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+ float: left; + margin-right: 1em } + +.align-right { clear: right; + float: right; + margin-left: 1em } + +.align-center { margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto } + +div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } + +/* SECTIONS */ + +body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } + +/* compact list items containing just one p */ +li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } + +.first { margin-top: 0 !important; + text-indent: 0 !important } +.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } + +span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } +img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } +span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } + +.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } + +/* PAGINATION */ + +@media screen { + .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage + { margin: 10% 0; } + + div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage + { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } + + .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } +} + +@media print { + div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } + div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } + + .vfill { margin-top: 20% } + h2.title { margin-top: 20% } +} + +</style> +<title>COURAGE, TRUE HEARTS</title> +<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> +<meta name="PG.Title" content="Courage, True Hearts" /> +<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> +<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> +<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Gordon Stables" /> +<meta name="DC.Created" content="1909" /> +<meta name="PG.Id" content="39729" /> +<meta name="PG.Released" content="2012-05-18" /> +<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> +<meta name="DC.Title" content="Courage, True Hearts Sailing in Search of Fortune" /> + +<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> +<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> +<meta content="Courage, True Hearts Sailing in Search of Fortune" name="DCTERMS.title" /> +<meta content="courage.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> +<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> +<meta content="2012-05-18T22:52:53.775575+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> +<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> +<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> +<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/39729" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> +<meta content="Gordon Stables" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> +<meta content="2012-05-18" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> +<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> +<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.19b4 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> +<style type="text/css"> +.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } +.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } +.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } +.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } +.toc-pageref { float: right } +pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } +</style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 39729 ***</div> +<div class="document" id="courage-true-hearts"> +<h1 class="document-title level-1 pfirst title">COURAGE, TRUE HEARTS</h1> +<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 4em"> +</div> +<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> +<div class="noindent vspace" style="height: 1em"> +</div> +<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> +</div> +<div class="align-None container coverpage"> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 56%" id="figure-11"> +<span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> +<div class="caption figure"> +Cover</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure" style="width: 62%" id="figure-12"> +<span id="with-it-fell-conal-page-162"></span><img class="align-center" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=" " src="images/img-front.jpg" /> +<div class="caption figure"> +WITH IT FELL CONAL! <em class="italics">Page</em> 162</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> +</div> +<div class="align-None center container titlepage white-space-pre-line"> +<blockquote class="white-space-pre-line"> +<div> +<p class="pfirst white-space-pre-line x-large">Courage, True Hearts</p> +<p class="medium pnext white-space-pre-line">Sailing in Search of Fortune</p> +<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BY</p> +<p class="large pnext white-space-pre-line">GORDON STABLES</p> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst small white-space-pre-line">Author of "The Naval Cadet" "For Life and Liberty"<br /> +"To Greenland and the Pole" &c.</p> +<blockquote class="white-space-pre-line"> +<div> +<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +<div class="line-block outermost small white-space-pre-line"> +<div class="line white-space-pre-line">"I've wandered east, I've wandered west,</div> +<div class="inner line-block white-space-pre-line"> +<div class="line white-space-pre-line">Through many a weary way;</div> +</div> +<div class="line white-space-pre-line">But never, never can forget</div> +<div class="inner line-block white-space-pre-line"> +<div class="line white-space-pre-line">The love of life's young day."</div> +</div> +</div> +<p class="medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BLACKIE & SON LIMITED</p> +<p class="pnext white-space-pre-line">LONDON AND GLASGOW</p> +<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 4em"> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +</div> +<div class="align-None container plainpage white-space-pre-line"> +<p class="center large pfirst white-space-pre-line">The Peak Library</p> +<p class="center medium pnext white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Books in this Series</em></p> +<p class="left medium pnext white-space-pre-line">Overdue. Harry Collingwood.<br /> +The Dampier Boys. E. M. Green.<br /> +The King's Knight. G. I. Whitham.<br /> +Their London Cousins. Lady Middleton.<br /> +The White Witch of Rosel. E. E. Cowper.<br /> +Freda's Great Adventure. Alice Massie.<br /> +Courage, True Hearts! Gordon Stables.<br /> +Stephen goes to Sea. A. O. Cooke.<br /> +Under the Chilian Flag. Harry Collingwood.<br /> +The Islanders. Theodora Wilson Wilson.<br /> +Margery finds Herself. Doris A. Pocock.<br /> +Cousins in Camp. Theodora Wilson Wilson.<br /> +Far the sake of his Chum. Walter C. Rhoades.<br /> +An Ocean Outlaw. Hugh St. Leger.<br /> +Boys of the Priory School. F. Coombe.<br /> +Jane in Command. E. E. Cowper.<br /> +Adventures of Two. May Wynne.<br /> +The Secret of the Old House. E. Everett Green.</p> +<div class="vspace white-space-pre-line" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst white-space-pre-line"><em class="italics white-space-pre-line">Printed in Great Britain by Blackie & Son, Ltd., Glasgow</em></p> +</div> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> +</div> +<div class="align-None container plainpage white-space-pre-line"> +<p class="center large pfirst white-space-pre-line">CONTENTS.</p> +<p class="center medium pnext white-space-pre-line">BOOK I.</p> +<p class="center medium pnext white-space-pre-line">IN SCOTTISH WILDS AND LONDON STREETS.</p> +<p class="left medium pnext white-space-pre-line">CHAP.</p> +<ol class="upperroman simple white-space-pre-line"> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#hope-told-a-flattering-tale">Hope told a Flattering Tale</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#hurrah-for-merrie-england">Hurrah for "Merrie England"!</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-boys-life-in-london">The Boys' Life in London</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#wild-sports-on-moorland-and-ice">Wild Sports on Moorland and Ice</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-highland-blizzard-the-lost-sheep-and-shepherd">A Highland Blizzard--The Lost Sheep and Shepherd</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-breath-of-god-was-over-all-the-land">"The breath of God was over all the land"</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-parting-comes-at-last">The Parting comes at last</a></p> +</li> +</ol> +<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BOOK II.</p> +<p class="center medium pnext white-space-pre-line">THE CRUISE OF THE <em class="italics white-space-pre-line">FLORA M'VAYNE</em>.</p> +<ol class="left medium upperroman simple white-space-pre-line"> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-terrors-of-the-ocean">The Terrors of the Ocean</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-fearful-experience">A Fearful Experience</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#bound-for-southern-seas-of-ice">Bound for Southern Seas of Ice</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#on-the-wings-of-the-wind">On the Wings of the Wind</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#johnnie-shingles-and-old-mr-pen">Johnnie Shingles and Old Mr. Pen</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#back-water-all-for-life-boys-for-life">"Back water all! For life, boys, for life!"</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#here-s-to-the-loved-ones-at-home">"Here's to the loved ones at home"</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#captain-talbot-spins-a-yarn">Captain Talbot spins a Yarn</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#tongues-of-lurid-fire-blue-green-and-deepest-crimson">Tongues of Lurid Fire--Blue, Green, and Deepest Crimson</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#so-poor-conal-must-perish">So poor Conal must Perish!</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#thus-hand-in-hand-the-brothers-sleep">Thus Hand in Hand the Brothers Sleep</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#winter-life-in-an-antarctic-pack">Winter Life in an Antarctic Pack</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-chaos-of-rolling-and-dashing-ice">A Chaos of Rolling and Dashing Ice</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#heave-and-she-goes-hurrah">"Heave, and she goes! Hurrah!"</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-isles-of-desolation">The Isles of Desolation</a></p> +</li> +</ol> +<p class="center medium pfirst white-space-pre-line">BOOK III.</p> +<p class="center medium pnext white-space-pre-line">IN THE LAND OF THE NUGGET AND DIAMOND.</p> +<!-- class: left medium --> +<ol class="upperroman simple white-space-pre-line"> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#shipwreck-on-a-lonely-isle">Shipwreck on a Lonely Isle</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#a-weary-time">A Weary Time</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#children-of-the-sky">Children of the Sky</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#treasure-hunters-the-forest">Treasure-hunters. The Forest</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#fighting-the-gorillas">Fighting the Gorillas</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#an-invading-army-victory">An Invading Army--Victory!</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-mysterious-stone">The Mysterious Stone</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-battle-at-the-ford">The Battle at the Ford</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-very-identical-bird">The very Identical Bird</a></p> +</li> +<li class="white-space-pre-line"><p class="first pfirst white-space-pre-line"><a class="reference internal white-space-pre-line" href="#the-welcome-home">The Welcome Home</a></p> +</li> +</ol> +</div> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> +</div> +<p class="center large pfirst" id="hope-told-a-flattering-tale">BOOK I</p> +<p class="center large pnext">IN SCOTTISH WILDS AND LONDON STREETS</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-i-hope-told-a-flattering-tale"> +<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER I--HOPE TOLD A FLATTERING TALE</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Had you been in the beautiful and wild forest +of Glenvoie on that bright and blue-skied +September morning--on one of its hills, let us +say--and heard the music of those two boys' voices +swelling up towards you, nothing that I know of +could have prevented you from joining in. So joyous, +so full of hope were they withal, that the very tune +itself, to say nothing of the words, would have sent +sorrow right straight away from your heart, if there +had been any to send.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Cheer, boys, cheer, no more of idle sorrow,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Courage, true hearts, shall bear us on our way;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Hope flies before, and points the bright to-morrow,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Let us forget the dangers of to-day."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">There was a pause just here, and from your elevated +situation on that rocky pap, looking down, you would +have rested your eyes on one of the prettiest rolling +woodland scenes in all broad Scotland.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a great waving ocean of foliage, and the +sunset of autumn was over it all, lying here and there in +patches of crimson, brown, and yellow, which the solemn +black of pine-trees, and the funereal green of dark +spruces only served to intensify.</p> +<p class="pnext">Flap-flap-flap! huge wood-pigeons arise in the +air and go sailing over the woods. They are frightened, +as well they may be, for a moment afterwards two +guns ring out almost simultaneously, and so still is the +air that you can hear the dull thud of fallen game.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah, Conal! Why, that was a splendid shot! +I saw you take aim."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, Duncan, no; the bird is yours. You fired first."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Only at random, brother. But come, let us look +at him. What a splendid creature! Do you know, +Conal, I could almost cry for having killed him."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh! so could I, Duncan, for that matter, but the +capercailzie[1] is game, mind, and won't father be pleased. +Why do they call it a wild turkey?"</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">[1] The letter "z" not pronounced in Scotch.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Because it isn't a turkey. That is quite sufficient +reason for a gamekeeper. The capercailzie is the +biggest grouse there is, you know, and sometimes +weighs very many pounds."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And didn't we find the nest of one in a spruce +tree last spring."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay, and six eggs that we didn't touch; and I've +never put any faith again in that ignoramus of a book, +that would have us believe the birds always build on +the bare ground."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Written by an Englishman, no doubt, Duncan, who +had never placed a foot on our native heath. But +now let us get back to breakfast. I wonder where our +little sister Flora is."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I heard her gun about ten minutes ago; she can't +be far off. Besides Viking is with her, so she is safe +enough. Give the curlew's scream and she'll soon +appear."</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Like the wild scream of the curlew,</div> +<div class="line">From crag to crag the signal flew."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Duncan threw down his gun beside the dead game, +and, placing his fingers in his mouth, gave a perfect +imitation of this strange bird's cry:</p> +<p class="pnext">"Who-o-o-eet, who-o-o-eet (these in long-drawn +notes, then quicker and quicker), who-eet, who-eet, +wheet, wheet, wheet, wheet, who-ee!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys did not have long to wait for an answer. +For Duncan, the elder, who was about sixteen, with a +stalwart well-knit frame, and even a budding +moustachelet, had hardly finished, when far down in a dark +spruce thicket sounded the barking of a dog, which +could only belong to one of a very large breed.</p> +<p class="pnext">He entered the glade in which the brothers stood +not many seconds after. He entered with a joyous +bound and bark, his great shaggy coat, black as the +raven's wing, afloat on his shoulders and back; his +white teeth flashing; and a yard or two, more or less, +of a red ribbon of a tongue hanging out of his mouth.</p> +<p class="pnext">Need I say he was a noble Newfoundland.</p> +<p class="pnext">He stopped short and looked at the 'cailzie, then +snuffed at it, and immediately after licked his master's +cheek. To do so he had to put a paw on each of +Duncan's shoulders, and his weight nearly bore him to +the ground.</p> +<p class="pnext">But see, here comes little Flora herself--she is only +twelve; her brothers are both dressed in the kilt of +hill tartan, and Flora's frock is but a short one, +showing to advantage a pair of batten legs encased in +galligaskins; fair hair, streaming like a shower of gold +over her shoulders; blue eyes, and a lively very pretty +face. But across that independent wee nose of hers is +quite a bridge of freckles, which extends half-way +across her cheeks.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now a child of her tender years would, in many +parts of England, be treated quite as a child. It was +quite the reverse at Glenvoie. Flora was in reality a +little model of wisdom, and many a bit of good advice +she gave her brothers--not that they bothered taking +it, though both loved her dearly.</p> +<p class="pnext">Flora carried a little gun--a present from her father, +who was very proud of her exploits and worldly +wisdom, and across her shoulders was slung a bag, +which appeared to be well filled.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hillo, Siss!" cried Duncan. "Any cheer?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, yes, three wild pigeons! But what a lovely +great wild turkey! I'm sure, Duncan, it was a pity to +kill him!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Sport, Sissie, sport!" said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yet as he looked at the splendidly plumaged bird +which his gun had laid low in death, he smothered a +sigh. He half repented now having killed the 'cailzie.</p> +<p class="pnext">Homeward next, for all were hungry, and in the +old-fashioned hall of the house of Glenvoie breakfast +would be waiting for them. Through the forest dark +and deep, across a wide and clear brown stream by +stepping-stones, a stream that in England would be +called a river, then on to a broad heathy moorland, +with here and there a cottage and little croft.</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor enough these were in all conscience, but they +afforded meal and milk to the owners and their children. +Chubby-cheeked hardy little chaps these were. They +ran to gate or doorway to greet our young heroes with +cheers shrill and many, and Flora smiled her sweetest +on them. Neither stockings nor shoes nor caps had +they, winter or summer, and when they grew up +many of them would join the army, and be first in +every bayonet charge where tartans would wave and +bonnets nod.</p> +<p class="pnext">Laird M'Vayne himself came to the porch to meet +his children. These were all he had, and their mother +was an invalid.</p> +<p class="pnext">An excellent specimen of the Highland laird was +this Chief M'Vayne. As sturdy and strong in limb as +a Hercules, broad in shoulder, and though sixty years +and over, as straight as an arrow. His was a fearless +face, but handsome withal, and he never looked better +than when he smiled. Smiling was natural to him, +and came straight from the heart, lighting up his +whole face as morning sunshine lights the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Better late than never, boys. What ho! a capercailzie!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Then he placed his hand so kindly on Duncan's shoulder.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It was a good shot, I can see," he said, "and now +we won't kill any more of these splendid birds. I +want the woods to swarm with them."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, father," said Duncan, "this is the last, and I +shall send to Glasgow for eyes, and stuff and set him +up myself."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the Laird hoisted Flora, gun, game-bag and all, +right on top of his broad left shoulder and carried her +inside, while Viking, enjoying the fun, made house and +"hallan" ring with his gladsome barking.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ever see or partake of a real Highland breakfast, +reader? A pleasure you have before you, I trust. +And had you been at Glenvoie House on this particular +morning, the very sight of that meal would have +given you an appetite, while partaking of it would +have made you feel a man.</p> +<p class="pnext">That was real porridge to begin with, a little lake +of butter in the centre of each plate and creamy milk +to flank it. Different indeed from the clammy, +saltless saucers of poultice Englishmen shiver over of a +morning at hotels, making themselves believe they are +partaking of Scotia's own <em class="italics">own</em> dish.</p> +<p class="pnext">All did justice to the porridge, and Viking had a +double allowance. There was beautiful mountain +trout to follow, cold game, and fresh herrings with +potatoes. Marmalade and honey with real oat-cakes +finished the banquet.</p> +<p class="pnext">About this time, gazing across the lawn from the +great window, Duncan could see the runner bringing +the post-bag. Runner he might well be called. He +had come twenty miles that morning with the mails, +trotting all the way.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan threw open the window, and with a smile +and order for postie to go round to the kitchen for a +"piece" and a "drink", he received the bag.</p> +<p class="pnext">The arrival of the runner was always one of the +chief events of the day, for the Laird "let" his +shootings every season, and had friends in every part of +the kingdom.</p> +<p class="pnext">So had the boys.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah!" said their father, opening a letter which he +had reserved to the last. "Here is one from our +distant relative, Colonel Trelawney."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh! do read it out," cried Flora impulsively.</p> +<p class="pnext">Her father obeyed, as all dutiful fathers do when +they receive a command from juvenile daughters.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"<em class="italics">Maida Vale, London.</em></p> +<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">My dear 42nd cousin,--I think that is about our +relationship. Well, I was never good at counting kin, +so we must let it stand at that. Heigho! That is my +42nd sigh since breakfast time, and it isn't the +luncheon hour yet. But I couldn't quite tell you what +I am sighing for; I think it must be for the +Highland moors around you, on which I enjoyed so +glorious a time in August. Heigho! (43rd). Your +hills must still be clad in the crimson and purple +glory of heath and heather whence scattered coveys or +whirring wings spring skywards (Poetry!).</em></p> +<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">Well now, I've got something to propose. Since his +poor mother died, my boy Frank--fifteen next +birthday, you know--has not seemed to thrive well. He is +a capital scholar, and is of a very inventive turn of +mind. He delights in the country, and when he and +I bike away down into the greenery of fields and +woods he always looks better and happier. But at +home he has nothing to look at that is natural--a few +misshapen trees only, a shaven lawn, evergreens, and +twittering sparrows.</em></p> +<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">He is lively enough, and plays the fiddle +charmingly. He is only a London lad after all, and his +pale face bears witness to the fact.</em></p> +<p class="pnext">"<em class="italics">Well, cousin, fair exchange is no robbery. Send +me your two boys up here to spend the winter, and +then I'll send the whole three down to you to put in +the spring and summer. Expected results? Is that +what you ask, cousin mine? Well, they are these. A +little insight into London life will assist in toning +down the fiery Highland exuberance of your brave +lads, and will help to make them young men of the +world. While a spell among your Highland hills +shall put more life-blood into my boy, and make him +stronger, braver, and heartier.</em>"</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed Duncan. "He is going to +civilize us, is he, daddy dear? We'll have to wear +frock-coats, long hats and long faces, and carry +umbrellas. What do you think of that, Conal?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why," said Conal disdainfully, "umbrellas are only +for old wives and Sassenachs. The plaid for me."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And me!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, but listen," said the Laird laughing.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"<em class="italics">Your boys,</em>" says the colonel, "<em class="italics">must come to us +dressed in their hill-tartan kilts, and have dress +tartans to wear at evening parties. The English are +fond of chaffing the Scot, but, mind you, they love +him all the same, and can quite appreciate all the +deeds of derring-do he accomplishes on the field of +battle, as well as his long-business-headedness on the +Stock Exchange. Heigho! (sigh the 44th), had I been +a Scot I'd have been a richer man to-day instead of +having to maintain a constant fight to keep the wolf +from the door. But you, dear cousin, must be fairly +wealthy.</em>"</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">It was Laird M'Vayne's turn to sigh now, for alas! he +was far indeed from rich, and, young as they were, +both his boys knew it. And between you and me and +the binnacle, reader, the lads used to pray every night, +that Heaven might enable them when they came to +man's estate, or even before, to do something for the +parents who had been so good to them.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"<em class="italics">Well,</em>" the letter ran on, "<em class="italics">I sha'n't say any more, +only you will let the laddies (that is Scotch, isn't it?) +come, won't you, cousin? and if we can only find out +the time of the boat's arrival, Frank and I shall be at +the dock waiting for them.</em>"</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Hurrah!" cried Duncan,</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" cried Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And you won't be sorry to leave me and the old +home, will you?" said M'Vayne.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, indeed, indeed we will, daddy," cried Duncan, +"and we'll think about you all and pray for you too, +every day and night. Won't we, Conal?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Of course we will."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the younger lad went and threw his arms +round his father's neck, leaned his cheek against his +breast, in truly Celtic fashion, and there were tears in +his eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Besides," said Duncan, "the change will do us such +a heap of good, and by all we read London must be +the grandest place in the whole wide world."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Streets paved with gold, eh? Houses tiled with +sheets of solid silver that glitter daily in the noonday +sun. No poverty, no vice, no crime in London. Is +that your notion of London, my son?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," replied Duncan laughing, "it may not be +quite so bright as all that, daddy, but I am sure of +one thing."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"If the streets are not paved with gold, nor the +houses tiled with silver, there is money to be made in +the city by any honest business Scot who cares to +work and wants to win."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bravo, Duncan!</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"In the lexicon of youth which fate reserves</div> +<div class="line">For a bright manhood, there is no such word as Fail."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">For the next two or three weeks, although the boys +with their plucky little sister went every day either +to the hill or woods to shoot, or to the burn to fish, +there was very little talked about except the coming +excursion to the great city of London.</p> +<p class="pnext">Mrs. M'Vayne was at present confined to her room, +and, being nervous, the thought of losing her boys +even for a short four or five months made her heart +feel sad indeed, and it took them all their time to +reassure her.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, no, lads," she would cry almost petulantly; "I +cannot be happy until I see you in the glen once more, +safe and sound!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Two weeks passed--oh, ever so quickly--away, and +the last week was to be devoted wholly and solely to +the packing of trunks, a very pleasurable and +hopeful employment indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan was <em class="italics">facile princeps</em> at this work, and he +kept a note-book always near, so that whenever he +thought about anything he might need, he wrote it +down--just as if it had not been possible to get every +article he might require in great London, from a needle +to an anchor.</p> +<p class="pnext">Only, as he told his brother Conal, "It is far better +to be sure than sorry."</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, the last day--the last sad day--came round +at last and farewells had to be said on both sides.</p> +<p class="pnext">Mrs. M'Vayne kept up as well as she could, and so +did the boys. <em class="italics">Noblesse oblige</em>, you know, for although +their father was but a Highland laird, and poor at +that, he was connected by blood with the chiefs of +the best clans in Scotland.</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor honest Viking had watched the packing with +the very greatest of interest, and so sad did he appear +that Duncan and Conal made up their minds to take +him with them. And when they told him so, there +really was not a much happier dog in all the British +islands. For Viking was wise beyond compare, and +there was very little, indeed, that he did not understand.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Florie's grief at the loss of her brothers was +beyond control, and she made no attempt to hide her +tears.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes, the laird himself journeyed with his boys as +far as Leith, and saw them safe on board.</p> +<p class="pnext">When the good ship steamed away at last, he waved +them a silent adieu, then turned and walked quickly +away.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ii-hurrah-for-merrie-england"> +<span id="hurrah-for-merrie-england"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER II.--HURRAH FOR "MERRIE ENGLAND"!</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Neither Duncan nor Conal was a bad sailor, for, +their father's estate being near the western sea, +many a long summer's day they spent in open boats, +and they sometimes went out with the herring-fishers +and were heard of no more for clays.</p> +<p class="pnext">But this was to be a voyage of more than ordinary +rigours, for, as bad luck would have it, a gale of wind +arose, with tremendous seas, soon after they passed +Berwick.</p> +<p class="pnext">The waves made a clean breach over the unfortunate +ship, and at midnight, when the storm was at its worst, +the boys were suddenly awakened by the strange rolling +motion of the steamer, and they knew at once that +some terrible accident had happened.</p> +<p class="pnext">The engines had stopped, for the shaft was broken; +and high over the roaring of the terrible wind they +could hear the captain shouting:</p> +<p class="pnext">"All hands on deck!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hands make sail!"</p> +<p class="pnext">It was but little sail she could carry, indeed, and +that only fore-and-afters, jib and stay-sails.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys had a cabin all to themselves, and the +companionship of honest Viking, the Newfoundland. +The poor dog did not know what to make of his +situation. If he thought at all, and no doubt dogs do +think, he must have wondered why his masters should +have forsaken their beautiful home, their wanderings +over the hills still clad in crimson heather, or through +the forests deep and dark, for a life like this; but to +the lower animals the ways of mankind are inscrutable, +just as those of a higher power are to us. We +are gods to the pets we cherish, and they are content +to believe in and trust us, never doubting that all is +for the best. Alas! we ourselves hardly put the same +trust in the good God who made us, and cares for us, +as our innocent dogs do in those who own them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, Conal," said Duncan, "this is, indeed, a wild +night. I wonder if we are going to Davie Jones's +locker, as sailors call it?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I don't think so. The captain is a long-headed +fellow. I guess he knows what he is up to."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I shall light the candles anyhow. I don't like to +lie awake in the dark. Do you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not much. If I was to be drowned I think I +would like it to come off in good daylight."</p> +<p class="pnext">After a scramble, during which he was pitched three +times on the deck, once right on top of the dog, +Duncan succeeded in lighting the candles.</p> +<p class="pnext">These were hung in gimbals, so that the motion of +the ship did not affect them.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was more cheerful now; so, having little desire to +go to sleep, knowing that the ship must really be in +danger, they lay and talked to each other. Talked of +home, of course, but more about the great and +wondrous city of London, which, if God spared the ship, +they soon should see.</p> +<p class="pnext">Presently a bigger wave than any that had come +before it struck the ship, and seemed to heel her over +right on her beam-ends, so that Duncan almost tumbled +out of his berth.</p> +<p class="pnext">A deep silence followed, broken only by the rush of +water into the boys' cabin.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking sprang right into Conal's berth, and crouched, +shaking and quivering in terror, at his feet.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was half a foot of water on the cabin deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">The worst seemed to be over, however, for presently +sail was got on her, and though the wind continued +to rave and howl through the rigging, she was on a +more even keel and much steadier.</p> +<p class="pnext">Presently the captain himself had a peep into the +lads' state-room.</p> +<p class="pnext">He had a bronzed but cheerful face, and was clad in +oil-skins from his sou'-wester hat to his boots.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not afraid, are you, boys? No? Well, that's right. +We have broken down, and it will be many days +before we get into London; but we'll manage all right, +and I think the wind is just a little easier already."</p> +<p class="pnext">"So we won't go to Davie Jones's to-night, will we, +captain?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not if I know it, lad. Now, my advice is this: +go to sleep, and--er--well, there can be no harm if +you say your prayers before you do drop off."</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys took his advice, and were soon fast in the +arms of Morpheus. So, too, was honest Viking. He +was one of those dogs who know when they are well +off, so he preferred remaining in Conal's bunk to +descending to the wet deck again. To show his +sympathy, he gave the boy one of his huge paws to +hold, and so hand-in-hand they fell asleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">The wind was still blowing when they sat down to +breakfast with the captain and first mate, for there +was not another passenger on board save themselves. +The old saying, "The more the merrier", does not apply +to coasting steamers in early winter. The fewer the +easier--that is more truthful.</p> +<p class="pnext">The gale was a gale no longer, but a steady breeze. +The ship was given a good offing, for the wind blew +from the north-east, and to be too close to a lee shore +is at all times dangerous.</p> +<p class="pnext">But how very snug and cosy the saloon looked, when +they were all gathered around the brightly-burning +stove that night.</p> +<p class="pnext">The skipper could tell many a good story, and the +first mate also could spin a yarn or two, for they had +both been far away at sea in distant climes, and both +hoped to get ocean-going ships again.</p> +<p class="pnext">So there they sat and chatted--ship-master and +man, with their tumblers of hot grog on the top of the +stove--till six bells in the middle watch.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the boys and Viking retired.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I say, Conal," said Duncan that evening, just +before turning in, "I think I should like to be a +sailor."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," replied Conal, "I should like to visit +far-away countries, where hardly anybody had ever been +before, and try to make some money just to be able to +help father in his difficulties."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Poor father, yes. Well, young fellows have made +money before now."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay," said Conal, who was wise beyond his years; +"but, brother, they had a nest-egg to begin with. +Now, we have nothing."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Nonsense, Conal; we have clear heads, we have a +good education, and we have a pair of willing hands +each. That makes a good outfit, Conal, and many a +one has conquered fate with far less."</p> +<p class="pnext">The voyage to London was a long and tedious one, +for they had to struggle for days against head-winds, +and tack and half tack isn't the quickest way to a +port.</p> +<p class="pnext">But long before they reached the mouth of the +Thames, and were taken in tow by a tug-boat, the +boys had cemented quite a friendship with Captain +Talbot and his mate Morgan. They promised to +correspond, and the honest skipper told them that he +had a great project on, and that if it came to a head, +he would be willing to take them both to sea with +him as apprentices, if their father would let them go. +This was real good news for our young heroes, and +they parted from Talbot happy and hopeful.</p> +<p class="pnext">Morgan, the mate, put them up to the ropes as to +getting to Colonel Trelawney's residence, and a good +thing it was that he did so, else assuredly they would +have lost themselves. A bargain was made with a +cabman, and he agreed for a certain sum to drive +them all the way.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a damp and miserable day, the streets were +inches deep in slimy mud, the houses all gray and +dismal.</p> +<p class="pnext">No wonder that the hearts of these two boys, +accustomed to the green grandeur of forests and crimson-clad +Highland hills, sank within them, as they gazed +from the windows of their cab.</p> +<p class="pnext">Was this the beautiful London they had heard tell +of and expected to see? Nothing but discomfort and +misery met their eyes at first, and when the +conveyance stopped now and then, blocked by carts and +wagons, they found they could scarcely understand a +word of the jargon that fell on their ears from every +side.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Moaning piper!" cried a ragged urchin, shoving a +newspaper right under Duncan's nose.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan bought this morning paper.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Did you notice what he said, Conal?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes; he said 'Moaning piper'. There must be +something about a battle in it, and a Scotch piper +must have been wounded. No wonder he moaned if +he was shot through the chest or legs--eh, Duncan?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"No indeed, that would make anybody moan."</p> +<p class="pnext">But much to the boys' disgust there was nothing +about a battle in the paper, nor about pipers, nor even +about soldiers at all. So the newspaper was thrown +down, and they contented themselves by looking from +the windows at the crowds of people that were +hurrying along the pavement, everyone intent only on his +own business, and taking not the slightest notice of +his neighbour. They had now got into a better part +of the town. There were fewer guttersnipes and +badly-dressed men and women here, less apparent +poverty, in fact, with the exception of the poor, +white-faced, hungry-looking girls and women who were +selling flowers. During a block one of these came to +the window near which Duncan sat, and he made the +lassie happy by buying two button-holes, and giving +her sixpence for them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The 'buses were objects of curiosity for our heroes.</p> +<p class="pnext">The drivers were ideal in their own way, and of a +class not to be met with anywhere out of London.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys criticised them unmercifully.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, Duncan, did ever you see such faces, or such +slow-looking men!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Faces just like hams, Conal--and, why, they seem +to be wearing about twenty coats! So solemn too--I +wonder if ever those fellows smiled except over a pint +of beer!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"And look at those huge wooden umbrellas!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, that is for fear a drop of rain should fall +upon John Guttle, and he should catch cold."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Shouldn't I like to see one of these John Guttles +trudging over a moor!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"He wouldn't trudge far, Conal; he would tumble +down and gasp like an over-fed ox."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I say, Duncan, I haven't seen anybody with a plaid yet."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, and you won't. Top-coats--nothing else--and +tobacco-pipes. No wonder most of those male +creatures on the tops of the 'buses are watery-nebbit +or red-nosed."</p> +<p class="pnext">Now, however, private carriages began to mingle +with the traffic, and the boys had more to wonder at. +But inside these they caught glimpses of fashionable +ladies, some young, charmingly dressed, and of a cast +of beauty truly English and refined. What astonished +Duncan and his brother most was the coachman and +flunkeys on the dickey, so severely and stupidly +aristocratic did they look.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, Duncan," cried Conal laughing, "did ever +you see such frights! and they've got on ladies' fur +tippets!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, that is to keep their poor shivery bodies +warm, Conal."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And they look just as if they owned all London, +don't they?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, that is one of the peculiarities of the flunkey +tribe. What's the odds, Conal, so long as they are +happy?"</p> +<p class="pnext">The cab seemed to have reached the suburbs at last. +Here were many a pleasant villa, and many a lordly +mansion too, with splendid balconies, which were in +reality gardens in the sky. There were trees, too, +though now almost bare, and green lawns and bushes +and flowers.</p> +<p class="pnext">But none of these latter appealed to our young +heroes because they were all so artificial.</p> +<p class="pnext">Hillo! the cab stops; and the driver, radiant in the +expectation of a tip, throws open the door.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Ere we are at last, young gents. 'Appy to drink +yer 'ealth. Thousand thanks! Hain't seen a +'alf-crown before for a month. Nobuddy needn't say to +me as the Scots ain't liberal."</p> +<p class="pnext">One of the handsomest villas the boys had yet seen, +and in the porch thereof stood Colonel Trelawney +himself to welcome his guests.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Right welcome to the Limes," he cried heartily. +"Frank is out, but he'll be home to luncheon. Why, +what tall hardy chaps you are, to be sure, and I'm +right glad you came in your native dress. I wonder +how my boy would look in the kilt. It's a matter of +legs, I believe."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, sir," said Duncan, "he'll soon get legs when he +comes to the Highlands, and climbs the hills and walks +the moors for a few months."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, come in, boys. James, here, will show you +your room. We've put you both in the same, as I +know young fellows like to talk before turning in."</p> +<p class="pnext">The room was plainly, yet comfortably, furnished, +and the window gave a pleasant view of gardens, +shrubberies, and a cloudland of trees to which the +autumn foliage still was clinging.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Ot watah, young gents."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Thank you, James."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan and Conal made haste to wash and dress.</p> +<p class="pnext">James had opened their boxes, and was acting as +valet to them in every way. But they were not used +to this, and so they told James. God had given them +hands and arms, and so they liked to make use of them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Hark! footsteps on the stairs. Hurried ones, too; +two steps, one stride!</p> +<p class="pnext">Next moment the door was thrown open, and Frank +himself stood before them, with both hands extended +to bid them welcome.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iii-the-boys-life-in-london"> +<span id="the-boys-life-in-london"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER III.--THE BOYS' LIFE IN LONDON.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">"Cousin Frank!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's me. And how are you, cousins Conal +and Duncan? We're only far-off cousins, but that +doesn't matter, does it? I'm jolly glad to see you, +anyhow. You'll bring some life into this dull old +hole; and I'll find some fun for you, you bet."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Did you ask if we betted?" said Duncan, smiling, +but serious. "We wouldn't be allowed to."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, no. 'You bet' is just an expression; for, mind +you, everybody speaks slang nowadays in town. Oh, +I don't bet--as a rule, though I did have a pony on +the Oxford and Cambridge last race."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And did the pony win?" asked Conal, naïvely.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Eh? What? Ha, ha, ha! Why, it's a boat race, +and a pony is a fiver. I'd saved the cash for a year, +and like a fool I blewed it at last."</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, if Frank Trelawney was not very much to +look at as regards body, he was frank and open, with +a handsome English face, all too pale, however, and +he seemed to have more worldly wisdom in his noddle +than Duncan, Conal, and Viking all put together.</p> +<p class="pnext">After talking a little longer to our Highland heroes +Frank knelt down and threw his arms around the +great dog's neck, and Viking condescended to lick his +cheek.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm so glad that old Vike takes to you, Frank," +said Duncan. "It isn't everybody he likes."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Of course," said Frank, "'old' is merely a term of +endearment, as father would say."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's it. He is only a year and six months old, +but already there is nothing scarcely that he does not +know, in country life, I mean, though I suppose he +will be rather strange in town for a time."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Sure to be. But here comes James. Luncheon +served, James, eh?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Luncheon all ready, Master Frank."</p> +<p class="pnext">They found the Colonel walking up and down the +well-lighted hall smoking a cigarette. He was really +a most inveterate smoker. He smoked before breakfast, +after breakfast, all the forenoon, and all day long. +Rolled his own cigarettes, too, so that his fore and +middle fingers were indelibly stained yellow with the +tobacco.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Horrid habit!" he always told boys, "but I've +become a slave to it. Don't you ever smoke."</p> +<p class="pnext">Though some years over sixty, Trelawney was as +straight as a telephone pole, handsome, and soldierly +in face and bearing. The only thing that detracted +from his facial appearance was a slight degree of +bagginess betwixt the lower eyelids and the cheek +bones. This was brought on, his doctor had told him +often and often, by weakness of the heart caused by +tobacco and wine. But Trelawney would not punish +himself by leaving either off.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys took to Mrs. Trelawney from the very +first. She must have been fully twenty years younger +than the Colonel, and had a sweet, even beautiful, +face, and was altogether winning.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, that was a luncheon of what might be called +elegant kickshaws, artistically cooked and served, but +eminently unsatisfactory from a Scotch point of view.</p> +<p class="pnext">The dinner in the evening was much the same, and +really when these Highland lads got up from the +table they almost longed for the honest, "sonsy" +fleshpots of Glenvoie.</p> +<p class="pnext">Walnuts and wine for dessert! But they did not +drink wine, and would have preferred a cocoa-nut or +two to the walnuts. There would have been some +satisfaction in that.</p> +<p class="pnext">A private box for the theatre!</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh," cried Duncan, "that will be nice!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"You have often been at the theatre, dear, haven't you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">This from Mrs. Trelawney, as she placed her very +much be-ringed fingers on Conal's shoulder.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, auntie," replied Conal; "only just once, with +Duncan there. It was in Glasgow. They were playing +'Rob Roy', and I shall never forget it. Never, +never, never!"</p> +<p class="pnext">But to-night it was a play of quite a different class, +a kind of musical comedy. Plenty of action and go +in it, plenty of the most ordinary and musicless +singing, which pleased the gallery immensely, and frequent +spells of idiotic dancing. There were no serious +situations at all, however, and no thread of narrative woven +into the play.</p> +<p class="pnext">Moreover, both Scotch boys were placed at a +disadvantage owing to their inability to follow the +English patois, which on the whole was thoroughly +Cockney, the letter "R" being dead and buried, and +the "H" being silent after a "W", so that the lads +did not enjoy themselves quite as much as they had +expected to.</p> +<p class="pnext">Every now and then the colonel excused himself. +He told our heroes he was going to see a man. That +really meant lounging into the buffet to smoke a +cigarette, and moisten a constitutionally dry throat.</p> +<p class="pnext">A few days after this, however, the colonel, who, +by some means or other known only to himself, was +behind the scenes (virtually speaking) of all the best +theatres, managed to get a box for the Lyceum.</p> +<p class="pnext">That truly great tragedian, Irving, was playing in +"The Bells", and the young M'Vaynes were struck +dumb with astonishment; they were thrilled and +awed with the terrible realism of the grand actor, +and when the curtain fell at last both boys thanked +the colonel most heartily.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That is real acting, a real play!" cried Duncan +enthusiastically. "I'm sure neither Conal nor I want +to sit and listen to Cockney buffoonery after that."</p> +<p class="pnext">Dear Mrs. Trelawney, as both boys called her, had +evidently made up her mind to give the lads as +pleasant a time as possible. Every fine day, and +there were now many, she took them all for a drive.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We sha'n't be back for luncheon, Tree," she +always told her husband. "You must eat in solitary +state and grandeur for one day."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Indeed," she smilingly informed Duncan, "I don't +care much to lunch at home. I like to be free, and not +have extreme gentility and servants pottering about +behind your chair, and listening to every word you +say. I hate the proprieties."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan and Conal both smiled. They felt just +that way themselves.</p> +<p class="pnext">After a drive in the park, Mrs. Trelawney would +go shopping, and those two brown-faced, +brown-kneed Highland boys created a good deal of +sensation, though they seemed quite unaware of the fact.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah! but after the shopping came luncheon. And +the colonel's wife knew where to go to. A charming +hotel, not a million of miles from the Thames +embankment. And that was a luncheon, too, or, as Frank +called it, a spread!</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a square meal at all events, and +Mrs. Trelawney seemed delighted at seeing the boys +thoroughly enjoying it.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now you lads must eat, you know, because you've +got to grow many, many inches yet. And this is +liberty hall anyhow. Isn't it delightfully free and easy?"</p> +<p class="pnext">It was. This the boys admitted.</p> +<p class="pnext">The more they were with Mrs. Trelawney the +more they liked her. And the young M'Vaynes +might have said the same of Frank. He was a +charming companion. Moreover, he had many +accomplishments that his 42nd cousins could not boast of. +He could sing with a sweet girl-voice, and he played +the violin charmingly, his mother accompanying him +on the piano.</p> +<p class="pnext">She, too, could sing, and in the evenings she often +electrified her guests by her renderings of dramatic +pieces. Everybody who visited at the Trelawneys' +house knew that the colonel had married a young +and beautiful actress, and that here she was--far +more a woman of the world, and a more perfect lady +than anyone at her table.</p> +<p class="pnext">And the boys were a great attraction. They were +so outspoken, yet so innocent, that conversation with +them was full of amusement. They always donned +their belts and dress tartans for dinner, and were a +good deal admired. Moreover, they soon got to be +asked frequently out to dinners, or to dances. These +they very much enjoyed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, a whole month passed away, and Duncan and +his brother were now able to endure London and +London life, though they never could love it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many a long walk did Frank take them. The +carriage would drive them as far as the Strand, then +the journey was continued on foot citywards.</p> +<p class="pnext">Everything here was new--I can't say fresh, for +there is precious little freshness about London +streets--to the Scotch lads. They could have wished, +however, that the pavements had been less crowded, that +the people had been less lazy-looking, and that the +vendors of penny wares had not thrust their +unsavoury hands so often right under their noses.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank seemed determined to show his 42nd cousins +every phase of London life. He even took them into +a corner drink-palace, and there ordered lemonade, just +that they might see a little of the dark side of city life.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were horrified to behold those gin-sodden men +and women, many leaning almost helplessly against +the counter; the patched and semi-dropsical faces of +the females, the maudlin idiotic looks of the males, +Duncan thought he never could forget.</p> +<p class="pnext">He shuddered, and felt relieved when out once +more in the crowded streets.</p> +<p class="pnext">One day Frank thought he would give his cousins +a special treat, so he took them to the Zoo.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both were much interested in beholding the larger +wild beasts, the lions of Africa, the splendid tigers of +India, the sulky hippopotami, and ill-natured-looking +rhinoceroses. But it was a sad sight after all, for +these half-starved-looking beasts were deprived of the +freedom of forest and plains, and confined here in +filthy dens, all for the pleasure of a gaping crowd of +ignorant Cockneys.</p> +<p class="pnext">But when they came upon the birds of prey, and +their eyes caught sight of a poor puny specimen of +the Scottish eagle, chained to a post, and almost +destitute of feathers, Duncan's heart melted with +shame and sorrow, and he turned hurriedly away.</p> +<p class="pnext">As far as the Zoo was concerned, Frank's best +intentions had failed to give his guests pleasure. But +they were too polite to say so.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Duncan and Conal had now been two months in +London, and could understand even what the street +boys said. On the whole they had enjoyed the +wonderful sights of this wonderful city, for these +really seemed unending.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then came Christmas.</p> +<p class="pnext">Christmas and the pantomime.</p> +<p class="pnext">They enjoyed Drury Lane far more even than the +parties or even the dances they were invited to. The +scenery and scenes were exquisitely lovely. No dream +of fairyland ever equalled these.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys gave themselves wholly up to amusement +throughout all the festive season. But to their credit +be it said, they did not gorge on goose, turkey, or +pudding as everybody else did.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No wonder," thought Duncan, "that the Englishman +is called John Guttle in many parts of Scotland." For +he had never seen such eating or drinking in his +life before.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then after the festivities of the festive week came +dulness and dreariness extreme. The people had +spent all their money, and wretchedness abounded on +every pavement of the sleet-swept streets of the city. +Yes, and the misery even overflowed into the west-end +suburbs.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was about this time that Duncan made a discovery.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank had told him, frankly enough, that his father +was not over-well off, but it was evident to him now +that Colonel Trelawney was simply struggling to keep +up appearances, and that, in all probability, he was +deeply in debt.</p> +<p class="pnext">Mrs. Trelawney, or "dear Auntie", as the Scotch +lads called her, was ever the same. Nothing seemed +to trouble or worry her.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the colonel at breakfast used to take up his +letters, one by one, and eye them with some degree of +suspicion before opening them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The waste-paper basket was close to him, and was +wonderfully handy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"The first application," he would say with a smile +as he tore up a bill and summarily disposed of the +fragments.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Second application"--that too was torn up.</p> +<p class="pnext">Letter from a friend--put aside to be read at leisure.</p> +<p class="pnext">A long blue letter--suspicious--disposed of without +reading.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ha! Amy, love, here is Sweater & Co.'s fourth +letter. Threatens us with--ah, you know."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, dear," says Mrs. Trelawney with her sweetest +smile, "just let them sweat!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Give 'em a bill, I suppose," the colonel says, as if +speaking to himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">And the letter is put aside.</p> +<p class="pnext">So one way or another Trelawney got through his +pile at last, and settled down to serious eating, that is, +he made a hearty meal from a Londoner's point of +view. Then he lit a cigarette.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well the month of January was raw and disagreeable, +and seldom was there a day without a fog either +white or yellow.</p> +<p class="pnext">Is it any wonder that, brought up in a clear +transparent atmosphere among breezes that blew over +heathy hills, and were laden with the balsamic odour +of the pine-trees, Duncan and Conal began to languish +and long for home.</p> +<p class="pnext">With great candour they told "Auntie" they wanted +to get home to enjoy skating, tobogganing, and +white-hare shooting; and she promised to speak to the +colonel.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We will be so sorry to leave you, auntie, for you've +been so good to us."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And I shall miss you, boys, sadly."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, I hope so. It will give Conal and me pleasure +to think that you like us. And of course Frank comes +with us."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I fear it is too cold for Frank."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh no, auntie dear. One never feels cold in Scotland, +the air is so bracing, you know."</p> +<p class="pnext">So that very day it was all arranged, and Laird +M'Vayne had a letter to that effect.</p> +<p class="pnext">The parting was somewhat sorrowful, but the boys +did not say "Farewell!" only "<em class="italics">Au revoir</em>", because +both hoped to return, and by that time they declared +that Frank would be as hardy as--as--well, as hardy +as Highlanders usually are.</p> +<p class="pnext">The last things that the boys bought in London +were skates. Of course they could have got those in +Edinburgh, but not so cheaply, and for this reason: +there did not seem to be the ghost of a chance of any +skating for the Londoners this season, and so they +got the skates for an old song.</p> +<p class="pnext">They went by sea to Edinburgh. The <em class="italics">Queen</em> was +at present all but a cargo-boat, and besides the three +lads and Vike, there was only one other passenger, an +old minister of the Church of Scotland.</p> +<p class="pnext">The same skipper and the same mate, and delighted +they were to see the boys again, and they gave Frank +a right hearty welcome on their account.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Frank had that with him which secured him a +welcome wherever he went--his fiddle, and when after +dinner he played them some sad and plaintive old +Scottish airs, all were delighted, and the minister +got up from his chair, and, grasping the boy's hand, +thanked him most effusively.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dear lad," he said, "you have brought the moisture +to my eyes, although I had thought my fountain of +tears had dried up many and many a long year ago."</p> +<p class="pnext">Now here is something strange; although, when +once fairly out of the Thames' mouth and at sea, it was +blowing a head wind, with waves houses high, Frank +was not even squeamish. I have seen many cases like +this, though I must confess they are somewhat rare.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor was the minister ill; but then, like the Scotch +boys, he was sea-fast, having done quite a deal of +coasting.</p> +<p class="pnext">"How goes the project you have in view?" asked +Duncan that evening of the skipper.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," was the reply, "it is not what the French +call a <em class="italics">fait accompli</em> just yet, but it is bound to be so +before very long."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, my 42nd cousin Frank here would like to go +to sea also. Could you do with the three of us?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes. You must be prepared to rough it a bit, and +we'll be rather cramped for room, but we shall manage. +Eh, mate?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm sure we shall, and this young gentleman must +take his fiddle."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And I'll take the bagpipes," said Duncan, laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" cried the mate. "Won't we astonish the +king of the Cannibal Islands? Eh?"</p> +<p class="pnext">It was Frank's turn to cry "Hurrah!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," he added, "will there be real live cannibals, +sir?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Certainly. What good would dead ones be?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"And is there a chance of being caught and killed +and eaten, and all the like of that?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay, though it isn't pleasant to look forward to. +Only mind this: I may tell you for your comfort that +although, after being knocked on the head with a +nullah, your Highland cousin would be trussed at once +and hung up in front of a clear fire until done to a +turn, you yourself would be kept alive for weeks. +Penned up, you know, like a chicken."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But why?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, they always do that with London boys, because +they are generally too lean for decent cooking, and +need too much basting. You would be penned up and +fattened with rice and bananas."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Humph!" said Frank, and after a pause of thoughtfulness, +"Well, I suppose there is some consolation in +being kept alive a bit; but bother it all, I don't half +like the idea of being a side dish."</p> +<p class="pnext">The weather was more favourable during this voyage, +and though bitterly cold, all the boys took plenty of +exercise on the quarter-deck, and so kept warm. +So, too, did the old minister, who was really a jolly +fellow, and did not preach at them nor dilate on the +follies of youth. Moreover, this son of the Auld Kirk +enjoyed a hearty glass of toddy before turning in.</p> +<p class="pnext">Leith at last!</p> +<p class="pnext">And yonder, waiting anxiously on the quay, was +Laird M'Vayne himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">His broad smile grew broader when his boys waved +their hands to him, and soon they were united once +again.