! FAIR IN THE CENTRE OF THE LIGHTLY BUILT +FIFTY-FEET HULL STRUCK THE SHARP STEM] + +Then the revolvers barked, and the living mob of savages melted away, +and the next instant the yawl was ploughing her way over the shattered +remains of the war-canoe. + +"Hurrah!" shouted the crew. "Now for the next!" + +But the second canoe, profiting by her consort's misfortunes, turned +and paddled rapidly back, to obtain the support of the third. + +With a difference of barely one knot in speed the advantage of the +motor-driven vessel was lost, so the crew had to be content to keep out +of range of the arrows and pour in volleys from the rifles. + +It was a stern lesson, but one that was absolutely necessary, for the +remaining canoes turned tail and paddled hurriedly for the shore. + +The sharp and short conflict was ended by the return of the two +friendly canoes, whose crews, with true savage instinct, completed the +work of destruction by spearing every man whose head remained above +water. + +"Capitally done, Ellerton!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. "You--Why, what's the +matter with the lad?" + +The lad's face had turned a ghastly greyish hue, and only Andy's prompt +action saved him from falling upon the grating of the cockpit. + +"Look! He's hit!" said Andy, pointing to Ellerton's left arm, which +had hitherto been concealed. + +In a trice Mr. McKay cut away the wounded youth's shirt-sleeve. The +arrow had gone through the fleshy part of his forearm, the barb +projecting quite a couple of inches. + +"Hold his arm as firmly as you can," said Mr. McKay. + +Then, grasping the haft of the missile, he dexterously snapped it in +two. In spite of his care and skill, the slight motion caused the lad +to utter a groan; but the worst was still to come. + +Lubricating the broken shaft with some cocoanut oil, Mr. McKay told +Andy and Terence to hold Ellerton's arm tightly, so as to compress the +veins and arteries, and consequently numb the limb. Then with a rapid +and deliberate motion he laid hold of the barbed end and drew the +fragment of the missile through the wound. With a low moan Ellerton +fainted. + +"Couldn't be better," remarked Mr. McKay. "Now, lads, take him into +the cabin, and start the stove as fast as you can. I'm afraid the +arrow is poisoned." + +Andy and Terence lifted their comrade upon one of the bunks opposite to +that on which Quexo was peacefully slumbering. Mr. McKay had given the +mulatto a strong sleeping draught; he now took up a rifle, and, +withdrawing the cleaning rod, snapped it close to the "worm." + +"You might take the helm, Blight," he remarked. "You know the course? +I shall be busy for half an hour or so." + +Blight nodded. Left alone, he gave a glimpse at the compass, put the +tiller up till the vessel lay on her proper course, and motioned to the +two canoes to follow. + +Then he resumed his meditations. Everything seemed in his favour. +Half a dozen revolvers, thrown down after the fight, were within hand's +reach. In the cabin were two wounded persons and three totally +unsuspecting unarmed men. And close by were the two canoes containing +his coloured associates. What could be easier? + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A KNIFE-THRUST IN THE DARK + +More than once Blight bent over the array of death-dealing weapons, but +on each occasion his nerve failed him. + +Accustomed as he was to deal swiftly with the natives, never hesitating +to shoot down any black creature that thwarted him, he shrank from +tackling his intended victims. + +Not from feelings of compunction did he pause; he was a coward at +heart, and the thought of a possible failure filled him with a horrible +dread. So, nervously sawing at the tiller, he gnawed his lower lip and +formed fresh plans for evil. + +Meanwhile Mr. McKay, unconscious of his peril, proceeded with his +preparations. He deeply regretted the fact that the case of surgical +instruments salved from the _San Martin_ was at that moment--like the +Dutchman's anchor--left at home, or rather on McKay's Island. In the +final hurry of embarkation that important item had been overlooked. + +Grasping the glowing portion of the cleaning rod, Mr. McKay approached +the unconscious lad. Once more telling the other two lads to hold the +patient's arm firmly, he inserted the red-hot metal into the wound. + +It was the work of a few seconds, but the operation of cauterising the +wound was accomplished. Time alone would tell whether this rude +surgery was a success or not. + +An hour later the low-lying island of Ni Atong was in sight, and just +before sunset the yawl and her two native consorts entered the lagoon. + +It was a pitiful home-coming. The miserable remnant of the fleet of +canoes told the tale, and already the beach was lined with a crowd of +wailing women and crying children, with a sprinkling of old men, whose +services had been dispensed with on the fatal expedition. + +The latter had good cause for being cast down. + +In many of the Pacific Islands old age is looked upon as a useless +qualification, and, failing a crowd of prisoners to serve as sacrifices +and to appease the warriors' appetites, it was their aged and infirm +fellow-tribesmen who were doomed to die to keep the angry gods +good-tempered. + +"Coming ashore, boss?" asked Blight, as if he did not care one way or +the other. "I can give you a shakedown in my hut." + +"I'm afraid we cannot manage it," was the reply. "You see, with our +two patients it is out of the question." + +"Well, well! Maybe it will be best, 'specially as them natives are +going to have a bit of a bust-up to-night. You mayn't like it, though +I'm used to it. When do you set sail for your own island?" + +"To-morrow at dawn." + +"Oh!" + +Mr. McKay looked up sharply. There was a strange sound about that +"Oh!" The ex-pearler realised that the exclamation was a weak +expression of regret, and hastened to explain. + +"I thought as how you would be wanting fresh water, 'specially for your +two young chaps. Make a day of it, and have a spell ashore. One more +day won't make no difference like." + +"Possibly not," assented Mr. McKay. + +"Then there are yams and plantains. They'll be rare good for feverish +fellows. You're welcome, you know." + +"I'll see what the others say. So now, Blight, my son can row you +ashore." + +"This is a present, isn't it, boss?" asked Blight, pointing to the +revolver that he had used to such good purpose at Ahii. + +"Certainly, I gave it you," was the reply. + +"Thanks!" + +Blight picked up the weapon and thrust it with assumed carelessness +into his belt; then, bidding the crew of the yawl good night, he +stepped into the dinghy. + +Hardly had the sun set, than the wearied crew retired to the cabin for +rest and refreshment. + +Ellerton was awake, feverish, and at intervals in great pain. Quexo +still slumbered. Andy and Terence were sleepily nodding their heads in +an almost vain endeavour to keep awake. + +Mr. McKay, though utterly done up, announced his intention of keeping +watch on deck the moment he had finished supper. + +Just as the moon rose, a blood-curdling roar came from the island. +Instantly the two McKays and Terence rushed on deck. Fires gleamed in +the centre of the wretched village, and around the flames danced a +hundred natives, yelling, screaming, and invoking their idols. + +"What are they up to, pater?" asked Andy, as his father scanned the +shore with a pair of night-glasses. "Let me have a look when you've +finished." + +"You had better not," was the reply. "Take my word for it." + +The lads understood. They were fairly well acquainted with the hideous +orgies that are practised on these islands. + +"And to think we helped those villains," remarked Andy. + +"Well," admitted his father, "it was, as I said before, the only course +open to us. Now, I think all danger is past. They are not strong +enough to attempt to seize our island, so we can go back with easy +minds." + +"I hope so," returned his son. "But my word, it's cost us something!" + +"I can't understand that chap Blight," said Terence. "He seemed mighty +curious to know how many of us lived on the island." + +"You told him?" + +"Yes! I let the cat out of the bag, I fear." + +"You did?" replied Mi. McKay gravely. "I'm sorry; but perhaps there's +no harm done. However, we'll set sail to-morrow morning in any case. +I, for one, will not be sorry to say good-bye to Mr. Blight. Now, +lads, you must turn in. I'll be all right here; and to-morrow, all +being well, I'll make up arrears of sleep." + +Left to himself, Mr. McKay sat in the cockpit and watched the orgies +ashore till the fires died out and the sounds of the worshippers +ceased. Half-an-hour later he appeared, to all intents and purposes, +to be lying in the stern sheets fast asleep. + +At about three in the morning the moon, now high in the heavens, threw +her beams upon a strange drama. + +Swimming with eel-like swiftness and silence towards the unguarded yawl +came three men. Two were natives, the third a white man, and each had +a glittering knife betwixt his teeth. + +Grasping the boat's stern, Blight (for it was he) listened intently. +Then, hearing only the sounds of deep slumber arising from the cabin, +he cautiously placed his foot over the bobstay, and with slow and +stealthy movement hoisted himself clear of the water. + +Having made sure that the deck was deserted, he climbed softly upon the +fo'c'sle and proceeded to unfasten his revolver, which he had secured +to the top of his head by means of a strip of cocoa fibre. + +Presently he was joined by one of the natives, and at a short interval +by the second. Creeping towards the open skylight the miscreant +listened once more. The loud ticking of the cabin chronometer and the +deep, regular breathing of the sleepers, alone broke the stillness. + +Suddenly Blight perceived Mr. McKay's form lying with his head buried +in his arm upon one of the seats of the cockpit. This was awkward. He +raised his revolver, then reflected that ere he could reach the cabin +after firing the fatal shot the occupants would be aroused. + +Sprawling full length upon the cabin-top, Blight watched the slumbering +victim with considerable misgivings, till realising that Mr. McKay was +sound asleep, he raised himself upon his elbow, and beckoned to the two +natives. Uplifting his knife, Blight made an imaginary thrust, then +pointed meaningly towards the sleeper. + +Just then a shark glided past the boat at barely an oar's length. +Rising to the surface it turned on its back and snapped at some +floating object. The sharp, almost metallic snap of those powerful +jaws filled the would-be murderer with alarm. He realised that the +sleeper might awake, and also that his own retreat was cut off. + +The sweat poured in torrents from his brow and ran down his chalky +cheeks. But the sleeping man stirred not. + +Reassured, Blight again signed to the natives. Knife in hand the two +glided along the narrow waterways, dropping noiselessly into the +cockpit, and crept towards their unsuspecting prey. + +Blight, revolver in hand, followed, stopping by the side of the cabin +bulkhead, ready to dive into the cabin and complete the murderous +business the moment the fatal blow was struck. + +Like panthers the two natives launched themselves upon their victim, +their knives flashed in the moonlight; the next instant they were +buried to the hilt in the body of the sleeper. + +Ere the weapons could be withdrawn, two shots rang out in quick +succession. One of the natives fell face foremost across the coaming +of the cockpit, the other gave a spring and plunged lifeless into the +sea. + +Then, before Blight could realise the sudden turn of affairs, he felt +the contact of the muzzle of a smoking revolver against his temple. + +"Hands up, Blight!" exclaimed Mr. McKay resolutely. + +The would-be murderer's weapon fell from his nerveless grasp and +immediately his hands were raised high above his head. + +The noise of the firing had aroused the sleeping inmates of the cabin, +and Andy, Terence, and even Ellerton rushed through the narrow doorway +into the well. + +"Get hold of a few pieces of lashing and secure the rascal," said Mr. +McKay calmly. + +"You are not hurt?" asked his son anxiously. + +"Hurt? Not a bit of it. No thanks to this beauty, though. See!" + +And, still keeping the weapon at the would-be assassin's head, he +pointed to the made-up figure of himself, in which the hilts of the two +knives glittered in the moonlight. + +Andy and Terence lost no time in securing the ankles of the prisoner. +Then ordering him to lower his hands, the lads deftly lashed his elbows +together behind his back. + +"So, Mr. James Blight, alias 'Chinese Pork,' I find your delightful +character has undergone little change during the last twenty years. +One would have thought that your unpleasant experiences in connection +with the _Sea Belle_----" + +"What d'ye mean?" gasped the prisoner, his eyes rolling heavily in his +terror. + +"I beg you not to interrupt. A connection with the _Sea Belle_ would +have taught anyone but an utter villain or a fool a lifelong lesson. I +will pass over those minor affairs at Boni Harbour and Fortescue +Strait, though by mentioning them you can realise that I know a good +deal of your former career. What you've been doing since is of little +consequence, though I'll wager that your existence will not bear +investigation. Now, to complete your record, you've been caught in the +act of attempting to treacherously slay your white--well, I won't say +friends. Thanks to a merciful Providence, your schemes were thwarted. +I am now going to keep you in custody till I can hand you over to +justice at Brisbane, where you will have a fair trial and be allowed to +answer to a number of various crimes." + +Mr. McKay paused to note the effect of his accusation, then he +continued: + +"I am going to keep you a close prisoner in the fo'c'sle till we return +to our island. You will then be kept in confinement ashore till such +time as we are able to reach some island under the control of a +recognised British governor. Have you anything to say?" + +The ex-pearler maintained a sullen silence, and, without offering any +resistance, he was carried into the fo'c'sle and locked in, there to +meditate on the fate in store for him. + +"Ellerton, go back to your bunk. You ought not to be here," exclaimed +Mr. McKay. + +"But I feel all right again," replied the youth. + +"Probably you do, but with your arm in that state absolute rest is +essential. So go. Andy, we've had enough of this island, so let's +clap on all sail and shape a course for home." + +In the moonlight the entrance through the reef was plainly visible. +There was a favourable breeze, so that the yawl could lay on her course +without having to tack. + +As the anchor rose, a long-drawn chorus of shouts of rage came from the +beach, and a swarm of arrows, all of which fell short, hurtled through +the air. + +"So much for our native allies," observed Mr. McKay. "They are all in +the swim in this business. No matter, they can do us no harm." + +To the accompaniment of a farewell shout of anger from the baffled +inhabitants of Ni Atong, the yawl glided swiftly across the moonlit sea. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE GALE + +Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the +waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward +voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared +above the horizon. + +But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour +later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern. + +Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening +sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held +on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm. + +Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one +of the bunks. + +Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the +boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly. + +"Another couple of hours will find us home, Hoppy, old man," exclaimed +Terence cheerily, as he entered the cabin. "But it does blow." + +"So I should think," replied Ellerton. "But how is she behaving?" + +"Like a cork; we've only had the tail end of a couple of seas aboard. +Well, cheer up! Make yourself at home and wish you were," and with +this pleasantry Terence returned to keep Andy company. + +Each time the yawl breasted the summit of a wave, the peak of McKay's +Island could be seen rearing its head above the waste of storm-tossed +waters. Each time it did so it appeared to be getting nearer. + +Andy knew that there was danger ahead, but he forebore to mention the +fact to his chum. + +The "back-wash" from the terrible reef, with its accompaniment of a +tumble of dangerous cross-seas, had to be encountered, and the risky +passage through the coral barrier made at all costs. + +For half-an-hour more the seas, though high, were comparatively +regular, but at the expiration of that time the dinghy, which was being +towed astern, was filled by a vicious comber. The dead weight of the +water-logged craft caused the stout painter to snap like pack-thread, +and the next instant the tender was lost to view in the turmoil of +foaming water. + +"Can't we go back for her?" shouted Terence, for the howling of the +wind made ordinary conversation inaudible. + +"Impossible!" replied his chum. "She would be swamped before we hauled +to the wind. Besides, the dinghy's done for." + +"It's a rotten look-out. We shall miss her." + +"Yes," assented Andy. "But it can't be helped. Look here, Terence, +now we are going through a patch of broken water. I can see it a mile +or so ahead. We may have a few seas on board, so lash yourself to this +cleat and stand by with the bucket. You may have to bale for all +you're worth." + +Terence closed the cabin-doors. Fortunately they were close-fitting +and comparatively watertight; but, on the other hand, the cockpit was +not a self-emptying one. Whatever quantity of water broke over had to +be baled out. + +"We'll have one of those cans of kerosene out of that locker," +continued Andy. + +"Going to start the motor?" + +"No; to throw oil on the sea. Kerosene's not very heavy, but it's all +we have. Now, stand by, here it comes." + +Only a mile now separated the yawl from the entrance to the lagoon of +McKay's Island, but every yard of that mile was beset with dangers. + +Andy gripped the tiller, and braced himself for the ordeal. He had +been the chief workman in the task of converting the boat into her +present form, and now his handiwork was to be put to the test. A +faulty piece of wood, a defective screw, an unsound rope--and their +lives would have to answer for it. + +With a dull roar a white-crested wave broke over the fore-deck, burying +the little yawl as far as the mainmast; then ere she could recover +herself another comber came like a cataract over the lee quarter. Well +it was that both lads had taken the precaution of lashing themselves +on, otherwise they might have been swept clean out of the well. + +Andy, wellnigh breathless--for he had been hit in the side by the +tiller as the boat attempted to broach to--retained sufficient presence +of mind to thrust the helm up and enable the craft to meet the next +following wave stern on. + +"Bale!" he shouted. "Bale for your life!" and seizing the kerosene can +that was floating from side to side of the cockpit, he splayed a +quantity of oil over each quarter. + +Terence, who was thrown in every direction as far as his tether would +allow, struggled manfully with the bucket, but could hardly cope with +the frequent showers of spray that literally played over the boat from +every point of the compass. + +The helmsman noticed, with feelings of deepest concern, that the yawl +had made considerable headway since entering the zone of broken water, +and it would be touch-and-go whether they could avoid being carried on +to the lee side of the coral reef. + +It was now nearly high tide, and the cruel ridges were covered, +although in the trough of the heavier waves the jagged lines of +glistening coral showed themselves above the smother of foam. + +Andy tried his best to keep the boat's head towards the channel, but in +vain. She had lost ground, and was driving straight for the reef. One +chance alone remained. He must put the yawl about and endeavour to +claw-off the treacherous reef. + +Like a top the little craft responded to the shift of the helm. For a +few brief seconds the reefed head-sail slatted violently in the howling +wind; then, to the accompaniment of another tremendous sea, the yawl +staggered on her fresh course. + +Andy's idea was to sail round to the lee side of the island and cruise +about in the shelter of the reef till the gale moderated; but a few +moments sufficed to show him that the spread of canvas--already as much +as the vessel could carry--was not sufficient to take her to windward. +She was drifting broadside on to the reef. + +"Quick, Terry!" he shouted. "Tell them to stand by and make a rush +directly you open the cabin door. The yawl's done for. She'll be +smashed to splinters in five minutes." + +Mr. McKay received the appalling intelligence fairly calmly. He at +once proceeded to fasten a lifebelt round Ellerton's practically +helpless form, and then did a like service to Quexo. Nor did he forget +the prisoner, Blight. But, on sliding back the fo'c'sle hatch, he +found the man lying senseless on the floor. Either he had fainted +through sheer fright, or he had been stunned by being thrown against +one of the lockers, and bound hand and foot, had been unable to help +himself. + +Blight was no feather-weight, but in spite of the plunging and rolling +of the doomed craft, Mr. McKay gripped him with one hand and dragged +his senseless body into the cabin. Then, cutting his bonds, he +completed his work of mercy by lashing the sole remaining lifebelt +round the body of his would-be murderer. + +"You've nothing to put on," gasped Ellerton. + +"True; but I have my strength," was the reply, as Mr. McKay stealthily +girded on a leather belt in which hung a formidable sheath-knife. It +was not the thought of being cast on the waters that troubled him. +Death, should it come, would be swift and merciful. But should they +survive the dangers of the reef there was the probability of far +greater peril. + +Though he forbore to mention the fact to Ellerton, Mr. McKay thought of +the sharks, and with a fervent unspoken prayer to save them from these +creatures, he stood ready for the cabin door to be opened. + +Meanwhile Terence and Andy had cut themselves free from their lashings. +Twenty yards away the reef showed its teeth as if waiting for its prey. + +Then with a noise like the rattle of musketry, which drowned the +thunder of the breakers, the staysail burst asunder, and the yawl, in +spite of the helmsman's efforts, flew up into the wind. + +Down in the trough of a murderous sea she sank. A rapid glance astern +showed the glistening reef towering several feet above the little +craft, the white foam pouring down the honeycombed ridges as if the +rock were baring itself to strike a harder blow. + +"The door!" gasped Andy, as a gigantic roller bore down upon the reef. + +Terence unfastened the cabin door, and as Mr. McKay appeared, holding +Ellerton and Quexo in his powerful grip, the yawl seemed to stand on +end. Then, borne on the breast of the roller, the little craft was +tossed like a cork right over the rocks, her keel scraping the lee side +of the reef by barely a yard! + +The next instant the vessel was rolling sluggishly in the sullen swell +within the lagoon, with two feet of water in her cabin, yet still +afloat and in comparative safety. + +"Don't wait to bale out!" shouted Andy. "You take the helm, pater. +Run her up into the wind and we'll anchor." + +The ground swell inside the lagoon was too great to allow the yawl to +run alongside the usual jetty. They would have to wait till low tide, +when the reef would be sufficiently exposed to serve as a breakwater. + +Quickly Andy and Terence made their way for'ard to let go the anchor. + +When within a couple of hundred yards of the beach the yawl was again +put head to wind, and with a splash the anchor plunged to the bottom of +the lagoon. But just as Andy was checking the out-rushing cable, a +sudden blow from the staysail caught him unawares, and the next instant +he was struggling in the sea. + +The waves carried the lad clear of the vessel, and in spite of his +utmost efforts he was unable to regain the boat. His father hurled a +coil of rope, but the line, being wet, became entangled and fell short. + +Andy saw that it was impossible to swim back, so with a cheery wave of +his arm he pointed towards the surf-beaten shore, and immediately +struck out for land. + +For an instant Mr. McKay intended to plunge into the sea and accompany +his son on his perilous swim, till the thought of the possibility of +Blight recovering his senses occurred to him. With Ellerton and Quexo +disabled, the margin of safety was not sufficient when only Terence +remained to guard the prisoner. + +Both lads were surprised to see Mr. McKay rush into the flooded cabin +and return with a rifle and a belt of ammunition. + +"Don't alarm him," said Andy's father hurriedly. "But there may be +sharks about." + +Placing the rifle on the fo'c'sle of the heaving vessel, Mr. McKay +watched the progress of the swimmer with the greatest concern, at the +same time keeping a sharp look-out for the expected appearance of the +dreaded dorsal fin of one of the tigers of the deep. + +Steadily Andy swam shorewards, keeping up a slow yet powerful side +stroke. Now he was in the grip of the ground swell. Once his feet +touched bottom, but ere he could obtain a firm footing the "undertow" +swept him backwards. + +The next instant he was lost to sight in a white-capped roller. The +wave broke, then receded, but to the alarm of the anxious watchers +there were no signs of the swimmer. + +Quickly the wide expanse of sand uncovered; then, just as another +breaker was preparing to launch itself upon the beach, Andy sprang to +his feet. + +Knee-deep in water he rushed up the shelving shore, and managed to +grasp a ledge of rock ere he was again overwhelmed by the mighty +torrent. Fortunately he was able to retain his grasp, and directly the +rock uncovered he ran beyond the reach of the waves and sank exhausted +on the beach. + +"He'll be all right in a minute," said Mr. McKay with a sigh of relief. +"Now, Ellerton, you had better stay here while we get rid of the water; +the bunks must be saturated. Come on, Terence, we've been through a +great deal, and now, thank God, we are safely home; but all the same, +we've plenty of work to do." + +Thus exhorted, Terence assisted Mr. McKay to lower and stow the +mainsail and secure the fragment of the head sail that had caused so +much mischief. + +This done, they plied buckets and balers till the level of the water +they had shipped sank well beneath the floor-boards of the cabin. The +yawl was no longer sluggish, but rose buoyantly as each roller passed +under her. + +"This is the second gale from this quarter," remarked Mr. McKay, as +they were partaking of a hastily cooked meal. "It's taught me a +lesson. Had our boat been in her usual dock she would have been dashed +to pieces. At the first opportunity we'll lay down a heavy set of +moorings and keep her afloat. Here, thanks to the reef, the seas can +never be really dangerous, though on shore they break heavily." + +"When shall we be able to land, do you think?" asked Terence, for the +short, sharp motion of the boat as she pitched at her cable was +beginning to prove distressing, both to him and Quexo. + +"In a matter of three hours Andy will be able to launch the other +tender. We will then lay out another anchor, so as to make doubly +sure, and get ashore. Is Andy still on the beach?" + +Terence went out of the cabin, and on returning reported that his chum +was ascending the cliff path. + +"Now we'll secure this fellow Blight once more. I see he's coming +round," continued Mr. McKay. + +Placing the prisoner again in the fo'c'sle he did not attempt to secure +his arms and legs. He merely tied the man's thumbs with a piece of +strong but fine cord, so that his arms were kept behind his back. +Unless he attempted to struggle, the prisoner would feel but slight +inconvenience, while this method was a perfect means of keeping him in +a state of utter helplessness. + +Shortly after this was done Mr. McKay went on deck "to have a look +round." Gazing landward, he saw Andy standing on the edge of the lower +terrace, striving to attract his attention by means of a handkerchief +tied to a stick. + +"There's Andy calling me up in the Morse code," said Mr. McKay. "I +wonder what's up? Terence, will you please hand me over that +signalling flag from the for'ard port locker?" + +Andy, though not an expert signaller, knew the Morse system fairly +well. Slowly he transmitted the startling message: + +"_The house has been broken into!_" + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +BACK TO THE ISLAND + +Without hesitation Mr. McKay replied: + +"Do not go to the house. Remain on beach till you can launch boat." + +Andy gave the A.F., showing that he understood the signal, and +descending to the shore proceeded to divest himself of most of his +sodden clothing. + +"There's something amiss ashore, lads," explained Mr. McKay. "Andy's +just informed me that the house has been broken into. Of course, it +may be another unfortunate party of shipwrecked mariners, or a hurried +visit of the crew of a passing ship. All I hope is that there are no +natives on the island." + +"I wonder if any remained after the canoe left," remarked Ellerton. + +"Quite possible. I never thought of that, by Jove! They might have +slipped away in the night in order to steal all they could lay their +hands upon. In that case there are only a few. We may be able to hunt +them out without much trouble. Still, I'm sorry it's happened." + +From the cabin Mr. McKay produced his pair of marine glasses. After a +prolonged examination he exclaimed: + +"Yes, the door is ajar. I feel certain I closed it when I left." + +"We'll soon see what's amiss," said Terence. "See, the reef is +uncovering and the wind is dropping." + +"Yes, it is," assented Mr. McKay. "Andy will be able to put off in the +boat in less than an hour. Ellerton, I think you had better remain on +board." + +"Why, sir?" + +"Because of your arm." + +"I'll take care of it. Besides, I can use a revolver with my sound +limb if necessary." + +"Very well, then; only don't blame me if anything goes wrong. Quexo +must stay in any case. There's no need to worry about Blight." + +In less than the predicted time Andy succeeded in rowing the small boat +safely through the rapidly subsiding swell. Directly he came +alongside, Mr. McKay and the two lads slipped on board, and with no +greater inconvenience than a thorough drenching--to which they were now +perfectly accustomed--the party landed at the natural quay at the foot +of the path leading up to the house. + +Everything appeared quiet. A hasty glance at the two storehouses on +the lower terrace revealed the astonishing discovery that nothing had +been disturbed. + +"Strange," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "One would have thought that these +would be the first places to be ransacked. Now, carefully, lads! Keep +your firearms ready." + +Cautiously they scaled the cliff path and gained the terrace on which +the house stood. Still no signs of human beings, except that the door +was half open. + +Mr. McKay knocked quietly, then, pushing open the door, he entered. A +strange sight met his gaze. Everything movable had been upset or +pushed out of place; the floor of the living-room was littered with +bedding and the fragments of earthenware vessels. + +"The brutes!" ejaculated Mr. McKay savagely. "They've capsized +everything out of sheer mischief. I hope I'll be able to lay my hands +on them." + +The lads, not without feeling of mysterious awe at the scene of wanton +desolation, crossed the floor of the room and entered the sleeping +quarters. + +Here the state of confusion was, if possible, greater than in the outer +apartment; but a clue to the mystery was afforded by the discovery of +the dead body of a sheep, its head wedged in between the bars of a +chair. + +"Why," exclaimed Andy, "the sheep have broken out of their pasture! + +"Yes," replied his father. "They managed to find their way into the +house, though how I cannot imagine. Something must have frightened +them and there was a mad stampede. This poor brute contrived to get +his head jammed in the chair, and in his struggles he broke his neck. +We've had a rare fright, but, after all, there's nothing of consequence +that cannot be set right." + +"Hadn't we better get Quexo ashore before it gets dark?" + +"Certainly, and Blight as well. I think the best place we can put him +is in the small store. He'll be all right for one night, though I'm +sorry to keep him bound." + +"The treacherous reptile deserves no consideration." + +"My dear Andy, we are not Nicaraguan revolutionaries. So long as he +remains our prisoner we ought to treat him with the same amount of +consideration that any other British criminal receives while awaiting +trial. To-morrow we must find a place better suited for his reception." + +"There's the farthermost cave, the one beyond those where we've stowed +the dynamite," observed Andy. "There's not much in it at present; we +can build a partition over the opening and make a door." + +"Yes, it will be far more comfortable than his quarters in Ni Atong. +We'll make a start to-morrow." + +Accordingly Mr. McKay and his son put off in the dinghy--which, by the +way, was the larger though more awkwardly-shaped part of the _San +Martin's_ gig--and transferred Quexo to the shore. The poor fellow was +in a bad state, though his wound showed no signs of complications. +Ellerton had had his hurts attended to as soon as the house was set in +order. Beyond the inflammation caused by the searing-iron, his wound +gave no reason for undue anxiety. + +"Now then, out you come," ordered Mr. McKay sternly, as Andy and he, +armed in case of emergency, returned to the yawl. + +Blight obeyed. Indeed, there was no option. His face was a picture of +utter cowardice and terror. + +"You ain't going to shoot me?" he whined. + +"No!" replied Mr. McKay. "I've already told you what I intend to do +with you. So long as you behave yourself you'll be treated +properly--far better than you deserve." + +With that the would-be assassin took his place in the boat, Mr. McKay +seated beside him with a revolver in his hand, while Andy rowed. + +On arriving at the shore the captive's eyes were bandaged, and, still +secured by his thumbs, he was led up to the first terrace and placed in +the storehouse. Mr. McKay then severed the cord that bound him, the +door was locked, and the rogue left to his own reflections. + +The following day was an exceptionally busy one. Ellerton, being +unable to do any hard work, was dispatched into the grove to "round up" +the sheep, while the three sound members of the establishment, after +having conveyed the prisoner his food and water, set off for the cave +that was to be prepared for his quarters. + +It was situated on the extreme end of the upper terrace, where the +level stretch of ground tapered away till it ended in the sheer face of +a high precipice. + +Outside the mouth of the cave was a belt of grass land about ten yards +in width, the cliff falling to a depth of about seventy feet, while +above the cave the rocks, too smooth to afford a foothold, towered to +nearly a hundred feet. + +The cave was quite fifty feet in depth, and averaged ten feet in width, +while its height in places was over twenty feet. Its entrance, +however, was barely four feet wide and six in height. + +"There won't be much light for the poor beggar when once we've inclosed +the entrance," remarked Andy. + +"That is so," replied his father. "I really don't see why we couldn't +inclose a strip of land between the two cliffs, and let him have the +run of it." + +"How inclose it?" + +"I think we can spare enough of the galvanised iron sheeting to make an +unclimbable fence. Each sheet is ten feet in height, is it not?" + +"Certainly not less." + +"Then we'll make a start. Although we cannot possibly hope to complete +the work to-day, we may reasonably expect to finish it to-morrow +afternoon." + +The soil proved to be fairly soft, so that it was necessary to sink the +base of the iron sheets at least two feet into the ground. Strong +timber uprights with cross-braces of railway iron served to make the +fence secure, a doorway being left to afford means of communication +with the prisoner's quarters. + +"I think we have taken every possible precaution," remarked Mr. McKay, +after the fence was completed and the bedding and the other necessary +articles for the ex-pearler's use had been placed in the cave. "Of +course, this business entails a considerable amount of extra work, for +besides the feeding arrangements we must make a thorough examination of +the fence every day." + +"Why? He cannot possibly pull it down, and I'm sure he will not be +able to scale the wall." + +"There are at least two ways he might manage to escape. He could +either burrow under the fence, or he might manage to spring from the +top of a pile of furniture on to the upper edge of the wall. If we +make a point of examining both sides of the fence twice a day, we shall +be able to detect any sign of a tunnel; while it is unlikely that an +effort to scale the wall will meet with any success, for the edge of +the iron sheets is sharp enough to cut through his hands should he make +a leap at it. I'll talk to him pretty straight and let him know what +to expect if he does manage to escape, though, at the same time, it +will be an anxious business for us while he's at large--if he's fool +enough to try it." + +That evening Blight was conducted to his new quarters, duly cautioned +as to his behaviour, and safely locked up; and from that day the +"prison yard," as Terence termed it, was carefully examined night and +morning. + +It was, as Mr. McKay predicted, a severe strain on their time, for to +guard against a surprise it was necessary that two people, armed in +case of emergency, should make a visit to the prisoner twice daily. + +At the first opportunity a strong set of moorings was laid down off the +little stone quay, sufficiently clear of the shore to be out of the +range of breaking rollers. Here the yawl was to make her future berth, +the dinghy being kept on the beach well beyond the reach of the tide. + +It was proposed to make a trip at an early date to the Marquesas, there +to hand over the criminal into the charge of the British Consular Agent. + +The planning of this voyage necessitated much thought, for Mr. McKay +was loath to abandon the island entirely. + +On the one hand he did not like to let Andy and Ellerton make the +voyage with the prisoner; on the other, he did not like to leave +Terence and Quexo, and, perhaps, Andy, alone on the island. + +"I have been wondering," he remarked, "whether my brother and your five +cousins would care to join us. There are boundless possibilities in +the place, and I don't think they would mind a change. Once we have a +few more members of the little colony, we can spare a few months to +visit our respective homes. Ellerton, I know, would be pleased to see +England again. And you, Terence, would you not like to return to 'Our +Lady of the Snows'?" + +"Rather!" replied Ellerton. "I should be awfully glad to see my people +again; but, I must admit, I haven't had enough of McKay's Island. I +should like to spend a great deal of my life here." + +"And I, too," added Terence. + +"Gently, lads, gently!" replied Mr. McKay. "You must remember that, +although the island can be made self-supporting--for there's tons of +copra to be had, and I have no doubt that the bed of the lagoon is +covered with pearl oysters--the idea of living here is not altogether +favourable. It wouldn't be good for us to have only each other's +company for long. I'll not deny that this open-air, free-and-easy life +is splendid from a physical point of view, but isolation tends to +destroy one's mental powers." + +"Then you advise me to get away from the island as soon as I can, and +never return to it?" + +"Not at all. You misunderstood me, Ellerton. The island is as much +yours as it is mine, or Terence's. What I meant to imply was that once +we can open up communication with the regular ports of call, so that we +can leave whenever we wish to, the better it will be for all of us. +But once abandon the island it becomes the property of the next comer. +To put the matter briefly, I intend to sit tight here; but should any +of you go away for, say, even three or four years, you will be welcome +to return and secure your part of the commonwealth--such as it is." + +Finally it was decided that Blight should be kept on the island for the +present, and that Ellerton and Andy should attempt to navigate the yawl +to the Society Islands, communicate with their friends at home, and +also write to the Agent at Fiji requesting that a British gunboat be +dispatched to ratify the annexation of McKay's Island. + +They could then return and await events. + +A week or more passed. Preparations for the voyage were pushed +forward, and at length everything was ready for the lads' adventurous +expedition. + +"Now, lads, turn in early, for you may not get a good night's rest for +some days," observed Mr. McKay, on the evening prior to the day fixed +for their departure. + +The advice was acted upon, but Ellerton could not sleep. The night was +sultry, not a breath of wind rustled the leaves of the palm-trees. +Mosquitoes buzzed in and out of the room, while without the glow of the +fire-flies betokened a spell of fine weather. + +Uneasily the lad tossed from side to side on his bed. A stray mosquito +managed to pass the meshes of the mosquito-net, and settled down to +business, his object of attack being the lad's nose. + +Ellerton knew that rest could only be obtained by killing the insect, +so sitting up he began his plan of campaign. + +Suddenly his ear caught the sound of the long-drawn shriek of a +concertina, followed by a chorus of shouts and exclamations of surprise. + +In an instant he was out of bed. + +"Wake up! Wake up!" he shouted, shaking the heavy sleepers with +unsparing hand. "The savages are upon us!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A SURPRISE FOR THE INVADERS + +Hastily throwing on portions of their clothing and seizing their rifles +and revolvers, which, by a general custom, were in variably kept +loaded, the four white men prepared to dash out of the house. + +"Don't show a light on any account," cautioned Mr. McKay. "We must let +the storehouses go and hold this terrace." + +It was a complete surprise. The natives, who had wrested Ahii from its +former owners, had followed up their success in driving off the +invaders by paying a return visit to Ni Atong. The population of that +island had either been killed or reserved for a more lingering death, +and from one of the latter their captors learnt of the existence of +McKay's Island and its wealth of metal goods so prized by the South Sea +Islanders. + +Accordingly ten large canoes set out on an expedition to raid the white +men's dwelling. + +Arriving within sight of the peak of the island, they kept in the +offing till night, then with torches blazing aloft they found the +passage into the lagoon, and, paddling rapidly, landed on the beach +below the settlement. + +Thereupon three hundred powerful savages, armed with club, bow, spear, +and knife, and bearing torches, began the ascent of the path that led +to the three terraces. + +The lower storehouse was their first discovery. Quickly finding that +no white men were within, the host of warriors resumed their advance. +Some, however, tempted by the various articles stored in the building, +began to help themselves. + +Then it was that a savage laid hold of the concertina that Ellerton had +brought from the wreck and had hitherto been left neglected in the +store. The native was examining his prize in the torchlight, when, +happening to come into collision with another plunderer, the concertina +gave out a startling screech as if to atone for its days of idleness. + +Dropping the musical instrument of torture like a live coal, the savage +rushed from the building, his yells of terror being taken up by his +companions. This diversion was the cause of alarming Ellerton, and +consequently saving the inhabitants of McKay's Island from a massacre. + +"Aim low, lads!" shouted Mr. McKay. "Let 'em have it!" + +The conflict was short and sharp. Although many of the attackers got +within throwing distance, not a single native succeeded in gaining the +top of the steep and narrow path. + +They fled hurriedly to the shore, where they rallied to await the dawn. + +"Anyone hurt?" inquired Mr. McKay. + +There was a general reply in the negative, though in the heat of the +firing there had been several narrow escapes, for the ground was +bristling with spears and littered with stones, which, had they struck +anyone, would have caused serious if not fatal wounds. + +In the excitement Ellerton had forgotten his crippled arm, and had used +a rifle equally as well as his comrades; but the exertion had caused +the blood to flow afresh. + +"Rotten luck, I call it," he grumbled as Andy readjusted the bandage. +"You must load at least a dozen revolvers for me. Thank goodness it's +my left arm." + +"It's a fair surprise," remarked Mr. McKay. "We've our work cut out to +drive them off. Won't they play old Harry with the storehouse--and the +yawl." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Andy in dismay, at the thought of his particular +treasure being in the hands of the savages. "Whatever can be done to +save it?" + +"Nothing, I'm afraid," replied his father. "Perhaps if the mischief is +not already done and the vessel holed, we can keep them off with a long +range fire, though I can hold out no strong hopes in that direction. +The plain truth is, that we are in a tight corner, and we must make the +best of it." + +For some minutes the defenders kept silence, listening to the subdued +sounds of their foes. + +"Look here," said Mr. McKay, "it's no use sitting here and doing +nothing. Terence, will you go back to the house and bring three or +four spades? We'll dig a shelter trench along the edge of the cliff so +as to be able to command the path without unduly exposing ourselves to +the rascals. Andy, you had better go with him and bring some more +rifles and some ammunition." + +Upon the lads' return, the little band set to work to throw up their +defences, and barely had the work been completed ere the day broke. + +"There are not so many of them after all," remarked Andy, when the full +strength of the attacking party was revealed. "We had greater odds at +Ahii." + +"And a worse position," added his father. "We can hold out here, I +fancy, but we cannot prevent the damage to our stores and gear. See, +they've begun again." + +Numbers of the savages were engaged in looting the store, while others, +to Andy's great disgust especially, had paddled off to where the yawl +lay at her moorings. + +"Now," exclaimed Andy, setting the backsight of his rifle. "Eight +hundred yards!" + +"That's about the range," assented his father, and four rifles opened +fire upon the daring natives, Ellerton contriving to rest the barrel of +his weapon upon the ridge of the earthwork, so as to avoid using his +damaged arm. + +The bullets all fell close to the yawl, several of the natives being +hit; but possibly in their hour of triumph the savages scorned the +white men's weapons. Casting off the moorings, they leisurely towed +the yawl out towards the reef and plundered her. + +Great was the defenders' rage to see the blacks hacking at the rigging, +sails, and cordage, throwing the contents of the cabin-lockers into the +bottom of their canoe, and wrenching the metal cleats, hinges, and +shroud-plates from her hull. This done, a powerful savage stove a hole +in the craft, and slowly sinking by the stern, she at length plunged to +the bottom of the lagoon. + +"It's hard lines, Andy," exclaimed his father as he paused to recharge +his magazine. "But I'm afraid we shall have to make greater sacrifices +before this affair is over." + +"We seem to have horrible bad luck," replied Andy savagely. "First at +Ahii, and now here." + +"Remember we were saved by the merciful intervention of One above," +added Mr. McKay. "And if it please Him, we'll come out of this in +safety. We've had a lot to be thankful for." + +"I know, but all the same it's hard lines. Take that, you brute!" Andy +added, pressing the trigger. + +It was a splendid shot. A group of natives had begun to batter the +yawl's tender to splinters. They were a good four hundred yards away, +but Andy's shot struck a tall savage, clad in a gorgeous cloak of white +and red feathers, fairly between the shoulder-blades. + +Andy had laid aside his rifle immediately after discharging it, and had +snatched up a pair of field-glasses. The effect of the chief's +death--for a chief he evidently was--caused the wreckers to abandon +their task, and they fled to join their fellows under the shelter of +the lowermost cliff. + +"They are preparing for another rush," observed Terence. + +"Yes. I wish we had a Maxim or two," replied Andy. "That would stop +them." + +"I have an idea," exclaimed Ellerton. "I can best be spared, so I'll +run over to the caves and bring back a few sticks of dynamite and some +detonators." + +"Good! Good!" replied Mr. McKay. "You're a wonder, Hoppy. Mind how +you come back, and don't stumble, or we won't be able to find even your +fragments." + +Ellerton set off on his self-imposed mission, and presently returned +with about fourteen pounds of dynamite and half a dozen time-fuses. + +"What do you propose to do?" asked Terence. "Make a bomb and roll it +over the cliff?" + +"No!" replied the youth. "We can load up one of those trucks, set the +time-fuse, and turn the thing adrift." + +"It will mean good-bye to our storehouse," observed Mr. McKay. "But +that cannot be helped, so let's to work; they'll be rushing us in a few +minutes." + +At the top of the cable-railway stood three empty trucks. In ordinary +circumstances these would be filled with water, and their increased +weight would cause them to descend and, at the same time, bring up the +loaded trucks from the shore or the storehouse. Half-way down the +line, and almost abreast of the building, were three other trucks, +waiting to be loaded should occasion require. Around these trucks, +which were invisible from the upper terrace, were most of the savages, +who were massing for the attack at the base of the second terrace. + +"You are quite sure you can unshackle the thing easily?" asked Mr. +McKay. "If there's a hitch we shall be the ones to be blown to +smithereens." + +"I'll make sure of it," replied Ellerton, and securing the lowermost of +the three trucks to the second one by means of a piece of rope, he +unfastened the proper connecting shackles. + +Then placing the explosive in the truck he asked Mr. McKay to take the +time. + +"It's set for four minutes," he announced. "Half-a-minute will be +quite enough, so at three and a half minutes from the time the fuse is +lit I'll cut the rope and off she'll go." + +"Stand back, you fellows! If it goes wrong we need not all be blown +sky-high. Are you ready? Stand by!" + +The fuse began to hiss and splutter. Ellerton, knife in hand, kept his +eyes fixed on Mr. McKay, who, standing fifty yards off, held his watch +before him. + +"Precious long three and a half minutes," thought the lad. + +It was not a pleasant task standing within two yards of a +highly-charged explosive. More than once he felt tempted to cut the +rope and let the truck go. + +"Time?" he shouted huskily, for his heart seemed literally in his +throat. + +"No, not yet," replied Mr. McKay. + +Realising the strain on the plucky youth, he began to walk slowly in +the direction of the truck. + +"Stand back, sir!" + +Mr. McKay stopped and slowly raised his hand. + +"Stand by! Let go!" + +One swift sweep of the sharp blade and the cord was severed. Slowly +the truck began to gather way, then moving with increased speed it +plunged on its headlong course. + +Ten seconds later--before the fuse had time to complete its work--the +descending truck crashed into the stationary ones. There was a +deafening roar, a cloud of dust, in which was mingled a number of +heavy, shapeless objects, and then an ominous silence, broken only by +the crash of some fragments of wood and metal hurled high in the air by +the explosive. + +Rushing to the edge of the cliff the four defenders gazed upon the +result of their stratagem. + +Where the trucks had stood gaped a pit six feet in depth, for one of +the peculiarities of dynamite is that it shows its power mainly where +it meets resistance. Of the storehouse scarce a vestige remained, +while the double line of rails had been uprooted for a distance of +nearly twenty yards. + +The havoc wrought amongst the savages was appalling. So many were +killed that had the white men so wished it they could have fallen upon +the survivors and exterminated them; but such was not their intention. + +"We must act with prudence or we shall be left with fifty wounded +savages on our hands," said Mr. McKay. "Those who are unhurt will take +to their canoes, and leave the others to their fate, and that won't do!" + +"How can we stop them taking to their canoes?" asked Andy. + +"By taking advantage of their cowed condition and disarming them. +Come, let's to work." + +Fearlessly the four defenders descended the path to the lower terrace. + +"We'll begin with those fellows first!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, pointing +to a group of natives cowering, with their hands over their eyes, +against a spur of the cliff. "Stand by with your revolvers in case +they resist." + +There was no resistance. Passively the savages allowed Mr. McKay to +remove their weapons, which had fallen from their nerveless grasp. + +Seizing one man firmly but gently, Mr. McKay dragged him from his +companions. The native's face bore a strong resemblance to that of a +sheep led to the slaughtering-block; no doubt he thought he was to be +slain. + +Escorted by the three lads the prisoner was taken to the fringe of the +cocoa-nut grove, where Mr. McKay presented him with a branch of a +palm--the almost universal emblem of peace. + +At this the native began to see a chance of having his life spared, and +Mr. McKay, pointing to the canoes and then to the wounded savages, made +signs to the man that they desired their crippled enemies to be placed +in the native craft. + +This experiment was tried upon some of the other unharmed savages, with +equally good results, and quickly recovering their senses the natives +set to work with a will. + +One powerful-looking savage, however, refused to deliver up his club, +but instead made a sudden rush at Mr. McKay with the evident intention +of knocking him over the head. + +Mr. McKay had discarded his rifle, and his revolver was in the side +pocket of his pyjama coat. Coolly his hand sought his pocket, and +without attempting to withdraw the weapon he discharged it at his +assailant, who was barely five yards off. + +The heavy bullet, striking the man full in the chest, laid him dead on +the ground, while the other savages, awestruck at the sight of one of +their number being killed by no visible agency, were again thrown into +a state of panic. + +At length all the wounded were distributed between five of the canoes. +Then Mr. McKay made signs for the rest of the natives to embark, +keeping the other five canoes on the beach, and within an hour of the +explosion the sorry remnant of the invaders was paddling back towards +the island of Ahii. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE + +"Do you think they will ever return?" asked Terence. + +"I think they have had enough," replied Mr. McKay. "They've had a +lesson." + +"And so have we," added Ellerton, dolefully regarding the fragments of +the storehouse and the shattered line of rails. + +"And our boat; how shall we be able to leave the island now?" asked +Andy. + +"Perhaps the damage done to that is not so great as we imagine. With +the help of these canoes we may be able to raise her. But we'll go +into that question later. At present I feel as if I could enjoy a good +square meal." + +So back to the dwelling-house they went, where Quexo, who had been +quaking all the time, was reassured. + +"Don't you think we could rig up an electric alarm?" said Terence +during the progress of the meal. "There's plenty of insulated copper +wire in the small store." + +"It would be as well," replied Mr. McKay. "We might have a return +visit; though, as I said before, I don't anticipate one." + +"But some natives from another island might try and surprise us," said +Andy. "News travels quickly, and perhaps we might again be favoured +with the unwelcome attentions of these savage gentry." + +"And I tell you what," continued Terence, waxing enthusiastic, for +electrical engineering was his strong point, "we brought one of the +_San Martin's_ searchlights ashore. I'll try and fix it up and connect +it with the dynamo." + +"We'll see what's to be done. But now, how about Blight? It's time we +paid him a visit." + +"I guess he's been wondering what the dust-up was about," remarked +Andy, as he prepared the prisoner's daily ration. + +Andy and Terence were deputed to visit the prisoner, and, armed as +usual and carrying a supply of food and water, they set off for the +fenced-in dwelling. + +From the elevation of the upper terrace they could see the distant dark +brown sails of the canoes, for the wind was light and their progress +had been slow. + +"They'll have a nice yarn to pitch into their friends when they +return," observed Terence. + +"They stood a good chance of pitching into us," replied Andy grimly. +"The rascals!" + +For his mind was still sore on the subject of the scuttled yawl. + +On arriving at the fence Andy put down his load, and producing a key +unlocked the door. The space without the cave was deserted. + +"Strange," muttered Andy. "Blight is generally anxious for his food." + +Carefully relocking the door, the lads made their way to the mouth of +the cave. Here, too, silence reigned. + +"Blight! Where are you?" + +There was no answer. Andy repeated the call, but without result. + +"Is he asleep, or is he dead?" asked Terence, and gripping their +pistols the two lads entered the cave. + +Contrasted with the brilliant sunshine without, the apartment seemed +plunged into utter darkness, but by degrees the lads' eyes grew +accustomed to the gloom. + +"Be careful," whispered Andy. "Perhaps he's up to some of his tricks." + +"You locked the door in the fence?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let us explore the cave thoroughly." + +This they did, penetrating into the cavern and examining every recess +as they advanced, till the daylight which filtered in was insufficient +to allow them to continue their search. + +"Where's his lamp? I know the pater let him have one." + +"I saw it on a ledge close to the entrance. Have you any matches?" + +Andy had; matches were becoming scarce on McKay's Island, and whenever +possible a burning glass was used for obtaining fire. Being, in this +case, without his magnifying glass, Andy had to use one of the precious +hoard of matches that he kept in a watertight gun-metal case, and +lighting the lamp the two explorers resumed their search. + +"He's gone right enough," exclaimed Terence, as they "drew blank." + +"But where? And how?" + +"Goodness only knows. Let's run back and tell the others." + +Mr. McKay was greatly upset at the news, and seizing a light rifle he +strode off towards the prisoner's quarters, accompanied by the three +lads. + +"Did you leave the door open?" he inquired, as they came in sight of +the fence. + +"Yes," replied Andy. "I was in a hurry to tell you, and what does it +matter now that the man has escaped?" + +"For all we know he might have been lying concealed within the fence +the whole time you were looking for him, and finding the door unlocked +after you left he coolly walked out. Andy, I'm surprised at such +carelessness." + +It was seldom that Mr. McKay was annoyed with his son, but the apparent +laxity was enough to justify his displeasure. + +With Blight roaming about the island, the existence of the others would +be a continual round of anxiety. The man was no ordinary criminal. He +was versed in all the wiles of the savage life, possessed of +considerable strength, skill, and reliance, and was not above resorting +to treachery and murder to gain his ends. + +A careful examination of the outside of the fence revealed no signs of +a burrow under the iron sheeting, but close to the part of the wall +that touched the cliff there were unmistakable signs of a man's feet. + +"There you are! He did not escape by the door after all, Andy," +remarked his father. "See, these two footprints close together show us +that he jumped, and, what is more, jumped skilfully, for there are no +traces of his heels. We'll find out how he scaled the fence by +examining the other side." + +Entering the door, the gaolers found that Blight had cut a number of +niches in the rock and had thus managed to climb to the top of the +fence. The cutting of these footholds must have taken a considerable +time, and in spite of the daily examination of the ground for any sign +of a tunnel, the niches had escaped observation. + +"You see how he hoodwinked us," said Mr. McKay, pointing to the little +heap of dried grass and mud. "He dug out those footholds and filled +them up with grass and clay, so that they presented the same appearance +as the rest of the cliff. Now, lads, we must find him, and the sooner +the better." + +Accordingly they returned to the house, where Terence was told off to +remain on guard with Quexo in the event of the escaped prisoner +breaking in and securing arms. The mulatto, though far from having +recovered from his injuries, was strong enough to use a pistol, so the +two could hold the dwelling-house against a surprise. + +Having supplied themselves with enough provisions for the day, the two +McKays and Ellerton set out on the trail of the fugitive. Mr. McKay +and his son took rifles and revolvers and also an axe to "blaze" the +palm-trees, while Ellerton, by reason of his damaged arm, carried a +revolver only in addition to his canvas knapsack containing his share +of provisions. + +Tracking was a new experience to the English lad, and he could not help +wondering at the keenness displayed by father and son as they followed +the scantiest trail. + +Andy would walk with considerable speed for a hundred yards, his eyes +fixed upon the ground; while Mr. McKay would follow at his heels, at +the same time keeping a sharp look-out on all sides in order to guard +against a sudden attack. + +Then the order would be reversed, Mr. McKay following the trail, and +his son acting as a cover to his father. + +For nearly a mile the track was fairly well-defined, though Ellerton +had to confess that he would have failed to notice it. + +The fugitive had skirted the base of the cliff, then plunging into the +palm grove, he had gone by a round-about way towards the left; and was +evidently heading for the thickly-wooded belt of land surrounding the +base of the highest peak of the island. + +Then the pursuers met with an unexpected rebuff. The trail led up to a +broad tract of barren country, the surface of the land consisting of +rocky mounds covered with a deposit of lava--the result of volcanic +action many years previously. + +"This kind of stuff extends right up to the base of the peak," said +Andy. "We had a rough scramble when Quexo and I climbed the mountain. +I know what it's like. There are hundreds of rifts where a man might +hide himself." + +"He's covered his tracks," announced Mr. McKay. "See, he's gone in +that direction, then back again and off in entirely the opposite way." + +"And the trail is getting very much fainter," added Andy. + +"It's my belief that he's lying low within a few yards of us," +continued his father. "It's an admirable hiding-place, but it's +certain that he must have food, so he's bound to make for the cocoanuts +and bread-fruit trees sooner or later. That's why he's doubled on his +tracks." + +"We must double on our tracks before long," replied Andy. "That is, if +we don't want to spend a night in this wilderness." + +"That's what I intend to do," said his father in a low voice. "I want +you two to go back to the house. Make plenty of noise, and grumble at +having been unsuccessful. I'm going to remain here." + +"Alone?" queried Andy. + +"Hist! Don't speak so loud. Yes, alone. You don't imagine I'm afraid +to tackle an unarmed man, do you? Now, listen to what I have to say. +It will be dark in an hour or so, but the moon will rise at nine +o'clock. Make your way here at sunrise to-morrow, and I'll warrant +you'll find me safe enough--and not alone, I hope." + +Andy knew that it was no good arguing, and the two lads set off towards +their home. The blazed track was followed without difficulty, and just +as the sun set they emerged from the forest and gained the terrace on +which the house stood. + +"Where's Mr. McKay?" asked Terence. + +"Left behind." + +"Left behind? What for? Has anything gone wrong?" + +"I hope not. He insisted, so there was no help for it. We've to +rejoin him at sunrise to-morrow," replied Andy. + +All that night the lads did not attempt to sleep. Filled with anxiety, +they listened intently for the sound of a rifle shot. The air was +perfectly still, and though the strained nerves of the watchers caused +them to hear a variety of imaginary sounds, no reassuring report of +firearms broke the echoes of the palm-groves. + +"Look here," exclaimed Ellerton, after hours of weary vigil, "the +moon's up quite enough to allow us to find our way; so let's make a +start." + +Andy shook his head. + +"You ought to know the pater well enough by this time, Hoppy. It's +rotten hanging about here, I admit, but it's part of the game. So +let's make the best of it." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE ENEMY IS CORNERED + +Mr. McKay, left to himself, prepared for his all-night watch. His +hiding-place consisted of a crevice which commanded a view of the route +his companions had taken. Standing upright he could also see over the +rock in which he was concealed, though prudence urged him not to show +his head above the gaunt stone walls of his lair. + +He rested himself on a convenient ledge, and waited, with his rifle +across his knee. Then, as the sun set and intense darkness brooded +over the land, he braced himself for his task. Instinct told him that +the fugitive would skulk in the rocks till the moon rose; then in all +probability he would prowl for food. + +More than once Mr. McKay fancied he heard the crunching of a boot upon +the pumice stone. Twice he grasped his rifle, as a dark shadow seemed +to loom up against the darkness. + +"Imagination," he remarked to himself. "What is the matter with my +nerves?" But a finger pressed upon his wrist showed him that his pulse +was beating regularly. + +Then came a sound that could not possibly be mistaken--a smothered +sneeze. + +Blight was within a few yards of Mr. McKay, but in which direction the +latter was unable to decide. + +Then came the scuffling of feet. The fugitive was scuffling blindly +across the rock. At any instant he might pitch into the crevice right +into the arms of his pursuer. + +Nearer and nearer he came, cursing under his breath as his feet came in +contact with the ruts and sharp corners of the rocks. Mr. McKay could +even hear the laboured breathing of his quarry. + +Realising the danger of making his way over the pitfalls, Blight sat +down, muttering angrily at being baulked, at the same time abusing the +moon for its tardy appearance. + +Mr. McKay waited, rifle in hand, feeling almost pleased. He pictured +the fugitive's consternation when the moonlight revealed his tracker +covering him at ten paces. It was the old animal instinct, the joy of +the chase, whether hunter and hunted be human beings or mere beasts of +the field. + +Above the tops of the distant palm-trees a pale yellow light dawned in +the eastern sky. Stronger and stronger it grew, till the golden disc +of the queen of night appeared, the brilliant light throwing the rocks +into strong relief. + +The escaped prisoner, now that his path seemed clear, prepared to make +his journey towards the trees once more, and obviously fearing no +danger, he scrambled over a flat-topped boulder. Barely had he stood +erect when Mr. McKay, rifle to shoulder, shouted: + +"The game's up once more. Throw up your hands!" + +So great was Blight's surprise that he stood stock still, with mouth +agape, staring at the silhouetted form of his enemy; then, recovering +himself, rushed wildly towards Mr. McKay, shrieking: + +"You'll never take me alive, bad luck to you!" + +It was the act of a madman. Ere he could cover the intervening apace, +Mr. McKay could have shot him dead on the spot. But the Australian was +loath to be the rascal's executioner; the business seemed to him to be +mere butchery. + +Turning down the muzzle of his rifle, the solitary tracker aimed the +weapon at his enemy's feet. This action had a most restraining effect +upon the rogue. He would welcome a swift and almost painless death, +but to be deliberately crippled, secured at leisure, and dragged back +to his prison, did not appeal to him. He turned swiftly and, dodging +from side to side as he ran, he sped rapidly across the rocks. + +Mr. McKay fired, but the shot went wide. He could have perforated the +man's body between the shoulders with the greatest ease, but a pot-shot +in the moonlight at a pair of swiftly-moving legs afforded plenty of +opportunities of missing. + +The fugitive uttered a yell of defiance, and sped onwards. Another +fifty yards and he would be lost to sight in the midst of a labyrinth +of fantastically-shaped rocks. + +Mr. McKay did not attempt to fire a second shot. The success of his +long vigil depended upon keeping the chase in view. Laying his rifle +on the ground and making sure that the flap of his pistol-holster was +loose, he vaulted upon the rock and set off in pursuit. + +Although "hard as nails" and sound of wind, Mr. McKay forgot for the +time being that the result of his accident on board the _San Martin_ +had left him somewhat weak in his lower limbs. + +With elbows pressed close to his sides he ran, but ere forty yards were +covered he found himself lurching dangerously. Setting his jaw firmly, +he persevered, keeping his eyes fixed upon the form of the fugitive, +yet he was forced to confess that he was losing ground. + +Blight was now within twenty yards of the sheltering rocks. Dare the +pursuer use his revolver and stop this headlong flight? The odds were +too great, for with the exertion of running his aim would be erratic. +No, he must continue to run and trust to chance that his quarry might +be cornered somewhere. + +Suddenly Blight stumbled, kicking up a cloud of pumice dust that looked +silvery in the moonlight. Two yards he traversed ere he fell headlong +in the soft lava, and before he could stagger to his feet his pursuer +was almost within arm's length. + +"Give in, you idiot," shouted Mr. McKay, drawing his revolver. + +For answer Blight laughed, and, bending low as he ran, he doubled away +to the right, where the ground sloped downwards towards a line of +irregularly-shaped cliffs. He was crippled. He had twisted his ankle, +and everything was in Mr. McKay's favour. + +Unwilling to close with the desperate fugitive, Mr. McKay prepared to +maim him with a bullet through his leg; but even as he levelled the +weapon, Blight disappeared from sight with a shriek of terror. + +Instinctively Mr. McKay threw himself flat on his back, digging his +heels into the soft yielding dust; but surely and gradually he found +himself slipping towards the mouth of a gaping abyss. The very ground +on which he was sprawling was moving. He could hear the rustle of the +sand and small stones as they dropped over the ledge into the +apparently fathomless chasm. + +Desperately Mr. McKay plunged his arms into the sliding sand; but his +efforts were unavailing. He was being launched towards the yawning +gulf, the horrors of which seemed worse in the moonlight. + +Just as he was on the point of slipping over the edge--his heels were +already over the abyss--his hand, buried arm's length in the pumice, +came in contact with a piece of hard rock. + +Would it hold? he wondered. + +Slowly his outstretched arm began to change from a vertical to an +almost horizontal position as his body still continued its downward +motion. The rock afforded but a slender hold: either the fabric might +become loosened, or his hand might be unable to keep up the strain, and +then----? + +Mr. McKay ceased to struggle. He could feel the sand slipping from +under him, streaming past like a solid cataract. So long as he kept +quiet he was comparatively safe, but directly he commenced to find a +foothold, his peril increased threefold. Yet he knew that every moment +his grip upon the small pinnacle that stood between him and instant +death was gradually becoming weaker. + +In those awful moments of peril he could hear the laboured breathing of +his enemy, coming apparently from a great depth beneath his feet. +Blight, then, was still alive, but his gasping breaths sounded ominous. + +At length, regaining his self-possession, Mr. McKay put forth a final +effort in an endeavour to draw his feet clear of the awful chasm. + +Inch by inch he worked himself upwards, against the increasing torrent +of sand, when suddenly the rocky ledge was wrenched from its base, and +the next instant he was swept into the gulf. + +Amidst a shower of dust and stones he felt himself hurtling through the +pitch dark air, then everything became a blank. + + * * * * * + +The first rays of the rising sun filtering through the narrow neck of +the inverted funnel-shaped chasm strove to disperse the darkness. + +Stretched upon the thick carpet of powdered pumice were two motionless +figures, partially covered with the flow of dust that trickled from the +open air like the sand of a gigantic hour-glass. + +The head and shoulders of one of the victims were pillowed upon the +body of the other, who lay, with arms outstretched, gazing upwards with +sightless eyes at the narrow slit of sky that was visible between the +lips of the abyss. + +Blight had gone to his last account. + +Slowly opening his eyes, Mr. McKay blinked stupidly at nothingness for +a few seconds, then stretched out his arms. It was the action of a man +awakening from slumber. He felt no pain; he had no idea of where he +was, or of what had occurred. + +With the intention of going to sleep again he turned his head on its +ghastly pillow, but on drawing up his arms to compose himself, his head +came in contact with the cold face of his companion in misfortune. + +The touch acted like an electric shock. In an instant the details of +the tragedy flashed across his mind. He stumbled to his feet, but +overcome by weakness, he sank once more upon the dust-covered floor. + +How long had he been in this hideous deathtrap? he wondered. Was it a +night, or many days and nights? Had his comrades searched in vain and +had they abandoned their quest and left him to his fate? + +For quite half-an-hour Mr. McKay sat and thought, striving to collect +his mental and physical powers. He went over the events leading up to +the final tragedy--the ambush, the pursuit, Blight's disappearance, and +his own terrible ordeal on the sliding sand. Then he reflected that +his trail would be fairly well-defined, and that help must be +forthcoming. His watch was still going, so that he knew that it was +only the morning following his night's vigil. + +Overhead a dazzling ray of sunlight shone obliquely through the +opening, illuminating the shaft-like sides of his prison, but so dead +black was the colour of the rock that hardly any light was reflected to +the bottom of the pit. He could, in fact, just see his own hands and +the grey features of his ill-fated companion. + +Mr. McKay groped about the floor. At first his fingers encountered +nothing but dust. He plunged his arm up to the elbow in the soft +yielding deposit; but nothing solid met his touch. + +Fearing that he might be lying on a ledge overhanging a pit of +fathomless depth, Mr. McKay extended his field of exploration, making +wide sweeps with his arms. Presently his fingers encountered a metal +object. It was his revolver. + +"At least," he thought, "I can signal for aid." + +But on second thoughts he hesitated. Then he remembered his box of +matches. Fumbling in his pocket he found the little case, and eagerly, +like a miser counting his gold, he passed the little sticks one by one +through his fingers. Ten--ten priceless matches. + +He struck one. For the moment his eyes were dazzled by the yellow +fire, but ere it burnt out he made sure of two things. He was not +lying on the edge of another precipice; that was reassuring. His +second discovery was disconcerting. His trusty revolver was choked +with fine dust, and had he discharged it he would have assuredly been +injured by the bursting of the barrel. + +The match flickered out, and to the imprisoned man the darkness seemed +denser than ever. It pressed upon him like a real substance, till he +felt tempted to shout in his distress. + +By degrees he grew calmer, and staggering to his feet he moved his +limbs with extreme caution. To his satisfaction they were still sound, +though he was beginning to feel stiff and bruised from head to foot. + +The light of a second match showed that Blight was indeed beyond all +human aid, so, placing his handkerchief over the face of the corpse, +Mr. McKay retired a few steps till a third match became necessary. + +He found himself within a few feet of one of the walls of his prison. +The stone, divided by volcanic agency, was almost vertical at the +point, though at others it receded so that the base of the abyss was +several yards beyond the perpendicular height of the shaft. Close to +him was a deep crack in the wall, known by mountaineers as a "chimney." + +It might be possible to scale the rock, he thought, but the knowledge +that the edge of the shaft was "rotten" compelled Mr. McKay to abandon +that attempt. He must wait; yet, unwilling to remain idle, he resolved +to sacrifice four more of his precious matches in exploring the +immediate vicinity of the chasm. + +Keeping close to the wall, Mr. McKay proceeded with the utmost caution, +till he reached a yawning cavern that descended abruptly. + +For a moment he hesitated, fearing the presence of carbonic acid gas, +but on holding the lighted match close to the ground the flame burnt +clear and bright. + +To his surprise Mr. McKay found his hand resting on the butt of a +musket. The weapon was lying on the hard, rocky floor of the cave, for +here no dust had penetrated. Another match revealed the fact that the +firearm was of an ancient pattern, the combined flint and matchlock +being of not later date than the end of the seventeenth century. + +"By George! This is a find!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. + +For the time being he forgot his surroundings, interest being centred +in this relic of bygone days. + +Then, unwilling to risk using his remaining stock of matches, yet +mentally resolving to explore this part of the cavern at the earliest +favourable opportunity, he retraced his steps to that part of the chasm +that lay beneath the narrow shaft. Here he sat down and waited, hoping +for the speedy arrival of Andy and Ellerton. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE BUCCANEERS' CAVE + +It could not have been more than a couple of hours after Mr. McKay +returned to consciousness that the two lads emerged from the forest and +gazed wonderingly upon the rock-strewn plain. Not knowing the course +of events, they had left Terence and Quexo to guard the dwelling-house +against a possible attack. + +"Steady, Hoppy!" cautioned Andy, as Ellerton was about to rush towards +the spot where they had left Mr. McKay on the previous evening. "I +don't like the look of things. Suppose that rogue has got the upper +hand? You would be potted to a cert if you rushed into the open in +that reckless style. You work round to the right and I'll go by the +left." + +Accordingly the lads, taking advantage of every bit of cover, advanced +with the utmost caution towards the little rift in the dark rock where +Mr. McKay had made his ambush. + +There was his rifle, lying on the ground, with no sign of an empty +cartridge to show that the weapon had been discharged. Andy removed +the magazine and found that the cartridges were still intact. + +"I can't understand it," he exclaimed. "The pater was evidently in a +hurry, for, you see, the rifle was not placed against a rock, but was +thrown down on the ground. He's too careful, in ordinary +circumstances, to do a thing like that." + +"Well, where is he? If Blight had managed to get the better of him he +would have taken away the rifle." + +"He may have chased him right across this island. Come on, it's no use +wasting time here; let's try and pick up the trail." + +Andy leapt upon the flat top of the rock and assisted his chum to +follow his example. Both took it for granted that there was no further +need for concealment. + +From where they stood the ground had the appearance of a broad belt of +flat rock, divided in all directions by narrow crevices, most of which +could be jumped across with the greatest ease, while ahead was the +first of a series of cliffs, which incircled the base of the peak of +the island. + +"Look!" exclaimed Ellerton, pointing to a little heap of brown canvas +which was lying on the rock about thirty feet away. "There's your +father's haversack." + +The lad was right, for Mr. McKay had discarded the article as he +commenced the pursuit of the fugitive. From this spot the mingled +tracks of the hunter and the hunted were easily traced, by reason of +the deposit of lava dust, which grew thicker as the lads advanced. + +Suddenly they came to an abrupt halt. Almost at their feet began the +treacherous slope, ending in the horrible fissure which had been the +cause of Blight's death and Mr. McKay's disaster. + +Although the still sliding dust and sand had almost hidden the traces +of Mr. McKay's desperate struggle to save himself from the yawning pit, +there remained sufficient evidences of the disappearance of the +fugitive and his pursuer. + +The faces of both lads grew pale. Andy was about to rush towards the +brink of the abyss when Ellerton's detaining hand was laid upon his +shoulder. + +"It's nothing more or less than a trap," said he. "You'll----" + +The sentence remained unfinished, for from the depths of the chasm a +hollow voice that the lads hardly recognised as Mr. McKay's repeated +the warning: + +"Stand back, lads!" + +"Are you all right, sir?" shouted Ellerton. + +"Yes, but you cannot get to my aid without a rope. Hurry back to the +house, and bring all hands with you. A lantern will also be useful. +Be as quick as you can, for it's pretty doleful down here." + +"All right, sir, we'll make haste; but stand by!" + +And as a parting gift Ellerton dexterously threw Mr. McKay's haversack, +still containing an ample supply of food, into the pit. + +Andy, however, hesitated. + +"Are you sure you are all right, dad?" + +"Ay, my boy. Why do you ask?" + +"Because your voice sounds so strange. I suppose it's the rocks that +affect it. How far did you fall?" + +"I hardly know; about thirty feet, I expect; luckily the ground's soft." + +"Seen anything of Blight?" + +"Dead!" replied Mr. McKay. + +With the utmost despatch Ellerton and Andy returned to the house, +where, having told the others all they knew about the accident, they +collected a couple of coils of rope, some lanterns, two strong +crowbars, a hammer, and, at Ellerton's suggestion, two six-inch pulleys. + +The four lads--for even Quexo insisted on coming, though he was still +in a weak state of health--set off for the scene of the disaster, Andy +and Terence carrying the bulk of the appliances, while Ellerton and the +mulatto took only what they could place in their belts. + +Cheering up the prisoner with a lusty shout of encouragement, the +rescuers proceeded to drive the crowbars into a convenient crevice in +the rocks, so that one was about ten feet nearer to the chasm than the +other. + +From the base of the outside bar to the top of the inner one, Ellerton +lashed a piece of rope, then making sure that the "crows" would bear +any strain that was likely to be put upon them, he attached a pulley to +the base of the innermost. + +Through the block was rove one of the coils of rope, one end of which +he tied round his waist. Then, taking the lighted lantern in his hand, +he walked cautiously towards the brink of the pit, the others paying +out the rope as he went. + +Before he had gone a distance of five yards the pumice dust began to +slide away from under his feet, causing him to sit down on the slope, +while the avalanche nearly blinded Mr. McKay as he was looking upwards +for the expected relief. + +"Come back, Hoppy!" shouted Andy. "Remember your arm." + +"I do," replied Ellerton with a laugh. "It's giving me good cause to +remember it, but I mean to make the best of it. You fellows can do +more good by hauling on that rope than I can, so slack away." + +Terence and Andy accordingly "slacked away," and Ellerton slid another +yard or so towards the brink. He was then able to lower the lantern to +Mr. McKay, and at the same time he made the discovery that the shaft +was too rugged to allow a man to be hauled up by a rope without serious +danger of the rope being chafed through by the sharp projections. + +He explained the situation to Mr. McKay, who fully realised the force +of his remarks. + +"Never mind, we'll manage it right enough," concluded Ellerton +cheerily, and giving the word he was hauled back to where his +companions stood. + +"We must have one of those trees down," he said, pointing to the +distant palms. + +Accordingly the lads set off for the forest, where without much +difficulty a stout trunk, thirty feet in length, was felled. The work +of transporting it to the brink of the pit was a more tedious business, +and an hour elapsed ere they succeeded in slinging the timber across +the yawning gulf, where it rested with about ten feet imbedded in the +soft lava on either side of the hole. + +"Now you can do this part of the work better than I," said Ellerton to +Andy. "Lash this block to the centre of the trunk, and reeve a rope +through it." + +This Andy managed to do. He also lashed a smaller piece of timber at a +distance of about four feet below the tree-trunk, so as to form a +platform to enable Mr. McKay to obtain a clear spring when hauled up as +far as the pulley would permit. + +"All ready, pater?" asked the son. + +"Wait a moment, Andy. Could you manage to come down here, do you +think?" + +"I'll try. I say, you fellows, I'm going down, so pay out the rope." + +Andy swung himself from the main beam upon the lower piece of timber, +and, summoning up his courage, launched himself off from the swaying +perch. + +Slowly he descended, spinning round on the straining rope like a joint +on a meat-jack, while at almost every second his shoulders or hips came +into contact with the jagged walls of the shaft. To avoid the dust he +kept his head bent downwards, and as he did so he saw the glimmer of +the lantern from beneath. + +"Thirty feet, do you call it?" he asked, as his feet touched the floor +of the pit, and his father grasped his hand. "It's sixty at the very +least." + +"I don't think so," was the reply. "You see, looking down from a +height the distance always appears greater. Had the floor been hard +rock, I should have been killed or at least seriously injured. But to +change the subject, look here." + +Mr. McKay had, during the long interval of waiting since Ellerton had +lowered the lantern, made another tour of exploration, and now he led +the way towards the tunnel where he had found an old musket. + +He had made a strange discovery. At no very distant date a long cavern +of varying height and breadth existed here. Where its entrance was Mr. +McKay had not found out; but a volcanic disturbance had caused a mighty +fissure to divide the original cave in two, as an examination of the +strata proved conclusively. + +Casting off the rope from around his waist, Andy followed his father +into the tunnel-like cavern, stooping as he did so, for its mouth was +barely five feet in height. + +At ten paces from its mouth the passage turned almost at right angles +to its former direction, and expanded into a broad and lofty chamber. +Almost covering the width of the four sides was a range of arm-racks +filled with old-time weapons. The candle-light flashed upon the bright +barrels of musket and pistol, and glittered on the steel of bayonet, +cutlass, sword, and pike, for so dry was the atmosphere that a couple +of centuries had not left any appreciable trace on the metal. + +"Great Scott! How did these get here?" asked Andy, after he had +recovered from his astonishment. + +"It's the armoury of some long-forgotten buccaneer," replied his +father. "I've had plenty of time to look round since you first sent me +the lantern, and none of these weapons are later than the earlier part +of the eighteenth century, or the last part of the seventeenth. See, +these muskets have Vauban locks, a combination of flint and matchlock. +These kinds of muskets were used at the battles of Steenkirke and +Landen. You can also see that all these bayonets are the plug variety, +that is to say they were plugged into the barrel of the musket, thus +temporarily converting it from a firearm to a pike. These are +evidently the original bayonets used in the reign of James II., so that +we can fix the period at which they were stored here to within a few +years, since the socket type were introduced early in the reign of +William III." + +In this strain Mr. McKay continued, forgetful of time and place, till +Ellerton's voice was heard shouting to know of anything was amiss. + +"We had better retrace our footsteps," observed Mr. McKay, "or the +others will be getting alarmed. When we've found an easier way of +descending into this pit--for I do not want another fall like that, I +can assure you--we'll make a thorough exploration of the place." + +Accordingly father and son made their way back towards the shaft, but +as they turned the bend of the passage they found themselves confronted +by Terence and Ellerton, each of whom carried a lantern. + +"Hullo! How did you descend?" asked Andy, who was very astonished at +seeing his friends down there. + +"I lowered Terence, and then let myself down," replied Ellerton. + +"Then, how in the name of goodness, do you expect to get back?" +demanded Andy. "Quexo cannot haul us up." + +"By the same means as I came down," replied the young sailor calmly. +"It's easy enough with a bos'un's chair." + +"Then all I can say is that I hope you lashed the pulley on securely," +rejoined Andy with evident concern. "If that goes wrong, we're +trapped." + +"Don't worry," replied Ellerton, somewhat ruffled at the slur cast upon +his work. + +"Come, come," observed Mr. McKay good-humouredly. "Don't quarrel. Now +we are here we might as well continue our exploration." + +Once more the armoury was inspected, the lads showing the greatest +interest in the weapons, snapping the flints in order to see the sparks +fly from the steel. + +"Be careful, some of these muskets may be loaded," cautioned Mr. McKay. +"Always make it a practice to point a weapon away from anybody when +fooling about like that." + +Hardly had he spoken, when a tremendous explosion shook the cave, the +noise being intensified by the confined space, and Terence sat on the +floor rubbing his shoulder, while a smoking musket lay by his side. + +"You're a young ass," observed Andy. "Are you hurt?" + +"Didn't know it was loaded," replied the youth, still clapping his hand +to his shoulder. + +"That's what they all say after an accident has occurred," said Mr. +McKay. "By some means or the other the musket was stored without the +charge being drawn. However, thank goodness it's no worse, though the +concussion might have brought the roof down on our heads." + +Presently Ellerton, who had wandered behind one of the arms-racks that +stood about three feet from the wall, exclaimed: + +"Here's another passage." + +"Hold on, then," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Wait till I come. There might +be a pitfall." + +Carefully examining the floor of the tunnel, the explorers advanced +about ten yards, when further progress was prevented by a door covered +with flat iron bars. + +"H'm!" ejaculated Mr. McKay. "What have we here?" + +Terence was dispatched to bring a dagger and a pike from the armoury, +but on further thoughts Mr. McKay forbade the lads to tamper with the +door. + +"Then we are done for the time being," remarked Andy. "Shall we go +back for our axes?" + +"A crowbar would be the thing," replied Ellerton. "But we want the two +we brought." + +"Probably it's as well we haven't got them," added Mr. McKay. "To tell +the truth, I have my suspicions of that door, so we'll defer the +opening of it till a more convenient time." + +Reluctantly the lads retraced their steps to the open chasm, where +Blight's body lay. + +"We must bury him as soon as possible," said Mr. McKay. "There's no +place here, so we must haul the body to the surface, and dig a grave in +the soft earth." + +"There's no soil nearer than the edge of the palm-forest," observed +Andy. + +"I know, but it cannot be helped." + +"Isn't there a rift or a hole in the floor where we could bury him?" +asked Ellerton. "After all, where does it matter, so long as he +receives Christian burial?" + +"We may as well look," assented Mr. McKay, and taking one of the +lanterns he commenced to explore that side of the chasm which lay +opposite to the tunnel leading to the buccaneers' armoury. + +The first ten or twelve paces were knee deep in the pumice dust, but on +approaching the wall of the abyss the floor was fairly hard, being +protected from falling dirt and sand by the overhang of the shaft. + +On reaching the stone face of the rift the explorers followed its +general direction without discovering any crack or crevice likely to +suit their purpose, till they stumbled upon another tunnel-like shaft, +similar and almost opposite to the one they had already traversed. + +This tunnel was about six feet in height and four in width, and ran in +a slightly upward direction. Evidently it was at one time a +continuation of the other passage. + +"Let's see where this leads to," exclaimed Ellerton, full of curiosity +and enthusiasm. "I believe it leads to the open air." + +"I think not," replied Mr. McKay, pointing to the smooth, even steps in +the floor of the tunnel. "See, the floor is as dry as a bone, and +covered with a thick deposit of dust. If this tunnel is open, the +tropical rains would have washed the dust away." + +"Then where does it lead to?" continued Ellerton. "Those arms must +have been brought in by some means." + +"We'll carry on and see who's right." + +It was a long walk. Up and up ran the tunnel, turning slightly to the +right, yet maintaining a uniform height and breadth throughout its +entire length. + +"This passage has been hewn out," announced Mr. McKay. + +"Hasn't the other?" asked Andy. + +"Only in parts. The armoury is a natural cave. Perhaps there was a +smaller tunnel here before, and the people who discovered it enlarged +it. It's about time we came to the end." + +"Now who's right, sir?" exclaimed Ellerton triumphantly, as the pale +gleam of daylight was visible from a curve of the tunnel. + +"Not this child," replied Mr. McKay, without the faintest trace of +chagrin. In fact, he was glad to know he was in the wrong, for he did +not relish the task of tackling the shaft and the treacherous, +dust-covered slope at its edge. + +A few sparse bushes masked the mouth of the tunnel, and upon these +being thrust aside, the adventurers found themselves at the foot of the +lowermost range of cliffs and within a hundred yards of the abyss which +had been the cause of their presence in the tunnel. + +Standing close to where the crowbars were driven into the rock was +Quexo, looking the picture of misery, for he was perfectly convinced in +his own mind that all his companions had met with disaster. + +"Quexo!" shouted Andy. "Quexo! Here we are!" + +The mulatto's joy was curious to behold. He danced, swung his sound +arm over his head, and cut fantastic capers, the tears running down his +cheeks the while as he blurted out unintelligible sentences in mingled +English and Spanish. + +"Well, we're safe once more, thanks to Providence," exclaimed Mr. McKay. + +All the explorers looked rather disreputable, but Mr. McKay in +particular was little better than a walking scarecrow. His clothes +were in rags, his face clotted with dried blood and dust, while, now +the excitement was over, he once more began to feel stiff and bruised +from head to foot. + +"By Jove, we've forgotten what we went to look for!" exclaimed Andy. + +"Yes," replied Mr. McKay. "We must bring the poor fellow's body up +after all." + +"By the tunnel?" + +"No, by the shaft." + +"Then here goes," said Ellerton quietly, and drawing up one of the +ropes he fastened it round his waist. Lantern in hand he slid down the +sand, and getting astride the tree-trunk, edged his way along till he +reached the swaying piece of timber. The next minute he was lowering +himself into the abyss. + +"He's a plucky chap," commented Mr. McKay as they awaited Ellerton's +signal. + +"And with an arm like that," added Terence admiringly. "He really +seems to make light of it." + +The watchers had not long to wait. + +"Haul away!" shouted Ellerton, and heaving slowly on the rope they +brought the body of the unfortunate Blight to the surface, where the +young seaman soon rejoined the others. + +Between them they bore the corpse across the rocky plain to the edge of +the palm-forest, where they dug a shallow grave with their axes. + +Here the body of the ex-pearler was laid to rest, Mr. McKay recited a +few prayers, and the earth was heaped over the corpse, a pile of heavy +stones being placed over the grave to mark the spot. + +This depressing task completed, they hastened homewards to enjoy a +welcome meal and a still more desired rest. + +For the next two or three weeks all hands were too busy to think of +making a further exploration of the buccaneers' cave. + +The damage wrought by the savages required a considerable amount of +patience and hard work to set to rights. A new storehouse had to be +constructed, and the various stores that had not been totally destroyed +were collected and placed once more under cover. + +Terence had, with considerable ingenuity, contrived to erect an +electric alarm, so that the moment a foot was placed upon the lowermost +path leading up to the house, a bell would ring in the sleeping +quarters. + +He also succeeded in rigging up the searchlight salved from the wreck, +and after many failures the apparatus worked to perfection. + +Thereafter every night its great beam was directed skywards, the +International Signal, "N.G." (want immediate assistance), being flashed +in the hope of attracting the attention of any vessel within seventy +miles of the island. + +The little party was now completely isolated from the rest of the world. + +Before the destruction of the yawl they had the means of making even a +fairly long passage, but now this was denied them, for it would be +utter madness to attempt to go to sea in one of the captured canoes. + +So, realising that the sooner they were in possession of a seaworthy +craft the better it would be for them, the inhabitants of McKay's +Island debated whether it would be advisable to construct a new decked +craft, convert one of the canoes into a cabin boat, or to salvage the +wreck of the yawl and patch her up sufficiently to enable them to reach +Tahiti. + +Even with the appliances at their command, Mr. McKay reckoned that it +would take a twelvemonth to make a boat large enough for their +requirements. As regards reconstructing one of the canoes, he came to +the conclusion that the work might be done, but the canoe being without +a keel would be a bad craft in a sea-way; while her light construction +would not allow a keel to be fixed without a grave risk of straining +the vessel in the first breeze she encountered. + +Finally, it was decided that the captured canoes should be utilised to +attempt the salvage of the yawl, and on the first fine day the actual +work was put in hand. + +By means of rollers and a powerful jack, three of the canoes were +launched and taken to the scene of the savages' wanton act. + +The wrecked boat could be clearly discerned lying on the sandy bed of +the lagoon in six fathoms of water, with a slight list to starboard. + +Anchoring two of the native craft close to the sunken yawl, Ellerton +and Andy contrived to pass the bight of a chain under her bows, the +ends of the chain being made fast to two stout cables. A similar +device was employed to engage the stern of the wreck, although the fact +that her keel was imbedded in the sand added to the difficulty of the +task. + +Two massive trunks of palm-trees were then placed across the gunwales +of both canoes, converting them into a kind of pontoon. + +These preparations being completed, all that was at present necessary +was to wait till dead low water. + +All hands knew that it would be a tedious job, for the rise of the tide +was but five feet at springs and only two feet at neaps, so what work +had to be done must be performed during the spring tides. + +At dead low water all the slack of the four hawsers was taken in, and +once more came a tedious wait for the rising tide. + +Gradually the strain on the ropes increased, till the timbers groaned +under the weight of the sunken boat and the canoes sank lower in the +water. + +"Hurrah! She's lifting!" shouted Ellerton, and allowing sufficient +time for the yawl to be lifted clear of the bottom, Mr. McKay and his +assistants began to haul on an anchor cable which had been previously +laid towards the shore. + +Slowly the ungainly pontoon with its heavy burden began to move +shorewards, when suddenly the bows of the canoes rose high in the air, +throwing their occupants on their backs. One of the hawsers had +slipped, and the work of six long hours was wasted. + +"Hard lines!" exclaimed Terence dolefully. + +"It is, I admit," replied Ellerton cheerfully. "Still, we must not +expect to have everything our own way. Try, try, try again, as the old +saw says." + +"We can do no more to-day," said Mr. McKay. "We'll leave the canoes +moored to the yawl, however. That will save time to-morrow." + +"I think, if you don't mind, sir, we'll try and slip the sling under +her again," said Ellerton. "You see, if we do that there won't be so +much chance of the canoes drifting and consequently slipping the other +sling." + +"Quite so," replied Mr. McKay. "It may save us some hours of hard +work." + +So directly the water cleared, for the settling of the wrecked boat had +churned up the sand till she was practically invisible, the chain sling +was again placed in position. + +This time this part of the business was done more satisfactorily, as +the yawl was resting on a hummock of shell and sand amidships, so that +above five feet of the after part of her keel was clear of the bed of +the lagoon. + +"I hope it doesn't come on to blow to-night," remarked Ellerton, as the +party rowed ashore. "If it does, then good-bye to the yawl." + +"The glass is steady," replied Mr. McKay. "If it should pipe up, we +must slip the slings and let the canoes take their chance." + +That afternoon Ellerton and Andy were busy preparing additional slings, +for the former was resolved not to have a repetition of the morning's +failure if it could be avoided. + +Just before low water on the following morning, the salvage party set +out for the wreck. As Mr. McKay had predicted, the weather was fine, +there being no swell to speak of within the lagoon, though as usual the +breakers were lashing themselves into milk-white foam upon the outer +fringe of the reef. + +Once more the slings were hove tight, and as the tide rose, the wrecked +craft was again lifted from her ocean bed. Directly the yawl was +"lively," as Ellerton expressed it, two more slings were passed +underneath her keel so as to make doubly sure of her being swung +properly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE TREASURE CHAMBER + +At high water the wrecked craft was moved for a distance of nearly a +hundred yards towards the shore ere she grounded. This completed the +day's work, and on the following morning at low tide the "slack" was +again taken in so as to enable the rising tide again to lift the yawl +clear of the bottom. + +This time, owing to the bed of the lagoon shoaling more rapidly, only +twenty yards were gained. + +"It will be a tiring and tedious job, I can see," said Terence. "How +are we to manage when the hull is brought close in shore?" + +"We'll have to be content to move her a few feet at a time," replied +Ellerton. "It's slow work, I admit, but we are making very +satisfactory progress." + +With the arrival of the neap tides, the work came to a standstill, the +rise of water being insufficient to justify the time and labour spent +on it; so the slings were cast off and buoyed, and the canoes brought +into the little natural harbour, where they would be safe from all but +an exceptional on-shore gale. + +During the interval, the lads utilised several spare lengths of rails, +and spiking them into rough sleepers, formed a temporary hauling-up +slip. + +Two of the wagons were dismantled, and the axles and wheels attached to +a cradle, while a winch was firmly bolted to a secure foundation on the +shore at twenty yards above high-water mark. + +The rails were to be laid down at low water as far seaward as possible, +and the sleepers sunk by means of heavy stones. Andy hoped to avail +himself of a high spring tide to float the yawl right over the cradle, +then, casting off the lashings that supported her, they could haul the +wreck up by means of the winch and effect the repairs at their leisure. + +Unfortunately, with the return of the spring tides a strong on-shore +breeze sprang up and continued with unremitting freshness for over a +week, so that the members of the salvage party were compelled +temporarily to abandon their enterprise. + +"Never say die," exclaimed Mr. McKay encouragingly. "Another fortnight +and I hope we shall be able to resume the work. In the meantime, lads, +what do you say to a kind of picnic?" + +"A picnic?" asked Ellerton. "Where to?" + +"I am thinking of paying another visit to the buccaneers' cave. I'm +very curious to know what is on the other side of that iron-bound door, +and I've no doubt you are equally so." + +"Hurrah!" shouted the lads in chorus. "When shall we start?" + +"In an hour," replied Mr. McKay promptly. + +"Bursting open the door will be a tough job," remarked Andy. "How do +you propose to do it?" + +"I hope to manage it by means of an explosive," replied his father. + +"Dynamite?" + +"No, there's too much risk in carting a few sticks of that stuff +through a tunnel a hundred yards in length or more. One slip and it +would mean sudden death to the lot of us. I want a couple of fuses, +however, so while we are getting ready you can run up to the magazine +and obtain them." + +While Andy was away on his errand, Mr. McKay opened a few cartridges +and extracted the cordite. + +"This stuff is safe enough with reasonable precautions," he remarked to +Ellerton, who was watching Mr. McKay with no little fear. "So long as +it is not under compression cordite can be lit without the faintest +danger. In the open air it merely fizzles like a damp squib." + +"Couldn't we smash the door with an axe?" asked Ellerton. + +"We could, but I prefer not to. In the first place there's not much +room to wield an axe; in the second, as I mentioned before, I have my +suspicions regarding that door." + +"What suspicions, sir?" + +"Wait and see!" replied Mr. McKay with a laugh. + +On the arrival of Andy with the fuses, the little party set out for the +cave, each member carrying part of the equipment. On gaining the +summit of the hill overlooking the house, Mr. McKay scanned the horizon +with his glasses to satisfy himself that no canoes were approaching the +island, then, having reassured himself on that point, he gave the word +to step out briskly. + +"I don't want to spend a night away from the house in case anything +happens," he explained. + +"But do you expect another crowd of savages?" + +"I didn't expect the last lot," he replied grimly, "but they came all +the same." + +The journey through the forest and across the rock-strewn plain was +performed without incident, and within a couple of hours after leaving +the house the party drew up at the mouth of the tunnel. + +Here each member lit a lantern, and in a comparatively bright light the +passage of the tunnel commenced. Quexo, however, remained in the open +air. Nothing could prevail upon him to descend into the bowels of the +earth. + +Once or twice someone stumbled, Terence falling heavily and barking his +shins, while Mr. McKay's head came in contact with the roof much too +often for his liking; but in high spirits the explorers crossed the +floor of the abyss, traversed the second tunnel, and gained the +armoury. Here they rested ere commencing the final stage of their +journey underground. + +At length the explorers came face to face with the mysterious +iron-bound door. In spite of themselves they felt a strange sensation +as they gazed upon the relic of bygone days. What lay behind it? What +secret did it guard so well? + +"Stand back a bit, lads, and hand me another lantern," said Mr. McKay. + +Dropping on his knees, he carefully examined the floor and the +iron-shod threshold of the door, probing the narrow slit with his +knife. This done, he turned his attention to the walk and the crown of +the arch next to the woodwork, tapping the stone with the blade of his +knife with the greatest caution. + +The others looked on with interest not unmingled with curiosity and +awe. At length, apparently satisfied with the examination, Mr. McKay +rose. + +"I want you to bore a hole here," said he to Andy, pointing out a place +in the door barely two inches from the floor. + +Andy, armed with a ratchet-brace, began his task, and the subdued +silence of the underground passage was broken only by the rattle of the +pawl and the sharp burr of the bit as it wormed its way steadily +through the stout oaken plank. + +"It's hot work," exclaimed Andy, who in order to use the brace in that +most inconvenient place was obliged to lie full length on the floor. + +"I know, but keep it up," replied Mr. McKay, who, grasping a crowbar, +was standing astride his son's feet. + +"Stand a bit farther back," he continued, addressing Ellerton and +Terence. + +The two lads instantly obeyed, though they wondered at Mr. McKay's +alert and expectant attitude. + +Suddenly, like the tongue of an enormous serpent, a double-pronged barb +of steel flashed dully in the candle-light, passing completely across +the passage and about three feet above and over Andy's prostrate body. + +In an instant Mr. McKay's powerful arm brought the crowbar upward in a +resistless sweep, and with one blow severed the dreadful device of +death. + +The lads, pale with the excitement and horror of the incident, could +only utter an exclamation of astonishment while Andy hurriedly backed +away from the well-guarded door. + +"Pleasant, isn't it?" remarked Mr. McKay in a cool matter-of-fact tone, +as if such incidents were of an everyday occurrence. "I had my +suspicions, as I said more than once before. That device was cunningly +contrived to salute marauders in a very forcible manner. Had either of +us been standing in front of the door we should have been transfixed in +a jiffy. Now, carry on, Andy. I don't think there's anything more to +be feared on this side of the door, at any rate." + +But Andy was not equal to the task. The risky experience had, to use +his own words, completely knocked the stuffing out of him. + +"Let's quit; the game's not worth the candle," said Terence. + +"Rather not!" replied Mr. McKay, resolutely. "There's something worth +securing behind that door, or the former owners would not have taken +such elaborate and crafty steps to guard it. Here, Ellerton, stand by +with the crowbar in case of accidents, and I'll finish boring the hole." + +So saying, Mr. McKay took up a position similar to that formerly +occupied by his son and plied the brace vigorously. + +Ere the bit had sunk another quarter of an inch there came a dull +metallic sound from the remote side of the door. + +"What's that?" gasped Andy breathlessly. + +"Another surprise for trespassers," replied his father without ceasing +in his work. "I've released another secret spring, I suppose. +However, we are on the right side of the door this time." + +Having bored the hole sufficiently deep for his purpose Mr. McKay +proceeded to insert the cordite, ramming it tightly home with the end +of the crowbar. The rest of the explosive he laid close to the base of +the door, covering it with stones and pieces of rock brought from the +floor of the chasm. + +"Now let's go back to the other tunnel," he continued, after the +detonator and the fuse had been inserted and the latter fired. +"There's no hurry; the explosion will not take place for five minutes." + +As the moments sped, the lads awaited in breathless silence the sound +of the detonation. + +Presently a dull rumble echoed through the rocky passage, followed by a +blast of air mingled with the acrid fumes of the cordite. + +"Not so fast! Not so fast!" cautioned Mr. McKay, as the lads began to +run towards the hitherto baffling barrier. "Some of the rock may be +dislodged." + +As it was, they were obliged to wait some considerable time, as the +atmosphere in the tunnel was so vile that it was impossible to breathe +with comfort. Then as the mist gradually cleared, the dull yellow +glare of the lanterns revealed a mass of shattered woodwork where the +door had stood; while a foot beyond was a barrier of steel rods, which, +serving the purpose of a portcullis, had fallen from above. + +"That's what we heard fall," observed Mr. McKay. "The idea was, I +suppose, that any unauthorised person who escaped the lance-thrust on +this side of the door would, on opening it, be impaled by the weapons +concealed in the roof. Now to settle with this obstruction." + +A few powerful strokes with an axe shattered enough bars to enable Mr. +McKay to squeeze through, and, followed by his eager companions, he +entered the mysterious cavern. + +At first there was little to attract the attention of the explorers. +The cave was of irregular form, being about fifty feet in length, +thirty in breadth, and varying in height from twenty-five to six feet. + +On the floor were six wooden chests, ordinary in appearance and +apparently of simple construction; they would have easily been mistaken +for seamen's chests placed in a lumber-room. + +Striding up to the nearest one, Mr. McKay raised the lid. There was no +creaking of rusty hinges, no glitter of gold and jewels to dazzle the +eyes. The chest was empty! + +"Well, this is a sorry trick to have played on one another after so +much trouble," commented he with a forced laugh. He was visibly +disappointed, and his discouragement was shared by his companions. + +"No doubt this has been the hiding-place of some great hoard," he +continued. "But the buccaneering rascals have evidently removed their +booty. I've drawn a blank, so you, Ellerton, try your hand." + +The second chest was opened with equal ease, but to the unbounded +delight of the whole party the coffer was two-thirds filled with yellow +metal ingots, which flashed dully in the light of the lanterns. + +"Gold!" was the chorus of exclamation. + +"Gold it is," added Mr. McKay. "But a deal of good it will do us in +our present state! However, let's continue the examination." + +The remaining four coffers gave more trouble, the lids being secured by +stout iron screws. Two were filled with gold and silver ornaments, +cups, vases, and plates--the plunder, doubtless, of many a rich city of +Spain's colonies on the shores of the Pacific. The remaining two were +laden with virgin gold. + +"Well, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when the last coffer had been forced +to disclose its contents, "once we get this stuff safely to a civilised +country we shall be rich beyond our wildest imagination. We'll share +and share alike, of course." + +"What is the value of the treasure?" asked Ellerton in an awestruck +voice, for the sudden avalanche of untold wealth had wellnigh upset him. + +"Goodness only knows! There's enough to enable you to go through life +without doing another stroke of work. That is, of course, when you are +home in England once more. But, my lad, don't look upon it in that +light. Take my word for it that idleness is a curse, and the wealth, +if used solely to promote idleness, would serve a better purpose if it +lay a thousand fathoms deep on the bed of the ocean." + +"If ever I take my share back to my home, I trust I'll use it to a good +purpose," said Ellerton. + +"I trust so, too," added Mr. McKay. "Now, let us see if there's +anything else of interest here. I am anxious to examine these +murderous devices. Ah!" + +Mr. McKay pointed in the direction of the shattered door. On either +side, but separated from the entrance tunnel by a massive wall composed +of the solid rock, was a narrow and lofty passage, both running +parallel with the tunnel. + +Lantern in hand, Mr. McKay stooped down and entered the right-hand +recess, and to his surprise he found no fewer than six steel lances, +each accompanied by a tightly coiled spring, while a seventh had +uncoiled itself, the spiral spring stretching from wall to wall. + +"Great heavens!" he exclaimed with thankfulness. "We've had a +fortunate escape. Each of these fiendish contrivances is set to launch +itself into the tunnel on the outside of the door. The one we released +is the nearest." + +"Then we must have passed them?" asked Andy. + +"Yes, and by the intervention of Providence they failed to act. Watch!" + +And touching a slender steel rod that passed from the front of one of +the springs to the floor, Mr. McKay gave it a sharp upward jerk. + +Instantly the hidden coil released itself, and the dread weapon +disappeared through the rock which separated the cave-like recess from +the tunnel. + +"The whole contrivance, though deadly, is comparatively simple," +explained Mr. McKay. "Underneath the floors of both chambers are a +number of levers. The weight of a person treading in the tunnel would +cause the lever to move a rod, which in turn releases a finely set +trigger which controls the springs. Owing to years of idleness the +levers failed to act, and only Andy's continuous exertions as he lay on +the ground in front of the door caused one of the springs to be +released. I bargained for one, but not a dozen or more, by Jove!" + +"A dozen?" echoed Terence. + +"Aye, a dozen at least. We'll find six or seven more on the other side +of the tunnel." + +One by one the remaining springs were released, and on entering the +left-hand cavity a similar state of things was revealed. + +"I don't think we need fear these any longer," continued Mr. McKay, as +the sound of the releasing of the last spring vibrated in the confined +space. "Now the question is, what is to be done with the stuff?" and +he indicated the coffers with a wave of his hand. + +"Leave it here," suggested Andy. + +"I would but for one reason. If we are taken off the island by a +passing ship, the captain would not feel inclined to waste time while +we were bringing these chests from here to the shore, for, of course, +we could not reveal the nature of their contents. No; I propose to +cart the whole of the treasure back to the house, stow it away in small +boxes that are convenient to handle, and bury the boxes a few feet +under the floor." + +Each member of the party thereupon filled his haversack with as much +gold as it would hold, until the stout canvas straps cut into the +shoulders of the wearers; and thus laden they retraced their steps, +arriving on the surface in a breathless and exhausted condition. + +Here the loads were redistributed, and making better progress, the +wearied adventurers arrived at their dwelling just as the sun dipped +beyond the lofty peak of the island. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +"A SAIL! A SAIL!" + +Twice daily on each of the succeeding days Mr. McKay and his companions +paid a hurried visit to the treasure-cave, and at the end of that time +the bulk of the buccaneers' spoil was safely hidden in the spot chosen +for its reception. + +Then, with the return of the spring tides, the work of salving the yawl +was resumed. + +Slowly, yet without a hitch, the sunken craft was moved towards the +cradle which awaited its burden, till the falling off of the tides +found the yawl within ten yards of low-water mark. + +"I have been thinking, pater," observed Andy one day, as they were +preparing to revisit the cave. + +"Thinking what, my boy?" + +"Why, every journey we make to the cavern we perform practically +empty-handed. Would it not be well to carry a supply of provisions +with us and store them in the cave? You see, if those savages should +return we might be glad of a retreat." + +"Quite true, though I sincerely hope we shall not be put to such +straits. However, we'll take a few barrels of provisions and some +rifles and ammunition as well." + +"And water?" + +"Ay, but that's the rub. Water is heavy to carry about, and as far as +I can see there's no spring or brook within a mile of the entrance to +the cave." + +"I wonder if there's water to be found above the cliffs in which lies +the mouth of the tunnel. I noticed several small streams when I +climbed the mountain, though, of course, I didn't ascend on that side. +I think I'll explore that slope as soon as possible." + +"Why not to-day? Ellerton and you can do so while we are making our +midday trip back to the house." + +Accordingly, instead of ascending the tunnel with Mr. McKay and +Terence, the two chums clambered up the face of the cliff. At the top +they found that the land sloped steeply towards the peak, the ground +being thickly covered with stunted bushes and occasional clumps of +palms. + +"Look here, Hoppy," remarked Andy, as they sat down to recover their +breadth after their fatiguing climb. "It's all very well living on an +island when everything goes well, but we can't say that it is now. +Perhaps it's a useless fear, but I fear that there's always the +possibility of those savage brutes coming back here in overwhelming +numbers and wiping us out. That does not tend to make things +comfortable, although it may tend to liven things up." + +"But they had such a terrible smashing last time," replied Ellerton. + +"True! But didn't we give them a good licking when they pursued us in +their canoes? That didn't prevent them repeating their unwelcome +attentions." + +"I hope you don't mean to show the white feather, Andy?" + +"Not I. If there's a dust-up, I'll do my best; but, at the same time, +I shan't be sorry to get the yawl repaired and say good-bye to the +island. The treasure can wait till we charter a steamer to fetch it." + +"Well, the savages haven't returned, so we can still make the best of +things," replied Ellerton cheerfully. "But we must be moving or we'll +find no water." + +The two lads had not gone fifty yards ere they came across a small +stream. Andy bent down, and raising some of the water in the palm of +his hand applied it to his lips. + +"Fresh as one could wish," he pronounced. + +"Good! Now we'll follow its course and see if it approaches the mouth +of the cave." + +The rivulet, for it was nothing more, wended its way in an almost +semicircular direction, till, at about two hundred yards from where the +lads had struck it, it emptied itself into a rift in the rocks, the +splash of its fall echoing dimly from apparently unfathomable depths. + +"Look! We are not very far from that part of the cliff that overhangs +the mouth of the cave," exclaimed Ellerton. "What is to prevent us +from digging a shallow trench and conducting the water right to the +entrance to the tunnel?" + +"It's fairly hard rock," objected Andy, "It will be no end of a task +cutting a new watercourse." + +"Then we can use some of the cast-iron pipes we brought ashore," +continued the young seaman, determined not to be overcome by early +difficulties. "There are more than enough to cover this distance, and +by damming the stream we can----" + +"Yes, that's all very well, but if we are compelled to beat a retreat +to the cave the savages will find the pipes and so discover our +hiding-place." + +"I'm afraid that will make but little difference. The trail from the +house up the mouth of the tunnel is so well defined that a blind man +might follow it. Why, whatever is the matter with you, Andy? You seem +to throw cold water on every suggestion that is made. You are not +always like that. Are you ill?" + +"I believe I am," replied Andy. "At least, I do not feel quite up to +the mark." + +"Then let's get back," said Ellerton, and assisting his chum over the +rough ground the pair returned to the mouth of the tunnel just as the +others were emerging. + +"Any luck?" asked Mr. McKay cheerfully; then realising that his son +looked ill, he exclaimed: "What have you been doing, Andy?" + +"I don't know, father. I feel absolutely rotten." + +They managed to get him back to the house, his teeth chattering with +the cold; but before night he was in a high fever. His father +administered liberal doses of quinine, of which there was a plentiful +supply; but, in spite of this remedy, the lad's illness increased, and +before morning he was in a delirium, raving about the sunken yawl and +the savages. More than once he attempted to leave his bed and seize a +rifle, and it required the united efforts of Mr. McKay, Ellerton, and +Terence to hold him down. + +It was an anxious time. Mr. McKay had had experience of this kind of +malady, and knew that should the patient leave his bed and take cold, +he must die. + +For forty-eight hours Mr. McKay, the two lads, and Quexo kept ceaseless +watch, the mulatto being particularly attentive in his duties; but at +length the feverish state was succeeded by a profuse sweat, and Mr. +McKay knew that for the present the dreaded disaster was averted. + +During the lengthy period of convalescence, someone had to be within +call of the patient, but the others resumed their outdoor occupation. + +Most of the traces of the last visit of the savages had been removed; +the cliff-path leading up from the shore had been fortified by the +erection of a loop-holed palisade, so as to command the approach by +rifle-fire; while the remainder of the treasure had been brought from +the cave to the house, and the former was well provisioned in case of +emergency. + +Ellerton also found time to carry out his project of conducting fresh +water into the cave. By the aid of Terence and Quexo he contrived to +lay a line of pipes from the stream down the slope to the edge of the +cliff overhanging the entrance, whence a tiny cascade fell over the +rocks within a few feet of the tunnel. + +Later on, at Mr. McKay's suggestion, the line of iron pipes was +continued down the face of the cliff, though concealed by the bushes, +and carried a few yards into the tunnel. For most of that distance the +pipes were covered by the thick dust, till sufficiently far from the +entrance to enable the occupants to defend the end of the aqueduct if +necessary. + +The water, on escaping, ran down the incline, till absorbed by the +pumice dust, although by degrees it cut for itself a channel close to +the sides of the tunnel. Thus a plentiful supply of the precious +liquid was assured, and at the same time no inconvenience was caused by +the waste turning the floor of the passage into a swamp. + +The rainy season was shortly due, and unable, on account of Andy's +weakness, to complete the salvage of the yawl, since every available +hand was necessary, the wrecked boat was again rafted farther out into +the lagoon and allowed to sink to the bottom, so as to lie in safety +during the on-shore gales. + +One morning Ellerton set out as usual to attend to the sheep, which +were in a thriving state, having so increased in numbers that new +pasture grounds had to be provided for them. + +It was then blowing strongly from the north-east and almost dead on +shore. Happening to glance seaward, he was surprised to see a topsail +schooner, under close-reefed canvas, running past the island. + +For a moment or so he remained gazing with astonishment at the unwonted +sight: then, recovering himself, he ran as hard as he could to the +house. + +"A sail! A sail!" he exclaimed breathlessly. + +[Illustration: "A SAIL! A SAIL!" HE EXCLAIMED BREATHLESSLY] + +Everyone, including Andy, ran out of the house, and, as Ellerton had +announced, there was the schooner now abreast of the entrance of the +lagoon, but still keeping on her course to the south-west. + +"Bring out the signal-book and the flags," ordered Mr. McKay. "And +you, Quexo, make a fire." + +Ellerton soon returned with the bunting, and the Union Jack was hoisted +to the masthead. The mulatto procured some dry wood from the store, +and set it in a blaze. When well alight, he piled a quantity of damp +leaves upon the fire, causing a thick smoke. + +Unfortunately the strong wind prevented the vapour from rising, the +smoke drifting over the ground in thick, suffocating columns, but to +the castaways' great joy the vessel hoisted her ensign. It was the +French tricolour. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Mr. McKay. "Now lads, hand me N and C." + +The next instant the N and C flags, signifying in the International +code, "_Want assistance_" were fluttering from the mast. + +Through the telescope the inhabitants of McKay's Island could see the +oilskin-clad figure of the French skipper, his neatly-trimmed moustache +and imperial as correct as if he were on the boulevards of Paris, +rushing hither and thither, and giving his orders with much waving of +his arms. Then, as a string of flags ran up to her main truck, the +schooner was hove-to. + +"_D.C.--Are coming to your assistance_," read Mr. McKay, referring to +his signal-book. "By Jove! that won't do, the boat will be swamped," +for already some of the crew were manning the falls. + +"Sharp there," he continued, "'_E.Y.--Do not attempt to land in your +boat_.' That will stop them; but there's no denying that they are +plucky fellows." + +In obedience to the signal, the crew of the French schooner gave up +their attempt, and a lengthy interchange of signals was kept up, the +Frenchman promising to report the presence of the castaways at the +first port she touched; then, with a farewell dip of her ensign, she +flung about, and half an hour later she was lost in the haze. + +"That's a load off our minds," remarked Mr. McKay. "We can reasonably +expect help in a month at the very outside." + +"Unless she is blown out of her course, for a gale is freshening," +replied Ellerton. + +"Nevertheless, the chances are greatly in our favour, though at the +same time we must not cease our efforts to work out our salvation. +This gale will doubtless mark the end of the rainy season, so we can +hope to renew our efforts to salve the yawl within the next few days." + +But, contrary to Mr. McKay's expectations, the weather continued bad +for nearly a month and, although a sharp look-out was kept by day and +the searchlights flashed nightly, no vessel appeared in sight. +Alternate hopes and fears did not tend to improve the spirits of the +castaways, and ere the fine weather set in their condition was +bordering on acute depression, in spite of their individual efforts to +the contrary. + +At length, after a long spell of rainy weather, the sun burst forth in +all its splendour, the wind went away, and the island appeared under a +totally different aspect from that which it had shown during the last +six months. With the return of the dry season, the spirits of the +castaways likewise rose, and energetically they resumed their outdoor +labours. + +The submerged yawl was, so far as they could see, little the worse for +its prolonged rest on the bed of the lagoon, and by dint of hard and +painstaking work she was moved nearer to the shore than she had been +since the disastrous day when she had been scuttled by the natives. + +"It will be new moon to-morrow at about ten o'clock," announced Mr. +McKay. "Consequently there will be a fairly high tide at noon, so we +can reasonably hope for sufficient water to float the yawl to the +cradle. Everything is ready, I suppose?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Ellerton. "I finished rigging the tackle this +morning, and the cradle is properly ballasted." + +"Good! Then we'll make the attempt to-morrow." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +A FALSE AND A REAL ALARM + +Before daybreak everyone was up and eager for the fray, and directly +breakfast was over they sallied down to the shore. It was still pitch +dark, but the time of dead low water made it absolutely necessary that +operations should commence ere the sun rose. + +By the light of several lanterns the slack of the hawsers was taken in +and the two canoes pinned down so far as the united efforts of all +hands would permit. Nothing more could be done till the rising of the +tide. + +The cradle, its ends marked by long poles to indicate its position at +high water, was already run out so far as the lines of the slipway +extended, a rope being fastened to it from the windlass ashore. + +Anxiously the little group of workers watched the tide rise slowly, +inch by inch, up the temporary tide gauge. Sometimes it paused as a +"false ebb" in the offing stayed its progress, till at length it crept +within a few inches of its predicted height. + +"There's enough water now, I fancy," announced Ellerton, "so heave +away. Gently does it!" + +It was an anxious time. Slowly the two canoes were warped shore wards, +guided by a pair of ropes abeam so as to insure the wrecked boat being +deposited evenly on the cradle. Already the two outer poles of the +cradle were passed, when a slight shock told the salvors that the +yawl's forefoot had touched the cradle. + +"Avast there!" shouted Ellerton to Terence and Quexo, who were hauling +on the shore. + +"There's not enough water," exclaimed Andy, with dismay written on his +face. + +"Ten minutes yet before high water," announced Mr. McKay. "Will she do +it, I wonder?" + +For answer Ellerton slipped off his clothes and plunged over the side +of the canoe. Mr. McKay and Andy could follow his movements as he +descended with slow yet powerful strokes, till he disappeared from view +beneath the submerged craft. Half a minute later he reappeared, and +swam alongside the canoe, into which he was assisted by the eager +spectators. + +"She'll do it," he announced, when he had recovered his breath. "We +are a bit out in our reckoning; her keel is touching the side of the +cradle." + +Five minutes later the yawl was lying immediately over the slipway, the +slings were cast off, and slowly she settled upon the carriage prepared +for her reception. The canoes were warped clear, and all that remained +to be done was to man the winch and heave the cradle above high-water +mark. + +In spite of the broiling sun, the work of winding the winch was begun, +for the delighted lads would not be persuaded to delay the operation +till the cool of the day. Foot by foot the cradle came home, till the +huge barnacle-covered hull began to appear above the water. + +"What a state she's in," exclaimed Andy, as the lads rested from their +labours, for they were thoroughly played out. "There's a week's +scraping in front of us before we can do anything else." + +"Hadn't we better see about baling her out?" asked Terence. "Directly +she ceases to be water-borne the pressure of the water will burst her +seams." + +"No fear of that," replied Mr. McKay. "The water will find its way out +of the hole that the natives made in her." + +"I guess the motor is pretty rusty," continued Terence. + +"It may not be," Andy replied. "You see, I kept it smothered in +grease, and unless those brutes smashed it, it ought to be capable of +being repaired. But I am awfully anxious to see, so what do you say to +another turn at the winch?" + +Once more the lads resumed their work of hauling up the cradle, till +nearly the whole of the streaming, weed-covered hull--a forlorn waif +from the sea--was visible. + +"Another five yards, lads," exclaimed Ellerton cheerfully. "Now, put +more beef into it." + +As he spoke, there was a warning shout from Mr. McKay, but the warning +came too late. Ere the lads could realise the extent of their +misfortune the cradle collapsed and the hull of the yawl crashed over +on her side. + +With a horrible rending of the shattered timbers, the enormous mass +pitched fairly on a jagged rock; the next instant the object of so many +months' tedious toil lay on its broadside, hopelessly damaged. + +For quite a minute all hands gazed in speechless grief upon the scene +of calamity. To have the fruits of victory snatched from their lips +seemed almost more than they could realise, till by degrees the extent +of their misfortune began to assert itself. + +"Is she really done for?" said Andy, his voice barely raised above a +whisper. + +"Yes, her back's broken," replied his father. "She will never float +again." + +"Then, by George!" announced Andy, speaking in a tone that surprised +his companions by its resolution, "I won't be done. I begin to build +another craft to-morrow. Come on, pater, let's get something to eat, +and after that we'll set out the plans for our new craft. Buck up, +Hoppy, it's no use crying over spilt milk." + +Inspired by their companion's cheerfulness, the lads turned their backs +upon the scene of their ill-favoured labours and set off towards the +house. They now felt specially anxious to devote their energies to the +new task that lay before them, and already their late misfortune was +being regarded as a thing of the past. + +"Without wishing to discourage you, Andy," began Mr. McKay, after the +meal was over, "I think we had better give up all idea of building +another craft. I've been going carefully into this matter, and I'll +tell you why I form this conclusion. You see there's no timber growing +on this island that can be used, and our own stock is insufficient even +if we make use of the planks of the wrecked yawl. So I think the best +thing we can do is to convert one of the canoes----" + +"But I thought we had already decided that they are unsuitable and +unseaworthy?" + +"Quite so. As they are at present I should hesitate to make a long +voyage in one of them, although the natives frequently travel great +distances in this type of craft. So I think if we give the smallest +canoe--for that one seems the handiest--a good keelson, bolt a false +keel into it, and provide her with some stout timbers and stringers, +she'll answer our purpose. We can use most of the deck planks of the +yawl to deck-in the canoe. Her sails and most of her gear will come in +handy." + +"It would certainly save a lot of work," replied Andy, for in calmer +moments the size of his proposed task had begun to assert itself. + +"Then let's make a start," added Ellerton. "There's no time like the +present, so I vote we begin to dismantle the remains of the yawl, +examine and overhaul her canvas, and remove the ballast." + +"I haven't measured the smallest canoe," remarked Andy. "What's her +length, do you think?" + +"About twenty-eight feet in length, nine in breadth, and two feet +draught, though with the addition of a false keel and ballast she will +draw at least four feet." + +Accordingly all hands set to work with a will, and ere nightfall the +shattered hull of the yawl was a mere shell, the gear being stowed away +in the lower storehouse. + +"To-morrow we'll make a start with the canoe," said Ellerton, as they +prepared to retire for the night. "There are plenty of pieces of +timber to shore her up, and wedges can easily be made. Before the end +of the week we ought to have her keel and keelson bolted on." + +"Then sleep well on it," added Mr. McKay, "for there's much to be done." + +The inhabitants of McKay's Island had already made their customary +signal with the searchlight, the power had been switched off, and the +canvas hood placed over the instrument for the purpose of protecting it +from the night dews. This routine was always the last ere the day's +work ended. + +Mr. McKay was about to close the door of the dwelling-house when a +rapid and prolonged ringing of the electric alarm bell broke upon the +stillness of the night. + +Instantly there was a rush for the arms-rack where the rifles were kept +ready for immediate use, and, securing their weapons, the whole party +made for the open, Terence, according to a prearranged plan, running to +the powerhouse to switch on the current, while the others took up their +position at the palisade commanding the cliff-path. + +The night was pitch dark; a light breeze ruffled the palm trees, but +beyond that all was still. Peering into the darkness the defenders +waited, finger on trigger, to open fire on the first appearance of the +foe. + +Then the alarm bell began to ring again. + +"There's someone climbing the path," whispered Ellerton, when the din +had died away. + +"I wish Terence would hurry up with the searchlight; we could then see +who the intruders are. There it is again," as the clanging of the bell +commenced for the third time. + +In his natural anxiety and haste, Terence fumbled over his task, but at +length the carbons fused and the giant beam of the searchlight threw +its dazzling rays seaward. Then, trained by Donaghue's guiding hand, +it swept the lower terraces and the beach, but neither hostile canvas +nor lurking bloodthirsty warriors came within its blinding glare. + +"There's someone moving down there," exclaimed Andy, pointing towards +the foot of the steep path. "See! To the right of that great boulder." + +"Hanged if I can," muttered Ellerton. Nevertheless he took aim with +his rifle at the spot indicated by his chum. + +"It's only the shadows thrown by the moving beam," said Mr. McKay. +"Terence, keep the light steady for a moment, will you?" + +The now stationary ray revealed the fact that some moving object was +creeping cautiously over the rock-strewn beach immediately at the end +of the path. + +"There's someone down there," whispered Ellerton, and almost as he +spoke the alarm bell resumed its shrill warning. + +"I'm going down to see who or what it is," announced Mr. McKay, leaning +his rifle against the stockade and drawing a revolver. + +Accompanied by Andy, Ellerton and Quexo, he descended the steep and +rugged path. + +All at once Mr. McKay burst into a hearty laugh, his companions joining +in as soon as they perceived the cause of his mirth. A huge turtle had +crawled across the beach and was digging a hole in the sand with its +flippers. This had set the alarm bell ringing. + +[Illustration: A HUGE TURTLE HAD CRAWLED ACROSS THE BEACH AND HAD SET +THE ALARM BELL RINGING] + +As the larder needed filling, the turtle was dispatched and dragged up +to the house. + +It was late in the forenoon of the next day ere the inmates turned out +of their beds, for the previous night's diversion had deprived them of +a fair share of their accustomed sleep. + +"Buck up and fill the kettle, Quexo," shouted Andy "I'm right hungry." + +The mulatto, taking a can in his hand, set out for the stream, but +hardly had he stepped outside the door when he returned with +consternation written all over his face. + +"Massa! Massa!" he gasped. "Canoes! Heap, plenty, much, great +canoes!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE GREAT INVASION + +Quexo's warning was only too true. Less than a mile from the reef the +sea was dotted with the brown mat sails of a large fleet of native +craft all heading for the island. + +"Forty canoes at least, by Jove!" ejaculated Mr. McKay. "And taking +twenty men to each--a low average--that means there are eight hundred +of the wretches making straight for us." + +"It's long odds," replied Ellerton grimly, "but we'll do our best, and +perhaps we may find a means of driving them off." + +"I should have thought the last little surprise would have settled +them. We must give them credit for their persistence. There's one +thing to our advantage, though; it's a day attack, and we are more or +less prepared for it. But what are they up to now?" + +The advancing canoes had now reached the entrance to the lagoon, and, +with marvellous precision, their sails were lowered, and the crews took +to their paddles. Then, instead of heading straight for the beach, the +whole flotilla turned its course parallel with the shore. + +"That's bad," remarked Mr. McKay, pausing in the act of dragging a box +of ammunition from the house to the stockade. "They have learnt a +lesson, and now they mean to take us on the flank or in the rear. Come +on, lads, there's no time to be lost. We must follow them and see if +we can prevent them landing." + +Fortunately the savages' idea of strategy was not very advanced. +Instead of keeping one section of their fleet for the purpose of making +a feint or a frontal attack while the other canoes skirted the island, +the whole of the boats kept together. + +Loaded with ammunition-belts and carrying their rifles, the little band +of defenders toiled up the path leading to the interior till they +reached the summit of the cliffs overlooking the house. Then, bearing +away to the left, they hastened to keep pace with their savage invaders. + +Through the palm-groves, fighting their way between patches of thick, +prickly scrub, Mr. McKay and his companions continued their wearisome +march, till, from the summit of the ridge that separated their bay from +the one where they had first landed, they saw that the hostile canoes +had gained considerably. + +The usually calm waters of the lagoon were broken into thousands of +ripples by the swift-moving craft, while the cliffs re-echoed to the +regular beats of their paddles. Yet, without attempting to land on +that part of the shore, the savages continued their roundabout voyage. + +"It's no use going any farther," gasped Mr. McKay breathlessly. "We +are only tiring ourselves out to no purpose. A hundred well-armed men +would be powerless to prevent them landing." + +"Then what's to be done?" + +"We must return to the house and make every possible use of the few +hours that as yet remain to us. I quite admit I have been guilty of a +serious error of omission. While paying great attention to our seaward +defences, we have entirely neglected the landward approach." + +On return to the terrace on which stood the dwelling-house and the +power-station, the already wearied defenders immediately set to work to +fortify the approach from the interior of the island. + +Sixty yards from the house began the narrow defile that afforded a road +between the settlement and the treasure cave. On either side the +cliffs towered to nearly one hundred feet, so that once the savages +took possession of those heights the terrace could not be held. + +"I suppose we cannot launch one of the canoes, provision her, and make +a dash for safety?" asked Terence. + +"It's too risky," replied Mr. McKay. "If seen, we should be overhauled +in less than half-an-hour. No, we must stick to this place and hold it +to the last, so let's set to at once." + +With the energy of despair all hands worked with feverish desperation, +their loaded rifles lying within easy reach, while every moment they +expected to hear the savage shouts of their bloodthirsty foes. + +Across the foot of the defile they dug a shallow trench, lining the +inner side with boxes, crates, and other articles so as to form a +barricade. It was a feeble defence at the most, but with five skilled +riflemen armed with modern rifles behind it, the breastwork might serve +its purpose. + +To guard against a shower of missiles from the summit of the adjacent +cliffs, a lean-to roof of stout planks was hastily constructed, earth +being thrown upon it to deaden the shock of heavy stones, while the +remaining boxes of ammunition were brought up so that the supply was +ready to hand. + +"Look here, Quexo," said Mr. McKay, "go to the stockade at the top of +the cliff-path, and keep watch. Don't move, whatever happens, till we +call you, even if you hear us firing; but if you see any signs of the +savages landing on the beach, fire your rifle. You understand?" + +"Yas, massa," replied the mulatto, and snatching up his rifle he ran to +his appointed post as quickly as his legs could carry him. + +"We mustn't forget water and provisions, Ellerton," said Mr. McKay. +"They must be brought ready to hand, for if the fighting is prolonged +we will have no time to go to the house for food and drink." + +"I'll bring some biscuits and water," replied Ellerton. "I remember +how dry I was during the last attack. But, do you know, sir, I begin +to feel quite hopeful, now our defences are completed." + +"It's certainly improved the situation, Hoppy," replied Mr. McKay. +"But we've a tough job in front of us. Eight or nine hundred savages, +each eager for a fight and keen on plundering us. We must not be +over-confident. But now cut off and get the provisions and water." + +Ellerton quickly performed his task, and, having placed the water and +biscuits in the spot indicated by Mr. McKay, he observed: + +"It's a pity we can't use some of that dynamite again." + +"We cannot make the trucks run up hill, and, besides, there are no +rails, if that's what you mean." + +"No, sir, I know that," was the reply, "but I thought that if we could +place a few tins of the stuff on those rocks we could easily manage to +put a bullet through them at two hundred yards." + +"By all means we'll try it," said Mr. McKay heartily. "As I've often +said, you're a brick." + +Accordingly Ellerton ran to the cave where the explosive was stored, +and returned at a walking pace with nearly forty pounds of the +dangerous compound. + +"Don't use all of it," said Mr. McKay. "Here, take these three tins; +they'll be a better mark for us." + +Into each of the metal boxes Ellerton placed about ten pounds of the +explosive, adding a few handfuls of iron, nails, and bits of scrap +metal. Then, climbing over the breastwork, he was handed the +rough-and-ready bombs. + +Thus laden he cautiously made his way up the rough defile till he +reached a spot about two hundred yards from the defenders' position. + +Here a mass of fallen rock, the highest part ten feet in height, formed +a suitable site for his operations, and without mishap the tin +canisters were placed in such a position that they could readily be +seen above the heads of any number of savages likely to come between +them and the defences. + +Meanwhile Mr. McKay was busily engaged in preparing a number of +hand-bombs, charging several small tins with explosive mixed with +nails, and lashing a short length of thin rope securely to each +completed missile. + +"I'm going to place these things here," said he, pointing to a small +cleft in the cliff. "Be careful not to knock them, or we shall punish +ourselves." + +"How are you going to throw them?" asked Ellerton, who had meanwhile +returned from his expedition. "If they fall too close they will do us +harm, and I don't think they can be thrown more than the length of a +cricket-pitch." + +"By this," replied Mr. McKay, holding up a short stick with a notch cut +in one end. "I lay the rope along the stick and jam its end between +the palm of my hand and the wood. By swinging the stick a greatly +increased power is obtained; at the right moment the cord is released +and the bomb flies off at a tangent." + +"I see," replied Ellerton, and although he had great faith in Mr. +McKay, he found himself wondering what the result would be did the +missile not fly off at the correct tangent. + +Slowly the hours dragged, for, all the preparations for the defence +being completed, the tedious and nerve-racking ordeal of waiting for +the fray told more upon the energies of the defenders than would the +actual fight. + +The sun was sinking low ere the alert watchers detected the distant +shouts of the savages. + +"They've found the trail leading to the cave, I fancy," remarked Mr. +McKay. "They'll be here before dark, unless I'm much mistaken. +Terence, you had better start the dynamo and see that the searchlight +is ready for use. Tell Quexo to come here and take your place. You +must take sole charge of the seaward side of our defences. Now, +listen: whatever you do, don't train the searchlight this way till I +discharge my rifle. Keep the rays playing on the shore, and +occasionally flash the beam skywards. It may bring us aid. When you +hear the shot, slew the projector round and direct the beam straight up +the defile. You quite understand?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Terence. "You can rely upon me." + +"I feel sure of it," was the quiet reply, as the lad set off on his +responsible and single-handed task. + +"It will soon be dark," said Ellerton. "That will be all the better +for us, for these brutes won't find their way so easily." + +"I don't think the darkness will stop them, provided they are not +afraid of it. These savages can find their way by night like cats. +Hullo, Quexo, tired, eh?" + +"No, massa, not berry tired. One eye he go sleep, den oder eye he go +sleep." + +"Quexo means to go to sleep with one eye open," said Andy. "We ought +to take a leaf from his book." + +"Yes, we'll feel the want of sleep as much as anything," replied his +father. "Once the attack opens there will be little respite. It +wouldn't be a bad idea if you three were to snatch a few moments' rest. +I'll wake you up in time, never fear." + +This advice was acted upon, Andy, Ellerton, and Quexo stretching +themselves out on the ground at the foot of the barricade, and in a few +minutes, in spite of their risky position, the lads were sleeping +soundly. + +Night had now fallen, and the ghostly white beams of the searchlight +swept the shore, the noise of the distant surf mingling with the +subdued fizzing of the carbons as Terence diligently attended to the +working of the projector. + +The far-off shouts of the savages had now ceased. Probably the +invaders, satisfied with the success of their unopposed landing, were +awaiting the dawn ere they commenced their attack. + +Silence, when intent upon a hand-to-hand conflict, was a stranger to +them, and for this Mr. McKay was thankful, since few things are more +trying than the expectation of a sudden onslaught by an unseen and +unheard foe. + +Notwithstanding this peculiarity on the part of the invaders, Mr. McKay +did not for one moment relax his vigilance. Rifle in hand he stood, +rarely altering his position, and gazed stedfastly in the direction of +the defile, his ears alert for the faintest footfall or shout that +might denote the approach of the bloodthirsty savages. + +Although the defenders were cut off from their carefully prepared +retreat in the treasure cave, another shelter yet remained. The cavern +where Blight had been kept a prisoner had been since used as a +temporary storehouse for several casks of provisions. As a last +resource it could be held, possibly for a month. + +But if the natives took the island and showed no disposition to leave, +after having plundered the white man's possessions, even that refuge +would be a means of only prolonging the sufferings of the defenders. + +Hopeful as he generally was, Mr. McKay fully realised that he and his +companions were in a very tight fix, and unless the skill and resource +of civilisation could overcome the superior numbers and reckless +courage of the savages, nothing short of a timely rescue would save the +defenders from death. + +Then Mr. McKay found himself counting the number of days which had +elapsed since the French schooner had exchanged signals with the +island. Even allowing for light winds and calms she would have had +time to reach some port, and, should the captain keep his word, a +gunboat or at least a trading vessel might be on her way to the rescue. + +Mr. McKay's thoughts were interrupted by a loud chorus of savage shouts +at no great distance, then came the confused noise of scuffling feet +tearing down the defile. + +"Up with you," he shouted. + +But the warning was unnecessary, for the three lads, awakened by the +noise, were already standing to their arms. + +"It's the sheep!" exclaimed Ellerton. + +"The savages have frightened them, and they are running this way for +shelter," said Andy. "That means that the natives will soon be at +their heels." + +The terrified sheep continued their flight till they found their +advance checked by the barricade, and in a confused, struggling mass +they herded into the corner formed by the breastwork and the adjoining +cliff, their loud baa-ing adding to the confusion. + +Then upon the brow of the rise at the end of the defile appeared a +multitude of lights, and with fierce shouts the savages tore down the +rough inclined path straight for the barricade. + +[Illustration: WITH FIERCE SHOUTS THE SAVAGES TORE DOWN THE PATH +STRAIGHT FOR THE BARRICADE] + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A GREAT DISASTER + +The natives had furnished themselves with torches made from the +branches of resinous trees, and in the ruddy flare the painted bodies +of the warriors made an easy mark. + +"Three hundred yards," said Mr. McKay, setting up the backsight of his +rifle. "Fire rapidly, but aim low. We may check the rush before they +come to close quarters." + +The sharp reports of the rifles echoed along the rocky walls of the +defile, and a series of loud shrieks told that the fire had not been in +vain. Yet the onward rush was apparently unchecked, for though several +of the torches were extinguished, the savages still rushed to the +attack. + +"Where's the searchlight?" muttered Mr. McKay, as he thrust a fresh +clip of cartridges into his magazine. + +At that moment the giant beam swung majestically round and fixed itself +upon the gorge. + +Under the powerful rays the scene of horror was thrown into high +relief. The upper part of the defile was literally choked with human +beings. A few of the foremost warriors, drawing clear of the press, +had managed to evade the death-dealing volleys, and with brandished +clubs and spears were rushing upon the barricade. + +This much the defenders saw as the first flash of the searchlight was +thrown upon the scene. The next instant the shouts of triumph and pain +gave place to cries of terror. + +The blinding rays, coming apparently from out of the earth, were far +more to be feared than the bullets. To the savage mind it was +magic--black magic. + +The warlike mob seemed to melt away. Some of the warriors, throwing +down their weapons, rushed from the scene of action with their arms +pressed tightly across their eyes as if to shut out the penetrating +beams; others dropped where they stood, grovelling in the dust and +uttering cries, while in the space of five minutes the defile was +deserted, save by the dead and wounded and a few of the natives, whose +terror seemed to have rooted them to the earth. + +"That's spotted them!" exclaimed Andy, as he threw down his over-heated +rifle. "I hope it will scare them right off the island." + +"It has worked wonders," assented Mr. McKay. "But be careful, some of +those men are not dead, I feel sure. Bring down every man you see +moving." + +Rifle on shoulder the lads waited. They quite realised the danger of +allowing the natives to lurk in the defile, and as each cautiously +moving body could be seen, as a terrified warrior slowly recovered from +his panic, a carefully aimed shot caused him to fall. + +"We are comparatively secure till daylight," said Mr. McKay. "They've +had another lesson. Andy, you might relieve Terence at the +searchlight. Keep it fixed on the defile, though at intervals you +might direct it seawards. Quexo, I want you to carry up as many pails +of water as you can to Blight's cave. Ellerton, you're feeling fit, I +hope? Will you keep a look-out, I am going to have forty winks." + +It was an exaggerated "forty winks." Mr. McKay, dead beat with his +exertions, slept like a log till daybreak, Terence keeping him company. + +Ellerton had meanwhile climbed over the stockade and succeeded in +bringing back several of the terrified sheep, which throughout the +night had been huddled together in helpless terror. + +Beyond an occasional shot as a few of the wretched natives attempted to +wriggle out of the death-trap, the rest of the night had passed without +further disturbance; but the dawn revealed a different state of affairs. + +The discomfited savages were evidently built of stern stuff, for as +soon as it was light, undaunted by their defeat in the hours of +darkness, they took possession of the summit of the cliff overlooking +the defenders' lines. + +Standing on the very edge of the precipice, like bronzed statues, +several of the chiefs surveyed the scene beneath them, till, having +taken in all that they wanted, they withdrew to the main body of +warriors. + +Instantly the fierce shouts of the savages rent the air, and a shower +of stones and throwing-spears was hurled upon the white men's defences. + +The missiles rattled on the iron roof of the house and upon the top of +the shelter over the searchlight; but the defenders, safe within the +covered-in barricade, were secure from the furious hail, though unable +to reply by a single shot. Several of the sheep were transfixed by +spears, each casualty being greeted with a hoarse roar of delight from +the attackers. + +Terence, however, who had returned to his post at the seaward side of +the terrace, saw the possibility of the searchlight being damaged by +stones, and, regardless of the danger, he rushed from his shelter to +place a screen of planks over the partially exposed instrument. + +His appearance was the signal for a redoubled discharge of missiles, +but coolly he continued his task. + +"Get back to cover!" shouted Mr. McKay. + +At that moment a stone caught the lad in the side, and staggering a few +paces he fell. + +A yell of triumph greeted the success of the savages; but without a +moment's hesitation Ellerton rushed through the danger zone. Unscathed +he gained his friend's side, and to his relief found that the missile +had merely winded him. + +Fortunately Terence had the presence of mind to stagger to the remote +side of the searchlight hut, where the two lads were protected from the +hailstorm of stones. + +"Are you fit for a dash?" asked Ellerton after a while. + +"Yes," replied Terence, "I'm ready now." + +Seizing their rifles, the two friends rushed at top speed across the +open ground and gained the shelter of the palisade guarding the +cliff-path. Here they were, so to speak, on the wrong side of the +fence, and had there been any savages on the shore their position would +have been critical in the extreme. + +As it was, they were able to keep up a constant fire upon the natives +on the cliff; but their foes seemed totally indifferent to the rifles, +though man after man was observed to fall. + +The savages had not been idle. Realising that the buildings and the +barricade at the end of the defile were proof against stones and +spears, they rolled an enormous stone to the edge of the cliff with the +intention of dropping it upon the roofed-in stockade. + +"Look out!" shouted Ellerton. "There's a rock about to fall on your +heads!" + +Taking advantage of the warning shout, Mr. McKay, Quexo, and Andy +crossed the covered way to the opposite side of the defile. Not a +moment too soon. + +In spite of a couple of successful shots by Ellerton, who managed to +bowl over one of the most active of the savages who were engaged in +rolling the ponderous rock, the mass of stone rushed down the slope and +shot clear of the cliff. + +The next instant it crashed through the frail roof of the barricade, +and, in addition, smashed a huge gap in the wall of packing-cases and +chests. + +"A near shave," ejaculated Mr. McKay. "If they keep that game up we +shall soon be without a roof to our heads." + +Emboldened by their success, a considerable number of the savages +worked their way round to the head of the gorge with the intention of +charging the shattered defences, the remaining natives still keeping up +a telling discharge from the brink of the cliff. + +"I must rush it," said Ellerton hurriedly, as he grasped the state of +affairs. "Keep a good look-out along the shore, Terence. If I fall, +don't attempt a rescue; there are not enough of us to throw ourselves +away like that." + +Bending low, the lad ran across the danger zone once more, and although +several spears fell close to him, he gained the side of his companions +in safety. + +Seen by day, the advance of the savages had an even more fearful +appearance than the night attack. Brandishing their weapons and +uttering awful yells, they rushed down the gorge, with one object in +view. They meant to come to hand-grips with the stubborn defenders of +the barricade. + +"Now, Andy," remarked Mr. McKay quietly, "reserve your fire till the +thickest of the press passes yonder rock, then aim carefully at that +canister. Go on firing, you," he added to the other two lads. + +The execution caused by the three rifles amongst that solid pack of +howling savages was great. No body of white men would have faced it, +but undaunted the warriors swept on. + +Andy, finger on trigger, watched the advance till the critical moment; +but his arm was not so firm as it ought to have been, and the bullet +struck the rock a foot to the left of the tin of explosives. + +"Miss, by Jove!" he exclaimed savagely as he jerked open the breach and +ejected the empty cylinder. + +Ere he could again take aim, Mr. McKay's rifle spoke. There was a +blinding glare, followed by a deafening report, and the close ranks of +the savages seemed to be swept aside as if by a gigantic flail. Not +only did the dynamite charge scatter death amongst the natives, but the +concussion brought down huge masses of rock from the cliffs, their fall +adding to the terror and confusion of the attackers. + +"That's fifty of them at the very least," exclaimed Andy. "A few more +coups like that, and we'll wipe them all out." + +"It will teach them caution, I'm afraid," was his father's reply. "But +we've done very well up to the present. How's Terence?" + +"He was only slightly hurt," replied Ellerton. + +"No sign of any canoes?" + +"No, sir." + +"Thank Heaven for that," replied Mr. McKay fervently. + +"The explosion also sent off the other canisters," observed Andy. +"Shall we place some others in the gorge when it is dark?" + +"I don't think they will attempt that way again," replied Mr. McKay. +"They've had a rare fright, both by day and night." + +"I noticed a crowd of them on the cliffs immediately above the cave +where the rest of the dynamite is stored," paid Ellerton. "If we can +use the stuff to no better purpose, why not set a time-fuse, and give +them another surprise?" + +"It might be done, but there's a great risk to be run by whoever lights +the fuse." + +"I'm willing to do it," said Ellerton resolutely. "I can creep along +the base of the cliff so as to be out of sight." + +"Then do it, my boy. Now's the time to act, before they have got over +their last reverse." + +Without a moment's delay, Ellerton dashed across the spear-encumbered +ground and gained the shelter of the overhanging cliffs. Then waving +his hands to his companions, he disappeared from view. + +There was a lull in the fighting. The defenders, anxiously awaiting +their comrade's return, lay idle within their defences, while the +natives were content to hurl an occasional spear or stone upon the +roofs of the buildings to show that they were still determined to +continue the attack. + +"I hope Ellerton's all right," exclaimed Andy uneasily. "He's been +gone quite long enough." + +"I cannot help thinking the same," replied his father. + +They waited another five minutes, then Quexo announced his intention of +going to search for Massa El'ton. + +"Be careful, then, Quexo," said Andy. "Remember Mr. Ellerton may have +lit the fuse--set fire to great bang-up," he added, noting that the +mulatto looked puzzled over the word "fuse." + +"All right, Massa Andy. Quexo he mind take care ob self an' Massa +El'ton." + +Another five minutes passed in breathless suspense. What had happened? +Ellerton had only to cover a distance of about four hundred yards both +ways. Allowing for the rugged nature of the ground, and the necessity +for caution, he ought to have returned several minutes ago. Perhaps he +had stumbled and was lying helpless within a few feet of the heavily +charged mine. + +Suddenly two revolver shots rang out in quick succession, and Quexo's +voice was heard shouting for aid. + +"Stay here, Andy," exclaimed his father hurriedly, and grasping his +revolver he ran towards the scene of action, the report of another shot +greeting his ears as he went. + +On rounding a spur of the cliff, a strange sight met his gaze. From +the summit of the cliff dangled a long rope of cocoa-fibre. Half-way +from the ground was a native, evidently badly wounded, grasping the +swaying rope with one hand while the other was pressed against his +side. On the ground at about twelve feet from the end of the rope lay +four bodies in a heap, and on arriving at the spot Mr. McKay discovered +to his consternation that two of the motionless forms were those of his +companions. + +Quexo lay uppermost, a jagged spear-head buried deep in his back. One +hurried glance revealed the sad truth that the faithful mulatto was +dead. Under him were the bodies of two natives, both shot through the +chest, while underneath the ghastly pile was Ellerton. + +As Mr. McKay stooped over the lad, a spear whizzed close to his ear and +sank deeply in the ground. It was a stern warning, and Mr. McKay took +advantage of it. Lifting Ellerton's body, he bore it to the shelter of +the cliffs, then as the rope began to tremble violently he stepped out +a pace, revolver in hand. + +He fired, and two bodies came hurtling through space, striking the +ground with a heavy thud. A lucky shot had severed the rope as cleanly +as if by a knife. + +There was no time to be lost. At any moment the mine might be sprung. +Hoisting Ellerton's body on his shoulder like a sack of flour, Mr. +McKay began his retreat, stepping over the rough ground with giant +strides, till the shelter of the cliffs came to an end. Here he +transferred his burden to his arms, and, protecting it as well as he +was able with his own body, he dashed across the open. + +Unscathed he reached the roofed-in stockade, and breathlessly he +deposited the body of his comrade upon the ground. + +"Dead?" asked Andy anxiously. + +"No, only stunned. It's a bad business." + +"And Quexo?" + +"He's gone, poor fellow!" + +"Oh!" Andy gasped, as if something had struck him; but the blow was a +mental not a physical injury. "How----" + +His words were interrupted by a roar that seemed to shake the island to +its very foundations. The cliffs trembled, dislodging masses of loose +rock, while a blast of air swept over the terrace like a tornado. + +The mine had exploded! + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE LAST STAND + +The explosion, though terrific, had not the desired effect. Ellerton +had succeeded in lighting the fuse, and was on his way back, when the +natives lowered a rope from the cliffs. No doubt they had observed him +on his way to the cave as he rather thoughtlessly showed himself in +crossing the base of the projecting spur. + +Cunningly two of the savages lowered themselves on to a ledge within +twenty feet of the ground, and on Ellerton's return they hurled a stone +with unerring aim, bringing him senseless to the ground. + +Eager to secure his body, the two assailants descended the remaining +distance, and were stooping over the prostrate youth when Quexo +appeared on the scene. + +A couple of well-directed shots settled their accounts; but the +mulatto, in rushing to Ellerton's assistance, failed to notice that the +edge of the cliff above him swarmed with natives. + +Even as he bent over the bodies of Ellerton and his assailants, a spear +thrown with terrible force struck him in the back. Hardly knowing what +hurt him, the mulatto sprang to his feet, and with his dying strength +discharged his revolver at one of the blacks who was descending the +rope, ere he fell across the bodies of the victims of his first two +shots. + +This episode had caused the crowd of savages, who had previously been +congregating immediately above the mine, to rush to that part of the +cliff nearest to the scene of the tragedy, and thus the actual +explosion did not inflict very great damage upon the invaders. +Nevertheless the moral result was a good service to the sore-pressed +white men, for the savages refrained from renewing the attack, and +withdrew to the shelter of the palm-groves. + +The approach of night also prolonged the mutual cessation of +hostilities, for the natives dreaded the great flashing beams of light +more than anything else. + +Terence, in spite of himself, fell asleep several times beside the +searchlight, while Andy, weary-eyed and stricken with grief, was kept +awake solely by his devotion to his wounded comrade. + +Fortunately Ellerton's injuries were not so bad as Mr. McKay had at +first supposed. The missile had struck him a glancing blow, and +although reducing him to insensibility, was more of the nature of a cut +than a contusion. There had been a copious flow of blood which +relieved the pressure on the scalp that a bruise would have otherwise +caused. + +Before midnight Ellerton had recovered sufficiently to relate the +circumstances of the affair so far as he knew, although he was ignorant +of the actual ambush. Neither did Mr. McKay think fit to tell him at +present of Quexo's death in his heroic and successful attempt to save +his master from mutilation. + + * * * * * + +With the return of daylight the savages renewed the attack. Large +stones, brought to the brink of the cliff by their stupendous efforts, +came crashing down upon the frail defences, till only a small section +of the barricade midway between the walls of the defile remained intact. + +Here Mr. McKay and Terence kept up a continuous but apparently +ineffectual fire, while Ellerton, still weak and showing signs of +light-headedness, did his best with a revolver. + +Andy, nearly done up for want of rest, resumed his solitary vigil at +the cliff path, occasionally adding to the fusillade whenever a group +of natives appeared at the edge of the cliff to hurl another of the +weighty missiles. + +With parched lips and swollen eyes the weary little band continued the +unequal combat, almost unable to raise their rifles to their aching +shoulders, till, to add to their misfortunes, Andy perceived ten large +canoes rounding the south-eastern promontory of the island. + +The natives had at length grasped the importance of a simultaneous rear +and frontal attack. + +"We must retreat to Blight's cave," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when his son +had shouted the disheartening intelligence. "Let us hope the explosion +has not closed up the entrance. Pull yourself together, Hoppy! We've +got to make a rush for it." + +"I'm going to stay here--I'm quite comfortable where I am," replied +Ellerton with astonishing determination. + +"But you can't, man; you'll be cut to pieces in less than a minute." + +But Ellerton refused to move. His comrades looked at each other +anxiously. In ordinary circumstances it would have been no easy task +to compel the lad to get up and walk, and with a few hundred savages +hanging round, the difficulties were increased tenfold. + +"I'll risk it," muttered Mr. McKay. "It's either kill or cure." And +raising his voice he said: "Hoppy, old man, Quexo is missing. He went +to look for you and has not returned." + +"What?" exclaimed Ellerton wildly. "Quexo missing? I'll go and look +for him." + +"We are all going," replied Mr. McKay. "Take your rifle and keep with +us." + +The savages saw the white men deserting the shelter of the barricade, +and with shouts of triumph they redoubled the hail of missiles, while +numbers of them rushed to the head of the defile and thence straight +for the abandoned defences. + +Edging cautiously along the base of the cliff, the forlorn little band +continued its retreat till Ellerton, who was leading, came across the +body of the faithful mulatto. + +For a moment he gazed at the ghastly scene with drawn face and staring +eyes; then, his scattered wits returning, he burst into tears. + +"Good!" exclaimed Mr. McKay to his son. "That's saved his reason. But +here they come." + +Already the leading pursuers were appearing on the edge of the +cliff-path, while others, rushing down the gorge, had scrambled over +the debris of the barricade, and with brandished clubs and spears were +charging down upon their white foes. + +"Pick him up, Hoppy; we must not leave him to those fiends," shouted +Andy. + +Assisted by Terence, Ellerton raised the body of the mulatto on his +back, and, covered by Mr. McKay and Andy, continued the retreat. + +As they reached the scene of the great explosion, they found that +masses of dislodged boulders extended almost to the edge of the lower +cliff. Slowly Ellerton and Terence bore their burden over the rough, +rock-strewn ground, the savages meanwhile gaining upon them rapidly. + +"Keep going at any cost," shouted Mr. McKay. "Gain the door of the +fence, and look out for us. Andy, we must make a stand here." + +"All right, pater," replied his son as he took cover behind a +convenient mass of stones. + +The two rifles opened a furious fire upon the advancing natives. Not a +shot was thrown away, and although stones and spears whizzed over their +heads or shattered themselves against the sheltering rock, father and +son continued to blaze away coolly, and deliberately. The savages, now +more or less contemptuously familiar with the white men's weapons, +hesitated to close in upon the dauntless twain, and, shouting to their +fellows to hasten to help them to wipe out the white men, they +contented themselves with rushing to the right and left in the hope of +surrounding their foes. + +"Stop that chap!" yelled Andy, pointing to a crafty warrior, who was +creeping on all fours up the rocks on Mr. McKay's left. + +Barely two inches of the man's head were visible above the sheltering +boulder, but those two inches were sufficient. Mr. McKay's rifle +cracked, and the savage bounded a good three feet in the air to fall +upon his face upon the ground. + +"They're safe!" shouted Mr. McKay, giving a rapid glance in the +direction of the iron fence. "Now, bolt for it!" + +Springing over the remainder of the intervening boulders, father and +son ran for shelter. For a brief instant the natives failed to +understand that their foes were again in retreat; then, to the +accompaniment of a flight of spears, they launched themselves over the +latest line of defence and pressed home the pursuit. + +Rifle in hand, Terence and Ellerton stood by the open door to aid their +comrades' retreat; another five yards, then comparative safely. + +Suddenly Andy stumbled and fell headlong on the ground, his rifle +flying from his grasp; the next instant half-a-dozen natives were upon +him. Without a moment's hesitation, Mr. McKay faced about, and, +drawing his revolver, fired. + +At the first report one of the pursuers fell; but the hammer of the +weapon clicked harmlessly as Mr. McKay attempted to bring down a +second. The weapon was empty. + +Throwing the now useless weapon straight into the face of one of the +savages, Mr. McKay stooped to pick up his rifle, a spear just grazing +his shoulder as he did so. + +With the strength and fury of a Berserker, he gripped the rifle by the +barrel, and wielding it like a ponderous flail he smote right and left. + +At one moment the brass-bound butt crashed with a terrific lunge full +in the tattooed face of a native; at the next it descended with +relentless force upon the skull of another. + +Then Ellerton's rifle cracked and Terence's revolver added to the din. +The blacks seemed to melt away; and ere the main body of the pursuers +could join in the struggle, the white men were safe within the stockade. + +"Don't trouble about the door," shouted Mr. McKay, as Terence was about +to close and barricade the iron-lined aperture. + +Breathlessly the harried fugitives entered the cave, and, holding their +rifles ready for instant use, awaited the arrival of their triumphant +foes. + +The door of the fence standing tantalisingly open served a better +purpose than if it had been closed and barred. Had it been secured, +the savages would soon have battered it in by sheer weight of numbers; +but even in the heat of the pursuit the natives paused and looked +askance at the mute invitation to enter. + +Fears of some other snare, more terrible than those they had already +experienced, held them in a spell-bound grip. + +The temporary check gave the defenders a chance of much-needed rest. + +"Now, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, "we are safe enough for the present. +A thousand of the wretches couldn't rush us in this place. But keep +your eyes open, and let rip at the first chap who shows his head inside +the door." + +There was a touch of irony in Mr. McKay's advice. Want of sleep +threatened to become a more dangerous foe than the savages themselves, +and the lads were almost falling asleep as they awaited the next +assault. + +All at once Mr. McKay raised his rifle and fired. + +A gaudily-decked warrior had so far overcome his fears and doubts as to +peer cautiously into the inclosure. His curiosity led to his undoing, +for, without knowing what struck him, he slid quietly to the ground +with a bullet through his brain. + +But the spell was broken, and with a hideous clamour the natives poured +in through the doorway. Many fell dead or wounded, while others +tripped over their prostrate bodies; but by sheer weight of numbers the +fence was overthrown, and over the removed obstruction rushed the +bloodthirsty mob. + +Seeing that it was impossible to check the flowing tide of warriors as +they sped over the broad expanse, the defenders hurriedly retired into +the farthermost recesses of the cave. Here they were able to command +the narrow entrance, and with a rapid magazine fire they simply mowed +down every savage who showed himself at the mouth of the cave. + +At last, disheartened by the obvious impossibility of rushing the +desperate band of white men, the warriors retired, and silence reigned +save for the moans of the wounded who littered the floor of the cavern. + +Worn out as they were, the four defenders, as soon as possible, scooped +out a shallow trench for the reception of the body of Quexo, who had +been killed, and silently the earth was heaped over the still form of +this their faithful servant and devoted comrade. + +"Now turn in for a spell," said Mr. McKay, as the last offices were +performed. "I'll take the first watch. I think I can keep awake for +another couple of hours." + +Vainly protesting, the lads obeyed and were soon asleep. + +Shouldering his rifle, Mr. McKay walked as far as the overthrown fence, +whence he could command a view of the house. Swarming in and out of +the building were the natives bearing away everything of value, while +others were demolishing the searchlight, which they evidently regarded +as an evil spirit, whose powers were harmless by day. The work of +plunder continued till nothing was left of the dwelling but the bare +walls and roof, and presently the building burst into flames. + +Hoping against hope, Mr. McKay watched with impotent rage the wanton +destruction of the result of so many months of patient toil and energy. + +Would the natives be content with their success, and re-embark with +their booty? Already several of them, laden with spoil, were +descending the cliff-path to their canoes; were the white men to be +left unmolested? + +Without thinking of the sore straits to which they would be reduced by +the loss of their home with most of their stores, Mr. McKay waited and +watched. The possibility of a fresh lease of life, even under such +adverse conditions, was infinitely preferable to having to fight +desperately to the last. + +But his hopes were doomed to failure. + +A strong body of savages began to ascend the slope leading to the cave, +and, to his consternation, the watcher perceived that many of them were +bearing bundles of sticks and grass. + +It was to be a struggle not only against the spears and clubs of the +natives, but against fire and smoke, and Mr. McKay realised that the +choice of the defenders lay between a fight to the death in the open or +being stifled in the recesses of the cave. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE RESCUE + +Returning to the cave, Mr. McKay awoke the lads and hurriedly explained +the nature of the threatened attack. + +"We must quit this shelter and keep in the open as long as we possibly +can," said he. "A long-range fire may keep them at bay. Only as a +last resource must we return to the cave." + +Barely had the defenders left the cavern than they were assailed from +above by a shower of stones and spears. Several of the savages had +taken up a position on the summit of the cliff overhanging the mouth of +the white men's retreat, so as to make the advance of the main body +easier. + +Thrown into confusion by this unlooked-for attack, the four defenders +fled headlong for the cave they had just left, narrowly escaping the +falling missiles. Then, finding that the jutting rocks protected them +so long as they kept close to the base of the cliff, the wearied men +plucked up courage, and opened fire upon the dense masses of the +natives as they advanced rapidly with their burdens. + +Many of the savages fell, but others immediately took up their loads, +and working from cover to cover with admirable cunning the natives came +within throwing distance of their spears. + +The rifle-fire, hot as it was, was unable to stop the fan-like +formation of the crafty warriors, and, assailed by stones and spears, +the defenders were once more compelled to retire to the cave. + +Repeated repulses had taught the natives caution, and without risking +themselves by appearing in front of the death-dealing tunnel, they +thrust their bundles of wood and grass into the mouth of the cave by +means of long poles. Then a torch was flung upon the heap of +inflammable material, and the next instant it burst into flames. + +"Throw some water on it," grasped Terence, as the heat began to take +effect. + +"Useless," replied Mr. McKay. "It would only cause more smoke," and +lifting a case of ammunition he rushed towards the blazing pile. + +"Lie down!" he ordered sharply, as he regained his comrades. + +Crouched in the remotest part of the cave, they awaited the explosion. +Then with a roar, followed by a series of minor reports, the cartridges +exploded, filling the cave with pungent fumes. + +As the last detonation ended, Mr. McKay leapt to his feet, and, +revolver in hand, dashed through the scattered and still burning +embers. His companions followed his example, and gained the open. +Even as they drank in the deliciously cool air they were compelled to +resume the unequal combat, though the savages, alarmed by the explosion +and the sudden appearance of their foes, gave back in terror. + +Edging along the base of the cliff, for the darts and stones still +descended, regardless of friend or foe, the defenders blazed away at +their enemies, till the latter recovered from their fright and returned +to the attack. + +Not till they were in grave danger of being cut off did Mr. McKay and +his companions return to the cave once more to endure the torments of +the smoke-laden atmosphere. + +This time the savages did not leave them in peace. With poised weapons +the wily warriors waited on either side of the entrance, while others +descended from the terrace and procured fresh fuel. + +Splashing their faces with water, and fanning the noxious fumes with +portions of their clothes, the defenders strove to cool their parched +and heated bodies, realising that another half-hour would doubtless see +the end of the unequal struggle. + +"I'm not going to be smoked out like a rat in a hole," exclaimed +Ellerton. "I'll make a dash for it and die in the open." + +"It's the only way," replied Mr. McKay. "If we are to die we must die +like Britons, fighting to the last." + +Hardly had the forlorn party made this desperate decision, when a sharp +ear-splitting explosion, followed almost immediately by another, was +heard without the cave. Yells of terror and noisy surprise arose, and +the savages fled right and left. + +For a moment the defenders were unable to grasp the meaning of the +interruption, till Andy shouted: "Hurrah! A rescue!" and overcome by +mental and bodily strain, he fell on the floor in a swoon. + +Terence and Ellerton were about to rush to the mouth of the cave, but +Mr. McKay restrained them. + +"Lie down!" he exclaimed. "They're firing with shell, and we shall be +blown to atoms if we go outside." + +It was, to a certain extent, unfortunate that the inhabitants of +McKay's Island were unable to observe the means by which they were so +opportunely rescued from what appeared to be a terrible and remorseless +fate. + +While the preparations for the smoking-out of the still-resisting white +men were in progress, H.M.S. _Blazer_ was steaming straight for the +island. + +Unnoticed by the natives, she gained the entrance to the lagoon, the +leadsmen in the chains, and the decks cleared for action. + +The alert commander had already observed the smouldering ruins of what +was obviously at no remote time a civilised settlement, and the shouts +of the desperate savages told him that resistance was still being made. + +H.M.S. _Blazer_ was but a third-class cruiser, mainly engaged in +surveying duties in the Pacific. Her armament consisted of two +4.7-inch guns, one mounted fore and aft, six twelve-pounders, and ten +Maxims, and these were amply sufficient for the work in hand. + +Rounding to in seven fathoms, and less than three hundred yards from +the scene of the desperate encounter, the _Blazer_ opened fire. Her +commander had noted the actual locality of the defenders' retreat, and +carefully avoiding the spot for fear of harming friend as well as foe, +he had a couple of shells planted in the fringe of the attacking +natives. + +Those two shells were sufficient. Madly the survivors fled along the +terrace in the direction of the defile leading to the ulterior, and as +they ran they were subjected to a raking fire by the quick-firers and +Maxims, till only a small remnant gained the shelter of the palm-groves. + +"Man and arm boats!" came the order. + +But ere the landing-party gained the shore, not a living savage was to +be seen. Panic-stricken they fled to the far side of the island, where +they embarked in their canoes. + +"We're too late, it seems," remarked the lieutenant in charge, as he +gazed upon the devastated scene. + +"Those brutes were running from up yonder, sir," observed a +petty-officer, pointing towards the upper terrace. "Maybe there's +someone up there among the rocks." + +"Party, fall in!" ordered the officer, and giving the word to march, he +led the way over the open ground, which was littered by the victims of +the _Blazer's_ fire. + +"Strike me; wot's this?" ejaculated the petty-officer, as four battered +specimens of humanity appeared above the crest of a rise of ground and +floundered painfully towards their rescuers, who gave them a hearty +cheer. + +"We were certainly in the nick of time," remarked Commander Bulwark, +as, five hours later, Mr. McKay and the three lads were seated in the +_Blazer's_ wardroom. "We received a telegraphic message from Tahiti +while we were lying off Suva, to the effect that a French trader +reported that she had communicated with British castaways; but was +unable, owing to the high seas that were running, to render assistance. +So we came at full speed, and, I am glad to say, with fortunate +results. We are leaving here to-morrow for Sydney. I suppose you +don't object to being landed there?" + +"By no means," replied Mr. McKay. "I think we've had enough of the +island to last us a lifetime." + +In a few words Mr. McKay told the commander of the finding of the +treasure, and how it was hidden under the floor of the house. + +"Treasure, eh? Well, you're lucky in more than one way. There are +plenty of islands in the Pacific where treasure is supposed to be +hidden. We usually regard these stories as a myth, but you've +evidently proved that such things do exist. Let me congratulate you +once again. I'll send ashore at once." + +Before nightfall the treasure chests were conveyed safely on board the +cruiser. + +The bluejackets also placed a pile of stones over the grave of the +brave mulatto, a simple inscription setting forth his name and the +manner of his death; while for the benefit of possible future +castaways, a paper giving particulars of the stores deposited in the +treasure cave was placed in an air-tight case and lashed to a post in a +conspicuous position on the shore. + +Shortly after daybreak on the following day Mr. McKay and the three +lads watched from the poop of the _Blazer_ the rapidly receding land +which for so many months had been their home; and in silence they stood +gazing with wistful eyes till the summit of the peak of McKay's Island +sank beneath the horizon. + + + + +THE END + + + + + +_The Mayflower Press, Plymouth, England_. William Brendon & Son, Ltd. + + + + + + +THE SCOUT LIBRARY + +STORIES OF ADVENTURE. + +_In Cloth Covers. Price 2s. 6d. Net. Postage 5d. extra._ + + +THE YOUNG CAVALIER. + +By PERCY F. WESTERMAN. + +"One of the best stories of the English Civil War we have met, and Mr. +Gordon Browne's fine pictures enrich it unspeakably."--_Pall Mall +Gazette_. + + +THE QUEST OF THE VEILED KING. + +By RUPERT CHESTERTON. + +"A really good yarn which will be appreciated by every Scout and by +many a boy who belongs to no patrol."--_Morning Post_. + + +FRANK FLOWER. + +The Boy War Correspondent. + +By A. B. COOPER. + +"Boy Scouts should thoroughly enjoy this story, for the principles on +which young Flower always acts are thoroughly sound, and, though no +offensive morals are drawn, the advantage of straight conduct is made +obvious."--_Academy_. + + +GILDERSLEY'S TENDERFOOT. + +By ROBERT LEIGHTON. + +"A rattling good story of adventure in the Wild West which boys will +thoroughly enjoy."--_Bookman_. + + +SONS OF THE SEA. + +By CHRISTOPHER BECK. + +"Mr. Beck tells a story of the Sea Scouts and shows how handy these +young people may become.... Written in a manly, healthy style, and may +be recommended to the attention of every boy."--_The Field_. + + +The above books may be ordered through your Bookseller, or will be sent +post free on receipt of the price named with postage added from + +A. F. SOWTER, Publisher, "THE SCOUT" Offices, + 28 Maiden Lane, LONDON, W.C. + + + + +Attractive Nature Books + +BY + +OWEN JONES AND MARCUS WOODWARD + +Authors of "A Gamekeeper's Note Book" + +Illustrated. Crown 8vo, Cloth. Price 2s. 6d. each net; postage 4d. +extra. + +Also in Picture paper wrappers. Price 1s. 6d. each net; postage 3d. +extra. + + +Woodcraft + +"Packed from end to end with observations and instructions which turn +the country-side and its small inhabitants from a series of perplexing +puzzles into a vast book which every intelligent person can read for +himself."--_The Globe_. + +"A book which would make a delightful present for any country +child."--_Country Life_. + +"Boys will certainly like this book."--_Manchester Guardian_. + +"A truly delightful companion for the rambler and woodman."--_Pall Mall +Gazette_. + +"A charming book on woodcraft."--_School Guardian_. + + +Going About the Country With Your Eyes Open + +"A delightfully varied volume dealing with topics full of interest and +also of instruction to those who knock about the country."--_Morning +Post_. + +"These well-known collaborators once more show that they have the knack +of imparting information in the most charming fashion ... no better +book could be put into the hands of a boy."--_Evening Standard_. + +"An excellent book for boys with a love of the country, and, for the +matter of that, for those who have passed the years of boyhood but have +retained their interest in wild nature."--_Birmingham Post_. + +"A capital book of all kinds of outdoor lore and practice."--_Times_. + + +ALSO BY MARCUS WOODWARD + +In cloth boards, fully Illustrated. Price 2/6 net; postage 4d. extra. + +In Nature's Ways + +A book for all young Lovers of Natural History. Being an Introduction +to Gilbert White's immortal "Natural History of Selborne." + +Illustrated by J. A. SHEPHERD. + +With Preface by WILFRID MARK WEBB, Secretary of the Selborne Society. + +This volume contains 8 full-page Illustrations on Art Paper in addition +to the Drawings in the Text. + +"This is a 'White's Selborne' for the young; giving passages from the +original under different headings and, side by side, some talk about +the bird or beast referred to; with plenty of illustrations by Mr. J. +A. Shepherd, full of his usual vitality."--_Times_. + +"We think this volume cannot fail to interest and instruct the +young."--_Field_. + +"White's 'History of Selborne' is here amplified and explained for +young readers. Mr. Woodward has that gift of humour without which all +writing on nature is a weariness unto the flesh for young readers, and +for many readers who are no longer young. Mr. J. A. Shepherd's +illustrations catch the spirit of the letterpress, and are of a piece +with the work that has made his reputation as an artist."--_Literary +World_. + + +_May be had of all Booksellers or will be sent direct on receipt of +published price and postage from_ + +C. ARTHUR PEARSON LTD., Henrietta Street, LONDON, W.C. 2. + + + + +The SCOUTS' BOOK of HEROES + +WITH A THREE-COLOUR FRONTISPIECE BY + +SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL + +And Eight Full-page Illustrations. + +THE CHIEF SCOUT ALSO CONTRIBUTES A FOREWORD. + +Demy 8vo. Cloth. With attractive Wrapper in Colours. + +Price 6s. net. (Postage 6d. extra.) + + +"The part that scouts--past and present--played in the war is a source +of unbounded pride to many boys; and these will be delighted with 'THE +SCOUTS' BOOK OF HEROES.' The Chief Scout himself, Sir Robert +Baden-Powell, in a 'foreword,' points out that the war-work of the +scouts--and Jack Cornwell, Piper Laidlaw, Lieutenant Gates, Lieutenant +Haine, Major Toye, Private Cruikshank, Lieutenant Manson Craig, +Lieutenant-Colonel Dimmer, Captain McKean, Lieutenant Donald Dean, +Lieutenant Hallowes, all of them V.C.'s, were also all of them +scouts--'was not the result of military training, or of drill. It was +the outcome of the spirit that gives the essential self-discipline and +dare to do.' ... There is a breaking strain to discipline that is +applied, there is none to _esprit de corps_. It is the spirit that +tells, the spirit which it is the aim of Scout training to inculcate. +'And the book is full of the spirit.'"--_Westminster Gazette_. + +"This story of scout heroes is a noble record which should fire the +scout of to-day to 'Play up and play the game!'"--_Church Times_. + +"A truly noble volume is 'THE SCOUTS' BOOK OF HEROES', with a preface +by the Chief Scout, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, K.C.B. Here is told the +stirring story of many a boy scout who has grown up to serve his +country, and offer it, too, the last sacrifice. The scout V.C.'s are +here, with Boy Cornwell, who was one of their number, and the many who +have won other high honours--the list fills nearly 70 pages. But the +book is not a mere enumeration of scout achievements; it is full of +stories of heroism and devotion to duty, and has abundant illustrations +bringing to life its stirring themes."--_The Universe_. + +"No more satisfactory gift-book for a Scout can be imagined than this +admirably compiled story of Scout heroes of the Army. It is a fine +record to put before the boys of the Empire, and we trust the book will +have multitudes of young readers."--_Pall Mall Gazette_. + +"These grand true stories of Boy Scouts who became soldiers, and won +glory or death, will make every reader proud of his +uniform."--_Christian World_. + + +C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., Henrietta Street, London, W.C. 2. + + + +BOOKS BY THE CHIEF SCOUT + +SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL, K.C.B. + + +SCOUTING FOR BOYS. + +A HANDBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN GOOD CITIZENSHIP. + +9th Edition. The Official Handbook of the Boy Scouts. + +_Price 2s. net, paper; 3s. net, cloth (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +THE WOLF CUB'S HANDBOOK + +The Official Handbook for the training of boys from 8-11, leading up to +the time when they can become full Scouts. _Paper Wrapper, price 1s. +6d. net; cloth boards, price 2s. 6d., net (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +GIRL GUIDING + +THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK FOR THE GIRL GUIDES. + +_4th Edition. Paper wrapper, price 1s. 6d. net (postage 3d. extra); +cloth boards_ + +_2s. 6d. net (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +MY ADVENTURES AS A SPY + +Extra Crown 8vo, Cloth Gilt, with Coloured Frontispiece, Four Half-tone +Illustrations, and other Sketches by the Author. + +_Price 3s. 6d. net (postage 5d. extra)._ + + +SCOUTING GAMES + +A splendid collection of Outdoor and Indoor Games specially compiled +for Boy Scouts. 4th Edition. + +Price 1s. 6d. net, paper wrapper (postage 3d. extra). 2s. 6d. net in +cloth boards (postage 4d. extra). + +"No one who, as a schoolboy, has read a word of Fenimore Cooper or +Ballantyne, nobody who feels the fascination of a good detective story, +or who understands a little of the pleasures of woodcraft, could fail +to be attracted by these games, or, for that matter, by the playing of +the games themselves."--_Spectator_. + + +YARNS FOR BOY SCOUTS + +TOLD ROUND THE CAMP FIRE + +2nd Edition. + +"There is no gift book that could be put into the hands of a schoolboy +more valuable than this fascinating volume, and if you asked the boy's +opinion he would probably add, 'No book that he liked +better.'"--_Spectator_. + + +YOUNG KNIGHTS OF THE EMPIRE + +THEIR CODE AND FURTHER SCOUT YARNS. + +"The Ten Laws of Scouts and Sir Robert's exposition of them make a most +lucid and telling code of behaviour; and very good, too, are his tales +of travel, chapters on sea-scouting, backwoodsmen, &c., all illustrated +by the author himself."--_Times_. + + +BOY SCOUTS BEYOND THE SEAS + +"MY WORLD TOUR." + +Illustrated by the Author. + +"Describes in brightest and most concise fashion his recent tour of +inspection amongst the Boy Scouts.... Every boy will read it with +avidity and pronounce it 'jolly good.'"--_Graphic_. + + +_The above 3 books, price 1s. each in pictorial wrapper, or 2s. each in +cloth boards (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +THE CUB BOOK. + +THE BOOK FOR THE BOYS. + +_Price 3d. net (post free 4d.)_ + + +MARKSMANSHIP FOR BOYS + +THE RED FEATHER AND HOW TO WIN IT. + +_Price 3d. net (post free 4d.)._ + + + +_Write for Illustrated List of Books for Boy Scouts to_ + +A. F. SOWTER, Publisher, "The Scout" Offices, + 28 Maiden Lane, London, W.C. 2. + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Nameless Island, by Percy F. 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Westerman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nameless Island + A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes + +Author: Percy F. Westerman + +Release Date: October 7, 2011 [EBook #37652] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NAMELESS ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + +</pre> + + +<BR><BR> + +<A NAME="img-cover"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-cover.jpg" ALT="Cover art" BORDER="2"> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="img-front"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-front.jpg" ALT="AMID THE CHEERS OF THE BAND OF BRITISHERS THE ENSIGN WAS BROKEN AT THE MASTHEAD. See page 68" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +AMID THE CHEERS OF THE BAND OF BRITISHERS <BR> +THE ENSIGN WAS BROKEN AT THE MASTHEAD. <A HREF="#p68">See page 68</A> +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t1"> +THE NAMELESS ISLAND +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +A Story of some Modern <BR> +Robinson Crusoes +</P> + +<BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +BY +</P> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +PERCY F. WESTERMAN +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Author of "The Young Cavalier," etc.</I> +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +London +<BR> +C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. +<BR> +Henrietta Street +<BR> +1920 +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Second Impression</I> +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<HR> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +STORIES OF ADVENTURE. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME</I> +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Each Volume contains Eight Full-Page Illustrations by a well-known +Artist +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +The Boys of the Otter Patrol. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +A Tale of the Boy Scouts. By E. Le Breton-Martin. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +Kiddie of the Camp. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +A Scouting Story of the Western Prairies. By Robert Leighton. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +Otters to the Rescue. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +A Sequel to "The Boys of the Otter Patrol." By E. Le Breton-Martin. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +The Clue of the Ivory Claw. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +By F. Haydn Dimmock. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +'Midst Arctic Perils. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +By P. F. Westerman. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +The Phantom Battleship. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +By Rupert Chesterton. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +Kiddie the Scout. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +A Sequel to "Kiddie of the Camp." By Robert Leighton. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +The Lost Trooper. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +A Tale of the Great North-West. By F. Haydn Dimmock. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +The Brigand of the Air. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" STYLE="margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 10%"> +By Christopher Beck. +</P> + +<BR> + +<HR> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +CONTENTS +</P> + +<TABLE ALIGN="center" WIDTH="80%"> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">CHAPTER</TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> </TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">I. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap01">THE HURRICANE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">II. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap02">AGROUND</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">III. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap03">ABANDONED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap04">THE LANDING</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">V. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap05">THE CAMP</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap06">THE ANIMAL THAT WOULDN'T BE RESCUED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap07">THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">VIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap08">"A SAIL!"</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">IX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap09">UNWELCOME VISITORS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">X. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap10">STRANGE ALLIES</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap11">THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap12">AT BAY</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap13">ELLERTON TO THE RESCUE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap14">ROUTING THE SAVAGES</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap15">A KNIFE-THRUST IN THE DARK</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap16">THE GALE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap17">BACK TO THE ISLAND</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap18">A SURPRISE FOR THE INVADERS</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XIX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap19">THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XX. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap20">THE ENEMY IS CORNERED</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap21">THE BUCCANEERS' CAVE</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap22">THE TREASURE CHAMBER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap23">"A SAIL! A SAIL!"</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXIV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap24">A FALSE AND A REAL ALARM</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXV. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap25">THE GREAT INVASION</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVI. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap26">A GREAT DISASTER</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap27">THE LAST STAND</A></TD> +</TR> + +<TR> +<TD ALIGN="right" VALIGN="top">XXVIII. </TD> +<TD ALIGN="left" VALIGN="top"> +<A HREF="#chap28">THE RESCUE</A></TD> +</TR> + +</TABLE> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS +</P> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-front"> +Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was + broken at the masthead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . <I>Frontispiece</I> +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-016"> +Ellerton was only just in time. Another dazzling flash enabled + him to see the helpless form of the crippled seaman +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-054"> +Andy, finding the bull close to his heels, gripped a rope and + swung himself into a position of comparative safety +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-102"> +The chief's canoe was paddled slowly towards the shore +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-124"> +Crash! fair in the centre of the lightly built fifty-feet hull + struck the sharp stem +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-210"> +"A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed breathlessly +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-218"> +A huge turtle had crawled across the beach and ... had set the + alarm bell ringing +</A> +</H4> + +<H4 STYLE="margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%"> +<A HREF="#img-228"> +With fierce shouts the savages tore down the path straight for + the barricade +</A> +</H4> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap01"></A> + +<H2 ALIGN="center"> +THE NAMELESS ISLAND +</H2> + +<BR> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER I +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE HURRICANE +</H4> + +<P> +The <I>San Martin</I>, a single-screw cargo steamer of 3050 tons, was on her +way from Realejo to Tahiti. Built on the Clyde twenty years back, this +Peruvian-owned tramp was no longer in her prime. Since passing out of +the hands of her British owners, neglect had lessened her speed, while +the addition of various deck-houses, to suit the requirements of the +South American firm under whose house-flag she sailed, had not +increased her steadiness. +</P> + +<P> +Captain Antonio Perez, who was in command, was a short, thick-set man +of almost pure Spanish descent, swarthy, greasy, and vain—combining +all the characteristics, good, bad, and indifferent, of the South +American skipper. As part owner of the <I>San Martin</I> he was glad of the +opportunity of adding to the vessel's earnings, so he had willingly +agreed to take five passengers as far as Tahiti. +</P> + +<P> +The five passengers were Mr. McKay, his son Andrew, Terence Donaghue, +Fanshaw Ellerton, and Quexo; but before relating the circumstances in +which they found themselves on board the <I>San Martin</I>, it will be +necessary to introduce them to our readers. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, a tall, erect Queenslander, of Scottish descent, had, +through the death of a near relative, migrated from Australia to one of +the Central American republics in order to test the possibilities of an +estate which had been left him, before putting it into the market. +</P> + +<P> +Andrew McKay, or Andy, as he was called, was a well-set-up young fellow +of nineteen, broad-shouldered and straight-limbed, with a fine head +surmounted by a crop of auburn hair. +</P> + +<P> +Terence Donaghue, the son of an Irish Canadian, was about Andy's age, +and was on a visit to the McKays. He was impulsive both in manner and +speech, high-spirited, and good-natured. +</P> + +<P> +Fanshaw Ellerton, a lad of sixteen, was supposed to be serving his +apprenticeship on board the <I>Tophet</I>, a barque of 2200 tons, of the +port of Liverpool. He was in reality a deserter—but in circumstances +beyond his control. +</P> + +<P> +Taking advantage of general leave being granted to the crew of the +<I>Tophet</I>, Ellerton had gone "up-country," and, before he actually +realised it, he found himself besieged in Mr. McKay's ranch of San +Eugenio. +</P> + +<P> +One of those revolutions that occur in many of the South Central +American states had broken out, and the rebels, thinking that Mr. +McKay's house and estate would prove an easy and profitable prize, +promptly attempted to take and plunder San Eugenio. +</P> + +<P> +In spite of a vigorous defence, it seemed as if numbers would gain the +day, till Quexo, a mulatto lad on the ranch, contrived to steal through +the rebels' lines and bring timely aid, but not before Mr. McKay had +been severely wounded. +</P> + +<P> +But, so far as his Central American affairs were concerned, Mr. McKay +was practically ruined, and he took steps to return to Queensland with +the least possible delay. +</P> + +<P> +Andy, of course, was to accompany him, while Terence arranged to go as +far as Tahiti, whence he could take steamer to Honolulu and on to +Victoria, British Columbia. +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind, old chap," exclaimed Andy, when Ellerton made the +startling yet not altogether unexpected discovery that the <I>Tophet</I> had +sailed without him. "We've stuck together through thick and thin these +last few days, and it seems as if we have been chums for years. I know +the governor will be only too glad to have you with us, and no doubt +you can pick up your ship at Sydney." +</P> + +<P> +Nor did Mr. McKay forget Quexo's devotion; and, to the mulatto's great +delight, he was engaged as servant at the—to him—princely salary of +five dollars a month. +</P> + +<P> +A fever-stricken coast was no place for a wounded man, hence Mr. +McKay's anxiety to sail as soon as possible; and since ten days or more +would elapse before one of the regular line of steamers left for +Honolulu, passages were booked on the Peruvian tramp steamer <I>San +Martin</I>. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +<SPAN STYLE="letter-spacing: 4em">*****</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P> +"What a scratch crew!" remarked Terence, pointing at the swarm of +olive-featured Peruvians who were scrubbing down decks with the aid of +the ship's hose. +</P> + +<P> +"But even they have one advantage over most of the crews of the +mercantile marine," replied Ellerton. "They are all of one +nationality. Take the <I>Tophet's</I> crew—there are only eight British +seamen before the mast; the rest are Germans, Finns, and Swedes." +</P> + +<P> +"That is a crying scandal," interrupted Mr. McKay, who was resting in a +deck-chair a few feet from the head of the poop-ladder. "England, the +principal carrier of the world, has to rely upon foreigners to man her +merchant ships. And the reason is not far to seek," he added. +</P> + +<P> +The <I>San Martin</I> was in the Doldrums. Not a ripple disturbed the +surface of the ocean, save the white wake of the steamer as she pounded +along at a steady nine knots. Overhead the sun shone fiercely in a +cloudless sky. +</P> + +<P> +"How deep is it here?" asked Terence, leaning over the rail. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know, Ellerton?" asked Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir; I had no opportunity of examining a chart." +</P> + +<P> +"It's approximately three thousand fathoms. Between the Galapagos and +the Marquesas is a vast sunken plateau. Sunlight never penetrates +these great depths; probably all is dark beyond two hundred fathoms." +</P> + +<P> +"And are there fish or marine animals in the bed of the ocean?" +</P> + +<P> +"No one knows. Possibly there are some marine animals capable of +withstanding the enormous pressure, for it may be taken for granted +that at three thousand fathoms the pressure per square inch is about +three tons." +</P> + +<P> +"Is it always calm in the Doldrums?" continued Terence, for he had +never before "crossed the line." +</P> + +<P> +"Often for weeks at a stretch. What's your experience of these, +Ellerton?" +</P> + +<P> +"Three weeks with the canvas hanging straight down from the yards. If +you threw anything overboard it would be alongside for days. I can +assure you, Terence, that I am jolly glad we're on board a steamer." +</P> + +<P> +"How did you get out of it?" continued the young Canadian, eager for +further information. +</P> + +<P> +"By one of the frequent and sudden hurricanes that spring up in the +belt of the calms; but even that was looked upon as a slice of luck." +</P> + +<P> +Thus the days passed. Conversation was the chief means of passing the +time, although the lads derived considerable amusement from their +efforts to teach Quexo English. +</P> + +<P> +Reading was out of the question, for the ship's library consisted of +only a few Spanish books of little interest to Mr. McKay and Andy, +while to Terence and Ellerton they were unfathomable. +</P> + +<P> +On the evening of the fourth day there was an ominous change in the +weather. +</P> + +<P> +The sun, setting between high-banked, ill-defined clouds, gave out +bright copper-coloured rays that betokened much wind at no distant +date; while from the south-east a long, heavy swell, although far from +land, gave further indications of change. +</P> + +<P> +"How is the glass, Captain?" asked Mr. McKay, as Captain Perez emerged +from the companion and began to make his way for'ard to the bridge. +</P> + +<P> +The captain shrugged his shoulders. +</P> + +<P> +"Low, seņor. I like it not." +</P> + +<P> +"What an admission," exclaimed Mr. McKay, as the officer mounted the +ladder. "Fancy a British skipper replying like that! Here, Andy, you +are not shaky on the pins like I am; just present my compliments to +Captain Perez and ask him to tell you how the barometer stands. I'm +rather curious on that point." +</P> + +<P> +"You appear to have a good knowledge of seamanship, sir," remarked +Ellerton, as young McKay made his way to the bridge. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, I must confess I have," admitted Mr. McKay. "Years ago I spent +some months on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait; but that's a long +story. Some day, perhaps, I'll tell you more about it." +</P> + +<P> +"Seven hundred and forty millimetres—a fall of twenty-two millimetres +in eight hours," announced Andy, reading the figures from a slip of +paper, on which he had noted the captain's reply. +</P> + +<P> +"By Jove!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. "That's equivalent to a trifle over +29.1 inches. We're in for something, especially with that deck cargo," +as he pointed to the towering baulks of mahogany which were stowed +amidships. +</P> + +<P> +"Are they doing anything for'ard?" he continued. +</P> + +<P> +"The men are placing additional lashings over the hatchways." +</P> + +<P> +"Pity they didn't man the derrick and heave some of that stuff +overboard," replied Mr. McKay, eyeing the timber with concern. +"However, it will be dark in another quarter of an hour, so we had +better turn in and get some sleep while we are able." +</P> + +<P> +It was shortly after midnight when Ellerton awoke, conscious that +something was amiss. He had slept through severe gales in the old +<I>Tophet</I> when she was scudding under close-reefed canvas before the +wind or lying hove-to in a hurricane in Magellan Straits; but there was +something in the peculiar motion of the <I>San Martin</I> that roused his +seaman's instincts. +</P> + +<P> +It was blowing. He could hear the nerve-racking clank of the engines +as the propeller raced in the air, and the corresponding jar as the +ship's stern was engulfed in the following seas. That was a mere +nothing; it was the excessive heel and slow recovery of the vessel +which told him that things were not as they should be. +</P> + +<P> +Hastily dressing, he was about to leave the cabin when a hollow groan +caught his ear. It was pitch dark, for the electric lights had failed, +and the after part of the ship was in a state of absolute blackness. +</P> + +<P> +"What's up, Terence?" +</P> + +<P> +Terence was like the sufferer on the Channel mail boat. He was past +the stage when he was afraid he might die, and was entering into the +stage when he was afraid he might not. Ellerton had suffered the +agonies of sea-sickness before, so, knowing that the unhappy victim +would prefer to suffer in solitude, he went outside. +</P> + +<P> +In the alley-way he collided with the second mate, who, clad in +dripping oilskins, was returning from his watch on deck. +</P> + +<P> +Ere the two could disengage, a heavy list sent them both rolling +against one of the starboard cabins, and, at the same time, Andy, who, +unable to sleep, was on the point of making his way over to Ellerton's +berth, stepped upon the writhing forms and promptly joined them on the +floor of the alley-way. +</P> + +<P> +A number of choice expressions in English and Spanish, drowned by the +thunder of the "combers" on deck, arose from the struggling trio, till +at length Ellerton disentangled himself and succeeded in pulling his +chum from under the form of the second mate. +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't it awful, this gale?" gasped Andy, whose right eye was rapidly +closing from the effects of an accidental knock from the Peruvian's +sea-boot. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, it's a bit thick," replied Ellerton, whose knuckles were bleeding +through coming into contact with the brass tread of the cabin door. +"But let's follow this chap up and get him to let us have a candle; +then we can see what we are doing." +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke, a vivid flash of lightning revealed the Peruvian, still in +his wet oilskins, stretched at full length on his bunk, his head buried +in the blankets. He was in a state of absolute funk! +</P> + +<P> +A swinging candlestick was affixed to the bulkhead, and Ellerton was +soon able to procure a light. Andy glanced at the barometer. The +mercury stood at 715 millimetres (28.15 in.)—a fall of nearly an inch +since six o'clock on the previous evening. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't we go on deck?" asked Andy, as the <I>San Martin</I> slowly recovered +from a dangerous list. "It's rotten being cooped up here." +</P> + +<P> +"You would stand a jolly good chance of being swept overboard," replied +Ellerton. "Everything is battened down, and we can only get out by the +sliding hatch communicating with the——" +</P> + +<P> +His words were interrupted by a succession of heavy thuds, plainly +audible above the roar of the wind and waves, while the shouts of the +frantic seamen showed that something had broken adrift. +</P> + +<P> +Taking advantage of the lift of the vessel as she threw her stern clear +of a mountainous sea, Ellerton opened the steel sliding doorway +sufficiently wide for the two chums to gain the poop. Staggering along +the slippery, heaving deck, they reached the lee side of the +deck-house, where, gripping the stout iron stanchion-rail, they awaited +the next flash of lightning. +</P> + +<P> +They had not long to wait. A brilliant, prolonged succession of +flashes dazzled their eyes, the electric fluid playing on the wet +planks and foam-swept waist of the plunging vessel. +</P> + +<P> +The reason for the commotion was now apparent. One of the mainmast +derricks had broken adrift, and, charging from side to side like a +gigantic flail, had smashed the rail, crushed two steel +ventilator-cowls, and utterly demolished two boats in the davits. +</P> + +<P> +The crew, trying to secure the plunging mass of metal, were working +with mad desperation, frequently up to their waists in water. +</P> + +<P> +Two of the unfortunate men, crushed by the sweep of the derrick, had +been hurled over the side, while another, his leg bent under him, lay +helpless in the lee-scuppers, with only a few inches of broken bulwarks +to prevent him from sharing the fate of his comrades. +</P> + +<P> +"Stand by, Andy!" shouted Ellerton. "Take a couple of turns round this +bollard," and throwing the end of a coil of signal-halliards to his +friend, he made the other end fast round his waist and jumped down the +poop-ladder. +</P> + +<P> +He was only just in time. Another dazzling flash enabled him to see +the helpless form of the crippled seaman, and as he wound his arms +round the man's waist in an iron grip, a seething cataract of foam +swept the deck. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-016"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-016.jpg" ALT="ELLERTON WAS ONLY JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER DAZZLING FLASH ENABLED HIM TO SEE THE HELPLESS FORM OF THE CRIPPLED SEAMAN" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +ELLERTON WAS ONLY JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER DAZZLING FLASH <BR> +ENABLED HIM TO SEE THE HELPLESS FORM OF THE CRIPPLED SEAMAN +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +The ship, stunned by the force of the gigantic billow, listed till her +deck took an angle of 45 degrees, or more. To the young apprentice, +held only by a single turn of the thin signal-halliard, it seemed as if +the ship were already taking her downward plunge, for all round him +surged the torrent of solid water, his position rendered doubly +horrible by the intense blackness of the night. +</P> + +<P> +Still he held on like grim death to the disabled seaman, the thin rope +cutting into his breastbone like a steel wire. His feet were unable to +find a hold; the last fragment of the bulwarks had vanished, and only +the rope held him and his burden from a prolonged death in the surging +ocean. +</P> + +<P> +Quivering like an aspen leaf, the stricken vessel slowly resumed an +even keel, and then began the correspondingly sickening list to +windward. +</P> + +<P> +Another flash revealed the charging derrick whirling over his head; +then, as he felt the rope slacken and himself slipping across the deck, +his hand managed to grasp the foot of the poop-ladder. +</P> + +<P> +Almost breathless by his exertions, and half suffocated through being +so long under water, Ellerton retained sufficient presence of mind to +clamber up the ladder, Andy assisting his burden by steadily and +strongly hauling on the rope; then, as the <I>San Martin</I> once more began +her sickening roll to leeward, he sank exhausted to the deck, safe +under the lee of the deck-house, with the Peruvian still in his grip. +</P> + +<P> +That last tremendous breaker had been the means of saving the ship, +though at the time it had threatened to end her career. The dangerous +deck-load of mahogany baulks had been wrenched from its securing +lashings, and had been swept overboard; while the disabled derrick, +coming into contact with the donkey-engine, had snapped off short. +</P> + +<P> +At the same time the waves had swept four more of the crew to their +last account, and the remainder, exhausted and disheartened by their +misfortunes, had gained the shelter of the fo'c'sle. +</P> + +<P> +Securing themselves by the rope, Andy and Ellerton—the latter having +passed a bight round the now conscious and groaning seaman—hung on +with desperation. +</P> + +<P> +From their comparatively sheltered position they could gain occasional +glimpses of the bridge, where Captain Perez, the first mate, and a +couple of seamen stood braving the elements, their sou'-westers just +visible above the top of the canvas storm-dodgers. +</P> + +<P> +At one moment, silhouetted against the glare of the lightning, their +heads could be seen against a background of wind-torn clouds; at +another the vessel would be so deep in the trough of the waves that the +crests ahead appeared to rise high above the rigid figures on their +lofty, swaying perch. +</P> + +<P> +"Will it hold?" shouted Andy above the hiss of the foam and the howling +of the wind, as a few tons of water struck the weather side of the +deck-house. +</P> + +<P> +"I think so," replied Ellerton. "It would have gone before this if +not." +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's put the man inside. We can then go below and get the +steward or some of the crew to look after him." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly they dragged the groaning seaman into the deck-house, and, +wedging him up with cushions to prevent him from playing the part of +Neptune's shuttlecock, they left him. +</P> + +<P> +Seizing their opportunity, the two friends contrived to gain the +saloon, where they found Mr. McKay, who had succeeded in procuring and +lighting a pair of cabin-lamps. +</P> + +<P> +"Thick, isn't it?" remarked Andy's father. Then: "What have you +fellows been up to?" for both were wet to the skin, while Andy's eye +was black and green, and Ellerton's forehead was bleeding from a +superficial cut. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, nothing much," replied Ellerton modestly. "We were caught in the +tail end of a comber. The deck cargo's gone, though." +</P> + +<P> +"That's good news," replied Mr. McKay. "Though I fancy the worst is +yet to come. I suppose Captain Perez is steering to the south'ard to +try and avoid the main path of the hurricane?" +</P> + +<P> +"I haven't had the chance of looking at the compass," replied Ellerton. +"But I must go for'ard and get help for the poor fellow in the +deck-house." +</P> + +<P> +"What fellow is that?" asked Mr. McKay of his son as the apprentice +disappeared along the darkened alley-way. +</P> + +<P> +While Andy was relating with whole-hearted praise the story of his +companion's bravery, Ellerton was feeling his way along the narrow, +heaving passage that communicated with the fore part of the ship. +</P> + +<P> +At length he came to the engine-room hatchway. Down below he could see +the mass of complicated machinery throbbing in the yellow glimmer of +the oil lamps, while the hot atmosphere was filled with a horrible +odour of steam and burning oil. +</P> + +<P> +Here, at any rate, the men were doing their duty right manfully, for he +could see the engineers, gripping the shiny rails as they leant over +the swaying, vibrating engines, calmly oiling the bearings of the +plunging rods and cranks. The "chief," his eyes fixed upon the +indicators, was alertly awaiting the frequently recurring clank which +denoted that the propeller was racing. For a few moments Ellerton +stood there fascinated, the spectacle of an engine-room in a vessel in +a storm was new to the lad, whose experience of the sea was confined to +a sailing barque. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly above the monotonous clank of the piston-rods came a hideous +grinding sound. The cylinders began to give out vast columns of steam, +as the engines ran at terrifying speed. +</P> + +<P> +Through the vapour Ellerton could discern the "chief," galvanised into +extraordinary alertness, make a rush for a valve, while his assistants, +shouting and gesticulating, dashed hither and thither amid the confined +spaces between the quivering machinery. +</P> + +<P> +The main shaft had broken, and the <I>San Martin</I> was helpless in the +teeth of the hurricane. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap02"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER II +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +AGROUND +</H4> + +<P> +For a brief instant Ellerton hesitated; ought he to return to his +friends or make his way for'ard? The <I>San Martin</I>, losing steerage +way, was rolling horribly in the trough of the sea; any instant she +might turn turtle. +</P> + +<P> +There was a rush of terrified firemen from the grim inferno of the +stokeholds; the engineers, having taken necessary precautions against +an explosion of the boilers, hastened to follow their example, +scrambling in a struggling mass between the narrow opening of the +partially closed hatchway. +</P> + +<P> +Clearly Ellerton had no means of gaining the deck in the rear of that +human press; so lurching and staggering along the alley-way he made his +way aft, where he met Mr. McKay, who, assisted by Andy, was about to go +on deck. Terence, looking a picture of utter misery in the yellow +light of the saloon, and Quexo, his olive skin ashy grey with fear, had +already joined the others. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, Hoppy," shouted Andy cheerfully. "Give me a hand with the +governor. Terence, you had better stay here." +</P> + +<P> +Carefully watching their chance, the two lads managed to help Mr. McKay +to the shelter of the poop deck-house, and they were about to return +for Donaghue and the mulatto when they encountered Captain Perez and +the first mate. Both were in a state bordering on frenzy, the captain +rolling his eyes and calling for the protection of a thousand saints, +while the mate was mumbling mechanically the last compass course, "Sur +oeste, cuarto oeste" (S.W. by W.). +</P> + +<P> +The cowardly officers had deserted their posts! +</P> + +<P> +In an instant Fanshaw Ellerton saw his chance—and took it. +</P> + +<P> +"Stop him, Andy!" he shouted, setting the example by throwing himself +upon the Peruvian skipper. +</P> + +<P> +The man did not resist; he seemed incapable of doing anything. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't bother about the other," hissed the apprentice. "Make this chap +come with us to the bridge. I'll be the skipper and he'll be the +figurehead." +</P> + +<P> +The two chums dragged the captain across the heaving deck, up the +swaying monkey-ladder, and gained the lofty bridge. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton glanced to windward. His seamanship, poor though it was, +began to assert itself. The wind was going down slightly, but, veering +to the nor'ard, was causing a horrible jumble of cross-seas—not so +lofty as the mountainous waves a few hours ago, but infinitely more +trying. +</P> + +<P> +The <I>San Martin</I>, swept on bow, quarter, and broadside, rolled and +pitched, the white cascades pouring from her storm-washed decks; yet +Ellerton realised that she possessed a considerable amount of buoyancy +by the way she shook herself clear of the tons of water that poured +across her. +</P> + +<P> +The wheel was deserted. The steersman, finding that his officers had +fled and that the vessel carried no way, had followed his superior's +example. +</P> + +<P> +Cowering under the lee of the funnel casing were about twelve of the +crew, including the bo'sun and quartermaster. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell the captain," yelled Ellerton to his chum, "to order those men to +set the storm staysail, if they value their hides." +</P> + +<P> +Andy interpreted the order, which the captain, gaining a faint +suspicion of confidence, communicated to the bo'sun. +</P> + +<P> +The bare chance of saving their lives urged the men into action. +Unharmed, they succeeded in gaining the fo'c'sle, and in less than ten +minutes the stiff canvas was straining on the forestay. +</P> + +<P> +Gathering way, the <I>San Martin</I>, no longer rolling, pounded sluggishly +through the foam-flecked sea. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton would not risk setting any canvas aft; he was content to let +the vessel drive. +</P> + +<P> +"Ask him whether we have plenty of sea room—whether there is any +danger of running ashore during the next hour or so?" +</P> + +<P> +Andy put the question. +</P> + +<P> +"No, seņor; there is plenty of sea room." +</P> + +<P> +That was enough. The apprentice cared not what course he steered, so +long as he kept the waves well on the quarter. When the hurricane was +over they could carry on till they fell in with some passing vessel and +got a tow into port. +</P> + +<P> +"That's right. Tell him to take his watch below," continued the +apprentice. "And you might get hold of some oilskins, Andy." +</P> + +<P> +Obediently the skipper left the bridge, and, steeling himself for a +long trick at the helm, Ellerton grasped the spokes of the wheel with +firm hands. +</P> + +<P> +At length the day broke, and with it a regular deluge of rain, pouring +from an unbroken mass of scudding, deep blue clouds. The rain beat +down the vicious crests, but the sea still ran "mountains high." +</P> + +<P> +About noon Mr. McKay expressed his intention of joining Ellerton on the +bridge, and assisted by his son he left the shelter of the poop. +</P> + +<P> +From the foot of the poop-ladder to that of the bridge a life-line had +been rigged to give the protection that the shattered bulwarks no +longer afforded. +</P> + +<P> +When midway between the two ladders, a roll of the vessel caused Mr. +McKay to lurch heavily towards the rope. His wounded limb proved +unequal to the strain, and falling heavily upon the main rope his +weight broke the lashings that held it to the ring-bolt. Before Andy +could save him, Mr. McKay had crashed against the main hatchway. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurt?" asked Andy anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid so," replied his father, manfully suppressing a groan. "My +leg is broken." +</P> + +<P> +By dint of considerable exertion the sufferer was taken back to the +saloon, and the ship's surgeon, who had been routed out of his cabin, +pronounced the injury to be a double fracture. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton, his whole attention fixed upon keeping the vessel on her +course, had neither observed nor heard the noise of the accident, and +great was his concern when Andy mounted the bridge and informed him of +the catastrophe. +</P> + +<P> +"I think I can leave the command," he remarked. "No doubt that +yellow-skinned johnny has recovered his nerve by now." +</P> + +<P> +Five minutes later Captain Antonio Perez gained the bridge. He had +lost his suave, self-confident manner, and his general appearance +showed a change for the better in his moral and physical condition. +Yet, without a word of thanks to the English lad who had saved the +situation, he called up two of the seamen, and placed them at the wheel. +</P> + +<P> +"He might have been a bit civil over the business," remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Poor brute! I dare say he feels his position pretty acutely. I only +hope he won't break down in a hurry," replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +For the next two days the <I>San Martin</I> fled before the storm, the +trysail keeping her steady and checking any tendency to broach-to. The +wind had increased to almost its former violence on the evening of the +first day, but the vessel was then close on the outer edge of the +storm-path. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, who was suffering considerably, bore his injuries gamely, +while Terence, who had recovered from his bout of sea-sickness, began +to take a new interest in life. Quexo, however, still lay on the floor +of the stateroom, refusing to eat or drink, and groaning dismally at +intervals. +</P> + +<P> +"I reckon he's sorry he followed the Americanos across the wide river +that tastes of salt," said Terence, quoting the Nicaraguan way of +speaking of the sea. "Even I can feel sorry for him." +</P> + +<P> +"That's a good sign," remarked Andy. "Yesterday you hadn't the pluck +to feel sorry for yourself." +</P> + +<P> +On the morning of the fourth day of the storm the wind piped down +considerably, and the Peruvian captain ordered the fore and aft canvas +to be set. The engine-room staff also began to take steps to attempt +the temporary repairing of the shafting, and had already removed a +considerable portion of the plating of the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +As yet the sky was completely overcast. At noon the officers, sextant +in hand, waited in vain for an opportunity of "shooting the sun." +Where the ship was, no one on board knew, though it was agreed that she +was driven several miles to the south'ard of her proper course. +</P> + +<P> +The weather began to improve as night drew on. The setting sun was +just visible in a patch of purple sky, showing that fine weather might +be expected from that quarter. The glass, too, was rising; not +rapidly, but gradually and surely. +</P> + +<P> +"Now for a good night's rest," exclaimed Andy, for throughout the gale +the lads had turned in "all standing." +</P> + +<P> +But Andy was doomed to be disappointed, for at four bells in the middle +watch (2 a.m.) a sudden crash roused the sleepers from their berths. +The <I>San Martin</I> was hard and fast aground. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap03"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER III +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +ABANDONED +</H4> + +<P> +Hastily assuring the helpless Mr. McKay that they would soon return and +tell him how things really stood, the three lads rushed on deck. +</P> + +<P> +It needed no seaman's instinct to tell that the <I>San Martin</I> was +doomed. Scudding before the lessening gale, she had been lifted on the +crest of a huge roller and dropped fairly on the rocks. Her forward +part, trembling under the tremendous blows of the waves, was hard and +fast aground, while her after part, lifting to the heave of the ocean, +assisted, like a gigantic lever, in the destruction of her bows. +</P> + +<P> +Above the roar of the waves, the howling of the wind, and the +shattering of iron plates, arose the frantic shouts of the crew. +</P> + +<P> +Already demoralised by their trying experiences in the gale, the last +vestiges of discipline had vanished. In the darkness, for now no +favouring lightning flash came to throw a light upon the scene, the +Peruvian crew rushed madly for the boats, fighting, cursing, +entreating, and imploring the saints. +</P> + +<P> +For'ard a succession of rapid cracks, as the trysail, having burst its +sheets, was flogging itself to ribbons, added to the din, till the +foremast, buckling close to the deck, crashed over the side. +</P> + +<P> +"Come on," shouted Andy, and even then his voice sounded faint in the +midst of the terrifying uproar, "let's get the pater on deck." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"Better stop where he is. What chance do you think these fellows will +have?" and he pointed to the struggling mass of frenzied seamen as they +clambered into the boats. +</P> + +<P> +Already the cutter, still in the davits, was crowded, the men striving +to swing her clear with oars and stretchers, while others were +scrambling up the boat ladders. +</P> + +<P> +Round swung the foremost davit. The men who had already climbed into +her began to lower away the boat-falls. A sudden lurch sent the +cutter, already at a dangerous angle, crashing into the ship's side. +The lower block of the foremost fall became disentangled, and, amidst a +chorus of shrieks, the boat swung stern in the air, shooting its human +freight into the surging waters. +</P> + +<P> +The next instant a huge wave dashed the swaying cutter into matchwood, +the wind drowning the death shouts of a score of hapless victims. +</P> + +<P> +Heedless of the fate of their comrades, the remainder of the crew made +a headlong rush for one of the quarter boats. Being more to lee'ard, +for the <I>San Martin</I> had struck with the wind on her starboard quarter, +this boat seemed to stand little chance. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton could hear the captain's voice, urging the men to swing the +boat clear. The apprentice sprang towards the falls. +</P> + +<P> +"You are not going to throw away your life, are you?" shouted Andy, +grasping him by the shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"No; but I'm going to give those fellows a chance. Stand by that rope, +take a turn round that cleat, and lower when I give the word." +</P> + +<P> +The last of the Peruvian seamen had scrambled into the boat. Not one +of these cared who was left; all that they knew was that a few remained +to man the falls, but in the darkness they were unaware that it was the +British lads who stayed to help them. +</P> + +<P> +"Lower!" yelled Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +Swiftly the ropes ran through the blocks. The crest of a wave received +the frail boat, and, more by luck than by good management, the seamen +contrived to disengage the falls. Then the oars splashed, and the next +instant the boat was lost to sight in the darkness. +</P> + +<P> +For a brief instant the chums stood in silence, grasping one of the now +burdenless davits. They were alone—a crippled man, three lads, and a +native boy—upon an abandoned vessel that threatened every moment to +part amidships. +</P> + +<P> +Where they were they had no possible knowledge. The ship was aground, +but whether on an isolated rock, or, what was more than likely, upon +the edge of an encircling reef, they knew not. They must wait till +daylight—if they were fated to see the dawn of another day—but they +were determined that the anxious period of waiting should not be passed +in idleness. +</P> + +<P> +Returning to the cabin where Mr. McKay was lying in suspense, awaiting +news of their hazardous position, the lads briefly explained what had +happened during their absence on deck. +</P> + +<P> +"We must hope for the best," observed the invalid. "And, after that, +we stand a better chance than those in the boat. Even if those poor +fellows escape being dashed to death upon a rock-bound shore, or being +engulfed in the waves, they'll have a terrible time. No water or +provisions, no compass—a thousand tortures before they reach land or +are picked up by a passing craft." +</P> + +<P> +"I think the seas are getting less heavy," said Andy. "Is it because +the tide is falling?" +</P> + +<P> +"The tide may have something to do with it," replied Mr. McKay; "though +the rise and fall is barely four feet." +</P> + +<P> +"Our stern seems to be settling," said Ellerton. "The ship doesn't +appear quite so lively." +</P> + +<P> +"That may be because the water is pouring into the after-hold," +remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"In that case the vessel is settling on the bottom; otherwise she would +sink. That's another point in our favour, and it often happens that +there is deep water close to the reef," said the apprentice. "But +let's to work. Terence, you know where the steward's pantry is. Take +a lamp and fetch up as much stuff as you can carry. Andy, will you +please take Quexo with you and bring up a couple of barricoes of water?" +</P> + +<P> +While they were thus engaged, Ellerton collected five lifebelts, one of +which he proceeded to fasten round Mr. McKay's body. +</P> + +<P> +"We may want them, sir; but, on the other hand, we may not. In any +case, if there is an island under our lee we had better wear these, +especially if we have to land through the surf." +</P> + +<P> +"I fancy I shall have some difficulty in getting through the surf," +replied Mr. McKay with a grim smile. +</P> + +<P> +"Never fear, sir; we'll pull you through," was the determined assurance. +</P> + +<P> +Presently Andy and the mulatto returned, having found and secured a +supply of the precious fluid. +</P> + +<P> +"The fore-hold and the engine-room are flooded," reported the former, +"and I think there's a hole on the starboard quarter. But I believe +there's some of the crew up for'ard—I heard them groaning." +</P> + +<P> +"Let's go and see," replied Ellerton, buckling on a lifebelt and +picking up a lantern. +</P> + +<P> +"Be careful, lads," cautioned Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Trust us," answered Andy, likewise putting on a belt. "We need not +wait for Terence." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, it's not half so rough," he continued as they gained the deck, +which had settled to a list of less than ten degrees, and no longer +lifted as the rollers swept past. "See, very few of the waves break +over the ship." +</P> + +<P> +"It's a bad job those cowardly beggars pushed off," replied Ellerton. +"They would have done better to have waited. But listen!" +</P> + +<P> +Above the moaning of the wind came the unmistakable sound of a groan. +</P> + +<P> +"It's down there," exclaimed Andy, pointing to a battened-down hatchway. +</P> + +<P> +"There's no harm in opening it now," replied his companion, casting off +the lashings and unbolting the heavy iron slide. "Now, then, down you +go." +</P> + +<P> +Andy, holding the lantern well behind his head, slowly descended, but +at two steps from the bottom of the ladder his feet encountered water. +At the same time a deafening bellow echoed in the confined space. +</P> + +<P> +"Great snakes!" he exclaimed, "it's an ox!" +</P> + +<P> +"Poor brute, it's nearly drowned, and half starved into the bargain. +And here is a pen full of sheep. I wonder where they keep the fodder?" +</P> + +<P> +"Here's some pressed hay," announced Andy after a short examination. +"And I don't think the salt water has touched it." +</P> + +<P> +"Throw some down in that corner," continued his companion, pointing to +a part of the flat that the sea, by reason of the ship's list, had not +reached. "We'll let the brutes loose; they can't do much damage." +</P> + +<P> +"Now set to, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when they returned to the +saloon, and found Terence with a regular store of provisions—the loot +of the steward's pantry. "Make a good meal, for our future movements +are uncertain." +</P> + +<P> +"It will be light in another hour," remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"And the sea's going down," chimed in the apprentice. +</P> + +<P> +"And our spirits are rising," added Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"You speak for yourself, Terry, my boy," replied Andy, laughing. "Your +spirits were low enough a few days ago." +</P> + +<P> +All hands set to with a will, for even Quexo had recovered his former +appetite. +</P> + +<P> +"This storm has lasted longer than usual," remarked Mr. McKay. "It was +of more than ordinary severity. Still, I've known similar instances, +and within three hours of the height of the hurricane the wind has died +away to a flat calm." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we shall be able to take to the boat almost immediately after +daylight." +</P> + +<P> +"Is there one left?" +</P> + +<P> +"Two. I think one is stove in, but the other seems sound." +</P> + +<P> +"A long voyage in an open boat on the ocean is no light matter," +replied Mr. McKay. "If we were in the latitude of the Trades the task +would be easier; but here we are, I imagine, in a zone of calms +alternating with violent hurricanes. The best thing we can do is to +land on the island—if we are near one, as I firmly believe is the +case—and bring ashore as many of the ship's stores as we can. Then, +if not sighted by any passing craft, we can set to work and deck in one +of the boats, provision her, and shape a course for the nearest trading +station. By the time the boat is ready I trust I shall be firmer on my +feet." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you hear that, Quexo?" asked Andy. "You may be ashore in a few +hours." +</P> + +<P> +Quexo grinned approvingly. He had had enough of the sea. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't build up his hopes too high," continued Mr. McKay. "Even if the +weather continues fine, it may be days before we can effect a landing." +</P> + +<P> +"Why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because after these hurricanes, although the open sea is comparatively +calm, a heavy ground swell sets in on shore. A boat would certainly be +capsized, unless there happens to be a shelter formed by a barrier reef +of coral. But now, up on deck. It will be daylight in less than ten +minutes." +</P> + +<P> +Eagerly the lads ran up the companion, and what a sight met their gaze +as the tropical day quickly mastered the long hours of darkness! +</P> + +<P> +The <I>San Martin</I> lay on the outer edge of a long, level reef of coral, +against which the surf still hammered, throwing up clouds of white +spray. +</P> + +<P> +Less than fifty yards from the port quarter was a gap in the barrier, +giving entrance to the lagoon. The doomed ship had missed the opening +by half her own length. +</P> + +<P> +She lay with her bows pointed diagonally towards the reef. Her funnel +and foremast had gone by the board, while she showed unmistakable signs +of breaking in two, for her bow and stern had "sagged" till amidships +her port side was flush with the water, while, correspondingly, her +starboard side, owing to the ship's list, was but five feet higher. +</P> + +<P> +But it was neither the ship nor the reef that attracted the castaways' +attention. Barely a quarter of a mile away was an island, rugged and +precipitous, the highest point towering a thousand feet above the level +of the ocean. +</P> + +<P> +In several places the ground sloped towards the sea, the valley being +thickly covered with luxuriant foliage, while for a distance of nearly +a mile was a strand of dazzling whiteness, upon which the sheltered +waters of the lagoon lapped as gently as the ripples of a mill pond in +a summer's breeze. Elsewhere, so far as could be seen, the rocks rose +sheer from the sea. +</P> + +<P> +"Any sign of the boat?" asked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"No; but I'll get a glass," replied Ellerton, and swarming up the +stanchion of the bridge—for the ladder had been swept away—he gained +the chart-house. +</P> + +<P> +From his elevated position he swept the shore with the telescope, but +no trace of the boat was to be seen. Neither, so far as he could +judge, was the island inhabited. +</P> + +<P> +On rejoining his comrades, the young apprentice next directed his +attention to the two remaining boats. One, a gig, was, as he had +surmised, stove in, three of the planks being shattered. For the time +being she was useless, though, he reflected, she might be patched up at +some future date. +</P> + +<P> +The other, a 23-ft. cutter, was still secured to the boat-booms, and +was practically uninjured. Her size and weight would, he knew, be a +severe drawback when the time came to hoist her outboard. +</P> + +<P> +"I vote we bring your pater up on deck, Andy," said he. "We must have +him out of the saloon sooner or later. The sooner the better, I think, +because he can, if we place him on a pile of cushions close to the +break of the poop, direct operations." +</P> + +<P> +It was a long and tedious task. Mr. McKay was no featherweight, and +his injured limb had to be carefully handled. Moreover, the companion +ladder was steep and narrow. +</P> + +<P> +At length Ellerton solved the difficulty by procuring one of the men's +mess tables, nailing a strut to one end, against which the victim +steadied himself by his sound leg while he was stretched at full length +on the board. On this improvised sleigh four pairs of strong arms +dragged the patient up the steep stairway and on to the poop deck. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you think of that, sir?" asked Ellerton, pointing to the +island of refuge. "Isn't it superb?" +</P> + +<P> +"It is," assented Mr. McKay. "I hope we'll find it so, for we will +have to throw ourselves upon its hospitality for a few weeks." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you know its name, sir?" continued the apprentice. +</P> + +<P> +"No; has it one?" was the astonished reply. +</P> + +<P> +"The Nameless Island," announced Ellerton. "Now, lads, three cheers +for the Nameless Island!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap04"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE LANDING +</H4> + +<P> +This burst of high spirits showed how light-hearted the castaways were +in the face of difficulties, for what lay before them and how they were +to reach the island required all their powers of thought and action. +</P> + +<P> +"How do you propose to get the cutter over the side?" asked Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"By means of one of the derricks," replied Ellerton promptly. +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so; but where is the power required to turn the winches to come +from? We've no steam at our command, you know, and these winches are +not adapted to manual power." +</P> + +<P> +The apprentice's face clouded; he thought for a few minutes, then— +</P> + +<P> +"We can top one of the derricks and rig up a tackle, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Good!" replied Mr. McKay. "But what is the weight of the boat?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ours on the <I>Tophet</I> weighed twelve hundredweight; this one is about +the same size." +</P> + +<P> +"Then rig a gun tackle, and the four of you will manage the job, I +think." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly two large double blocks were obtained and the rope rove +ready for use. One of the blocks was secured to the cud of the +derrick, which was then hoisted to an angle of about forty-five +degrees. This took time, but at length everything was ready for the +crucial test. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, all together!" +</P> + +<P> +The three lads and the mulatto tailed on to the rope. The blocks +squeaked as the strain began to tell; the cutter began to lift, +then—crash! +</P> + +<P> +Flat on their backs fell the four lads; high in the air jerked the +disengaged lower block. The slings to which it had been fastened had +snapped. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the victims regained their feet, Andy rubbing a tender portion +of his anatomy, Terence gasping for breath, for Andy's head had +well-nigh winded him. Ellerton was clapping his hands to a rapidly +rising bump on the back of his head, while Quexo, whose skull was as +hard as iron, was hopping all over the deck, rubbing his shins, that +had saved the apprentice's head at the mulatto's expense. +</P> + +<P> +"Try again, boys!" shouted Andy. "Everything on board this blessed +craft seems rotten!" +</P> + +<P> +A new span was placed in position, and the tackle again manned, and +this time their efforts were crowned with success. The cutter rose +slowly in the air, till it hung fire five feet above the shattered +bulwarks. +</P> + +<P> +"Belay, there! Man the guy-rope!" +</P> + +<P> +The derrick swung outboard, till the cutter was poised above the water +and well clear of the sloping sides of the hull. +</P> + +<P> +"Lower away handsomely." +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the boat dipped, till at length she rode, sheltered under the +lee of her stranded parent, upon the bosom of the ocean. +</P> + +<P> +"Capital!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, as his son swarmed down the rope, +disengaged the tackle, and allowed the cutter a generous length of +painter. +</P> + +<P> +Then the work of loading her was begun. It was decided that for the +first trip nothing more than was absolutely necessary for immediate use +was to be taken, until it was settled where their camp was to be fixed, +and whether the island had any inhabitants. +</P> + +<P> +"A small barrico of water will be sufficient, though I am certain there +are springs amongst those trees," said Ellerton. His sense of +responsibility was hourly increasing. "A barrel of flour, some tinned +goods, canvas and rope for a tent." +</P> + +<P> +"Not forgetting hatchets, knives, and firearms," added Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Firearms?" +</P> + +<P> +"Aye; one never knows how the natives—if there be natives on the +island—will greet us. Most of the Pacific Islanders are fairly +peaceable, thanks to missionary enterprise and the fear of a visit from +a warship; yet cannibalism still exists. I have known instances of the +crews of small 'pearlers' being treacherously surprised, killed, and +eaten. So get hold of the arms; you'll probably find the key of the +captain's cabin in the chart-house; if not, burst open the door." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton departed upon his errand, and presently returned with the news +that there was no trace of the key. "Here is a sextant and a bundle of +charts, however," he added. "They are bound to be useful, although I +cannot understand the meaning of the depths on the chart." +</P> + +<P> +"They are in 'brazas,' equal to about five and a half English feet. +But, as you say, the charts will be of extreme importance to us." +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, Terence, let's burgle the captain's cabin," exclaimed +Ellerton, laying hold of a hatchet. +</P> + +<P> +Soon the sound of blows was heard, followed by the splintering of wood, +and the two lads returned literally armed to the teeth. +</P> + +<P> +Each had a couple of rifles slung across his back; Terence carried half +a dozen revolvers in his arms and a sheath-knife between his teeth, +while Ellerton staggered beneath the weight of several belts of ball +cartridges and a box of revolver ammunition. +</P> + +<P> +"There's more to come; the place is like a regular armoury," explained +Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"That's somewhat unusual," replied Mr. McKay. "Most captains keep +firearms of a kind in their cabins. I strongly suspect that those arms +were to be sold to some South American insurgents. They are much too +good for bartering with the South Sea Islanders. Nevertheless, I'm +right glad we have been able to arm ourselves thoroughly, as I expected +we should have to be content with a couple of pistols between the lot +of us." +</P> + +<P> +The work of loading the boat proceeded briskly, till the strictly +limited quantity of gear was carefully stowed under the thwarts. Then +came the question, how were they going to transport the crippled Mr. +McKay to the shore? +</P> + +<P> +"Hoist me over by the derrick, of course," replied he. "A couple of +rope spans round the plank and their bights slipped over the hook of +the lower block, and the trick's done." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton and Terence thereupon slipped down a rope into the boat and +carefully guided the swaying mess table and its helpless burden on to a +couple of the after thwarts. This done, they were joined by Andy and +Quexo, and, shipping the heavy ash oars, they pulled clear of the ship. +</P> + +<P> +The first fifty yards meant hard and careful rowing, for directly they +were beyond the shelter of the stranded vessel they felt the full force +of the rollers as they dashed against the coral reef, barely a boat's +length to lee'ard. +</P> + +<P> +Once, indeed, it seemed as if the cutter were bound to be swept upon +the rocks; but by dint of the utmost exertions of her crew, the boat +surely and slowly drew away from the influence of the rollers. +</P> + +<P> +"My word, that was a narrow squeak!" exclaimed Andy, wiping his face, +from which the perspiration ran freely. "I thought we were going to be +capsized that time." +</P> + +<P> +"It doesn't say much for the chances of those poor fellows last night," +replied Ellerton. "They must have dropped smack on top of the reef." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll soon find out," said Mr. McKay. "You see, they were immediately +to lee'ard of the ship, and it was high water at the time. If they +survived, we'll find them ashore right enough." +</P> + +<P> +"But I saw no sign of the boat when I looked through the glass." +</P> + +<P> +"That may be because there is a creek or cove that is invisible from +the ship. Being directly to wind'ard, we are bound to find either the +men or the remains of the boat." +</P> + +<P> +"The ship is sitting up well," remarked Andy, for, the tide having +dropped nearly six feet—it had been abnormally high by reason of the +terrific wind—they could see the top of one of her propeller blades. +"Do you think she'll stay there?" +</P> + +<P> +"It certainly doesn't seem as if she is likely to slip off into deep +water, but we cannot say for certain. The first fine day there's +little or no swell we'll sound all round her. Now, give way, lads." +</P> + +<P> +The rowers resumed their oars, and the boat, passing through the narrow +gap in the reef, gained the shelter of the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +"Fine, isn't it?" exclaimed Terence enthusiastically, as he rested on +his oar and gazed into the clear depths of the tranquil water. "Won't +we be able to have some bathes?" +</P> + +<P> +"You'll have to be careful if you do," remarked Mr. McKay. "There are +bound to be sharks about." +</P> + +<P> +He did not think it advisable to call the lads' attention to a +commotion in the water a few hundred yards in front of the boat. From +his inclined position he could see ahead, while the rowers had their +backs turned in that direction. His keen eyes had detected the +sinister dorsal fin of not one, but many sharks, all cutting towards +one spot. There could be but little doubt of the fate of the Peruvian +seamen. +</P> + +<P> +The noise of the approaching oars disturbed the huge monsters, and they +darted off to the shelter of the rock-strewn floor of the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +Unaware of the tragedy, the lads urged the boat almost over the fatal +spot, and five minutes later the cutter's forefoot grounded on the +sandy beach. +</P> + +<P> +"Terence, I want you and Quexo to stay in the boat," said Ellerton, +after the survivors had, by a common impulse, knelt down and returned +thanks to Divine Providence for their escape. "Keep her stern from +slewing round, so that we can push off in a hurry. Andy and I are +going to explore." +</P> + +<P> +And, buckling on a revolver and an ammunition belt, and grasping a +rifle in his hand, Ellerton took a flying leap over the bows and +alighted on the sand. +</P> + +<P> +The lads found themselves on the shore of a small bay, its extremities +bounded by two towering cliffs, that rose sheer from the lagoon. That +to the left was not less than five hundred feet in height, while the +other was but slightly lower. Midway between these impassable +boundaries the land sloped abruptly to the beach, and was thickly +covered with cocoanut palms. +</P> + +<P> +"Keep your weather eye lifting, Andy," cautioned Ellerton, who had +taken the precaution of charging both the magazine of his rifle and the +chambers of his revolver. +</P> + +<P> +It was an unnecessary warning, for Andy was an infinitely better scout +than his companion; still, it showed that Ellerton was fast adopting +the manner of life required in a wild and unsettled country. +</P> + +<P> +Skirting the edge of the wood, the lads kept a vigilant look-out for +any traces of human agency, but nothing was visible. +</P> + +<P> +Presently they came to a small stream, which, trickling down the steep +hillside, was lost in the sand. +</P> + +<P> +"There'll be no lack of fresh water," exclaimed Andy thankfully, for he +knew the value of that precious fluid. "But, I say, isn't everything +quiet?" For, save the babbling of the brook and the distant roar of +the breakers on the reef, there was an unaccustomed silence. Not a +bird sang in the groves, not an animal rustled the thick undergrowth. +</P> + +<P> +"I think we may take it for granted that the island is uninhabited—at +least, this part," said Andy, as they completed their walk along the +shores of the bay. "Otherwise, there's almost sure to be a beaten +track to the shore." +</P> + +<P> +"It doesn't promise much for the boat's crew," answered Ellerton. +Then, with an exclamation of surprise, he shouted: "Look! What's that?" +</P> + +<P> +Lying on the sand a few feet from the water's edge was a mournful relic +of the unfortunate boat, her back-board bearing the words <I>San Martin</I>. +A little farther they found an oar. +</P> + +<P> +"There were two boats, remember," said Ellerton. "And one we know was +capsized." +</P> + +<P> +"I vote we explore the next bay," exclaimed Andy. "There's no suitable +clearing here for a camp, and felling trees takes time; so let's get +back to the boat." +</P> + +<P> +"Well?" asked Mr. McKay on their return. +</P> + +<P> +"We must push off and land on the other side of the cliff," said his +son. "There may be a better site for our tent. It's too steep and +densely wooded here." +</P> + +<P> +"Any signs of the crew?" +</P> + +<P> +"Only part of their boat." +</P> + +<P> +"I feared as much," replied Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +<SPAN STYLE="letter-spacing: 4em">*****</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P> +"This looks more promising," exclaimed Andy enthusiastically, as the +boat slowly rounded the northernmost of the two cliffs. +</P> + +<P> +Here the land sloped less abruptly towards the lagoon, while in places +there were terraces almost bare of trees. In the background towered a +range of mountains whose rugged sides gave the appearance of being +unclimbable, while on either hand of the bay rose lofty cliffs. +</P> + +<P> +The beach, too, was better adapted for landing purposes than where they +had first touched, consisting of sand interspersed by ledges of rocks +jutting seawards, thus forming convenient natural jetties. +</P> + +<P> +"This will do admirably," said Ellerton, pointing to a narrow cove +betwixt the ledges. "There's sand at its head, so there's no fear of +the boat being damaged." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap05"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER V +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE CAMP +</H4> + +<P> +Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, +even bottom. +</P> + +<P> +The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour. On either hand +the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored +alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while +the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's +gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide. +</P> + +<P> +"I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," +said Andy. "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any +more than yonder bay." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, Andy," exclaimed Terence, "isn't it about time I had a spell +ashore?" +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Terence," replied Ellerton. "You go with Andy and take +Quexo; I'll stay with Mr. McKay." +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks, Hoppy," replied Terence, and without further ado he jumped +ashore. +</P> + +<P> +"Here, take this rope and make her stern fast before you go," said +Ellerton. "And you, Andy, stand by with the painter." +</P> + +<P> +"Where shall I make fast to?" asked Terence. "This rock is as smooth +as a table." +</P> + +<P> +"See if there's a lump of rock on the other side." +</P> + +<P> +Terence crossed the landing-place, holding the rope's-end in his hand. +Suddenly he shouted: +</P> + +<P> +"Come here, you fellows! Here's a boat!" +</P> + +<P> +There was a rush to where Terence stood, while even Mr. McKay raised +himself on his elbow, eager to hear the news. +</P> + +<P> +Lying bottom upwards on the sandy shore was the ill-fated boat in which +the last of the crew attempted to reach the shore. Her bows were +considerably damaged, while amidships a portion of her keel and both +garboards had been stove in, leaving a jagged hole nearly two feet in +diameter. +</P> + +<P> +Four or five oars lay on the shore within a few feet of the boat, but +there were no signs of the hapless crew; the sand above high-water mark +was innocent of footprints. +</P> + +<P> +"They are drowned, sure enough," said Andy sadly. +</P> + +<P> +Alas! though they did not know it, the fate of the crew was far more +terrible. Holed on the outer reef, the boat, rapidly filling, had been +swept into the lagoon, where the waves, though high, were not so +terrific as outside the coral barrier. +</P> + +<P> +Well it was that the watchers on the wreck heard not the awful shrieks +as the sharks fought for and seized their helpless prey. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton returned to the cutter to inform Mr. McKay of their discovery, +while the others set off to explore. +</P> + +<P> +In less than an hour they were back, and reported that there were no +signs of human habitation, although the shore was strewn with the +remains of the first boat that left the wreck, including most of the +oars, gratings, also a quantity of timber, presumably from the +shattered decks of the <I>San Martin</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"But we've found a fine place to pitch the tent," continued Andy. "You +see the second terrace? Well, at the extreme right is a steep ravine. +The other two sides are enclosed by a wall of rock, while on this side +there is a natural path, although you can't distinguish it from where +we are." +</P> + +<P> +"That sounds all right," said his father. "But how are we to get the +gear up there—including the useless lump of animated clay in the shape +of myself?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hadn't thought of that," replied Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"We must find a more convenient spot at first," continued Mr. McKay. +"Then, when we have landed all the gear from the ship that we can +possibly manage to move, we can devise some means of setting up a more +substantial dwelling on the terrace you mention. Now, if you will +please carry me ashore, you can proceed to unload the boat." +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the adaptable jetty, the work of getting Mr. +McKay—crippled as he was—on shore was no easy task. The patient bore +the discomfort gamely, uttering a heartfelt sigh of relief as the lads +set the improvised stretcher down in the shade of a thin grove of +cocoanut palms. +</P> + +<P> +"How far away is the stream—I think you mentioned there was a stream +in the bay?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Less than a hundred yards away. It's very clean, but not so full as +the one we found," replied Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's set up the tent. This place will do for a day or two at +least." +</P> + +<P> +The chosen site consisted of soft springy turf, sloping very gradually +towards the lagoon. In the background was a wall of rock, about forty +feet in height, forming the limit of the next terrace, while on either +hand the trees served as an efficient screen from all winds save those +blowing from the sea. +</P> + +<P> +By the aid of their axes the lads felled five young palms, and soon +stripped them of their heads. Four of the trunks were then lashed in +pairs, and set up with guy-ropes at a distance of about fifteen feet +apart, and one end of the fifth pole was placed over the crutch formed +by one of the pairs. +</P> + +<P> +This done, Ellerton swarmed up the other pair of poles and fastened a +small pulley to the extremity of one of them. A rope was passed +through the block, one end being lashed to the lower part of the fifth +pole that rested on the ground. +</P> + +<P> +"Haul away, lads!" he shouted. +</P> + +<P> +And the pole, lifted into a horizontal position, was quickly placed +between, thus forming the ridge of the tent. +</P> + +<P> +One of the fore and aft sails was then thrown over the ridge pole and +its end pegged down; while to make doubly sure, the lads piled stones +and sand upon the ends of the canvas. Filling in the back and front of +the tent with portions of another sail took an hour's steady work, and +the dwelling was then pronounced ready for occupation. +</P> + +<P> +The box of ammunition, the rifles, bread cask, and water-beakers were +neatly stowed against the afterpart of their dwelling, till, on Mr. +McKay's suggestion, a low barricade was erected close to the flap of +the tent. Then pieces of canvas were cut and laid down to serve as +beds, the cripple having the use of the cushions that had been brought +ashore. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't see why we should sleep on the hard ground," remarked Terence. +"Of course, we have been used to it, but, after sleeping in a +comfortable bunk, we are bound to feel the difference. So let us cut a +number of small trees and fasten the strips of canvas to them like a +stretcher." +</P> + +<P> +This was accordingly done, the beds being raised from the ground by +means of two stout planks lashed to short uprights driven firmly into +the earth. +</P> + +<P> +"There we are, all in a row," exclaimed Terence, as they surveyed the +result of their labour with evident satisfaction. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Quexo," said Andy, "go down to the beach and gather as much +driftwood as you can carry. And, Hoppy, you start opening that tin of +beef there, and I'll slice up the bread. But——" +</P> + +<P> +"What?" exclaimed Terence and Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"We are a set of donkeys! We haven't brought a pot or a kettle ashore +with us." +</P> + +<P> +"Boil the water in the beef-tin," said Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Spoil the coffee," objected Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Either that or nothing. But how about a light? Has anyone any +matches?" +</P> + +<P> +More disappointment. Terence suggested using the object glass of the +telescope as a burning glass, but the sun was low in the heavens; Andy +was for sprinkling some powder on a heap of dry leaves and firing it by +means of a blank cartridge; while Ellerton vaguely remembered that fire +might be obtained by rubbing two pieces of dry wood together. +</P> + +<P> +"Have you ever tried to make a blaze that way?" asked Mr. McKay. "I +don't think you would succeed. Savages can do the trick, I know, but +I've never seen a white man obtain fire by that means. I would have +suggested flint and steel. We have plenty of steel, only, +unfortunately, flints are as scarce as diamonds on this island, I +fancy. However, now you have exhausted your brains over the problem, +allow me to assist you. Andy, put your hand in the inside pocket of my +coat and you'll find my metal match-box. +</P> + +<P> +"Now you are satisfied," he continued, as his son produced the required +article. "The fact of the matter is, you were all in such a hurry to +get ashore that you never gave a thought to the things most urgently +required. Lucky for you, my lad, you've a father to think for you. +Now will you please empty that case of biscuits? I am afraid some +spray splashed over it, and in time the salt will make the biscuits +soft." +</P> + +<P> +Andy did as he was requested, but a moment later he uttered an +exclamation of surprise, for on opening the lid he discovered a kettle, +saucepan, and coffee-pot, knives, forks, and spoons, while wedged in +between the metal articles were bottles containing salt, pepper, +vinegar, and several useful drugs in tabloid form. +</P> + +<P> +"I say, pater, you are——" +</P> + +<P> +"Merely one who has learnt by experience the value of forethought. +While you were busy on deck I sent Quexo to gather these things and +stow them in a box." +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by a series of shrieks. The +lads seized their rifles and rushed to meet the mulatto, whose face was +livid with fear. +</P> + +<P> +"A caiman is after me, seņor," he shouted in his native tongue. +</P> + +<P> +"Nonsense," replied Andy; then turning to his companions he explained +that the mulatto had declared that an alligator had run after him. +</P> + +<P> +"It's impossible," he added. "However, we'll see what's frightened +him." +</P> + +<P> +On emerging from the edge of the wood that had obstructed their view of +that part of the bay where Quexo had been to gather dry sticks, the +lads burst into a roar of laughter. Sedately waddling over the sand +was a huge turtle. +</P> + +<P> +"Follow me, Hoppy," exclaimed Andy. "Get between him and the sea; we +can't afford to lose this chance." +</P> + +<P> +Finding its retreat cut off, the turtle began to throw up showers of +sand with its flippers, but Andy rushed it, and, seizing one of the +creature's horny limbs, strove to capsize the reptile. +</P> + +<P> +The task was beyond him; even with the aid of his two chums he could +not raise the shell-clad creature from the sand. +</P> + +<P> +"Get hold of an oar and one of the empty tubs," he exclaimed +breathlessly. "You go, Terence. Hoppy and I will prevent the turtle +getting away." +</P> + +<P> +Presently Terence returned with the desired article, and using the oar +as a lever the three lads succeeded in turning the turtle on its back, +when Andy, with a dexterous sweep of his knife, cut the animal's throat. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah! Turtle steak to-morrow, pater!" he shouted on their return to +the camp. +</P> + +<P> +Quexo gathered up the firewood that he had dropped in his flight, and +as darkness set in, a roaring fire was kindled, and a gorgeous supper +eaten. +</P> + +<P> +Then, ere the last dying embers had ceased to glow, Terence, who had +volunteered to keep the first two hours' watch, shouldered his rifle +and took up his position in the shelter of the neighbouring palm-trees. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap06"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE ANIMAL THAT WOULDN'T BE RESCUED +</H4> + +<P> +No unusual incident marked the castaways' first night on the island. +Guard was relieved with the utmost regularity, while the weary watches +were spent in gazing at the exterior of the tent and listening to the +regular breathing of its four inmates. +</P> + +<P> +At length the day broke, and the camp became the scene of activity. +</P> + +<P> +Breakfast over, there was a rush to the boat; Quexo, however, remaining +with the injured Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +The weather showed every indication of remaining fine, a light +south-easterly breeze—a part of the regular trade-wind—blowing off +shore, while not a cloud was visible in the dark blue sky. +</P> + +<P> +"We must make two trips to-day," observed Andy, as they pushed off from +the little natural dock. "Yesterday the clouds kept the sun's rays +from us, but to-day we will not be able to work during midday." +</P> + +<P> +"Honestly, I don't feel like work," remarked Terence, stifling a yawn. +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose there is some excuse for you, seeing you did two turns of +sentry-go last night," replied his friend. "Still, this is an +exceptional time, and we must set to work with a will. Can we get over +the reef, do you think, Hoppy?" +</P> + +<P> +"We had better stick to the channel," replied Ellerton. "You see, we +don't know the actual depth, and there is a slight swell on. We'll +board on the port quarter, so as to get between the ship and the reef." +</P> + +<P> +The lads plied their oars steadily yet without undue exertion, and in +less than half an hour from the time of leaving the shore they ran +alongside the stranded <I>San Martin</I>. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton's first care on boarding the wreck was to supply fresh water +and food to the animals. To get them safely ashore was a difficult +problem, for the ox was an unwieldy brute to ship aboard the cutter, +while it was equally risky to let it swim ashore on account of the +presence of numerous sharks. The sheep could be trussed up and laid +upon the bottom boards. +</P> + +<P> +Andy and Terence at once made for the provision-room, and returned +laden with flour, salt beef, tinned goods, and some small chests of +pressed tea. These articles they placed on deck close to the entry +port and proceeded to procure more. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton, having attended to the live stock, made a thorough +exploration of the after cabins and staggered on deck looking like a +second-hand wardrobe dealer, for he realised the necessity of having a +good supply of clothing. Then a huge pile of bedding, including +waterproof sheets, blankets, and pillows, was added to the already +large collection of plunder. +</P> + +<P> +"I think this lot will be sufficient for one trip," remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"We may as well take the rest of the navigating instruments," replied +Ellerton, "and, what is also necessary, the carpenter's chest." +</P> + +<P> +"Capital," replied his chum. "That will, of course, come in handy; but +won't we require it on board?" +</P> + +<P> +"There are enough tools for work both ashore and on board," said +Ellerton. "I've seen to that. But I should like to get the animals +off." +</P> + +<P> +"The ox?" +</P> + +<P> +"If possible. Otherwise we must kill it and bring the carcase ashore +piecemeal." +</P> + +<P> +Andy thought for some moments. He, too, realised the danger of the +animal being devoured by sharks. Dead or alive, the ox would be far +more useful to the castaways. +</P> + +<P> +"How are we going to get the brute on deck?" asked Terence. +</P> + +<P> +This was a poser, for with the fall of the foremast the derricks for +working the fore-hold had also been carried away. +</P> + +<P> +"We must rig up a pair of sheer-legs," observed Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Well? How are we to pass a sling round the brute's body?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's as easy as pie; the beast is quiet enough." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you take the job on, Hoppy; I'd rather not. So let's look sharp +with the sheer-legs; there's plenty of tackle to hoist the creature +with." +</P> + +<P> +The work of making the early preparations proceeded without a hitch, +then Ellerton commenced his particular part of the operations. +</P> + +<P> +By the aid of a lantern which he hung from the deck-beams, the +apprentice descended once more to the partially submerged hold. +Holding a stout canvas sling, with a rope ready to haul tight the +moment the lifting gear was in position, Ellerton climbed over the +partition of the stall. +</P> + +<P> +The animal, now refreshed by its food and drink, had lost its docile +manner, and eyed the intruder with no friendly spirit. Possibly it +thought the youth was one of the brutal Peruvian cattle-drivers. If +so, there was some excuse for its action, for lowering its head the +brute tossed the apprentice right over the wooden partition, landing +him squarely in the midst of the startled sheep in the adjacent pen. +</P> + +<P> +"Aren't you nearly ready?" asked a voice from above. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton sat up. He was beginning to feel pain in more than one part +of his anatomy. The task of tackling an apparently inoffensive ox was +not going to be quite so easy as he imagined. +</P> + +<P> +"Come and bear a hand," he replied. "The brute is getting vicious." +</P> + +<P> +Andy thereupon descended into the semi-gloom of the hold. +</P> + +<P> +"Be careful," continued the apprentice. "He nearly bumped my head +against the deck-beams; as it was, I had a flight through space." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I'm not going to pass a sling round him," said Andy. "We'll +lasso him just behind the horns." +</P> + +<P> +This was done, but then came the difficulty: how were they to release +the animal from the stall and drag it to the hatchway? +</P> + +<P> +"Look here," explained Andy, "I'll take this end of the line on deck, +wind it on to the tackle, and heave taut. Then we'll unship this +ladder and you can unfasten the front of the stall." +</P> + +<P> +"Then what happens to me?" objected Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, you can make a bolt to the fore end of the hold and stay there +till Terence and I haul the brute on deck. Then we'll re-ship the +ladder and you can get out." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton had his doubts, but he followed his companion's counsel. +Directly there was a strain on the lasso, he threw open the door of the +stall and rushed for the shelter of the sheep-pen. +</P> + +<P> +Bellowing lustily, and contesting every inch of the way, the animal was +slowly dragged towards the hatch, to the accompaniment of a lusty +"Heave-ho!" from the two youths on deck. +</P> + +<P> +Terence watched the operation with considerable misgiving, expecting +every moment to see the rope part and to find himself confronted by the +infuriated brute. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the animal was forced across the floor of the hold, then its +ponderous carcase rose, kicking and plunging, in the air. +</P> + +<P> +As the animal appeared above the coaming, the light of day +revealed—not a mild ox, but an unusually sturdy specimen of an +Andalusian bull! +</P> + +<P> +"Belay there, and lower away the after guy!" shouted Andy, "or he'll +drop down the hatch again when we let go." +</P> + +<P> +Terence hastened to obey; but, allowing the sheers to incline too far +forward, the infuriated animal's legs touched the deck. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly the brute made a wild rush, the lassoo parted like pack +thread, and the next moment Terence and Andy were flying for their +lives, while Ellerton, a prisoner in the hold, heard the thunder of the +animal's hoofs and its triumphant bellowing as it revelled in its +new-found freedom. +</P> + +<P> +Andy made a desperate rush aft, but finding the bull close to his +heels, gripped a rope hanging from the boat booms, and swung himself +into a position of comparative safety upon one of the narrow timbers, +his upward flight being assisted a little too well by the obliging +animal. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-054"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-054.jpg" ALT="ANDY, FINDING THE BULL CLOSE TO HIS HEELS, GRIPPED A ROPE AND SWUNG HIMSELF INTO A POSITION OF COMPARATIVE SAFETY" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +ANDY, FINDING THE BULL CLOSE TO HIS HEELS, GRIPPED A ROPE <BR> +AND SWUNG HIMSELF INTO A POSITION OF COMPARATIVE SAFETY +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +Never did matador execute a more rapid leap over the barrier than did +Andy on this occasion. Terence, finding that he was not pursued, took +a more leisurely step, and hoisted himself into the main shrouds, where +he would be quite safe from any further onslaught of the animal. +</P> + +<P> +For a while the bull eyed the fugitives with undisguised +disappointment, then spying the heap of bedding and clothing on the +deck, it lowered its head and rushed headlong to the attack. +</P> + +<P> +Both lads watched the proceedings, powerless to prevent the +catastrophe, and indulging in vain regrets that their firearms were not +available, as beds, blankets, and suits of useful clothing were tossed +overboard. +</P> + +<P> +At length a heavy blanket became impaled upon the brute's horns, the +folds falling over its eyes. +</P> + +<P> +In vain the bull strove to toss aside the fabric; then, rushing along +the deck, it collided with ventilators, hatchways, and other obstacles, +each obstruction increasing its anger. Wheeling suddenly, the bull +darted through the entry port and vanished over the ship's side. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh, the boat! The boat will be smashed to firewood," shouted Andy, +sliding down from his perch. +</P> + +<P> +Terence had joined him, and, heedless of Ellerton's voice shouting to +be released from his prison, the two lads rushed to the side of the +vessel. +</P> + +<P> +The animal had fallen upon one of the thwarts of the boat, breaking it +completely in half, and was lying on the bottom-boards plunging wildly. +One kick in a vital place and the boat would be holed. +</P> + +<P> +"There's enough damage done already," muttered Andy. "It's the only +way," and running aft he returned in a moment with a loaded rifle. +</P> + +<P> +"How are you going to manage it?" asked Terence. "You'll do almost as +much damage to the boat with the bullet——" +</P> + +<P> +"Shut up!" growled Andy, and, snapping the safety catch of the weapon, +he swung himself without further delay into the stern sheets of the +cutter. +</P> + +<P> +The bull tried to rise, but in vain. Its head reared itself slightly +above the gunwale; the rifle cracked. +</P> + +<P> +"There's fresh beef at least, Terence. Throw Hoppy the tail end of a +rope and get him out of that hole." +</P> + +<P> +Then, as Ellerton appeared, blinking in the strong sunshine, Andy +continued: +</P> + +<P> +"Throw those things into the boat, and look sharp. We've wasted enough +time and precious cargo this morning—all for the sake of that brute." +</P> + +<P> +During the time the boat was being rowed shoreward, Andy—usually so +genial and even-tempered—preserved an almost sullen silence; while +Ellerton, annoyed at having failed to bring the bull ashore alive, was +also ill at ease. Nor did the latter guess the cause of his friend's +glumness till some days later, when he observed Andy repairing a rent +in one of his garments. Even a graze from an infuriated bull is likely +to cause discomfort, he thought, though there is no reason why others +should suffer for it. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap07"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE +</H4> + +<P> +"You've been a long time," remarked Mr. McKay, as the three youths made +their appearance. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," admitted Terence, "I'm afraid we have; but we must blame Hoppy's +bull." +</P> + +<P> +"Hoppy's bull?" asked Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, the ox turned out to be a bull—and a tough customer he was," +replied Terence, who then proceeded to give Mr. McKay a graphic +description of how they had tried to unload the bull from the wreck. +</P> + +<P> +"And how do you feel to-day?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Considerably better," replied the injured man. +</P> + +<P> +"You've been moved," declared Andy, pointing to some marks in the grass. +</P> + +<P> +"I plead guilty," replied his father with a smile. "Quexo dragged my +couch out in the sunshine. I wanted to take an observation at midday. +Just hand me that chart. I've pricked our position. Here it is. +Reduced to English degrees the latitude is 21° 4' 15" S. and the +longitude 134° 17' 14" W. of Greenwich. As I suspected, we are on the +fringe of the Low Archipelago, well away from the Great Circle route +between Panama and New Zealand, and equally remote from the regular +tracks between the Sandwich Islands and Cape Horn. That means that +unless a whaler or stray trading vessel puts in here, or that we make +the cutter seaworthy enough for a thousand-mile voyage, our stay here +is likely to be indefinitely prolonged." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm sure I don't mind," observed Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Nor I, if only my people knew we were safe," added Terence, and +Ellerton expressed himself in a similar manner. +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't the heat oppressive?" said Andy. "It's like an oven here." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," assented his father. "I can see we've made a mistake in +choosing this spot. It's splendidly sheltered—too much so—for what +with the rocks behind us and the palm groves on either side, the air +cannot circulate. We must find a more open spot on the next terrace." +</P> + +<P> +"There's no reason why we shouldn't have two camps—one for stormy +weather and the other for the dry season," replied Andy. "Once we've +finished with the wreck we can set to and build a more substantial +home. But what do you say? Hadn't we better unload the boat?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'm game," replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"What did you bring ashore?" asked Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Mostly provisions, bedding, and clothing, though that beastly bull +tossed a lot of stuff overboard. We've also brought the rest of the +navigation instruments." +</P> + +<P> +"Are you making another trip to-day?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hope so," replied Ellerton. "I shall not be satisfied till those +poor sheep are safely ashore. By the by, Andy, you might tell Quexo to +build a fence between the rock and the edge of this terrace. It won't +take long, and it will inclose enough pasture land to feed the sheep +for some time to come." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell him directly we've had lunch; but come on, unloading the +boat will take all our spare time before lunch, and we mustn't work too +hard in this broiling sun." +</P> + +<P> +By the time the cutter's cargo was brought up to the camp Quexo had +prepared the meal. This over, the inhabitants of the Nameless Island +indulged in a siesta till the sun was sufficiently low in the heavens +to enable them to resume work. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't forget to bring some lamps ashore," said Mr. McKay, as the three +lads prepared to set off to the wreck. "And a bundle of signal flags, +while you are about it." +</P> + +<P> +This time the salvage operations were uninterrupted. The sheep, +securely trussed up, were placed in the boat, while the bunting, lamps, +a portable galley, and a set of blacksmith's tools, including a bellows +and anvil, were also lowered into the cutter without mishap. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's get the hatch off and see what is in the forehold," suggested +Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +The hold was full of water, as the lads had expected, but a hasty +examination showed that the part of the cargo nearest the opening was +composed of several sheets of galvanised corrugated iron. +</P> + +<P> +"This is fortunate," exclaimed Andy. "We'll be able to knock up a +decent house. But what's that I can see for'ard?" +</P> + +<P> +"Looks like farming implements," suggested Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"You are wrong," replied Andy. "I know; it's what the Americans term a +runabout." +</P> + +<P> +"A what?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"A runabout—otherwise a motor-car." +</P> + +<P> +"Fancy a motor-car on the Nameless Island!" exclaimed Terence, and the +lads burst into a fit of hearty laughter at the incongruous idea. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have it ashore in time," observed Andy. "It will come in +useful." +</P> + +<P> +"How?" +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind how. I have an idea, and, all being well, I'll fix it up +to a good purpose." +</P> + +<P> +"Suppose we try and find the bill of lading and the charter-party; they +will give us some idea of the nature of the cargo." +</P> + +<P> +A search revealed the required documents, but, being in Spanish, the +apprentice could make no meaning to the text. +</P> + +<P> +"Snakes!" ejaculated Andy. "There's enough to set us up as universal +providers! Woollen and cotton goods, boots and leggings, hardware of +American manufacture, nine cases of rifles—for some blooming +insurgents more than likely—30,000 rounds of ammunition, and—hullo, +this looks dangerous!—two tons of dynamite; building and railroad +materials, agricultural implements, and one petrol-driven runabout, +consigned to Monsieur Georges Lacroix, Grand Bassin, Tahiti. Well, I'm +afraid Monsieur Georges Lacroix will have to wait for his motor-car!" +</P> + +<P> +"By Jove, we are lucky!" ejaculated Ellerton. "That is, provided we +get the stuff ashore." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll do it," replied his chum resolutely. "Only give us time and +good weather, and we'll leave precious little on the <I>San Martin</I>, I +can assure you." +</P> + +<P> +"Time to be off," exclaimed Terence. "It will be dark in an hour." +</P> + +<P> +So, thrusting the documents into his belt, Andy dropped over the side, +and received the rest of the articles that the lads had collected. +Then, well laden, the boat returned to the shore. +</P> + +<P> +"We've much to be thankful for," exclaimed Mr. McKay, after he had +perused the ship's papers. "There is, I think, no need for anxiety as +to our future. You brought the signal flags, I hope?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Ellerton, "and a couple of Peruvian ensigns." +</P> + +<P> +"Good! I'm going to make up a Union Jack. There are two reasons for +doing so. The first is that it can be used as a means of attracting +passing vessels; the second, and more important to my mind, is that it +signifies that the island becomes part of the British Empire. I've +been going into the question pretty deeply. You may be aware that the +Low Archipelago belongs to France. These islands consists of a number +of flat coral islands, hence their name. Now, as this island is lofty +and of volcanic origin, I cannot see that it can be classed as +belonging to the Low Archipelago, even though it is not far distant +from that group. Neither does it appear to have been inhabited, so we +may be pretty safe in claiming it. Terence, there's a pencil and paper +close to your elbow; will you please sketch a plan of a Union Jack?" +</P> + +<P> +Terence did so, but the result was not to Mr. McKay's satisfaction. +</P> + +<P> +"You try, Andy." +</P> + +<P> +Nor was Andy's attempt any more satisfactory, so Ellerton was put to +the test. +</P> + +<P> +"Shame on you, lads!" exclaimed Mr. McKay reproachfully. "Three +members of the good old British Empire, and unable to draw its national +ensign correctly. Here, hand me that pencil." +</P> + +<P> +"Now do you see," he continued, after he had explained the various +minute particulars of the flag. "There's a broad white diagonal above +the two portions of St. Patrick's cross next to the pole, and a broad +white diagonal below the two portions farthest from the pole. If the +flag is hoisted in any manner but the correct the ensign becomes a +signal of distress. Often in bygone days hostile ships have attempted +to sail under British colours, and in nine cases out of ten their +ignorance of its peculiarities has led to their undoing. However, +we'll postpone the cutting out till the rest of the boat's cargo is +brought up." +</P> + +<P> +"How is Quexo getting on?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"He's been away the whole afternoon. I guess your fence is nearly +completed by now." +</P> + +<P> +"Then I'll go and see how he is progressing," remarked the apprentice. +</P> + +<P> +The mulatto had indeed made rapid strides, for only a few feet more +remained to be done, so Ellerton returned to the boat to liberate the +sheep. Ere nightfall the pen was tenanted by a score of animals, +frisking with enjoyment at finding themselves once more in pasture. +</P> + +<P> +That evening three large lamps contributed to the comfort of the tent. +The lads, tired out with their exertions, were "taking things easy," +lamenting the fact that there was no literature to beguile the time. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, having been raised to a sitting position, called for the +bunting. Laboriously he threaded a needle and commenced his lengthy +task. +</P> + +<P> +"One moment, sir," exclaimed Ellerton. "Wouldn't a sewing machine be +better?" +</P> + +<P> +"A what? Bless the lad! Where's a machine to be had?" +</P> + +<P> +"On board, sir. I noticed a couple in the fo'c'sle. You see, a seaman +has to make his own duds." +</P> + +<P> +"Very well, I'll put off the job till to-morrow, if you'll remember to +bring one of the things ashore." +</P> + +<P> +"Any need to keep watch to-night, pater?" asked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"I think it would be advisable till we've explored the island. Not +that I anticipate any interference, but forewarned is forearmed." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay's words proved to be correct. Nothing occurred to disturb +the camp during the second night ashore. +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think that Terence and you can manage by yourselves?" asked Mr. +McKay during breakfast. +</P> + +<P> +"I think so," replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Then Andy can take Quexo and make an exploration of the interior. I +particularly want him to reach the summit of the hill, so as to find +out if there are other islands in the vicinity." +</P> + +<P> +"You understand, Andy?" continued his father. "Keep a sharp look-out +for signs of past or present inhabitants, any animals you may come +across—there may be a few pigs—and, above all, note the general +extent of the island and the position of its neighbours, if visible. +Don't overburden yourselves; a revolver and twenty rounds apiece, a +water-bottle, and some provisions will be quite enough to carry. Rest +on the summit of the hill during the heat of the day, and get back here +well before sunset." +</P> + +<P> +Having seen the explorers on their way, Ellerton and Donaghue pushed +off the cutter and rowed to the wreck. +</P> + +<P> +It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boat +was made fast alongside the battered hull of the <I>San Martin</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazing +at the battered boat. +</P> + +<P> +"Take too much time," was Terence's reply. +</P> + +<P> +"No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail some +copper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a long +job, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabins +and saloon." +</P> + +<P> +Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig on +being launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed with +his success. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may as +well make a start by clearing the for'ard hold." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expert +swimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead. +</P> + +<P> +Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from the +coaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron was +but a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook was +affixed to the wire rope that held the plates together. +</P> + +<P> +Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion in +hauling their booty out of the hold. +</P> + +<P> +Six times the operation was repeated, till the deck resembled a "tin" +city in the western plains of Arizona. +</P> + +<P> +"It takes it out of you," remarked Ellerton. "I wish we could get rid +of the water in the hold; though I'm afraid the vessel's too badly +strained to be able to patch up her sides." +</P> + +<P> +"Even then we would have a bother to get rid of the water," replied +Terence. "Still, we've done very well up to now." +</P> + +<P> +"There's all that railway line material underneath the iron sheeting; +that will want some shifting." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll do it some time, but now we'll get off home." +</P> + +<P> +It seemed natural for the lads to talk of the camp as "home," for +already they were becoming attached to the free, yet none the less +comfortable, manner of living. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait while I get the sewing machine from the fo'c'sle. But you may as +well come, too, and we'll take both of them." +</P> + +<P> +With this, Ellerton, accompanied by Terence, made his way for'ard. In +the gloom of the stuffy fo'c'sle, the sight of which forcibly reminded +him of his quarters on the <I>Tophet</I>, Ellerton found the required +articles. +</P> + +<P> +"Hullo, here's a find!" he exclaimed, holding up a concertina. +</P> + +<P> +"Sling the blessed thing overboard," replied Terence laughing. "If you +take it ashore it's bound to make trouble in the camp." +</P> + +<P> +"It may come in handy." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton looked upon everything as being likely "to come in handy." He +would have overstocked the island with useless things in the hope that +they might be of use at some distant date. In this case, did he but +know it, the concertina was fated to play a most useful part. +</P> + +<P> +"All right, then," assented Terence good-humouredly. "To look at us +now one would think we were going to run old women's sewing meetings +and popular Saturday night concerts." +</P> + +<P> +With the gig in tow, the lads returned to the shore, putting off the +unloading of their boat till the evening, though they brought the +sewing machines with them to the tent. +</P> + +<P> +"Now I can get on," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "It's slow work lying here +and unable to do a decent bit of hard work." +</P> + +<P> +Lunch, followed by the customary siesta, occupied the rest of the +afternoon. By the aid of a telescope Andy and Quexo had been seen on +the summit of the hill, and their descent followed till an intervening +spur hid them from sight. Mr. McKay calculated that they would be home +within a couple of hours. +</P> + +<P> +"You might cut down a suitable palm tree—one about forty feet in +height—Terence," he added. "I should like to have the flag flying on +their return." +</P> + +<P> +The tree was easily felled, and a small block, with signal halliards +rove, was fastened to its smaller end. This done, a hole was dug to +receive the pole, and by the aid of a pair of guys the flagstaff was +erected and set up in quite a professional style. +</P> + +<P> +About five in the afternoon Andy and the mulatto returned. They +reported that from the summit of the hill the island appeared to be +nearly circular, without any noticeable bays that might serve as boat +harbours. +</P> + +<P> +The reef extended completely around the island, approaching it closely +on the southern side, while there were three well-defined entrances +besides the one they already knew about. +</P> + +<P> +Andy reckoned that the extreme length of the island was about seven +miles, its breadth barely a mile less. There were no other islands +visible, but as the sea was hazy away on the north-west it was possible +that land might lie in that direction. +</P> + +<P> +"Then, assuming the altitude to be one thousand feet, your horizon +would be approximately forty-two miles off," remarked Mr. McKay. +"Well, in that case we are not likely to be troubled by our neighbours, +for the nearest island cannot be less than fifty miles away. Did you +find any signs of the island having been inhabited?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Andy, "we found this," and opening a leather sling case +he produced a pistol. It was a quaint specimen of a flint-lock weapon, +its large-bore barrel eaten with rust and its silver-mounted walnut +stock pitted and rotted by exposure. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think the gentleman who dropped this article is in a fit state +to call upon us," observed Mr. McKay. "Nevertheless, it shows that we +are not the first civilised people to set foot on the island. What is +the interior like?" +</P> + +<P> +"There are distinct signs of a volcano about. The top of the hill is +most certainly an extinct volcano, while the base is honeycombed with +fissures like the volcano of Monotombo. Otherwise the island is well +wooded." +</P> + +<P> +"You've done well," commented Mr. McKay. "Now it's nearly sunset, so +there will be just time to hoist the Union Jack." +</P> + +<P> +"Finished it, then, pater?" +</P> + +<A NAME="p68"></A> + +<P> +"Rather! Now, Andy, you hoist the emblem of empire!" +</P> + +<P> +Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was broken at the +masthead. For a few minutes it fluttered idly in the breeze, then, as +the sun sank beneath the horizon, the Jack was slowly lowered. +</P> + +<P> +They had asserted the King's authority over the island to which they +had now given the name of McKay's Island. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap08"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER VIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +"A SAIL!" +</H4> + +<P> +For the next five months things went smoothly at McKay's Island. +</P> + +<P> +Taking every advantage of the remaining period of the dry season, the +lads worked hard. Almost everything of value was removed from the +wreck. +</P> + +<P> +The heavy lengths of railway lines were safely transported to the +shore; the motor-car, its mechanism not altogether useless, was stored +under a canvas canopy on the lower terrace. +</P> + +<P> +The ship's dynamos were removed, as well as the lighter portion of the +main propelling machinery, while the remaining derricks, practically +the whole of the wire rigging, and all the woodwork that could be taken +away, had found a safe storage-place on McKay's Island. +</P> + +<P> +Most of the dynamite had been cautiously conveyed ashore and placed in +some of the numerous caves at a safe distance from the camp. The +remainder of the explosive had been judiciously used—under Andy's +direction, for his experiences at San Eugenio had not been thrown +away—in demolishing those portions of the wreck that prevented easy +access to the precious cargo. +</P> + +<P> +Only the bare hull of the <I>San Martin</I> now remained. No doubt the +first on-shore hurricane would sweep away every vestige of the +ill-fated vessel, but the castaways were satisfied with the knowledge +that nothing of value remained on board. +</P> + +<P> +Nor had the work ashore been delayed. Already a substantial +three-roomed building of galvanised iron reared itself proudly upon the +second terrace. Its furniture—the best that the state-rooms and +cabins of the <I>San Martin</I> could provide—would have made many a +stay-at-home Englishman green with envy. +</P> + +<P> +The lads had contrived to lay a double set of rails from the shore up +the steep path to the lower terrace. Then, by means of a steel hawser +attached to two sets of trucks, they were able to draw the bulk of +their goods to the higher level with little difficulty. +</P> + +<P> +The mode of locomotion, thanks to Andy's ready skill, was comparatively +simple. +</P> + +<P> +At first Terence wished to utilise the motor of the "runabout"; but to +this proposal Andy objected, having another purpose in view for the +undelivered consignment for Monsieur Georges Lacroix. +</P> + +<P> +Included in the rolling stock were several iron tip waggons, of the +kind generally in use in mining districts. Two of these Andy attached +to each of his "trains." Those on the upper level he filled with +earth, till the weight, being greater than the other set of waggons, +caused the former to descend the incline, and at the same time raise +the trucks filled with cargo from the beach. +</P> + +<P> +This plan acted very well, but the labour in filling the trucks with +soil was tedious; so Andy conceived the brilliant idea of trapping some +of the water from the little stream, and conveying it by means of a +length of iron pipe supported on trestles into the empty tip waggons. +</P> + +<P> +From that moment the "McKay's Island Express" was in full working +order, and the task of hauling the salved cargo up the terrace became a +matter of comparative ease. +</P> + +<P> +Those five months had worked wonders in Mr. McKay. Though weak on his +feet, he was able to walk, and showed promise of soon throwing off all +ill-effects of his double misfortune. +</P> + +<P> +As a natural result of his prolonged convalescence he had grown stout. +This was a source of worry to him, and he longed to be able to get +about again as usual. +</P> + +<P> +Amongst their many undertakings, the lads found time to make use of the +remains of the disabled gig. +</P> + +<P> +Realising that the work of replacing the garboards and keel would not +repay the amount of labour expended on the work, they cut the boat in +two, and built transoms to each of the sound ends. Thus they possessed +two light craft, each about ten feet in length, and easy to haul up and +down the beach. +</P> + +<P> +When occasion served, they could also bolt the two transoms together, +and thus form one boat, resembling the original gig with a slice of her +'midship section missing. +</P> + +<P> +The craft proved of great service while the cutter was under +reconstruction. This was a big task, for not only had the lads given +her a fairly deep keel, to make her more seaworthy, but a cabin, +water-tight well, and decked fo'c'sle were added. The rig was altered +to that of a yawl, while Andy hoped at an early date to instal the +motor in her. +</P> + +<P> +Hitherto his difficulties lay in the fact that the motor was not water +cooled, nor was it adapted to consume kerosene. They had a plentiful +supply of that fuel, but of petrol they had none. Nevertheless, Andy +had firm faith in his capabilities, and trusted to overcome these +difficulties all right. +</P> + +<P> +In this craft the hopes of the inhabitants of McKay's Island were +centred. Although happy in their little domain, for plenty of work had +proved the greatest factor to their well-being, they yearned at times +for the society of their fellow-men and civilisation. +</P> + +<P> +Directly the rainy season was over the little party meant to try their +fate upon the broad Pacific. It was to be a risky voyage, but others +had done similar passages under worse conditions. Blythe, of H.M.S. +<I>Bounty</I>, for instance, did he not successfully accomplish a voyage of +4000 miles in an open boat in forty-one days? +</P> + +<P> +The advent of the rainy season was heralded by a hurricane of terrific +force. +</P> + +<P> +Giving but little warning, the storm swept over the island, uprooting +trees and turning the tiny rivulets into foaming torrents. The usually +placid surface of the lagoon became a seething cauldron, huge breakers +sweeping completely over the reef and lashing themselves upon the +rock-strewn beach. +</P> + +<P> +Well it was that the lads had hauled their craft above the reach of +those breakers, for on the morning following the commencement of the +storm not a vestige of the hull of the <I>San Martin</I> was to be seen. +</P> + +<P> +Fortunately the house was solidly constructed. The hail pelted on the +iron roof, the windows rattled and the doors shook to such an extent +that it became necessary to barricade them, while almost incessantly +the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled in deafening peals. +</P> + +<P> +While the rains lasted there was very little outside work done. +Welcome as were the showers at first, they soon became monotonous. It +was too hot to wear oilskins, the ground was too soft to walk on +without sinking ankle deep in mire, so that the castaways were thrown +upon their own resources to pass the time as well as they were able +within doors. +</P> + +<P> +Lack of books had been their greatest discomfort, even the study of the +Spanish charts and treatises on navigation became a pleasure; paper and +writing materials they possessed, and Mr. McKay systematically wrote up +his diary. +</P> + +<P> +But the task that gave the lads the greatest pleasure and amusement was +their efforts to teach Quexo English. +</P> + +<P> +The mulatto was a willing though difficult pupil, and was doubly +handicapped by being unable to write even his own language. +Nevertheless, before the rainy season was over, Quexo could understand +most of what was said to him, and was able to reply in weird sentences +and phrases that often set the lads laughing. +</P> + +<P> +At length the "off season"—as Terence termed it—passed, its departure +being marked by almost as severe a hurricane as the one that preceded +it. +</P> + +<P> +Then for three days and nights a thick mist overspread the island. The +air resembled that of a hothouse, without the least suspicion of a +breeze. +</P> + +<P> +On the morning of the fourth day the sun shone in an unclouded sky, the +mud disappeared as if by the touch of a magic wand, and the inhabitants +of McKay's Island awoke to their life of outdoor activity. +</P> + +<P> +"I think we will do well to postpone the time of our departure for +another month," remarked Mr. McKay. "We shall then have more chance of +a wind, and the zone of the Trades will extend farther north by then. +We shall have plenty to see, too, in a month." +</P> + +<P> +"I want to get the motor fixed up," observed Andy. "I think my plan +for making a water-jacket will succeed, and installing the engine and +tuning it up will take quite a week." +</P> + +<P> +"If you succeed the motor will prove invaluable, especially if we lose +the benefit of the Trades," replied his father. +</P> + +<P> +Andy was hard at work making a propeller. This he did by means of two +sheets of steel plating riveted to an iron boss; for, in order to +prevent the boat from being unduly kept back while under sail alone, he +had decided to have but two blades, which when at rest were up and +down, in line with the boat's stern-post. +</P> + +<P> +Terence, who was also of an engineering turn of mind, had embarked upon +a somewhat ambitious programme. He meant to use the dynamo for +lighting purposes. +</P> + +<P> +"But," objected Ellerton, "what's the use? We are leaving the island +shortly." +</P> + +<P> +"Possibly; but I am looking beyond then, Hoppy. Provided I could be +sure of a passage to 'Frisco occasionally I would not mind settling +down here. No doubt I am indulging in wild day-dreams, but still, my +plans may mature, and there's a living to be made out of the island. +But to deal with present events; the dynamo will be of great service to +us, as we can recharge those accumulators we brought ashore. Then Andy +will be able to use electrical ignition for his motor instead of the +slower and more uncertain lamp ignition." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so, Terence," assented Andy. "So carry on, my boy." +</P> + +<P> +Thus encouraged, Terence, assisted by Ellerton and Quexo, dug a deep +trench close to the brink of the lower terrace, the side of which he +lined with thick planks from the wreck. +</P> + +<P> +Next a water-wheel, twelve feet in diameter, was constructed, the +paddle floats being cut from the iron plates obtained from the same +source. A portion of the ship's piston rods formed the axle of the +wheel, a grooved drum being attached to take the driving belt of the +dynamo. +</P> + +<P> +At length came the critical test of Terence's work. The stream, once +more diverted, was conducted into the trench, and as the last barrier +to its progress was removed the water rushed through its new channel. +Then, with a cascade of silver splashing from its floats, the wheel +began to gather way, and was soon spinning merrily. +</P> + +<P> +"That's all very fine," exclaimed Andy, who had left his work to view +the opening ceremony of the McKay Island Power Company. "But how are +you going to stop the wheel? It will soon wear its axle out at that +rate; and, besides, we can't have that noise day and night." +</P> + +<P> +"Never thought of that!" replied Terence. "We must make a hatch to +trap the water when we don't require the power." +</P> + +<P> +Two days later the dynamo was in full working order. The lads were +highly delighted, and suggested several schemes for making use of the +electric current. +</P> + +<P> +Then came Andy's triumph. After many difficulties and failures he +succeeded in duly installing the motor in the yawl, and on a trial trip +inside the lagoon the boat behaved magnificently under power. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have a trip round the island to-morrow," he exclaimed, as the +craft was moored for the night. "Let's turn in early so as to make a +start immediately after sunrise." +</P> + +<P> +The morning dawned bright and calm, with no wind. +</P> + +<P> +"It will mean running under power," observed Andy, as the lads, laden +with provisions and tins of kerosene, wended their way to the shore. +"I mean to——" +</P> + +<P> +He stopped, his eyes fixed seaward. +</P> + +<P> +His companions followed his gaze, and simultaneously there was a shout +of: +</P> + +<P> +"A sail!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap09"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER IX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +UNWELCOME VISITORS +</H4> + +<P> +"Great Scott! It's a native canoe," declared Mr. McKay. "And she's +heading straight for the island!" +</P> + +<P> +The craft was some little distance from the entrance to the reef, her +huge brown sail hanging idly from its yard, while the crew vigorously +plied their paddles as they made the water fly from her sharp prow. +</P> + +<P> +"Trouble in store?" queried Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"It's well to be prepared," replied his father. "I know these natives +of old. Sometimes they are quiet and inoffensive, at another time they +are bold and war-like, or, what is worse, extremely treacherous." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we must arm ourselves?" +</P> + +<P> +"Assuredly. Quexo, bring my glass." +</P> + +<P> +The mulatto darted off, and presently reappeared, bringing a glass of +lime-juice. +</P> + +<P> +"Not that, you ass!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, laughing. +"Glass—telescope—see?" and he raised his hands to imitate the +operation of using a telescope. "I'll have the drink, anyhow." +</P> + +<P> +Once more Quexo ran to the house, this time bringing back the required +instrument. +</P> + +<P> +"There are at least forty natives," said Mr. McKay, after a lengthy +examination of the oncoming craft. "They may be armed. If so, their +weapons are lying on the bottom of the canoe. But unless I am very +much mistaken, there's a white man aboard." +</P> + +<P> +"A prisoner? Let me have a look, pater!" +</P> + +<P> +In his eagerness Andy almost snatched the telescope from his parent's +hand. +</P> + +<P> +"A queer set of customers," he exclaimed; "but I don't think the white +man is a captive, for he's talking to a fellow with his hair frizzed up +a foot above his head." +</P> + +<P> +"We've seen enough for the time being," rejoined Mr. McKay quietly, "so +we'll return to the house and serve out the arms. At the rate they are +travelling, the canoe will be here in ten minutes." +</P> + +<P> +"They won't injure the boat?" asked Andy anxiously, for the yawl was +almost like a child to him. +</P> + +<P> +"Not when they see us with rifles in our hands. Whatever you do, don't +let them have reason to think we want to fight, and, above all, don't +show any signs of fear." +</P> + +<P> +The party quickly strapped on their ammunition belts and revolver +holsters, then, grasping their rifles, they hastened down to the beach. +</P> + +<P> +The canoe had by this time entered the lagoon, and its occupants had +perceived the house and the other buildings, for they had ceased +paddling, and were gazing in wonder towards the shore. Nor did the +appearance of five armed men serve to set their minds at rest. +</P> + +<P> +"Hullo, there!" shouted Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Hullo, there!" was the reply. "What's your game?" +</P> + +<P> +"What's yours?" replied Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"All square, governor. Can we land?" +</P> + +<P> +"Provided you keep your people in order," replied Mr. McKay, then +turning to his companions he exclaimed: "By Jove! I know that fellow; +he's no good, I'm afraid." +</P> + +<P> +"You know him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I met him on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait twenty odd years +ago. He hasn't changed much in appearance, and I'm afraid his manners +haven't. Still, I'll not claim acquaintanceship with him at present." +</P> + +<P> +The paddles were resumed, and the canoe glided quietly to the shore. +The natives, for the most part stark naked, began to tumble over the +side, some grasping enormous clubs studded with sharks' teeth, and +others long triple-barbed spears. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell those fellows to throw those weapons back into the canoe," +shouted Mr. McKay sternly. "Otherwise we'll not permit them to land." +</P> + +<P> +The white man spoke a few words to the turban-haired native, who in +turn uttered an order to his men. Instantly the weapons were thrown +into the canoe with a loud clatter, and the natives, wading ashore, +secured their boat and proceeded to squat in a semicircle. +</P> + +<P> +"My name's Blight—Jimmy Blight," exclaimed the stranger. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay merely nodded his head in reply. He could not bring himself +to say the words "Pleased to see you," for the simple reason that he +was not. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmy Blight had had a chequered career. He was a man of about fifty +years of age, some five feet eight inches in height, and of medium +build. Years of exposure to a tropical sun had not left any trace upon +his face, for his complexion was a chalky white. He had a bristling, +dark moustache; cut high over the lips, a scanty crop of dark hair, a +thin, straight nose, rather deep-set eyes that were continually +shifting in expression, while his hands, the broad nails of which were +bitten to the quick, showed little trace of hard work. +</P> + +<P> +When Mr. McKay first met him he was mate of a pearling vessel, and +already he bore a bad reputation as a hard drinker and a card-sharper, +while it was well known that his tyranny had more than once caused +bloodshed amongst the Kanaka crew of the vessel. By his white +associates he was commonly known as "Chinese Pork"—in other words, +something very unpleasant. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, what can I do for you?" asked Mr. McKay bluntly. +</P> + +<P> +"The island's free, I guess?" replied Blight, with a leer that +ill-concealed his natural aggressiveness. +</P> + +<P> +"So long as you behave yourself; but should one of those men touch so +much as a copper nail, we'll send you to the right about in double +quick time. Understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, boss. But how about a drink? You seem fixed up pretty +comfortable here." +</P> + +<P> +"You can have as much water as you want at the stream. Beyond that, +I'm afraid we cannot provide you." +</P> + +<P> +"Humph! Must take pot-luck, I suppose. Say, are you traders?" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay did not think it advisable to answer. +</P> + +<P> +"What's your business, might I ask?" he inquired. +</P> + +<P> +"It's a long story, boss. You see my mates here"—indicating the group +of squatting natives—"belong to the island of Ahii, which lies seventy +miles nor'west of here. In fact, I was very comfortable along of 'em, +but might is right in these parts, I'll allow." +</P> + +<P> +"Chinese Pork" paused to allow the weight of this sentence to take +effect, but Mr. McKay betrayed no sign. +</P> + +<P> +"So a few days ago a tribe of natives from Teku came and drove us out. +There was a fight, you bet, but our fellows got the worst of it. So we +hooked it, and took canoe to Ni Atong, which is less than twenty miles +S.E. of Ahii. Ni Atong's all very well, only it ain't big enough, so +we're trying to find a larger island to settle upon. There's close on +a couple of hundred natives, and ten large canoes at Ni Atong. Strikes +me this place 'ud suit, 'specially with white gents like yourselves for +company like." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid you must give up all idea of bringing your friends here, +Mr. Blight, or yourself either." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, why?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because we cannot permit it." +</P> + +<P> +"Look here, boss," replied Blight with an impudent swagger. "How do +you think you'll stop two hundred natives if they set their minds on +landing here? Even I couldn't stop 'em." +</P> + +<P> +"Let them try," replied Mr. McKay. "Now, Mr. Blight, I cannot refuse +you hospitality. Food will be sent down to you; then, when your men +have rested sufficiently, I must ask you to leave this island." +</P> + +<P> +And turning on his heel, Mr. McKay began to make his way back to the +house, the lads following him closely. +</P> + +<P> +Before he had taken a dozen steps the ex-pearler ran after him. +</P> + +<P> +"See here, boss; I don't mean to give offence—no offence meant—but +you'll allow it's hard on a chap to be done out of his own crib by a +pack o' niggers. And then you can't deny you've treated me +off-handish, specially as you're the first white man I've seen these +two years. So let's come to terms. I see you're well armed. Why not +come back to Ahii with us, and make those chaps from Teku clear off +back to their own island? Then the Ahii people won't want to trouble +you. See?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll consider the matter," replied Mr. McKay. "By the by, do you ever +go to Tahiti?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not often, boss. I was there two years ago. When I've got a cargo of +copra ready I send it by a native boat. Why do you ask?" +</P> + +<P> +"I merely wanted to know, Mr. Blight. But now I must be off. I'll +send the provisions along shortly, and will give you a definite reply +to your proposal in a few hours. It seems to me that the easiest way +out of the mess is to accept the fellow's advice," remarked Mr. McKay +as they entered their house. "We certainly don't want to try +conclusions with a horde of savages on this island. No doubt we could +beat them off, but in any case there is a considerable amount of risk. +If I can get Blight to give me a guarantee—though I don't place much +reliance on his word—backed by the chief's assurance that his men will +not trespass upon the island, I think we can very well help them." +</P> + +<P> +"Do you think there will be much of a struggle?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Between whom?" +</P> + +<P> +"The natives of Ahii and the natives who took possession of their +island." +</P> + +<P> +"No; our presence will soon turn the scale, though we may not even have +to use our firearms. You can rely upon it that I'll do my best to +prevent bloodshed. Are you willing to go, lads? If you have +objections don't hesitate to say so." +</P> + +<P> +"I haven't," said Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Nor I," added the others. +</P> + +<P> +"Very well, then. Quexo, take this keg of flour down to the beach, and +tell that white man that his people can gather as much taro and +cocoanuts as they want, so long as they don't cross to this side of the +stream. You understand? Do you think we might spare Blight a lamb, +Andy?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think so, pater. We've twenty at least." +</P> + +<P> +"Then tell Quexo to take one down when he comes back. Now, boys, if we +are going on this trip, we had better make preparations. We ought to +start by sunrise at least, if we want to reach Ahii before dark." +</P> + +<P> +"But are we going straight to Ahii?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, by Jove! I forgot that for the moment. Of course, it will be +much better to spend the night off Ni Atong—I suppose there's a +lagoon—and proceed to Ahii on the following morning." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, Quexo," said Andy, on the mulatto's return, "what did the white +man say?" +</P> + +<P> +"He say: 'Come here you number one size blackamoor. What your massa +name is?' An' I say: 'I no number one size blackamoor; I no niggah, +sah; an' my massa name me no give, massa he tell you his name if you +ask.'" +</P> + +<P> +"That's a smart reply, Quexo," replied Mr. McKay, laughing. "There's +nothing like keeping your master's counsel and your own. Now take that +carcase down to the beach. Ellerton, you might take a stroll along the +edge of the cliff and, without attracting undue attention, keep an eye +on the rascals. I don't want them straggling across the stream." +</P> + +<P> +Thus bidden, Ellerton walked cautiously to the edge of the first +terrace, then laying his rifle on the ground, stretched himself into a +comfortable position so that he could see without being seen, and hear +without being heard. +</P> + +<P> +Most of the natives had dispersed, and were busily engaged in seeking +taro and cocoanuts, although they kept strictly within the bounds laid +down by Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +Blight, the chief, and a couple of natives had killed the lamb and were +roasting it by the aboriginal method of caking it with clay and placing +it in the red-hot embers of a fire. Although the white man cast +several curious glances at the cliff, above which the roof of the house +was just visible, he refrained from setting foot upon the path that led +to Mr. McKay's settlement. +</P> + +<P> +Late in the afternoon Mr. McKay went down to the beach and informed +Blight that he had decided to lend his aid, at the same time +stipulating that the natives must promise not to molest the inhabitants +of McKay's Island. +</P> + +<P> +The remainder of the yawl's stores were then carried aboard, Andy and +Ellerton volunteering to keep watch on the boat while Mr. McKay, +Terence, and Quexo took turns in patrolling the edge of the terrace. +</P> + +<P> +A tent, some blankets, and a few luxuries in the way of provisions were +then sent down to the ex-pearler, while the natives prepared to sleep +under the shelter of the palm trees and bushes. +</P> + +<P> +"If you see or hear anything of a suspicious nature, Andy," cautioned +Mr. McKay, "here is a signal rocket. Don't use it except in +circumstances that warrant our interference. You have plenty of +ammunition?" +</P> + +<P> +"Seventy rounds of rifle ammunition and fifty revolver cartridges each. +You'll see that another box of ammunition comes off in the morning." +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, aye," replied his father. "Now I think everything is ready to +make an early start, so you had better be off." +</P> + +<P> +Then, having bade the rest of the party good night, Andy and his trusty +companion descended to the beach, passed between knots of curious +natives, and embarked in the yawl's tender. +</P> + +<P> +Five minutes later they were on board, and the ammunition stowed away +within easy reach. +</P> + +<P> +The lads had made an excellent job in converting the ship's cutter. +From the awning-covered well a short ladder led to the cabin. Here +four roomy folding bunks, a swing table, plenty of lockers and racks +had been fitted, while the linoleum-covered floor, the red baize +curtains, and the polished brass lamp imparted an air of comfort. +Overhead a skylight served to admit both fresh air and light. +</P> + +<P> +In the fo'c'sle, to which access could be obtained either by sliding +doors between it and the cabin, or through a hatch on deck, were the +sails, spare ropes, anchor cable, and a small stove constructed from +one of the galleys of the <I>San Martin</I>. +</P> + +<P> +The motor had been installed under the floor of the well, while on the +afterside of the cabin bulkhead was fixed a boat's compass, illuminated +by means of the cabin lamp, so that the steersman could keep a course +with comfort, whether by day or night. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Hoppy, I'll take the first watch," remarked Andy, as the sun sank +beneath the lofty peak of McKay's Island. "I'll turn you out at two in +the morning, and then you can carry on till daybreak, if that will suit +you." +</P> + +<P> +"Righto!" replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +And turning in upon his bunk he was soon fast asleep, lulled by the +slight motion of the little craft as she rose and fell to the gentle +heave of the lagoon. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap10"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER X +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +STRANGE ALLIES +</H4> + +<P> +"Turn out, Hoppy!" +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton was awake in an instant, but forgetting that the cabin of a +small craft does not possess unlimited headroom, he sat up and brought +his head violently in contact with the deck beams. +</P> + +<P> +"What's up?" he exclaimed, grasping his revolver. "Anything wrong?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," replied Andy. "Only it's two o'clock, and your watch." +</P> + +<P> +"Goodness! I feel as if I've only been asleep five minutes." +</P> + +<P> +"Sorry for you, then, old chap, for you've got to keep awake five +hours." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, Andy slid into his bunk, and within a minute his regular +breathing showed that he was asleep. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton took up his position under the shelter of the dew-sodden +awning. Everything was quiet, save for the occasional splash of a fish +as it played upon the surface of the placid water, and the ever-present +rumble of the breakers upon the distant reef. +</P> + +<P> +Shorewards the outline of the island was dimly visible against the loom +of the starlit sky, while a light from the seaward window of the house +and the dull red gleam of the dying embers of the fire the natives had +kindled were the only sign of human occupation. +</P> + +<P> +Yet, Ellerton reflected, the bush might be alive with savages, awaiting +the opportunity to fall upon the settlement, murder his friends, and +possess themselves of the valuable stores. +</P> + +<P> +Perhaps the story of the seizure of Ahii and the flight of the +inhabitants to Ni Atong was a myth, invented by that rogue Blight for +the purpose of luring the castaways into a false position. +</P> + +<P> +There could be no doubt about it, Ellerton's nerves were "jumpy." +Perhaps it was that the suddenness of coming into contact with human +beings other than his comrades had acted upon his nerves. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton realised that he was entering into a new phase of his +existence. He regretted it, for, beyond his natural anxiety concerning +his parents, he had grown to love the isolated life on McKay's Island. +</P> + +<P> +Then, should Blight's story prove to be correct, Ellerton felt sure +that Mr. McKay's action was the only course permissible. The little +colony was to fight for its existence, and the more remote the scene of +hostilities the better chance they had of securing the sole +proprietorship of the island. +</P> + +<P> +Hist! A succession of faint sounds like those of a man stealthily +swimming caused Ellerton to sit bolt upright, grasp his rifle, and peer +intently through the darkness. +</P> + +<P> +There was no mistake about it. It was some object heading directly for +the yawl, its track being marked by a faint blur of phosphorescence. +</P> + +<P> +Visions of bloodthirsty savages, swimming, knife in mouth, to surprise +the crew of the little craft, filled Ellerton with alarm. He raised +his rifle, released the safety catch, and took aim at the mysterious +intruder. +</P> + +<P> +"Andy," he whispered, but his friend was too deep in slumber to be +awakened by a whisper. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll wait till he's close alongside," muttered Ellerton, fingering the +trigger. +</P> + +<P> +At that moment there was a perceptible jar alongside the boat, followed +by a prolonged grating sound, as if a piece of sandpaper were slowly +drawn over a rough surface. Then, with a swirl and a succession of +phosphorescent splashes, the object vanished. +</P> + +<P> +The sound had roused Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"What's up?" he exclaimed, springing into the cockpit. +</P> + +<P> +Both lads looked over the side. Deep beneath the surface they saw a +huge luminous shape slowly gliding away. +</P> + +<P> +"My word!" whispered Andy. "Can't you see what it is? It's a shark." +</P> + +<P> +"I thought it was some natives swimming off to us." +</P> + +<P> +"Never fear. They'll never attempt such a thing with a sentry like +that brute," replied Andy as he re-entered the cabin. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the weary hours passed, till the sun rose in a sky of misty +grey, and the inhabitants of McKay's Island, both black and white, +bestirred themselves into activity. +</P> + +<P> +"Not much wind, boss," was Chinese Pork's salutation as Mr. McKay and +his companions arrived at the beach, whither Andy had rowed in the +tender. +</P> + +<P> +"There'll be some before long," replied Mr. McKay. "It usually springs +up about an hour after sunrise." +</P> + +<P> +"It'll mean a long pull if it doesn't," rejoined Blight. "Shall I lend +you four or five hands to work the sweeps?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll not trouble you, thanks. It's your men who will find it hard +work, I fancy." +</P> + +<P> +"Say, why? You just see them use those paddles. They'll keep it up +for hours at a stretch. Your craft'll be the tail end of this 'ere +procession, I guess." +</P> + +<P> +"We shall see," replied Mr. McKay quietly, for he had no desire to +enlighten the ex-pearler upon the subject of the motor. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, boss?" +</P> + +<P> +"Well?" +</P> + +<P> +"That's a rum packet," said Blight, indicating with a jerk of his thumb +the boat the lads had made from the wreck of the gig. "I bet you never +bought her at Hilo?" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay did not reply. He quite realised that the ex-pearler was +trying to pump him, while, on the other hand, he was equally determined +to conceal the fact that he and his companions were on the island +through shipwreck. +</P> + +<P> +Although Mr. McKay hated deception, he wished to convey the impression +that they settled here by choice, yet Blight's question showed that he +kept his eyes open. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you ready to start?" demanded Mr. McKay. "There's a wind +springing up from the south-east'ard." +</P> + +<P> +"As soon as you like. But can you lend me a revolver, cap'n? I've got +a bloomin' Martini, but I've run out o' cartridges months and months +ago." +</P> + +<P> +"Here you are, and here are fifty cartridges. I'll make you a present +of the pistol," replied Mr. McKay, though he realised that he was +playing into the man's hands. +</P> + +<P> +Then, without waiting to receive the ex-pearler's thanks, he stepped +into the boat and was rowed off to the yawl. +</P> + +<P> +"Good morning, Ellerton," he exclaimed. "All quiet, I suppose? Well, +let's get the canvas on her." +</P> + +<P> +Already the natives were hauling their canoe down the beach, and by the +time the yawl had set her sails the splash of a score of paddles showed +that they had lost no time in embarking. +</P> + +<P> +"Up with your helm, Andy; check the jib sheets." +</P> + +<P> +Then, as the little craft drew clear of the land, the freshening breeze +caused her to heel and glide through the ruffled water of the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +By the time they had gained the passage through the reef the yawl was +ahead of the canoe. +</P> + +<P> +"Glorious!" ejaculated Andy. "See, they're setting their sail. It +will be a good race, after all." +</P> + +<P> +Half a dozen bronzed natives were setting the raking mast and bending +the yard with its enormous sail of cocoa fibre. Then, as the sail rose +swiftly in the air, the breeze filled the mat-like canvas. The crew +took in their paddles and watched the yawl with curious eyes. +</P> + +<P> +"We are gaining on her, I think," remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes; we must shorten sail," replied Mr. McKay. "But I want +particularly to note the respective speeds of the two craft. I should +think that, under sail and aided by her paddles, that canoe could +overhaul us under sail alone. Yes," he continued, after a few moments' +careful observation. "I think I've seen enough in case of future +developments, so we'll strike the topsail." +</P> + +<P> +Under reduced canvas the yawl kept the canoe at a regular distance from +her, neither gaining nor allowing the latter to overhaul her. Quexo, +fearing an attack of sea-sickness, had retired to the seclusion of a +berth in the fo'c'sle, while Ellerton and Terence, who had kept the +last portion of the previous night's watch, followed his example, +though from other motives. +</P> + +<P> +Andy was steering. His father, who had given him the course, was below +preparing a meal. +</P> + +<P> +The wind held steadily all the forenoon, and by eleven o'clock the +summit of McKay's Island had dipped beneath the horizon. It was not +without feelings of regret that Andy saw it disappear. He, too, +realised that they were embarked upon a hazardous mission, and that +possibly great sacrifice would have to be made ere they returned to +their island home. +</P> + +<P> +At midday the wind died away to a flat calm, the yawl rolling +sluggishly in the oily swell, with her boom swaying violently from side +to side, and threatening dire disaster to the heads of any of the crew +that incautiously came within its reach. +</P> + +<P> +The canoe, similarly situated, did not hesitate to lower the sail, and +paddle close alongside. +</P> + +<P> +"This is a bit rotten, cap'n," shouted Blight. "Shall I give you a +tow?" +</P> + +<P> +"No thanks, don't trouble about us," replied Mr. McKay. "You can +paddle on ahead, and we'll follow when the breeze springs up. If we +can't fetch Ni Atong before dark you might get those fellows to light a +fire on the beach, so that we can come up to the anchorage." +</P> + +<P> +"Righto, boss! Ta-ta!" +</P> + +<P> +There was a peculiar glint in the man's eye. He fancied that the +superior speed of the canoe under paddles was an asset in his favour +for the events he had already planned. +</P> + +<P> +The chief gave the word, the blades dipped, and, gathering way, the +canoe soon gained a rapid pace. The long-drawn song of the paddlers +gradually died away as the distance increased, and an hour later the +canoe was lost to sight. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Andy, we'll start the motor, and creep up within a couple of +miles of Ni Atong. They will think we have picked up a breeze." +</P> + +<P> +"Why don't you want to let that chap Blight know we've a motor?" +</P> + +<P> +"Frankly, Andy, I don't trust him. If he plays a straight game, well +and good; but, should he act treacherously—and I have every reason to +believe he will, judging by his past career—we must keep a trump card +up our sleeves. That's why I wanted to make sure of the respective +speeds of the two craft, for you may be certain that, since the chief +is in her, yonder canoe is the largest and swiftest they possess. +Under power we can easily outstrip her, I have no doubt." +</P> + +<P> +No sooner had the motor started than Terence and Ellerton appeared. +</P> + +<P> +"Hullo! Where's the wind?" asked the latter. +</P> + +<P> +"And where's the canoe? added Donaghue. +</P> + +<P> +"Hull down," replied Andy. "They've gone on ahead to give us a +house-warming. Now, you fellows, get yourselves something to eat, and +then give us a spell. I'll let you have the course. Keep your weather +eye lifting, and look out for a breeze. It may come down suddenly." +</P> + +<P> +"You bet I will," assented Ellerton. "How far are we from Ni Atong?" +</P> + +<P> +"About twenty miles. Directly the island hoves in sight call us." +</P> + +<P> +At about four in the afternoon Terence, who had climbed the main-mast +and had taken up a perch upon the diminutive cross-trees, reported land +ahead. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay and Andy were instantly warned, and, a breeze springing up, +the motor was shut off. +</P> + +<P> +Half an hour later the heads of a patch of palm trees were visible from +the deck. +</P> + +<P> +"That's Ni Atong, right enough," commented Mr. McKay, as bit by bit the +land appeared to rise above the horizon. "Blight told me that the +entrance to the lagoon is easily picked out." +</P> + +<P> +Ni Atong resolved itself into a low, regularly outlined island barely +two miles in length. Its surface was covered with dense scrub and a +few cocoanut palms, the soil being apparently loose and sandy. So far +as could be seen, a coral reef extended round the island at a distance +of half a mile from the shore, the rocks in places protruding above +water to a height of nearly three feet. +</P> + +<P> +"There's another island showing up on our port bow, sir," announced +Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Then that's Ahii. It's a lofty island something like ours, judging by +the appearance of that mountain. However, we'll hear and see more of +it later on. Now, Andy, we are approaching the reef. Do you climb +aloft and con the boat in through the channel." +</P> + +<P> +This is the only practical method of entering an unbeaconed lagoon, for +owing to the sudden increase in depth, a lead line is of little use. +On the other hand, the extreme clearness of the water makes it possible +for a man aloft to detect instantly any rocks or shoals that lurk +beneath the surface. +</P> + +<P> +For the space of five minutes it was an anxious time. On either hand +the breakers thrashed themselves in masses of milk-white foam upon the +glistening coral reef, while ahead a narrow patch of undulating, yet +unbroken water showed the presence of the only available channel into +the shelter of the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +"Starboard—bear away—starboard again—port, steady!" +</P> + +<P> +Under the light breeze the yawl was in danger of dropping to leeward +upon the merciless rocks. One moment her stern was lifted high in the +air, the rudder consequently being useless. The next she threw her +streaming bows above the following wave, then, shaving the edge of the +reef by a bare five yards, the little vessel glided into the quiet +waters of the anchorage. +</P> + +<P> +The crew now had time to look about them. Drawn up on the sandy beach +were seven large canoes, similar to that which had paid an unwelcome +visit to McKay's Island, while others, only slightly smaller in size, +were hauled up beneath the shelter of the bushes, their lofty carved +prows alone being visible. +</P> + +<P> +The beach was lined with natives, numbering at least 180 men, besides a +host of women and children. +</P> + +<P> +The men were of medium stature, muscular, and well built. In colour +they resembled that of Quexo, being considerably lighter than the +natives of New Guinea. Many of them bore scars, possibly +self-inflicted or the result of inter-tribal wars. +</P> + +<P> +"Stand by to let go!" shouted Andy to Terence and Ellerton. Then, as +the yawl shot up into the wind, he followed up with: "Let go!" +</P> + +<P> +With a roar and rattle of chain the anchor plunged to the bottom of the +lagoon, and as the crew prepared to lower and stow the sails, Mr. McKay +waved his arm towards the crowded shore. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, lads," he exclaimed, "what do you think of our allies?" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap11"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE +</H4> + +<P> +"A rum-looking crowd," observed Terence. "They look as if they could +do a lot of damage, though." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Mr. McKay, "I am sure of it. These fellows often fight +for fighting's sake, and a pretty spectacle they make of it at times. +I've seen them at it before." +</P> + +<P> +"What, these natives?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, the inhabitants of New Guinea. They are strongly associated, +however, not only in manners and customs, but in language. I must +polish up my Polynesian lingo, though after acquiring a smattering of +Spanish I'm afraid I've become very rusty. Come, now, hurry up and +snug down, and we'll go ashore." +</P> + +<P> +"Armed, of course?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, certainly. Take your revolvers only. I don't think we need fear +anything at present. If there's to be trouble it will be after the +natives have made the best use of us." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly the little crew worked with a will; then, directly the +canvas was stowed and a second anchor laid out, the whole party went +ashore. +</P> + +<P> +They were received with great show of goodwill, the natives crowding +round them with shouts of welcome, while the ceremony of rubbing noses +was duly performed. +</P> + +<P> +Several of the women advanced bearing long garlands, and, to the +undisguised bashfulness of the three lads, placed the flowing chains +round the necks of their visitors. Quexo, however, was denied that +honour. He was a coloured man, and therefore, in the eyes of the +natives, of no consequence. +</P> + +<P> +"You made a quick passage, boss, after all," observed Blight. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, we picked up with a breeze," replied Mr. McKay, though he did not +offer to explain when the breeze was encountered. +</P> + +<P> +"They've prepared a feast for you," continued the ex-pearler. "So +let's put our best foot foremost." +</P> + +<P> +At a short distance from the shore was a large clearing, temporary huts +made of branches and leaves of palm trees being erected in a vast +double circle. Here a number of natives were busy baking pigs and +fowls, while there was an abundance of yams and cocoanuts. +</P> + +<P> +"They are very improvident with their supplies," remarked Andy. "They +evidently seem as if they are certain of returning to the land of +plenty." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied his father, who had taken an early opportunity of +examining the roasted pigs to make sure they were pigs. "We may as +well set-to and enjoy their hospitality; now, keep close together and +see that your pistols are easy to draw." +</P> + +<P> +The chiefs, each distinguishable by his huge mop of greased and frizzed +hair, had squatted in a semicircle, and no sooner had the guests seated +themselves than there was a terrific scramble on the part of the native +chiefs to help themselves. +</P> + +<P> +"We must forget for the moment that we are civilised and follow their +example," remarked Mr. McKay, seizing a bit of pork in his fingers. +</P> + +<P> +His companions did likewise, and notwithstanding the absence of knives +and forks they managed to eat and enjoy their share of the feast. +</P> + +<P> +This done, there was a war-dance performed by the young men of the +tribe, the warriors brandishing their clubs with such energy that it +seemed wonderful that no one was hurt. +</P> + +<P> +The natives did not appear to use their heavy clubs for the purpose of +knocking their imaginary adversaries over the head; instead, they +utilised the upward swing of their arms, lunging with the weapon on its +upward stroke. +</P> + +<P> +Andy particularly noticed this, and remarked it to his father. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," was the reply. "It's a favourite 'knock-out' blow with these +fellows. I've seen them at it in actual combat. The idea is to get +underneath their antagonist's guard, and strike him on the chin with +the upward sweep of the club, and knock him senseless. Afterwards the +winning side secure those who are only stunned and——" +</P> + +<P> +"And what?" +</P> + +<P> +"Eat them!" +</P> + +<P> +At length the display came to an end, and the guests prepared to return +on board. Mr. McKay had attempted to converse with some of the chiefs, +but the result was a failure. He therefore told Blight to inform the +chief that an early start was to be made on the morrow. +</P> + +<P> +The news was received with redoubled shouts of delight, and the entire +population escorted the white men to the beach. Nor did they stop +there, for men, women, and children rushed headlong into the sea, and +formed a huge bodyguard of swimmers till the yawl was reached. +</P> + +<P> +All round the boat the water was black with the heads and arms of the +swimmers, for these natives of the Pacific Islands take to the water +often before they can walk. +</P> + +<P> +Splashing and shouting loud enough to scare every shark within a mile, +they swam round and round the yawl, none offering to climb aboard, till +at a shout from one of the chiefs they turned and swam rapidly to the +shore. +</P> + +<P> +"We must set watches to-night, I suppose?" asked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly! Although these people are supposed to be our friends, we +must imagine ourselves in hostile waters. I remember once that a small +schooner put into Niihau. The natives came off to barter, and appeared +to be extremely friendly. During the night about a couple of hundred +swam off to the schooner and took her crew entirely by surprise. We +found the charred remains of her timbers about a month afterwards, but +not a trace of her unfortunate crew. They had been made into 'big +pig.'" +</P> + +<P> +"What's that?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Otherwise killed, roasted, and eaten." +</P> + +<P> +"Then what happened?" +</P> + +<P> +"The usual. Gunboat, landing party, etc. The village was shelled and +burnt, and the island afterwards annexed to the Empire. So, you see, +we must exercise due caution, although I don't want to upset your +nerves." +</P> + +<P> +It must have been shortly after midnight when the crew was awakened by +a warning shout from Terence. Turning out of their comfortable bunks, +the others rushed from the cabin, armed in anticipation of a sudden and +treacherous attack. +</P> + +<P> +A low rumbling greeted their ears, the sound apparently coming from the +shore. For more than a minute the mysterious sound continued, then it +suddenly ceased. +</P> + +<P> +"What is it?" asked Donald. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid I cannot tell you," replied his father. "It's rather like +the sound of a submarine explosion; probably a volcanic eruption." +</P> + +<P> +Again the noise was repeated, yet no agitation of the placid water took +place. The natives did not appear to be disturbed, for no commotion +due to human agency could be heard from the island. This time the +rumbling continued for quite five minutes, dying away in a succession +of long-drawn tremors. Then all was quiet. +</P> + +<P> +"I can't make it out," remarked Mr. McKay. "Whatever it is it seems to +be accepted by the natives without a protest. To-morrow I'll inquire." +</P> + +<P> +The party remained on deck for nearly an hour, but as the mysterious +noise was not repeated, they at length retired to the cabin, leaving +Terence to continue the remainder of his watch. +</P> + +<P> +Just after sunrise Ellerton called Mr. McKay's attention to something +on the beach. Seizing his glasses, the elder man brought them to bear +upon the spot, and the next moment he exclaimed: +</P> + +<P> +"Come on, lads, get your arms and row ashore as hard as you can." +</P> + +<P> +Without waiting for an explanation, the three lads jumped into the +boat, Mr. McKay taking his place in the stern sheets. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't look ahead; keep your eyes on the boat and pull," said Mr. McKay +quietly, yet there was a grim, determined expression on his face that +betokened trouble ahead. +</P> + +<P> +The moment the little craft touched the beach the lads jumped out, and +led by Mr. McKay, they made their way at top speed along the sandy +shore. +</P> + +<P> +Fifty yards from where they landed was the chief's canoe, which had +been hauled up on shore since the previous night. At regular intervals +betwixt its lofty prow and the water were six dark objects lying on the +sand. +</P> + +<P> +The lads gave a gasp of horror, for lashed firmly to bamboo poles were +six natives. Their fellows were preparing to launch the canoe over +their bodies. +</P> + +<P> +"Stop that!" shouted Mr. McKay sternly, holding up his hand to arrest +the progress of the heavy craft, which was quivering under the grasp of +fifty stalwart blacks. +</P> + +<P> +The natives hesitated, glaring at the interrupters of their ceremony, +while some of the chiefs made signs for the interfering strangers to +stand aside. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's Blight?" shouted Mr. McKay, as he opened the cut-off of the +magazine of his rifle. +</P> + +<P> +"Here I am, boss," replied that individual, coolly sauntering forward. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell them to knock off this horrible business." +</P> + +<P> +"Let 'em carry on, boss," was the reply, almost apologetic. "You see, +they ain't got no prisoners, and the chief's canoe must be launched in +this 'ere way, else it's bad luck. So they picked on some of their +least wanted pals. Bless me, you'll soon get used to it. I did years +ago." +</P> + +<P> +"You can tell them from me that the moment that canoe moves we'll open +fire. You might also explain that if our wishes are not carried out, +we'll go back to our own island, and those rascals can stay here to +starve. Now be quick, and let them know we mean business. Cover these +tow-headed rogues," he continued to his companions. "If I give the +word, let fly continuous volleys till the rest of the rascals bolt." +</P> + +<P> +Evidently the chiefs knew the power of the white men's rifles, for they +stepped back a few paces. Some of their followers grasped their clubs +and spears, and courageously awaited their leaders' orders. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmy Blight spoke rapidly. At first his words seemed to enrage the +chiefs, but finally they expostulated. +</P> + +<P> +"What do they say?" +</P> + +<P> +"They are willing to let the brutes free if you promise that your +power'll keep off the—the—you know what I mean, boss, the——" +</P> + +<P> +"Evil eye?"' suggested Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, that's it." +</P> + +<P> +"You can tell them that there's nothing to fear on that score. Let +them know that six men alive are worth something, and that six squashed +to a pulp will do them no earthly good." +</P> + +<P> +Once again Blight turned to the half-pacified chiefs, a rapid exchange +of words followed, and in the end the latter signed to their people to +free the captives from their terrible position. +</P> + +<P> +"That's over, thank God!" ejaculated Mr. McKay with intense fervour. +"Tell the chiefs I'm going to make them a present," and putting his +rifle to his shoulder he fired six shots in the air in rapid succession. +</P> + +<P> +Astonishment held the natives spell-bound; they had never before seen a +magazine rifle discharged. The sharp "crack" of the weapon, its +smokelessness, and the peculiar screech of the nickel bullets filled +them with awe, and with great hesitation they accepted the six empty +cartridge-cases as an exchange for the release of the intended victims. +</P> + +<P> +"They've given you a tally, boss," observed Blight. "They call you +'The Wonder that Breathes Fire.'" +</P> + +<P> +"I hope they will bear it in mind then," replied Mr. McKay. "Now let +them proceed with the launching operations. When all is ready we will +set sail. By the by, what was that noise we heard last night?" he +inquired, turning to the ex-pearler. +</P> + +<P> +"Noise! What noise, boss?" +</P> + +<P> +"A kind of prolonged roar of distant thunder. Twice it occurred." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh! I know what you mean. We don't take no notice of it in these +parts. It's the 'Barking Sands.' See yon hills?"—pointing to a ridge +of sand dunes about sixty feet in height. "The stuff's slippery like, +and often it rolls down, and makes a row. There's a sight of other +islands about here like it." +</P> + +<P> +Half-an-hour later a flotilla of nine canoes, crowded with armed +natives, paddled slowly towards the entrance of the lagoon. As they +passed the white men's craft, their paddles rose in the air to the +accompaniment of a sonorous salute. +</P> + +<P> +Then, as the dripping anchor rose clear of the water, the breeze filled +the sails of the yawl, and she, too, started to play her part in the +hazardous enterprise. +</P> + +<P> +Another five hours would decide whether Ahii would fall into the hands +of its former possessors, and, what was still more important, the fate +of the little band from McKay's Island. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap12"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +AT BAY +</H4> + +<P> +Once clear of the reef, the canoes ceased paddling, and the brown +cocoa-fibre sails were hoisted. +</P> + +<P> +The yawl, by reason of her superior spread of canvas, soon forged ahead +till, drawing in line with the largest canoe, in which were Blight and +the head man of the tribe, the speed was regulated so as to keep within +hailing distance of the ex-pearler. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay had already been given a rough chart of the island of Ahii. +Like their own island and Ni Atong, Ahii was surrounded by a reef, only +that on the eastern side the rocky barrier practically touched the +shore. There were four large passages through the reef, two on the +southern side—which they were approaching—one on the western, and the +fourth on the northern. +</P> + +<P> +The summit of Ahii was clearly visible from Ni Atong, and as the +flotilla neared the island its peculiarities could be gradually +discerned. It was considerably larger than McKay's Island, and +composed chiefly of a dark brown rock, its flat portions covered with +verdure. The general outline resembled a saddle, the higher of the two +peaks being over two thousand feet above the sea. +</P> + +<P> +But in place of the glistening sands of McKay's Island there was a +beach of black sand, apparently the ground-up deposit of lava, for from +the lower of the two peaks a thin cloud of smoke was emitted, showing +that Ahii was still an active volcano. +</P> + +<P> +At the western termination of the beach was perceived the entrance to a +small creek, while beyond this opening low, dark-coloured cliffs rose +sheer from the sea. +</P> + +<P> +The approach of the invaders was observed long before the flotilla +reached the entrance of the lagoon, and by the aid of their telescopes +and field-glasses the crew of the yawl saw that the beach was lined +with warriors, armed with formidable beak-headed clubs, long spears and +oblong shields, the natives being bedecked with barbaric finery and +plentifully bedaubed with paint and ochre. +</P> + +<P> +"That's their boat harbour," shouted Blight, pointing to the creek. +"Their canoes are drawn up on the banks about half-a-mile up the river. +The village is on the port side. Shall I tell our men to push right in +and burn their blessed canoes?" +</P> + +<P> +"No," replied Mr. McKay. "I don't want unnecessary violence; besides, +if their canoes are destroyed, how can they leave the island? Let our +boats remain about two hundred yards from shore. You will then stand +in the chief's canoe and tell the natives to clear out. Say that we +give them till midday. Otherwise we must open fire on them." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you don't want these fellows to have a set-to?" +</P> + +<P> +"No! No bloodshed unless it cannot possibly be avoided. Now carry on +and we'll be ready to open fire to cover your retreat if they give +trouble." +</P> + +<P> +Blight could not but obey. The chief's canoe was paddled slowly +towards the shore, the natives regarding the late inhabitants of Ahii +with contemptuous gestures not unmingled with curiosity. They expected +a mad rush, a fierce conflict on the shore, and an easy victory; but +the apparently timorous approach of a solitary canoe mystified them. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-102"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-102.jpg" ALT="THE CHIEF'S CANOE WAS PADDLED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE SHORE" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +THE CHIEF'S CANOE WAS PADDLED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE SHORE +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +The ex-pearler stood up and shouted to the hostile chiefs. Whether he +gave Mr. McKay's message in a conciliatory manner the Australian was +not in a position to ascertain. More than likely, Blight, with a white +man's contempt for "niggers," put his own construction upon the +request, for before he had spoken half-a-dozen sentences there was a +blood-curdling yell, and a shower of stones was hurled at the canoe. +</P> + +<P> +The crew paddled out of range, while their companions, with loud +counter-shouts of defiance, urged their boat to the attack, till by +dint of much hand-waving Mr. McKay kept them temporarily in check. +</P> + +<P> +"They've asked us to come ashore and be made into 'big pig,'" shouted +Blight. "Shall we let our men loose?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not here," replied Mr. McKay. "Paddle along the shore and we'll make +a landing as far from the village as possible. That will give the +enemy a chance to clear out if they get the worst of it." +</P> + +<P> +Headed by the yawl, the little fleet kept parallel with the shore, a +crowd of about two thousand armed savages keeping pace with the +invaders, yelling, dancing, brandishing their weapons, and hurling the +direst insults of which the natives were capable at their apparently +inferior enemies. +</P> + +<P> +"It must be a sharp lesson, lads," observed Mr. McKay. "What wouldn't +I give for a Maxim or an automatic Colt. Ellerton, you take the helm +and keep the boat just so, no nearer to shore." +</P> + +<P> +The flotilla was now abreast of that part of the beach that was +terminated by the cliffs. Here the flat shore consisted of a +wedge-shaped piece of ground, so narrow that the enemy was unable to +take due advantage of its superiority in numbers. The rapid fire of +four magazine rifles would play havoc with the dense serried ranks of +bronzed and painted warriors, but still Mr. McKay refrained from making +the first advance. +</P> + +<P> +"Let them fight it out between themselves," he shouted to Blight, who, +however eager he was to send the natives to the fight, did not show any +strong inclination to lead them. "We'll open fire if our fellows get +the worst of it." +</P> + +<P> +It was plainly impossible to keep the invaders in hand. With a roar of +defiance that momentarily drowned the yells of their more numerous +adversaries, the natives urged their canoes towards the shore. +</P> + +<P> +Then, as craft after craft grounded upon the beach, their crews dropped +paddles, grasped their clubs and spears, and plunged waist deep into +the water. +</P> + +<P> +It was a veritable struggle between a host of bronzed paladins. +</P> + +<P> +Clubs met with a loud and ponderous clang, spears met shields or else +found a softer billet, while those of the defenders of the island who +could not gain the van hurled enormous stones over the heads of their +foremost ranks at their vindictive foes. +</P> + +<P> +Above the shouts of the combatants could be heard the shrieks of the +desperately wounded. +</P> + +<P> +Several received serious wounds on both sides, yet save in extreme +cases, they bore their hurts bravely, returning to the fray with the +utmost determination, till failing strength caused them to drop, still +fighting so long as they could wield a club or thrust with a spear. +</P> + +<P> +Twice the rightful inhabitants of Ahii gained a footing on the shore, +and twice were they swept back by the weight of numbers, for as fast as +one of the defenders fell, another filled his place, while on the other +hand the invaders had no reserves. True, there were the white men, but +it was impossible to wield a rifle without serious consequence to +friend as well as foe. +</P> + +<P> +"How these fellows fight!" exclaimed Andy. "They simply won't give +way; they'll be exterminated." +</P> + +<P> +"It's fighting for fighting's sake," replied his father. "We must chip +in or we'll find ourselves opposed to the whole island without a native +to help us. Luff her up, Ellerton. That's right; now keep her as she +is." +</P> + +<P> +The yawl moved slowly in the opposite direction to her previous course, +though still parallel with the shore. By this means the scene of the +actual struggle was passed and only the serried rearguard of the +defenders was abeam. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, lads, aim low!" +</P> + +<P> +The four rifles opened a rapid fire. It seemed like butchery, yet, as +Mr. McKay had said, there was no alternative. Twenty human beings +cannot stop a modern rifle-bullet fired at one hundred yards' range. +</P> + +<P> +The defence seemed to melt away, and with redoubled shouts of triumph +the friendly natives started in pursuit of the fugitives, knocking over +the head all who were overtaken. +</P> + +<P> +"If those fellows won't keep in hand, they will be in danger of being +cut off," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "We must follow our friends up. +Ellerton, you stay on board, and keep our craft underway." +</P> + +<P> +Hurriedly the two McKays, Terence, and Quexo jumped into the tender, +rowed ashore, and followed the ghastly trail of the victorious natives. +</P> + +<P> +It was a hazardous undertaking, for some of the fugitives had fled +inland instead of following their main body in their retreat upon the +village. At any moment these might rally and fall upon the little band +of white men, the dense scrub being favourable for such tactics. +</P> + +<P> +There was no sign of Jimmy Blight. He had not accompanied the natives +in their first attack, although he was known to have been in the +chief's canoe, nor had he made his appearance when the white party +landed. +</P> + +<P> +"Keep a bright look-out, lads," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Have your +revolvers ready. They are more serviceable than rifles here." +</P> + +<P> +At almost every yard of the way lay natives either dead or grievously +wounded. Many of the latter were bold enough to attempt to rise and +threaten the white men. So far as possible, the wounded were ignored, +greatly to their surprise, for a savage rarely gives and never expects +quarter. +</P> + +<P> +Once or twice, however, a warrior would spring to his feet after the +white men had passed, and with his remaining energy throw his club or +spear at his enemies. In that case it became necessary to silence the +desperate native for ever. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly from the shelter of a dense belt of scrub three powerful +blacks dashed upon Quexo, who had strayed a few yards behind the rest +of the party. +</P> + +<P> +The mulatto raised his revolver and fired, and a huge native sprang a +good three feet in the air and tumbled on his face. But ere Quexo +could repeat his shot a triple-barbed spear pierced his shoulder. He +fell, the weapon still embedded in his flesh. +</P> + +<P> +The man who had thrown the lance drew a stone knife, and threw himself +upon the prostrate mulatto, while the third native raised his club to +complete the business. +</P> + +<P> +With admirable presence of mind Quexo shot the man with the club, who +in his fall completely covered the hapless mulatto. +</P> + +<P> +Alarmed by the first shot, Mr. McKay and the two lads ran to the aid of +their companion, but ere they emerged from the bush a third shot rang +out, and the savage who had hurled the spear at the mulatto fell shot +through the head. +</P> + +<P> +Then as Andy rushed to the spot where Quexo lay, Jimmy Blight stepped +from the cover of a group of palm trees. +</P> + +<P> +"Not a bad shot, eh, boss?" he exclaimed, as he thrust fresh cartridges +into his revolver. "You'd best get your young fellow on board as quick +as you can, I reckon." +</P> + +<P> +Quexo was groaning dismally, now the actual struggle was over. The +triple spear-head had made a ghastly wound in his shoulder, for in his +fall the haft had broken off short. Mr. McKay managed to extract it +skilfully. +</P> + +<P> +In the midst of their misfortunes the roar of the combatants came +nearer and nearer. The enemy had rallied; the savages were driving +back their attackers. Already men were streaming by, flying for their +lives. +</P> + +<P> +"Guess we'd best hook it," exclaimed Blight. +</P> + +<P> +"Bear a hand, Andy," said his father, as he pointed to his helpless +servant. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't be a fool, boss!" shouted the ex-pearler, who was already +beginning to retire. "He's about done for, and we'll be the same if we +stop. Come along!" +</P> + +<P> +"Not I," replied Mr. McKay sturdily. "You go if you want to. Come on, +Andy, move him across to yonder thicket. We'll make a last stand here +if it comes to the worst." +</P> + +<P> +Something in Mr. McKay's reply must have appealed to the better nature +of this low-down specimen of the white race, for, turning swiftly on +his heel, he returned. Kneeling beside the unconscious man he helped +himself to his bandolier, revolver, and rifle. +</P> + +<P> +Without another word the four men lifted Quexo to the shelter of the +trees, and quietly and resolutely made ready to receive the horde of +triumphant savages. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap13"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +ELLERTON TO THE RESCUE +</H4> + +<P> +Already the last of the fugitives had passed, rushing blindly for the +shelter of their canoes, and the foremost of their pursuers were +emerging from the clearing. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, cool in the time of extreme peril, calculated that only +about a hundred of their allies remained alive, while, making due +allowance for the tremendous execution, there were at least a thousand +bloodthirsty foes. Four against a thousand! +</P> + +<P> +"Don't fire yet!" he whispered. +</P> + +<P> +The main body of the savages crossed the clearing at breakneck rate, +and disappeared in the direction of the beach, but others came at a +more leisurely pace, examining those of the fugitives who had fallen. +Those who showed signs of life were bound hand and foot, for what +purpose the white men had no doubt whatever. +</P> + +<P> +Presently the keen eye of one of the savages caught a glimpse of one of +the rifle barrels. The man was evidently a chief, for, in addition to +his coat of paint, he wore a short cloak of feathers. +</P> + +<P> +Without a moment's hesitation the savage uttered a loud shout and ran +straight in the direction of the white men, followed, at a distance of +about twenty paces, by some fifty yelling natives. +</P> + +<P> +"You take that fellow, Blight!" exclaimed Mr. McKay quietly. +</P> + +<P> +Blight raised his rifle to his shoulder, took a sight in the centre of +the chief's broad chest, and pressed the trigger. +</P> + +<P> +"Missed, by smoke!" he cried, for the man came on steadily. +</P> + +<P> +It was the work of a few seconds to open and close the bolt of the +rifle, and in that time the chief still ran on; but before Blight could +discharge his weapon a second time, the native's knees appeared to give +way, and he pitched headlong on his face. +</P> + +<P> +All four men were firing fast into the hostile press. The rush was +stopped, although some of the savages came near enough to hurl their +spears, several of which stuck in the trunks of the palm trees behind +which the little band took shelter. +</P> + +<P> +Many of the attackers fled for safety, others did not deign to run, but +retired slowly, brandishing their weapons at their enemies as they did +so. Some paid for their rashness, for it was a case of fighting for +existence, and every native put out of action told. +</P> + +<P> +"The beggars are going to corral us," exclaimed Blight. "See, they are +running round to our left." +</P> + +<P> +A couple of volleys drove the natives back still farther, yet without +attempting to take cover they continued their tactics of trying to cut +off their enemies' retreat. +</P> + +<P> +The South Sea Islanders rarely resort to strategy in actual fighting. +They may, indeed, take steps to surround their enemies, and then charge +fearlessly to close quarters. +</P> + +<P> +The white men were even now surrounded, for the advanced body, having +failed to prevent the embarkation of the discomfited invaders, had been +attracted by the sound of the firing and had completed the hostile +cordon. +</P> + +<P> +In the lull that ensued, Mr. McKay contrived to place a temporary +bandage over Quexo's shoulder. The mulatto was still unconscious, but +showed no symptoms of having been poisoned by the spear thrust. +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder what Hoppy is doing?" remarked Terence, after moistening his +parched lips with a draught from his water-bottle. "I guess he's in a +terrible stew." +</P> + +<P> +"He may manage to make our friends attempt another attack. If so, we +can bolt for the shore; though I'm not going to put much faith in +that," replied Mr. McKay. "They've had too much of a licking, I fancy." +</P> + +<P> +"Pity you didn't let us burn those blessed canoes, boss; these black +rascals will be able to follow our craft now." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, I admit I erred on the side of mercy, Mr. Blight," was the reply. +"It's my fault, and I must take the blame." +</P> + +<P> +"That comes o' being so mighty particular," retorted the ex-pearler +bluntly. "If we come out o' this I guess your opinion of a nigger will +have an almighty change. Now, stand by, for here they come." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't be taken alive, lads," continued Mr. McKay, and the next instant +the rifle-fire reopened. +</P> + +<P> +Upon the dense masses of natives every shot told, yet having only one +rifle for each front the fire was not sufficiently extended to keep the +advancing enemy at bay. +</P> + +<P> +The air was filled with shouts and shrieks, while stones and spears +flew in deadly showers. Once the magazines were empty there was no +time to recharge. The heated rifles were flung aside and the revolvers +were brought into use. +</P> + +<P> +The four men shot rapidly and well, the heavy lead bullets stopping the +headlong rush far more effectively than did the nickel rifle ammunition. +</P> + +<P> +Once again the attack failed, the savages drawing off and leaving at +least fifty of their number dead or wounded on the field. Not one of +the enemy had got within twenty yards of the death-dealing weapons of +the white men. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, boss," gasped Blight, as he bound a discoloured silk handkerchief +round a spear-scratch on his left wrist. "Shall we make a bolt for it? +We can fight our way to the shore." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay pointed to the still unconscious Quexo. +</P> + +<P> +"Put a bullet through his head. He won't feel it. Why should we chuck +away our chance for a wounded nigger?" +</P> + +<P> +"Look here, Mr. Blight, I've told you before you can go if you want to. +Here are two revolvers you can take; there's a good chance now, so go, +and good luck to you! I must stay here—what do you say, lads?" +</P> + +<P> +Terence and Andy grimly signified their intention of remaining with +their stricken comrade. +</P> + +<P> +Blight saw there was a chance, but, in his opinion, far from a good one. +</P> + +<P> +Although the spot the little band had chosen for their stand was within +a hundred yards of the sea, to return to where the canoes had landed +their armed contents was at least a quarter of a mile distant. +</P> + +<P> +Then, again, directly he left cover and began to run, a hundred natives +would join in the pursuit. Even could he manage to fight his way +through the ring and outstrip his pursuers, there was a long swim in +front of him. +</P> + +<P> +Good swimmer though he was, Blight recognised that he was decidedly +inferior in speed to the amphibious natives. +</P> + +<P> +"I see it's no go, boss," he exclaimed. "So let's stick at it to the +end. Come on, you black fiends!" he added, shaking his fist at the +dark masses of warriors, as they prepared to renew the attack. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't waste a single shot," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Here's the main +attack, so direct a combined fire in that direction, till they get +within fifty yards. Then each man must look to his front and do his +best." +</P> + +<P> +The words were scarcely spoken ere the fierce yells of the savages +redoubled, and the rush began. +</P> + +<P> +Scorning to take advantage of the slightest bit of cover, they raced +furiously, leaping over the low scrub that would have stopped a +civilised race. +</P> + +<P> +Then the rattle of the rifle-fire rose above the shouts of the natives. +Scores were hit, some falling on the spot, others running several yards +ere their strength failed, while many of the wounded, in their mad +thirst for vengeance, staggered after their comrades in an endeavour to +launch themselves upon the white men. +</P> + +<P> +No longer was there need to raise rifle to shoulder. Firing from the +hip, the little knot of desperate men emptied their magazines into the +throng of natives, then, casting aside their rifles, as before, they +grasped their revolvers, hardly daring to hope to check the headlong +rush. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly to an accompaniment of a peculiar screech, a trail of thin +smoke flashed earthwards from the sky. Then, with a terrific report, +an explosion took place right in the middle of the surging pack of +savages, and ere the cloud of dense, suffocating smoke cleared away, +the natives fled in all directions. Some, indeed, were so terrified +that they fell flat on their faces, clapping their hands to their ears +to shut out the echoes of the thunderous report. +</P> + +<P> +Those who were on the remote side of the encircling body of natives, +though far from the scene of the explosion, were also seized with +panic, and the whole crowd, save those who had been hit or were too +dazed to move, fled helter-skelter for the village. +</P> + +<P> +For a full minute none of the white men spoke. Terence and Andy looked +with utter amazement at the retreating foes; Mr. McKay and Blight, more +hardened in peril, seized the opportunity to thrust fresh clips of +cartridges into their magazines. +</P> + +<P> +"Guess a gunboat's been dropping a shell," observed Blight, who was the +first to break the long-drawn silence. +</P> + +<P> +"You are wrong," replied Mr. McKay quietly. "A shell would never throw +out a cloud of smoke like that; it's not the colour of lyddite either." +</P> + +<P> +"Then what is it? Who fired it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Young Ellerton," was the astonishing reply. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay was correct in his surmise. Ellerton, on seeing his +companions start in support of their coloured allies, was not +altogether at his ease. He kept tacking the yawl, so as to be within +easy distance of the landing-place in case of a hasty retreat on the +part of the invaders. +</P> + +<P> +Gradually the sounds of the running fight died away; but no report of +firearms served to show that the white men had got in touch with their +foes. +</P> + +<P> +Seen from seaward the scrub seemed almost so thick as to be impassable. +Mr. McKay and his companions were literally swallowed up in the +trackless waste that lay beyond the low range of cliffs. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton looked around at the canoes. Beyond a man left in each as a +boat-keeper they were deserted. Blight had vanished; when and where +the young Englishman knew not. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly the distant report of a revolver burst upon his ears. He knew +it to be a pistol shot, for it had not the short, sharp crack of a +rifle. That meant foes at close quarters. Then came two other reports +in quick succession, followed by a prolonged silence. +</P> + +<P> +The firing reassured him. He realised that his friends were not with +their savage allies, and that they were, in consequence, between the +village and the beach. Rightly enough he guessed that they were +dealing with a party of stragglers, the noise of only three shots and +the absence of rifle-fire showed that the conflict was brief and +decisive. +</P> + +<P> +The youth tacked once more, and steered eastward along the beach. +Again the long silence filled him with a nameless anxiety. He +regretted the evil day when Blight and the natives came to McKay's +Island; but in the circumstances nothing else could be done. They had +put their hand to the plough; there was no turning back. +</P> + +<P> +Then, gradually but surely, came the sound of the natives still engaged +in conflict, unaccompanied by the report of firearms. There was no +mistaking it. Their allies were being driven back; but where were the +white men? +</P> + +<P> +Nearer and nearer came the sounds of the retreating natives and their +pursuers, till the foremost of the fugitives gained the shore. Jumping +into their canoes they pushed off, panic-stricken and utterly fatigued. +Then came the main body, a sorry remnant at most, grimly fighting their +foes at almost every step. +</P> + +<P> +Waist deep in water they fought, till the survivors contrived to escape +in their boats. Two canoes were left unmanned, their solitary +occupants paddling laboriously out of the reach of their foes. +</P> + +<P> +Nor did the pursuit cease at the water's edge, for several of the enemy +dashed boldly into the waves and swam after the retreating craft. +</P> + +<P> +One of the latter was, indeed, overtaken, and a desperate struggle +ensued between the rival natives, till the crew of another canoe, +seeing their companions' plight, returned and saved them from being +wiped out. +</P> + +<P> +Then the flotilla moved well out into the lagoon, and took up a +position beyond the yawl, the natives, many of them badly wounded, +being too exhausted to paddle another stroke. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton was now confronted with a real peril. His friends, if alive, +were cut off; he was unable to gather any tidings from the natives, who +replied to his gestures by grunts and meaningless exclamations. +</P> + +<P> +Just then came the rattle of musketry. At all events, Mr. McKay and +his party were still in a position to offer resistance, but against +what odds? +</P> + +<P> +Just then the wind, hitherto light, died utterly away. Ellerton knew +nothing about the motor, and he himself was now in a position of peril. +Unable to move, save by using a sweep, which was hard work, he was at +the mercy of the savages, who, lining the shore, had realised his +predicament, and were preparing to swim off and carry the yawl by storm. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton had plenty of rifles and revolvers, but even then he could not +hope to keep the mob of foes at bay. +</P> + +<P> +Seizing a rifle, he sprang upon the cabin-top and opened fire. It was +a fairly long range—some six hundred yards—but Ellerton gauged the +distance to a nicety; with the correct elevation, missing a man in that +throng was about an impossibility. A commotion showed that the shot +had taken effect. Another with equally good result! Ellerton again +felt the lust of battle. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly, in the midst of his cool and deliberate firing, a blow from +the boom nearly knocked the youth overboard. The breeze had again +sprung up. +</P> + +<P> +Recovering himself by grasping the main shrouds, Ellerton laid his +rifle on the deck and jumped into the cockpit. He meant to steer along +the coast towards the village, and, if possible, aid his friends by a +long, dropping fire. +</P> + +<P> +His progress was slow, the wind being still light, and ere the yawl had +travelled a hundred yards the firing on shore died away. +</P> + +<P> +What did it mean? He thought. Were his companions at length +overwhelmed by dint of numbers? If so he would take revenge; he would +cruise up and down the shore and blaze away so long as a savage +remained on the beach, or a cartridge remained on board. +</P> + +<P> +And after? He gave but a brief thought to that—a solitary existence +on a boat far from the little island he regarded as his home—but the +thought filled him with the rage of despair. +</P> + +<P> +Steering by means of the tiller between his knees, Ellerton headed +diagonally towards the shore, at the same time charging the magazines +of half-a-dozen rifles. +</P> + +<P> +While thus engaged, to his astonishment and delight the sound of firing +was resumed, the scene of action being nearly abreast of where the yawl +was steering. He immediately hove-to, and again ascending the +cabin-top, looked ashore. The scrub and several small groves of +cocoanut palms prevented him from seeing the combatants, and on this +account he refrained from opening a dropping fire, for fear of harming +his friends. +</P> + +<P> +He was in a helpless state of perplexity till all at once a thought +struck him which gave him new-born hope. +</P> + +<P> +The night he and Andy kept watch on board, in the lagoon of McKay's +Island, they had taken some rockets to use should they require +assistance. These rockets were of the ordinary sea-pattern, making a +loud explosion by means of a small charge of gun-cotton. +</P> + +<P> +Hurriedly Ellerton fixed one of the rockets so that it would assume a +curved flight instead of soaring upwards, then turning the vessel's +course till the direction of the projectile would be as near as +possible towards the scene of action, he discharged the novel weapon. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +<SPAN STYLE="letter-spacing: 4em">*****</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P> +"That was a lucky thought of yours, Ellerton, my boy," exclaimed Mr. +McKay, when the little party was safely on board. "They scooted like +rabbits. But, by Jove! it was a narrow squeak." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap14"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +ROUTING THE SAVAGES +</H4> + +<P> +There was not the slightest doubt about it. The expedition had failed +disastrously. Quexo was badly wounded, the white men all more or less +exhausted, while barely forty utterly demoralised natives were cowering +in their canoes. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we can't stay here," remarked Mr. McKay, after the mulatto's +hurts had been dressed and the wounded man placed on one of the bunks. +"They will be starting in pursuit, I'm thinking, and so, Mr. Blight, +will you tell those black rascals to man two of their canoes and +destroy the others? By that means we may be able to get the survivors +back to Ni Atong." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay's opinion of the ex-pearler was undergoing a change. No +doubt the man was a bit of a scoundrel, he thought, but he was older +and possibly more of a reformed character than in the old days in +Torres Strait. He had certainly fought well and had impressed the lads +as a resolute and cautious combatant. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll tell 'em, boss," he replied. "But, by snakes, it's a bad +look-out." +</P> + +<P> +"It is," assented Mr. McKay, as he prepared to go below and bind up a +slight wound on his shoulder. "Your friends will have to be content +with Ni Atong for a while, I'm thinking." +</P> + +<P> +Andy was also in the cabin, where he was attending to a surface wound +on his forehead—the legacy of one of the savages' showers of +stones—so only Terence and Ellerton remained on deck with the +ex-pearler. +</P> + +<P> +"Couldn't the boss bring over the rest of your pals and settle our +score with those niggers?" +</P> + +<P> +"What pals?"' asked Terence, taken aback by the suddenness of the +question. +</P> + +<P> +"Why, the other chaps on your island." +</P> + +<P> +"There are none," replied Terence. +</P> + +<P> +Barely had the words escaped him, when he realised that he had made an +admission. He had revealed the comparative weakness of the defences of +McKay's Island. +</P> + +<P> +"Oh! Is that so?" was the rejoinder. +</P> + +<P> +Blight said no more on the subject, for the yawl was now within hailing +distance of the forlorn flotilla. +</P> + +<P> +The natives accepted their white companion's orders without demur. The +two most serviceable canoes were brought up with their full complement, +and the rest were scuttled till they floated awash—useless to friend +or foe. Then with a light breeze the three craft—the yawl leading the +forlorn procession—headed for the opening in the reef. +</P> + +<P> +Jimmy Blight was thinking. He was not of a thinking nature, but +scheming and plotting were the only intellectual subjects in which he +excelled. In fact, he was a past master in the art of intrigue. +</P> + +<P> +He briefly summed up the situation and enlarged upon it. His house and +store at Ahii were in the hands of a hostile race of savages. His +wealth of copra and other valuable native products had vanished. +</P> + +<P> +Had his black friends been able to regain possession of Ahii, he would +not have hesitated to incite them to fall treacherously upon the white +men from McKay's Island, and the doubtless valuable stores of that +place would be his. Now, with fewer than forty of his savage friends +at his command, the risk was too great—at least at present. +</P> + +<P> +No, he must wait his time, return to Ni Atong, and endeavour to find an +opportunity of surprising and slaying the handful of whites. If only +he dared! With a fully charged revolver he might make a sudden +attack—— +</P> + +<P> +This wicked scheming was suddenly interrupted by a shout from one of +the canoes. The keen-eyed savages had detected an ominous movement +ashore. Their enemies were launching their canoes in pursuit of their +discomfited adversaries. +</P> + +<P> +"Say, boss!" exclaimed the ex-pearler, as Mr. McKay emerged from the +little cabin. "What's to be done now? There ain't no wind, in a +manner o' speaking, and those reptiles'll overhaul us hand over fist." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay did not reply at first, but anxiously scanned the shore with +his glasses. +</P> + +<P> +"There are seven canoes," he announced. "Three for us to tackle and +two for each canoe. 'Tis long odds, but I reckon we'll come out on top." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not get aboard the canoes, and let this 'ere packet go?" asked +Blight. "There'll be more chance with the blacks using their paddles. +It'll be a flat calm in a minute or so." +</P> + +<P> +"No," replied Mr. McKay. "We'll fight it out as we are, though we've +had quite enough for one day." +</P> + +<P> +The crews of the two friendly canoes were still lying on their paddles, +realising that their only hope was in remaining by the white man's +boat. Their indifference had vanished, and weapons were brandished in +a way that showed a grim determination to fight to the death. +</P> + +<P> +"Tell them to paddle for all they are worth," exclaimed Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"What for?" demanded Blight, his old aggressive manner beginning to +return. "What's the use? Let's keep together, I vote." +</P> + +<P> +"I mean to," replied Mr. McKay coolly. "Now do as I tell you." +</P> + +<P> +Sullenly the ex-pearler obeyed, and the natives, plying their paddles +to the accompaniment of a mournful chant, soon increased the distance +between them and the almost becalmed yawl. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Andy, start the motor." +</P> + +<P> +Great was Blight's astonishment as the engine began to purr, and the +little craft shot through the water at a good eight knots. He had +never seen an internal combustion engine before. Although motor-driven +craft are common amongst the pearling and trading fleets in the +Pacific, he had left the fishing-grounds some years before the first +motor had made its appearance. +</P> + +<P> +Nor was the wonder of the crews of the friendly canoes any the less. +To them the white man's boat, vomiting clouds of vapour from the +exhaust and producing a series of rapid explosions, was nothing more or +less than a fiery-dragon. +</P> + +<P> +"We are going the pace too much," remarked Andy, for the yawl was +easily outdistancing the canoes, whose crews were showing signs of +physical distress. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, we must stand by them," replied his father. "See, our pursuers +are gaining; you are quite sure the motor is thoroughly tuned up, I +hope?" +</P> + +<P> +"Running like clockwork," was Andy's enthusiastic reply. +</P> + +<P> +"Good! Now, lads, it's revolvers for this business. Get the canvas +off her, then. Keep well under cover; I'm going to ram the leading +canoe." +</P> + +<P> +The sails were quickly stowed, and the bowsprit run in. The five men, +revolvers in hand, kept in the cockpit so as to be sheltered by the +raised roof of the cabin. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Ellerton, how's your nerve?" +</P> + +<P> +"Perfectly fit." +</P> + +<P> +"Then put your helm over when I give the word and strike yonder canoe +square amidships." +</P> + +<P> +The pursuers had trailed out in a long, straggling line, a couple of +hundred yards separating the foremost from the second. +</P> + +<P> +On they came, fearlessly. Ellerton could see the foam flying from the +sharp prow, the muscular backs of the straining oarsmen, and hear the +steady yet rapid thud of the paddles. Now he could discern the whites +of the eyes of the fierce-looking warriors who were gathering in her +lofty bows. +</P> + +<P> +"Make due allowance for the way she carries," cautioned Mr. McKay. +"Now, hard over!" +</P> + +<P> +The youth at the helm put all his strength against the tiller. The +yawl rolled outward as she turned, then recovering herself rushed +straight for her gigantic antagonist. +</P> + +<P> +With a yell of defiance the savages let fly a shower of arrows and +stones. The masts and deck were literally bristling with darts, while +the stones rolled like hail upon the planks. +</P> + +<P> +Under the protection of the cabin-top the white men escaped the deadly +volley, but Ellerton, gripping the tiller with a vice-like grip, felt a +hot, stinging pain in his left arm. +</P> + +<P> +Then, crash! Fair in the centre of the lightly-built fifty-feet hull +struck the sharp stem. There was a terrific splintering of wood and +the gurgling sound of inrushing water, while at the same time the fore +part of the yawl was crowded with a score of black fiends. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-124"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-124.jpg" ALT="CRASH! FAIR IN THE CENTRE OF THE LIGHTLY BUILT FIFTY-FEET HULL STRUCK THE SHARP STEM" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +CRASH! FAIR IN THE CENTRE OF THE LIGHTLY BUILT <BR> +FIFTY-FEET HULL STRUCK THE SHARP STEM +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +Then the revolvers barked, and the living mob of savages melted away, +and the next instant the yawl was ploughing her way over the shattered +remains of the war-canoe. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah!" shouted the crew. "Now for the next!" +</P> + +<P> +But the second canoe, profiting by her consort's misfortunes, turned +and paddled rapidly back, to obtain the support of the third. +</P> + +<P> +With a difference of barely one knot in speed the advantage of the +motor-driven vessel was lost, so the crew had to be content to keep out +of range of the arrows and pour in volleys from the rifles. +</P> + +<P> +It was a stern lesson, but one that was absolutely necessary, for the +remaining canoes turned tail and paddled hurriedly for the shore. +</P> + +<P> +The sharp and short conflict was ended by the return of the two +friendly canoes, whose crews, with true savage instinct, completed the +work of destruction by spearing every man whose head remained above +water. +</P> + +<P> +"Capitally done, Ellerton!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. "You—Why, what's the +matter with the lad?" +</P> + +<P> +The lad's face had turned a ghastly greyish hue, and only Andy's prompt +action saved him from falling upon the grating of the cockpit. +</P> + +<P> +"Look! He's hit!" said Andy, pointing to Ellerton's left arm, which +had hitherto been concealed. +</P> + +<P> +In a trice Mr. McKay cut away the wounded youth's shirt-sleeve. The +arrow had gone through the fleshy part of his forearm, the barb +projecting quite a couple of inches. +</P> + +<P> +"Hold his arm as firmly as you can," said Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +Then, grasping the haft of the missile, he dexterously snapped it in +two. In spite of his care and skill, the slight motion caused the lad +to utter a groan; but the worst was still to come. +</P> + +<P> +Lubricating the broken shaft with some cocoanut oil, Mr. McKay told +Andy and Terence to hold Ellerton's arm tightly, so as to compress the +veins and arteries, and consequently numb the limb. Then with a rapid +and deliberate motion he laid hold of the barbed end and drew the +fragment of the missile through the wound. With a low moan Ellerton +fainted. +</P> + +<P> +"Couldn't be better," remarked Mr. McKay. "Now, lads, take him into +the cabin, and start the stove as fast as you can. I'm afraid the +arrow is poisoned." +</P> + +<P> +Andy and Terence lifted their comrade upon one of the bunks opposite to +that on which Quexo was peacefully slumbering. Mr. McKay had given the +mulatto a strong sleeping draught; he now took up a rifle, and, +withdrawing the cleaning rod, snapped it close to the "worm." +</P> + +<P> +"You might take the helm, Blight," he remarked. "You know the course? +I shall be busy for half an hour or so." +</P> + +<P> +Blight nodded. Left alone, he gave a glimpse at the compass, put the +tiller up till the vessel lay on her proper course, and motioned to the +two canoes to follow. +</P> + +<P> +Then he resumed his meditations. Everything seemed in his favour. +Half a dozen revolvers, thrown down after the fight, were within hand's +reach. In the cabin were two wounded persons and three totally +unsuspecting unarmed men. And close by were the two canoes containing +his coloured associates. What could be easier? +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap15"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +A KNIFE-THRUST IN THE DARK +</H4> + +<P> +More than once Blight bent over the array of death-dealing weapons, but +on each occasion his nerve failed him. +</P> + +<P> +Accustomed as he was to deal swiftly with the natives, never hesitating +to shoot down any black creature that thwarted him, he shrank from +tackling his intended victims. +</P> + +<P> +Not from feelings of compunction did he pause; he was a coward at +heart, and the thought of a possible failure filled him with a horrible +dread. So, nervously sawing at the tiller, he gnawed his lower lip and +formed fresh plans for evil. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Mr. McKay, unconscious of his peril, proceeded with his +preparations. He deeply regretted the fact that the case of surgical +instruments salved from the <I>San Martin</I> was at that moment—like the +Dutchman's anchor—left at home, or rather on McKay's Island. In the +final hurry of embarkation that important item had been overlooked. +</P> + +<P> +Grasping the glowing portion of the cleaning rod, Mr. McKay approached +the unconscious lad. Once more telling the other two lads to hold the +patient's arm firmly, he inserted the red-hot metal into the wound. +</P> + +<P> +It was the work of a few seconds, but the operation of cauterising the +wound was accomplished. Time alone would tell whether this rude +surgery was a success or not. +</P> + +<P> +An hour later the low-lying island of Ni Atong was in sight, and just +before sunset the yawl and her two native consorts entered the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +It was a pitiful home-coming. The miserable remnant of the fleet of +canoes told the tale, and already the beach was lined with a crowd of +wailing women and crying children, with a sprinkling of old men, whose +services had been dispensed with on the fatal expedition. +</P> + +<P> +The latter had good cause for being cast down. +</P> + +<P> +In many of the Pacific Islands old age is looked upon as a useless +qualification, and, failing a crowd of prisoners to serve as sacrifices +and to appease the warriors' appetites, it was their aged and infirm +fellow-tribesmen who were doomed to die to keep the angry gods +good-tempered. +</P> + +<P> +"Coming ashore, boss?" asked Blight, as if he did not care one way or +the other. "I can give you a shakedown in my hut." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid we cannot manage it," was the reply. "You see, with our +two patients it is out of the question." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, well! Maybe it will be best, 'specially as them natives are +going to have a bit of a bust-up to-night. You mayn't like it, though +I'm used to it. When do you set sail for your own island?" +</P> + +<P> +"To-morrow at dawn." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay looked up sharply. There was a strange sound about that +"Oh!" The ex-pearler realised that the exclamation was a weak +expression of regret, and hastened to explain. +</P> + +<P> +"I thought as how you would be wanting fresh water, 'specially for your +two young chaps. Make a day of it, and have a spell ashore. One more +day won't make no difference like." +</P> + +<P> +"Possibly not," assented Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Then there are yams and plantains. They'll be rare good for feverish +fellows. You're welcome, you know." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll see what the others say. So now, Blight, my son can row you +ashore." +</P> + +<P> +"This is a present, isn't it, boss?" asked Blight, pointing to the +revolver that he had used to such good purpose at Ahii. +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, I gave it you," was the reply. +</P> + +<P> +"Thanks!" +</P> + +<P> +Blight picked up the weapon and thrust it with assumed carelessness +into his belt; then, bidding the crew of the yawl good night, he +stepped into the dinghy. +</P> + +<P> +Hardly had the sun set, than the wearied crew retired to the cabin for +rest and refreshment. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton was awake, feverish, and at intervals in great pain. Quexo +still slumbered. Andy and Terence were sleepily nodding their heads in +an almost vain endeavour to keep awake. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, though utterly done up, announced his intention of keeping +watch on deck the moment he had finished supper. +</P> + +<P> +Just as the moon rose, a blood-curdling roar came from the island. +Instantly the two McKays and Terence rushed on deck. Fires gleamed in +the centre of the wretched village, and around the flames danced a +hundred natives, yelling, screaming, and invoking their idols. +</P> + +<P> +"What are they up to, pater?" asked Andy, as his father scanned the +shore with a pair of night-glasses. "Let me have a look when you've +finished." +</P> + +<P> +"You had better not," was the reply. "Take my word for it." +</P> + +<P> +The lads understood. They were fairly well acquainted with the hideous +orgies that are practised on these islands. +</P> + +<P> +"And to think we helped those villains," remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Well," admitted his father, "it was, as I said before, the only course +open to us. Now, I think all danger is past. They are not strong +enough to attempt to seize our island, so we can go back with easy +minds." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope so," returned his son. "But my word, it's cost us something!" +</P> + +<P> +"I can't understand that chap Blight," said Terence. "He seemed mighty +curious to know how many of us lived on the island." +</P> + +<P> +"You told him?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes! I let the cat out of the bag, I fear." +</P> + +<P> +"You did?" replied Mi. McKay gravely. "I'm sorry; but perhaps there's +no harm done. However, we'll set sail to-morrow morning in any case. +I, for one, will not be sorry to say good-bye to Mr. Blight. Now, +lads, you must turn in. I'll be all right here; and to-morrow, all +being well, I'll make up arrears of sleep." +</P> + +<P> +Left to himself, Mr. McKay sat in the cockpit and watched the orgies +ashore till the fires died out and the sounds of the worshippers +ceased. Half-an-hour later he appeared, to all intents and purposes, +to be lying in the stern sheets fast asleep. +</P> + +<P> +At about three in the morning the moon, now high in the heavens, threw +her beams upon a strange drama. +</P> + +<P> +Swimming with eel-like swiftness and silence towards the unguarded yawl +came three men. Two were natives, the third a white man, and each had +a glittering knife betwixt his teeth. +</P> + +<P> +Grasping the boat's stern, Blight (for it was he) listened intently. +Then, hearing only the sounds of deep slumber arising from the cabin, +he cautiously placed his foot over the bobstay, and with slow and +stealthy movement hoisted himself clear of the water. +</P> + +<P> +Having made sure that the deck was deserted, he climbed softly upon the +fo'c'sle and proceeded to unfasten his revolver, which he had secured +to the top of his head by means of a strip of cocoa fibre. +</P> + +<P> +Presently he was joined by one of the natives, and at a short interval +by the second. Creeping towards the open skylight the miscreant +listened once more. The loud ticking of the cabin chronometer and the +deep, regular breathing of the sleepers, alone broke the stillness. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly Blight perceived Mr. McKay's form lying with his head buried +in his arm upon one of the seats of the cockpit. This was awkward. He +raised his revolver, then reflected that ere he could reach the cabin +after firing the fatal shot the occupants would be aroused. +</P> + +<P> +Sprawling full length upon the cabin-top, Blight watched the slumbering +victim with considerable misgivings, till realising that Mr. McKay was +sound asleep, he raised himself upon his elbow, and beckoned to the two +natives. Uplifting his knife, Blight made an imaginary thrust, then +pointed meaningly towards the sleeper. +</P> + +<P> +Just then a shark glided past the boat at barely an oar's length. +Rising to the surface it turned on its back and snapped at some +floating object. The sharp, almost metallic snap of those powerful +jaws filled the would-be murderer with alarm. He realised that the +sleeper might awake, and also that his own retreat was cut off. +</P> + +<P> +The sweat poured in torrents from his brow and ran down his chalky +cheeks. But the sleeping man stirred not. +</P> + +<P> +Reassured, Blight again signed to the natives. Knife in hand the two +glided along the narrow waterways, dropping noiselessly into the +cockpit, and crept towards their unsuspecting prey. +</P> + +<P> +Blight, revolver in hand, followed, stopping by the side of the cabin +bulkhead, ready to dive into the cabin and complete the murderous +business the moment the fatal blow was struck. +</P> + +<P> +Like panthers the two natives launched themselves upon their victim, +their knives flashed in the moonlight; the next instant they were +buried to the hilt in the body of the sleeper. +</P> + +<P> +Ere the weapons could be withdrawn, two shots rang out in quick +succession. One of the natives fell face foremost across the coaming +of the cockpit, the other gave a spring and plunged lifeless into the +sea. +</P> + +<P> +Then, before Blight could realise the sudden turn of affairs, he felt +the contact of the muzzle of a smoking revolver against his temple. +</P> + +<P> +"Hands up, Blight!" exclaimed Mr. McKay resolutely. +</P> + +<P> +The would-be murderer's weapon fell from his nerveless grasp and +immediately his hands were raised high above his head. +</P> + +<P> +The noise of the firing had aroused the sleeping inmates of the cabin, +and Andy, Terence, and even Ellerton rushed through the narrow doorway +into the well. +</P> + +<P> +"Get hold of a few pieces of lashing and secure the rascal," said Mr. +McKay calmly. +</P> + +<P> +"You are not hurt?" asked his son anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurt? Not a bit of it. No thanks to this beauty, though. See!" +</P> + +<P> +And, still keeping the weapon at the would-be assassin's head, he +pointed to the made-up figure of himself, in which the hilts of the two +knives glittered in the moonlight. +</P> + +<P> +Andy and Terence lost no time in securing the ankles of the prisoner. +Then ordering him to lower his hands, the lads deftly lashed his elbows +together behind his back. +</P> + +<P> +"So, Mr. James Blight, alias 'Chinese Pork,' I find your delightful +character has undergone little change during the last twenty years. +One would have thought that your unpleasant experiences in connection +with the <I>Sea Belle</I>——" +</P> + +<P> +"What d'ye mean?" gasped the prisoner, his eyes rolling heavily in his +terror. +</P> + +<P> +"I beg you not to interrupt. A connection with the <I>Sea Belle</I> would +have taught anyone but an utter villain or a fool a lifelong lesson. I +will pass over those minor affairs at Boni Harbour and Fortescue +Strait, though by mentioning them you can realise that I know a good +deal of your former career. What you've been doing since is of little +consequence, though I'll wager that your existence will not bear +investigation. Now, to complete your record, you've been caught in the +act of attempting to treacherously slay your white—well, I won't say +friends. Thanks to a merciful Providence, your schemes were thwarted. +I am now going to keep you in custody till I can hand you over to +justice at Brisbane, where you will have a fair trial and be allowed to +answer to a number of various crimes." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay paused to note the effect of his accusation, then he +continued: +</P> + +<P> +"I am going to keep you a close prisoner in the fo'c'sle till we return +to our island. You will then be kept in confinement ashore till such +time as we are able to reach some island under the control of a +recognised British governor. Have you anything to say?" +</P> + +<P> +The ex-pearler maintained a sullen silence, and, without offering any +resistance, he was carried into the fo'c'sle and locked in, there to +meditate on the fate in store for him. +</P> + +<P> +"Ellerton, go back to your bunk. You ought not to be here," exclaimed +Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"But I feel all right again," replied the youth. +</P> + +<P> +"Probably you do, but with your arm in that state absolute rest is +essential. So go. Andy, we've had enough of this island, so let's +clap on all sail and shape a course for home." +</P> + +<P> +In the moonlight the entrance through the reef was plainly visible. +There was a favourable breeze, so that the yawl could lay on her course +without having to tack. +</P> + +<P> +As the anchor rose, a long-drawn chorus of shouts of rage came from the +beach, and a swarm of arrows, all of which fell short, hurtled through +the air. +</P> + +<P> +"So much for our native allies," observed Mr. McKay. "They are all in +the swim in this business. No matter, they can do us no harm." +</P> + +<P> +To the accompaniment of a farewell shout of anger from the baffled +inhabitants of Ni Atong, the yawl glided swiftly across the moonlit sea. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap16"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE GALE +</H4> + +<P> +Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the +waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward +voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared +above the horizon. +</P> + +<P> +But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour +later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern. +</P> + +<P> +Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening +sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held +on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one +of the bunks. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the +boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly. +</P> + +<P> +"Another couple of hours will find us home, Hoppy, old man," exclaimed +Terence cheerily, as he entered the cabin. "But it does blow." +</P> + +<P> +"So I should think," replied Ellerton. "But how is she behaving?" +</P> + +<P> +"Like a cork; we've only had the tail end of a couple of seas aboard. +Well, cheer up! Make yourself at home and wish you were," and with +this pleasantry Terence returned to keep Andy company. +</P> + +<P> +Each time the yawl breasted the summit of a wave, the peak of McKay's +Island could be seen rearing its head above the waste of storm-tossed +waters. Each time it did so it appeared to be getting nearer. +</P> + +<P> +Andy knew that there was danger ahead, but he forebore to mention the +fact to his chum. +</P> + +<P> +The "back-wash" from the terrible reef, with its accompaniment of a +tumble of dangerous cross-seas, had to be encountered, and the risky +passage through the coral barrier made at all costs. +</P> + +<P> +For half-an-hour more the seas, though high, were comparatively +regular, but at the expiration of that time the dinghy, which was being +towed astern, was filled by a vicious comber. The dead weight of the +water-logged craft caused the stout painter to snap like pack-thread, +and the next instant the tender was lost to view in the turmoil of +foaming water. +</P> + +<P> +"Can't we go back for her?" shouted Terence, for the howling of the +wind made ordinary conversation inaudible. +</P> + +<P> +"Impossible!" replied his chum. "She would be swamped before we hauled +to the wind. Besides, the dinghy's done for." +</P> + +<P> +"It's a rotten look-out. We shall miss her." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," assented Andy. "But it can't be helped. Look here, Terence, +now we are going through a patch of broken water. I can see it a mile +or so ahead. We may have a few seas on board, so lash yourself to this +cleat and stand by with the bucket. You may have to bale for all +you're worth." +</P> + +<P> +Terence closed the cabin-doors. Fortunately they were close-fitting +and comparatively watertight; but, on the other hand, the cockpit was +not a self-emptying one. Whatever quantity of water broke over had to +be baled out. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have one of those cans of kerosene out of that locker," +continued Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Going to start the motor?" +</P> + +<P> +"No; to throw oil on the sea. Kerosene's not very heavy, but it's all +we have. Now, stand by, here it comes." +</P> + +<P> +Only a mile now separated the yawl from the entrance to the lagoon of +McKay's Island, but every yard of that mile was beset with dangers. +</P> + +<P> +Andy gripped the tiller, and braced himself for the ordeal. He had +been the chief workman in the task of converting the boat into her +present form, and now his handiwork was to be put to the test. A +faulty piece of wood, a defective screw, an unsound rope—and their +lives would have to answer for it. +</P> + +<P> +With a dull roar a white-crested wave broke over the fore-deck, burying +the little yawl as far as the mainmast; then ere she could recover +herself another comber came like a cataract over the lee quarter. Well +it was that both lads had taken the precaution of lashing themselves +on, otherwise they might have been swept clean out of the well. +</P> + +<P> +Andy, wellnigh breathless—for he had been hit in the side by the +tiller as the boat attempted to broach to—retained sufficient presence +of mind to thrust the helm up and enable the craft to meet the next +following wave stern on. +</P> + +<P> +"Bale!" he shouted. "Bale for your life!" and seizing the kerosene can +that was floating from side to side of the cockpit, he splayed a +quantity of oil over each quarter. +</P> + +<P> +Terence, who was thrown in every direction as far as his tether would +allow, struggled manfully with the bucket, but could hardly cope with +the frequent showers of spray that literally played over the boat from +every point of the compass. +</P> + +<P> +The helmsman noticed, with feelings of deepest concern, that the yawl +had made considerable headway since entering the zone of broken water, +and it would be touch-and-go whether they could avoid being carried on +to the lee side of the coral reef. +</P> + +<P> +It was now nearly high tide, and the cruel ridges were covered, +although in the trough of the heavier waves the jagged lines of +glistening coral showed themselves above the smother of foam. +</P> + +<P> +Andy tried his best to keep the boat's head towards the channel, but in +vain. She had lost ground, and was driving straight for the reef. One +chance alone remained. He must put the yawl about and endeavour to +claw-off the treacherous reef. +</P> + +<P> +Like a top the little craft responded to the shift of the helm. For a +few brief seconds the reefed head-sail slatted violently in the howling +wind; then, to the accompaniment of another tremendous sea, the yawl +staggered on her fresh course. +</P> + +<P> +Andy's idea was to sail round to the lee side of the island and cruise +about in the shelter of the reef till the gale moderated; but a few +moments sufficed to show him that the spread of canvas—already as much +as the vessel could carry—was not sufficient to take her to windward. +She was drifting broadside on to the reef. +</P> + +<P> +"Quick, Terry!" he shouted. "Tell them to stand by and make a rush +directly you open the cabin door. The yawl's done for. She'll be +smashed to splinters in five minutes." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay received the appalling intelligence fairly calmly. He at +once proceeded to fasten a lifebelt round Ellerton's practically +helpless form, and then did a like service to Quexo. Nor did he forget +the prisoner, Blight. But, on sliding back the fo'c'sle hatch, he +found the man lying senseless on the floor. Either he had fainted +through sheer fright, or he had been stunned by being thrown against +one of the lockers, and bound hand and foot, had been unable to help +himself. +</P> + +<P> +Blight was no feather-weight, but in spite of the plunging and rolling +of the doomed craft, Mr. McKay gripped him with one hand and dragged +his senseless body into the cabin. Then, cutting his bonds, he +completed his work of mercy by lashing the sole remaining lifebelt +round the body of his would-be murderer. +</P> + +<P> +"You've nothing to put on," gasped Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"True; but I have my strength," was the reply, as Mr. McKay stealthily +girded on a leather belt in which hung a formidable sheath-knife. It +was not the thought of being cast on the waters that troubled him. +Death, should it come, would be swift and merciful. But should they +survive the dangers of the reef there was the probability of far +greater peril. +</P> + +<P> +Though he forbore to mention the fact to Ellerton, Mr. McKay thought of +the sharks, and with a fervent unspoken prayer to save them from these +creatures, he stood ready for the cabin door to be opened. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Terence and Andy had cut themselves free from their lashings. +Twenty yards away the reef showed its teeth as if waiting for its prey. +</P> + +<P> +Then with a noise like the rattle of musketry, which drowned the +thunder of the breakers, the staysail burst asunder, and the yawl, in +spite of the helmsman's efforts, flew up into the wind. +</P> + +<P> +Down in the trough of a murderous sea she sank. A rapid glance astern +showed the glistening reef towering several feet above the little +craft, the white foam pouring down the honeycombed ridges as if the +rock were baring itself to strike a harder blow. +</P> + +<P> +"The door!" gasped Andy, as a gigantic roller bore down upon the reef. +</P> + +<P> +Terence unfastened the cabin door, and as Mr. McKay appeared, holding +Ellerton and Quexo in his powerful grip, the yawl seemed to stand on +end. Then, borne on the breast of the roller, the little craft was +tossed like a cork right over the rocks, her keel scraping the lee side +of the reef by barely a yard! +</P> + +<P> +The next instant the vessel was rolling sluggishly in the sullen swell +within the lagoon, with two feet of water in her cabin, yet still +afloat and in comparative safety. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't wait to bale out!" shouted Andy. "You take the helm, pater. +Run her up into the wind and we'll anchor." +</P> + +<P> +The ground swell inside the lagoon was too great to allow the yawl to +run alongside the usual jetty. They would have to wait till low tide, +when the reef would be sufficiently exposed to serve as a breakwater. +</P> + +<P> +Quickly Andy and Terence made their way for'ard to let go the anchor. +</P> + +<P> +When within a couple of hundred yards of the beach the yawl was again +put head to wind, and with a splash the anchor plunged to the bottom of +the lagoon. But just as Andy was checking the out-rushing cable, a +sudden blow from the staysail caught him unawares, and the next instant +he was struggling in the sea. +</P> + +<P> +The waves carried the lad clear of the vessel, and in spite of his +utmost efforts he was unable to regain the boat. His father hurled a +coil of rope, but the line, being wet, became entangled and fell short. +</P> + +<P> +Andy saw that it was impossible to swim back, so with a cheery wave of +his arm he pointed towards the surf-beaten shore, and immediately +struck out for land. +</P> + +<P> +For an instant Mr. McKay intended to plunge into the sea and accompany +his son on his perilous swim, till the thought of the possibility of +Blight recovering his senses occurred to him. With Ellerton and Quexo +disabled, the margin of safety was not sufficient when only Terence +remained to guard the prisoner. +</P> + +<P> +Both lads were surprised to see Mr. McKay rush into the flooded cabin +and return with a rifle and a belt of ammunition. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't alarm him," said Andy's father hurriedly. "But there may be +sharks about." +</P> + +<P> +Placing the rifle on the fo'c'sle of the heaving vessel, Mr. McKay +watched the progress of the swimmer with the greatest concern, at the +same time keeping a sharp look-out for the expected appearance of the +dreaded dorsal fin of one of the tigers of the deep. +</P> + +<P> +Steadily Andy swam shorewards, keeping up a slow yet powerful side +stroke. Now he was in the grip of the ground swell. Once his feet +touched bottom, but ere he could obtain a firm footing the "undertow" +swept him backwards. +</P> + +<P> +The next instant he was lost to sight in a white-capped roller. The +wave broke, then receded, but to the alarm of the anxious watchers +there were no signs of the swimmer. +</P> + +<P> +Quickly the wide expanse of sand uncovered; then, just as another +breaker was preparing to launch itself upon the beach, Andy sprang to +his feet. +</P> + +<P> +Knee-deep in water he rushed up the shelving shore, and managed to +grasp a ledge of rock ere he was again overwhelmed by the mighty +torrent. Fortunately he was able to retain his grasp, and directly the +rock uncovered he ran beyond the reach of the waves and sank exhausted +on the beach. +</P> + +<P> +"He'll be all right in a minute," said Mr. McKay with a sigh of relief. +"Now, Ellerton, you had better stay here while we get rid of the water; +the bunks must be saturated. Come on, Terence, we've been through a +great deal, and now, thank God, we are safely home; but all the same, +we've plenty of work to do." +</P> + +<P> +Thus exhorted, Terence assisted Mr. McKay to lower and stow the +mainsail and secure the fragment of the head sail that had caused so +much mischief. +</P> + +<P> +This done, they plied buckets and balers till the level of the water +they had shipped sank well beneath the floor-boards of the cabin. The +yawl was no longer sluggish, but rose buoyantly as each roller passed +under her. +</P> + +<P> +"This is the second gale from this quarter," remarked Mr. McKay, as +they were partaking of a hastily cooked meal. "It's taught me a +lesson. Had our boat been in her usual dock she would have been dashed +to pieces. At the first opportunity we'll lay down a heavy set of +moorings and keep her afloat. Here, thanks to the reef, the seas can +never be really dangerous, though on shore they break heavily." +</P> + +<P> +"When shall we be able to land, do you think?" asked Terence, for the +short, sharp motion of the boat as she pitched at her cable was +beginning to prove distressing, both to him and Quexo. +</P> + +<P> +"In a matter of three hours Andy will be able to launch the other +tender. We will then lay out another anchor, so as to make doubly +sure, and get ashore. Is Andy still on the beach?" +</P> + +<P> +Terence went out of the cabin, and on returning reported that his chum +was ascending the cliff path. +</P> + +<P> +"Now we'll secure this fellow Blight once more. I see he's coming +round," continued Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +Placing the prisoner again in the fo'c'sle he did not attempt to secure +his arms and legs. He merely tied the man's thumbs with a piece of +strong but fine cord, so that his arms were kept behind his back. +Unless he attempted to struggle, the prisoner would feel but slight +inconvenience, while this method was a perfect means of keeping him in +a state of utter helplessness. +</P> + +<P> +Shortly after this was done Mr. McKay went on deck "to have a look +round." Gazing landward, he saw Andy standing on the edge of the lower +terrace, striving to attract his attention by means of a handkerchief +tied to a stick. +</P> + +<P> +"There's Andy calling me up in the Morse code," said Mr. McKay. "I +wonder what's up? Terence, will you please hand me over that +signalling flag from the for'ard port locker?" +</P> + +<P> +Andy, though not an expert signaller, knew the Morse system fairly +well. Slowly he transmitted the startling message: +</P> + +<P> +"<I>The house has been broken into!</I>" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap17"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +BACK TO THE ISLAND +</H4> + +<P> +Without hesitation Mr. McKay replied: +</P> + +<P> +"Do not go to the house. Remain on beach till you can launch boat." +</P> + +<P> +Andy gave the A.F., showing that he understood the signal, and +descending to the shore proceeded to divest himself of most of his +sodden clothing. +</P> + +<P> +"There's something amiss ashore, lads," explained Mr. McKay. "Andy's +just informed me that the house has been broken into. Of course, it +may be another unfortunate party of shipwrecked mariners, or a hurried +visit of the crew of a passing ship. All I hope is that there are no +natives on the island." +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if any remained after the canoe left," remarked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Quite possible. I never thought of that, by Jove! They might have +slipped away in the night in order to steal all they could lay their +hands upon. In that case there are only a few. We may be able to hunt +them out without much trouble. Still, I'm sorry it's happened." +</P> + +<P> +From the cabin Mr. McKay produced his pair of marine glasses. After a +prolonged examination he exclaimed: +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, the door is ajar. I feel certain I closed it when I left." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll soon see what's amiss," said Terence. "See, the reef is +uncovering and the wind is dropping." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, it is," assented Mr. McKay. "Andy will be able to put off in the +boat in less than an hour. Ellerton, I think you had better remain on +board." +</P> + +<P> +"Why, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because of your arm." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll take care of it. Besides, I can use a revolver with my sound +limb if necessary." +</P> + +<P> +"Very well, then; only don't blame me if anything goes wrong. Quexo +must stay in any case. There's no need to worry about Blight." +</P> + +<P> +In less than the predicted time Andy succeeded in rowing the small boat +safely through the rapidly subsiding swell. Directly he came +alongside, Mr. McKay and the two lads slipped on board, and with no +greater inconvenience than a thorough drenching—to which they were now +perfectly accustomed—the party landed at the natural quay at the foot +of the path leading up to the house. +</P> + +<P> +Everything appeared quiet. A hasty glance at the two storehouses on +the lower terrace revealed the astonishing discovery that nothing had +been disturbed. +</P> + +<P> +"Strange," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "One would have thought that these +would be the first places to be ransacked. Now, carefully, lads! Keep +your firearms ready." +</P> + +<P> +Cautiously they scaled the cliff path and gained the terrace on which +the house stood. Still no signs of human beings, except that the door +was half open. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay knocked quietly, then, pushing open the door, he entered. A +strange sight met his gaze. Everything movable had been upset or +pushed out of place; the floor of the living-room was littered with +bedding and the fragments of earthenware vessels. +</P> + +<P> +"The brutes!" ejaculated Mr. McKay savagely. "They've capsized +everything out of sheer mischief. I hope I'll be able to lay my hands +on them." +</P> + +<P> +The lads, not without feeling of mysterious awe at the scene of wanton +desolation, crossed the floor of the room and entered the sleeping +quarters. +</P> + +<P> +Here the state of confusion was, if possible, greater than in the outer +apartment; but a clue to the mystery was afforded by the discovery of +the dead body of a sheep, its head wedged in between the bars of a +chair. +</P> + +<P> +"Why," exclaimed Andy, "the sheep have broken out of their pasture! +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied his father. "They managed to find their way into the +house, though how I cannot imagine. Something must have frightened +them and there was a mad stampede. This poor brute contrived to get +his head jammed in the chair, and in his struggles he broke his neck. +We've had a rare fright, but, after all, there's nothing of consequence +that cannot be set right." +</P> + +<P> +"Hadn't we better get Quexo ashore before it gets dark?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly, and Blight as well. I think the best place we can put him +is in the small store. He'll be all right for one night, though I'm +sorry to keep him bound." +</P> + +<P> +"The treacherous reptile deserves no consideration." +</P> + +<P> +"My dear Andy, we are not Nicaraguan revolutionaries. So long as he +remains our prisoner we ought to treat him with the same amount of +consideration that any other British criminal receives while awaiting +trial. To-morrow we must find a place better suited for his reception." +</P> + +<P> +"There's the farthermost cave, the one beyond those where we've stowed +the dynamite," observed Andy. "There's not much in it at present; we +can build a partition over the opening and make a door." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, it will be far more comfortable than his quarters in Ni Atong. +We'll make a start to-morrow." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Mr. McKay and his son put off in the dinghy—which, by the +way, was the larger though more awkwardly-shaped part of the <I>San +Martin's</I> gig—and transferred Quexo to the shore. The poor fellow was +in a bad state, though his wound showed no signs of complications. +Ellerton had had his hurts attended to as soon as the house was set in +order. Beyond the inflammation caused by the searing-iron, his wound +gave no reason for undue anxiety. +</P> + +<P> +"Now then, out you come," ordered Mr. McKay sternly, as Andy and he, +armed in case of emergency, returned to the yawl. +</P> + +<P> +Blight obeyed. Indeed, there was no option. His face was a picture of +utter cowardice and terror. +</P> + +<P> +"You ain't going to shoot me?" he whined. +</P> + +<P> +"No!" replied Mr. McKay. "I've already told you what I intend to do +with you. So long as you behave yourself you'll be treated +properly—far better than you deserve." +</P> + +<P> +With that the would-be assassin took his place in the boat, Mr. McKay +seated beside him with a revolver in his hand, while Andy rowed. +</P> + +<P> +On arriving at the shore the captive's eyes were bandaged, and, still +secured by his thumbs, he was led up to the first terrace and placed in +the storehouse. Mr. McKay then severed the cord that bound him, the +door was locked, and the rogue left to his own reflections. +</P> + +<P> +The following day was an exceptionally busy one. Ellerton, being +unable to do any hard work, was dispatched into the grove to "round up" +the sheep, while the three sound members of the establishment, after +having conveyed the prisoner his food and water, set off for the cave +that was to be prepared for his quarters. +</P> + +<P> +It was situated on the extreme end of the upper terrace, where the +level stretch of ground tapered away till it ended in the sheer face of +a high precipice. +</P> + +<P> +Outside the mouth of the cave was a belt of grass land about ten yards +in width, the cliff falling to a depth of about seventy feet, while +above the cave the rocks, too smooth to afford a foothold, towered to +nearly a hundred feet. +</P> + +<P> +The cave was quite fifty feet in depth, and averaged ten feet in width, +while its height in places was over twenty feet. Its entrance, +however, was barely four feet wide and six in height. +</P> + +<P> +"There won't be much light for the poor beggar when once we've inclosed +the entrance," remarked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"That is so," replied his father. "I really don't see why we couldn't +inclose a strip of land between the two cliffs, and let him have the +run of it." +</P> + +<P> +"How inclose it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I think we can spare enough of the galvanised iron sheeting to make an +unclimbable fence. Each sheet is ten feet in height, is it not?" +</P> + +<P> +"Certainly not less." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we'll make a start. Although we cannot possibly hope to complete +the work to-day, we may reasonably expect to finish it to-morrow +afternoon." +</P> + +<P> +The soil proved to be fairly soft, so that it was necessary to sink the +base of the iron sheets at least two feet into the ground. Strong +timber uprights with cross-braces of railway iron served to make the +fence secure, a doorway being left to afford means of communication +with the prisoner's quarters. +</P> + +<P> +"I think we have taken every possible precaution," remarked Mr. McKay, +after the fence was completed and the bedding and the other necessary +articles for the ex-pearler's use had been placed in the cave. "Of +course, this business entails a considerable amount of extra work, for +besides the feeding arrangements we must make a thorough examination of +the fence every day." +</P> + +<P> +"Why? He cannot possibly pull it down, and I'm sure he will not be +able to scale the wall." +</P> + +<P> +"There are at least two ways he might manage to escape. He could +either burrow under the fence, or he might manage to spring from the +top of a pile of furniture on to the upper edge of the wall. If we +make a point of examining both sides of the fence twice a day, we shall +be able to detect any sign of a tunnel; while it is unlikely that an +effort to scale the wall will meet with any success, for the edge of +the iron sheets is sharp enough to cut through his hands should he make +a leap at it. I'll talk to him pretty straight and let him know what +to expect if he does manage to escape, though, at the same time, it +will be an anxious business for us while he's at large—if he's fool +enough to try it." +</P> + +<P> +That evening Blight was conducted to his new quarters, duly cautioned +as to his behaviour, and safely locked up; and from that day the +"prison yard," as Terence termed it, was carefully examined night and +morning. +</P> + +<P> +It was, as Mr. McKay predicted, a severe strain on their time, for to +guard against a surprise it was necessary that two people, armed in +case of emergency, should make a visit to the prisoner twice daily. +</P> + +<P> +At the first opportunity a strong set of moorings was laid down off the +little stone quay, sufficiently clear of the shore to be out of the +range of breaking rollers. Here the yawl was to make her future berth, +the dinghy being kept on the beach well beyond the reach of the tide. +</P> + +<P> +It was proposed to make a trip at an early date to the Marquesas, there +to hand over the criminal into the charge of the British Consular Agent. +</P> + +<P> +The planning of this voyage necessitated much thought, for Mr. McKay +was loath to abandon the island entirely. +</P> + +<P> +On the one hand he did not like to let Andy and Ellerton make the +voyage with the prisoner; on the other, he did not like to leave +Terence and Quexo, and, perhaps, Andy, alone on the island. +</P> + +<P> +"I have been wondering," he remarked, "whether my brother and your five +cousins would care to join us. There are boundless possibilities in +the place, and I don't think they would mind a change. Once we have a +few more members of the little colony, we can spare a few months to +visit our respective homes. Ellerton, I know, would be pleased to see +England again. And you, Terence, would you not like to return to 'Our +Lady of the Snows'?" +</P> + +<P> +"Rather!" replied Ellerton. "I should be awfully glad to see my people +again; but, I must admit, I haven't had enough of McKay's Island. I +should like to spend a great deal of my life here." +</P> + +<P> +"And I, too," added Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"Gently, lads, gently!" replied Mr. McKay. "You must remember that, +although the island can be made self-supporting—for there's tons of +copra to be had, and I have no doubt that the bed of the lagoon is +covered with pearl oysters—the idea of living here is not altogether +favourable. It wouldn't be good for us to have only each other's +company for long. I'll not deny that this open-air, free-and-easy life +is splendid from a physical point of view, but isolation tends to +destroy one's mental powers." +</P> + +<P> +"Then you advise me to get away from the island as soon as I can, and +never return to it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not at all. You misunderstood me, Ellerton. The island is as much +yours as it is mine, or Terence's. What I meant to imply was that once +we can open up communication with the regular ports of call, so that we +can leave whenever we wish to, the better it will be for all of us. +But once abandon the island it becomes the property of the next comer. +To put the matter briefly, I intend to sit tight here; but should any +of you go away for, say, even three or four years, you will be welcome +to return and secure your part of the commonwealth—such as it is." +</P> + +<P> +Finally it was decided that Blight should be kept on the island for the +present, and that Ellerton and Andy should attempt to navigate the yawl +to the Society Islands, communicate with their friends at home, and +also write to the Agent at Fiji requesting that a British gunboat be +dispatched to ratify the annexation of McKay's Island. +</P> + +<P> +They could then return and await events. +</P> + +<P> +A week or more passed. Preparations for the voyage were pushed +forward, and at length everything was ready for the lads' adventurous +expedition. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, lads, turn in early, for you may not get a good night's rest for +some days," observed Mr. McKay, on the evening prior to the day fixed +for their departure. +</P> + +<P> +The advice was acted upon, but Ellerton could not sleep. The night was +sultry, not a breath of wind rustled the leaves of the palm-trees. +Mosquitoes buzzed in and out of the room, while without the glow of the +fire-flies betokened a spell of fine weather. +</P> + +<P> +Uneasily the lad tossed from side to side on his bed. A stray mosquito +managed to pass the meshes of the mosquito-net, and settled down to +business, his object of attack being the lad's nose. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton knew that rest could only be obtained by killing the insect, +so sitting up he began his plan of campaign. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly his ear caught the sound of the long-drawn shriek of a +concertina, followed by a chorus of shouts and exclamations of surprise. +</P> + +<P> +In an instant he was out of bed. +</P> + +<P> +"Wake up! Wake up!" he shouted, shaking the heavy sleepers with +unsparing hand. "The savages are upon us!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap18"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XVIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +A SURPRISE FOR THE INVADERS +</H4> + +<P> +Hastily throwing on portions of their clothing and seizing their rifles +and revolvers, which, by a general custom, were in variably kept +loaded, the four white men prepared to dash out of the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't show a light on any account," cautioned Mr. McKay. "We must let +the storehouses go and hold this terrace." +</P> + +<P> +It was a complete surprise. The natives, who had wrested Ahii from its +former owners, had followed up their success in driving off the +invaders by paying a return visit to Ni Atong. The population of that +island had either been killed or reserved for a more lingering death, +and from one of the latter their captors learnt of the existence of +McKay's Island and its wealth of metal goods so prized by the South Sea +Islanders. +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly ten large canoes set out on an expedition to raid the white +men's dwelling. +</P> + +<P> +Arriving within sight of the peak of the island, they kept in the +offing till night, then with torches blazing aloft they found the +passage into the lagoon, and, paddling rapidly, landed on the beach +below the settlement. +</P> + +<P> +Thereupon three hundred powerful savages, armed with club, bow, spear, +and knife, and bearing torches, began the ascent of the path that led +to the three terraces. +</P> + +<P> +The lower storehouse was their first discovery. Quickly finding that +no white men were within, the host of warriors resumed their advance. +Some, however, tempted by the various articles stored in the building, +began to help themselves. +</P> + +<P> +Then it was that a savage laid hold of the concertina that Ellerton had +brought from the wreck and had hitherto been left neglected in the +store. The native was examining his prize in the torchlight, when, +happening to come into collision with another plunderer, the concertina +gave out a startling screech as if to atone for its days of idleness. +</P> + +<P> +Dropping the musical instrument of torture like a live coal, the savage +rushed from the building, his yells of terror being taken up by his +companions. This diversion was the cause of alarming Ellerton, and +consequently saving the inhabitants of McKay's Island from a massacre. +</P> + +<P> +"Aim low, lads!" shouted Mr. McKay. "Let 'em have it!" +</P> + +<P> +The conflict was short and sharp. Although many of the attackers got +within throwing distance, not a single native succeeded in gaining the +top of the steep and narrow path. +</P> + +<P> +They fled hurriedly to the shore, where they rallied to await the dawn. +</P> + +<P> +"Anyone hurt?" inquired Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +There was a general reply in the negative, though in the heat of the +firing there had been several narrow escapes, for the ground was +bristling with spears and littered with stones, which, had they struck +anyone, would have caused serious if not fatal wounds. +</P> + +<P> +In the excitement Ellerton had forgotten his crippled arm, and had used +a rifle equally as well as his comrades; but the exertion had caused +the blood to flow afresh. +</P> + +<P> +"Rotten luck, I call it," he grumbled as Andy readjusted the bandage. +"You must load at least a dozen revolvers for me. Thank goodness it's +my left arm." +</P> + +<P> +"It's a fair surprise," remarked Mr. McKay. "We've our work cut out to +drive them off. Won't they play old Harry with the storehouse—and the +yawl." +</P> + +<P> +"Oh!" exclaimed Andy in dismay, at the thought of his particular +treasure being in the hands of the savages. "Whatever can be done to +save it?" +</P> + +<P> +"Nothing, I'm afraid," replied his father. "Perhaps if the mischief is +not already done and the vessel holed, we can keep them off with a long +range fire, though I can hold out no strong hopes in that direction. +The plain truth is, that we are in a tight corner, and we must make the +best of it." +</P> + +<P> +For some minutes the defenders kept silence, listening to the subdued +sounds of their foes. +</P> + +<P> +"Look here," said Mr. McKay, "it's no use sitting here and doing +nothing. Terence, will you go back to the house and bring three or +four spades? We'll dig a shelter trench along the edge of the cliff so +as to be able to command the path without unduly exposing ourselves to +the rascals. Andy, you had better go with him and bring some more +rifles and some ammunition." +</P> + +<P> +Upon the lads' return, the little band set to work to throw up their +defences, and barely had the work been completed ere the day broke. +</P> + +<P> +"There are not so many of them after all," remarked Andy, when the full +strength of the attacking party was revealed. "We had greater odds at +Ahii." +</P> + +<P> +"And a worse position," added his father. "We can hold out here, I +fancy, but we cannot prevent the damage to our stores and gear. See, +they've begun again." +</P> + +<P> +Numbers of the savages were engaged in looting the store, while others, +to Andy's great disgust especially, had paddled off to where the yawl +lay at her moorings. +</P> + +<P> +"Now," exclaimed Andy, setting the backsight of his rifle. "Eight +hundred yards!" +</P> + +<P> +"That's about the range," assented his father, and four rifles opened +fire upon the daring natives, Ellerton contriving to rest the barrel of +his weapon upon the ridge of the earthwork, so as to avoid using his +damaged arm. +</P> + +<P> +The bullets all fell close to the yawl, several of the natives being +hit; but possibly in their hour of triumph the savages scorned the +white men's weapons. Casting off the moorings, they leisurely towed +the yawl out towards the reef and plundered her. +</P> + +<P> +Great was the defenders' rage to see the blacks hacking at the rigging, +sails, and cordage, throwing the contents of the cabin-lockers into the +bottom of their canoe, and wrenching the metal cleats, hinges, and +shroud-plates from her hull. This done, a powerful savage stove a hole +in the craft, and slowly sinking by the stern, she at length plunged to +the bottom of the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +"It's hard lines, Andy," exclaimed his father as he paused to recharge +his magazine. "But I'm afraid we shall have to make greater sacrifices +before this affair is over." +</P> + +<P> +"We seem to have horrible bad luck," replied Andy savagely. "First at +Ahii, and now here." +</P> + +<P> +"Remember we were saved by the merciful intervention of One above," +added Mr. McKay. "And if it please Him, we'll come out of this in +safety. We've had a lot to be thankful for." +</P> + +<P> +"I know, but all the same it's hard lines. Take that, you brute!" Andy +added, pressing the trigger. +</P> + +<P> +It was a splendid shot. A group of natives had begun to batter the +yawl's tender to splinters. They were a good four hundred yards away, +but Andy's shot struck a tall savage, clad in a gorgeous cloak of white +and red feathers, fairly between the shoulder-blades. +</P> + +<P> +Andy had laid aside his rifle immediately after discharging it, and had +snatched up a pair of field-glasses. The effect of the chief's +death—for a chief he evidently was—caused the wreckers to abandon +their task, and they fled to join their fellows under the shelter of +the lowermost cliff. +</P> + +<P> +"They are preparing for another rush," observed Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes. I wish we had a Maxim or two," replied Andy. "That would stop +them." +</P> + +<P> +"I have an idea," exclaimed Ellerton. "I can best be spared, so I'll +run over to the caves and bring back a few sticks of dynamite and some +detonators." +</P> + +<P> +"Good! Good!" replied Mr. McKay. "You're a wonder, Hoppy. Mind how +you come back, and don't stumble, or we won't be able to find even your +fragments." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton set off on his self-imposed mission, and presently returned +with about fourteen pounds of dynamite and half a dozen time-fuses. +</P> + +<P> +"What do you propose to do?" asked Terence. "Make a bomb and roll it +over the cliff?" +</P> + +<P> +"No!" replied the youth. "We can load up one of those trucks, set the +time-fuse, and turn the thing adrift." +</P> + +<P> +"It will mean good-bye to our storehouse," observed Mr. McKay. "But +that cannot be helped, so let's to work; they'll be rushing us in a few +minutes." +</P> + +<P> +At the top of the cable-railway stood three empty trucks. In ordinary +circumstances these would be filled with water, and their increased +weight would cause them to descend and, at the same time, bring up the +loaded trucks from the shore or the storehouse. Half-way down the +line, and almost abreast of the building, were three other trucks, +waiting to be loaded should occasion require. Around these trucks, +which were invisible from the upper terrace, were most of the savages, +who were massing for the attack at the base of the second terrace. +</P> + +<P> +"You are quite sure you can unshackle the thing easily?" asked Mr. +McKay. "If there's a hitch we shall be the ones to be blown to +smithereens." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll make sure of it," replied Ellerton, and securing the lowermost of +the three trucks to the second one by means of a piece of rope, he +unfastened the proper connecting shackles. +</P> + +<P> +Then placing the explosive in the truck he asked Mr. McKay to take the +time. +</P> + +<P> +"It's set for four minutes," he announced. "Half-a-minute will be +quite enough, so at three and a half minutes from the time the fuse is +lit I'll cut the rope and off she'll go." +</P> + +<P> +"Stand back, you fellows! If it goes wrong we need not all be blown +sky-high. Are you ready? Stand by!" +</P> + +<P> +The fuse began to hiss and splutter. Ellerton, knife in hand, kept his +eyes fixed on Mr. McKay, who, standing fifty yards off, held his watch +before him. +</P> + +<P> +"Precious long three and a half minutes," thought the lad. +</P> + +<P> +It was not a pleasant task standing within two yards of a +highly-charged explosive. More than once he felt tempted to cut the +rope and let the truck go. +</P> + +<P> +"Time?" he shouted huskily, for his heart seemed literally in his +throat. +</P> + +<P> +"No, not yet," replied Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +Realising the strain on the plucky youth, he began to walk slowly in +the direction of the truck. +</P> + +<P> +"Stand back, sir!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay stopped and slowly raised his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Stand by! Let go!" +</P> + +<P> +One swift sweep of the sharp blade and the cord was severed. Slowly +the truck began to gather way, then moving with increased speed it +plunged on its headlong course. +</P> + +<P> +Ten seconds later—before the fuse had time to complete its work—the +descending truck crashed into the stationary ones. There was a +deafening roar, a cloud of dust, in which was mingled a number of +heavy, shapeless objects, and then an ominous silence, broken only by +the crash of some fragments of wood and metal hurled high in the air by +the explosive. +</P> + +<P> +Rushing to the edge of the cliff the four defenders gazed upon the +result of their stratagem. +</P> + +<P> +Where the trucks had stood gaped a pit six feet in depth, for one of +the peculiarities of dynamite is that it shows its power mainly where +it meets resistance. Of the storehouse scarce a vestige remained, +while the double line of rails had been uprooted for a distance of +nearly twenty yards. +</P> + +<P> +The havoc wrought amongst the savages was appalling. So many were +killed that had the white men so wished it they could have fallen upon +the survivors and exterminated them; but such was not their intention. +</P> + +<P> +"We must act with prudence or we shall be left with fifty wounded +savages on our hands," said Mr. McKay. "Those who are unhurt will take +to their canoes, and leave the others to their fate, and that won't do!" +</P> + +<P> +"How can we stop them taking to their canoes?" asked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"By taking advantage of their cowed condition and disarming them. +Come, let's to work." +</P> + +<P> +Fearlessly the four defenders descended the path to the lower terrace. +</P> + +<P> +"We'll begin with those fellows first!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, pointing +to a group of natives cowering, with their hands over their eyes, +against a spur of the cliff. "Stand by with your revolvers in case +they resist." +</P> + +<P> +There was no resistance. Passively the savages allowed Mr. McKay to +remove their weapons, which had fallen from their nerveless grasp. +</P> + +<P> +Seizing one man firmly but gently, Mr. McKay dragged him from his +companions. The native's face bore a strong resemblance to that of a +sheep led to the slaughtering-block; no doubt he thought he was to be +slain. +</P> + +<P> +Escorted by the three lads the prisoner was taken to the fringe of the +cocoa-nut grove, where Mr. McKay presented him with a branch of a +palm—the almost universal emblem of peace. +</P> + +<P> +At this the native began to see a chance of having his life spared, and +Mr. McKay, pointing to the canoes and then to the wounded savages, made +signs to the man that they desired their crippled enemies to be placed +in the native craft. +</P> + +<P> +This experiment was tried upon some of the other unharmed savages, with +equally good results, and quickly recovering their senses the natives +set to work with a will. +</P> + +<P> +One powerful-looking savage, however, refused to deliver up his club, +but instead made a sudden rush at Mr. McKay with the evident intention +of knocking him over the head. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay had discarded his rifle, and his revolver was in the side +pocket of his pyjama coat. Coolly his hand sought his pocket, and +without attempting to withdraw the weapon he discharged it at his +assailant, who was barely five yards off. +</P> + +<P> +The heavy bullet, striking the man full in the chest, laid him dead on +the ground, while the other savages, awestruck at the sight of one of +their number being killed by no visible agency, were again thrown into +a state of panic. +</P> + +<P> +At length all the wounded were distributed between five of the canoes. +Then Mr. McKay made signs for the rest of the natives to embark, +keeping the other five canoes on the beach, and within an hour of the +explosion the sorry remnant of the invaders was paddling back towards +the island of Ahii. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap19"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XIX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE +</H4> + +<P> +"Do you think they will ever return?" asked Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"I think they have had enough," replied Mr. McKay. "They've had a +lesson." +</P> + +<P> +"And so have we," added Ellerton, dolefully regarding the fragments of +the storehouse and the shattered line of rails. +</P> + +<P> +"And our boat; how shall we be able to leave the island now?" asked +Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Perhaps the damage done to that is not so great as we imagine. With +the help of these canoes we may be able to raise her. But we'll go +into that question later. At present I feel as if I could enjoy a good +square meal." +</P> + +<P> +So back to the dwelling-house they went, where Quexo, who had been +quaking all the time, was reassured. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't you think we could rig up an electric alarm?" said Terence +during the progress of the meal. "There's plenty of insulated copper +wire in the small store." +</P> + +<P> +"It would be as well," replied Mr. McKay. "We might have a return +visit; though, as I said before, I don't anticipate one." +</P> + +<P> +"But some natives from another island might try and surprise us," said +Andy. "News travels quickly, and perhaps we might again be favoured +with the unwelcome attentions of these savage gentry." +</P> + +<P> +"And I tell you what," continued Terence, waxing enthusiastic, for +electrical engineering was his strong point, "we brought one of the +<I>San Martin's</I> searchlights ashore. I'll try and fix it up and connect +it with the dynamo." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll see what's to be done. But now, how about Blight? It's time we +paid him a visit." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess he's been wondering what the dust-up was about," remarked +Andy, as he prepared the prisoner's daily ration. +</P> + +<P> +Andy and Terence were deputed to visit the prisoner, and, armed as +usual and carrying a supply of food and water, they set off for the +fenced-in dwelling. +</P> + +<P> +From the elevation of the upper terrace they could see the distant dark +brown sails of the canoes, for the wind was light and their progress +had been slow. +</P> + +<P> +"They'll have a nice yarn to pitch into their friends when they +return," observed Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"They stood a good chance of pitching into us," replied Andy grimly. +"The rascals!" +</P> + +<P> +For his mind was still sore on the subject of the scuttled yawl. +</P> + +<P> +On arriving at the fence Andy put down his load, and producing a key +unlocked the door. The space without the cave was deserted. +</P> + +<P> +"Strange," muttered Andy. "Blight is generally anxious for his food." +</P> + +<P> +Carefully relocking the door, the lads made their way to the mouth of +the cave. Here, too, silence reigned. +</P> + +<P> +"Blight! Where are you?" +</P> + +<P> +There was no answer. Andy repeated the call, but without result. +</P> + +<P> +"Is he asleep, or is he dead?" asked Terence, and gripping their +pistols the two lads entered the cave. +</P> + +<P> +Contrasted with the brilliant sunshine without, the apartment seemed +plunged into utter darkness, but by degrees the lads' eyes grew +accustomed to the gloom. +</P> + +<P> +"Be careful," whispered Andy. "Perhaps he's up to some of his tricks." +</P> + +<P> +"You locked the door in the fence?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes." +</P> + +<P> +"Then let us explore the cave thoroughly." +</P> + +<P> +This they did, penetrating into the cavern and examining every recess +as they advanced, till the daylight which filtered in was insufficient +to allow them to continue their search. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's his lamp? I know the pater let him have one." +</P> + +<P> +"I saw it on a ledge close to the entrance. Have you any matches?" +</P> + +<P> +Andy had; matches were becoming scarce on McKay's Island, and whenever +possible a burning glass was used for obtaining fire. Being, in this +case, without his magnifying glass, Andy had to use one of the precious +hoard of matches that he kept in a watertight gun-metal case, and +lighting the lamp the two explorers resumed their search. +</P> + +<P> +"He's gone right enough," exclaimed Terence, as they "drew blank." +</P> + +<P> +"But where? And how?" +</P> + +<P> +"Goodness only knows. Let's run back and tell the others." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay was greatly upset at the news, and seizing a light rifle he +strode off towards the prisoner's quarters, accompanied by the three +lads. +</P> + +<P> +"Did you leave the door open?" he inquired, as they came in sight of +the fence. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Andy. "I was in a hurry to tell you, and what does it +matter now that the man has escaped?" +</P> + +<P> +"For all we know he might have been lying concealed within the fence +the whole time you were looking for him, and finding the door unlocked +after you left he coolly walked out. Andy, I'm surprised at such +carelessness." +</P> + +<P> +It was seldom that Mr. McKay was annoyed with his son, but the apparent +laxity was enough to justify his displeasure. +</P> + +<P> +With Blight roaming about the island, the existence of the others would +be a continual round of anxiety. The man was no ordinary criminal. He +was versed in all the wiles of the savage life, possessed of +considerable strength, skill, and reliance, and was not above resorting +to treachery and murder to gain his ends. +</P> + +<P> +A careful examination of the outside of the fence revealed no signs of +a burrow under the iron sheeting, but close to the part of the wall +that touched the cliff there were unmistakable signs of a man's feet. +</P> + +<P> +"There you are! He did not escape by the door after all, Andy," +remarked his father. "See, these two footprints close together show us +that he jumped, and, what is more, jumped skilfully, for there are no +traces of his heels. We'll find out how he scaled the fence by +examining the other side." +</P> + +<P> +Entering the door, the gaolers found that Blight had cut a number of +niches in the rock and had thus managed to climb to the top of the +fence. The cutting of these footholds must have taken a considerable +time, and in spite of the daily examination of the ground for any sign +of a tunnel, the niches had escaped observation. +</P> + +<P> +"You see how he hoodwinked us," said Mr. McKay, pointing to the little +heap of dried grass and mud. "He dug out those footholds and filled +them up with grass and clay, so that they presented the same appearance +as the rest of the cliff. Now, lads, we must find him, and the sooner +the better." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly they returned to the house, where Terence was told off to +remain on guard with Quexo in the event of the escaped prisoner +breaking in and securing arms. The mulatto, though far from having +recovered from his injuries, was strong enough to use a pistol, so the +two could hold the dwelling-house against a surprise. +</P> + +<P> +Having supplied themselves with enough provisions for the day, the two +McKays and Ellerton set out on the trail of the fugitive. Mr. McKay +and his son took rifles and revolvers and also an axe to "blaze" the +palm-trees, while Ellerton, by reason of his damaged arm, carried a +revolver only in addition to his canvas knapsack containing his share +of provisions. +</P> + +<P> +Tracking was a new experience to the English lad, and he could not help +wondering at the keenness displayed by father and son as they followed +the scantiest trail. +</P> + +<P> +Andy would walk with considerable speed for a hundred yards, his eyes +fixed upon the ground; while Mr. McKay would follow at his heels, at +the same time keeping a sharp look-out on all sides in order to guard +against a sudden attack. +</P> + +<P> +Then the order would be reversed, Mr. McKay following the trail, and +his son acting as a cover to his father. +</P> + +<P> +For nearly a mile the track was fairly well-defined, though Ellerton +had to confess that he would have failed to notice it. +</P> + +<P> +The fugitive had skirted the base of the cliff, then plunging into the +palm grove, he had gone by a round-about way towards the left; and was +evidently heading for the thickly-wooded belt of land surrounding the +base of the highest peak of the island. +</P> + +<P> +Then the pursuers met with an unexpected rebuff. The trail led up to a +broad tract of barren country, the surface of the land consisting of +rocky mounds covered with a deposit of lava—the result of volcanic +action many years previously. +</P> + +<P> +"This kind of stuff extends right up to the base of the peak," said +Andy. "We had a rough scramble when Quexo and I climbed the mountain. +I know what it's like. There are hundreds of rifts where a man might +hide himself." +</P> + +<P> +"He's covered his tracks," announced Mr. McKay. "See, he's gone in +that direction, then back again and off in entirely the opposite way." +</P> + +<P> +"And the trail is getting very much fainter," added Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"It's my belief that he's lying low within a few yards of us," +continued his father. "It's an admirable hiding-place, but it's +certain that he must have food, so he's bound to make for the cocoanuts +and bread-fruit trees sooner or later. That's why he's doubled on his +tracks." +</P> + +<P> +"We must double on our tracks before long," replied Andy. "That is, if +we don't want to spend a night in this wilderness." +</P> + +<P> +"That's what I intend to do," said his father in a low voice. "I want +you two to go back to the house. Make plenty of noise, and grumble at +having been unsuccessful. I'm going to remain here." +</P> + +<P> +"Alone?" queried Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Hist! Don't speak so loud. Yes, alone. You don't imagine I'm afraid +to tackle an unarmed man, do you? Now, listen to what I have to say. +It will be dark in an hour or so, but the moon will rise at nine +o'clock. Make your way here at sunrise to-morrow, and I'll warrant +you'll find me safe enough—and not alone, I hope." +</P> + +<P> +Andy knew that it was no good arguing, and the two lads set off towards +their home. The blazed track was followed without difficulty, and just +as the sun set they emerged from the forest and gained the terrace on +which the house stood. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's Mr. McKay?" asked Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"Left behind." +</P> + +<P> +"Left behind? What for? Has anything gone wrong?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hope not. He insisted, so there was no help for it. We've to +rejoin him at sunrise to-morrow," replied Andy. +</P> + +<P> +All that night the lads did not attempt to sleep. Filled with anxiety, +they listened intently for the sound of a rifle shot. The air was +perfectly still, and though the strained nerves of the watchers caused +them to hear a variety of imaginary sounds, no reassuring report of +firearms broke the echoes of the palm-groves. +</P> + +<P> +"Look here," exclaimed Ellerton, after hours of weary vigil, "the +moon's up quite enough to allow us to find our way; so let's make a +start." +</P> + +<P> +Andy shook his head. +</P> + +<P> +"You ought to know the pater well enough by this time, Hoppy. It's +rotten hanging about here, I admit, but it's part of the game. So +let's make the best of it." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap20"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XX +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE ENEMY IS CORNERED +</H4> + +<P> +Mr. McKay, left to himself, prepared for his all-night watch. His +hiding-place consisted of a crevice which commanded a view of the route +his companions had taken. Standing upright he could also see over the +rock in which he was concealed, though prudence urged him not to show +his head above the gaunt stone walls of his lair. +</P> + +<P> +He rested himself on a convenient ledge, and waited, with his rifle +across his knee. Then, as the sun set and intense darkness brooded +over the land, he braced himself for his task. Instinct told him that +the fugitive would skulk in the rocks till the moon rose; then in all +probability he would prowl for food. +</P> + +<P> +More than once Mr. McKay fancied he heard the crunching of a boot upon +the pumice stone. Twice he grasped his rifle, as a dark shadow seemed +to loom up against the darkness. +</P> + +<P> +"Imagination," he remarked to himself. "What is the matter with my +nerves?" But a finger pressed upon his wrist showed him that his pulse +was beating regularly. +</P> + +<P> +Then came a sound that could not possibly be mistaken—a smothered +sneeze. +</P> + +<P> +Blight was within a few yards of Mr. McKay, but in which direction the +latter was unable to decide. +</P> + +<P> +Then came the scuffling of feet. The fugitive was scuffling blindly +across the rock. At any instant he might pitch into the crevice right +into the arms of his pursuer. +</P> + +<P> +Nearer and nearer he came, cursing under his breath as his feet came in +contact with the ruts and sharp corners of the rocks. Mr. McKay could +even hear the laboured breathing of his quarry. +</P> + +<P> +Realising the danger of making his way over the pitfalls, Blight sat +down, muttering angrily at being baulked, at the same time abusing the +moon for its tardy appearance. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay waited, rifle in hand, feeling almost pleased. He pictured +the fugitive's consternation when the moonlight revealed his tracker +covering him at ten paces. It was the old animal instinct, the joy of +the chase, whether hunter and hunted be human beings or mere beasts of +the field. +</P> + +<P> +Above the tops of the distant palm-trees a pale yellow light dawned in +the eastern sky. Stronger and stronger it grew, till the golden disc +of the queen of night appeared, the brilliant light throwing the rocks +into strong relief. +</P> + +<P> +The escaped prisoner, now that his path seemed clear, prepared to make +his journey towards the trees once more, and obviously fearing no +danger, he scrambled over a flat-topped boulder. Barely had he stood +erect when Mr. McKay, rifle to shoulder, shouted: +</P> + +<P> +"The game's up once more. Throw up your hands!" +</P> + +<P> +So great was Blight's surprise that he stood stock still, with mouth +agape, staring at the silhouetted form of his enemy; then, recovering +himself, rushed wildly towards Mr. McKay, shrieking: +</P> + +<P> +"You'll never take me alive, bad luck to you!" +</P> + +<P> +It was the act of a madman. Ere he could cover the intervening apace, +Mr. McKay could have shot him dead on the spot. But the Australian was +loath to be the rascal's executioner; the business seemed to him to be +mere butchery. +</P> + +<P> +Turning down the muzzle of his rifle, the solitary tracker aimed the +weapon at his enemy's feet. This action had a most restraining effect +upon the rogue. He would welcome a swift and almost painless death, +but to be deliberately crippled, secured at leisure, and dragged back +to his prison, did not appeal to him. He turned swiftly and, dodging +from side to side as he ran, he sped rapidly across the rocks. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay fired, but the shot went wide. He could have perforated the +man's body between the shoulders with the greatest ease, but a pot-shot +in the moonlight at a pair of swiftly-moving legs afforded plenty of +opportunities of missing. +</P> + +<P> +The fugitive uttered a yell of defiance, and sped onwards. Another +fifty yards and he would be lost to sight in the midst of a labyrinth +of fantastically-shaped rocks. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay did not attempt to fire a second shot. The success of his +long vigil depended upon keeping the chase in view. Laying his rifle +on the ground and making sure that the flap of his pistol-holster was +loose, he vaulted upon the rock and set off in pursuit. +</P> + +<P> +Although "hard as nails" and sound of wind, Mr. McKay forgot for the +time being that the result of his accident on board the <I>San Martin</I> +had left him somewhat weak in his lower limbs. +</P> + +<P> +With elbows pressed close to his sides he ran, but ere forty yards were +covered he found himself lurching dangerously. Setting his jaw firmly, +he persevered, keeping his eyes fixed upon the form of the fugitive, +yet he was forced to confess that he was losing ground. +</P> + +<P> +Blight was now within twenty yards of the sheltering rocks. Dare the +pursuer use his revolver and stop this headlong flight? The odds were +too great, for with the exertion of running his aim would be erratic. +No, he must continue to run and trust to chance that his quarry might +be cornered somewhere. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly Blight stumbled, kicking up a cloud of pumice dust that looked +silvery in the moonlight. Two yards he traversed ere he fell headlong +in the soft lava, and before he could stagger to his feet his pursuer +was almost within arm's length. +</P> + +<P> +"Give in, you idiot," shouted Mr. McKay, drawing his revolver. +</P> + +<P> +For answer Blight laughed, and, bending low as he ran, he doubled away +to the right, where the ground sloped downwards towards a line of +irregularly-shaped cliffs. He was crippled. He had twisted his ankle, +and everything was in Mr. McKay's favour. +</P> + +<P> +Unwilling to close with the desperate fugitive, Mr. McKay prepared to +maim him with a bullet through his leg; but even as he levelled the +weapon, Blight disappeared from sight with a shriek of terror. +</P> + +<P> +Instinctively Mr. McKay threw himself flat on his back, digging his +heels into the soft yielding dust; but surely and gradually he found +himself slipping towards the mouth of a gaping abyss. The very ground +on which he was sprawling was moving. He could hear the rustle of the +sand and small stones as they dropped over the ledge into the +apparently fathomless chasm. +</P> + +<P> +Desperately Mr. McKay plunged his arms into the sliding sand; but his +efforts were unavailing. He was being launched towards the yawning +gulf, the horrors of which seemed worse in the moonlight. +</P> + +<P> +Just as he was on the point of slipping over the edge—his heels were +already over the abyss—his hand, buried arm's length in the pumice, +came in contact with a piece of hard rock. +</P> + +<P> +Would it hold? he wondered. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly his outstretched arm began to change from a vertical to an +almost horizontal position as his body still continued its downward +motion. The rock afforded but a slender hold: either the fabric might +become loosened, or his hand might be unable to keep up the strain, and +then——? +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay ceased to struggle. He could feel the sand slipping from +under him, streaming past like a solid cataract. So long as he kept +quiet he was comparatively safe, but directly he commenced to find a +foothold, his peril increased threefold. Yet he knew that every moment +his grip upon the small pinnacle that stood between him and instant +death was gradually becoming weaker. +</P> + +<P> +In those awful moments of peril he could hear the laboured breathing of +his enemy, coming apparently from a great depth beneath his feet. +Blight, then, was still alive, but his gasping breaths sounded ominous. +</P> + +<P> +At length, regaining his self-possession, Mr. McKay put forth a final +effort in an endeavour to draw his feet clear of the awful chasm. +</P> + +<P> +Inch by inch he worked himself upwards, against the increasing torrent +of sand, when suddenly the rocky ledge was wrenched from its base, and +the next instant he was swept into the gulf. +</P> + +<P> +Amidst a shower of dust and stones he felt himself hurtling through the +pitch dark air, then everything became a blank. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +<SPAN STYLE="letter-spacing: 4em">*****</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P> +The first rays of the rising sun filtering through the narrow neck of +the inverted funnel-shaped chasm strove to disperse the darkness. +</P> + +<P> +Stretched upon the thick carpet of powdered pumice were two motionless +figures, partially covered with the flow of dust that trickled from the +open air like the sand of a gigantic hour-glass. +</P> + +<P> +The head and shoulders of one of the victims were pillowed upon the +body of the other, who lay, with arms outstretched, gazing upwards with +sightless eyes at the narrow slit of sky that was visible between the +lips of the abyss. +</P> + +<P> +Blight had gone to his last account. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly opening his eyes, Mr. McKay blinked stupidly at nothingness for +a few seconds, then stretched out his arms. It was the action of a man +awakening from slumber. He felt no pain; he had no idea of where he +was, or of what had occurred. +</P> + +<P> +With the intention of going to sleep again he turned his head on its +ghastly pillow, but on drawing up his arms to compose himself, his head +came in contact with the cold face of his companion in misfortune. +</P> + +<P> +The touch acted like an electric shock. In an instant the details of +the tragedy flashed across his mind. He stumbled to his feet, but +overcome by weakness, he sank once more upon the dust-covered floor. +</P> + +<P> +How long had he been in this hideous deathtrap? he wondered. Was it a +night, or many days and nights? Had his comrades searched in vain and +had they abandoned their quest and left him to his fate? +</P> + +<P> +For quite half-an-hour Mr. McKay sat and thought, striving to collect +his mental and physical powers. He went over the events leading up to +the final tragedy—the ambush, the pursuit, Blight's disappearance, and +his own terrible ordeal on the sliding sand. Then he reflected that +his trail would be fairly well-defined, and that help must be +forthcoming. His watch was still going, so that he knew that it was +only the morning following his night's vigil. +</P> + +<P> +Overhead a dazzling ray of sunlight shone obliquely through the +opening, illuminating the shaft-like sides of his prison, but so dead +black was the colour of the rock that hardly any light was reflected to +the bottom of the pit. He could, in fact, just see his own hands and +the grey features of his ill-fated companion. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay groped about the floor. At first his fingers encountered +nothing but dust. He plunged his arm up to the elbow in the soft +yielding deposit; but nothing solid met his touch. +</P> + +<P> +Fearing that he might be lying on a ledge overhanging a pit of +fathomless depth, Mr. McKay extended his field of exploration, making +wide sweeps with his arms. Presently his fingers encountered a metal +object. It was his revolver. +</P> + +<P> +"At least," he thought, "I can signal for aid." +</P> + +<P> +But on second thoughts he hesitated. Then he remembered his box of +matches. Fumbling in his pocket he found the little case, and eagerly, +like a miser counting his gold, he passed the little sticks one by one +through his fingers. Ten—ten priceless matches. +</P> + +<P> +He struck one. For the moment his eyes were dazzled by the yellow +fire, but ere it burnt out he made sure of two things. He was not +lying on the edge of another precipice; that was reassuring. His +second discovery was disconcerting. His trusty revolver was choked +with fine dust, and had he discharged it he would have assuredly been +injured by the bursting of the barrel. +</P> + +<P> +The match flickered out, and to the imprisoned man the darkness seemed +denser than ever. It pressed upon him like a real substance, till he +felt tempted to shout in his distress. +</P> + +<P> +By degrees he grew calmer, and staggering to his feet he moved his +limbs with extreme caution. To his satisfaction they were still sound, +though he was beginning to feel stiff and bruised from head to foot. +</P> + +<P> +The light of a second match showed that Blight was indeed beyond all +human aid, so, placing his handkerchief over the face of the corpse, +Mr. McKay retired a few steps till a third match became necessary. +</P> + +<P> +He found himself within a few feet of one of the walls of his prison. +The stone, divided by volcanic agency, was almost vertical at the +point, though at others it receded so that the base of the abyss was +several yards beyond the perpendicular height of the shaft. Close to +him was a deep crack in the wall, known by mountaineers as a "chimney." +</P> + +<P> +It might be possible to scale the rock, he thought, but the knowledge +that the edge of the shaft was "rotten" compelled Mr. McKay to abandon +that attempt. He must wait; yet, unwilling to remain idle, he resolved +to sacrifice four more of his precious matches in exploring the +immediate vicinity of the chasm. +</P> + +<P> +Keeping close to the wall, Mr. McKay proceeded with the utmost caution, +till he reached a yawning cavern that descended abruptly. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment he hesitated, fearing the presence of carbonic acid gas, +but on holding the lighted match close to the ground the flame burnt +clear and bright. +</P> + +<P> +To his surprise Mr. McKay found his hand resting on the butt of a +musket. The weapon was lying on the hard, rocky floor of the cave, for +here no dust had penetrated. Another match revealed the fact that the +firearm was of an ancient pattern, the combined flint and matchlock +being of not later date than the end of the seventeenth century. +</P> + +<P> +"By George! This is a find!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +For the time being he forgot his surroundings, interest being centred +in this relic of bygone days. +</P> + +<P> +Then, unwilling to risk using his remaining stock of matches, yet +mentally resolving to explore this part of the cavern at the earliest +favourable opportunity, he retraced his steps to that part of the chasm +that lay beneath the narrow shaft. Here he sat down and waited, hoping +for the speedy arrival of Andy and Ellerton. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap21"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE BUCCANEERS' CAVE +</H4> + +<P> +It could not have been more than a couple of hours after Mr. McKay +returned to consciousness that the two lads emerged from the forest and +gazed wonderingly upon the rock-strewn plain. Not knowing the course +of events, they had left Terence and Quexo to guard the dwelling-house +against a possible attack. +</P> + +<P> +"Steady, Hoppy!" cautioned Andy, as Ellerton was about to rush towards +the spot where they had left Mr. McKay on the previous evening. "I +don't like the look of things. Suppose that rogue has got the upper +hand? You would be potted to a cert if you rushed into the open in +that reckless style. You work round to the right and I'll go by the +left." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly the lads, taking advantage of every bit of cover, advanced +with the utmost caution towards the little rift in the dark rock where +Mr. McKay had made his ambush. +</P> + +<P> +There was his rifle, lying on the ground, with no sign of an empty +cartridge to show that the weapon had been discharged. Andy removed +the magazine and found that the cartridges were still intact. +</P> + +<P> +"I can't understand it," he exclaimed. "The pater was evidently in a +hurry, for, you see, the rifle was not placed against a rock, but was +thrown down on the ground. He's too careful, in ordinary +circumstances, to do a thing like that." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, where is he? If Blight had managed to get the better of him he +would have taken away the rifle." +</P> + +<P> +"He may have chased him right across this island. Come on, it's no use +wasting time here; let's try and pick up the trail." +</P> + +<P> +Andy leapt upon the flat top of the rock and assisted his chum to +follow his example. Both took it for granted that there was no further +need for concealment. +</P> + +<P> +From where they stood the ground had the appearance of a broad belt of +flat rock, divided in all directions by narrow crevices, most of which +could be jumped across with the greatest ease, while ahead was the +first of a series of cliffs, which incircled the base of the peak of +the island. +</P> + +<P> +"Look!" exclaimed Ellerton, pointing to a little heap of brown canvas +which was lying on the rock about thirty feet away. "There's your +father's haversack." +</P> + +<P> +The lad was right, for Mr. McKay had discarded the article as he +commenced the pursuit of the fugitive. From this spot the mingled +tracks of the hunter and the hunted were easily traced, by reason of +the deposit of lava dust, which grew thicker as the lads advanced. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly they came to an abrupt halt. Almost at their feet began the +treacherous slope, ending in the horrible fissure which had been the +cause of Blight's death and Mr. McKay's disaster. +</P> + +<P> +Although the still sliding dust and sand had almost hidden the traces +of Mr. McKay's desperate struggle to save himself from the yawning pit, +there remained sufficient evidences of the disappearance of the +fugitive and his pursuer. +</P> + +<P> +The faces of both lads grew pale. Andy was about to rush towards the +brink of the abyss when Ellerton's detaining hand was laid upon his +shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"It's nothing more or less than a trap," said he. "You'll——" +</P> + +<P> +The sentence remained unfinished, for from the depths of the chasm a +hollow voice that the lads hardly recognised as Mr. McKay's repeated +the warning: +</P> + +<P> +"Stand back, lads!" +</P> + +<P> +"Are you all right, sir?" shouted Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, but you cannot get to my aid without a rope. Hurry back to the +house, and bring all hands with you. A lantern will also be useful. +Be as quick as you can, for it's pretty doleful down here." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, sir, we'll make haste; but stand by!" +</P> + +<P> +And as a parting gift Ellerton dexterously threw Mr. McKay's haversack, +still containing an ample supply of food, into the pit. +</P> + +<P> +Andy, however, hesitated. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you sure you are all right, dad?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ay, my boy. Why do you ask?" +</P> + +<P> +"Because your voice sounds so strange. I suppose it's the rocks that +affect it. How far did you fall?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hardly know; about thirty feet, I expect; luckily the ground's soft." +</P> + +<P> +"Seen anything of Blight?" +</P> + +<P> +"Dead!" replied Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +With the utmost despatch Ellerton and Andy returned to the house, +where, having told the others all they knew about the accident, they +collected a couple of coils of rope, some lanterns, two strong +crowbars, a hammer, and, at Ellerton's suggestion, two six-inch pulleys. +</P> + +<P> +The four lads—for even Quexo insisted on coming, though he was still +in a weak state of health—set off for the scene of the disaster, Andy +and Terence carrying the bulk of the appliances, while Ellerton and the +mulatto took only what they could place in their belts. +</P> + +<P> +Cheering up the prisoner with a lusty shout of encouragement, the +rescuers proceeded to drive the crowbars into a convenient crevice in +the rocks, so that one was about ten feet nearer to the chasm than the +other. +</P> + +<P> +From the base of the outside bar to the top of the inner one, Ellerton +lashed a piece of rope, then making sure that the "crows" would bear +any strain that was likely to be put upon them, he attached a pulley to +the base of the innermost. +</P> + +<P> +Through the block was rove one of the coils of rope, one end of which +he tied round his waist. Then, taking the lighted lantern in his hand, +he walked cautiously towards the brink of the pit, the others paying +out the rope as he went. +</P> + +<P> +Before he had gone a distance of five yards the pumice dust began to +slide away from under his feet, causing him to sit down on the slope, +while the avalanche nearly blinded Mr. McKay as he was looking upwards +for the expected relief. +</P> + +<P> +"Come back, Hoppy!" shouted Andy. "Remember your arm." +</P> + +<P> +"I do," replied Ellerton with a laugh. "It's giving me good cause to +remember it, but I mean to make the best of it. You fellows can do +more good by hauling on that rope than I can, so slack away." +</P> + +<P> +Terence and Andy accordingly "slacked away," and Ellerton slid another +yard or so towards the brink. He was then able to lower the lantern to +Mr. McKay, and at the same time he made the discovery that the shaft +was too rugged to allow a man to be hauled up by a rope without serious +danger of the rope being chafed through by the sharp projections. +</P> + +<P> +He explained the situation to Mr. McKay, who fully realised the force +of his remarks. +</P> + +<P> +"Never mind, we'll manage it right enough," concluded Ellerton +cheerily, and giving the word he was hauled back to where his +companions stood. +</P> + +<P> +"We must have one of those trees down," he said, pointing to the +distant palms. +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly the lads set off for the forest, where without much +difficulty a stout trunk, thirty feet in length, was felled. The work +of transporting it to the brink of the pit was a more tedious business, +and an hour elapsed ere they succeeded in slinging the timber across +the yawning gulf, where it rested with about ten feet imbedded in the +soft lava on either side of the hole. +</P> + +<P> +"Now you can do this part of the work better than I," said Ellerton to +Andy. "Lash this block to the centre of the trunk, and reeve a rope +through it." +</P> + +<P> +This Andy managed to do. He also lashed a smaller piece of timber at a +distance of about four feet below the tree-trunk, so as to form a +platform to enable Mr. McKay to obtain a clear spring when hauled up as +far as the pulley would permit. +</P> + +<P> +"All ready, pater?" asked the son. +</P> + +<P> +"Wait a moment, Andy. Could you manage to come down here, do you +think?" +</P> + +<P> +"I'll try. I say, you fellows, I'm going down, so pay out the rope." +</P> + +<P> +Andy swung himself from the main beam upon the lower piece of timber, +and, summoning up his courage, launched himself off from the swaying +perch. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly he descended, spinning round on the straining rope like a joint +on a meat-jack, while at almost every second his shoulders or hips came +into contact with the jagged walls of the shaft. To avoid the dust he +kept his head bent downwards, and as he did so he saw the glimmer of +the lantern from beneath. +</P> + +<P> +"Thirty feet, do you call it?" he asked, as his feet touched the floor +of the pit, and his father grasped his hand. "It's sixty at the very +least." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think so," was the reply. "You see, looking down from a +height the distance always appears greater. Had the floor been hard +rock, I should have been killed or at least seriously injured. But to +change the subject, look here." +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay had, during the long interval of waiting since Ellerton had +lowered the lantern, made another tour of exploration, and now he led +the way towards the tunnel where he had found an old musket. +</P> + +<P> +He had made a strange discovery. At no very distant date a long cavern +of varying height and breadth existed here. Where its entrance was Mr. +McKay had not found out; but a volcanic disturbance had caused a mighty +fissure to divide the original cave in two, as an examination of the +strata proved conclusively. +</P> + +<P> +Casting off the rope from around his waist, Andy followed his father +into the tunnel-like cavern, stooping as he did so, for its mouth was +barely five feet in height. +</P> + +<P> +At ten paces from its mouth the passage turned almost at right angles +to its former direction, and expanded into a broad and lofty chamber. +Almost covering the width of the four sides was a range of arm-racks +filled with old-time weapons. The candle-light flashed upon the bright +barrels of musket and pistol, and glittered on the steel of bayonet, +cutlass, sword, and pike, for so dry was the atmosphere that a couple +of centuries had not left any appreciable trace on the metal. +</P> + +<P> +"Great Scott! How did these get here?" asked Andy, after he had +recovered from his astonishment. +</P> + +<P> +"It's the armoury of some long-forgotten buccaneer," replied his +father. "I've had plenty of time to look round since you first sent me +the lantern, and none of these weapons are later than the earlier part +of the eighteenth century, or the last part of the seventeenth. See, +these muskets have Vauban locks, a combination of flint and matchlock. +These kinds of muskets were used at the battles of Steenkirke and +Landen. You can also see that all these bayonets are the plug variety, +that is to say they were plugged into the barrel of the musket, thus +temporarily converting it from a firearm to a pike. These are +evidently the original bayonets used in the reign of James II., so that +we can fix the period at which they were stored here to within a few +years, since the socket type were introduced early in the reign of +William III." +</P> + +<P> +In this strain Mr. McKay continued, forgetful of time and place, till +Ellerton's voice was heard shouting to know of anything was amiss. +</P> + +<P> +"We had better retrace our footsteps," observed Mr. McKay, "or the +others will be getting alarmed. When we've found an easier way of +descending into this pit—for I do not want another fall like that, I +can assure you—we'll make a thorough exploration of the place." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly father and son made their way back towards the shaft, but +as they turned the bend of the passage they found themselves confronted +by Terence and Ellerton, each of whom carried a lantern. +</P> + +<P> +"Hullo! How did you descend?" asked Andy, who was very astonished at +seeing his friends down there. +</P> + +<P> +"I lowered Terence, and then let myself down," replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Then, how in the name of goodness, do you expect to get back?" +demanded Andy. "Quexo cannot haul us up." +</P> + +<P> +"By the same means as I came down," replied the young sailor calmly. +"It's easy enough with a bos'un's chair." +</P> + +<P> +"Then all I can say is that I hope you lashed the pulley on securely," +rejoined Andy with evident concern. "If that goes wrong, we're +trapped." +</P> + +<P> +"Don't worry," replied Ellerton, somewhat ruffled at the slur cast upon +his work. +</P> + +<P> +"Come, come," observed Mr. McKay good-humouredly. "Don't quarrel. Now +we are here we might as well continue our exploration." +</P> + +<P> +Once more the armoury was inspected, the lads showing the greatest +interest in the weapons, snapping the flints in order to see the sparks +fly from the steel. +</P> + +<P> +"Be careful, some of these muskets may be loaded," cautioned Mr. McKay. +"Always make it a practice to point a weapon away from anybody when +fooling about like that." +</P> + +<P> +Hardly had he spoken, when a tremendous explosion shook the cave, the +noise being intensified by the confined space, and Terence sat on the +floor rubbing his shoulder, while a smoking musket lay by his side. +</P> + +<P> +"You're a young ass," observed Andy. "Are you hurt?" +</P> + +<P> +"Didn't know it was loaded," replied the youth, still clapping his hand +to his shoulder. +</P> + +<P> +"That's what they all say after an accident has occurred," said Mr. +McKay. "By some means or the other the musket was stored without the +charge being drawn. However, thank goodness it's no worse, though the +concussion might have brought the roof down on our heads." +</P> + +<P> +Presently Ellerton, who had wandered behind one of the arms-racks that +stood about three feet from the wall, exclaimed: +</P> + +<P> +"Here's another passage." +</P> + +<P> +"Hold on, then," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Wait till I come. There might +be a pitfall." +</P> + +<P> +Carefully examining the floor of the tunnel, the explorers advanced +about ten yards, when further progress was prevented by a door covered +with flat iron bars. +</P> + +<P> +"H'm!" ejaculated Mr. McKay. "What have we here?" +</P> + +<P> +Terence was dispatched to bring a dagger and a pike from the armoury, +but on further thoughts Mr. McKay forbade the lads to tamper with the +door. +</P> + +<P> +"Then we are done for the time being," remarked Andy. "Shall we go +back for our axes?" +</P> + +<P> +"A crowbar would be the thing," replied Ellerton. "But we want the two +we brought." +</P> + +<P> +"Probably it's as well we haven't got them," added Mr. McKay. "To tell +the truth, I have my suspicions of that door, so we'll defer the +opening of it till a more convenient time." +</P> + +<P> +Reluctantly the lads retraced their steps to the open chasm, where +Blight's body lay. +</P> + +<P> +"We must bury him as soon as possible," said Mr. McKay. "There's no +place here, so we must haul the body to the surface, and dig a grave in +the soft earth." +</P> + +<P> +"There's no soil nearer than the edge of the palm-forest," observed +Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"I know, but it cannot be helped." +</P> + +<P> +"Isn't there a rift or a hole in the floor where we could bury him?" +asked Ellerton. "After all, where does it matter, so long as he +receives Christian burial?" +</P> + +<P> +"We may as well look," assented Mr. McKay, and taking one of the +lanterns he commenced to explore that side of the chasm which lay +opposite to the tunnel leading to the buccaneers' armoury. +</P> + +<P> +The first ten or twelve paces were knee deep in the pumice dust, but on +approaching the wall of the abyss the floor was fairly hard, being +protected from falling dirt and sand by the overhang of the shaft. +</P> + +<P> +On reaching the stone face of the rift the explorers followed its +general direction without discovering any crack or crevice likely to +suit their purpose, till they stumbled upon another tunnel-like shaft, +similar and almost opposite to the one they had already traversed. +</P> + +<P> +This tunnel was about six feet in height and four in width, and ran in +a slightly upward direction. Evidently it was at one time a +continuation of the other passage. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's see where this leads to," exclaimed Ellerton, full of curiosity +and enthusiasm. "I believe it leads to the open air." +</P> + +<P> +"I think not," replied Mr. McKay, pointing to the smooth, even steps in +the floor of the tunnel. "See, the floor is as dry as a bone, and +covered with a thick deposit of dust. If this tunnel is open, the +tropical rains would have washed the dust away." +</P> + +<P> +"Then where does it lead to?" continued Ellerton. "Those arms must +have been brought in by some means." +</P> + +<P> +"We'll carry on and see who's right." +</P> + +<P> +It was a long walk. Up and up ran the tunnel, turning slightly to the +right, yet maintaining a uniform height and breadth throughout its +entire length. +</P> + +<P> +"This passage has been hewn out," announced Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +"Hasn't the other?" asked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Only in parts. The armoury is a natural cave. Perhaps there was a +smaller tunnel here before, and the people who discovered it enlarged +it. It's about time we came to the end." +</P> + +<P> +"Now who's right, sir?" exclaimed Ellerton triumphantly, as the pale +gleam of daylight was visible from a curve of the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +"Not this child," replied Mr. McKay, without the faintest trace of +chagrin. In fact, he was glad to know he was in the wrong, for he did +not relish the task of tackling the shaft and the treacherous, +dust-covered slope at its edge. +</P> + +<P> +A few sparse bushes masked the mouth of the tunnel, and upon these +being thrust aside, the adventurers found themselves at the foot of the +lowermost range of cliffs and within a hundred yards of the abyss which +had been the cause of their presence in the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +Standing close to where the crowbars were driven into the rock was +Quexo, looking the picture of misery, for he was perfectly convinced in +his own mind that all his companions had met with disaster. +</P> + +<P> +"Quexo!" shouted Andy. "Quexo! Here we are!" +</P> + +<P> +The mulatto's joy was curious to behold. He danced, swung his sound +arm over his head, and cut fantastic capers, the tears running down his +cheeks the while as he blurted out unintelligible sentences in mingled +English and Spanish. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, we're safe once more, thanks to Providence," exclaimed Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +All the explorers looked rather disreputable, but Mr. McKay in +particular was little better than a walking scarecrow. His clothes +were in rags, his face clotted with dried blood and dust, while, now +the excitement was over, he once more began to feel stiff and bruised +from head to foot. +</P> + +<P> +"By Jove, we've forgotten what we went to look for!" exclaimed Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Mr. McKay. "We must bring the poor fellow's body up +after all." +</P> + +<P> +"By the tunnel?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, by the shaft." +</P> + +<P> +"Then here goes," said Ellerton quietly, and drawing up one of the +ropes he fastened it round his waist. Lantern in hand he slid down the +sand, and getting astride the tree-trunk, edged his way along till he +reached the swaying piece of timber. The next minute he was lowering +himself into the abyss. +</P> + +<P> +"He's a plucky chap," commented Mr. McKay as they awaited Ellerton's +signal. +</P> + +<P> +"And with an arm like that," added Terence admiringly. "He really +seems to make light of it." +</P> + +<P> +The watchers had not long to wait. +</P> + +<P> +"Haul away!" shouted Ellerton, and heaving slowly on the rope they +brought the body of the unfortunate Blight to the surface, where the +young seaman soon rejoined the others. +</P> + +<P> +Between them they bore the corpse across the rocky plain to the edge of +the palm-forest, where they dug a shallow grave with their axes. +</P> + +<P> +Here the body of the ex-pearler was laid to rest, Mr. McKay recited a +few prayers, and the earth was heaped over the corpse, a pile of heavy +stones being placed over the grave to mark the spot. +</P> + +<P> +This depressing task completed, they hastened homewards to enjoy a +welcome meal and a still more desired rest. +</P> + +<P> +For the next two or three weeks all hands were too busy to think of +making a further exploration of the buccaneers' cave. +</P> + +<P> +The damage wrought by the savages required a considerable amount of +patience and hard work to set to rights. A new storehouse had to be +constructed, and the various stores that had not been totally destroyed +were collected and placed once more under cover. +</P> + +<P> +Terence had, with considerable ingenuity, contrived to erect an +electric alarm, so that the moment a foot was placed upon the lowermost +path leading up to the house, a bell would ring in the sleeping +quarters. +</P> + +<P> +He also succeeded in rigging up the searchlight salved from the wreck, +and after many failures the apparatus worked to perfection. +</P> + +<P> +Thereafter every night its great beam was directed skywards, the +International Signal, "N.G." (want immediate assistance), being flashed +in the hope of attracting the attention of any vessel within seventy +miles of the island. +</P> + +<P> +The little party was now completely isolated from the rest of the world. +</P> + +<P> +Before the destruction of the yawl they had the means of making even a +fairly long passage, but now this was denied them, for it would be +utter madness to attempt to go to sea in one of the captured canoes. +</P> + +<P> +So, realising that the sooner they were in possession of a seaworthy +craft the better it would be for them, the inhabitants of McKay's +Island debated whether it would be advisable to construct a new decked +craft, convert one of the canoes into a cabin boat, or to salvage the +wreck of the yawl and patch her up sufficiently to enable them to reach +Tahiti. +</P> + +<P> +Even with the appliances at their command, Mr. McKay reckoned that it +would take a twelvemonth to make a boat large enough for their +requirements. As regards reconstructing one of the canoes, he came to +the conclusion that the work might be done, but the canoe being without +a keel would be a bad craft in a sea-way; while her light construction +would not allow a keel to be fixed without a grave risk of straining +the vessel in the first breeze she encountered. +</P> + +<P> +Finally, it was decided that the captured canoes should be utilised to +attempt the salvage of the yawl, and on the first fine day the actual +work was put in hand. +</P> + +<P> +By means of rollers and a powerful jack, three of the canoes were +launched and taken to the scene of the savages' wanton act. +</P> + +<P> +The wrecked boat could be clearly discerned lying on the sandy bed of +the lagoon in six fathoms of water, with a slight list to starboard. +</P> + +<P> +Anchoring two of the native craft close to the sunken yawl, Ellerton +and Andy contrived to pass the bight of a chain under her bows, the +ends of the chain being made fast to two stout cables. A similar +device was employed to engage the stern of the wreck, although the fact +that her keel was imbedded in the sand added to the difficulty of the +task. +</P> + +<P> +Two massive trunks of palm-trees were then placed across the gunwales +of both canoes, converting them into a kind of pontoon. +</P> + +<P> +These preparations being completed, all that was at present necessary +was to wait till dead low water. +</P> + +<P> +All hands knew that it would be a tedious job, for the rise of the tide +was but five feet at springs and only two feet at neaps, so what work +had to be done must be performed during the spring tides. +</P> + +<P> +At dead low water all the slack of the four hawsers was taken in, and +once more came a tedious wait for the rising tide. +</P> + +<P> +Gradually the strain on the ropes increased, till the timbers groaned +under the weight of the sunken boat and the canoes sank lower in the +water. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah! She's lifting!" shouted Ellerton, and allowing sufficient +time for the yawl to be lifted clear of the bottom, Mr. McKay and his +assistants began to haul on an anchor cable which had been previously +laid towards the shore. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the ungainly pontoon with its heavy burden began to move +shorewards, when suddenly the bows of the canoes rose high in the air, +throwing their occupants on their backs. One of the hawsers had +slipped, and the work of six long hours was wasted. +</P> + +<P> +"Hard lines!" exclaimed Terence dolefully. +</P> + +<P> +"It is, I admit," replied Ellerton cheerfully. "Still, we must not +expect to have everything our own way. Try, try, try again, as the old +saw says." +</P> + +<P> +"We can do no more to-day," said Mr. McKay. "We'll leave the canoes +moored to the yawl, however. That will save time to-morrow." +</P> + +<P> +"I think, if you don't mind, sir, we'll try and slip the sling under +her again," said Ellerton. "You see, if we do that there won't be so +much chance of the canoes drifting and consequently slipping the other +sling." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so," replied Mr. McKay. "It may save us some hours of hard +work." +</P> + +<P> +So directly the water cleared, for the settling of the wrecked boat had +churned up the sand till she was practically invisible, the chain sling +was again placed in position. +</P> + +<P> +This time this part of the business was done more satisfactorily, as +the yawl was resting on a hummock of shell and sand amidships, so that +above five feet of the after part of her keel was clear of the bed of +the lagoon. +</P> + +<P> +"I hope it doesn't come on to blow to-night," remarked Ellerton, as the +party rowed ashore. "If it does, then good-bye to the yawl." +</P> + +<P> +"The glass is steady," replied Mr. McKay. "If it should pipe up, we +must slip the slings and let the canoes take their chance." +</P> + +<P> +That afternoon Ellerton and Andy were busy preparing additional slings, +for the former was resolved not to have a repetition of the morning's +failure if it could be avoided. +</P> + +<P> +Just before low water on the following morning, the salvage party set +out for the wreck. As Mr. McKay had predicted, the weather was fine, +there being no swell to speak of within the lagoon, though as usual the +breakers were lashing themselves into milk-white foam upon the outer +fringe of the reef. +</P> + +<P> +Once more the slings were hove tight, and as the tide rose, the wrecked +craft was again lifted from her ocean bed. Directly the yawl was +"lively," as Ellerton expressed it, two more slings were passed +underneath her keel so as to make doubly sure of her being swung +properly. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap22"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE TREASURE CHAMBER +</H4> + +<P> +At high water the wrecked craft was moved for a distance of nearly a +hundred yards towards the shore ere she grounded. This completed the +day's work, and on the following morning at low tide the "slack" was +again taken in so as to enable the rising tide again to lift the yawl +clear of the bottom. +</P> + +<P> +This time, owing to the bed of the lagoon shoaling more rapidly, only +twenty yards were gained. +</P> + +<P> +"It will be a tiring and tedious job, I can see," said Terence. "How +are we to manage when the hull is brought close in shore?" +</P> + +<P> +"We'll have to be content to move her a few feet at a time," replied +Ellerton. "It's slow work, I admit, but we are making very +satisfactory progress." +</P> + +<P> +With the arrival of the neap tides, the work came to a standstill, the +rise of water being insufficient to justify the time and labour spent +on it; so the slings were cast off and buoyed, and the canoes brought +into the little natural harbour, where they would be safe from all but +an exceptional on-shore gale. +</P> + +<P> +During the interval, the lads utilised several spare lengths of rails, +and spiking them into rough sleepers, formed a temporary hauling-up +slip. +</P> + +<P> +Two of the wagons were dismantled, and the axles and wheels attached to +a cradle, while a winch was firmly bolted to a secure foundation on the +shore at twenty yards above high-water mark. +</P> + +<P> +The rails were to be laid down at low water as far seaward as possible, +and the sleepers sunk by means of heavy stones. Andy hoped to avail +himself of a high spring tide to float the yawl right over the cradle, +then, casting off the lashings that supported her, they could haul the +wreck up by means of the winch and effect the repairs at their leisure. +</P> + +<P> +Unfortunately, with the return of the spring tides a strong on-shore +breeze sprang up and continued with unremitting freshness for over a +week, so that the members of the salvage party were compelled +temporarily to abandon their enterprise. +</P> + +<P> +"Never say die," exclaimed Mr. McKay encouragingly. "Another fortnight +and I hope we shall be able to resume the work. In the meantime, lads, +what do you say to a kind of picnic?" +</P> + +<P> +"A picnic?" asked Ellerton. "Where to?" +</P> + +<P> +"I am thinking of paying another visit to the buccaneers' cave. I'm +very curious to know what is on the other side of that iron-bound door, +and I've no doubt you are equally so." +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah!" shouted the lads in chorus. "When shall we start?" +</P> + +<P> +"In an hour," replied Mr. McKay promptly. +</P> + +<P> +"Bursting open the door will be a tough job," remarked Andy. "How do +you propose to do it?" +</P> + +<P> +"I hope to manage it by means of an explosive," replied his father. +</P> + +<P> +"Dynamite?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, there's too much risk in carting a few sticks of that stuff +through a tunnel a hundred yards in length or more. One slip and it +would mean sudden death to the lot of us. I want a couple of fuses, +however, so while we are getting ready you can run up to the magazine +and obtain them." +</P> + +<P> +While Andy was away on his errand, Mr. McKay opened a few cartridges +and extracted the cordite. +</P> + +<P> +"This stuff is safe enough with reasonable precautions," he remarked to +Ellerton, who was watching Mr. McKay with no little fear. "So long as +it is not under compression cordite can be lit without the faintest +danger. In the open air it merely fizzles like a damp squib." +</P> + +<P> +"Couldn't we smash the door with an axe?" asked Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"We could, but I prefer not to. In the first place there's not much +room to wield an axe; in the second, as I mentioned before, I have my +suspicions regarding that door." +</P> + +<P> +"What suspicions, sir?" +</P> + +<P> +"Wait and see!" replied Mr. McKay with a laugh. +</P> + +<P> +On the arrival of Andy with the fuses, the little party set out for the +cave, each member carrying part of the equipment. On gaining the +summit of the hill overlooking the house, Mr. McKay scanned the horizon +with his glasses to satisfy himself that no canoes were approaching the +island, then, having reassured himself on that point, he gave the word +to step out briskly. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't want to spend a night away from the house in case anything +happens," he explained. +</P> + +<P> +"But do you expect another crowd of savages?" +</P> + +<P> +"I didn't expect the last lot," he replied grimly, "but they came all +the same." +</P> + +<P> +The journey through the forest and across the rock-strewn plain was +performed without incident, and within a couple of hours after leaving +the house the party drew up at the mouth of the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +Here each member lit a lantern, and in a comparatively bright light the +passage of the tunnel commenced. Quexo, however, remained in the open +air. Nothing could prevail upon him to descend into the bowels of the +earth. +</P> + +<P> +Once or twice someone stumbled, Terence falling heavily and barking his +shins, while Mr. McKay's head came in contact with the roof much too +often for his liking; but in high spirits the explorers crossed the +floor of the abyss, traversed the second tunnel, and gained the +armoury. Here they rested ere commencing the final stage of their +journey underground. +</P> + +<P> +At length the explorers came face to face with the mysterious +iron-bound door. In spite of themselves they felt a strange sensation +as they gazed upon the relic of bygone days. What lay behind it? What +secret did it guard so well? +</P> + +<P> +"Stand back a bit, lads, and hand me another lantern," said Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +Dropping on his knees, he carefully examined the floor and the +iron-shod threshold of the door, probing the narrow slit with his +knife. This done, he turned his attention to the walk and the crown of +the arch next to the woodwork, tapping the stone with the blade of his +knife with the greatest caution. +</P> + +<P> +The others looked on with interest not unmingled with curiosity and +awe. At length, apparently satisfied with the examination, Mr. McKay +rose. +</P> + +<P> +"I want you to bore a hole here," said he to Andy, pointing out a place +in the door barely two inches from the floor. +</P> + +<P> +Andy, armed with a ratchet-brace, began his task, and the subdued +silence of the underground passage was broken only by the rattle of the +pawl and the sharp burr of the bit as it wormed its way steadily +through the stout oaken plank. +</P> + +<P> +"It's hot work," exclaimed Andy, who in order to use the brace in that +most inconvenient place was obliged to lie full length on the floor. +</P> + +<P> +"I know, but keep it up," replied Mr. McKay, who, grasping a crowbar, +was standing astride his son's feet. +</P> + +<P> +"Stand a bit farther back," he continued, addressing Ellerton and +Terence. +</P> + +<P> +The two lads instantly obeyed, though they wondered at Mr. McKay's +alert and expectant attitude. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly, like the tongue of an enormous serpent, a double-pronged barb +of steel flashed dully in the candle-light, passing completely across +the passage and about three feet above and over Andy's prostrate body. +</P> + +<P> +In an instant Mr. McKay's powerful arm brought the crowbar upward in a +resistless sweep, and with one blow severed the dreadful device of +death. +</P> + +<P> +The lads, pale with the excitement and horror of the incident, could +only utter an exclamation of astonishment while Andy hurriedly backed +away from the well-guarded door. +</P> + +<P> +"Pleasant, isn't it?" remarked Mr. McKay in a cool matter-of-fact tone, +as if such incidents were of an everyday occurrence. "I had my +suspicions, as I said more than once before. That device was cunningly +contrived to salute marauders in a very forcible manner. Had either of +us been standing in front of the door we should have been transfixed in +a jiffy. Now, carry on, Andy. I don't think there's anything more to +be feared on this side of the door, at any rate." +</P> + +<P> +But Andy was not equal to the task. The risky experience had, to use +his own words, completely knocked the stuffing out of him. +</P> + +<P> +"Let's quit; the game's not worth the candle," said Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"Rather not!" replied Mr. McKay, resolutely. "There's something worth +securing behind that door, or the former owners would not have taken +such elaborate and crafty steps to guard it. Here, Ellerton, stand by +with the crowbar in case of accidents, and I'll finish boring the hole." +</P> + +<P> +So saying, Mr. McKay took up a position similar to that formerly +occupied by his son and plied the brace vigorously. +</P> + +<P> +Ere the bit had sunk another quarter of an inch there came a dull +metallic sound from the remote side of the door. +</P> + +<P> +"What's that?" gasped Andy breathlessly. +</P> + +<P> +"Another surprise for trespassers," replied his father without ceasing +in his work. "I've released another secret spring, I suppose. +However, we are on the right side of the door this time." +</P> + +<P> +Having bored the hole sufficiently deep for his purpose Mr. McKay +proceeded to insert the cordite, ramming it tightly home with the end +of the crowbar. The rest of the explosive he laid close to the base of +the door, covering it with stones and pieces of rock brought from the +floor of the chasm. +</P> + +<P> +"Now let's go back to the other tunnel," he continued, after the +detonator and the fuse had been inserted and the latter fired. +"There's no hurry; the explosion will not take place for five minutes." +</P> + +<P> +As the moments sped, the lads awaited in breathless silence the sound +of the detonation. +</P> + +<P> +Presently a dull rumble echoed through the rocky passage, followed by a +blast of air mingled with the acrid fumes of the cordite. +</P> + +<P> +"Not so fast! Not so fast!" cautioned Mr. McKay, as the lads began to +run towards the hitherto baffling barrier. "Some of the rock may be +dislodged." +</P> + +<P> +As it was, they were obliged to wait some considerable time, as the +atmosphere in the tunnel was so vile that it was impossible to breathe +with comfort. Then as the mist gradually cleared, the dull yellow +glare of the lanterns revealed a mass of shattered woodwork where the +door had stood; while a foot beyond was a barrier of steel rods, which, +serving the purpose of a portcullis, had fallen from above. +</P> + +<P> +"That's what we heard fall," observed Mr. McKay. "The idea was, I +suppose, that any unauthorised person who escaped the lance-thrust on +this side of the door would, on opening it, be impaled by the weapons +concealed in the roof. Now to settle with this obstruction." +</P> + +<P> +A few powerful strokes with an axe shattered enough bars to enable Mr. +McKay to squeeze through, and, followed by his eager companions, he +entered the mysterious cavern. +</P> + +<P> +At first there was little to attract the attention of the explorers. +The cave was of irregular form, being about fifty feet in length, +thirty in breadth, and varying in height from twenty-five to six feet. +</P> + +<P> +On the floor were six wooden chests, ordinary in appearance and +apparently of simple construction; they would have easily been mistaken +for seamen's chests placed in a lumber-room. +</P> + +<P> +Striding up to the nearest one, Mr. McKay raised the lid. There was no +creaking of rusty hinges, no glitter of gold and jewels to dazzle the +eyes. The chest was empty! +</P> + +<P> +"Well, this is a sorry trick to have played on one another after so +much trouble," commented he with a forced laugh. He was visibly +disappointed, and his discouragement was shared by his companions. +</P> + +<P> +"No doubt this has been the hiding-place of some great hoard," he +continued. "But the buccaneering rascals have evidently removed their +booty. I've drawn a blank, so you, Ellerton, try your hand." +</P> + +<P> +The second chest was opened with equal ease, but to the unbounded +delight of the whole party the coffer was two-thirds filled with yellow +metal ingots, which flashed dully in the light of the lanterns. +</P> + +<P> +"Gold!" was the chorus of exclamation. +</P> + +<P> +"Gold it is," added Mr. McKay. "But a deal of good it will do us in +our present state! However, let's continue the examination." +</P> + +<P> +The remaining four coffers gave more trouble, the lids being secured by +stout iron screws. Two were filled with gold and silver ornaments, +cups, vases, and plates—the plunder, doubtless, of many a rich city of +Spain's colonies on the shores of the Pacific. The remaining two were +laden with virgin gold. +</P> + +<P> +"Well, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when the last coffer had been forced +to disclose its contents, "once we get this stuff safely to a civilised +country we shall be rich beyond our wildest imagination. We'll share +and share alike, of course." +</P> + +<P> +"What is the value of the treasure?" asked Ellerton in an awestruck +voice, for the sudden avalanche of untold wealth had wellnigh upset him. +</P> + +<P> +"Goodness only knows! There's enough to enable you to go through life +without doing another stroke of work. That is, of course, when you are +home in England once more. But, my lad, don't look upon it in that +light. Take my word for it that idleness is a curse, and the wealth, +if used solely to promote idleness, would serve a better purpose if it +lay a thousand fathoms deep on the bed of the ocean." +</P> + +<P> +"If ever I take my share back to my home, I trust I'll use it to a good +purpose," said Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"I trust so, too," added Mr. McKay. "Now, let us see if there's +anything else of interest here. I am anxious to examine these +murderous devices. Ah!" +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay pointed in the direction of the shattered door. On either +side, but separated from the entrance tunnel by a massive wall composed +of the solid rock, was a narrow and lofty passage, both running +parallel with the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +Lantern in hand, Mr. McKay stooped down and entered the right-hand +recess, and to his surprise he found no fewer than six steel lances, +each accompanied by a tightly coiled spring, while a seventh had +uncoiled itself, the spiral spring stretching from wall to wall. +</P> + +<P> +"Great heavens!" he exclaimed with thankfulness. "We've had a +fortunate escape. Each of these fiendish contrivances is set to launch +itself into the tunnel on the outside of the door. The one we released +is the nearest." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we must have passed them?" asked Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, and by the intervention of Providence they failed to act. Watch!" +</P> + +<P> +And touching a slender steel rod that passed from the front of one of +the springs to the floor, Mr. McKay gave it a sharp upward jerk. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly the hidden coil released itself, and the dread weapon +disappeared through the rock which separated the cave-like recess from +the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +"The whole contrivance, though deadly, is comparatively simple," +explained Mr. McKay. "Underneath the floors of both chambers are a +number of levers. The weight of a person treading in the tunnel would +cause the lever to move a rod, which in turn releases a finely set +trigger which controls the springs. Owing to years of idleness the +levers failed to act, and only Andy's continuous exertions as he lay on +the ground in front of the door caused one of the springs to be +released. I bargained for one, but not a dozen or more, by Jove!" +</P> + +<P> +"A dozen?" echoed Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"Aye, a dozen at least. We'll find six or seven more on the other side +of the tunnel." +</P> + +<P> +One by one the remaining springs were released, and on entering the +left-hand cavity a similar state of things was revealed. +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think we need fear these any longer," continued Mr. McKay, as +the sound of the releasing of the last spring vibrated in the confined +space. "Now the question is, what is to be done with the stuff?" and +he indicated the coffers with a wave of his hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Leave it here," suggested Andy. +</P> + +<P> +"I would but for one reason. If we are taken off the island by a +passing ship, the captain would not feel inclined to waste time while +we were bringing these chests from here to the shore, for, of course, +we could not reveal the nature of their contents. No; I propose to +cart the whole of the treasure back to the house, stow it away in small +boxes that are convenient to handle, and bury the boxes a few feet +under the floor." +</P> + +<P> +Each member of the party thereupon filled his haversack with as much +gold as it would hold, until the stout canvas straps cut into the +shoulders of the wearers; and thus laden they retraced their steps, +arriving on the surface in a breathless and exhausted condition. +</P> + +<P> +Here the loads were redistributed, and making better progress, the +wearied adventurers arrived at their dwelling just as the sun dipped +beyond the lofty peak of the island. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap23"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +"A SAIL! A SAIL!" +</H4> + +<P> +Twice daily on each of the succeeding days Mr. McKay and his companions +paid a hurried visit to the treasure-cave, and at the end of that time +the bulk of the buccaneers' spoil was safely hidden in the spot chosen +for its reception. +</P> + +<P> +Then, with the return of the spring tides, the work of salving the yawl +was resumed. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly, yet without a hitch, the sunken craft was moved towards the +cradle which awaited its burden, till the falling off of the tides +found the yawl within ten yards of low-water mark. +</P> + +<P> +"I have been thinking, pater," observed Andy one day, as they were +preparing to revisit the cave. +</P> + +<P> +"Thinking what, my boy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Why, every journey we make to the cavern we perform practically +empty-handed. Would it not be well to carry a supply of provisions +with us and store them in the cave? You see, if those savages should +return we might be glad of a retreat." +</P> + +<P> +"Quite true, though I sincerely hope we shall not be put to such +straits. However, we'll take a few barrels of provisions and some +rifles and ammunition as well." +</P> + +<P> +"And water?" +</P> + +<P> +"Ay, but that's the rub. Water is heavy to carry about, and as far as +I can see there's no spring or brook within a mile of the entrance to +the cave." +</P> + +<P> +"I wonder if there's water to be found above the cliffs in which lies +the mouth of the tunnel. I noticed several small streams when I +climbed the mountain, though, of course, I didn't ascend on that side. +I think I'll explore that slope as soon as possible." +</P> + +<P> +"Why not to-day? Ellerton and you can do so while we are making our +midday trip back to the house." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly, instead of ascending the tunnel with Mr. McKay and +Terence, the two chums clambered up the face of the cliff. At the top +they found that the land sloped steeply towards the peak, the ground +being thickly covered with stunted bushes and occasional clumps of +palms. +</P> + +<P> +"Look here, Hoppy," remarked Andy, as they sat down to recover their +breadth after their fatiguing climb. "It's all very well living on an +island when everything goes well, but we can't say that it is now. +Perhaps it's a useless fear, but I fear that there's always the +possibility of those savage brutes coming back here in overwhelming +numbers and wiping us out. That does not tend to make things +comfortable, although it may tend to liven things up." +</P> + +<P> +"But they had such a terrible smashing last time," replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"True! But didn't we give them a good licking when they pursued us in +their canoes? That didn't prevent them repeating their unwelcome +attentions." +</P> + +<P> +"I hope you don't mean to show the white feather, Andy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Not I. If there's a dust-up, I'll do my best; but, at the same time, +I shan't be sorry to get the yawl repaired and say good-bye to the +island. The treasure can wait till we charter a steamer to fetch it." +</P> + +<P> +"Well, the savages haven't returned, so we can still make the best of +things," replied Ellerton cheerfully. "But we must be moving or we'll +find no water." +</P> + +<P> +The two lads had not gone fifty yards ere they came across a small +stream. Andy bent down, and raising some of the water in the palm of +his hand applied it to his lips. +</P> + +<P> +"Fresh as one could wish," he pronounced. +</P> + +<P> +"Good! Now we'll follow its course and see if it approaches the mouth +of the cave." +</P> + +<P> +The rivulet, for it was nothing more, wended its way in an almost +semicircular direction, till, at about two hundred yards from where the +lads had struck it, it emptied itself into a rift in the rocks, the +splash of its fall echoing dimly from apparently unfathomable depths. +</P> + +<P> +"Look! We are not very far from that part of the cliff that overhangs +the mouth of the cave," exclaimed Ellerton. "What is to prevent us +from digging a shallow trench and conducting the water right to the +entrance to the tunnel?" +</P> + +<P> +"It's fairly hard rock," objected Andy, "It will be no end of a task +cutting a new watercourse." +</P> + +<P> +"Then we can use some of the cast-iron pipes we brought ashore," +continued the young seaman, determined not to be overcome by early +difficulties. "There are more than enough to cover this distance, and +by damming the stream we can——" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, that's all very well, but if we are compelled to beat a retreat +to the cave the savages will find the pipes and so discover our +hiding-place." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm afraid that will make but little difference. The trail from the +house up the mouth of the tunnel is so well defined that a blind man +might follow it. Why, whatever is the matter with you, Andy? You seem +to throw cold water on every suggestion that is made. You are not +always like that. Are you ill?" +</P> + +<P> +"I believe I am," replied Andy. "At least, I do not feel quite up to +the mark." +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's get back," said Ellerton, and assisting his chum over the +rough ground the pair returned to the mouth of the tunnel just as the +others were emerging. +</P> + +<P> +"Any luck?" asked Mr. McKay cheerfully; then realising that his son +looked ill, he exclaimed: "What have you been doing, Andy?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't know, father. I feel absolutely rotten." +</P> + +<P> +They managed to get him back to the house, his teeth chattering with +the cold; but before night he was in a high fever. His father +administered liberal doses of quinine, of which there was a plentiful +supply; but, in spite of this remedy, the lad's illness increased, and +before morning he was in a delirium, raving about the sunken yawl and +the savages. More than once he attempted to leave his bed and seize a +rifle, and it required the united efforts of Mr. McKay, Ellerton, and +Terence to hold him down. +</P> + +<P> +It was an anxious time. Mr. McKay had had experience of this kind of +malady, and knew that should the patient leave his bed and take cold, +he must die. +</P> + +<P> +For forty-eight hours Mr. McKay, the two lads, and Quexo kept ceaseless +watch, the mulatto being particularly attentive in his duties; but at +length the feverish state was succeeded by a profuse sweat, and Mr. +McKay knew that for the present the dreaded disaster was averted. +</P> + +<P> +During the lengthy period of convalescence, someone had to be within +call of the patient, but the others resumed their outdoor occupation. +</P> + +<P> +Most of the traces of the last visit of the savages had been removed; +the cliff-path leading up from the shore had been fortified by the +erection of a loop-holed palisade, so as to command the approach by +rifle-fire; while the remainder of the treasure had been brought from +the cave to the house, and the former was well provisioned in case of +emergency. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton also found time to carry out his project of conducting fresh +water into the cave. By the aid of Terence and Quexo he contrived to +lay a line of pipes from the stream down the slope to the edge of the +cliff overhanging the entrance, whence a tiny cascade fell over the +rocks within a few feet of the tunnel. +</P> + +<P> +Later on, at Mr. McKay's suggestion, the line of iron pipes was +continued down the face of the cliff, though concealed by the bushes, +and carried a few yards into the tunnel. For most of that distance the +pipes were covered by the thick dust, till sufficiently far from the +entrance to enable the occupants to defend the end of the aqueduct if +necessary. +</P> + +<P> +The water, on escaping, ran down the incline, till absorbed by the +pumice dust, although by degrees it cut for itself a channel close to +the sides of the tunnel. Thus a plentiful supply of the precious +liquid was assured, and at the same time no inconvenience was caused by +the waste turning the floor of the passage into a swamp. +</P> + +<P> +The rainy season was shortly due, and unable, on account of Andy's +weakness, to complete the salvage of the yawl, since every available +hand was necessary, the wrecked boat was again rafted farther out into +the lagoon and allowed to sink to the bottom, so as to lie in safety +during the on-shore gales. +</P> + +<P> +One morning Ellerton set out as usual to attend to the sheep, which +were in a thriving state, having so increased in numbers that new +pasture grounds had to be provided for them. +</P> + +<P> +It was then blowing strongly from the north-east and almost dead on +shore. Happening to glance seaward, he was surprised to see a topsail +schooner, under close-reefed canvas, running past the island. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment or so he remained gazing with astonishment at the unwonted +sight: then, recovering himself, he ran as hard as he could to the +house. +</P> + +<P> +"A sail! A sail!" he exclaimed breathlessly. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-210"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-210.jpg" ALT=""A SAIL! A SAIL!" HE EXCLAIMED BREATHLESSLY" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +"A SAIL! A SAIL!" HE EXCLAIMED BREATHLESSLY +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +Everyone, including Andy, ran out of the house, and, as Ellerton had +announced, there was the schooner now abreast of the entrance of the +lagoon, but still keeping on her course to the south-west. +</P> + +<P> +"Bring out the signal-book and the flags," ordered Mr. McKay. "And +you, Quexo, make a fire." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton soon returned with the bunting, and the Union Jack was hoisted +to the masthead. The mulatto procured some dry wood from the store, +and set it in a blaze. When well alight, he piled a quantity of damp +leaves upon the fire, causing a thick smoke. +</P> + +<P> +Unfortunately the strong wind prevented the vapour from rising, the +smoke drifting over the ground in thick, suffocating columns, but to +the castaways' great joy the vessel hoisted her ensign. It was the +French tricolour. +</P> + +<P> +"Hurrah!" shouted Mr. McKay. "Now lads, hand me N and C." +</P> + +<P> +The next instant the N and C flags, signifying in the International +code, "<I>Want assistance</I>" were fluttering from the mast. +</P> + +<P> +Through the telescope the inhabitants of McKay's Island could see the +oilskin-clad figure of the French skipper, his neatly-trimmed moustache +and imperial as correct as if he were on the boulevards of Paris, +rushing hither and thither, and giving his orders with much waving of +his arms. Then, as a string of flags ran up to her main truck, the +schooner was hove-to. +</P> + +<P> +"<I>D.C.—Are coming to your assistance</I>," read Mr. McKay, referring to +his signal-book. "By Jove! that won't do, the boat will be swamped," +for already some of the crew were manning the falls. +</P> + +<P> +"Sharp there," he continued, "'<I>E.Y.—Do not attempt to land in your +boat</I>.' That will stop them; but there's no denying that they are +plucky fellows." +</P> + +<P> +In obedience to the signal, the crew of the French schooner gave up +their attempt, and a lengthy interchange of signals was kept up, the +Frenchman promising to report the presence of the castaways at the +first port she touched; then, with a farewell dip of her ensign, she +flung about, and half an hour later she was lost in the haze. +</P> + +<P> +"That's a load off our minds," remarked Mr. McKay. "We can reasonably +expect help in a month at the very outside." +</P> + +<P> +"Unless she is blown out of her course, for a gale is freshening," +replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"Nevertheless, the chances are greatly in our favour, though at the +same time we must not cease our efforts to work out our salvation. +This gale will doubtless mark the end of the rainy season, so we can +hope to renew our efforts to salve the yawl within the next few days." +</P> + +<P> +But, contrary to Mr. McKay's expectations, the weather continued bad +for nearly a month and, although a sharp look-out was kept by day and +the searchlights flashed nightly, no vessel appeared in sight. +Alternate hopes and fears did not tend to improve the spirits of the +castaways, and ere the fine weather set in their condition was +bordering on acute depression, in spite of their individual efforts to +the contrary. +</P> + +<P> +At length, after a long spell of rainy weather, the sun burst forth in +all its splendour, the wind went away, and the island appeared under a +totally different aspect from that which it had shown during the last +six months. With the return of the dry season, the spirits of the +castaways likewise rose, and energetically they resumed their outdoor +labours. +</P> + +<P> +The submerged yawl was, so far as they could see, little the worse for +its prolonged rest on the bed of the lagoon, and by dint of hard and +painstaking work she was moved nearer to the shore than she had been +since the disastrous day when she had been scuttled by the natives. +</P> + +<P> +"It will be new moon to-morrow at about ten o'clock," announced Mr. +McKay. "Consequently there will be a fairly high tide at noon, so we +can reasonably hope for sufficient water to float the yawl to the +cradle. Everything is ready, I suppose?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," replied Ellerton. "I finished rigging the tackle this +morning, and the cradle is properly ballasted." +</P> + +<P> +"Good! Then we'll make the attempt to-morrow." +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap24"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXIV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +A FALSE AND A REAL ALARM +</H4> + +<P> +Before daybreak everyone was up and eager for the fray, and directly +breakfast was over they sallied down to the shore. It was still pitch +dark, but the time of dead low water made it absolutely necessary that +operations should commence ere the sun rose. +</P> + +<P> +By the light of several lanterns the slack of the hawsers was taken in +and the two canoes pinned down so far as the united efforts of all +hands would permit. Nothing more could be done till the rising of the +tide. +</P> + +<P> +The cradle, its ends marked by long poles to indicate its position at +high water, was already run out so far as the lines of the slipway +extended, a rope being fastened to it from the windlass ashore. +</P> + +<P> +Anxiously the little group of workers watched the tide rise slowly, +inch by inch, up the temporary tide gauge. Sometimes it paused as a +"false ebb" in the offing stayed its progress, till at length it crept +within a few inches of its predicted height. +</P> + +<P> +"There's enough water now, I fancy," announced Ellerton, "so heave +away. Gently does it!" +</P> + +<P> +It was an anxious time. Slowly the two canoes were warped shore wards, +guided by a pair of ropes abeam so as to insure the wrecked boat being +deposited evenly on the cradle. Already the two outer poles of the +cradle were passed, when a slight shock told the salvors that the +yawl's forefoot had touched the cradle. +</P> + +<P> +"Avast there!" shouted Ellerton to Terence and Quexo, who were hauling +on the shore. +</P> + +<P> +"There's not enough water," exclaimed Andy, with dismay written on his +face. +</P> + +<P> +"Ten minutes yet before high water," announced Mr. McKay. "Will she do +it, I wonder?" +</P> + +<P> +For answer Ellerton slipped off his clothes and plunged over the side +of the canoe. Mr. McKay and Andy could follow his movements as he +descended with slow yet powerful strokes, till he disappeared from view +beneath the submerged craft. Half a minute later he reappeared, and +swam alongside the canoe, into which he was assisted by the eager +spectators. +</P> + +<P> +"She'll do it," he announced, when he had recovered his breath. "We +are a bit out in our reckoning; her keel is touching the side of the +cradle." +</P> + +<P> +Five minutes later the yawl was lying immediately over the slipway, the +slings were cast off, and slowly she settled upon the carriage prepared +for her reception. The canoes were warped clear, and all that remained +to be done was to man the winch and heave the cradle above high-water +mark. +</P> + +<P> +In spite of the broiling sun, the work of winding the winch was begun, +for the delighted lads would not be persuaded to delay the operation +till the cool of the day. Foot by foot the cradle came home, till the +huge barnacle-covered hull began to appear above the water. +</P> + +<P> +"What a state she's in," exclaimed Andy, as the lads rested from their +labours, for they were thoroughly played out. "There's a week's +scraping in front of us before we can do anything else." +</P> + +<P> +"Hadn't we better see about baling her out?" asked Terence. "Directly +she ceases to be water-borne the pressure of the water will burst her +seams." +</P> + +<P> +"No fear of that," replied Mr. McKay. "The water will find its way out +of the hole that the natives made in her." +</P> + +<P> +"I guess the motor is pretty rusty," continued Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"It may not be," Andy replied. "You see, I kept it smothered in +grease, and unless those brutes smashed it, it ought to be capable of +being repaired. But I am awfully anxious to see, so what do you say to +another turn at the winch?" +</P> + +<P> +Once more the lads resumed their work of hauling up the cradle, till +nearly the whole of the streaming, weed-covered hull—a forlorn waif +from the sea—was visible. +</P> + +<P> +"Another five yards, lads," exclaimed Ellerton cheerfully. "Now, put +more beef into it." +</P> + +<P> +As he spoke, there was a warning shout from Mr. McKay, but the warning +came too late. Ere the lads could realise the extent of their +misfortune the cradle collapsed and the hull of the yawl crashed over +on her side. +</P> + +<P> +With a horrible rending of the shattered timbers, the enormous mass +pitched fairly on a jagged rock; the next instant the object of so many +months' tedious toil lay on its broadside, hopelessly damaged. +</P> + +<P> +For quite a minute all hands gazed in speechless grief upon the scene +of calamity. To have the fruits of victory snatched from their lips +seemed almost more than they could realise, till by degrees the extent +of their misfortune began to assert itself. +</P> + +<P> +"Is she really done for?" said Andy, his voice barely raised above a +whisper. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, her back's broken," replied his father. "She will never float +again." +</P> + +<P> +"Then, by George!" announced Andy, speaking in a tone that surprised +his companions by its resolution, "I won't be done. I begin to build +another craft to-morrow. Come on, pater, let's get something to eat, +and after that we'll set out the plans for our new craft. Buck up, +Hoppy, it's no use crying over spilt milk." +</P> + +<P> +Inspired by their companion's cheerfulness, the lads turned their backs +upon the scene of their ill-favoured labours and set off towards the +house. They now felt specially anxious to devote their energies to the +new task that lay before them, and already their late misfortune was +being regarded as a thing of the past. +</P> + +<P> +"Without wishing to discourage you, Andy," began Mr. McKay, after the +meal was over, "I think we had better give up all idea of building +another craft. I've been going carefully into this matter, and I'll +tell you why I form this conclusion. You see there's no timber growing +on this island that can be used, and our own stock is insufficient even +if we make use of the planks of the wrecked yawl. So I think the best +thing we can do is to convert one of the canoes——" +</P> + +<P> +"But I thought we had already decided that they are unsuitable and +unseaworthy?" +</P> + +<P> +"Quite so. As they are at present I should hesitate to make a long +voyage in one of them, although the natives frequently travel great +distances in this type of craft. So I think if we give the smallest +canoe—for that one seems the handiest—a good keelson, bolt a false +keel into it, and provide her with some stout timbers and stringers, +she'll answer our purpose. We can use most of the deck planks of the +yawl to deck-in the canoe. Her sails and most of her gear will come in +handy." +</P> + +<P> +"It would certainly save a lot of work," replied Andy, for in calmer +moments the size of his proposed task had begun to assert itself. +</P> + +<P> +"Then let's make a start," added Ellerton. "There's no time like the +present, so I vote we begin to dismantle the remains of the yawl, +examine and overhaul her canvas, and remove the ballast." +</P> + +<P> +"I haven't measured the smallest canoe," remarked Andy. "What's her +length, do you think?" +</P> + +<P> +"About twenty-eight feet in length, nine in breadth, and two feet +draught, though with the addition of a false keel and ballast she will +draw at least four feet." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly all hands set to work with a will, and ere nightfall the +shattered hull of the yawl was a mere shell, the gear being stowed away +in the lower storehouse. +</P> + +<P> +"To-morrow we'll make a start with the canoe," said Ellerton, as they +prepared to retire for the night. "There are plenty of pieces of +timber to shore her up, and wedges can easily be made. Before the end +of the week we ought to have her keel and keelson bolted on." +</P> + +<P> +"Then sleep well on it," added Mr. McKay, "for there's much to be done." +</P> + +<P> +The inhabitants of McKay's Island had already made their customary +signal with the searchlight, the power had been switched off, and the +canvas hood placed over the instrument for the purpose of protecting it +from the night dews. This routine was always the last ere the day's +work ended. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay was about to close the door of the dwelling-house when a +rapid and prolonged ringing of the electric alarm bell broke upon the +stillness of the night. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly there was a rush for the arms-rack where the rifles were kept +ready for immediate use, and, securing their weapons, the whole party +made for the open, Terence, according to a prearranged plan, running to +the powerhouse to switch on the current, while the others took up their +position at the palisade commanding the cliff-path. +</P> + +<P> +The night was pitch dark; a light breeze ruffled the palm trees, but +beyond that all was still. Peering into the darkness the defenders +waited, finger on trigger, to open fire on the first appearance of the +foe. +</P> + +<P> +Then the alarm bell began to ring again. +</P> + +<P> +"There's someone climbing the path," whispered Ellerton, when the din +had died away. +</P> + +<P> +"I wish Terence would hurry up with the searchlight; we could then see +who the intruders are. There it is again," as the clanging of the bell +commenced for the third time. +</P> + +<P> +In his natural anxiety and haste, Terence fumbled over his task, but at +length the carbons fused and the giant beam of the searchlight threw +its dazzling rays seaward. Then, trained by Donaghue's guiding hand, +it swept the lower terraces and the beach, but neither hostile canvas +nor lurking bloodthirsty warriors came within its blinding glare. +</P> + +<P> +"There's someone moving down there," exclaimed Andy, pointing towards +the foot of the steep path. "See! To the right of that great boulder." +</P> + +<P> +"Hanged if I can," muttered Ellerton. Nevertheless he took aim with +his rifle at the spot indicated by his chum. +</P> + +<P> +"It's only the shadows thrown by the moving beam," said Mr. McKay. +"Terence, keep the light steady for a moment, will you?" +</P> + +<P> +The now stationary ray revealed the fact that some moving object was +creeping cautiously over the rock-strewn beach immediately at the end +of the path. +</P> + +<P> +"There's someone down there," whispered Ellerton, and almost as he +spoke the alarm bell resumed its shrill warning. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going down to see who or what it is," announced Mr. McKay, leaning +his rifle against the stockade and drawing a revolver. +</P> + +<P> +Accompanied by Andy, Ellerton and Quexo, he descended the steep and +rugged path. +</P> + +<P> +All at once Mr. McKay burst into a hearty laugh, his companions joining +in as soon as they perceived the cause of his mirth. A huge turtle had +crawled across the beach and was digging a hole in the sand with its +flippers. This had set the alarm bell ringing. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-218"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-218.jpg" ALT="A HUGE TURTLE HAD CRAWLED ACROSS THE BEACH AND HAD SET THE ALARM BELL RINGING" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +A HUGE TURTLE HAD CRAWLED ACROSS THE BEACH <BR> +AND HAD SET THE ALARM BELL RINGING +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<P> +As the larder needed filling, the turtle was dispatched and dragged up +to the house. +</P> + +<P> +It was late in the forenoon of the next day ere the inmates turned out +of their beds, for the previous night's diversion had deprived them of +a fair share of their accustomed sleep. +</P> + +<P> +"Buck up and fill the kettle, Quexo," shouted Andy "I'm right hungry." +</P> + +<P> +The mulatto, taking a can in his hand, set out for the stream, but +hardly had he stepped outside the door when he returned with +consternation written all over his face. +</P> + +<P> +"Massa! Massa!" he gasped. "Canoes! Heap, plenty, much, great +canoes!" +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap25"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXV +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE GREAT INVASION +</H4> + +<P> +Quexo's warning was only too true. Less than a mile from the reef the +sea was dotted with the brown mat sails of a large fleet of native +craft all heading for the island. +</P> + +<P> +"Forty canoes at least, by Jove!" ejaculated Mr. McKay. "And taking +twenty men to each—a low average—that means there are eight hundred +of the wretches making straight for us." +</P> + +<P> +"It's long odds," replied Ellerton grimly, "but we'll do our best, and +perhaps we may find a means of driving them off." +</P> + +<P> +"I should have thought the last little surprise would have settled +them. We must give them credit for their persistence. There's one +thing to our advantage, though; it's a day attack, and we are more or +less prepared for it. But what are they up to now?" +</P> + +<P> +The advancing canoes had now reached the entrance to the lagoon, and, +with marvellous precision, their sails were lowered, and the crews took +to their paddles. Then, instead of heading straight for the beach, the +whole flotilla turned its course parallel with the shore. +</P> + +<P> +"That's bad," remarked Mr. McKay, pausing in the act of dragging a box +of ammunition from the house to the stockade. "They have learnt a +lesson, and now they mean to take us on the flank or in the rear. Come +on, lads, there's no time to be lost. We must follow them and see if +we can prevent them landing." +</P> + +<P> +Fortunately the savages' idea of strategy was not very advanced. +Instead of keeping one section of their fleet for the purpose of making +a feint or a frontal attack while the other canoes skirted the island, +the whole of the boats kept together. +</P> + +<P> +Loaded with ammunition-belts and carrying their rifles, the little band +of defenders toiled up the path leading to the interior till they +reached the summit of the cliffs overlooking the house. Then, bearing +away to the left, they hastened to keep pace with their savage invaders. +</P> + +<P> +Through the palm-groves, fighting their way between patches of thick, +prickly scrub, Mr. McKay and his companions continued their wearisome +march, till, from the summit of the ridge that separated their bay from +the one where they had first landed, they saw that the hostile canoes +had gained considerably. +</P> + +<P> +The usually calm waters of the lagoon were broken into thousands of +ripples by the swift-moving craft, while the cliffs re-echoed to the +regular beats of their paddles. Yet, without attempting to land on +that part of the shore, the savages continued their roundabout voyage. +</P> + +<P> +"It's no use going any farther," gasped Mr. McKay breathlessly. "We +are only tiring ourselves out to no purpose. A hundred well-armed men +would be powerless to prevent them landing." +</P> + +<P> +"Then what's to be done?" +</P> + +<P> +"We must return to the house and make every possible use of the few +hours that as yet remain to us. I quite admit I have been guilty of a +serious error of omission. While paying great attention to our seaward +defences, we have entirely neglected the landward approach." +</P> + +<P> +On return to the terrace on which stood the dwelling-house and the +power-station, the already wearied defenders immediately set to work to +fortify the approach from the interior of the island. +</P> + +<P> +Sixty yards from the house began the narrow defile that afforded a road +between the settlement and the treasure cave. On either side the +cliffs towered to nearly one hundred feet, so that once the savages +took possession of those heights the terrace could not be held. +</P> + +<P> +"I suppose we cannot launch one of the canoes, provision her, and make +a dash for safety?" asked Terence. +</P> + +<P> +"It's too risky," replied Mr. McKay. "If seen, we should be overhauled +in less than half-an-hour. No, we must stick to this place and hold it +to the last, so let's set to at once." +</P> + +<P> +With the energy of despair all hands worked with feverish desperation, +their loaded rifles lying within easy reach, while every moment they +expected to hear the savage shouts of their bloodthirsty foes. +</P> + +<P> +Across the foot of the defile they dug a shallow trench, lining the +inner side with boxes, crates, and other articles so as to form a +barricade. It was a feeble defence at the most, but with five skilled +riflemen armed with modern rifles behind it, the breastwork might serve +its purpose. +</P> + +<P> +To guard against a shower of missiles from the summit of the adjacent +cliffs, a lean-to roof of stout planks was hastily constructed, earth +being thrown upon it to deaden the shock of heavy stones, while the +remaining boxes of ammunition were brought up so that the supply was +ready to hand. +</P> + +<P> +"Look here, Quexo," said Mr. McKay, "go to the stockade at the top of +the cliff-path, and keep watch. Don't move, whatever happens, till we +call you, even if you hear us firing; but if you see any signs of the +savages landing on the beach, fire your rifle. You understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yas, massa," replied the mulatto, and snatching up his rifle he ran to +his appointed post as quickly as his legs could carry him. +</P> + +<P> +"We mustn't forget water and provisions, Ellerton," said Mr. McKay. +"They must be brought ready to hand, for if the fighting is prolonged +we will have no time to go to the house for food and drink." +</P> + +<P> +"I'll bring some biscuits and water," replied Ellerton. "I remember +how dry I was during the last attack. But, do you know, sir, I begin +to feel quite hopeful, now our defences are completed." +</P> + +<P> +"It's certainly improved the situation, Hoppy," replied Mr. McKay. +"But we've a tough job in front of us. Eight or nine hundred savages, +each eager for a fight and keen on plundering us. We must not be +over-confident. But now cut off and get the provisions and water." +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton quickly performed his task, and, having placed the water and +biscuits in the spot indicated by Mr. McKay, he observed: +</P> + +<P> +"It's a pity we can't use some of that dynamite again." +</P> + +<P> +"We cannot make the trucks run up hill, and, besides, there are no +rails, if that's what you mean." +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir, I know that," was the reply, "but I thought that if we could +place a few tins of the stuff on those rocks we could easily manage to +put a bullet through them at two hundred yards." +</P> + +<P> +"By all means we'll try it," said Mr. McKay heartily. "As I've often +said, you're a brick." +</P> + +<P> +Accordingly Ellerton ran to the cave where the explosive was stored, +and returned at a walking pace with nearly forty pounds of the +dangerous compound. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't use all of it," said Mr. McKay. "Here, take these three tins; +they'll be a better mark for us." +</P> + +<P> +Into each of the metal boxes Ellerton placed about ten pounds of the +explosive, adding a few handfuls of iron, nails, and bits of scrap +metal. Then, climbing over the breastwork, he was handed the +rough-and-ready bombs. +</P> + +<P> +Thus laden he cautiously made his way up the rough defile till he +reached a spot about two hundred yards from the defenders' position. +</P> + +<P> +Here a mass of fallen rock, the highest part ten feet in height, formed +a suitable site for his operations, and without mishap the tin +canisters were placed in such a position that they could readily be +seen above the heads of any number of savages likely to come between +them and the defences. +</P> + +<P> +Meanwhile Mr. McKay was busily engaged in preparing a number of +hand-bombs, charging several small tins with explosive mixed with +nails, and lashing a short length of thin rope securely to each +completed missile. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going to place these things here," said he, pointing to a small +cleft in the cliff. "Be careful not to knock them, or we shall punish +ourselves." +</P> + +<P> +"How are you going to throw them?" asked Ellerton, who had meanwhile +returned from his expedition. "If they fall too close they will do us +harm, and I don't think they can be thrown more than the length of a +cricket-pitch." +</P> + +<P> +"By this," replied Mr. McKay, holding up a short stick with a notch cut +in one end. "I lay the rope along the stick and jam its end between +the palm of my hand and the wood. By swinging the stick a greatly +increased power is obtained; at the right moment the cord is released +and the bomb flies off at a tangent." +</P> + +<P> +"I see," replied Ellerton, and although he had great faith in Mr. +McKay, he found himself wondering what the result would be did the +missile not fly off at the correct tangent. +</P> + +<P> +Slowly the hours dragged, for, all the preparations for the defence +being completed, the tedious and nerve-racking ordeal of waiting for +the fray told more upon the energies of the defenders than would the +actual fight. +</P> + +<P> +The sun was sinking low ere the alert watchers detected the distant +shouts of the savages. +</P> + +<P> +"They've found the trail leading to the cave, I fancy," remarked Mr. +McKay. "They'll be here before dark, unless I'm much mistaken. +Terence, you had better start the dynamo and see that the searchlight +is ready for use. Tell Quexo to come here and take your place. You +must take sole charge of the seaward side of our defences. Now, +listen: whatever you do, don't train the searchlight this way till I +discharge my rifle. Keep the rays playing on the shore, and +occasionally flash the beam skywards. It may bring us aid. When you +hear the shot, slew the projector round and direct the beam straight up +the defile. You quite understand?" +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, sir," replied Terence. "You can rely upon me." +</P> + +<P> +"I feel sure of it," was the quiet reply, as the lad set off on his +responsible and single-handed task. +</P> + +<P> +"It will soon be dark," said Ellerton. "That will be all the better +for us, for these brutes won't find their way so easily." +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think the darkness will stop them, provided they are not +afraid of it. These savages can find their way by night like cats. +Hullo, Quexo, tired, eh?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, massa, not berry tired. One eye he go sleep, den oder eye he go +sleep." +</P> + +<P> +"Quexo means to go to sleep with one eye open," said Andy. "We ought +to take a leaf from his book." +</P> + +<P> +"Yes, we'll feel the want of sleep as much as anything," replied his +father. "Once the attack opens there will be little respite. It +wouldn't be a bad idea if you three were to snatch a few moments' rest. +I'll wake you up in time, never fear." +</P> + +<P> +This advice was acted upon, Andy, Ellerton, and Quexo stretching +themselves out on the ground at the foot of the barricade, and in a few +minutes, in spite of their risky position, the lads were sleeping +soundly. +</P> + +<P> +Night had now fallen, and the ghostly white beams of the searchlight +swept the shore, the noise of the distant surf mingling with the +subdued fizzing of the carbons as Terence diligently attended to the +working of the projector. +</P> + +<P> +The far-off shouts of the savages had now ceased. Probably the +invaders, satisfied with the success of their unopposed landing, were +awaiting the dawn ere they commenced their attack. +</P> + +<P> +Silence, when intent upon a hand-to-hand conflict, was a stranger to +them, and for this Mr. McKay was thankful, since few things are more +trying than the expectation of a sudden onslaught by an unseen and +unheard foe. +</P> + +<P> +Notwithstanding this peculiarity on the part of the invaders, Mr. McKay +did not for one moment relax his vigilance. Rifle in hand he stood, +rarely altering his position, and gazed stedfastly in the direction of +the defile, his ears alert for the faintest footfall or shout that +might denote the approach of the bloodthirsty savages. +</P> + +<P> +Although the defenders were cut off from their carefully prepared +retreat in the treasure cave, another shelter yet remained. The cavern +where Blight had been kept a prisoner had been since used as a +temporary storehouse for several casks of provisions. As a last +resource it could be held, possibly for a month. +</P> + +<P> +But if the natives took the island and showed no disposition to leave, +after having plundered the white man's possessions, even that refuge +would be a means of only prolonging the sufferings of the defenders. +</P> + +<P> +Hopeful as he generally was, Mr. McKay fully realised that he and his +companions were in a very tight fix, and unless the skill and resource +of civilisation could overcome the superior numbers and reckless +courage of the savages, nothing short of a timely rescue would save the +defenders from death. +</P> + +<P> +Then Mr. McKay found himself counting the number of days which had +elapsed since the French schooner had exchanged signals with the +island. Even allowing for light winds and calms she would have had +time to reach some port, and, should the captain keep his word, a +gunboat or at least a trading vessel might be on her way to the rescue. +</P> + +<P> +Mr. McKay's thoughts were interrupted by a loud chorus of savage shouts +at no great distance, then came the confused noise of scuffling feet +tearing down the defile. +</P> + +<P> +"Up with you," he shouted. +</P> + +<P> +But the warning was unnecessary, for the three lads, awakened by the +noise, were already standing to their arms. +</P> + +<P> +"It's the sheep!" exclaimed Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"The savages have frightened them, and they are running this way for +shelter," said Andy. "That means that the natives will soon be at +their heels." +</P> + +<P> +The terrified sheep continued their flight till they found their +advance checked by the barricade, and in a confused, struggling mass +they herded into the corner formed by the breastwork and the adjoining +cliff, their loud baa-ing adding to the confusion. +</P> + +<P> +Then upon the brow of the rise at the end of the defile appeared a +multitude of lights, and with fierce shouts the savages tore down the +rough inclined path straight for the barricade. +</P> + +<A NAME="img-228"></A> +<CENTER> +<IMG CLASS="imgcenter" SRC="images/img-228.jpg" ALT="WITH FIERCE SHOUTS THE SAVAGES TORE DOWN THE PATH STRAIGHT FOR THE BARRICADE" BORDER="2"> +<H4 CLASS="h4center"> +WITH FIERCE SHOUTS THE SAVAGES TORE DOWN <BR> +THE PATH STRAIGHT FOR THE BARRICADE +</H4> +</CENTER> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap26"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVI +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +A GREAT DISASTER +</H4> + +<P> +The natives had furnished themselves with torches made from the +branches of resinous trees, and in the ruddy flare the painted bodies +of the warriors made an easy mark. +</P> + +<P> +"Three hundred yards," said Mr. McKay, setting up the backsight of his +rifle. "Fire rapidly, but aim low. We may check the rush before they +come to close quarters." +</P> + +<P> +The sharp reports of the rifles echoed along the rocky walls of the +defile, and a series of loud shrieks told that the fire had not been in +vain. Yet the onward rush was apparently unchecked, for though several +of the torches were extinguished, the savages still rushed to the +attack. +</P> + +<P> +"Where's the searchlight?" muttered Mr. McKay, as he thrust a fresh +clip of cartridges into his magazine. +</P> + +<P> +At that moment the giant beam swung majestically round and fixed itself +upon the gorge. +</P> + +<P> +Under the powerful rays the scene of horror was thrown into high +relief. The upper part of the defile was literally choked with human +beings. A few of the foremost warriors, drawing clear of the press, +had managed to evade the death-dealing volleys, and with brandished +clubs and spears were rushing upon the barricade. +</P> + +<P> +This much the defenders saw as the first flash of the searchlight was +thrown upon the scene. The next instant the shouts of triumph and pain +gave place to cries of terror. +</P> + +<P> +The blinding rays, coming apparently from out of the earth, were far +more to be feared than the bullets. To the savage mind it was +magic—black magic. +</P> + +<P> +The warlike mob seemed to melt away. Some of the warriors, throwing +down their weapons, rushed from the scene of action with their arms +pressed tightly across their eyes as if to shut out the penetrating +beams; others dropped where they stood, grovelling in the dust and +uttering cries, while in the space of five minutes the defile was +deserted, save by the dead and wounded and a few of the natives, whose +terror seemed to have rooted them to the earth. +</P> + +<P> +"That's spotted them!" exclaimed Andy, as he threw down his over-heated +rifle. "I hope it will scare them right off the island." +</P> + +<P> +"It has worked wonders," assented Mr. McKay. "But be careful, some of +those men are not dead, I feel sure. Bring down every man you see +moving." +</P> + +<P> +Rifle on shoulder the lads waited. They quite realised the danger of +allowing the natives to lurk in the defile, and as each cautiously +moving body could be seen, as a terrified warrior slowly recovered from +his panic, a carefully aimed shot caused him to fall. +</P> + +<P> +"We are comparatively secure till daylight," said Mr. McKay. "They've +had another lesson. Andy, you might relieve Terence at the +searchlight. Keep it fixed on the defile, though at intervals you +might direct it seawards. Quexo, I want you to carry up as many pails +of water as you can to Blight's cave. Ellerton, you're feeling fit, I +hope? Will you keep a look-out, I am going to have forty winks." +</P> + +<P> +It was an exaggerated "forty winks." Mr. McKay, dead beat with his +exertions, slept like a log till daybreak, Terence keeping him company. +</P> + +<P> +Ellerton had meanwhile climbed over the stockade and succeeded in +bringing back several of the terrified sheep, which throughout the +night had been huddled together in helpless terror. +</P> + +<P> +Beyond an occasional shot as a few of the wretched natives attempted to +wriggle out of the death-trap, the rest of the night had passed without +further disturbance; but the dawn revealed a different state of affairs. +</P> + +<P> +The discomfited savages were evidently built of stern stuff, for as +soon as it was light, undaunted by their defeat in the hours of +darkness, they took possession of the summit of the cliff overlooking +the defenders' lines. +</P> + +<P> +Standing on the very edge of the precipice, like bronzed statues, +several of the chiefs surveyed the scene beneath them, till, having +taken in all that they wanted, they withdrew to the main body of +warriors. +</P> + +<P> +Instantly the fierce shouts of the savages rent the air, and a shower +of stones and throwing-spears was hurled upon the white men's defences. +</P> + +<P> +The missiles rattled on the iron roof of the house and upon the top of +the shelter over the searchlight; but the defenders, safe within the +covered-in barricade, were secure from the furious hail, though unable +to reply by a single shot. Several of the sheep were transfixed by +spears, each casualty being greeted with a hoarse roar of delight from +the attackers. +</P> + +<P> +Terence, however, who had returned to his post at the seaward side of +the terrace, saw the possibility of the searchlight being damaged by +stones, and, regardless of the danger, he rushed from his shelter to +place a screen of planks over the partially exposed instrument. +</P> + +<P> +His appearance was the signal for a redoubled discharge of missiles, +but coolly he continued his task. +</P> + +<P> +"Get back to cover!" shouted Mr. McKay. +</P> + +<P> +At that moment a stone caught the lad in the side, and staggering a few +paces he fell. +</P> + +<P> +A yell of triumph greeted the success of the savages; but without a +moment's hesitation Ellerton rushed through the danger zone. Unscathed +he gained his friend's side, and to his relief found that the missile +had merely winded him. +</P> + +<P> +Fortunately Terence had the presence of mind to stagger to the remote +side of the searchlight hut, where the two lads were protected from the +hailstorm of stones. +</P> + +<P> +"Are you fit for a dash?" asked Ellerton after a while. +</P> + +<P> +"Yes," replied Terence, "I'm ready now." +</P> + +<P> +Seizing their rifles, the two friends rushed at top speed across the +open ground and gained the shelter of the palisade guarding the +cliff-path. Here they were, so to speak, on the wrong side of the +fence, and had there been any savages on the shore their position would +have been critical in the extreme. +</P> + +<P> +As it was, they were able to keep up a constant fire upon the natives +on the cliff; but their foes seemed totally indifferent to the rifles, +though man after man was observed to fall. +</P> + +<P> +The savages had not been idle. Realising that the buildings and the +barricade at the end of the defile were proof against stones and +spears, they rolled an enormous stone to the edge of the cliff with the +intention of dropping it upon the roofed-in stockade. +</P> + +<P> +"Look out!" shouted Ellerton. "There's a rock about to fall on your +heads!" +</P> + +<P> +Taking advantage of the warning shout, Mr. McKay, Quexo, and Andy +crossed the covered way to the opposite side of the defile. Not a +moment too soon. +</P> + +<P> +In spite of a couple of successful shots by Ellerton, who managed to +bowl over one of the most active of the savages who were engaged in +rolling the ponderous rock, the mass of stone rushed down the slope and +shot clear of the cliff. +</P> + +<P> +The next instant it crashed through the frail roof of the barricade, +and, in addition, smashed a huge gap in the wall of packing-cases and +chests. +</P> + +<P> +"A near shave," ejaculated Mr. McKay. "If they keep that game up we +shall soon be without a roof to our heads." +</P> + +<P> +Emboldened by their success, a considerable number of the savages +worked their way round to the head of the gorge with the intention of +charging the shattered defences, the remaining natives still keeping up +a telling discharge from the brink of the cliff. +</P> + +<P> +"I must rush it," said Ellerton hurriedly, as he grasped the state of +affairs. "Keep a good look-out along the shore, Terence. If I fall, +don't attempt a rescue; there are not enough of us to throw ourselves +away like that." +</P> + +<P> +Bending low, the lad ran across the danger zone once more, and although +several spears fell close to him, he gained the side of his companions +in safety. +</P> + +<P> +Seen by day, the advance of the savages had an even more fearful +appearance than the night attack. Brandishing their weapons and +uttering awful yells, they rushed down the gorge, with one object in +view. They meant to come to hand-grips with the stubborn defenders of +the barricade. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, Andy," remarked Mr. McKay quietly, "reserve your fire till the +thickest of the press passes yonder rock, then aim carefully at that +canister. Go on firing, you," he added to the other two lads. +</P> + +<P> +The execution caused by the three rifles amongst that solid pack of +howling savages was great. No body of white men would have faced it, +but undaunted the warriors swept on. +</P> + +<P> +Andy, finger on trigger, watched the advance till the critical moment; +but his arm was not so firm as it ought to have been, and the bullet +struck the rock a foot to the left of the tin of explosives. +</P> + +<P> +"Miss, by Jove!" he exclaimed savagely as he jerked open the breach and +ejected the empty cylinder. +</P> + +<P> +Ere he could again take aim, Mr. McKay's rifle spoke. There was a +blinding glare, followed by a deafening report, and the close ranks of +the savages seemed to be swept aside as if by a gigantic flail. Not +only did the dynamite charge scatter death amongst the natives, but the +concussion brought down huge masses of rock from the cliffs, their fall +adding to the terror and confusion of the attackers. +</P> + +<P> +"That's fifty of them at the very least," exclaimed Andy. "A few more +coups like that, and we'll wipe them all out." +</P> + +<P> +"It will teach them caution, I'm afraid," was his father's reply. "But +we've done very well up to the present. How's Terence?" +</P> + +<P> +"He was only slightly hurt," replied Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +"No sign of any canoes?" +</P> + +<P> +"No, sir." +</P> + +<P> +"Thank Heaven for that," replied Mr. McKay fervently. +</P> + +<P> +"The explosion also sent off the other canisters," observed Andy. +"Shall we place some others in the gorge when it is dark?" +</P> + +<P> +"I don't think they will attempt that way again," replied Mr. McKay. +"They've had a rare fright, both by day and night." +</P> + +<P> +"I noticed a crowd of them on the cliffs immediately above the cave +where the rest of the dynamite is stored," paid Ellerton. "If we can +use the stuff to no better purpose, why not set a time-fuse, and give +them another surprise?" +</P> + +<P> +"It might be done, but there's a great risk to be run by whoever lights +the fuse." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm willing to do it," said Ellerton resolutely. "I can creep along +the base of the cliff so as to be out of sight." +</P> + +<P> +"Then do it, my boy. Now's the time to act, before they have got over +their last reverse." +</P> + +<P> +Without a moment's delay, Ellerton dashed across the spear-encumbered +ground and gained the shelter of the overhanging cliffs. Then waving +his hands to his companions, he disappeared from view. +</P> + +<P> +There was a lull in the fighting. The defenders, anxiously awaiting +their comrade's return, lay idle within their defences, while the +natives were content to hurl an occasional spear or stone upon the +roofs of the buildings to show that they were still determined to +continue the attack. +</P> + +<P> +"I hope Ellerton's all right," exclaimed Andy uneasily. "He's been +gone quite long enough." +</P> + +<P> +"I cannot help thinking the same," replied his father. +</P> + +<P> +They waited another five minutes, then Quexo announced his intention of +going to search for Massa El'ton. +</P> + +<P> +"Be careful, then, Quexo," said Andy. "Remember Mr. Ellerton may have +lit the fuse—set fire to great bang-up," he added, noting that the +mulatto looked puzzled over the word "fuse." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, Massa Andy. Quexo he mind take care ob self an' Massa +El'ton." +</P> + +<P> +Another five minutes passed in breathless suspense. What had happened? +Ellerton had only to cover a distance of about four hundred yards both +ways. Allowing for the rugged nature of the ground, and the necessity +for caution, he ought to have returned several minutes ago. Perhaps he +had stumbled and was lying helpless within a few feet of the heavily +charged mine. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly two revolver shots rang out in quick succession, and Quexo's +voice was heard shouting for aid. +</P> + +<P> +"Stay here, Andy," exclaimed his father hurriedly, and grasping his +revolver he ran towards the scene of action, the report of another shot +greeting his ears as he went. +</P> + +<P> +On rounding a spur of the cliff, a strange sight met his gaze. From +the summit of the cliff dangled a long rope of cocoa-fibre. Half-way +from the ground was a native, evidently badly wounded, grasping the +swaying rope with one hand while the other was pressed against his +side. On the ground at about twelve feet from the end of the rope lay +four bodies in a heap, and on arriving at the spot Mr. McKay discovered +to his consternation that two of the motionless forms were those of his +companions. +</P> + +<P> +Quexo lay uppermost, a jagged spear-head buried deep in his back. One +hurried glance revealed the sad truth that the faithful mulatto was +dead. Under him were the bodies of two natives, both shot through the +chest, while underneath the ghastly pile was Ellerton. +</P> + +<P> +As Mr. McKay stooped over the lad, a spear whizzed close to his ear and +sank deeply in the ground. It was a stern warning, and Mr. McKay took +advantage of it. Lifting Ellerton's body, he bore it to the shelter of +the cliffs, then as the rope began to tremble violently he stepped out +a pace, revolver in hand. +</P> + +<P> +He fired, and two bodies came hurtling through space, striking the +ground with a heavy thud. A lucky shot had severed the rope as cleanly +as if by a knife. +</P> + +<P> +There was no time to be lost. At any moment the mine might be sprung. +Hoisting Ellerton's body on his shoulder like a sack of flour, Mr. +McKay began his retreat, stepping over the rough ground with giant +strides, till the shelter of the cliffs came to an end. Here he +transferred his burden to his arms, and, protecting it as well as he +was able with his own body, he dashed across the open. +</P> + +<P> +Unscathed he reached the roofed-in stockade, and breathlessly he +deposited the body of his comrade upon the ground. +</P> + +<P> +"Dead?" asked Andy anxiously. +</P> + +<P> +"No, only stunned. It's a bad business." +</P> + +<P> +"And Quexo?" +</P> + +<P> +"He's gone, poor fellow!" +</P> + +<P> +"Oh!" Andy gasped, as if something had struck him; but the blow was a +mental not a physical injury. "How——" +</P> + +<P> +His words were interrupted by a roar that seemed to shake the island to +its very foundations. The cliffs trembled, dislodging masses of loose +rock, while a blast of air swept over the terrace like a tornado. +</P> + +<P> +The mine had exploded! +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap27"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE LAST STAND +</H4> + +<P> +The explosion, though terrific, had not the desired effect. Ellerton +had succeeded in lighting the fuse, and was on his way back, when the +natives lowered a rope from the cliffs. No doubt they had observed him +on his way to the cave as he rather thoughtlessly showed himself in +crossing the base of the projecting spur. +</P> + +<P> +Cunningly two of the savages lowered themselves on to a ledge within +twenty feet of the ground, and on Ellerton's return they hurled a stone +with unerring aim, bringing him senseless to the ground. +</P> + +<P> +Eager to secure his body, the two assailants descended the remaining +distance, and were stooping over the prostrate youth when Quexo +appeared on the scene. +</P> + +<P> +A couple of well-directed shots settled their accounts; but the +mulatto, in rushing to Ellerton's assistance, failed to notice that the +edge of the cliff above him swarmed with natives. +</P> + +<P> +Even as he bent over the bodies of Ellerton and his assailants, a spear +thrown with terrible force struck him in the back. Hardly knowing what +hurt him, the mulatto sprang to his feet, and with his dying strength +discharged his revolver at one of the blacks who was descending the +rope, ere he fell across the bodies of the victims of his first two +shots. +</P> + +<P> +This episode had caused the crowd of savages, who had previously been +congregating immediately above the mine, to rush to that part of the +cliff nearest to the scene of the tragedy, and thus the actual +explosion did not inflict very great damage upon the invaders. +Nevertheless the moral result was a good service to the sore-pressed +white men, for the savages refrained from renewing the attack, and +withdrew to the shelter of the palm-groves. +</P> + +<P> +The approach of night also prolonged the mutual cessation of +hostilities, for the natives dreaded the great flashing beams of light +more than anything else. +</P> + +<P> +Terence, in spite of himself, fell asleep several times beside the +searchlight, while Andy, weary-eyed and stricken with grief, was kept +awake solely by his devotion to his wounded comrade. +</P> + +<P> +Fortunately Ellerton's injuries were not so bad as Mr. McKay had at +first supposed. The missile had struck him a glancing blow, and +although reducing him to insensibility, was more of the nature of a cut +than a contusion. There had been a copious flow of blood which +relieved the pressure on the scalp that a bruise would have otherwise +caused. +</P> + +<P> +Before midnight Ellerton had recovered sufficiently to relate the +circumstances of the affair so far as he knew, although he was ignorant +of the actual ambush. Neither did Mr. McKay think fit to tell him at +present of Quexo's death in his heroic and successful attempt to save +his master from mutilation. +</P> + +<P CLASS="noindent" ALIGN="center"> +<SPAN STYLE="letter-spacing: 4em">*****</SPAN><BR> +</P> + +<P> +With the return of daylight the savages renewed the attack. Large +stones, brought to the brink of the cliff by their stupendous efforts, +came crashing down upon the frail defences, till only a small section +of the barricade midway between the walls of the defile remained intact. +</P> + +<P> +Here Mr. McKay and Terence kept up a continuous but apparently +ineffectual fire, while Ellerton, still weak and showing signs of +light-headedness, did his best with a revolver. +</P> + +<P> +Andy, nearly done up for want of rest, resumed his solitary vigil at +the cliff path, occasionally adding to the fusillade whenever a group +of natives appeared at the edge of the cliff to hurl another of the +weighty missiles. +</P> + +<P> +With parched lips and swollen eyes the weary little band continued the +unequal combat, almost unable to raise their rifles to their aching +shoulders, till, to add to their misfortunes, Andy perceived ten large +canoes rounding the south-eastern promontory of the island. +</P> + +<P> +The natives had at length grasped the importance of a simultaneous rear +and frontal attack. +</P> + +<P> +"We must retreat to Blight's cave," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when his son +had shouted the disheartening intelligence. "Let us hope the explosion +has not closed up the entrance. Pull yourself together, Hoppy! We've +got to make a rush for it." +</P> + +<P> +"I'm going to stay here—I'm quite comfortable where I am," replied +Ellerton with astonishing determination. +</P> + +<P> +"But you can't, man; you'll be cut to pieces in less than a minute." +</P> + +<P> +But Ellerton refused to move. His comrades looked at each other +anxiously. In ordinary circumstances it would have been no easy task +to compel the lad to get up and walk, and with a few hundred savages +hanging round, the difficulties were increased tenfold. +</P> + +<P> +"I'll risk it," muttered Mr. McKay. "It's either kill or cure." And +raising his voice he said: "Hoppy, old man, Quexo is missing. He went +to look for you and has not returned." +</P> + +<P> +"What?" exclaimed Ellerton wildly. "Quexo missing? I'll go and look +for him." +</P> + +<P> +"We are all going," replied Mr. McKay. "Take your rifle and keep with +us." +</P> + +<P> +The savages saw the white men deserting the shelter of the barricade, +and with shouts of triumph they redoubled the hail of missiles, while +numbers of them rushed to the head of the defile and thence straight +for the abandoned defences. +</P> + +<P> +Edging cautiously along the base of the cliff, the forlorn little band +continued its retreat till Ellerton, who was leading, came across the +body of the faithful mulatto. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment he gazed at the ghastly scene with drawn face and staring +eyes; then, his scattered wits returning, he burst into tears. +</P> + +<P> +"Good!" exclaimed Mr. McKay to his son. "That's saved his reason. But +here they come." +</P> + +<P> +Already the leading pursuers were appearing on the edge of the +cliff-path, while others, rushing down the gorge, had scrambled over +the debris of the barricade, and with brandished clubs and spears were +charging down upon their white foes. +</P> + +<P> +"Pick him up, Hoppy; we must not leave him to those fiends," shouted +Andy. +</P> + +<P> +Assisted by Terence, Ellerton raised the body of the mulatto on his +back, and, covered by Mr. McKay and Andy, continued the retreat. +</P> + +<P> +As they reached the scene of the great explosion, they found that +masses of dislodged boulders extended almost to the edge of the lower +cliff. Slowly Ellerton and Terence bore their burden over the rough, +rock-strewn ground, the savages meanwhile gaining upon them rapidly. +</P> + +<P> +"Keep going at any cost," shouted Mr. McKay. "Gain the door of the +fence, and look out for us. Andy, we must make a stand here." +</P> + +<P> +"All right, pater," replied his son as he took cover behind a +convenient mass of stones. +</P> + +<P> +The two rifles opened a furious fire upon the advancing natives. Not a +shot was thrown away, and although stones and spears whizzed over their +heads or shattered themselves against the sheltering rock, father and +son continued to blaze away coolly, and deliberately. The savages, now +more or less contemptuously familiar with the white men's weapons, +hesitated to close in upon the dauntless twain, and, shouting to their +fellows to hasten to help them to wipe out the white men, they +contented themselves with rushing to the right and left in the hope of +surrounding their foes. +</P> + +<P> +"Stop that chap!" yelled Andy, pointing to a crafty warrior, who was +creeping on all fours up the rocks on Mr. McKay's left. +</P> + +<P> +Barely two inches of the man's head were visible above the sheltering +boulder, but those two inches were sufficient. Mr. McKay's rifle +cracked, and the savage bounded a good three feet in the air to fall +upon his face upon the ground. +</P> + +<P> +"They're safe!" shouted Mr. McKay, giving a rapid glance in the +direction of the iron fence. "Now, bolt for it!" +</P> + +<P> +Springing over the remainder of the intervening boulders, father and +son ran for shelter. For a brief instant the natives failed to +understand that their foes were again in retreat; then, to the +accompaniment of a flight of spears, they launched themselves over the +latest line of defence and pressed home the pursuit. +</P> + +<P> +Rifle in hand, Terence and Ellerton stood by the open door to aid their +comrades' retreat; another five yards, then comparative safely. +</P> + +<P> +Suddenly Andy stumbled and fell headlong on the ground, his rifle +flying from his grasp; the next instant half-a-dozen natives were upon +him. Without a moment's hesitation, Mr. McKay faced about, and, +drawing his revolver, fired. +</P> + +<P> +At the first report one of the pursuers fell; but the hammer of the +weapon clicked harmlessly as Mr. McKay attempted to bring down a +second. The weapon was empty. +</P> + +<P> +Throwing the now useless weapon straight into the face of one of the +savages, Mr. McKay stooped to pick up his rifle, a spear just grazing +his shoulder as he did so. +</P> + +<P> +With the strength and fury of a Berserker, he gripped the rifle by the +barrel, and wielding it like a ponderous flail he smote right and left. +</P> + +<P> +At one moment the brass-bound butt crashed with a terrific lunge full +in the tattooed face of a native; at the next it descended with +relentless force upon the skull of another. +</P> + +<P> +Then Ellerton's rifle cracked and Terence's revolver added to the din. +The blacks seemed to melt away; and ere the main body of the pursuers +could join in the struggle, the white men were safe within the stockade. +</P> + +<P> +"Don't trouble about the door," shouted Mr. McKay, as Terence was about +to close and barricade the iron-lined aperture. +</P> + +<P> +Breathlessly the harried fugitives entered the cave, and, holding their +rifles ready for instant use, awaited the arrival of their triumphant +foes. +</P> + +<P> +The door of the fence standing tantalisingly open served a better +purpose than if it had been closed and barred. Had it been secured, +the savages would soon have battered it in by sheer weight of numbers; +but even in the heat of the pursuit the natives paused and looked +askance at the mute invitation to enter. +</P> + +<P> +Fears of some other snare, more terrible than those they had already +experienced, held them in a spell-bound grip. +</P> + +<P> +The temporary check gave the defenders a chance of much-needed rest. +</P> + +<P> +"Now, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, "we are safe enough for the present. +A thousand of the wretches couldn't rush us in this place. But keep +your eyes open, and let rip at the first chap who shows his head inside +the door." +</P> + +<P> +There was a touch of irony in Mr. McKay's advice. Want of sleep +threatened to become a more dangerous foe than the savages themselves, +and the lads were almost falling asleep as they awaited the next +assault. +</P> + +<P> +All at once Mr. McKay raised his rifle and fired. +</P> + +<P> +A gaudily-decked warrior had so far overcome his fears and doubts as to +peer cautiously into the inclosure. His curiosity led to his undoing, +for, without knowing what struck him, he slid quietly to the ground +with a bullet through his brain. +</P> + +<P> +But the spell was broken, and with a hideous clamour the natives poured +in through the doorway. Many fell dead or wounded, while others +tripped over their prostrate bodies; but by sheer weight of numbers the +fence was overthrown, and over the removed obstruction rushed the +bloodthirsty mob. +</P> + +<P> +Seeing that it was impossible to check the flowing tide of warriors as +they sped over the broad expanse, the defenders hurriedly retired into +the farthermost recesses of the cave. Here they were able to command +the narrow entrance, and with a rapid magazine fire they simply mowed +down every savage who showed himself at the mouth of the cave. +</P> + +<P> +At last, disheartened by the obvious impossibility of rushing the +desperate band of white men, the warriors retired, and silence reigned +save for the moans of the wounded who littered the floor of the cavern. +</P> + +<P> +Worn out as they were, the four defenders, as soon as possible, scooped +out a shallow trench for the reception of the body of Quexo, who had +been killed, and silently the earth was heaped over the still form of +this their faithful servant and devoted comrade. +</P> + +<P> +"Now turn in for a spell," said Mr. McKay, as the last offices were +performed. "I'll take the first watch. I think I can keep awake for +another couple of hours." +</P> + +<P> +Vainly protesting, the lads obeyed and were soon asleep. +</P> + +<P> +Shouldering his rifle, Mr. McKay walked as far as the overthrown fence, +whence he could command a view of the house. Swarming in and out of +the building were the natives bearing away everything of value, while +others were demolishing the searchlight, which they evidently regarded +as an evil spirit, whose powers were harmless by day. The work of +plunder continued till nothing was left of the dwelling but the bare +walls and roof, and presently the building burst into flames. +</P> + +<P> +Hoping against hope, Mr. McKay watched with impotent rage the wanton +destruction of the result of so many months of patient toil and energy. +</P> + +<P> +Would the natives be content with their success, and re-embark with +their booty? Already several of them, laden with spoil, were +descending the cliff-path to their canoes; were the white men to be +left unmolested? +</P> + +<P> +Without thinking of the sore straits to which they would be reduced by +the loss of their home with most of their stores, Mr. McKay waited and +watched. The possibility of a fresh lease of life, even under such +adverse conditions, was infinitely preferable to having to fight +desperately to the last. +</P> + +<P> +But his hopes were doomed to failure. +</P> + +<P> +A strong body of savages began to ascend the slope leading to the cave, +and, to his consternation, the watcher perceived that many of them were +bearing bundles of sticks and grass. +</P> + +<P> +It was to be a struggle not only against the spears and clubs of the +natives, but against fire and smoke, and Mr. McKay realised that the +choice of the defenders lay between a fight to the death in the open or +being stifled in the recesses of the cave. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap28"></A> + +<H3 ALIGN="center"> +CHAPTER XXVIII +</H3> + +<H4 ALIGN="center"> +THE RESCUE +</H4> + +<P> +Returning to the cave, Mr. McKay awoke the lads and hurriedly explained +the nature of the threatened attack. +</P> + +<P> +"We must quit this shelter and keep in the open as long as we possibly +can," said he. "A long-range fire may keep them at bay. Only as a +last resource must we return to the cave." +</P> + +<P> +Barely had the defenders left the cavern than they were assailed from +above by a shower of stones and spears. Several of the savages had +taken up a position on the summit of the cliff overhanging the mouth of +the white men's retreat, so as to make the advance of the main body +easier. +</P> + +<P> +Thrown into confusion by this unlooked-for attack, the four defenders +fled headlong for the cave they had just left, narrowly escaping the +falling missiles. Then, finding that the jutting rocks protected them +so long as they kept close to the base of the cliff, the wearied men +plucked up courage, and opened fire upon the dense masses of the +natives as they advanced rapidly with their burdens. +</P> + +<P> +Many of the savages fell, but others immediately took up their loads, +and working from cover to cover with admirable cunning the natives came +within throwing distance of their spears. +</P> + +<P> +The rifle-fire, hot as it was, was unable to stop the fan-like +formation of the crafty warriors, and, assailed by stones and spears, +the defenders were once more compelled to retire to the cave. +</P> + +<P> +Repeated repulses had taught the natives caution, and without risking +themselves by appearing in front of the death-dealing tunnel, they +thrust their bundles of wood and grass into the mouth of the cave by +means of long poles. Then a torch was flung upon the heap of +inflammable material, and the next instant it burst into flames. +</P> + +<P> +"Throw some water on it," grasped Terence, as the heat began to take +effect. +</P> + +<P> +"Useless," replied Mr. McKay. "It would only cause more smoke," and +lifting a case of ammunition he rushed towards the blazing pile. +</P> + +<P> +"Lie down!" he ordered sharply, as he regained his comrades. +</P> + +<P> +Crouched in the remotest part of the cave, they awaited the explosion. +Then with a roar, followed by a series of minor reports, the cartridges +exploded, filling the cave with pungent fumes. +</P> + +<P> +As the last detonation ended, Mr. McKay leapt to his feet, and, +revolver in hand, dashed through the scattered and still burning +embers. His companions followed his example, and gained the open. +Even as they drank in the deliciously cool air they were compelled to +resume the unequal combat, though the savages, alarmed by the explosion +and the sudden appearance of their foes, gave back in terror. +</P> + +<P> +Edging along the base of the cliff, for the darts and stones still +descended, regardless of friend or foe, the defenders blazed away at +their enemies, till the latter recovered from their fright and returned +to the attack. +</P> + +<P> +Not till they were in grave danger of being cut off did Mr. McKay and +his companions return to the cave once more to endure the torments of +the smoke-laden atmosphere. +</P> + +<P> +This time the savages did not leave them in peace. With poised weapons +the wily warriors waited on either side of the entrance, while others +descended from the terrace and procured fresh fuel. +</P> + +<P> +Splashing their faces with water, and fanning the noxious fumes with +portions of their clothes, the defenders strove to cool their parched +and heated bodies, realising that another half-hour would doubtless see +the end of the unequal struggle. +</P> + +<P> +"I'm not going to be smoked out like a rat in a hole," exclaimed +Ellerton. "I'll make a dash for it and die in the open." +</P> + +<P> +"It's the only way," replied Mr. McKay. "If we are to die we must die +like Britons, fighting to the last." +</P> + +<P> +Hardly had the forlorn party made this desperate decision, when a sharp +ear-splitting explosion, followed almost immediately by another, was +heard without the cave. Yells of terror and noisy surprise arose, and +the savages fled right and left. +</P> + +<P> +For a moment the defenders were unable to grasp the meaning of the +interruption, till Andy shouted: "Hurrah! A rescue!" and overcome by +mental and bodily strain, he fell on the floor in a swoon. +</P> + +<P> +Terence and Ellerton were about to rush to the mouth of the cave, but +Mr. McKay restrained them. +</P> + +<P> +"Lie down!" he exclaimed. "They're firing with shell, and we shall be +blown to atoms if we go outside." +</P> + +<P> +It was, to a certain extent, unfortunate that the inhabitants of +McKay's Island were unable to observe the means by which they were so +opportunely rescued from what appeared to be a terrible and remorseless +fate. +</P> + +<P> +While the preparations for the smoking-out of the still-resisting white +men were in progress, H.M.S. <I>Blazer</I> was steaming straight for the +island. +</P> + +<P> +Unnoticed by the natives, she gained the entrance to the lagoon, the +leadsmen in the chains, and the decks cleared for action. +</P> + +<P> +The alert commander had already observed the smouldering ruins of what +was obviously at no remote time a civilised settlement, and the shouts +of the desperate savages told him that resistance was still being made. +</P> + +<P> +H.M.S. <I>Blazer</I> was but a third-class cruiser, mainly engaged in +surveying duties in the Pacific. Her armament consisted of two +4.7-inch guns, one mounted fore and aft, six twelve-pounders, and ten +Maxims, and these were amply sufficient for the work in hand. +</P> + +<P> +Rounding to in seven fathoms, and less than three hundred yards from +the scene of the desperate encounter, the <I>Blazer</I> opened fire. Her +commander had noted the actual locality of the defenders' retreat, and +carefully avoiding the spot for fear of harming friend as well as foe, +he had a couple of shells planted in the fringe of the attacking +natives. +</P> + +<P> +Those two shells were sufficient. Madly the survivors fled along the +terrace in the direction of the defile leading to the ulterior, and as +they ran they were subjected to a raking fire by the quick-firers and +Maxims, till only a small remnant gained the shelter of the palm-groves. +</P> + +<P> +"Man and arm boats!" came the order. +</P> + +<P> +But ere the landing-party gained the shore, not a living savage was to +be seen. Panic-stricken they fled to the far side of the island, where +they embarked in their canoes. +</P> + +<P> +"We're too late, it seems," remarked the lieutenant in charge, as he +gazed upon the devastated scene. +</P> + +<P> +"Those brutes were running from up yonder, sir," observed a +petty-officer, pointing towards the upper terrace. "Maybe there's +someone up there among the rocks." +</P> + +<P> +"Party, fall in!" ordered the officer, and giving the word to march, he +led the way over the open ground, which was littered by the victims of +the <I>Blazer's</I> fire. +</P> + +<P> +"Strike me; wot's this?" ejaculated the petty-officer, as four battered +specimens of humanity appeared above the crest of a rise of ground and +floundered painfully towards their rescuers, who gave them a hearty +cheer. +</P> + +<P> +"We were certainly in the nick of time," remarked Commander Bulwark, +as, five hours later, Mr. McKay and the three lads were seated in the +<I>Blazer's</I> wardroom. "We received a telegraphic message from Tahiti +while we were lying off Suva, to the effect that a French trader +reported that she had communicated with British castaways; but was +unable, owing to the high seas that were running, to render assistance. +So we came at full speed, and, I am glad to say, with fortunate +results. We are leaving here to-morrow for Sydney. I suppose you +don't object to being landed there?" +</P> + +<P> +"By no means," replied Mr. McKay. "I think we've had enough of the +island to last us a lifetime." +</P> + +<P> +In a few words Mr. McKay told the commander of the finding of the +treasure, and how it was hidden under the floor of the house. +</P> + +<P> +"Treasure, eh? Well, you're lucky in more than one way. There are +plenty of islands in the Pacific where treasure is supposed to be +hidden. We usually regard these stories as a myth, but you've +evidently proved that such things do exist. Let me congratulate you +once again. I'll send ashore at once." +</P> + +<P> +Before nightfall the treasure chests were conveyed safely on board the +cruiser. +</P> + +<P> +The bluejackets also placed a pile of stones over the grave of the +brave mulatto, a simple inscription setting forth his name and the +manner of his death; while for the benefit of possible future +castaways, a paper giving particulars of the stores deposited in the +treasure cave was placed in an air-tight case and lashed to a post in a +conspicuous position on the shore. +</P> + +<P> +Shortly after daybreak on the following day Mr. McKay and the three +lads watched from the poop of the <I>Blazer</I> the rapidly receding land +which for so many months had been their home; and in silence they stood +gazing with wistful eyes till the summit of the peak of McKay's Island +sank beneath the horizon. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="finis"> +THE END +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>The Mayflower Press, Plymouth, England</I>. William Brendon & Son, Ltd. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<HR> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<A NAME="chap29"></A> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +THE SCOUT LIBRARY +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +STORIES OF ADVENTURE. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>In Cloth Covers. Price 2s. 6d. Net. Postage 5d. extra.</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +THE YOUNG CAVALIER. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +By PERCY F. WESTERMAN. +</P> + +<P> +"One of the best stories of the English Civil War we have met, and Mr. +Gordon Browne's fine pictures enrich it unspeakably."—<I>Pall Mall +Gazette</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +THE QUEST OF THE VEILED KING. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +By RUPERT CHESTERTON. +</P> + +<P> +"A really good yarn which will be appreciated by every Scout and by +many a boy who belongs to no patrol."—<I>Morning Post</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +FRANK FLOWER. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +The Boy War Correspondent. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +By A. B. COOPER. +</P> + +<P> +"Boy Scouts should thoroughly enjoy this story, for the principles on +which young Flower always acts are thoroughly sound, and, though no +offensive morals are drawn, the advantage of straight conduct is made +obvious."—<I>Academy</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +GILDERSLEY'S TENDERFOOT. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +By ROBERT LEIGHTON. +</P> + +<P> +"A rattling good story of adventure in the Wild West which boys will +thoroughly enjoy."—<I>Bookman</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +SONS OF THE SEA. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +By CHRISTOPHER BECK. +</P> + +<P> +"Mr. Beck tells a story of the Sea Scouts and shows how handy these +young people may become.... Written in a manly, healthy style, and may +be recommended to the attention of every boy."—<I>The Field</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +The above books may be ordered through your Bookseller, or will be sent<BR> +post free on receipt of the price named with postage added from +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +A. F. SOWTER, Publisher, "THE SCOUT" Offices,<BR> +28 Maiden Lane, LONDON, W.C.<BR> +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +Attractive Nature Books +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +BY +</P> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +OWEN JONES AND MARCUS WOODWARD +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Authors of "A Gamekeeper's Note Book" +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Illustrated. Crown 8vo, Cloth. Price 2s. 6d. each net; postage 4d. +extra. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Also in Picture paper wrappers. Price 1s. 6d. each net; postage 3d. +extra. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +Woodcraft +</P> + +<P> +"Packed from end to end with observations and instructions which turn +the country-side and its small inhabitants from a series of perplexing +puzzles into a vast book which every intelligent person can read for +himself."—<I>The Globe</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"A book which would make a delightful present for any country +child."—<I>Country Life</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"Boys will certainly like this book."—<I>Manchester Guardian</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"A truly delightful companion for the rambler and woodman."—<I>Pall Mall +Gazette</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"A charming book on woodcraft."—<I>School Guardian</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +Going About the Country With Your Eyes Open +</P> + +<P> +"A delightfully varied volume dealing with topics full of interest and +also of instruction to those who knock about the country."—<I>Morning +Post</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"These well-known collaborators once more show that they have the knack +of imparting information in the most charming fashion ... no better +book could be put into the hands of a boy."—<I>Evening Standard</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"An excellent book for boys with a love of the country, and, for the +matter of that, for those who have passed the years of boyhood but have +retained their interest in wild nature."—<I>Birmingham Post</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"A capital book of all kinds of outdoor lore and practice."—<I>Times</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +ALSO BY MARCUS WOODWARD +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +In cloth boards, fully Illustrated. Price 2/6 net; postage 4d. extra. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +In Nature's Ways +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +A book for all young Lovers of Natural History. Being an Introduction<BR> +to Gilbert White's immortal "Natural History of Selborne." +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Illustrated by J. A. SHEPHERD. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +With Preface by WILFRID MARK WEBB, Secretary of the Selborne Society. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +This volume contains 8 full-page Illustrations on Art Paper in addition<BR> +to the Drawings in the Text. +</P> + +<P> +"This is a 'White's Selborne' for the young; giving passages from the +original under different headings and, side by side, some talk about +the bird or beast referred to; with plenty of illustrations by Mr. J. +A. Shepherd, full of his usual vitality."—<I>Times</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"We think this volume cannot fail to interest and instruct the +young."—<I>Field</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"White's 'History of Selborne' is here amplified and explained for +young readers. Mr. Woodward has that gift of humour without which all +writing on nature is a weariness unto the flesh for young readers, and +for many readers who are no longer young. Mr. J. A. Shepherd's +illustrations catch the spirit of the letterpress, and are of a piece +with the work that has made his reputation as an artist."—<I>Literary +World</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>May be had of all Booksellers or will be sent direct on receipt of<BR> +published price and postage from</I> +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +C. ARTHUR PEARSON LTD., Henrietta Street, LONDON, W.C. 2. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +The SCOUTS' BOOK of HEROES +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +WITH A THREE-COLOUR FRONTISPIECE BY +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +And Eight Full-page Illustrations. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +THE CHIEF SCOUT ALSO CONTRIBUTES A FOREWORD. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Demy 8vo. Cloth. With attractive Wrapper in Colours. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Price 6s. net. (Postage 6d. extra.) +</P> + +<BR> + +<P> +"The part that scouts—past and present—played in the war is a source +of unbounded pride to many boys; and these will be delighted with 'THE +SCOUTS' BOOK OF HEROES.' The Chief Scout himself, Sir Robert +Baden-Powell, in a 'foreword,' points out that the war-work of the +scouts—and Jack Cornwell, Piper Laidlaw, Lieutenant Gates, Lieutenant +Haine, Major Toye, Private Cruikshank, Lieutenant Manson Craig, +Lieutenant-Colonel Dimmer, Captain McKean, Lieutenant Donald Dean, +Lieutenant Hallowes, all of them V.C.'s, were also all of them +scouts—'was not the result of military training, or of drill. It was +the outcome of the spirit that gives the essential self-discipline and +dare to do.' ... There is a breaking strain to discipline that is +applied, there is none to <I>esprit de corps</I>. It is the spirit that +tells, the spirit which it is the aim of Scout training to inculcate. +'And the book is full of the spirit.'"—<I>Westminster Gazette</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"This story of scout heroes is a noble record which should fire the +scout of to-day to 'Play up and play the game!'"—<I>Church Times</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"A truly noble volume is 'THE SCOUTS' BOOK OF HEROES', with a preface +by the Chief Scout, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, K.C.B. Here is told the +stirring story of many a boy scout who has grown up to serve his +country, and offer it, too, the last sacrifice. The scout V.C.'s are +here, with Boy Cornwell, who was one of their number, and the many who +have won other high honours—the list fills nearly 70 pages. But the +book is not a mere enumeration of scout achievements; it is full of +stories of heroism and devotion to duty, and has abundant illustrations +bringing to life its stirring themes."—<I>The Universe</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"No more satisfactory gift-book for a Scout can be imagined than this +admirably compiled story of Scout heroes of the Army. It is a fine +record to put before the boys of the Empire, and we trust the book will +have multitudes of young readers."—<I>Pall Mall Gazette</I>. +</P> + +<P> +"These grand true stories of Boy Scouts who became soldiers, and won +glory or death, will make every reader proud of his +uniform."—<I>Christian World</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., Henrietta Street, London, W.C. 2. +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t2"> +BOOKS BY THE CHIEF SCOUT +</P> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL, K.C.B. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +SCOUTING FOR BOYS. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +A HANDBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN GOOD CITIZENSHIP. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +9th Edition. The Official Handbook of the Boy Scouts. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Price 2s. net, paper; 3s. net, cloth (postage 4d. extra).</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +THE WOLF CUB'S HANDBOOK +</P> + +<P> +The Official Handbook for the training of boys from 8-11, leading up to +the time when they can become full Scouts. <I>Paper Wrapper, price 1s. +6d. net; cloth boards, price 2s. 6d., net (postage 4d. extra).</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +GIRL GUIDING +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK FOR THE GIRL GUIDES. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>4th Edition. Paper wrapper, price 1s. 6d. net (postage 3d. extra); +cloth boards</I> +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>2s. 6d. net (postage 4d. extra).</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +MY ADVENTURES AS A SPY +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Extra Crown 8vo, Cloth Gilt, with Coloured Frontispiece, Four Half-tone<BR> +Illustrations, and other Sketches by the Author. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Price 3s. 6d. net (postage 5d. extra).</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +SCOUTING GAMES +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +A splendid collection of Outdoor and Indoor Games specially compiled<BR> +for Boy Scouts. 4th Edition. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Price 1s. 6d. net, paper wrapper (postage 3d. extra).<BR> +2s. 6d. net in cloth boards (postage 4d. extra). +</P> + +<P> +"No one who, as a schoolboy, has read a word of Fenimore Cooper or +Ballantyne, nobody who feels the fascination of a good detective story, +or who understands a little of the pleasures of woodcraft, could fail +to be attracted by these games, or, for that matter, by the playing of +the games themselves."—<I>Spectator</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +YARNS FOR BOY SCOUTS +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +TOLD ROUND THE CAMP FIRE +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +2nd Edition. +</P> + +<P> +"There is no gift book that could be put into the hands of a schoolboy +more valuable than this fascinating volume, and if you asked the boy's +opinion he would probably add, 'No book that he liked +better.'"—<I>Spectator</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +YOUNG KNIGHTS OF THE EMPIRE +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +THEIR CODE AND FURTHER SCOUT YARNS. +</P> + +<P> +"The Ten Laws of Scouts and Sir Robert's exposition of them make a most +lucid and telling code of behaviour; and very good, too, are his tales +of travel, chapters on sea-scouting, backwoodsmen, &c., all illustrated +by the author himself."—<I>Times</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +BOY SCOUTS BEYOND THE SEAS +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +"MY WORLD TOUR." +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +Illustrated by the Author. +</P> + +<P> +"Describes in brightest and most concise fashion his recent tour of +inspection amongst the Boy Scouts.... Every boy will read it with +avidity and pronounce it 'jolly good.'"—<I>Graphic</I>. +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>The above 3 books, price 1s. each in pictorial wrapper, <BR> +or 2s. each in cloth boards (postage 4d. extra).</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +THE CUB BOOK. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +THE BOOK FOR THE BOYS. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Price 3d. net (post free 4d.)</I> +</P> + +<BR> + +<P CLASS="t3"> +MARKSMANSHIP FOR BOYS +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +THE RED FEATHER AND HOW TO WIN IT. +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Price 3d. net (post free 4d.).</I> +</P> + +<BR><BR> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +<I>Write for Illustrated List of Books for Boy Scouts to</I> +</P> + +<P CLASS="t4"> +A. F. SOWTER, Publisher, "The Scout" Offices,<BR> +28 Maiden Lane, London, W.C. 2.<BR> +</P> + +<BR><BR><BR><BR> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Nameless Island, by Percy F. 