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iv-wild-sports-on-moorland-and-ice"> +<span id="wild-sports-on-moorland-and-ice"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER IV.--WILD SPORTS ON MOORLAND AND ICE.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Pretty little Flora M'Vayne was half afraid of the +London boy at first. The violin won her heart, +however, and before retiring for the night, when +shaking hands with Frank, she nodded seriously as +she told him:</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm not sure I sha'n't love you soon; Viking likes +you, so you must be good."</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, Frank was an impressionable boy, and he was +very much struck by the child's innocent ways and +beauty.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm not sure," he said in reply, "that we won't be +sweethearts before I leave. How would you like that?"</p> +<p class="pnext">She shook her head. "No, no," she said, "you are +very nice, but you are only an English boy. Good-night!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Good-night!"</p> +<p class="pnext">I do not think that any two boys were ever more +glad to find themselves back once more, safely under +the parental roof-tree, than Duncan and Conal. They +had made many friends in London, it is true, and spent +many a happy evening therein, and these they could +look back to with pleasure and with a sigh; but the +city and town itself, with all its strange ways, the +ignorance of its lower classes, its murdered twangy +English, its filth and its festering iniquities--they +positively shuddered when they thought of.</p> +<p class="pnext">God seemed nowhere in London. Here in this wild +and beautiful land He appeared to be everywhere.</p> +<p class="pnext">The pure and virgin snow that clad the moors and +mountains was a carpet on which angels might tread; +the tiny budlets already appearing on the trees were +scattered there by His own hand; yea, and the very +wind that sighed and moaned through the forest was +the breath of heaven.</p> +<p class="pnext">And when the sun had gone down behind the waves +of the western ocean did not</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"The moon take up the wondrous tale</div> +<div class="line">And nightly to the listening earth</div> +<div class="line">Repeat the story of her birth,</div> +<div class="line">While all the stars that round her burn,</div> +<div class="line">And all the planets in their turn</div> +<div class="line">Confirm the story as they roll,</div> +<div class="line">And spread the truth from pole to pole".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">Yes, in wild and silent lands, God seems very near. It +was in a country like this that the immortal poet Lord +Byron wrote much of his best poetry. And no bolder +song did he ever pen than Loch-na-garr. Near here +many of his ancestors--the Gordons--were laid to rest +after the fatal field of Culloden. In one verse he +says--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Ill-starred, though brave, did no vision foreboding</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Tell you that fate had forsaken your cause?</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Ah! were ye then destined to die at Culloden,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Though victory crown'd not your fall with applause.</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Still were ye happy in death's earthly slumbers,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">You rest with your clan in the caves of Braemar,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">The pibroch resounds to the piper's loud numbers</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Your deeds to the echoes of wild Loch-na-garr."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">No wonder that, wandering amidst such soul-enthralling +scenery, arrayed in the tartan of his clan, or +thinking of the happy days of his boyhood, years and +years afterwards he said as he sighed--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"England, thy beauties are tame and domestic</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">To one who has roam'd on the mountains afar!</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Oh! for the crags that are wild and majestic,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">The steep frowning glories of dark Loch-na-garr."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">But Frank Trelawney was a guest at Glenvoie, and, +imbued with that spirit of hospitality for which +Highlanders are so famous, the boys M'Vayne would have +bitten their tongue through and through rather than +say one disparaging word about England.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor was there any need, for tame and domestic +though its scenery is, the whole history of the country, +even before the Union, teems with deeds of derring-do, +done by her brave sons, on many and many a +blood-drenched field of battle.</p> +<p class="pnext">As for Frank himself, he seemed not only to settle +down to his life in the wilds in less than a week, but +to become quite enthusiastic over "Scotland's hills and +Scotland's dells"; and he was not slow in reminding +his 42nd cousins that he too had a drop of real +Highland blood in his veins.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We'll soon make a man of you, dear boy," said the +Laird one evening. "Now, myself, and my lads, with +Vike and a setter, are going after the white hares +to-morrow, and if you think yourself strong enough, we +shall take you."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, I feel strong enough now for anything," replied +Frank laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mind it is terribly hard work; but there is a little +snow on the ground, and we'll be able to track the +hares easily."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I don't think that Frank should go, Ronald," put +in Mrs. M'Vayne; "the boy is far indeed from hardy, +and it may exhaust him quite. You'll stay at home +with me, won't you, Frank?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, aunt, if you bid me, but--" He hesitated.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh!" cried Duncan, "that 'but' turns the scale, +mother. Don't you ask him to stay, mother. All +Englishmen have pluck if they haven't all strength. +So Frank is coming."</p> +<p class="pnext">The morning was very bright and beautiful, with +just a slight "scriffen" of snow on the ground, and the +sun rose over the eastern hills in a blue-gray haze, like +a ball of crimson fire, and intimated his intention of +shining all day long.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan and Conal were up betimes, and had got +everything in readiness long before Frank came down.</p> +<p class="pnext">A sturdy keeper would carry the bags and the +luncheon they should partake of on the hill.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the young Englishman was full of life and go. +After a hearty breakfast they started; Flora standing +in the porch waving her hand to them, but with tears +of sorrow in her eyes because she too was not allowed +to go.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking was daft with joy, feathering round and +round in wide circles, and now and then turning Dash, +the Gordon setter, over on his back in the snow.</p> +<p class="pnext">They passed the forest, now leafless and bare, and +taking to the right, the ground soon began to rise.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sheep under the charge of a plaided shepherd +and his dog, were busy scratching away the snow to +feed on grass and succulent mosses--a cold kind of +breakfast, to say the least of it.</p> +<p class="pnext">The ground rose and rose.</p> +<p class="pnext">The dogs were kept well to heel, for indeed their +services were but little needed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ha! here are hare-tracks!</p> +<p class="pnext">"Take the front, Frank," said the laird; "you are +the guest, and must have the first blood."</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank's heart beat high with excitement, and he +carried the gun low with a finger on the trigger.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah! there she tips!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Bang! and a white hare that had essayed crossing +from one broom-bush to another, was tumbled; then +off darted Viking and brought her in.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Capital shot!" said Duncan. "Now we'll spread, +and it will be every one for himself, and Viking and +Dash for us all."</p> +<p class="pnext">They lay out in skirmishing order, and marched on +and up.</p> +<p class="pnext">But soon they had to force their way through +heather that came up even to the laird's and the tall +keeper's waists, and all but buried little Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">He held his gun aloft, however, and struggled +bravely on.</p> +<p class="pnext">In about a quarter of an hour they had emerged, +and the boys were shaking the snow from their kilts.</p> +<p class="pnext">On and up. Why, it was always on and up.</p> +<p class="pnext">They marched all that forenoon, sometimes around +rocky spurs and paps of the mountains, sometimes +along bare and barren glens, sometimes along the +edges of fearful precipices, where a single slip or false +step would have meant a terrible accident.</p> +<p class="pnext">By the time they had reached the cliffy shelter of a +very high hill, they had bagged eight white hares in all.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now it was noon, and though the frost was +fairly hard, the exercise had warmed their life-blood, +and they felt no cold.</p> +<p class="pnext">Hunger, though? Ah! yes, but that could speedily +be appeased.</p> +<p class="pnext">Plaids were spread on the ground, and down they +all sat, the dogs not far off, and I'm sure that the +keeper, sturdy chiel though he was, felt glad to be +lightened of his load.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a jolly meal that was to be sure! With her +own lady fingers the laird's wife had made that +splendid pie. Pie for five and almost enough for fifty. +But then, of course, there were the honest dogs to be +considered, and they easily disposed of all that was +left.</p> +<p class="pnext">Bread--that is, real oatcakes--cheese, and butter +followed.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys washed all down with a flagon of milk, +but in the interests of truth, I must add that the laird +and his keeper had a modest glass or two of Highland +whisky.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now, after yarning for about half an hour, +sport was resumed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Farther up the hillsides they still went, and so on +and on for two whole hours.</p> +<p class="pnext">It had been a grand day, but as the sun was now +declining towards the blue blue ocean, the laird called +a halt.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I think, boys," he said, "we've done enough, and +as we are nearly ten miles from home we had better +be retracing our steps. Donald has as many hares as +he can carry. Haven't you, Donald?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Och! well, it's nothing," was the reply. "And it's +all down-hill now you'll mind, sir."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes. Well, lead the way, Donald."</p> +<p class="pnext">Donald did.</p> +<p class="pnext">For one of the party, and that was Frank, the +journey was a terrible one. On the upward march there +was all the excitement of the sport to keep him up. +But now he had no such stimulant to stir his English +blood.</p> +<p class="pnext">When still three miles from Glenvoie mansion-house, +Duncan observed that he was very pale and +limped most painfully. In fact the poor boy's ankles +were swollen, and his toes felt like whitlows; but +although so tired that he could hardly carry his gun, +that indomitable English courage of his kept him +from complaining.</p> +<p class="pnext">He confessed, however, feeling just a little tired, so +the laird poured a small quantity of whisky into a +measure, mixed it with snow, and made him swallow it.</p> +<p class="pnext">After this he felt better.</p> +<p class="pnext">When they arrived at the top of the very lower-most +and lost hill, the house being but half a mile +distant, they sat down for a short time to rest and +gaze across the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sun's lower limb had just touched the +wester-most wave, and red and fiery gleamed his beams +'twixt horizon and shore. It was a beautiful sight.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many flocks of rooks were winging their way +northwards to the shelter of the great forest, and now +and then a string of wild ducks were seen in full +flight towards the tall reeds that bordered an +ice-bound lake.</p> +<p class="pnext">Slowly sank the sun, the waves seemed to wash up +across its blood-red surface, and gradually, so gradually, +engulfed the whole.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"And the sun's last rosy rays did fade</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Into twilight soft and dim."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Frank Trelawney was indeed glad when he found +himself once more in his own room. The man brought +water, and with Highland courtesy insisted on +bathing his feet.</p> +<p class="pnext">He next hurried away for a cup of delicious coffee, +after swallowing which Frank felt like a giant +refreshed, and soon went down into the drawing-room.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was still pale, however, for the terrible fatigue +had temporarily affected the heart.</p> +<p class="pnext">Little Flora was not slow to note this.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, cousin," she said, "how white and tired-looking +you are! You shouldn't have gone. You're only a +poor little English boy, you know."</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank liked the child's sympathy, but he certainly +did not feel flattered by the last sentence.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's all," he mustered courage to say. "I'm only +a poor Cockney lad, and I think, Flora, I've had enough +white-hare shooting to last me for a very long time. +When next your father and brothers go after game of +this sort, I'll stay at home and make love to you."</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank, however, was as well as could be next day, +and after a cold bath went hungrily down to breakfast.</p> +<p class="pnext">The day was as still and bright as ever, and it was +to be spent upon the loch.</p> +<p class="pnext">Curling--which might be called a kind of gigantic +game of billiards on the ice--was to be engaged in. +A party was coming from a neighbouring parish, and +a strong club was to meet them.</p> +<p class="pnext">At this most splendid "roaring" game there is no +class distinction; lord and laird, parson and peasant, all +play side by side, all are equal, and all feed together, +ay, and partake of Highland usquebaugh together also.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, the laird's party were victorious, and all were +invited up to Glenvoie house, to partake of an excellent +dinner, laid out in the barn.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the barn was beautifully clean, and along its +wall, among evergreens, was placed many a bright +cluster of candles.</p> +<p class="pnext">The silver and crystal sparkled on the snow-white +table-cloth, and that huge joint of hot corn-beef and +carrots--the curlers' dinner <em class="italics">par excellence</em>--was +partaken of with great gusto.</p> +<p class="pnext">Bread and cheese and whisky followed this, then +the minister returned thanks, and this was followed +by more whisky, with song after song.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Roof and rafters a' did dirl."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">It was not till near to the "wee short 'oor ayont +the twal" that the party broke up, and all departed +for their distant homes, on horseback or in traps.</p> +<p class="pnext">Did I say "all departed"? What an awkward thing +it is to be possessed of a conscience! I have one which, +whenever I deviate in the slightest degree from the +straight lines of truth, brings me up with a round +turn.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, <em class="italics">all</em> did not depart, for the corn-beef--let us +say--had flown to the legs and to the heads of half a +dozen jolly fellows at least, and they determined that +they wouldn't go home till morning.</p> +<p class="pnext">So they had some more toddy, sang "Auld Lang +Syne", and then retreating to the rear of the barn, +curled up amongst the straw and were soon fast asleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">So ended the great curling match of Glenvoie.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-v-a-highland-blizzard-the-lost-sheep-and-shepherd"> +<span id="a-highland-blizzard-the-lost-sheep-and-shepherd"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER V.--A HIGHLAND BLIZZARD--THE LOST SHEEP AND SHEPHERD.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">It must not be supposed for a single moment that +although the boys M'Vayne liked fun and adventure +in their own wild land, just as you or I or any +other boys do, reader, their education was neglected. +Quite the reverse, in fact. For at the time our tale +commences, both had just returned from the High +School of Edinburgh, where they had studied with +honour, and carried off many prizes.</p> +<p class="pnext">One of Duncan's pet studies had been and still +was--navigation. Not only of a theoretical kind, but +thoroughly practical.</p> +<p class="pnext">He had long since made up his mind to become a +sailor, and he had left no stone unturned to learn the +noble art of seamanship.</p> +<p class="pnext">For this purpose he had prevailed upon his father +to let him take several cruises in a barque plying +between Leith and Hull. So earnest was Duncan, and +so willing was both skipper and mate of this craft to +teach him, that in a very short time he was not only +up to every rope and stay, but could take both the +latitude and longitude as well as could be desired.</p> +<p class="pnext">He did all he could to put his brother up to the +ropes also.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were very fond of each other, these two lads, +and it was the earnest desire of both that they should +not be parted.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, all the stories they read were of the "ocean +wild and wide", and all the poetry they loved had the +sound of the sea in it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Such poetry and such tales Duncan would often +read to his brother and winsome wee Florie sitting +high on a hilltop, perhaps, on some fine summer's day +with the great Atlantic spreading away and away +from the shore beneath them to the distant horizon.</p> +<p class="pnext">Dibdin's splendid and racy songs, redolent as they +are of the brine and the breeze, were great favourites.</p> +<p class="pnext">But I do think there is a thread of romance in the +life of every sailor. Nay, more, I believe that it is +this very romance that first induces young fellows to +tempt the billows, although they are but little likely +to find a life on the ocean wave quite all that their +fancy painted. Talking personally, I am of opinion +that it was <em class="italics">Tom Cringle's Log</em> that first gave me an +idea of going to sea. Well, I do not regret it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Byron's <em class="italics">Corsair</em> was a great favourite with the +boys. Indeed, I rather think that they both would +have liked to become corsairs or dashing pirates. +And little Flora would gladly have gone with them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heigho!" she sighed one day when Duncan had +closed the book. "Heigho! I wish I had been a boy. +I think it was very foolish of the Good Man to make +me a girl, when he knew well enough I wanted to be +a boy."</p> +<p class="pnext">The poor child did not know how irreverent was +such talk.</p> +<p class="pnext">Honest Vike used to lie by Duncan's side while he +was reading, with one huge heavy paw placed over +the boy's knee.</p> +<p class="pnext">But it must have been monotonous for him; and +often his head fell on the extended foot, and he went +off to sleep outright.</p> +<p class="pnext">No sooner was the reading ended, however, than +Vike awoke, as full of life as a spring-born kitten. +Then his game began. He used to loosen a huge +boulder and send it rolling down the hill. As it +gained force, it split up into twenty pieces or more, +and bombarded everything it came across. Vike just +stood and barked. But once, when a flying piece of +the boulder killed a hare, the noble Newfoundland +dashed down the hill at tremendous speed, and seized +his quarry.</p> +<p class="pnext">He came slowly up with it, and laid it solemnly +down at Duncan's feet.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was all very well; but one day, when the boys +and Flora sat down about half-way up a hill, Viking, +tired of the reading, found his way to the hilltop, and, +as usual, loosened a boulder, and started it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Thump, thump, rattle, rattle, rush! Fully a dozen +great stones came down on our heroes in a cloud of +dust, and with the force of an avalanche. The danger +was certainly great, but it was all over before they +could fully realize it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan hastily drew his whistle, and at its call +the innocent dog instantly ceased working at another +boulder he was busily engaged loosening, and came +galloping down the hill.</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor fellow! I dare say he deserved a scolding, but +so full of life and happiness was he, that Duncan had +not the heart to speak harshly to him. Only care +was taken after this that Vike never got higher up +the hill than the reading party.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank had been nearly three weeks at Glenvoie, +before he became initiated into the mysteries of a real +Highland snow-storm. Many of my readers have +doubtless been out in such a blizzard, but the majority +have not, and can have but little idea of the fierceness +and danger of it.</p> +<p class="pnext">The morning of the 10th of February, 18--, was +mild and beautiful. Both Duncan and his brother +had been early astir, and had taken their bath long +before sunrise.</p> +<p class="pnext">They went downstairs on tiptoe, as they had no +desire to awake their guest.</p> +<p class="pnext">"English boys need a lot of sleep," said Conal. +"They're not like you or me, Duncan."</p> +<p class="pnext">"N-no," said his brother; "but I could have done +with another hour myself to-day. But we are +Scotsmen, and must show an example. Noblesse oblige. +Well," he added, "we'll have time to run up the hill +anyhow, and see the sun rise."</p> +<p class="pnext">So off they went, Vike making all the rocks and +braes resound with his barking.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was, indeed, a glorious and beautiful morning, +and from their elevated situation they could see all +the wild and romantic country on every side of them, +for daylight was already broadening in the east. To +the west the gray Atlantic ocean, the horizon buried +in mist, away to the south woods and forests. Forests +to the north also, while behind them hills on hills +successive rose.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the eastern sky was already aglow with clouds +of crimson fire and gold. What artist could paint, +what poet describe, such glory?</p> +<p class="pnext">Then low towards a wood shines forth a brighter, +more fiery gleam than all, and even at this distance +the boys can see the branches, aye, and even the twigs, +of the trees silhouetted against it.</p> +<p class="pnext">And that is the sun itself struggling up behind the +radiant clouds.</p> +<p class="pnext">They stayed but little longer, for by this time +breakfast would be ready, and Frank himself getting up.</p> +<p class="pnext">After this meal was discussed, as a light breeze, +sufficient to ripple the stream, had sprung up, the +young folks determined to go fishing.</p> +<p class="pnext">They took luncheon with them, and spent the whole +forenoon on the banks of the bonnie wimpling burn.</p> +<p class="pnext">But so well engaged were they that they did not at +first observe that the sky was becoming rapidly +overcast, and that the wind had begun to wail and moan +in the trees of the adjoining forest. It had turned +terribly cold too.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan became fully alive to his danger now, however, +especially when the tiny millet-seed snow began +to fall.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Our nearest way is through the wood," said the +boy. Duncan was always pioneer in every danger +and in every pleasure.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And there is no time to lose," he added. "Florie, +I wish you hadn't come. I suppose Conal and I will +have to carry you."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I won't be carried," replied the stout-hearted little +Scots maiden. "I daresay you think I'm a child."</p> +<p class="pnext">Fishing-tackle was by this time made up, and off +they started.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was terribly dark and gloomy under the great +black-foliaged pine-trees, but Duncan knew every foot +of the way.</p> +<p class="pnext">They got through the forest, and out on to the wide +moorland, just as the snow began to fall in earnest.</p> +<p class="pnext">This moor was for the most part covered with +heather, with broom and with whins, but dotted over +with Scottish pine-trees. These last had been planted, +or rather sown, by the rooks, for the black corbies +turn many a heathery upland in Scotland into waving +woods or forests. They bear the cones away to pick +the seeds therefrom on the quiet moors. Some of +these seeds are dropped, and in a short time trees +spring up.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan now took from his pocket a small compass, +and studied it for a moment.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We sha'n't be able to see the length of a fishing-rod +before us soon," he said. "Now, I propose steering +due south till we strike the old turf dike[1] that leads +across the mountains. By following this downwards +we will be guided straight to the pine-wood rookery +behind our house."</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">[] Dike (<em class="italics">Scottice</em>), a low fence of stone or turf.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">They commenced to struggle on now in earnest--I +might almost say for dear life's sake--for wilder and +wilder blew the blizzard, increasing in force every +minute, and thicker fell the snow. But I was wrong +in saying it fell, for it was carried horizontally +along on the wings of the wind. Not a flake would +lie on the hills or bare slopes, but every dingle and +dell and gully, and every rock-side facing westward, +was filled and blocked.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan held Flora firmly by the hand, for if she +got out of sight in this choking drift, even for a few +seconds, her fate would, in all probability, be that of +sweet Lucy Gray--she might ne'er be seen alive again.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank and Conal were arm-in-arm, their heads well +down as they struggled on and on.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Let us keep well together, boys," cried Duncan, as +he looked at his little compass once again. "Cheerily +does it, as sailors say."</p> +<p class="pnext">Now and then they stopped for breath when they +came to a clump of pines.</p> +<p class="pnext">Here the noise of the wind overhead was terrific. +At its lightest it was precisely like the roar of a great +waterfall. But ever and anon it would come on in +furious squalls, that had in them all the force of a +hurricane, which swept the tree-tops straight out to +one side and bent their giant stems as if they had +been but fishing-rods. At every gust such as this +the flakes were broken into ice-dust, with a +suffocating snow fog that, had they not buried their faces +in their plaids, would have choked the party one +and all.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many of these pines were carried away by the +board, snapped near to the ground, and hurled +earthwards with the force of the blast.</p> +<p class="pnext">Long before they reached the fence of turf, called in +Scotland, as I have said, a dike, Flora was completely +exhausted, and had to submit to be carried on Duncan's +sturdy back.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank was but little better off, but he would not +give in.</p> +<p class="pnext">At last they reached the dike.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heaven be praised!" cried Duncan. "And now we +shall rest just a short time and then start on and +down. Cheer up, lads, we will manage now."</p> +<p class="pnext">Flora descended from her brother's back, and he sat +down on the turf, and took her on his knee.</p> +<p class="pnext">But where was Vike?</p> +<p class="pnext">Surely he had not deserted them!</p> +<p class="pnext">No, for a dog of this breed is faithful unto death.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now a strange kind of somnolence began to +take possession of the boys.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan himself could not resist its power, far less +his companions.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Let us be going, lads," he cried more than once, +but he did not move.</p> +<p class="pnext">He seemed to be unable to lift a limb, and at last +he heard the howling of the wind only like sunlit +waves breaking on a far-off sandy beach.</p> +<p class="pnext">He nodded--his chin fell on his breast--he was dreaming.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah! but it is from a sleep like this that men, +overtaken in a snow-storm, never, never arise. They +simply</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Sleep the sleep that knows not breaking,</div> +<div class="line">Morn of toil, nor night of waking".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">In a few minutes, however, Duncan starts. The +sound of a dog's voice falls on his ear. Ah! there is +no bark in all broad Scotland so sonorous and so +sincere as that of honest Vike.</p> +<p class="pnext">Wowff! Wowff! Wowff!!</p> +<p class="pnext">There is joy in it, too, for he has found the boys--ah! more +than that, he has brought relief, and here +are the sturdy kilted keeper and two farm hands, +ready to help them safely home. The keeper has a +flask, and all must taste--even Florie, who is hardly +yet awake.</p> +<p class="pnext">How pleasant looked the fire in the fine old +dining-hall when, after dressing, the boys came below.</p> +<p class="pnext">And Glenvoie himself was laughing now, and as he +shook Frank's hand, he could not help saying:</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, my lad, and how do you like a Highland +snow-storm?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah!" said Frank, laughing in turn, "a little of it +goes a long way. I don't want any more Highland +snow-storm, thank you--not for Frank!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The gale seemed to be increasing rather than abating, +and it kept on all that night, and for two nights +and two days more.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then it fell calm.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I trust in Heaven," said M'Vayne, "that Sandie, +our shepherd, has reached the shelter of some hut, but +I fear the worst. The sheep may be buried, but they +will survive; but without food poor Sandie cannot +have withstood the brunt of that awful blizzard.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Boys," he continued, "I shall start at once on a +search, and the keeper will come with me."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And we too."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Wowff! wowff!" barked Vike, as much as to say, +"You'd be poorly off without my assistance."</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a lovely forenoon now, with a clear sky, but +not as much wind as would suffice to lift one feathery +flake.</p> +<p class="pnext">They meant to find the shepherd, but it was his +hard-frozen corpse they expected to dig out of a +snow-drift.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vi-the-breath-of-god-was-over-all-the-land"> +<span id="the-breath-of-god-was-over-all-the-land"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VI.--"THE BREATH OF GOD WAS OVER ALL THE LAND."</h2> +<p class="pfirst">There were two huts on the moorland, one in the +open, another close against a ridge of rocks, and +in one or other poor Sandie would surely have found +shelter.</p> +<p class="pnext">So to the first they bent their footsteps. It stood +with its back to the east, and on the west it was +entirely covered with great banks of snow, some of +them shaped like waves on the sea-shore, that are just +on the eve of breaking.</p> +<p class="pnext">It took the keeper and two men nearly an hour to +break through the barrier and find the doorway.</p> +<p class="pnext">They could see nothing when they opened it, for all +were partially snow-blind.</p> +<p class="pnext">But they groped around, and called the shepherd by +name; then convinced that he was not there, dead or +alive, they came sadly away, and joined the group +outside.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was still the other hut to be examined, and +this was a good mile higher up the hill.</p> +<p class="pnext">Thither, therefore, the party now wended their way, +but so completely covered up did they find it, that +another long hour of hard work was spent in reaching +the doorway.</p> +<p class="pnext">Like the last which they had explored, it was cold, +dark, and deserted.</p> +<p class="pnext">No one had any hope now of finding Sandie alive, +but after a hurried luncheon they spread themselves +out across the hill and moor somewhat after the +fashion of skirmishers, and the ground was thoroughly +searched.</p> +<p class="pnext">But all in vain.</p> +<p class="pnext">No frozen corpse was found.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were about to return now sorrowfully homewards, +when high up the hill and at the foot of a +semi-lunar patch of rocks--an upheaval that had +taken place probably millions of years ago--Vike was +noticed, and his movements attracted the attention of all.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was yap-yapping as if in great grief, tearing up +the snow at the foot of a mighty drift and casting it +behind him and over him.</p> +<p class="pnext">A pure white dog was the Newfoundland at present, +so laden was his coat with the powdery drift.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come on, men, come on," cried Glenvoie, "there +yet is hope! The good dog scents something in spite +or the snow. It may only be sheep, and yet poor +dead frozen Sandie may be amongst them."</p> +<p class="pnext">It took them but a few minutes to reach the cliff +and the huge snowdrift that covered its western side. +It was then that Duncan remembered something +about these rocks.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, father," he said, "now that I think of it, +this is Prince Charlie's cave."</p> +<p class="pnext">"You are right, lad, and my hopes are certainly in +the ascendant."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Conal and I have often been inside, and there is +room enough inside to shelter a flock of sheep, or a +regiment of soldiers."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now then, lads," cried the laird, "work away with +a will. I'll take care you don't lose by it."</p> +<p class="pnext">He handed them his flask as he spoke, and thus +refreshed by the wine of their native land, they did +work, and with a will too.</p> +<p class="pnext">But hard work it was, from the fact that the snow +was loose and powdery.</p> +<p class="pnext">But at long, long last they reached the mouth of +the cave.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now a curious spectacle was witnessed, for to +the number of at least a hundred, and headed by a +huge curly-horned ram, with a chorus of baa-a-ing, +out rushed the imprisoned sheep, kicking and leaping +with joy to see once more the light of day.</p> +<p class="pnext">Behind them came the shepherd's bawsont-faced +collie Korran. But after licking Vike's ear he rushed +back once more into the cave, and the rescuers quickly +lighting a fire with some withered grass, found the +body of the shepherd with Korran standing over it. +Was he dead?</p> +<p class="pnext">That had yet to be seen. They carried him out, +and placing him on plaids, began to rub his face with +snow and chafe his cold, hard hands.</p> +<p class="pnext">In less than ten minutes Sandie opened his wondering eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">He could swallow now, and a restorative was +administered.</p> +<p class="pnext">I need scarcely say that this restorative was +Highland whisky.</p> +<p class="pnext">After about half an hour Sandie was able not only +to eat and talk but to walk.</p> +<p class="pnext">His story was a very brief one. He had, with the +assistance of Korran, driven the sheep into the cave, +and never dreaming that he would be snowed up, +and remained with them for a time. Alas! it was a +long time for the poor fellow and his faithful dog!</p> +<p class="pnext">Two days and two nights without food and only +snow to keep body and soul together. And the +cold--oh, so intense!</p> +<p class="pnext">"How did you feel?" asked Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">The shepherd hadn't "a much English", as he +phrased it, but he answered as best he could.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Och, and och! then, my laddie, she was glad the +koorich (sheep) was safe, and she didna thinkit a +much aboot hersel. But she prayed and she prayed, +and then she joost fell asleep, and the Lord of Hosts +tookit a care of her."</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, this honest shepherd was certainly imbued +with the sincere and beautiful faith of the early +Covenanters, but, after all, who shall dare to say that +there is no efficacy in real prayer. Not in the prayers +that are said, but in the prayers that are prayed.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Well, spring returned at last. Soft blew the winds +from off the western sea; all the hills were clad in +green; the woods burst into bud and leaf; in their +darkest thickets the wild doves' croodle was heard, +droning a kind of bass to the mad, merry lilt of the +chaffie, the daft song of the mavis, or low sweet fluting +of the mellow-voiced blackbird.</p> +<p class="pnext">But abroad on the moors the orange-scented thorny +whins, resplendent, hugged the ground, and here the +rose-linnets built and sang, while high above, +fluttering against some fleecy cloudlet, laverocks (larks) +innumerable could be heard and dimly seen.</p> +<p class="pnext">Oh it was a beautiful time, and the breath of God +seemed over all the land.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank Trelawney had adopted, not only all the +methods of life of his Scots 42nd cousins, but even +their diet.</p> +<p class="pnext">Almost from the date of his arrival he had taken a +shower-bath or sponge-bath before breakfast, and this +breakfast was for the most part good oatmeal porridge, +with the sweetest of butter and freshest of milk.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now that spring had really come, he went every +morning with Duncan and Conal to a big brown pool +in the woodland stream. So deep was it that they +could take headers without the slightest danger of +knocking a hole in the gravel bottom of the "pot". +Having towelled down and dressed rapidly, they ran +all the way home.</p> +<p class="pnext">This new and healthful plan of living soon told +for good on the constitution of the London lad. His +muscles grew harder and stronger, roses came on his +cheeks, and he was as happy and gay as Viking +himself, and that is saying a deal.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many a long ramble did he and little Flora now +take together through the woods and wilds, for he +did not care to go boating or sea-fishing with the +others every day.</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike always accompanied the two. This certainly +was not because he disliked the sea. On the contrary, +he loved it. Whenever the boat came within a quarter +of a mile of the beach he always sprang overboard +and swam the rest of the way.</p> +<p class="pnext">Arrived on shore he shook gallons of water out of +his coat. If you had been standing between the dog +and the sun, you would have seen him enveloped in +bright little rainbows, which were very pretty; but if +anywhere alongside of him, then you would have +required to go straight home and change your +clothing, for Viking would have drenched you to the skin +if not quite through it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But I suppose that this grand and wise Newfoundland +thought the London boy and little Flo had more +need of his protection.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah! many and many a day and night after this, +when far away at sea or wandering in wild lands, did +Frank think of these delightful rambles with his +little companion. Think of them, ay, and dream of +them too.</p> +<p class="pnext">Often they were protracted till--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">... "The moonbeams were bright</div> +<div class="line">O'er river and forest, o'er mountain and lea".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Some poet of olden times--I forget his name--tells +us that "pity is akin to love". Well, Flora began by +pitying this "poor little London boy", as she always +called him, even to his face, but quite sympathizingly, +and she ended, ere yet the summer was in its prime, +by liking him very much indeed. To say that she +loved him would, of course, be a phrase misapplied, +for Flora was only a child.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">With June, and all its floral and sylvan joys, came +shoals of herring from the far north, and busy indeed +were the boatmen catching them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Glenvoie lay some distance back from a great sweep +of a bay, at each end of which was a bold and rocky +headland.</p> +<p class="pnext">Few of the herring boats really belonged to this +bay, but they all used often to run in here, and after +arranging their nets, they set sail for their mighty +draughts of fishes.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan and Conal were always welcome, because +they assisted right willingly and merrily at the work.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boats were very large, and all open in the +centre--the well, this space was called--and with a +cuddy, or small living and cooking room, both fore +and aft.</p> +<p class="pnext">It used to be rough work, this herring fishing, and +not over cleanly, but the boys always put on the oldest +clothes they had, with waterproof leggings, oil-skin +hats, and sou'westers.</p> +<p class="pnext">They would be out sometimes for two days and nights.</p> +<p class="pnext">The beauty of the scenery, looking towards the land +at the sunset hour, it would be impossible for pen or +pencil to do justice to. The smooth sea, with its +patches of crimson, opal, or orange, the white sands of +the bay, the dark, frowning headlands, the dark +greenery of the shaggy woods and forests, and the +rugged hills towering high against the eastern horizon; +the whole made a picture that a Turner only could +have conveyed to canvas.</p> +<p class="pnext">The dolphin is--from a poet's point of view--a very +interesting animal, with an air of romance about him. +Dolphins are said to be of a very joyous temperament. +Well, perhaps; but they are, nevertheless, about the +worst enemies those hardy, northern, herring-fishery +men have to encounter.</p> +<p class="pnext">They come in shoals after the herrings, and go +"slick" through the nets, carrying great pieces away +on their ungainly bodies. And the boatmen can do +nothing to protect their silvery harvest.</p> +<p class="pnext">Once, while our young heroes were on board one of +the largest and best of the boats, it came on to blow +off the land--not simply a gale of wind, but something +near akin to a hurricane. They were driven out to +sea about sundown, and Duncan and Conal could +never forget the sufferings of that fearful night.</p> +<p class="pnext">After trying in vain to beat to windward, they put +up the helm--narrowly escaping broaching-to--and +ran before it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But all through the darkness, and until the gray +and uncertain light of day broke slowly over the +storm-tossed ocean, the seas were continually +breaking over the sturdy boat, and everyone was drenched +to the skin. It might have been said, with truth, that +she was swamped, so full of water was the well.</p> +<p class="pnext">The great waves were now visible enough, each +with its yellow sides and its foaming mane. It +seemed, indeed, that the ocean was stirred up to its +very bottom, and when down in the trough of the +seas, with those "combers" threatening far above, +with truth might it have been said that the waves +were mountains high.</p> +<p class="pnext">All the nets were lost, but no lives.</p> +<p class="pnext">About noon the wind veered round to the west, and +all sail was set, and the boat steered for land; but so +far into the Atlantic had they been driven that it was +sunrise next morning before they succeeded in +reaching the bay.</p> +<p class="pnext">And there sad news awaited them.</p> +<p class="pnext">There would be mourning widows and weeping +children, for two bonnie boats had perished with all +their brave crews.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, there is danger in every calling, but far more, +I think, in that of the northern fisherman than in any +other.</p> +<p class="pnext">But how doubly dear to him is life on shore, when +he reaches his little white-washed cottage, after a +successful run, and meets his smiling wife and happy +children, who run to greet their daddy home from sea.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Summer was already on the wane, and July nights +were getting longer. Frank must soon seek once +more his London home.</p> +<p class="pnext">But he was healthier, stronger, happier now, by far +and away, than when he first arrived at Glenvoie.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah! but the parting with everyone, but especially +with bonnie young Flora, would be sad and sad indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">One morning, about a week before Frank was to +leave for the south, Duncan came into his room.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You and I and Conal are going up the hill to-day," +he said, "all by ourselves, and I have something to +propose which I feel sure you will be glad to approve of."</p> +<p class="pnext">"All right!" said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">So after breakfast the three boys slipped away to +the hills, without telling anyone what they were after.</p> +<p class="pnext">A council was to be held.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vii-the-parting-comes-at-last"> +<span id="the-parting-comes-at-last"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VII.--THE PARTING COMES AT LAST.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">If Duncan M'Vayne were a mere imaginary hero, I +should not take credit for any virtue that in him +lay, but I don't mind telling you, reader, that very +few of the heroes of my stories are altogether creations +of my fairly fertile brain. Like most sailor-men who +have seen a vast deal of the world, I have so much +truth to tell that it would be downright foolish to fall +back upon fiction for some time yet.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so I am not ashamed to say that Duncan was +one of those <em class="italics">rara aves</em>--boys who think. I do not +care to study the characters of boys who are not just +a little bit out of the common run. Ordinary boys +are as common as sand-martins in an old gravel-pit, +and they are not worth writing about.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well brought up as he had been, so far away in the +lonesome wilds of the Scottish Highlands, and having +few companions save his brother and parents, it is but +little wonder that he dearly loved his father and +mother. To tell the whole truth, the affection felt by +Scottish boys towards their parents is very real and +sincere indeed. It is a love that most assuredly passes +the knowledge of southerners, and in saying so I am +most sincere.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, neither he, Duncan, nor Conal either could +help knowing that of late years circumstances +connected with the estate of Glenvoie had become rather +straitened, and although obliged to keep up a good +show, as I may term it, his father was far indeed from +being wealthy at the present time. The estate was +not a large one certainly, but it would have been big +enough to live well upon, had the shootings let as well +as they did long ago.</p> +<p class="pnext">Is it any wonder that talking together about their +future, as they frequently did before going to sleep, +Duncan and Conal used often to ask each other the +question, "How best can we be of some use to Daddy?" And +it was indeed a difficult one to answer.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both lads had already all the "schooling" they +needed to enable them to make a sturdy fight with or +against the world, but the idea of going as clerks or +shopmen to a city like Glasgow or even Edinburgh +was utterly repulsive to their feelings.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were sons of a proud Highland chief, although +a poor one. Alas! how often poverty and pride are to +be seen, arm in arm, in bonnie Scotland. But +anyhow, they were M'Vaynes. Besides, the wild country +in which they had spent most of their lives until now, +had imbued them with romance.</p> +<p class="pnext">Is that to be wondered at? Did not romance dwell +everywhere around them? Did they not breathe it +in the very air that blew from off the mountains, and +over the heathery moorlands? Did it not live in the +dark waving pine forests, and in the very cliffs that +overhung the leaden lakes, cliffs whereon the eagle had +his eyry? Was it not heard in the roar of the cataract, +and seen in the foaming rapids of streams that chafed +its every boulder obstructing their passage to yonder +ocean wild and wide? Yes, and Duncan was proud of +that romance, and proud too, with a pride that is +unknown in England of the grand story of his +never-conquered country.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so we cannot be astonished to find the three +lads sitting together, in solemn conclave, on a bright +summer's forenoon, far away on a green brae that +overlooked Glenvoie.</p> +<p class="pnext">Indeed, they had come here seriously to discuss their +future.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking was lying close to Duncan with his great +loving lump of a head on the boy's lap.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You see," Duncan was saying, "it is precious hard +for lads like us, who haven't any money to get a kind +of a start in the world. If we could only get a +beginning, I feel certain we should need no more. But our +father is poor, Frank!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heigho!" sighed Frank, "and so, alas! is mine."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I know," continued Duncan, "that he would scrape +the needful together somehow if we asked him. He +could not sell any portion of the estate, because it is +entailed, but I know that father would try hard to +raise enough money to send Conal and me to sea as +apprentices."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And you really think you'll go to sea?" said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"As certain as sunrise, Frank. Mind I don't expect +to find things quite so rosy as books paint them, but +to sea I go for all that, and so will Conal."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And so will I," cried Frank determinedly. "For +my father is poorer far than yours. But I won't go +before the mast, as I think you mean to."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"No! because I have an uncle who has already promised +to give me a little lift in life, and I haven't got +so much Highland pride as you, so I'll ask him to +apprentice me.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I wonder," he added, "if dear old Captain Talbot +would have me?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh," cried Duncan, "I had entirely forgotten. I +have a letter from Talbot. He has given up the +coasting trade, and is now in the Mediterranean, +sailing betwixt London and Italy, a merchant ship, and +I'm sure he will be glad to take you. He'll be back at +the port of London in September. Why, Frank, old +man, you're in luck.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And as for Conal and I, we shall go before the mast."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm sorry for you, boys."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But you needn't be. Not the slightest wee bit. +Many an officer in the merchant service, ay, and in the +Royal Navy as well, has entered through the hawsehole."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That means risen from the ranks, doesn't it?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Something very like it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," said Conal, "is it all arranged?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I think so," replied Duncan. "And the sooner we +set about putting our resolves into force the better, +I think."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then he sighed as he bent down and gave poor +Vike's honest head a good hug, and I'm not sure there +wasn't a tear in his eye as he said:</p> +<p class="pnext">"Poor Vike! your master is going away where he +can't take you. But you'll be good, won't you, till we +come back again, and look well after your little +mistress, Flora. I know you will, doggie."</p> +<p class="pnext">If ever grief was depicted in a dog's looks, and we +know it often is, you might have seen it in Viking's +now. I do not mean to say that he knew all his +master said. He was too young for that, but he could +tell from the mere intonation of Duncan's voice that +grief was in store for all.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Chief M'Vayne was much averse at first to his sons +becoming mere boys before the mast, but Duncan and +Conal were determined, and so he came round at last +and gave his consent.</p> +<p class="pnext">I am going to say just as little as I can about the +parting. Partings are painful to write about.</p> +<p class="pnext">Not only the boys but M'Vayne himself were heroic. +It does not do for clansmen to show weakness, but the +mother's tears fell thick and fast, and poor Flora was +to be pitied.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was the first cloud of sorrow that had fallen upon +her young life, and she felt desolate in the extreme. +She believed she would never survive it. She would +have no pleasure or joy now in wandering over the +hills and through the forests dark and wild.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I will pray for you both." These were about the +last words she said.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And for me too, Florie," said Frank sadly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, yes, and for you."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then he kissed her.</p> +<p class="pnext">For the first time--wondering to himself, if it +would be the last.</p> +<p class="pnext">He had gotten a pretty little ring for her, with blue +stones and an anchor on it. And of this she was very +proud.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mind," he said, "you're a sailor's sweetheart now."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then they mounted the trap that was to drive them +to the nearest station, and away they went, waving +hands and handkerchiefs, of course, until a bend in the +road and a few pine-trees shut the dear old home from +their view.</p> +<p class="center large pnext" id="the-terrors-of-the-ocean">BOOK II.</p> +<p class="center large pnext">THE CRUISE OF THE <em class="italics">FLORA M'VAYNE.</em></p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-i-the-terrors-of-the-ocean"> +<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER I.--THE TERRORS OF THE OCEAN.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Long months have passed away since that sad +parting at Glenvoie; a parting that seemed to +raise our young heroes at once from the careless +happiness of boyhood to the serious earnestness of +man's estate.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had stayed in town until Captain Talbot +arrived. He was just the same brave and jolly sailor +that Duncan had first known.</p> +<p class="pnext">Would he take Frank as his apprentice?</p> +<p class="pnext">Why, he would be glad to have the whole three. +They were so bold and bright, there was not the least +fear of their not getting on.</p> +<p class="pnext">Wouldn't they come? His present ship was not so +large as he would like it to be, but he would make +shift somehow.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Duncan, while he thanked him, was firm.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," said Talbot, "I'll tell you what I'll do for +you, for somehow I have acquired a liking for you all +Frank here, then, shall come with me, not as an +apprentice belonging to the owners, but as a friend who +wishes to get well up in seamanship and eventually +pass even for master-mariner. You see, Frank, you +will be rated as apprentice to me, and not to the +company, else they would hold you to the same ship for +years. And my reason is this: in about a year or a +little over, I shall, please God, have a ship of my own. +It is to be a great project, but I am promised +assistance, and many of the savants in London say the +project is well worthy of the greatest success. I shall +voyage first to the Antarctic regions, and come home +with a paying voyage of oil and skins of the +sea-elephants, and this shall smooth my way to exploring +further south than any ship has yet reached.</p> +<p class="pnext">"So you see, Duncan, as you and your brother will +not be bound to any tie as regards apprenticeship, you +can both sail with me to the South Pole, and who +knows but you may yet become the Nansens of the +Antarctic."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Too good to be true," said Duncan laughing; "but +I'm just determined to do my best, and no one can do +more."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bravo, lad!" cried the colonel, laying his hand on +Duncan's shoulder. "And you remember what the +poet says:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"''T is not in mortals to command success,</div> +<div class="line">But we'll do more...; we'll deserve it'"</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Brave words, Colonel Trelawney," cried Talbot. +"Why, sir, scraps of heroic verse have helped me along +all through life. I'm a ship-master now, with a bit in +bank. But my first voyage was to the Arctic +and I had hardly clothes enough to keep out +the terrible weather. My mother was a poor widow +in Dundee, and I--being determined to go to +sea--became a stowaway. I hid in a coal-bunker, and it +came on to blow, so that I was very nearly killed with +the shifting coals that cannonaded against my ribs.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Luckily the storm did not last long, but when +they hauled me out at last I was as black as a +chimney-sweep and covered with blood.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I was too ill to be lifted and landed at Lerwick. +The doctor said I was dying. The first mate, who was +never sober, said, 'Serve the young beggar right!' But, +boys, I knew better. Dundee boys don't die +worth shucks, and so I was on deck in ten days' time. +There were two dogs on board, and my duty was to +feed and look after them, and also to assist the cook.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I roughed it, I can tell you, lads; but, Lord bless +you, it did me a power of good. We were out for six +months, and by that time I was as strong as a young +mule. How old was I? Oh, not more than sixteen. +But I felt a man. And I could reef and steer now, +and splice a rope, and do all sorts of things. For the +bo's'n had taken me in hand, and right kind he was.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah! but that rascally mate! A long black, +red-cheeked chap he was, and not a bit like a sailor, but +he kept up his spite against me, and, when half-seas +over--which he always was when not completely +drunk--he would let fly at me with a belaying-pin, a +marling-spike, or anything else he could lay his hands on.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Why don't you land him one," said the bo's'n one +day, 'right from the shoulder?'</p> +<p class="pnext">"'That would be mutiny, wouldn't it?' said I.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Nonsense, lad, the skipper likes you, and he +wouldn't log you for it.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"I determined to take the bo's'n's advice next time +the drunken mate hit me.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, I hadn't long to wait. You see I had come to +really love the dogs under my charge. So one day +the mate kicked one of them rather roughly out of +his way.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Don't you dare kick that dog,' I cried; 'they are +both in my charge.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"How well do I remember that forenoon. We were +on the return voyage, running before a light breeze, +with every scrap of canvas set, low and aloft, and the +sun shining bonnie and warm.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But the mate grew purple with rage when I +checked him. He could hardly speak. He could only +stutter.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'You, you beggar's brat,' he shouted, 'I'll give you +a lesson.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"He rushed to pull out a belaying-pin.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I tossed off my jacket and threw it on the top of +the capstan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I twisted the belaying-pin out of his hands before +you could have said 'knife'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Fight fair, you drunken scamp!' I cried.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Pistols and rifles lay ready loaded in boxes at the +top of the cabin companion, and he made a stride or +two as if to take one out.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Mutiny!' he muttered, 'rank mutiny!'</p> +<p class="pnext">"I sprang between him and the box, and dealt him +a square left-hander that made him reel. I followed +this up with a rib-starter, then with one on the nose.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Down he went, and he actually prayed for mercy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That bulbous nose of his was well tapped, and +there was no fear of him taking apoplexy for a while +anyhow.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But when I let him up he seemed to lose control of +his senses, for the demon drink was now in the +ascendant. He faced me no longer, however, but rushed +for poor, faithful Collie, and before I could prevent it, +had seized and pitched him overboard.</p> +<p class="pnext">"The men, untold, rushed to haul the foreyard aback +and to lower a boat.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But he checked them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'What! lower a boat for a dog?' he cried.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Lower a boat for a man then,' I shouted, 'and just +as I was I leapt upon the bulwark and dived off it. +Next minute I was alongside Collie. Ay, lads, and +alongside something else. A huge shark sailed past +us, and passed us so near I could almost have touched +him. He must have been fully fifteen feet long.[1] I +knew that nothing but splashing and shouting could +keep him at bay, and I did both as well as I knew how to.'"</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">[1] The <em class="italics">Scymnus borealis</em>, or Greenland shark, +is often eighteen to twenty feet in length.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"But the boat came quickly to our rescue, and we +were soon safe on board. The skipper liked me, and +did not log my mutinous conduct. In fact he became +my friend, and I was apprenticed to his very ship. +So I had many and many a voyage to the Sea of Ice +after this.</p> +<p class="pnext">"There is a glamour about this weird and wonderful +frozen ocean, boys, that none can resist who have ever +been under its bewitching spell. It is on me now, and +this it is which has determined me to seek soon for +adventures in the Antarctic, which very few have ever +sought to explore.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, Duncan and Conal, I'll tell you what I shall +do with you. There is a big Australian ship to sail +from Southampton in about a month. The captain is +a personal friend of mine, and will do anything for +you. I shall give you a letter.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mind this, he is strict service, and if you do your +duty, as I'm sure you will, you'll soon have a friend on +the quarter-deck."</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot--or Master-mariner Talbot as he +liked best to be called--had been as good as his word, +and now our young heroes were far away at sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">The <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em> was a full-rigged Aberdeen +clipper-built vessel, and could show a pair of clean +heels to almost any other ship in the trade. The +skipper and his two mates were all thorough sailors, +and gentlemen at heart. The skipper, whose name +was Wilson, soon began to take an interest in Duncan +and Conal, and knowing that they were studying in +their idle moments, invited them to come daily to his +own cabin, and there for a whole hour he used to +teach them all he could.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan could soon be trusted to take sights, and +even "lunars", and gave every evidence of possessing +the steadiness and grit that goes so far to make a +thorough British sailor.</p> +<p class="pnext">They touched at the Cape in due time, and Conal +acted as clerk or "tally-boy" while cargo was being +landed and fresh stock taken on board.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys found time to have a look at the town. +They went with one of the mates who had been often +here before.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, the hills all around, clad in their summer coats +of dazzling heaths and geraniums, were quite a sight +to see. But the town itself they voted dismally slow, +and so I myself have found it, there being so many +heavy-headed Dutchmen therein.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were not a bit sorry, therefore, when they +found themselves once more on the heaving billows.</p> +<p class="pnext">And the billows around the Cape of Good Hope do +heave too with a vengeance.</p> +<p class="pnext">Such mountain waves Duncan could not have believed +existed anywhere. Tall and raking though she was, +the <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em> was all but buried when down in +the trough of the waves.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was but a six-knot breeze when they started +to stretch away and away across that seemingly +illimitable ocean betwixt the Cape and Australia. Oh +such a lonesome sea it is, reader! Six thousand miles +of water, water, water, and often never a sign of life +in the sky above or in the sea below.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was, as I have said, but a light wind to begin +with, and it was dead astern, so that stunsails were +set, and the great ship looked like some wonderful +bird of the main, as she sailed, with her wings +out-spread, eastward and eastward ho!</p> +<p class="pnext">But before noon the sky in the west began to +darken, and great rock-shaped or castellated clouds +rolled up from the horizon. Snow-white were they on +top, where the sun's rays struck them, but dark and +black below.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Snug ship!" was the order now.</p> +<p class="pnext">In came the stunsails, the men working right merrily, +and singing as they worked. In came royals and +top-gallant sails, and close-reefed were the topsails. +The captain was no coward, but right well he knew +that the storm coming quickly up astern would be no +child's play.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor was it.</p> +<p class="pnext">A vivid flash of lightning and great-gun thunder +first indicated the approach of the gale.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then away in the west a long line of foam was seen +approaching. In an inconceivably short space of time +it struck the ship with fearful violence, and though +she sprung forward like a frightened deer and dipped +her prow into a huge wave, she seemed engulfed in +raging seas. The skipper had battened down, but so +much water had been taken on board that the good +clipper could not for a time shake herself clear. +Perhaps the shivered bulwarks helped to save the ship.</p> +<p class="pnext">In a few minutes she was rushing before the wind +at a good twelve knots an hour.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What a blessing it is," said Captain Wilson, "that +we got snug in time!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, sir," said the mate, "and it's an ill wind that +blows nobody good. Why, this gale is all in our +favour, and will help us along."</p> +<p class="pnext">Our heroes had far from a pleasant time, however, +for the next few days. Then wind and sea went down, +and peace reigned once more on the decks, and in the +rigging of the good ship <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">The splendid cities they visited when the vessel at +last arrived in Australia quite dazzled our boys. And +as the English language was spoken everywhere they +felt quite at home.</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Wilson seemed to take a pride in having +Duncan and Conal with him, and he introduced them +as friends wherever he went.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both lads were handsome, and in the city of +Melbourne a rumour got abroad that they were of noble +birth, and were serving before the mast for the mere +romance of the thing. Well, even the Earl of Aberdeen +was once found in the guise of an ordinary seaman; +but there was something more than romance in our +heroes' situation. However, the report, which they +always contradicted, did them no harm, and they were +invited to more houses than one, being asked, +moreover, to come in their sailor's clothes.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys obeyed. In fact they had none other, but +they had a kind of best suit, and very well the broad +blue collar and black sailor's-knotted handkerchief +became their handsome young faces.</p> +<p class="pnext">I don't think I am far wrong in saying that some +of the Australian ladies fell in love with them.</p> +<p class="pnext">But that is a mere detail.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now, having reached Australia, Duncan had about +half a mind, more or less, to try his luck at the gold +diggings.</p> +<p class="pnext">He broached the subject to Captain Wilson.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," replied the skipper, "mind, though I should +be grieved to part with you, I would rather put another +spoke in your wheel than hinder you, if I thought +there was the ghost of a chance of your making your +fortune. But I don't think there is."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Then we shall be advised by you," said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">So after a very pleasant time spent in Australia the +<em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em> spread her wings once more to the breeze +and sailed for distant Japan.</p> +<p class="pnext">Thence homewards round stormy Cape Horn. It +took them six weeks to weather the Cape, so close was +the ice.</p> +<p class="pnext">But worse was to befall them, alas! than this.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were now bearing up for home. Right cheerily +too, for they had caught the trades, and finally fell +into the doldrums in crossing the equator.</p> +<p class="pnext">Here they tumbled about for no less than three +weeks, not a breath of wind blowing all this time to +help them along.</p> +<p class="pnext">But it came at last, and they were free.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ii-a-fearful-experience"> +<span id="a-fearful-experience"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER II.--A FEARFUL EXPERIENCE.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Once more the <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em> was spanking along +before a delightful breeze with the dark blue +sea sparkling in the sunlight around her, and Mother +Carey's chickens, as sailors call the stormy petrels, +flitting past and re-past her stern.</p> +<p class="pnext">Seamen say these birds are always the forerunners +of storm and tempest. This is not so, but in this case +the prophecy turned out to be a correct one. A +fearful hurricane or tornado struck the ship, and raged +for days and days.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was no such thing as battling against it. So +it ended in their being driven far away to the west +into unknown or little frequented seas. I am wrong +in saying it ended. For the end was of a far more +terrible nature than anything I ever heard of before, +or ever experienced.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the fourth day the tempest seemed almost +played out, and the sky was brightening somewhat in +the east.</p> +<p class="pnext">The skipper was rubbing his hands and saying to +his mate:</p> +<p class="pnext">"I think we shall be able to shake a reef out before long."</p> +<p class="pnext">"So do I," was the cheery answer.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both the young fellows M'Vayne were below at +present, and the vessel was battened down.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, look, look!" cried the mate, seizing the skipper +by the arm and pointing fearfully towards the east.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Good Lord preserve us!" said Captain Wilson in terror.</p> +<p class="pnext">And well he might be so, for yonder, quite blotting +out the clear strip of sky, a huge wave or bore had +arisen. It was of semi-lunar shape, and must have +been fifty feet high at the very least. The top all +along was one mass of foam.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nearer and nearer it came!</p> +<p class="pnext">The sailor men crouched in fear, or hastened to +make themselves fast by ropes' ends to rigging or +shroud.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now the fine vessel is struck--is wallowing in +the midst of that hurricane-tossed turmoil of waters--is +on her beam-ends, without any apparent hope of +recovery.</p> +<p class="pnext">But recover she did after a time, and the ocean +wave swept on.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a wreck! The half-drowned men, or those +who were left alive, gasped for breath as they stared +wildly around. Two masts gone by the boards, only +the pitiful foremast left standing; every boat staved +and washed away, bulwarks gaping like sheep hurdles, +and the poop crushed in.</p> +<p class="pnext">And the officers where were they? Gone!</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes--and my story is told from the life and the +death--not only bold Captain Wilson himself but +both his mates had been swept overboard and drowned.</p> +<p class="pnext">Five men were missing; nor had all escaped down +below. The cook was severely injured, and but for +the presence of mind and speed of two ordinary +seamen, the ship would have caught fire, for the blazing +coals had been dashed out of the range and ignited +ropes and twine that lay not far off.</p> +<p class="pnext">And poor Duncan! He had been dashed to leeward +and so stunned that his brother and a sailor who had +picked him up, believed him to be dead.</p> +<p class="pnext">For three days he lay unconscious, but in two more +days he was to all appearance himself again.</p> +<p class="pnext">Although suffering from a bad scalp wound, he was +able to go on deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">And sad indeed was the sight he now beheld. With +the binnacle washed away, without an officer to guide +or direct the vessel; and the men, in almost hourly +expectation of death should the wind spring up again +once more, had allowed the ship to drift with the +current. They were helpless, ay, and hopeless.</p> +<p class="pnext">And I am sorry to add that many of them had +found their way to the spirit room, and were lying +on deck drunk and asleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan now proved himself the right man--or boy, +for he was but little over seventeen--in the right +place.</p> +<p class="pnext">He called the hands aft.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Men," he said, "we cannot continue in this state; +some effort must be made to save our lives and the +valuable cargo."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah! young sir," said the bo's'n sadly, "all our +officers are dead. There is no one to guide or +navigate the ship. We must drift on till we strike reef or +rock and so go to pieces.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Never fear, sir, we'll die like true-born Britons."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," cried Duncan, "there need be no dying about +it. I myself can navigate the ship, if sextant and +chronometer still are safe."</p> +<p class="pnext">They crowded round this brave though youthful +navigator and shook him by the hand, while tears of +joy streamed down many a sea-browned +weather-beaten cheek.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Can you, sir? Oh, can you? Then take charge +and we will obey."</p> +<p class="pnext">Luckily the rudder and wheel were uninjured, and +as soon as he had taken sights and found out where +he was, he had a jib and new foresails set, the helm +was put up, and slowly the <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em> began to +sail for the nearest land.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was one of the Azores. Very far away indeed, +but still Duncan hoped to reach it ere long and in +safety.</p> +<p class="pnext">The young fellow's orders followed each other +quickly enough, and were obeyed with great alacrity.</p> +<p class="pnext">The spirit-room was locked, and an armed sentry +placed over it. He was to bludgeon any man who +should dare to approach it with intent.</p> +<p class="pnext">Several of the worst cases of drunkards he put in irons.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then all hands were told off to temporarily repair +the ship.</p> +<p class="pnext">The poop was mended and made water-tight, and +the bulwarks roughly seen to. This occupied a whole +day, and as soon as daylight succeeded darkness the +busy crew were at work once more.</p> +<p class="pnext">There were several spare spars on board, and the +men now set about rigging a couple of jury-masts, +which, though only carrying fore-and-aft sails, would +greatly add to the good ship's speed.</p> +<p class="pnext">But more than this had to be done, for she had +shipped quite a deal of water, and the donkey-engine +had to be repaired and rigged to get clear of it.</p> +<p class="pnext">While work was going on cheerily enough a poor +drink-demented wretch, who had escaped from below, +rushed wildly up, and sprang with a shriek, that none +who heard it ever forgot, right into the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was not a boat to lower, and small use would +it have been anyhow, for those who looked fearfully +over the bulwarks saw but a red circle on the waves, +and rising bubbles. It was the poor man's blood and +breath, for he had been torn down by a shark.</p> +<p class="pnext">The other cases recovered, and begged of Duncan +not to log them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The young acting-commander promised he would +not, and they returned to duty.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a long and a tedious voyage to the Azores, +but every one was for the most part happy now, +although still sad when they thought of the awful +catastrophe which had caused such loss of life.</p> +<p class="pnext">At the town where the <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em> at last lay +at anchor, additional repairs were made, and in due +time Duncan sailed with a fair wind for England's shore.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was the month of July when the ship was once +more lying alongside the quay, and hearing of her +terrible adventures the people crowded down in +hundreds, and would have crowded on board, too, had not +Duncan given strict orders that no one should cross +the gangway, except on business.</p> +<p class="pnext">This did not prevent reporters from getting over the +side, however, and although Duncan was very reticent, +the whole town was soon ringing with his praise.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the owners were still more delighted. The +cargo was valued at fully five-and-twenty thousand +pounds, and the young navigator had saved it all.</p> +<p class="pnext">A meeting was held at which it was unanimously +agreed to present Duncan with the very handsome +sum of one thousand, and his brother, who had been +but little less active than himself, with five hundred.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan was indeed a happy young fellow now. +But his good luck did not end here, for on the fourth +day of the arrival of the <em class="italics">Ocean's Pride</em>, who should +step on board but jolly Captain Talbot himself, and, +neatly dressed in the uniform of a ship's apprentice, +Frank walked alongside of him--on his port beam in fact.</p> +<p class="pnext">That was a real happy meeting, as a Yankee would say.</p> +<p class="pnext">Surely Frank never looked better nor more manly. +He had lost all the looks of the "tender-foot", and was +well coloured and hardy.</p> +<p class="pnext">And Talbot himself was as usual bronzed and jolly. +The honest grip that he gave Duncan's hand showed, too, +that he was hearty and strong as ever. It was not a +few fingers that this bold sailor presented to a friend, +but the whole hand.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And how are you, my brick of a boy? But I +needn't ask when I look into those bright eyes of +yours. Ay, and I've heard of your clever doings too. +Do you see the papers?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I haven't much time just at present," replied +Duncan, "nor has Conal here either."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah, Conal, right glad to see you! But do you know +that your brother is a hero? Why, all the newspapers +from Land's End to John o' Groats are singing his +praises!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"It won't make a bit of difference to Duncan, sir," +said Conal, somewhat proudly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But really, Captain Talbot"--this from Duncan +himself--"I don't know what I should have done +without Conal. But come into the saloon, sir, such as +it is, for we were terribly knocked about."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, and it surprises me that you have got things +so ship-shape again as you have. You've heard from +your daddy?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay, and Florie too, and I'm going to run down for +a spell as soon as I can get paid off."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And I'll go with you, and Frank here as well. +Won't you, lad?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Like a hundredweight of gunpowder, sir, with a +spark put to it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now, sir, sit down; I have half an hour to +spare. Steward, bring the wine and biscuits. And +how goes the project, Captain Talbot?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Getting on splendidly. I've formed a company, +and nearly all the shares are sold, but really 'twixt +you and me and the binnacle, boys, I've kept the most +myself."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," cried Conal laughing, "I and my brother +are men of vast wealth now--ahem!--we shall have +all that is left."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, you mustn't part with all your doubloons. +Just half. The other shall be put in a bank as a kind +of nest-egg, don't you see?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Very well," said Duncan, "we always did take +your advice, and so we will now."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's right! Old Ben Talbot never gave a boy +bad counsel yet."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And the ship, sir?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, the ship's a barque, and a beauty she is. +About eight hundred tons, and although not quite a +clipper, she'll make up in strength what she'll lack in +speed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"A whaler she was," he continued, "but we have +given her a rare cleaning. She's as sweet now as a +nut. Double-skinned is she, and the bows all +between the bends are solid teak, shod in front with +iron. But you shall see her as soon as we haul out of dock."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm taking two mates; both have passed and own +certificates. You, Duncan, shall be acting third mate, +and Conal I'll rate as auxiliary. You haven't neglected +your studies, have you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, sir, and both myself and Conal mean to go in +for our first exam, as soon as we get to London."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bravo! But I won't hinder you longer. Frank +shall stay on with you a bit, and I expect you all to +come and dine with me to-night at my hotel. Can you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"All but me," said Conal. This wasn't quite grammatical, +but it was truth. "One of us must be ship-keeper."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's right. Never shirk your duty for anyone +or anything. Do you remember the eulogy on Tom +Bowling--when stark and stiff?"</p> +<p class="pnext">And the pure and manly voice in which Talbot +sang a verse of Dibdin's celebrated song, proved that, +though this true sailor was over fifty, he was as hale +and strong and hearty as many young fellows of +twenty. Ay, and ten times more so, for at the present +time thousands of lads ruin their health at +schools--<em class="italics">and not from study either</em>.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"His form was of the manliest beauty;</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">His heart was kind and soft;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Faithful below he did his duty,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And now he's gone aloft."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Talbot was going, and Duncan was seeing him across +the gangway.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, by the by," he said, still retaining his old +friend's hand, "I'm a perfect fool."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, no, Duncan; there are other folks' opinions to +be taken on that subject."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But I was actually going to let you away without +even asking the name of your ship."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Say our ship, my lad."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, our ship."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And you'd never guess her name, but your dear wee +tot of a sister christened her, and the barque's name +is the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, I am pleased."</p> +<p class="pnext">"To-night, then; six o'clock to a tick."</p> +<p class="pnext">And away went the jolly skipper.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iii-bound-for-southern-seas-of-ice"> +<span id="bound-for-southern-seas-of-ice"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER III.--BOUND FOR SOUTHERN SEAS OF ICE.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Frank and Duncan spent a very happy evening +indeed with their friend Talbot.</p> +<p class="pnext">Without the aid of wine either, which no one with +youth on his side should require to make him gay. +But I do not mind telling you that the old skipper +himself had a drop of the "rosy" as he called it. And +the "rosy" meant rum, aromatic, and of great age.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, there was quite a deal to talk about; they told +each other their adventures, and they spoke also of +their future prospects, and the cruise of the <em class="italics">Flora +M'Vayne</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">"She will be furnished and fitted complete," the +captain said. "We shall make sure enough of the sea +elephants, but I'm going to tap a whale or two also, if +I don't find elephants enough. And, bother me, Conal," +he added, "I don't see any reason why you shouldn't +write a book about our cruise."</p> +<p class="pnext">It was long past ten before the merry little meeting +broke up. This isn't late for land-lubbers, but with +sailors it is different. "Early to bed when on shore" +is their motto.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">It was early in August--only the first week, in fact--when +the boys and their captain found themselves +back once more at Glenvoie. The colonel had expressed +a wish to run down with them, but he had to defer it, +owing to the surly way in which his liver asserted +itself.</p> +<p class="pnext">They found everything very much in the same state +as when they left it, only Florie was now fourteen, and +far more demure.</p> +<p class="pnext">It is Burns who says:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"In Heaven itself I'll ask nae mair,</div> +<div class="line">Than just a Highland welcome".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">And a true Highland welcome they had. There +were no tears shed except some of joy, which trickled +over the somewhat pale cheeks of Mrs. M'Vayne +herself when she noted how manly her boys had grown.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank hadn't grown an inch. Nor did he want to. +You do not require very tall or leggy men as sailors. +But the young fellow's heart was in the right place, +and he was even more full of genuine fun and humour +than ever.</p> +<p class="pnext">But if we talk about a Highland welcome, what shall +I term that which poor Vike accorded to Duncan and +Conal, and in a lesser degree to Frank. Lucky it was +that the meeting took place out-of-doors.</p> +<p class="pnext">Had it been inside, this splendid Newfoundland +would undoubtedly have knocked down tables, and +demolished crockery in his mad glee.</p> +<p class="pnext">As it was, he contented himself with knocking first +Duncan and then Conal down, and licking their faces +and hair as they lay, helpless, on their backs.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then, laughing down both sides, as it seemed, with +white teeth flashing and hair afloat behind him, he set +out for a circular spin by way of getting rid of his +superfluous feelings. For the time being indeed he +had really resolved himself into a kind of hairy +hurricane or tornado. But he gradually became calmer, and +when he entered the house at last, where dinner was +already laid, he threw himself down by Duncan's side +with a sort of sixty-pounder sigh, as much as to say:</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm the happiest dog in Scotland, for I thought I'd +never, never see my master again. And now that I +have got him I mean to stick to him."</p> +<p class="pnext">And he kept to that determination too, for nowhere +would he sleep that night except in the boys' room.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">All the dear old rambles over moorland and mountain +and through the dark depths of the forest, were +resumed next day, and kept up for over a week. I do +not mean to describe these happy days, for soon indeed +must we sail far, far away to wilder scenes, and our +adventures will be more exciting than any that ever +our heroes had in the romantic Highlands.</p> +<p class="pnext">Florie was still Frank's innocent little sweetheart. +So he told her, at all events, as he made her a present +of a lovely locket with his own portrait in it and a copy +also of hers.</p> +<p class="pnext">Not that Frank was proud of his phiz. Oh, no; for +in fact no one would have called him a real beauty, nor +say his features were altogether regular.</p> +<p class="pnext">But he had eyes that sparkled with the radiance of +health, and his face changed in expression with almost +every sentence he uttered.</p> +<p class="pnext">He would have made an excellent actor. He had +been told so more than once, and his answer was: "Well, +I shall turn an actor when all the seas run dry".</p> +<p class="pnext">And now having bidden farewell to Glenvoie, our +heroes had to lie at Dundee for a whole week finishing +the fitting-out of the good ship <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>. It +was really a tiresome time, for the constant arrivals of +visitors to see the ship and the crew that were about +to embark on so long and so perilous a voyage was +incessant all day long.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nobody, therefore, was sorry to hear the last cheer +that arose from an assembled multitude, although it +was a right kindly one, and though prayers and +blessings followed the barque.</p> +<p class="pnext">That same evening they were far away from the +eastern coast, for this was a lee shore, and they were +wise to have a good offing before making direct for +the south.</p> +<p class="pnext">The barque might have been called somewhat clumsy, +but nevertheless she carried a splendid spread of canvas, +and sailed remarkably close to the wind.</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot had told Duncan that he had made +the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> as sweet as a nut, and certainly he +had done so. No one to walk her decks could ever +have guessed she had been a greasy, grimy blubber-hunter +not so long ago.</p> +<p class="pnext">Why, everything on deck looked as bright and as +clean as a brand-new sovereign. The quarter-deck was +as white as wheaten straw, the binnacle was an +ornament, that would have looked excellently well in the +best of drawing-rooms. The brass and hard-wood +work were as bright as silver, every rope's end was +coiled on deck, as if the barque had been an +old-fashioned man-o'-war, and the men were all suitably +dressed and tidy. The bo's'n was a most particular +man, and, although some men chewed tobacco, to have +expectorated anywhere on deck, would have been an +offence for which a rope's-ending would be well merited.</p> +<p class="pnext">The galley was of the newest type; so, too, was the +donkey engine, and this would be used at sea when +very far from land for the purpose of condensing water.</p> +<p class="pnext">All told, the mustered crew were eight-and-thirty. +The men forward had been picked by Talbot himself, +and every one of them had been to the Arctic regions +more than once.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were therefore good ice-men, and neither frost +nor cold was likely to have any terrors for them. Nor +the great green waves of far southern lands, that +somehow always sing in the frosty air as they sweep past +a vessel's sides.</p> +<p class="pnext">But there was something else on board which I +should draw especial attention to, and this was nothing +less than a huge balloon. It was not filled, of course, +but the means to inflate it were all on board, and +having reached the great Antarctic ice-wall or barrier, +the captain meant to make an aërial voyage of +discovery, farther to the south than any traveller had +ever been before.</p> +<p class="pnext">There is nothing I love better than acts of daring +and wild adventure, and Talbot was certainly to be +commended on this score.</p> +<p class="pnext">His balloon was certainly not anything like the +size of Andrée's, yet it was capable of rising and +floating for an indefinite period with three men, and +provisions for as many months.</p> +<p class="pnext">A special house had been built for this great +uninflated balloon between the fore and main masts, and +on each side, bottom upwards, lay the whalers, or boats +with bows at each end, and steered by an oar only. +These were to be used in the fishery.</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship's ballast was water-filled tanks, and tanks +laden with coals. But Talbot hoped to return to +Scottish or English shores with ballast of quite a +different sort, and better paying--oil, to wit.</p> +<p class="pnext">The <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> was to touch nowhere on her +voyage out until she reached the Cape. That at least +was the good skipper's intention, but circumstances +alter cases, as will presently be seen.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had fine weather all the way till far past the +dreaded Bay of Biscay. On this occasion two boys in +a dinghy might have crossed it. But it is not to be +supposed that they could go on for a very long time +without encountering what Jack calls dirty weather. +And so when, in about the latitude of Lisbon, and to +the east of the Azores, it came on to blow, no one was +a bit surprised.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We'll have a gale, mate," said the captain; "but +though abeam, or rather on the bow, we have plenty +of sea-room; and on the whole I sha'n't be sorry, for I +really want to see how the <em class="italics">Flora</em> behaves."</p> +<p class="pnext">The wind, even as he spoke, began to roar more +wildly through the rigging, but in gusts or squalls, +that at times rose for a few minutes to almost +hurricane pitch.</p> +<p class="pnext">Before the storm had come on many beautiful gulls +had been screaming around the barque and diving for +morsels of food that Frank was throwing to them, +but now they disappeared. Back they flew to the +rocks that frown over the waters of their sea-girt +homes. Little dark chips of stormy petrels, however, +continued to dash from wave-top to wave-top, and for +once in a way, they brought tempest.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the ship was now eased, for the lurid sun was +setting, and a dark and moonless night must follow. +The men were hardly down from aloft when the +storm seemed to increase, but it blew more steadily, so +she was kept away a point or two, and now went +dancing over the heavy seas as if she imagined she +was the best clipper ever built.</p> +<p class="pnext">A little heavy-headed she proved, however, so that +she shipped a good deal of water over the bows, +otherwise the thumping, thudding, buffeting waves seemed +to make not the slightest impression on her.</p> +<p class="pnext">The chief cabin or dining-saloon was down below, +there being no poop, but a flush-deck all along. Both +Frank and Duncan were off duty, and, seated in this +small but comfortable saloon, the former could not +help remarking on the strange feeling and sound of +each heavy wave that struck the ship abeam. She +appeared to be hit by a huge, soft boxing-glove, about +a thousand times as large as any we ever use.</p> +<p class="pnext">Immediately after there was the whishing sound of +water on the deck, but although the vessel was heeled +over somewhat by every awful blow, she took no +other notice.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Batter away, old Neptune," the barque seemed to +say; "it amuses you, and it doesn't hurt me in the +slightest."</p> +<p class="pnext">About two bells in the first watch, Talbot came +below, and supper was ordered.</p> +<p class="pnext">His face was radiant, but shining with wet. The +steward, however, assisted him out of his oil-skins and +sou'wester, then, having wiped his face with his +pocket-handkerchief, he sat down.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," said Duncan, "Frank and I are waiting to +hear the verdict."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, it is this," said the skipper. "The barque is +a duck, and well deserves the name of <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>. +I don't believe a hurricane could hurt her, and she'll +chuck the small icebergs on one side of her as I +should chuck a cricket-ball. And ain't I hungry just. +Sit in, boys. It's all night in with you lads, isn't it?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not quite," said Duncan. "I kept the last +dog-watch, and don't go on again till four."</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking got up and seated himself by his +well-beloved master's side.</p> +<p class="pnext">He licked Duncan's hand, as much as to say, "When +you go on deck so shall I."</p> +<p class="pnext">But his master seemed to divine his thoughts.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, my good dog," he said, "you must stay below +to-night, else the seas would sweep you off, and what +should I do then?"</p> +<p class="pnext">After supper Frank got out his fiddle and played +for fully half an hour, then he and Duncan, who both +occupied the same state-room, retired.</p> +<p class="pnext">As a sailor always sleeps most soundly when the +wind blows high, and he is really "rock'd in the +cradle of the deep", it is almost unnecessary to say +that these lads dropped soundly off almost as soon as +their heads touched the pillows.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor did they awake until eight bells at the end of +the darksome middle watch, when Conal came down +to call them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oil-skins, Conal?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay, Duncan, and you'll need them too. Better lock +Vike in your cabin."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That is what I mean to do."</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor Viking did not half like it though. There is +no dog in the world makes a better sailor's companion +when far away at sea than a Newfoundland, and I +speak from experience. But such dogs do not +appreciate danger sufficiently high, nor have they +good enough sea-legs to face a storm and walk the +deck of a heaving ship. Therefore they often get +washed into the lee scuppers.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the present occasion Vike made up his mind to +be as naughty a dog as he could.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I shall wake the skipper," he told Duncan, speaking +through the key-hole as it were. "Wowff!" he +barked. "Wowff! wowff! What do you think of that?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, the sound could certainly be heard high over +the roaring of the wind and the dash of angry waves.</p> +<p class="pnext">The captain heard it in his dreams; but it takes +more than the barking of a dog to awake a sailor born. +So Talbot just hitched himself round, and went off to +sleep on the other tack.</p> +<p class="pnext">By breakfast time both wind and sea had gone +down, and there was every expectation of fine weather +once again.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No damage done is there, mate?" said Talbot to Morgan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, sir, nothing worth speaking about. Some of +the coal tanks got a drop o' water in them, that's all."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, that will make them last the longer. But, +mind you, Morgan, I'm rather pleased than otherwise +that we've had that blow."</p> +<p class="pnext">"So am I."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It just shows what the barque can do."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's it. If she is as good against the ice as she +is against a sea-way, then, by my song, sir, she'll take +us safely to the Antarctic, and just as safely back +home again. Pass the sugar, sir."</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iv-on-the-wings-of-the-wind"> +<span id="on-the-wings-of-the-wind"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER IV.--ON THE WINGS OF THE WIND.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">"Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching." So +runs a line of the old Yankee war-song.</p> +<p class="pnext">Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys (Duncan and Frank) +were treading the deck that forenoon, talking, as sailors +do, about anything or everything that suggested itself. +And two subjects that always came to the front on +such occasions were home life and their life on the +ocean wave.</p> +<p class="pnext">"So you thoroughly like the sea?" said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, Duncan, I never thoroughly liked anything, +you know, but I think I love a sea-life better than +most sorts of existence, with the exception, of course, +of wandering over the hills of old Glenvoie; bird-nesting +in the forests, or fishing in its beautiful streams. +Only the sea has its drawbacks."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, for I do think it a nuisance to have to get up +at all hours of the night to keep watch--blowing or +calm. I always feel I should be willing to give five +years of my life for another two hours' sleep, when +the fellow shakes me by the shoulder and says, 'Eight +bells, sir, if you please'. Just as if it would not be +eight bells whether I pleased or not. Then, neither +the tommy nor tack is quite up to shore standard, and +one could do well enough without cockroaches about +a foot and a half long--more or less--between his +sheets, weevils in his biscuits, and spiders roasted and +ground up with his coffee. The tea is always sea-sick +too, and hens' milk[1] isn't the best, especially if the eggs +be old and decrepit. But I won't grumble, Duncan."</p> +<p class="pnext">[1] An egg or two beaten up with water. Used at sea +when no milk is to be had.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, I wouldn't, if I were you. Sailors never do."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now you're laughing at me."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's nothing, Frank; one may live a long time +after being laughed at."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, come along below, and I'll play you something +that will make the tear-drops trickle down that +old-fashioned Scotch nose of yours."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Wouldn't you rather hear the wild and martial +strains of the bagpipes, my little Cockney cousin?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, yes," answered Frank punnily, but standing +well beyond the reach of Duncan's swinger of an arm. +"I dearly love the bagpipes when--"</p> +<p class="pnext">He hesitated.</p> +<p class="pnext">"When what?" cried Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"When they're o'er the hills and far awa'."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then Frank made a bolt for the companion-ladder.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was high time, too.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, when Frank Trelawney had that fiddle of his +under his bit of a Cockney chin, all his troubles, if, +indeed, he had any that could be called real, were +forgotten, including weevils, hard tack, cockroaches, +and all. For the time being, indeed, there was no one +else in the world save he himself and the violin. And +what worlds of romance and love and beauty were +thus conjured up before him!</p> +<p class="pnext">But even at the risk of differing from Frank, I +think a sailor's pleasures, if he is one who calls at +many and different ports, far outbalance any grievances +he may have to growl about--short of shipwreck. +What though the biscuit be hard, and one's bed like +the biscuit! The wholesome healthy appetite one +possesses, both for biscuit and sleep, makes up for all that; +and one ought to be happy if he isn't.</p> +<p class="pnext">But one chief enjoyment in a sailor's existence lies +in visiting so many different lands, and seeing life in +every form and shape. He cannot help being an +anthropologist, and studying mankind. Not, mind you, +that he lays himself out for that sort of thing; for +sailors, especially young fellows, take the world as it +comes, the rough with the smooth, or rather alternately, +only always forgetting the rough while they revel in +the smooth. But there must always be an element of +comedy in Jack's delights, and when he goes on shore, +take my word for it, "Jack's alive, and full of fun".</p> +<p class="pnext">I am happy to say that drinking is much in the +decrease both in the royal navy and merchant service. +Why, even since I myself can remember--and I'm not +a very aged individual--our blue-jackets were like +babies, and if not in charge of an officer when on +shore, would forget themselves, and come on board +limp enough, with black eyes and broken heads, and +garments drenched in gore.</p> +<p class="pnext">Jack in those days really paid for his pint in more +ways than one, for if he escaped the dangers of the +shore, riot and wretchedness, the thieves and the female +harpies who lay in wait to cheat and rob him, the day +after coming off was for him a day of sadness and +mourning.</p> +<p class="pnext">If able to stand, he had to go on duty. Perhaps he +had no more brains than a frozen turnip; perhaps his +head felt so big that he borrowed a shoe-horn to put +on his hat, nevertheless he was drilled on deck just +all the same, and it took him four days probably to +recover his appetite and equilibrium.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">There was every appearance now that the <em class="italics">Flora +M'Vayne</em> would have a pleasant voyage.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot was kind to his fellows, and a rattling good +crew they made. So, although they passed Madeira +and the Canary Islands to the west, they looked in at +Santiago, one of the largest in the group of Cape de +Verde Islands.</p> +<p class="pnext">Three days were spent here, and they managed to +secure some really good water. It was only the distilled +they used at sea, and this, to say the least of it, +is always somewhat vapourish.</p> +<p class="pnext">The men had leave, and behaved fairly well, returning +sober and with many curios, which they hoped to +take home to their sweethearts and wives, and also +laden with fruit of many kinds, all of which is good +for the health of the sailor.</p> +<p class="pnext">Plenty of fruit was also secured for the saloon, so +they put to sea again in capital heart and spirits.</p> +<p class="pnext">One little incident is perhaps worth noting. A +huge bunch of bananas was hung up to ripen against +the saloon bulkhead. That was right enough; but +when a venomous little snake--slender in form and +about the colour of hedge-sparrow's egg--popped out +his head and neck, and whispered angrily at Conal, +then Conal called his comrades, and a court of inquiry +was held. It was believed to be the best plan to take +the bunch of bananas on deck by means of a blacksmith's +tongs, and shake it over the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">But that beautiful green demon of the jungle thought +perhaps that he did not merit the honour of a sailor's +grave, so he popped out and skipped gaily into +Duncan's cabin.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Here's a pretty go," said Conal; "and I should be +sorry to sleep in that state-room until the reptile is +found."</p> +<p class="pnext">So a search was instituted instanter, and a dangerous +one it was. But wherever it had taken refuge +that snake could not be found.</p> +<p class="pnext">The young fellows took rugs on deck that night, +and slept on the planks.</p> +<p class="pnext">Theirs was the forenoon watch, and when turning +out to keep it, lo! that little green demon glided +quietly out from Conal's very bosom, and went +leaping and rolling along the deck, aft, finally tumbling +down the skylight and on to the table where the +captain was lingering over his breakfast.</p> +<p class="pnext">For more than a week that snake--known to be +one of the most poisonous there is--was the terror of +the ship. He was in entire command fore and aft, +and the skipper was nowhere. The awful, though +lovely thing, appeared in so many places, moreover, +that it was believed to be ubiquitous. Sometimes it +would glide out of a sea-boot or a sou'wester hat. It +was twice found in the sleeve of an oilskin-jacket, +once it curled up for the night with Viking, and once +in the pocket of the man at the wheel.</p> +<p class="pnext">This sailor had dived his hand into the outside +pocket of his coat to find his "baccy", when, instead +of this, he felt the cold wriggling-wriggling thing; +he gave a whoop like a Somali Indian with six inches +of square-0 gin in his stomach! The scream started +the snake from his lair, and he went girdling along +the deck and disappeared below as usual.</p> +<p class="pnext">But he was smashed at last and heaved far into the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">Strange to say, Mr. Snakey, as he was called, +appeared again all alive and beautiful next morning.</p> +<p class="pnext">"He's the d--l for sartin," said a blue-jacket. +"Dead one day and squirming around the next. Yes, +Bill--what else can he be but the d--l, and maybe +just the same bloomin' old snake as tempted Mother +Heve in the Garding of Heden!"</p> +<p class="pnext">But this snake was killed next, and there was no +more trouble after this.</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot, however, issued an order that +before bananas were again brought on board the +bunches were to be well examined. Or, in doctor's +parlance, when taken, they must be well shaken.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Ascension was their next place of call. It is +generally called a rock in mid-ocean. It is somewhat more +than that, being over seven miles in length and fully +six broad. It is hilly, its chief peak being about +three thousand feet in height.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> was enabled to get coals +here anyhow, and they found the place what I might +call semi-garrisoned. Moreover a gun-boat lay here. +The officers of the <em class="italics">Flora</em> visited her, and were +hospitably received, and invited to dinner, everyone +both afloat and on shore being anxious to receive +news from England, while the papers the <em class="italics">Flora</em> had +brought were a sort of godsend.</p> +<p class="pnext">The beautiful island of St. Helena did not lie in +their direct route, but Tristan d'Acunha--more than +a thousand miles directly south--did, and here they +determined to cast anchor for a spell, and give the +islanders a treat.</p> +<p class="pnext">(I have given the ordinary name to this lonesome +isle of the ocean, but correctly, I believe it should be +Tristan Da Cunha--pronounced Coon'ya. It is really +a group of three, the chief being about twenty-one +miles in circumference, and having in its centre a +very lofty mountain peak more nearly 8000 feet than +7000 in height.)</p> +<p class="pnext">They found about one hundred souls living on this +isle. The settlement, or glen in which they have their +habitat, is fairly fertile, and the ubiquitous Scot is so +much in evidence here that the village is called New +Edinburgh.</p> +<p class="pnext">It is in reality a republic, and the oldest man is +chief or governor. The cattle and sheep number +about two thousand, and belong, of course, all in +common. Well, they are happy enough, and crime is +unknown, the chief reason of this being perhaps that +drink is also unknown.</p> +<p class="pnext">There were some really very pretty girls here, but +when they were assembled an evening or two after +the <em class="italics">Flora's</em> arrival in a barn to listen to the strains +of Frank's fiddle, recitations, and songs, those girls +looked laughably quaint in their strange old-fashioned +dresses.</p> +<p class="pnext">The concert was a great success, and really the +skirl of Duncan's Highland bagpipe as he strode back +and fore on the rude stage, quite brought down the +house, to use theatrical parlance. It almost brought +down the barn too, so thrilling and loud was it. +Never mind, Duncan received no less than three hearty +encores, and surely that was enough to please anyone.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What a lonely life to lead!" said Conal next day +at breakfast.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Morgan, "and I shouldn't care to get +spliced and settle down here all my life, pretty and +all as the girls are."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, you would live long and be healthy anyhow +if you did," said Captain Talbot.</p> +<p class="pnext">The mate laughed as he helped himself to another +huge slice of barracouta.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Never mind that, sir. I wouldn't marry and live +in Tristan if they gave me three wives."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But aren't these girls shy?" said Frank. "Why, I +asked one innocently enough to give me a kiss, and +she blushed like a blood orange."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Did she give you the kiss?" asked Morgan mischievously.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, that she didn't, but--I took it."</p> +<p class="pnext">The <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> lay here for a whole week, +fishing and curing each catch.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was a rare holiday for the islanders, who were +the gayest of the gay all the time.</p> +<p class="pnext">One morning a sailor of the crew sought an interview +with Captain Talbot on the quarter-deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, my man?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, sir, it's like this. I've fallen in love here +with the slickest-lookin' bit of a lass I ever clapped +eyes upon 'twix' here, sir, and San Domingo; and if +you please, capting, I wants to stay here and marry +her right away, and live happy hever arterwards."</p> +<p class="pnext">The captain laughed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"My good fellow," he said, "I am truly sorry to +disappoint you; but you signed articles for all the +cruise, you know, and I fear I can't let you go. I'd +be one hand short, you see."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That you would not, sir, for there is Billy Ibsen, +as good a seaman, I believe, as ever 'auled taut a lee +main brace, and he'll be 'appy to exchange."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well then, Smith, if that's the case, and the +substitute is suitable, I mustn't throw any obstacles in +your way."</p> +<p class="pnext">And so all ended well. Ibsen proved fit, and Smith +went on shore. When the <em class="italics">Flora</em> sailed away he was +the last man visible, standing on an eminence waving +a red bandanna, with the girl of his choice standing +modestly by his side.</p> +<p class="pnext">Little did this island lassie think when the ship hove +in sight that it was bringing her a lover and a husband.</p> +<p class="pnext">But although rare at Tristan Da Cunha, the young +ladies of that solitary rock, in the midst of the +Atlantic broad and wild, do sometimes count upon the +possibility of such an event, and may be heard singing:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"He's coming from the north that will marry me,</div> +<div class="line">He's coming from the north, and oh happy I will be,</div> +<div class="line">With a broad-sword by his side and a buckle on his knee,</div> +<div class="line">And I know it, oh, I know it, that he'll marry me".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">But the Tristan Da Cunha people are moral and +good, and although they have no parson on board +they have services on Sunday. As to marriage--well, +the governor does the splicing, and it is considered +quite as binding as if the ceremony had been +performed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.</p> +<p class="pnext">Southward now they sailed away in a delightful +breeze, and when the sun was slowly sinking towards +the western sea, the weird wee island of Tristan +appeared but as a hazy cloud far away on the +northern horizon.</p> +<p class="pnext">So strange a place our young heroes had never +visited before, and for many days it seemed but an +island of dreamland.</p> +<p class="pnext">But that island, readers, is still there amidst its +waste of waters, and it is within the kaleidoscope of +events, that some of you may yet visit its iron-bound +and surf-beaten shores.</p> +<p class="pnext">Who knows?</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-v-johnnie-shingles-and-old-mr-pen"> +<span id="johnnie-shingles-and-old-mr-pen"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER V.--JOHNNIE SHINGLES AND OLD MR. PEN.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">South, straight south. South as the bird flies. And +with a fair and spanking breeze too. As for birds--once +past the rocky and volcanic island of Diego +Alvarez, few indeed bore them company. I believe +anybody might have this rocky place who had a mind +to. They found it to be the home of myriads--clouds, +in fact--of gulls of every sort, including the +well-known Cape pigeon, the puffin, the penguin, and +albatross, to say nothing of the cormorant, and that strange, +strange creature on its wondrous wings, that lives in +the sky most of its time, and even goes to sleep as it +soars high above the clouds--the frigate-bird.</p> +<p class="pnext">They went near enough to the island to witness one +of the strangest sights in nature--the bird-laden rocks. +There was little chance of landing on the island itself, +owing to the terrible surf that beats for ever and aye +around the cliffs; but Ibsen, who turned out to be a +real handy fellow, had been here before, and pointed +out to the captain some rocks in the lee of which a +boat could land, and--this being spring in these +regions--soon find enough eggs to keep the crew in +food for a month. His knowledge was taken +advantage of, and a boat under his guidance called away.</p> +<p class="pnext">In it went Duncan and Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a scene! It beats imagination. Tier after +tier on the rocky cliffs sat those birds watching their +nests and eggs.</p> +<p class="pnext">They found a little cove in the tiny islet, and at the +head of this the boat was beached on the dark sand. +The ground was everywhere so crowded with nests +that it was with difficulty they could walk amongst +them without doing damage.</p> +<p class="pnext">How beautiful they were too! Of every shade of +blue and green, with the strangest of jet-black +markings, were most of them.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the king penguins did not cohabit with any of +the gull families. They thought themselves far too +aristocratic for this, and here, as on other lonely isles +of the great southern ocean, they dwelt in a colony all +by themselves, which must have numbered about one +thousand all told. This colony had footpaths leading +down to the shallowest parts of the shore, whence +these droll birds could easily take to the water.</p> +<p class="pnext">They are really droll, whether walking, standing, +running, or swimming. They stand quite erect on +their sturdy legs, so that a line dropped from their beaks +would almost fall between their broad webbed feet. +Wings they have none, a pair of broad flappers doing +duty for these, which seems to aid considerably their +progress in running. But these flappers are really +paddles or oars in the water, and I know of few +birds that can swim so fast or turn so quickly in the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the arrival of the boat's crew there was a general +panic among this community. As regards the male +birds, tall as they were, they did not show a very +great amount of courage.</p> +<p class="pnext"><em class="italics">Sauve qui peut</em> was their motto, and let the females +take care of themselves. Like the pigs in New +Testament times, when the cast-out devils got leave to go +into them, they ran headlong down a steep place into +the sea. Their motions as they waddled and scurried +along, oftentimes tumbling over a stone or a tussock +heap, were grotesque in the extreme, and everyone +roared with laughter.</p> +<p class="pnext">With the exception of little Johnnie Shingles. I'm +sure I cannot tell you how he came to be called Johnnie +Shingles, for pet names grow on board ship just as +they do on shore. Johnnie was picked up somewhere +abroad, and was looked upon as part and parcel of the +good barque <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>. He was a nigger of +purest, blackest breed, probably four feet four inches +high, and in age something between nine and nineteen. +Nobody knew and nobody cared. Johnnie Shingles +was just Johnnie Shingles, no more and no less. Well, +he couldn't have been much less. He was very funny, +however, and consequently a favourite with everybody +on board, from Mate Morgan to the monkey. His +duty on board was really to be at the beck and call of +all hands, and to clean and feed the pets, including +Viking, the red-tailed gray parrot, and Jim the ape.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, you see, Johnnie was never allowed to land +from the boat like any of the crew, but as soon as he +came within reasonable distance of the shore he was +simply thrown overboard, and left to struggle in +through the surf as best he could.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Johnnie didn't mind the surf much, and he +didn't mind the sharks. Nor do I think the sharks +minded Johnnie. In fact, my knowledge of sharks +generally causes me to come to the conclusion, that +they are somewhat particular in their tastes, and much +prefer a white man to a black.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, at this islet, Johnnie Shingles was as usual +pitched ceremoniously into the water, when about +seventy yards from the landing-place. But as ill-luck +would have it he met the whole shoal of male penguins +putting out to sea. These birds are extremely bold +and audacious in the water.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hillo!" one of the foremost shouted or seemed to +shout, "here goes another o' them. Let us all pitch +into him!"</p> +<p class="pnext">And suiting the action to the word they seized poor +Johnnie by the seat of his white ducks and dived with +him under the water. Johnnie got up, but only to be +seized by another, while half a dozen at least dabbed +and pecked at him, till, had he been a white boy, he +would have been black and blue.</p> +<p class="pnext">I believe that if, in answer to his shrieks the boat +had not put back, and laid those penguins dead with +their oars right and left, poor Johnnie Shingles would +have lost the number of his mess. Even after the +angry king penguins had been routed nothing could +for a time be seen of the little nigger boy. But +presently up popped a penguin, and close behind it up +popped Johnnie.</p> +<p class="pnext">He came up smiling, as prize-fighters say, but he +had got that penguin by the hind-leg all the same, +and kick as it would Johnnie held fast till he and it +were landed all alive in the boat.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now, I do not know whether that king penguin had +a wife and a family of eggs or not, but if he had he very +soon forgot them and settled down to ship life as if he +had been to the manner born. In fact, he became a +general favourite on board owing to his grave and +peculiar gait.</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen, as he was called, became specially attached +to Johnnie Shingles, and stuck to him as Johnnie had +clung to him before they were hauled into the boat.</p> +<p class="pnext">As to the penguin's eggs: they lay but two, a big +and a bigger. They are good to eat--scrambled. But +I am unable to say whether the king bird or cock +comes out of the big shell, and the hen out of the +smaller, or <em class="italics">vice versâ</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">This particular king had very intelligent eyes, with +which he would stare at one fixedly for a minute at a +time with his head on one side. Indeed, he was always, +to all appearance, seeking for information everywhere, +and there was not much on deck that he did not +examine.</p> +<p class="pnext">The coiled ropes were a source of great amusement +to him, and after unravelling one end he would seize +it, and walk straight off with it as men do with a +hawser. When the men were washing down decks, +before the weather got very cold he was never tired +examining their naked toes. He used to straddle +quietly up and separate them with his beak as a +starling would.</p> +<p class="pnext">If the men jumped and cried "Oh-h!" Old Pen +held back his head and chuckled quietly to himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I only wanted to know if you were web-footed," +he appeared to say.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, if old Pen was grotesque and amusing when +dressed only in his own feathers, he was infinitely +more droll when the men dressed him up as a funny +old girl with a black bonnet, a short dark skirt, a shawl, +a pair of frilled white trousers, and a gingham umbrella.</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen didn't care. If everyone else laughed he +only nodded his head and seemed all the prouder.</p> +<p class="pnext">I don't know whether Johnnie or he was the taller, +only the grinning wee nigger used to give the singular +old lady an arm, and together they used to walk up +and down the deck in the most comical way imaginable.</p> +<p class="pnext">But this was not all, for Johnnie taught her to waltz.</p> +<p class="pnext">On board the <em class="italics">Flora</em> was a man who could play the +clarionet, while another could bring very sweet music +indeed from the guitar. This really was all the band, +with, of course, Frank's fiddle. But very far indeed +was it from bad, and dressed in their Sunday's best, +the sailors used to be invited aft, and during that long, +long voyage to the southern fields and floes of ice, many +an evening concert beguiled the time.</p> +<p class="pnext">But if the sailor musicians went aft, Frank often +went forward, and it was on these occasions that old +Mrs. Pen, as she was often called, was trotted out by +the curly-polled nigger-boy. It is a misappropriation +of a term to say "trotted out", for certainly there +was very little trot about the quaint old dame. But +waltzing just suited her flat feet. Yes, and there is +no doubt that she liked it too. She might be down +below half-asleep before the galley fire, when the +fiddle and guitar began getting into tune with the +clarionet; but she now pricked up her ears at once +and presently prepared to negotiate the broad +companion steps or stairs that led to the upper deck. +This was always a very serious matter for the great +king penguin. Sometimes he tried to stride from one +step to another, a foot at a time. But this plan was +invariably a failure, so he found it more convenient on +the whole to hop, and his lower limbs were wondrously +strong.</p> +<p class="pnext">Arrived on deck, Johnnie Shingles was there to +meet him, and dress him as Susie. Then the <em class="italics">he</em> became +a <em class="italics">she</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the men would be at it by this time, dancing +the daftest and wildest of hornpipes. No chance of +their catching cold when so engaged, nor after, for as +soon as they had finished a spell that</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Put life and mettle in their heels",</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">they threw on their heavy jumpers and walked around +defiant, enjoying the daft capers of their shipmates.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then Susie and Shingles would appear on the scene +arm in arm, the boy with his round face, his laughing +eyes, and his two rows of alabaster teeth, looking a +picture of radiant fun and good humour.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, Massa Frank," he might cry, "gib me and +my ole mudder a nice d'eamy valtz."</p> +<p class="pnext">"A dreamy waltz, eh? Well, you must have it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I must foh shuah, sah. My mudder hab got a soft +co'n, and rheumatiz, and all sorts ob tings."</p> +<p class="pnext">There was no laughing about Susie. She took +everything in grim earnest, but, with her chin resting +on black Johnnie's shoulder, she evidently enjoyed +both the movement and the melody, sometimes even +closing her eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">Her partner, like herself, was barefooted even in the +coldest of weather; but when once he tramped on +Susie's toes, the old lady rewarded him with a dig on +the cheek that made Johnnie howl, and taught him +caution for all time to come.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, what with laughing and dancing, an evening +thus spent sped away very quickly, and was worth a +whole bushel of doctor's stuff. There was no surgeon +on board, I may mention parenthetically. The law +does not require such an officer to be carried when the +crew, all told, is under forty men.