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Westerman + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Nameless Island + A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes + +Author: Percy F. Westerman + +Release Date: October 7, 2011 [EBook #37652] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE NAMELESS ISLAND *** + + + + +Produced by Al Haines + + + + + + + + + +[Illustration: Cover art] + + + + + +[Frontispiece: AMID THE CHEERS OF THE BAND OF BRITISHERS THE ENSIGN WAS +BROKEN AT THE MASTHEAD. See page 68] + + + + +THE NAMELESS ISLAND + + +A Story of some Modern Robinson Crusoes + + + +BY + +PERCY F. WESTERMAN + +_Author of "The Young Cavalier," etc._ + + + + +London + +C. Arthur Pearson Ltd. + +Henrietta Street + +1920 + + + + +_Second Impression_ + + + + +STORIES OF ADVENTURE. + +_UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME_ + +Each Volume contains Eight Full-Page Illustrations by a well-known +Artist + + +The Boys of the Otter Patrol. + +A Tale of the Boy Scouts. By E. Le Breton-Martin. + + +Kiddie of the Camp. + +A Scouting Story of the Western Prairies. By Robert Leighton. + + +Otters to the Rescue. + +A Sequel to "The Boys of the Otter Patrol." By E. Le Breton-Martin. + + +The Clue of the Ivory Claw. + +By F. Haydn Dimmock. + + +'Midst Arctic Perils. + +By P. F. Westerman. + + +The Phantom Battleship. + +By Rupert Chesterton. + + +Kiddie the Scout. + +A Sequel to "Kiddie of the Camp." By Robert Leighton. + + +The Lost Trooper. + +A Tale of the Great North-West. By F. Haydn Dimmock. + + +The Brigand of the Air. + +By Christopher Beck. + + + + +CONTENTS + +CHAPTER + + I. THE HURRICANE + II. AGROUND + III. ABANDONED + IV. THE LANDING + V. THE CAMP + VI. THE ANIMAL THAT WOULDN'T BE RESCUED + VII. THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE + VIII. "A SAIL!" + IX. UNWELCOME VISITORS + X. STRANGE ALLIES + XI. THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE + XII. AT BAY + XIII. ELLERTON TO THE RESCUE + XIV. ROUTING THE SAVAGES + XV. A KNIFE-THRUST IN THE DARK + XVI. THE GALE + XVII. BACK TO THE ISLAND + XVIII. A SURPRISE FOR THE INVADERS + XIX. THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE + XX. THE ENEMY IS CORNERED + XXI. THE BUCCANEERS' CAVE + XXII. THE TREASURE CHAMBER + XXIII. "A SAIL! A SAIL!" + XXIV. A FALSE AND A REAL ALARM + XXV. THE GREAT INVASION + XXVI. A GREAT DISASTER + XXVII. THE LAST STAND + XXVIII. THE RESCUE + + + + +LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS + + +Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was + broken at the masthead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . _Frontispiece_ + +Ellerton was only just in time. Another dazzling flash enabled + him to see the helpless form of the crippled seaman + +Andy, finding the bull close to his heels, gripped a rope and + swung himself into a position of comparative safety + +The chief's canoe was paddled slowly towards the shore + +Crash! fair in the centre of the lightly built fifty-feet hull + struck the sharp stem + +"A sail! a sail!" he exclaimed breathlessly + +A huge turtle had crawled across the beach and ... had set the + alarm bell ringing + +With fierce shouts the savages tore down the path straight for + the barricade + + + + +THE NAMELESS ISLAND + + + + +CHAPTER I + +THE HURRICANE + +The _San Martin_, a single-screw cargo steamer of 3050 tons, was on her +way from Realejo to Tahiti. Built on the Clyde twenty years back, this +Peruvian-owned tramp was no longer in her prime. Since passing out of +the hands of her British owners, neglect had lessened her speed, while +the addition of various deck-houses, to suit the requirements of the +South American firm under whose house-flag she sailed, had not +increased her steadiness. + +Captain Antonio Perez, who was in command, was a short, thick-set man +of almost pure Spanish descent, swarthy, greasy, and vain--combining +all the characteristics, good, bad, and indifferent, of the South +American skipper. As part owner of the _San Martin_ he was glad of the +opportunity of adding to the vessel's earnings, so he had willingly +agreed to take five passengers as far as Tahiti. + +The five passengers were Mr. McKay, his son Andrew, Terence Donaghue, +Fanshaw Ellerton, and Quexo; but before relating the circumstances in +which they found themselves on board the _San Martin_, it will be +necessary to introduce them to our readers. + +Mr. McKay, a tall, erect Queenslander, of Scottish descent, had, +through the death of a near relative, migrated from Australia to one of +the Central American republics in order to test the possibilities of an +estate which had been left him, before putting it into the market. + +Andrew McKay, or Andy, as he was called, was a well-set-up young fellow +of nineteen, broad-shouldered and straight-limbed, with a fine head +surmounted by a crop of auburn hair. + +Terence Donaghue, the son of an Irish Canadian, was about Andy's age, +and was on a visit to the McKays. He was impulsive both in manner and +speech, high-spirited, and good-natured. + +Fanshaw Ellerton, a lad of sixteen, was supposed to be serving his +apprenticeship on board the _Tophet_, a barque of 2200 tons, of the +port of Liverpool. He was in reality a deserter--but in circumstances +beyond his control. + +Taking advantage of general leave being granted to the crew of the +_Tophet_, Ellerton had gone "up-country," and, before he actually +realised it, he found himself besieged in Mr. McKay's ranch of San +Eugenio. + +One of those revolutions that occur in many of the South Central +American states had broken out, and the rebels, thinking that Mr. +McKay's house and estate would prove an easy and profitable prize, +promptly attempted to take and plunder San Eugenio. + +In spite of a vigorous defence, it seemed as if numbers would gain the +day, till Quexo, a mulatto lad on the ranch, contrived to steal through +the rebels' lines and bring timely aid, but not before Mr. McKay had +been severely wounded. + +But, so far as his Central American affairs were concerned, Mr. McKay +was practically ruined, and he took steps to return to Queensland with +the least possible delay. + +Andy, of course, was to accompany him, while Terence arranged to go as +far as Tahiti, whence he could take steamer to Honolulu and on to +Victoria, British Columbia. + +"Never mind, old chap," exclaimed Andy, when Ellerton made the +startling yet not altogether unexpected discovery that the _Tophet_ had +sailed without him. "We've stuck together through thick and thin these +last few days, and it seems as if we have been chums for years. I know +the governor will be only too glad to have you with us, and no doubt +you can pick up your ship at Sydney." + +Nor did Mr. McKay forget Quexo's devotion; and, to the mulatto's great +delight, he was engaged as servant at the--to him--princely salary of +five dollars a month. + +A fever-stricken coast was no place for a wounded man, hence Mr. +McKay's anxiety to sail as soon as possible; and since ten days or more +would elapse before one of the regular line of steamers left for +Honolulu, passages were booked on the Peruvian tramp steamer _San +Martin_. + + * * * * * + +"What a scratch crew!" remarked Terence, pointing at the swarm of +olive-featured Peruvians who were scrubbing down decks with the aid of +the ship's hose. + +"But even they have one advantage over most of the crews of the +mercantile marine," replied Ellerton. "They are all of one +nationality. Take the _Tophet's_ crew--there are only eight British +seamen before the mast; the rest are Germans, Finns, and Swedes." + +"That is a crying scandal," interrupted Mr. McKay, who was resting in a +deck-chair a few feet from the head of the poop-ladder. "England, the +principal carrier of the world, has to rely upon foreigners to man her +merchant ships. And the reason is not far to seek," he added. + +The _San Martin_ was in the Doldrums. Not a ripple disturbed the +surface of the ocean, save the white wake of the steamer as she pounded +along at a steady nine knots. Overhead the sun shone fiercely in a +cloudless sky. + +"How deep is it here?" asked Terence, leaning over the rail. + +"Do you know, Ellerton?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"No, sir; I had no opportunity of examining a chart." + +"It's approximately three thousand fathoms. Between the Galapagos and +the Marquesas is a vast sunken plateau. Sunlight never penetrates +these great depths; probably all is dark beyond two hundred fathoms." + +"And are there fish or marine animals in the bed of the ocean?" + +"No one knows. Possibly there are some marine animals capable of +withstanding the enormous pressure, for it may be taken for granted +that at three thousand fathoms the pressure per square inch is about +three tons." + +"Is it always calm in the Doldrums?" continued Terence, for he had +never before "crossed the line." + +"Often for weeks at a stretch. What's your experience of these, +Ellerton?" + +"Three weeks with the canvas hanging straight down from the yards. If +you threw anything overboard it would be alongside for days. I can +assure you, Terence, that I am jolly glad we're on board a steamer." + +"How did you get out of it?" continued the young Canadian, eager for +further information. + +"By one of the frequent and sudden hurricanes that spring up in the +belt of the calms; but even that was looked upon as a slice of luck." + +Thus the days passed. Conversation was the chief means of passing the +time, although the lads derived considerable amusement from their +efforts to teach Quexo English. + +Reading was out of the question, for the ship's library consisted of +only a few Spanish books of little interest to Mr. McKay and Andy, +while to Terence and Ellerton they were unfathomable. + +On the evening of the fourth day there was an ominous change in the +weather. + +The sun, setting between high-banked, ill-defined clouds, gave out +bright copper-coloured rays that betokened much wind at no distant +date; while from the south-east a long, heavy swell, although far from +land, gave further indications of change. + +"How is the glass, Captain?" asked Mr. McKay, as Captain Perez emerged +from the companion and began to make his way for'ard to the bridge. + +The captain shrugged his shoulders. + +"Low, senor. I like it not." + +"What an admission," exclaimed Mr. McKay, as the officer mounted the +ladder. "Fancy a British skipper replying like that! Here, Andy, you +are not shaky on the pins like I am; just present my compliments to +Captain Perez and ask him to tell you how the barometer stands. I'm +rather curious on that point." + +"You appear to have a good knowledge of seamanship, sir," remarked +Ellerton, as young McKay made his way to the bridge. + +"Well, I must confess I have," admitted Mr. McKay. "Years ago I spent +some months on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait; but that's a long +story. Some day, perhaps, I'll tell you more about it." + +"Seven hundred and forty millimetres--a fall of twenty-two millimetres +in eight hours," announced Andy, reading the figures from a slip of +paper, on which he had noted the captain's reply. + +"By Jove!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. "That's equivalent to a trifle over +29.1 inches. We're in for something, especially with that deck cargo," +as he pointed to the towering baulks of mahogany which were stowed +amidships. + +"Are they doing anything for'ard?" he continued. + +"The men are placing additional lashings over the hatchways." + +"Pity they didn't man the derrick and heave some of that stuff +overboard," replied Mr. McKay, eyeing the timber with concern. +"However, it will be dark in another quarter of an hour, so we had +better turn in and get some sleep while we are able." + +It was shortly after midnight when Ellerton awoke, conscious that +something was amiss. He had slept through severe gales in the old +_Tophet_ when she was scudding under close-reefed canvas before the +wind or lying hove-to in a hurricane in Magellan Straits; but there was +something in the peculiar motion of the _San Martin_ that roused his +seaman's instincts. + +It was blowing. He could hear the nerve-racking clank of the engines +as the propeller raced in the air, and the corresponding jar as the +ship's stern was engulfed in the following seas. That was a mere +nothing; it was the excessive heel and slow recovery of the vessel +which told him that things were not as they should be. + +Hastily dressing, he was about to leave the cabin when a hollow groan +caught his ear. It was pitch dark, for the electric lights had failed, +and the after part of the ship was in a state of absolute blackness. + +"What's up, Terence?" + +Terence was like the sufferer on the Channel mail boat. He was past +the stage when he was afraid he might die, and was entering into the +stage when he was afraid he might not. Ellerton had suffered the +agonies of sea-sickness before, so, knowing that the unhappy victim +would prefer to suffer in solitude, he went outside. + +In the alley-way he collided with the second mate, who, clad in +dripping oilskins, was returning from his watch on deck. + +Ere the two could disengage, a heavy list sent them both rolling +against one of the starboard cabins, and, at the same time, Andy, who, +unable to sleep, was on the point of making his way over to Ellerton's +berth, stepped upon the writhing forms and promptly joined them on the +floor of the alley-way. + +A number of choice expressions in English and Spanish, drowned by the +thunder of the "combers" on deck, arose from the struggling trio, till +at length Ellerton disentangled himself and succeeded in pulling his +chum from under the form of the second mate. + +"Isn't it awful, this gale?" gasped Andy, whose right eye was rapidly +closing from the effects of an accidental knock from the Peruvian's +sea-boot. + +"Yes, it's a bit thick," replied Ellerton, whose knuckles were bleeding +through coming into contact with the brass tread of the cabin door. +"But let's follow this chap up and get him to let us have a candle; +then we can see what we are doing." + +As he spoke, a vivid flash of lightning revealed the Peruvian, still in +his wet oilskins, stretched at full length on his bunk, his head buried +in the blankets. He was in a state of absolute funk! + +A swinging candlestick was affixed to the bulkhead, and Ellerton was +soon able to procure a light. Andy glanced at the barometer. The +mercury stood at 715 millimetres (28.15 in.)--a fall of nearly an inch +since six o'clock on the previous evening. + +"Can't we go on deck?" asked Andy, as the _San Martin_ slowly recovered +from a dangerous list. "It's rotten being cooped up here." + +"You would stand a jolly good chance of being swept overboard," replied +Ellerton. "Everything is battened down, and we can only get out by the +sliding hatch communicating with the----" + +His words were interrupted by a succession of heavy thuds, plainly +audible above the roar of the wind and waves, while the shouts of the +frantic seamen showed that something had broken adrift. + +Taking advantage of the lift of the vessel as she threw her stern clear +of a mountainous sea, Ellerton opened the steel sliding doorway +sufficiently wide for the two chums to gain the poop. Staggering along +the slippery, heaving deck, they reached the lee side of the +deck-house, where, gripping the stout iron stanchion-rail, they awaited +the next flash of lightning. + +They had not long to wait. A brilliant, prolonged succession of +flashes dazzled their eyes, the electric fluid playing on the wet +planks and foam-swept waist of the plunging vessel. + +The reason for the commotion was now apparent. One of the mainmast +derricks had broken adrift, and, charging from side to side like a +gigantic flail, had smashed the rail, crushed two steel +ventilator-cowls, and utterly demolished two boats in the davits. + +The crew, trying to secure the plunging mass of metal, were working +with mad desperation, frequently up to their waists in water. + +Two of the unfortunate men, crushed by the sweep of the derrick, had +been hurled over the side, while another, his leg bent under him, lay +helpless in the lee-scuppers, with only a few inches of broken bulwarks +to prevent him from sharing the fate of his comrades. + +"Stand by, Andy!" shouted Ellerton. "Take a couple of turns round this +bollard," and throwing the end of a coil of signal-halliards to his +friend, he made the other end fast round his waist and jumped down the +poop-ladder. + +He was only just in time. Another dazzling flash enabled him to see +the helpless form of the crippled seaman, and as he wound his arms +round the man's waist in an iron grip, a seething cataract of foam +swept the deck. + +[Illustration: ELLERTON WAS ONLY JUST IN TIME. ANOTHER DAZZLING FLASH +ENABLED HIM TO SEE THE HELPLESS FORM OF THE CRIPPLED SEAMAN] + +The ship, stunned by the force of the gigantic billow, listed till her +deck took an angle of 45 degrees, or more. To the young apprentice, +held only by a single turn of the thin signal-halliard, it seemed as if +the ship were already taking her downward plunge, for all round him +surged the torrent of solid water, his position rendered doubly +horrible by the intense blackness of the night. + +Still he held on like grim death to the disabled seaman, the thin rope +cutting into his breastbone like a steel wire. His feet were unable to +find a hold; the last fragment of the bulwarks had vanished, and only +the rope held him and his burden from a prolonged death in the surging +ocean. + +Quivering like an aspen leaf, the stricken vessel slowly resumed an +even keel, and then began the correspondingly sickening list to +windward. + +Another flash revealed the charging derrick whirling over his head; +then, as he felt the rope slacken and himself slipping across the deck, +his hand managed to grasp the foot of the poop-ladder. + +Almost breathless by his exertions, and half suffocated through being +so long under water, Ellerton retained sufficient presence of mind to +clamber up the ladder, Andy assisting his burden by steadily and +strongly hauling on the rope; then, as the _San Martin_ once more began +her sickening roll to leeward, he sank exhausted to the deck, safe +under the lee of the deck-house, with the Peruvian still in his grip. + +That last tremendous breaker had been the means of saving the ship, +though at the time it had threatened to end her career. The dangerous +deck-load of mahogany baulks had been wrenched from its securing +lashings, and had been swept overboard; while the disabled derrick, +coming into contact with the donkey-engine, had snapped off short. + +At the same time the waves had swept four more of the crew to their +last account, and the remainder, exhausted and disheartened by their +misfortunes, had gained the shelter of the fo'c'sle. + +Securing themselves by the rope, Andy and Ellerton--the latter having +passed a bight round the now conscious and groaning seaman--hung on +with desperation. + +From their comparatively sheltered position they could gain occasional +glimpses of the bridge, where Captain Perez, the first mate, and a +couple of seamen stood braving the elements, their sou'-westers just +visible above the top of the canvas storm-dodgers. + +At one moment, silhouetted against the glare of the lightning, their +heads could be seen against a background of wind-torn clouds; at +another the vessel would be so deep in the trough of the waves that the +crests ahead appeared to rise high above the rigid figures on their +lofty, swaying perch. + +"Will it hold?" shouted Andy above the hiss of the foam and the howling +of the wind, as a few tons of water struck the weather side of the +deck-house. + +"I think so," replied Ellerton. "It would have gone before this if +not." + +"Then let's put the man inside. We can then go below and get the +steward or some of the crew to look after him." + +Accordingly they dragged the groaning seaman into the deck-house, and, +wedging him up with cushions to prevent him from playing the part of +Neptune's shuttlecock, they left him. + +Seizing their opportunity, the two friends contrived to gain the +saloon, where they found Mr. McKay, who had succeeded in procuring and +lighting a pair of cabin-lamps. + +"Thick, isn't it?" remarked Andy's father. Then: "What have you +fellows been up to?" for both were wet to the skin, while Andy's eye +was black and green, and Ellerton's forehead was bleeding from a +superficial cut. + +"Oh, nothing much," replied Ellerton modestly. "We were caught in the +tail end of a comber. The deck cargo's gone, though." + +"That's good news," replied Mr. McKay. "Though I fancy the worst is +yet to come. I suppose Captain Perez is steering to the south'ard to +try and avoid the main path of the hurricane?" + +"I haven't had the chance of looking at the compass," replied Ellerton. +"But I must go for'ard and get help for the poor fellow in the +deck-house." + +"What fellow is that?" asked Mr. McKay of his son as the apprentice +disappeared along the darkened alley-way. + +While Andy was relating with whole-hearted praise the story of his +companion's bravery, Ellerton was feeling his way along the narrow, +heaving passage that communicated with the fore part of the ship. + +At length he came to the engine-room hatchway. Down below he could see +the mass of complicated machinery throbbing in the yellow glimmer of +the oil lamps, while the hot atmosphere was filled with a horrible +odour of steam and burning oil. + +Here, at any rate, the men were doing their duty right manfully, for he +could see the engineers, gripping the shiny rails as they leant over +the swaying, vibrating engines, calmly oiling the bearings of the +plunging rods and cranks. The "chief," his eyes fixed upon the +indicators, was alertly awaiting the frequently recurring clank which +denoted that the propeller was racing. For a few moments Ellerton +stood there fascinated, the spectacle of an engine-room in a vessel in +a storm was new to the lad, whose experience of the sea was confined to +a sailing barque. + +Suddenly above the monotonous clank of the piston-rods came a hideous +grinding sound. The cylinders began to give out vast columns of steam, +as the engines ran at terrifying speed. + +Through the vapour Ellerton could discern the "chief," galvanised into +extraordinary alertness, make a rush for a valve, while his assistants, +shouting and gesticulating, dashed hither and thither amid the confined +spaces between the quivering machinery. + +The main shaft had broken, and the _San Martin_ was helpless in the +teeth of the hurricane. + + + + +CHAPTER II + +AGROUND + +For a brief instant Ellerton hesitated; ought he to return to his +friends or make his way for'ard? The _San Martin_, losing steerage +way, was rolling horribly in the trough of the sea; any instant she +might turn turtle. + +There was a rush of terrified firemen from the grim inferno of the +stokeholds; the engineers, having taken necessary precautions against +an explosion of the boilers, hastened to follow their example, +scrambling in a struggling mass between the narrow opening of the +partially closed hatchway. + +Clearly Ellerton had no means of gaining the deck in the rear of that +human press; so lurching and staggering along the alley-way he made his +way aft, where he met Mr. McKay, who, assisted by Andy, was about to go +on deck. Terence, looking a picture of utter misery in the yellow +light of the saloon, and Quexo, his olive skin ashy grey with fear, had +already joined the others. + +"Come on, Hoppy," shouted Andy cheerfully. "Give me a hand with the +governor. Terence, you had better stay here." + +Carefully watching their chance, the two lads managed to help Mr. McKay +to the shelter of the poop deck-house, and they were about to return +for Donaghue and the mulatto when they encountered Captain Perez and +the first mate. Both were in a state bordering on frenzy, the captain +rolling his eyes and calling for the protection of a thousand saints, +while the mate was mumbling mechanically the last compass course, "Sur +oeste, cuarto oeste" (S.W. by W.). + +The cowardly officers had deserted their posts! + +In an instant Fanshaw Ellerton saw his chance--and took it. + +"Stop him, Andy!" he shouted, setting the example by throwing himself +upon the Peruvian skipper. + +The man did not resist; he seemed incapable of doing anything. + +"Don't bother about the other," hissed the apprentice. "Make this chap +come with us to the bridge. I'll be the skipper and he'll be the +figurehead." + +The two chums dragged the captain across the heaving deck, up the +swaying monkey-ladder, and gained the lofty bridge. + +Ellerton glanced to windward. His seamanship, poor though it was, +began to assert itself. The wind was going down slightly, but, veering +to the nor'ard, was causing a horrible jumble of cross-seas--not so +lofty as the mountainous waves a few hours ago, but infinitely more +trying. + +The _San Martin_, swept on bow, quarter, and broadside, rolled and +pitched, the white cascades pouring from her storm-washed decks; yet +Ellerton realised that she possessed a considerable amount of buoyancy +by the way she shook herself clear of the tons of water that poured +across her. + +The wheel was deserted. The steersman, finding that his officers had +fled and that the vessel carried no way, had followed his superior's +example. + +Cowering under the lee of the funnel casing were about twelve of the +crew, including the bo'sun and quartermaster. + +"Tell the captain," yelled Ellerton to his chum, "to order those men to +set the storm staysail, if they value their hides." + +Andy interpreted the order, which the captain, gaining a faint +suspicion of confidence, communicated to the bo'sun. + +The bare chance of saving their lives urged the men into action. +Unharmed, they succeeded in gaining the fo'c'sle, and in less than ten +minutes the stiff canvas was straining on the forestay. + +Gathering way, the _San Martin_, no longer rolling, pounded sluggishly +through the foam-flecked sea. + +Ellerton would not risk setting any canvas aft; he was content to let +the vessel drive. + +"Ask him whether we have plenty of sea room--whether there is any +danger of running ashore during the next hour or so?" + +Andy put the question. + +"No, senor; there is plenty of sea room." + +That was enough. The apprentice cared not what course he steered, so +long as he kept the waves well on the quarter. When the hurricane was +over they could carry on till they fell in with some passing vessel and +got a tow into port. + +"That's right. Tell him to take his watch below," continued the +apprentice. "And you might get hold of some oilskins, Andy." + +Obediently the skipper left the bridge, and, steeling himself for a +long trick at the helm, Ellerton grasped the spokes of the wheel with +firm hands. + +At length the day broke, and with it a regular deluge of rain, pouring +from an unbroken mass of scudding, deep blue clouds. The rain beat +down the vicious crests, but the sea still ran "mountains high." + +About noon Mr. McKay expressed his intention of joining Ellerton on the +bridge, and assisted by his son he left the shelter of the poop. + +From the foot of the poop-ladder to that of the bridge a life-line had +been rigged to give the protection that the shattered bulwarks no +longer afforded. + +When midway between the two ladders, a roll of the vessel caused Mr. +McKay to lurch heavily towards the rope. His wounded limb proved +unequal to the strain, and falling heavily upon the main rope his +weight broke the lashings that held it to the ring-bolt. Before Andy +could save him, Mr. McKay had crashed against the main hatchway. + +"Hurt?" asked Andy anxiously. + +"I'm afraid so," replied his father, manfully suppressing a groan. "My +leg is broken." + +By dint of considerable exertion the sufferer was taken back to the +saloon, and the ship's surgeon, who had been routed out of his cabin, +pronounced the injury to be a double fracture. + +Ellerton, his whole attention fixed upon keeping the vessel on her +course, had neither observed nor heard the noise of the accident, and +great was his concern when Andy mounted the bridge and informed him of +the catastrophe. + +"I think I can leave the command," he remarked. "No doubt that +yellow-skinned johnny has recovered his nerve by now." + +Five minutes later Captain Antonio Perez gained the bridge. He had +lost his suave, self-confident manner, and his general appearance +showed a change for the better in his moral and physical condition. +Yet, without a word of thanks to the English lad who had saved the +situation, he called up two of the seamen, and placed them at the wheel. + +"He might have been a bit civil over the business," remarked Andy. + +"Poor brute! I dare say he feels his position pretty acutely. I only +hope he won't break down in a hurry," replied Ellerton. + +For the next two days the _San Martin_ fled before the storm, the +trysail keeping her steady and checking any tendency to broach-to. The +wind had increased to almost its former violence on the evening of the +first day, but the vessel was then close on the outer edge of the +storm-path. + +Mr. McKay, who was suffering considerably, bore his injuries gamely, +while Terence, who had recovered from his bout of sea-sickness, began +to take a new interest in life. Quexo, however, still lay on the floor +of the stateroom, refusing to eat or drink, and groaning dismally at +intervals. + +"I reckon he's sorry he followed the Americanos across the wide river +that tastes of salt," said Terence, quoting the Nicaraguan way of +speaking of the sea. "Even I can feel sorry for him." + +"That's a good sign," remarked Andy. "Yesterday you hadn't the pluck +to feel sorry for yourself." + +On the morning of the fourth day of the storm the wind piped down +considerably, and the Peruvian captain ordered the fore and aft canvas +to be set. The engine-room staff also began to take steps to attempt +the temporary repairing of the shafting, and had already removed a +considerable portion of the plating of the tunnel. + +As yet the sky was completely overcast. At noon the officers, sextant +in hand, waited in vain for an opportunity of "shooting the sun." +Where the ship was, no one on board knew, though it was agreed that she +was driven several miles to the south'ard of her proper course. + +The weather began to improve as night drew on. The setting sun was +just visible in a patch of purple sky, showing that fine weather might +be expected from that quarter. The glass, too, was rising; not +rapidly, but gradually and surely. + +"Now for a good night's rest," exclaimed Andy, for throughout the gale +the lads had turned in "all standing." + +But Andy was doomed to be disappointed, for at four bells in the middle +watch (2 a.m.) a sudden crash roused the sleepers from their berths. +The _San Martin_ was hard and fast aground. + + + + +CHAPTER III + +ABANDONED + +Hastily assuring the helpless Mr. McKay that they would soon return and +tell him how things really stood, the three lads rushed on deck. + +It needed no seaman's instinct to tell that the _San Martin_ was +doomed. Scudding before the lessening gale, she had been lifted on the +crest of a huge roller and dropped fairly on the rocks. Her forward +part, trembling under the tremendous blows of the waves, was hard and +fast aground, while her after part, lifting to the heave of the ocean, +assisted, like a gigantic lever, in the destruction of her bows. + +Above the roar of the waves, the howling of the wind, and the +shattering of iron plates, arose the frantic shouts of the crew. + +Already demoralised by their trying experiences in the gale, the last +vestiges of discipline had vanished. In the darkness, for now no +favouring lightning flash came to throw a light upon the scene, the +Peruvian crew rushed madly for the boats, fighting, cursing, +entreating, and imploring the saints. + +For'ard a succession of rapid cracks, as the trysail, having burst its +sheets, was flogging itself to ribbons, added to the din, till the +foremast, buckling close to the deck, crashed over the side. + +"Come on," shouted Andy, and even then his voice sounded faint in the +midst of the terrifying uproar, "let's get the pater on deck." + +Ellerton shook his head. + +"Better stop where he is. What chance do you think these fellows will +have?" and he pointed to the struggling mass of frenzied seamen as they +clambered into the boats. + +Already the cutter, still in the davits, was crowded, the men striving +to swing her clear with oars and stretchers, while others were +scrambling up the boat ladders. + +Round swung the foremost davit. The men who had already climbed into +her began to lower away the boat-falls. A sudden lurch sent the +cutter, already at a dangerous angle, crashing into the ship's side. +The lower block of the foremost fall became disentangled, and, amidst a +chorus of shrieks, the boat swung stern in the air, shooting its human +freight into the surging waters. + +The next instant a huge wave dashed the swaying cutter into matchwood, +the wind drowning the death shouts of a score of hapless victims. + +Heedless of the fate of their comrades, the remainder of the crew made +a headlong rush for one of the quarter boats. Being more to lee'ard, +for the _San Martin_ had struck with the wind on her starboard quarter, +this boat seemed to stand little chance. + +Ellerton could hear the captain's voice, urging the men to swing the +boat clear. The apprentice sprang towards the falls. + +"You are not going to throw away your life, are you?" shouted Andy, +grasping him by the shoulder. + +"No; but I'm going to give those fellows a chance. Stand by that rope, +take a turn round that cleat, and lower when I give the word." + +The last of the Peruvian seamen had scrambled into the boat. Not one +of these cared who was left; all that they knew was that a few remained +to man the falls, but in the darkness they were unaware that it was the +British lads who stayed to help them. + +"Lower!" yelled Ellerton. + +Swiftly the ropes ran through the blocks. The crest of a wave received +the frail boat, and, more by luck than by good management, the seamen +contrived to disengage the falls. Then the oars splashed, and the next +instant the boat was lost to sight in the darkness. + +For a brief instant the chums stood in silence, grasping one of the now +burdenless davits. They were alone--a crippled man, three lads, and a +native boy--upon an abandoned vessel that threatened every moment to +part amidships. + +Where they were they had no possible knowledge. The ship was aground, +but whether on an isolated rock, or, what was more than likely, upon +the edge of an encircling reef, they knew not. They must wait till +daylight--if they were fated to see the dawn of another day--but they +were determined that the anxious period of waiting should not be passed +in idleness. + +Returning to the cabin where Mr. McKay was lying in suspense, awaiting +news of their hazardous position, the lads briefly explained what had +happened during their absence on deck. + +"We must hope for the best," observed the invalid. "And, after that, +we stand a better chance than those in the boat. Even if those poor +fellows escape being dashed to death upon a rock-bound shore, or being +engulfed in the waves, they'll have a terrible time. No water or +provisions, no compass--a thousand tortures before they reach land or +are picked up by a passing craft." + +"I think the seas are getting less heavy," said Andy. "Is it because +the tide is falling?" + +"The tide may have something to do with it," replied Mr. McKay; "though +the rise and fall is barely four feet." + +"Our stern seems to be settling," said Ellerton. "The ship doesn't +appear quite so lively." + +"That may be because the water is pouring into the after-hold," +remarked Andy. + +"In that case the vessel is settling on the bottom; otherwise she would +sink. That's another point in our favour, and it often happens that +there is deep water close to the reef," said the apprentice. "But +let's to work. Terence, you know where the steward's pantry is. Take +a lamp and fetch up as much stuff as you can carry. Andy, will you +please take Quexo with you and bring up a couple of barricoes of water?" + +While they were thus engaged, Ellerton collected five lifebelts, one of +which he proceeded to fasten round Mr. McKay's body. + +"We may want them, sir; but, on the other hand, we may not. In any +case, if there is an island under our lee we had better wear these, +especially if we have to land through the surf." + +"I fancy I shall have some difficulty in getting through the surf," +replied Mr. McKay with a grim smile. + +"Never fear, sir; we'll pull you through," was the determined assurance. + +Presently Andy and the mulatto returned, having found and secured a +supply of the precious fluid. + +"The fore-hold and the engine-room are flooded," reported the former, +"and I think there's a hole on the starboard quarter. But I believe +there's some of the crew up for'ard--I heard them groaning." + +"Let's go and see," replied Ellerton, buckling on a lifebelt and +picking up a lantern. + +"Be careful, lads," cautioned Mr. McKay. + +"Trust us," answered Andy, likewise putting on a belt. "We need not +wait for Terence." + +"Why, it's not half so rough," he continued as they gained the deck, +which had settled to a list of less than ten degrees, and no longer +lifted as the rollers swept past. "See, very few of the waves break +over the ship." + +"It's a bad job those cowardly beggars pushed off," replied Ellerton. +"They would have done better to have waited. But listen!" + +Above the moaning of the wind came the unmistakable sound of a groan. + +"It's down there," exclaimed Andy, pointing to a battened-down hatchway. + +"There's no harm in opening it now," replied his companion, casting off +the lashings and unbolting the heavy iron slide. "Now, then, down you +go." + +Andy, holding the lantern well behind his head, slowly descended, but +at two steps from the bottom of the ladder his feet encountered water. +At the same time a deafening bellow echoed in the confined space. + +"Great snakes!" he exclaimed, "it's an ox!" + +"Poor brute, it's nearly drowned, and half starved into the bargain. +And here is a pen full of sheep. I wonder where they keep the fodder?" + +"Here's some pressed hay," announced Andy after a short examination. +"And I don't think the salt water has touched it." + +"Throw some down in that corner," continued his companion, pointing to +a part of the flat that the sea, by reason of the ship's list, had not +reached. "We'll let the brutes loose; they can't do much damage." + +"Now set to, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when they returned to the +saloon, and found Terence with a regular store of provisions--the loot +of the steward's pantry. "Make a good meal, for our future movements +are uncertain." + +"It will be light in another hour," remarked Andy. + +"And the sea's going down," chimed in the apprentice. + +"And our spirits are rising," added Terence. + +"You speak for yourself, Terry, my boy," replied Andy, laughing. "Your +spirits were low enough a few days ago." + +All hands set to with a will, for even Quexo had recovered his former +appetite. + +"This storm has lasted longer than usual," remarked Mr. McKay. "It was +of more than ordinary severity. Still, I've known similar instances, +and within three hours of the height of the hurricane the wind has died +away to a flat calm." + +"Then we shall be able to take to the boat almost immediately after +daylight." + +"Is there one left?" + +"Two. I think one is stove in, but the other seems sound." + +"A long voyage in an open boat on the ocean is no light matter," +replied Mr. McKay. "If we were in the latitude of the Trades the task +would be easier; but here we are, I imagine, in a zone of calms +alternating with violent hurricanes. The best thing we can do is to +land on the island--if we are near one, as I firmly believe is the +case--and bring ashore as many of the ship's stores as we can. Then, +if not sighted by any passing craft, we can set to work and deck in one +of the boats, provision her, and shape a course for the nearest trading +station. By the time the boat is ready I trust I shall be firmer on my +feet." + +"Do you hear that, Quexo?" asked Andy. "You may be ashore in a few +hours." + +Quexo grinned approvingly. He had had enough of the sea. + +"Don't build up his hopes too high," continued Mr. McKay. "Even if the +weather continues fine, it may be days before we can effect a landing." + +"Why?" + +"Because after these hurricanes, although the open sea is comparatively +calm, a heavy ground swell sets in on shore. A boat would certainly be +capsized, unless there happens to be a shelter formed by a barrier reef +of coral. But now, up on deck. It will be daylight in less than ten +minutes." + +Eagerly the lads ran up the companion, and what a sight met their gaze +as the tropical day quickly mastered the long hours of darkness! + +The _San Martin_ lay on the outer edge of a long, level reef of coral, +against which the surf still hammered, throwing up clouds of white +spray. + +Less than fifty yards from the port quarter was a gap in the barrier, +giving entrance to the lagoon. The doomed ship had missed the opening +by half her own length. + +She lay with her bows pointed diagonally towards the reef. Her funnel +and foremast had gone by the board, while she showed unmistakable signs +of breaking in two, for her bow and stern had "sagged" till amidships +her port side was flush with the water, while, correspondingly, her +starboard side, owing to the ship's list, was but five feet higher. + +But it was neither the ship nor the reef that attracted the castaways' +attention. Barely a quarter of a mile away was an island, rugged and +precipitous, the highest point towering a thousand feet above the level +of the ocean. + +In several places the ground sloped towards the sea, the valley being +thickly covered with luxuriant foliage, while for a distance of nearly +a mile was a strand of dazzling whiteness, upon which the sheltered +waters of the lagoon lapped as gently as the ripples of a mill pond in +a summer's breeze. Elsewhere, so far as could be seen, the rocks rose +sheer from the sea. + +"Any sign of the boat?" asked Andy. + +"No; but I'll get a glass," replied Ellerton, and swarming up the +stanchion of the bridge--for the ladder had been swept away--he gained +the chart-house. + +From his elevated position he swept the shore with the telescope, but +no trace of the boat was to be seen. Neither, so far as he could +judge, was the island inhabited. + +On rejoining his comrades, the young apprentice next directed his +attention to the two remaining boats. One, a gig, was, as he had +surmised, stove in, three of the planks being shattered. For the time +being she was useless, though, he reflected, she might be patched up at +some future date. + +The other, a 23-ft. cutter, was still secured to the boat-booms, and +was practically uninjured. Her size and weight would, he knew, be a +severe drawback when the time came to hoist her outboard. + +"I vote we bring your pater up on deck, Andy," said he. "We must have +him out of the saloon sooner or later. The sooner the better, I think, +because he can, if we place him on a pile of cushions close to the +break of the poop, direct operations." + +It was a long and tedious task. Mr. McKay was no featherweight, and +his injured limb had to be carefully handled. Moreover, the companion +ladder was steep and narrow. + +At length Ellerton solved the difficulty by procuring one of the men's +mess tables, nailing a strut to one end, against which the victim +steadied himself by his sound leg while he was stretched at full length +on the board. On this improvised sleigh four pairs of strong arms +dragged the patient up the steep stairway and on to the poop deck. + +"What do you think of that, sir?" asked Ellerton, pointing to the +island of refuge. "Isn't it superb?" + +"It is," assented Mr. McKay. "I hope we'll find it so, for we will +have to throw ourselves upon its hospitality for a few weeks." + +"Do you know its name, sir?" continued the apprentice. + +"No; has it one?" was the astonished reply. + +"The Nameless Island," announced Ellerton. "Now, lads, three cheers +for the Nameless Island!" + + + + +CHAPTER IV + +THE LANDING + +This burst of high spirits showed how light-hearted the castaways were +in the face of difficulties, for what lay before them and how they were +to reach the island required all their powers of thought and action. + +"How do you propose to get the cutter over the side?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"By means of one of the derricks," replied Ellerton promptly. + +"Quite so; but where is the power required to turn the winches to come +from? We've no steam at our command, you know, and these winches are +not adapted to manual power." + +The apprentice's face clouded; he thought for a few minutes, then-- + +"We can top one of the derricks and rig up a tackle, sir." + +"Good!" replied Mr. McKay. "But what is the weight of the boat?" + +"Ours on the _Tophet_ weighed twelve hundredweight; this one is about +the same size." + +"Then rig a gun tackle, and the four of you will manage the job, I +think." + +Accordingly two large double blocks were obtained and the rope rove +ready for use. One of the blocks was secured to the cud of the +derrick, which was then hoisted to an angle of about forty-five +degrees. This took time, but at length everything was ready for the +crucial test. + +"Now, all together!" + +The three lads and the mulatto tailed on to the rope. The blocks +squeaked as the strain began to tell; the cutter began to lift, +then--crash! + +Flat on their backs fell the four lads; high in the air jerked the +disengaged lower block. The slings to which it had been fastened had +snapped. + +Slowly the victims regained their feet, Andy rubbing a tender portion +of his anatomy, Terence gasping for breath, for Andy's head had +well-nigh winded him. Ellerton was clapping his hands to a rapidly +rising bump on the back of his head, while Quexo, whose skull was as +hard as iron, was hopping all over the deck, rubbing his shins, that +had saved the apprentice's head at the mulatto's expense. + +"Try again, boys!" shouted Andy. "Everything on board this blessed +craft seems rotten!" + +A new span was placed in position, and the tackle again manned, and +this time their efforts were crowned with success. The cutter rose +slowly in the air, till it hung fire five feet above the shattered +bulwarks. + +"Belay, there! Man the guy-rope!" + +The derrick swung outboard, till the cutter was poised above the water +and well clear of the sloping sides of the hull. + +"Lower away handsomely." + +Slowly the boat dipped, till at length she rode, sheltered under the +lee of her stranded parent, upon the bosom of the ocean. + +"Capital!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, as his son swarmed down the rope, +disengaged the tackle, and allowed the cutter a generous length of +painter. + +Then the work of loading her was begun. It was decided that for the +first trip nothing more than was absolutely necessary for immediate use +was to be taken, until it was settled where their camp was to be fixed, +and whether the island had any inhabitants. + +"A small barrico of water will be sufficient, though I am certain there +are springs amongst those trees," said Ellerton. His sense of +responsibility was hourly increasing. "A barrel of flour, some tinned +goods, canvas and rope for a tent." + +"Not forgetting hatchets, knives, and firearms," added Mr. McKay. + +"Firearms?" + +"Aye; one never knows how the natives--if there be natives on the +island--will greet us. Most of the Pacific Islanders are fairly +peaceable, thanks to missionary enterprise and the fear of a visit from +a warship; yet cannibalism still exists. I have known instances of the +crews of small 'pearlers' being treacherously surprised, killed, and +eaten. So get hold of the arms; you'll probably find the key of the +captain's cabin in the chart-house; if not, burst open the door." + +Ellerton departed upon his errand, and presently returned with the news +that there was no trace of the key. "Here is a sextant and a bundle of +charts, however," he added. "They are bound to be useful, although I +cannot understand the meaning of the depths on the chart." + +"They are in 'brazas,' equal to about five and a half English feet. +But, as you say, the charts will be of extreme importance to us." + +"Come on, Terence, let's burgle the captain's cabin," exclaimed +Ellerton, laying hold of a hatchet. + +Soon the sound of blows was heard, followed by the splintering of wood, +and the two lads returned literally armed to the teeth. + +Each had a couple of rifles slung across his back; Terence carried half +a dozen revolvers in his arms and a sheath-knife between his teeth, +while Ellerton staggered beneath the weight of several belts of ball +cartridges and a box of revolver ammunition. + +"There's more to come; the place is like a regular armoury," explained +Terence. + +"That's somewhat unusual," replied Mr. McKay. "Most captains keep +firearms of a kind in their cabins. I strongly suspect that those arms +were to be sold to some South American insurgents. They are much too +good for bartering with the South Sea Islanders. Nevertheless, I'm +right glad we have been able to arm ourselves thoroughly, as I expected +we should have to be content with a couple of pistols between the lot +of us." + +The work of loading the boat proceeded briskly, till the strictly +limited quantity of gear was carefully stowed under the thwarts. Then +came the question, how were they going to transport the crippled Mr. +McKay to the shore? + +"Hoist me over by the derrick, of course," replied he. "A couple of +rope spans round the plank and their bights slipped over the hook of +the lower block, and the trick's done." + +Ellerton and Terence thereupon slipped down a rope into the boat and +carefully guided the swaying mess table and its helpless burden on to a +couple of the after thwarts. This done, they were joined by Andy and +Quexo, and, shipping the heavy ash oars, they pulled clear of the ship. + +The first fifty yards meant hard and careful rowing, for directly they +were beyond the shelter of the stranded vessel they felt the full force +of the rollers as they dashed against the coral reef, barely a boat's +length to lee'ard. + +Once, indeed, it seemed as if the cutter were bound to be swept upon +the rocks; but by dint of the utmost exertions of her crew, the boat +surely and slowly drew away from the influence of the rollers. + +"My word, that was a narrow squeak!" exclaimed Andy, wiping his face, +from which the perspiration ran freely. "I thought we were going to be +capsized that time." + +"It doesn't say much for the chances of those poor fellows last night," +replied Ellerton. "They must have dropped smack on top of the reef." + +"We'll soon find out," said Mr. McKay. "You see, they were immediately +to lee'ard of the ship, and it was high water at the time. If they +survived, we'll find them ashore right enough." + +"But I saw no sign of the boat when I looked through the glass." + +"That may be because there is a creek or cove that is invisible from +the ship. Being directly to wind'ard, we are bound to find either the +men or the remains of the boat." + +"The ship is sitting up well," remarked Andy, for, the tide having +dropped nearly six feet--it had been abnormally high by reason of the +terrific wind--they could see the top of one of her propeller blades. +"Do you think she'll stay there?" + +"It certainly doesn't seem as if she is likely to slip off into deep +water, but we cannot say for certain. The first fine day there's +little or no swell we'll sound all round her. Now, give way, lads." + +The rowers resumed their oars, and the boat, passing through the narrow +gap in the reef, gained the shelter of the lagoon. + +"Fine, isn't it?" exclaimed Terence enthusiastically, as he rested on +his oar and gazed into the clear depths of the tranquil water. "Won't +we be able to have some bathes?" + +"You'll have to be careful if you do," remarked Mr. McKay. "There are +bound to be sharks about." + +He did not think it advisable to call the lads' attention to a +commotion in the water a few hundred yards in front of the boat. From +his inclined position he could see ahead, while the rowers had their +backs turned in that direction. His keen eyes had detected the +sinister dorsal fin of not one, but many sharks, all cutting towards +one spot. There could be but little doubt of the fate of the Peruvian +seamen. + +The noise of the approaching oars disturbed the huge monsters, and they +darted off to the shelter of the rock-strewn floor of the lagoon. + +Unaware of the tragedy, the lads urged the boat almost over the fatal +spot, and five minutes later the cutter's forefoot grounded on the +sandy beach. + +"Terence, I want you and Quexo to stay in the boat," said Ellerton, +after the survivors had, by a common impulse, knelt down and returned +thanks to Divine Providence for their escape. "Keep her stern from +slewing round, so that we can push off in a hurry. Andy and I are +going to explore." + +And, buckling on a revolver and an ammunition belt, and grasping a +rifle in his hand, Ellerton took a flying leap over the bows and +alighted on the sand. + +The lads found themselves on the shore of a small bay, its extremities +bounded by two towering cliffs, that rose sheer from the lagoon. That +to the left was not less than five hundred feet in height, while the +other was but slightly lower. Midway between these impassable +boundaries the land sloped abruptly to the beach, and was thickly +covered with cocoanut palms. + +"Keep your weather eye lifting, Andy," cautioned Ellerton, who had +taken the precaution of charging both the magazine of his rifle and the +chambers of his revolver. + +It was an unnecessary warning, for Andy was an infinitely better scout +than his companion; still, it showed that Ellerton was fast adopting +the manner of life required in a wild and unsettled country. + +Skirting the edge of the wood, the lads kept a vigilant look-out for +any traces of human agency, but nothing was visible. + +Presently they came to a small stream, which, trickling down the steep +hillside, was lost in the sand. + +"There'll be no lack of fresh water," exclaimed Andy thankfully, for he +knew the value of that precious fluid. "But, I say, isn't everything +quiet?" For, save the babbling of the brook and the distant roar of +the breakers on the reef, there was an unaccustomed silence. Not a +bird sang in the groves, not an animal rustled the thick undergrowth. + +"I think we may take it for granted that the island is uninhabited--at +least, this part," said Andy, as they completed their walk along the +shores of the bay. "Otherwise, there's almost sure to be a beaten +track to the shore." + +"It doesn't promise much for the boat's crew," answered Ellerton. +Then, with an exclamation of surprise, he shouted: "Look! What's that?" + +Lying on the sand a few feet from the water's edge was a mournful relic +of the unfortunate boat, her back-board bearing the words _San Martin_. +A little farther they found an oar. + +"There were two boats, remember," said Ellerton. "And one we know was +capsized." + +"I vote we explore the next bay," exclaimed Andy. "There's no suitable +clearing here for a camp, and felling trees takes time; so let's get +back to the boat." + +"Well?" asked Mr. McKay on their return. + +"We must push off and land on the other side of the cliff," said his +son. "There may be a better site for our tent. It's too steep and +densely wooded here." + +"Any signs of the crew?" + +"Only part of their boat." + +"I feared as much," replied Mr. McKay. + + * * * * * + +"This looks more promising," exclaimed Andy enthusiastically, as the +boat slowly rounded the northernmost of the two cliffs. + +Here the land sloped less abruptly towards the lagoon, while in places +there were terraces almost bare of trees. In the background towered a +range of mountains whose rugged sides gave the appearance of being +unclimbable, while on either hand of the bay rose lofty cliffs. + +The beach, too, was better adapted for landing purposes than where they +had first touched, consisting of sand interspersed by ledges of rocks +jutting seawards, thus forming convenient natural jetties. + +"This will do admirably," said Ellerton, pointing to a narrow cove +betwixt the ledges. "There's sand at its head, so there's no fear of +the boat being damaged." + + + + +CHAPTER V + +THE CAMP + +Slowly the cutter was backed in till its sternpost stuck on the smooth, +even bottom. + +The castaways could not have chosen a better harbour. On either hand +the rocks, smooth and flat-topped, allowed a boat to be moored +alongside without danger of being left high and dry at low water, while +the ledge shelved so gradually that it was possible to bring the boat's +gunwale level with the natural pier at any state of the tide. + +"I think we had better make a tour of exploration as we did before," +said Andy. "Not that I think this part of the island is inhabited any +more than yonder bay." + +"Say, Andy," exclaimed Terence, "isn't it about time I had a spell +ashore?" + +"All right, Terence," replied Ellerton. "You go with Andy and take +Quexo; I'll stay with Mr. McKay." + +"Thanks, Hoppy," replied Terence, and without further ado he jumped +ashore. + +"Here, take this rope and make her stern fast before you go," said +Ellerton. "And you, Andy, stand by with the painter." + +"Where shall I make fast to?" asked Terence. "This rock is as smooth +as a table." + +"See if there's a lump of rock on the other side." + +Terence crossed the landing-place, holding the rope's-end in his hand. +Suddenly he shouted: + +"Come here, you fellows! Here's a boat!" + +There was a rush to where Terence stood, while even Mr. McKay raised +himself on his elbow, eager to hear the news. + +Lying bottom upwards on the sandy shore was the ill-fated boat in which +the last of the crew attempted to reach the shore. Her bows were +considerably damaged, while amidships a portion of her keel and both +garboards had been stove in, leaving a jagged hole nearly two feet in +diameter. + +Four or five oars lay on the shore within a few feet of the boat, but +there were no signs of the hapless crew; the sand above high-water mark +was innocent of footprints. + +"They are drowned, sure enough," said Andy sadly. + +Alas! though they did not know it, the fate of the crew was far more +terrible. Holed on the outer reef, the boat, rapidly filling, had been +swept into the lagoon, where the waves, though high, were not so +terrific as outside the coral barrier. + +Well it was that the watchers on the wreck heard not the awful shrieks +as the sharks fought for and seized their helpless prey. + +Ellerton returned to the cutter to inform Mr. McKay of their discovery, +while the others set off to explore. + +In less than an hour they were back, and reported that there were no +signs of human habitation, although the shore was strewn with the +remains of the first boat that left the wreck, including most of the +oars, gratings, also a quantity of timber, presumably from the +shattered decks of the _San Martin_. + +"But we've found a fine place to pitch the tent," continued Andy. "You +see the second terrace? Well, at the extreme right is a steep ravine. +The other two sides are enclosed by a wall of rock, while on this side +there is a natural path, although you can't distinguish it from where +we are." + +"That sounds all right," said his father. "But how are we to get the +gear up there--including the useless lump of animated clay in the shape +of myself?" + +"I hadn't thought of that," replied Andy. + +"We must find a more convenient spot at first," continued Mr. McKay. +"Then, when we have landed all the gear from the ship that we can +possibly manage to move, we can devise some means of setting up a more +substantial dwelling on the terrace you mention. Now, if you will +please carry me ashore, you can proceed to unload the boat." + +In spite of the adaptable jetty, the work of getting Mr. +McKay--crippled as he was--on shore was no easy task. The patient bore +the discomfort gamely, uttering a heartfelt sigh of relief as the lads +set the improvised stretcher down in the shade of a thin grove of +cocoanut palms. + +"How far away is the stream--I think you mentioned there was a stream +in the bay?" asked Ellerton. + +"Less than a hundred yards away. It's very clean, but not so full as +the one we found," replied Andy. + +"Then let's set up the tent. This place will do for a day or two at +least." + +The chosen site consisted of soft springy turf, sloping very gradually +towards the lagoon. In the background was a wall of rock, about forty +feet in height, forming the limit of the next terrace, while on either +hand the trees served as an efficient screen from all winds save those +blowing from the sea. + +By the aid of their axes the lads felled five young palms, and soon +stripped them of their heads. Four of the trunks were then lashed in +pairs, and set up with guy-ropes at a distance of about fifteen feet +apart, and one end of the fifth pole was placed over the crutch formed +by one of the pairs. + +This done, Ellerton swarmed up the other pair of poles and fastened a +small pulley to the extremity of one of them. A rope was passed +through the block, one end being lashed to the lower part of the fifth +pole that rested on the ground. + +"Haul away, lads!" he shouted. + +And the pole, lifted into a horizontal position, was quickly placed +between, thus forming the ridge of the tent. + +One of the fore and aft sails was then thrown over the ridge pole and +its end pegged down; while to make doubly sure, the lads piled stones +and sand upon the ends of the canvas. Filling in the back and front of +the tent with portions of another sail took an hour's steady work, and +the dwelling was then pronounced ready for occupation. + +The box of ammunition, the rifles, bread cask, and water-beakers were +neatly stowed against the afterpart of their dwelling, till, on Mr. +McKay's suggestion, a low barricade was erected close to the flap of +the tent. Then pieces of canvas were cut and laid down to serve as +beds, the cripple having the use of the cushions that had been brought +ashore. + +"I don't see why we should sleep on the hard ground," remarked Terence. +"Of course, we have been used to it, but, after sleeping in a +comfortable bunk, we are bound to feel the difference. So let us cut a +number of small trees and fasten the strips of canvas to them like a +stretcher." + +This was accordingly done, the beds being raised from the ground by +means of two stout planks lashed to short uprights driven firmly into +the earth. + +"There we are, all in a row," exclaimed Terence, as they surveyed the +result of their labour with evident satisfaction. + +"Now, Quexo," said Andy, "go down to the beach and gather as much +driftwood as you can carry. And, Hoppy, you start opening that tin of +beef there, and I'll slice up the bread. But----" + +"What?" exclaimed Terence and Ellerton. + +"We are a set of donkeys! We haven't brought a pot or a kettle ashore +with us." + +"Boil the water in the beef-tin," said Ellerton. + +"Spoil the coffee," objected Andy. + +"Either that or nothing. But how about a light? Has anyone any +matches?" + +More disappointment. Terence suggested using the object glass of the +telescope as a burning glass, but the sun was low in the heavens; Andy +was for sprinkling some powder on a heap of dry leaves and firing it by +means of a blank cartridge; while Ellerton vaguely remembered that fire +might be obtained by rubbing two pieces of dry wood together. + +"Have you ever tried to make a blaze that way?" asked Mr. McKay. "I +don't think you would succeed. Savages can do the trick, I know, but +I've never seen a white man obtain fire by that means. I would have +suggested flint and steel. We have plenty of steel, only, +unfortunately, flints are as scarce as diamonds on this island, I +fancy. However, now you have exhausted your brains over the problem, +allow me to assist you. Andy, put your hand in the inside pocket of my +coat and you'll find my metal match-box. + +"Now you are satisfied," he continued, as his son produced the required +article. "The fact of the matter is, you were all in such a hurry to +get ashore that you never gave a thought to the things most urgently +required. Lucky for you, my lad, you've a father to think for you. +Now will you please empty that case of biscuits? I am afraid some +spray splashed over it, and in time the salt will make the biscuits +soft." + +Andy did as he was requested, but a moment later he uttered an +exclamation of surprise, for on opening the lid he discovered a kettle, +saucepan, and coffee-pot, knives, forks, and spoons, while wedged in +between the metal articles were bottles containing salt, pepper, +vinegar, and several useful drugs in tabloid form. + +"I say, pater, you are----" + +"Merely one who has learnt by experience the value of forethought. +While you were busy on deck I sent Quexo to gather these things and +stow them in a box." + +Suddenly the conversation was interrupted by a series of shrieks. The +lads seized their rifles and rushed to meet the mulatto, whose face was +livid with fear. + +"A caiman is after me, senor," he shouted in his native tongue. + +"Nonsense," replied Andy; then turning to his companions he explained +that the mulatto had declared that an alligator had run after him. + +"It's impossible," he added. "However, we'll see what's frightened +him." + +On emerging from the edge of the wood that had obstructed their view of +that part of the bay where Quexo had been to gather dry sticks, the +lads burst into a roar of laughter. Sedately waddling over the sand +was a huge turtle. + +"Follow me, Hoppy," exclaimed Andy. "Get between him and the sea; we +can't afford to lose this chance." + +Finding its retreat cut off, the turtle began to throw up showers of +sand with its flippers, but Andy rushed it, and, seizing one of the +creature's horny limbs, strove to capsize the reptile. + +The task was beyond him; even with the aid of his two chums he could +not raise the shell-clad creature from the sand. + +"Get hold of an oar and one of the empty tubs," he exclaimed +breathlessly. "You go, Terence. Hoppy and I will prevent the turtle +getting away." + +Presently Terence returned with the desired article, and using the oar +as a lever the three lads succeeded in turning the turtle on its back, +when Andy, with a dexterous sweep of his knife, cut the animal's throat. + +"Hurrah! Turtle steak to-morrow, pater!" he shouted on their return to +the camp. + +Quexo gathered up the firewood that he had dropped in his flight, and +as darkness set in, a roaring fire was kindled, and a gorgeous supper +eaten. + +Then, ere the last dying embers had ceased to glow, Terence, who had +volunteered to keep the first two hours' watch, shouldered his rifle +and took up his position in the shelter of the neighbouring palm-trees. + + + + +CHAPTER VI + +THE ANIMAL THAT WOULDN'T BE RESCUED + +No unusual incident marked the castaways' first night on the island. +Guard was relieved with the utmost regularity, while the weary watches +were spent in gazing at the exterior of the tent and listening to the +regular breathing of its four inmates. + +At length the day broke, and the camp became the scene of activity. + +Breakfast over, there was a rush to the boat; Quexo, however, remaining +with the injured Mr. McKay. + +The weather showed every indication of remaining fine, a light +south-easterly breeze--a part of the regular trade-wind--blowing off +shore, while not a cloud was visible in the dark blue sky. + +"We must make two trips to-day," observed Andy, as they pushed off from +the little natural dock. "Yesterday the clouds kept the sun's rays +from us, but to-day we will not be able to work during midday." + +"Honestly, I don't feel like work," remarked Terence, stifling a yawn. + +"I suppose there is some excuse for you, seeing you did two turns of +sentry-go last night," replied his friend. "Still, this is an +exceptional time, and we must set to work with a will. Can we get over +the reef, do you think, Hoppy?" + +"We had better stick to the channel," replied Ellerton. "You see, we +don't know the actual depth, and there is a slight swell on. We'll +board on the port quarter, so as to get between the ship and the reef." + +The lads plied their oars steadily yet without undue exertion, and in +less than half an hour from the time of leaving the shore they ran +alongside the stranded _San Martin_. + +Ellerton's first care on boarding the wreck was to supply fresh water +and food to the animals. To get them safely ashore was a difficult +problem, for the ox was an unwieldy brute to ship aboard the cutter, +while it was equally risky to let it swim ashore on account of the +presence of numerous sharks. The sheep could be trussed up and laid +upon the bottom boards. + +Andy and Terence at once made for the provision-room, and returned +laden with flour, salt beef, tinned goods, and some small chests of +pressed tea. These articles they placed on deck close to the entry +port and proceeded to procure more. + +Ellerton, having attended to the live stock, made a thorough +exploration of the after cabins and staggered on deck looking like a +second-hand wardrobe dealer, for he realised the necessity of having a +good supply of clothing. Then a huge pile of bedding, including +waterproof sheets, blankets, and pillows, was added to the already +large collection of plunder. + +"I think this lot will be sufficient for one trip," remarked Andy. + +"We may as well take the rest of the navigating instruments," replied +Ellerton, "and, what is also necessary, the carpenter's chest." + +"Capital," replied his chum. "That will, of course, come in handy; but +won't we require it on board?" + +"There are enough tools for work both ashore and on board," said +Ellerton. "I've seen to that. But I should like to get the animals +off." + +"The ox?" + +"If possible. Otherwise we must kill it and bring the carcase ashore +piecemeal." + +Andy thought for some moments. He, too, realised the danger of the +animal being devoured by sharks. Dead or alive, the ox would be far +more useful to the castaways. + +"How are we going to get the brute on deck?" asked Terence. + +This was a poser, for with the fall of the foremast the derricks for +working the fore-hold had also been carried away. + +"We must rig up a pair of sheer-legs," observed Ellerton. + +"Well? How are we to pass a sling round the brute's body?" + +"That's as easy as pie; the beast is quiet enough." + +"Then you take the job on, Hoppy; I'd rather not. So let's look sharp +with the sheer-legs; there's plenty of tackle to hoist the creature +with." + +The work of making the early preparations proceeded without a hitch, +then Ellerton commenced his particular part of the operations. + +By the aid of a lantern which he hung from the deck-beams, the +apprentice descended once more to the partially submerged hold. +Holding a stout canvas sling, with a rope ready to haul tight the +moment the lifting gear was in position, Ellerton climbed over the +partition of the stall. + +The animal, now refreshed by its food and drink, had lost its docile +manner, and eyed the intruder with no friendly spirit. Possibly it +thought the youth was one of the brutal Peruvian cattle-drivers. If +so, there was some excuse for its action, for lowering its head the +brute tossed the apprentice right over the wooden partition, landing +him squarely in the midst of the startled sheep in the adjacent pen. + +"Aren't you nearly ready?" asked a voice from above. + +Ellerton sat up. He was beginning to feel pain in more than one part +of his anatomy. The task of tackling an apparently inoffensive ox was +not going to be quite so easy as he imagined. + +"Come and bear a hand," he replied. "The brute is getting vicious." + +Andy thereupon descended into the semi-gloom of the hold. + +"Be careful," continued the apprentice. "He nearly bumped my head +against the deck-beams; as it was, I had a flight through space." + +"Then I'm not going to pass a sling round him," said Andy. "We'll +lasso him just behind the horns." + +This was done, but then came the difficulty: how were they to release +the animal from the stall and drag it to the hatchway? + +"Look here," explained Andy, "I'll take this end of the line on deck, +wind it on to the tackle, and heave taut. Then we'll unship this +ladder and you can unfasten the front of the stall." + +"Then what happens to me?" objected Ellerton. + +"Oh, you can make a bolt to the fore end of the hold and stay there +till Terence and I haul the brute on deck. Then we'll re-ship the +ladder and you can get out." + +Ellerton had his doubts, but he followed his companion's counsel. +Directly there was a strain on the lasso, he threw open the door of the +stall and rushed for the shelter of the sheep-pen. + +Bellowing lustily, and contesting every inch of the way, the animal was +slowly dragged towards the hatch, to the accompaniment of a lusty +"Heave-ho!" from the two youths on deck. + +Terence watched the operation with considerable misgiving, expecting +every moment to see the rope part and to find himself confronted by the +infuriated brute. + +Slowly the animal was forced across the floor of the hold, then its +ponderous carcase rose, kicking and plunging, in the air. + +As the animal appeared above the coaming, the light of day +revealed--not a mild ox, but an unusually sturdy specimen of an +Andalusian bull! + +"Belay there, and lower away the after guy!" shouted Andy, "or he'll +drop down the hatch again when we let go." + +Terence hastened to obey; but, allowing the sheers to incline too far +forward, the infuriated animal's legs touched the deck. + +Instantly the brute made a wild rush, the lassoo parted like pack +thread, and the next moment Terence and Andy were flying for their +lives, while Ellerton, a prisoner in the hold, heard the thunder of the +animal's hoofs and its triumphant bellowing as it revelled in its +new-found freedom. + +Andy made a desperate rush aft, but finding the bull close to his +heels, gripped a rope hanging from the boat booms, and swung himself +into a position of comparative safety upon one of the narrow timbers, +his upward flight being assisted a little too well by the obliging +animal. + +[Illustration: ANDY, FINDING THE BULL CLOSE TO HIS HEELS, GRIPPED A +ROPE AND SWUNG HIMSELF INTO A POSITION OF COMPARATIVE SAFETY] + +Never did matador execute a more rapid leap over the barrier than did +Andy on this occasion. Terence, finding that he was not pursued, took +a more leisurely step, and hoisted himself into the main shrouds, where +he would be quite safe from any further onslaught of the animal. + +For a while the bull eyed the fugitives with undisguised +disappointment, then spying the heap of bedding and clothing on the +deck, it lowered its head and rushed headlong to the attack. + +Both lads watched the proceedings, powerless to prevent the +catastrophe, and indulging in vain regrets that their firearms were not +available, as beds, blankets, and suits of useful clothing were tossed +overboard. + +At length a heavy blanket became impaled upon the brute's horns, the +folds falling over its eyes. + +In vain the bull strove to toss aside the fabric; then, rushing along +the deck, it collided with ventilators, hatchways, and other obstacles, +each obstruction increasing its anger. Wheeling suddenly, the bull +darted through the entry port and vanished over the ship's side. + +"Oh, the boat! The boat will be smashed to firewood," shouted Andy, +sliding down from his perch. + +Terence had joined him, and, heedless of Ellerton's voice shouting to +be released from his prison, the two lads rushed to the side of the +vessel. + +The animal had fallen upon one of the thwarts of the boat, breaking it +completely in half, and was lying on the bottom-boards plunging wildly. +One kick in a vital place and the boat would be holed. + +"There's enough damage done already," muttered Andy. "It's the only +way," and running aft he returned in a moment with a loaded rifle. + +"How are you going to manage it?" asked Terence. "You'll do almost as +much damage to the boat with the bullet----" + +"Shut up!" growled Andy, and, snapping the safety catch of the weapon, +he swung himself without further delay into the stern sheets of the +cutter. + +The bull tried to rise, but in vain. Its head reared itself slightly +above the gunwale; the rifle cracked. + +"There's fresh beef at least, Terence. Throw Hoppy the tail end of a +rope and get him out of that hole." + +Then, as Ellerton appeared, blinking in the strong sunshine, Andy +continued: + +"Throw those things into the boat, and look sharp. We've wasted enough +time and precious cargo this morning--all for the sake of that brute." + +During the time the boat was being rowed shoreward, Andy--usually so +genial and even-tempered--preserved an almost sullen silence; while +Ellerton, annoyed at having failed to bring the bull ashore alive, was +also ill at ease. Nor did the latter guess the cause of his friend's +glumness till some days later, when he observed Andy repairing a rent +in one of his garments. Even a graze from an infuriated bull is likely +to cause discomfort, he thought, though there is no reason why others +should suffer for it. + + + + +CHAPTER VII + +THE EMBLEM OF EMPIRE + +"You've been a long time," remarked Mr. McKay, as the three youths made +their appearance. + +"Yes," admitted Terence, "I'm afraid we have; but we must blame Hoppy's +bull." + +"Hoppy's bull?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"Yes, the ox turned out to be a bull--and a tough customer he was," +replied Terence, who then proceeded to give Mr. McKay a graphic +description of how they had tried to unload the bull from the wreck. + +"And how do you feel to-day?" asked Ellerton. + +"Considerably better," replied the injured man. + +"You've been moved," declared Andy, pointing to some marks in the grass. + +"I plead guilty," replied his father with a smile. "Quexo dragged my +couch out in the sunshine. I wanted to take an observation at midday. +Just hand me that chart. I've pricked our position. Here it is. +Reduced to English degrees the latitude is 21 deg. 4' 15" S. and the +longitude 134 deg. 17' 14" W. of Greenwich. As I suspected, we are on the +fringe of the Low Archipelago, well away from the Great Circle route +between Panama and New Zealand, and equally remote from the regular +tracks between the Sandwich Islands and Cape Horn. That means that +unless a whaler or stray trading vessel puts in here, or that we make +the cutter seaworthy enough for a thousand-mile voyage, our stay here +is likely to be indefinitely prolonged." + +"I'm sure I don't mind," observed Andy. + +"Nor I, if only my people knew we were safe," added Terence, and +Ellerton expressed himself in a similar manner. + +"Isn't the heat oppressive?" said Andy. "It's like an oven here." + +"Yes," assented his father. "I can see we've made a mistake in +choosing this spot. It's splendidly sheltered--too much so--for what +with the rocks behind us and the palm groves on either side, the air +cannot circulate. We must find a more open spot on the next terrace." + +"There's no reason why we shouldn't have two camps--one for stormy +weather and the other for the dry season," replied Andy. "Once we've +finished with the wreck we can set to and build a more substantial +home. But what do you say? Hadn't we better unload the boat?" + +"I'm game," replied Ellerton. + +"What did you bring ashore?" asked Mr. McKay. + +"Mostly provisions, bedding, and clothing, though that beastly bull +tossed a lot of stuff overboard. We've also brought the rest of the +navigation instruments." + +"Are you making another trip to-day?" + +"I hope so," replied Ellerton. "I shall not be satisfied till those +poor sheep are safely ashore. By the by, Andy, you might tell Quexo to +build a fence between the rock and the edge of this terrace. It won't +take long, and it will inclose enough pasture land to feed the sheep +for some time to come." + +"I'll tell him directly we've had lunch; but come on, unloading the +boat will take all our spare time before lunch, and we mustn't work too +hard in this broiling sun." + +By the time the cutter's cargo was brought up to the camp Quexo had +prepared the meal. This over, the inhabitants of the Nameless Island +indulged in a siesta till the sun was sufficiently low in the heavens +to enable them to resume work. + +"Don't forget to bring some lamps ashore," said Mr. McKay, as the three +lads prepared to set off to the wreck. "And a bundle of signal flags, +while you are about it." + +This time the salvage operations were uninterrupted. The sheep, +securely trussed up, were placed in the boat, while the bunting, lamps, +a portable galley, and a set of blacksmith's tools, including a bellows +and anvil, were also lowered into the cutter without mishap. + +"Let's get the hatch off and see what is in the forehold," suggested +Ellerton. + +The hold was full of water, as the lads had expected, but a hasty +examination showed that the part of the cargo nearest the opening was +composed of several sheets of galvanised corrugated iron. + +"This is fortunate," exclaimed Andy. "We'll be able to knock up a +decent house. But what's that I can see for'ard?" + +"Looks like farming implements," suggested Terence. + +"You are wrong," replied Andy. "I know; it's what the Americans term a +runabout." + +"A what?" asked Ellerton. + +"A runabout--otherwise a motor-car." + +"Fancy a motor-car on the Nameless Island!" exclaimed Terence, and the +lads burst into a fit of hearty laughter at the incongruous idea. + +"We'll have it ashore in time," observed Andy. "It will come in +useful." + +"How?" + +"Never mind how. I have an idea, and, all being well, I'll fix it up +to a good purpose." + +"Suppose we try and find the bill of lading and the charter-party; they +will give us some idea of the nature of the cargo." + +A search revealed the required documents, but, being in Spanish, the +apprentice could make no meaning to the text. + +"Snakes!" ejaculated Andy. "There's enough to set us up as universal +providers! Woollen and cotton goods, boots and leggings, hardware of +American manufacture, nine cases of rifles--for some blooming +insurgents more than likely--30,000 rounds of ammunition, and--hullo, +this looks dangerous!--two tons of dynamite; building and railroad +materials, agricultural implements, and one petrol-driven runabout, +consigned to Monsieur Georges Lacroix, Grand Bassin, Tahiti. Well, I'm +afraid Monsieur Georges Lacroix will have to wait for his motor-car!" + +"By Jove, we are lucky!" ejaculated Ellerton. "That is, provided we +get the stuff ashore." + +"We'll do it," replied his chum resolutely. "Only give us time and +good weather, and we'll leave precious little on the _San Martin_, I +can assure you." + +"Time to be off," exclaimed Terence. "It will be dark in an hour." + +So, thrusting the documents into his belt, Andy dropped over the side, +and received the rest of the articles that the lads had collected. +Then, well laden, the boat returned to the shore. + +"We've much to be thankful for," exclaimed Mr. McKay, after he had +perused the ship's papers. "There is, I think, no need for anxiety as +to our future. You brought the signal flags, I hope?" + +"Yes," replied Ellerton, "and a couple of Peruvian ensigns." + +"Good! I'm going to make up a Union Jack. There are two reasons for +doing so. The first is that it can be used as a means of attracting +passing vessels; the second, and more important to my mind, is that it +signifies that the island becomes part of the British Empire. I've +been going into the question pretty deeply. You may be aware that the +Low Archipelago belongs to France. These islands consists of a number +of flat coral islands, hence their name. Now, as this island is lofty +and of volcanic origin, I cannot see that it can be classed as +belonging to the Low Archipelago, even though it is not far distant +from that group. Neither does it appear to have been inhabited, so we +may be pretty safe in claiming it. Terence, there's a pencil and paper +close to your elbow; will you please sketch a plan of a Union Jack?" + +Terence did so, but the result was not to Mr. McKay's satisfaction. + +"You try, Andy." + +Nor was Andy's attempt any more satisfactory, so Ellerton was put to +the test. + +"Shame on you, lads!" exclaimed Mr. McKay reproachfully. "Three +members of the good old British Empire, and unable to draw its national +ensign correctly. Here, hand me that pencil." + +"Now do you see," he continued, after he had explained the various +minute particulars of the flag. "There's a broad white diagonal above +the two portions of St. Patrick's cross next to the pole, and a broad +white diagonal below the two portions farthest from the pole. If the +flag is hoisted in any manner but the correct the ensign becomes a +signal of distress. Often in bygone days hostile ships have attempted +to sail under British colours, and in nine cases out of ten their +ignorance of its peculiarities has led to their undoing. However, +we'll postpone the cutting out till the rest of the boat's cargo is +brought up." + +"How is Quexo getting on?" asked Ellerton. + +"He's been away the whole afternoon. I guess your fence is nearly +completed by now." + +"Then I'll go and see how he is progressing," remarked the apprentice. + +The mulatto had indeed made rapid strides, for only a few feet more +remained to be done, so Ellerton returned to the boat to liberate the +sheep. Ere nightfall the pen was tenanted by a score of animals, +frisking with enjoyment at finding themselves once more in pasture. + +That evening three large lamps contributed to the comfort of the tent. +The lads, tired out with their exertions, were "taking things easy," +lamenting the fact that there was no literature to beguile the time. + +Mr. McKay, having been raised to a sitting position, called for the +bunting. Laboriously he threaded a needle and commenced his lengthy +task. + +"One moment, sir," exclaimed Ellerton. "Wouldn't a sewing machine be +better?" + +"A what? Bless the lad! Where's a machine to be had?" + +"On board, sir. I noticed a couple in the fo'c'sle. You see, a seaman +has to make his own duds." + +"Very well, I'll put off the job till to-morrow, if you'll remember to +bring one of the things ashore." + +"Any need to keep watch to-night, pater?" asked Andy. + +"I think it would be advisable till we've explored the island. Not +that I anticipate any interference, but forewarned is forearmed." + +Mr. McKay's words proved to be correct. Nothing occurred to disturb +the camp during the second night ashore. + +"Do you think that Terence and you can manage by yourselves?" asked Mr. +McKay during breakfast. + +"I think so," replied Ellerton. + +"Then Andy can take Quexo and make an exploration of the interior. I +particularly want him to reach the summit of the hill, so as to find +out if there are other islands in the vicinity." + +"You understand, Andy?" continued his father. "Keep a sharp look-out +for signs of past or present inhabitants, any animals you may come +across--there may be a few pigs--and, above all, note the general +extent of the island and the position of its neighbours, if visible. +Don't overburden yourselves; a revolver and twenty rounds apiece, a +water-bottle, and some provisions will be quite enough to carry. Rest +on the summit of the hill during the heat of the day, and get back here +well before sunset." + +Having seen the explorers on their way, Ellerton and Donaghue pushed +off the cutter and rowed to the wreck. + +It was again an ideal morning, and without the faintest hitch the boat +was made fast alongside the battered hull of the _San Martin_. + +"I've a mind to try and patch up that gig," remarked Ellerton, gazing +at the battered boat. + +"Take too much time," was Terence's reply. + +"No, I mean to fasten some painted canvas over the hole and nail some +copper sheathing outside the canvas to protect it. It won't be a long +job, so meanwhile you might clear all the light gear out of the cabins +and saloon." + +Two hours sufficed to effect the temporary repairs, and the gig on +being launched let in very little water. Ellerton was overjoyed with +his success. + +"We'll take a double load ashore, Terence," he exclaimed. "We may as +well make a start by clearing the for'ard hold." + +So saying, Ellerton began to strip off his clothing. He was an expert +swimmer and diver, and these qualifications stood him in good stead. + +Taking a strong hook attached to a rope in his hand, he dived from the +coaming of the hatchway. The top of the stacks of galvanised iron was +but a few feet below the surface, and in a few seconds the hook was +affixed to the wire rope that held the plates together. + +Then, regaining the deck, the apprentice assisted his companion in +hauling their booty out of the hold. + +Six times the operation was repeated, till the deck resembled a "tin" +city in the western plains of Arizona. + +"It takes it out of you," remarked Ellerton. "I wish we could get rid +of the water in the hold; though I'm afraid the vessel's too badly +strained to be able to patch up her sides." + +"Even then we would have a bother to get rid of the water," replied +Terence. "Still, we've done very well up to now." + +"There's all that railway line material underneath the iron sheeting; +that will want some shifting." + +"We'll do it some time, but now we'll get off home." + +It seemed natural for the lads to talk of the camp as "home," for +already they were becoming attached to the free, yet none the less +comfortable, manner of living. + +"Wait while I get the sewing machine from the fo'c'sle. But you may as +well come, too, and we'll take both of them." + +With this, Ellerton, accompanied by Terence, made his way for'ard. In +the gloom of the stuffy fo'c'sle, the sight of which forcibly reminded +him of his quarters on the _Tophet_, Ellerton found the required +articles. + +"Hullo, here's a find!" he exclaimed, holding up a concertina. + +"Sling the blessed thing overboard," replied Terence laughing. "If you +take it ashore it's bound to make trouble in the camp." + +"It may come in handy." + +Ellerton looked upon everything as being likely "to come in handy." He +would have overstocked the island with useless things in the hope that +they might be of use at some distant date. In this case, did he but +know it, the concertina was fated to play a most useful part. + +"All right, then," assented Terence good-humouredly. "To look at us +now one would think we were going to run old women's sewing meetings +and popular Saturday night concerts." + +With the gig in tow, the lads returned to the shore, putting off the +unloading of their boat till the evening, though they brought the +sewing machines with them to the tent. + +"Now I can get on," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "It's slow work lying here +and unable to do a decent bit of hard work." + +Lunch, followed by the customary siesta, occupied the rest of the +afternoon. By the aid of a telescope Andy and Quexo had been seen on +the summit of the hill, and their descent followed till an intervening +spur hid them from sight. Mr. McKay calculated that they would be home +within a couple of hours. + +"You might cut down a suitable palm tree--one about forty feet in +height--Terence," he added. "I should like to have the flag flying on +their return." + +The tree was easily felled, and a small block, with signal halliards +rove, was fastened to its smaller end. This done, a hole was dug to +receive the pole, and by the aid of a pair of guys the flagstaff was +erected and set up in quite a professional style. + +About five in the afternoon Andy and the mulatto returned. They +reported that from the summit of the hill the island appeared to be +nearly circular, without any noticeable bays that might serve as boat +harbours. + +The reef extended completely around the island, approaching it closely +on the southern side, while there were three well-defined entrances +besides the one they already knew about. + +Andy reckoned that the extreme length of the island was about seven +miles, its breadth barely a mile less. There were no other islands +visible, but as the sea was hazy away on the north-west it was possible +that land might lie in that direction. + +"Then, assuming the altitude to be one thousand feet, your horizon +would be approximately forty-two miles off," remarked Mr. McKay. +"Well, in that case we are not likely to be troubled by our neighbours, +for the nearest island cannot be less than fifty miles away. Did you +find any signs of the island having been inhabited?" + +"Yes," replied Andy, "we found this," and opening a leather sling case +he produced a pistol. It was a quaint specimen of a flint-lock weapon, +its large-bore barrel eaten with rust and its silver-mounted walnut +stock pitted and rotted by exposure. + +"I don't think the gentleman who dropped this article is in a fit state +to call upon us," observed Mr. McKay. "Nevertheless, it shows that we +are not the first civilised people to set foot on the island. What is +the interior like?" + +"There are distinct signs of a volcano about. The top of the hill is +most certainly an extinct volcano, while the base is honeycombed with +fissures like the volcano of Monotombo. Otherwise the island is well +wooded." + +"You've done well," commented Mr. McKay. "Now it's nearly sunset, so +there will be just time to hoist the Union Jack." + +"Finished it, then, pater?" + +"Rather! Now, Andy, you hoist the emblem of empire!" + +Amid the cheers of the band of Britishers the ensign was broken at the +masthead. For a few minutes it fluttered idly in the breeze, then, as +the sun sank beneath the horizon, the Jack was slowly lowered. + +They had asserted the King's authority over the island to which they +had now given the name of McKay's Island. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII + +"A SAIL!" + +For the next five months things went smoothly at McKay's Island. + +Taking every advantage of the remaining period of the dry season, the +lads worked hard. Almost everything of value was removed from the +wreck. + +The heavy lengths of railway lines were safely transported to the +shore; the motor-car, its mechanism not altogether useless, was stored +under a canvas canopy on the lower terrace. + +The ship's dynamos were removed, as well as the lighter portion of the +main propelling machinery, while the remaining derricks, practically +the whole of the wire rigging, and all the woodwork that could be taken +away, had found a safe storage-place on McKay's Island. + +Most of the dynamite had been cautiously conveyed ashore and placed in +some of the numerous caves at a safe distance from the camp. The +remainder of the explosive had been judiciously used--under Andy's +direction, for his experiences at San Eugenio had not been thrown +away--in demolishing those portions of the wreck that prevented easy +access to the precious cargo. + +Only the bare hull of the _San Martin_ now remained. No doubt the +first on-shore hurricane would sweep away every vestige of the +ill-fated vessel, but the castaways were satisfied with the knowledge +that nothing of value remained on board. + +Nor had the work ashore been delayed. Already a substantial +three-roomed building of galvanised iron reared itself proudly upon the +second terrace. Its furniture--the best that the state-rooms and +cabins of the _San Martin_ could provide--would have made many a +stay-at-home Englishman green with envy. + +The lads had contrived to lay a double set of rails from the shore up +the steep path to the lower terrace. Then, by means of a steel hawser +attached to two sets of trucks, they were able to draw the bulk of +their goods to the higher level with little difficulty. + +The mode of locomotion, thanks to Andy's ready skill, was comparatively +simple. + +At first Terence wished to utilise the motor of the "runabout"; but to +this proposal Andy objected, having another purpose in view for the +undelivered consignment for Monsieur Georges Lacroix. + +Included in the rolling stock were several iron tip waggons, of the +kind generally in use in mining districts. Two of these Andy attached +to each of his "trains." Those on the upper level he filled with +earth, till the weight, being greater than the other set of waggons, +caused the former to descend the incline, and at the same time raise +the trucks filled with cargo from the beach. + +This plan acted very well, but the labour in filling the trucks with +soil was tedious; so Andy conceived the brilliant idea of trapping some +of the water from the little stream, and conveying it by means of a +length of iron pipe supported on trestles into the empty tip waggons. + +From that moment the "McKay's Island Express" was in full working +order, and the task of hauling the salved cargo up the terrace became a +matter of comparative ease. + +Those five months had worked wonders in Mr. McKay. Though weak on his +feet, he was able to walk, and showed promise of soon throwing off all +ill-effects of his double misfortune. + +As a natural result of his prolonged convalescence he had grown stout. +This was a source of worry to him, and he longed to be able to get +about again as usual. + +Amongst their many undertakings, the lads found time to make use of the +remains of the disabled gig. + +Realising that the work of replacing the garboards and keel would not +repay the amount of labour expended on the work, they cut the boat in +two, and built transoms to each of the sound ends. Thus they possessed +two light craft, each about ten feet in length, and easy to haul up and +down the beach. + +When occasion served, they could also bolt the two transoms together, +and thus form one boat, resembling the original gig with a slice of her +'midship section missing. + +The craft proved of great service while the cutter was under +reconstruction. This was a big task, for not only had the lads given +her a fairly deep keel, to make her more seaworthy, but a cabin, +water-tight well, and decked fo'c'sle were added. The rig was altered +to that of a yawl, while Andy hoped at an early date to instal the +motor in her. + +Hitherto his difficulties lay in the fact that the motor was not water +cooled, nor was it adapted to consume kerosene. They had a plentiful +supply of that fuel, but of petrol they had none. Nevertheless, Andy +had firm faith in his capabilities, and trusted to overcome these +difficulties all right. + +In this craft the hopes of the inhabitants of McKay's Island were +centred. Although happy in their little domain, for plenty of work had +proved the greatest factor to their well-being, they yearned at times +for the society of their fellow-men and civilisation. + +Directly the rainy season was over the little party meant to try their +fate upon the broad Pacific. It was to be a risky voyage, but others +had done similar passages under worse conditions. Blythe, of H.M.S. +_Bounty_, for instance, did he not successfully accomplish a voyage of +4000 miles in an open boat in forty-one days? + +The advent of the rainy season was heralded by a hurricane of terrific +force. + +Giving but little warning, the storm swept over the island, uprooting +trees and turning the tiny rivulets into foaming torrents. The usually +placid surface of the lagoon became a seething cauldron, huge breakers +sweeping completely over the reef and lashing themselves upon the +rock-strewn beach. + +Well it was that the lads had hauled their craft above the reach of +those breakers, for on the morning following the commencement of the +storm not a vestige of the hull of the _San Martin_ was to be seen. + +Fortunately the house was solidly constructed. The hail pelted on the +iron roof, the windows rattled and the doors shook to such an extent +that it became necessary to barricade them, while almost incessantly +the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled in deafening peals. + +While the rains lasted there was very little outside work done. +Welcome as were the showers at first, they soon became monotonous. It +was too hot to wear oilskins, the ground was too soft to walk on +without sinking ankle deep in mire, so that the castaways were thrown +upon their own resources to pass the time as well as they were able +within doors. + +Lack of books had been their greatest discomfort, even the study of the +Spanish charts and treatises on navigation became a pleasure; paper and +writing materials they possessed, and Mr. McKay systematically wrote up +his diary. + +But the task that gave the lads the greatest pleasure and amusement was +their efforts to teach Quexo English. + +The mulatto was a willing though difficult pupil, and was doubly +handicapped by being unable to write even his own language. +Nevertheless, before the rainy season was over, Quexo could understand +most of what was said to him, and was able to reply in weird sentences +and phrases that often set the lads laughing. + +At length the "off season"--as Terence termed it--passed, its departure +being marked by almost as severe a hurricane as the one that preceded +it. + +Then for three days and nights a thick mist overspread the island. The +air resembled that of a hothouse, without the least suspicion of a +breeze. + +On the morning of the fourth day the sun shone in an unclouded sky, the +mud disappeared as if by the touch of a magic wand, and the inhabitants +of McKay's Island awoke to their life of outdoor activity. + +"I think we will do well to postpone the time of our departure for +another month," remarked Mr. McKay. "We shall then have more chance of +a wind, and the zone of the Trades will extend farther north by then. +We shall have plenty to see, too, in a month." + +"I want to get the motor fixed up," observed Andy. "I think my plan +for making a water-jacket will succeed, and installing the engine and +tuning it up will take quite a week." + +"If you succeed the motor will prove invaluable, especially if we lose +the benefit of the Trades," replied his father. + +Andy was hard at work making a propeller. This he did by means of two +sheets of steel plating riveted to an iron boss; for, in order to +prevent the boat from being unduly kept back while under sail alone, he +had decided to have but two blades, which when at rest were up and +down, in line with the boat's stern-post. + +Terence, who was also of an engineering turn of mind, had embarked upon +a somewhat ambitious programme. He meant to use the dynamo for +lighting purposes. + +"But," objected Ellerton, "what's the use? We are leaving the island +shortly." + +"Possibly; but I am looking beyond then, Hoppy. Provided I could be +sure of a passage to 'Frisco occasionally I would not mind settling +down here. No doubt I am indulging in wild day-dreams, but still, my +plans may mature, and there's a living to be made out of the island. +But to deal with present events; the dynamo will be of great service to +us, as we can recharge those accumulators we brought ashore. Then Andy +will be able to use electrical ignition for his motor instead of the +slower and more uncertain lamp ignition." + +"Quite so, Terence," assented Andy. "So carry on, my boy." + +Thus encouraged, Terence, assisted by Ellerton and Quexo, dug a deep +trench close to the brink of the lower terrace, the side of which he +lined with thick planks from the wreck. + +Next a water-wheel, twelve feet in diameter, was constructed, the +paddle floats being cut from the iron plates obtained from the same +source. A portion of the ship's piston rods formed the axle of the +wheel, a grooved drum being attached to take the driving belt of the +dynamo. + +At length came the critical test of Terence's work. The stream, once +more diverted, was conducted into the trench, and as the last barrier +to its progress was removed the water rushed through its new channel. +Then, with a cascade of silver splashing from its floats, the wheel +began to gather way, and was soon spinning merrily. + +"That's all very fine," exclaimed Andy, who had left his work to view +the opening ceremony of the McKay Island Power Company. "But how are +you going to stop the wheel? It will soon wear its axle out at that +rate; and, besides, we can't have that noise day and night." + +"Never thought of that!" replied Terence. "We must make a hatch to +trap the water when we don't require the power." + +Two days later the dynamo was in full working order. The lads were +highly delighted, and suggested several schemes for making use of the +electric current. + +Then came Andy's triumph. After many difficulties and failures he +succeeded in duly installing the motor in the yawl, and on a trial trip +inside the lagoon the boat behaved magnificently under power. + +"We'll have a trip round the island to-morrow," he exclaimed, as the +craft was moored for the night. "Let's turn in early so as to make a +start immediately after sunrise." + +The morning dawned bright and calm, with no wind. + +"It will mean running under power," observed Andy, as the lads, laden +with provisions and tins of kerosene, wended their way to the shore. +"I mean to----" + +He stopped, his eyes fixed seaward. + +His companions followed his gaze, and simultaneously there was a shout +of: + +"A sail!" + + + + +CHAPTER IX + +UNWELCOME VISITORS + +"Great Scott! It's a native canoe," declared Mr. McKay. "And she's +heading straight for the island!" + +The craft was some little distance from the entrance to the reef, her +huge brown sail hanging idly from its yard, while the crew vigorously +plied their paddles as they made the water fly from her sharp prow. + +"Trouble in store?" queried Andy. + +"It's well to be prepared," replied his father. "I know these natives +of old. Sometimes they are quiet and inoffensive, at another time they +are bold and war-like, or, what is worse, extremely treacherous." + +"Then we must arm ourselves?" + +"Assuredly. Quexo, bring my glass." + +The mulatto darted off, and presently reappeared, bringing a glass of +lime-juice. + +"Not that, you ass!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, laughing. +"Glass--telescope--see?" and he raised his hands to imitate the +operation of using a telescope. "I'll have the drink, anyhow." + +Once more Quexo ran to the house, this time bringing back the required +instrument. + +"There are at least forty natives," said Mr. McKay, after a lengthy +examination of the oncoming craft. "They may be armed. If so, their +weapons are lying on the bottom of the canoe. But unless I am very +much mistaken, there's a white man aboard." + +"A prisoner? Let me have a look, pater!" + +In his eagerness Andy almost snatched the telescope from his parent's +hand. + +"A queer set of customers," he exclaimed; "but I don't think the white +man is a captive, for he's talking to a fellow with his hair frizzed up +a foot above his head." + +"We've seen enough for the time being," rejoined Mr. McKay quietly, "so +we'll return to the house and serve out the arms. At the rate they are +travelling, the canoe will be here in ten minutes." + +"They won't injure the boat?" asked Andy anxiously, for the yawl was +almost like a child to him. + +"Not when they see us with rifles in our hands. Whatever you do, don't +let them have reason to think we want to fight, and, above all, don't +show any signs of fear." + +The party quickly strapped on their ammunition belts and revolver +holsters, then, grasping their rifles, they hastened down to the beach. + +The canoe had by this time entered the lagoon, and its occupants had +perceived the house and the other buildings, for they had ceased +paddling, and were gazing in wonder towards the shore. Nor did the +appearance of five armed men serve to set their minds at rest. + +"Hullo, there!" shouted Mr. McKay. + +"Hullo, there!" was the reply. "What's your game?" + +"What's yours?" replied Mr. McKay. + +"All square, governor. Can we land?" + +"Provided you keep your people in order," replied Mr. McKay, then +turning to his companions he exclaimed: "By Jove! I know that fellow; +he's no good, I'm afraid." + +"You know him?" + +"Yes, I met him on a pearl-fisher in Torres Strait twenty odd years +ago. He hasn't changed much in appearance, and I'm afraid his manners +haven't. Still, I'll not claim acquaintanceship with him at present." + +The paddles were resumed, and the canoe glided quietly to the shore. +The natives, for the most part stark naked, began to tumble over the +side, some grasping enormous clubs studded with sharks' teeth, and +others long triple-barbed spears. + +"Tell those fellows to throw those weapons back into the canoe," +shouted Mr. McKay sternly. "Otherwise we'll not permit them to land." + +The white man spoke a few words to the turban-haired native, who in +turn uttered an order to his men. Instantly the weapons were thrown +into the canoe with a loud clatter, and the natives, wading ashore, +secured their boat and proceeded to squat in a semicircle. + +"My name's Blight--Jimmy Blight," exclaimed the stranger. + +Mr. McKay merely nodded his head in reply. He could not bring himself +to say the words "Pleased to see you," for the simple reason that he +was not. + +Jimmy Blight had had a chequered career. He was a man of about fifty +years of age, some five feet eight inches in height, and of medium +build. Years of exposure to a tropical sun had not left any trace upon +his face, for his complexion was a chalky white. He had a bristling, +dark moustache; cut high over the lips, a scanty crop of dark hair, a +thin, straight nose, rather deep-set eyes that were continually +shifting in expression, while his hands, the broad nails of which were +bitten to the quick, showed little trace of hard work. + +When Mr. McKay first met him he was mate of a pearling vessel, and +already he bore a bad reputation as a hard drinker and a card-sharper, +while it was well known that his tyranny had more than once caused +bloodshed amongst the Kanaka crew of the vessel. By his white +associates he was commonly known as "Chinese Pork"--in other words, +something very unpleasant. + +"Well, what can I do for you?" asked Mr. McKay bluntly. + +"The island's free, I guess?" replied Blight, with a leer that +ill-concealed his natural aggressiveness. + +"So long as you behave yourself; but should one of those men touch so +much as a copper nail, we'll send you to the right about in double +quick time. Understand?" + +"Yes, boss. But how about a drink? You seem fixed up pretty +comfortable here." + +"You can have as much water as you want at the stream. Beyond that, +I'm afraid we cannot provide you." + +"Humph! Must take pot-luck, I suppose. Say, are you traders?" + +Mr. McKay did not think it advisable to answer. + +"What's your business, might I ask?" he inquired. + +"It's a long story, boss. You see my mates here"--indicating the group +of squatting natives--"belong to the island of Ahii, which lies seventy +miles nor'west of here. In fact, I was very comfortable along of 'em, +but might is right in these parts, I'll allow." + +"Chinese Pork" paused to allow the weight of this sentence to take +effect, but Mr. McKay betrayed no sign. + +"So a few days ago a tribe of natives from Teku came and drove us out. +There was a fight, you bet, but our fellows got the worst of it. So we +hooked it, and took canoe to Ni Atong, which is less than twenty miles +S.E. of Ahii. Ni Atong's all very well, only it ain't big enough, so +we're trying to find a larger island to settle upon. There's close on +a couple of hundred natives, and ten large canoes at Ni Atong. Strikes +me this place 'ud suit, 'specially with white gents like yourselves for +company like." + +"I'm afraid you must give up all idea of bringing your friends here, +Mr. Blight, or yourself either." + +"Say, why?" + +"Because we cannot permit it." + +"Look here, boss," replied Blight with an impudent swagger. "How do +you think you'll stop two hundred natives if they set their minds on +landing here? Even I couldn't stop 'em." + +"Let them try," replied Mr. McKay. "Now, Mr. Blight, I cannot refuse +you hospitality. Food will be sent down to you; then, when your men +have rested sufficiently, I must ask you to leave this island." + +And turning on his heel, Mr. McKay began to make his way back to the +house, the lads following him closely. + +Before he had taken a dozen steps the ex-pearler ran after him. + +"See here, boss; I don't mean to give offence--no offence meant--but +you'll allow it's hard on a chap to be done out of his own crib by a +pack o' niggers. And then you can't deny you've treated me +off-handish, specially as you're the first white man I've seen these +two years. So let's come to terms. I see you're well armed. Why not +come back to Ahii with us, and make those chaps from Teku clear off +back to their own island? Then the Ahii people won't want to trouble +you. See?" + +"I'll consider the matter," replied Mr. McKay. "By the by, do you ever +go to Tahiti?" + +"Not often, boss. I was there two years ago. When I've got a cargo of +copra ready I send it by a native boat. Why do you ask?" + +"I merely wanted to know, Mr. Blight. But now I must be off. I'll +send the provisions along shortly, and will give you a definite reply +to your proposal in a few hours. It seems to me that the easiest way +out of the mess is to accept the fellow's advice," remarked Mr. McKay +as they entered their house. "We certainly don't want to try +conclusions with a horde of savages on this island. No doubt we could +beat them off, but in any case there is a considerable amount of risk. +If I can get Blight to give me a guarantee--though I don't place much +reliance on his word--backed by the chief's assurance that his men will +not trespass upon the island, I think we can very well help them." + +"Do you think there will be much of a struggle?" asked Ellerton. + +"Between whom?" + +"The natives of Ahii and the natives who took possession of their +island." + +"No; our presence will soon turn the scale, though we may not even have +to use our firearms. You can rely upon it that I'll do my best to +prevent bloodshed. Are you willing to go, lads? If you have +objections don't hesitate to say so." + +"I haven't," said Ellerton. + +"Nor I," added the others. + +"Very well, then. Quexo, take this keg of flour down to the beach, and +tell that white man that his people can gather as much taro and +cocoanuts as they want, so long as they don't cross to this side of the +stream. You understand? Do you think we might spare Blight a lamb, +Andy?" + +"I think so, pater. We've twenty at least." + +"Then tell Quexo to take one down when he comes back. Now, boys, if we +are going on this trip, we had better make preparations. We ought to +start by sunrise at least, if we want to reach Ahii before dark." + +"But are we going straight to Ahii?" + +"No, by Jove! I forgot that for the moment. Of course, it will be +much better to spend the night off Ni Atong--I suppose there's a +lagoon--and proceed to Ahii on the following morning." + +"Well, Quexo," said Andy, on the mulatto's return, "what did the white +man say?" + +"He say: 'Come here you number one size blackamoor. What your massa +name is?' An' I say: 'I no number one size blackamoor; I no niggah, +sah; an' my massa name me no give, massa he tell you his name if you +ask.'" + +"That's a smart reply, Quexo," replied Mr. McKay, laughing. "There's +nothing like keeping your master's counsel and your own. Now take that +carcase down to the beach. Ellerton, you might take a stroll along the +edge of the cliff and, without attracting undue attention, keep an eye +on the rascals. I don't want them straggling across the stream." + +Thus bidden, Ellerton walked cautiously to the edge of the first +terrace, then laying his rifle on the ground, stretched himself into a +comfortable position so that he could see without being seen, and hear +without being heard. + +Most of the natives had dispersed, and were busily engaged in seeking +taro and cocoanuts, although they kept strictly within the bounds laid +down by Mr. McKay. + +Blight, the chief, and a couple of natives had killed the lamb and were +roasting it by the aboriginal method of caking it with clay and placing +it in the red-hot embers of a fire. Although the white man cast +several curious glances at the cliff, above which the roof of the house +was just visible, he refrained from setting foot upon the path that led +to Mr. McKay's settlement. + +Late in the afternoon Mr. McKay went down to the beach and informed +Blight that he had decided to lend his aid, at the same time +stipulating that the natives must promise not to molest the inhabitants +of McKay's Island. + +The remainder of the yawl's stores were then carried aboard, Andy and +Ellerton volunteering to keep watch on the boat while Mr. McKay, +Terence, and Quexo took turns in patrolling the edge of the terrace. + +A tent, some blankets, and a few luxuries in the way of provisions were +then sent down to the ex-pearler, while the natives prepared to sleep +under the shelter of the palm trees and bushes. + +"If you see or hear anything of a suspicious nature, Andy," cautioned +Mr. McKay, "here is a signal rocket. Don't use it except in +circumstances that warrant our interference. You have plenty of +ammunition?" + +"Seventy rounds of rifle ammunition and fifty revolver cartridges each. +You'll see that another box of ammunition comes off in the morning." + +"Aye, aye," replied his father. "Now I think everything is ready to +make an early start, so you had better be off." + +Then, having bade the rest of the party good night, Andy and his trusty +companion descended to the beach, passed between knots of curious +natives, and embarked in the yawl's tender. + +Five minutes later they were on board, and the ammunition stowed away +within easy reach. + +The lads had made an excellent job in converting the ship's cutter. +From the awning-covered well a short ladder led to the cabin. Here +four roomy folding bunks, a swing table, plenty of lockers and racks +had been fitted, while the linoleum-covered floor, the red baize +curtains, and the polished brass lamp imparted an air of comfort. +Overhead a skylight served to admit both fresh air and light. + +In the fo'c'sle, to which access could be obtained either by sliding +doors between it and the cabin, or through a hatch on deck, were the +sails, spare ropes, anchor cable, and a small stove constructed from +one of the galleys of the _San Martin_. + +The motor had been installed under the floor of the well, while on the +afterside of the cabin bulkhead was fixed a boat's compass, illuminated +by means of the cabin lamp, so that the steersman could keep a course +with comfort, whether by day or night. + +"Now, Hoppy, I'll take the first watch," remarked Andy, as the sun sank +beneath the lofty peak of McKay's Island. "I'll turn you out at two in +the morning, and then you can carry on till daybreak, if that will suit +you." + +"Righto!" replied Ellerton. + +And turning in upon his bunk he was soon fast asleep, lulled by the +slight motion of the little craft as she rose and fell to the gentle +heave of the lagoon. + + + + +CHAPTER X + +STRANGE ALLIES + +"Turn out, Hoppy!" + +Ellerton was awake in an instant, but forgetting that the cabin of a +small craft does not possess unlimited headroom, he sat up and brought +his head violently in contact with the deck beams. + +"What's up?" he exclaimed, grasping his revolver. "Anything wrong?" + +"No," replied Andy. "Only it's two o'clock, and your watch." + +"Goodness! I feel as if I've only been asleep five minutes." + +"Sorry for you, then, old chap, for you've got to keep awake five +hours." + +So saying, Andy slid into his bunk, and within a minute his regular +breathing showed that he was asleep. + +Ellerton took up his position under the shelter of the dew-sodden +awning. Everything was quiet, save for the occasional splash of a fish +as it played upon the surface of the placid water, and the ever-present +rumble of the breakers upon the distant reef. + +Shorewards the outline of the island was dimly visible against the loom +of the starlit sky, while a light from the seaward window of the house +and the dull red gleam of the dying embers of the fire the natives had +kindled were the only sign of human occupation. + +Yet, Ellerton reflected, the bush might be alive with savages, awaiting +the opportunity to fall upon the settlement, murder his friends, and +possess themselves of the valuable stores. + +Perhaps the story of the seizure of Ahii and the flight of the +inhabitants to Ni Atong was a myth, invented by that rogue Blight for +the purpose of luring the castaways into a false position. + +There could be no doubt about it, Ellerton's nerves were "jumpy." +Perhaps it was that the suddenness of coming into contact with human +beings other than his comrades had acted upon his nerves. + +Ellerton realised that he was entering into a new phase of his +existence. He regretted it, for, beyond his natural anxiety concerning +his parents, he had grown to love the isolated life on McKay's Island. + +Then, should Blight's story prove to be correct, Ellerton felt sure +that Mr. McKay's action was the only course permissible. The little +colony was to fight for its existence, and the more remote the scene of +hostilities the better chance they had of securing the sole +proprietorship of the island. + +Hist! A succession of faint sounds like those of a man stealthily +swimming caused Ellerton to sit bolt upright, grasp his rifle, and peer +intently through the darkness. + +There was no mistake about it. It was some object heading directly for +the yawl, its track being marked by a faint blur of phosphorescence. + +Visions of bloodthirsty savages, swimming, knife in mouth, to surprise +the crew of the little craft, filled Ellerton with alarm. He raised +his rifle, released the safety catch, and took aim at the mysterious +intruder. + +"Andy," he whispered, but his friend was too deep in slumber to be +awakened by a whisper. + +"I'll wait till he's close alongside," muttered Ellerton, fingering the +trigger. + +At that moment there was a perceptible jar alongside the boat, followed +by a prolonged grating sound, as if a piece of sandpaper were slowly +drawn over a rough surface. Then, with a swirl and a succession of +phosphorescent splashes, the object vanished. + +The sound had roused Andy. + +"What's up?" he exclaimed, springing into the cockpit. + +Both lads looked over the side. Deep beneath the surface they saw a +huge luminous shape slowly gliding away. + +"My word!" whispered Andy. "Can't you see what it is? It's a shark." + +"I thought it was some natives swimming off to us." + +"Never fear. They'll never attempt such a thing with a sentry like +that brute," replied Andy as he re-entered the cabin. + +Slowly the weary hours passed, till the sun rose in a sky of misty +grey, and the inhabitants of McKay's Island, both black and white, +bestirred themselves into activity. + +"Not much wind, boss," was Chinese Pork's salutation as Mr. McKay and +his companions arrived at the beach, whither Andy had rowed in the +tender. + +"There'll be some before long," replied Mr. McKay. "It usually springs +up about an hour after sunrise." + +"It'll mean a long pull if it doesn't," rejoined Blight. "Shall I lend +you four or five hands to work the sweeps?" + +"I'll not trouble you, thanks. It's your men who will find it hard +work, I fancy." + +"Say, why? You just see them use those paddles. They'll keep it up +for hours at a stretch. Your craft'll be the tail end of this 'ere +procession, I guess." + +"We shall see," replied Mr. McKay quietly, for he had no desire to +enlighten the ex-pearler upon the subject of the motor. + +"Say, boss?" + +"Well?" + +"That's a rum packet," said Blight, indicating with a jerk of his thumb +the boat the lads had made from the wreck of the gig. "I bet you never +bought her at Hilo?" + +Mr. McKay did not reply. He quite realised that the ex-pearler was +trying to pump him, while, on the other hand, he was equally determined +to conceal the fact that he and his companions were on the island +through shipwreck. + +Although Mr. McKay hated deception, he wished to convey the impression +that they settled here by choice, yet Blight's question showed that he +kept his eyes open. + +"Are you ready to start?" demanded Mr. McKay. "There's a wind +springing up from the south-east'ard." + +"As soon as you like. But can you lend me a revolver, cap'n? I've got +a bloomin' Martini, but I've run out o' cartridges months and months +ago." + +"Here you are, and here are fifty cartridges. I'll make you a present +of the pistol," replied Mr. McKay, though he realised that he was +playing into the man's hands. + +Then, without waiting to receive the ex-pearler's thanks, he stepped +into the boat and was rowed off to the yawl. + +"Good morning, Ellerton," he exclaimed. "All quiet, I suppose? Well, +let's get the canvas on her." + +Already the natives were hauling their canoe down the beach, and by the +time the yawl had set her sails the splash of a score of paddles showed +that they had lost no time in embarking. + +"Up with your helm, Andy; check the jib sheets." + +Then, as the little craft drew clear of the land, the freshening breeze +caused her to heel and glide through the ruffled water of the lagoon. + +By the time they had gained the passage through the reef the yawl was +ahead of the canoe. + +"Glorious!" ejaculated Andy. "See, they're setting their sail. It +will be a good race, after all." + +Half a dozen bronzed natives were setting the raking mast and bending +the yard with its enormous sail of cocoa fibre. Then, as the sail rose +swiftly in the air, the breeze filled the mat-like canvas. The crew +took in their paddles and watched the yawl with curious eyes. + +"We are gaining on her, I think," remarked Andy. + +"Yes; we must shorten sail," replied Mr. McKay. "But I want +particularly to note the respective speeds of the two craft. I should +think that, under sail and aided by her paddles, that canoe could +overhaul us under sail alone. Yes," he continued, after a few moments' +careful observation. "I think I've seen enough in case of future +developments, so we'll strike the topsail." + +Under reduced canvas the yawl kept the canoe at a regular distance from +her, neither gaining nor allowing the latter to overhaul her. Quexo, +fearing an attack of sea-sickness, had retired to the seclusion of a +berth in the fo'c'sle, while Ellerton and Terence, who had kept the +last portion of the previous night's watch, followed his example, +though from other motives. + +Andy was steering. His father, who had given him the course, was below +preparing a meal. + +The wind held steadily all the forenoon, and by eleven o'clock the +summit of McKay's Island had dipped beneath the horizon. It was not +without feelings of regret that Andy saw it disappear. He, too, +realised that they were embarked upon a hazardous mission, and that +possibly great sacrifice would have to be made ere they returned to +their island home. + +At midday the wind died away to a flat calm, the yawl rolling +sluggishly in the oily swell, with her boom swaying violently from side +to side, and threatening dire disaster to the heads of any of the crew +that incautiously came within its reach. + +The canoe, similarly situated, did not hesitate to lower the sail, and +paddle close alongside. + +"This is a bit rotten, cap'n," shouted Blight. "Shall I give you a +tow?" + +"No thanks, don't trouble about us," replied Mr. McKay. "You can +paddle on ahead, and we'll follow when the breeze springs up. If we +can't fetch Ni Atong before dark you might get those fellows to light a +fire on the beach, so that we can come up to the anchorage." + +"Righto, boss! Ta-ta!" + +There was a peculiar glint in the man's eye. He fancied that the +superior speed of the canoe under paddles was an asset in his favour +for the events he had already planned. + +The chief gave the word, the blades dipped, and, gathering way, the +canoe soon gained a rapid pace. The long-drawn song of the paddlers +gradually died away as the distance increased, and an hour later the +canoe was lost to sight. + +"Now, Andy, we'll start the motor, and creep up within a couple of +miles of Ni Atong. They will think we have picked up a breeze." + +"Why don't you want to let that chap Blight know we've a motor?" + +"Frankly, Andy, I don't trust him. If he plays a straight game, well +and good; but, should he act treacherously--and I have every reason to +believe he will, judging by his past career--we must keep a trump card +up our sleeves. That's why I wanted to make sure of the respective +speeds of the two craft, for you may be certain that, since the chief +is in her, yonder canoe is the largest and swiftest they possess. +Under power we can easily outstrip her, I have no doubt." + +No sooner had the motor started than Terence and Ellerton appeared. + +"Hullo! Where's the wind?" asked the latter. + +"And where's the canoe? added Donaghue. + +"Hull down," replied Andy. "They've gone on ahead to give us a +house-warming. Now, you fellows, get yourselves something to eat, and +then give us a spell. I'll let you have the course. Keep your weather +eye lifting, and look out for a breeze. It may come down suddenly." + +"You bet I will," assented Ellerton. "How far are we from Ni Atong?" + +"About twenty miles. Directly the island hoves in sight call us." + +At about four in the afternoon Terence, who had climbed the main-mast +and had taken up a perch upon the diminutive cross-trees, reported land +ahead. + +Mr. McKay and Andy were instantly warned, and, a breeze springing up, +the motor was shut off. + +Half an hour later the heads of a patch of palm trees were visible from +the deck. + +"That's Ni Atong, right enough," commented Mr. McKay, as bit by bit the +land appeared to rise above the horizon. "Blight told me that the +entrance to the lagoon is easily picked out." + +Ni Atong resolved itself into a low, regularly outlined island barely +two miles in length. Its surface was covered with dense scrub and a +few cocoanut palms, the soil being apparently loose and sandy. So far +as could be seen, a coral reef extended round the island at a distance +of half a mile from the shore, the rocks in places protruding above +water to a height of nearly three feet. + +"There's another island showing up on our port bow, sir," announced +Ellerton. + +"Then that's Ahii. It's a lofty island something like ours, judging by +the appearance of that mountain. However, we'll hear and see more of +it later on. Now, Andy, we are approaching the reef. Do you climb +aloft and con the boat in through the channel." + +This is the only practical method of entering an unbeaconed lagoon, for +owing to the sudden increase in depth, a lead line is of little use. +On the other hand, the extreme clearness of the water makes it possible +for a man aloft to detect instantly any rocks or shoals that lurk +beneath the surface. + +For the space of five minutes it was an anxious time. On either hand +the breakers thrashed themselves in masses of milk-white foam upon the +glistening coral reef, while ahead a narrow patch of undulating, yet +unbroken water showed the presence of the only available channel into +the shelter of the lagoon. + +"Starboard--bear away--starboard again--port, steady!" + +Under the light breeze the yawl was in danger of dropping to leeward +upon the merciless rocks. One moment her stern was lifted high in the +air, the rudder consequently being useless. The next she threw her +streaming bows above the following wave, then, shaving the edge of the +reef by a bare five yards, the little vessel glided into the quiet +waters of the anchorage. + +The crew now had time to look about them. Drawn up on the sandy beach +were seven large canoes, similar to that which had paid an unwelcome +visit to McKay's Island, while others, only slightly smaller in size, +were hauled up beneath the shelter of the bushes, their lofty carved +prows alone being visible. + +The beach was lined with natives, numbering at least 180 men, besides a +host of women and children. + +The men were of medium stature, muscular, and well built. In colour +they resembled that of Quexo, being considerably lighter than the +natives of New Guinea. Many of them bore scars, possibly +self-inflicted or the result of inter-tribal wars. + +"Stand by to let go!" shouted Andy to Terence and Ellerton. Then, as +the yawl shot up into the wind, he followed up with: "Let go!" + +With a roar and rattle of chain the anchor plunged to the bottom of the +lagoon, and as the crew prepared to lower and stow the sails, Mr. McKay +waved his arm towards the crowded shore. + +"Well, lads," he exclaimed, "what do you think of our allies?" + + + + +CHAPTER XI + +THE FRUSTRATED SACRIFICE + +"A rum-looking crowd," observed Terence. "They look as if they could +do a lot of damage, though." + +"Yes," replied Mr. McKay, "I am sure of it. These fellows often fight +for fighting's sake, and a pretty spectacle they make of it at times. +I've seen them at it before." + +"What, these natives?" + +"No, the inhabitants of New Guinea. They are strongly associated, +however, not only in manners and customs, but in language. I must +polish up my Polynesian lingo, though after acquiring a smattering of +Spanish I'm afraid I've become very rusty. Come, now, hurry up and +snug down, and we'll go ashore." + +"Armed, of course?" + +"Yes, certainly. Take your revolvers only. I don't think we need fear +anything at present. If there's to be trouble it will be after the +natives have made the best use of us." + +Accordingly the little crew worked with a will; then, directly the +canvas was stowed and a second anchor laid out, the whole party went +ashore. + +They were received with great show of goodwill, the natives crowding +round them with shouts of welcome, while the ceremony of rubbing noses +was duly performed. + +Several of the women advanced bearing long garlands, and, to the +undisguised bashfulness of the three lads, placed the flowing chains +round the necks of their visitors. Quexo, however, was denied that +honour. He was a coloured man, and therefore, in the eyes of the +natives, of no consequence. + +"You made a quick passage, boss, after all," observed Blight. + +"Aye, we picked up with a breeze," replied Mr. McKay, though he did not +offer to explain when the breeze was encountered. + +"They've prepared a feast for you," continued the ex-pearler. "So +let's put our best foot foremost." + +At a short distance from the shore was a large clearing, temporary huts +made of branches and leaves of palm trees being erected in a vast +double circle. Here a number of natives were busy baking pigs and +fowls, while there was an abundance of yams and cocoanuts. + +"They are very improvident with their supplies," remarked Andy. "They +evidently seem as if they are certain of returning to the land of +plenty." + +"Yes," replied his father, who had taken an early opportunity of +examining the roasted pigs to make sure they were pigs. "We may as +well set-to and enjoy their hospitality; now, keep close together and +see that your pistols are easy to draw." + +The chiefs, each distinguishable by his huge mop of greased and frizzed +hair, had squatted in a semicircle, and no sooner had the guests seated +themselves than there was a terrific scramble on the part of the native +chiefs to help themselves. + +"We must forget for the moment that we are civilised and follow their +example," remarked Mr. McKay, seizing a bit of pork in his fingers. + +His companions did likewise, and notwithstanding the absence of knives +and forks they managed to eat and enjoy their share of the feast. + +This done, there was a war-dance performed by the young men of the +tribe, the warriors brandishing their clubs with such energy that it +seemed wonderful that no one was hurt. + +The natives did not appear to use their heavy clubs for the purpose of +knocking their imaginary adversaries over the head; instead, they +utilised the upward swing of their arms, lunging with the weapon on its +upward stroke. + +Andy particularly noticed this, and remarked it to his father. + +"Yes," was the reply. "It's a favourite 'knock-out' blow with these +fellows. I've seen them at it in actual combat. The idea is to get +underneath their antagonist's guard, and strike him on the chin with +the upward sweep of the club, and knock him senseless. Afterwards the +winning side secure those who are only stunned and----" + +"And what?" + +"Eat them!" + +At length the display came to an end, and the guests prepared to return +on board. Mr. McKay had attempted to converse with some of the chiefs, +but the result was a failure. He therefore told Blight to inform the +chief that an early start was to be made on the morrow. + +The news was received with redoubled shouts of delight, and the entire +population escorted the white men to the beach. Nor did they stop +there, for men, women, and children rushed headlong into the sea, and +formed a huge bodyguard of swimmers till the yawl was reached. + +All round the boat the water was black with the heads and arms of the +swimmers, for these natives of the Pacific Islands take to the water +often before they can walk. + +Splashing and shouting loud enough to scare every shark within a mile, +they swam round and round the yawl, none offering to climb aboard, till +at a shout from one of the chiefs they turned and swam rapidly to the +shore. + +"We must set watches to-night, I suppose?" asked Andy. + +"Certainly! Although these people are supposed to be our friends, we +must imagine ourselves in hostile waters. I remember once that a small +schooner put into Niihau. The natives came off to barter, and appeared +to be extremely friendly. During the night about a couple of hundred +swam off to the schooner and took her crew entirely by surprise. We +found the charred remains of her timbers about a month afterwards, but +not a trace of her unfortunate crew. They had been made into 'big +pig.'" + +"What's that?" asked Ellerton. + +"Otherwise killed, roasted, and eaten." + +"Then what happened?" + +"The usual. Gunboat, landing party, etc. The village was shelled and +burnt, and the island afterwards annexed to the Empire. So, you see, +we must exercise due caution, although I don't want to upset your +nerves." + +It must have been shortly after midnight when the crew was awakened by +a warning shout from Terence. Turning out of their comfortable bunks, +the others rushed from the cabin, armed in anticipation of a sudden and +treacherous attack. + +A low rumbling greeted their ears, the sound apparently coming from the +shore. For more than a minute the mysterious sound continued, then it +suddenly ceased. + +"What is it?" asked Donald. + +"I'm afraid I cannot tell you," replied his father. "It's rather like +the sound of a submarine explosion; probably a volcanic eruption." + +Again the noise was repeated, yet no agitation of the placid water took +place. The natives did not appear to be disturbed, for no commotion +due to human agency could be heard from the island. This time the +rumbling continued for quite five minutes, dying away in a succession +of long-drawn tremors. Then all was quiet. + +"I can't make it out," remarked Mr. McKay. "Whatever it is it seems to +be accepted by the natives without a protest. To-morrow I'll inquire." + +The party remained on deck for nearly an hour, but as the mysterious +noise was not repeated, they at length retired to the cabin, leaving +Terence to continue the remainder of his watch. + +Just after sunrise Ellerton called Mr. McKay's attention to something +on the beach. Seizing his glasses, the elder man brought them to bear +upon the spot, and the next moment he exclaimed: + +"Come on, lads, get your arms and row ashore as hard as you can." + +Without waiting for an explanation, the three lads jumped into the +boat, Mr. McKay taking his place in the stern sheets. + +"Don't look ahead; keep your eyes on the boat and pull," said Mr. McKay +quietly, yet there was a grim, determined expression on his face that +betokened trouble ahead. + +The moment the little craft touched the beach the lads jumped out, and +led by Mr. McKay, they made their way at top speed along the sandy +shore. + +Fifty yards from where they landed was the chief's canoe, which had +been hauled up on shore since the previous night. At regular intervals +betwixt its lofty prow and the water were six dark objects lying on the +sand. + +The lads gave a gasp of horror, for lashed firmly to bamboo poles were +six natives. Their fellows were preparing to launch the canoe over +their bodies. + +"Stop that!" shouted Mr. McKay sternly, holding up his hand to arrest +the progress of the heavy craft, which was quivering under the grasp of +fifty stalwart blacks. + +The natives hesitated, glaring at the interrupters of their ceremony, +while some of the chiefs made signs for the interfering strangers to +stand aside. + +"Where's Blight?" shouted Mr. McKay, as he opened the cut-off of the +magazine of his rifle. + +"Here I am, boss," replied that individual, coolly sauntering forward. + +"Tell them to knock off this horrible business." + +"Let 'em carry on, boss," was the reply, almost apologetic. "You see, +they ain't got no prisoners, and the chief's canoe must be launched in +this 'ere way, else it's bad luck. So they picked on some of their +least wanted pals. Bless me, you'll soon get used to it. I did years +ago." + +"You can tell them from me that the moment that canoe moves we'll open +fire. You might also explain that if our wishes are not carried out, +we'll go back to our own island, and those rascals can stay here to +starve. Now be quick, and let them know we mean business. Cover these +tow-headed rogues," he continued to his companions. "If I give the +word, let fly continuous volleys till the rest of the rascals bolt." + +Evidently the chiefs knew the power of the white men's rifles, for they +stepped back a few paces. Some of their followers grasped their clubs +and spears, and courageously awaited their leaders' orders. + +Jimmy Blight spoke rapidly. At first his words seemed to enrage the +chiefs, but finally they expostulated. + +"What do they say?" + +"They are willing to let the brutes free if you promise that your +power'll keep off the--the--you know what I mean, boss, the----" + +"Evil eye?"' suggested Mr. McKay. + +"Aye, that's it." + +"You can tell them that there's nothing to fear on that score. Let +them know that six men alive are worth something, and that six squashed +to a pulp will do them no earthly good." + +Once again Blight turned to the half-pacified chiefs, a rapid exchange +of words followed, and in the end the latter signed to their people to +free the captives from their terrible position. + +"That's over, thank God!" ejaculated Mr. McKay with intense fervour. +"Tell the chiefs I'm going to make them a present," and putting his +rifle to his shoulder he fired six shots in the air in rapid succession. + +Astonishment held the natives spell-bound; they had never before seen a +magazine rifle discharged. The sharp "crack" of the weapon, its +smokelessness, and the peculiar screech of the nickel bullets filled +them with awe, and with great hesitation they accepted the six empty +cartridge-cases as an exchange for the release of the intended victims. + +"They've given you a tally, boss," observed Blight. "They call you +'The Wonder that Breathes Fire.'" + +"I hope they will bear it in mind then," replied Mr. McKay. "Now let +them proceed with the launching operations. When all is ready we will +set sail. By the by, what was that noise we heard last night?" he +inquired, turning to the ex-pearler. + +"Noise! What noise, boss?" + +"A kind of prolonged roar of distant thunder. Twice it occurred." + +"Oh! I know what you mean. We don't take no notice of it in these +parts. It's the 'Barking Sands.' See yon hills?"