</p> +<p class="pnext">It is really somewhat marvellous that a bird like +this big king penguin, should have taken so soon and +so kindly to the company and customs of human +beings; but then the poor bird was exceedingly +well-treated, and whenever fish was served out, Pen was +always in the front rank. Ah, well, it is only one +more proof of the truth that <em class="italics">amor vincit omnia</em>--love +conquers all things.</p> +<p class="pnext">Pen was not always dressed as Mother Gamp. No, +for he had a really good outfit, to which the +neater-fisted seamen were always adding. So sometimes he +would appear on the quarter-deck as a man-o'-war +sailor, at others as a smart and elegantly-attired +artilleryman, with his cap stuck provokingly on one +side, and a little cane under his left arm.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was at times dressed as Paul Pry. And on these +occasions, as he stretched his head and neck curiously +out in front of him, he really seemed to say: +"I hope I don't intrude".</p> +<p class="pnext">Pen was a grand actor. Mr. Toole himself would +have been nowhere in it with Pen.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking at first must have thought the bird +something "no canny". He would start up with a wild +"wowff" if Pen came anywhere near him, and quietly +retire.</p> +<p class="pnext">The monkey or ape, on the other hand, tried to get +up a friendship with Pen. He would approach him +with a peace-offering, crying "Ha! hah! hah!" which, +being interpreted, signifieth, "Take that, old Pen, and +eat it. It will taste in your mouth like butter and +honey." As the peace-offering invariably consisted of +a gigantic cockroach about three inches long, I think +it may be doubted whether it tasted as well as the +monkey would have had Pen believe. However, the +presentation was kindly meant.</p> +<p class="pnext">This huge monkey's mouth was always crammed +with cockroaches. One side at all events, and that +one side stuck out as if he were suffering from a huge +gum-boil.</p> +<p class="pnext">The men were somewhat sorry, I think, that they +could not teach old Pen to chew 'baccy, but old Pen +drew the line at this. I must, out of respect for the +truth, state, however, that the bird could not be called +a total abstainer, for he dearly loved a piece of +"plum-duff" steeped in rum, and on this questionable delicacy +I think he used at times to get about half seas over. +Then he would commence wagging his head and neck +very much from side to side, and indulge in a little +song to himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen was not much of a singer, however, and +never could have composed an opera. In fact his song +was partly grunt, partly squeak, and partly squawk. +But it pleased Pen, and that was enough.</p> +<p class="pnext">After singing for a short time he would pinch a +favourite seaman's leg. "Kack!" he would say, opening +his mouth. This meant "Chuck us another sop, matie".</p> +<p class="pnext">After receiving it he would be off, and take his usual +stand near the galley fire, and begin to wink and wink, +and nod and nod, till finally the lower eyelids would +ascend over the beautiful irises, and Pen be wafted +away into dreamland. He wasn't aboard ship any +longer. He was back once more on his own little +rocky sea-girt isle, with the gulls and the cormorants +screaming high in the air around. Near him stood +Mrs. Pen, his wife, and near her, and in front, his two +youngsters--fluffy, downy, droll brats, gaping their red +mouths to be fed.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the whole, I think Pen was a curious bird, and +eminently suited for a sailor's pet.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vi-back-water-all-for-life-boys-for-life"> +<span id="back-water-all-for-life-boys-for-life"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VI.--"BACK WATER ALL! FOR LIFE, BOYS, FOR LIFE!"</h2> +<p class="pfirst">It was summer--strange, weird, and silent summer +in the Antarctic Ocean.</p> +<p class="pnext">November was wearing to a close. The days were +long and sunny; so long, indeed, that the sun did not +trouble himself to go down at all. At midnight he +just made a feint of doing so, and lowered himself +towards the horizon, but thought better of it, and +was speedily mounting higher and higher again every +minute.</p> +<p class="pnext">A great, cold-looking sun it was, however, a bright +and almost rayless disc of whitest light, that you +could look at and even count the spots thereon.</p> +<p class="pnext">The good barque <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> was still ploughing +her way through the dark waters of that southern +ocean, and the great glacial barrier was still far away. +They could have told this even by the paucity of bird +life around them. A long-winged frigate-bird went +swiftly across the hawse now and then, and soared +away and away towards the few fleecy clouds that +hovered high in air like puffs of gunpowder smoke.</p> +<p class="pnext">That mighty eagle of the sea--the albatross--was +also a constant visitor. What a wondrous flight is +his! At one moment beating up to windward, tack +and half-tack, yet with a speed almost as great as that +of a swallow, till one can scarcely see him, so far and +far away is he; then, wheeling next moment, down he +flashes on the breeze, but more quickly than any +ordinary breeze e'er blew. Not straight before the +wind, however, but with a kind of sidelong rush +which brings into full view the vast outspread of his +wondrous wings.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were still in the "roaring forties", as that +part of the ocean 'twixt the latitude of the Cape and +the fifties is called. But what a wide expanse of +ocean is all around them! I have stood spell-bound +on the fore or main-top, not admiring so much as +adoring this mighty work of a mightier Creator: a +turmoil of water, water, water in every direction one +can look. And it is not so much the height of the +waves one wonders at--though that is indeed +vast--but their tremendous breadth, the sweep, as it were, +between one curling comber and another. High and +of fearful force are the seas in, for example, the Bay +of Biscay during a gale, but they are mere channel +chops to these. And wide though the expanse of +these latter, they race each other round the world +with an earnestness, and even fury, that causes one to +stand aghast.</p> +<p class="pnext">I wish I had space to describe some of the sunsets +our heroes beheld shortly after leaving the last land. +No wonder that Duncan more than once grasped +Frank by the arm, and pointed northward and west +at eventide.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Look! Oh, look!"</p> +<p class="pnext">It was all he could say. Yet the salt tears almost +blinded him as he spoke.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, to be an artist!" exclaimed Frank once.</p> +<p class="pnext">"An artist!" cried Duncan, almost scornfully. +"What artist would dare to paint the golden gray +and crimson splendour that unites both sea and sky +into one living gorgeous whole? Oh, Frank, even +Turner himself, were he here, would throw down his +brush, and confess that he was a mere caricaturist."</p> +<p class="pnext">But in a few weeks' time the sunsets were nil, and +all, all was day.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor did it blow so high now.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sometimes, indeed, the sea was as calm as a mill-pond, +except where rippled in patches by huge shoals +of the fry of certain kinds of fish that inhabit these +seas.</p> +<p class="pnext">And these were invariably followed by denizens of +the deep that preyed upon them--dancing, leaping, +cooing dolphins, for example.</p> +<p class="pnext">Some of these latter were harpooned, and their dark +red flesh made an excellent change of diet from the +somewhat salt provisions, eggs, or penguin flesh.</p> +<p class="pnext">Once or twice, while the weather was calm and the +surface of the sea smooth and glassy, they came upon +patches of yellow--banks they were, in fact, over +which they were drifting.</p> +<p class="pnext">Men were now kept constantly in the chains, and +sometimes the danger was so great that the anchors +were let go to wait for even the lightest breeze.</p> +<p class="pnext">This might have delayed the voyage somewhat, but +nevertheless it was not time wholly misspent, for +where the bottom is near to the surface fish are +always found in abundance. So boats would be lowered, +and real good hand-line sport enjoyed.</p> +<p class="pnext">In this old Pen participated. But the first day he +started fishing he swam so fast and so far away, that +those in the boat imagined they would never see him +more.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then little Johnnie began to weep.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, poll deah Pen! Oh, my ole mudder Sue," he +cried. "He done gone away foh ebbermoh."</p> +<p class="pnext">But Johnnie's "weeps" were quite a useless +expenditure of lachrymal fluid. This was evident enough +when Pen came racing back again with a great silvery +fish held proudly aloft. He delivered this, and went +back for another. And this again and again, till a +breath of wind springing up, it was deemed advisable +to return to the <em class="italics">Flora</em>, who was "titting" at her +anchor as if eager to be on the wing again.</p> +<p class="pnext">That Pen loved the darkie was evident enough, for +one day, when bent on to his line and hauling away +with all his might, a huge bonito pulled the little lad +right overboard, the strange bird went grunting and +squawking round him in terrible distress.</p> +<p class="pnext">Johnnie's position just then was not an enviable +one, for although he could swim like a herring, there +was many a monster shark hovering near that would +have been pleased indeed to make a meal of the boy.</p> +<p class="pnext">These sharks were sometimes caught, and although +their flesh had no great flavour, parts of it served +sometimes to eke out breakfast or supper.</p> +<p class="pnext">There are dangers innumerable in those Antarctic +seas, and one of the most terrible is that of striking +on a sand-bank or running foul of a sunken rock. +These not being on the chart, the navigator has to +sail along literally with his life in his hand, trusting +all to blind chance. A bank does give some evidence +before the ship gets on if there is an outlook in the +foretop, and the cry of, "Below there! shoal water +ahead!" is all too common. Next comes the shout of, +"Ready about! Stand by tacks and sheets!"</p> +<p class="pnext">But the rock hides its awful head and gives no +sign. The ship strikes, then backward reels, and +mayhap sinks before there is time to provision, water, +arm, man, and lower the boats.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ice at last.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the Antarctic sea was wonderfully open this +season, and the ice loose.</p> +<p class="pnext">It lay in streams of small pieces at first, athwart +the world, as Jack termed it; athwart the ship's +course, at all events, so these they had to sail through. +The good <em class="italics">Flora</em> was strong enough to negotiate them, +but the battering and thumping along the vessel's +sides, as heard below, was tremendous.</p> +<p class="pnext">These ice streams became more and more numerous, +and the pieces, or "berglets", got bigger and bigger, +and, of course, more fraught with danger to the ship's +vitality.</p> +<p class="pnext">It grew appreciably colder too, but so slowly had +they come into these regions of perpetual snow, that +the change in temperature had no detrimental effect +upon the health of either the officers or men.</p> +<p class="pnext">It certainly had none on old Pen. In fact, the +colder it got the more he seemed to like it. And now +when waltzing with Johnnie, he used to sing in his +own droll and dismal way.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking also believed in the cold, and the races and +gambols he had up and down the deck, when he could +induce anyone to throw a belaying-pin for him were +wild in the extreme.</p> +<p class="pnext">Moreover, he had a football, which Duncan had +presented him with, and he got no end of fun out of +this. He threw it in front of him, he hurled it along +in front of him, and swung it about, and one day, +when he fairly tossed it overboard, he made no bother +about the matter, but rushing astern, jumped right +overboard after it, quite regardless of the fact that +the ship was going on at the rate of eight knots an hour.</p> +<p class="pnext">As quickly as possible she was hove to and a whaler +lowered.</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike was found quite a quarter of a mile astern--but +he had stuck to his ball.</p> +<p class="pnext">He dearly loved it, and, strangely enough, he put it +to bed every night as children do their dolls, covering +it carefully up with a corner of the rug on which he +slept.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Icebergs at last. A good thing it was for the <em class="italics">Flora</em>, +that there was but little wind, for to strike against +one of these huge bergs--bigger many of them were +than St. Paul's Cathedral--would have meant certain +destruction.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yet although the wind was often but light, a +current seemed to run rapidly enough, and the huge +unbroken waves towered high above them, and more +than once they narrowly escaped disaster from a huge +berg being hurled down upon the vessel as if by +Titanic force, as she wallowed in the trough of the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">Even sailing past to leeward of such ice as this took +the wind for a time clean out of the sails.</p> +<p class="pnext">Strangely enough, they reached the Antarctic Circle +on Christmas day.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was a sort of double event. Either would +have been celebrated, but now both events must be +rolled into one.</p> +<p class="pnext">One would hardly imagine that King Christmas +would venture into these lonely regions, but the old +fellow is good-hearted, and where'er on earth a Briton +goes there goes Christmas also.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, with the exception of Johnnie Shingles and +the monkey--who, by the way, had been furnished +with a brand-new scarlet flannel jacket to keep him +cosy--there was not a soul on board who had not +before leaving home been presented with a bunch of +gay ribbons, by sweetheart or wife, to help to deck a +great garland that was made, and hoisted high aloft +and abaft on this auspicious morning.</p> +<p class="pnext">Of course there were no turkeys!</p> +<p class="pnext">Alas! there were no geese.</p> +<p class="pnext">As for cooking an albatross--well, that has been +tried before, and a more unsatisfactory dish I have +never tasted. Fishy, oily, and as for downright +toughness the wife of Beith with her iron teeth could make +but a poor show in front of it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But some splendid corn-beef took the place of more +civilized dishes both fore and aft.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then there was the pudding. Ah! that indeed!</p> +<p class="pnext">And a splendid success this, or these, were. The +cook went in that day for beating all previous records. +And it was universally admitted that he did.</p> +<p class="pnext">The <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> was an almost temperate ship, +that is, the men had to content themselves with one +glass of rum each <em class="italics">per diem</em>, man-o'-war fashion. But +on this bright Christmas day there was but little limit +or stint. Only, to everyone's credit be it said, there +was no excess.</p> +<p class="pnext">The evening, up till two bells (9 o'clock), was spent +in games, in yarning, in dancing, and fun.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both Vike and old Pen had dined right heartily, +and were in rare form.</p> +<p class="pnext">One of the chief dances to-night was the Scots +strathspey and reel, and Duncan had got his bagpipes +in order for the occasion, and as he played the fun +grew fast and furious.</p> +<p class="pnext">So excited did both Vike and Pen become at last +that they must too chime in, the dog with a high +falsetto howl, the bird with double grunt and squawk, +so that Duncan's melody was somewhat interfered with.</p> +<p class="pnext">This, however, did not discourage the Scotch portion +of the crew. They only cracked their thumbs, danced +the nimbler, and hooched the wilder, till with the +frantic merriment the very sails did shiver.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was indeed a joyous night. Vike and Pen, +although they had a truly excellent feed, did not give +way to excess, but the monkey being only one remove +from a human being, ate so much pudding and so +many nuts and cockroaches, that he suffered next +morning from a violent headache. He was seen +squatting on the capstan, clasping his brow with his +left hand, and looking the very picture of Simian +misery.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank took pity on him.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I know what will cure you," he said. "I know +what a Christmas headache is; I've been there myself."</p> +<p class="pnext">So he bound up the poor beastie's head with a +handkerchief wrung out of ice-cold water, and the +monkey felt really better, and was grateful in consequence.</p> +<p class="pnext">For some natural reason or another, they now came +into a sea of open water, and much to the delight and +excitement of all hands, sighted a school of Right +whales.</p> +<p class="pnext">The main-yard was instantly hauled aback, and all +preparations speedily made to attack one at least of +this great shoal.</p> +<p class="pnext">I do not suppose that these leviathans of southern +polar seas had ever had their gambols so rudely broken +in upon before.</p> +<p class="pnext">Three boats were sent against them, each with one +experienced harpooner. The captain commanded one, +Morgan another, and the third whaler was given in +charge of brave young Duncan. To tell the truth, he +had really no experience of such "fishing", but the +spectioneer that sat beside him had.</p> +<p class="pnext">Surely it was a pity to disturb the enjoyment of +those great ungainly monsters on so glorious a day. +Thus thought Conal at all events, for without doubt +the whales had assembled for a real frolic.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a sort of whales' ball.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sometimes nothing was seen but the white spray +or foam they raised, at other times their enormous +bodies were seen shining silvery in the summer sun, +for in their glee they actively leapt over each other's +backs.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the noise they made is indescribable, as they +lashed the water with flippers and tails.</p> +<p class="pnext">In the captain's boat only was the harpoon gun, +and he alone would fire it. When a much younger +man he had been whaling in the far-off Arctic, and +knew a Right whale from a finner or sperm.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yet his was not the newest-fashioned mode of +whaling. He used no explosive shells or bullets, +which he looked upon as cruel in the extreme. I +should be sorry indeed to argue the point either pro +or con, for there is cruelty on both sides, but probably +less with the shell, which may cause almost +instantaneous death.</p> +<p class="pnext">Was Captain Talbot going to attack that school of +whales during their extraordinary gambols? He +knew better. Were a whales' ball to take place in +the midst of even a fleet of men-o'-war I should be +sorry for some of the ships.</p> +<p class="pnext">But see yonder, ploughing slowly along towards the +herd, comes a huge and solitary leviathan.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot hastily signals to the mate and to Duncan. +The latter takes the steering oar, and, bidding him be +cautious, the spectioneer, his great whale lance in his +hand, goes cautiously forward to the bows, and the +boat is kept on a line parallel to the great beast's course.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nearer and nearer creeps the captain's boat. The +excitement is intense. Will the whale dive before he +gets close enough, the men are wondering?</p> +<p class="pnext">Nearer and still more near.</p> +<p class="pnext">Everyone holds his breath.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Lie on your oars, men! Still and quiet!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The boat drifts a little way further, but the gun is +trained.</p> +<p class="pnext">Bang!</p> +<p class="pnext">The echoes reverberate from every berg, or far or +near. The line all neatly coiled in the bows is +whirling out, till the gunwale begins to fire. But it as +speedily stops.</p> +<p class="pnext">Grand shot! The monster is struck, and for a few +seconds seems stunned, and lies still on the top of the +water.</p> +<p class="pnext">The school has dived and disappeared, to come up +somewhere again miles and miles away.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now the wounded whale recovers from the +shot, and headlong dives, the line rushing out once +again as before. Under way once again is the boat, +but the leviathan now reappears as suddenly as he +had sunk. Some instinct--whether of scent or hearing +I cannot tell--causes him to take the same course +as his fellows.</p> +<p class="pnext">Mercy on us, how he rips and tears through the +black-green water! But ever and anon he dives, and +it is evident his exertions weary him a little.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now the line is all run out, and the boat is +taken in charge. The gunwale is cooled with hastily-drawn +buckets of water, and forward she dashes, so +quickly too that a wall of water stands up on each +side of the bows.</p> +<p class="pnext">The poor monster is in torment. The chief danger +to the boat itself would lie in the beast swerving +aside and diving under a berg, which would dash the +brave whaler to pieces, and kill or drown every man +on board. But he holds his course till, weary at last, +he dives once more, and there remains for fully twenty +minutes.</p> +<p class="pnext">When he again appears the water around is red +with his blood, but he moves along very slowly now, +and the other boats with their lancemen get abreast +and bear up to head him.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan's is the first to get near enough, and now +comes the tug of war. The whale is sick and weak.</p> +<p class="pnext">The harpooner holds up a warning hand.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Be all ready to back astern, boys!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Way enough!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The lance is driven in full many and many a foot, +and with one decisive twist a great and vital artery +is severed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Back water all! For life, boys, for life!"</p> +<p class="pnext">For life? Yes, but the men are as cool as if rowing +in a regatta on the Thames.</p> +<p class="pnext">"All speed astern!"</p> +<p class="pnext">None too soon.</p> +<p class="pnext">The blood spouts high as if from a fire-hose, but in +awful jets, with every throb of the giant's heart. +There is life in him yet, and while the red-drenched +seamen pull well out of the way, he lashes the ocean's +surface with his tremendous tail, one blow from which +would stave in a torpedo-boat.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sound would be heard miles and miles away, +were there anyone to listen to it in these lonesome +seas, and--so dies the leviathan.</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship gets alongside and bends on her hooks in +good time, and while the body is still hot and steaming, +blubber and skin are hoisted up and up towards +the yard-arms, till with its weight the vessel lists and +lists, and it seems as if she would be on her beam-ends.</p> +<p class="pnext">Long before the crew is done taking on board all +that is valuable, the sharks have assembled, and are +fighting and splashing as they gorge on their awful +feast.</p> +<p class="pnext">And when the decks are all clean once more, and +the sails again filled, supper is had fore and aft, and +then, but not till then, does Skipper Talbot order the +steward to splice the main-brace.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vii-here-s-to-the-loved-ones-at-home"> +<span id="here-s-to-the-loved-ones-at-home"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VII.--"HERE'S TO THE LOVED ONES AT HOME."</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Captain Talbot was a brave man, but the ice +for the present looked far too dangerous to +venture in through. So he kept "dodging" along the +great barrier-edge or cruising eastwards, and away +towards what is known as Enderby Land.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sometimes he encountered a storm, brief but terrible, +and dangerous in the extreme. They saw around them +great bergs coming into collision, their green, towering, +wall-like sides dashed together by the force of wind +and waves; heard the thunder of the encounter, and +witnessed the mist and foam as they fell to pieces in +a chaos of boiling surf.</p> +<p class="pnext">At times dense fog would envelop the whole sea, +and then sail had to be taken in, for the icebergs went +floating past and past like mysterious ghosts.</p> +<p class="pnext">But clearer weather prevailed at last, and two more +monster whales were captured.</p> +<p class="pnext">Three great leviathans! Nearly a voyage in itself. +No wonder that the spirits of the men rose higher and +higher, as they thought of those who would press +them to their hearts on their return home from this +adventuresome cruise. And--happiest thought of all!--they +would have plenty of money to spend on fathers +or mothers, wives or children. For my experience is +that so long as they are unallured by the drink demon, +British sailors are not really improvident.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the good luck of the <em class="italics">Flora</em> did not continue. +Talbot had expected to find sea-elephants in great +evidence in these regions.</p> +<p class="pnext">They are so called, it will do you no harm to know, +reader, first on account of their immense size and +unwieldiness, many of the males attaining a length of +twenty feet or over, and from the fact that they have +a kind of proboscis which, when alarmed or angry, +they inflate till it looks almost like the trunk of an +elephant. They are dangerous then, and, though as a +rule peaceable, can give a good account of anyone +daring enough to attempt an attack upon them, armed +with the spiked seal-club alone.</p> +<p class="pnext">They usually, however, go further north during the +spring or pupping season, but now having returned, +they ought to have been about somewhere. But they +had evidently chosen fresh ground, and Captain +Talbot was unable to find a trace of them.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was not easily cast down, however, and taking +advantage of a splendid westerly and north-westerly +wind, he daringly set every inch of canvas--remember +it was the long Antarctic day--and flew eastwards on +its wings.</p> +<p class="pnext">But his object was not only to get a paying voyage, +but to do some good also to science and to geographical +knowledge as well.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was the duty of Duncan himself, and of Frank as +well, not only to keep a log, but to enter therein, along +with the ship's sailings, adventures, &c., the temperature +of air and water twice a day.</p> +<p class="pnext">The vessel again appeared to imagine herself a +clipper-built yacht and to fly along, and by good luck +she not only had a fair wind, but a clear sea, having +only now and then to steer away from floating icebergs.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now and then a boat was lowered to pick up +some unusual form of seal, that might be observed +floating along on a morsel of snow-clad ice. So tame +were these that they only gazed open-mouthed at the +advancing boat, and thus fell an easy prey to the +gunner.</p> +<p class="pnext">Very few more Right whales were seen, and none +captured.</p> +<p class="pnext">For a time the course held was about east with a +bit of northerly in it, then on reaching the sixties +they bowled along in fine style, and in the first week +in February they were daringly--far too daringly as +it turned out--steering almost directly south through +a comparatively open sea towards the great southern +ice-barrier in the seventies, which lies east of a mighty +volcanic hill well-named Erebus.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was autumn now--early autumn in these regions, +but still a delightful time.</p> +<p class="pnext">Do not imagine that this distant ocean was +uninhabited. Far from it. There were still millions on +millions of birds about, that later on would fly far +away to nor'land lands and islands. Petrels of many +sorts, especially the snow-white species, Cape pigeons, +the smaller penguins on point ends of land, and gulls +of such beauty and rarity that it would have puzzled +cleverer men than our heroes to classify them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many of these were carefully shot and made skins +of, to be set up when they reached once more their +dear native land, if God in his mercy should spare them.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Mount Sabine itself is passed, and soon after, to +the east of that mountain, they lie for a day or two +at Coulman Island. Strangely enough, though floating +icebergs are heaving about all around, this rocky +and storm-tossed isle is bare, and they can land.</p> +<p class="pnext">The captain, with Frank and Conal, go off on a +lichen hunt inland. They take their rifles with them, +but no wild creature is here that can hurt them.</p> +<p class="pnext">They find beautiful mosses, however, and strangely +beautiful lichens. Indeed, some parts of the rising +ground are crimson or orange with these latter, and +the green of the mosses stand out in lovely and +striking contrast.</p> +<p class="pnext">They continued their journey far inland, and +although the rocks and the sea all about the shore +was alive with birds, here it was solemn and still +enough. The scene was indeed impressive and beautiful, +and with the blue of the sky above and the bright +blue of the ocean beyond, dotted over with green and +lofty snow-capped ice-blocks, the whole seemed a little +world fresh from the hands of the great Creator of all.</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot took specimens not only of the +flora--if so I may call the scanty vegetation of this +island--but of its rocks as well, and the height of its +chief hills, with many soundings around it, to say +nothing of collecting marine algæ.</p> +<p class="pnext">All the way southwards, as far as the great +ice-barrier to the eastward of the land wherein was +Mount Terror, he was at the pains of surveying and +charting out for the benefit of future generations, for +as laid down in the charts that he possessed the coast +was very indolently described indeed.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">He was a very ambitious mariner, this skipper of +the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>, and at the same time a bold, +daring, true-blue sailor.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now would be the time, therefore, to make his +great aërial journey still farther to the southward. +But could such a thing be successfully accomplished? +That was the question that he and he alone had to +answer for himself. There was no one to consult.</p> +<p class="pnext">And he took a whole long day to consider it, +keeping himself very much alone in his state-room +that he might come quietly to a correct conclusion.</p> +<p class="pnext">Thus far to the south had he come with the +intention of penetrating still farther by balloon. But +he had calculated on getting here much sooner.</p> +<p class="pnext">He had no intention of doing anything foolishly +rash. Had he reached 75° south latitude when the +summer was still in its prime he might have reckoned +on perpetual sunshine and constant shifting of wind, +but now the breeze blew mostly from the south, and +although by rising into the higher regions he might +get a fair wind if he descended one hundred miles +nearer to the Antarctic Pole, was there any certainty +that he should ever return? Indeed, it was the +reverse. It seemed as though there was not the +ghost of a chance of his ever seeing his ship again.</p> +<p class="pnext">Life is sweet, and so at long last he gave up all +thoughts of his aërial voyage for the present season.</p> +<p class="pnext">He communicated this resolve to his mates and +youngsters that day at dinner.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the sun had already begun to set to the +south'ard, though so brief was the night that scarce +a star was even visible.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We shall now," he told them, "bear up for the +north and the west once more, and if we reach the +lone isles of Kerguelen in time, we may yet fall among +old sea-elephants enough to pay us handsomely. For +though I have never been there, I am told that they +make that lone region a habitat throughout the +greater part of the year."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And then we shall be homeward-bound, sha'n't we, +sir?" said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes," was the reply. "But I say, young fellow, +you are not tired of a sailor's life, are you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh no! I would like to see all--all the world +first, and then return and dream of my wild adventures, +and fight my battles with the stormy main o'er +and o'er and o'er again."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bravo! lad, though you are just a little effusive. +Well, you are pretty strong in wind and limb, Frank, +aren't you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Fairly, sir. I haven't got real Highland legs like +Duncan there, but they've always served me well on +a pinch."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, as soon as we get into the neighbourhood of +Mount Terror again I mean to make an ascent, and I +shall want the assistance of all you young fellows, and +a hand or two besides. There are scientific +instruments to take along, besides plenty of food, drink, +and sleeping-bags, for I guess it will take us the +greater part of three days to accomplish the journey +to the top and back.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What is the height, sir?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is said to be nearly eleven thousand feet high, +and it is volcanic."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Don't you think," said Morgan the mate, "that +the adventure is almost foolhardy?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is risky enough, I daresay; but really, Morgan, +my dear fellow, I hate the idea of going back home +without having accomplished something out of the +common."</p> +<p class="pnext">And so, after some further conversation of an +after-dinner style, the ascent was determined on.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was Saturday night, and as usual wives and +sweethearts were toasted, for Captain Talbot was a +man who dearly loved to keep up old customs.</p> +<p class="pnext">So after a hearty supper of sea-pie the men got up +a dance, Frank and the man who played the clarionet +forming, as usual, the chief portion of the band.</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen was in grand form to-night, and his +antics, as he danced and whirled around with little +Johnnie Shingles, were laughable in the extreme. It +would be impossible to say that Pen tripped it--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"On the light fantastic toe".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">For his feet were about as broad and flat as a couple +of kippered herrings, but he made the best use of +them he could, and no one could have done more.</p> +<p class="pnext">After the dance the chief yarn-spinners assembled +in a wide circle around the galley fire. Frank and +Conal made two of the party, with noble Vike in the rear.</p> +<p class="pnext">It hardly would have needed the rum that the +cabin steward dealt out to make these good fellows +happy to-night or to cause them to spin short yarns +and sing, so jolly were they to know the ship was +homeward bound--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Across the foaming billows, boys,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Across the roaring sea,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">"We'll all forget our hardships, lads,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">With England on the lee".</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">But the crew of the brave <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> took their +cue from the skipper, and never a Saturday night +passed without many a song and many a toast, and +always an original yarn of some adventure afloat or +ashore. Sings Dibdin:--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"The moon on the ocean was dimmed by a ripple,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Affording a chequered delight;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">The gay jolly tars passed the word for the tipple</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And the <em class="italics">toast</em>--for 'twas Saturday night,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Some sweetheart or wife that he lov'd as his life,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Each drank, while he wished he could hail her,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">But the standing toast that pleased the most was--</div> +<div class="line">Here's the wind that blows and the ship that goes,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And the lass that loves a sailor!"</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">So thoroughly old-fashioned was Captain Talbot that +on some Saturday nights he did not think it a bit +beneath him to join his men around the fire, and they +loved him all the better for it too.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, no matter how crowded the men might be of +a night like this, there was always room left in the +inner circle for Viking, old Pen, and Jim the monkey.</p> +<p class="pnext">Jim, with his red jacket on, used to sit by Viking, +looking very serious and very old, and combing the +dog's coat with his long slender black fingers.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was a kind of shampoo that invariably sent +Vike off to sleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then Jim would lie down alongside him, draw one +great paw over his body, and go off to sleep also.</p> +<p class="pnext">But old Pen would be very solemn indeed. He was +troubled with cold feet, and it was really laughable +enough to see him standing there on one leg while he +held up and exposed his other great webbed pedal +apparatus to the welcome glow emitted by the fire.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sometimes yarns were at a discount, though songs +never were, and no matter how simple, they were +always welcome, even if told without any straining +for effect and in ordinary conversational English, if +they had truth in them.</p> +<p class="pnext">On this particular Saturday night Captain Talbot +came forward and took a seat in a corner to smoke his +long pipe, while the steward brewed him a tumbler of +punch with some cinnamon and butter in it, for the +skipper had a cold.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It's long since we've had a yarn from you, sir," +remarked the carpenter.</p> +<p class="pnext">The skipper took a drink, and then let his eyes +follow the curling smoke from his pipe for a few +seconds before replying.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, Peters," he said, "I've had so many adventures +in my time that I hardly ever know which to +tell first. Once upon a time I served in a Royal Navy +ship on the coast of Africa, and it is just the odour of +the 'baccy, boys, that brings this little yarn to my mind."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Out with it, sir," cried one.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, out with it, Captain. We'll listen as if it were +a sermon, and we were old wives."</p> +<p class="pnext">"First and foremost," said Talbot, "let me give you +a toast--Here's to the loved ones at home!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"The loved ones at home!" And every glass was +raised, and really that toast was like a prayer.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-viii-captain-talbot-spins-a-yarn"> +<span id="captain-talbot-spins-a-yarn"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VIII.--CAPTAIN TALBOT SPINS A YARN.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">"Why, boys, and you youngsters," said Captain +Talbot, "when I look back to those dear old +times I feel old myself, and that's a fact. As I said +before, we were cruising about the East African coast, +making it just as hot for the slaver Arabs as we knew +how to. We had a bit of a fight now and then, too, +both on shore and afloat.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, your man-o'-war's-man likes that, simple and +all though he seems to be. Simplicity, indeed, is one +of the chief traits in the character of the true British +sailor. I'm not sure that it might not be said with +some degree of truth, that no one who wasn't a little +simple to begin with, would ever become a sailor at +all. Nobody, not even a landsman, grumbles and +growls more at existence afloat than does Jack +himself, whether he be Jack in epaulets or Jack in a +jumper, Jack walking the weather-side of the +quarter-deck or Jack mending a main-sail. But for all that, +when Jack has a spell on shore, especially if it be of a +few months' duration, he forgets all the asperities of +the old sea life, and remembers only its jollities and +pleasantnesses, and the queer adventures he had--of +which, probably, he boasts in a mitigated kind of way--and +by and by he gets tired of the dull shore, and +maybe sings with Proctor:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">'I never was on the dull, tame shore,</div> +<div class="line">But I loved the great sea more and more'.</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">And then he goes back again. Another proof of Jack's +simplicity.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, but some of the very bravest men or officers +I have met with were, or are, as simple in their natures +as little children--simple but brave.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Gallant and good--how well the two adjectives +sound together when applied to a sailor. Did not our +Nelson himself apply them in one of his despatches to +Captain Riou, mentioned by Thomas Campbell in his +grand old song 'The Battle of the Baltic':</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">'Brave hearts! to Britain's pride</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Once so faithful and so true,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">On the deck of fame that died</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">With the gallant, good Riou,</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Soft sigh the winds of heaven o'er their grave!</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">While the billow mournful rolls,</div> +<div class="line">And the mermaid's song condoles--</div> +<div class="line">Singing glory to the souls</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Of the brave!'</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"There never was a more simple-looking sailor than +Assistant-Paymaster Mair (let us call him Mair). He +was round-faced, fat, and somewhat pale, but always +merry, and on good terms with himself and everybody +else. He had the least bit in the world of a squint in +his starboard eye. This ocular aberration was more +apparent, when he sat down and commenced playing +an asthmatical old flute he possessed. I don't think +anybody liked this flute except Mair himself, and no +wonder it was asthmatical, for we were constantly +playing tricks on it. We have tarred it and feathered +it ere now, and once we filled it with boiling lard, and +left it on Mair's desk to cool. But Mair didn't care; +our practical joking found him in employment, so he +was happy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mair had never been in an engagement, though +some members of our mess had; and, when talking of +their sensations when under fire, Mair used frankly to +confess himself 'the funkiest fellow out'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It came to pass that the old <em class="italics">T----</em> had to engage +a fort, and preparations were made for a hot morning. +The captain was full of spirit and go--one of those +sort of men who, when both legs are shot away, fight +on their stumps.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mair had his orders the night before, given verbally, +in an easy, off-hand kind of way. He was to stand by +the captain on the bridge or quarter-deck, and take +notes during the engagement or battle. Poor Mair! he +didn't sleep much, and didn't eat much breakfast. +We met just outside the ward-room door, Mair and I. +We were both going to duty, only Mair was going up, +while I was bound for the orlop deck. With the noise +of hammering, and stamping, and shouting, I couldn't +catch what Mair said, but it was something +like--'Lucky dog, you'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Though stationed below--safe, except from the +danger of smothering in horrid smoke--I soon had +evidence enough we were getting badly hammered. I +wasn't sorry when "Cease firing" sounded, and I could +crawl up and breathe.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But how about simple Mair? Why, this only--he +had done his duty nobly, coolly, manfully; he had +gained admiration from his fire-eating captain, and got +specially mentioned in a despatch. Mair looked red +and excited all the afternoon, but the flute never +sounded half so cheerily before as it did that same +evening after dinner.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Talking about simplicity brings poor Nat Wildman +of ours before my mind's eye.</p> +<p class="pnext">"There wasn't a pluckier sailor in the service than +Nat, nor a greater favourite with his mess-mates, nor +a simpler-souled or kindlier-hearted. He was very +tall and powerful--quite an athlete in fact. Once +when a company or two of marines and blue-jackets +were sent to enact punishment of some native tribes +on the West African coast, for the murder of a white +merchant, and for having fired on Her Majesty's boats, +they encountered a strongly-palisaded village. Our +fellows had no ladders nor axes, and the dark-skins +were firing through. The village must be carried, and +reduced to terms--and ashes; so the men hoisted each +other over. Nat worked hard at this pitch-and-toss +warfare; indeed, he could have thrown the whole +ship's company over. But, lo! he found himself the +last man--left out in the cold--for there was no one +to help him across. When the row was over, Nat +was found--simple fellow that he was--sitting on the +ground crying with vexation, or, as one of his +mess-mates phrased it, 'blubbering like a big baby'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I often think, boys, that it must be very hard to +have to die at sea, especially if homeward bound; +all the bustle and stir of ship's work going on around +you; the songs of the men, the joking and laughing, +and the din--for silence can seldom be long maintained.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Jack Wright of ours--captain of the main-top--might +have been called a tar of the real Tom Bowling +type. He, too, like Nat Wildman, whom I mentioned +above, was a very great favourite with his mess-mates. +He was always kind and merry, but ever good, +obedient, and brave. We were coming home in the +old <em class="italics">T----</em>. Dirty weather began shortly after we left +Madeira, and while assisting in taking in sail one +forenoon, poor Jack fell from aloft. His injuries were +of so serious a nature that his life was despaired of +from the first. He lost much blood, and never rallied.</p> +<p class="pnext">"This sailor had a young wife, who was to have +met him at Plymouth. She was in his thoughts in +his last hours. I was assisting the doctor just at that +time of my life, a kind of loblolly-boy, and I heard +the man say, as he looked wistfully in the surgeon's +face: 'It seems a kind o' hard, doctor, but I've always +done my duty--I've always obeyed orders without +asking questions. I'm ready when the Great Captain +calls, though--yes, it do seem a kind o' hard.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"He appeared to doze off, and I sat still for an +hour. It was well on in the middle watch, and the +ship was under easy sail; there was now and then a +word of command, but no trampling overhead, for +even the officers liked and respected Jack. I sat +still for an hour, then took his wrist in my hand. +There was no pulse there. He was gone.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I covered him up and went on deck, for something +was rising and choking me. It was a heavenly +night--bright stars shining, and a round silvery moon, +with the waves all sparkling to leeward of us.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'It does seem hard,' I couldn't help muttering.</p> +<p class="pnext">"As the beautiful burial service was being read +over poor Jack Wright, and his body dropped into the +sea, many a tear fell that those who shed them needn't +have taken much pains to hide.</p> +<p class="pnext">"At Plymouth we were in quarantine for some time, +and no one was allowed on board, but there were +boats enough with friends and relations in them +hanging around. In one of them was a beautiful young +woman and an elderly dame, probably her mother. +The whisper--it was nothing else--soon passed round: +'Yonder is poor Jack's wife.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"Long before she came on board she was in tears; +her sailor lad was not even at a port to wave a +handkerchief. 'He must be ill,' she would have thought.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'The doctor wishes to speak to you in his cabin,' +a midshipman said, when she appeared on deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">She came tottering in, supported by the old dame.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Jack's ill!' she cried.</p> +<p class="pnext">"The doctor did not reply.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Jack is dead!' she moaned. 'My Jack!'</p> +<p class="pnext">"We did not answer. How could we?</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heigho! I've seen grief many times since, but I +never witnessed anything to equal that of poor Jack +Wright's young wife.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But I'm saddening you, boys. Here, steward, if +there is a dram more punch left, just send it round.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now, lads, I'll tell you one more true yarn, +and I think I may just call it:</p> +<p class="center medium pnext">"AN ADVENTURE IN SEARCH OF A QUID,</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"For, from the very time Dawson and I shoved off +in the dinghy boat until we set foot on Her Majesty's +quarter-deck with the 'baccy, it was all adventure +together. Our ship was the saucy <em class="italics">Seamew</em>, only a +gun-boat, to be sure, but a most bewitching little +thing all over; lay like a duck in the water, and, on +a wind, nothing could touch her. Our cruising-ground +was the east coast of Africa, well north, where the +fighting dhows floated in the water, and the savage +Somalis on shore speared each other when they hadn't +any white men to practise on. We never provoked +a fight, but when we did show our teeth, and that +wasn't seldom, we peppered away in good earnest I +assure you. Now, in such a ship in such a climate +we might have been as happy as the day was long, +but we had just one drawback to general jollity. Our +skipper was the devil. That's putting it plain and +straight, but I've no other English for it. He was +one of your sea lawyers, and lawed it and lorded it +over his officers. No matter whether a thing was +done rightly or wrongly, you got growled at all the +same. There wasn't an officer he hadn't been at +loggerheads with, and walked to windward of, too; +and there wasn't a man forward he had not punished +during the cruise. We had a regular flogging Friday, +a most unlucky day for many a poor fellow on board +the <em class="italics">Seamew</em>. There was, therefore, no love lost +between the ward-room and the after-cabin, where the +skipper lived in solitary grandeur; and the men would +have given him to the sharks, if chance had thrown +him in their way, and if the sharks were hungry. +I remember once, at Johanna, a happy thought struck +the skipper and a few of the petty officers at one +and the same time: they thought they would treat +themselves to a few fowls by way of change from the +junk. The latter, therefore, asked permission of the +former to make the purchase. 'Certainly not,' was +the curt reply, 'unless you bring them dead on board.' Now, +dead they wouldn't keep a day, so they were +not bought; but the skipper's poultry were brought on +board the same evening, and two nicely-filled hen-coops +they were. Well, about the middle of the morning-watch, +when the skipper slumbered peacefully in his +cot, two figures might have been seen stealthily +approaching those hen-coops. 'Softly does it,' said one.</p> +<p class="pnext">'Right you are, Bill,' replied the other. Then +something dark and square rose slowly over the bulwarks, +and dropped with a dull splash into the sea; and this +happened twice. And next morning when the skipper +arose, happy in the prospect of 'spatch cock for +breakfast, behold! there wasn't cock nor hen on board to +spatch. But I should tire you were I to tell a tithe +of the dirty tricks the skipper of the <em class="italics">Seamew</em> played +his men and officers, so I will content myself with +relating the one that bears reference to my story. +Once, then, we were in terrible straits for grog and +tobacco; we hadn't a drop of the one or a quid of the +other on board--at least not in our mess--and hadn't +had for over a month. Now, nobody liked a glass +of rum better than the skipper, though he didn't +smoke; so, as long as his own spirits held out, he +didn't care anything for the dearth in the ward-room. +But one day he rejoiced us all by informing us he +would run down to Zanzibar and take in stores. Well, +anyhow, he took us in nicely, for no sooner had we +dropped anchor before the long white town, than he +called away his gig and landed on the sands. He was +back again in two hours with the important intelligence, +which we had received, that a three-masted +slave-ship was then cruising in the neighbourhood of +the little island of Chak-Chak. There wasn't a +moment to be lost--it was, 'All hands on deck, up +anchor and off.' There wasn't a moment to be lost; +but, mark you this, that beggarly skipper, who drank +but did not smoke, came off with his gig laden to the +gunwale with dainties, spirits included, but not a +morsel of the 'baccy our souls were longing to sniff. +We never saw the three-masted slave-ship either.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, as you doubtless know, there is a town on the +east coast, pretty nigh on the equator, called Lamoo, +a half, or, rather, wholly savage kind of place, ruled +over by an Arab sultan. It lies not close to the sea, +but about ten miles up a broad-bosomed river. Like +all African rivers, it is belted off from the sea by a +sand-bar, on which the water is shallow, and the green +breakers tumble over it houses high. We had been +up this river only once before, but the little <em class="italics">Seamew</em> +got such a terrible bumping on the bar that our skipper +had resolved never to try the same experiment again. +But, one beautiful, clear-skied, moonlight night, we +found ourselves just outside this bar once more, and, +rather to our astonishment, the order was given to +heave the ship to until morning. Of course we were +delighted, thinking that boats might be sent up stream +for fruit, and we might get a chance of the coveted +quid; but we were doomed to disappointment, for the +whole of next day was spent in taking soundings, and +in the evening we were told that next morning we +should complete the survey, and then cruise away +north once more. So the ship was hove-to on the +second evening. Dawson and I were at the time on +the sick-list, not that there was anything the matter +with us, but the skipper had been bullying us, and +this was the method, with the assistance of the friendly +surgeon, which we took to avenge ourselves. At this +time the tobacco mania was at its worst. Our +assistant-paymaster had been heard to mutter that, if the +devil tempted him, he would be inclined to sell his +soul for a bundle of whiffs, and Dawson had openly +asserted that he would give ten years of his life for +the sight of a snuff-box. But Dawson looked terribly +like a conspirator, when he came stealthily into the +ward-room on the evening of the first day's surveying.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Hush! messmates, hush!' he whispered mysteriously, +and we all crowded round him. 'I have it,' he +continued. 'My friend and I are on the list. We +cannot be missed.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Yes, yes; go on,' we cried in a breath.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'While <em class="italics">he</em> dines, we will take a boat and steal up +the river to Lamoo, and bring down 'bacca and grogs.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"The skipper didn't know the meaning of that +'Hurrah!' that shook the <em class="italics">Seamew</em> from stem to stern. +No wilder shout ever rang out as we boarded a dhow +'mid smoke and blood.</p> +<p class="pnext">"By seven o'clock the skipper was just mixing his +third tumbler. By seven o'clock everything was in +readiness: the oars were muffled and the rudder so +shipped that it wouldn't unship by the under-kick of +a breaker on the bar. Then, from well-greased blocks +the boat was lowered, and silently, but swiftly, glided +shorewards to the dreaded bar. We took with us but +two trusty men, and two trusty sacks. Soon the white +crests of the breakers were in view, and we could hear +their vicious, sullen boom. Not easy work this +crossing of bars, as you are aware. Presently we were +heading for the only dark gate in this ocean of +breakers, I steering, Dawson with one helping hand on each +of the oars. Now we have entered the gate. "Steady +now, men!" A wave catches us up behind and hurls +our tiny boat first heavenward, then, with inconceivable +speed, onwards, through a swirl of surf, and, a +few moments afterwards we are in smooth water, wet +but safe.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Well done,' said Dawson; 'but if we had capsized, +the sharks would have been dining on us at this +present moment."</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Beggin' yer pardons, gentlemen,' said one of the +rowers, 'but I'd rather be three days and three nights +in the belly of a shark, like Jonah was, than one whole +blessed month athout tobaccer.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"'That were a whale, Jim,' said his mate. 'I don't +care a dime,' said the first speaker; 'I knows I likes +my pipe, and I likes a quid. Now, in a night like +this, for instance, what a blessing it would be to light +up, and--and--why, it won't abear thinkin' on, hanged +if it will.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Now lay on your oars, men,' I said. 'I want to +see what is inside a little bottle of medical comforts +the doctor stowed away under here.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"It was a bottle of sick-mess sherry, which we all +shared, and pronounced the best ever we had tasted, +and the doctor 'a brick'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Onwards now we sped, as fast as oars could pull us, +Dawson and I occasionally relieving the men and +taking a spell at the oars. It was moonlight, I said, and +until we were fairly in the river this was in favour of +us; now, however, it was all against us. None hate +the English more than does your fighting Arab of +slave proclivities. At any moment we might fall in +with a slave dhow, and the crew thereof would certainly +not miss such a favourable opportunity of paying off +old scores. We had lots of arms on board, and so we +meant, if attacked, to peg away at the beggars to the +bitter end. However, discretion is the better part of +valour, so we kept right in the centre of the stream, +where we could be least seen. This was slow work, +but safe.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It must have been past ten o'clock, and we were +well up the river, when, on rounding a point, we came +suddenly in sight of a large-armed dhow, slowly going +down stream. My first intention was to alter our +course. 'No, no,' said Dawson, who is no end of a +clever fellow, 'that will only create suspicion. Let +me hail her;' and he did so in good Arabic. If +suspicion was excited on board the strange dhow, it +was, I feel sure, lulled again when Dawson began, in +stentorian tones, to sing a well-known Arab boating +chant. The song, I feel sure, saved us, and so we kept +it up nearly all the way to Lamoo.</p> +<p class="pnext">"About a mile from the town we crept inshore and +hid our boat in the bush, leaving one man in her. +Now there is but one or two European merchants in +the town, and one of these we knew, but the way to +his house we were ignorant of; but we knew where +Comoro Jack lived in the outskirts. He had been our +guide before, so thither we went, and happily found +Jack at home: a tall young savage, arrayed only in a +waist belt, and an enormous (42nd Highlander's) busby +on, and a tall spear in one hand.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Well, you blessed Englishmen, what you want wid +Jack?' Such was our greeting. We hastily told +him, and the amount, and--</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Comoro Jack will go like a shot,' said the savage. +The sandy streets were well-nigh deserted, and Comoro +Jack, as he strode on beside us, thought himself no end +of a fine fellow.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'London is one ver' good place,' he informed us, +'as big as Lamoo, and streets better pave, and girls +better dress. You see it was like this: the French +they take Myotta; poor king ob de island he go to +London to see de British Queen of England, and I go +too among de body-guard. But when the poor king +come to de palace, 'Will you fight for me de dam +French?' he say. 'Very sorry,' said the British Queen +of England, 'but I cannot fight de dam French."</p> +<p class="pnext">"'And who', we asked, 'gave you the bonnet and plumes?'</p> +<p class="pnext">"'De British Queen ob England,' said Comoro Jack. +'She soon spot me out among de niggers, and she put +it on my head. 'Here, poor chile,' she say, 'you not +catch cold wid that."</p> +<p class="pnext">"The house Comoro Jack led us to was that of a +French merchant, and his hospitality was unbounded; +but we refused all refreshment until we had first +smoked a pipe. Oh, didn't that pipe make men of us. +We spent a very pleasant half-hour with the merchant; +then we filled our sacks and returned to our boat +happier, surely, than Joseph's brethren could have been +coming up, corn-laden, from the land of the Pharaohs. +We had one or two little escapades going down stream, +caught it wet and nasty on the bar, but got safely and +quietly on board the <em class="italics">Seamew</em> one hour before +sunrise, and to witness the joy on our mess-mates' faces +when we cracked a bottle of rum and opened a box of +Havanas, more than repaid us for all we had come +through.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Next morning, to his intense disgust, the skipper +found us all smoking, and looking funny and jolly. +But he never knew where we found the 'baccy."</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ix-tongues-of-lurid-fire-blue-green-and-deepest-crimson"> +<span id="tongues-of-lurid-fire-blue-green-and-deepest-crimson"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER IX.--TONGUES OF LURID FIRE, BLUE, GREEN, AND DEEPEST CRIMSON.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Very little was talked of during the next few days +except the coming ascent of Mount Terror. In +the saloon mess non-success was not even dreamt of. +It was only forward about the galley fire that doubts +were mooted.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Our skipper is just about as plucky as they make +them nowadays," said old Jack Forbes, taking his +short pipe from his mouth, "but, bless ye, boys, look +what's before 'em."</p> +<p class="pnext">"True for you, Jack," said a mate of his, "they'll be +all frozen to death, and that'll be the way of it. Hope +they won't ask me to go and help to carry things."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Nor me," said another.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nearer and nearer to the western land drew the +bonnie barque, and in the beautiful sunshine she +anchored at last in a bay close under the shadow of +the mountain they were to attempt to scale.</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot made all preparations at once. +There was indeed but little time to lose now, for ere +long the frosts would set in, and if not clear of the +southern ice ere then, hard indeed might be their lot.</p> +<p class="pnext">When going upon a dangerous expedition it is the +duty of every brave man to do all in his power to +guard against failure. Talbot, therefore, left not a +stone unturned to ensure success; whether he secured +it or not, he seemed determined to merit it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Alpen-stocks were made for the purpose, and so, too, +were ice-axes, though these latter were necessarily +primitive.</p> +<p class="pnext">Very little ammunition and few arms were to be +taken. In the lone recesses of the hills and in that +wild mountain, they had nothing to fear from savage +man or beast. The land in here was as desolate and +barren of everything but snow and ice as that +worn-out world, the moon itself.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ropes were also to be taken, they might come in +handy in many ways. The skipper was an old Alpine-club +man, and well did he know his way about.</p> +<p class="pnext">Provisions for a whole week, and just a little rum in +case of illness or over-exertion, for in the bitter cold +of upper regions like those they were about to visit, +exhaustion may often come on soon and sudden.</p> +<p class="pnext">The captain himself made choice of three brave +sturdy fellows to accompany the expedition and carry +the necessaries as well as instruments of observation.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now, youngsters," said Talbot one evening, +"which two of the three of you are to be of the +party."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I think," he added, "you better toss for it. I +daresay you are all burning to come."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan and Conal smiled and nodded, but Frank +shook his head.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I expect," he said, "there will be precious little +burning high up yonder unless you happen to take a +header into the crater. I'm not going to get frozen, I +can assure you. I want to stick to all my toes, so toss +away if you like, sir. Perhaps an Irishman or two +might suit you best."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, Frank?" said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why? Because they're all fond of a drop of the +crater (crayture), don't you see?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"How could you make so vile a pun, old Frank?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike seemed to know that an expedition of some +kind was being got up. He put one great paw on +Duncan's knee and looked appealingly up into his face.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You might want my assistance," he seemed to say.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, doggie, no, not this journey," said Duncan, +smoothing his bonnie head.</p> +<p class="pnext">So Vike lay down before the fire, heaving a deep +sigh as he did so.</p> +<p class="pnext">Although all dogs sigh more or less--their intimate +association with mankind being the usual cause--still +sighing seems to be an especial characteristic of the +noble breed we term Newfoundland.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Everything was ready and packed, including, of +course, a long plank and a light but strong rope-ladder +many fathoms in length.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a very bright and beautiful morning when +the little expedition started; the crew manning the +rigging and giving three times three of those ringing +British cheers that are heard wherever our ensign--red, +blue, or navy-white--flutters out on the breeze.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was but little past sunrise. The oriel windows +of the glorious S.E. were still painted in colours rare +and radiant, but hardly a breath of air blew across +the untrodden fields of snow that now stretched out +and away to the westward--a good ten miles, until +bounded at last by the great rising hills.</p> +<p class="pnext">Silence now as deep as death.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were deserted even by the birds.</p> +<p class="pnext">But in a great snow-clad wilderness like this, with +unseen, unheard-of dangers, mayhap, ahead, what a +comfort it is to know that He who made the universe +is ever near to all those who call upon Him even in +thought, if in spirit and in truth.</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship was out of sight now, hidden by bluffy +ice-covered rocks; and Talbot was acting as guide to the +party, taking the direction which he believed would +lead him to the side of the mountain which appeared +to be most accessible.</p> +<p class="pnext">For more than a mile the "road" was rugged indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"There's many a slip twixt the cup and the lip," +says the old adage. But here was many a slip 'tween +the toes and the lip and many a stumble also. Soon, +however, they came to a wide and level plain of snow.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Cheerily does it now, lads," cried the skipper. +"Who is going to give us some music?"</p> +<p class="pnext">A stirring old song was soon rising high on the +morning air, and everyone joined in the chorus.</p> +<p class="pnext">But when the last notes had died away, Duncan +produced his great Highland bagpipes and began to +get them into position across his broad right shoulder.</p> +<p class="pnext">The skipper laughed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I declare," he said, "there is no end to the enthusiasm +and patriotic feelings of you Scots. But tune +up, lad."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan strutted on in front and soon started the +Gordon Highlanders' march.</p> +<p class="pnext">The bold and beautiful notes put life and spirit into +every heart.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then he played all kinds of airs, not forgetting +either the pibroch or quick-step. But not the +coronach. That wild wail is--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"A lilt o' dool (grief) and sorrow ",</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">and all must now be brave and cheerful</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Twelve miles as the crow flies they marched. And +now they were at the foot of the wondrous mountain, +and a halt was called for breakfast. Water was boiled +with methylated spirits, and savoury coffee with bread +and meat galore soon made all hands forget their +fatigue.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the men and the skipper himself lit their +pipes, and lay down to rest for half an hour on the top +if the sunlit snow. They would need all their strength +and courage now without a doubt.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, my brave fellows"--it was Talbot's voice +that broke the intensity of silence, and a cheery one +it was--"now, my lads, our motto must be that of the +youth who passed in such a hurry through the Alpine +village while shades of night were falling fast--<em class="italics">Excelsior</em>!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Onwards and upwards!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's it, Duncan. As to the bold youth with his +bold banner, I think he must have been somewhat +foolish to start after sunset. Well, that was his +lookout. Anyhow, we have a twenty hours' long day +before us, so I must now give the word--March!"</p> +<p class="pnext">And on they went.</p> +<p class="pnext">On and on, and up and up.</p> +<p class="pnext">No thoughts of singing now, however. The ascent +was steep, and scarce had anyone breath enough to +spend in talking.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the brave young mountaineer Duncan, alpenstock +in hand, was first, with Captain Talbot by his +side, and a little farther down struggled Conal +encouraging the men, and now and then helping to carry +their loads.</p> +<p class="pnext">These, however, were not very heavy. But the +lightest burden seems a great weight when one is +climbing a mountain.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was one o'clock before they had succeeded in +reaching an altitude of four thousand feet, and the +worst was all before them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Everyone was tired enough by this time. Tired +and hungry too.</p> +<p class="pnext">But while coffee was being warmed and provision +tins opened, those not actually engaged at the work +lay down to rest, Conal and Duncan, with the captain +and the other carrier, among the rest.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sun had, of course, crossed the meridian, but +though still brightly shining, his rays were far indeed +from warm or inspiring.</p> +<p class="pnext">Moreover, although there was no wind on the great +snow-plains below, here a breeze was blowing, and it +needed not only food but the hottest of coffee to +enable them to stand the cold.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had now a much longer rest than before, and +more than one man fell so soundly asleep that his pipe +dropped out of his mouth.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, lads," said the skipper at last, "let us put +another thousand feet in it. Never say die, boys. +Excelsior, you know!"</p> +<p class="pnext">He did not speak loud. No need to; for the slightest +whisper could have been heard in the silence around +them, even a hundred yards away.</p> +<p class="pnext">The silence, indeed, was solemn, awesome; a silence +that could be felt; a silence that seemed to creep round +the heart and senses, and which no one cared to break. +Not even the light breeze made murmur, or even whisper, +as it swept over the plateau on which they now sat.</p> +<p class="pnext">But from their elevated situation the scene spread +out before them was wondrous in the extreme. To +the north they could gaze away and away over the +far-off blue ocean, and to the east all was ice.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was towards the south, however, that Talbot's +telescope was turned, with so many longing, lingering +looks, before he resumed the upward journey.</p> +<p class="pnext">The Norsemen have a legend that around the North +Polar regions-at the Pole itself, indeed--there is a +great open sea; that green luxuriant islands dot its +blue surface, and that thereon dwell a people who +have never committed sin, but are still in a pristine +state of innocence, just as God made them--"but a +little lower than the angels".</p> +<p class="pnext">Was Talbot expecting to gaze upon just such +another open sea as this, I wonder? If so, he was +disappointed. So he shut up the great telescope with +a sigh. Higher up he would see further, however.</p> +<p class="pnext">So the march was resumed.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now for many miles, although the hill-gradient +was not so steep, walking was infinitely more arduous, +and every here and there they came upon a crevasse in +the ice, which had to be bridged over at its very +narrowest part by the plank. This was fearsome and +truly dangerous work, for that plank was but narrow, +and, moreover, it was impossible to keep it from being +slippery here and there.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot was ever the first to walk across that terrible +bridge; but he was secured to those on the other side +by the long rope; and so handy did this bridge turn +out that they gained an elevation that day of six +thousand feet above the level of the sea.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">At this point they reached a perpendicular ice-cliff +that rose sheer up from a narrow plateau to a height +of probably five hundred feet.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was found impossible to scale it, so they had to +wend their way around to the west side of this +mountain, so well named Mount Terror.</p> +<p class="pnext">The day was now far spent, and so Talbot determined +to order a halt, and after supper to rest till +another day should break.</p> +<p class="pnext">Except when cliffs intervened, they had hitherto +been quite in sight of the ship, and could even make +out her signals. But now a shoulder of the mount +itself intervened, and for a time they should see the +<em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> no more.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now a new surprise awaited them. For just +here, on this side of the hill, they found a stream, or +spring of water, trickling down the mountain side, +and forming in its way a clear and wonderfully-shaped +icy cascade.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was caused by the melting of the snow, certainly +not by the sun's heat, but by the eternal volcanic fires +that were pent up in the mountain itself.</p> +<p class="pnext">What could be more marvellous!</p> +<p class="pnext">Strangely beautiful, too, were these frozen cascades, +for therein could be seen every colour of the rainbow, +all of radiant light. Beauties certainly never designed +to please man's eye.</p> +<p class="pnext">Alas! what poor selfish mortals we human beings +are! Everything made for our use, indeed! The +very idea makes one who has travelled, and who has +seen Nature in all its shows and forms, smile. It is +a doctrine that only your poor stay-at-home mortals +can possibly put faith in.</p> +<p class="pnext">Another surprise--a cave.</p> +<p class="pnext">They venture fearfully into it, feeling their way +with their alpen-stocks.</p> +<p class="pnext">They have not gone far ere a low, half-stifled roar, +from far beneath apparently, falls upon their ears. It +is like the first angry growling of a lion ere he springs +upon his prey.</p> +<p class="pnext">They pause and listen. The sound is repeated, and +they will venture no farther for the present.</p> +<p class="pnext">But here, in this vast cavern, which, when lighted +up by torches which have been brought on purpose--for +Talbot had expected to meet with caves--its +beauty is of so extraordinary a character that it +cannot be described.</p> +<p class="pnext">A great galaxy of shining pillars that are found to +be some strange form of stalactite, emitting on every +side more than the light and colour and glory of a +billion of diamonds!</p> +<p class="pnext">By torch-light they ventured somewhat farther on, +until an awful crevasse interrupted their progress. So +dark, so deep and awesome it seemed, that all hands +drew back, almost in a sweat of cold terror. But it +was apparently from the bottom of this fearful gully +that the muttering noises proceeded now and then, +and holding each other as they gazed far down the +dark abyss, they could see tongues of lurid fire, blue, +green, and deepest crimson, playing about. Yet no +suffocating odour arose therefrom. Hence Captain +Talbot concluded that some other outlet and current +of air carried these away.</p> +<p class="pnext">Retreating some distance towards the entrance, +Duncan found a piece of rock, and hurled it towards +the crevasse. The result was wonderful. The hurtling +thunder was deafening, and the echoes came rumbling +from every portion of the cave, and continued for +many minutes. But whence, or why the sound of +explosions, as if cannonading were going on in every +direction? Not even Captain Talbot himself, scientist +though he was, could give a sufficient answer to a +question like this.</p> +<p class="pnext">But this cave must be their camping ground +to-night. So once more the big spirit-stove was lit, and +they prepared to enjoy their well-earned supper.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then they sat and smoked and yarned for quite a +long time.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor did Talbot forget to splice the main-brace, and +surely no men were ever more deserving of a dram, +as Duncan and Conal called it, than the three brave +fellows who had struggled so far up the mountainside +with their heavy loads.</p> +<p class="pnext">"This is not Saturday night, men," said the skipper, +raising his mug of coffee with a suspicion of whisky +therein, "but nevertheless I must propose once more +the dear old toast: 'Sweethearts and wives', and may +the Lord be near them."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Sweethearts and wives!" cried all the group. Then +caps were raised, and cups were speedily drained.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And the Lord be near us too, this night," said one +of the men. "Ah! little does our people at home know +where we are, sir."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, the Lord is everywhere near to those who +call on him," replied the skipper.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm sayin', sorr," said Ted Noolan, a light-hearted +Paddy whom no kind of danger could ever daunt; +"saints be praised the Lord is near, but troth it's +meself that's believin' the d--l--bad scran to him!--can't +be far away either, for lookin' down that awful +gulch, 'Ted,' says I to meself, 'if that ain't the +back-door to the bad place, it's nowhere else on earth.'"</p> +<p class="pnext">But his superstition did not prevent Paddy from +curling up on his rugs when the others did, and going +soundly off to sleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor did the far-off muttering thunders of the dread +abyss keep anybody from enjoying a real good night's +rest.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-x-so-poor-conal-must-perish"> +<span id="so-poor-conal-must-perish"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER X.--SO POOR CONAL MUST PERISH!</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Duncan was first to the fore in the morning. He +touched Captain Talbot lightly on the shoulder, +and he awoke at once.</p> +<p class="pnext">It took a whole series of shakings, however, to +arouse Conal. He had been dreaming of his far-off +Highland home, and when he did at last sit up and +rub his eyes, it took him fully a minute to know +where he was in particular.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, while the men prepared a simple breakfast of +coffee, sardines, butter, and soft tack, the skipper and +the boys left the cave and went in for as thorough +ablution as was in their power at the snow-water rill. +They felt infinitely refreshed thereafter; a large box +of sardines, placed for discussion before each, +disappeared almost magically, for bracing indeed was the +breeze that blew high up on this dreary mountain.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now, the sun being well up, climbing was resumed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Only about two thousand feet more remained to be +discussed, but this formed the toughest climb of all. +For not only was the breeze now high and the gradient +steep, but the cold was intense, while breathing was +far from easy.</p> +<p class="pnext">Indeed, although an ascent of ten to twelve +thousand feet may not be considered a tall record for +accomplished club-men in the Alpine regions of +Europe, it would be a terrible undertaking for even +those among the perpetual snows of the Antarctic.</p> +<p class="pnext">It needed not only all the strength, but even all the +courage that our heroes were possessed of, to finally +succeed. For in many parts a single slip might have +precipitated three of them at least into chasms or over +precipices that were too fearful even to think of.</p> +<p class="pnext">Indeed, several such slips did occur, but luckily the +ropes held, and the foremost men, planting their feet +firmly against the mountain-side, succeeded in +preventing an accident.</p> +<p class="pnext">The danger was quite as great, when steps had to +be hewn on the sides of ice-rocks, and the labour in +such cases five times as fatiguing, and happy they felt, +on every such occasion, when they found themselves +on a plateau.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Whatever a man dares he can do!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The grand old motto of, I believe, the clan Cameron; +but many a man of a different clan has felt the force +and the truth of these brave words. Both Duncan +and his brother seemed to do so, when they stood at +long last with their comrades on the very summit of +Mount Terror, and on the brink of its terrible, though +partially extinct, crater.</p> +<p class="pnext">Who would venture to peep over into the awful +gulf, which, by the way, Ted Noolan believed to be +really an opening into the nether regions--the regions +of despair?</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan was the first to volunteer. The others +followed suit with one exception.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a gulf! It must have been acres in extent, +and fully one thousand feet in depth. The precipices +that formed its sides were at times even black and +sheer; in some places overhanging, and in others +sloping so that one might have tobogganed down into the +regions of perpetual fire. Not everywhere down +yonder, however, were flames visible. It was more a +collection of boiling, bubbling cauldrons, emitting jets +of sulphurous smoke, the surface of the molten lava +being continually crossed by flickering tongues of +flame, transcendently beautiful.</p> +<p class="pnext">Right in the centre was an irregular gaping mouth, +and from this smoke now and then arose, accompanied +by hurtling horrible thunders that made our strong-hearted +heroes quiver. Not with fear, I shall not go +so far as that, but no one could tell at what moment +an eruption might take place.</p> +<p class="pnext">To Duncan's waist the rope had been made fast, else +he never would have ventured to lean over that awful +crater.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was the captain's turn next. Then came Conal's +and the men's.</p> +<p class="pnext">All but Ted.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Is it me myself?" he said, drawing back, when +asked to do as the others had done. "Fegs! no. It +is faint I would entoirely, and faint and fall over. +Bedad! I've no raison to go to such a place as that +before my time."</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot now proceeded to take his observations. +His aneroid told him, to begin with, that the +mountain was more nearly twelve than eleven +thousand feet above the sea-level. Piercingly cold though +it was, he took time to make a note of everything. +But I should not have used the word "cold". This is +far from descriptive of the lowness of temperature +experienced, for the spirit thermometer stood at 40° +below zero.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was now four o'clock in the afternoon, and all +hands were almost exhausted from fatigue. But +Talbot was not so foolish as to give them stimulants. +This would only have resulted in a sleepy or partially +comatose state of the brain, and an accident would +assuredly have followed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, men, we have seen all there is to see, and +I've taken my observations, so it is time we were +getting down again to our sheltering cave, in which +we shall pass one night more. But we can say that +we have been the first to ascend this mighty mountain, +and human feet have never before traversed the +ground on which you now are standing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"See here," he continued, suiting the action to the +word, "I place this little flag--the British ensign--and +though storms may rend it, this mountain, and all +the land and country around, shall evermore belong to us."</p> +<p class="pnext">He handed the still-extended telescope to Duncan +as he spoke and pointed to the south.</p> +<p class="pnext">No open sea there! But the roughest, wildest kind +of snow-clad country anyone could well imagine. Yet, +far far away, the jagged peaks of many a mountain +rose high on the horizon.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now "God save the Queen", was sung, and the +very crater itself seemed to echo back the wild cheers +that rose high on the evening air.</p> +<p class="pnext">Solemn and serious all must be now however, for +although the descent would not occupy so much time, +it was quite as fraught with peril as the coming up +had been, and even more so.</p> +<p class="pnext">The rope was constantly kept taut, however, on +every extra dangerous position, with the happy result +that they reached the cave in good time, all tired, but +all safe.</p> +<p class="pnext">The cold was not nearly so intense here, however, +and in the strange and beautiful--nay, but fairy-like +cave--it was almost <em class="italics">nil</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">Never did brave and weary travellers enjoy a +supper more. So sure were they of reaching their +ship next day, that they gave themselves some extra +indulgences, and tins of mock-turtle soup were warmed +and eaten with the greatest of relish.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">They sat long together to-night talking of home +in the "olde countrie", and many a droll yarn was +told and many a story of adventure by sea and land.</p> +<p class="pnext">Bed at last, if one may call it a bed, with only the +hard rock to lie upon, and a rug wherein to wrap +one's-self, curled up like a ferret to retain all the warmth +of the body. For sleeping-bags had been left behind +after all.</p> +<p class="pnext">What though subterranean thunders roared far +beneath them many times and oft during the night, +they heard them not, so doubly soundly did they sleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">There is always one thing to be said concerning +adventures of a very dangerous character, namely, that +though kept up by excitement, we may not be sorry +to enter into them, and go through with them, too, like +Britons bold and true, still we are rather glad than +otherwise when they are over.</p> +<p class="pnext">Our heroes awoke next morning, therefore, betimes, +and squatted down to breakfast, hungry and happy +enough. Would they not soon be back once more on +their brave barque, to tell their comrades of all their +strange experiences?</p> +<p class="pnext">It is doubtless a good thing for us that we are not +prescient, else thinking of troubles to come would +cast a gloom over everyone's life that nothing could +banish.</p> +<p class="pnext">Little did these officers and men of the <em class="italics">Flora +M'Vayne</em>, as they resumed their downward journey, +know of the trouble before them.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had reached the very last crevasse, and were +in full view of the ship, although at least five thousand +feet above it, when an accident occurred of a very +startling nature indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">The plank was just thrown across and Conal had +stepped on to it, roped, of course, to his fellows, when, +to their horror, it slipped, and was precipitated into +the chasm.</p> +<p class="pnext">And with it fell Conal!</p> +<p class="pnext">The skipper and Duncan had held the rope taut, +but it snapped as if it had been made of straw.</p> +<p class="pnext">Luckily, although the wretched boy fell sheer down +only a distance of about fifty feet, the rest he slid on +loose pieces of ice and snow.</p> +<p class="pnext">On referring to the log-book of Captain Talbot, +which lies on my table before me, the abyss or +ice-crevasse is stated to have been about two hundred +feet in depth. And there was no outlet.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor any apparent means of saving the poor fellow, +for although his companions would gladly have +hurried to the ship for assistance they could not +cross that ice-ravine, nor could they retreat for want +of a plank.</p> +<p class="pnext">So, poor Conal must perish!</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">It was about two bells in the first watch, and +Frank with faithful Vike was walking to and fro on +the quarter-deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">He had a telescope under his arm, and every now +and then he directed it to the far-off mountain, adown +which he had observed his shipmates streaming since +ever they had arrived on the easternmost side of +Mount Terror.</p> +<p class="pnext">How well named!</p> +<p class="pnext">So good was the glass that he could count them as +he came, and even make out their forms. Duncan's +was stalwart and easily seen, Conal's lither far than +Captain Talbot's, and the men were bearing their +packages.</p> +<p class="pnext">He watched them as they approached the last dread +crevasse.</p> +<p class="pnext">With some anxiety, he could not tell why, he saw +the plank raised and lowered across the abyss, and +noticed that it was Conal's light form that first began +to cross.</p> +<p class="pnext">Suddenly he uttered a bitter cry of anguish and +despair.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mate, mate!" he shouted. "Oh, come, come! There +has been a fearful accident, and Conal is killed."</p> +<p class="pnext">As if hoping against hope, both he and the mate +counted the number on the small ice plateau over and +over again.</p> +<p class="pnext">There had been six in all.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now there were but five!</p> +<p class="pnext">And these seemed now to be signalling for assistance.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was but one thing to be done, however +hopeless it might seem, and that was to get up and +despatch a party to the rescue as soon as day should +once more break.</p> +<p class="pnext">Had they been ready they should have started at +once. But Frank had a good head on his shoulders +for one so young, and in a matter of life and death +like this he was right in considering well what had +best be done.</p> +<p class="pnext">Of course he consulted with the mate, and he +immediately suggested a rope of many, many fathoms +in length.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Doubtless," he said, "poor Conal is dead, or if +stunned he will speedily freeze to death, but we +would be all unwilling to sail away and leave the +poor bruised body in the terrible crevasse."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Have we rope enough on board to be of real +service?" asked Frank in a voice broken with emotion.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bless you, yes, my boy, fifty fathoms of manilla, +light, but strong enough to bear an ox's weight."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Thank God!" cried Frank fervidly.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was little thought of rest now till long past +sunset.</p> +<p class="pnext">A plank of extra breadth was got ready, and the +rope was coiled so that several hands could assist in +bearing it along.</p> +<p class="pnext">Provisions were also packed, and so all was ready +for the forlorn hope.</p> +<p class="pnext">The relief party now lay down to snatch a few +hours of rest, but, soon after the crimson and orange +glory of the sky heralded the approach of the sun, +they were aroused from their slumbers.</p> +<p class="pnext">Breakfast was speedily discussed, and now they were +ready.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was no hesitation about Frank Trelawney, +the Cockney boy, now. He was British all over, and +brave because he was British. His dearest friend, +Conal, lay stark and stiff in that fearful ice-gap; he +would be one of the first to help the poor bruised +body to bank, ay, and bedew it with tears which it +would be impossible to restrain.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">It had been an anxious and sad night for those on +the hill. They could until sunset see the wretched +Conal in that darksome crevasse, and they did all they +could do, for they made up a bundle of rugs with +plenty of provisions enclosed and hurled it down.</p> +<p class="pnext">Strangely enough, he could talk to those on the +hillside, and they to him, without elevating their voices.</p> +<p class="pnext">They bade him be of good cheer, for signals from +the <em class="italics">Flora</em> told them that preparations for rescue were +already being made.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank's march across the great snow plains was a +forced one, but an hour's rest and a good meal was +indispensable before the ascent could be attempted.</p> +<p class="pnext">Perhaps no mountain was ever climbed more speedily +by men in any country. They had the trail of the +captain and his party to guide them, but nevertheless +the work was arduous in the extreme.</p> +<p class="pnext">Should they be in time?</p> +<p class="pnext">Or was Conal dead?</p> +<p class="pnext">These were the questions that they asked each +other over and over again.</p> +<p class="pnext">They hoped against hope, however, as brave men ever do.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xi-thus-hand-in-hand-the-brothers-sleep"> +<span id="thus-hand-in-hand-the-brothers-sleep"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER XI.--THUS HAND IN HAND THE BROTHERS SLEEP.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">They arrived at the plateau in the afternoon, and +cautiously, yet quickly was the plank placed over.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank did not wait to attach the rope to his waist, +so eager was he. The yawning green gulf beneath +him might have tried the nerve of Blondin. He +paused not to think, however, but went over almost +with the speed of a bird upon the wing, and more +slowly the others followed.</p> +<p class="pnext">They brought with them the end of the coils of rope, +and these were speedily hauled across.</p> +<p class="pnext">For a few moments Frank and Duncan stood silently +clasping each other's hands; and the Cockney lad +could tell by the look of anguish in his Highland +cousin's face that the worst had occurred.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Too late! too late!" Duncan managed to say at last, +and he turned quickly away to hide the blinding tears.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Poor Conal," explained the captain, "is lying down +yonder--that black object is he enveloped in rugs, but +he has made no sign for hours, and doubtless is frozen +hard enough ere now."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come," cried Frank, "be of good cheer, my dear +Duncan, till we are certain. Perhaps he does but sleep."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, he sleeps," said Duncan mournfully, "and death +is the only door which leads from the sleep that cold +and frost bring in their train."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come, men," cried Frank, now taking command, for +he was full of life and energy, "uncoil the rope most +carefully. I am light, Captain Talbot, so I myself will +make the descent. I shall at once send poor Conal to +bank, or as soon as I can get him bent on. Haul up +when I shout."</p> +<p class="pnext">When all the rope was got loose and made into one +great coil, the end was thrown over into the crevice to +make sure it would reach.</p> +<p class="pnext">It did reach, with many fathoms to spare; so it was +quickly hauled up and recoiled again.</p> +<p class="pnext">A bight was now made at one end, and into this +brave Frank quickly, and with sailor-like precision, +hitched himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Lower away now, men. Gently does it. Draw +most carefully up as soon as I shout. When poor +Conal is drawn to bank, lower again for me."</p> +<p class="pnext">Next minute Frank had disappeared over the brink +of the abyss, and was quickly and safely landed +beneath.</p> +<p class="pnext">He approached the bundle of rugs with a heart that +never before felt so brimful of anguish and doubt.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now he carefully draws aside the coverings. +A pale face, white and hard, half-open eyes, and a +pained look about the lowered brows and drawn lips.</p> +<p class="pnext">Is there hope?</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank will not permit himself even to ask the question.</p> +<p class="pnext">But speedily he forms a strong hammock with one +of the rugs. Not a sailor's knot ever made that this +boy is not well acquainted with. And now, after +making sure that all is secure, he signals, and five +minutes after this the body is got to bank without a +single hitch.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then while two men, with Captain Talbot and +Duncan, commence operations on the stiff and +apparently frozen body, the others lower away again, and +presently after Frank's young and earnest face is seen +above the snow-rift.</p> +<p class="pnext">He is helped up, and proceeds at once to lend assistance.</p> +<p class="pnext">Conal had been a favourite with all the men, and +now they work in relays, the one relay relieving the +other every five minutes, chafing and rubbing hands, +arms, legs, and chest with spirits.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan can do nothing.</p> +<p class="pnext">He seems stupefied with grief.</p> +<p class="pnext">After nearly half an hour of hard rubbing and +kneading, to the skipper's intense joy the flesh of the +arms begins to get softer. Presently a blue knot +appears on one, and he knows there is a slight flicker +of life reviving in the apparently lifeless body.</p> +<p class="pnext">The lamp may flicker with a dying glare, and +Talbot knows this well, so he refrains from communicating +his hopes to disconsolate Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">But he endeavours now to restore respiration, by +slowly and repeatedly pressing the arms against the +chest, and alternately raising them above the head.</p> +<p class="pnext">The rubbing goes on.</p> +<p class="pnext">Soon the eyelids quiver!</p> +<p class="pnext">There seems to be a struggle, for the poor boy's face +turns red--nay, almost blue. Then there is a deep +convulsive sigh.</p> +<p class="pnext">Just such a sigh as this might be his last on earth, +or it might be the first sign of returning life.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot puts his hand on Conal's cold wrist. The +pulse flickers so he scarce can feel it; but it is there.</p> +<p class="pnext">Operations are redoubled. Sigh after sigh is emitted, +and soon--</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heaven be praised!" cries Captain Talbot, for of +his own accord Conal opens his eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">He even murmurs something, and shuts them once +more, as if in utter weariness he fain would go to sleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">But that sleep might end in death. No, he must be +revived.</p> +<p class="pnext">The circulation increases.</p> +<p class="pnext">The life so dear to all is saved, for now Conal can +swallow a little brandy.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan's head has fallen on his knee and open +palms as he crouches shivering on the snow, and the +tears that have welled through his fingers lie in frozen +drops on his clothing.</p> +<p class="pnext">Gently, so gently, steals Talbot up behind him. +Gently, so gently, he lays one hand on his shoulder.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Duncan, can you bear the news?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, yes, for the bitterness of death is past."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But it is not death, dear lad, but--life."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Life! I cannot believe it! Have you saved him?</p> +<p class="pnext">"Then," he added, "my Father, who art in heaven, +receive Thou the praise!</p> +<p class="pnext">"And you, friend Talbot," he continued, pressing +his captain's hand, "the thanks."</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Conal was got safely back over the crevasse, and in +his extempore hammock borne tenderly down the +mountain-side until the plain below was reached.</p> +<p class="pnext">But by this time he is able to raise his eyes and +speak to his now joyful brother.</p> +<p class="pnext">He even tries to smile.</p> +<p class="pnext">"A narrow squeak, wasn't it?" he says.</p> +<p class="pnext">His brother scarce can answer, so nervous does he +feel after the terrible shock to the system.</p> +<p class="pnext">The men, however, are thoroughly exhausted, and +so under the shelter of a rock a camp is formed once +more, and supper cooked.</p> +<p class="pnext">Coffee and condensed milk seem greatly to restore +the invalid, and once more he feels drowsy.</p> +<p class="pnext">Soon the sun sets, and it being considered not +unsafe now to permit Conal to sleep, the best couch +possible is made for him, and a tin flask of hot water +being laid near to his heart, his skin becomes warm, +and he is soon afterwards sleeping and breathing as +gently and freely as a child of tender years.</p> +<p class="pnext">There is a little darkness to-night; but a moon is +shining some short distance up in the sky and casting +long dark shadows from the boulders across that +dazzling field of snow.</p> +<p class="pnext">Diamond stars are in the sky.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes, and there seems to be a diamond in every snowflake.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan will not sleep, however, till he has seen his +brother's face once more and heard him breathe. +"For what," he asks himself, "if his recovery be but +a dream from which I shall presently awake?"</p> +<p class="pnext">His own rugs are laid close to his brother's, and he +gently removes a corner of the latter, and lets the +moon-rays fall on Conal's face.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boy opens his eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Is it you, Duncan?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is me, my brother."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Then hold my hand and I shall sleep."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan did as he was told.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Duncan!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, Conal."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I feel as if I were a child again once more, but +oh! how foolishly, how stupidly nervous."</p> +<p class="pnext">"We are both so. Yet, blessed be Heaven, you +will recover, Conal, and I shall also."</p> +<p class="pnext">"When I was really a child, Duncan, my mother, our +mother, used to croon over my cradle verses from that +sweet old hymn of Isaac Watts. Do you remember it?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay, Conal, lad, and the music too."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is so sweet and plaintive. Sing it, Duncan. +That is, just a verse or two; for sleep, it seems to me, is +already beginning to steal down on the moonbeams to +seal my aching eyes."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan had a beautiful voice; but he could modulate +it, so that no one could hear it many yards away. +This does he now.</p> +<p class="pnext">Singing to Conal as mother used to sing it. Singing +to Conal and to Conal only.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Hush, my dear, lie still and slumber!</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Holy angels guard thy bed!</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Heavenly blessings without number</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Gently falling on thy head."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Sleep does steal down on the moonbeams ere long, +and seals the eyes of both.</p> +<p class="pnext">Thus hand in hand the brothers sleep.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xii-winter-life-in-an-antarctic-pack"> +<span id="winter-life-in-an-antarctic-pack"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER XII.--WINTER LIFE IN AN ANTARCTIC PACK.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Changes in temperature take place soon and +sudden in those far-off Antarctic regions, and on the +very night succeeding the return of our heroes from +the dangers of that daring but terrible ascent of +Mount Terror, it came on to blow high and hard from +the south.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a snow-laden wind too, with the lowest +temperature that had yet been logged.</p> +<p class="pnext">So dense was the snow-mist that it was impossible +to see the jibboom when standing close by the +bowsprit. The drift blew suffocatingly along the upper +deck of the <em class="italics">Flora</em>, and it was covered with an +ice-glaze that, owing to the motion of the vessel, made +walking a business of the greatest difficulty.</p> +<p class="pnext">The vessel was driven northwards till she found +herself close to an immense ice-floe, and to this they +determined to make fast.</p> +<p class="pnext">Anchors were at once got out, therefore, and landed +and secured.</p> +<p class="pnext">The motion was somewhat less after that.</p> +<p class="pnext">What was most to be dreaded was a squeeze, for if +any of those huge crystalline bergs were to rush them +alongside, poor indeed would be their hopes of being +saved. Indeed the vessel, strong as she was, would +be crushed, as one may crush an egg-shell.</p> +<p class="pnext">All hands were now called to endeavour, if possible, +to make her more secure.</p> +<p class="pnext">By and by the wind lulled somewhat, and the +atmosphere cleared.</p> +<p class="pnext">It would only be temporary, however, and well +Captain Talbot knew it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But they had now a chance of noting their position, +and a dangerous one it was. The open water was +getting narrower and narrower, so it was determined +to seek for the safest ice. This was some pancake +that lay to the north of them, so, just sufficient sail +was got up to enable the ship to reach it.</p> +<p class="pnext">This she did with safety so far, but the storm came +on again with all its force, and with such fury, that it +was found impossible to dock her.</p> +<p class="pnext">To work in so choking and suffocating a cloud of +ice-dust would have taken the heart out of anyone, +save a true-blue British sailor. Moreover, as mittened +cats cannot easily catch mice, so was it difficult for +the men to work with heavy gloves on, and the order +was, not on any account to take them off.</p> +<p class="pnext">One poor fellow who, in a moment of thoughtlessness, +pulled off his mittens, had both hands so +badly-frost-bitten that he was incapable of duty for many +many months.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were now, however, in a comparatively safe +position, for bay or pancake ice is a protection for a +ship, if she has the misfortune to be frozen up in a +pack like this.</p> +<p class="pnext">In fate, or rather in Providence, they must put +their trust; but whenever the weather cleared for a +spell many an anxious eye was turned towards two +mountainous blocks of green ice that lay only about +a hundred yards to the south of the ship's position. +They must have been about ninety feet out of the +water and eight times as much beneath. Should the +wind act with sufficient force on their green glittering +sides it would go hard with the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">This storm lasted not a day only, but over a week, +and during all this time the limit of their vision was +bounded but by a few yards.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well for all was it that the <em class="italics">Flora</em> was strong, for +on three separate occasions the good ship was nipped. +This was undoubtedly owing to the pressure of the +big bergs on the pancake ice.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the pancake alongside was piled up by this +pressure against the <em class="italics">Flora's</em> sides, like a pack of +cards. The noise at such times was indescribable. It +was a medley of roaring, shrieking, and caterwauling, +with now and then a loud report, and now and then a +dull and startling thud.</p> +<p class="pnext">Moreover, the ice had got under the vessel's bows, +and had heaved her up so high forward, that walking +as far as the fo'c's'le was like climbing a slippery hill.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking, I verily believe, went now and then as far +as the bowsprit, just that he might have the pleasure +of sliding down again. But the great penguin and +the monkey, who seemed to have sworn eternal +friendship, preferred remaining below. Moreover, they +seemed to think that a seat in front of the saloon fire +was far more comfortable than the galley; and there +they were, a most comical couple indeed, for as old +Pen stood there on his tail, warming first one foot and +then another at the stove, the kind-hearted ape sat +close beside him with one arm placed lovingly around +the great bird's shoulder.</p> +<p class="pnext">One morning Conal and Frank went on deck as usual.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sunrise clouds were still radiantly beautiful in +orange, mauve, and crimson, but the wind was gone, +and the storm fled to the back of the north pole or +elsewhere.</p> +<p class="pnext">They could see around them, therefore.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, Frank," cried Conal, scratching his head in +astonishment, "where on earth have they shifted +Mount Terror to?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Sure enough, the great volcanic mountain on which +the young fellow had so nearly lost his life was a very +long way astern indeed, and seemed endeavouring to +hide its diminished head in a cloud of gray-blue mist.</p> +<p class="pnext">"The explanation is simple enough, I think," +replied Frank. "They--whoever 'they' may mean--haven't +shifted the mountain, but we've been driven +far to the nor'ard with the force of the gale."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh!" said Conal, laughing, "I know better than +that. We've never moved, Frank. There is the same +ice about us still, and our big neighbours, the icebergs, +are yonder also."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," answered Frank, "we've been like the +Irishman on the steamboat, we've been standing +stock-still, yet all the while we've been moving."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's it," said Captain Talbot, who happened to +come up at this moment. "That's it, Conal; Frank's +right, and all this vast plain of snow-clad ice has been +in motion northwards, and it has taken us with it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Wonders will never cease!" said Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not in this world, nor the next either. But breakfast +will soon be ready--earlier this morning, because +we're going to work."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, by the way, sir, are you going on a balloon +voyage now?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Alas!" said Talbot, almost sadly, "that, I fear, will +have to be abandoned for the present cruise. My +intentions were excellent, but</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"'The best laid schemes o' mice an' men</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Gang aft a-gley,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">An' lea'e us nought but grief and pain,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">For promised joy'.</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">Another day and another voyage will be needed for +the balloon adventures.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," he added, more cheerily, "our cruise has not +been in vain, you know. I have taken many meteorological +observations. We have scaled the heights of +mighty Mount Terror, and we have proved that Right +whales do abound in these seas; so that we have really +re-opened a long-lost industry."</p> +<p class="pnext">"We sailed in search of fortune," said Frank; "we +have got some, haven't we, sir?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"If we manage to get clear of this somewhat +dangerous pack and to reach Kerguelen Island, I think +we'll lay in enough sea-elephant skins and blubber to +make up a rich and splendid cargo.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," he added, looking towards the monster +icebergs, "I do wish these fellows were farther off."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I suppose we couldn't blow them up, could we?" +said innocent Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot laughed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"My dear boy," he answered, "if we could blow +these blocks up, we might try our skill on the rock of +Gibraltar next."</p> +<p class="pnext">Although the autumn was already far advanced and +dreary winter on ahead, still Talbot did not despair of +getting clear before it came on.</p> +<p class="pnext">This forenoon all hands were set at work to clear +the ice from under the bows.</p> +<p class="pnext">Hard work indeed, but it was finished eventually +with the aid of good gunpowder. Small cases of this +were placed under the packs of pancake by means of +a long pole, and fired with waterproof fuses. The +smashed-up pieces were thrust in under the main pack, +and so in time the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> found herself on an +even keel.</p> +<p class="pnext">The officers and crew could breathe more freely now, +and sat down to dinner with that hearty appetite +which hard work, if interesting, never fails to call up.</p> +<p class="pnext">A whole month passed away.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was no change, and seldom even a breath of +wind, but the nights were now very long indeed, and +soon, very soon, it would be all night.</p> +<p class="pnext">Another month went slowly by.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was now far on in May, and June in these +latitudes means the dead depth of winter.</p> +<p class="pnext">"There isn't the ghost of a chance, Morgan," said +Talbot one morning while breakfasting by lamp-light; +"there isn't the slightest chance of our getting clear +away from here, till spring winds break up the ice and +carry us north and away."</p> +<p class="pnext">Morgan did not answer directly.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was thinking.</p> +<p class="pnext">"How about provisions, sir?" he asked at last.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, we ought to have enough of every sort to +last for a year, and by that time, please Heaven, we +shall be safe in Cape Town harbour.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," he added, "I was going to talk to you on +this very subject."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, sir."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, mate, I think it would be as well to take an +inventory. Have a thorough overhaul, you know, and +see what condition everything is in."</p> +<p class="pnext">The motion was carried.</p> +<p class="pnext">But it took them three days--if we can call them +days--to complete the survey and restore everything, +in a ship-shape condition, to its place again.</p> +<p class="pnext">The stores were all not only abundant but excellent, +with the exception of some casks of greens that they +put much store on. They would now have to depend +upon a daily supply of lime-juice to prevent hands +getting down with the scourge of these seas, namely, +scurvy.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the very night the survey was ended came +another half-gale of wind from the south. There were +the same terrible noises all around them, and as far as +they could make out, the sea of ice was a perfect chaos.</p> +<p class="pnext">No one could shout loud enough for his nearest +companion to hear him, and the crew lived in constant +terror of the ship being crushed.</p> +<p class="pnext">When at long last the storm ceased, they discovered +by the starlight, and very much to their delight, that +the terrible neighbours, those monster bergs, had +shifted their site during the gale.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had, in fact, driven past the vessel's +bows--what a mercy they came not near!--and were now +fully seventy yards down to leeward.</p> +<p class="pnext">The wind had fallen quite, and all had become still +again.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We have reason to be thankful to God for our +marvellous escape," said Talbot.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But may not the bergs drift back, or be blown +down upon us?" said Frank, who was of a very +inquiring turn of mind.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Wherever they drift, Frank, we too shall drift, +but the send of the current or sea beneath us is, I +believe, northward now; and if the wind blows in +winter as it must in spring, it will bear us towards +the north-west. So one danger is removed or minimized."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" cried Frank, who was nothing if not +impulsive, "hurrah!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"No chance, I suppose, sir," he said, "of getting any +letters from home?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not for a day or two, Frank," said Talbot, smiling.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, but it is a good thing we have books to read, +isn't it, Conal?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"And pens and ink?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, pens and ink, and my fiddle."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And my bagpipes," said Duncan emphatically.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, Duncan, we hadn't forgotten that or these."</p> +<p class="pnext">"When I get them over my shoulder," said Duncan, +"and put my drones in order, I don't think there will +be much chance of your forgetting them."</p> +<p class="pnext">Now wild winter had come in earnest,</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"To rule the varied year".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">It did not seem, however, that there was going to be +a great deal of variety about it.</p> +<p class="pnext">The wind was gone entirely for the time being, and +the strange stars and Southern Cross shone down on +the snowy and radiant plain, with a brilliancy that is +quite unknown in more northern climes.</p> +<p class="pnext">Great care was taken to keep the correct time, and +to take observations three times a day.</p> +<p class="pnext">A big ice-hole was made a few yards to the port +side of the ship, and although the frost was now very +severe indeed, they made a point of keeping this clear. +This hole was about six feet in width, and, later on, +it sufficed not only to draw water from for various +purposes, but to afford some sport, as we shall +presently see.</p> +<p class="pnext">It had another and more scientific use. For the +temperature of the water could here be taken, not +only on the surface but many measured fathoms +below it, and it told also the trend of the currents and +their strength as well.</p> +<p class="pnext">The self-same hours for breakfast, dinner, and +supper were adhered to, but the men now had an +additional allowance of tea served out to them, which, +on the whole, they preferred to grog.</p> +<p class="pnext">Grog, they knew from experience, did not keep up +the animal heat, though it seemed to for a brief spell. +Then shivering succeeded.</p> +<p class="pnext">As the spectioneer told Duncan, in a climate like +this one doesn't quite appreciate buckets of cold water +running down his back.</p> +<p class="pnext">Tea time was a happy hour in the saloon. The +duties of the day were practically over, and light +though these may have been, each had its correct +time, and nothing was neglected.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now the talk was chiefly about home; all +thoughts of making fortunes were banished as not in +keeping with the calmness of the hour.</p> +<p class="pnext">Cowper's cosy lines come to my memory as I write, +and they are in some measure applicable to the +tea-time hour and situation--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Now stir the fire, and close the shutters fast;</div> +<div class="line">Let fall the curtains, wheel the sofa round,</div> +<div class="line">And while the bubbling and loudly hissing urn</div> +<div class="line">Throws up a steamy column, and the cups</div> +<div class="line">That cheer but not inebriate, wait on each,</div> +<div class="line">Let us welcome peaceful evening in".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Johnnie Shingles it was who assisted the steward +in serving out the tea, and Johnnie looked out for his +own share in the pantry when all the rest were done.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xiii-a-chaos-of-rolling-and-dashing-ice"> +<span id="a-chaos-of-rolling-and-dashing-ice"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER XIII.--A CHAOS OF ROLLING AND DASHING ICE.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Being myself, reader, an "ice man" of some +considerable experience, the manner in which the +officers and crew of the beleaguered craft <em class="italics">Flora +M'Vayne</em> whiled away the time during their long +winter imprisonment may be said to be painted from +the life.</p> +<p class="pnext">At first it was supposed that the want of light +would be a drawback to enjoyment, but the steward +was one of those men who can turn their hands to +anything, and he proposed making purser's dips from +the spare fat.</p> +<p class="pnext">He had to manufacture the wicks from cotton +refuse, but, this accomplished, the rest was simple +enough.</p> +<p class="pnext">Petroleum was burned only in the saloon, and it was +stored in a hold right beneath this for greater safety.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had to be saving in the use thereof, however, +and as they could talk as well, if not better, by the +flickering light of the fire, the lamp was always +turned out when no one cared to read. But around +the galley fire those purser's dips were a great comfort +to the men when not yarning. For then one man was +told off to read while the others sat around to smoke +and listen.</p> +<p class="pnext">And thus passed many a quiet and peaceful evening away.</p> +<p class="pnext">The men, I am happy to say, did not seem to +hanker after grog, and it was finally agreed by all +hands that it would be better to keep it for what they +were pleased to call the spring fishery, or as a +stand-by in case of illness.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had plenty of tea and coffee, however, and a +daily allowance of lime-juice.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then Saturday nights were kept up in quite the +old-fashioned and pleasant way, and the main-brace +was invariably spliced.</p> +<p class="pnext">Song succeeded song on these happy occasions, and +many a toast was drunk to the health of the dear +ones far away on Britain's shore.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor was dancing neglected, the consequence being +that fiddle, guitar, and clarionet were in great request. +As usual, little Johnnie Shingles and that droll +penguin, dressed as a merry old lady, or sometimes as a +modest wee maiden of sweet sixteen, convulsed the +onlookers with their droll antics as they sailed around +in the mazy dance.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the monkey one evening did not see why he +should not also have a waltz with Madam Pen.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yah--yah--yah!" he cried, as he approached her +most coaxingly.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was much as to say: "It is our dance, I believe, miss."</p> +<p class="pnext">He attempted to take hold of Pen's flippers in the +meanwhile, and was rewarded with a dig between the +eyes that sent him reeling back, and so Jim made no +more offers to trip it on the light fantastic toe with +Madam Pen, on this evening or any other. In fact, +he used to content himself with lying in front of the +fire with one of Vike's huge paws round his neck.</p> +<p class="pnext">When Pen pecked the monkey he made an ugly +scar, but poor kind-hearted Vike licked it every day +several times with his soft warm tongue, and so it +soon healed up.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Frank was by no means a very ambitious boy; he +had not very much of the Scottish dash and go about +him, and would at any time have preferred not doing +to-day what could be just as easily done to-morrow, +but he was clever for all that.</p> +<p class="pnext">He it was who first attempted fishing in the +ice-hole. But the ship had been imprisoned for +well-nigh six weeks before he thought of it. The fact is, +that by this time many of the men began to ail, and +a peculiar kind of lassitude, dulness, and lowness of +spirits were the first symptoms they complained of. +Spots then appeared on the skin, every muscle ached +when they moved. They suffered greatly from cold, +and even their countenances grew worn and dusky.</p> +<p class="pnext">The awful truth soon flashed upon Talbot's mind: +these men were attacked by scurvy.</p> +<p class="pnext">No less than three grew rapidly worse, and died +one after the other--in spite of all that could be done +for them. It was sad to listen to their last ravings +and hear them speaking as if to friends at home; to a +wife, a sister, or mayhap a sweetheart. Ah! but this +was only when they were very near to the end.</p> +<p class="pnext">A hammock had soon to be requisitioned after this, +and the poor fellows were laid to rest many yards +distant from the ship in a cold, icy grave.</p> +<p class="pnext">Prayers were said over each, and there they will +sleep probably for ever and for aye. For those buried +thus never know decay till the ice around them may +melt millions of years hence.</p> +<p class="pnext">No medicine on board had any effect, and five in all +were buried before the plague was stayed. It had +been brought on, without doubt, from the want of +fresh provisions, so Frank's idea of fishing adown the +ice-hole was really a happy thought. For a whole +day, however, like the apostle of old, he fished, but +caught nothing. But on the day after he hooked a +ray, and then a bonito.</p> +<p class="pnext">From that very time fishing became a sport in +which all the boys took part--and the plague soon +left the ship.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sorrowful indeed was Talbot at the loss of his men, +still, grief is but transient on board ship. In a case +like the present it would not do for it to be otherwise, +for nothing is more depressing.</p> +<p class="pnext">Moreover, the captain came now to the conclusion +that the men had not enough exercise, so he proceeded +at once to put into execution a plan that would meet +the requirements of the case.</p> +<p class="pnext">He instituted games on the ice.</p> +<p class="pnext">Games in the dark! Is that your remark, reader?</p> +<p class="pnext">But it was very far indeed from being dark. There +was at the present time a moon, though it was at no +great height above the horizon. Well, moonlight does +not last long anyhow, but the bright beams from the +star-studded heavens were far better than the moon +at its best, and almost dimmed its splendour.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sky was wondrously clear, and the stars seemed +very large. So close aboard, too, did they appear to +be that you might have thought it possible to touch +them with a fishing-rod.</p> +<p class="pnext">There are probably no games so invigorating as +those called Scottish, or more properly Highland. +They tend to the expansion of the chest and to the +bracing and strengthening of every muscle in the body.</p> +<p class="pnext">So hammer-throwing, weight-putting, leaping, and +tossing the caber soon became the rule every forenoon. +Then in the afternoon, and before tea, Highland +dancing was the rage.</p> +<p class="pnext">This is dancing in every sense of the word. Quadrilles +are only fit for old folks, and waltzing--well, +it is nice enough in a brilliantly-lit hall, with soft +dreamy music and a brilliant partner, but, after all, it +is only just wiping your feet and whirling round.</p> +<p class="pnext">A broad sheet of wood was spread on the ice near +the ship for Highland dancing, quite a large platform +in fact.</p> +<p class="pnext">And Duncan, like Auld Nick in Burns's masterpiece, +<em class="italics">Tam o' Shanter</em>,</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Screwed his pipes and gart them skirl</div> +<div class="line">Till roof and rafters a' did dirl."</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">* * * * *</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Nae cotillion brent new frae France,</div> +<div class="line">But hornpipes, jigs, strathspeys, and reels,</div> +<div class="line">Put life and mettle in their heels."