--pointing to a ridge +of sand dunes about sixty feet in height. "The stuff's slippery like, +and often it rolls down, and makes a row. There's a sight of other +islands about here like it." + +Half-an-hour later a flotilla of nine canoes, crowded with armed +natives, paddled slowly towards the entrance of the lagoon. As they +passed the white men's craft, their paddles rose in the air to the +accompaniment of a sonorous salute. + +Then, as the dripping anchor rose clear of the water, the breeze filled +the sails of the yawl, and she, too, started to play her part in the +hazardous enterprise. + +Another five hours would decide whether Ahii would fall into the hands +of its former possessors, and, what was still more important, the fate +of the little band from McKay's Island. + + + + +CHAPTER XII + +AT BAY + +Once clear of the reef, the canoes ceased paddling, and the brown +cocoa-fibre sails were hoisted. + +The yawl, by reason of her superior spread of canvas, soon forged ahead +till, drawing in line with the largest canoe, in which were Blight and +the head man of the tribe, the speed was regulated so as to keep within +hailing distance of the ex-pearler. + +Mr. McKay had already been given a rough chart of the island of Ahii. +Like their own island and Ni Atong, Ahii was surrounded by a reef, only +that on the eastern side the rocky barrier practically touched the +shore. There were four large passages through the reef, two on the +southern side--which they were approaching--one on the western, and the +fourth on the northern. + +The summit of Ahii was clearly visible from Ni Atong, and as the +flotilla neared the island its peculiarities could be gradually +discerned. It was considerably larger than McKay's Island, and +composed chiefly of a dark brown rock, its flat portions covered with +verdure. The general outline resembled a saddle, the higher of the two +peaks being over two thousand feet above the sea. + +But in place of the glistening sands of McKay's Island there was a +beach of black sand, apparently the ground-up deposit of lava, for from +the lower of the two peaks a thin cloud of smoke was emitted, showing +that Ahii was still an active volcano. + +At the western termination of the beach was perceived the entrance to a +small creek, while beyond this opening low, dark-coloured cliffs rose +sheer from the sea. + +The approach of the invaders was observed long before the flotilla +reached the entrance of the lagoon, and by the aid of their telescopes +and field-glasses the crew of the yawl saw that the beach was lined +with warriors, armed with formidable beak-headed clubs, long spears and +oblong shields, the natives being bedecked with barbaric finery and +plentifully bedaubed with paint and ochre. + +"That's their boat harbour," shouted Blight, pointing to the creek. +"Their canoes are drawn up on the banks about half-a-mile up the river. +The village is on the port side. Shall I tell our men to push right in +and burn their blessed canoes?" + +"No," replied Mr. McKay. "I don't want unnecessary violence; besides, +if their canoes are destroyed, how can they leave the island? Let our +boats remain about two hundred yards from shore. You will then stand +in the chief's canoe and tell the natives to clear out. Say that we +give them till midday. Otherwise we must open fire on them." + +"Then you don't want these fellows to have a set-to?" + +"No! No bloodshed unless it cannot possibly be avoided. Now carry on +and we'll be ready to open fire to cover your retreat if they give +trouble." + +Blight could not but obey. The chief's canoe was paddled slowly +towards the shore, the natives regarding the late inhabitants of Ahii +with contemptuous gestures not unmingled with curiosity. They expected +a mad rush, a fierce conflict on the shore, and an easy victory; but +the apparently timorous approach of a solitary canoe mystified them. + +[Illustration: THE CHIEF'S CANOE WAS PADDLED SLOWLY TOWARDS THE SHORE] + +The ex-pearler stood up and shouted to the hostile chiefs. Whether he +gave Mr. McKay's message in a conciliatory manner the Australian was +not in a position to ascertain. More than likely, Blight, with a white +man's contempt for "niggers," put his own construction upon the +request, for before he had spoken half-a-dozen sentences there was a +blood-curdling yell, and a shower of stones was hurled at the canoe. + +The crew paddled out of range, while their companions, with loud +counter-shouts of defiance, urged their boat to the attack, till by +dint of much hand-waving Mr. McKay kept them temporarily in check. + +"They've asked us to come ashore and be made into 'big pig,'" shouted +Blight. "Shall we let our men loose?" + +"Not here," replied Mr. McKay. "Paddle along the shore and we'll make +a landing as far from the village as possible. That will give the +enemy a chance to clear out if they get the worst of it." + +Headed by the yawl, the little fleet kept parallel with the shore, a +crowd of about two thousand armed savages keeping pace with the +invaders, yelling, dancing, brandishing their weapons, and hurling the +direst insults of which the natives were capable at their apparently +inferior enemies. + +"It must be a sharp lesson, lads," observed Mr. McKay. "What wouldn't +I give for a Maxim or an automatic Colt. Ellerton, you take the helm +and keep the boat just so, no nearer to shore." + +The flotilla was now abreast of that part of the beach that was +terminated by the cliffs. Here the flat shore consisted of a +wedge-shaped piece of ground, so narrow that the enemy was unable to +take due advantage of its superiority in numbers. The rapid fire of +four magazine rifles would play havoc with the dense serried ranks of +bronzed and painted warriors, but still Mr. McKay refrained from making +the first advance. + +"Let them fight it out between themselves," he shouted to Blight, who, +however eager he was to send the natives to the fight, did not show any +strong inclination to lead them. "We'll open fire if our fellows get +the worst of it." + +It was plainly impossible to keep the invaders in hand. With a roar of +defiance that momentarily drowned the yells of their more numerous +adversaries, the natives urged their canoes towards the shore. + +Then, as craft after craft grounded upon the beach, their crews dropped +paddles, grasped their clubs and spears, and plunged waist deep into +the water. + +It was a veritable struggle between a host of bronzed paladins. + +Clubs met with a loud and ponderous clang, spears met shields or else +found a softer billet, while those of the defenders of the island who +could not gain the van hurled enormous stones over the heads of their +foremost ranks at their vindictive foes. + +Above the shouts of the combatants could be heard the shrieks of the +desperately wounded. + +Several received serious wounds on both sides, yet save in extreme +cases, they bore their hurts bravely, returning to the fray with the +utmost determination, till failing strength caused them to drop, still +fighting so long as they could wield a club or thrust with a spear. + +Twice the rightful inhabitants of Ahii gained a footing on the shore, +and twice were they swept back by the weight of numbers, for as fast as +one of the defenders fell, another filled his place, while on the other +hand the invaders had no reserves. True, there were the white men, but +it was impossible to wield a rifle without serious consequence to +friend as well as foe. + +"How these fellows fight!" exclaimed Andy. "They simply won't give +way; they'll be exterminated." + +"It's fighting for fighting's sake," replied his father. "We must chip +in or we'll find ourselves opposed to the whole island without a native +to help us. Luff her up, Ellerton. That's right; now keep her as she +is." + +The yawl moved slowly in the opposite direction to her previous course, +though still parallel with the shore. By this means the scene of the +actual struggle was passed and only the serried rearguard of the +defenders was abeam. + +"Now, lads, aim low!" + +The four rifles opened a rapid fire. It seemed like butchery, yet, as +Mr. McKay had said, there was no alternative. Twenty human beings +cannot stop a modern rifle-bullet fired at one hundred yards' range. + +The defence seemed to melt away, and with redoubled shouts of triumph +the friendly natives started in pursuit of the fugitives, knocking over +the head all who were overtaken. + +"If those fellows won't keep in hand, they will be in danger of being +cut off," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "We must follow our friends up. +Ellerton, you stay on board, and keep our craft underway." + +Hurriedly the two McKays, Terence, and Quexo jumped into the tender, +rowed ashore, and followed the ghastly trail of the victorious natives. + +It was a hazardous undertaking, for some of the fugitives had fled +inland instead of following their main body in their retreat upon the +village. At any moment these might rally and fall upon the little band +of white men, the dense scrub being favourable for such tactics. + +There was no sign of Jimmy Blight. He had not accompanied the natives +in their first attack, although he was known to have been in the +chief's canoe, nor had he made his appearance when the white party +landed. + +"Keep a bright look-out, lads," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Have your +revolvers ready. They are more serviceable than rifles here." + +At almost every yard of the way lay natives either dead or grievously +wounded. Many of the latter were bold enough to attempt to rise and +threaten the white men. So far as possible, the wounded were ignored, +greatly to their surprise, for a savage rarely gives and never expects +quarter. + +Once or twice, however, a warrior would spring to his feet after the +white men had passed, and with his remaining energy throw his club or +spear at his enemies. In that case it became necessary to silence the +desperate native for ever. + +Suddenly from the shelter of a dense belt of scrub three powerful +blacks dashed upon Quexo, who had strayed a few yards behind the rest +of the party. + +The mulatto raised his revolver and fired, and a huge native sprang a +good three feet in the air and tumbled on his face. But ere Quexo +could repeat his shot a triple-barbed spear pierced his shoulder. He +fell, the weapon still embedded in his flesh. + +The man who had thrown the lance drew a stone knife, and threw himself +upon the prostrate mulatto, while the third native raised his club to +complete the business. + +With admirable presence of mind Quexo shot the man with the club, who +in his fall completely covered the hapless mulatto. + +Alarmed by the first shot, Mr. McKay and the two lads ran to the aid of +their companion, but ere they emerged from the bush a third shot rang +out, and the savage who had hurled the spear at the mulatto fell shot +through the head. + +Then as Andy rushed to the spot where Quexo lay, Jimmy Blight stepped +from the cover of a group of palm trees. + +"Not a bad shot, eh, boss?" he exclaimed, as he thrust fresh cartridges +into his revolver. "You'd best get your young fellow on board as quick +as you can, I reckon." + +Quexo was groaning dismally, now the actual struggle was over. The +triple spear-head had made a ghastly wound in his shoulder, for in his +fall the haft had broken off short. Mr. McKay managed to extract it +skilfully. + +In the midst of their misfortunes the roar of the combatants came +nearer and nearer. The enemy had rallied; the savages were driving +back their attackers. Already men were streaming by, flying for their +lives. + +"Guess we'd best hook it," exclaimed Blight. + +"Bear a hand, Andy," said his father, as he pointed to his helpless +servant. + +"Don't be a fool, boss!" shouted the ex-pearler, who was already +beginning to retire. "He's about done for, and we'll be the same if we +stop. Come along!" + +"Not I," replied Mr. McKay sturdily. "You go if you want to. Come on, +Andy, move him across to yonder thicket. We'll make a last stand here +if it comes to the worst." + +Something in Mr. McKay's reply must have appealed to the better nature +of this low-down specimen of the white race, for, turning swiftly on +his heel, he returned. Kneeling beside the unconscious man he helped +himself to his bandolier, revolver, and rifle. + +Without another word the four men lifted Quexo to the shelter of the +trees, and quietly and resolutely made ready to receive the horde of +triumphant savages. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII + +ELLERTON TO THE RESCUE + +Already the last of the fugitives had passed, rushing blindly for the +shelter of their canoes, and the foremost of their pursuers were +emerging from the clearing. + +Mr. McKay, cool in the time of extreme peril, calculated that only +about a hundred of their allies remained alive, while, making due +allowance for the tremendous execution, there were at least a thousand +bloodthirsty foes. Four against a thousand! + +"Don't fire yet!" he whispered. + +The main body of the savages crossed the clearing at breakneck rate, +and disappeared in the direction of the beach, but others came at a +more leisurely pace, examining those of the fugitives who had fallen. +Those who showed signs of life were bound hand and foot, for what +purpose the white men had no doubt whatever. + +Presently the keen eye of one of the savages caught a glimpse of one of +the rifle barrels. The man was evidently a chief, for, in addition to +his coat of paint, he wore a short cloak of feathers. + +Without a moment's hesitation the savage uttered a loud shout and ran +straight in the direction of the white men, followed, at a distance of +about twenty paces, by some fifty yelling natives. + +"You take that fellow, Blight!" exclaimed Mr. McKay quietly. + +Blight raised his rifle to his shoulder, took a sight in the centre of +the chief's broad chest, and pressed the trigger. + +"Missed, by smoke!" he cried, for the man came on steadily. + +It was the work of a few seconds to open and close the bolt of the +rifle, and in that time the chief still ran on; but before Blight could +discharge his weapon a second time, the native's knees appeared to give +way, and he pitched headlong on his face. + +All four men were firing fast into the hostile press. The rush was +stopped, although some of the savages came near enough to hurl their +spears, several of which stuck in the trunks of the palm trees behind +which the little band took shelter. + +Many of the attackers fled for safety, others did not deign to run, but +retired slowly, brandishing their weapons at their enemies as they did +so. Some paid for their rashness, for it was a case of fighting for +existence, and every native put out of action told. + +"The beggars are going to corral us," exclaimed Blight. "See, they are +running round to our left." + +A couple of volleys drove the natives back still farther, yet without +attempting to take cover they continued their tactics of trying to cut +off their enemies' retreat. + +The South Sea Islanders rarely resort to strategy in actual fighting. +They may, indeed, take steps to surround their enemies, and then charge +fearlessly to close quarters. + +The white men were even now surrounded, for the advanced body, having +failed to prevent the embarkation of the discomfited invaders, had been +attracted by the sound of the firing and had completed the hostile +cordon. + +In the lull that ensued, Mr. McKay contrived to place a temporary +bandage over Quexo's shoulder. The mulatto was still unconscious, but +showed no symptoms of having been poisoned by the spear thrust. + +"I wonder what Hoppy is doing?" remarked Terence, after moistening his +parched lips with a draught from his water-bottle. "I guess he's in a +terrible stew." + +"He may manage to make our friends attempt another attack. If so, we +can bolt for the shore; though I'm not going to put much faith in +that," replied Mr. McKay. "They've had too much of a licking, I fancy." + +"Pity you didn't let us burn those blessed canoes, boss; these black +rascals will be able to follow our craft now." + +"Yes, I admit I erred on the side of mercy, Mr. Blight," was the reply. +"It's my fault, and I must take the blame." + +"That comes o' being so mighty particular," retorted the ex-pearler +bluntly. "If we come out o' this I guess your opinion of a nigger will +have an almighty change. Now, stand by, for here they come." + +"Don't be taken alive, lads," continued Mr. McKay, and the next instant +the rifle-fire reopened. + +Upon the dense masses of natives every shot told, yet having only one +rifle for each front the fire was not sufficiently extended to keep the +advancing enemy at bay. + +The air was filled with shouts and shrieks, while stones and spears +flew in deadly showers. Once the magazines were empty there was no +time to recharge. The heated rifles were flung aside and the revolvers +were brought into use. + +The four men shot rapidly and well, the heavy lead bullets stopping the +headlong rush far more effectively than did the nickel rifle ammunition. + +Once again the attack failed, the savages drawing off and leaving at +least fifty of their number dead or wounded on the field. Not one of +the enemy had got within twenty yards of the death-dealing weapons of +the white men. + +"Now, boss," gasped Blight, as he bound a discoloured silk handkerchief +round a spear-scratch on his left wrist. "Shall we make a bolt for it? +We can fight our way to the shore." + +Mr. McKay pointed to the still unconscious Quexo. + +"Put a bullet through his head. He won't feel it. Why should we chuck +away our chance for a wounded nigger?" + +"Look here, Mr. Blight, I've told you before you can go if you want to. +Here are two revolvers you can take; there's a good chance now, so go, +and good luck to you! I must stay here--what do you say, lads?" + +Terence and Andy grimly signified their intention of remaining with +their stricken comrade. + +Blight saw there was a chance, but, in his opinion, far from a good one. + +Although the spot the little band had chosen for their stand was within +a hundred yards of the sea, to return to where the canoes had landed +their armed contents was at least a quarter of a mile distant. + +Then, again, directly he left cover and began to run, a hundred natives +would join in the pursuit. Even could he manage to fight his way +through the ring and outstrip his pursuers, there was a long swim in +front of him. + +Good swimmer though he was, Blight recognised that he was decidedly +inferior in speed to the amphibious natives. + +"I see it's no go, boss," he exclaimed. "So let's stick at it to the +end. Come on, you black fiends!" he added, shaking his fist at the +dark masses of warriors, as they prepared to renew the attack. + +"Don't waste a single shot," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Here's the main +attack, so direct a combined fire in that direction, till they get +within fifty yards. Then each man must look to his front and do his +best." + +The words were scarcely spoken ere the fierce yells of the savages +redoubled, and the rush began. + +Scorning to take advantage of the slightest bit of cover, they raced +furiously, leaping over the low scrub that would have stopped a +civilised race. + +Then the rattle of the rifle-fire rose above the shouts of the natives. +Scores were hit, some falling on the spot, others running several yards +ere their strength failed, while many of the wounded, in their mad +thirst for vengeance, staggered after their comrades in an endeavour to +launch themselves upon the white men. + +No longer was there need to raise rifle to shoulder. Firing from the +hip, the little knot of desperate men emptied their magazines into the +throng of natives, then, casting aside their rifles, as before, they +grasped their revolvers, hardly daring to hope to check the headlong +rush. + +Suddenly to an accompaniment of a peculiar screech, a trail of thin +smoke flashed earthwards from the sky. Then, with a terrific report, +an explosion took place right in the middle of the surging pack of +savages, and ere the cloud of dense, suffocating smoke cleared away, +the natives fled in all directions. Some, indeed, were so terrified +that they fell flat on their faces, clapping their hands to their ears +to shut out the echoes of the thunderous report. + +Those who were on the remote side of the encircling body of natives, +though far from the scene of the explosion, were also seized with +panic, and the whole crowd, save those who had been hit or were too +dazed to move, fled helter-skelter for the village. + +For a full minute none of the white men spoke. Terence and Andy looked +with utter amazement at the retreating foes; Mr. McKay and Blight, more +hardened in peril, seized the opportunity to thrust fresh clips of +cartridges into their magazines. + +"Guess a gunboat's been dropping a shell," observed Blight, who was the +first to break the long-drawn silence. + +"You are wrong," replied Mr. McKay quietly. "A shell would never throw +out a cloud of smoke like that; it's not the colour of lyddite either." + +"Then what is it? Who fired it?" + +"Young Ellerton," was the astonishing reply. + +Mr. McKay was correct in his surmise. Ellerton, on seeing his +companions start in support of their coloured allies, was not +altogether at his ease. He kept tacking the yawl, so as to be within +easy distance of the landing-place in case of a hasty retreat on the +part of the invaders. + +Gradually the sounds of the running fight died away; but no report of +firearms served to show that the white men had got in touch with their +foes. + +Seen from seaward the scrub seemed almost so thick as to be impassable. +Mr. McKay and his companions were literally swallowed up in the +trackless waste that lay beyond the low range of cliffs. + +Ellerton looked around at the canoes. Beyond a man left in each as a +boat-keeper they were deserted. Blight had vanished; when and where +the young Englishman knew not. + +Suddenly the distant report of a revolver burst upon his ears. He knew +it to be a pistol shot, for it had not the short, sharp crack of a +rifle. That meant foes at close quarters. Then came two other reports +in quick succession, followed by a prolonged silence. + +The firing reassured him. He realised that his friends were not with +their savage allies, and that they were, in consequence, between the +village and the beach. Rightly enough he guessed that they were +dealing with a party of stragglers, the noise of only three shots and +the absence of rifle-fire showed that the conflict was brief and +decisive. + +The youth tacked once more, and steered eastward along the beach. +Again the long silence filled him with a nameless anxiety. He +regretted the evil day when Blight and the natives came to McKay's +Island; but in the circumstances nothing else could be done. They had +put their hand to the plough; there was no turning back. + +Then, gradually but surely, came the sound of the natives still engaged +in conflict, unaccompanied by the report of firearms. There was no +mistaking it. Their allies were being driven back; but where were the +white men? + +Nearer and nearer came the sounds of the retreating natives and their +pursuers, till the foremost of the fugitives gained the shore. Jumping +into their canoes they pushed off, panic-stricken and utterly fatigued. +Then came the main body, a sorry remnant at most, grimly fighting their +foes at almost every step. + +Waist deep in water they fought, till the survivors contrived to escape +in their boats. Two canoes were left unmanned, their solitary +occupants paddling laboriously out of the reach of their foes. + +Nor did the pursuit cease at the water's edge, for several of the enemy +dashed boldly into the waves and swam after the retreating craft. + +One of the latter was, indeed, overtaken, and a desperate struggle +ensued between the rival natives, till the crew of another canoe, +seeing their companions' plight, returned and saved them from being +wiped out. + +Then the flotilla moved well out into the lagoon, and took up a +position beyond the yawl, the natives, many of them badly wounded, +being too exhausted to paddle another stroke. + +Ellerton was now confronted with a real peril. His friends, if alive, +were cut off; he was unable to gather any tidings from the natives, who +replied to his gestures by grunts and meaningless exclamations. + +Just then came the rattle of musketry. At all events, Mr. McKay and +his party were still in a position to offer resistance, but against +what odds? + +Just then the wind, hitherto light, died utterly away. Ellerton knew +nothing about the motor, and he himself was now in a position of peril. +Unable to move, save by using a sweep, which was hard work, he was at +the mercy of the savages, who, lining the shore, had realised his +predicament, and were preparing to swim off and carry the yawl by storm. + +Ellerton had plenty of rifles and revolvers, but even then he could not +hope to keep the mob of foes at bay. + +Seizing a rifle, he sprang upon the cabin-top and opened fire. It was +a fairly long range--some six hundred yards--but Ellerton gauged the +distance to a nicety; with the correct elevation, missing a man in that +throng was about an impossibility. A commotion showed that the shot +had taken effect. Another with equally good result! Ellerton again +felt the lust of battle. + +Suddenly, in the midst of his cool and deliberate firing, a blow from +the boom nearly knocked the youth overboard. The breeze had again +sprung up. + +Recovering himself by grasping the main shrouds, Ellerton laid his +rifle on the deck and jumped into the cockpit. He meant to steer along +the coast towards the village, and, if possible, aid his friends by a +long, dropping fire. + +His progress was slow, the wind being still light, and ere the yawl had +travelled a hundred yards the firing on shore died away. + +What did it mean? He thought. Were his companions at length +overwhelmed by dint of numbers? If so he would take revenge; he would +cruise up and down the shore and blaze away so long as a savage +remained on the beach, or a cartridge remained on board. + +And after? He gave but a brief thought to that--a solitary existence +on a boat far from the little island he regarded as his home--but the +thought filled him with the rage of despair. + +Steering by means of the tiller between his knees, Ellerton headed +diagonally towards the shore, at the same time charging the magazines +of half-a-dozen rifles. + +While thus engaged, to his astonishment and delight the sound of firing +was resumed, the scene of action being nearly abreast of where the yawl +was steering. He immediately hove-to, and again ascending the +cabin-top, looked ashore. The scrub and several small groves of +cocoanut palms prevented him from seeing the combatants, and on this +account he refrained from opening a dropping fire, for fear of harming +his friends. + +He was in a helpless state of perplexity till all at once a thought +struck him which gave him new-born hope. + +The night he and Andy kept watch on board, in the lagoon of McKay's +Island, they had taken some rockets to use should they require +assistance. These rockets were of the ordinary sea-pattern, making a +loud explosion by means of a small charge of gun-cotton. + +Hurriedly Ellerton fixed one of the rockets so that it would assume a +curved flight instead of soaring upwards, then turning the vessel's +course till the direction of the projectile would be as near as +possible towards the scene of action, he discharged the novel weapon. + + * * * * * + +"That was a lucky thought of yours, Ellerton, my boy," exclaimed Mr. +McKay, when the little party was safely on board. "They scooted like +rabbits. But, by Jove! it was a narrow squeak." + + + + +CHAPTER XIV + +ROUTING THE SAVAGES + +There was not the slightest doubt about it. The expedition had failed +disastrously. Quexo was badly wounded, the white men all more or less +exhausted, while barely forty utterly demoralised natives were cowering +in their canoes. + +"Well, we can't stay here," remarked Mr. McKay, after the mulatto's +hurts had been dressed and the wounded man placed on one of the bunks. +"They will be starting in pursuit, I'm thinking, and so, Mr. Blight, +will you tell those black rascals to man two of their canoes and +destroy the others? By that means we may be able to get the survivors +back to Ni Atong." + +Mr. McKay's opinion of the ex-pearler was undergoing a change. No +doubt the man was a bit of a scoundrel, he thought, but he was older +and possibly more of a reformed character than in the old days in +Torres Strait. He had certainly fought well and had impressed the lads +as a resolute and cautious combatant. + +"I'll tell 'em, boss," he replied. "But, by snakes, it's a bad +look-out." + +"It is," assented Mr. McKay, as he prepared to go below and bind up a +slight wound on his shoulder. "Your friends will have to be content +with Ni Atong for a while, I'm thinking." + +Andy was also in the cabin, where he was attending to a surface wound +on his forehead--the legacy of one of the savages' showers of +stones--so only Terence and Ellerton remained on deck with the +ex-pearler. + +"Couldn't the boss bring over the rest of your pals and settle our +score with those niggers?" + +"What pals?"' asked Terence, taken aback by the suddenness of the +question. + +"Why, the other chaps on your island." + +"There are none," replied Terence. + +Barely had the words escaped him, when he realised that he had made an +admission. He had revealed the comparative weakness of the defences of +McKay's Island. + +"Oh! Is that so?" was the rejoinder. + +Blight said no more on the subject, for the yawl was now within hailing +distance of the forlorn flotilla. + +The natives accepted their white companion's orders without demur. The +two most serviceable canoes were brought up with their full complement, +and the rest were scuttled till they floated awash--useless to friend +or foe. Then with a light breeze the three craft--the yawl leading the +forlorn procession--headed for the opening in the reef. + +Jimmy Blight was thinking. He was not of a thinking nature, but +scheming and plotting were the only intellectual subjects in which he +excelled. In fact, he was a past master in the art of intrigue. + +He briefly summed up the situation and enlarged upon it. His house and +store at Ahii were in the hands of a hostile race of savages. His +wealth of copra and other valuable native products had vanished. + +Had his black friends been able to regain possession of Ahii, he would +not have hesitated to incite them to fall treacherously upon the white +men from McKay's Island, and the doubtless valuable stores of that +place would be his. Now, with fewer than forty of his savage friends +at his command, the risk was too great--at least at present. + +No, he must wait his time, return to Ni Atong, and endeavour to find an +opportunity of surprising and slaying the handful of whites. If only +he dared! With a fully charged revolver he might make a sudden +attack---- + +This wicked scheming was suddenly interrupted by a shout from one of +the canoes. The keen-eyed savages had detected an ominous movement +ashore. Their enemies were launching their canoes in pursuit of their +discomfited adversaries. + +"Say, boss!" exclaimed the ex-pearler, as Mr. McKay emerged from the +little cabin. "What's to be done now? There ain't no wind, in a +manner o' speaking, and those reptiles'll overhaul us hand over fist." + +Mr. McKay did not reply at first, but anxiously scanned the shore with +his glasses. + +"There are seven canoes," he announced. "Three for us to tackle and +two for each canoe. 'Tis long odds, but I reckon we'll come out on top." + +"Why not get aboard the canoes, and let this 'ere packet go?" asked +Blight. "There'll be more chance with the blacks using their paddles. +It'll be a flat calm in a minute or so." + +"No," replied Mr. McKay. "We'll fight it out as we are, though we've +had quite enough for one day." + +The crews of the two friendly canoes were still lying on their paddles, +realising that their only hope was in remaining by the white man's +boat. Their indifference had vanished, and weapons were brandished in +a way that showed a grim determination to fight to the death. + +"Tell them to paddle for all they are worth," exclaimed Mr. McKay. + +"What for?" demanded Blight, his old aggressive manner beginning to +return. "What's the use? Let's keep together, I vote." + +"I mean to," replied Mr. McKay coolly. "Now do as I tell you." + +Sullenly the ex-pearler obeyed, and the natives, plying their paddles +to the accompaniment of a mournful chant, soon increased the distance +between them and the almost becalmed yawl. + +"Now, Andy, start the motor." + +Great was Blight's astonishment as the engine began to purr, and the +little craft shot through the water at a good eight knots. He had +never seen an internal combustion engine before. Although motor-driven +craft are common amongst the pearling and trading fleets in the +Pacific, he had left the fishing-grounds some years before the first +motor had made its appearance. + +Nor was the wonder of the crews of the friendly canoes any the less. +To them the white man's boat, vomiting clouds of vapour from the +exhaust and producing a series of rapid explosions, was nothing more or +less than a fiery-dragon. + +"We are going the pace too much," remarked Andy, for the yawl was +easily outdistancing the canoes, whose crews were showing signs of +physical distress. + +"Yes, we must stand by them," replied his father. "See, our pursuers +are gaining; you are quite sure the motor is thoroughly tuned up, I +hope?" + +"Running like clockwork," was Andy's enthusiastic reply. + +"Good! Now, lads, it's revolvers for this business. Get the canvas +off her, then. Keep well under cover; I'm going to ram the leading +canoe." + +The sails were quickly stowed, and the bowsprit run in. The five men, +revolvers in hand, kept in the cockpit so as to be sheltered by the +raised roof of the cabin. + +"Now, Ellerton, how's your nerve?" + +"Perfectly fit." + +"Then put your helm over when I give the word and strike yonder canoe +square amidships." + +The pursuers had trailed out in a long, straggling line, a couple of +hundred yards separating the foremost from the second. + +On they came, fearlessly. Ellerton could see the foam flying from the +sharp prow, the muscular backs of the straining oarsmen, and hear the +steady yet rapid thud of the paddles. Now he could discern the whites +of the eyes of the fierce-looking warriors who were gathering in her +lofty bows. + +"Make due allowance for the way she carries," cautioned Mr. McKay. +"Now, hard over!" + +The youth at the helm put all his strength against the tiller. The +yawl rolled outward as she turned, then recovering herself rushed +straight for her gigantic antagonist. + +With a yell of defiance the savages let fly a shower of arrows and +stones. The masts and deck were literally bristling with darts, while +the stones rolled like hail upon the planks. + +Under the protection of the cabin-top the white men escaped the deadly +volley, but Ellerton, gripping the tiller with a vice-like grip, felt a +hot, stinging pain in his left arm. + +Then, crash! Fair in the centre of the lightly-built fifty-feet hull +struck the sharp stem. There was a terrific splintering of wood and +the gurgling sound of inrushing water, while at the same time the fore +part of the yawl was crowded with a score of black fiends. + +[Illustration: CRASH! FAIR IN THE CENTRE OF THE LIGHTLY BUILT +FIFTY-FEET HULL STRUCK THE SHARP STEM] + +Then the revolvers barked, and the living mob of savages melted away, +and the next instant the yawl was ploughing her way over the shattered +remains of the war-canoe. + +"Hurrah!" shouted the crew. "Now for the next!" + +But the second canoe, profiting by her consort's misfortunes, turned +and paddled rapidly back, to obtain the support of the third. + +With a difference of barely one knot in speed the advantage of the +motor-driven vessel was lost, so the crew had to be content to keep out +of range of the arrows and pour in volleys from the rifles. + +It was a stern lesson, but one that was absolutely necessary, for the +remaining canoes turned tail and paddled hurriedly for the shore. + +The sharp and short conflict was ended by the return of the two +friendly canoes, whose crews, with true savage instinct, completed the +work of destruction by spearing every man whose head remained above +water. + +"Capitally done, Ellerton!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. "You--Why, what's the +matter with the lad?" + +The lad's face had turned a ghastly greyish hue, and only Andy's prompt +action saved him from falling upon the grating of the cockpit. + +"Look! He's hit!" said Andy, pointing to Ellerton's left arm, which +had hitherto been concealed. + +In a trice Mr. McKay cut away the wounded youth's shirt-sleeve. The +arrow had gone through the fleshy part of his forearm, the barb +projecting quite a couple of inches. + +"Hold his arm as firmly as you can," said Mr. McKay. + +Then, grasping the haft of the missile, he dexterously snapped it in +two. In spite of his care and skill, the slight motion caused the lad +to utter a groan; but the worst was still to come. + +Lubricating the broken shaft with some cocoanut oil, Mr. McKay told +Andy and Terence to hold Ellerton's arm tightly, so as to compress the +veins and arteries, and consequently numb the limb. Then with a rapid +and deliberate motion he laid hold of the barbed end and drew the +fragment of the missile through the wound. With a low moan Ellerton +fainted. + +"Couldn't be better," remarked Mr. McKay. "Now, lads, take him into +the cabin, and start the stove as fast as you can. I'm afraid the +arrow is poisoned." + +Andy and Terence lifted their comrade upon one of the bunks opposite to +that on which Quexo was peacefully slumbering. Mr. McKay had given the +mulatto a strong sleeping draught; he now took up a rifle, and, +withdrawing the cleaning rod, snapped it close to the "worm." + +"You might take the helm, Blight," he remarked. "You know the course? +I shall be busy for half an hour or so." + +Blight nodded. Left alone, he gave a glimpse at the compass, put the +tiller up till the vessel lay on her proper course, and motioned to the +two canoes to follow. + +Then he resumed his meditations. Everything seemed in his favour. +Half a dozen revolvers, thrown down after the fight, were within hand's +reach. In the cabin were two wounded persons and three totally +unsuspecting unarmed men. And close by were the two canoes containing +his coloured associates. What could be easier? + + + + +CHAPTER XV + +A KNIFE-THRUST IN THE DARK + +More than once Blight bent over the array of death-dealing weapons, but +on each occasion his nerve failed him. + +Accustomed as he was to deal swiftly with the natives, never hesitating +to shoot down any black creature that thwarted him, he shrank from +tackling his intended victims. + +Not from feelings of compunction did he pause; he was a coward at +heart, and the thought of a possible failure filled him with a horrible +dread. So, nervously sawing at the tiller, he gnawed his lower lip and +formed fresh plans for evil. + +Meanwhile Mr. McKay, unconscious of his peril, proceeded with his +preparations. He deeply regretted the fact that the case of surgical +instruments salved from the _San Martin_ was at that moment--like the +Dutchman's anchor--left at home, or rather on McKay's Island. In the +final hurry of embarkation that important item had been overlooked. + +Grasping the glowing portion of the cleaning rod, Mr. McKay approached +the unconscious lad. Once more telling the other two lads to hold the +patient's arm firmly, he inserted the red-hot metal into the wound. + +It was the work of a few seconds, but the operation of cauterising the +wound was accomplished. Time alone would tell whether this rude +surgery was a success or not. + +An hour later the low-lying island of Ni Atong was in sight, and just +before sunset the yawl and her two native consorts entered the lagoon. + +It was a pitiful home-coming. The miserable remnant of the fleet of +canoes told the tale, and already the beach was lined with a crowd of +wailing women and crying children, with a sprinkling of old men, whose +services had been dispensed with on the fatal expedition. + +The latter had good cause for being cast down. + +In many of the Pacific Islands old age is looked upon as a useless +qualification, and, failing a crowd of prisoners to serve as sacrifices +and to appease the warriors' appetites, it was their aged and infirm +fellow-tribesmen who were doomed to die to keep the angry gods +good-tempered. + +"Coming ashore, boss?" asked Blight, as if he did not care one way or +the other. "I can give you a shakedown in my hut." + +"I'm afraid we cannot manage it," was the reply. "You see, with our +two patients it is out of the question." + +"Well, well! Maybe it will be best, 'specially as them natives are +going to have a bit of a bust-up to-night. You mayn't like it, though +I'm used to it. When do you set sail for your own island?" + +"To-morrow at dawn." + +"Oh!" + +Mr. McKay looked up sharply. There was a strange sound about that +"Oh!" The ex-pearler realised that the exclamation was a weak +expression of regret, and hastened to explain. + +"I thought as how you would be wanting fresh water, 'specially for your +two young chaps. Make a day of it, and have a spell ashore. One more +day won't make no difference like." + +"Possibly not," assented Mr. McKay. + +"Then there are yams and plantains. They'll be rare good for feverish +fellows. You're welcome, you know." + +"I'll see what the others say. So now, Blight, my son can row you +ashore." + +"This is a present, isn't it, boss?" asked Blight, pointing to the +revolver that he had used to such good purpose at Ahii. + +"Certainly, I gave it you," was the reply. + +"Thanks!" + +Blight picked up the weapon and thrust it with assumed carelessness +into his belt; then, bidding the crew of the yawl good night, he +stepped into the dinghy. + +Hardly had the sun set, than the wearied crew retired to the cabin for +rest and refreshment. + +Ellerton was awake, feverish, and at intervals in great pain. Quexo +still slumbered. Andy and Terence were sleepily nodding their heads in +an almost vain endeavour to keep awake. + +Mr. McKay, though utterly done up, announced his intention of keeping +watch on deck the moment he had finished supper. + +Just as the moon rose, a blood-curdling roar came from the island. +Instantly the two McKays and Terence rushed on deck. Fires gleamed in +the centre of the wretched village, and around the flames danced a +hundred natives, yelling, screaming, and invoking their idols. + +"What are they up to, pater?" asked Andy, as his father scanned the +shore with a pair of night-glasses. "Let me have a look when you've +finished." + +"You had better not," was the reply. "Take my word for it." + +The lads understood. They were fairly well acquainted with the hideous +orgies that are practised on these islands. + +"And to think we helped those villains," remarked Andy. + +"Well," admitted his father, "it was, as I said before, the only course +open to us. Now, I think all danger is past. They are not strong +enough to attempt to seize our island, so we can go back with easy +minds." + +"I hope so," returned his son. "But my word, it's cost us something!" + +"I can't understand that chap Blight," said Terence. "He seemed mighty +curious to know how many of us lived on the island." + +"You told him?" + +"Yes! I let the cat out of the bag, I fear." + +"You did?" replied Mi. McKay gravely. "I'm sorry; but perhaps there's +no harm done. However, we'll set sail to-morrow morning in any case. +I, for one, will not be sorry to say good-bye to Mr. Blight. Now, +lads, you must turn in. I'll be all right here; and to-morrow, all +being well, I'll make up arrears of sleep." + +Left to himself, Mr. McKay sat in the cockpit and watched the orgies +ashore till the fires died out and the sounds of the worshippers +ceased. Half-an-hour later he appeared, to all intents and purposes, +to be lying in the stern sheets fast asleep. + +At about three in the morning the moon, now high in the heavens, threw +her beams upon a strange drama. + +Swimming with eel-like swiftness and silence towards the unguarded yawl +came three men. Two were natives, the third a white man, and each had +a glittering knife betwixt his teeth. + +Grasping the boat's stern, Blight (for it was he) listened intently. +Then, hearing only the sounds of deep slumber arising from the cabin, +he cautiously placed his foot over the bobstay, and with slow and +stealthy movement hoisted himself clear of the water. + +Having made sure that the deck was deserted, he climbed softly upon the +fo'c'sle and proceeded to unfasten his revolver, which he had secured +to the top of his head by means of a strip of cocoa fibre. + +Presently he was joined by one of the natives, and at a short interval +by the second. Creeping towards the open skylight the miscreant +listened once more. The loud ticking of the cabin chronometer and the +deep, regular breathing of the sleepers, alone broke the stillness. + +Suddenly Blight perceived Mr. McKay's form lying with his head buried +in his arm upon one of the seats of the cockpit. This was awkward. He +raised his revolver, then reflected that ere he could reach the cabin +after firing the fatal shot the occupants would be aroused. + +Sprawling full length upon the cabin-top, Blight watched the slumbering +victim with considerable misgivings, till realising that Mr. McKay was +sound asleep, he raised himself upon his elbow, and beckoned to the two +natives. Uplifting his knife, Blight made an imaginary thrust, then +pointed meaningly towards the sleeper. + +Just then a shark glided past the boat at barely an oar's length. +Rising to the surface it turned on its back and snapped at some +floating object. The sharp, almost metallic snap of those powerful +jaws filled the would-be murderer with alarm. He realised that the +sleeper might awake, and also that his own retreat was cut off. + +The sweat poured in torrents from his brow and ran down his chalky +cheeks. But the sleeping man stirred not. + +Reassured, Blight again signed to the natives. Knife in hand the two +glided along the narrow waterways, dropping noiselessly into the +cockpit, and crept towards their unsuspecting prey. + +Blight, revolver in hand, followed, stopping by the side of the cabin +bulkhead, ready to dive into the cabin and complete the murderous +business the moment the fatal blow was struck. + +Like panthers the two natives launched themselves upon their victim, +their knives flashed in the moonlight; the next instant they were +buried to the hilt in the body of the sleeper. + +Ere the weapons could be withdrawn, two shots rang out in quick +succession. One of the natives fell face foremost across the coaming +of the cockpit, the other gave a spring and plunged lifeless into the +sea. + +Then, before Blight could realise the sudden turn of affairs, he felt +the contact of the muzzle of a smoking revolver against his temple. + +"Hands up, Blight!" exclaimed Mr. McKay resolutely. + +The would-be murderer's weapon fell from his nerveless grasp and +immediately his hands were raised high above his head. + +The noise of the firing had aroused the sleeping inmates of the cabin, +and Andy, Terence, and even Ellerton rushed through the narrow doorway +into the well. + +"Get hold of a few pieces of lashing and secure the rascal," said Mr. +McKay calmly. + +"You are not hurt?" asked his son anxiously. + +"Hurt? Not a bit of it. No thanks to this beauty, though. See!" + +And, still keeping the weapon at the would-be assassin's head, he +pointed to the made-up figure of himself, in which the hilts of the two +knives glittered in the moonlight. + +Andy and Terence lost no time in securing the ankles of the prisoner. +Then ordering him to lower his hands, the lads deftly lashed his elbows +together behind his back. + +"So, Mr. James Blight, alias 'Chinese Pork,' I find your delightful +character has undergone little change during the last twenty years. +One would have thought that your unpleasant experiences in connection +with the _Sea Belle_----" + +"What d'ye mean?" gasped the prisoner, his eyes rolling heavily in his +terror. + +"I beg you not to interrupt. A connection with the _Sea Belle_ would +have taught anyone but an utter villain or a fool a lifelong lesson. I +will pass over those minor affairs at Boni Harbour and Fortescue +Strait, though by mentioning them you can realise that I know a good +deal of your former career. What you've been doing since is of little +consequence, though I'll wager that your existence will not bear +investigation. Now, to complete your record, you've been caught in the +act of attempting to treacherously slay your white--well, I won't say +friends. Thanks to a merciful Providence, your schemes were thwarted. +I am now going to keep you in custody till I can hand you over to +justice at Brisbane, where you will have a fair trial and be allowed to +answer to a number of various crimes." + +Mr. McKay paused to note the effect of his accusation, then he +continued: + +"I am going to keep you a close prisoner in the fo'c'sle till we return +to our island. You will then be kept in confinement ashore till such +time as we are able to reach some island under the control of a +recognised British governor. Have you anything to say?" + +The ex-pearler maintained a sullen silence, and, without offering any +resistance, he was carried into the fo'c'sle and locked in, there to +meditate on the fate in store for him. + +"Ellerton, go back to your bunk. You ought not to be here," exclaimed +Mr. McKay. + +"But I feel all right again," replied the youth. + +"Probably you do, but with your arm in that state absolute rest is +essential. So go. Andy, we've had enough of this island, so let's +clap on all sail and shape a course for home." + +In the moonlight the entrance through the reef was plainly visible. +There was a favourable breeze, so that the yawl could lay on her course +without having to tack. + +As the anchor rose, a long-drawn chorus of shouts of rage came from the +beach, and a swarm of arrows, all of which fell short, hurtled through +the air. + +"So much for our native allies," observed Mr. McKay. "They are all in +the swim in this business. No matter, they can do us no harm." + +To the accompaniment of a farewell shout of anger from the baffled +inhabitants of Ni Atong, the yawl glided swiftly across the moonlit sea. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI + +THE GALE + +Throughout the night the stiff little craft gallantly breasted the +waves, making a much better passage than she had done on her outward +voyage, and at sunrise the highest peak of McKay's Island appeared +above the horizon. + +But with the rising of the sun the wind increased in force, and an hour +later it was blowing half a gale, and dead astern. + +Trembling on the crest of a huge wave, then sliding with a sickening +sensation down the green slope into the trough, the little craft held +on her course, steered by Andy's sinewy arm. + +Mr. McKay, unable to keep his eyes open, lay deep in slumber upon one +of the bunks. + +Ellerton, propped up by cushions, was kept awake by the motion of the +boat, every lurch causing his wound to pain horribly. + +"Another couple of hours will find us home, Hoppy, old man," exclaimed +Terence cheerily, as he entered the cabin. "But it does blow." + +"So I should think," replied Ellerton. "But how is she behaving?" + +"Like a cork; we've only had the tail end of a couple of seas aboard. +Well, cheer up! Make yourself at home and wish you were," and with +this pleasantry Terence returned to keep Andy company. + +Each time the yawl breasted the summit of a wave, the peak of McKay's +Island could be seen rearing its head above the waste of storm-tossed +waters. Each time it did so it appeared to be getting nearer. + +Andy knew that there was danger ahead, but he forebore to mention the +fact to his chum. + +The "back-wash" from the terrible reef, with its accompaniment of a +tumble of dangerous cross-seas, had to be encountered, and the risky +passage through the coral barrier made at all costs. + +For half-an-hour more the seas, though high, were comparatively +regular, but at the expiration of that time the dinghy, which was being +towed astern, was filled by a vicious comber. The dead weight of the +water-logged craft caused the stout painter to snap like pack-thread, +and the next instant the tender was lost to view in the turmoil of +foaming water. + +"Can't we go back for her?" shouted Terence, for the howling of the +wind made ordinary conversation inaudible. + +"Impossible!" replied his chum. "She would be swamped before we hauled +to the wind. Besides, the dinghy's done for." + +"It's a rotten look-out. We shall miss her." + +"Yes," assented Andy. "But it can't be helped. Look here, Terence, +now we are going through a patch of broken water. I can see it a mile +or so ahead. We may have a few seas on board, so lash yourself to this +cleat and stand by with the bucket. You may have to bale for all +you're worth." + +Terence closed the cabin-doors. Fortunately they were close-fitting +and comparatively watertight; but, on the other hand, the cockpit was +not a self-emptying one. Whatever quantity of water broke over had to +be baled out. + +"We'll have one of those cans of kerosene out of that locker," +continued Andy. + +"Going to start the motor?" + +"No; to throw oil on the sea. Kerosene's not very heavy, but it's all +we have. Now, stand by, here it comes." + +Only a mile now separated the yawl from the entrance to the lagoon of +McKay's Island, but every yard of that mile was beset with dangers. + +Andy gripped the tiller, and braced himself for the ordeal. He had +been the chief workman in the task of converting the boat into her +present form, and now his handiwork was to be put to the test. A +faulty piece of wood, a defective screw, an unsound rope--and their +lives would have to answer for it. + +With a dull roar a white-crested wave broke over the fore-deck, burying +the little yawl as far as the mainmast; then ere she could recover +herself another comber came like a cataract over the lee quarter. Well +it was that both lads had taken the precaution of lashing themselves +on, otherwise they might have been swept clean out of the well. + +Andy, wellnigh breathless--for he had been hit in the side by the +tiller as the boat attempted to broach to--retained sufficient presence +of mind to thrust the helm up and enable the craft to meet the next +following wave stern on. + +"Bale!" he shouted. "Bale for your life!" and seizing the kerosene can +that was floating from side to side of the cockpit, he splayed a +quantity of oil over each quarter. + +Terence, who was thrown in every direction as far as his tether would +allow, struggled manfully with the bucket, but could hardly cope with +the frequent showers of spray that literally played over the boat from +every point of the compass. + +The helmsman noticed, with feelings of deepest concern, that the yawl +had made considerable headway since entering the zone of broken water, +and it would be touch-and-go whether they could avoid being carried on +to the lee side of the coral reef. + +It was now nearly high tide, and the cruel ridges were covered, +although in the trough of the heavier waves the jagged lines of +glistening coral showed themselves above the smother of foam. + +Andy tried his best to keep the boat's head towards the channel, but in +vain. She had lost ground, and was driving straight for the reef. One +chance alone remained. He must put the yawl about and endeavour to +claw-off the treacherous reef. + +Like a top the little craft responded to the shift of the helm. For a +few brief seconds the reefed head-sail slatted violently in the howling +wind; then, to the accompaniment of another tremendous sea, the yawl +staggered on her fresh course. + +Andy's idea was to sail round to the lee side of the island and cruise +about in the shelter of the reef till the gale moderated; but a few +moments sufficed to show him that the spread of canvas--already as much +as the vessel could carry--was not sufficient to take her to windward. +She was drifting broadside on to the reef. + +"Quick, Terry!" he shouted. "Tell them to stand by and make a rush +directly you open the cabin door. The yawl's done for. She'll be +smashed to splinters in five minutes." + +Mr. McKay received the appalling intelligence fairly calmly. He at +once proceeded to fasten a lifebelt round Ellerton's practically +helpless form, and then did a like service to Quexo. Nor did he forget +the prisoner, Blight. But, on sliding back the fo'c'sle hatch, he +found the man lying senseless on the floor. Either he had fainted +through sheer fright, or he had been stunned by being thrown against +one of the lockers, and bound hand and foot, had been unable to help +himself. + +Blight was no feather-weight, but in spite of the plunging and rolling +of the doomed craft, Mr. McKay gripped him with one hand and dragged +his senseless body into the cabin. Then, cutting his bonds, he +completed his work of mercy by lashing the sole remaining lifebelt +round the body of his would-be murderer. + +"You've nothing to put on," gasped Ellerton. + +"True; but I have my strength," was the reply, as Mr. McKay stealthily +girded on a leather belt in which hung a formidable sheath-knife. It +was not the thought of being cast on the waters that troubled him. +Death, should it come, would be swift and merciful. But should they +survive the dangers of the reef there was the probability of far +greater peril. + +Though he forbore to mention the fact to Ellerton, Mr. McKay thought of +the sharks, and with a fervent unspoken prayer to save them from these +creatures, he stood ready for the cabin door to be opened. + +Meanwhile Terence and Andy had cut themselves free from their lashings. +Twenty yards away the reef showed its teeth as if waiting for its prey. + +Then with a noise like the rattle of musketry, which drowned the +thunder of the breakers, the staysail burst asunder, and the yawl, in +spite of the helmsman's efforts, flew up into the wind. + +Down in the trough of a murderous sea she sank. A rapid glance astern +showed the glistening reef towering several feet above the little +craft, the white foam pouring down the honeycombed ridges as if the +rock were baring itself to strike a harder blow. + +"The door!" gasped Andy, as a gigantic roller bore down upon the reef. + +Terence unfastened the cabin door, and as Mr. McKay appeared, holding +Ellerton and Quexo in his powerful grip, the yawl seemed to stand on +end. Then, borne on the breast of the roller, the little craft was +tossed like a cork right over the rocks, her keel scraping the lee side +of the reef by barely a yard! + +The next instant the vessel was rolling sluggishly in the sullen swell +within the lagoon, with two feet of water in her cabin, yet still +afloat and in comparative safety. + +"Don't wait to bale out!" shouted Andy. "You take the helm, pater. +Run her up into the wind and we'll anchor." + +The ground swell inside the lagoon was too great to allow the yawl to +run alongside the usual jetty. They would have to wait till low tide, +when the reef would be sufficiently exposed to serve as a breakwater. + +Quickly Andy and Terence made their way for'ard to let go the anchor. + +When within a couple of hundred yards of the beach the yawl was again +put head to wind, and with a splash the anchor plunged to the bottom of +the lagoon. But just as Andy was checking the out-rushing cable, a +sudden blow from the staysail caught him unawares, and the next instant +he was struggling in the sea. + +The waves carried the lad clear of the vessel, and in spite of his +utmost efforts he was unable to regain the boat. His father hurled a +coil of rope, but the line, being wet, became entangled and fell short. + +Andy saw that it was impossible to swim back, so with a cheery wave of +his arm he pointed towards the surf-beaten shore, and immediately +struck out for land. + +For an instant Mr. McKay intended to plunge into the sea and accompany +his son on his perilous swim, till the thought of the possibility of +Blight recovering his senses occurred to him. With Ellerton and Quexo +disabled, the margin of safety was not sufficient when only Terence +remained to guard the prisoner. + +Both lads were surprised to see Mr. McKay rush into the flooded cabin +and return with a rifle and a belt of ammunition. + +"Don't alarm him," said Andy's father hurriedly. "But there may be +sharks about." + +Placing the rifle on the fo'c'sle of the heaving vessel, Mr. McKay +watched the progress of the swimmer with the greatest concern, at the +same time keeping a sharp look-out for the expected appearance of the +dreaded dorsal fin of one of the tigers of the deep. + +Steadily Andy swam shorewards, keeping up a slow yet powerful side +stroke. Now he was in the grip of the ground swell. Once his feet +touched bottom, but ere he could obtain a firm footing the "undertow" +swept him backwards. + +The next instant he was lost to sight in a white-capped roller. The +wave broke, then receded, but to the alarm of the anxious watchers +there were no signs of the swimmer. + +Quickly the wide expanse of sand uncovered; then, just as another +breaker was preparing to launch itself upon the beach, Andy sprang to +his feet. + +Knee-deep in water he rushed up the shelving shore, and managed to +grasp a ledge of rock ere he was again overwhelmed by the mighty +torrent. Fortunately he was able to retain his grasp, and directly the +rock uncovered he ran beyond the reach of the waves and sank exhausted +on the beach. + +"He'll be all right in a minute," said Mr. McKay with a sigh of relief. +"Now, Ellerton, you had better stay here while we get rid of the water; +the bunks must be saturated. Come on, Terence, we've been through a +great deal, and now, thank God, we are safely home; but all the same, +we've plenty of work to do." + +Thus exhorted, Terence assisted Mr. McKay to lower and stow the +mainsail and secure the fragment of the head sail that had caused so +much mischief. + +This done, they plied buckets and balers till the level of the water +they had shipped sank well beneath the floor-boards of the cabin. The +yawl was no longer sluggish, but rose buoyantly as each roller passed +under her. + +"This is the second gale from this quarter," remarked Mr. McKay, as +they were partaking of a hastily cooked meal. "It's taught me a +lesson. Had our boat been in her usual dock she would have been dashed +to pieces. At the first opportunity we'll lay down a heavy set of +moorings and keep her afloat. Here, thanks to the reef, the seas can +never be really dangerous, though on shore they break heavily." + +"When shall we be able to land, do you think?" asked Terence, for the +short, sharp motion of the boat as she pitched at her cable was +beginning to prove distressing, both to him and Quexo. + +"In a matter of three hours Andy will be able to launch the other +tender. We will then lay out another anchor, so as to make doubly +sure, and get ashore. Is Andy still on the beach?" + +Terence went out of the cabin, and on returning reported that his chum +was ascending the cliff path. + +"Now we'll secure this fellow Blight once more. I see he's coming +round," continued Mr. McKay. + +Placing the prisoner again in the fo'c'sle he did not attempt to secure +his arms and legs. He merely tied the man's thumbs with a piece of +strong but fine cord, so that his arms were kept behind his back. +Unless he attempted to struggle, the prisoner would feel but slight +inconvenience, while this method was a perfect means of keeping him in +a state of utter helplessness. + +Shortly after this was done Mr. McKay went on deck "to have a look +round." Gazing landward, he saw Andy standing on the edge of the lower +terrace, striving to attract his attention by means of a handkerchief +tied to a stick. + +"There's Andy calling me up in the Morse code," said Mr. McKay. "I +wonder what's up? Terence, will you please hand me over that +signalling flag from the for'ard port locker?" + +Andy, though not an expert signaller, knew the Morse system fairly +well. Slowly he transmitted the startling message: + +"_The house has been broken into!_" + + + + +CHAPTER XVII + +BACK TO THE ISLAND + +Without hesitation Mr. McKay replied: + +"Do not go to the house. Remain on beach till you can launch boat." + +Andy gave the A.F., showing that he understood the signal, and +descending to the shore proceeded to divest himself of most of his +sodden clothing. + +"There's something amiss ashore, lads," explained Mr. McKay. "Andy's +just informed me that the house has been broken into. Of course, it +may be another unfortunate party of shipwrecked mariners, or a hurried +visit of the crew of a passing ship. All I hope is that there are no +natives on the island." + +"I wonder if any remained after the canoe left," remarked Ellerton. + +"Quite possible. I never thought of that, by Jove! They might have +slipped away in the night in order to steal all they could lay their +hands upon. In that case there are only a few. We may be able to hunt +them out without much trouble. Still, I'm sorry it's happened." + +From the cabin Mr. McKay produced his pair of marine glasses. After a +prolonged examination he exclaimed: + +"Yes, the door is ajar. I feel certain I closed it when I left." + +"We'll soon see what's amiss," said Terence. "See, the reef is +uncovering and the wind is dropping." + +"Yes, it is," assented Mr. McKay. "Andy will be able to put off in the +boat in less than an hour. Ellerton, I think you had better remain on +board." + +"Why, sir?" + +"Because of your arm." + +"I'll take care of it. Besides, I can use a revolver with my sound +limb if necessary." + +"Very well, then; only don't blame me if anything goes wrong. Quexo +must stay in any case. There's no need to worry about Blight." + +In less than the predicted time Andy succeeded in rowing the small boat +safely through the rapidly subsiding swell. Directly he came +alongside, Mr. McKay and the two lads slipped on board, and with no +greater inconvenience than a thorough drenching--to which they were now +perfectly accustomed--the party landed at the natural quay at the foot +of the path leading up to the house. + +Everything appeared quiet. A hasty glance at the two storehouses on +the lower terrace revealed the astonishing discovery that nothing had +been disturbed. + +"Strange," exclaimed Mr. McKay. "One would have thought that these +would be the first places to be ransacked. Now, carefully, lads! Keep +your firearms ready." + +Cautiously they scaled the cliff path and gained the terrace on which +the house stood. Still no signs of human beings, except that the door +was half open. + +Mr. McKay knocked quietly, then, pushing open the door, he entered. A +strange sight met his gaze. Everything movable had been upset or +pushed out of place; the floor of the living-room was littered with +bedding and the fragments of earthenware vessels. + +"The brutes!" ejaculated Mr. McKay savagely. "They've capsized +everything out of sheer mischief. I hope I'll be able to lay my hands +on them." + +The lads, not without feeling of mysterious awe at the scene of wanton +desolation, crossed the floor of the room and entered the sleeping +quarters. + +Here the state of confusion was, if possible, greater than in the outer +apartment; but a clue to the mystery was afforded by the discovery of +the dead body of a sheep, its head wedged in between the bars of a +chair. + +"Why," exclaimed Andy, "the sheep have broken out of their pasture! + +"Yes," replied his father. "They managed to find their way into the +house, though how I cannot imagine. Something must have frightened +them and there was a mad stampede. This poor brute contrived to get +his head jammed in the chair, and in his struggles he broke his neck. +We've had a rare fright, but, after all, there's nothing of consequence +that cannot be set right." + +"Hadn't we better get Quexo ashore before it gets dark?" + +"Certainly, and Blight as well. I think the best place we can put him +is in the small store. He'll be all right for one night, though I'm +sorry to keep him bound." + +"The treacherous reptile deserves no consideration." + +"My dear Andy, we are not Nicaraguan revolutionaries. So long as he +remains our prisoner we ought to treat him with the same amount of +consideration that any other British criminal receives while awaiting +trial. To-morrow we must find a place better suited for his reception." + +"There's the farthermost cave, the one beyond those where we've stowed +the dynamite," observed Andy. "There's not much in it at present; we +can build a partition over the opening and make a door." + +"Yes, it will be far more comfortable than his quarters in Ni Atong. +We'll make a start to-morrow." + +Accordingly Mr. McKay and his son put off in the dinghy--which, by the +way, was the larger though more awkwardly-shaped part of the _San +Martin's_ gig--and transferred Quexo to the shore. The poor fellow was +in a bad state, though his wound showed no signs of complications. +Ellerton had had his hurts attended to as soon as the house was set in +order. Beyond the inflammation caused by the searing-iron, his wound +gave no reason for undue anxiety. + +"Now then, out you come," ordered Mr. McKay sternly, as Andy and he, +armed in case of emergency, returned to the yawl. + +Blight obeyed. Indeed, there was no option. His face was a picture of +utter cowardice and terror. + +"You ain't going to shoot me?" he whined. + +"No!" replied Mr. McKay. "I've already told you what I intend to do +with you. So long as you behave yourself you'll be treated +properly--far better than you deserve." + +With that the would-be assassin took his place in the boat, Mr. McKay +seated beside him with a revolver in his hand, while Andy rowed. + +On arriving at the shore the captive's eyes were bandaged, and, still +secured by his thumbs, he was led up to the first terrace and placed in +the storehouse. Mr. McKay then severed the cord that bound him, the +door was locked, and the rogue left to his own reflections. + +The following day was an exceptionally busy one. Ellerton, being +unable to do any hard work, was dispatched into the grove to "round up" +the sheep, while the three sound members of the establishment, after +having conveyed the prisoner his food and water, set off for the cave +that was to be prepared for his quarters. + +It was situated on the extreme end of the upper terrace, where the +level stretch of ground tapered away till it ended in the sheer face of +a high precipice. + +Outside the mouth of the cave was a belt of grass land about ten yards +in width, the cliff falling to a depth of about seventy feet, while +above the cave the rocks, too smooth to afford a foothold, towered to +nearly a hundred feet. + +The cave was quite fifty feet in depth, and averaged ten feet in width, +while its height in places was over twenty feet. Its entrance, +however, was barely four feet wide and six in height. + +"There won't be much light for the poor beggar when once we've inclosed +the entrance," remarked Andy. + +"That is so," replied his father. "I really don't see why we couldn't +inclose a strip of land between the two cliffs, and let him have the +run of it." + +"How inclose it?" + +"I think we can spare enough of the galvanised iron sheeting to make an +unclimbable fence. Each sheet is ten feet in height, is it not?" + +"Certainly not less." + +"Then we'll make a start. Although we cannot possibly hope to complete +the work to-day, we may reasonably expect to finish it to-morrow +afternoon." + +The soil proved to be fairly soft, so that it was necessary to sink the +base of the iron sheets at least two feet into the ground. Strong +timber uprights with cross-braces of railway iron served to make the +fence secure, a doorway being left to afford means of communication +with the prisoner's quarters. + +"I think we have taken every possible precaution," remarked Mr. McKay, +after the fence was completed and the bedding and the other necessary +articles for the ex-pearler's use had been placed in the cave. "Of +course, this business entails a considerable amount of extra work, for +besides the feeding arrangements we must make a thorough examination of +the fence every day." + +"Why? He cannot possibly pull it down, and I'm sure he will not be +able to scale the wall." + +"There are at least two ways he might manage to escape. He could +either burrow under the fence, or he might manage to spring from the +top of a pile of furniture on to the upper edge of the wall. If we +make a point of examining both sides of the fence twice a day, we shall +be able to detect any sign of a tunnel; while it is unlikely that an +effort to scale the wall will meet with any success, for the edge of +the iron sheets is sharp enough to cut through his hands should he make +a leap at it. I'll talk to him pretty straight and let him know what +to expect if he does manage to escape, though, at the same time, it +will be an anxious business for us while he's at large--if he's fool +enough to try it." + +That evening Blight was conducted to his new quarters, duly cautioned +as to his behaviour, and safely locked up; and from that day the +"prison yard," as Terence termed it, was carefully examined night and +morning. + +It was, as Mr. McKay predicted, a severe strain on their time, for to +guard against a surprise it was necessary that two people, armed in +case of emergency, should make a visit to the prisoner twice daily. + +At the first opportunity a strong set of moorings was laid down off the +little stone quay, sufficiently clear of the shore to be out of the +range of breaking rollers. Here the yawl was to make her future berth, +the dinghy being kept on the beach well beyond the reach of the tide. + +It was proposed to make a trip at an early date to the Marquesas, there +to hand over the criminal into the charge of the British Consular Agent. + +The planning of this voyage necessitated much thought, for Mr. McKay +was loath to abandon the island entirely. + +On the one hand he did not like to let Andy and Ellerton make the +voyage with the prisoner; on the other, he did not like to leave +Terence and Quexo, and, perhaps, Andy, alone on the island. + +"I have been wondering," he remarked, "whether my brother and your five +cousins would care to join us. There are boundless possibilities in +the place, and I don't think they would mind a change. Once we have a +few more members of the little colony, we can spare a few months to +visit our respective homes. Ellerton, I know, would be pleased to see +England again. And you, Terence, would you not like to return to 'Our +Lady of the Snows'?" + +"Rather!" replied Ellerton. "I should be awfully glad to see my people +again; but, I must admit, I haven't had enough of McKay's Island. I +should like to spend a great deal of my life here." + +"And I, too," added Terence. + +"Gently, lads, gently!" replied Mr. McKay. "You must remember that, +although the island can be made self-supporting--for there's tons of +copra to be had, and I have no doubt that the bed of the lagoon is +covered with pearl oysters--the idea of living here is not altogether +favourable. It wouldn't be good for us to have only each other's +company for long. I'll not deny that this open-air, free-and-easy life +is splendid from a physical point of view, but isolation tends to +destroy one's mental powers." + +"Then you advise me to get away from the island as soon as I can, and +never return to it?" + +"Not at all. You misunderstood me, Ellerton. The island is as much +yours as it is mine, or Terence's. What I meant to imply was that once +we can open up communication with the regular ports of call, so that we +can leave whenever we wish to, the better it will be for all of us. +But once abandon the island it becomes the property of the next comer. +To put the matter briefly, I intend to sit tight here; but should any +of you go away for, say, even three or four years, you will be welcome +to return and secure your part of the commonwealth--such as it is." + +Finally it was decided that Blight should be kept on the island for the +present, and that Ellerton and Andy should attempt to navigate the yawl +to the Society Islands, communicate with their friends at home, and +also write to the Agent at Fiji requesting that a British gunboat be +dispatched to ratify the annexation of McKay's Island. + +They could then return and await events. + +A week or more passed. Preparations for the voyage were pushed +forward, and at length everything was ready for the lads' adventurous +expedition. + +"Now, lads, turn in early, for you may not get a good night's rest for +some days," observed Mr. McKay, on the evening prior to the day fixed +for their departure. + +The advice was acted upon, but Ellerton could not sleep. The night was +sultry, not a breath of wind rustled the leaves of the palm-trees. +Mosquitoes buzzed in and out of the room, while without the glow of the +fire-flies betokened a spell of fine weather. + +Uneasily the lad tossed from side to side on his bed. A stray mosquito +managed to pass the meshes of the mosquito-net, and settled down to +business, his object of attack being the lad's nose. + +Ellerton knew that rest could only be obtained by killing the insect, +so sitting up he began his plan of campaign. + +Suddenly his ear caught the sound of the long-drawn shriek of a +concertina, followed by a chorus of shouts and exclamations of surprise. + +In an instant he was out of bed. + +"Wake up! Wake up!" he shouted, shaking the heavy sleepers with +unsparing hand. "The savages are upon us!" + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII + +A SURPRISE FOR THE INVADERS + +Hastily throwing on portions of their clothing and seizing their rifles +and revolvers, which, by a general custom, were in variably kept +loaded, the four white men prepared to dash out of the house. + +"Don't show a light on any account," cautioned Mr. McKay. "We must let +the storehouses go and hold this terrace." + +It was a complete surprise. The natives, who had wrested Ahii from its +former owners, had followed up their success in driving off the +invaders by paying a return visit to Ni Atong. The population of that +island had either been killed or reserved for a more lingering death, +and from one of the latter their captors learnt of the existence of +McKay's Island and its wealth of metal goods so prized by the South Sea +Islanders. + +Accordingly ten large canoes set out on an expedition to raid the white +men's dwelling. + +Arriving within sight of the peak of the island, they kept in the +offing till night, then with torches blazing aloft they found the +passage into the lagoon, and, paddling rapidly, landed on the beach +below the settlement. + +Thereupon three hundred powerful savages, armed with club, bow, spear, +and knife, and bearing torches, began the ascent of the path that led +to the three terraces. + +The lower storehouse was their first discovery. Quickly finding that +no white men were within, the host of warriors resumed their advance. +Some, however, tempted by the various articles stored in the building, +began to help themselves. + +Then it was that a savage laid hold of the concertina that Ellerton had +brought from the wreck and had hitherto been left neglected in the +store. The native was examining his prize in the torchlight, when, +happening to come into collision with another plunderer, the concertina +gave out a startling screech as if to atone for its days of idleness. + +Dropping the musical instrument of torture like a live coal, the savage +rushed from the building, his yells of terror being taken up by his +companions. This diversion was the cause of alarming Ellerton, and +consequently saving the inhabitants of McKay's Island from a massacre. + +"Aim low, lads!" shouted Mr. McKay. "Let 'em have it!" + +The conflict was short and sharp. Although many of the attackers got +within throwing distance, not a single native succeeded in gaining the +top of the steep and narrow path. + +They fled hurriedly to the shore, where they rallied to await the dawn. + +"Anyone hurt?" inquired Mr. McKay. + +There was a general reply in the negative, though in the heat of the +firing there had been several narrow escapes, for the ground was +bristling with spears and littered with stones, which, had they struck +anyone, would have caused serious if not fatal wounds. + +In the excitement Ellerton had forgotten his crippled arm, and had used +a rifle equally as well as his comrades; but the exertion had caused +the blood to flow afresh. + +"Rotten luck, I call it," he grumbled as Andy readjusted the bandage. +"You must load at least a dozen revolvers for me. Thank goodness it's +my left arm." + +"It's a fair surprise," remarked Mr. McKay. "We've our work cut out to +drive them off. Won't they play old Harry with the storehouse--and the +yawl." + +"Oh!" exclaimed Andy in dismay, at the thought of his particular +treasure being in the hands of the savages. "Whatever can be done to +save it?" + +"Nothing, I'm afraid," replied his father. "Perhaps if the mischief is +not already done and the vessel holed, we can keep them off with a long +range fire, though I can hold out no strong hopes in that direction. +The plain truth is, that we are in a tight corner, and we must make the +best of it." + +For some minutes the defenders kept silence, listening to the subdued +sounds of their foes. + +"Look here," said Mr. McKay, "it's no use sitting here and doing +nothing. Terence, will you go back to the house and bring three or +four spades? We'll dig a shelter trench along the edge of the cliff so +as to be able to command the path without unduly exposing ourselves to +the rascals. Andy, you had better go with him and bring some more +rifles and some ammunition." + +Upon the lads' return, the little band set to work to throw up their +defences, and barely had the work been completed ere the day broke. + +"There are not so many of them after all," remarked Andy, when the full +strength of the attacking party was revealed. "We had greater odds at +Ahii." + +"And a worse position," added his father. "We can hold out here, I +fancy, but we cannot prevent the damage to our stores and gear. See, +they've begun again." + +Numbers of the savages were engaged in looting the store, while others, +to Andy's great disgust especially, had paddled off to where the yawl +lay at her moorings. + +"Now," exclaimed Andy, setting the backsight of his rifle. "Eight +hundred yards!" + +"That's about the range," assented his father, and four rifles opened +fire upon the daring natives, Ellerton contriving to rest the barrel of +his weapon upon the ridge of the earthwork, so as to avoid using his +damaged arm. + +The bullets all fell close to the yawl, several of the natives being +hit; but possibly in their hour of triumph the savages scorned the +white men's weapons. Casting off the moorings, they leisurely towed +the yawl out towards the reef and plundered her. + +Great was the defenders' rage to see the blacks hacking at the rigging, +sails, and cordage, throwing the contents of the cabin-lockers into the +bottom of their canoe, and wrenching the metal cleats, hinges, and +shroud-plates from her hull. This done, a powerful savage stove a hole +in the craft, and slowly sinking by the stern, she at length plunged to +the bottom of the lagoon. + +"It's hard lines, Andy," exclaimed his father as he paused to recharge +his magazine. "But I'm afraid we shall have to make greater sacrifices +before this affair is over." + +"We seem to have horrible bad luck," replied Andy savagely. "First at +Ahii, and now here." + +"Remember we were saved by the merciful intervention of One above," +added Mr. McKay. "And if it please Him, we'll come out of this in +safety. We've had a lot to be thankful for." + +"I know, but all the same it's hard lines. Take that, you brute!" Andy +added, pressing the trigger. + +It was a splendid shot. A group of natives had begun to batter the +yawl's tender to splinters. They were a good four hundred yards away, +but Andy's shot struck a tall savage, clad in a gorgeous cloak of white +and red feathers, fairly between the shoulder-blades. + +Andy had laid aside his rifle immediately after discharging it, and had +snatched up a pair of field-glasses. The effect of the chief's +death--for a chief he evidently was--caused the wreckers to abandon +their task, and they fled to join their fellows under the shelter of +the lowermost cliff. + +"They are preparing for another rush," observed Terence. + +"Yes. I wish we had a Maxim or two," replied Andy. "That would stop +them." + +"I have an idea," exclaimed Ellerton. "I can best be spared, so I'll +run over to the caves and bring back a few sticks of dynamite and some +detonators." + +"Good! Good!" replied Mr. McKay. "You're a wonder, Hoppy. Mind how +you come back, and don't stumble, or we won't be able to find even your +fragments." + +Ellerton set off on his self-imposed mission, and presently returned +with about fourteen pounds of dynamite and half a dozen time-fuses. + +"What do you propose to do?" asked Terence. "Make a bomb and roll it +over the cliff?" + +"No!" replied the youth. "We can load up one of those trucks, set the +time-fuse, and turn the thing adrift." + +"It will mean good-bye to our storehouse," observed Mr. McKay. "But +that cannot be helped, so let's to work; they'll be rushing us in a few +minutes." + +At the top of the cable-railway stood three empty trucks. In ordinary +circumstances these would be filled with water, and their increased +weight would cause them to descend and, at the same time, bring up the +loaded trucks from the shore or the storehouse. Half-way down the +line, and almost abreast of the building, were three other trucks, +waiting to be loaded should occasion require. Around these trucks, +which were invisible from the upper terrace, were most of the savages, +who were massing for the attack at the base of the second terrace. + +"You are quite sure you can unshackle the thing easily?" asked Mr. +McKay. "If there's a hitch we shall be the ones to be blown to +smithereens." + +"I'll make sure of it," replied Ellerton, and securing the lowermost of +the three trucks to the second one by means of a piece of rope, he +unfastened the proper connecting shackles. + +Then placing the explosive in the truck he asked Mr. McKay to take the +time. + +"It's set for four minutes," he announced. "Half-a-minute will be +quite enough, so at three and a half minutes from the time the fuse is +lit I'll cut the rope and off she'll go." + +"Stand back, you fellows! If it goes wrong we need not all be blown +sky-high. Are you ready? Stand by!" + +The fuse began to hiss and splutter. Ellerton, knife in hand, kept his +eyes fixed on Mr. McKay, who, standing fifty yards off, held his watch +before him. + +"Precious long three and a half minutes," thought the lad. + +It was not a pleasant task standing within two yards of a +highly-charged explosive. More than once he felt tempted to cut the +rope and let the truck go. + +"Time?" he shouted huskily, for his heart seemed literally in his +throat. + +"No, not yet," replied Mr. McKay. + +Realising the strain on the plucky youth, he began to walk slowly in +the direction of the truck. + +"Stand back, sir!" + +Mr. McKay stopped and slowly raised his hand. + +"Stand by! Let go!" + +One swift sweep of the sharp blade and the cord was severed. Slowly +the truck began to gather way, then moving with increased speed it +plunged on its headlong course. + +Ten seconds later--before the fuse had time to complete its work--the +descending truck crashed into the stationary ones. There was a +deafening roar, a cloud of dust, in which was mingled a number of +heavy, shapeless objects, and then an ominous silence, broken only by +the crash of some fragments of wood and metal hurled high in the air by +the explosive. + +Rushing to the edge of the cliff the four defenders gazed upon the +result of their stratagem. + +Where the trucks had stood gaped a pit six feet in depth, for one of +the peculiarities of dynamite is that it shows its power mainly where +it meets resistance. Of the storehouse scarce a vestige remained, +while the double line of rails had been uprooted for a distance of +nearly twenty yards. + +The havoc wrought amongst the savages was appalling. So many were +killed that had the white men so wished it they could have fallen upon +the survivors and exterminated them; but such was not their intention. + +"We must act with prudence or we shall be left with fifty wounded +savages on our hands," said Mr. McKay. "Those who are unhurt will take +to their canoes, and leave the others to their fate, and that won't do!" + +"How can we stop them taking to their canoes?" asked Andy. + +"By taking advantage of their cowed condition and disarming them. +Come, let's to work." + +Fearlessly the four defenders descended the path to the lower terrace. + +"We'll begin with those fellows first!" exclaimed Mr. McKay, pointing +to a group of natives cowering, with their hands over their eyes, +against a spur of the cliff. "Stand by with your revolvers in case +they resist." + +There was no resistance. Passively the savages allowed Mr. McKay to +remove their weapons, which had fallen from their nerveless grasp. + +Seizing one man firmly but gently, Mr. McKay dragged him from his +companions. The native's face bore a strong resemblance to that of a +sheep led to the slaughtering-block; no doubt he thought he was to be +slain. + +Escorted by the three lads the prisoner was taken to the fringe of the +cocoa-nut grove, where Mr. McKay presented him with a branch of a +palm--the almost universal emblem of peace. + +At this the native began to see a chance of having his life spared, and +Mr. McKay, pointing to the canoes and then to the wounded savages, made +signs to the man that they desired their crippled enemies to be placed +in the native craft. + +This experiment was tried upon some of the other unharmed savages, with +equally good results, and quickly recovering their senses the natives +set to work with a will. + +One powerful-looking savage, however, refused to deliver up his club, +but instead made a sudden rush at Mr. McKay with the evident intention +of knocking him over the head. + +Mr. McKay had discarded his rifle, and his revolver was in the side +pocket of his pyjama coat. Coolly his hand sought his pocket, and +without attempting to withdraw the weapon he discharged it at his +assailant, who was barely five yards off. + +The heavy bullet, striking the man full in the chest, laid him dead on +the ground, while the other savages, awestruck at the sight of one of +their number being killed by no visible agency, were again thrown into +a state of panic. + +At length all the wounded were distributed between five of the canoes. +Then Mr. McKay made signs for the rest of the natives to embark, +keeping the other five canoes on the beach, and within an hour of the +explosion the sorry remnant of the invaders was paddling back towards +the island of Ahii. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX + +THE PRISONER'S ESCAPE + +"Do you think they will ever return?" asked Terence. + +"I think they have had enough," replied Mr. McKay. "They've had a +lesson." + +"And so have we," added Ellerton, dolefully regarding the fragments of +the storehouse and the shattered line of rails. + +"And our boat; how shall we be able to leave the island now?" asked +Andy. + +"Perhaps the damage done to that is not so great as we imagine. With +the help of these canoes we may be able to raise her. But we'll go +into that question later. At present I feel as if I could enjoy a good +square meal." + +So back to the dwelling-house they went, where Quexo, who had been +quaking all the time, was reassured. + +"Don't you think we could rig up an electric alarm?" said Terence +during the progress of the meal. "There's plenty of insulated copper +wire in the small store." + +"It would be as well," replied Mr. McKay. "We might have a return +visit; though, as I said before, I don't anticipate one." + +"But some natives from another island might try and surprise us," said +Andy. "News travels quickly, and perhaps we might again be favoured +with the unwelcome attentions of these savage gentry." + +"And I tell you what," continued Terence, waxing enthusiastic, for +electrical engineering was his strong point, "we brought one of the +_San Martin's_ searchlights ashore. I'll try and fix it up and connect +it with the dynamo." + +"We'll see what's to be done. But now, how about Blight? It's time we +paid him a visit." + +"I guess he's been wondering what the dust-up was about," remarked +Andy, as he prepared the prisoner's daily ration. + +Andy and Terence were deputed to visit the prisoner, and, armed as +usual and carrying a supply of food and water, they set off for the +fenced-in dwelling. + +From the elevation of the upper terrace they could see the distant dark +brown sails of the canoes, for the wind was light and their progress +had been slow. + +"They'll have a nice yarn to pitch into their friends when they +return," observed Terence. + +"They stood a good chance of pitching into us," replied Andy grimly. +"The rascals!" + +For his mind was still sore on the subject of the scuttled yawl. + +On arriving at the fence Andy put down his load, and producing a key +unlocked the door. The space without the cave was deserted. + +"Strange," muttered Andy. "Blight is generally anxious for his food." + +Carefully relocking the door, the lads made their way to the mouth of +the cave. Here, too, silence reigned. + +"Blight! Where are you?" + +There was no answer. Andy repeated the call, but without result. + +"Is he asleep, or is he dead?" asked Terence, and gripping their +pistols the two lads entered the cave. + +Contrasted with the brilliant sunshine without, the apartment seemed +plunged into utter darkness, but by degrees the lads' eyes grew +accustomed to the gloom. + +"Be careful," whispered Andy. "Perhaps he's up to some of his tricks." + +"You locked the door in the fence?" + +"Yes." + +"Then let us explore the cave thoroughly." + +This they did, penetrating into the cavern and examining every recess +as they advanced, till the daylight which filtered in was insufficient +to allow them to continue their search. + +"Where's his lamp? I know the pater let him have one." + +"I saw it on a ledge close to the entrance. Have you any matches?" + +Andy had; matches were becoming scarce on McKay's Island, and whenever +possible a burning glass was used for obtaining fire. Being, in this +case, without his magnifying glass, Andy had to use one of the precious +hoard of matches that he kept in a watertight gun-metal case, and +lighting the lamp the two explorers resumed their search. + +"He's gone right enough," exclaimed Terence, as they "drew blank." + +"But where? And how?" + +"Goodness only knows. Let's run back and tell the others." + +Mr. McKay was greatly upset at the news, and seizing a light rifle he +strode off towards the prisoner's quarters, accompanied by the three +lads. + +"Did you leave the door open?" he inquired, as they came in sight of +the fence. + +"Yes," replied Andy. "I was in a hurry to tell you, and what does it +matter now that the man has escaped?" + +"For all we know he might have been lying concealed within the fence +the whole time you were looking for him, and finding the door unlocked +after you left he coolly walked out. Andy, I'm surprised at such +carelessness." + +It was seldom that Mr. McKay was annoyed with his son, but the apparent +laxity was enough to justify his displeasure. + +With Blight roaming about the island, the existence of the others would +be a continual round of anxiety. The man was no ordinary criminal. He +was versed in all the wiles of the savage life, possessed of +considerable strength, skill, and reliance, and was not above resorting +to treachery and murder to gain his ends. + +A careful examination of the outside of the fence revealed no signs of +a burrow under the iron sheeting, but close to the part of the wall +that touched the cliff there were unmistakable signs of a man's feet. + +"There you are! He did not escape by the door after all, Andy," +remarked his father. "See, these two footprints close together show us +that he jumped, and, what is more, jumped skilfully, for there are no +traces of his heels. We'll find out how he scaled the fence by +examining the other side." + +Entering the door, the gaolers found that Blight had cut a number of +niches in the rock and had thus managed to climb to the top of the +fence. The cutting of these footholds must have taken a considerable +time, and in spite of the daily examination of the ground for any sign +of a tunnel, the niches had escaped observation. + +"You see how he hoodwinked us," said Mr. McKay, pointing to the little +heap of dried grass and mud. "He dug out those footholds and filled +them up with grass and clay, so that they presented the same appearance +as the rest of the cliff. Now, lads, we must find him, and the sooner +the better." + +Accordingly they returned to the house, where Terence was told off to +remain on guard with Quexo in the event of the escaped prisoner +breaking in and securing arms. The mulatto, though far from having +recovered from his injuries, was strong enough to use a pistol, so the +two could hold the dwelling-house against a surprise. + +Having supplied themselves with enough provisions for the day, the two +McKays and Ellerton set out on the trail of the fugitive. Mr. McKay +and his son took rifles and revolvers and also an axe to "blaze" the +palm-trees, while Ellerton, by reason of his damaged arm, carried a +revolver only in addition to his canvas knapsack containing his share +of provisions. + +Tracking was a new experience to the English lad, and he could not help +wondering at the keenness displayed by father and son as they followed +the scantiest trail. + +Andy would walk with considerable speed for a hundred yards, his eyes +fixed upon the ground; while Mr. McKay would follow at his heels, at +the same time keeping a sharp look-out on all sides in order to guard +against a sudden attack. + +Then the order would be reversed, Mr. McKay following the trail, and +his son acting as a cover to his father. + +For nearly a mile the track was fairly well-defined, though Ellerton +had to confess that he would have failed to notice it. + +The fugitive had skirted the base of the cliff, then plunging into the +palm grove, he had gone by a round-about way towards the left; and was +evidently heading for the thickly-wooded belt of land surrounding the +base of the highest peak of the island. + +Then the pursuers met with an unexpected rebuff. The trail led up to a +broad tract of barren country, the surface of the land consisting of +rocky mounds covered with a deposit of lava--the result of volcanic +action many years previously. + +"This kind of stuff extends right up to the base of the peak," said +Andy. "We had a rough scramble when Quexo and I climbed the mountain. +I know what it's like. There are hundreds of rifts where a man might +hide himself." + +"He's covered his tracks," announced Mr. McKay. "See, he's gone in +that direction, then back again and off in entirely the opposite way." + +"And the trail is getting very much fainter," added Andy. + +"It's my belief that he's lying low within a few yards of us," +continued his father. "It's an admirable hiding-place, but it's +certain that he must have food, so he's bound to make for the cocoanuts +and bread-fruit trees sooner or later. That's why he's doubled on his +tracks." + +"We must double on our tracks before long," replied Andy. "That is, if +we don't want to spend a night in this wilderness." + +"That's what I intend to do," said his father in a low voice. "I want +you two to go back to the house. Make plenty of noise, and grumble at +having been unsuccessful. I'm going to remain here." + +"Alone?" queried Andy. + +"Hist! Don't speak so loud. Yes, alone. You don't imagine I'm afraid +to tackle an unarmed man, do you? Now, listen to what I have to say. +It will be dark in an hour or so, but the moon will rise at nine +o'clock. Make your way here at sunrise to-morrow, and I'll warrant +you'll find me safe enough--and not alone, I hope." + +Andy knew that it was no good arguing, and the two lads set off towards +their home. The blazed track was followed without difficulty, and just +as the sun set they emerged from the forest and gained the terrace on +which the house stood. + +"Where's Mr. McKay?" asked Terence. + +"Left behind." + +"Left behind? What for? Has anything gone wrong?" + +"I hope not. He insisted, so there was no help for it. We've to +rejoin him at sunrise to-morrow," replied Andy. + +All that night the lads did not attempt to sleep. Filled with anxiety, +they listened intently for the sound of a rifle shot. The air was +perfectly still, and though the strained nerves of the watchers caused +them to hear a variety of imaginary sounds, no reassuring report of +firearms broke the echoes of the palm-groves. + +"Look here," exclaimed Ellerton, after hours of weary vigil, "the +moon's up quite enough to allow us to find our way; so let's make a +start." + +Andy shook his head. + +"You ought to know the pater well enough by this time, Hoppy. It's +rotten hanging about here, I admit, but it's part of the game. So +let's make the best of it." + + + + +CHAPTER XX + +THE ENEMY IS CORNERED + +Mr. McKay, left to himself, prepared for his all-night watch. His +hiding-place consisted of a crevice which commanded a view of the route +his companions had taken. Standing upright he could also see over the +rock in which he was concealed, though prudence urged him not to show +his head above the gaunt stone walls of his lair. + +He rested himself on a convenient ledge, and waited, with his rifle +across his knee. Then, as the sun set and intense darkness brooded +over the land, he braced himself for his task. Instinct told him that +the fugitive would skulk in the rocks till the moon rose; then in all +probability he would prowl for food. + +More than once Mr. McKay fancied he heard the crunching of a boot upon +the pumice stone. Twice he grasped his rifle, as a dark shadow seemed +to loom up against the darkness. + +"Imagination," he remarked to himself. "What is the matter with my +nerves?" But a finger pressed upon his wrist showed him that his pulse +was beating regularly. + +Then came a sound that could not possibly be mistaken--a smothered +sneeze. + +Blight was within a few yards of Mr. McKay, but in which direction the +latter was unable to decide. + +Then came the scuffling of feet. The fugitive was scuffling blindly +across the rock. At any instant he might pitch into the crevice right +into the arms of his pursuer. + +Nearer and nearer he came, cursing under his breath as his feet came in +contact with the ruts and sharp corners of the rocks. Mr. McKay could +even hear the laboured breathing of his quarry. + +Realising the danger of making his way over the pitfalls, Blight sat +down, muttering angrily at being baulked, at the same time abusing the +moon for its tardy appearance. + +Mr. McKay waited, rifle in hand, feeling almost pleased. He pictured +the fugitive's consternation when the moonlight revealed his tracker +covering him at ten paces. It was the old animal instinct, the joy of +the chase, whether hunter and hunted be human beings or mere beasts of +the field. + +Above the tops of the distant palm-trees a pale yellow light dawned in +the eastern sky. Stronger and stronger it grew, till the golden disc +of the queen of night appeared, the brilliant light throwing the rocks +into strong relief. + +The escaped prisoner, now that his path seemed clear, prepared to make +his journey towards the trees once more, and obviously fearing no +danger, he scrambled over a flat-topped boulder. Barely had he stood +erect when Mr. McKay, rifle to shoulder, shouted: + +"The game's up once more. Throw up your hands!" + +So great was Blight's surprise that he stood stock still, with mouth +agape, staring at the silhouetted form of his enemy; then, recovering +himself, rushed wildly towards Mr. McKay, shrieking: + +"You'll never take me alive, bad luck to you!" + +It was the act of a madman. Ere he could cover the intervening apace, +Mr. McKay could have shot him dead on the spot. But the Australian was +loath to be the rascal's executioner; the business seemed to him to be +mere butchery. + +Turning down the muzzle of his rifle, the solitary tracker aimed the +weapon at his enemy's feet. This action had a most restraining effect +upon the rogue. He would welcome a swift and almost painless death, +but to be deliberately crippled, secured at leisure, and dragged back +to his prison, did not appeal to him. He turned swiftly and, dodging +from side to side as he ran, he sped rapidly across the rocks. + +Mr. McKay fired, but the shot went wide. He could have perforated the +man's body between the shoulders with the greatest ease, but a pot-shot +in the moonlight at a pair of swiftly-moving legs afforded plenty of +opportunities of missing. + +The fugitive uttered a yell of defiance, and sped onwards. Another +fifty yards and he would be lost to sight in the midst of a labyrinth +of fantastically-shaped rocks. + +Mr. McKay did not attempt to fire a second shot. The success of his +long vigil depended upon keeping the chase in view. Laying his rifle +on the ground and making sure that the flap of his pistol-holster was +loose, he vaulted upon the rock and set off in pursuit. + +Although "hard as nails" and sound of wind, Mr. McKay forgot for the +time being that the result of his accident on board the _San Martin_ +had left him somewhat weak in his lower limbs. + +With elbows pressed close to his sides he ran, but ere forty yards were +covered he found himself lurching dangerously. Setting his jaw firmly, +he persevered, keeping his eyes fixed upon the form of the fugitive, +yet he was forced to confess that he was losing ground. + +Blight was now within twenty yards of the sheltering rocks. Dare the +pursuer use his revolver and stop this headlong flight? The odds were +too great, for with the exertion of running his aim would be erratic. +No, he must continue to run and trust to chance that his quarry might +be cornered somewhere. + +Suddenly Blight stumbled, kicking up a cloud of pumice dust that looked +silvery in the moonlight. Two yards he traversed ere he fell headlong +in the soft lava, and before he could stagger to his feet his pursuer +was almost within arm's length. + +"Give in, you idiot," shouted Mr. McKay, drawing his revolver. + +For answer Blight laughed, and, bending low as he ran, he doubled away +to the right, where the ground sloped downwards towards a line of +irregularly-shaped cliffs. He was crippled. He had twisted his ankle, +and everything was in Mr. McKay's favour. + +Unwilling to close with the desperate fugitive, Mr. McKay prepared to +maim him with a bullet through his leg; but even as he levelled the +weapon, Blight disappeared from sight with a shriek of terror. + +Instinctively Mr. McKay threw himself flat on his back, digging his +heels into the soft yielding dust; but surely and gradually he found +himself slipping towards the mouth of a gaping abyss. The very ground +on which he was sprawling was moving. He could hear the rustle of the +sand and small stones as they dropped over the ledge into the +apparently fathomless chasm. + +Desperately Mr. McKay plunged his arms into the sliding sand; but his +efforts were unavailing. He was being launched towards the yawning +gulf, the horrors of which seemed worse in the moonlight. + +Just as he was on the point of slipping over the edge--his heels were +already over the abyss--his hand, buried arm's length in the pumice, +came in contact with a piece of hard rock. + +Would it hold? he wondered. + +Slowly his outstretched arm began to change from a vertical to an +almost horizontal position as his body still continued its downward +motion. The rock afforded but a slender hold: either the fabric might +become loosened, or his hand might be unable to keep up the strain, and +then----? + +Mr. McKay ceased to struggle. He could feel the sand slipping from +under him, streaming past like a solid cataract. So long as he kept +quiet he was comparatively safe, but directly he commenced to find a +foothold, his peril increased threefold. Yet he knew that every moment +his grip upon the small pinnacle that stood between him and instant +death was gradually becoming weaker. + +In those awful moments of peril he could hear the laboured breathing of +his enemy, coming apparently from a great depth beneath his feet. +Blight, then, was still alive, but his gasping breaths sounded ominous. + +At length, regaining his self-possession, Mr. McKay put forth a final +effort in an endeavour to draw his feet clear of the awful chasm. + +Inch by inch he worked himself upwards, against the increasing torrent +of sand, when suddenly the rocky ledge was wrenched from its base, and +the next instant he was swept into the gulf. + +Amidst a shower of dust and stones he felt himself hurtling through the +pitch dark air, then everything became a blank. + + * * * * * + +The first rays of the rising sun filtering through the narrow neck of +the inverted funnel-shaped chasm strove to disperse the darkness. + +Stretched upon the thick carpet of powdered pumice were two motionless +figures, partially covered with the flow of dust that trickled from the +open air like the sand of a gigantic hour-glass. + +The head and shoulders of one of the victims were pillowed upon the +body of the other, who lay, with arms outstretched, gazing upwards with +sightless eyes at the narrow slit of sky that was visible between the +lips of the abyss. + +Blight had gone to his last account. + +Slowly opening his eyes, Mr. McKay blinked stupidly at nothingness for +a few seconds, then stretched out his arms. It was the action of a man +awakening from slumber. He felt no pain; he had no idea of where he +was, or of what had occurred. + +With the intention of going to sleep again he turned his head on its +ghastly pillow, but on drawing up his arms to compose himself, his head +came in contact with the cold face of his companion in misfortune. + +The touch acted like an electric shock. In an instant the details of +the tragedy flashed across his mind. He stumbled to his feet, but +overcome by weakness, he sank once more upon the dust-covered floor. + +How long had he been in this hideous deathtrap? he wondered. Was it a +night, or many days and nights? Had his comrades searched in vain and +had they abandoned their quest and left him to his fate? + +For quite half-an-hour Mr. McKay sat and thought, striving to collect +his mental and physical powers. He went over the events leading up to +the final tragedy--the ambush, the pursuit, Blight's disappearance, and +his own terrible ordeal on the sliding sand. Then he reflected that +his trail would be fairly well-defined, and that help must be +forthcoming. His watch was still going, so that he knew that it was +only the morning following his night's vigil. + +Overhead a dazzling ray of sunlight shone obliquely through the +opening, illuminating the shaft-like sides of his prison, but so dead +black was the colour of the rock that hardly any light was reflected to +the bottom of the pit. He could, in fact, just see his own hands and +the grey features of his ill-fated companion. + +Mr. McKay groped about the floor. At first his fingers encountered +nothing but dust. He plunged his arm up to the elbow in the soft +yielding deposit; but nothing solid met his touch. + +Fearing that he might be lying on a ledge overhanging a pit of +fathomless depth, Mr. McKay extended his field of exploration, making +wide sweeps with his arms. Presently his fingers encountered a metal +object. It was his revolver. + +"At least," he thought, "I can signal for aid." + +But on second thoughts he hesitated. Then he remembered his box of +matches. Fumbling in his pocket he found the little case, and eagerly, +like a miser counting his gold, he passed the little sticks one by one +through his fingers. Ten--ten priceless matches. + +He struck one. For the moment his eyes were dazzled by the yellow +fire, but ere it burnt out he made sure of two things. He was not +lying on the edge of another precipice; that was reassuring. His +second discovery was disconcerting. His trusty revolver was choked +with fine dust, and had he discharged it he would have assuredly been +injured by the bursting of the barrel. + +The match flickered out, and to the imprisoned man the darkness seemed +denser than ever. It pressed upon him like a real substance, till he +felt tempted to shout in his distress. + +By degrees he grew calmer, and staggering to his feet he moved his +limbs with extreme caution. To his satisfaction they were still sound, +though he was beginning to feel stiff and bruised from head to foot. + +The light of a second match showed that Blight was indeed beyond all +human aid, so, placing his handkerchief over the face of the corpse, +Mr. McKay retired a few steps till a third match became necessary. + +He found himself within a few feet of one of the walls of his prison. +The stone, divided by volcanic agency, was almost vertical at the +point, though at others it receded so that the base of the abyss was +several yards beyond the perpendicular height of the shaft. Close to +him was a deep crack in the wall, known by mountaineers as a "chimney." + +It might be possible to scale the rock, he thought, but the knowledge +that the edge of the shaft was "rotten" compelled Mr. McKay to abandon +that attempt. He must wait; yet, unwilling to remain idle, he resolved +to sacrifice four more of his precious matches in exploring the +immediate vicinity of the chasm. + +Keeping close to the wall, Mr. McKay proceeded with the utmost caution, +till he reached a yawning cavern that descended abruptly. + +For a moment he hesitated, fearing the presence of carbonic acid gas, +but on holding the lighted match close to the ground the flame burnt +clear and bright. + +To his surprise Mr. McKay found his hand resting on the butt of a +musket. The weapon was lying on the hard, rocky floor of the cave, for +here no dust had penetrated. Another match revealed the fact that the +firearm was of an ancient pattern, the combined flint and matchlock +being of not later date than the end of the seventeenth century. + +"By George! This is a find!" exclaimed Mr. McKay. + +For the time being he forgot his surroundings, interest being centred +in this relic of bygone days. + +Then, unwilling to risk using his remaining stock of matches, yet +mentally resolving to explore this part of the cavern at the earliest +favourable opportunity, he retraced his steps to that part of the chasm +that lay beneath the narrow shaft. Here he sat down and waited, hoping +for the speedy arrival of Andy and Ellerton. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI + +THE BUCCANEERS' CAVE + +It could not have been more than a couple of hours after Mr. McKay +returned to consciousness that the two lads emerged from the forest and +gazed wonderingly upon the rock-strewn plain. Not knowing the course +of events, they had left Terence and Quexo to guard the dwelling-house +against a possible attack. + +"Steady, Hoppy!" cautioned Andy, as Ellerton was about to rush towards +the spot where they had left Mr. McKay on the previous evening. "I +don't like the look of things. Suppose that rogue has got the upper +hand? You would be potted to a cert if you rushed into the open in +that reckless style. You work round to the right and I'll go by the +left." + +Accordingly the lads, taking advantage of every bit of cover, advanced +with the utmost caution towards the little rift in the dark rock where +Mr. McKay had made his ambush. + +There was his rifle, lying on the ground, with no sign of an empty +cartridge to show that the weapon had been discharged. Andy removed +the magazine and found that the cartridges were still intact. + +"I can't understand it," he exclaimed. "The pater was evidently in a +hurry, for, you see, the rifle was not placed against a rock, but was +thrown down on the ground. He's too careful, in ordinary +circumstances, to do a thing like that." + +"Well, where is he? If Blight had managed to get the better of him he +would have taken away the rifle." + +"He may have chased him right across this island. Come on, it's no use +wasting time here; let's try and pick up the trail." + +Andy leapt upon the flat top of the rock and assisted his chum to +follow his example. Both took it for granted that there was no further +need for concealment. + +From where they stood the ground had the appearance of a broad belt of +flat rock, divided in all directions by narrow crevices, most of which +could be jumped across with the greatest ease, while ahead was the +first of a series of cliffs, which incircled the base of the peak of +the island. + +"Look!" exclaimed Ellerton, pointing to a little heap of brown canvas +which was lying on the rock about thirty feet away. "There's your +father's haversack." + +The lad was right, for Mr. McKay had discarded the article as he +commenced the pursuit of the fugitive. From this spot the mingled +tracks of the hunter and the hunted were easily traced, by reason of +the deposit of lava dust, which grew thicker as the lads advanced. + +Suddenly they came to an abrupt halt. Almost at their feet began the +treacherous slope, ending in the horrible fissure which had been the +cause of Blight's death and Mr. McKay's disaster. + +Although the still sliding dust and sand had almost hidden the traces +of Mr. McKay's desperate struggle to save himself from the yawning pit, +there remained sufficient evidences of the disappearance of the +fugitive and his pursuer. + +The faces of both lads grew pale. Andy was about to rush towards the +brink of the abyss when Ellerton's detaining hand was laid upon his +shoulder. + +"It's nothing more or less than a trap," said he. "You'll----" + +The sentence remained unfinished, for from the depths of the chasm a +hollow voice that the lads hardly recognised as Mr. McKay's repeated +the warning: + +"Stand back, lads!" + +"Are you all right, sir?" shouted Ellerton. + +"Yes, but you cannot get to my aid without a rope. Hurry back to the +house, and bring all hands with you. A lantern will also be useful. +Be as quick as you can, for it's pretty doleful down here." + +"All right, sir, we'll make haste; but stand by!" + +And as a parting gift Ellerton dexterously threw Mr. McKay's haversack, +still containing an ample supply of food, into the pit. + +Andy, however, hesitated. + +"Are you sure you are all right, dad?" + +"Ay, my boy. Why do you ask?" + +"Because your voice sounds so strange. I suppose it's the rocks that +affect it. How far did you fall?" + +"I hardly know; about thirty feet, I expect; luckily the ground's soft." + +"Seen anything of Blight?" + +"Dead!" replied Mr. McKay. + +With the utmost despatch Ellerton and Andy returned to the house, +where, having told the others all they knew about the accident, they +collected a couple of coils of rope, some lanterns, two strong +crowbars, a hammer, and, at Ellerton's suggestion, two six-inch pulleys. + +The four lads--for even Quexo insisted on coming, though he was still +in a weak state of health--set off for the scene of the disaster, Andy +and Terence carrying the bulk of the appliances, while Ellerton and the +mulatto took only what they could place in their belts. + +Cheering up the prisoner with a lusty shout of encouragement, the +rescuers proceeded to drive the crowbars into a convenient crevice in +the rocks, so that one was about ten feet nearer to the chasm than the +other. + +From the base of the outside bar to the top of the inner one, Ellerton +lashed a piece of rope, then making sure that the "crows" would bear +any strain that was likely to be put upon them, he attached a pulley to +the base of the innermost. + +Through the block was rove one of the coils of rope, one end of which +he tied round his waist. Then, taking the lighted lantern in his hand, +he walked cautiously towards the brink of the pit, the others paying +out the rope as he went. + +Before he had gone a distance of five yards the pumice dust began to +slide away from under his feet, causing him to sit down on the slope, +while the avalanche nearly blinded Mr. McKay as he was looking upwards +for the expected relief. + +"Come back, Hoppy!" shouted Andy. "Remember your arm." + +"I do," replied Ellerton with a laugh. "It's giving me good cause to +remember it, but I mean to make the best of it. You fellows can do +more good by hauling on that rope than I can, so slack away." + +Terence and Andy accordingly "slacked away," and Ellerton slid another +yard or so towards the brink. He was then able to lower the lantern to +Mr. McKay, and at the same time he made the discovery that the shaft +was too rugged to allow a man to be hauled up by a rope without serious +danger of the rope being chafed through by the sharp projections. + +He explained the situation to Mr. McKay, who fully realised the force +of his remarks. + +"Never mind, we'll manage it right enough," concluded Ellerton +cheerily, and giving the word he was hauled back to where his +companions stood. + +"We must have one of those trees down," he said, pointing to the +distant palms. + +Accordingly the lads set off for the forest, where without much +difficulty a stout trunk, thirty feet in length, was felled. The work +of transporting it to the brink of the pit was a more tedious business, +and an hour elapsed ere they succeeded in slinging the timber across +the yawning gulf, where it rested with about ten feet imbedded in the +soft lava on either side of the hole. + +"Now you can do this part of the work better than I," said Ellerton to +Andy. "Lash this block to the centre of the trunk, and reeve a rope +through it." + +This Andy managed to do. He also lashed a smaller piece of timber at a +distance of about four feet below the tree-trunk, so as to form a +platform to enable Mr. McKay to obtain a clear spring when hauled up as +far as the pulley would permit. + +"All ready, pater?" asked the son. + +"Wait a moment, Andy. Could you manage to come down here, do you +think?" + +"I'll try. I say, you fellows, I'm going down, so pay out the rope." + +Andy swung himself from the main beam upon the lower piece of timber, +and, summoning up his courage, launched himself off from the swaying +perch. + +Slowly he descended, spinning round on the straining rope like a joint +on a meat-jack, while at almost every second his shoulders or hips came +into contact with the jagged walls of the shaft. To avoid the dust he +kept his head bent downwards, and as he did so he saw the glimmer of +the lantern from beneath. + +"Thirty feet, do you call it?" he asked, as his feet touched the floor +of the pit, and his father grasped his hand. "It's sixty at the very +least." + +"I don't think so," was the reply. "You see, looking down from a +height the distance always appears greater. Had the floor been hard +rock, I should have been killed or at least seriously injured. But to +change the subject, look here." + +Mr. McKay had, during the long interval of waiting since Ellerton had +lowered the lantern, made another tour of exploration, and now he led +the way towards the tunnel where he had found an old musket. + +He had made a strange discovery. At no very distant date a long cavern +of varying height and breadth existed here. Where its entrance was Mr. +McKay had not found out; but a volcanic disturbance had caused a mighty +fissure to divide the original cave in two, as an examination of the +strata proved conclusively. + +Casting off the rope from around his waist, Andy followed his father +into the tunnel-like cavern, stooping as he did so, for its mouth was +barely five feet in height. + +At ten paces from its mouth the passage turned almost at right angles +to its former direction, and expanded into a broad and lofty chamber. +Almost covering the width of the four sides was a range of arm-racks +filled with old-time weapons. The candle-light flashed upon the bright +barrels of musket and pistol, and glittered on the steel of bayonet, +cutlass, sword, and pike, for so dry was the atmosphere that a couple +of centuries had not left any appreciable trace on the metal. + +"Great Scott! How did these get here?" asked Andy, after he had +recovered from his astonishment. + +"It's the armoury of some long-forgotten buccaneer," replied his +father. "I've had plenty of time to look round since you first sent me +the lantern, and none of these weapons are later than the earlier part +of the eighteenth century, or the last part of the seventeenth. See, +these muskets have Vauban locks, a combination of flint and matchlock. +These kinds of muskets were used at the battles of Steenkirke and +Landen. You can also see that all these bayonets are the plug variety, +that is to say they were plugged into the barrel of the musket, thus +temporarily converting it from a firearm to a pike. These are +evidently the original bayonets used in the reign of James II., so that +we can fix the period at which they were stored here to within a few +years, since the socket type were introduced early in the reign of +William III." + +In this strain Mr. McKay continued, forgetful of time and place, till +Ellerton's voice was heard shouting to know of anything was amiss. + +"We had better retrace our footsteps," observed Mr. McKay, "or the +others will be getting alarmed. When we've found an easier way of +descending into this pit--for I do not want another fall like that, I +can assure you--we'll make a thorough exploration of the place." + +Accordingly father and son made their way back towards the shaft, but +as they turned the bend of the passage they found themselves confronted +by Terence and Ellerton, each of whom carried a lantern. + +"Hullo! How did you descend?" asked Andy, who was very astonished at +seeing his friends down there. + +"I lowered Terence, and then let myself down," replied Ellerton. + +"Then, how in the name of goodness, do you expect to get back?" +demanded Andy. "Quexo cannot haul us up." + +"By the same means as I came down," replied the young sailor calmly. +"It's easy enough with a bos'un's chair." + +"Then all I can say is that I hope you lashed the pulley on securely," +rejoined Andy with evident concern. "If that goes wrong, we're +trapped." + +"Don't worry," replied Ellerton, somewhat ruffled at the slur cast upon +his work. + +"Come, come," observed Mr. McKay good-humouredly. "Don't quarrel. Now +we are here we might as well continue our exploration." + +Once more the armoury was inspected, the lads showing the greatest +interest in the weapons, snapping the flints in order to see the sparks +fly from the steel. + +"Be careful, some of these muskets may be loaded," cautioned Mr. McKay. +"Always make it a practice to point a weapon away from anybody when +fooling about like that." + +Hardly had he spoken, when a tremendous explosion shook the cave, the +noise being intensified by the confined space, and Terence sat on the +floor rubbing his shoulder, while a smoking musket lay by his side. + +"You're a young ass," observed Andy. "Are you hurt?" + +"Didn't know it was loaded," replied the youth, still clapping his hand +to his shoulder. + +"That's what they all say after an accident has occurred," said Mr. +McKay. "By some means or the other the musket was stored without the +charge being drawn. However, thank goodness it's no worse, though the +concussion might have brought the roof down on our heads." + +Presently Ellerton, who had wandered behind one of the arms-racks that +stood about three feet from the wall, exclaimed: + +"Here's another passage." + +"Hold on, then," cautioned Mr. McKay. "Wait till I come. There might +be a pitfall." + +Carefully examining the floor of the tunnel, the explorers advanced +about ten yards, when further progress was prevented by a door covered +with flat iron bars. + +"H'm!" ejaculated Mr. McKay. "What have we here?" + +Terence was dispatched to bring a dagger and a pike from the armoury, +but on further thoughts Mr. McKay forbade the lads to tamper with the +door. + +"Then we are done for the time being," remarked Andy. "Shall we go +back for our axes?" + +"A crowbar would be the thing," replied Ellerton. "But we want the two +we brought." + +"Probably it's as well we haven't got them," added Mr. McKay. "To tell +the truth, I have my suspicions of that door, so we'll defer the +opening of it till a more convenient time." + +Reluctantly the lads retraced their steps to the open chasm, where +Blight's body lay. + +"We must bury him as soon as possible," said Mr. McKay. "There's no +place here, so we must haul the body to the surface, and dig a grave in +the soft earth." + +"There's no soil nearer than the edge of the palm-forest," observed +Andy. + +"I know, but it cannot be helped." + +"Isn't there a rift or a hole in the floor where we could bury him?" +asked Ellerton. "After all, where does it matter, so long as he +receives Christian burial?" + +"We may as well look," assented Mr. McKay, and taking one of the +lanterns he commenced to explore that side of the chasm which lay +opposite to the tunnel leading to the buccaneers' armoury. + +The first ten or twelve paces were knee deep in the pumice dust, but on +approaching the wall of the abyss the floor was fairly hard, being +protected from falling dirt and sand by the overhang of the shaft. + +On reaching the stone face of the rift the explorers followed its +general direction without discovering any crack or crevice likely to +suit their purpose, till they stumbled upon another tunnel-like shaft, +similar and almost opposite to the one they had already traversed. + +This tunnel was about six feet in height and four in width, and ran in +a slightly upward direction. Evidently it was at one time a +continuation of the other passage. + +"Let's see where this leads to," exclaimed Ellerton, full of curiosity +and enthusiasm. "I believe it leads to the open air." + +"I think not," replied Mr. McKay, pointing to the smooth, even steps in +the floor of the tunnel. "See, the floor is as dry as a bone, and +covered with a thick deposit of dust. If this tunnel is open, the +tropical rains would have washed the dust away." + +"Then where does it lead to?" continued Ellerton. "Those arms must +have been brought in by some means." + +"We'll carry on and see who's right." + +It was a long walk. Up and up ran the tunnel, turning slightly to the +right, yet maintaining a uniform height and breadth throughout its +entire length. + +"This passage has been hewn out," announced Mr. McKay. + +"Hasn't the other?" asked Andy. + +"Only in parts. The armoury is a natural cave. Perhaps there was a +smaller tunnel here before, and the people who discovered it enlarged +it. It's about time we came to the end." + +"Now who's right, sir?" exclaimed Ellerton triumphantly, as the pale +gleam of daylight was visible from a curve of the tunnel. + +"Not this child," replied Mr. McKay, without the faintest trace of +chagrin. In fact, he was glad to know he was in the wrong, for he did +not relish the task of tackling the shaft and the treacherous, +dust-covered slope at its edge. + +A few sparse bushes masked the mouth of the tunnel, and upon these +being thrust aside, the adventurers found themselves at the foot of the +lowermost range of cliffs and within a hundred yards of the abyss which +had been the cause of their presence in the tunnel. + +Standing close to where the crowbars were driven into the rock was +Quexo, looking the picture of misery, for he was perfectly convinced in +his own mind that all his companions had met with disaster. + +"Quexo!" shouted Andy. "Quexo! Here we are!" + +The mulatto's joy was curious to behold. He danced, swung his sound +arm over his head, and cut fantastic capers, the tears running down his +cheeks the while as he blurted out unintelligible sentences in mingled +English and Spanish. + +"Well, we're safe once more, thanks to Providence," exclaimed Mr. McKay. + +All the explorers looked rather disreputable, but Mr. McKay in +particular was little better than a walking scarecrow. His clothes +were in rags, his face clotted with dried blood and dust, while, now +the excitement was over, he once more began to feel stiff and bruised +from head to foot. + +"By Jove, we've forgotten what we went to look for!" exclaimed Andy. + +"Yes," replied Mr. McKay. "We must bring the poor fellow's body up +after all." + +"By the tunnel?" + +"No, by the shaft." + +"Then here goes," said Ellerton quietly, and drawing up one of the +ropes he fastened it round his waist. Lantern in hand he slid down the +sand, and getting astride the tree-trunk, edged his way along till he +reached the swaying piece of timber. The next minute he was lowering +himself into the abyss. + +"He's a plucky chap," commented Mr. McKay as they awaited Ellerton's +signal. + +"And with an arm like that," added Terence admiringly. "He really +seems to make light of it." + +The watchers had not long to wait. + +"Haul away!" shouted Ellerton, and heaving slowly on the rope they +brought the body of the unfortunate Blight to the surface, where the +young seaman soon rejoined the others. + +Between them they bore the corpse across the rocky plain to the edge of +the palm-forest, where they dug a shallow grave with their axes. + +Here the body of the ex-pearler was laid to rest, Mr. McKay recited a +few prayers, and the earth was heaped over the corpse, a pile of heavy +stones being placed over the grave to mark the spot. + +This depressing task completed, they hastened homewards to enjoy a +welcome meal and a still more desired rest. + +For the next two or three weeks all hands were too busy to think of +making a further exploration of the buccaneers' cave. + +The damage wrought by the savages required a considerable amount of +patience and hard work to set to rights. A new storehouse had to be +constructed, and the various stores that had not been totally destroyed +were collected and placed once more under cover. + +Terence had, with considerable ingenuity, contrived to erect an +electric alarm, so that the moment a foot was placed upon the lowermost +path leading up to the house, a bell would ring in the sleeping +quarters. + +He also succeeded in rigging up the searchlight salved from the wreck, +and after many failures the apparatus worked to perfection. + +Thereafter every night its great beam was directed skywards, the +International Signal, "N.G." (want immediate assistance), being flashed +in the hope of attracting the attention of any vessel within seventy +miles of the island. + +The little party was now completely isolated from the rest of the world. + +Before the destruction of the yawl they had the means of making even a +fairly long passage, but now this was denied them, for it would be +utter madness to attempt to go to sea in one of the captured canoes. + +So, realising that the sooner they were in possession of a seaworthy +craft the better it would be for them, the inhabitants of McKay's +Island debated whether it would be advisable to construct a new decked +craft, convert one of the canoes into a cabin boat, or to salvage the +wreck of the yawl and patch her up sufficiently to enable them to reach +Tahiti. + +Even with the appliances at their command, Mr. McKay reckoned that it +would take a twelvemonth to make a boat large enough for their +requirements. As regards reconstructing one of the canoes, he came to +the conclusion that the work might be done, but the canoe being without +a keel would be a bad craft in a sea-way; while her light construction +would not allow a keel to be fixed without a grave risk of straining +the vessel in the first breeze she encountered. + +Finally, it was decided that the captured canoes should be utilised to +attempt the salvage of the yawl, and on the first fine day the actual +work was put in hand. + +By means of rollers and a powerful jack, three of the canoes were +launched and taken to the scene of the savages' wanton act. + +The wrecked boat could be clearly discerned lying on the sandy bed of +the lagoon in six fathoms of water, with a slight list to starboard. + +Anchoring two of the native craft close to the sunken yawl, Ellerton +and Andy contrived to pass the bight of a chain under her bows, the +ends of the chain being made fast to two stout cables. A similar +device was employed to engage the stern of the wreck, although the fact +that her keel was imbedded in the sand added to the difficulty of the +task. + +Two massive trunks of palm-trees were then placed across the gunwales +of both canoes, converting them into a kind of pontoon. + +These preparations being completed, all that was at present necessary +was to wait till dead low water. + +All hands knew that it would be a tedious job, for the rise of the tide +was but five feet at springs and only two feet at neaps, so what work +had to be done must be performed during the spring tides. + +At dead low water all the slack of the four hawsers was taken in, and +once more came a tedious wait for the rising tide. + +Gradually the strain on the ropes increased, till the timbers groaned +under the weight of the sunken boat and the canoes sank lower in the +water. + +"Hurrah! She's lifting!" shouted Ellerton, and allowing sufficient +time for the yawl to be lifted clear of the bottom, Mr. McKay and his +assistants began to haul on an anchor cable which had been previously +laid towards the shore. + +Slowly the ungainly pontoon with its heavy burden began to move +shorewards, when suddenly the bows of the canoes rose high in the air, +throwing their occupants on their backs. One of the hawsers had +slipped, and the work of six long hours was wasted. + +"Hard lines!" exclaimed Terence dolefully. + +"It is, I admit," replied Ellerton cheerfully. "Still, we must not +expect to have everything our own way. Try, try, try again, as the old +saw says." + +"We can do no more to-day," said Mr. McKay. "We'll leave the canoes +moored to the yawl, however. That will save time to-morrow." + +"I think, if you don't mind, sir, we'll try and slip the sling under +her again," said Ellerton. "You see, if we do that there won't be so +much chance of the canoes drifting and consequently slipping the other +sling." + +"Quite so," replied Mr. McKay. "It may save us some hours of hard +work." + +So directly the water cleared, for the settling of the wrecked boat had +churned up the sand till she was practically invisible, the chain sling +was again placed in position. + +This time this part of the business was done more satisfactorily, as +the yawl was resting on a hummock of shell and sand amidships, so that +above five feet of the after part of her keel was clear of the bed of +the lagoon. + +"I hope it doesn't come on to blow to-night," remarked Ellerton, as the +party rowed ashore. "If it does, then good-bye to the yawl." + +"The glass is steady," replied Mr. McKay. "If it should pipe up, we +must slip the slings and let the canoes take their chance." + +That afternoon Ellerton and Andy were busy preparing additional slings, +for the former was resolved not to have a repetition of the morning's +failure if it could be avoided. + +Just before low water on the following morning, the salvage party set +out for the wreck. As Mr. McKay had predicted, the weather was fine, +there being no swell to speak of within the lagoon, though as usual the +breakers were lashing themselves into milk-white foam upon the outer +fringe of the reef. + +Once more the slings were hove tight, and as the tide rose, the wrecked +craft was again lifted from her ocean bed. Directly the yawl was +"lively," as Ellerton expressed it, two more slings were passed +underneath her keel so as to make doubly sure of her being swung +properly. + + + + +CHAPTER XXII + +THE TREASURE CHAMBER + +At high water the wrecked craft was moved for a distance of nearly a +hundred yards towards the shore ere she grounded. This completed the +day's work, and on the following morning at low tide the "slack" was +again taken in so as to enable the rising tide again to lift the yawl +clear of the bottom. + +This time, owing to the bed of the lagoon shoaling more rapidly, only +twenty yards were gained. + +"It will be a tiring and tedious job, I can see," said Terence. "How +are we to manage when the hull is brought close in shore?" + +"We'll have to be content to move her a few feet at a time," replied +Ellerton. "It's slow work, I admit, but we are making very +satisfactory progress." + +With the arrival of the neap tides, the work came to a standstill, the +rise of water being insufficient to justify the time and labour spent +on it; so the slings were cast off and buoyed, and the canoes brought +into the little natural harbour, where they would be safe from all but +an exceptional on-shore gale. + +During the interval, the lads utilised several spare lengths of rails, +and spiking them into rough sleepers, formed a temporary hauling-up +slip. + +Two of the wagons were dismantled, and the axles and wheels attached to +a cradle, while a winch was firmly bolted to a secure foundation on the +shore at twenty yards above high-water mark. + +The rails were to be laid down at low water as far seaward as possible, +and the sleepers sunk by means of heavy stones. Andy hoped to avail +himself of a high spring tide to float the yawl right over the cradle, +then, casting off the lashings that supported her, they could haul the +wreck up by means of the winch and effect the repairs at their leisure. + +Unfortunately, with the return of the spring tides a strong on-shore +breeze sprang up and continued with unremitting freshness for over a +week, so that the members of the salvage party were compelled +temporarily to abandon their enterprise. + +"Never say die," exclaimed Mr. McKay encouragingly. "Another fortnight +and I hope we shall be able to resume the work. In the meantime, lads, +what do you say to a kind of picnic?" + +"A picnic?" asked Ellerton. "Where to?" + +"I am thinking of paying another visit to the buccaneers' cave. I'm +very curious to know what is on the other side of that iron-bound door, +and I've no doubt you are equally so." + +"Hurrah!" shouted the lads in chorus. "When shall we start?" + +"In an hour," replied Mr. McKay promptly. + +"Bursting open the door will be a tough job," remarked Andy. "How do +you propose to do it?" + +"I hope to manage it by means of an explosive," replied his father. + +"Dynamite?" + +"No, there's too much risk in carting a few sticks of that stuff +through a tunnel a hundred yards in length or more. One slip and it +would mean sudden death to the lot of us. I want a couple of fuses, +however, so while we are getting ready you can run up to the magazine +and obtain them." + +While Andy was away on his errand, Mr. McKay opened a few cartridges +and extracted the cordite. + +"This stuff is safe enough with reasonable precautions," he remarked to +Ellerton, who was watching Mr. McKay with no little fear. "So long as +it is not under compression cordite can be lit without the faintest +danger. In the open air it merely fizzles like a damp squib." + +"Couldn't we smash the door with an axe?" asked Ellerton. + +"We could, but I prefer not to. In the first place there's not much +room to wield an axe; in the second, as I mentioned before, I have my +suspicions regarding that door." + +"What suspicions, sir?" + +"Wait and see!" replied Mr. McKay with a laugh. + +On the arrival of Andy with the fuses, the little party set out for the +cave, each member carrying part of the equipment. On gaining the +summit of the hill overlooking the house, Mr. McKay scanned the horizon +with his glasses to satisfy himself that no canoes were approaching the +island, then, having reassured himself on that point, he gave the word +to step out briskly. + +"I don't want to spend a night away from the house in case anything +happens," he explained. + +"But do you expect another crowd of savages?" + +"I didn't expect the last lot," he replied grimly, "but they came all +the same." + +The journey through the forest and across the rock-strewn plain was +performed without incident, and within a couple of hours after leaving +the house the party drew up at the mouth of the tunnel. + +Here each member lit a lantern, and in a comparatively bright light the +passage of the tunnel commenced. Quexo, however, remained in the open +air. Nothing could prevail upon him to descend into the bowels of the +earth. + +Once or twice someone stumbled, Terence falling heavily and barking his +shins, while Mr. McKay's head came in contact with the roof much too +often for his liking; but in high spirits the explorers crossed the +floor of the abyss, traversed the second tunnel, and gained the +armoury. Here they rested ere commencing the final stage of their +journey underground. + +At length the explorers came face to face with the mysterious +iron-bound door. In spite of themselves they felt a strange sensation +as they gazed upon the relic of bygone days. What lay behind it? What +secret did it guard so well? + +"Stand back a bit, lads, and hand me another lantern," said Mr. McKay. + +Dropping on his knees, he carefully examined the floor and the +iron-shod threshold of the door, probing the narrow slit with his +knife. This done, he turned his attention to the walk and the crown of +the arch next to the woodwork, tapping the stone with the blade of his +knife with the greatest caution. + +The others looked on with interest not unmingled with curiosity and +awe. At length, apparently satisfied with the examination, Mr. McKay +rose. + +"I want you to bore a hole here," said he to Andy, pointing out a place +in the door barely two inches from the floor. + +Andy, armed with a ratchet-brace, began his task, and the subdued +silence of the underground passage was broken only by the rattle of the +pawl and the sharp burr of the bit as it wormed its way steadily +through the stout oaken plank. + +"It's hot work," exclaimed Andy, who in order to use the brace in that +most inconvenient place was obliged to lie full length on the floor. + +"I know, but keep it up," replied Mr. McKay, who, grasping a crowbar, +was standing astride his son's feet. + +"Stand a bit farther back," he continued, addressing Ellerton and +Terence. + +The two lads instantly obeyed, though they wondered at Mr. McKay's +alert and expectant attitude. + +Suddenly, like the tongue of an enormous serpent, a double-pronged barb +of steel flashed dully in the candle-light, passing completely across +the passage and about three feet above and over Andy's prostrate body. + +In an instant Mr. McKay's powerful arm brought the crowbar upward in a +resistless sweep, and with one blow severed the dreadful device of +death. + +The lads, pale with the excitement and horror of the incident, could +only utter an exclamation of astonishment while Andy hurriedly backed +away from the well-guarded door. + +"Pleasant, isn't it?" remarked Mr. McKay in a cool matter-of-fact tone, +as if such incidents were of an everyday occurrence. "I had my +suspicions, as I said more than once before. That device was cunningly +contrived to salute marauders in a very forcible manner. Had either of +us been standing in front of the door we should have been transfixed in +a jiffy. Now, carry on, Andy. I don't think there's anything more to +be feared on this side of the door, at any rate." + +But Andy was not equal to the task. The risky experience had, to use +his own words, completely knocked the stuffing out of him. + +"Let's quit; the game's not worth the candle," said Terence. + +"Rather not!" replied Mr. McKay, resolutely. "There's something worth +securing behind that door, or the former owners would not have taken +such elaborate and crafty steps to guard it. Here, Ellerton, stand by +with the crowbar in case of accidents, and I'll finish boring the hole." + +So saying, Mr. McKay took up a position similar to that formerly +occupied by his son and plied the brace vigorously. + +Ere the bit had sunk another quarter of an inch there came a dull +metallic sound from the remote side of the door. + +"What's that?" gasped Andy breathlessly. + +"Another surprise for trespassers," replied his father without ceasing +in his work. "I've released another secret spring, I suppose. +However, we are on the right side of the door this time." + +Having bored the hole sufficiently deep for his purpose Mr. McKay +proceeded to insert the cordite, ramming it tightly home with the end +of the crowbar. The rest of the explosive he laid close to the base of +the door, covering it with stones and pieces of rock brought from the +floor of the chasm. + +"Now let's go back to the other tunnel," he continued, after the +detonator and the fuse had been inserted and the latter fired. +"There's no hurry; the explosion will not take place for five minutes." + +As the moments sped, the lads awaited in breathless silence the sound +of the detonation. + +Presently a dull rumble echoed through the rocky passage, followed by a +blast of air mingled with the acrid fumes of the cordite. + +"Not so fast! Not so fast!" cautioned Mr. McKay, as the lads began to +run towards the hitherto baffling barrier. "Some of the rock may be +dislodged." + +As it was, they were obliged to wait some considerable time, as the +atmosphere in the tunnel was so vile that it was impossible to breathe +with comfort. Then as the mist gradually cleared, the dull yellow +glare of the lanterns revealed a mass of shattered woodwork where the +door had stood; while a foot beyond was a barrier of steel rods, which, +serving the purpose of a portcullis, had fallen from above. + +"That's what we heard fall," observed Mr. McKay. "The idea was, I +suppose, that any unauthorised person who escaped the lance-thrust on +this side of the door would, on opening it, be impaled by the weapons +concealed in the roof. Now to settle with this obstruction." + +A few powerful strokes with an axe shattered enough bars to enable Mr. +McKay to squeeze through, and, followed by his eager companions, he +entered the mysterious cavern. + +At first there was little to attract the attention of the explorers. +The cave was of irregular form, being about fifty feet in length, +thirty in breadth, and varying in height from twenty-five to six feet. + +On the floor were six wooden chests, ordinary in appearance and +apparently of simple construction; they would have easily been mistaken +for seamen's chests placed in a lumber-room. + +Striding up to the nearest one, Mr. McKay raised the lid. There was no +creaking of rusty hinges, no glitter of gold and jewels to dazzle the +eyes. The chest was empty! + +"Well, this is a sorry trick to have played on one another after so +much trouble," commented he with a forced laugh. He was visibly +disappointed, and his discouragement was shared by his companions. + +"No doubt this has been the hiding-place of some great hoard," he +continued. "But the buccaneering rascals have evidently removed their +booty. I've drawn a blank, so you, Ellerton, try your hand." + +The second chest was opened with equal ease, but to the unbounded +delight of the whole party the coffer was two-thirds filled with yellow +metal ingots, which flashed dully in the light of the lanterns. + +"Gold!" was the chorus of exclamation. + +"Gold it is," added Mr. McKay. "But a deal of good it will do us in +our present state! However, let's continue the examination." + +The remaining four coffers gave more trouble, the lids being secured by +stout iron screws. Two were filled with gold and silver ornaments, +cups, vases, and plates--the plunder, doubtless, of many a rich city of +Spain's colonies on the shores of the Pacific. The remaining two were +laden with virgin gold. + +"Well, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when the last coffer had been forced +to disclose its contents, "once we get this stuff safely to a civilised +country we shall be rich beyond our wildest imagination. We'll share +and share alike, of course." + +"What is the value of the treasure?" asked Ellerton in an awestruck +voice, for the sudden avalanche of untold wealth had wellnigh upset him. + +"Goodness only knows! There's enough to enable you to go through life +without doing another stroke of work. That is, of course, when you are +home in England once more. But, my lad, don't look upon it in that +light. Take my word for it that idleness is a curse, and the wealth, +if used solely to promote idleness, would serve a better purpose if it +lay a thousand fathoms deep on the bed of the ocean." + +"If ever I take my share back to my home, I trust I'll use it to a good +purpose," said Ellerton. + +"I trust so, too," added Mr. McKay. "Now, let us see if there's +anything else of interest here. I am anxious to examine these +murderous devices. Ah!" + +Mr. McKay pointed in the direction of the shattered door. On either +side, but separated from the entrance tunnel by a massive wall composed +of the solid rock, was a narrow and lofty passage, both running +parallel with the tunnel. + +Lantern in hand, Mr. McKay stooped down and entered the right-hand +recess, and to his surprise he found no fewer than six steel lances, +each accompanied by a tightly coiled spring, while a seventh had +uncoiled itself, the spiral spring stretching from wall to wall. + +"Great heavens!" he exclaimed with thankfulness. "We've had a +fortunate escape. Each of these fiendish contrivances is set to launch +itself into the tunnel on the outside of the door. The one we released +is the nearest." + +"Then we must have passed them?" asked Andy. + +"Yes, and by the intervention of Providence they failed to act. Watch!" + +And touching a slender steel rod that passed from the front of one of +the springs to the floor, Mr. McKay gave it a sharp upward jerk. + +Instantly the hidden coil released itself, and the dread weapon +disappeared through the rock which separated the cave-like recess from +the tunnel. + +"The whole contrivance, though deadly, is comparatively simple," +explained Mr. McKay. "Underneath the floors of both chambers are a +number of levers. The weight of a person treading in the tunnel would +cause the lever to move a rod, which in turn releases a finely set +trigger which controls the springs. Owing to years of idleness the +levers failed to act, and only Andy's continuous exertions as he lay on +the ground in front of the door caused one of the springs to be +released. I bargained for one, but not a dozen or more, by Jove!" + +"A dozen?" echoed Terence. + +"Aye, a dozen at least. We'll find six or seven more on the other side +of the tunnel." + +One by one the remaining springs were released, and on entering the +left-hand cavity a similar state of things was revealed. + +"I don't think we need fear these any longer," continued Mr. McKay, as +the sound of the releasing of the last spring vibrated in the confined +space. "Now the question is, what is to be done with the stuff?" and +he indicated the coffers with a wave of his hand. + +"Leave it here," suggested Andy. + +"I would but for one reason. If we are taken off the island by a +passing ship, the captain would not feel inclined to waste time while +we were bringing these chests from here to the shore, for, of course, +we could not reveal the nature of their contents. No; I propose to +cart the whole of the treasure back to the house, stow it away in small +boxes that are convenient to handle, and bury the boxes a few feet +under the floor." + +Each member of the party thereupon filled his haversack with as much +gold as it would hold, until the stout canvas straps cut into the +shoulders of the wearers; and thus laden they retraced their steps, +arriving on the surface in a breathless and exhausted condition. + +Here the loads were redistributed, and making better progress, the +wearied adventurers arrived at their dwelling just as the sun dipped +beyond the lofty peak of the island. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII + +"A SAIL! A SAIL!" + +Twice daily on each of the succeeding days Mr. McKay and his companions +paid a hurried visit to the treasure-cave, and at the end of that time +the bulk of the buccaneers' spoil was safely hidden in the spot chosen +for its reception. + +Then, with the return of the spring tides, the work of salving the yawl +was resumed. + +Slowly, yet without a hitch, the sunken craft was moved towards the +cradle which awaited its burden, till the falling off of the tides +found the yawl within ten yards of low-water mark. + +"I have been thinking, pater," observed Andy one day, as they were +preparing to revisit the cave. + +"Thinking what, my boy?" + +"Why, every journey we make to the cavern we perform practically +empty-handed. Would it not be well to carry a supply of provisions +with us and store them in the cave? You see, if those savages should +return we might be glad of a retreat." + +"Quite true, though I sincerely hope we shall not be put to such +straits. However, we'll take a few barrels of provisions and some +rifles and ammunition as well." + +"And water?" + +"Ay, but that's the rub. Water is heavy to carry about, and as far as +I can see there's no spring or brook within a mile of the entrance to +the cave." + +"I wonder if there's water to be found above the cliffs in which lies +the mouth of the tunnel. I noticed several small streams when I +climbed the mountain, though, of course, I didn't ascend on that side. +I think I'll explore that slope as soon as possible." + +"Why not to-day? Ellerton and you can do so while we are making our +midday trip back to the house." + +Accordingly, instead of ascending the tunnel with Mr. McKay and +Terence, the two chums clambered up the face of the cliff. At the top +they found that the land sloped steeply towards the peak, the ground +being thickly covered with stunted bushes and occasional clumps of +palms. + +"Look here, Hoppy," remarked Andy, as they sat down to recover their +breadth after their fatiguing climb. "It's all very well living on an +island when everything goes well, but we can't say that it is now. +Perhaps it's a useless fear, but I fear that there's always the +possibility of those savage brutes coming back here in overwhelming +numbers and wiping us out. That does not tend to make things +comfortable, although it may tend to liven things up." + +"But they had such a terrible smashing last time," replied Ellerton. + +"True! But didn't we give them a good licking when they pursued us in +their canoes? That didn't prevent them repeating their unwelcome +attentions." + +"I hope you don't mean to show the white feather, Andy?" + +"Not I. If there's a dust-up, I'll do my best; but, at the same time, +I shan't be sorry to get the yawl repaired and say good-bye to the +island. The treasure can wait till we charter a steamer to fetch it." + +"Well, the savages haven't returned, so we can still make the best of +things," replied Ellerton cheerfully. "But we must be moving or we'll +find no water." + +The two lads had not gone fifty yards ere they came across a small +stream. Andy bent down, and raising some of the water in the palm of +his hand applied it to his lips. + +"Fresh as one could wish," he pronounced. + +"Good! Now we'll follow its course and see if it approaches the mouth +of the cave." + +The rivulet, for it was nothing more, wended its way in an almost +semicircular direction, till, at about two hundred yards from where the +lads had struck it, it emptied itself into a rift in the rocks, the +splash of its fall echoing dimly from apparently unfathomable depths. + +"Look! We are not very far from that part of the cliff that overhangs +the mouth of the cave," exclaimed Ellerton. "What is to prevent us +from digging a shallow trench and conducting the water right to the +entrance to the tunnel?" + +"It's fairly hard rock," objected Andy, "It will be no end of a task +cutting a new watercourse." + +"Then we can use some of the cast-iron pipes we brought ashore," +continued the young seaman, determined not to be overcome by early +difficulties. "There are more than enough to cover this distance, and +by damming the stream we can----" + +"Yes, that's all very well, but if we are compelled to beat a retreat +to the cave the savages will find the pipes and so discover our +hiding-place." + +"I'm afraid that will make but little difference. The trail from the +house up the mouth of the tunnel is so well defined that a blind man +might follow it. Why, whatever is the matter with you, Andy? You seem +to throw cold water on every suggestion that is made. You are not +always like that. Are you ill?" + +"I believe I am," replied Andy. "At least, I do not feel quite up to +the mark." + +"Then let's get back," said Ellerton, and assisting his chum over the +rough ground the pair returned to the mouth of the tunnel just as the +others were emerging. + +"Any luck?" asked Mr. McKay cheerfully; then realising that his son +looked ill, he exclaimed: "What have you been doing, Andy?" + +"I don't know, father. I feel absolutely rotten." + +They managed to get him back to the house, his teeth chattering with +the cold; but before night he was in a high fever. His father +administered liberal doses of quinine, of which there was a plentiful +supply; but, in spite of this remedy, the lad's illness increased, and +before morning he was in a delirium, raving about the sunken yawl and +the savages. More than once he attempted to leave his bed and seize a +rifle, and it required the united efforts of Mr. McKay, Ellerton, and +Terence to hold him down. + +It was an anxious time. Mr. McKay had had experience of this kind of +malady, and knew that should the patient leave his bed and take cold, +he must die. + +For forty-eight hours Mr. McKay, the two lads, and Quexo kept ceaseless +watch, the mulatto being particularly attentive in his duties; but at +length the feverish state was succeeded by a profuse sweat, and Mr. +McKay knew that for the present the dreaded disaster was averted. + +During the lengthy period of convalescence, someone had to be within +call of the patient, but the others resumed their outdoor occupation. + +Most of the traces of the last visit of the savages had been removed; +the cliff-path leading up from the shore had been fortified by the +erection of a loop-holed palisade, so as to command the approach by +rifle-fire; while the remainder of the treasure had been brought from +the cave to the house, and the former was well provisioned in case of +emergency. + +Ellerton also found time to carry out his project of conducting fresh +water into the cave. By the aid of Terence and Quexo he contrived to +lay a line of pipes from the stream down the slope to the edge of the +cliff overhanging the entrance, whence a tiny cascade fell over the +rocks within a few feet of the tunnel. + +Later on, at Mr. McKay's suggestion, the line of iron pipes was +continued down the face of the cliff, though concealed by the bushes, +and carried a few yards into the tunnel. For most of that distance the +pipes were covered by the thick dust, till sufficiently far from the +entrance to enable the occupants to defend the end of the aqueduct if +necessary. + +The water, on escaping, ran down the incline, till absorbed by the +pumice dust, although by degrees it cut for itself a channel close to +the sides of the tunnel. Thus a plentiful supply of the precious +liquid was assured, and at the same time no inconvenience was caused by +the waste turning the floor of the passage into a swamp. + +The rainy season was shortly due, and unable, on account of Andy's +weakness, to complete the salvage of the yawl, since every available +hand was necessary, the wrecked boat was again rafted farther out into +the lagoon and allowed to sink to the bottom, so as to lie in safety +during the on-shore gales. + +One morning Ellerton set out as usual to attend to the sheep, which +were in a thriving state, having so increased in numbers that new +pasture grounds had to be provided for them. + +It was then blowing strongly from the north-east and almost dead on +shore. Happening to glance seaward, he was surprised to see a topsail +schooner, under close-reefed canvas, running past the island. + +For a moment or so he remained gazing with astonishment at the unwonted +sight: then, recovering himself, he ran as hard as he could to the +house. + +"A sail! A sail!" he exclaimed breathlessly. + +[Illustration: "A SAIL! A SAIL!" HE EXCLAIMED BREATHLESSLY] + +Everyone, including Andy, ran out of the house, and, as Ellerton had +announced, there was the schooner now abreast of the entrance of the +lagoon, but still keeping on her course to the south-west. + +"Bring out the signal-book and the flags," ordered Mr. McKay. "And +you, Quexo, make a fire." + +Ellerton soon returned with the bunting, and the Union Jack was hoisted +to the masthead. The mulatto procured some dry wood from the store, +and set it in a blaze. When well alight, he piled a quantity of damp +leaves upon the fire, causing a thick smoke. + +Unfortunately the strong wind prevented the vapour from rising, the +smoke drifting over the ground in thick, suffocating columns, but to +the castaways' great joy the vessel hoisted her ensign. It was the +French tricolour. + +"Hurrah!" shouted Mr. McKay. "Now lads, hand me N and C." + +The next instant the N and C flags, signifying in the International +code, "_Want assistance_" were fluttering from the mast. + +Through the telescope the inhabitants of McKay's Island could see the +oilskin-clad figure of the French skipper, his neatly-trimmed moustache +and imperial as correct as if he were on the boulevards of Paris, +rushing hither and thither, and giving his orders with much waving of +his arms. Then, as a string of flags ran up to her main truck, the +schooner was hove-to. + +"_D.C.--Are coming to your assistance_," read Mr. McKay, referring to +his signal-book. "By Jove! that won't do, the boat will be swamped," +for already some of the crew were manning the falls. + +"Sharp there," he continued, "'_E.Y.--Do not attempt to land in your +boat_.' That will stop them; but there's no denying that they are +plucky fellows." + +In obedience to the signal, the crew of the French schooner gave up +their attempt, and a lengthy interchange of signals was kept up, the +Frenchman promising to report the presence of the castaways at the +first port she touched; then, with a farewell dip of her ensign, she +flung about, and half an hour later she was lost in the haze. + +"That's a load off our minds," remarked Mr. McKay. "We can reasonably +expect help in a month at the very outside." + +"Unless she is blown out of her course, for a gale is freshening," +replied Ellerton. + +"Nevertheless, the chances are greatly in our favour, though at the +same time we must not cease our efforts to work out our salvation. +This gale will doubtless mark the end of the rainy season, so we can +hope to renew our efforts to salve the yawl within the next few days." + +But, contrary to Mr. McKay's expectations, the weather continued bad +for nearly a month and, although a sharp look-out was kept by day and +the searchlights flashed nightly, no vessel appeared in sight. +Alternate hopes and fears did not tend to improve the spirits of the +castaways, and ere the fine weather set in their condition was +bordering on acute depression, in spite of their individual efforts to +the contrary. + +At length, after a long spell of rainy weather, the sun burst forth in +all its splendour, the wind went away, and the island appeared under a +totally different aspect from that which it had shown during the last +six months. With the return of the dry season, the spirits of the +castaways likewise rose, and energetically they resumed their outdoor +labours. + +The submerged yawl was, so far as they could see, little the worse for +its prolonged rest on the bed of the lagoon, and by dint of hard and +painstaking work she was moved nearer to the shore than she had been +since the disastrous day when she had been scuttled by the natives. + +"It will be new moon to-morrow at about ten o'clock," announced Mr. +McKay. "Consequently there will be a fairly high tide at noon, so we +can reasonably hope for sufficient water to float the yawl to the +cradle. Everything is ready, I suppose?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Ellerton. "I finished rigging the tackle this +morning, and the cradle is properly ballasted." + +"Good! Then we'll make the attempt to-morrow." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV + +A FALSE AND A REAL ALARM + +Before daybreak everyone was up and eager for the fray, and directly +breakfast was over they sallied down to the shore. It was still pitch +dark, but the time of dead low water made it absolutely necessary that +operations should commence ere the sun rose. + +By the light of several lanterns the slack of the hawsers was taken in +and the two canoes pinned down so far as the united efforts of all +hands would permit. Nothing more could be done till the rising of the +tide. + +The cradle, its ends marked by long poles to indicate its position at +high water, was already run out so far as the lines of the slipway +extended, a rope being fastened to it from the windlass ashore. + +Anxiously the little group of workers watched the tide rise slowly, +inch by inch, up the temporary tide gauge. Sometimes it paused as a +"false ebb" in the offing stayed its progress, till at length it crept +within a few inches of its predicted height. + +"There's enough water now, I fancy," announced Ellerton, "so heave +away. Gently does it!" + +It was an anxious time. Slowly the two canoes were warped shore wards, +guided by a pair of ropes abeam so as to insure the wrecked boat being +deposited evenly on the cradle. Already the two outer poles of the +cradle were passed, when a slight shock told the salvors that the +yawl's forefoot had touched the cradle. + +"Avast there!" shouted Ellerton to Terence and Quexo, who were hauling +on the shore. + +"There's not enough water," exclaimed Andy, with dismay written on his +face. + +"Ten minutes yet before high water," announced Mr. McKay. "Will she do +it, I wonder?" + +For answer Ellerton slipped off his clothes and plunged over the side +of the canoe. Mr. McKay and Andy could follow his movements as he +descended with slow yet powerful strokes, till he disappeared from view +beneath the submerged craft. Half a minute later he reappeared, and +swam alongside the canoe, into which he was assisted by the eager +spectators. + +"She'll do it," he announced, when he had recovered his breath. "We +are a bit out in our reckoning; her keel is touching the side of the +cradle." + +Five minutes later the yawl was lying immediately over the slipway, the +slings were cast off, and slowly she settled upon the carriage prepared +for her reception. The canoes were warped clear, and all that remained +to be done was to man the winch and heave the cradle above high-water +mark. + +In spite of the broiling sun, the work of winding the winch was begun, +for the delighted lads would not be persuaded to delay the operation +till the cool of the day. Foot by foot the cradle came home, till the +huge barnacle-covered hull began to appear above the water. + +"What a state she's in," exclaimed Andy, as the lads rested from their +labours, for they were thoroughly played out. "There's a week's +scraping in front of us before we can do anything else." + +"Hadn't we better see about baling her out?" asked Terence. "Directly +she ceases to be water-borne the pressure of the water will burst her +seams." + +"No fear of that," replied Mr. McKay. "The water will find its way out +of the hole that the natives made in her." + +"I guess the motor is pretty rusty," continued Terence. + +"It may not be," Andy replied. "You see, I kept it smothered in +grease, and unless those brutes smashed it, it ought to be capable of +being repaired. But I am awfully anxious to see, so what do you say to +another turn at the winch?" + +Once more the lads resumed their work of hauling up the cradle, till +nearly the whole of the streaming, weed-covered hull--a forlorn waif +from the sea--was visible. + +"Another five yards, lads," exclaimed Ellerton cheerfully. "Now, put +more beef into it." + +As he spoke, there was a warning shout from Mr. McKay, but the warning +came too late. Ere the lads could realise the extent of their +misfortune the cradle collapsed and the hull of the yawl crashed over +on her side. + +With a horrible rending of the shattered timbers, the enormous mass +pitched fairly on a jagged rock; the next instant the object of so many +months' tedious toil lay on its broadside, hopelessly damaged. + +For quite a minute all hands gazed in speechless grief upon the scene +of calamity. To have the fruits of victory snatched from their lips +seemed almost more than they could realise, till by degrees the extent +of their misfortune began to assert itself. + +"Is she really done for?" said Andy, his voice barely raised above a +whisper. + +"Yes, her back's broken," replied his father. "She will never float +again." + +"Then, by George!" announced Andy, speaking in a tone that surprised +his companions by its resolution, "I won't be done. I begin to build +another craft to-morrow. Come on, pater, let's get something to eat, +and after that we'll set out the plans for our new craft. Buck up, +Hoppy, it's no use crying over spilt milk." + +Inspired by their companion's cheerfulness, the lads turned their backs +upon the scene of their ill-favoured labours and set off towards the +house. They now felt specially anxious to devote their energies to the +new task that lay before them, and already their late misfortune was +being regarded as a thing of the past. + +"Without wishing to discourage you, Andy," began Mr. McKay, after the +meal was over, "I think we had better give up all idea of building +another craft. I've been going carefully into this matter, and I'll +tell you why I form this conclusion. You see there's no timber growing +on this island that can be used, and our own stock is insufficient even +if we make use of the planks of the wrecked yawl. So I think the best +thing we can do is to convert one of the canoes----" + +"But I thought we had already decided that they are unsuitable and +unseaworthy?" + +"Quite so. As they are at present I should hesitate to make a long +voyage in one of them, although the natives frequently travel great +distances in this type of craft. So I think if we give the smallest +canoe--for that one seems the handiest--a good keelson, bolt a false +keel into it, and provide her with some stout timbers and stringers, +she'll answer our purpose. We can use most of the deck planks of the +yawl to deck-in the canoe. Her sails and most of her gear will come in +handy." + +"It would certainly save a lot of work," replied Andy, for in calmer +moments the size of his proposed task had begun to assert itself. + +"Then let's make a start," added Ellerton. "There's no time like the +present, so I vote we begin to dismantle the remains of the yawl, +examine and overhaul her canvas, and remove the ballast." + +"I haven't measured the smallest canoe," remarked Andy. "What's her +length, do you think?" + +"About twenty-eight feet in length, nine in breadth, and two feet +draught, though with the addition of a false keel and ballast she will +draw at least four feet." + +Accordingly all hands set to work with a will, and ere nightfall the +shattered hull of the yawl was a mere shell, the gear being stowed away +in the lower storehouse. + +"To-morrow we'll make a start with the canoe," said Ellerton, as they +prepared to retire for the night. "There are plenty of pieces of +timber to shore her up, and wedges can easily be made. Before the end +of the week we ought to have her keel and keelson bolted on." + +"Then sleep well on it," added Mr. McKay, "for there's much to be done." + +The inhabitants of McKay's Island had already made their customary +signal with the searchlight, the power had been switched off, and the +canvas hood placed over the instrument for the purpose of protecting it +from the night dews. This routine was always the last ere the day's +work ended. + +Mr. McKay was about to close the door of the dwelling-house when a +rapid and prolonged ringing of the electric alarm bell broke upon the +stillness of the night. + +Instantly there was a rush for the arms-rack where the rifles were kept +ready for immediate use, and, securing their weapons, the whole party +made for the open, Terence, according to a prearranged plan, running to +the powerhouse to switch on the current, while the others took up their +position at the palisade commanding the cliff-path. + +The night was pitch dark; a light breeze ruffled the palm trees, but +beyond that all was still. Peering into the darkness the defenders +waited, finger on trigger, to open fire on the first appearance of the +foe. + +Then the alarm bell began to ring again. + +"There's someone climbing the path," whispered Ellerton, when the din +had died away. + +"I wish Terence would hurry up with the searchlight; we could then see +who the intruders are. There it is again," as the clanging of the bell +commenced for the third time. + +In his natural anxiety and haste, Terence fumbled over his task, but at +length the carbons fused and the giant beam of the searchlight threw +its dazzling rays seaward. Then, trained by Donaghue's guiding hand, +it swept the lower terraces and the beach, but neither hostile canvas +nor lurking bloodthirsty warriors came within its blinding glare. + +"There's someone moving down there," exclaimed Andy, pointing towards +the foot of the steep path. "See! To the right of that great boulder." + +"Hanged if I can," muttered Ellerton. Nevertheless he took aim with +his rifle at the spot indicated by his chum. + +"It's only the shadows thrown by the moving beam," said Mr. McKay. +"Terence, keep the light steady for a moment, will you?" + +The now stationary ray revealed the fact that some moving object was +creeping cautiously over the rock-strewn beach immediately at the end +of the path. + +"There's someone down there," whispered Ellerton, and almost as he +spoke the alarm bell resumed its shrill warning. + +"I'm going down to see who or what it is," announced Mr. McKay, leaning +his rifle against the stockade and drawing a revolver. + +Accompanied by Andy, Ellerton and Quexo, he descended the steep and +rugged path. + +All at once Mr. McKay burst into a hearty laugh, his companions joining +in as soon as they perceived the cause of his mirth. A huge turtle had +crawled across the beach and was digging a hole in the sand with its +flippers. This had set the alarm bell ringing. + +[Illustration: A HUGE TURTLE HAD CRAWLED ACROSS THE BEACH AND HAD SET +THE ALARM BELL RINGING] + +As the larder needed filling, the turtle was dispatched and dragged up +to the house. + +It was late in the forenoon of the next day ere the inmates turned out +of their beds, for the previous night's diversion had deprived them of +a fair share of their accustomed sleep. + +"Buck up and fill the kettle, Quexo," shouted Andy "I'm right hungry." + +The mulatto, taking a can in his hand, set out for the stream, but +hardly had he stepped outside the door when he returned with +consternation written all over his face. + +"Massa! Massa!" he gasped. "Canoes! Heap, plenty, much, great +canoes!" + + + + +CHAPTER XXV + +THE GREAT INVASION + +Quexo's warning was only too true. Less than a mile from the reef the +sea was dotted with the brown mat sails of a large fleet of native +craft all heading for the island. + +"Forty canoes at least, by Jove!" ejaculated Mr. McKay. "And taking +twenty men to each--a low average--that means there are eight hundred +of the wretches making straight for us." + +"It's long odds," replied Ellerton grimly, "but we'll do our best, and +perhaps we may find a means of driving them off." + +"I should have thought the last little surprise would have settled +them. We must give them credit for their persistence. There's one +thing to our advantage, though; it's a day attack, and we are more or +less prepared for it. But what are they up to now?" + +The advancing canoes had now reached the entrance to the lagoon, and, +with marvellous precision, their sails were lowered, and the crews took +to their paddles. Then, instead of heading straight for the beach, the +whole flotilla turned its course parallel with the shore. + +"That's bad," remarked Mr. McKay, pausing in the act of dragging a box +of ammunition from the house to the stockade. "They have learnt a +lesson, and now they mean to take us on the flank or in the rear. Come +on, lads, there's no time to be lost. We must follow them and see if +we can prevent them landing." + +Fortunately the savages' idea of strategy was not very advanced. +Instead of keeping one section of their fleet for the purpose of making +a feint or a frontal attack while the other canoes skirted the island, +the whole of the boats kept together. + +Loaded with ammunition-belts and carrying their rifles, the little band +of defenders toiled up the path leading to the interior till they +reached the summit of the cliffs overlooking the house. Then, bearing +away to the left, they hastened to keep pace with their savage invaders. + +Through the palm-groves, fighting their way between patches of thick, +prickly scrub, Mr. McKay and his companions continued their wearisome +march, till, from the summit of the ridge that separated their bay from +the one where they had first landed, they saw that the hostile canoes +had gained considerably. + +The usually calm waters of the lagoon were broken into thousands of +ripples by the swift-moving craft, while the cliffs re-echoed to the +regular beats of their paddles. Yet, without attempting to land on +that part of the shore, the savages continued their roundabout voyage. + +"It's no use going any farther," gasped Mr. McKay breathlessly. "We +are only tiring ourselves out to no purpose. A hundred well-armed men +would be powerless to prevent them landing." + +"Then what's to be done?" + +"We must return to the house and make every possible use of the few +hours that as yet remain to us. I quite admit I have been guilty of a +serious error of omission. While paying great attention to our seaward +defences, we have entirely neglected the landward approach." + +On return to the terrace on which stood the dwelling-house and the +power-station, the already wearied defenders immediately set to work to +fortify the approach from the interior of the island. + +Sixty yards from the house began the narrow defile that afforded a road +between the settlement and the treasure cave. On either side the +cliffs towered to nearly one hundred feet, so that once the savages +took possession of those heights the terrace could not be held. + +"I suppose we cannot launch one of the canoes, provision her, and make +a dash for safety?" asked Terence. + +"It's too risky," replied Mr. McKay. "If seen, we should be overhauled +in less than half-an-hour. No, we must stick to this place and hold it +to the last, so let's set to at once." + +With the energy of despair all hands worked with feverish desperation, +their loaded rifles lying within easy reach, while every moment they +expected to hear the savage shouts of their bloodthirsty foes. + +Across the foot of the defile they dug a shallow trench, lining the +inner side with boxes, crates, and other articles so as to form a +barricade. It was a feeble defence at the most, but with five skilled +riflemen armed with modern rifles behind it, the breastwork might serve +its purpose. + +To guard against a shower of missiles from the summit of the adjacent +cliffs, a lean-to roof of stout planks was hastily constructed, earth +being thrown upon it to deaden the shock of heavy stones, while the +remaining boxes of ammunition were brought up so that the supply was +ready to hand. + +"Look here, Quexo," said Mr. McKay, "go to the stockade at the top of +the cliff-path, and keep watch. Don't move, whatever happens, till we +call you, even if you hear us firing; but if you see any signs of the +savages landing on the beach, fire your rifle. You understand?" + +"Yas, massa," replied the mulatto, and snatching up his rifle he ran to +his appointed post as quickly as his legs could carry him. + +"We mustn't forget water and provisions, Ellerton," said Mr. McKay. +"They must be brought ready to hand, for if the fighting is prolonged +we will have no time to go to the house for food and drink." + +"I'll bring some biscuits and water," replied Ellerton. "I remember +how dry I was during the last attack. But, do you know, sir, I begin +to feel quite hopeful, now our defences are completed." + +"It's certainly improved the situation, Hoppy," replied Mr. McKay. +"But we've a tough job in front of us. Eight or nine hundred savages, +each eager for a fight and keen on plundering us. We must not be +over-confident. But now cut off and get the provisions and water." + +Ellerton quickly performed his task, and, having placed the water and +biscuits in the spot indicated by Mr. McKay, he observed: + +"It's a pity we can't use some of that dynamite again." + +"We cannot make the trucks run up hill, and, besides, there are no +rails, if that's what you mean." + +"No, sir, I know that," was the reply, "but I thought that if we could +place a few tins of the stuff on those rocks we could easily manage to +put a bullet through them at two hundred yards." + +"By all means we'll try it," said Mr. McKay heartily. "As I've often +said, you're a brick." + +Accordingly Ellerton ran to the cave where the explosive was stored, +and returned at a walking pace with nearly forty pounds of the +dangerous compound. + +"Don't use all of it," said Mr. McKay. "Here, take these three tins; +they'll be a better mark for us." + +Into each of the metal boxes Ellerton placed about ten pounds of the +explosive, adding a few handfuls of iron, nails, and bits of scrap +metal. Then, climbing over the breastwork, he was handed the +rough-and-ready bombs. + +Thus laden he cautiously made his way up the rough defile till he +reached a spot about two hundred yards from the defenders' position. + +Here a mass of fallen rock, the highest part ten feet in height, formed +a suitable site for his operations, and without mishap the tin +canisters were placed in such a position that they could readily be +seen above the heads of any number of savages likely to come between +them and the defences. + +Meanwhile Mr. McKay was busily engaged in preparing a number of +hand-bombs, charging several small tins with explosive mixed with +nails, and lashing a short length of thin rope securely to each +completed missile. + +"I'm going to place these things here," said he, pointing to a small +cleft in the cliff. "Be careful not to knock them, or we shall punish +ourselves." + +"How are you going to throw them?" asked Ellerton, who had meanwhile +returned from his expedition. "If they fall too close they will do us +harm, and I don't think they can be thrown more than the length of a +cricket-pitch." + +"By this," replied Mr. McKay, holding up a short stick with a notch cut +in one end. "I lay the rope along the stick and jam its end between +the palm of my hand and the wood. By swinging the stick a greatly +increased power is obtained; at the right moment the cord is released +and the bomb flies off at a tangent." + +"I see," replied Ellerton, and although he had great faith in Mr. +McKay, he found himself wondering what the result would be did the +missile not fly off at the correct tangent. + +Slowly the hours dragged, for, all the preparations for the defence +being completed, the tedious and nerve-racking ordeal of waiting for +the fray told more upon the energies of the defenders than would the +actual fight. + +The sun was sinking low ere the alert watchers detected the distant +shouts of the savages. + +"They've found the trail leading to the cave, I fancy," remarked Mr. +McKay. "They'll be here before dark, unless I'm much mistaken. +Terence, you had better start the dynamo and see that the searchlight +is ready for use. Tell Quexo to come here and take your place. You +must take sole charge of the seaward side of our defences. Now, +listen: whatever you do, don't train the searchlight this way till I +discharge my rifle. Keep the rays playing on the shore, and +occasionally flash the beam skywards. It may bring us aid. When you +hear the shot, slew the projector round and direct the beam straight up +the defile. You quite understand?" + +"Yes, sir," replied Terence. "You can rely upon me." + +"I feel sure of it," was the quiet reply, as the lad set off on his +responsible and single-handed task. + +"It will soon be dark," said Ellerton. "That will be all the better +for us, for these brutes won't find their way so easily." + +"I don't think the darkness will stop them, provided they are not +afraid of it. These savages can find their way by night like cats. +Hullo, Quexo, tired, eh?" + +"No, massa, not berry tired. One eye he go sleep, den oder eye he go +sleep." + +"Quexo means to go to sleep with one eye open," said Andy. "We ought +to take a leaf from his book." + +"Yes, we'll feel the want of sleep as much as anything," replied his +father. "Once the attack opens there will be little respite. It +wouldn't be a bad idea if you three were to snatch a few moments' rest. +I'll wake you up in time, never fear." + +This advice was acted upon, Andy, Ellerton, and Quexo stretching +themselves out on the ground at the foot of the barricade, and in a few +minutes, in spite of their risky position, the lads were sleeping +soundly. + +Night had now fallen, and the ghostly white beams of the searchlight +swept the shore, the noise of the distant surf mingling with the +subdued fizzing of the carbons as Terence diligently attended to the +working of the projector. + +The far-off shouts of the savages had now ceased. Probably the +invaders, satisfied with the success of their unopposed landing, were +awaiting the dawn ere they commenced their attack. + +Silence, when intent upon a hand-to-hand conflict, was a stranger to +them, and for this Mr. McKay was thankful, since few things are more +trying than the expectation of a sudden onslaught by an unseen and +unheard foe. + +Notwithstanding this peculiarity on the part of the invaders, Mr. McKay +did not for one moment relax his vigilance. Rifle in hand he stood, +rarely altering his position, and gazed stedfastly in the direction of +the defile, his ears alert for the faintest footfall or shout that +might denote the approach of the bloodthirsty savages. + +Although the defenders were cut off from their carefully prepared +retreat in the treasure cave, another shelter yet remained. The cavern +where Blight had been kept a prisoner had been since used as a +temporary storehouse for several casks of provisions. As a last +resource it could be held, possibly for a month. + +But if the natives took the island and showed no disposition to leave, +after having plundered the white man's possessions, even that refuge +would be a means of only prolonging the sufferings of the defenders. + +Hopeful as he generally was, Mr. McKay fully realised that he and his +companions were in a very tight fix, and unless the skill and resource +of civilisation could overcome the superior numbers and reckless +courage of the savages, nothing short of a timely rescue would save the +defenders from death. + +Then Mr. McKay found himself counting the number of days which had +elapsed since the French schooner had exchanged signals with the +island. Even allowing for light winds and calms she would have had +time to reach some port, and, should the captain keep his word, a +gunboat or at least a trading vessel might be on her way to the rescue. + +Mr. McKay's thoughts were interrupted by a loud chorus of savage shouts +at no great distance, then came the confused noise of scuffling feet +tearing down the defile. + +"Up with you," he shouted. + +But the warning was unnecessary, for the three lads, awakened by the +noise, were already standing to their arms. + +"It's the sheep!" exclaimed Ellerton. + +"The savages have frightened them, and they are running this way for +shelter," said Andy. "That means that the natives will soon be at +their heels." + +The terrified sheep continued their flight till they found their +advance checked by the barricade, and in a confused, struggling mass +they herded into the corner formed by the breastwork and the adjoining +cliff, their loud baa-ing adding to the confusion. + +Then upon the brow of the rise at the end of the defile appeared a +multitude of lights, and with fierce shouts the savages tore down the +rough inclined path straight for the barricade. + +[Illustration: WITH FIERCE SHOUTS THE SAVAGES TORE DOWN THE PATH +STRAIGHT FOR THE BARRICADE] + + + + +CHAPTER XXVI + +A GREAT DISASTER + +The natives had furnished themselves with torches made from the +branches of resinous trees, and in the ruddy flare the painted bodies +of the warriors made an easy mark. + +"Three hundred yards," said Mr. McKay, setting up the backsight of his +rifle. "Fire rapidly, but aim low. We may check the rush before they +come to close quarters." + +The sharp reports of the rifles echoed along the rocky walls of the +defile, and a series of loud shrieks told that the fire had not been in +vain. Yet the onward rush was apparently unchecked, for though several +of the torches were extinguished, the savages still rushed to the +attack. + +"Where's the searchlight?" muttered Mr. McKay, as he thrust a fresh +clip of cartridges into his magazine. + +At that moment the giant beam swung majestically round and fixed itself +upon the gorge. + +Under the powerful rays the scene of horror was thrown into high +relief. The upper part of the defile was literally choked with human +beings. A few of the foremost warriors, drawing clear of the press, +had managed to evade the death-dealing volleys, and with brandished +clubs and spears were rushing upon the barricade. + +This much the defenders saw as the first flash of the searchlight was +thrown upon the scene. The next instant the shouts of triumph and pain +gave place to cries of terror. + +The blinding rays, coming apparently from out of the earth, were far +more to be feared than the bullets. To the savage mind it was +magic--black magic. + +The warlike mob seemed to melt away. Some of the warriors, throwing +down their weapons, rushed from the scene of action with their arms +pressed tightly across their eyes as if to shut out the penetrating +beams; others dropped where they stood, grovelling in the dust and +uttering cries, while in the space of five minutes the defile was +deserted, save by the dead and wounded and a few of the natives, whose +terror seemed to have rooted them to the earth. + +"That's spotted them!" exclaimed Andy, as he threw down his over-heated +rifle. "I hope it will scare them right off the island." + +"It has worked wonders," assented Mr. McKay. "But be careful, some of +those men are not dead, I feel sure. Bring down every man you see +moving." + +Rifle on shoulder the lads waited. They quite realised the danger of +allowing the natives to lurk in the defile, and as each cautiously +moving body could be seen, as a terrified warrior slowly recovered from +his panic, a carefully aimed shot caused him to fall. + +"We are comparatively secure till daylight," said Mr. McKay. "They've +had another lesson. Andy, you might relieve Terence at the +searchlight. Keep it fixed on the defile, though at intervals you +might direct it seawards. Quexo, I want you to carry up as many pails +of water as you can to Blight's cave. Ellerton, you're feeling fit, I +hope? Will you keep a look-out, I am going to have forty winks." + +It was an exaggerated "forty winks." Mr. McKay, dead beat with his +exertions, slept like a log till daybreak, Terence keeping him company. + +Ellerton had meanwhile climbed over the stockade and succeeded in +bringing back several of the terrified sheep, which throughout the +night had been huddled together in helpless terror. + +Beyond an occasional shot as a few of the wretched natives attempted to +wriggle out of the death-trap, the rest of the night had passed without +further disturbance; but the dawn revealed a different state of affairs. + +The discomfited savages were evidently built of stern stuff, for as +soon as it was light, undaunted by their defeat in the hours of +darkness, they took possession of the summit of the cliff overlooking +the defenders' lines. + +Standing on the very edge of the precipice, like bronzed statues, +several of the chiefs surveyed the scene beneath them, till, having +taken in all that they wanted, they withdrew to the main body of +warriors. + +Instantly the fierce shouts of the savages rent the air, and a shower +of stones and throwing-spears was hurled upon the white men's defences. + +The missiles rattled on the iron roof of the house and upon the top of +the shelter over the searchlight; but the defenders, safe within the +covered-in barricade, were secure from the furious hail, though unable +to reply by a single shot. Several of the sheep were transfixed by +spears, each casualty being greeted with a hoarse roar of delight from +the attackers. + +Terence, however, who had returned to his post at the seaward side of +the terrace, saw the possibility of the searchlight being damaged by +stones, and, regardless of the danger, he rushed from his shelter to +place a screen of planks over the partially exposed instrument. + +His appearance was the signal for a redoubled discharge of missiles, +but coolly he continued his task. + +"Get back to cover!" shouted Mr. McKay. + +At that moment a stone caught the lad in the side, and staggering a few +paces he fell. + +A yell of triumph greeted the success of the savages; but without a +moment's hesitation Ellerton rushed through the danger zone. Unscathed +he gained his friend's side, and to his relief found that the missile +had merely winded him. + +Fortunately Terence had the presence of mind to stagger to the remote +side of the searchlight hut, where the two lads were protected from the +hailstorm of stones. + +"Are you fit for a dash?" asked Ellerton after a while. + +"Yes," replied Terence, "I'm ready now." + +Seizing their rifles, the two friends rushed at top speed across the +open ground and gained the shelter of the palisade guarding the +cliff-path. Here they were, so to speak, on the wrong side of the +fence, and had there been any savages on the shore their position would +have been critical in the extreme. + +As it was, they were able to keep up a constant fire upon the natives +on the cliff; but their foes seemed totally indifferent to the rifles, +though man after man was observed to fall. + +The savages had not been idle. Realising that the buildings and the +barricade at the end of the defile were proof against stones and +spears, they rolled an enormous stone to the edge of the cliff with the +intention of dropping it upon the roofed-in stockade. + +"Look out!" shouted Ellerton. "There's a rock about to fall on your +heads!" + +Taking advantage of the warning shout, Mr. McKay, Quexo, and Andy +crossed the covered way to the opposite side of the defile. Not a +moment too soon. + +In spite of a couple of successful shots by Ellerton, who managed to +bowl over one of the most active of the savages who were engaged in +rolling the ponderous rock, the mass of stone rushed down the slope and +shot clear of the cliff. + +The next instant it crashed through the frail roof of the barricade, +and, in addition, smashed a huge gap in the wall of packing-cases and +chests. + +"A near shave," ejaculated Mr. McKay. "If they keep that game up we +shall soon be without a roof to our heads." + +Emboldened by their success, a considerable number of the savages +worked their way round to the head of the gorge with the intention of +charging the shattered defences, the remaining natives still keeping up +a telling discharge from the brink of the cliff. + +"I must rush it," said Ellerton hurriedly, as he grasped the state of +affairs. "Keep a good look-out along the shore, Terence. If I fall, +don't attempt a rescue; there are not enough of us to throw ourselves +away like that." + +Bending low, the lad ran across the danger zone once more, and although +several spears fell close to him, he gained the side of his companions +in safety. + +Seen by day, the advance of the savages had an even more fearful +appearance than the night attack. Brandishing their weapons and +uttering awful yells, they rushed down the gorge, with one object in +view. They meant to come to hand-grips with the stubborn defenders of +the barricade. + +"Now, Andy," remarked Mr. McKay quietly, "reserve your fire till the +thickest of the press passes yonder rock, then aim carefully at that +canister. Go on firing, you," he added to the other two lads. + +The execution caused by the three rifles amongst that solid pack of +howling savages was great. No body of white men would have faced it, +but undaunted the warriors swept on. + +Andy, finger on trigger, watched the advance till the critical moment; +but his arm was not so firm as it ought to have been, and the bullet +struck the rock a foot to the left of the tin of explosives. + +"Miss, by Jove!" he exclaimed savagely as he jerked open the breach and +ejected the empty cylinder. + +Ere he could again take aim, Mr. McKay's rifle spoke. There was a +blinding glare, followed by a deafening report, and the close ranks of +the savages seemed to be swept aside as if by a gigantic flail. Not +only did the dynamite charge scatter death amongst the natives, but the +concussion brought down huge masses of rock from the cliffs, their fall +adding to the terror and confusion of the attackers. + +"That's fifty of them at the very least," exclaimed Andy. "A few more +coups like that, and we'll wipe them all out." + +"It will teach them caution, I'm afraid," was his father's reply. "But +we've done very well up to the present. How's Terence?" + +"He was only slightly hurt," replied Ellerton. + +"No sign of any canoes?" + +"No, sir." + +"Thank Heaven for that," replied Mr. McKay fervently. + +"The explosion also sent off the other canisters," observed Andy. +"Shall we place some others in the gorge when it is dark?" + +"I don't think they will attempt that way again," replied Mr. McKay. +"They've had a rare fright, both by day and night." + +"I noticed a crowd of them on the cliffs immediately above the cave +where the rest of the dynamite is stored," paid Ellerton. "If we can +use the stuff to no better purpose, why not set a time-fuse, and give +them another surprise?" + +"It might be done, but there's a great risk to be run by whoever lights +the fuse." + +"I'm willing to do it," said Ellerton resolutely. "I can creep along +the base of the cliff so as to be out of sight." + +"Then do it, my boy. Now's the time to act, before they have got over +their last reverse." + +Without a moment's delay, Ellerton dashed across the spear-encumbered +ground and gained the shelter of the overhanging cliffs. Then waving +his hands to his companions, he disappeared from view. + +There was a lull in the fighting. The defenders, anxiously awaiting +their comrade's return, lay idle within their defences, while the +natives were content to hurl an occasional spear or stone upon the +roofs of the buildings to show that they were still determined to +continue the attack. + +"I hope Ellerton's all right," exclaimed Andy uneasily. "He's been +gone quite long enough." + +"I cannot help thinking the same," replied his father. + +They waited another five minutes, then Quexo announced his intention of +going to search for Massa El'ton. + +"Be careful, then, Quexo," said Andy. "Remember Mr. Ellerton may have +lit the fuse--set fire to great bang-up," he added, noting that the +mulatto looked puzzled over the word "fuse." + +"All right, Massa Andy. Quexo he mind take care ob self an' Massa +El'ton." + +Another five minutes passed in breathless suspense. What had happened? +Ellerton had only to cover a distance of about four hundred yards both +ways. Allowing for the rugged nature of the ground, and the necessity +for caution, he ought to have returned several minutes ago. Perhaps he +had stumbled and was lying helpless within a few feet of the heavily +charged mine. + +Suddenly two revolver shots rang out in quick succession, and Quexo's +voice was heard shouting for aid. + +"Stay here, Andy," exclaimed his father hurriedly, and grasping his +revolver he ran towards the scene of action, the report of another shot +greeting his ears as he went. + +On rounding a spur of the cliff, a strange sight met his gaze. From +the summit of the cliff dangled a long rope of cocoa-fibre. Half-way +from the ground was a native, evidently badly wounded, grasping the +swaying rope with one hand while the other was pressed against his +side. On the ground at about twelve feet from the end of the rope lay +four bodies in a heap, and on arriving at the spot Mr. McKay discovered +to his consternation that two of the motionless forms were those of his +companions. + +Quexo lay uppermost, a jagged spear-head buried deep in his back. One +hurried glance revealed the sad truth that the faithful mulatto was +dead. Under him were the bodies of two natives, both shot through the +chest, while underneath the ghastly pile was Ellerton. + +As Mr. McKay stooped over the lad, a spear whizzed close to his ear and +sank deeply in the ground. It was a stern warning, and Mr. McKay took +advantage of it. Lifting Ellerton's body, he bore it to the shelter of +the cliffs, then as the rope began to tremble violently he stepped out +a pace, revolver in hand. + +He fired, and two bodies came hurtling through space, striking the +ground with a heavy thud. A lucky shot had severed the rope as cleanly +as if by a knife. + +There was no time to be lost. At any moment the mine might be sprung. +Hoisting Ellerton's body on his shoulder like a sack of flour, Mr. +McKay began his retreat, stepping over the rough ground with giant +strides, till the shelter of the cliffs came to an end. Here he +transferred his burden to his arms, and, protecting it as well as he +was able with his own body, he dashed across the open. + +Unscathed he reached the roofed-in stockade, and breathlessly he +deposited the body of his comrade upon the ground. + +"Dead?" asked Andy anxiously. + +"No, only stunned. It's a bad business." + +"And Quexo?" + +"He's gone, poor fellow!" + +"Oh!" Andy gasped, as if something had struck him; but the blow was a +mental not a physical injury. "How----" + +His words were interrupted by a roar that seemed to shake the island to +its very foundations. The cliffs trembled, dislodging masses of loose +rock, while a blast of air swept over the terrace like a tornado. + +The mine had exploded! + + + + +CHAPTER XXVII + +THE LAST STAND + +The explosion, though terrific, had not the desired effect. Ellerton +had succeeded in lighting the fuse, and was on his way back, when the +natives lowered a rope from the cliffs. No doubt they had observed him +on his way to the cave as he rather thoughtlessly showed himself in +crossing the base of the projecting spur. + +Cunningly two of the savages lowered themselves on to a ledge within +twenty feet of the ground, and on Ellerton's return they hurled a stone +with unerring aim, bringing him senseless to the ground. + +Eager to secure his body, the two assailants descended the remaining +distance, and were stooping over the prostrate youth when Quexo +appeared on the scene. + +A couple of well-directed shots settled their accounts; but the +mulatto, in rushing to Ellerton's assistance, failed to notice that the +edge of the cliff above him swarmed with natives. + +Even as he bent over the bodies of Ellerton and his assailants, a spear +thrown with terrible force struck him in the back. Hardly knowing what +hurt him, the mulatto sprang to his feet, and with his dying strength +discharged his revolver at one of the blacks who was descending the +rope, ere he fell across the bodies of the victims of his first two +shots. + +This episode had caused the crowd of savages, who had previously been +congregating immediately above the mine, to rush to that part of the +cliff nearest to the scene of the tragedy, and thus the actual +explosion did not inflict very great damage upon the invaders. +Nevertheless the moral result was a good service to the sore-pressed +white men, for the savages refrained from renewing the attack, and +withdrew to the shelter of the palm-groves. + +The approach of night also prolonged the mutual cessation of +hostilities, for the natives dreaded the great flashing beams of light +more than anything else. + +Terence, in spite of himself, fell asleep several times beside the +searchlight, while Andy, weary-eyed and stricken with grief, was kept +awake solely by his devotion to his wounded comrade. + +Fortunately Ellerton's injuries were not so bad as Mr. McKay had at +first supposed. The missile had struck him a glancing blow, and +although reducing him to insensibility, was more of the nature of a cut +than a contusion. There had been a copious flow of blood which +relieved the pressure on the scalp that a bruise would have otherwise +caused. + +Before midnight Ellerton had recovered sufficiently to relate the +circumstances of the affair so far as he knew, although he was ignorant +of the actual ambush. Neither did Mr. McKay think fit to tell him at +present of Quexo's death in his heroic and successful attempt to save +his master from mutilation. + + * * * * * + +With the return of daylight the savages renewed the attack. Large +stones, brought to the brink of the cliff by their stupendous efforts, +came crashing down upon the frail defences, till only a small section +of the barricade midway between the walls of the defile remained intact. + +Here Mr. McKay and Terence kept up a continuous but apparently +ineffectual fire, while Ellerton, still weak and showing signs of +light-headedness, did his best with a revolver. + +Andy, nearly done up for want of rest, resumed his solitary vigil at +the cliff path, occasionally adding to the fusillade whenever a group +of natives appeared at the edge of the cliff to hurl another of the +weighty missiles. + +With parched lips and swollen eyes the weary little band continued the +unequal combat, almost unable to raise their rifles to their aching +shoulders, till, to add to their misfortunes, Andy perceived ten large +canoes rounding the south-eastern promontory of the island. + +The natives had at length grasped the importance of a simultaneous rear +and frontal attack. + +"We must retreat to Blight's cave," exclaimed Mr. McKay, when his son +had shouted the disheartening intelligence. "Let us hope the explosion +has not closed up the entrance. Pull yourself together, Hoppy! We've +got to make a rush for it." + +"I'm going to stay here--I'm quite comfortable where I am," replied +Ellerton with astonishing determination. + +"But you can't, man; you'll be cut to pieces in less than a minute." + +But Ellerton refused to move. His comrades looked at each other +anxiously. In ordinary circumstances it would have been no easy task +to compel the lad to get up and walk, and with a few hundred savages +hanging round, the difficulties were increased tenfold. + +"I'll risk it," muttered Mr. McKay. "It's either kill or cure." And +raising his voice he said: "Hoppy, old man, Quexo is missing. He went +to look for you and has not returned." + +"What?" exclaimed Ellerton wildly. "Quexo missing? I'll go and look +for him." + +"We are all going," replied Mr. McKay. "Take your rifle and keep with +us." + +The savages saw the white men deserting the shelter of the barricade, +and with shouts of triumph they redoubled the hail of missiles, while +numbers of them rushed to the head of the defile and thence straight +for the abandoned defences. + +Edging cautiously along the base of the cliff, the forlorn little band +continued its retreat till Ellerton, who was leading, came across the +body of the faithful mulatto. + +For a moment he gazed at the ghastly scene with drawn face and staring +eyes; then, his scattered wits returning, he burst into tears. + +"Good!" exclaimed Mr. McKay to his son. "That's saved his reason. But +here they come." + +Already the leading pursuers were appearing on the edge of the +cliff-path, while others, rushing down the gorge, had scrambled over +the debris of the barricade, and with brandished clubs and spears were +charging down upon their white foes. + +"Pick him up, Hoppy; we must not leave him to those fiends," shouted +Andy. + +Assisted by Terence, Ellerton raised the body of the mulatto on his +back, and, covered by Mr. McKay and Andy, continued the retreat. + +As they reached the scene of the great explosion, they found that +masses of dislodged boulders extended almost to the edge of the lower +cliff. Slowly Ellerton and Terence bore their burden over the rough, +rock-strewn ground, the savages meanwhile gaining upon them rapidly. + +"Keep going at any cost," shouted Mr. McKay. "Gain the door of the +fence, and look out for us. Andy, we must make a stand here." + +"All right, pater," replied his son as he took cover behind a +convenient mass of stones. + +The two rifles opened a furious fire upon the advancing natives. Not a +shot was thrown away, and although stones and spears whizzed over their +heads or shattered themselves against the sheltering rock, father and +son continued to blaze away coolly, and deliberately. The savages, now +more or less contemptuously familiar with the white men's weapons, +hesitated to close in upon the dauntless twain, and, shouting to their +fellows to hasten to help them to wipe out the white men, they +contented themselves with rushing to the right and left in the hope of +surrounding their foes. + +"Stop that chap!" yelled Andy, pointing to a crafty warrior, who was +creeping on all fours up the rocks on Mr. McKay's left. + +Barely two inches of the man's head were visible above the sheltering +boulder, but those two inches were sufficient. Mr. McKay's rifle +cracked, and the savage bounded a good three feet in the air to fall +upon his face upon the ground. + +"They're safe!" shouted Mr. McKay, giving a rapid glance in the +direction of the iron fence. "Now, bolt for it!" + +Springing over the remainder of the intervening boulders, father and +son ran for shelter. For a brief instant the natives failed to +understand that their foes were again in retreat; then, to the +accompaniment of a flight of spears, they launched themselves over the +latest line of defence and pressed home the pursuit. + +Rifle in hand, Terence and Ellerton stood by the open door to aid their +comrades' retreat; another five yards, then comparative safely. + +Suddenly Andy stumbled and fell headlong on the ground, his rifle +flying from his grasp; the next instant half-a-dozen natives were upon +him. Without a moment's hesitation, Mr. McKay faced about, and, +drawing his revolver, fired. + +At the first report one of the pursuers fell; but the hammer of the +weapon clicked harmlessly as Mr. McKay attempted to bring down a +second. The weapon was empty. + +Throwing the now useless weapon straight into the face of one of the +savages, Mr. McKay stooped to pick up his rifle, a spear just grazing +his shoulder as he did so. + +With the strength and fury of a Berserker, he gripped the rifle by the +barrel, and wielding it like a ponderous flail he smote right and left. + +At one moment the brass-bound butt crashed with a terrific lunge full +in the tattooed face of a native; at the next it descended with +relentless force upon the skull of another. + +Then Ellerton's rifle cracked and Terence's revolver added to the din. +The blacks seemed to melt away; and ere the main body of the pursuers +could join in the struggle, the white men were safe within the stockade. + +"Don't trouble about the door," shouted Mr. McKay, as Terence was about +to close and barricade the iron-lined aperture. + +Breathlessly the harried fugitives entered the cave, and, holding their +rifles ready for instant use, awaited the arrival of their triumphant +foes. + +The door of the fence standing tantalisingly open served a better +purpose than if it had been closed and barred. Had it been secured, +the savages would soon have battered it in by sheer weight of numbers; +but even in the heat of the pursuit the natives paused and looked +askance at the mute invitation to enter. + +Fears of some other snare, more terrible than those they had already +experienced, held them in a spell-bound grip. + +The temporary check gave the defenders a chance of much-needed rest. + +"Now, lads," exclaimed Mr. McKay, "we are safe enough for the present. +A thousand of the wretches couldn't rush us in this place. But keep +your eyes open, and let rip at the first chap who shows his head inside +the door." + +There was a touch of irony in Mr. McKay's advice. Want of sleep +threatened to become a more dangerous foe than the savages themselves, +and the lads were almost falling asleep as they awaited the next +assault. + +All at once Mr. McKay raised his rifle and fired. + +A gaudily-decked warrior had so far overcome his fears and doubts as to +peer cautiously into the inclosure. His curiosity led to his undoing, +for, without knowing what struck him, he slid quietly to the ground +with a bullet through his brain. + +But the spell was broken, and with a hideous clamour the natives poured +in through the doorway. Many fell dead or wounded, while others +tripped over their prostrate bodies; but by sheer weight of numbers the +fence was overthrown, and over the removed obstruction rushed the +bloodthirsty mob. + +Seeing that it was impossible to check the flowing tide of warriors as +they sped over the broad expanse, the defenders hurriedly retired into +the farthermost recesses of the cave. Here they were able to command +the narrow entrance, and with a rapid magazine fire they simply mowed +down every savage who showed himself at the mouth of the cave. + +At last, disheartened by the obvious impossibility of rushing the +desperate band of white men, the warriors retired, and silence reigned +save for the moans of the wounded who littered the floor of the cavern. + +Worn out as they were, the four defenders, as soon as possible, scooped +out a shallow trench for the reception of the body of Quexo, who had +been killed, and silently the earth was heaped over the still form of +this their faithful servant and devoted comrade. + +"Now turn in for a spell," said Mr. McKay, as the last offices were +performed. "I'll take the first watch. I think I can keep awake for +another couple of hours." + +Vainly protesting, the lads obeyed and were soon asleep. + +Shouldering his rifle, Mr. McKay walked as far as the overthrown fence, +whence he could command a view of the house. Swarming in and out of +the building were the natives bearing away everything of value, while +others were demolishing the searchlight, which they evidently regarded +as an evil spirit, whose powers were harmless by day. The work of +plunder continued till nothing was left of the dwelling but the bare +walls and roof, and presently the building burst into flames. + +Hoping against hope, Mr. McKay watched with impotent rage the wanton +destruction of the result of so many months of patient toil and energy. + +Would the natives be content with their success, and re-embark with +their booty? Already several of them, laden with spoil, were +descending the cliff-path to their canoes; were the white men to be +left unmolested? + +Without thinking of the sore straits to which they would be reduced by +the loss of their home with most of their stores, Mr. McKay waited and +watched. The possibility of a fresh lease of life, even under such +adverse conditions, was infinitely preferable to having to fight +desperately to the last. + +But his hopes were doomed to failure. + +A strong body of savages began to ascend the slope leading to the cave, +and, to his consternation, the watcher perceived that many of them were +bearing bundles of sticks and grass. + +It was to be a struggle not only against the spears and clubs of the +natives, but against fire and smoke, and Mr. McKay realised that the +choice of the defenders lay between a fight to the death in the open or +being stifled in the recesses of the cave. + + + + +CHAPTER XXVIII + +THE RESCUE + +Returning to the cave, Mr. McKay awoke the lads and hurriedly explained +the nature of the threatened attack. + +"We must quit this shelter and keep in the open as long as we possibly +can," said he. "A long-range fire may keep them at bay. Only as a +last resource must we return to the cave." + +Barely had the defenders left the cavern than they were assailed from +above by a shower of stones and spears. Several of the savages had +taken up a position on the summit of the cliff overhanging the mouth of +the white men's retreat, so as to make the advance of the main body +easier. + +Thrown into confusion by this unlooked-for attack, the four defenders +fled headlong for the cave they had just left, narrowly escaping the +falling missiles. Then, finding that the jutting rocks protected them +so long as they kept close to the base of the cliff, the wearied men +plucked up courage, and opened fire upon the dense masses of the +natives as they advanced rapidly with their burdens. + +Many of the savages fell, but others immediately took up their loads, +and working from cover to cover with admirable cunning the natives came +within throwing distance of their spears. + +The rifle-fire, hot as it was, was unable to stop the fan-like +formation of the crafty warriors, and, assailed by stones and spears, +the defenders were once more compelled to retire to the cave. + +Repeated repulses had taught the natives caution, and without risking +themselves by appearing in front of the death-dealing tunnel, they +thrust their bundles of wood and grass into the mouth of the cave by +means of long poles. Then a torch was flung upon the heap of +inflammable material, and the next instant it burst into flames. + +"Throw some water on it," grasped Terence, as the heat began to take +effect. + +"Useless," replied Mr. McKay. "It would only cause more smoke," and +lifting a case of ammunition he rushed towards the blazing pile. + +"Lie down!" he ordered sharply, as he regained his comrades. + +Crouched in the remotest part of the cave, they awaited the explosion. +Then with a roar, followed by a series of minor reports, the cartridges +exploded, filling the cave with pungent fumes. + +As the last detonation ended, Mr. McKay leapt to his feet, and, +revolver in hand, dashed through the scattered and still burning +embers. His companions followed his example, and gained the open. +Even as they drank in the deliciously cool air they were compelled to +resume the unequal combat, though the savages, alarmed by the explosion +and the sudden appearance of their foes, gave back in terror. + +Edging along the base of the cliff, for the darts and stones still +descended, regardless of friend or foe, the defenders blazed away at +their enemies, till the latter recovered from their fright and returned +to the attack. + +Not till they were in grave danger of being cut off did Mr. McKay and +his companions return to the cave once more to endure the torments of +the smoke-laden atmosphere. + +This time the savages did not leave them in peace. With poised weapons +the wily warriors waited on either side of the entrance, while others +descended from the terrace and procured fresh fuel. + +Splashing their faces with water, and fanning the noxious fumes with +portions of their clothes, the defenders strove to cool their parched +and heated bodies, realising that another half-hour would doubtless see +the end of the unequal struggle. + +"I'm not going to be smoked out like a rat in a hole," exclaimed +Ellerton. "I'll make a dash for it and die in the open." + +"It's the only way," replied Mr. McKay. "If we are to die we must die +like Britons, fighting to the last." + +Hardly had the forlorn party made this desperate decision, when a sharp +ear-splitting explosion, followed almost immediately by another, was +heard without the cave. Yells of terror and noisy surprise arose, and +the savages fled right and left. + +For a moment the defenders were unable to grasp the meaning of the +interruption, till Andy shouted: "Hurrah! A rescue!" and overcome by +mental and bodily strain, he fell on the floor in a swoon. + +Terence and Ellerton were about to rush to the mouth of the cave, but +Mr. McKay restrained them. + +"Lie down!" he exclaimed. "They're firing with shell, and we shall be +blown to atoms if we go outside." + +It was, to a certain extent, unfortunate that the inhabitants of +McKay's Island were unable to observe the means by which they were so +opportunely rescued from what appeared to be a terrible and remorseless +fate. + +While the preparations for the smoking-out of the still-resisting white +men were in progress, H.M.S. _Blazer_ was steaming straight for the +island. + +Unnoticed by the natives, she gained the entrance to the lagoon, the +leadsmen in the chains, and the decks cleared for action. + +The alert commander had already observed the smouldering ruins of what +was obviously at no remote time a civilised settlement, and the shouts +of the desperate savages told him that resistance was still being made. + +H.M.S. _Blazer_ was but a third-class cruiser, mainly engaged in +surveying duties in the Pacific. Her armament consisted of two +4.7-inch guns, one mounted fore and aft, six twelve-pounders, and ten +Maxims, and these were amply sufficient for the work in hand. + +Rounding to in seven fathoms, and less than three hundred yards from +the scene of the desperate encounter, the _Blazer_ opened fire. Her +commander had noted the actual locality of the defenders' retreat, and +carefully avoiding the spot for fear of harming friend as well as foe, +he had a couple of shells planted in the fringe of the attacking +natives. + +Those two shells were sufficient. Madly the survivors fled along the +terrace in the direction of the defile leading to the ulterior, and as +they ran they were subjected to a raking fire by the quick-firers and +Maxims, till only a small remnant gained the shelter of the palm-groves. + +"Man and arm boats!" came the order. + +But ere the landing-party gained the shore, not a living savage was to +be seen. Panic-stricken they fled to the far side of the island, where +they embarked in their canoes. + +"We're too late, it seems," remarked the lieutenant in charge, as he +gazed upon the devastated scene. + +"Those brutes were running from up yonder, sir," observed a +petty-officer, pointing towards the upper terrace. "Maybe there's +someone up there among the rocks." + +"Party, fall in!" ordered the officer, and giving the word to march, he +led the way over the open ground, which was littered by the victims of +the _Blazer's_ fire. + +"Strike me; wot's this?" ejaculated the petty-officer, as four battered +specimens of humanity appeared above the crest of a rise of ground and +floundered painfully towards their rescuers, who gave them a hearty +cheer. + +"We were certainly in the nick of time," remarked Commander Bulwark, +as, five hours later, Mr. McKay and the three lads were seated in the +_Blazer's_ wardroom. "We received a telegraphic message from Tahiti +while we were lying off Suva, to the effect that a French trader +reported that she had communicated with British castaways; but was +unable, owing to the high seas that were running, to render assistance. +So we came at full speed, and, I am glad to say, with fortunate +results. We are leaving here to-morrow for Sydney. I suppose you +don't object to being landed there?" + +"By no means," replied Mr. McKay. "I think we've had enough of the +island to last us a lifetime." + +In a few words Mr. McKay told the commander of the finding of the +treasure, and how it was hidden under the floor of the house. + +"Treasure, eh? Well, you're lucky in more than one way. There are +plenty of islands in the Pacific where treasure is supposed to be +hidden. We usually regard these stories as a myth, but you've +evidently proved that such things do exist. Let me congratulate you +once again. I'll send ashore at once." + +Before nightfall the treasure chests were conveyed safely on board the +cruiser. + +The bluejackets also placed a pile of stones over the grave of the +brave mulatto, a simple inscription setting forth his name and the +manner of his death; while for the benefit of possible future +castaways, a paper giving particulars of the stores deposited in the +treasure cave was placed in an air-tight case and lashed to a post in a +conspicuous position on the shore. + +Shortly after daybreak on the following day Mr. McKay and the three +lads watched from the poop of the _Blazer_ the rapidly receding land +which for so many months had been their home; and in silence they stood +gazing with wistful eyes till the summit of the peak of McKay's Island +sank beneath the horizon. + + + + +THE END + + + + + +_The Mayflower Press, Plymouth, England_. William Brendon & Son, Ltd. + + + + + + +THE SCOUT LIBRARY + +STORIES OF ADVENTURE. + +_In Cloth Covers. Price 2s. 6d. Net. Postage 5d. extra._ + + +THE YOUNG CAVALIER. + +By PERCY F. WESTERMAN. + +"One of the best stories of the English Civil War we have met, and Mr. +Gordon Browne's fine pictures enrich it unspeakably."--_Pall Mall +Gazette_. + + +THE QUEST OF THE VEILED KING. + +By RUPERT CHESTERTON. + +"A really good yarn which will be appreciated by every Scout and by +many a boy who belongs to no patrol."--_Morning Post_. + + +FRANK FLOWER. + +The Boy War Correspondent. + +By A. B. COOPER. + +"Boy Scouts should thoroughly enjoy this story, for the principles on +which young Flower always acts are thoroughly sound, and, though no +offensive morals are drawn, the advantage of straight conduct is made +obvious."--_Academy_. + + +GILDERSLEY'S TENDERFOOT. + +By ROBERT LEIGHTON. + +"A rattling good story of adventure in the Wild West which boys will +thoroughly enjoy."--_Bookman_. + + +SONS OF THE SEA. + +By CHRISTOPHER BECK. + +"Mr. Beck tells a story of the Sea Scouts and shows how handy these +young people may become.... Written in a manly, healthy style, and may +be recommended to the attention of every boy."--_The Field_. + + +The above books may be ordered through your Bookseller, or will be sent +post free on receipt of the price named with postage added from + +A. F. 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Price 1s. 6d. each net; postage 3d. +extra. + + +Woodcraft + +"Packed from end to end with observations and instructions which turn +the country-side and its small inhabitants from a series of perplexing +puzzles into a vast book which every intelligent person can read for +himself."--_The Globe_. + +"A book which would make a delightful present for any country +child."--_Country Life_. + +"Boys will certainly like this book."--_Manchester Guardian_. + +"A truly delightful companion for the rambler and woodman."--_Pall Mall +Gazette_. + +"A charming book on woodcraft."--_School Guardian_. + + +Going About the Country With Your Eyes Open + +"A delightfully varied volume dealing with topics full of interest and +also of instruction to those who knock about the country."--_Morning +Post_. + +"These well-known collaborators once more show that they have the knack +of imparting information in the most charming fashion ... no better +book could be put into the hands of a boy."--_Evening Standard_. + +"An excellent book for boys with a love of the country, and, for the +matter of that, for those who have passed the years of boyhood but have +retained their interest in wild nature."--_Birmingham Post_. + +"A capital book of all kinds of outdoor lore and practice."--_Times_. + + +ALSO BY MARCUS WOODWARD + +In cloth boards, fully Illustrated. Price 2/6 net; postage 4d. extra. + +In Nature's Ways + +A book for all young Lovers of Natural History. Being an Introduction +to Gilbert White's immortal "Natural History of Selborne." + +Illustrated by J. A. SHEPHERD. + +With Preface by WILFRID MARK WEBB, Secretary of the Selborne Society. + +This volume contains 8 full-page Illustrations on Art Paper in addition +to the Drawings in the Text. + +"This is a 'White's Selborne' for the young; giving passages from the +original under different headings and, side by side, some talk about +the bird or beast referred to; with plenty of illustrations by Mr. J. +A. Shepherd, full of his usual vitality."--_Times_. + +"We think this volume cannot fail to interest and instruct the +young."--_Field_. + +"White's 'History of Selborne' is here amplified and explained for +young readers. Mr. Woodward has that gift of humour without which all +writing on nature is a weariness unto the flesh for young readers, and +for many readers who are no longer young. Mr. J. A. Shepherd's +illustrations catch the spirit of the letterpress, and are of a piece +with the work that has made his reputation as an artist."--_Literary +World_. + + +_May be had of all Booksellers or will be sent direct on receipt of +published price and postage from_ + +C. ARTHUR PEARSON LTD., Henrietta Street, LONDON, W.C. 2. + + + + +The SCOUTS' BOOK of HEROES + +WITH A THREE-COLOUR FRONTISPIECE BY + +SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL + +And Eight Full-page Illustrations. + +THE CHIEF SCOUT ALSO CONTRIBUTES A FOREWORD. + +Demy 8vo. Cloth. With attractive Wrapper in Colours. + +Price 6s. net. (Postage 6d. extra.) + + +"The part that scouts--past and present--played in the war is a source +of unbounded pride to many boys; and these will be delighted with 'THE +SCOUTS' BOOK OF HEROES.' The Chief Scout himself, Sir Robert +Baden-Powell, in a 'foreword,' points out that the war-work of the +scouts--and Jack Cornwell, Piper Laidlaw, Lieutenant Gates, Lieutenant +Haine, Major Toye, Private Cruikshank, Lieutenant Manson Craig, +Lieutenant-Colonel Dimmer, Captain McKean, Lieutenant Donald Dean, +Lieutenant Hallowes, all of them V.C.'s, were also all of them +scouts--'was not the result of military training, or of drill. It was +the outcome of the spirit that gives the essential self-discipline and +dare to do.' ... There is a breaking strain to discipline that is +applied, there is none to _esprit de corps_. It is the spirit that +tells, the spirit which it is the aim of Scout training to inculcate. +'And the book is full of the spirit.'"--_Westminster Gazette_. + +"This story of scout heroes is a noble record which should fire the +scout of to-day to 'Play up and play the game!'"--_Church Times_. + +"A truly noble volume is 'THE SCOUTS' BOOK OF HEROES', with a preface +by the Chief Scout, Sir Robert Baden-Powell, K.C.B. Here is told the +stirring story of many a boy scout who has grown up to serve his +country, and offer it, too, the last sacrifice. The scout V.C.'s are +here, with Boy Cornwell, who was one of their number, and the many who +have won other high honours--the list fills nearly 70 pages. But the +book is not a mere enumeration of scout achievements; it is full of +stories of heroism and devotion to duty, and has abundant illustrations +bringing to life its stirring themes."--_The Universe_. + +"No more satisfactory gift-book for a Scout can be imagined than this +admirably compiled story of Scout heroes of the Army. It is a fine +record to put before the boys of the Empire, and we trust the book will +have multitudes of young readers."--_Pall Mall Gazette_. + +"These grand true stories of Boy Scouts who became soldiers, and won +glory or death, will make every reader proud of his +uniform."--_Christian World_. + + +C. Arthur Pearson, Ltd., Henrietta Street, London, W.C. 2. + + + +BOOKS BY THE CHIEF SCOUT + +SIR ROBERT BADEN-POWELL, K.C.B. + + +SCOUTING FOR BOYS. + +A HANDBOOK FOR INSTRUCTION IN GOOD CITIZENSHIP. + +9th Edition. The Official Handbook of the Boy Scouts. + +_Price 2s. net, paper; 3s. net, cloth (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +THE WOLF CUB'S HANDBOOK + +The Official Handbook for the training of boys from 8-11, leading up to +the time when they can become full Scouts. _Paper Wrapper, price 1s. +6d. net; cloth boards, price 2s. 6d., net (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +GIRL GUIDING + +THE OFFICIAL HANDBOOK FOR THE GIRL GUIDES. + +_4th Edition. Paper wrapper, price 1s. 6d. net (postage 3d. extra); +cloth boards_ + +_2s. 6d. net (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +MY ADVENTURES AS A SPY + +Extra Crown 8vo, Cloth Gilt, with Coloured Frontispiece, Four Half-tone +Illustrations, and other Sketches by the Author. + +_Price 3s. 6d. net (postage 5d. extra)._ + + +SCOUTING GAMES + +A splendid collection of Outdoor and Indoor Games specially compiled +for Boy Scouts. 4th Edition. + +Price 1s. 6d. net, paper wrapper (postage 3d. extra). 2s. 6d. net in +cloth boards (postage 4d. extra). + +"No one who, as a schoolboy, has read a word of Fenimore Cooper or +Ballantyne, nobody who feels the fascination of a good detective story, +or who understands a little of the pleasures of woodcraft, could fail +to be attracted by these games, or, for that matter, by the playing of +the games themselves."--_Spectator_. + + +YARNS FOR BOY SCOUTS + +TOLD ROUND THE CAMP FIRE + +2nd Edition. + +"There is no gift book that could be put into the hands of a schoolboy +more valuable than this fascinating volume, and if you asked the boy's +opinion he would probably add, 'No book that he liked +better.'"--_Spectator_. + + +YOUNG KNIGHTS OF THE EMPIRE + +THEIR CODE AND FURTHER SCOUT YARNS. + +"The Ten Laws of Scouts and Sir Robert's exposition of them make a most +lucid and telling code of behaviour; and very good, too, are his tales +of travel, chapters on sea-scouting, backwoodsmen, &c., all illustrated +by the author himself."--_Times_. + + +BOY SCOUTS BEYOND THE SEAS + +"MY WORLD TOUR." + +Illustrated by the Author. + +"Describes in brightest and most concise fashion his recent tour of +inspection amongst the Boy Scouts.... Every boy will read it with +avidity and pronounce it 'jolly good.'"--_Graphic_. + + +_The above 3 books, price 1s. each in pictorial wrapper, or 2s. each in +cloth boards (postage 4d. extra)._ + + +THE CUB BOOK. + +THE BOOK FOR THE BOYS. + +_Price 3d. net (post free 4d.)_ + + +MARKSMANSHIP FOR BOYS + +THE RED FEATHER AND HOW TO WIN IT. + +_Price 3d. net (post free 4d.)._ + + + +_Write for Illustrated List of Books for Boy Scouts to_ + +A. F. SOWTER, Publisher, "The Scout" Offices, + 28 Maiden Lane, London, W.C. 2. + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's The Nameless Island, by Percy F. 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