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">But these were not the only amusements the crew +went in for, on the snow-clad ice, for while Conal and +Frank were one day visiting those great bergs, the +inventive genius of the latter was once more shown.</p> +<p class="pnext">They found that a great portion of one side of the +biggest berg was quite on the slope, and covered with +frozen snow.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" cried Frank, "I've got another."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Another what?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, another idea. This iceberg is just suited for +tobogganing."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now," he added, "we sha'n't say a word to +anybody till we try it ourselves first."</p> +<p class="pnext">They, however, took the carpenter into their +confidence, and he made them tiny sledges to sit upon. +The slide was on a pretty gradual slope and altogether +was about a hundred yards long from the top. Steps +were cut at one side to make the getting up easy, and +Frank himself was the first to make the descent.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is simply glorious!" This was his report.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Flying," he added, "isn't in it."</p> +<p class="pnext">And Conal himself confirmed this statement as soon +as he himself had gone rushing down.</p> +<p class="pnext">After this the great toboggan slide was in daily +request, and the sound that came from the big berg +was like the roaring of stones on a Scottish curling +pond.</p> +<p class="pnext">But high above the rushing noise, came the shouting +and laughter of the merry-makers.</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor Viking could not understand it, and I suppose +he came to the conclusion that his human friends had +all lost hold of the tiny supply of common-sense, which +human beings can boast of.</p> +<p class="pnext">But what with these games and dances, and then +fun on board, the health of the crew continued +excellent, though ever around the galley-fire at night (I +mean before bed-time or at the tea hour) the men +talked of home.</p> +<p class="pnext">I myself, like most seafarers,--well, call us sailors +if that sounds better,--dearly love</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"A life on the ocean wave</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And a home on the rolling deep,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Where the scattered waters rave</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And the winds their revels keep".</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="pfirst">Yet wherever in this world I have been there always +seemed to be a magnetic needle in my heart, and it +always pointed to Home.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Where'er we roam, whatever lands we see</div> +<div class="line">Our hearts untramelled fondly turn to thee</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">* * * * *</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Such is the patriot's boast; where'er we roam,</div> +<div class="line">Our first, best country, ever is at home."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">On the whole, during their long imprisonment, the +officers and crew of the good barque <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> +kept up their hearts.</p> +<p class="pnext">At long last the sun came nearer and nearer the +northern horizon. For days before he rose there was +a twilight of about two hours. Then a galaxy of the +loveliest clouds were lit up, but still no sun.</p> +<p class="pnext">Before noon on the day after, however, Frank and +Conal, who seemed now to be inseparable, climbed to +the top of the tobogganing berg, and soon after caught +a glimpse of the glorious sun.</p> +<p class="pnext">Neither could speak for a time, and indeed tears +were trickling down Frank's face, which he took no +trouble to hide. For, as we have seen before, he was +a very impressionable lad.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, the sun! the sun!" That was all he said, but +next minute both were waving their hats to those on +board and shouting:</p> +<p class="pnext">"The sun! the sun!"</p> +<p class="pnext">And such a cheer uprose from that long-imprisoned +ship, as never before probably was heard in these +southern regions of perpetual snow and ice.</p> +<p class="pnext">High above all, the boys could hear the barking of +noble Vike.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes, but a moment after, and high above even that, +across the intervening ice came the wild skirl of +Duncan's Highland bagpipe.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan was playing the March of the Cameron +Men as he walked boldly up and down in the waist of +the ship, while Frank and Conal on the ice-block +could not help chiming in with just one verse of that +brave old song, which has thrilled so many a heart on +bank or brae or battlefield:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Ah! proudly they march, though each Cameron knows</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">He may tread on the heather no more,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Yet boldly he follows his chief to the field</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Where his laurels were gathered before".</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Yes, Frank, but we shall tread the heather again, +sha'n't we, friend?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I hope so, and I mean to have a good try anyhow," +was Frank's hearty reply.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Their dangers, however, were not all over yet. +Not by a deal. In a still ice-pack like that in which +they had lain so long, there is not very much to be +feared except the danger of a nip or jam. But when +the ice begins to open and the wind begins to blow, +ah! then toil and trouble commence in earnest.</p> +<p class="pnext">From observations, Captain Talbot now discovered +that the immense field of ice on which they had been +lying, had been gradually forcing its way on the current +almost directly north, and that even Mount Sabine +and the Admiralty Mountains were now a long way +astern to the west.</p> +<p class="pnext">And soon now the wind began to blow and howl; +almost half a gale from the south-east by east. The +noise, as it roared through the rigging and bare poles, +was almost deafening, but this did not prevent these +brave mariners from hearing every now and then the +loud explosions on the ice-pack that heralded the +breaking up of the whole, and that had been but a +day or two ago a vast plain strong enough to have +reviewed all the artillery in the world upon, would +soon be but a chaos of rolling, dashing ice. The storm +continued for more than a week, and all that time--every +hour, in fact--the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> had been in +peril and danger.</p> +<p class="pnext">Gallant ship! How well she stood the squeezing, +the cannonading, the battering! A vessel less strong +in every timber, or one built of teak instead of +Scottish oak would have collapsed and gone down in +a few minutes, carrying the crew with her, or leaving +them almost naked, hungry, and helpless on the pack, +to die a death ten times more cruel than drowning.</p> +<p class="pnext">She got perilously near to the shore at last, however. +It must have been somewhere close to Yule or Robertson +Bay, for Cape Adare had been left a long way astern.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were close enough to see that certain destruction +awaited them if unable to change their position. +The pancake and bay ice was piled along the rugged +shore, hills high, one piece above another, by the +terrible force of wind and current.</p> +<p class="pnext">When soundings were taken, and it was found that +there was but little depth of water to spare, and that +even this was gradually lessening, then both Morgan +and the skipper became alarmed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We must set sail," said the latter, "and try to +bring her up a few points, or, depend upon it, our risky +voyage will come to a sudden end."</p> +<p class="pnext">All hands were called.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xiv-heave-and-she-goes-hurrah"> +<span id="heave-and-she-goes-hurrah"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER XIV.--"HEAVE, AND SHE GOES! HURRAH!"</h2> +<p class="pfirst">"All hands on deck! Tumble up, my lads! Tumble up!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The men needed no second bidding. They did +tumble up, every man Jack of them, as merrily as if +marriage-bells had called them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"All hands unship rudder!"</p> +<p class="pnext">That was the next order. For there was great +danger of this being dashed to pieces by the cruel ice.</p> +<p class="pnext">The rudder was about the only vulnerable portion +of the ship indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Two whole hours were spent at this work, for the +men, unlike those who sail to Arctic regions, had never +been drilled to such work.</p> +<p class="pnext">The short day had almost worn to a close before the +job was finished.</p> +<p class="pnext">But sail was now got on her, and by means of long +poles, twenty men overboard on the ice managed not +only to clear the way for her by shoving the pieces to +one side, but also to steer the vessel, by keeping her +head in the right direction.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank was sent to the foretop-gallant masthead to +see if he could, by aid of the telescope, descry water to +the nor'ards.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sun was almost setting in the north-west, and +there was plenty of light, but no water was visible, +only the great white ocean of snow-clad ice, all in +motion.</p> +<p class="pnext">The scene was indeed a strange and impressive one, +and after shouting down that there was no open water +anywhere in sight, Frank stayed in the cross-trees for +quite a long time, hardly ever feeling the cold, so +interested was he in all he saw around him.</p> +<p class="pnext">One thing, however, was evident, namely, that the +huge iceberg on which they had spent so many merry +hours tobogganing was fast aground down to leeward +of them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship passed it slowly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Good-bye, old chap," Frank could not help saying. +"Sorry we can't take you to England with us, but +can't see our way. By, by! See you later on, perhaps."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then slowly he came below to the deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was happy that it was just tea-time. The ship +was now considered out of present danger, but watch +after watch must remain on the ice to pole and guide, +perhaps for days to come.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I want," the skipper said, "to make a good offing, +for I don't half like the look of the land in there, and +should prefer to show it a pair of clean heels, and, +please God, we shall before long."</p> +<p class="pnext">The tea was very comforting, and in spite of the +noise above of high winds and flapping sails, the saloon +was very jolly and cosy indeed, and Frank was in no +hurry to go on deck again.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hullo! what is that?" said Talbot, "someone +tumbled down the companion?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Conal laughing, "but it is only Old Pen. +He finds that the most expeditious way of getting +below now. He just throws himself on his back, head +down, and toboggans down the steps."</p> +<p class="pnext">And a second or two after, Pen appeared in the +doorway, and looked wonderingly at the group assembled +round the fire.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You all look very snug here," he seemed to say. +"Is there room for poor Old Pen among you?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come along, Pen," said Conal, "we can always +make room for you. Sit there on your tail beside +Vike, and warm your soles."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yah--yah--yah!" cried the monkey, offering Pen +a cockroach in quite a friendly way. But delicious as +this might be, the bird preferred a bit of tinned salmon.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Pen," said Duncan, "knows on what side his bread +is buttered."</p> +<p class="pnext">The bird eyed him knowingly, as, leaning on his +tail, he held one broad foot up to the blaze.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Pen", he seemed to say, "prefers his bread buttered +on both sides."</p> +<p class="pnext">It was comparatively late to-night before anyone +thought of retiring. Moreover, it was Frank's "all +night in", but I do not think he slept a great deal. +There was noise enough on deck, aloft, and around the +bows on the ice to have awakened Rip Van Winkle +himself, but slumber he did at last, though only to +revisit in dreams his native land, and the wild and +lonesome grandeur of romantic Scotland.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nay, but I ought not to say lonesome, for how could +he feel lonesome with his sweetheart Flora walking by +his side, or darting off every now and then to chase a +butterfly, or cull some rare and beautiful flower.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah! he could not help thinking, even in his dreams, +if life were ever ever like this. Late in the middle +watch he was awakened in a very unceremonious way +indeed. In fact he was well-nigh pitched clean and +clear out of his bunk. He wondered what was up, +for there was a more sea-like motion about the ship. +But, sailor-like, he just turned upon his back and went +off to sleep again.</p> +<p class="pnext">The explanation was simple. The ship had struck +a very wide lane of open water. Open to a great +extent that is, for many a dangerous and nasty piece +of green ice battered the sides of the vessel as, glad to +be free, she went dashing through the open water +under all sail that could be safely carried. Boats, also +under sail, were ahead of her to keep her in the right +course.</p> +<p class="pnext">But at daybreak the captain himself went aloft, and +noticing that the open water was visible at least a +dozen miles ahead, and that the lane grew wider +towards the north, he had the main-yard hauled aback. +The boats were then hoisted, and all the crew bore a +hand in shipping the rudder once more.</p> +<p class="pnext">The breeze still held, and a splendid day's record +was made nor was there at night any reason to fear +danger.</p> +<p class="pnext">The pieces of ice, however, lay about in all directions, +and sometimes three or four appeared ahead, suddenly +too. As these could not always be avoided, the plan +was to select the largest and steer straight stem-on to +that. It is better to do so than to be struck on the +broadside by a heavy piece.</p> +<p class="pnext">But as she sailed through streams of smaller pieces +the noise of the cannonading, as heard down below, +was sometimes quite deafening.</p> +<p class="pnext">It would have been very nice for all on board had +this lane of water conducted the ship right out into +the open northern ocean.</p> +<p class="pnext">It did not, however, for by and by the wind fell, +and slowly, but surely, the sides of the great natural +canal came closer and closer together, and finally the +good ship <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> was again completely beset, +with no signs of water even from the mast-head.</p> +<p class="pnext">Only all around was the white and dazzling pack. +For a whole fortnight, or over, the frost continued, +and never a cloud was seen.</p> +<p class="pnext">One day, however, the active and busy little Frank +Trelawney discovered, from the crow's-nest--a barrel +high up on the main truck--a cloud no bigger than a +man's hand, away down on the southern horizon.</p> +<p class="pnext">It slowly increased, and before many hours was a +huge and rolling mass of cumulus.</p> +<p class="pnext">Other clouds also were rolling up, and it was evident +they were bringing the wind with them.</p> +<p class="pnext">About the same time the temperature rose, but the +glass fell considerably, so that the skipper and Morgan +shook their heads ominously.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We're going to have a big blow, sir," said the latter.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That is so, mate, and we are not in a very enviable +situation."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Listen, sir!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The mate held up his finger.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was a succession of loud reports almost +alongside, and the screeching and caterwauling sounds that +followed, showed that the ship was being nipped.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We're in for it, mate; but she has a nicely-rounded +bottom, and will rise twenty feet rather than be staved in.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," he added, "we can't afford to lose our rudder, +so we'll have that unshipped once more."</p> +<p class="pnext">This was done, and probably only in time, for the +pressure increased every hour.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was evident now the ship would rise if the ice did +not go clean through her.</p> +<p class="pnext">She did rise, and that too with a vengeance, for by +next morning she was lying almost on her beam-ends +on the adjoining floe.</p> +<p class="pnext">The yard-arms had been hauled fore-and-aft, else +they would have touched the snow.</p> +<p class="pnext">To live on board now was impossible for days and +days to come.</p> +<p class="pnext">But boats and provisions were landed, and every +preparation made to journey northward over the great +ice-pack, should the ship go down after again righting +herself.</p> +<p class="pnext">The wind was bitterly cold, even in the poor ship's +lee, but they managed to light fires and to cook, though +it was indeed a wretched time.</p> +<p class="pnext">Enveloped in rugs, the boys, with Viking, huddled +together at night, but for a long time after lying down +sleep was impossible. And when slumber did at last +seal their eyes, the dreams they dreamt were far +indeed from pleasant.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now came a warm and almost pleasant wind +from the north-north-west, and the ice began to open.</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot's anxiety was now at its greatest, +for there was water on the starboard side of the ship +and the berg or floe on which she lay.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ropes were therefore attached to her masts, and all +hands upon the ice bent on to these, pulling slowly +with a long pull and a strong pull.</p> +<p class="pnext">For more than an hour they made no impression on +the vessel, and it was evident the cargo had shifted +somewhat.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot gave the steward an order to splice the mainbrace.</p> +<p class="pnext">He countermanded this almost immediately after, +however, for it was now evident the vessel was doing +her best to get righted.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Pull now, lads! Pull steadily all! Heave-oh and +she comes!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Every hand is laid on the ropes; every nerve is +braced, and the veins start on the men's perspiring +foreheads as they keep up the strain.</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking barks as if to encourage them.</p> +<p class="pnext">It is all the poor dog can do.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heave and she goes! Heave and she rips! Hurrah! lads, +hurrah!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"She is coming, boys! Heave-oh, again! Another +pull does it! Easy! Slack off! Hurrah!"</p> +<p class="pnext">A wild cheer rent the air as the brave and sturdy +barque slid downwards off the floe and took the water +like a duck or a penguin.</p> +<p class="pnext">The men and officers paused now to wipe their faces.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then all hands got on board and manned the pumps.</p> +<p class="pnext">No, she was safe. Not a drop of extra water had +she made, or was making.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a relief!</p> +<p class="pnext">The sun was already sinking low on the horizon, +and his last beams lit up the great snow plain 'twixt +the ship and sky, as if a canal of crimson blood was +there.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot was happy now. The recovery of the ship +from her serious position was like a good omen, so, as +soon as everything was got on board, he thought it +high time to splice the main-brace.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so did the men also.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">All hands were as merry that night as the winning +team after a football match.</p> +<p class="pnext">The wind had gone down, but the weather continued +fairly mild, and there was not a sound to be heard on +the pack.</p> +<p class="pnext">On board, however, there were plenty of sounds--sounds +of mirth and music in the galley. For Frank +had gone forward with his fiddle, and a dance was the +natural consequence.</p> +<p class="pnext">Johnnie Shingles, and old mother Pen, were once +more in glorious form, and their dancing brought down +the house, and elicited rounds and rounds of applause.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then dancing became general.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the fatigues of the day had been very great, so +that it is no wonder pipes were soon got out, and a +wide and cheerful circle formed about the fire. Songs +and yarns were now to be the order of the evening, and +although it was not Saturday night it bore a very +strong resemblance to it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Just one song--written and sung by Frank himself, +was to-night twice encored. As to its composition I +say nothing, except that everything pleases the +true-born British sailor that has got the ring of the sea +about it.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">FRANK'S SONG.</div> +</div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">And now, my boys, sit round the fire,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And pass the glasses round;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Our troubles all we'll soon forget</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">When we are homeward bound.</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">Ah! many a danger we've defied,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">We've weathered many a gale,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Nor stormiest seas, nor grinding ice,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Have ever made us quail!</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">Though bergs are still about us, boys,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Far north the billows sound,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">And we'll welcome every breeze that blows,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">When we are homeward bound.</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">Why should we mourn for pals we've lost,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Or let the tear-drops fall,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">They sleep in peace, their sorrows o'er,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Beneath the snow's soft pall.</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">So crowd around the fire, dear lads,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And pass the glasses round;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Our friends are moored on heavenly shores--</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And we are homeward bound.</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-xv-the-isles-of-desolation"> +<span id="the-isles-of-desolation"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER XV.--THE ISLES OF DESOLATION.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">If to be sailing northwards and east with a spanking +breeze, and the great sea of southern ice in which, +and on which, so many adventures had been had, was +being homeward bound--then were our heroes +homeward bound.</p> +<p class="pnext">It is a nice thing to sing about anyhow of an +evening around a cheerful fire; but ah! as I've said before +there is many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip, and +there is nothing certain at sea save the unexpected.</p> +<p class="pnext">However, bold Captain Talbot had no intentions of +returning to England with what he called only half a +voyage.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm going to do my level best," he told the boys +about a fortnight after they had got clear and away, +"to have a bumper ship, that shall recoup us all for +our outlay, to say nothing of our sufferings."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now we're bearing up for Kerguelen, aren't +we?" said Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's the place, lad; and I'm a Dutchman if we +don't find the elephant-seals there in countless thousands."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And when we fill up, what then?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"O, that question I was considering last night in +bed, and I've concluded we had better leave our cargo +at the Cape. We can sell well there at present, for +oil is much needed. Then we shall clean ship +thoroughly, and sail northwards by the Indian Ocean, +picking up a cargo at the Cape, at Zanzibar, and +wherever else we can find it. We can't go wrong."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And back home through the Suez Canal. Is that +your idea, sir?" said the mate.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You've hit it completely, Morgan."</p> +<p class="pnext">"You must remember," he continued after a pause, +during which he had been watching the smoke that +curled from his lips towards the roof of the saloon, +"that I look upon this only as an experimental voyage, +and as such it hasn't proved altogether a failure. We +shall clear our feet and pay our way, boys; and our +adventures will be the theme of many a lecture when +at last we reach the old country.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And not that only, for our success will enable us +to float a good company for sealing and steam-whaling +in the Antarctic seas. You see, boys, I've been north +and south. I've been what you well may term from +pole to pole. Well, my opinion is, that although the +Arctic lies handier to our own doors than the Antarctic, +still it is almost played out. They have been going it +among the baby seals a trifle too fast, and have given +them no close season, so though I don't say they've +killed them nearly all off, still they have scared them +pretty considerably, and the modern Arctic seal isn't +the innocent confiding creature he was in the days of +my boyhood. No, he has got far more wary, and so +packs of them are more difficult to find than formerly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And as for Right whales, well, they are far wiser +than we have any idea of. Their kingdom is a +boundless one. It is the ocean wild and wide, and if they +cannot have peace to gather in schools, and enjoy +their little parties in the north, why, they are free to +come to the Antarctic. And that is just what they +have done.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, lads, we shall do something in it, be assured. +But we've got to have steam. Strong screw steamers +with all appliances to repair damages of every kind; +and steam ice-hammers as well. You've thrown in +your lot with me, boys, and my name isn't Talbot if I +don't help you to make a good thing of it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"The Antarctic is very far away from England," +said Frank thoughtfully.</p> +<p class="pnext">"There you're right, lad. You are thinking of the +expense?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah! but our company will not bring their ships +home to Britain. No, they will cruise from the +Antarctic to the very nearest markets--in Australia, for +instance. And so it will pay. For should we lose a +ship or two, well, the insurance companies must pay +that, and they are well able to.</p> +<p class="pnext">"So that is my scheme, boys, and, on the whole, I +don't think it is a bad one. There are so few ways of +making fortunes nowadays that when one gets the +ball at his foot, he is a fool if he does not hit it as +hard as he knows how to."</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">The voyage to the Kerguelen islands was a very +propitious one, and every one on board the sturdy +<em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> was as happy as the day was long. +Vike seemed to have got a new lease of life, and +wallowed in the sunshine.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is such a change, you know," he told Conal, +"and I believe we'll soon be back once more in bonnie +Scotland, and won't I tear around the hills just!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The monkey was less melancholy now, and the +cough which troubled him so much while in the ice, +appeared to have quite gone.</p> +<p class="pnext">And old Pen seemed to be almost beside himself +with delight. He used to go tearing along the +decks, flapping his wings and shrieking as if +possessed, and even in his calmer moods he would +sometimes leap up suddenly and practise waltzing all +alone.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was a delightful breeze nearly all the time. +If not astern it was a beam wind, and so the <em class="italics">Flora</em> +went ripping through the dark-blue seas, every wave +of which sparkled in the sunshine.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many whales were seen, but as Talbot depended +most on getting among the elephants now, boats were +never lowered to go whaling.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank spent much of his time in the crow's-nest.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was not afraid to swing through the sky at that +giddy height, although the first time he clambered up +he believed that the crew would have to lower him +down with block-and-tackle, he was so thoroughly +frightened.</p> +<p class="pnext">"On deck there!" rang the young fellow's voice one +forenoon from the nest.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ay, ay, lad," from the skipper.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Land in sight!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Where away?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"On the starboard bow."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And what does it look like?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I can only raise some mountain cones. They seem +volcanic, and their sides are covered with snow."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bravo! Come down and I'll get up myself."</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank was soon on deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well done, Frank," said Talbot laughing. "I +promised a pair of canvas trousers to the man who +should first sight land, and you shall have them."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, thank you, and I shall wear them too."</p> +<p class="pnext">Away went the skipper up to the crow's-nest, and +before long came an order to alter the course a point +or two.</p> +<p class="pnext">Close to the Islands of Desolation, as Kerguelen is +called, it was fully a week before the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> +was able to reach and enter one of the friths or +creeks. For on the very day on which land was +sighted a fearful hurricane swept down on the ship, +and so suddenly, too, that before sails could be taken +in many were rent into ribbons, that cracked and +rattled with a sound like the independent firing of +troops in action. There was no standing against wind +of this awful violence, and it was necessary to run +for it under what is termed "bare poles", that is, +the smallest amount of sail that can be carried with +steering power.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Kerguelen is the region of hurricanes, and few +ships that visit these wild shores escape with impunity.</p> +<p class="pnext">The coast of the chief islands was found to be +iron-bound, high, barren, and rocky, but when they entered +and sailed along one of the creeks, scenery of quite a +different kind was met with.</p> +<p class="pnext">It would be difficult indeed to exaggerate the +strange, wild, but solitary beauty of this scenery. +Solitary, that is, as regards sight or sign of human being.</p> +<p class="pnext">But bird life was in evidence everywhere; in fact, +Kerguelen might be called the home of the sea-birds. +They have seen but little of man, however, and know +nothing of his evil or demoniacal ways. They look +upon him only as a curious kind of biped, of the +penguin species, but without feathers.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, when Duncan or Frank went on shore for a +walk with the skipper, the gulls, the petrels, the +penguins, the albatrosses, and cormorants flew around +them in thousands, and the din they made was almost +deafening.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor were our heroes free altogether from their +attentions, which sometimes were rather of an +objectionable character, especially when students of nature +in the shape of huge yellow-cheeked penguins waddled +up to the place where they were sitting, and began +examining their jackets with the greatest curiosity. +Pecking holes in them, too, and pulling at them.</p> +<p class="pnext">When rudely thrust off they would retire but a +little way, and stand watching the boys with great +interest.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, I never!" they seemed to say, looking at +them from one side of their heads.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, I'm gee-whizzled!" gazing at them with the other.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Penguins, aren't you? But the ugliest lot ever +we saw. We really wonder your mothers allow you +go about like that!"</p> +<p class="pnext">To-day Captain Talbot and his boys went exploring, +but a man was with them to carry the game they +killed, and these consisted chiefly of ducks and rabbits. +The former showed no fear, but the latter scurried +away at once.</p> +<p class="pnext">They journeyed far inland, and made many interesting +discoveries, which proved that these islands are +not so utterly useless as they are supposed to be. +Indeed, they could be worked profitably both for coals +and oil.</p> +<p class="pnext">And Talbot made a general survey of the regions +traversed and took ample notes.</p> +<p class="pnext">"This would make an excellent centre for our great +Antarctic whaling and sealing expedition," he said. +"And you and I, boys, might build ourselves a house +just under the shelter of these green lichen-clad rocks +yonder."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, it would be awfully nice!" cried Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And couldn't we have a garden?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, and plant and grow crops."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And trees?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, again, and if we are spared to come back +here we shall bring with us a few hundreds of young +pine-trees--Scotch, and spruce--and plenty of seed."</p> +<p class="pnext">"How delightful! I should like so much to be a +Crusoe. But listen! Surely that was a dog barking +high up the hill yonder."</p> +<p class="pnext">And so it was, for next moment down came Vike +with a rabbit in his mouth.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, Vike," cried Duncan, "we left you on board."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Very likely," said Vike, speaking with his tail and +eyes as he lay there panting from his exertions, with +about two yards--more or less--of pink tongue +hanging out over his alabaster teeth. "Very likely, +but five hundred yards of a swim isn't much to a dog +like me. And what is more. Wowff, wowff! you had +no business to bolt away without me. Wowff! +Don't do it again!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, now," said Talbot to his mate next day at +breakfast, "what do you say to stay here till we lay +in a real good cargo, for outside the elephants are in +thousands, and the poor things have young beside +them too."</p> +<p class="pnext">"The idea is excellent, sir," said Morgan, "and I +have another."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Out with it, mate. We can't have too many ideas +in this world, if we mean to be successful. These +ideas of ours don't all hold water; but then we can go +over them at our leisure and pick out the best."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's it, sir. Well, why not get all the skins we +can procure, and then make off the oil. Coals are +plentiful on shore, and we have cauldrons, you know."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bravo! Morgan. That is just what we shall do."</p> +<p class="pnext">So after breakfast boats were called away, and +returned in the evening laden to the gunwales.</p> +<p class="pnext">So the vessel was shifted nearer to the open sea, +and thus the whalers could go and return twice or +even thrice in one day with their hauls.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was no easy work, you may well believe, when I +tell you that the skin and blubber of one of these +huge sea-elephants sometimes weighed eight hundred-weight.</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor, great, innocent brutes, it did seem a shame to +kill their young before their eyes! The sight of the +blood made mothers and fathers frantic, and they +rushed on shore as if bent on revenge, but only to fall +victims to the rifles of the gunners.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a bloody and terrible scene, and I have no +desire to describe it. Indeed, were I to tell the reader +one quarter of the cruelties I have seen enacted by +sealers, I should so harrow his feelings that his dreams +would not be pleasant for one night afterwards.</p> +<p class="pnext">Not merely for a fortnight, but for more than three +weeks did the <em class="italics">Flora</em> lie at Kerguelen, but in a +sheltered cove, so that the hurricanes, that on four +or five different occasions swept down from the mountains +with terrific violence, had but little effect on her. +By this time they had boiled down all their oil, +salted all their skins and tanked them, and were in +reality a bumper ship.</p> +<p class="pnext">I must not forget one little incident that took place +about a week after their arrival.</p> +<p class="pnext">One day that extremely wise and wondrous bird, +Old Pen, went hopping down the starboard gangway +and leapt into the sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike, who had been observing him, sprang right +off the bulwark and tried most energetically to head +him off.</p> +<p class="pnext">The bird and dog met face to face, and it really +seemed as if a conversation somewhat as follows took +place.</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen: "Hullo, what's your game?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Viking: "I'm going to rush you back to your ship."</p> +<p class="pnext">O. P.: "Your grandmother! I won't be rushed. I +can swim better than you, and dive like a fish-hawk. +So don't let us quarrel. In spring, you know, a young +man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love. I've +got an appointment on shore here. Ta, ta! Be as +good's ye can."</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike: "But I say, Old Pen--"</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen had dived and was out of sight, and so +Vike swam sadly back to the ship once more.</p> +<p class="pnext">Just a few hours, however, before the anchor was +got up, and while the crew were busy shaking out the +sails before departing for the far west, something +between a squawk and a squeal was heard alongside, +and, sure enough, there was Old Pen come back again.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was assisted on board, and shook himself as +unconcernedly as if nothing unusual had happened.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Viking's delight knew no bounds, nor did that +of little Johnnie Shingles. The former went tearing +round and round the deck, like a hairy hurricane.</p> +<p class="pnext">"If I don't allay my feelings thus," cried Vike, "I +shall go clean off my chump."</p> +<p class="pnext">Now it happened that Frank was on deck with his +fiddle, ready to play to the men as they got up the +anchor.</p> +<p class="pnext">But, seeing how matters stood, he instantly struck +up a lively schottische.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Squawk--s--squaw--awk!" cried Old Pen, waving +his flippers.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurray!" cried Johnnie, and next moment he and +his strange partner were whirling round and round +on the quarter-deck, in one of the maddest, merriest +dances that surely ever yet was seen.</p> +<p class="pnext">And I don't believe there was a soul on board who +was not rejoiced that Old Pen had returned once again.</p> +<p class="pnext">That evening they were far away on the quiet and +lonesome sea, and, standing by the fire in the saloon +warming his flat feet, one by one, as usual, was Old +Pen, while near him, sound asleep, lay Vike.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Awfully good of the bird to come off in time, +wasn't it, boys?" said the skipper, relighting his pipe. +"If he hadn't come back I should have believed I was +about to be deserted by all my good fortune.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We are glad to see you, Pen, and hope you'll never +leave us again. But what put it into your silly noddle +to go away at all, Pen?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Pen made two hops of the space between him and +the captain. Then leaning his head on his knee he +looked up drolly with one eye--which being +half-closed gave him the appearance of winking.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I did think of getting spliced, you know," he seemed +to say, "and more than one lovely Lady Pen asked me +to fly with her to a foreign shore. Nary a fly," says +I, "not if Pen knows it. Marriage is a precarious +kind of experiment, so after flirting around for a bit +I remembered my old friends and just floated off +again."</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Fine weather all the way to the Cape, with +stunsails set 'low and aloft most of the time.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah, reader, there isn't much to beat the life a sailor +leads after all!</p> +<p class="pnext">In foul weather? Yes, foul or fine, and it isn't +always blowing big guns at sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">And Jack has no undergrowth of care to curl round +the very roots of his life, and try to swamp him.</p> +<p class="pnext">If he does his duty--and what real sailor doesn't?--he +may be as happy and jolly as the Prince of Wales, +only a vast deal more so.</p> +<p class="pnext">Besides, what Jack afloat is there, who has not some +loved one to think of when far away at sea; someone +that he knows right well is thinking, ay, and praying, +for him. So even in storm and in danger Jack may sing:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Blow high, blow low, let tempests tear</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">The main-mast by the board;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">My heart with thoughts of thee, my dear,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And love well stored,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Shall brave all danger, scorn all fear.</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">The roaring winds, the raging sea,</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">In hopes on shore,</div> +<div class="line">To be once more,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Safe moor'd with thee."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">The crow's-nest had been taken down, but stride-legs +on the foretop-gallant cross-trees sat Frank one +sunny forenoon. Gently to and fro swings the ship, +the top-masts forming the arc of a great circle. But +Frank minds not the motion.</p> +<p class="pnext">He is an ancient mariner now.</p> +<p class="pnext">Or he thinks he is.</p> +<p class="pnext">"On deck there!"</p> +<p class="pnext">It is a shout which is half hysterical with joy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Land on the lee-bow. The Cape, sir! The Cape!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Then a cheer rises up from far below that makes +the very sails shiver.</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike starts up and barks, and taking this for an +invitation to dance, Old Pen with a squawk and a +squeal springs up, and next minute Johnnie Shingles +and he are wheeling round in fine style on the quarter-deck.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Land! Land! Land!" And, for a time at least, +the dangers of the deep are past.</p> +<p class="center large pnext" id="shipwreck-on-a-lonely-isle">BOOK III.</p> +<p class="center large pnext">IN THE LAND OF THE NUGGET AND DIAMOND.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> +</div> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-i-shipwreck-on-a-lonely-isle"> +<h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER I.--SHIPWRECK ON A LONELY ISLE.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">This book opens amidst scenery far different indeed +from that which I had to describe in my last.</p> +<p class="pnext">I should like the reader to bear in mind that my +youthful heroes were very far indeed from being +mercenary, and were just at that age, when wild +adventure appeals to the heart of a young fellow who +has any spark of manhood in his composition.</p> +<p class="pnext">Certainly they had sailed in search of fortune, but +it was not on their own account they were seeking +for wealth, as I have endeavoured to show.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, even already, they had been fairly fortunate. +They had not buried their talents in the earth, nor in +the ocean either, and at the Cape of Good Hope their +cargo brought them in so much, that the fortunes of +all who had a share in the ship was not only doubled +but tripled.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had, immediately after clearing out, employed +a gang of heathens, as Morgan always called people +with dark skins, to thoroughly scour and disinfect the +ship. They had been employed for days at the work, +under the lash of a ganger, the ganger himself being +under the watchful eye of Morgan the first mate.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so the work was perfectly done.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then fresh and cleanly cargo was laid in, which +would doubtless fetch a big price in the London +market. This consisted of wool, firmly bound and +packed into small compass; ostrich feathers, and wine, +to say nothing of curios. They did not quite fill up, +however, hoping to make even better bargains up the +coast.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so they did, especially as regards ostrich +feathers, gum copal, pepper, nutmegs and arrow-root.</p> +<p class="pnext">They called at Zanzibar, one of the strangest cities +on earth, and here, while the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em> lay +quietly at anchor in the beautiful open roadstead, +where floated ships bearing the ensigns of at least half +a dozen different nations, the boys went on shore, +taking Vike with them, and enjoyed most thoroughly +not only rambles through the crowded streets, but out +in the beautiful bush, where they could revel in the +rarest and most delicious fruits the world can grow.</p> +<p class="pnext">I need but mention mangoes, guavas, and cocoa-nuts, +to say nothing of huge pine-apples, with the tropical +sun-tints on their rough but shining rinds, and +perfume as sweet even as their luscious taste and flavour.</p> +<p class="pnext">But here were no wild adventures, so that the +lads were not sorry when the anchor was once more +weighed, and the ship far away on the heaving sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was the captain's intention to be towed through +the canal, but lo! and alas! from the very first day of +their leaving Zanzibar misfortune attended them.</p> +<p class="pnext">One of these terrible circular storms, all too common +in the Indian Ocean, and called typhoons, came roaring +down upon them with scarcely a minute's warning.</p> +<p class="pnext">The higher sails were blown into ribbons, the +topgallant masts carried away, and the gallant ship +thrown so much on her beam-ends, that the water +came over the lee rails.</p> +<p class="pnext">She righted again, it is true. And speedily too; and +now like some living frightened creature she literally +flew before the fearful storm.</p> +<p class="pnext">As speedily as possible the sails that were not split +were taken in. This was a very dangerous employment, +and one poor fellow was blown off the yardarm.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nicholson was his name, and he was a powerful +swimmer, but useful though this art of swimming is, +what could it avail him in a sea like that!</p> +<p class="pnext">For just a moment or two his brave and handsome +face was seen among the surf in the wake.</p> +<p class="pnext">He waved his hand once, as if bidding his comrades +all adieu, then sank to rise no more.</p> +<p class="pnext">As a rule, circular storms do not last for a very long +time, and a good sailor like Talbot knows how to +manoeuvre his ship so as to get clear as speedily as +possible; but this typhoon ended in a gale, which in +force was quite a hurricane.</p> +<p class="pnext">And this kept on for several days.</p> +<p class="pnext">The last night was the worst. About six o'clock in +the evening the sun went down in a brassy haze, +behind the foam-crested turmoil of waves; and the +wind seemed still on the increase.</p> +<p class="pnext">Not a star to-night.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was pitchy dark, for the horizon was close +aboard of the storm-tormented ship, and the clouds +may have been half a mile in depth. There were two +men at the wheel, and those who had to keep watch +were fain to lash themselves to rigging or shrouds.</p> +<p class="pnext">But keeping watch is here but a figure of speech. +What watch could be kept in a dark so dark? There +was no thunder that could be heard, but the occasional +flashes of lightning that dazzled the eyes one moment +only rendered the darkness more intense the next.</p> +<p class="pnext">It must have been about four bells in the first +watch, and those in the saloon were trying to obtain +a kind of scrambling supper. Old Pen had come aft, +and Vike was here too. Both knew that to-night +there was danger on the deep.</p> +<p class="pnext">Suddenly there came a shout from those on deck, +this was followed by a crashing sound like the +splintering of masts, a loud grating noise, and then all +motion ceased.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We are doomed, boys, but we must still continue +to have faith in our heavenly Father."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Do you think, sir," faltered Frank, "that--that we +are wrecked?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"We are driven on shore, lad, but where, it is +impossible to say."</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship was already battened down, so that, although +the seas were making a clean breach over her, there +was no immediate danger.</p> +<p class="pnext">The mate found his way below.</p> +<p class="pnext">His oil-skins were glittering with water, and his +red face dripping too.</p> +<p class="pnext">He shook the drops from his brown beard and sat +down, with a strange uneasy kind of smile on his face.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not much to be done, is there, Morgan?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Nothing," replied the mate. "Seems to me we've +just got to sit here and wait for death."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Is that the view you take?"</p> +<p class="pnext">A terrible wave at that moment dashed over the +vessel, shaking her from stern to stem.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hark, sir! Isn't that the view you take?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"While there is life there is hope, my friend."</p> +<p class="pnext">The mate laughed half scornfully.</p> +<p class="pnext">"There won't be much of either half an hour after +this," he said solemnly.</p> +<p class="pnext">The captain now essayed to go on deck. He +ventured forward only a step or two. To have come +farther would have been sheer madness.</p> +<p class="pnext">Morgan was right. They had only to wait for +death.</p> +<p class="pnext">Wait and pray, however.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ah, yes! for God the Lord is everywhere, on sea as +well as on the dry land, and prayer is never denied us.</p> +<p class="pnext">Morgan's half-hour was past, and another to that; +still the sturdy ship gave no signs of breaking up.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the contrary, the wind had gone down considerably, +and the seas as well.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mate," said Talbot.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, sir."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Are the men below?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Three, I think, were washed away; the rest are +all in the galley or half-deck."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is very dreadful. But we have hope now. An +hour ago I should not have ventured to serve out +grog, lest in despair some might have broken into the +spirit-hold. Come with me now, mate, and we will +splice the main-brace. Come, steward, you know what +is wanted."</p> +<p class="pnext">It was very difficult even yet to get forward, so +covered was the deck with wreckage. But they +succeeded at last.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sad, indeed, was the sight that dawn revealed.</p> +<p class="pnext">The mizzen-mast alone was left standing, the fore +and main having gone by the board.</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship herself had been carried by a huge tidal +wave, right in between two high volcanic-looking +rocks, and there so jammed that at low tide it was +perfectly possible to walk under keel.</p> +<p class="pnext">Jibboom and bowsprit were also smashed, and a +single glance at the ship would have told even a +landsman that she was doomed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor would it be safe even to remain on board, for +at any time she might slide backwards and lie on the +shingle beneath, broadside up.</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot was no pessimist.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Thank God, boys," he said, "that our lives have +been spared."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Amen!" was said by all around, and that, too, with +both reverence and fervour.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the wind had fallen almost to a dead calm, and +there was not a sound to be heard except the rustle +of the shingle as it was hurled upon the beach by +each advancing wavelet, and sucked back by the next.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, men," cried the captain, "we'll go to breakfast +at once, and then make all speed to land the cargo +and stores. This island is evidently uninhabited, and +it may be many a long day, indeed, before we are +discovered and able to get away."</p> +<p class="pnext">On the shore side, and between the rocks, was a +green bank, and into this the shattered bowsprit had +been thrust. So that to make a rough bridge from +the fo'c's'le to the shore was a very simple matter.</p> +<p class="pnext">There were still thirty men left as crew all told of +the unfortunate <em class="italics">Flora</em>, not to mention Johnnie Shingles, +Viking, and Old Pen, neither of whose names were borne +on the ship's books.</p> +<p class="pnext">But with such hearty good-will did the men work +that before sunset, not only had they erected a huge +marquee with spare spars, the wreck of the masts and +sails, but had got a very large quantity of the most +valuable stores on shore.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a strange island indeed, and evidently of +volcanic origin. Not very large, probably not six +miles in circumference altogether. It was well wooded, +though the trees were by no means high, and in the +centre was a beautiful circular lake, in which a lovely +little island-grove seemed to float or to hang.</p> +<p class="pnext">Work was resumed next day, and the men now set +themselves to build two strong, substantial, living huts, +a big and a smaller, with a rough but dry shed for the +stores and cargo, not forgetting the balloon and the +varied apparatus for inflating it.</p> +<p class="pnext">It took them a whole week and a day to get +everything snug and comfortable; and all this time it +continued calm.</p> +<p class="pnext">But never a boat nor dhow was to be seen from the +outlook. The last was simply a spare spar of +considerable height, with rigging thereto. It was, +moreover, a flagstaff by day and a beacon by night. But +I may state at once that this uninhabited isle being +fully two hundred miles from the mainland shore, and +quite out of the way of any kind of commerce, licit or +illicit, there was but small chance of any signal being +seen.</p> +<p class="pnext">What made the situation more desperate was the +fact that not a boat had been left, all were smashed +and washed away; three having gone before the vessel +struck.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the greatest misfortune of all was the almost +complete destruction of the donkey-engine, so that it +would be impossible to distil water.</p> +<p class="pnext">They managed to save enough, however, to last for +fully three weeks with economy, and as Talbot said, +there was no saying what might not occur before then.</p> +<p class="pnext">This water was carefully stored in casks, placed in +sheltered corners, and raised on stones to defend them +against the ravages of the terrible white ant.</p> +<p class="pnext">A more terrible scourge than these <em class="italics">Termitidæ</em> +constitute, it would be difficult to conceive. What makes +it more serious, is that they work completely concealed--in +galleries, that is. And so thin is the outer shell +of wood which they leave that their presence is not +suspected until the whole of some structure--and this +may be of any size, from a wine-box to a building,--suddenly +gives way.</p> +<p class="pnext">These white ants once, to my knowledge, attacked +a library of books which had not been used for some +time. They were evidently fonder of reading than +the townspeople. We talk of devouring a favourite +author. Well, in the case in point these terrible +<em class="italics">Termitidæ</em> devoured their authors in a far more literal +sense, and fairly ate them up, but they left the +bindings all intact, so that when a volume was pulled out +one day it turned Dead Sea fruit, and fell to dust +in the librarian's hands. Then, and not till then, was +the whole extent of the mischief discovered.</p> +<p class="pnext">Our little shipwrecked colony now settled down to +wait and watch.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was but little else to do.</p> +<p class="pnext">They lived in hope, however, and day after day +many a straining eye was turned seawards, to seek +for the sail that never appeared, and the last thing at +night which Talbot or the boys did was to walk +around the edges of the cliffs, in the expectation of +seeing some mast-head light.</p> +<p class="pnext">A fire was ready at a moment's notice to light as a +signal, but alas! it was not required.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had yet to find out, however, what these ants +were capable of.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was the water they dreaded most to lose. +Without this they must soon sink and perish.</p> +<p class="pnext">Just one fearful accident I must here record, though +I have no intention to pile up horrors.</p> +<p class="pnext">But in the expectation of rain one night a huge +piece of waterproof canvas was spread, or rather hung, +by the four corners between as many trees, hammock +fashion.</p> +<p class="pnext">The rain did come.</p> +<p class="pnext">Water from the casks was at this time served out +only in small quantities, so that the poor mariners +were already suffering greatly from thirst. They +were overjoyed, therefore, to find their great +hammock almost full next morning.</p> +<p class="pnext">They drank greedily of the apparently pure liquid, +although some averred that it tasted bitter.</p> +<p class="pnext">Alas! it was poisoned!</p> +<p class="pnext">For in about half an hour afterwards the men were +suffering the most excruciating agony.</p> +<p class="pnext">Luckily, none of the officers had partaken of this +water, which must have been poisoned by the copper +or some other chemical, with which the canvas had +been treated, to render it waterproof.</p> +<p class="pnext">Before night, although Talbot gave everyone emetics +of strong mustard and water, treating them afterwards +with wine and spirits, no fewer than four poor fellows +were dead. The others got better, but continued weak +and ill for weeks.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ii-a-weary-time"> +<span id="a-weary-time"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER II.--A WEARY TIME.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Yes, it was indeed a weary time that succeeded the +alarming news brought one morning to Captain +Talbot. For when the steward went to draw water +from a cask, he found the wooden tap leaking, and +naturally endeavoured to send it home a little. At +the very moment he did so the whole collapsed, and +the remains of the ant-eaten staves floated away in +dust or little else.</p> +<p class="pnext">All the other casks were found to be in the same +condition, so that the mariners had nothing now to +fall back upon except a kind of artificial rain-water +well, which they had found on the surface of a rock, +and this was most carefully covered over to prevent +its evaporation by the rays of the sun.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a terrible outlook! And no signs were there +of further rain, not even the tiniest cloud.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well might they pray for rain now as did the prophet +of old, for if it fell not soon, sad indeed must be +the fate of all.</p> +<p class="pnext">The captain and first mate now held a consultation, +and that night it was decided that they should +endeavour to build a boat of some kind, and therein sail +for the distant mainland.</p> +<p class="pnext">Pity it was they had not thought of this sooner, for +in two hours after the decision had been arrived at, +another circular storm arose. Such storms in the +Indian Ocean are not infrequent, and terrible they are +while they rage.</p> +<p class="pnext">Rain fell at first and at the latter part of it, +otherwise it was a burning hot wind, that caused one to +choke and gasp for breath. Nostrils and lips became +dry, the mouth parched, and the eyes were like coals +of fire beneath their lids.</p> +<p class="pnext">On this occasion the sea rose higher than it had +done before.</p> +<p class="pnext">A huge ocean bore, that could be seen even in the +uncertain light of the stars, came roaring on towards +the rocks, and the spray dashed high over the camp.</p> +<p class="pnext">Next morning not a timber of the unfortunate <em class="italics">Flora +M'Vayne</em> was to be seen. She had been sucked +backwards with that great tidal wave, and was engulfed +in the deeper water farther out.</p> +<p class="pnext">As ill-luck would have it, most of the carpenter's +tools had been left on board, for until the storm came +on--when they had to rush on shore for dear life's +sake--the men had been busy cutting out pieces of +plank with which to fashion a boat.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was not the slightest chance of building such +a thing now, and the water grew scarcer and scarcer.</p> +<p class="pnext">A raft was then thought of, but in the weakened +condition of the men for want of water it would take +a long time to build.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"There passed a weary time. Each throat</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Was parched, and glazed each eye.</div> +</div> +<div class="line">A weary time! A weary time!</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">How glazed each weary eye!"</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Once more fell rain. Once more the little rocky +tank, which was always left exposed at night, was +filled, and once again the men's eyes brightened.</p> +<p class="pnext">During the gale of wind that had resulted in the +wreck of the <em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>, the poor monkey had +been washed overboard, but old Pen was still here, +and so, too, was honest Vike.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had suffered as much from the want of water +as anyone, but to the credit of our heroes be it told, +they received their daily water ration.</p> +<p class="pnext">Old Pen used to waltz with joy when he had taken +a drink, but Vike was less demonstrative, only he +never failed to lick the hand with loving tongue that +served the water out.</p> +<p class="pnext">But hope rose higher now. That water would last +for weeks--would last, perhaps, till water came again. +Hope rose to a pitch of excitement that no one who +has never known shipwreck, or never known what it +is to float a mere hulk upon a breezeless sea, can form +any conception of, when, just as the sun leapt red and +fiery above the main next morning, a steamer was +observed but a few miles away in the west. God! how +the men rushed to the cliff edge, and how wildly +they waved their arms, their coats, and shouted. +Shouted and shouted until every tongue</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">"Seemed withered at the root;</div> +</div> +</div> +<div class="line">And they could not speak, no more than if</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">They had been choked with soot".</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">But all in vain!</p> +<p class="pnext">The ship passed on.</p> +<p class="pnext">"They cannot have seen us! They cannot have seen +us! Lower the flag to half-mast. Light the fire; they +will see the smoke."</p> +<p class="pnext">All this was done.</p> +<p class="pnext">All this was done in vain. There was not breeze +enough to float the flag.</p> +<p class="pnext">The fire, too, was a failure. No smoke arose, for the +flames licked it up.</p> +<p class="pnext">No wonder the men gazed after the retreating vessel +with weary, weary eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">Oh, cruel, cruel, to desert us so!</p> +<p class="pnext">This was all anyone could say.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now Duncan bethought him of the balloon.</p> +<p class="pnext">Surely there was some hope left in that.</p> +<p class="pnext">As they sat under the shade of some dwarf and +straggling trees, our three younger heroes, with Captain +Talbot and Morgan, they seriously reviewed the whole +question of their situation. Not only Duncan, but +even Conal and Frank had become somewhat more +earnest in their manner of late. Their sufferings had +sobered them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Boats, and even a raft, are denied us," said Duncan, +"and ships do not come."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No," answered Talbot; "and yet some British +cruiser, or even an Arab dhow, is bound to come this +way before very long."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is just that which I greatly doubt, sir," said +Morgan. "We seem to be landed at the back of the +north wind, and out of the way of everything."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But the balloon," continued Duncan. "I and +Conal--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"And I," interrupted the Cockney boy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, and you if the balloon is strong enough."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It would carry you all, and a horse besides," said +the skipper with just the ghost of a smile.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, we should ascend until we found a wind to +carry us towards the mainland, where we could +descend and find assistance."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is a forlorn hope, Duncan."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Seems to me, though, that it is our last chance," +said Morgan. "The water can't last long. What if it +rains no more for months. All that could ever be +found of us in that case would be our skeletons +bleaching in the sun."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not so pessimistic, please, Morgan. I still have +hope in God. If it be His will to help us we shall be +rescued. If not, it is our duty to submit."</p> +<p class="pnext">Truly a brave man was Talbot.</p> +<p class="pnext">And the merchant-service has many a thousand such, +who, without doubt, will be of infinite service to their +country in our day of direst need--when wild war comes,</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"In a fostering power, while Jack puts his trust</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">As fortune comes--smiling he'll hail her,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Resign'd still, and manly, since what must be must;</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">And this is the mind of a sailor."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Talbot arose at last.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I cannot go," he said, almost solemnly, after gazing +for over a minute at the blue above and the blue +below, the sky without a cloud, the sea without a +ripple. "For weal or for woe, boys, I must stay with +my men. Now am I resigned. I will pray for you, +lads, and so shall we all."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," he added, "serve out some water and a +modicum of wine. God bless our poor fellows yonder, +for their conduct and discipline have been splendid. +Many men in their hopeless condition would have +broken into the spirit stores and died maudlin drunk, +or murderously mad."</p> +<p class="pnext">The men quickly came to the call of "All hands!" +and just as quickly Talbot explained the position, and +told them what the three youngsters proposed doing. +The cheer that followed his words was not a lusty one, +but it was very sincere.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now, though with no nervous haste, the work +of arranging and inflating the balloon was commenced +and for some days steadily proceeded with.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the third day dark clouds came sweeping down, +and a thunder-storm broke over the island. What a +God-send! Somewhat unusual, too, for the time of +year. Not only was the rocky tank filled with water +and rapidly-melting hail, but many hollows elsewhere, +and every drop was precious.</p> +<p class="pnext">Compared with Andrée's great Arctic balloon, the +<em class="italics">Hope</em>, as Talbot's had been named, was quite a baby, +but it was strong enough for anything, and could have +supported and carried far more than they needed for +weeks together.</p> +<p class="pnext">Long before this, Talbot had instructed his youngsters +in the art of managing a balloon, and now there was +little more for them to learn on this score.</p> +<p class="pnext">The inflation was completed at last. The net, a very +strong one, was in its place. The car attached, and +the splendid ball dragged impatiently at her moorings, +as if longing to soar away into freedom.</p> +<p class="pnext">Food, arms, ammunition, wine, and water--everything +was in its place, everything secure, yet handy.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the last night came.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was clear and starry, with a bright scimitar of a +new moon in the west.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan slept but little. His mind was in a whirl +of anxiety. There were so many things to think about, +and they came cropping up in his mind all in a bunch, +as it were, all demanding explanation at once.</p> +<p class="pnext">One thing which would grieve him very much was +parting with Vike. Animals have died of grief many +times and oft ere now, and somehow he felt that he +would never see his favourite dog again.</p> +<p class="pnext">But lo! about the first news he got next morning +after getting up was that Viking was missing. He +had evidently wandered away, it was thought, and +tumbled over a cliff.</p> +<p class="pnext">When the boys went to bathe for the last time that +morning they were almost dumb with grief.</p> +<p class="pnext">But while returning to camp they met Johnnie +Shingles and Old Pen.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both were capering with joy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Vike he all right, sah, foh true. Golly, I'se +shaking wid joy all ober."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And where is he?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"In the sky-car, sah. O ees, he dere shuah enuff."</p> +<p class="pnext">It was true. Vike evidently knew all about it, and +had taken his seat already. Booked in advance!</p> +<p class="pnext">He could not be coaxed out. But he took his +breakfast when handed to him, and a drop of water +afterwards.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Boys," said Talbot, "you must take him. It seems +very strange, but it also seems fate."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Fate be it, then," said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">And indeed the poor fellow's mind was greatly +relieved.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">That very forenoon the great balloon was cast off, +and with blessings and farewells on both sides. +Upward she soared into the clear blue sky, and was soon +seen by those below only as a tiny dark speck, no +larger than a lark.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iii-children-of-the-sky"> +<span id="children-of-the-sky"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER III.--CHILDREN OF THE SKY.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">I have been down in a diving-bell, and have +traversed or been led through the dark and seemingly +interminable seams of a coal-mine, and felt no very +exaggerated sense of exhilaration in either situation, +but the glad free feeling one has when afloat in a +balloon, and after the first nervous shudder of +trepidation has passed off, is well worth risking life and +limb to experience, and is, moreover, in my opinion, a +proof that man was made and meant for better things +than grovelling on earth like a stranded tadpole +thrown out of its pond by the hands of some idle +school-boy.</p> +<p class="pnext">It is always the unknown that strikes the greatest +amount of terror into man's soul. Therefore I claim +for my young heroes the possession of an amount of +courage and pluck, that you shall seldom find in any +other hearts save those of British-born boys.</p> +<p class="pnext">The balloon ascended with inconceivable rapidity +at first, swaying just a little from side to side, and +causing the inmates to grasp the sides of the car with +some degree of nervous terror. When, however, they +found that to fall out would be the most unlikely +thing that could happen, they took heart of grace, +and began to laugh and talk.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Isn't it just too awfully lovely for anything," said +Frank. "I say, you know, Conal, I'm a sort of sorry +I didn't bring my fiddle."</p> +<p class="pnext">"It's a fine sensation," said Conal. "It must be +just like going to heaven."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes"--from Duncan--"but we should have +somebody to meet us when we got on shore there. But +we don't know where this aërial tour may end."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, we're going high enough anyhow," said +Frank. "And," he added, "I'm not half so funky as +I thought I'd be. I've often thought, mind you, that +I'd like the going up in a balloon, 'cause there is plenty +of sky-room, and nothing to knock your head against. +It was the thoughts of alighting on earth again that +always had terrors for me, hitting against poplar-trees +and steeples and such, or spiked on the weather-cock +of a town-hall and left to kick. But this is glorious, +and I suppose we'll get down all straight."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan held down his hand to Viking, and the +honest dog licked it with his soft tongue.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It is so good of you to take me, master," he seemed +to say. "I don't know where in all the world you're +off to, but you're here, and that's good enough for old +Vike."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I say, Duncan," said Conal, "aren't we taking an +easterly direction?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan was rated "captain of the car", so all +questions were referred to him.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It really looks a little like it," was the reply, +"unless the island down yonder, with our dear friends +on it, has broken adrift, and is bound for the mainland."</p> +<p class="pnext">They could talk lightly, almost joyously now, so +bracing was the air, and so delicious the sensation of +floating through space.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I say, captain," said Frank, "hadn't we better put +another man to the wheel, and tack and half tack for +a time. Or suppose we lie to, eh?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Providence is at the wheel, Frank, but we're at the +mercy of every breeze that may blow."</p> +<p class="pnext">They were evidently being driven out to sea, but +there was no help for it.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so easterwards, ever easterwards, they drifted +for many hours. The island itself was now but a little +dark dot on the blue, and several other islets had +come into view, and latterly, oh, joy! a steamer.</p> +<p class="pnext">Evidently on her way to China or Japan!</p> +<p class="pnext">Could they communicate?</p> +<p class="pnext">In case of meeting a ship, several tin flagons had +been prepared and ballasted, with letters in them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The balloon was drifting but slowly now, and +seemed to be on the turn.</p> +<p class="pnext">Signals were accordingly made, while Conal, with +the telescope, kept the ship's quarter-deck well under +observation.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ha!" he cried, "they see us, and are signalling back."</p> +<p class="pnext">Overboard now were thrown not one flask only, but +three, and each would tell the same story of the +ship-wrecked mariners, dying slowly for want of water on +the lonely island far to the west. The latitude and +longitude of this was given also.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was evident that the flasks fell near the ship, for +presently they could see a boat lowered, as if to pick +them up. It soon returned to the ship and was hauled up.</p> +<p class="pnext">But for a long time those in the balloon waited in +vain for a signal. It came at last. A flag--bright +red--was hoisted to the peak and rapidly lowered again.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the ship held on its course.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Gracious heavens!" cried Duncan excitedly, "they +are leaving our poor friends to their fate."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I do not believe it possible," said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, it cannot be. See, see, they have stopped ship."</p> +<p class="pnext">This was true. And it was evident also that a +consultation was being held on board, as to whether +they should really alter their course, and seek for the +uninhabited island and perishing mariners or not.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I know how it is," said Duncan. "It is, as usual, +a question of money, like everything else in the world. +That is no doubt a mail steamer, and the loss of time +means a heavy fine, even though they might prove +they had been on an errand of mercy."</p> +<p class="pnext">But to their infinite joy our heroes saw at last the +ship's prow turned westwards.</p> +<p class="pnext">Night fell now, down on the sea that is. For at +the great altitude which they had attained the sun +was still visible.</p> +<p class="pnext">The very last thing they noted was that the captain +of that steamer had apparently changed his mind once +more, and that the vessel was stopped. There she +lay without or breath or motion</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"As idle as a painted ship</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Upon a painted ocean".</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Cruel! cruel!" cried Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"We must not judge," said Duncan. "Down there +it is now almost dark, and in mercy let us believe they +are merely dodging to await the moonrise.</p> +<p class="pnext">When day returned, the brave balloonists found +themselves not over the sea any longer, but over a +dense dark forest of Africa's mainland.</p> +<p class="pnext">During the darkness a strange kind of stupor had +weighed their eyelids down, and every one had slept.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the balloon had changed its course, and was +now driving inland on the wings of an easterly wind.</p> +<p class="pnext">By aid of the telescope they could just perceive a +long line of blue 'twixt the sky and the greenery of +the woods.</p> +<p class="pnext">But this itself soon disappeared as the balloon kept +floating westwards and away.</p> +<p class="pnext">The last thing they had done was to throw over the +car at intervals, as they swept on, no less than six +tell-tale flasks, and each had a little white flag over it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now came the question--what was to be done? +Would it not be better at once to attempt a descent, +and make their way eastwards through the forests +and across the streams, which they could see here and +there like silver strips among the woods and hills.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a question that needed some little consideration.</p> +<p class="pnext">To alight in a forest did not seem feasible. Here, +to say nothing of the danger of such a descent, they +could find no natives to help them, and they should +be exposed to the attacks of wild beasts and venomous +reptiles.</p> +<p class="pnext">They could see mountains far ahead, and among +these there would doubtless be many an inhabited +glen; so they agreed to keep on for a few hours longer.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Besides," said Duncan, "there is a chance of a +change of wind, which will blow us coastwards far +more quickly than we could ever get on foot."</p> +<p class="pnext">All hands were hungry, so breakfast would be a +most enjoyable pastime.</p> +<p class="pnext">Something more than a pastime, however. They +settled down to it seriously, poor Viking standing up +to receive his share.</p> +<p class="pnext">Breakfast in a balloon--how strange it seems!</p> +<p class="pnext">What did they have to eat? Enough and to spare, +but, saving the biscuits--a considerable percentage of +which was weevils fresh and alive--all else was tinned +meat.</p> +<p class="pnext">They made a hearty meal nevertheless, washing it +down with a modicum of wine and water.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were now ready for further adventures, but +of course had no idea what was in store for them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, the forest was soon left far behind, and, much +to their astonishment, they perceived mountains ahead +of them so high that snow lay white on their conical +summits.</p> +<p class="pnext">In an hour or two they were over a charming valley, +and so low down that they could see the black natives +running about in a great state of excitement, having +evidently caught sight of the aeronauts.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Fortune favours the brave," cried Duncan exultantly. +"Here shall we descend, and make assurance +doubly sure, and the safety of our friends certain."</p> +<p class="pnext">With a little manipulation of the valves, a descent +was made far more easily than any one could have +imagined. Anchors were let go, and soon it was +possible for all hands, including even Vike, to get out of +the car.</p> +<p class="pnext">An innovation awaiting them which they had little +expected. Here were at least a thousand spear-armed +warriors assembled, and as they came towards them, +all threw themselves on their faces, or bent themselves +in attitudes of worship.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Here's a wind-up to a windy day," cried Frank +laughing. "Why, these chaps evidently take us for gods!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"It would seem so," said Duncan, "but I for one +don't feel quite up to that form."</p> +<p class="pnext">One of the savages was held aloft in a kind of +sedan-chair, and was evidently the chief or king. He was +the most hideous-looking savage it is possible to +imagine; extremely corpulent, with a cruel, cut-throat +expression of face; small deep-set eyes, and cheeks +covered with parallel scars about an inch long. His +hair in front hung straight down in tiny ringlets over +a retreating forehead.</p> +<p class="pnext">One should never show fear before savages. Duncan +knew this, and walking boldly up to the huge travelling +throne he saluted him in an off-hand way, and +addressed him in English.</p> +<p class="pnext">His majesty only shook his hideous head, but +pointed with his spear towards his army.</p> +<p class="pnext">Every one sprang up and stood erect, but silent as +the grave.</p> +<p class="pnext">"C'rambo!" said the king.</p> +<p class="pnext">And C'rambo advanced smiling.</p> +<p class="pnext">Very different was this tall, lithe, and +supple-looking savage to any about him. His skin was +yellow instead of black. His smile was a forbidding, +sarcastic leer, and although our heroes knew nothing +of African savages, any coasting sailor could have told +them this man was a Somali.</p> +<p class="pnext">In his right hand he carried three ugly spears, one +of which was attached by a cord to his wrist, while +on his left forearm was a small round shield--such as +are worn by the tribes on the eastern coast north of +the line.</p> +<p class="pnext">This fellow first salaamed to the chief, addressing +him in a harsh and guttural jangle of words. Then +he turned haughtily towards our heroes.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Who am you, and whe' you comes from?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"First and foremost," replied Duncan, quite as +haughtily, "who are you? Whose country are we in, +and how far from the coast are we?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Humph! You feels dam bold, eh? Suppose I +holds up my leetle white finger, King Slaleema's men +den cut all your troats plenty much quick."</p> +<p class="pnext">In spite of a feeling of doubt and fear that dwelt +at his heart, Duncan burst out laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Your little white finger, my friend, is as yellow as +a duck's foot.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You see this little revolver?" he added. "Your +life and five more of your beastly lot, including your +pig of a king, lie in these chambers. Have you any +particular longing to be stretched? If not, civility +will pay you. Now, will you answer?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Both Frank and Conal, following their captain's +lead, had laid their hands on their pistol-butts.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Pay?" said the fellow. "S'pose you gift me, I do +most anything. Wot you wants foh to know?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"We will give you gifts. What would you like?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"English food, tools, a lifel (rifle). Money no good."</p> +<p class="pnext">"You're modest, but we are liberal. How far are +we from the coast?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Foh one Englishmans six week. Foh one gentleman +Somali, plaps one."</p> +<p class="pnext">"How many miles?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I not count, free undled, plaps. Plaps mo'. Plenty +savage, plenty folest (forest), lion, tiger, and 'gators in +de ribbers. Pletty soon de gobble up poo' little +Englishmans."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Where did you learn your English?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"At de court ob de Sultan ob Zanzibar. But I cut +de troats ob two tree men and den fly in one canoe. +I now King Slaleema's plime minister."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And a bonnie ticket you are," said Duncan. "Now, +listen; if you will carry a letter to Lamoo and bring +an answer you shall have a gun on your return with +the reply. The letter shall be for the Sultan. Are +you agreed?"</p> +<p class="pnext">The fellow seized Duncan's hand and pressed it to +his brow.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De bargain am made," he cried. "I'se ready. All +de way I run. Carrambo hab de good legs."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Who called you Carrambo?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"De dam Portugee. I cut tree, four troats all de same."</p> +<p class="pnext">The recollection caused him to laugh. But he now +spat viciously on the ground.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De Portugee all fools. Pah!" he cried in disgust.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now," he added, "I ver goot man. I not cheatee +you. I come back plenty twick (quick). Bling de +answer all same too. But take care."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Care of what?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ob you' dam troats. Dese savage tink you come +flom 'eaben (heaven). I tell 'em, dis quite tlue. +S'pose dey not b'lieve, den dey kill and eat you."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hah! Cannibals, are they? How very comforting!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Eberyone cannibals heah. De dog, dey tink, am +de debbil. Again I say to Slaleema, all tlue."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, Carrambo, perhaps you are a much more +honest fellow than you look. And you don't look a +saint."</p> +<p class="pnext">"All beesiness, sah. You gib me one gun and +plenty 'munition, den I selve (serve) you. S'pose +a Portugee say I gib you tree gun, cut all der troats; +I cut all your troats plenty much quick, and King +Slaleema he gobble you up foh tlue."</p> +<p class="pnext">"You're an honest, faithful fellow, Carrambo," said +Duncan sarcastically.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Beesiness, sah, beesiness," replied the prime +minister. "Wot dis wo'ld be widout beesiness, tell +me dat?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo held his head a little to one side and both +open palms out in front of him.</p> +<p class="pnext">As, however, the question was too philosophical in +its nature, Duncan made no reply.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Scuse me one moment, sah."</p> +<p class="pnext">He hurried away, and presently afterwards reappeared +from behind a hut, dragging a poor little +naked girl by one hand.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You take lifel and s'oot de chile," he said. "She +foh de king's dinner. Dis will make one good +implession on dese pore ignolant savages."</p> +<p class="pnext">This might have been true, but Duncan nevertheless +did not see his way to become the king's executioner.</p> +<p class="pnext">He shot a fowl, however, and at the flash and +report the savages, who had never seen white men +before, and never heard the sound of a gun, screamed +wildly, and rushed off with such precipitation, that +they seemed to be all a mist of long black scraggy +legs and arms.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Carrambo's voice recalled them, and they +returned awed and terror-struck.</p> +<p class="pnext">The dead fowl, moreover, was evidence of the +terrible power possessed by these great "children of +the air".</p> +<p class="pnext">What might they not do next?</p> +<p class="pnext">These innocent wretches trembled to think. I call +them innocent simply because they knew not sin.</p> +<p class="pnext">"If then," says the apostle, "knowing these things, +happy are ye if ye do them."</p> +<p class="pnext">For knowledge brings with it responsibility, and +this neglected is accounted to us as sin.</p> +<p class="pnext">This night our young heroes spent in the car of the +balloon, and honest Viking went on guard. But even +if the savages--for savages they were of the most +demoniacal type--possessed any longing to do them +to death, fear, natural and supernatural, deterred them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Next morning early, Carrambo, the king's prime +minister, departed upon his long and dangerous +mission, taking two young warriors with him, and +promising faithfully to return in two weeks at the +farthest.</p> +<p class="pnext">"S'pose you not see me den," he added sententiously, +"den I gone deaded foh tlue."</p> +<p class="pnext">The place seemed more lonesome now that Carrambo +had gone, for, scoundrel though he undoubtedly was, +he was someone to speak to.</p> +<p class="pnext">They now began seriously to consider their situation +and prospects.</p> +<p class="pnext">In their heart of hearts they believed that they had +been the means of sending succour to their marooned +shipmates, on that lonely isle of the ocean. Their +minds were easy enough on that score, for if even the +steamer they had hailed had resumed her course +without making any attempt to find the isle and +rescue the mariners, the Sultan of Lamoo, Duncan +fully understood, had always been friendly with the +British, and would immediately despatch assistance in +some shape or other.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan, before doing anything else, got out his +instruments of observation, and as well as could be +made out, the glen in which they were virtually +imprisoned was between two and three hundred miles +off the coast, and some degrees south of the line.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was puzzled at first as to why the place had +never been discovered by British explorers.</p> +<p class="pnext">But there are hundreds of such tribe-lands that have +never yet been trodden by the foot of Christian men.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was one clue to the mystery, however, and +this was probably the true one, but they did not find +it out just then.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now," said Duncan, "for a visit of ceremony to +that fat old pig of king. And we must take him some +presents, too."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan had not forgotten that there were on board +the <em class="italics">Flora</em> many large and beautiful strings of beads, +which had been intended for bartering with any +natives they might meet, and he had stowed away +many such in the balloon car.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come, Conal, or Frank," he said, "I don't care +which. But one of you with Vike must stay by the +car and stand by your guns, in case the cupidity of +these cut-throat natives gets the better of their fear."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'll stay," cried the Cockney boy, as pluckily as +ever Englishman spoke.</p> +<p class="pnext">So down the hill towards the village, revolvers in +their belts and rifles cocked, marched Duncan and Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">They found the king sitting cross-legged outside his +kraal or great grass hut, and being assiduously fanned +by his wives.</p> +<p class="pnext">These were no beauties, but Duncan lifted his cap +and salaamed to the king first and then to them.</p> +<p class="pnext">They seemed both pleased and tickled, and giggled +inordinately, until the king rounded on them, scowling +and drawing his fore-finger across his throat in a most +significant manner.</p> +<p class="pnext">The young Britons, as they approached his majesty, +tried not to look at the awful remains of his last +night's feast, but the sickening sight obtruded itself +upon them in spite of all they could do.</p> +<p class="pnext">Besides the beads, they had brought with them a +four-pound tin of preserved beef.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had expected his majesty to take a little of +this, but were not a little surprised when he seized the +tin and began digging out and swallowing huge lumps +of it, with a guttural ejaculation of delight between +each mouthful.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Goo--goo--goo!" he exclaimed, as with about a yard +of hideous tongue he finished off by licking out the tin.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Nothing more horrible have I ever seen!" said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That is true," said Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">The king threw down the empty tin--he couldn't +swallow that--smiled, nodded, and pointed towards +the clouds.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Goo--goo--goo--" he cried interrogatively.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan nodded and smiled in turn, although he +had wished the brute had choked himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the horror of the brothers is not to be described +when, at a call from the king, accompanied by a string +of words that consisted mostly of vowels, two slaves +came forward and offered them the roasted forearms +of a child--no doubt those of the girl which Carrambo +had asked them to shoot the day before.</p> +<p class="pnext">They turned away, and shook their heads, but fearing +to give offence, immediately presented his majesty +with a string of beautiful beads.</p> +<p class="pnext">His delight was childish-like and unbounded, and +he immediately called for his sedan-chair of bamboo +cane, and was trotted through the village of huts that +his subjects might admire him.</p> +<p class="pnext">That same forenoon Duncan, accompanied only by +Viking, went on a voyage of discovery as he called it. +He wanted to find out the lay of the land.</p> +<p class="pnext">Two natives, impelled by curiosity, followed him, +and when he beckoned to them and gave each a bead, +they readily accompanied him as escort.</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike kept aloof.</p> +<p class="pnext">He didn't like the looks of these savages.</p> +<p class="pnext">But after climbing a conical hill, Duncan found out +the true reason for the isolation of these savages. +Their country was at least a thousand feet above the +level of the land. And this last, except on one side +where the mountains hid their snow-capped heads in +the clouds, everywhere were dark and seemingly +impenetrable forests.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-iv-treasure-hunters-the-forest"> +<span id="treasure-hunters-the-forest"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER IV.--TREASURE-HUNTERS. THE FOREST.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">The exact topography of Cannibal Glen, as the +boys had named this blood-reeking territory, was, +however, not the only discovery made to-day.</p> +<p class="pnext">The other was singular in the extreme. It was +nothing less than that of a ruined fort, at no great +distance from the place where the balloon was anchored, +but high up on the side of a hill and surrounded by a +clump of trees.</p> +<p class="pnext">The fort was built of stone, and still of considerable +strength, and so constructed that it could be defended, +if occasion demanded, by two resolute young men +against four score savages.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan thought it somewhat strange, that there was +no footpath leading towards it, and that it seemed to +be avoided by the natives.</p> +<p class="pnext">They found out afterwards that the place had been +the scene of a cruel massacre of white men--Portuguese +without a doubt--and that it was now supposed to be +the abode of evil spirits.</p> +<p class="pnext">All the better for our young adventurers. And +they made up their minds to take possession of the old +fort the very next day.</p> +<p class="pnext">That afternoon, however, they removed everything +from the car of the balloon, and camped just a little +way therefrom.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had lit a fire really more for the sake of light +than heat, and for, many hours after the sun's last +glow tipped the snowy summits of the mountains with +pink and blue, and the stars had come out, they sat +here talking of home. But not of home only, but of +their future prospects.</p> +<p class="pnext">"From several strange cavities I have observed in +my rambles to-day," said Duncan, "I have come to the +conclusion that the white men who built that fort +were also miners. Everything points to this fact, and +also, alas! to that of their murderous extermination by +fire and by the spears of these fiendish savages."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, Conal, it may have been many long years ago, +centuries perhaps, but who can say what discoveries +we may not make next. There may be buried treasure!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Both Conal and Frank opened their eyes wider now.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What!" cried Frank, "you think--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I don't think, Frank, my boy, I am reasoning from +analogy, as it were. First and foremost, it is not for +nought the glaud whistles."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I don't hitch on," said the Cockney boy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"The glaud," said Conal by way of explanation, "is +a wild Scottish hawk, that always whistles aloud before +darting on his prey."</p> +<p class="pnext">"The glaud in this case," said Duncan, "is the +Portuguese, who never go into any savage country except +for the sake of treasure or plunder.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Secondly," he continued, "if the band were all +massacred, they doubtless had hidden their dust, and +it is evidently there still. Thirdly, these cannibal +outcasts care nothing for gold, and would at any time +give a large and valuable diamond for a coloured bead."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I do declare," cried Frank, "I sha'n't sleep a wink +to-night for thinking of all this. Duncan, you are +clever!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Have you only just found that out?" said Conal, +laughing. Conal was proud of his brother.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now," said Duncan, "shall we, after a few +days of exploration, get into the balloon once more, +and try to find our way to the sea-shore."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Before I could answer that question myself," he +added, "I would like to think it all out, and so I move +that we curl up."</p> +<p class="pnext">Wrapped in their warm rugs--for, at this +elevation, though in mid-Africa, a rug is almost a necessity +at night--the boys were soon asleep beside the fire, and +no one was left on guard except dear old Vike.</p> +<p class="pnext">He slept with one eye open, or one ear at all events, +and was likely to give a good account of any savage +who might come prowling around the camp.</p> +<p class="pnext">But, by way of making assurance doubly sure, the +adventurers slept with loaded revolvers close beside +them.</p> +<p class="pnext">They slept heavily.</p> +<p class="pnext">And that, too, despite the roaring of lions far down +in the plains below, and the unearthly shrieks of +goodness knows what, that came, ever and again, from the +dark depths of the forest.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sun was just rising over the distant green and +hazy horizon when Duncan sat up.</p> +<p class="pnext">He rubbed his eyes, and gazed around him almost wildly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Conal, Frank," he cried them, "awake! awake! +Where is the balloon?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Had there been any echo it might well have answered +"Where?"</p> +<p class="pnext">The balloon was gone!</p> +<p class="pnext">The explanation was not difficult. For, relieved of +its load, it had quietly slipped its moorings during the +darkness and gone on a voyage on its own account, +goodness only knows where. And our heroes would +never see it more.</p> +<p class="pnext">To say that they were not deeply grieved would be +far short of the truth. The loss seemed to cut them +off entirely from the outer world.</p> +<p class="pnext">But their hearts were young and buoyant, and so +they did not mourn long.</p> +<p class="pnext">After breakfast, indeed Duncan, who was the +recognized leader, laughed lightly, saying as he did so:</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come, you fellows, don't look so blue. Perhaps +the loss of the balloon is a blessing in disguise."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I don't quite see it," said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, you don't see the balloon. You've looked +your very last on that; but listen to logic: We might +have journeyed away in that balloon and been carried +into regions from which we never could have got free +again."</p> +<p class="pnext">"True enough!" said Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">Indeed everything his brother said was right in +Conal's eyes.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," said Frank after a pause, "I'm not going to +bother about it. The Pope was correct in saying, +'What is, is right.'"</p> +<p class="pnext">"It wasn't the Pope, Frank, but Pope the poet."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah, well, it doesn't matter; only I had such grand +dreams last night."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Indeed!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, indeed. I was wandering through the diamond +mines of Golconda, with Aladdin's lamp in one hand +and a horse's nose-bag in the other. And I filled that +nose-bag too, you bet."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, Aladdin, or not Aladdin, I move now that we +move up the hillside and take formal possession of +the Portuguese old fort."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I second the moving motion," said Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">So Duncan and Conal became the carriers; Frank, +with Vike, remaining below on guard until +everything was taken up.</p> +<p class="pnext">It took them the whole of that day, and the next as +well, to settle down in their new quarters, and to +make everything snug and comfortable.</p> +<p class="pnext">To their great delight, at the foot of a rock not far +off they found a small well with a spring of the coldest +water, bubbling up through the rocks.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was partly no doubt on account of this very well, +that the former inhabitants of the fort had chosen this +spot as their habitat.</p> +<p class="pnext">One room, and one only, of the ruin was roofed, and +this they commenced to overhaul and thoroughly clear +and clean.</p> +<p class="pnext">They shuddered somewhat, however, when they +came across human bones, and these had been charred +by fire, and so told a terrible tale.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Duncan and his comrades were not to be daunted, +and determined to make this their living-room, for no +matter how hard the rain might fall, their stores would +be dry and safe.</p> +<p class="pnext">Besides the door, there was one opening which had +been a window.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was at first proposed to barricade it up, but this +would have prevented ventilation, and shown fear also.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I have it!" cried Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Erect two skulls. There they are all ready to hand."</p> +<p class="pnext">This was done.</p> +<p class="pnext">The terrible relics were fastened to short poles, and +one was stuck at each side of the window outside.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">For a time, at all events, the boys might well +consider themselves safe, for superstition is far more deep +and rife in heathen lands than it is in Christian, and +that is saying a good deal.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I do think all this is rather jolly than otherwise," +said Frank a morning or two after they had got nicely +settled, as he termed it, "and I wouldn't mind living +here for some time."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I'm afraid we'll have to, Frank," said Duncan, +laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bar the vicinity of that ugly king, and his crowd," +Conal put in.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But you must admit, captain, that there is a spice +of romance in this mode of life, and I wouldn't mind +much what happened to me, if there was a ground-work +of romance in it."</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank was reminded of these remarks by his fellows +some time after this, and after a thrilling adventure, +in which he happened to be first-person-singular.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But I say," he added, "what shall we call ourselves? +Crusoes? Eh?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"I think," said Conal, "that a Crusoe must live on +an island."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hermits, then."</p> +<p class="pnext">"No. You can't have a plurality of hermit. A +hermit is a hermit, and he is all by himself. If a lot +of people come and live in the same place he is a +hermit no longer."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Solitaires," suggested Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">Conal laughed aloud.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why," he cried, "you stupid old Duncan, a solitaire +is a sleeve-link or collar-stud or something."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Foresters, then."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Fiddlesticks! The forest is miles away."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Treasure-hunters?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's better. And we'd best leave it at that."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, having made everything snug, suppose we +go and see the fat king again."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Good! and then go and fish. There is a nice little +stream down here, and we might even have a peep into +the forest."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Happy thought!" said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank's mind, by the way, was partially built upon +happy thoughts, and there was always one or two +ready to bob up on the surface.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What now, Frank?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"We've lots of wine, and we won't drink it. Suppose +we take King Pig a bottle."</p> +<p class="pnext">They did so, and also some more beads.</p> +<p class="pnext">They marched--that is, Frank and Duncan, Conal +being left at home to keep house--straight to the +king's kraal.</p> +<p class="pnext">They sang as they entered the village, seeming to +know by instinct what I had to learn from experience, +that a happy, independent, and careless manner goes +a long way to impress savages with one's superiority.</p> +<p class="pnext">The cannibal king was just getting up. He had +eaten too much the night before, and overslept +himself. But he seemed glad to see our heroes, smiled, +and poked his black, fat fingers funnily towards them.</p> +<p class="pnext">His hut was a big one, but something in it +immediately caught Frank's eye. It was a huge, black, +and horribly ugly doll. The king's god, without a +doubt. It was as black as the ace of clubs, with red +lips and white tusks. The eyes seemed to glare at the +intruders, but the intruders didn't mind.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank drew nearer to it, for something in this +wooden god's head shone with a light that was +perfectly dazzling. Anyone could have seen it was a +diamond of the purest water.</p> +<p class="pnext">How could he secure it? that was the question. +Why, that stone was a fortune in itself. Robbing a +cannibal king might not be much of a crime, but the +treasure-hunters recoiled from the idea.</p> +<p class="pnext">Barter! Ha! that indeed. Finance is a fine thing!</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank held out a handful of beautiful beads, and +pointed to the god's grinning head.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the king looked frightened, and shook his head.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank replaced the beads in his pocket.</p> +<p class="pnext">The king looked wofully sad.</p> +<p class="pnext">"The wine," said Frank, and Duncan produced it. +He poured some out into a little tin cup and drank, +then corked the bottle.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Goo--goo--goo!" exclaimed the king, excitedly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, the old rogue," said Duncan, "knows what it +is. Let him smell the bottle."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Confound him, no! He'd seize and drink the lot."</p> +<p class="pnext">But he handed him some in a cocoa-nut shell, and +having gulped that down, he handed the shell back to +be refilled.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank laughed, but shook his head.</p> +<p class="pnext">He now offered the beads and the bottle for the +diamond, and at once the cannibal yielded.</p> +<p class="pnext">He waddled over towards the god, and digging out +the glorious gem with the point of an ugly crease--which +doubtless had slit many an innocent throat--he +handed it to the financier, Frank Trelawney.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank first put it carefully in his pocket, then he +proceeded to insert three beautiful and large beads in +the hole in the god's forehead, left empty by the +abstraction of the gem.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Goo--goo--goo!" cried the king.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Don't be a big baby! You'll have the wine in a +brace of shakes".</p> +<p class="pnext">Determined to be honest, Frank not only placed a +string of beads about the neck of the idol, but a larger +and more handsome one over the king's broad brisket. +Then he gave him nutful after nutful of sherry till +there wasn't a drop left in the bottle.</p> +<p class="pnext">The king thought he would sing now.</p> +<p class="pnext">His song was like the snoring of an Indian frog. +But the king was happy.</p> +<p class="pnext">So was Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I say, Duncan," he said, "a knowledge of finance +is an excellent thing. And honesty is the best policy, +isn't it? Well, we've made one man happy this +morning. It is very soothing to one's conscience, and +really, Duncan, I wouldn't mind making a few more +cannibals happy--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"At the same price?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's it," said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">The king slept, and, leaving his wives to fan him, +the boys slipped away.</p> +<p class="pnext">They now went back "home", as they called the +haunted fort, then arranged for a day's sport.</p> +<p class="pnext">The stream they soon reached was close to the +forest, and seemed alive with fish. The tackle which +they used was simple but effective. Not original +either, for country boys in Scotland constantly use +it, and though the marvellously-dressed and +fully-equipped Englishman may fish all day and catch +nothing, the ragged urchin not far off is making a +string of dozens--a string that the Cockney eventually +purchases and palms off as the result of his own prowess.</p> +<p class="pnext">Such is life! But the tackle? Oh, yes, the tackle! +Well, it was a bent pin, a short string and rod, with a +morsel of an insect for bait.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Duncan and Frank made a discovery to-day +that was alarming.</p> +<p class="pnext">After catching sufficient fish to suffice for more than +one hearty meal, they hid their rods and tackle in the +bush, and ventured to march towards the forest.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was terribly darksome and gloomy, with very +little undergrowth, and as they knew there were lions +about they ventured forward with great caution, +keeping close together, treading lightly, and keeping a +good look-out on every side.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had not gone far before they found that this +great woodland was the abode of creatures, probably +quite as much to be dreaded even as lions.</p> +<p class="pnext">The first part they traversed, however, was +apparently a land of delight, just as it was a land of the +most brilliant flowering trees and shrubs, among which +thousands of bright-winged birds chattered and sang, +while parrots by the score mimicked them.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Surely," said Frank, "we have come to paradise at +last! Did ever you see such glorious fruit? Oh, we +must indulge, Duncan, and carry back some guavas +and mangoes to poor lonely Conal and Viking."</p> +<p class="pnext">They did indulge, and that too without stint.</p> +<p class="pnext">But this paradise soon drew to an end.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Anyhow, Duncan," said Frank, cheerfully, "we +shall know now where to find both fish and fruit."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hark!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Well might he say hark.</p> +<p class="pnext">The sounds that now broke harsh and terrible upon +their ears would have appalled older and stouter +hearts than theirs.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-v-fighting-the-gorillas"> +<span id="fighting-the-gorillas"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER V.--FIGHTING THE GORILLAS.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Frank and Duncan had undoubtedly been rash. +They had penetrated for fully a mile into the +gloomy depths of this dark, primeval forest. The +sun-life of beautiful birds and luscious fruits--Frank's +paradise--they had left far behind. Here was +nothing that could be called inviting: slimy, rotting +leaves on the bare ground, with here and there a +huge and ugly toadstool; and the branchless trunks +of mighty trees covered with white and yellow +mildew or flour-like fungi. And these trees towered +skywards, forming a dark green canopy overhead, +that no sunlight could ever penetrate, nor moonlight +or star-rays at night.</p> +<p class="pnext">The silence for some time had been both cold and +irksome. I cannot otherwise describe it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now that dread silence was broken, and not +only high overhead, but far away in front, the forest +suddenly awoke into a sylvan pandemonium.</p> +<p class="pnext">What yells, what shrieks, what hoarse and fearful cries!</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys instinctively drew closer together, and +stood ready to shoot.</p> +<p class="pnext">But nothing appeared, though the awful noises +increased rather than diminished.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank saw Duncan's lips moving, but he could hear +nothing.</p> +<p class="pnext">Surely they were in a demon-haunted forest.</p> +<p class="pnext">They looked at each other, then at once commenced +a speedy retreat.</p> +<p class="pnext">They ran as fast as ever they had done at school, +and up behind them came the roar of the demons. But +they could see no creature as yet, though they often +glanced furtively behind them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The enemy, however, seeing that they were but +little more than a hundred yards from the sunlight, +mustered up courage for the attack.</p> +<p class="pnext">And down from the trees they leapt--a score, at +least, of hideous, long-armed, hairy gorillas.</p> +<p class="pnext">If they did not possess the courage, they at all +events had far more than the strength of ordinary +men.</p> +<p class="pnext">As they advanced they beat their breasts furiously, +uttering savage cries.</p> +<p class="pnext">"A clear head now!" shouted Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">Both young fellows leaned their rifles against trees +to make sure of their aim.</p> +<p class="pnext">Br-rang! Br-rang!</p> +<p class="pnext">The sound awakened the echoes of the ugly forest, +and two gorillas fell dead.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was a silence of fully fifteen seconds, and the +boys went hurrying on again.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then came wailings and howlings, as of grief, but +these were quickly changed to yells of anger, and on +they came once more. They soon overtook our two +heroes, who, after firing with good effect, drew their +revolvers and made a running battle of it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Luckily they never once allowed these fiendish +monsters to get into grips, else speedily indeed would +they have been throttled to death.</p> +<p class="pnext">Out into the sunshine, the glorious life-giving +sunshine at last. And now they were safe. They crawled +rather than walked as far as a little stream that +trickled from a rock, and threw themselves down +exhausted.</p> +<p class="pnext">But youth soon recovers from exertion, and terror +too, and so they finally found themselves back at the +ruined fort loaded with both fruit and fish.</p> +<p class="pnext">Happy indeed was Conal to see them, for, far away +from the fort though the forest was, he had listened +appalled to the awful medley of yells and shrieks, and +made sure they were being murdered.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hillo!" cried Frank, cheerful once again--and +hungry also--and it seems to me Frank was always +hungry--"Hillo! Why, you have actually dinner ready?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Conal, laughing. "Vike and I found +some sweet-potatoes and we cooked these."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But that splendid fish you are broiling?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah! isn't she a beauty? But you should have +seen the little girl who brought it, carrying it on a +little grass rope. She was a beauty too. And we +had quite a little flirtation."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Conal! I'm--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh, are you, indeed? but I don't mind. I gave +Umtomie--that's her pretty name--two lovely beads, +and she sat there and sang to me, so sweetly! Then +she brought me a calabash full of water, and, smiling +over teeth quite as white and even as a pointer +puppy's, she waved her hand, her lily hand--no, her +raven hand--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's more truthful, Con."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And off she trotted once again."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Then, I suppose," said Frank, "the sunshine went +all out of your life, eh?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, there did seem to be a partial eclipse or +something. But down you sit to chow-chow."</p> +<p class="pnext">Down they did sit, and a right hearty meal they made.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was Conal's turn to go sporting the next day. +But he and Duncan gave the forest a wide berth, and +so nothing very wild in the shape of adventure fell to +their lot.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Much time was spent every day now in prospecting.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan couldn't and wouldn't believe that the +hands that built that strong fort had not dug for and +found both gold and diamonds.</p> +<p class="pnext">And he determined, if possible, to find some also.</p> +<p class="pnext">Unluckily they had no mining-tools, neither spade, +shovel, nor pick-axe.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Frank was a boy of infinite resources.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why not make miners' tools?" he said. "We have +chisels and hammers and what not, and there is a tree +growing yonder that is as hard as iron!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"What! Another happy thought, Frank?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, Duncan, my brave old captain, and I haven't +got half-way to the bottom of my mine of happy +thought yet."</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, picks and spades were now actually fashioned, +partly by tools, partly by fire. And then the boys +set to work with a will to open the old mines.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had worked for a whole week, but without +success, when one evening a loud and awful trumpeting +told them that elephants had arrived on the plains +below, or were passing through the country of the +cannibals for pastures new.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What a splendid chance for sport!" cried Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Conal. "Fancy bagging a few elephants. +Tuskers, don't they call them, brother?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, in India the males are so named, but here in +Africa both sexes have tusks, though those on the he +ones are bigger, and are said to be better ivory."</p> +<p class="pnext">It was determined, therefore, to march against the +elephants next day, and neither Conal nor Frank +could sleep very well for thinking of it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now, though I have no desire to be hard upon my +heroes, I must say that I am not sorry for what +happened, because elephants--next to our friend the +dog--are probably the wisest and most innocent +animals in the world.</p> +<p class="pnext">When, therefore, Duncan next forenoon killed a +lady elephant and Conal wounded a bull, the lady +being his wife, it was no wonder he should lose his +temper and charge right down on the lad.</p> +<p class="pnext">To fly was impossible. There was no refuge +anywhere. But Conal did attempt to retreat. He +stumbled and fell, however, and next moment the +awful foe was upon him. A less brave boy would +have fainted, but there was no such weakness about +Conal, though he felt his hour was come, and Duncan, +who was fully eighty yards away, could not assist +him. He put his hands to his eyes to avoid being a +witness to the dreadful death of his brother, which +now seemed inevitable.</p> +<p class="pnext">The wounded monster had dashed forward trumpeting, +but, once alongside, though blood was jerking +from a wound through one of his eyes, he attacked +immediately. He knelt beside the boy's prostrate +form and attempted to tusk him. The terrible +snorting, blood-streaming head was close over him. But, +with the quickness and cuteness of a professional +footballer, Conal rolled himself between his legs, and +now the brute attempted to squash him to death with +his knees, and Conal managed, strange to say, to avoid +each stroke.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was really a tussle for life, and, unable to bear +the sight any longer, Duncan came rushing on now +towards the scene of conflict, apparently determined +to die with Conal if he could not rescue him.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boy seemed to be dead, and was almost under +the elephant. But Duncan took steady aim, and the +bullet put out the poor beast's other eye. He +staggered to his feet now, and, stumbling and trumpeting +as he went, made directly back to the herd.</p> +<p class="pnext">Conal was bruised and sore, as well he might be, +but otherwise intact, and the two hunters now made +for higher ground.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now I do not know the reason for what followed. +I can but guess it, and give the reader facts. Only, +when the great bull regained the herd, which, by the +way, numbered only about a score, he fell, or rather +threw himself down in front of his companions.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Kill me now," he seemed to plead. "My mate is +dead, and I am blind and in pain. Put me out of my +misery."</p> +<p class="pnext">Next moment the killing had commenced. The +bull never winced nor moved, and his companions +trode him to death before the eyes of their human +persecutors.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Let us go back to the fort," said Duncan sadly. +"A more heartrending sight I never have seen. +Conal, I have shot my first and my last elephant."</p> +<p class="pnext">When they told Frank all the sad story, he, too, +agreed that elephant-shooting is not sport, but the +cowardly murder of one of the most noble animals +ever God placed on earth.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Strange to say, every day that Conal was left at the +fort to do the watching and the cooking, little +Lilywhite, as he now called the wee savage lassie, came to +pay him a visit, her eyes all a-sparkle, her two rows +alabaster teeth flashing snow-white in the sunshine.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nor did she ever come without a fish, which she +herself had caught. So tame did she become, that he +could trust her to attend to the fire, for which she +gathered wood, turn the fish with a wooden fork, and +gather and cook the sweet-potatoes or yams.</p> +<p class="pnext">Of course Frank chaffed Conal unmercifully about +this lady-love, Lilywhite, of his.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Conal cared nothing for that.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You can't do less than marry her, you know," he +said one day. "It would be cruel to trifle with the +young lady's affections."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I shouldn't think of doing less than leading her to +the altar," said Conal. "I should hate a breach of +promise case."</p> +<p class="pnext">They still paid many visits to the king, but though +he frequently asked for "goo-goo" (wine), no goo-goo +was given him for the present.</p> +<p class="pnext">At last, oh joy! news came from the far-off outer +world. For Carrambo returned.</p> +<p class="pnext">A little thinner he looked, but maintained the same +nonchalant air.</p> +<p class="pnext">He handed Duncan a letter, and as it was written +in a bold English hand he tore it nervously open.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Flom de skipper of de <em class="italics">Pen-Gun</em>," said Carrambo. +"When I see de gun-boat lie in de ribber of Lamoo, I +say to myse'f, 'No good bother wid the Sultan.' Den +I go on board. All boo'ful white deck; all shiny +blass, and black big gun; and de men all dress in +sca'let and blue. Oh, dam fine, I 'ssure you. De +skipper he take me below and give me biscocoes and +vine till I not can dlink mo'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"He read the letter. He den write anoder and +soon I go again."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ten thousand thanks, Carrambo. You have earned +your rifle. My brother and I shall teach you to shoot, +and if when we make an attempt to leave this wild +land, you will come with us to be our guide to Lamoo +many another present you shall receive besides."</p> +<p class="pnext">Lieutenant-commanding H.M.S. <em class="italics">Pen-Gun</em> wrote +most cheerfully and hopefully to Duncan, assuring +him that he himself would steam at once eastwards, +and if he was successful in finding the unhappy +mariners, they should be immediately taken off, +tenderly cared for, and landed at Zanzibar, to wait under +the charge of the British consul until a ship should +arrive and take them back to England.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Thank God for all his mercies," exclaimed Duncan +piously, after he had twice read the letter aloud to his +comrades.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then all hands shook Carrambo's hard fist, and +noting that there was something more than usual on +the tapis, Vike must jump up and go dancing all round +the fort. But he made his way to the water to finish +up with, for racing in Africa is hot work.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo received his rifle, and that very evening +received also his first lessons in the use thereof.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo was indeed a proud man now.</p> +<p class="pnext">He held his head erect and said to Duncan:</p> +<p class="pnext">"We'n King Slaleema he want some piccaniny kill +fo' to eat, I bling dat piccaniny down wid one lifel +bullet plenty twick."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then Duncan lost his temper.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was a strong young Scot and athlete, and +Carrambo, tough savage though he was, had no show +after Duncan got hold of that rifle.</p> +<p class="pnext">He wrenched it from his hand before anyone could +have said "knife".</p> +<p class="pnext">"You yellow-skinned scoundrel!" he cried, "you do +not touch the rifle again till you promise me on your +honour--though I don't suppose that weighs much--that +you will never attempt to shoot, even at the +king's bidding, any child he wishes to destroy."</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo glanced one moment at Duncan, then, +turning on his heel, walked off.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys thought he was gone for good; but presently +he returned, holding in his hand a long thin root.</p> +<p class="pnext">This he cut in two with his knife.</p> +<p class="pnext">He placed one half in his bosom, and gave the other +to Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Carrambo plomise. Suppose Carrambo bleak dat +plomise, den de debbil he cut Carrambo's heart in two, +and take he away to de ver bad place."</p> +<p class="pnext">This was an oath, though of a curious sort, but +Duncan knew that this strange being would keep it, +and so the rifle was restored.</p> +<p class="pnext">The Somali now went off to see the king, but he +first and foremost delivered the rifle into Conal's +keeping.</p> +<p class="pnext">Presently he returned laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De king--ha, ha!--he want to see you, foh tlue."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"And he vant to see you vely mooch dilectly."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, ha, ha, ha!" Carrambo evidently couldn't +contain himself, "he wants one bottle of goo-goo."</p> +<p class="pnext">The royal command was obeyed by Frank and +Duncan, Carrambo accompanying them to carry the +goo-goo.</p> +<p class="pnext">The king laughed like one possessed when he saw +the bottle, and made various signals for a drink, +holding out the same old nutshell.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was three times filled, and Carrambo himself was +also presented with a nutful.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the king waxed communicative, and, after +calling upon two of his wives to fan him, and two +more to cool Duncan and Frank down, he said he +would tell them the story of the fort, and Carrambo +himself stood by to translate.</p> +<p class="pnext">The story was certainly a sort of a "freezer", as +Frank termed it, but Carrambo, I have no doubt, gave +a very literal translation thereof.</p> +<p class="pnext">Let me carry it on to the next chapter please.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vi-an-invading-army-victory"> +<span id="an-invading-army-victory"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VI.--AN INVADING ARMY--VICTORY!</h2> +<p class="pfirst">"Goo-goo!" said the king.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan shook his head as he sat on a block of +wood near to him, and just where he could get a good +look of his sable countenance.</p> +<p class="pnext">"He say," Carrambo interpreted, "no goo-goo, no stoly."</p> +<p class="pnext">But Duncan was firm. Savages are very like +children in some of their ways, and Duncan knew it. He +shifted the bottle farther back therefore.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No story, no goo-goo. Tell him that, Carrambo."</p> +<p class="pnext">The fat king grinned, slapped one of his wives, +grinned again, and began to talk.</p> +<p class="pnext">As translated by the Somali, the story ran +somewhat as follows:--</p> +<p class="pnext">"I king now. My fadder he king once. My fadder +fadder he king befo'; my fadder fadder fadder he king +too. 'Twas when fadder fadder fadder king. De +boys all in de bush one day, make much fine spolt. +Shoot de monkey fo' eat; shoot de lion and de +spot-cat (leopard) all wid bow and arrow. Some dey kill +wid spear.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Plesantly, all as soon as nuffin, plenty much noise +and shout in de bush. Den fire-sticks flash and plenty +thunder, and one, two, tlee, nine, ten (the king was +counting on his fingers and could go no further) ob +my fadder's fadder's fadder's poor people lie down and +bleed red, and die. But dis not all. De king's people +fight, and many mo' all kill and bleeding, and so de +king make peace.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De white men dey take many wives away, den take +de country, and de king he king no mo'. All de same +he not conquer. Plaps he take revenge one day. You +see plenty soon.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, de white men wid de thunder-sticks, they +build big big house--big, big, stlong, stlong, all de +same as you young gemmans lib in now. So dey +settle down and lib heah.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dey go spolt plenty in de bush, and kill much +wild beast. Sometimes de wild beast--ha, ha!--kill +dey, and chew up foh tlue.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But all de same de white folks stay one two year. +Dey gadder much glass stone--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"These," said Duncan, "were evidently diamonds."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Were they like these?" said Frank, taking the +splendid diamond from his pocket and holding it up.</p> +<p class="pnext">"All same, all same, de king say," cried Carrambo.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dey go heah and dere all ober de mountain to +seek fo' de glass stone, and many dey find and buly."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Bury," cried Duncan, showing some little +excitement. "Ask him, Carrambo, where the glass was +buried. Wait a minute though," he added. "Frank, +give him another nutful of goo-goo."</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank did as he was told. Carrambo put the +question, and the king's eyes sparked.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What does he say, Carrambo?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"He says de debbil guard the glass stones, and if +he tell any white man where they lie, den de debbil +take he plenty quick."</p> +<p class="pnext">The king was offered a whole bottle of goo-goo if +he would only divulge the secret, but he was obdurate.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, no, no," said Carrambo. "He say de debbil +no catchee he foh many many long year yet."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then his majesty proceeded with the story.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De white men now begin to dig holes in the earf. +Dey want to make hole for bad men to come up +throo, and cut all de throats of my fadder's fadder's +fadder's pore people.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De ole ole king he fink, 'I no can stand dis no mo'." +"Den one night in de dark folest he gadder his +people togedder.</p> +<p class="pnext">"He 'splain to dem all 'bout de big hole. 'Plaps,' +he say, 'eben to-mollow de bad white debbils come up +out ob de hole, and catchee us foh tlue.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"And de ole king's people shake wid anger.</p> +<p class="pnext">"'Kill, kill, kill, and eat the fire-stick men!' dey +cly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dey shake moh and moh wid anger, den de ole +king say, 'Vely well, all kill'.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dat night, out on de plain de moon he shine. De +moon hab one big led (red) face. He look down, he +smile and laugh. 'Kill, kill!' he seem to say. 'Kill +de white debbils and dair wives, kill de white piccaninnies +too. Make much fine bobbery, much fine kill. +I not tell.'</p> +<p class="pnext">"But de white men dat night say, 'O, de black +cannibal not come dis night. Too much moon!' So +dey dlink goo-goo, and moh and moh goo-goo. Den +dey sing--ha, ha!--den dey sleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">"De moon he smile all de same. And the black man +wid plenty spear and knife lie quiet in de bush.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But the king cly now, and all at once de savage +jump up.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Plenty much branch ob tree dey cut.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Plenty much fire.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Den wid gleat stones de door fly all bloken, and de +white men come out to fight.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But too much goo-goo--he, he, he!--and dey fall +and fall all in one big heap. Much blood. Much kick +and scream!</p> +<p class="pnext">"Not one alibe now, only de white women and de +piccaninnies.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ha, ha, ha, how de king do laugh. My fadder, +fadder, fadder, dat is.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But now all de women am drag out, and all de +piccaninny. Der troats--"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Horrible!" cried Duncan. "We will have no more. +Give the old pig of a king more goo-goo and let him +go and sleep it off. I have never heard, Frank, of a +more diabolical massacre in my life."</p> +<p class="pnext">Said Carrambo now: "What foh you open again +de old debbil pits? Some night dey people rise and +murder you tree pooh souls all same as dey kill and eat +de odder white folks long, long ago. Carrambo know +well. Dese sabages not hab de debbil pits open. +Oh, no!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"There is much truth," said Duncan, "in what +Carrambo says. It would be a pity to leave this land +of gold and diamonds without knowing for certain +whether the mines are worth working; but I move +that we leave the devil pits alone for a time until we +try to reclaim these savages just a little."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I should reclaim them off the face of the earth," +said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That is impossible, and were it not, we should only +be reducing ourselves to their level. That is not the +doctrine of Jesus Christ."</p> +<p class="pnext">So the "debbil pits", much to the joy of the king, +were partially refilled. But just as they were +shovelling in the earth, brave broad-shouldered Duncan +struck something with his wooden spade.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hillo!" he cried, "what have we here?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank and Conal rushed up to see.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why, a nugget. And, boys, it is six pounds weight +if an ounce."</p> +<p class="pnext">The excitement of the three young fellows now +knew no bounds. They shook each other by the +hand; they shouted aloud for joy, and then, while +honest Viking capered around them, they raised their +voices in song, Duncan leading in an old song, sung by +the gold-diggers of California in days long, long gone by.</p> +<p class="pnext">But a right cheery one it was.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">"Pull away, cheerily,</div> +<div class="line">Not slow and wearily,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Rocking the cradle,[1] boys, swift to and fro.</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Working the hand about,</div> +<div class="line">Sifting the sand about,</div> +</div> +<div class="line">Looking for treasures that lie in below."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<p class="left medium pfirst">[1] The machine used for washing the "pay-dirt".</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">"Hurrah! Hurrah!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Another and a truly British cheer. The savages far +down below heard it and trembled.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Plaps," said Carrambo, "dey tink all de debbils +was let loose now foh tlue."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Here, Carrambo, hurry down with a bottle of goo-goo +to the old king, and tell him we are his friends +now, and if an enemy comes we will help to fight him."</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo came back the same evening rejoicing, +but laughing his wildest.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Plenty much fun!" he cried. "De fat king he +dlunk, ebber so much dlunk. He do nuffin' now. +Jus' lie on him back and sing. Ha! ha! ha!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys went back to their fort to dine. Carrambo +would be their friend, though to the savages he +pretended not to be so. He was even entrusted with +a revolver, and thus a right happy man was he.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, when Duncan talked about the invasion of an +enemy he might have been speaking for speaking +sake; but one evening a runner brought the alarming +intelligence that a rich neighbouring tribe were +preparing to fall upon and extirpate the inhabitants of +these glens and hills.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And a jolly good job too," said Frank. "We'll +stand by and look on, won't we, Duncan?"</p> +<p class="pnext">But Duncan shook his head.</p> +<p class="pnext">"A promise even to a savage is sacred, Frank, and +we must fight."</p> +<p class="pnext">The Umbaloomi, as the invading tribe was called, +did not keep the tribe long waiting.</p> +<p class="pnext">They came in force on the very next day. The +king himself marched along with his warriors, mounted +on a huge elephant, while behind him, on another, +rode his two favourite wives. The Umbaloomi +potentate had promised them a great treat, and many +heads with which to decorate their huts.</p> +<p class="pnext">Now Duncan had determined that Goo-goo, as the +fat king had come to be called, should attack the +invaders first. If he failed to conquer, then Duncan, +with Frank, Conal, and Carrambo, meant to give them +a startler, and something like a surprise.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was all as it should be, and the fight, as seen +from the bush where our heroes lay <em class="italics">perdu</em>, was a +fearful one.</p> +<p class="pnext">What a horrible melée! What a murderous massacre! +No wonder that the wild birds rose in screaming +clouds, or that the echoes of the forest were awakened +by the bedlam shrieks and howlings of the gorillas!</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now for it, lads!" cried Duncan, as he noticed that +Goo-Goo's side was losing. "Steady aim. Give 'em +fits, but don't fire until I tell you."</p> +<p class="pnext">Nearer and nearer to the foe they crept under cover +of the mimosa bushes.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Fire!"</p> +<p class="pnext">At the word a rattling volley was poured into the +very midst of the foe.</p> +<p class="pnext">Another and another, for the rifles were repeaters.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hurrah!" shouted Carrambo, "the fire-debbils have come!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Whether the enemy understood him or not I cannot +say, but they were staggered, and backward now they +reeled in a confusion which is indescribable.</p> +<p class="pnext">The elephants waxed wild, and, instead of flying, +charged right towards the Goo-Goo tribe.</p> +<p class="pnext">And the invading king, with both his wives, were +instantly slain.</p> +<p class="pnext">That completed the victory.</p> +<p class="pnext">But after victory came the rout, the slaughter, and +utter extermination of the invaders.</p> +<p class="pnext">With the details of the fearful feast that followed, +I should be sorry, indeed, to sully my pages.</p> +<p class="pnext">So the curtain drops on a sadder scene than ever I +trust any of my readers shall ever behold.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was another feast, however, of a somewhat +less terrible kind. For on the slain that night the +beasts of the forest held high revel.</p> +<p class="pnext">And thus ended the invasion of King Goo-Goo's land.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-vii-the-mysterious-stone"> +<span id="the-mysterious-stone"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VII.--THE MYSTERIOUS STONE.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">For the first time since their arrival Goo-Goo paid +the boys a visit of ceremony, on the day after the +battle.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo had apprised them of the honour they +were about to be the recipients of, and they stayed at +home in consequence.</p> +<p class="pnext">Goo-Goo was very pompous--and precious little else.</p> +<p class="pnext">He was elated with his victory, but did not hesitate +to admit that Duncan and his comrades had contributed +a little to the turn of the tide of battle.</p> +<p class="pnext">Goo-Goo was even boastful</p> +<p class="pnext">Goo-Goo was also very thirsty.</p> +<p class="pnext">So Duncan invited him to come inside.</p> +<p class="pnext">He refused. Not even a whole bottle of his favourite +sherry would have tempted him to cross the threshold +of the fort, because--as he explained through +Carrambo--"plenty much debbil lib (live) in one hole +below de floor".</p> +<p class="pnext">But he made very small work of a nut-shell of +goo-goo that Duncan presented to him with his own hand.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then he explained why he had come. It was to +offer to our heroes the two tame elephants that had +been captured in battle.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan nodded to his fellows, and the gift was +accepted unconditionally, and that very day the great +wise beasts were taken over.</p> +<p class="pnext">A huge compound was erected for them in a bit of +jungle not far off; the king's men building it with +their own hands.</p> +<p class="pnext">Moreover, two men were told off to feed and care +for the noble brutes, who soon became very great pets +indeed, with all hands.</p> +<p class="pnext">The larger of the two might well have been called +immense or colossal. He seemed especially fond of +Frank, and there wasn't a titbit Frank could think of +that he did not bring to Ju-ju of a morning.</p> +<p class="pnext">Ju-ju was certainly grateful. He had one very +curious method of showing his gratitude, namely, by +encircling the boy with his trunk and swaying him up +and down, and to and fro.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Gently, Ju-ju," Frank would say sometimes; +"gently, Ju, old man."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then Ju would set him quietly down and trumpet +with delight.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">But as soon as it was dark, all was generally peaceful +enough about the fort, for after a residence of some +months in king Goo-Goo's country they had got quite +used to the cry of wild beasts, and even the roar of +lions did not disturb their slumbers.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the nugget and the diamond--oh! these indeed. +Duncan's eyes used to sparkle with delight as they +were placed upon the table of an evening.</p> +<p class="pnext">What possibilities did they not point to! What joy +for the future seemed to scintillate from the diamond! +One night something that the king had said during +his visit to the fort suddenly flashed across Frank's +memory.</p> +<p class="pnext">He almost startled both Conal and Duncan by the +eagerness with which he almost shouted:</p> +<p class="pnext">"Cousins!" he cried, "I have the happiest thought +that ever I had. Do you not remember that the king +refused to come into the fort because devils dwelt in a +hole beneath the floor!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes, yes, he did say so."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Duncan, those devils are diamonds, and, it may be, +gold nuggets as well."</p> +<p class="pnext">His comrades were thunder-struck apparently, but +they admitted that in all likelihood Frank's surmise +was correct.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Then, boys," said Frank, "we shall open a devil +hole right here where we sit."</p> +<p class="pnext">This proposal was agreed to, and the work would +have commenced the very next day had not a strange +adventure happened to Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">It may be observed that mostly all the terrible +adventures did happen to Frank. Some people are +born unlucky, you know.</p> +<p class="pnext">But next forenoon Duncan and he had gone towards +the forest for the purpose of shooting hyenas, +no great or very exalted sport, it is true, but they had +become numerous and bold of late, and needed scattering.</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan had followed a wounded monster some +distance for the sake of giving him his <em class="italics">congé</em>, when he +came back---- lo! Frank was gone.</p> +<p class="pnext">For hours and hours Duncan searched all that +portion of the forest that he dared to enter, but in +vain.</p> +<p class="pnext">But he found his comrade's gun, and at some little +distance his cap.</p> +<p class="pnext">So he went sorrowfully home.</p> +<p class="pnext">Further search was made next day, some of the +bravest of Goo-Goo's native soldiers assisting.</p> +<p class="pnext">But no more trace of the lost Frank could be found.</p> +<p class="pnext">A whole fortnight went past, and he was mourned +for as one dead, and even Carrambo gave up hopes.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank, he told them, must have been throttled by +the gorillas and hung up in a tree.</p> +<p class="pnext">But lo! and behold, one forenoon who should appear +again <em class="italics">in propria persona</em>, but the laughing little +Cockney boy himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">By the hand he led a little long-armed hairy gorilla, +that clung to him in terror when Viking began to +growl.</p> +<p class="pnext">Jeannie, as she was called, sprang trembling into +Frank's arms, but he gently soothed her, and after +having a cup of coffee he told his marvellous story.[2] +It was briefly as follows:--</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">[1] This is no sailor's yarn, but founded on fact.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">He had been captured by the awful gorillas, having +been first stunned by a blow from a club. Then +carried deep into the forest and up into a very high +tree. There he found a shelter, quite a hut in fact, +and far from being unkind to him, the gorillas fed +and tended him every day, only guarding him at night.</p> +<p class="pnext">"And this is my little pupil," he added. "Jeannie +was given me to educate, I suppose; but early this +morning the gorillas went off to do battle with some +neighbouring tribe, and Jeannie and I slipped down +the tree and ran for it.</p> +<p class="pnext">"So here I am!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Heaven be praised!" cried Duncan with tears in his +eyes. "You come to us as one risen from the dead."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And what are you going to do with Jeannie?" asked +Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh!" said Frank, "Jeannie is a sweet child. She +shall go with us wherever we go."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I hope," said Conal, "her parents won't come for +her. It might be rather inconvenient."</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Two long months passed away, and our heroes were +almost weary of this lonesome and wild land.</p> +<p class="pnext">But they had not been idle all the time of their +sojourn here. On the contrary, they had commenced +to dig in the fort itself for buried treasure.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was plenty of excitement about this, but for +many a weary week no luck attended their excavations.</p> +<p class="pnext">The excitement, however, was somewhat like that +of gambling, and once begun they felt they could not +give it up until they came to something.</p> +<p class="pnext">So they dug and dug.</p> +<p class="pnext">But all in vain.</p> +<p class="pnext">They still spent much of their time in fishing and +shooting, however. These were necessary sports. Food +they must have.</p> +<p class="pnext">A rather gloomy time arrived later on, when they +had finally abandoned all hopes of finding any buried +treasure. Tremendously heavy banks of clouds had +rolled up from the horizon and overspread the heavens.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then with terrible thundering and vivid lightning +a short rainy season was ushered in. The stream +became flooded, so that fishing was now out of the +question.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Conal's little Lilywhite visited the fort every +day, and--though I cannot say where she found them--never +came without a fish, while just as often as +not she brought the boys a present of delightful fruit.</p> +<p class="pnext">The rain-clouds were scattered at last, and soon the +country all around was greener and more lovely than +ever the wanderers had seen it, while the most +gorgeous of flowers seemed to spring into existence +in the short space of twenty-four hours.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sport began again once more.</p> +<p class="pnext">They still paid visits to the king, but these were +not so welcome now to his sable majesty, for the goo-goo +was all finished, and he cared for little else--with, +of course, the exception of human flesh.</p> +<p class="pnext">Conal was exceedingly well developed, and under +certain conditions he would not have objected being +reminded of this.</p> +<p class="pnext">But when the king one day felt his arm and said +something which Carrambo translated: "Ah, num-num! you +plenty good to eat," Conal hardly relished +the verdict.</p> +<p class="pnext">But the great elephants became a source of much +pleasure to everyone. They were so perfectly tractable +and manageable that the boys often went across +country with them.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was practice, and Duncan had a meaning for it.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, one day as Frank was entering the living-room +of the fort, his eyes fell upon a curious mark +upon a stone, which proved to be an arrow bent +partly upwards. He followed its direction with his +eye and on another stone found another arrow, then +two or three more, and finally there was a square +stone above the window with a cross over it, thus (cross symbol).</p> +<p class="pnext">There were no more arrows.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank rushed out half frantic with joy.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Duncan! Conal!" he shouted.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were coming quietly up the hill.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Come quick, boys, I've made a discovery!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Then he led them in and pointed the arrows, and +the stone marked with the (cross symbol).</p> +<p class="pnext">"The diamonds are there," he said excitedly.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">The stone, however, was so firmly cemented in that +it defied any ordinary methods to get it out.</p> +<p class="pnext">So they determined to dine first, and go to work on +it afterwards.</p> +<p class="pnext">But no one could think or speak of anything else +except their hopes of finding the treasure.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys had made cocoa-nut-oil lamps, and by the +little flicker of light these gave, they now set about +attacking the flint-hard cement in earnest. They +chipped it out bit by bit, and hard, tedious work they +found it.</p> +<p class="pnext">But they succeeded at last, and stood silent and +with a kind of awesome delight. For there before +them was the glad sparkle of diamonds--a sparkle +that seemed to dim the light of their poor oil lamp.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Boys," cried Duncan, "our fortune is made!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The diamonds, however, were but few--eight in all--but +of great size, and apparently of high value, +although the boys were no judges.</p> +<p class="pnext">The hole where they had lain was carefully +cemented all round, and besides the diamonds they +found here two or three nuggets of gold, and a tiny +brick of cement about six inches by four by three.</p> +<p class="pnext">Just one word was engraved thereon.</p> +<p class="pnext">That word was evidently Spanish, though partly +obliterated--ABRIR--</p> +<p class="pnext">They hoped to find diamonds inside.</p> +<p class="pnext">They did not, however; only a piece of parchment, +on which many words were written which they could +not understand.</p> +<p class="pnext">They were just putting in the stone again, after +carefully storing away the diamonds and parchment, +when Viking sprang up fiercely barking, and with his +hair erect all along his spine.</p> +<p class="pnext">At the same moment they perceived a terrible face +at the open window.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was that of a savage in his war-paint--the lips +were painted red, great red rings were around each eye, +and cheeks and brow were daubed with spots of white.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Idle curiosity, I suppose," said Duncan, "or a trick +to frighten us. For now that the goo-goo is all +exhausted, I believe the king would like to see the very +last of us."</p> +<p class="pnext">When Carrambo came next day they told him about +the terrible face at the window.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo considered for a moment, then shook his head.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dat no good," he said. "You close all de debbil pit?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Yes," said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dat bad sabage see somefing, sah! He go tell de +king. King make bobbery soon. Plaps cut all you +troats, like he kill pore leetle Lilywhite to-mollow."</p> +<p class="pnext">"What!" cried Conal, "kill Lilywhite! If he dares, +I'll put a bullet through his fat and ugly phiz."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Poh Lilywhite!" continued Carrambo, as if speaking +to himself. "But," he added, "s'pose you come +to-night, I take you to de hut. Lily come back heah; +den not die."</p> +<p class="pnext">Conal at once agreed, and Carrambo came for him +some hours after sunset.</p> +<p class="pnext">The butchering hut was at a considerable distance +from the main village, and, strange to say, unguarded. +But they crept in and found Lily bound hand and foot.</p> +<p class="pnext">She was speedily rescued, and in an hour's time +they were all back at the fort.</p> +<p class="pnext">But Conal had seen something that night which +seriously alarmed both him and his companions.</p> +<p class="pnext">The savages were squatted out-of-doors around +fires, and all in war-paint.</p> +<p class="pnext">They looked fierce and terrible.</p> +<p class="pnext">Very busy, too, were they, sharpening horrid knives +and spears.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was fearful intelligence to bring back, and +Carrambo, being asked what it all meant, did not +hesitate a moment in replying.</p> +<p class="pnext">"It mean dis," he said; "dey tink dat you open de +debbil hole again. To-mollow dey come plenty twick +and cut all you troats, foh shuah."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Carrambo," said Duncan after a pause, "can you +guide us towards Lamoo?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ees, sah, I guide you foh tlue!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Without having to go through that gorilla-haunted +forest?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ees, sah, ees," was the quick reply. "I myse'f not +go t'loo de folast."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, Carrambo, send for the men who attend to +the elephants, and we shall start this very night."</p> +<p class="pnext">The two elephant attendants were very sincere, and +when Duncan promised them clothes and beads and +many fine gifts, they readily consented to go with +them to the coast.</p> +<p class="pnext">So packing was commenced without a moment's delay.</p> +<p class="pnext">And none too soon, as things turned out.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-viii-the-battle-at-the-ford"> +<span id="the-battle-at-the-ford"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER VIII.--THE BATTLE AT THE FORD.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Even Viking seemed to understand the seriousness +of the situation, for while he watched with great +earnestness, not to say joy, the hurried preparations +for departure, he never once barked.</p> +<p class="pnext">All was ready at last, and just a little before +midnight a start was made.</p> +<p class="pnext">Nothing had been forgotten, and luckily the two +men who had charge of the elephants knew how to +load these. On the first, a very large animal, was a +low but strong howdah, in which were packed the +instruments, spare arms, and ammunition, food, cooking +utensils, rugs and wraps, &c. It was built low and +of wattle, not only for lightness' sake, but that it +might not catch against any trees they might have to +get under, during their long and dangerous march +towards the coast.</p> +<p class="pnext">But a strange and curious band they formed, had +anyone been there to behold them. Let us count and +see how many souls they numbered. Six men in all, +Lilywhite and Jeannie, Viking, and the two elephants. +Eleven all told.</p> +<p class="pnext">Why, I do believe I have given a soul to each. But +just listen, boys, while I, the author of this book, +make a confession. The generality of us poor upstarts +have an idea we are immensely superior to the beings +we are all so fond of calling "the lower animals". +We imagine--the majority of us, I mean--that these +were all made for our use, and they are badly used +accordingly. What utter rot, and what a shame! +There is no great gulf fixed between us and them. +Their minds differ but in degree, not in kind, from our +own, and if we have a future existence, be sure and +certain that your pet dog or cat that died not long +ago--and whom you cannot forget--will live again +also. Nothing good ever dies--only sin!</p> +<p class="pnext">So I certainly should not think of withholding a +soul from those two marvellously-wise elephants, and +of course Viking was more wise and far higher in +the scale of intellect than many and many a +drink-besotted Englishman or Scotsman, whom I see making +heavy weather and steering badly as he marches +homewards of a Saturday night.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well, Lilywhite and Jeannie occupied the other +howdah, and I'm sure I should not be mean enough +to deny the possession of a soul to either.</p> +<p class="pnext">Pray, love the lower animals, boys, for, mind you, +the same God who made you made them.</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"Oh happy living things! no tongue</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">Their beauty may declare;</div> +</div> +<div class="line">If springs of love gush from your heart</div> +<div class="inner line-block"> +<div class="line">You bless them unaware."</div> +</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Well, this good Somali, Carrambo, was to be +depended upon. That was evident. He was indeed a +strange being in many ways, and held every life but +his own very cheap indeed, but he was going to be +faithful to his employers. He had a certain code of +morality which he considered binding on him, else he +could have robbed our heroes and delivered them into +Goo-goo's hands very easily indeed. But he had no +such thought.</p> +<p class="pnext">He now walked in front, as the elephants felt their +way with cautious steps adown the hill towards a ford +in the stream, an attendant close by the head of each.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo did not mean to take his party through +that demon-haunted forest, but by a more circuitous +and safer route.</p> +<p class="pnext">Well was it for all that they had abandoned the +fort and the hill at the time they did; for the savages +had worked themselves up into a kind of murderous +frenzy, and determined to attack and slay the whites +long before daybreak.</p> +<p class="pnext">On looking behind them while still some distance +from the ford, our boys could hear their bloodthirsty +and maniacal howls, and knew they had reached the +fort and found it empty.</p> +<p class="pnext">And then they knew they were being pursued!</p> +<p class="pnext">The full moon had now arisen, and its pure silvery +light was bathing hill and glen and forest. Even the +distant snow-clad mountain-peaks could be seen +sparkling like koh-i-noors in its radiance.</p> +<p class="pnext">But here is the ford, and it is quickly negotiated. +None too quickly, however, for hardly are they on the +other bank ere the savages had reached the stream.</p> +<p class="pnext">A battle was now unavoidable.</p> +<p class="pnext">So all wheeled.</p> +<p class="pnext">Spears were thrown in a cloud from the other side, +but each one missed its mark.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Steady now, men!" cried Duncan. "Be cautious! Fire!"</p> +<p class="pnext">It was a rattling and a most destructive volley they +poured into that savage mob. The terrible shrieking +increased, but it was now mingled with howls of pain +and impotent rage.</p> +<p class="pnext">Five more volleys were fired, and as the natives +were crowded close together the effect was fearful.</p> +<p class="pnext">They reeled, they turned, and were about to seek +safety in flight when one painted wretch, more brave +than his fellows, waving his spear aloft, dashed into +the river and commenced to cross.</p> +<p class="pnext">More than one were following, and had they succeeded +in getting over, the fight would doubtless have +had a sad and speedy ending.</p> +<p class="pnext">But now something happened that at once turned +the tide of battle.</p> +<p class="pnext">Vike had hitherto been only a very interested +spectator of the fight, but now, seeing that savage +half-way across, with a howl and a roar he leapt into +the river, and quickly ploughed his way towards him.</p> +<p class="pnext">All the courage that the cannibal possessed deserted +him at once, when he saw what he thought was an +evil spirit coming towards him. With a yell that +quite demoralized his companions behind, he dropped +his spear and tried to rush back.</p> +<p class="pnext">A man cannot walk in deepish water so quickly as +a dog can swim, and so Viking seized him before he +had gone many yards.</p> +<p class="pnext">Do savages faint, I wonder? I never have seen +one "go off", as old wives call it, and require smelling-salts +and burned feathers. Nevertheless this fellow +became insensible when Vike proceeded to shake him +out of his skin.</p> +<p class="pnext">So the dog towed him in.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo drew his knife, and would have killed +him at once but for Duncan's interference.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No, no," he shouted, "spare his life, Carrambo!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Firing had never slackened, and now as the enemy +gave way it was more rapid and deadly than ever. +But in a few minutes' time there was not a savage +left on the opposite bank. Only the dead, only the +wounded tossing and writhing in agony in the moonlight.</p> +<p class="pnext">There was still a chance, however, of the attack +being renewed. For this reason: King Goo-goo had +adopted a plan of his own for punishing those who +were defeated in battle, and invariably the first +half-dozen men who returned were clubbed to death. +Goo-goo was rather partial to brain fritters, and +cared very little whose brains contributed to this little +<em class="italics">entrée</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">And now the march was resumed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Sometimes the little band was so close to the forest +that they could hear the howling and din of the +gorillas, at other times they were stretching over arid +tracts of a kind of prairie land. Nor were these +silent and uninhabited. Beasts of the desert were +leopards and even lions.</p> +<p class="pnext">The former fled on sight, the latter did not dare to +attack.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yet when one leapt up almost close to the foremost +elephants, and began slowly to retreat with head and +tail erect and growling like loudest thunder, bold +Carrambo levelled and fired. The bullet must have +pierced the splendid beast's heart, for he at once +dropped dead in his tracks.</p> +<p class="pnext">Carrambo was indeed a proud man now, and +although the boys knew the shot was only a fluke, he +was patted on the back and permitted to wear the +laurels he had won.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes, but Carrambo had the skin as well as the +laurels. And this, after rubbing the inside well with +a kind of earth he found near by, and which is often +used as a preservative, he stowed it away in one of +the howdahs.</p> +<p class="pnext">On and on they marched all that night, often having +to cross small rivers and streams, or journey long +distances by the banks of larger ones, which proved +unfordable, till at daylight they found themselves on +a tree-covered little hill, and here Duncan called a halt +for refreshment and for rest.</p> +<p class="pnext">All were tired, except little Lilywhite. For with +the child-gorilla in her arms she had slept most of +the way.</p> +<p class="pnext">She was helped down. Both the shes in fact, and +Jeannie soon jumped into Frank's arms, caressing him +in the most affectionate manner.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Behold how she loves her father!" said the boy +laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well," he added, "I would rather have one little +hairy gorilla who loved me, than a thousand hairless +bipeds of men who didn't give shucks for me."</p> +<p class="pnext">To a stream close by ran Lily, and in a surprisingly +quick time returned with fish enough for all hands.</p> +<p class="pnext">And these, one of the men having lit a fire, she +speedily cooked.</p> +<p class="pnext">Lily was, indeed, a jewel in her own way--though +a black one.</p> +<p class="pnext">After a hearty breakfast, of which fruit formed a +not unimportant portion, rugs were spread in the shade, +and leaving Carrambo on guard--his time for rest +would come afterwards--all lay down to snatch a few +hours' sleep.</p> +<p class="pnext">Lily squatted at Conal's head, fanning him with a +broad leaf, till finally he slept.</p> +<p class="pnext">Jeannie curled up beside Frank, and Viking with +Duncan. So everyone was contented and happy.</p> +<p class="pnext">I do not think the boys ever slept more soundly +than they did under the cool green shadow of those +trees, and when the sun had gone a certain distance +round, and Carrambo, acting on his instructions, awoke +them, they felt as fresh as meadow larks, and quite fit +to resume the journey.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I hope we won't have any more fighting, boys," +said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Why not?" said Frank the Cockney. "I think +fighting is good fun.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Especially," he added, "when you win."</p> +<p class="pnext">"That's just it, Frank; but the bother is, that if we +are hard pressed, the other fellows will win next time, +because our cartridges would soon be all expended."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Let us hope for the best," said Conal. "We have +plenty of ammunition for our revolvers."</p> +<p class="pnext">"True, Conal; but when you are near enough to +shoot a savage with a revolver, he is near enough to +scupper you with his spear."</p> +<p class="pnext">They encamped that night close to the banks of a +sandy-bottomed river, which Duncan said looked as if +it contained gold. And once more Lilywhite assumed +the responsibility of cooking.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then, keeping the fire still alight to keep wild beasts +at bay, the boys left Vike on watch and curled up.</p> +<p class="pnext">In spite of the warm attentions of scores of very +musical mosquitoes they slept long and soundly, and +daylight was almost breaking before they awoke.</p> +<p class="pnext">On and on they journeyed day by day, and many +and strange were their adventures among wild beasts +and wilder men. But although our heroes always +showed a bold front when trouble seemed rising, they +found it safest and best, if possible, to make friends +with the different tribes they came into contact with.</p> +<p class="pnext">The beads they still possessed went a long way to +cement friendship.</p> +<p class="pnext">They had been on the road for over a month, for +they did not hurry, knowing the advantage of harbouring +their strength in case of having to fight for dear +life itself.</p> +<p class="pnext">One day about this time, after crossing a high and +desert upland, they descended a hill and found +themselves among a very strange people indeed, and in a +strangely beautiful country.</p> +<p class="pnext">As the inhabitants were friendly, Duncan resolved +to stay with them for a time, that all might recruit +their health, and that Conal might regain his.</p> +<p class="pnext">The poor lad, in a skirmish with some savages that +had taken place farther inland, had been wounded by +a poisoned arrow, and although he appeared to have +recovered, the wound had broken out afresh, and he +was now in so low a condition, that he had to be carried +on a bed of grass made for him in one of the howdahs.</p> +<p class="pnext">A cool grass hut was set apart for the poor white +boy, as the natives called him, and Lily was a most +attentive nurse to him. But indeed all the people +near by were unremitting in their attentions, not only +to Conal, but to everyone in the camp.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was a country of villages, scattered here and +there wherever the water was most plentiful for +themselves and the cattle they owned. But scattered +though these were, and but sparsely inhabited, yet if +the tocsin of war sounded, they speedily flocked to one +standard to repel an invading foe. It was a real +republic, owning no king or chief, and placing the law +in the hands of their elders in virtue of their age and +wisdom.</p> +<p class="pnext">As there was perfect peace and good understanding +between these simple pastoral natives and Duncan's +little band, the latter were very happy indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Conal got slowly well, but all hands had to remain +in this happy land for nearly six weeks before the +journey could be renewed.</p> +<p class="pnext">And poor little Lilywhite stayed here for better or +for worse.</p> +<p class="pnext">Here is how it happened. Shortly before Duncan +was about to resume the march towards the big river +and city of Lamoo, Carrambo one day came forward, +leading a tall and rather ungainly young savage, and +addressed Conal as follows:--</p> +<p class="pnext">"Dis dam young rascal he say you all de same's one +fadder to Lily. He want to mally Lily. He gib tree +goat foh Lily."</p> +<p class="pnext">Here he struck the suitor under the chin.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hol' you head up, Choo-ka!" he cried. "De white +man no eat de likes ob you!"</p> +<p class="pnext">Choo-ka would have blushed if he hadn't been black.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Is Lily willing?" said Conal, laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh ees, sah, she plenty willin' 'nuff."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, consider it all arranged."</p> +<p class="pnext">So Conal lost his nurse, and Choo-ka gained a bride. +As, however, the girl had taken a great fancy for +Jeannie, Frank gave the gorilla to her as a wedding +gift, and Duncan presented her with a string of +beautiful beads.</p> +<p class="pnext">And so they were married, and no doubt lived, or +will live, for my story does not date back any very +extraordinary number of years, happy ever after.</p> +<p class="pnext">The journey was now resumed, and with the exception +of some adventures with pythons and alligators, +they reached the river without much further trouble, +and in a few days after this struck the outlying +huts of the large Arab city of Lamoo, and were received +in the most hospitable way, not only by the Portuguese, +but by the Arabs, and even by the sultan himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">A question now arose as to what they should do +with the elephants. It would be impossible to take +these to sea with them.</p> +<p class="pnext">But a very wealthy Arab merchant offered to buy +them, and after a considerable deal of haggling he +became the purchaser, and the boys were paid in gold.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">They had half expected to find a gun-boat here, but +were disappointed.</p> +<p class="pnext">So after waiting for a whole week, they paid poor +Carrambo off, after telling him that they meant to +revisit his country another day and open the "debbil +pits" in spite of old Goo-goo, then took passage in a +large Arab dhow for Zanzibar, with all their goods and +chattels, their gold and diamonds.</p> +<p class="pnext">Two weeks after this there landed on the white +sandy beach of that place, three as jolly and as happy +boys as anyone ever shook hands with.</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-ix-the-very-identical-bird"> +<span id="the-very-identical-bird"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER IX.--THE VERY IDENTICAL BIRD.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Zanzibar! The spotless sand, on which the blue +waves broke lazily into foam, sparkled like silver +in the rays of the noonday sun. Higher up were the +walls of many a palatial-looking building, consulates, +most of them, and each one flying the flag of its +country, and with, here and there, gigantic +cocoa-palms waving their dark-green foliage between.</p> +<p class="pnext">Conspicuous above all, the palace of the Sultan, with +above it the blood-red Arab flag.</p> +<p class="pnext">There were many ships in the roadstead; some +men-o'-war too, but none belonging to Her Majesty +the Queen.</p> +<p class="pnext">This was slightly disappointing, for our heroes had +been told that the little gun-boat was here, and they +longed with an indescribable longing to know if their +dear friends had been rescued alive from the +uninhabited island.</p> +<p class="pnext">During their voyage from Lamoo--the town lies +about fifteen miles inland, and on the banks of the +river, and is navigable to vessels of light draught all +the way up--the Arab skipper had been both courteous +and kind to the young fellows, and when, after the +landing of their chattels, they bade him good-bye, +they felt truly sorry to part with him.</p> +<p class="pnext">There were plenty of willing hands on the beach to +carry their goods to the hotel. Indeed, they would +have carried the boys themselves, and Viking too, had +a few pice been offered them as a reward.</p> +<p class="pnext">But here is the hotel. It has not been a long walk, +albeit the narrow streets have been--as they always +are--crowded to excess with Arabs, Parsees, Hindoos, +Portuguese, Indians, and niggers of every size and +shade. Through this crowd they had to jostle their +way with many a shout of "Sameela! Sameela!" For +neither the streets themselves nor those who fill them +have the sweet savour of--</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"A primrose by the river's brim".</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">Yes, here is the hotel, and though the street in front +is fairly wide, the hostelry itself is not over-inviting. +But the landlord, who happens to be a Frenchman, +gives them a right hearty welcome, and asks them +immediately what they will have for "deenir".</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh," said Duncan, "what can we have?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Eberytings, gentlemans; soup, feesh, entree, curry."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Ah! let us have some real curry. No, not any +soup; we want solids. And as soon as you are ready, +we are."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Sartainly, gentlemans."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And now," continued Duncan, "we would like to +see our bedrooms."</p> +<p class="pnext">"I have put your luggash all in one big, big room. +Three beds it have, 'cause I know young officers like +to talk much togedder."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Very thoughtful of you indeed!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"And dare is a bat'room just off it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"How luxurious!" cried Frank. "Why, boys, we +are back once more into civilization!"</p> +<p class="pnext">They certainly enjoyed their bath, as well as a +change of raiment.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Now, if we had some coffee," said Frank "we--"</p> +<p class="pnext">He had no time to complete the sentence, for just +as he was talking, the landlord re-entered the room +smiling.</p> +<p class="pnext">He bore, on a level with his forehead, a tray with a +pot of the most fragrant coffee, flanked by cups.</p> +<p class="pnext">Besides this, there was a huge basin of goat's milk.</p> +<p class="pnext">"For your beautiful dog, sir officer."</p> +<p class="pnext">Duncan thanked him most heartily, and Viking +seemed most grateful also.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I sincerely love all de animiles in de world," said +the Frenchman. "One gentleman stay here now. Hab +been stay many mont's, with one leetle blackamoor +servant. He possess one very curious bird. Ha, ha! +'Scuse me laugh. But ven I play on my little flute, +den the bird and de boy dance. It is all so funny!"</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys exchanged glances.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Can it be possible?" said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I declare," cried Frank, "I feel fidgety all over."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And I," said Conal, "am cramful of nerves."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Landlord, can you introduce us to the bird and the +boy?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Sartainly, gentlemans. Follow, if you will be so +kind."</p> +<p class="pnext">He led them down and down a flight of stone stairs +that seemed to have no end.</p> +<p class="pnext">Then the young fellows followed him into a large +room.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Gol-a-mussy, gemmans, has you risen again flom +de grabe?"</p> +<p class="pnext">It was little Johnnie Shingles, and none but he.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Grunt, grunt! squeak, squawk, and squawl!" Up +rushed Pen himself.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes, the very identical bird!</p> +<p class="pnext">"Wowff!" cried Vike, entering fully into the excitement.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Wowff, wowff, wonders will never cease."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then out came Monsieur T.'s flute.</p> +<p class="pnext">And Monsieur struck up a merry lilt.</p> +<p class="pnext">Up went the great bird's flappers, stretched out +were Johnnie's arms, and next moment they were +whirling together round and round that stone-floored +room, in surely as daft a dance as ever yet was seen.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was just at this moment, and while all three boys +were convulsed with laughter, that a third person put +in an appearance, and now for a time everything else +paled before the pleasure of once more meeting, and +grasping the hand of brave Master-mariner Talbot +himself.</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">What anyone said for the matter of a minute or +two is not worth recording, consisting, as it did, +chiefly of ejaculations, and little brief sentences of +wonder and pleasure.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Of course, you will dine with us, captain," said +Duncan at last, "for we have much to tell you, and +your story will all be perfectly new to us."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Another plate, landlord."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Sartainly, sah."</p> +<p class="pnext">To say that this was a happy meeting would be to +print a mere commonplace.</p> +<p class="pnext">It was more than happy, but it was agreed that +they should not tell each other the story of their +adventures, till dinner had been discussed.</p> +<p class="pnext">Their anxiety, I may tell you at once, reader, did +not prevent our heroes doing ample justice to the +delightful little meal that the Frenchman had set +before them.</p> +<p class="pnext">He waited upon them himself, too, and presently +informed them that dessert was laid upstairs. +Duncan opened his eyes wonderingly.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What!" he cried, "do you serve dessert in the bedrooms?"</p> +<p class="pnext">Talbot laughed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No," he said, "not in the bedroom, but on the +upper deck. Follow me, and see for yourself."</p> +</div> +<div class="level-2 section" id="chapter-x-the-welcome-home"> +<span id="the-welcome-home"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title">CHAPTER X.--THE WELCOME HOME.</h2> +<p class="pfirst">Up and up and up! They were getting heavenwards, +and presently found themselves in quite +an aërial paradise.</p> +<p class="pnext">On the roof, but covered with awning it was. +From this place they could see all over the city and +catch glimpses of the blue ocean itself, to say nothing +of the greenery of the far-off woods.</p> +<p class="pnext">But here were splendid palms in pots, flowers of +every hue, orange and lemon trees, whose cool green +foliage refreshed the eyes that gazed upon them. +Settees or lounges also, mild cigarettes on the tiny +tables, iced sherbet, mangoes, pine-apples, guavas, and +great purple grapes.</p> +<p class="pnext">And presently a waiter brought cups of black +coffee, of far better taste and flavour than any they +had ever drank on British soil.</p> +<p class="pnext">"What a treat after our hard and terrible life in +the land of the gorilla!" This from Conal.</p> +<p class="pnext">"But, my dear boy," said Frank, "the gorilla is +really a gentleman compared to the cannibal king +Goo-goo. But now, Captain, we are all anxious to +hear your story."</p> +<p class="pnext">Captain Talbot did not reply at once. He simply +smiled and smoked, leaning well back in his rocking +chair with his eyes on the curling wreaths, just as he +used to do of an evening on the deck of the dear old +<em class="italics">Flora M'Vayne</em>.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I am sorry to disappoint you, my brave lads, but +the real truth is that I've got no story to tell.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You know," he continued, "what our sufferings +were before you left."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Alas! yes," said Duncan.</p> +<p class="pnext">"They grew worse instead of better after you +sailed away. More men died. Died, I think, of fever +brought on by thirst. I, too, should have died but for +that child Johnnie. I do believe he brought me a +portion, and a large one too, of his own allowance of +water.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Then it seemed to be all darkness, all night, and +when I opened my eyes at last I was no longer on +the little island but at sea.</p> +<p class="pnext">"I was lying under an awning on the quarter-deck +of a tiny British man-o'-war called the <em class="italics">Pen-Gun</em>."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But," said Duncan, "soon after we left you we +sighted and communicated with a big steamer, and as +far as we could make out she started off to your +rescue."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, she came not near us. But as long as I live +I shall never forget the unremitting kindness and +attention bestowed upon us by the officers of the +<em class="italics">Pen-Gun</em>."</p> +<p class="pnext">"And Morgan the mate?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Morgan has gone to England with the remainder +of my crew, but after hearing from you through the +captain of the bold <em class="italics">Pen-Gun</em> I determined to wait +and wait, and had you not put in an appearance in +another week's time, I was about to undertake an +expedition into your charming King Goo-goo's land +and effect your rescue by hook or by crook.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That is all my little story; and now for yours."</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">It was late that night before Talbot and his boys +parted, for the tale of their adventures took a much +longer time to tell.</p> +<p class="pnext">Every word of that story was of the greatest +interest to the listener, but when they told him about +the gold and the diamonds, and showed him their +specimens, he must needs jump up from the chair and +once more shake hands all round.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Boys," he said, "you have made your fortunes. I +do not mean to say that it is here, but there are more +diamonds and there is more gold where these came from.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Leave it to me, lads, but you may give yourselves +the credit of being brave pioneers to a country bound, +in the not far distant future, to be one of the richest +and greatest in the world.</p> +<p class="pnext">"As soon as we get back once more," he continued, +"to the shores of Britain, we shall set about forming +a great company, and this will speedily open up a +road to your Goo-goo land, and open up the "debbil +pits" also, in spite of all that wretched king shall +urge against it."</p> +<p class="pnext">"But we shall not call it Goo-goo Land," said Frank.</p> +<p class="pnext">"No? Well, I shall leave the naming of it to you."</p> +<p class="pnext">Then something very faint in the shape of a blush +suffused the young fellow's cheeks for a moment.</p> +<p class="pnext">"You know, Captain Talbot," he said, "my dear +cousins know also how fond of little Flora I am!"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh! she won't be so little by the time we get +home," said Conal, laughing.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, anyhow, when she grows bigger and grows +a little older, she shall be my wife.</p> +<p class="pnext">"Oh! you needn't smile; she has promised, and so +after her I am going to call our newly-discovered +El Dorado--Floriana."</p> +<div class="center transition"> +<p class="pfirst">――――</p> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">We are back again in bonnie Scotland, and it was +Conal himself who exclaimed, when bonnie Glenvoie, +for the first time since coming home, and as he was +nearing it, spread itself out before him:</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"O Caledonia! stern and wild,</div> +<div class="line">Meet nurse for a poetic child!</div> +<div class="line">Land of brown heath and shaggy wood,</div> +<div class="line">Land of the mountain and the flood,</div> +<div class="line">Land of my sires! what mortal hand</div> +<div class="line">Can e'er untie the filial band</div> +<div class="line">That knits me to thy rugged strand!"</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">They had driven a great part of the way to +Glenvoie, but had been seen while still a long way off +coming down the glen, and not only the stalwart chief +himself, but Frank's father, with about half a dozen +dogs, came out to meet them.</p> +<p class="pnext">Many of the dogs were old hill-mates of Viking's, +so that was all right, and a glorious gambol they had.</p> +<p class="pnext">But just as the principal actors and most of the +company crowd the stage before the curtain falls, so +they do at the end of a story.</p> +<p class="pnext">If I tell you that the reunion was a happy one, I +can do but little more.</p> +<p class="pnext">Poor to some considerable extent both Colonel +Trelawney and the laird were, but I speak the honest +truth when I say that had their brave boys returned +penniless and hatless, they would have been sure of +a hearty Highland welcome under the old roof-tree.</p> +<p class="pnext">Yes, Flora had grown very much too, but she had +also grown more beautiful--I do not like the word +"pretty"--and as she bade her brothers and her cousin +welcome home, the tears were quivering on her eyelids +and a flush of joy suffused her face.</p> +<p class="pnext">And soon our young fellows settled down, and all +the old wild life of wandering on the hills and of +sport began again. For indeed the boys needed a rest.</p> +<p class="pnext">Little Johnnie Shingles and that droll Old Pen took +up their abode in the servants' hall, but were often +invited into the drawing-room of an evening, when, +to the music of Frank's fiddle, the boy and Mother +Pen brought down the house, so to speak, by their +inimitable waltzing. This was fun to everybody else, +and even to Johnnie himself. But while whirling +around in the mazy dance, with his head leant +lovingly on the nigger-boy's shoulder, Pen never +looked more serious in his life.</p> +<p class="pnext">A great ball was given shortly after the return of +our heroes, and Glenvoie House looked very gay +indeed.</p> +<p class="pnext">While dancing that night with Flora, Frank took +occasion to say to his partner, in language that was +certainly more outspoken than romantic:</p> +<p class="pnext">"Mind, Flo, you and I are going to get hitched +when we're a bit older."</p> +<p class="pnext">"Hitched, Frank?"</p> +<p class="pnext">"Well, spliced then. You know what I mean."</p> +<blockquote> +<div> +<div class="line-block outermost"> +<div class="line">"She looked down to blush, she looked up to sigh,</div> +<div class="line">"With a smile on her lips and a tear in her eye."</div> +</div> +</div> +</blockquote> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> +</div> +<p class="pfirst">I throw in these two lines of poetry just because +they look pretty, and I sha'n't charge my publisher a +penny for them either. But, to tell the truth--a +thing I always do except when--but never mind--Flora +neither blushed nor sighed.</p> +<p class="pnext">"That means getting married, doesn't it?" she said. +"Well, we'll see; but do keep step, Frank!"</p> +<p class="pnext">And this was all the wooing.</p> +<p class="pnext">But years have fled away since then. Five, six, +nearly seven of them.</p> +<p class="pnext">The company was started. The parchment the +boys had found in the old fort gave the clue to the +situation. The "debbil pits" were opened, and are, +even as I write, being worked with success.</p> +<p class="pnext">The boys are men!</p> +<p class="pnext">Boys will be men, you know!</p> +<p class="pnext">They are fairly wealthy, and happy also. Not that +wealth makes people happy, only it helps.</p> +<p class="pnext">Frank is spliced.</p> +<p class="pnext">And where do you think Flora and he spent their +long, long honeymoon? Yes, you are right. In +Floriana, in the country of gold and diamonds. The +land of the great Goo-goo.</p> +<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> +</div> +<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> +<div class="backmatter"> +</div> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 39729 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |