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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-03 07:46:22 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-03-03 07:46:22 -0800 |
| commit | cf590bd284c6052a19968ef77a7bc53e27c271b4 (patch) | |
| tree | 3acec1c1ab672fc8f0d7301e4533e1f7ae1466b0 /42066-h | |
| parent | ab8d6ca42efae6c986ca9942d3edf727ce02c5e9 (diff) | |
Diffstat (limited to '42066-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 42066-h/42066-h.html | 12202 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 12202 deletions
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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>THE YOUNG MAROONERS ON THE FLORIDA COAST</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Young Marooners on the Florida Coast" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="F. R. Goulding" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1887" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="42066" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-02-10" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Young Marooners on the Florida Coast" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Young Marooners on the Florida Coast" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="maroon.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-02-10T19:21:23.852905+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/42066" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="F. R. Goulding" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2013-02-10" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a5 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 class="document" id="the-young-marooners-on-the-florida-coast"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE YOUNG MAROONERS ON THE FLORIDA COAST</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Young Marooners on the Florida Coast -<br /> -<br />Author: F. R. Goulding -<br /> -<br />Release Date: February 10, 2013 [EBook #42066] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE YOUNG MAROONERS ON THE FLORIDA COAST</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="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 margin" style="width: 58%" id="figure-55"> -<span id="cover"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 69%" id="figure-56"> -<span id="hallo-cried-harold-his-own-voice-husky-with-emotion"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""Hallo!" cried Harold, his own voice husky with emotion . . . Frontispiece" src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"Hallo!" cried Harold, his own voice husky with emotion . . . Frontispiece</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE -<br />YOUNG MAROONERS ON -<br />THE FLORIDA COAST</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />F. R. GOULDING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">WITH INTRODUCTION BY -<br />JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS -<br />(Uncle Remus)</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">ILLUSTRATED</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">NEW YORK -<br />DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY -<br />1927</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">COPYRIGHT, 1862 -<br />BY F. R. GOULDING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">COPYRIGHT, 1881 -<br />BY F. R. GOULDING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">COPYRIGHT, 1887 -<br />BY DODD, MEAD AND COMPANY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">PRINTED IN U. S. A.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">INTRODUCTION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>I have been asked to furnish an introduction for a -new edition of "The Young Marooners." As an -introduction is unnecessary, the writing of it must be to -some extent perfunctory. The book is known in many -lands and languages. It has survived its own success, -and has entered into literature. It has become a classic. -The young marooners themselves have reached middle -age, and some of them have passed away, but their -adventures are as fresh and as entertaining as ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Goulding's work possesses all the elements of -enduring popularity. It has the strength and vigour of -simplicity; its narrative flows continuously forward; its -incidents are strange and thrilling, and underneath all -is a moral purpose sanely put.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The author himself was surprised at the great popularity -of his story, and has written a history of its origin -as a preface. The internal evidence is that the book is -not the result of literary ambition, but of a strong -desire to instruct and amuse his own children, and the story -is so deftly written that the instruction is a definite -part of the narrative. The art here may be unconscious, -but it is a very fine art nevertheless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Goulding lived a busy life. He had the restless -missionary spirit which he inherited from the Puritans -of Dorchester, England, who established themselves in -Dorchester, South Carolina, and in Dorchester, Georgia, -before the Revolutionary War. Devoting his life to good -works, he nevertheless found time to indulge his literary -faculty; he also found time to indulge his taste for -mechanical invention. He invented the first sewing-machine -that was ever put in practical use in the South. -His family were using this machine a year before the -Howe patents were issued. In his journal of that date -(1845) he writes: "Having satisfied myself about my -machine, I laid it aside that I might attend to other and -weightier duties." He applied for no patent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Young Marooners" was begun in 1847, continued -in a desultory way, and completed in 1850. Its first -title was a quaint one, "Bobbins and Cruisers -Company." It was afterward called "Robert and Harold; -or, the Young Marooners." The history of the -manuscript of the book is an interesting parallel to that of -many other successful books. After having been -positively declined in New York, it was for months left in -Philadelphia, where one night, as the gentleman whose -duty it was to pass judgment upon the material offered -had begun in a listless way his task, he became so much -absorbed in the story that he did not lay it down until -long after midnight, and hastening to the publishers early -next morning, insisted that it should be immediately put -into print. Three editions were issued in the first year, -and it was soon reprinted in England by Nisbet & Co., of -London, followed by five other houses in England and -Scotland at later dates.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Goulding was the author of "Little Josephine," -published in Philadelphia (1848); "The Young Marooners" -(1852); "Confederate Soldiers' Hymn-Book," -a compilation (1863); "Marooner's Island," an -independent sequel to "Young Marooners" (1868); "Frank -Gordon; or, When I was Little Boy" (1869), and "The -Woodruff Stories" (1870). With the exception of -"Little Josephine" and the "Hymn-Book," they have -all been republished abroad. Born near Midway, -Liberty County, Georgia, September 28th, 1810, he died -August 21st, 1881, and is buried in the little churchyard -at Roswell, Georgia.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>JOEL CHANDLER HARRIS.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">THE HISTORY OF THIS BOOK</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In a vine-covered piazza of the sunny South, a -company of boys and girls used to gather round me, of a -summer evening, to hear the varied story of my early -years. As these boys and girls grew larger, I found it -necessary to change my plan of instruction. There were -many </span><em class="italics">facts in nature</em><span> which I wished to communicate, -and many </span><em class="italics">expedients</em><span> in practical life, which I supposed -might be useful. To give this information, in such shape -as to insure its being remembered, required a story. The -result has been a book; and that book is "The Young -Marooners"--or, as my young folks call it, "Robert and -Harold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their interest in the story has steadily increased from -the beginning to the end; and sure am I, that if it excites -one-half as much abroad, as it has excited at home, no -author need ask for more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The story, however, is not all a story; the fiction -consists mostly in the putting together. With very few -exceptions, the incidents are real occurrences; and -whoever will visit the regions described, will see that the -pictures correspond to nature. Possibly also, the visitor -may meet even now, with a fearless Harold, an intelligent -Robert, a womanly Mary, and a merry Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Should my young readers ever go </span><em class="italics">marooning</em><span>, I trust -their party may meet with fewer misfortunes and as -happy a termination.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span>F. R. G.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CONTENTS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>CHAPTER</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#i">I</a><span> The Company and Their Embarkation</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#ii">II</a><span> Mother Carey's Chickens--Fishing for -Trout--Saw-Fish--Frank and the -Shark--Looming--Tom Starboard--The -Nautilus--Arrival at Tampa</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#iii">III</a><span> Tampa Bay--Bellevue--Unloading--A -Dangerous Cut--How to Stop a Bleeding -Artery--Tom Starboard Again</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#iv">IV</a><span> Confusion--Housekeeping in a Hurry--First -Night on Shore--Company to -Dinner--"Blue Eyed Mary"--Robert at -Prayer-Meeting--Danger of Descending -an Old Well--Recovering a Knife -Dropped in a Well</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#v">V</a><span> Riley--A Thunderstorm--Ascertaining -the Distance of Objects by Sound--Security -Against Lightning--Means of -Recovering Life from Apparent Death -by Lightning</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#vi">VI</a><span> The Only Way to Study--Taking Cold--Riley's -Family--The Hare Lip--Fishing -for Sheephead--Frank Choked -with a Fish Bone--His Relief--His -Story of the Sheep's Head and -Dumplings--"Till the Warfare is Over"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#vii">VII</a><span> Bug in the Ear--Visit to Fort -Brooke--Evading Blood-Hounds--Contest with -Dogs and Means of Defence--Amusing -Escape from a Wild Bull and -Conversation on the Subject</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#viii">VIII</a><span> Marooning and the Marooning Party</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#ix">IX</a><span> Embarkation--Abduction Extraordinary--Efforts -to Escape--Alternative -Hopes and Fears--Despair--Vessel in -the Distance--Renewed Hopes and -Efforts--Water-Spout--Flash of -Lightning and its Effects--Making for -Shore--Grateful Acknowledgments</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#x">X</a><span> Waking Up--Good Resolutions--Alarm--Marooning -Breakfast--Search for -Water--Unexpected Gain--Oyster -Bank--Fate of a Raccoon--The Plume and Fan</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xi">XI</a><span> Discussion Of Plans--Doubts--Differences -of Opinion--What Was Agreed -Upon--Baking a Turkey Without an -Oven--Flying Signal</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xii">XII</a><span> Results of the Cookery--Voyage--Appearance -of the Country--Orange -Trees--The Bitter Sweet--Rattlesnake--Usual -Signs for Distinguishing -a Fanged And Poisonous Serpent--Various -Methods of Treating a Snake Bite--Return</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xiii">XIII</a><span> Disappointment--The Live Oak--Unloading--Fishing -Excursion--Harold's Still -Hunt--Disagreeable Means to an Agreeable End</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xiv">XIV</a><span> Frank's Excuses--Curing Venison--Marooning -Cookery--Robert's Vegetable -Garden--Plans for Return--Preparation -for the Sabbath</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xv">XV</a><span> Their First Sabbath on the Island, and -the Night and Morning that succeeded</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xvi">XVI</a><span> A Sad Breakfast--Sagacity of Dogs--Search -for the Boat--Exciting Adventure--A -Pretty Pet--Unexpected Intelligence</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xvii">XVII</a><span> Mary and Frank--Examination of the -Tent--Smoke Signal--Devices--Brute -Messenger--Raft--Blazing the -Trees--Voyage--Disastrous Expedition--News -from Home--Return to the Tent</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xviii">XVIII</a><span> Night Landing--Carrying a Wounded -Person--Setting One's Own Limbs -when Broken--Splinting a Limb--Rest -to the Weary</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xix">XIX</a><span> The Surprise and Disappointment--Naming -the Fawn--Sam's Story--Depression -After Excitement--Great Misfortune</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xx">XX</a><span> Speculations and Resolves--Fishing--Inventory -of Goods and Chattels--Roasted -Fish--Palmetto Cabbage--Tour--Sea-Shells, -Their Uses--The Pelican--Nature -of the Country--Still Hunting--Wild -Turkeys Again--Work on the Tent</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxi">XXI</a><span> Rainy Day--The Kitchen and Fire--Hunting the Opossum</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxii">XXII</a><span> Frank and His "Pigs"--The Cage--Walk -on the Beach--Immense Crawfish--The Museum--Naming the Island</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxiii">XXIII</a><span> Their Second Sabbath on the Island, -and the Way They Spent It</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxiv">XXIV</a><span> Mote in the Eye, and How It Was -Removed--Conch Trumpet and Signals--Tramp--Alarm</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxv">XXV</a><span> A Hunter's Misfortune--Relief to a -Sprain--How to Avoid Being Lost in -the Woods, and to Recover One's -Course After being Lost--A Still Hunt</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxvi">XXVI</a><span> Crutches in Demand--Curing -Venison--Pemmican--Scalding Off a Porker's -Hair with Leaves and Water--Turkey -Trough--Solitary Watching--Force of -Imagination--Fearful Encounter--Different -Modes of Repelling Wild Beasts</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxvii">XXVII</a><span> Turkey-Pen--Sucking Water Through -Oozy Sand--Exploring Tour--Appearance -of the Country--"Madame Bruin"--Soldier's -Remedy for Chafed Feet--Night -in the Woods--Prairie--Indian -Hut--Fruit Trees--Singular Spring</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxviii">XXVIII</a><span> Plans--Visit to the Prairie--Discoveries--Shoe -Making--Waterfowl</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxix">XXIX</a><span> Removal to the Prairie--Night -Robbery--Fold--Dangerous Trap--Mysterious -Signals--Bitter Disappointment</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxx">XXX</a><span> Best Cure for Unavailing Sorrow--Mary's -Adventure with a Bear--Novel -Defence--Protecting the Tent</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxi">XXXI</a><span> Hard Work--Labour-Saving Device--Discovery -as to the Time of the Year--Schemes -For Amusement--Tides on the -Florida Coast</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxii">XXXII</a><span> Christmas Morning--Voyage--Valuable -Discovery--Hostile Invasion--Robbery--Masterly -Retreat--Battle at Last--A -Quarrel Requires Two Quarrellers--The Ghost's Visit</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxiii">XXXIII</a><span> The Cubs--Voyage to the -Wreck--Stores--Horrid Sights--Trying -Predicament--Prizes--Return--Frank -Needs Another Lecture</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxiv">XXXIV</a><span> Second Voyage to the Wreck--Fumigating -Again--More Minute Examination--Return--Accident--Dangers of -Helping A Drowning Person--Recovering a -Person Apparently Drowned</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxv">XXXV</a><span> Household Arrangements--Third Visit -to the Wreck--Rainy Weather--Agreement -About Work--Mary in Great -Danger--Extinguishing Fire on One's -Dress--Relief to a Burn--Conversation</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxvi">XXXVI</a><span> Successful Work--Excursion--The -Fish-Eagle--Different Methods of -Procuring Fire--Woodsman's Shelter Against -Rain and Hail--Novel Refuge from -Falling Trees</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxvii">XXXVII</a><span> Launching the Boats--More Work, and -Yet More--Eclipse of Feb. 12th, 1831--Healing -By "First Intention"--Frank's -Birthday--Preparing for a Voyage--Rain, Rain</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#xxxviii">XXXVIII</a><span> Voyage Round the Island--The Lost -Boat--Strange Signals Again--Hurricane--Night -March--Helpless Vessel--Melancholy -Fate--The Rescue--Marooners' -Hospitality--Conclusion</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">ILLUSTRATIONS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#hallo-cried-harold-his-own-voice-husky-with-emotion">"Hallo!" cried Harold, his own voice husky with -emotion</a><span> . . . </span><em class="italics">Frontispiece</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-company-went-together-to-the-sea-shore-and-planted-the-signal">The company went together to the sea shore and planted the signal</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#deliberately-taking-aim-he-discharged-the-whole-load-of-bullets-between-the-creature-s-eyes">Deliberately taking aim, he discharged the whole load of bullets -between the creature's eyes</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#they-were-not-two-hours-in-reaching-the-proposed-landing-place">They were not two hours in reaching the proposed landing place</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="i"><span class="x-large">THE YOUNG MAROONERS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">CHAPTER I</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">THE COMPANY AND THEIR EMBARKATION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On Saturday, the 21st of August, 1830, a small -but beautiful brig left the harbour of -Charleston, South Carolina, bound for Tampa -Bay, Florida. On board were nine passengers; -Dr. Gordon, his three children, Robert, Mary, and Frank; -his sister's son, Harold McIntosh, and four servants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Gordon was a wealthy physician, who resided, -during the winter, upon the seaboard of Georgia, and -during the summer upon a farm in the mountains of -that beautifully varied and thriving State. His wife -was a Carolinian, from the neighbourhood of Charleston. -Anna Gordon, his sister, married a Col. McIntosh, -who, after residing for twelve years upon a plantation -near the city of Montgomery, in Alabama, died, leaving -his widow with three children, and an encumbered estate. -Soon after her widowhood, Dr. Gordon paid her a visit, -for the two-fold purpose of condolence and of aiding in -the settlement of her affairs. She was so greatly pleased -with the gentlemanly bearing and the decided intelligence -of Robert, who on this occasion accompanied his -father, that she requested the privilege of placing her -son Harold under her brother's care, until some other -arrangement could be made for his education. Dr. Gordon -was equally prepossessed with the frank manners -and manly aspect of his nephew, and it was with peculiar -pleasure that he acceded to the request. Harold had -been with his uncle about a month previous to the period -at which this history begins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Gordon was a woman of warm affections and -cultivated mind, but of feeble constitution. She had -been the mother of five children; but, during the -infancy of the last, her health exhibited so many signs of -decay as to convince her husband that the only hope -of saving her life was to seek for her, during the -ensuing winter, a climate even more bland than that in -which she had spent her girlhood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tampa Bay is a military post of the United States. -Dr. Gordon had formerly visited it, and was so delighted -with its soft Italian climate, and with the wild beauty -of its shores, that he had even then purchased a choice -lot in the vicinity of the fort, and ever after had looked -forward, almost with hope, to the time when he might -have some excuse for removing there. That time had -now come. And doubting not that the restorative -powers of the climate would exert a happy influence -upon his wife's health, he left her with her relatives, -while he went to Tampa for the purpose of preparing -a dwelling suitable for her reception.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The accompanying party was larger than he had at -first intended. Robert and Harold were to go of course; -they were old enough to be his companions; and, -moreover, Harold had been sent by his mother for the express -purpose of enjoying that excellent </span><em class="italics">home education</em><span> which -had been so happily exhibited in Robert. But on mature -reflection there appeared to Dr. Gordon special reasons -why he should also take his eldest daughter, Mary, who -was about eleven years of age, and his second son, -Frank, who was between seven and eight. The -addition of these younger persons to the party, however, -did not cause him any anxiety, or any addition to the -number of his servants; for he and his wife, although -wealthy by inheritance, and accustomed all their lives -to the help of servants, had educated their children to -be as independent as possible of unnecessary help. -Indeed, Mary was qualified to be of great assistance; for -though only eleven years of age, she was an excellent -housekeeper, and during the indisposition of her mother -had presided with remarkable ability at her father's -table. Little Frank was too young to be useful, but he -was an obedient, merry little fellow, a great pet with -everybody, and promised, by his cheerful good nature, -to add much to the enjoyment of the party; and as -to the care which he needed, Mary had only to -continue that motherly attention which she had been -accustomed already to bestow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To say a word or two more of the youths; Robert -Gordon, now nearly fourteen years of age, had a great -thirst for knowledge. Stimulated continually by the -instructive conversation of his father, who spared no pains -in his education, he drew rapidly from all the sources -opened to him by books, society, and nature. His finely -developed mind was decidedly of a philosophic cast. -Partaking, however, of the delicate constitution of his -mother, he was oftentimes averse to those athletic -exercises which became his age, and by which he would have -been fitted for a more vigorous and useful manhood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold McIntosh, a half year older than his cousin, -was, on the contrary, of a robust constitution and active -habit, with but little inclination for books. Through the -inattention of a father, who seemed to care more for -manly daring than for intellectual culture, his education -had been sadly neglected. The advantages afforded him -had been of an exceedingly irregular character, and his -only incentive to study had been the gratification of his -mother, whom he tenderly loved. For years preceding -the change of his abode, a large portion of his leisure -time had been spent in visiting an old Indian of the -neighbourhood, by the name of Torgah, and gleaning -from him by conversation and practice, that knowledge -of wood-craft, which nothing but an Indian's experience -can furnish, and which usually possesses so romantic -a charm for Southern and Western (perhaps we may say -for American) boys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cousins had become very much attached. Each -admired the other's excellencies, and envied the other's -accomplishments; and the parents had good reason to hope -that they would prove of decided benefit to each other -by mutual example.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Preparing for a winter's residence at such a place as -Tampa, where, with the exception of what was to be -obtained at the fort, they would be far removed from all -the comforts and appliances of civilized life, Dr. Gordon -was careful to take with him everything which could be -foreseen as needful. Among these may be mentioned -the materials already framed for a small dwelling-house, -kitchen, and stable; ample stores of provisions, poultry, -goats (as being more convenient than cows), a pair of -horses, a buggy, and wagon, a large and beautiful -pleasure boat, books for reading, and for study, together with -such furniture as habit had made necessary to comfort.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="ii"><span class="large">CHAPTER II</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">MOTHER CARY'S CHICKENS--FISHING FOR TROUT--SAW-FISH--FRANK -AND THE SHARK---LOOMING---TOM STARBOARD--THE -NAUTILUS--ARRIVAL AT TAMPA</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Mary and Frank were affected with sea sickness -shortly after entering the rough and rolling -water on the bar, and having, in consequence, -retired early to bed, they scarcely rose for six and thirty -hours. Indeed, all the passengers, except Harold, -suffered in turn this usual inconvenience of persons -unaccustomed to the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The only incident of interest that occurred during this -part of the voyage, was a fright received by Mary and -Frank. It was as follows: Having partially recovered -from their indisposition, they were engaged with childish -glee in fishing from the stern windows. Directly over -head hung the jolly boat, and beneath them the water -foamed and eddied round the rudder. Mary was -fishing for Mother Cary's chickens--a species of "poultry" -well known to those who go to sea. Her apparatus -consisted of a strong thread, twenty or thirty yards long, -having divers loops upon it, and baited at the end with -a little tuft of red. She had not succeeded in taking -any; but one, more daring than the rest, had become -entangled in the thread, and Mary eagerly drew it -towards her, exclaiming, "I have caught it! I have caught -it!" Ere, however, she could bring it within arm's -length, the struggling bird had escaped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank had obtained a large fish-hook, which he tied -to a piece of twine, and baited with some raw beef; and -he was fishing, he said, for </span><em class="italics">trout</em><span>. A few minutes after -Mary's adventure with the bird, he saw a great fish, twice -as long as himself, having an enormous snout, set on -both sides with a multitude of sharp teeth, following in -the vessel's wake. He drew himself quickly into the -window, exclaiming, "Look, sister, look!" The fish did -not continue long to follow them. It seemed to have -come on a voyage of curiosity, and having satisfied itself -that this great swimming monster, the vessel, was neither -whale nor kraken, it darted off and returned no more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I should not like to hook </span><em class="italics">that</em><span> fellow," said Frank, -"for I am sure I could not draw him in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Mary, "and I should not like to have -such an ugly fellow on board, if we could get him here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ugh! what a long ugly nose he has," said Frank. "I -wonder what he can do with such a nose, and with all -those teeth on the outside of it--only see, sister, </span><em class="italics">teeth on -his</em><span> NOSE!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know," she answered, "but we can ask father -when we go on deck."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think his nose must be long to smell things a great -way off," conjectured Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus they chatted until Mary called out, "See, Frank, -there is a black piece of wood sticking out of the water. -See how it floats after us! No, it cannot be a piece of -wood, for it swims from side to side. It must be a fish. -It is! Draw in your head, Frank."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Unsuccessful in his trout fishing, Frank had attached -a red silk handkerchief to his line, and was amusing -himself with letting it down so as to touch along the water. -When Mary said "it is a fish," he espied an enormous -creature, much larger than the sawfish, swimming almost -under him, and looking up hungrily to the window where -they were. A moment after it leaped directly towards -them. Both screamed with terror, and Frank's wrist -was jerked so violently, and pained him so much, that he -was certain his hand had been bitten off. He was about -to scream again; but looking down, he found his hand -was safe, and the next moment saw the fish swimming -away with the end of the handkerchief hanging from -its mouth. The fish was a shark. It had been attracted -probably by the smell of Frank's bait, and by the sight -of the red silk. When he drew his handkerchief from -the water, the fish leaped after it, and jerked the twine -which had been wrapped around his wrist. From that -time they ceased all fishing from the cabin windows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The history of that fishing, however, was not yet ended. -On the day following the company were much interested -in watching a singular phenomenon, which is sometimes -visible at sea, though seldom in a latitude so low as -Florida. The looming of the land had been remarkably -distinct and beautiful; at one time the land looked as if -lifted far above the water; at another the shore was seen -doubled, as if the water were a perfect reflector, and the -land and its shadow were united at the base. But, on -the present occasion, the shadow appeared in the wrong -place--united to its substance, not at the base, but at -the top. It was a most singular spectacle to behold trees -growing topsy-turvy, from land in the sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sailors, as well as passengers, looked on with a -curiosity not unmixed with awe, and an old "salt" was -heard to mutter, as he ominously shook his head,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I never seed the likes of that but something was sure -to come after. Yes," he continued, looking sullenly at -Mary and Frank, "and yesterday, when I was at the -starn, I saw a chicken flutter in a string."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A chicken, Tom?" inquired the captain, looking at -the little culprits. "Ah, have any of my young friends -been troubling the sailor's pets?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," responded Frank, promptly and indignantly. -"We did not trouble anybody's chickens. I -only went to the coop, and pulled the old drake's tail; -but I did that to make him look at the bread I brought him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not mean the chickens on board, but the chickens -that fly around us--Mother Cary's chickens," said the -captain, trying hard to smother down a laugh. "Don't -you know that they all belong to the sailors; and that -whoever troubles them is sure to bring trouble on the ship?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, sir," Frank persisted, evidently convinced that -the captain was trying to tease him. "I did not know -that they belonged to anybody. I thought that they -were all wild."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary, however, looked guilty. She knew well the -sailor's superstition about the "chickens," but having -had at that time nothing to do, she had been urged on -by an irrepressible desire for fun, and until this moment -had imagined that her fishing was unnoticed. She -timidly answered,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did not </span><em class="italics">catch</em><span> it, sir; I only tangled it in the thread, -and it got away before I touched it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Tom," said the captain to the sailor, who -seemed to be in doubt after Frank's defence whether to -appear pleased or angry, "I think you will have to -forgive the offence this time, especially as the sharks took it -in hand so soon to revenge the insult, and ran away with -the little fellow's handkerchief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Old Tom smiled grimly at the allusion to the shark; -for he had been sitting quietly in the jolly boat picking -rope, and had witnessed the whole adventure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wind, which had continued favourable ever since -they left Charleston, now gradually died away. The -boatswain whistled often and shrilly to bring it back; -but it was like "calling spirits from the vasty deep." The -sails hung listlessly down, and moved only as the -vessel rocked sluggishly upon the scarce undulating -surface. The only circumstance which enlivened this scene -was the appearance of a nautilus, or Portuguese man-of-war. -Mary was the first to discern it. She fancied that -it was a tiny toy boat, launched by some child on shore, -and wafted by the wind to this distant point. It was -certainly a toy vessel, though one of nature's workmanship; -for there was the floating body corresponding to -the hull, there the living passenger, there the sails spread -or furled at will, and there the oars (Mary could see -them move) by which the little adventurer paddled -itself along.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young people were very anxious to obtain it. -Frank went first to old Tom Starboard (as the sailor was -called who had scolded him and Mary, but who was now -on excellent terms with both) to ask whether they might -have the nautilus if they could catch it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have the man-o'-war!" ejaculated the old man, -opening wide his eyes, "who ever heered of sich a thing? -O yes, have it, if you can get it; but how will you do -that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brother Robert and cousin Harold will row after it -and pick it up, if the captain will let them have his -boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tom chuckled at the idea, and said he doubted not -the captain would let them have his boat, and be glad, -too, to see the fun. Frank then went to the captain, -and told him that old Tom had given him leave to have -the man-of-war if he could get it; and that his brother -and cousin would go out and pick it up, if the captain -would let them have his boat. With a good-natured -smile, he answered,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are perfectly welcome to the boat, my little -man; but if your brother and cousin catch that little -sailor out there, they will be much smarter than most -folks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can they not pick it up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easily enough, if it will wait till they come. But if -they do not wish to be hurt, they had better take a -basket or net for dipping it from the water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank went finally to his father to obtain his consent, -which after a moment's hesitation was granted, the -doctor well knowing what the probable result would be, yet -pleased to afford them any innocent amusement by which -to enliven their voyage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tom," said the captain, "lower away the jolly boat, -and do you go with these young gentlemen. Row softly -as you can, and give them the best chance for getting -what they want."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat was soon alongside. Old Tom slid down by -a rope, but Robert and Harold were let down more -securely. They shoved off from the vessel's side, and -glided so noiselessly along, that the water was scarcely -rippled. Harold stood in the bow, and Robert amidships, -one with a basket, and the other with a scoop net, -ready to dip it from the water. A cat creeping upon a -shy bird could not have been more stealthy in its -approach. But somehow the little sensitive thing became -aware of its danger, and ere the boat's prow had come -within ten feet, it quickly drew in its many arms, and -sank like lead beyond their sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Umph!" said old Tom, with an expressive grunt, -"I said you might have it, if you could catch it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the first day of September the voyagers approached -some placid looking islands, tasselled above with lofty -palmettoes, and varied beneath with every hue of green, -from the soft colour of the mallow to the sombre tint of -the cedar and the glossy green of the live oak. Between -these islands the vessel passed, so near to one that they -could see a herd of deer peeping at them through the -thin growth of the bluff, and a flock of wild turkeys -flying to a distant grove.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beyond the islands lay, in perfect repose, the waters -of that bay whose tranquil beauty has been a theme of -admiration with every one whose privilege it has been -to look upon it.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="iii"><span class="large">CHAPTER III</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">TAMPA BAY--BELLEVUE--UNLADING--A DANGEROUS -CUT--HOW TO STOP A BLEEDING ARTERY--TOM STARBOARD AGAIN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Tampa Bay is a perfect gem of its kind. Running -eastward from the gulf for twelve or fifteen -miles, then turning suddenly to the North, it -is so far sheltered from within, that, except in -case of severe westerly gales, its waters are ever quiet -and clear as crystal. Its beach is composed of sand and -broken shells of such snowy whiteness as almost to dazzle -the eye, and it slopes so gradually from the land, that, -in many places, a child may wade for a great distance -without danger. To those who bathe in its limpid waters -it is a matter of curiosity to see below, the slow crawling -of the conch, while the nimble crab scampers off in haste, -and fish and prawn dart wantonly around. When the -tide is down there is no turnpike in the world better -fitted for a pleasure ride than that smooth hard beach, -from which no dust can rise, and which is of course as -level as a floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The spot on which Dr. Gordon proposed to build, -was one commanding a view both of the distant fort and -of the open sea, or rather of the green islands which -guarded the mouth of the bay. It already contained a -small house, with two rooms, erected by a white -adventurer, and afterwards sold to an Indian chief of the -better class. Dr. Gordon had been originally attracted -by the picturesque beauty of its location, and, on closer -inspection, still more interested by seeing on each side -of the chief's door a large bell pepper, that, having grown -for years untouched by frost, had attained the height of -eight or ten feet, and was covered all the year round -with magnificent bells of green and crimson. The old -chief was dead, and the premises had been vacated for -more than a year.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early in the afternoon the brig anchored opposite -this spot, to which Dr. Gordon had given the name of -Bellevue. All hands were called to assist the ship -carpenter and Sam (Dr. Gordon's negro carpenter), to -build a pier head, or wharf, extending from the shore to -the vessel; this occupied them till nightfall, and the -work of unlading continued through a great part of the -night, and past the middle of the next day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The work was somewhat delayed by an untoward -accident befalling one of the sailors, and threatening for -a time to take his life. Peter, the brother of Sam, was -standing on the gangway, with his ax on his shoulder, -just as two of the sailors were coming out with a heavy -box. Hearing behind him the noise of their trampling, -he turned quickly around to see what it was, at the -moment when the sailor, who was walking backwards, -turned his head to see that the gangway was clear. By -these two motions, quickly made, the head was brought -towards the ax, and the ax towards the head, and the -consequence was that the sailor's temple received a -terrible gash. The blood gushed out in successive jets, -proving that the cut vessel was an artery. Setting down -the box with all speed, the assisting sailor seized the skin -of the wounded temple and tried with both hands to -bring the gaping lips together, so as to stop the bleeding. -His effort was in vain. The blood gushed through his -fingers, and ran down to his elbows. By this time the -captain reached the spot, and seeing that an artery was -cut, directed the sailor to press with his finger on the -</span><em class="italics">heart</em><span> side of the wound. In a moment the jets ceased; -for the arterial blood is driven by the heart towards the -extremities, and therefore moves by jets as the heart -beats, while the </span><em class="italics">venous</em><span>, or black blood, is on its way </span><em class="italics">from -the extremities</em><span> to the heart; consequently, the pressure, -which stops the flow from a wound in either vein or -artery, must correspond to the direction in which the -blood is flowing. [</span><em class="italics">See note p.</em><span> </span><a class="reference internal" href="#id1">16</a><span>.]</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the sailor was thus stopping the blood by the -pressure of his finger on the side from which the current -came, the captain hastily prepared a ball of soft oakum, -about the size of a small apple. This he laid upon the -wound, and bound tightly to the head by means of a -handkerchief. It is probable the flow might have been -staunched had the compress been sufficiently tight, but -for some reason the blood forced itself through all the -impediments, saturated the tarred oakum, and trickled -down the sailor's face. During this scene Dr. Gordon -was at his house on the bluff. Hearing through a -runner, dispatched by the captain, that a man was bleeding -to death, he pointed to a quantity of cobwebs that hung -in large festoons from the unceiled roof, and directed him -to bring a handful of these to the vessel, remarking, that -"</span><em class="italics">nothing stopped blood more quickly than cobwebs</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sailor was by this time looking pale and ready to -faint. Dr. Gordon inquired of the captain what had -been done, pronounced it all right, and declared that he -should probably have tried the same plan, but further -remarked,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This artery in the temple is oftentimes exceedingly -difficult to manage by pressure. You may stop for a -time the bleeding of </span><em class="italics">any</em><span> artery by pressing with -sufficient force upon the right place; or, if necessary to -adopt so summary a mode, you may obliterate it altogether -by </span><em class="italics">burning with a hot iron</em><span>. But in the present -case I will show you an easier plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While speaking he had removed the bandages, and -taken out his lancet; and, to the captain's amazement, -in uttering the last words, he cut the bleeding artery in -two, saying, "Now bring me some cold water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain was almost disposed to stay the doctor's -arm, supposing that he was about to make a fatal -mistake; but when he saw the jets of blood instantly -diminish, he exclaimed, "What new wonder is this! Here I -have been trying for half an hour to staunch the blood -by </span><em class="italics">closing</em><span> the wound, while you have done it in a -moment, by making the wound greater."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is one of the secrets of the art," responded the -doctor, "but a secret which I will explain by the fact, -that </span><em class="italics">severed</em><span> arteries always contract and close more or -less perfectly; whereas, if they should be only </span><em class="italics">split</em><span> or -</span><em class="italics">partly cut</em><span>, the same contraction will keep the orifice open -and bleeding. I advise you never to try it, except when -you know the artery to be small, or when every other -expedient has failed. But here comes the bucket. See -what a fine styptic cold water is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He washed the wound till it was thoroughly cooled; -after which he brought its lips together by a few stitches -made with a bent needle, and putting on the cobwebs and -bandage, pronounced the operation complete.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Live and larn!" muttered old Tom Starboard, as he -turned away from this scene of surgery. "I knew it -took a smart man to manage a ship; but I'll be hanged -if there a'n't smart people in this world besides sailors."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em" id="id1"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="small">The main arteries in a man's limbs are </span><em class="italics small">deeply buried and lie -in the same general direction with the inner seams of his coat -sleeves and of his pantaloons</em><span class="small">. When one of them is cut--which -may be known by the light red blood flowing in jets, as above -described--all the bandages in the world will be insufficient to -staunch it, except imperfectly, and for a time, it must be tied or -cauterized. If any one knows the position of the wounded artery, -the best bandage for effecting a temporary stoppage of the blood, -is the </span><em class="italics small">tourniquet</em><span class="small">, which is made to press like a big strong finger -directly upon it on the side from which the blood is flowing. A -good substitute for the tourniquet may be extemporized out of a -handkerchief or other strong bandage, and a piece of corn-cob two -inches long, or a suitable piece of wood or stone. This last is to -be placed so as to press directly over the artery; and the bandage -to be made very tight by means of a stick run through it so as to -twist it up with great power.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="iv"><span class="large">CHAPTER IV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">CONFUSION--HOUSEKEEPING IN A HURRY--FIRST NIGHT -ON SHORE--COMPANY TO DINNER--"BLUE EYED -MARY"--ROBERT AT PRAYER-MEETING--DANGER OF -DESCENDING AN OLD WELL--RECOVERING A KNIFE -DROPPED IN A WELL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It is scarcely possible, for one who has not tried it, -to conceive the utter confusion which ensues on -removing, in a hurry, one's goods and chattels to -a place too small for their accommodation. Oh! the -wilderness of boxes, baskets, bundles, heaped in disorder -everywhere! and the perfect bewilderment into which -one is thrown, when attempting the simplest act of -household duty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Judy," said Mary to the cook, the evening that they -landed, and while the servants were hurrying to bring -under shelter the packages which Dr. Gordon was -unwilling to leave exposed to the night air, "Judy, the sun -is only about an hour high. Make haste and get some -tea ready for supper. Father says you need not </span><em class="italics">cook</em><span> -anything, we can get along on cheese and crackers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Well, surely, it sounded like a trifle to order only -a little tea. Mary thought so, and so did Judy,--it -could be got ready in a minute. But just at that -moment of unreadiness, there were some difficulties in -the way which neither cook nor housekeeper anticipated. -To have tea for supper ordinarily requires that one -should have fire and water, and a tea kettle and a tea -pot, and the tea itself, and cups and saucers and spoons, -and sugar and milk, and a sugar pot and milk pot, -besides a number of other things. But how these things -are to be brought together, in their proper relation, and -in a hurry, when they are all thrown promiscuously in a -heap, is a question more easily asked than answered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The simple order to prepare a little tea threw poor -Judy into a fluster. "Yes, misses," she mechanically -replied, "but wey I gwine fin' de tea?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary was about to say, "In the sideboard of course," -knowing that at home it was always kept there, when -suddenly she recollected that the present sideboard was -a new one, packed with table and bed clothes, and -moreover that it was nailed up fast in a long box. Then, -where was the tea? O, now she recalled the fact that -the tea for immediate use was corked up in a tin can -and stowed away together with the teapot and cups, -saucers, spoons and other concomitants, in a certain -green box. But where was the green box? She and -Judy peered among the confused piles, and at last spied -it under another box, on which was a large basket that -was covered with a pile of bedding.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Judy obtained the tea and tea-pot and kettle, but -until that moment had neglected to order a fire; so she -went to the front door to look for her husband.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peter!" she called. Peter was nowhere about the -house. She saw him below the bluff on his way to the -landing. So, running a little nearer, and raising her -voice to a high musical pitch, she sung out, "Petah-h! -OH-H! Petah! Oh! PEE-tah!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Peter came, and learning what was wanted, went to -the landing for his ax, and having brought her a stick -of green oak wood on his shoulder, sallied out once more -to find some kindling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While he was on this business, Judy prepared to get -some water. "Wey my bucket?" she inquired, looking -around. "Who tek my bucket? I sho' somebody moob -um; fuh I put um right down yuh, under my new -calabash."[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] "Where is my bucket? Who has taken my bucket? I am -sure somebody has moved it, for I put it right down here under -my new gourd."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>But nobody had disturbed it. Judy had set it, half -full of water, on the ground outside the door, in the -snuggest place she could find; but a thirsty goat had -found it, and another thirsty goat had fought for it, -and between the two, it had been upset, and rolled into -a corner where it lay concealed by a bundle. By the -time Judy got another supply of water ready it was -growing dark. Peter had not made the fire because he -was not certain where she preferred to have it built; -so he waited, like a good, obedient husband, until she -should direct him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime, Mary was in trouble too. Where -was the loaf sugar to be placed in cracking it, and what -should she use for a hammer? Then the candle box -must be opened, and candles and candle-sticks brought -together, and some place contrived for placing them -after they were lighted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But perseverance conquers all things. Tea </span><em class="italics">was</em><span> made, -sugar </span><em class="italics">was</em><span> cracked, and candles were both lighted and -put in position. Bed-time came soon after, and weary -enough with their labour, they all laid down to enjoy -their first sleep at Bellevue. Mary and Frank occupied -a pallet spread behind a pile of boxes in one room, -while their father and the older boys lay upon cloaks, -and whatever else they could convert into a temporary -mattress, in the other; and the servants tumbled -themselves upon a pile of their own clothing, which they -had thrown under a shelter erected beside the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Early the next morning, two convenient shelters were -hastily constructed, and the two rooms of the house were -so far relieved of their confused contents, as to allow -space for sitting, and almost for walking about. But -ere this was half accomplished, Mary, whose sense of -order and propriety was very keen, was destined to be -thrown into quite an embarrassing situation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Major Burke, the commandant of Fort Brooke, was -a cousin of Mrs. Gordon, and an old college friend of -the Doctor, and hearing by the captain of the brig of -the arrival of the new comers, he rode over in the -forenoon of the next day to see them. Mary's mind -associated so indissolubly the idea of </span><em class="italics">company</em><span>, with the -stately etiquette of Charleston and Savannah, that the -sight of a well-dressed stranger approaching their door, -threw her almost into a fever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! father," she cried, as soon as she could beckon -him out of the back door, "what shall we do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do?" he answered, laughing. "Why, nothing at all. -What can we do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But is he not going to dine with us?" enquired she.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I presume so," he replied. "I am sure I shall ask -him; but what of that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What, father, dine with us?" she remonstrated, -"when our only table unboxed is no bigger than a light -stand, and we have scarcely room for that!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," he said, "we will do the best we can for -him now, and hope to do better some other time. -Perhaps you will feel less disturbed when you realize that -he is your cousin and a soldier. Come, let me make you -acquainted with him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary was naturally a neat girl, and although her -hands were soiled with labour, she was soon ready to -obey her father's invitation. Slipping into the back -room, by a low window, she washed her hands and face, -and brushed into order the ringlets that clustered around -her usually sunny face, and then came modestly into -the apartment where the two gentlemen were sitting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"John, this is my eldest daughter, Mary," said the -Doctor, as she approached; "and Mary this is your -cousin, Major Burke, of whom you have heard your -mother and me so often speak."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two cousins shook hands very cordially, and -appeared to be mutually pleased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She is my housekeeper for the present," her father -continued, "and has been in some trouble" (here Mary -looked reproachfully at him), "that she could not give -you a more fitting reception."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, indeed," said the Major, with a merry twinkle -of his eye, "I suspect that when my little cousin learns -how often we soldiers are glad to sit on the bare ground, -and to feed, Indian fashion, on Indian fare, she will -feel little trouble about giving us entertainment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's embarrassment was now wholly dispelled. -Her cousin was fully apprised of their crowded and -confused condition, and was ready to partake with -good humour of whatever they could hastily prepare.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dinner passed off far more agreeably than she -supposed possible. By her father's direction, a dining -table was unboxed and spread under the boughs of a -magnificent live oak, and Judy, having ascertained where -the stores were to be found, gave them not only a -dinner, but a dessert to boot, which they all enjoyed -with evident relish. Ah!--black and ugly as she was, -that Judy was a jewel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Major had come thus hastily upon them for the -purpose of insisting that the whole family should occupy -quarters at the Fort as his guests, until the new house, -intended for their future reception, should be completed. -To this Dr. Gordon objected that his presence was -necessary for the progression of the work, but promised that -at the earliest period when he could be spared for a few -days, he would accept the invitation and bring the -young people with him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The visitor did not take his leave until the shades of -evening warned him of the lapse of time. Mary had -become much more interested, in consequence of her first -distress and the pleasant termination, than she possibly -could have been without these experiences; and as the -whole family stood at the front door, watching his -rapidly diminishing figure, she perpetrated a blunder -which gave rise to much merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her father had remarked, "It will be long after dark -before he can reach the Fort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary rejoined, "Yes, sir, but," looking with an -abstracted air, first at the table where they had enjoyed -their pleasant repast, then at the darkening form of the -soldier, and finally at the full moon which began to -pour its silver radiance over the bay, "it will make -no difference tonight, for it will be blue-eyed Mary."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All turned their eyes upon her in perplexity, to gather -from her countenance the interpretation of her language; -but Mary was still looking quietly at the moon. Harold -thought the girl had become suddenly deranged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert, who had observed her abstraction of mind, and -who suspected the truth, began to laugh. Her father -turned to her and asked, with a tone so divided between -the ludicrous and the grave, that it was hard to tell -which predominated, "What do you mean by 'blue-eyed Mary'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did I say blue-eyed Mary?" she exclaimed, reddening -from her temples to her finger ends, and then giving -way to a fit of laughter so hearty and so prolonged, that -she could scarcely reply, "I meant </span><em class="italics">moonlight</em><span>."[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] It is but justice to say that this absurd mistake was </span><em class="italics small">an actual -occurrence</em><span class="small">. For many a day afterwards the members of the -company present on that occasion seldom alluded to moonlight among -each other, but by the name of "blue-eyed Mary."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There was no resisting the impulse, all laughed with -her, and long afterwards did it furnish a theme for -merriment. Robert, however, was disposed to be so -wicked on the occasion, that his father deemed it -necessary to stop his teasing, by turning the laugh against -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is certainly," said he, "the most ridiculous thing -I have witnessed since Robert's queer prank at the -prayer-meeting."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the word "prayer-meeting" was uttered, -Robert's countenance fell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it, uncle?" inquired Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, do tell it, father," begged Mary, clapping her -hands with delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About a year since," said Dr. Gordon, "I attended -a prayer-meeting in the city of Charleston, where thirty -or forty intelligent people were assembled at the house -of their pastor. It was night. Robert occupied a chair -near the table, beside which the minister officiated, and -where he could be seen by every person in the room: -Not long after the minister's address began, Robert's -head was seen to nod; and every once in a while his -nods were so expressive, apparently, of assent to the -remarks made, as to bring a smile upon the face of more -than one of the company. But he was not content with -nodding. Soon his head fell back upon the chair, and -he snored most musically, with his mouth wide open. It -was then nearly time for another prayer, and I was -very much in hopes that when we moved to kneel, he -would be awakened by the noise. But no such good -fortune was in store for me. He slept through the -whole prayer; and then, to make the scene as ridiculous -as possible, he awoke as the people were in the act of -rising, and, supposing they were about to kneel, he -deliberately knelt down beside his chair, and kept that -position until he was seen by every person present. -There was a slight pause in the services, I think the -clergyman himself was somewhat disconcerted, and -afraid to trust his voice. Poor Robert soon suspected -his mistake. He peeped cautiously around, then arose -and took his seat with a very silly look. I am glad it -happened. He has never gone to sleep in meeting since."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And from that time forth Mary never heard Robert -allude to her moonlight; indeed he was so much cut down -by this story, that for a day or two he was more than -usually quiet. At last, however, an incident occurred -which restored to him the ascendancy he had hitherto -held over his cousin, by illustrating the importance of -possessing a proper store of sound, practical knowledge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two had gone to examine an old well, near the -house, and were speculating upon the possibility of -cleansing it from its trash and other impurities, so as -to be fit for use, when Harold's knife slipped from his -hand and fell down the well. It did not fall into the -water, but was caught by a half decayed board that -floated on its surface.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot afford to lose that knife," said Harold, -looking around for something to aid his descent, "I must -go down after it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You had better be careful how you do that," interposed -Robert, "it may not be safe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What," asked Harold, "are you afraid of the well's -caving?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so much of its caving," replied Robert, "as of -the bad air that may have collected at the bottom."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold snuffed at the well's mouth to detect such ill -odours as might be there, and said, "I perceive no -smell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You mistake my meaning," remarked Robert. "In -all old wells, vaults and places under ground, there -is apt to collect a kind of air or gas, like that which -comes from burning charcoal, that will quickly -suffocate any one who breathes it. Many a person has lost -his life by going into such a place without testing it -beforehand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can you tell whether there is any of it here?" asked -Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very easily, with a little fire," answered Robert. -"AIR THAT WILL NOT SUPPORT FLAME, WILL NOT SUPPORT LIFE."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They stuck a splinter of rich pine in the cleft end -of a pole, and, lighting it by a match, let it softly down -the well. To Harold's astonishment the flame was -extinguished as suddenly as if it had been dipped -in water, before it had gone half way to the bottom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop, let us try that experiment again," said he.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They tried it repeatedly, and with the same result, -except that the heavy poisonous air below being stirred -by the pole, had become somewhat mingled with the -pure air above, and the flame was not extinguished quite -so suddenly as at first; it burnt more and more dimly as -it descended, and then went out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do believe there is something there," said he at -last, "and I certainly shall not go down, as I intended. -But how am I to get my knife?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By using father's magnet, which is a strong one," -replied Robert. "Let us go and ask him for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On relating the circumstances to Dr. Gordon, he said, -"You have made a most fortunate escape, Harold. Had -you descended that well, filled as it is with carbonic -acid gas, you would have become suddenly sick and -faint, and would probably have fallen senseless before -you could have called for help. </span><em class="italics">Make it a rule never -to descend such a place without first trying the purity of -its air, as you did just now</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But can we not get that bad air out?" asked Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, by various means, and some of them very easy," -replied his uncle. "One is by exploding gunpowder as -far down as possible; another is by lowering down and -drawing up many times a thickly leaved bush, so as to -pump out the foul air, or at least to mix it largely with -the pure. But your knife can be obtained without all -that trouble. Robert, can you not put him upon a plan?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have already mentioned it, and we have come to -ask if you will not let us have your magnet," replied -Robert. "But," continued he smilingly, "I do not -think that we shall have any need this time for the -looking-glass."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold looked from one to the other for an explanation, -and his uncle said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Last year Robert dropped his knife down a well, -as you did, and proposed to recover it by means of a -strong magnet tied to a string. But the well was deep -and very dark, and after fishing a long time in vain, -he came to me for help. I made him bring a large -looking-glass from the house, and by means of it -reflected such a body of sun-light down the well that we -could plainly see his knife at the bottom, stowed away -in a corner. The magnet was strong enough to bring -it safely to the top. You also may try the experiment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With thanks, Harold took the offered magnet, tied -it to a string, and soon recovered his knife.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="v"><span class="large">CHAPTER V</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">RILEY--A THUNDERSTORM--ASCERTAINING THE DISTANCE -OF OBJECTS BY SOUND--SECURITY AGAINST LIGHTNING--MEANS -OF RECOVERING LIFE FROM APPARENT DEATH -BY LIGHTNING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A few days after this incident another visitor -was seen coming from Fort Brooke. This -person was not a horseman, but some one in a boat, -who seemed even from a distance to possess -singular dexterity in the use of the paddle. His boat -glided over the smooth surface of the bay as if propelled -less by his exertions than by his will. Dr. Gordon -viewed him through the spy glass, and soon decided him -to be an Indian, who was probably bringing something -to sell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It so turned out. He was a half-breed, by the name -of Riley, who frequently visited the fort with venison and -turkeys to sell, and who on the present occasion brought -with him in addition a fine green turtle. Major Burke, -conceiving that his friends at Bellevue would prize these -delicacies more than they at the fort, to whom they were -no longer rarities, had directed the Indian to bring them, -with his compliments, to Dr. Gordon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Riley was a fine looking fellow, of about thirty -years of age--tall, keen-eyed, straight as an arrow, and -with a pleasing open countenance. He brought a note -from the fort, recommending him for honesty and faithfulness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Gordon was so much pleased with his general -appearance, that he engaged him to return the -following week with another supply of game, and prepared -to remain several days, in case he should be needed in -raising the timbers of the new house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Toward the close of the week, the weather gave -indications of a change. A heavy looking cloud rose slowly -from the west, and came towards them, muttering and -growling in great anger. It was a tropical -thunderstorm. The distant growls were soon converted into -peals. The flashes increased rapidly in number and -intensity, and became terrific. Mary and Frank nestled -close to their father; and even stout-hearted Harold -looked grave, as though he did not feel quite so -comfortable as usual.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That flash was uncommonly keen," Robert remarked, -with an unsteady voice. "Do you not think, father, it -was very near?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Instead of replying, his father appeared to be busy -counting; and when the crash of thunder was heard, -jarring their ears, and making the earth quiver, he -replied,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not very. Certainly not within a mile."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, uncle, can you calculate the distance of the -lightning?" Harold asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Unquestionably, or I should not have spoken with -so much confidence. Robert imagined, as most people -do, that a flash is near in proportion to its brightness; -but that is no criterion. You must calculate its distance -by the time which elapses between the flash and the -report. Sound travels at the rate of about a mile in -five seconds. Should any of you like to calculate the -distance of the next flash, put your finger on your pulse, -and count the number of beats before you hear the -thunder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An opportunity soon occurred. A vivid flash was -followed after a few seconds by a roll, and then by a -peal of thunder. All were busy counting their pulses. -Mary ceased when she heard the first roll, exclaiming -"Five!" The others held on until they heard the loud -report, and said "Seven." Dr. Gordon reported only -six beats of his own pulse, remarking,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That flash discharged itself just one mile distant. -Our pulses are quicker than seconds; and yours quicker -than mine. Sound will travel a mile during six beats of -a person of my age, and during seven of persons of yours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, father," argued Mary, "I surely heard the -thunder rolling when I said </span><em class="italics">five</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So did I," he answered; "and that proves that -although the lightning discharged itself upon the earth -at the distance of a mile, it </span><em class="italics">commenced</em><span> to flow from a -point nearer overhead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young people were so deeply interested in these -calculations, that they felt less keenly than they could -have imagined possible the discomfort of the storm. -This was Dr. Gordon's intention. But at last Mary -and Frank winced so uneasily, when flashes of unusual -brightness appeared, that their father remarked, "It -is a weakness, my children, to be afraid of lightning that -is seen and of thunder that is heard--</span><em class="italics">they are spent and -gone</em><span>. Persons never see the flash that kills them--it -does its work before they can see, hear, or feel."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this instant came a flash so keen, that it seemed -to blaze into their very eyes, and almost simultaneously -came a report like the discharge of a cannon. Dr. Gordon's -lecture was in vain; all except him and Harold -started to their feet. Frank ran screaming to his father. -Mary rushed to a pile of bedding, and covered herself -with the bed-clothing. Robert looked at Mary's refuge, -with a manifest desire to seek a place beside her. Harold -fixed his eye upon his uncle, with a glance of keen -inquiry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is becoming serious," said the Doctor anxiously. -"Something on the premises has been struck. Stay here, -children, while I look after the servants. </span><em class="italics">Your safest -place is in the middle of the room</em><span>, as far as possible -from the chimney and walls, along which the lightning -passes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While giving these directions, at the same time that -he seized his hat, cloak, and umbrella, William rushed -in to say that the horses had been struck down and -killed. They were stabled under a shelter erected near -a tall palmetto--a tree so seldom struck by lightning, as -to be regarded by the Indians as exempt from danger. -The fluid had descended the trunk, tearing a great hole -in the ground, and jarring down a part of the loose -enclosure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Call all hands!" said the Doctor. "Throw off the -shelter instantly, to let the rain pour upon them; and -bring also your buckets and pails."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On his going out, the children crowded to the door, -to see, if possible, the damage that was done; but he -waved them all back, with the information that during -a thunder storm an open door or window is one of the -most dangerous places about a house. They quickly -retired; Mary and Frank going to the bed, Robert taking -a chair to the middle of the room, and drawing up his -feet from the floor. Harold's remark was characteristic. -"I wish uncle would let me help with the horses. I -am sure that that is the safest place in this -neighbourhood; for I never saw lightning strike twice on the -same spot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the horses was speedily revived by the falling -rain. He staggered to his feet, then moved painfully -away, smelling at his hoofs, to ascertain what ailed them. -The other continued for an hour or more, to all -appearance, dead. The servants dipped buckets and pails full -of water from pools made by the rain, and poured them -upon the lifeless body, until it was perfectly drenched. -They had given up all hope of a restoration. William's -eyes looked watery (for he was the coachman) and he -heaved a sorrowful sigh over his brute companion. -"Poor Tom!" he said, "what will Jerry do now for a -mate?" Another half hour passed without any sign -of returning life; and even William would have ceased -his efforts, had it not been for his master's decided -"Pour on water! Keep pouring!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last there appeared a slight twitching in one of -the legs. Poor Tom was not dead after all. William -gave a "Hurra boys! he's coming to," in which the -others joined with unfeigned delight. "Now, William," -said his master, "do you and Sam take the strips of -blanket that you rub with, and see if you cannot start -his blood to flowing more rapidly. Tom will soon open -his eyes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two of the servants continued to pour on water, the -others to rub violently the head, neck, legs and body. -The reviving brute moved first one foreleg, then the -other, while the hinder legs were yet paralysed. Then -he opened his eyes, raised his head, and made an effort -to turn himself. As soon as he was able to swallow, -Dr. Gordon ordered a drench of camphorated spirit, and -left him with directions to the servants. "Listen all of -you. I have shown you how to treat a horse struck down -by lightning. Do you treat a person in the same way. -Pour on water by the bucket full, until he gives some -signs of life; then rub him hard, and give him some -heating drink. </span><em class="italics">Don't give up trying for half a day</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The storm passed over. Tom and Jerry were once -more united under the skilful management of William, -who frequently boasted that "they were the toughest -creatures in creation, even lightning could not kill them."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="vi"><span class="large">CHAPTER VI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">THE ONLY WAY TO STUDY--TAKING COLD--RILEY'S -FAMILY--THE HARE LIP---FISHING FOR SHEEPHEAD---FRANK -CHOKED WITH A FISH BONE--HIS RELIEF--HIS STORY -OF THE SHEEP'S HEAD AND DUMPLINGS--"TILL THE -WARFARE IS OVER"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Dr. Gordon began to feel dissatisfied that his -children were losing so much valuable time -from study; for the house was yet loaded with -baggage which could be put nowhere else, and their -time was broken up by unavoidable interruptions. -Until a more favourable opportunity, therefore, he required -only that they should devote one hour every day to -faithful study, and that they should spend the rest of -their time as usefully as possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His theory of education embraced two very simple, -but very efficacious principles. First, to </span><em class="italics">excite in his -children the desire of acquiring knowledge</em><span>; and, -secondly, to train them to </span><em class="italics">give their undivided attention to -the subject in hand</em><span>. This last, he said, was the only -way to study; and he told them, in illustration, the story -of Sir Isaac Newton, who, on being asked by a friend, -in view of his prodigious achievements, what was the -difference, so far as he was conscious, between his mind -and those of ordinary people, answered simply in the -power of concentration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold had been greatly discouraged at finding -himself so far behind his cousins in the art of study, but -by following the advice of his uncle, he soon -experienced a great and an encouraging change. At first, it -is true, he could scarcely give his whole mind to any -study more than five minutes at a time, without a sense -of weariness; but he persevered, and day by day his -powers increased so manifestly that he used frequently -to say to himself, "</span><em class="italics">concentration is everything--everything -in study</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Dr. Gordon's instructions were by no means -confined to books and the school-room; he used every -favourable opportunity to give information on points that -promised to be useful.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mary," said he one day, to his daughter, who was -sitting absorbed in study, beside a window through -which the sea breeze was pouring freshly upon her -head and shoulders, and who had, in consequence, began -to exhibit symptoms of a cold, "Mary, my daughter, -remove your seat. Do you not know that to allow a -current of air like that to blow upon a part of your -person, is almost sure to produce sickness?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it, father," she replied, "and I intended -some time since to change my seat, but the sum is so -hard that I forgot all about the wind."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad to see you capable of such fixedness of -mind," said he, "but I will take this opportunity to say -to you, and to the rest, that there are two seasons, -especially, when you should be on your guard against -these dangerous currents of air,--one is when you are -asleep, and the other is when your mind is absorbed in -thought. At these times the pores of the skin are more -than usually open, as may be seen by the flow of perspiration; -and a current of cool air, at such a time, especially -if partial, is almost certain to give cold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how can we be on our guard, father," asked -Mary with a smile, "when we are too far gone in sleep -or in thought, to know what we are about!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must take the precaution beforehand," he -replied. "Make it a rule never to sleep nor to study in -a partial current of air; and also remember that </span><em class="italics">the -first moment</em><span> you perceive the tingling sensation of an -incipient cold, you must obey the warning which kind -nature gives you or else must bear the consequences."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's cold was pretty severe. For days she suffered -from cough and pain. But that day's lecture on -currents of air, followed by so impressive an illustration, -was probably more useful than her lesson in arithmetic; -certainly it was longer remembered and more frequently -acted upon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True to his promise, Riley appeared at the appointed -time with his supply of game. He said, however, that -he should remain only a few days, because he had left -his young wife sick. It interested Mary not a little to -perceive that a savage could feel and act so much like -a civilized being; and she was trying to think of -something complimentary to say upon this occasion, when -he threw her all aback, by adding, that this was his -</span><em class="italics">youngest</em><span> and </span><em class="italics">favourite</em><span> wife.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! have you two wives?" she exclaimed in horror.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, only two, now; one dead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Her mind was sadly changed at this evidence of -heathenism; but ere the day was over she received a -still more impressive proof.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Gordon perceiving that he looked sad whenever -an allusion was made to his home, he asked him if his -wife was seriously sick, to which he answered, No.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When I go home, last week," said he, "my squaw -had a fine boy, big and fat. My heart glad. But I -look and see a big hole in his mouth, from here to -here," pointing from the lip to the nose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is what we call a hare lip," said Dr. Gordon, -"it is not uncommon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I sorry very much," continued Riley. "Child too ugly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it can be easily cured," observed Dr. Gordon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Riley looked at him inquiringly, and Dr. Gordon -added, "O, yes, it can be easily cured. If you will bring -your child here, any time, I will stop that hole in half -an hour; and there will be no sign of it left, except a -little scar, like a cut."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Indian shook his head mournfully, "Can't bring -him. Too late now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, the child is dead?" inquired the Doctor. "I am sorry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dead now," replied Riley. "I look at him one day, -two day, tree day. Child too ugly. I throw him in the -water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" exclaimed Dr. Gordon, suddenly remembering -that it was the practice of the Indians to destroy -all their deformed children. "You did not drown it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Child ugly too much," answered Riley, with a -softened tone of voice. "Child good for nothing. I -throw him in the water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Gordon was not only shocked, as any man of -feeling would have been, under the circumstances, but -he felt as a Christian, whose heart moved with -compassion towards his dark skinned brother. He uttered -not one word of rebuke or of condemnation; his time -for speaking to the purpose had not yet come; and he -carefully avoided everything in word and look which -should widen the space which naturally exists between -the white man and the Indian, the Christian and the -pagan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Poor Mary! She no sooner heard this confession, -than she sidled away from her interesting savage, until -wholly beyond his reach, and could scarcely look at him -during his stay that week, without feelings akin to -fear. An Indian, she learned, was an Indian after all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Riley was there the boys often borrowed his -boat, and Harold tried to imitate his dexterity in the -use of the paddle. They soon became great friends. On -one of their excursions for fish, they went, by his -direction, around a point of land where the head of a fallen -live oak lay in the water, and its partially decayed -limbs were encrusted with barnacles and young oysters. -There they soon caught a large supply of very fine fish -of various sorts, particularly of the sheephead,--a -delicious fish, shaped somewhat like the perch, only stouter -and rounder, beautifully marked with broad alternate -bands of black and white around the body, and varying -in weight from half a pound to ten or fifteen pounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No one was more delighted than Frank, with the result -of the excursion; for he was fond, as a cat, of -everything in the shape of fish. But, it is said, there is no -rose without its thorn; and so he found in the present -case. He was enjoying, rather voraciously, the luxury -of his favourite food, when a disorderly bone lodged -crossways in the narrow part of his throat, and gave -him excessive pain. Frank was a polite boy. Avoiding, -as far as possible, disturbing the others by his -misfortune, he slipped quietly from the table, and tried -every means to relieve himself. But it was not until -he had applied to his father, and, under his direction, -swallowed a piece of hard bread, that he was able to -resume his place.[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Unwilling to mislead any of my young readers, by describing -expedients and remedies that might not serve them in case of -necessity, I have submitted my manuscript to several persons for -inspection, and among others to a judicious physician and -surgeon. It never occurred to me that in mentioning so simple a -thing as swallowing a crust for the removal of a fish-bone, I -could possibly do harm. To my surprise, however, my medical -friend observed, that he supposed Dr. Gordon knew that the fishbone, -which Frank swallowed, was </span><em class="italics small">small</em><span class="small"> and </span><em class="italics small">flexible</em><span class="small">, or he would -not have used that expedient.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"If," said he, "the substance which lodges in the throat is so -stiff (a pin for instance) as not to be easily bent, the attempt to -force it down by swallowing a piece of bread may be unsafe; it -may lacerate the lining membrane, or, being stopped by the -offending substance, it may cause the person to be worse choked -than before."</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"But, Doctor, what should the poor fellow do in such a case?" -he was asked.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"I suspect Dr. Gordon would have used a large feather?"</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"Indeed!"</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"Yes, he would have rumpled its plume, so as to reverse the -direction of the feathery part, and would have thrust that down -the throat, below the pin or bone. On withdrawing the feather, -the substance would be either found adhering to its wet sides, or -raised on end, so that it could be easily swallowed."</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">With many thanks for this suggestion, the promise was made -that the young readers of Robert and Harold should have the -benefit of his advice. But I think that the best plan is to avoid -the fish-bones.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Being not quite so humble as he was polite, however, -he began to condemn the fish instead of himself for his -accident. His father told him he had no right to say -one word against the fish, which was remarkably free -from bones, and was just preparing to give him a -gentle lecture on gormandizing, when Frank, foreseeing -what was to come, was adroit enough to seize a moment's -pause in the conversation, and to divert the subject, by -asking with a very droll air,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder, father, if these sheephead are of the -same kind with that one that butted the dumplings?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know what dumplings you mean," said his -father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, did you never hear the story of the sheep's head -and the dumplings? Well, brother Robert can tell you -all about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," returned his father, who saw through the -little fellow's stratagem. "No, no, Frank, it is your own -story, and you must go through with it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a trial, for Frank had never in his life -made so long an extempore speech in the presence of the -assembled family, as he had now imposed upon himself. -But, in the desperation of the moment, he mustered -courage, and thus spoke,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There was once an old woman that left her little -boy to mind a pot that had in it a sheep's head and -some dumplings boiling for dinner, while she went to -a neighbour's house to attend some sort of preaching. -The little boy did not seem to have much sense; and -had never minded a pot before; so when he saw the -water boiling over, and the sheep's head and the -dumplings bobbing about in every direction, he became -frightened and ran for his mother, bawling at the top of his -voice, 'Mammy! the dumplings! run!' She saw him -coming in among the people, and tried to stop his -bawling by shaking her head and winking her eyes at -him; but he would not stop. He crowded right up to -her, saying, 'Mammy, you needn't to wink nor to blink, -for the sheep's head is butting all the dumplings out of -the pot!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Throughout this story Frank did not make a balk or a -blunder. He kept straight on, as if brimful of fun, and -uttered the last sentence with such an affectation of -grave terror, as produced a universal laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His father had tried hard to keep up his dignity for -the intended lecture, but it also gave way, and he -contented himself with saying,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, master Frank, I see you are at your old -tricks again. And since you show such an aptitude for -putting people into good humour, there will be reason -to think you are in fault, if you ever put them out. -Harold, has your aunt ever told you how Frank once -</span><em class="italics">kissed himself out of a scrape with her</em><span>?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold said she had not, and his uncle went on,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was when he was between three and four years -of age. His mother had taken him on a visit to a -friend of hers in the neighbourhood of Charleston, and -he was allowed to sit at the dinner table with the ladies. -But he became so disorderly and perverse that his -mother, after an ineffectual reprimand or two, ordered -him to go up stairs, meaning to her room above. The -language was indefinite, and Frank interpreted it to -suit his own pleasure. He went up stairs, it is true, but -only half way, where he seated himself so as to look -at the table and the company, and then began to drum -with his feet and to talk loud enough to be heard,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'H-m-n-h! This is a very good place. I love these -nice stairs. I'd rather be here than anywhere else in -the world. I don't want any of that old dinner!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This was very rude language, and more especially -when used in a house where he was a guest. His mother -was so much mortified that as soon as dinner was over -she took him to her room, gave him a sound strapping, -and put him in a corner, where he was to stay, until he -promised to be a good boy. Then she lay down on her -bed as if to take a nap, but in reality to meditate what -course to pursue towards her rude little child.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Frank, you know, is fond of singing. There was -a wild religious melody which he had learnt about that -time, and which he was constantly singing. It had a -short chorus at the end of every line, and a long chorus -at the end of each verse, running this way,</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'Children of the heavenly King,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Till the warfare is over, Hallelujah,</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>As ye journey sweetly sing,</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Till the warfare is over, Hallelujah.'</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>I forget the long chorus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, your aunt had not been upon the bed more -than a few minutes, before Frank quietly slipped from -his corner and stole close to the bedside to make friends. -But his mother would not notice him. He bent over and -gave her a kiss. Still she looked displeased. He tried -another kiss, but she turned away her face. This was -a damper. Frank was disheartened, but not in despair. -He leaned over the bed, making a long reach, to try -the effect of a third kiss.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'There, Frank,' said his mother, in a displeased tone, -'that is enough. You need not kiss me any more.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Yes, mother,' said he, leaning far over, and taking -hold of her, 'I mean to kiss you </span><em class="italics">till the warfare is over, -Hallelujah</em><span>.'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I need not say that, from that moment, the warfare -</span><em class="italics">was</em><span> over, and Frank behaved himself well through the -remainder of the visit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And now, since he has managed to escape the lecture -I was about to give him on eating too fast, I hope he -will hereafter cultivate the recollection of </span><em class="italics">today and the -fish-bones</em><span>."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="vii"><span class="large">CHAPTER VII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">BUG IN THE BAR--VISIT TO PORT BROOKE--EVADING -BLOODHOUNDS--CONTEST WITH DOGS AND MEANS OF -DEFENCE--AMUSING ESCAPE FROM A WILD BULL AND -CONVERSATION ON THE SUBJECT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>While Riley was at Bellevue the workmen -succeeded in raising the frame of the new house, -and in completing the most laborious part of -the work. On the last days of his stay he was dispatched -with a message to Fort Brooke, to say that on the -following Tuesday Dr. Gordon and family would make their -promised visit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the interval nothing of special interest -occurred, except a painful accident that happened to -Harold. He was awakened in the night by a sudden -tickling in his ear. This was caused by a harvest -bug--a black hard-winged insect, nearly an inch long. When -first feeling it, and uncertain what it was, he sprang up -in bed, and struck the ear violently from behind, in the -hope of jarring it out. Failing in this, he poured his -ear full of water; but still not succeeding, he felt along -the wall for a large needle he recollected seeing there -the evening before, and with that endeavoured to pick it -out. The frightened bug finding itself so energetically -pursued into its unnatural hiding place, went deeper, -and began to scratch with its clogged feet, and to bite -upon the tender drum of the ear. The pain it caused -was excruciating. Harold, feeling that he must soon -go into spasms, unless relieved, wakened his uncle, and -entreated earnestly for help. To his inexpressible -delight Dr. Gordon said he could relieve him in a minute; -and seizing the night lamp he poured the ear full of -oil. Scarcely had this fluid closed around the intruder, -before it scrambled out, and reached the external ear -just in time to die.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold could not find words for his gratitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Uncle," said he, "you may think me extravagant, -but I assure you the pain was so intense, that I was -thinking seriously, in case you could not relieve me, of -making Sam chop my ear open with a hatchet. This I -suppose would have killed me; but it must have been -death in either case."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the day appointed, they went to Fort Brooke in -the pleasure boat, Dr. Gordon being at the helm, and -Robert and Harold taking turns in managing the sails. -The wind was fair, and the light ripple of the water -was barely sufficient to give a graceful dancing to their -beautiful craft. Far below the transparent waves, they -could see the glistening of bright shells upon the bottom, -and every now and then the flash of a silver-sided fish.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the fort they were received with the courtesy that -so generally marks gentlemen of the army; and the -three days of their stay passed off very pleasantly. The -reveille and tattoo, the daily drill, and the practising -with cannon, were novelties to the young back-woodsmen. -Frank was exceedingly surprised, as well as -amused, to see cannon-balls making "ducks and drakes," -as he called them, upon the water. He had often -thrown oyster-shells, and flat stones, so as to skim in -this way, but he had no idea that it could be done with -a cannon-ball.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the last day of their visit, Harold escaped from an -unpleasant predicament, only by the exercise of cool -courage and ready ingenuity. He had gone with Frank -to visit a cannon target, a mile or more distant. -Wandering along the bank of the Hillsborough river, which -flows hard by the fort, and then entering the woods on -the other side of the road, he was suddenly accosted by -a man on horseback, who had been concealed behind a -bower of yellow jessamines.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good day, my young friend. Have you been walking -much in these woods today?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold said that he had not, and inquired why the -question was asked. The man replied, "I am watching -for a villainous Indian-negro, who was seen skulking here -this morning. He has been detected in stealing, and -several persons will soon come with blood-hounds to hunt -him. If you see his track" (and he described its -peculiarity), "I hope you will let us know."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold consented to do so, and walked on, unwilling -to be the spectator of the scene. Returning to the road, -and walking some distance, the thought flashed into his -mind that possibly the dogs might fall upon his own -trail. It was certain that they would naturally take -the freshest trail, and he was confident that the man did -not know which way he went. The dogs were probably -fierce, and it would be exceedingly difficult, in case -of an attack, to defend himself and Frank too. Becoming -every moment more uneasy, he went to the roadside and -cut himself a stout bludgeon. Frank watched the -operation, and suspected that something was wrong, though -he could not conjecture what.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cousin," said he, "what did you cut that big stick for?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A walking-stick," he replied: "Is it not a good one?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, pretty good; but I never saw you use a walking-stick -before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that moment, Harold heard afar off the deep bay -of the blood-hounds, opening upon a trail. The sound -became every moment more distinct. He could -distinguish the cry of four separate dogs. They were -evidently upon his scent. He clutched his club, and looked -fiercely back. It was a full half mile to the place where, -having left the man, he emerged into the road; and -there were several curves in it so great that he could -neither see nor be seen for any distance. Necessity is -the mother of invention. A bright thought came into his -mind. "Stay here," said he to Frank, "and don't -move one peg till I come back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was at a sharp bend of the road, on the convex -side of which lay a little run of water, skirted by a thick -undergrowth. He took a course straight with the road, -and hurrying as fast as possible into the wet low ground, -returned upon his own track; then, taking Frank in his -arms, sprang with all his might, at right angles, to his -former course, and ran with him to a neighbouring knoll, -which commanded a view of the road, where he stopped -to reconnoitre. He had </span><em class="italics">doubled</em><span>, as hunters term this -manoeuvre, practised by hares and foxes when pursued -by hounds; and his intention was, if still pursued, to -place Frank in a tree, and with his club to beat off the -dogs until the hunters arrived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was soon proved that the hounds were actually upon -his track. They came roaring along the road, with their -tails raised, and their noses to the ground. Arriving -at the spot where Frank had stood, they did not pursue -the road, but plunged into the bushes, upon the track -which Harold had doubled, and went floundering into -the mire of the stream beyond, where they soon scattered -in every direction, hunting for the lost trail. The boys -did not pursue their walk; having made so narrow an -escape, they turned their steps, without delay, towards -the fort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cousin," inquired Frank, on their way back, "did -not those dogs come upon our track!" Harold replied, -"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And did you cut that big stick to fight them?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And did you intend to cheat them by going into the -bushes, and coming back the same way, and then jumping -off, with me in your arms?" Harold still said, "Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, now, cousin," inquired Frank, "where did you -learn that nice trick?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From the rabbits and foxes," he answered. "I did -not know who could tell me better than they, how to -escape from dogs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank said he always knew that foxes were very cunning, -but he never before heard of any one's taking a fox -for his teacher.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On returning to the fort, Dr. Gordon applauded the -ruse, and congratulated Harold upon his escape; but, at -the same time, informed him that his plan was not to be -relied upon. "A well trained hound," said he, "is as -competent to nose out a doubled track as you are to devise -it. I attribute your escape, partly to the fact that the -dogs are not staunch, and partly to the help afforded -you by the miry bottom, on which your scent could not lie."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The conversation now turned naturally upon contests -with dogs, and different methods of escape. Dr. Gordon -related the story of his having defended himself and -his little brother against three fierce dogs, when he was -about Robert's age, by putting his back against a wall, -and beating off the assailants with a club.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But were you ever forced to fight them when you had -no stick?" asked Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fortunately not," his uncle replied. "Though I -knew a person once who was caught as you describe, and -who devised at least a show of defence. He took off his -hat and shoved it at the dog, with a fierce look, -whenever it approached. But I presume that his success -depended more upon the expression of his countenance than -upon the threatening appearance of his weapon. A -</span><em class="italics">fearless eye</em><span> and </span><em class="italics">a quiet resolute manner</em><span>, is the best defence -against </span><em class="italics">any enemy</em><span>, human or brute, that can be devised.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did, however, witness one expedient adopted by a -sailor, which goes to show what can be accomplished in -an emergency of the kind, by a cool head and a steady -hand. A large dog rushed at him, without provocation, -on the public wharf. The sailor spoke to him, looked -at him, shoved his hat at him, but in vain. The dog flew -at his legs. Quietly drawing his knife, as a last resource, -and holding his hat in his left hand, he stooped, and -allowing the dog to seize his hat, passed his knife -underneath it, into his throat. The dog staggered back, -mortally wounded, not having seen the hand that slew him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On Friday, September 24th, the company returned to -Bellevue; and on the week following, had the opportunity -of witnessing an act of cool courage, which Harold -declared to evince far more ingenuity and composure of -mind, than his own escape from the blood-hounds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Riley had made them another visit, and was engaged -at work upon the house, under the direction of Sam, the -carpenter. Dr. Gordon took the young people in the -pleasure boat, to spend an afternoon in the agreeable -occupation of obtaining another supply of fish. After -trying for some time, with poor success, they saw Riley -coming along the bluff; his object being, as was -afterwards shown, to point out the reason of their failure, -and to tell them what to do.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he approached, a fierce looking bull rushed from -a grove of live oaks, and made furiously at him. Had -Riley been near the shore he might, and probably would, -have sprung into the water, and thus escaped; but the -enraged beast was between him and his place of refuge. -The company in the boat felt seriously anxious for his -safety, since there appeared little chance of his escaping -without a contest. But Riley took the matter very coolly. -He glided to a little clump of saplings, and holding to -one of them at arm's length, seemed to enjoy the evident -mortification of the bull in being so narrowly dodged. -He was very expert in keeping the small tree between him -and it; and as the circle in which he ran was much -smaller than that in which the bull was compelled to -move, his task was easy. The furious animal pushed -first with one horn then with the other; he ran -suddenly and violently; he pawed the earth, and bellowed -with rage; his eyes flashed and his mouth foamed, but it -was in vain. Soon Riley watched his opportunity, and -glided nimbly from that tree to one nearer the boat; then -to another and another; the bull following with every -demonstration of impotent rage. This was done merely -to teaze. Finally becoming wearied with this profitless, -though amusing sport, he gathered a handful of sand, and -provoking the bull to push at him again, forced a part of -the sand into one eye, and the remainder into the other, -and then left him perfectly blinded for the time, and -rushing madly from place to place, while Riley came -laughing to the beach, and delivered his message.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Coolly and cleverly done!" said Dr. Gordon, at the -end of the contest. "That is certainly a new idea, in -the way of involuntary bull baiting, which is worth -remembering. But I advise you young folks not to try it, -except in case of a similar necessity. It is safer to -climb a tree or fence, or even to plunge into the water."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Riley had no other chance," remarked Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He had not," Dr. Gordon rejoined, "and therefore -I regard his expedient as valuable. Should you be -pursued in an open field, the danger would be still greater. -Then the best plan would be to </span><em class="italics">detain</em><span> the beast by -something thrown to attract his attention. Cattle are made -very quickly angry by the sight of a red garment. If -anything of this colour, such as a shawl or pocket -handkerchief can be dropped when you are pursued by one, -it will be almost certain to catch his eye, and to engage -him awhile in goring it. If nothing red can be dropped, -then let him have something else from your person--a -hat, coat, or a spread umbrella--in fact anything -calculated to attract his eye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have heard," observed Robert, "of jumping upon -a bull's back, as he stooped his head to toss."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So have I," his father added, "but spare me if you -please, the necessity; none but a monkey, or a person of -a monkey's agility can do it successfully. I should -sooner risk the chance of springing suddenly behind -him, and seizing his tail. At least I should like to -administer that sound belabouring with a stick which he -would so richly deserve, and which might teach him better -manners."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Or to twist his tail," said Harold merrily. "I believe -that will make a bull bellow, as soon as putting sand -into his eyes. And what is better, you can keep on -twisting, until you are sure than his manners are -thoroughly taught."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="viii"><span class="large">CHAPTER VIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">MAROONING AND THE MAROONING PARTY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The work of house-building and improvement -now went forward with visible rapidity. By -the first day of October, the new dwelling-house -was sufficiently advanced to allow the family to move -into it; and in a fortnight more, the new kitchen was -covered, and such other changes made, in and about the -house, as to give it quite a genteel and comfortable -appearance. As it became necessary about this time for -the workmen to attend to some inside work, which could -be more easily accomplished by having the family out of -the way, Dr. Gordon stopped the young people after -school, and said to them:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Children, I have a proposition to make. But before -doing so, who can tell me what 'marooning' means?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All turned their eyes to Robert, whom they regarded -as a sort of walking dictionary; and he answered with -a slight hesitation--"I should say, living pretty much in -the way we have lived most of the time since we came -to Bellevue. A person maroons when he lives in an -unsettled state."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are nearly right; but to be more critical. The -word 'maroon' is of West Indian origin--coming I think -from the island of Jamaica. It meant at first a free -negro. But as those who ran away from their masters -became virtually free for the time, it came afterwards to -mean a runaway negro. To maroon therefore means to -go from home and live like a runaway negro. I wish -to ask if any one present is in favour of marooning?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All were silent, and Dr. Gordon continued, "To -maroon means also to go to some wild place, where there is -plenty of game or fish, and to live upon what we can -obtain by our own skill. Are there any persons now in -favour of marooning?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am--and I--and I!" was the universal response. -"When shall it be? Where shall it be?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are too fast," said the Doctor. "I have one of -two propositions to make. We must for a few days give -up the house to the workmen. Now the question to be -decided is, Shall we return to Fort Brooke, and spend -our time among the guns and cannons; or shall we go to -Riley's Island at the mouth of the bay, and spend it -among the deer and turkeys, the fish and oysters, of -which we have heard so much? There are advantages -and disadvantages on both sides; and my own mind is so -perfectly balanced that I will leave the decision to you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold's eyes flashed fire at the prospect of his old -employment; still he said nothing; he waited to know -what the others preferred. Robert looked at him, and -in a moment caught the contagion. Indeed it seemed as -if a sort of mesmeric influence had swayed the whole -party, for they did nothing more than exchange with -each other one hurried glance, and then unanimously -cried out, "Riley's Island! Riley's Island!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Remember," said Dr. Gordon, "that in marooning -we must wait upon ourselves. William is the only -servant I can take. His time will be fully occupied with -cooking, and other duties belonging to the tent. We -cannot depend on him for anything more than is absolutely -necessary. Are you still of the same mind?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same!" they all replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Still I will not hold you to your promises until you -have had further time for reflection," said he. "You -may not have looked at all the difficulties of the case. -I will give you until dinner-time to make up your minds; -and to help your thoughts, I will assign to each of you -an office, and make you responsible for providing all -things necessary for a week's excursion, to begin in the -morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold, I appoint you master of the hunting and -fishing departments.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert shall be sailing-master, and provide for the -literature of the party.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mary shall be housekeeper still, and mistress of the -stores.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And Master Frank shall be--I know not what to make -him, unless </span><em class="italics">supercargo</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now I wish you each to sit down at your leisure, -and make out a written list, to be presented to me at -dinner-time, of all things needed in your several departments."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They responded very heartily, and were about to -retire, when Dr. Gordon, observing a comical expression -on Frank's face, said, "What is the matter, Frank? Are -you not willing to be supercargo?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know what supercargo is," answered Frank, -"unless it is somebody to catch rabbits. But I know -how to do that. So I mean to take my dog and hatchet, -and a box of matches."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well done, Frank," said his father; "you have the -marooning spirit if you do not know what supercargo is. -But where did you learn the art of catching rabbits?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I learnt it from cousin Harold," said he. "We -got a rabbit into a hollow tree, and caught him there. -</span><em class="italics">I</em><span> caught him, father, with my own hand; I know exactly -how to catch a rabbit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, Mr. Supercargo, carry what you will. -But go along all of you, and be ready with your lists -against dinner-time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They retired in great glee to plan out and prepare. -Robert and Harold, having first gone to the beach to -think alone, were to be seen, half an hour afterwards, -in their room, busily engaged with pencil in hand. At -this time Frank came in. He had been almost frantic -with joy at the prospect of the change; and after -having romped with his dog Fidelle and the goats in the -yard, he had come to romp with any one who would join -him in the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brother Robert and cousin Harold," said he, "what -are you doing? Are you writing? are you ciphering? are -you studying? Why do you not answer me?" He -was evidently in a frolic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go to your play, Frank, and do not bother us," -returned Robert, impatiently; "we are thinking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know you are; for father said we are thinking all -the time we are awake, and sometimes while we are -asleep. But I want to know what you are thinking -about so hard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you know," Harold answered, mildly, "that -we are going to Riley's Island tomorrow, and that Robert -and I have to make out a list of what we are to carry? -We are making our lists."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah ha! but I have to carry some things too," said he. -"Father is going to let me catch the rabbits there; and -he called me a ----, some kind of a ----; I forget the -name, but it means the person to catch rabbits. What is -the name, brother?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Supercargo?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that's it--supercargo. Mustn't I think of -something too?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," replied Harold, humouring the joke. -"But the way </span><em class="italics">we</em><span> did, was first to go off by ourselves, and -think of what we were to carry; then to come in and -write off our lists. Do you go now and think over yours, -and when you come in I will write it for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank went out, but he was not gone long. He insisted -on having his list made out at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you wish to carry?" Harold asked. Frank -told him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said Harold, "I will make a bargain with -you. If you do not trouble us before we have finished -our work, I will write your list for you so that you -yourself can read it. Will you stay out now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I will. But can you write it so that I can read it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, and will not print it either."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, then you must be a very smart teacher, almost -as smart as the foxes; for father has been teaching me -this summer to make writing marks, but I have never -made one of the writing marks yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold however persisted in his promise, and he and -Frank were as good as their several words. Frank, it -is true, did creep on tip-toe, and peep through the crack -of the door, but he disturbed nobody; and when at last -the boys came out, Harold presented him with a folded -paper, which he instructed him to put into his pocket, -and not to open till the lists were called for.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the appointed hour they all assembled. The meal -passed pleasantly off; not an allusion had as yet been -made to the proposed excursion. It was a part of -Dr. Gordon's training to practise his children in -self-restraint. He could however discern by their looks that -their decisions remained as before. Said he, "I presume -you have all made up your minds to the marooning -party; am I correct?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O yes, sir, yes," was the answer, "and we are all -ready to report, not excepting Frank and William."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, you have done wonders! But let me call upon -you each in turn. Harold McIntosh, you are hunting -and fishing-master. Let me hear your report."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold took from his pocket a piece of paper about as -broad as his hand, and a little longer. Besides the arms, -ammunition and appurtenances, fishing-hooks, lines and -nets, he closed his list with reading "brimstone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what use," asked his uncle, "do you expect -to make of that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Taking bee-trees," he replied. "Brimstone is used -in driving bees from the honey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whether we meet with bee-trees or not, the brimstone -will be in nobody's way; let it go. Mr. Hunting-master -your list is perfect. Now Robert, yours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His list embraced all that the boat would need for -comfort, or for repair in case of accident. The books -selected had reference to the taste of each. Shakespeare -for his father, Goldsmith's Natural History for Harold, -Scott's Napoleon for himself, Robinson Crusoe and -Botany for his sister, and (in a spirit of mischief) Old -Mother Hubbard for Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Frank was quite indignant at what he knew to be -an insinuation against his childish taste. "I will not -have old Mother Hubbard for my book," he said, as -soon as he heard the list read. "I have passed that long -ago; I wanted to carry Jack the Giant Killer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Scratch out Mother Hubbard," said his father to -Robert, "and put down Jack. Your list, Master Robert, is -pretty good; but I shall take the liberty of adding several -volumes to the stock, in case of bad weather. And -beside this, I should advise you all to carry your pocket -Testaments, that you may continue your plan of daily -reading. I should be sorry, and almost afraid, to let our -sports interfere with our devotions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up to this time Frank had been listening to what -had been read or spoken. But now, on a sign from -Harold, he took a paper from his pocket, and, looking at -its contents, commenced capering round the room, -saying, "I </span><em class="italics">can</em><span> read it--I can read every word of it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Read what?" asked his father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My list," replied Frank, "that cousin Harold wrote -for me. I can read it all!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then let us have it."</span></p> -<div class="align-right auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 24%" id="figure-57"> -<span id="pictures-of-items-on-the-list"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="pictures of items on the list" src="images/img-059.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">pictures of items on the list</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here," said he, "is my hatchet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And here is my bow and arrows."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And here is my dog; only it -is not half so pretty as Fidelle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And down here at the bottom--that -is--that is--I believe it -is--either a block or a brick-bat. -O, now I remember, it is my box of matches."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bravo, Frank," said his father, "you do credit to -your teacher. I doubt whether I could myself have -guessed what that last thing was intended for. Your -list may pass also.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Miss Mary, let us have yours. You have had -more to think of than all the others put together, and -yet I'll warrant you are nearly as perfect in proportion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary blushed to hear the commendation bestowed upon -her on trust, and replied, "I doubt it, father. For -though it is very long, I am all the while thinking of -something else to be added, and I am pretty sure there is -a great deal yet that I have forgotten." She then read -her own list, containing about thirty-five articles, and -William's, embracing half a dozen more; upon which her -father continued to bestow praise for the house-wifery -they showed, and to each of which he made some slight -additions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, William," said he, "do you select two moderately -sized boxes, and aid Miss Mary to pack everything -in her line so as not to crowd the boat. Remember, too, -to put in for Riley a half bushel of salt, a loaf of sugar, -and a peck of wheat flour. Pack the boat, and have it -complete this evening, however late it should take you, -that there may be no delay in the morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were no sooner dismissed from table than all -went vigorously to work. Guns were cleaned--hooks and -lines examined--boxes packed--all things being done by -classes. Then each person put up an extra suit or two -of clothing, in case of accidents. And so expeditiously -did the work go forward, that by five o'clock that -evening the boat was ready for her trip.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="ix"><span class="large">CHAPTER IX</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">EMBARKATION--ABDUCTION EXTRAORDINARY--EFFORTS TO -ESCAPE--ALTERNATE HOPES AND FEARS--DESPAIR--VESSEL -IN THE DISTANCE--RENEWED HOPES AND -EFFORTS--WATER-SPOUT--FLASH OF LIGHTNING AND ITS -EFFECTS--MAKING FOR SHORE--GRATEFUL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Many visions that night danced before the -young sleepers--prancing deer with bright -eyes and branching horns; turkeys running, -flying, fluttering; white tents, mossy beds, and all the -wild scenes of woodland life. They were up and dressed -at daybreak. The wind was fair, and the day promised -to be fine. Frank's little feet were pattering over the -whole house and yard, carrying him into everybody's -way, on the pretence of rendering assistance. There -was one useful suggestion which he made. He had gone -to each room and corner in the house, saying "good-bye" -to every person and thing, chairs, tables, and all, when at -last he came to his father's cloak and umbrella, kept in -the same corner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-bye, umbrella," said he, "but as for you, good -Mr. Cloak, father will want you to sleep on. Poor -umbrella! are you not sorry? Don't you want to go -too? But, father!" he cried, running into the next room, -"had we not better carry the umbrella? Maybe we shall -need it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a good idea, Master Frank," said his father. -"Do you take charge of the umbrella, as a part of your -office, and see it put into the boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank ran back to the room he had left, and taking -the umbrella from its corner, he said, "O ho, my little -fellow, father says you may go. Are you not glad I -asked for you? But you must be a good boy, and not put -yourself in anybody's way. Come now, spread your -wings, and let me see how glad you look."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He opened the umbrella, and flapped it several times -to make it look lively, then closed it, and set it beside the -cloak where it belonged. Presently he heard the tinkle -of a little silver bell, and knew that it was the signal -for family prayers. He went to the breakfast-room, and -took his seat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dr. Gordon's children were well versed in the Scriptures, -and were remarkably attentive during the reading -of them. Perhaps one secret of this fact was to be -found in their father's practice of stopping every few -verses during the family reading to ask them questions -on what had been read, and briefly to explain what they -could not otherwise comprehend. This morning the -children observed that the chapter read was remarkably -appropriate to their circumstances, and that the Doctor -prayed particularly that the Lord would preserve them -from all sin and harm during their excursion; that he -would preside over their pleasures, and that he would -make their temporary absence the means of their -knowing him better, and loving him more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They breakfasted as the sun was rising. While at -table no one could speak of anything but the voyage -and the island, and what they expected to see, do, and -enjoy. The boat was at the wharf, which had been -erected for the brig. It was packed, and ready for -departure, with the exception of a few things to be carried -by hand. William had breakfasted at the same time -with the family, and now came in, saying, "All ready, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, children," said Dr. Gordon, "let us go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, umbrella," said Frank, "you are to go with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, father," exclaimed Mary, as they approached the -shore, "there is Nanny with her sweet little kids. See -how anxiously she looks at the boat, and tries to say, -'Do let me go too.' Had we not better take her? She -is so tame; and then you are so fond of milk in your -coffee."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I doubt," he replied, "whether there will be room for -dogs, goats, and ourselves too. But we can easily -determine; and as I know that all of you are as fond of -milk as I am, I will let her go if there is room."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They took their places, Dr. Gordon at the helm, -Robert and Harold amidships, Mary and Frank next to their -father, and William in the bow. Everything had been -stowed so snugly away, and the boat was withal so -roomy, that Nanny and her kids were invited to a place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, children, for order's sake," said Dr. Gordon, -"I will assign the bow of the boat, where William is, to -Nanny and her kids; Fidelle must lie here by Frank and -Mum may go with Harold. Mary, call your pet, and -have her in her place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A word about the dogs. Fidelle was a beautiful and -high-blooded spaniel, that might have been taught -anything which a dog could learn, but whose only -accomplishments as yet were of a very simple character, and -confined chiefly to such tricks as were a source of -amusement to her little master. Mum was a large, ugly, -rough-looking cur, whose value would never have been suspected -from his appearance. He was brave, faithful, and -sagacious; strong, swift-footed, and obedient. But his -chief value consisted in his education. He came from the -pine barrens of Georgia, where Dr. Gordon had first seen -and purchased him, and where he had been trained, -according to the custom of the wild woodsmen there, to -hunt silently; and in following the trail of a deer or -turkey to keep just in advance of his master, and to give -suitable indications of being near the object of pursuit. -Mum was no common dog; and he proved of inestimable -service to the young adventurers in their coming difficulties.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Draw in the anchor, William, while I cast off at the -stern," said Dr. Gordon. "But hold! let us see what -that means." He pointed with his finger to a horseman, -who turned a point on the beach, and seeing them about -to depart, waved his hat to say "stop!" The horseman -rode at full speed, and soon was within speaking distance. -He bore a note from the surgeon at Fort Brooke, -requesting the loan of a certain instrument which Dr. Gordon -had promised when on his visit, and for which there -was now a sudden call.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep your places, children," said the Doctor. "I -shall be gone only five minutes. William, do you take -my place, and keep the boat steady by holding to this -frame."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ascended the wharf, went with the soldier to the -house, and was absent a very few minutes; but during -that interval an event occurred which separated them for -a long, long time and made them oftentimes fear that -they should never more meet in this world.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The position of the boat at the wharf was peculiar. -Her stern had been lashed to the timbers, for the -purpose of keeping it steady, until all had entered; and the -bow was kept to its place by the anchor dropped into the -two and half fathoms water, which "was had" there -at high tide. The fastening to the stern having been -cast off, preparatory to leaving, William was now -holding to the wharf, awaiting his master's return.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was not long after sunrise, at which moment they -had heard the report of a cannon unusually loud from -the fort. Scarcely had Dr. Gordon disappeared from -the bluff, when the young people noticed a heavy ripple -of the water, between them and the fort, indicating that -it was disturbed by a multitude of very large fish, -moving with rapidity towards the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What can they be?" was a question which all asked, -with a curiosity not unmixed with fear, as they looked -upon the approaching waves. William held firmly to -the pier head, that the boat should not be moved too -roughly by the disturbed water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mas' Robert," said he, with anxious, dilating eyes, -"I do believe it is a school of dem debbil-fish. Yes," and -his eyes grew wild and his lips became ashy, "dey making -right for dis pint."[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] The following is a description of the hideous monster known -in our waters as the Devil Fish.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">It is a flat fish, belonging to the family of Rays, and usually -measures somewhere between ten and twenty feet from tip to tip -of its wings. On each side of its mouth is a flexible arm, with -which the animal grasps and feeds. It appears to be as remarkable -for its stupidity as it is for its size, strength, and ugliness, -seldom letting go anything which it once seizes with its arms. -A few years since, one was discovered dead upon a mud flat near -St. Mary's, Georgia, grasping even in death a strong stake of -which it had taken hold during high water. The incident -related in the following pages is in perfect keeping with the habits -of the fish. There are hundreds of persons now living, who -recollect a similar adventure which took place in the bay of -Charleston. On every occasion of serious alarm the fish makes for the -deep water of the ocean, and sometimes so frantically as to run -high and dry ashore.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">Whoever wishes to read more on this subject, can do so by -referring to a volume called "Carolina Sports," in which the author -(Hon. William Elliott), sketches with lively and graphic pen -some most adventurous scenes, in which he himself was principal -actor.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The children sprang to their feet, and made a rush -to the stern, in the effort to get out of the boat, but -William put his hand against them, and exclaimed -piteously, "Back! Mas' Robert--Mas' Harrol! All of you! -You habn't time to git out! Here dey come! Down -on your seats! For massy's sake, down! ebery body!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were about to obey, when there was a whirl, -and then a jerk of the boat, that threw them flat on -their faces. They heard William's voice crying hoarsely, -"O Lord hab----;" and when they arose and looked -around, they saw that he was missing, and that their -boat was rushing onward with a swiftness that made -the water boil.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"William! William!" Robert called in bewilderment; -but no answer came, and they saw him no more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O mercy! Brother Robert! cousin Harold!" cried -Mary, "what is the matter?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert looked vacantly towards the receding shore. -Harold answered, "One of these fish has tripped our -anchor, and is carrying us out to sea."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The horrid truth was evident; and it sent a chill like -death through their limbs and veins. Mary screamed -and fell back senseless. Robert started up as though -about to spring from the boat. Harold covered his face -with his hands, gave one groan, then with compressed -lips and expanded nostrils hastened to the bow of the -boat. As for poor little Frank, it was not for some -moments that he could realize the state of the case; -but when he did, his exhibition of distress was affecting. -He stretched his hands towards home; and as he saw -his father running to the bluff, he called out, "O, father, -help us--dear father! O send a boat after us! -O----!" Perceiving his father fall upon his knees and -clasp his hands in prayer, he cried out, "O, yes, father, -pray to God to help us, and he will do it--God can help -us!" Then falling upon his own knees, he began, "O -God bless my father and mother, my brothers and -sisters! O God help us!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the boat had passed fully half a mile -from shore. Harold's movement forward had been made -with the intention of doing something, he knew not what, -to relieve the boat from the deadly grasp of the devil -fish. He first seized his rifle, and standing upon the -forward platform, aimed it at the back of the monster, -which could be distinctly seen at two fathoms' distance, -clutching the chain which constituted their cable. -Despairing of reaching him with a ball through the -intervening water, he laid aside the rifle, and seizing -William's ax, aimed several lusty blows at the cable -chain. He struck it just on the edge of the boat where -there was the greatest prospect of breaking it; but the -chain was composed of links unusually short and strong, -and the blows of the ax served only to sink it into the -soft wood of the boat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert," said he, "look for Frank's hatchet, and -come here." But Robert, stupefied with fear, sat staring -at him from beside his prostrate sister and weeping -brother, and seemed neither to understand nor to hear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert," he repeated, "get up, and be a man. Bring -Frank's hatchet, and help me break this chain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still he did not come. "It is no use, Harold," he -replied. "Do you not see that sister is dead? William -is dead too! We shall all die!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert! Robert!" he reiterated, almost with a threat, -"do rouse up and be a man. Mary is not dead, she has -only fainted; she will come to directly. Come here and -help me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he said, "She has only fainted," Robert sprang -from his seat, took off his cap, dipped it full of water, -poured it on her face, rubbed her palms and wrists to -start the blood into circulation, then blew in her face, -and fanned her with his wet cap. In the course of a -minute Mary began to breathe, and then to sigh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God!" he exclaimed, "she </span><em class="italics">has</em><span> only fainted! she -is coming to! Frank, do you fan her now and I -will help Harold."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Harold had helped himself. Going to Frank's -parcel, he had taken out the hatchet, and returned to -the bows, where he was now adjusting the ax, -preparatory to his work. "There, Robert," on his coming -up, "do you hold the ax firmly under the chain, while -I strike this link with the hatchet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He did so, and Harold struck a blow upon the chain, -so heavy that it rang again. Instantly they staggered, -said fell backwards in the boat. The sharp sound of -the hatchet upon the links had been conveyed along the -metal to the fish, and made it dart forward with a sudden -jerk. Harold rose, and looked on a moment. "We -can't help his being frightened, Robert. We must break -the chain. Let us try again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He struck blow after blow, though the fish seemed to -be affected by each as by an electric shock. Robert held -back his arm. "Stop! stop! Harold, we are sinking!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was even so. The fish, frightened by the sharp -repeated sounds, had gone down so far as to sink the bow -of the boat within a few inches of the water. But -Harold was not to be stopped. With an almost frantic -laugh, he looked fiercely at the slimy monster beneath, -then at his pale companions, and raised his arm for -another blow. "Robert," said he, "it must be so. We -must break the chain or die." He struck again, again, -and again, until the water began to ripple over the bow, -and splash upon his hand. He stopped, and tears came -into his eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look, Harold, at the staple," said Robert. "Let -us see if that cannot be started." They tried it, striking -from side to side, but in vain. The boat was too well -made; the staple was too large, and too firmly imbedded -in the timbers to be disturbed; and, moreover, it was -guarded by an iron plate all around. Harold decided -it was easier to break the chain. "Is there not a file, -nor even a chisel among the tools?" he asked. They -rummaged among the several boxes and parcels, but no -tools of the kind could be found; and then they sat down -pale, panting, and dispirited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the boat had passed out of the bay. -The persons on shore, the houses, indeed the very trees -which marked the place of their abode, had faded -successively from sight. They had been running through -the water at a fearful rate, for an hour and a half, and -were now in the broad open gulf, moving as madly as -before. The frightened fish, alarmed at these repeated -noises in the boat, and grasping still more convulsively -the chain which was to it an object of terror, had -outstripped its hideous companions, and after passing from -the bay had turned towards the south.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is Riley's Island!" said Robert, pointing sadly -to a grove of tall palmettoes, which they were passing. -"And yonder is a boat, near shore, with a man in it. -O, if Riley could see us, and come after us! And yet -what if he did! No boat can be moved by wind or -paddle as we are moving." After a few minutes he -resumed: "There is one plan yet which we have not -tried; it is to saw the chain in two with pieces of crockery. -I have read of marble being cut with sand, and of -diamonds being cut with horse hair. And I think that if we -work long enough we can cut the chain in two with a -broken plate. Shall we try it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes, try anything," Harold replied, "But," -looking at the flapping wings and horrible figure of the -fish, and grinding his teeth, "if he would come near -enough to the surface, I should try a rifle ball in his -head."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They broke one of the plates, and commenced to saw. -Harold worked for half an hour, then gave it to Robert, -who laboured faithfully. Had they been able to keep -the link perfectly firm, and also to work all the time -precisely on one spot, they might possibly have -succeeded. But after two hours' hard work, the only result -was that they had brightened one of the links by rubbing -off the rust and a little of the metal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, this will never, never do!" exclaimed Harold. -"It will take us till midnight to saw through this chain, -and then we shall be upon the broad sea, without any -hope of returning home. Robert, I am done! My hands -are blistered! My limbs are sore! I have done what I -could! And now the Lord have mercy upon us!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Up to that moment Harold had been the life and soul -of the exertions made. His courage and energy had -inspired the rest with confidence. But now that his -strong spirit gave way, and he sunk upon his seat, and -burst into tears, it seemed that all hope was gone. -Robert threw down his piece of plate, and went to seat -himself by Mary, in the hinder part of the boat. Frank -had long since cried himself to sleep, and there he lay -sobbing in his slumbers, with his head in Mary's lap. -Mary was still pale from suffering and anxiety; having -recovered by means of the water and fanning, she had -summoned her fortitude and tried to comfort Frank with -the hope that Harold and Robert would succeed in -breaking the chain, and then that they would spread -their beautiful sail, and return home. When Robert -took his seat, Frank awakened, and asked for water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sister Mary," said he, "where is father? I thought -he was here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, buddy," she replied, her eyes filling to think -that he had awakened to so sad a reality, "father is at -home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, sister," said he, "I dreamed that father was with -us, that he prayed to God to help us, and God made the -fish let go, and we all went home. Brother Robert, have -you broken that chain?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This last appeal was too much for Robert's fortitude, -tried already by repeated disappointments. He covered -his face with his cap, and his whole body shook with -emotion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brother Robert," said Mary, speaking through her -own tears, "you ought not to give up so. The fish is -obliged to let go some time or other, and then may be -some ship will pass by, and take us up. Remember how -long people have floated upon broken pieces of a wreck, -even without anything to eat, while we have plenty to -eat for a month. Brother Robert and cousin Harold, do -try to be comforted."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She obtained the water for Frank, and gave him -something to eat. "Brother," she added, "you and cousin -Harold have worked hard, and eaten nothing. Will you -not take something? There are some nice cakes." Both -declined. "Well, here is some water. I know you must -be thirsty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold was so much surprised to see a girl of Mary's -age and gentle spirit exercising more self-control than -himself, that he was shamed out of his despair. He did -not then know that trait in the female character, which -fits her to comfort when the stronger spirit has been -overwhelmed. He drank a mouthful of the water. She -handed it also to Robert, but he pushed it way, saying, -"No, sister, I do not want anything now. We have done -all that we could, and yet--."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, brother," she replied, "not at all. There is -one thing more that you have not even tried to do; and -that may help us more than anything else. It is to -pray to God to help us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes, brother," Frank added, "don't you recollect -what father read to us out of the Bible, and talked to -us about? What is it, sister?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When my father and my mother forsake me, then the -Lord will take me up," Mary recited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, brother," he continued, "remember that father -prayed for us, when he saw us going off. And sister -and I have been praying here, while you and cousin -Harold were working yonder. Brother Robert, God </span><em class="italics">will</em><span> -take care of us, if we pray to him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What Frank says is true, brother," said Mary. "He -and I have been praying most of the time that you were -working. And now see the difference! when you two -have given up everything, he and I are quiet and hoping. -Brother Robert, we all ought to pray."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do pray--I have prayed," replied Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That may be," persisted Mary, "but what I mean -is, that we all ought to pray together."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot pray aloud," Robert answered; "I never -did it. I do not know how to do it. But we can all -kneel down together, and pray silently that God will -have mercy on us. Harold, will you join us in kneeling -down?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they were rising for this purpose, Frank called -out, "Brother, what is that yonder? Isn't it a boat -coming to meet us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their eyes turned in the direction of Frank's finger -and it was plain that a sail had heaved into the offing far -away to the south, and almost in their course. The sun -shone upon the snow-white canvas. "God be praised!" -exclaimed Robert; "that is a vessel! Who knows but -we may yet meet her, and be saved! Let us kneel down, -and pray God to be merciful to us." They did so; and -when they rose from their knees the vessel was evidently -nearer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us try her with the spy glass," said Robert, and -drawing it out to its proper length, he gazed steadily at -her for a minute. "That is a schooner, or rather an -hemaphrodite brig. I can see her sails and masts. She -is rigged like a revenue cutter, and seems also to have -the rake of one. She is coming this way, and if she is a -cutter, she is almost certainly bound for Tampa, and -can take us home again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>How rapidly characters appear to shift with shifting -circumstances! Mary and Frank, who but a minute -before were the only ones calm and disposed to speak -in tones of energy and hope, now began to weep and -lose all self-control; while Robert and Harold, shaking -off their despondency, sprang to their feet, and with -bright eyes and ready limbs, prepared once more for -effort. Harold seized the glass, and looked long and -steadily. "She is coming to us, or we are going to her -very fast," said he. "Perhaps both; and now what shall -we do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Rig up a signal, and load the guns," replied Robert. -"Let us attract their attention as soon as possible. -Quick, sister, get me a sheet!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the course of fifteen minutes they had the sheet -rigged and floating; and by the time the guns were -loaded, they could clearly discern not only the hull, but -the port holes of the vessel, and her long raking masts. -There was no further doubt that she was a revenue -cutter bound for the bay. Still it became every moment -more certain that without some change in the course -of one or the other, they must pass at a considerable -distance. Now what should they do? The sky, which -had been gradually clouding over since they saw the -vessel, began to be rapidly and heavily overcast as they -approached. Fearful that rain might fall, and utterly -obscure their signal before it was seen, the boys resolved -to fire their guns, ere there was any reasonable hope -that they could be heard. At the first discharge the fish, -which had probably been frightened in the morning by -the cannon at the fort, jerked so terribly as almost to -unseat them. At the discharge of the remaining guns -it seemed less and less alarmed, until finally it ceased -darting altogether; its strength was failing. Soon -afterwards they saw the smoke of two cannon from the -vessel, and then a flag run up the mast. "They see us! -They see us!" cried Robert and Mary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But can they help us?" asked Harold. "Here we -are running between them and shore, faster than any -vessel can sail except in a storm, and there is scarcely -wind enough to fill their sails, and what there is is -against their coming to our aid. Robert, we must break -that chain, or yet all is lost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was apparently some bustle on board the cutter. -Many persons could be distinguished by the glass looking -at them and at the clouds. They were preparing to -lower a boat, yet with manifest hesitation. This was -immediately explained by the singular appearance of -the cloud between the boat and the vessel. It had -become exceedingly dark and angry. A portion in the -middle assumed the shape of a trumpet, and descended -with the sharp point toward the water; while a broad -column ascended from the sea to meet it; and then sea -and sky roared and tossed in terrible unison.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a water-spout!" said Robert, "if it strikes the -vessel she is gone. Look there, Harold, look!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cutter began to give sensible evidence of the -whirling eddy. Her sails flapped and her masts reeled. -Soon they heard boom! boom! the roar of two more -cannon. They were for the purpose of breaking the -threatening column. They saw the descending pillar -gradually ascend, and spread itself into a dark mass of -cloud, which poured out such a shower of rain as entirely -to hide the vessel from sight. Afterwards they heard -another cannon. "That is for us," Robert said; "let -us answer it as well as we can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They fired gun after gun, and heard cannon after -cannon in reply, but each fainter than before. Their -last hope of being saved by the vessel was gone. She -was far away, and hidden by the rain which enveloped -her. There had been no rain upon themselves, but it -was very dark overhead, and threatened both rain and -wind. They were far enough from home--how far they -could not conceive, and far too from the barely visible -shore, upon the broad wild sea. The boys were relapsing -rapidly into that moody despair which is so natural -after strong yet fruitless exertion, when a sharp flash of -lightning struck in the water about one hundred yards -before them. So near was it, and so severe, that they -were almost blinded by the blaze, and stunned by the -report. Their boat instantly relaxed its speed, and -was soon motionless upon the water. The boys rushed -to the bow. Their cable hung perpendicularly down, -and the fish was nowhere to be seen. It had darted back -from the lightning flash, and the cable had slipped -quietly from its grasp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God we are loose!" burst triumphantly from -Robert. Harold looked on with strong emotion. Once -more tears gathered in his eyes. "Robert," said he, "I -never did make pretension to being a Christian, or a -praying person, but if we do not thank God all of us -for this when we get ashore, we do not deserve to live."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Amen!" said Robert; and Mary and Frank responded, "Amen!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The shore was full seven miles away. It was probably -wild and barren. It might be difficult of approach, and -inhospitable after they should land. But gladly did -they draw aboard their anchor, raise their sail, and -make toward it. The sea was smooth, but there was -wind enough to fill their sails, and give promise of their -reaching the shore ere night. Robert took the helm, -and Harold managed the sails. Mary once more brought -out her cakes and other eatables. Frank laughed from -very pleasure; and seldom, if ever, was a happier -looking company to be seen, going to a strange and perhaps a -hostile coast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Far as the eye could reach, to the north and south, -there was a bluff of white sand, varied here and there -by a hillock, higher than the rest, which the winds had -blown up from the beach. Before them was an inlet of -some sort--whether a small bay, the mouth of a river, -or an arm of the sea, they could not determine; it was -fringed on the south with a richly coloured forest, and -on the north by a growth of rank and nauseous -mangroves. Into this inlet they steered, anxious only for -a safe anchorage during the night. A little before -sunset they reached a pleasant landing-place, on the southern -shore, near the forest; and having been confined all day -to the boat, they were glad enough to relieve themselves -from their wearisome inaction, by a few minutes' -exercise on land. Harold first ascended the bluff, and looked -in every direction to see if there was any sign of -inhabitants. No house or smoke was visible; nothing but -an apparently untouched forest to the left, and a sandy, -sterile country to the right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cousins," said he, "I think we may with safety sleep -on the beach tonight. With our dogs to guard, nothing -can approach without our knowledge. I am almost -afraid to anchor in the stream, lest we should be carried -off by another devil-fish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this proposal they agreed. The tent was handily -contrived, requiring only a few minutes for its erection; -and while Mary and Frank drove down the tent-pins, -Harold and Robert brought into it the cloaks and -blankets for sleeping, together with their guns, and -other necessaries for comfort and safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the darkness closed around them, its gloom was -relieved by the ruddy blaze of a fire, which Robert and -Harold had made with dried branches from a fallen -oak, and kindled by Frank's matches Mary soon had -some tea prepared, which they found delightfully -refreshing. Immediately after it, Harold, whose countenance -ever since their escape from the fish had assumed a -peculiarly thoughtful expression, remarked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no doubt we all remember what we said in -the boat about being thankful; and I have no doubt that -from the bottom of our hearts we do thank God for our -deliverance; but I think we ought to say so aloud -together, and in our prayers, before we go to sleep this -night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No one answered, and he proceeded: "Robert, if you -can speak for us, please say in our name what you know -we ought to say."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There being still no reply, except a shake of Robert's -head, Harold continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then we can at least kneel down together, and I will -say, 'Thanks to the Lord for his mercies, and may we -never forget them;' after which we can unite in the -Lord's Prayer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They knelt down. Harold did not confine himself to -the words just recorded; he was much more full, and -became more at ease with every word he uttered; and -when the others united with him in repeating aloud -the Lord's Prayer, as they had been accustomed to -unite with their father in family worship, it was with -an earnestness that they never felt before, and that was -perceptible in every word and tone. That wild coast -was probably for the first time hallowed with the voice -of Christian prayer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They made the boat secure by drawing the anchor -well upon the beach. They spread their cloaks and -blankets upon the dry sand, and lay down to rest. Their -dogs kept watch at the door of their tent; and they slept -soundly, and without the least disturbance, during the -whole of this their first night of exile.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="x"><span class="large">CHAPTER X</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">WAKING UP--GOOD RESOLUTIONS--ALARM--MAROONING -BREAKFAST--SEARCH FOR WATER--UNEXPECTED -GAIN--OYSTER BANK--FATE OF A RACCOON--THE PLUME -AND FAN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Shortly after day-light Mary was awaked by -feeling Frank put his arm round her neck. She -opened her eyes, and seeing the white canvas -overhead, started in surprise; then the fearful history -of the preceding day rushed into her mind, and her heart -beat fast at the recollection. She put her arm softly -round Frank's neck, drew him near to her, and kissed -him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sister Mary," said he, awaking, "is this you? I -thought it was father. Why, sister--what house is this! -O, I remember, it is our tent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank drew a long breath, nestled close to his sister, -and laid his head on her bosom. He seemed to be -thinking painfully. After a minute or two he sprang to -his feet, and began to dress. Peeping through the -curtain that divided the two sleeping apartments, he said, -"Brother and cousin Harold are sleeping yet, shall I -wake them?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," she replied. "They must be very weary -after all their hard work and trouble. Let us just say -our own prayers, and go out softly to look at the boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first thing which greeted their eyes, on coming -to the open air, was Nanny with her kids. The tide had -gone down during the night, leaving the boat aground, -and the hungry goat had taken that opportunity to -jump out, with her little ones, and eat some fresh grass -and leaves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's mind, as housekeeper, turned towards breakfast. -She and Frank renewed the fire, the crackling -and roar of which soon roused the others, who joined -them, and then went to the boat to see that all was safe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>No change had occurred, other than has been noticed, -except that the fulness of the dogs proved that they had -fed heartily upon something during the night; and of -course that they had proved unfaithful sentinels. The -sight of the boat made them sad. It told of their -distance from home, and of the dangers through which they -had passed. For some minutes no one broke the silence; -yet each knew instinctively the other's thoughts. Frank -finally came near to Robert, and looking timidly into his -face, said, "Brother, do you not think that father will -send somebody after us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed; if he only knew where to send," Robert -replied in a soothing tone; "and more than that, I think -he would come himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think he </span><em class="italics">will</em><span> send," said Frank; "for I remember -that after he knelt down by the landing and prayed for -us, he turned to the man on horse-back, and pointed to -us; and then the man went back where he came from as -hard as he could gallop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, buddy," returned Robert, "if father does not -come after us, nor send for us, there is one thing we -can do--try to get back to him. So there now"--he -stooped down, and kissed him affectionately. Then he -and Harold walked together on the beach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the whole morning, as on the preceding -evening, Harold had been unusually grave and thoughtful. -"Robert," he remarked, when they were beyond the -hearing of the others, "I have been trying ever since we -rose to think what we ought to do today; but my mind -cannot fix on anything, except what we said yesterday -about being thankful, and trying to do better. There is -no telling how long it will be before we see Bellevue -again, or what dangers we must meet. One thing, -however, seems certain, that we ought to try and act like -good Christian people; and that part of our duty is to -have some kind of worship here, as we have been used to -having at your father's."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert assented, but asked, "How can we do it? I -am not accustomed to conduct these things, nor are you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can at least do this," replied Harold, whose -mind was so deeply impressed with a sense of his -obligations, that he was neither afraid nor ashamed of doing -his duty. "We can read a chapter, verse about, morning -and evening, and repeat the Lord's prayer together."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was so easy, so natural, and so proper, that it was -without hesitation agreed to. Mary and Frank were -informed of it, and it was immediately put into practice. -They gathered round the fire; and as the murmur of -their prayer ascended from that solitary beach, the -consciousness that this was </span><em class="italics">their own</em><span> act of worship, -without the intervention of a minister, who is the priest of -the sanctuary, or of a parent, who is the priest of the -household, imparted a deep solemnity to their tones and -feelings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely had they risen from their knees, before Nanny -and her kids were seen to run bleating down the bluff, -while Mum and Fidelle, having rapidly ascended at the -first alarm, gave signs of more than usual excitement. -The boys hurried up the sandy steep, gun in hand, and -looked in every direction. Nothing was to be seen, but -Fidelle's tail was dropped with fear, and Mum's back -was bristling with rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What can be the matter with the dogs?" asked Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know," Harold replied. "But we can soon -find out. Here, Mum, hie on!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave the sign of pursuit, and the two dogs ran -together, and began barking furiously at something in -an immense mossy live oak near at hand. The boys stood -under the tree, and scrutinized every branch and mossy -tuft, without discovering anything except a coal black -squirrel, that lay flat upon a forked limb. "You foolish -beasts!" exclaimed Harold, "did you never see a black -squirrel before, that you should be so badly frightened -at the sight of one?" then levelling his rifle at its head, -he brought it down. It was very fat, having fed upon -the sweet acorns of the live oak, and appeared also to -be young and tender. Harold took it back to the tent, -as an addition to their dinner, remarking, "It is the -sweetest meat of the woods." All admired its glossy -black skin, and Frank begged for the rich bushy tail, -that he might wear it as a plume. This little diversion, -though trifling in itself, exerted a very cheering effect -upon the elastic spirits of the young people, and made -them for a time forget their solitude and comparative -helplessness. Had they known the country as well then -as they had occasion to know it afterwards, they would -not have felt so quiet, or have been so easily satisfied, -when they saw the signs of alarm in their brutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they sat down to their simple breakfast, it -made Frank laugh to see how awkward everything -appeared. There was no table, and of course there were -no chairs. All sat on their heels, except Mary, who being -the lady was dignified with a seat upon a log, covered -with a folded cloak. It was a regular marooning -breakfast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think that our first business this morning is to -look for water," remarked Harold, while they were -sitting together. "The goat seems to be very thirsty, and, -as our jug is half empty, it will not be long before we -shall be thirsty too. But how shall we manage our -company? Shall Mary and Frank continue at the tent, -or shall we all go together?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O together, by all means," said Mary, speaking -quickly. "I do not like the way those dogs looked before -breakfast; they frightened me. There may not be anything -here to hurt us, but if there should be, what could -Frank and I do to help ourselves?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then together let us go," Robert decided. "And -Frank, as you have nothing else to do, we will make you -</span><em class="italics">dipper master</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They ascended the bluff, and looked in every direction, -to ascertain if possible where they might obtain what -they wished; but nowhere could they discern the first -sign or promise of water. Far to the south as the eye -could reach, the country looked dry and sandy. -Eastward extended the river, or arm of the sea, but it -appeared to have no current, other than the daily tides, -and its shore gave no indication of being indented by -rivulets, or even by the rains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It will put us to great inconvenience if we are not -able to obtain fresh water," remarked Harold. "We -shall be compelled to move our quarters without delay, -for our supply cannot last long. However, there is no -such thing as not trying. Which way shall we move?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Towards the sea," replied Robert. "There is one -fact about a sandy coast, that perhaps you have had no -occasion to know--that </span><em class="italics">oftentimes our best water is -found on the open beach, just about high-water mark</em><span>. -I have heard father explain this fact by saying that rain -water is lighter than that which is salt; and that the rain -probably filters through the sandy soil of the coast, and -finds its vent just above the ordinary surface of the sea. -I think, therefore, our best chance for finding fresh water -is on the seashore, in the sand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had not proceeded far along the bluff before -they heard a loud rushing in the air, and looking up they -saw what Mary and Frank supposed to be a gang of -enormously large buzzards, flying rapidly towards the -forest, and passing very near them. "What can they -be!" inquired Robert, in momentary doubt. "Really, -Harold, they are turkeys! wild turkeys!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But as he uttered the words "wild turkeys," bang! went -Harold's rifle, and down fluttered a gobler, with -his wing broken. "Here, Mum!" he shouted; but Mum -knew his business too well to need exhortation, for by -the time the bird had scrambled to its legs Mum had -seized and held it, until Harold put an end to its -struggles by cutting off its head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here now is a fine dinner," said he, lifting it, "only -feel how heavy; he is rolling fat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed," replied Robert; "and that was a quick -shot of yours, Mr. Harold--with a rifle too. I wonder -I did not think sooner of shooting; but in truth I was -in doubt what they were, and also astonished at their -number."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a lovely fan his tail will make!" exclaimed -Mary, examining the rich stripes of black and brown -that marked the end of the feathers. "We must be -sure to carry it home for--," she was going to say -"mother when she comes," but the thought of their -forlorn condition came over her, and she added -softly--"if we ever get there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us leave the turkey, hanging in this tree to -bleed, until we return," said Harold; "we must look -for water now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They returned to the beach, and walked along the -smooth hard sands. The tide, or rather "half tide" -(as it is called on that coast), having an ebb and flow, -each of three hours, was nearly down, and they had a -full opportunity for the proposed search.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is water somewhere here about, you may be -sure," said Harold, pointing to tracks of the dogs, made -during the night, and partly obliterated by the tide. -"Our dogs passed here last night before high water, -and they look as if they had had plenty both to eat and -to drink."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A quarter of a mile's walk brought them to a place, -when Robert called out, "Here is the water! and here -are our dogs' tracks, all about and in it. Get out you -Mum!--begone Fidelle!" he added, as the dogs trotted -up, intending to drink again. The water was good, and -in great abundance. They quenched their thirst, and -were preparing to return for the bucket to carry home a -supply, when Harold suggested to pursue the tracks of -the dogs a little further, and learn what they had -obtained to eat. "I perceive not far off," said he, "what -appears to be an oyster bank, but do dogs eat oysters?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They proceeded to the spot, and found a large bank -of uncommonly fine oysters. It was an easy task for -those who knew how to manage it, to break the mouth of -one with another and to cut the binding muscle with a -pocket-knife. Harold shrunk aghast at the idea of -eating an oyster alive; but Robert's example was contagious, -and the assurance that this primitive mode of eating -them was the most delicious, sufficed to make every one -adopt it. Engaged in selecting some of the finest -specimens to carry back, the others heard Frank call out, in -one of his peculiarly merry exclamations:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ohdy! dody! Look here! There is a big, black cat's -foot in this oyster's mouth. I wonder if the cat bit off -his own foot!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They hurried to the spot, Mary and Harold laughing -at the odd fancy, as they esteemed it, of a cat biting -off its own foot, and saw, not a cat's foot indeed, but -that of a raccoon, firmly fastened in the oyster's mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What does this mean?" Harold inquired, with wonder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, Harold," replied Robert, "did you never hear -of a raccoon being caught by an oyster?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never," he answered; "but are you in earnest?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, in earnest as to there being such a report," -he replied, "and this I suppose is proof of its truth. It -is said that the raccoon is very fond of oysters, and -that when they open their mouths, at a certain time of -tide, to feed upon the scum of the water, it slips its -paw suddenly between the shells, and snatches out the -oyster before it has time to close. Sometimes, however, -the raccoon is not quick enough, and is consequently -caught by the closing shells. Such was probably the -case with this fellow; he came to the bank last night to -make a meal of the oysters, but was held fast until our -dogs came up and made a meal of him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I doubt," said Harold, "whether dogs ever eat -raccoons. They will hunt and worry them as they do -cats and other animals, which they never eat, at least -never except in extremity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I suppose," added Robert, "we must account -for this by another story which is told, that a raccoon, -when driven to the necessity, will actually gnaw off its -own foot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really," said Harold, "this is a curiosity. I must -take this oyster to the tent, and examine it more at my -leisure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young people gathered as many oysters as they -could carry in their hands, and reaching the tent about -ten o'clock, began preparing them, together with their -game, for the table. Robert cut off the squirrel's tail -for Frank; and having drawn out the bone, without -breaking the skin, inserted a tough, slender stick, so -that when it was properly dried, Frank might use it as -a plume. The preparation of the turkey's tail was -undertaken by Harold. He cut off the tail-bone, with -the feathers attached, and having removed every particle -of flesh and cartilage not necessary for keeping the -feathers together, he stretched it like a fan, and spread -it in the ran to dry.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">DISCUSSION OF PLANS--DOUBTS--DIFFERENCES OF -OPINION--WHAT WAS AGREED UPON--BAKING A TURKEY -WITHOUT AN OVEN--FLYING SIGNAL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Really this is a fine country!" said Robert, -referring, with the air of a feasted epicure, to the -abundant marooning dinner from which he had -risen. "Wild turkey, squirrel, and oysters! I doubt -whether our old friend Robinson Crusoe himself fared -better than we."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a fine place indeed," Harold replied; "and so -long as our powder and shot last, we might live like -princes. But, Robert," he continued, "it is time that -we begin to determine our plan of operations. What -shall we do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do!" echoed Robert, "why return home as soon as -possible. What else have we to do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To determine how we are to return and in what -direction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I say," Robert replied, "the same way that -we came, only a little nearer shore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But who can tell me the course?" Harold asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yonder," replied Frank, pointing to the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, buddy," said Robert, "that is only our </span><em class="italics">last</em><span> -course; we came in from sea. Home is yonder," -pointing nearly north.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, I think you are both wrong," said Harold, -"for according to my judgment home is yonder," pointing -nearly east. "At least, I recollect that when I -was working at the chain the sun was behind us, for my -shadow fell in the water, and I do not recollect that -we have changed our course since. So far as I know -we started west, and kept west."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That would have carried us into the open gulf," -returned Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that is exactly where I think we are," Harold -affirmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But there are no islands in the gulf," argued Robert, -"nor land either, after you leave Tampa, until you -reach Mexico. And we are surely not in Mexico."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know where we are," said his cousin. "I -only know that we left home with our faces to the -west, and that the water kept boiling under our bow -for ten long hours. How fast we went, or what land -we have reached, I know no more than Frank does."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we saw islands and points of land to our left," -Robert insisted; "it is </span><em class="italics">impossible</em><span> for us to be in the -gulf."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then where do you suppose we are!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On the coast of Florida, to the south of Tampa. -There is no other place within reach, answering the -description."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how do you know we are not on some island?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We may be on an island; but if so, it is still on the -Florida coast," Robert replied, "for there are no islands -beside these, nearer than the West Indies, and we are -surely not on any of them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold shook his head. "I cannot answer your reasoning, -for you are a better scholar than I. We may be -where you suppose; and I confess that without your -superior knowledge of geography I should never have -conceived it; but still my impression is, that neither of -us know well enough where we are to warrant our going -far from land. A voyage in an open boat upon a -rough sea is no trifle. I am afraid of it. Put me on -land, and I will promise to do as much as any other -boy of my age; but put me on sea, out of sight of land, -and I am a coward, because I know neither where I -am, nor what to do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what shall we do?" Robert inquired; "we -cannot stay here for ever."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; but we can remain here, or somewhere else as -safe, until we better understand our case," answered -Harold. "And who knows but in the meantime some -vessel may pass and take us home. One passed on -yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert mused awhile, and replied, "I believe you -are right as to the propriety of our waiting. Father -will certainly set all hands to work to search for us. -The vessel we saw yesterday will no doubt carry to him -the news of their seeing us going in a certain direction -at a certain time. He will be sure to search for us -somewhere in this neighbourhood; and we had better on -that account not move far away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary and Frank were attentive, though silent listeners -to this colloquy. Mary's colour went and came with -every variation in their prospect of an immediate return. -She was anxious, principally, on her father's account. -Her affectionate heart mourned over the distress which -she knew he must then be feeling; but when she came to -reflect on the uncertainty of their position, and the -danger of a voyage, and also that her father had probably ere -this heard of them through the cutter, she was satisfied to -remain. Poor Frank cried bitterly, when he first learnt -that they were not to return immediately; but his -cheerful nature soon rebounded, and a few words of comfort -and hope were sufficient to make him picture to himself -a beautiful vessel, with his father on board, sailing into -their quiet river, and come for the purpose of taking -them all home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Before we conclude on remaining </span><em class="italics">here</em><span>," said Harold. -"I think it will be best for us to sail around the island, -if it is one, and see what sort of a place it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This precaution was so just that it received their -immediate assent. They fixed upon the next morning -as the time for their departure; and not knowing how -far they should go, or how long they might stay, they -concluded to take with them all that they had.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But," inquired Mary, "what shall we do with our -large fat turkey?" (a part of it only having been -prepared for the table); "shall we cook it here, or carry -it raw?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us cook it here," said Harold; "I will show you -how to bake it, Indian fashion, without an oven."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Among the articles put up by William were a spade -and a hoe. With these Harold dug a hole in the dryest -part of the beach; and, at his request, Robert took Mary -and Frank to the tree above, and brought down a supply -of small wood. The hole was two and a-half feet deep -and long, and a foot and a-half wide, looking very much -like a baby's grave. Frank looked archly at his cousin, -and asked if he was going to have a </span><em class="italics">funeral</em><span>, now that he -had a grave. "Yes," replied Harold, "a merry one." The -wood was cut quite short, and the hole was heaped -full; and the pile being set to burning at the top, Harold -said,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is another little piece of work to be done, -which did not occur to me until digging that hole. It -is to set up a signal on the beach to attract attention from -sea."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder we did not think of that before," remarked -Robert. "It would certainly have been an unpardonable -oversight to have left the coast, as we expect to -do tomorrow, without leaving something to show that we -are here, or in the neighbourhood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys went to the grove, and cutting a long straight -pole, brought it to the tent, and made fast to it the -sheet which before had served them as a signal; after -which the company went together to the sea shore, and -planted the signal under the bluff, so that it could be -distinctly seen from sea, but would be hidden from the -land. This place was selected for the same reason that -induced Harold to build his fire under the bluff--to -avoid hostile observation. The young people looked up -sadly yet hopefully to this silent watchman, which was -to tell their coming friends that they were expected; -and with many an unuttered wish turned their faces -towards the tent.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 66%" id="figure-58"> -<span id="the-company-went-together-to-the-sea-shore-and-planted-the-signal"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="The company went together to the sea shore and planted the signal" src="images/img-092.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">The company went together to the sea shore and planted the signal</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fire in the oven had by this time burnt down, -but by reason of the dampness of the earth the hole was -not hot enough. Another supply of wood was put in, -and while it was burning our young marooners went to -the oyster bank for another supply of oysters, then to -the spring for water, and to the tree for wood. The -labours of life were coming upon them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A sufficient heat having been produced by the second -fire, Harold requested Robert to clear the hole of all -ashes, smoking brands, and unburnt bits of wood, while -he went once more to the grove. He returned with a -clean white stick, about a yard long, which he used as -a spit for the turkey, resting the two ends in holes -made at each end of the oven.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now nearly dark. The little company stood -around the heated hole, admiring the simple contrivance -by which their wild turkey was to be so nicely cooked, -when, to the surprise of every one, Mary burst into a -hearty laugh. Harold asked what she meant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was thinking," she replied, almost choking with -laughter, "how funny it will be tomorrow morning when -you visit your grave, and come to take out your nice -baked turkey, to find that the dogs had been to the -funeral before you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a fact," said Harold, amused at the conceit. -"I did not think of the dogs. But do you all come with -me again for a few minutes, and I will make the oven -secure from that danger also."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led the way up the bluff, hatchet in hand, and -loaded all with small poles and palmetto leaves. The -poles were laid across the oven, and the palmetto leaves -spread thickly above the poles. "I had forgotten this -part of the ceremony," said Harold. "But this cover -is put on not so much to keep the dogs out as to keep -the heat in. I will show you at bed time a surer way -to manage them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, you will tie them up, hey?" asked Harry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Surely," he replied, "that is the cheapest way to -keep dogs from mischief."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Buried almost hermetically in its heated cell, the -turkey seasoned to their taste, was left to its fate for -the night.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">RESULTS OF THE COOKERY--VOYAGE--APPEARANCE OF THE -COUNTRY--ORANGE TREES--THE BITTER -SWEET--RATTLESNAKE--USUAL SIGNS FOR DISTINGUISHING A -FANGED AND POISONOUS SERPENT--VARIOUS METHODS -OF TREATING A SNAKE BITE--RETURN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The morning sun found the young people preparing -to carry their resolution into effect. When -Harold opened the oven the turkey was baked -brown as a nut, and from the now tepid hole arose an -odour, so tempting, that their appetites began to clamour -for an enjoyment that was not long delayed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After breakfast the first work to be done was packing -the boat, during which time Harold, at the suggestion of -Robert, took Frank, and made a short tour through the -surrounding forest, for the purpose of obtaining a -breakfast for the dogs. The bark of the dogs and crack of a -rifle soon announced that the hunters were successful, -and in less than half an hour they returned each with -a rabbit, as we Americans call the hare. "See here, -brother Robert! See here, sister Mary!" was the merry -chatter of Frank, the moment he came near. "I caught -this myself. Fidelle ran it into a hollow tree--he is a -fine rabbit dog. Mum is good for nothing; he will not -run rabbits at all, but just stood and looked at us -while Fidelle was after it. Cousin Harold would not -let me smoke out the rabbit, but showed me how to get -it with a switch. Isn't it a nice fellow?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is indeed," replied Robert, "and I think that -before we can return home, you will make an excellent -</span><em class="italics">supercargo</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely a smile followed this allusion; it was too -sadly associated with the painful events of their forced -departure from home. The packing completed, they -called in the dogs and goats, pushed from shore, raised -their sails to a favourable breeze, and moved gaily up the -river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a mile and a half the water over which they sailed, -lay in a straight reach, due east and west, then turned -rapidly round to the north, where its course could be -traced for many a mile by the breaks among the -mangroves. Just where the river made its turn to the -north, a small creek opened into it from the south. The -course of this creek was very serpentine; for a -considerable distance hugging the shore in a close embrace, -then running off for a quarter or half a mile, and after -enclosing many hundred acres of marsh, returning to -the land, within a stone's throw of the place which it -had left.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the object of the voyagers was to explore the land, -they turned into this creek, which seemed to form the -eastern boundary of the island. They observed that the -vegetation which was very scant and small near the sea, -increased rapidly in variety and luxuriance as they -proceeded inland. Tall palmettoes, pines, hickories, oaks, -tulip trees, magnolias, gums, bays, and cypresses, reared -aloft their gigantic forms, their bases being concealed -by myrtles, scarlet berried cascenas, dwarf palmettoes, -gallberries, and other bushes, intermingled with bowers -of yellow jessamine, grape-vine, and chainy brier; while -a rich grass, dotted with variously coloured flowers, -spread like a gorgeous carpet beneath the magnificent -canopy. Some of the flowers that glistened, even at this -late season, above the floor of this great Gothic temple, -were strikingly beautiful.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For five miles they followed the meanderings of the -creek, now rowing, now sailing, until at last it turned -suddenly to the east, and dividing into a multitude of -small innavigable branches became lost in the marshes -beyond. Fortunately, however, for the explorers, the -channel terminated at an excellent landing-place, which -was made firm by sand and shells, and where, securing -their boat to a projecting root, they went ashore to -examine the character of the country. To their surprise -they had not proceeded twenty paces before discovering -that this piece of land was only a narrow tongue, not -a half furlong wide, and that beyond it was a river in -all respects like the one they had left, coming also close -to the opposite bank, and making a good landing on that side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, for strength to lift our boat over this portage!" -exclaimed Robert. "The river, no doubt, sweeps -far around, and comes back to this point, making this -an island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can settle that question tomorrow," said Harold. -"It is too late to attempt it now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, brother," cried Mary, "there is an orange -tree--look! look! look!--full of ripe yellow oranges."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a beautiful tree, and not one only, but a cluster -of seven, scattered in a kind of grove, and loaded with -fruit, in that state of half ripeness in which the dark -green of the rind shows in striking contrast with the -rich colour called orange. The young people threshed -down several of the ripest, and began to eat, having -first forced their fingers under the skin, and peeled it -off by patches. But scarcely had they tasted the juicy -pulp, before each made an exceeding wry face, and -dashed the deceptive fruits away, as if they had been -apples of Sodom, beautiful without, but ashes within. -The orange was of the kind called the "bitter sweet," -having the bitter rind and membranes of the sour, with -the pleasant juice of the sweet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Open the plugs, all of you, and eat it as you do -the shaddock, without touching the skin to your lips," -said Robert. "There is nothing bitter in the </span><em class="italics">juice</em><span>, -I recollect now that this kind of orange is said to grow -plentifully in many parts of South Florida, and also -that the lime is apt to be found in its company. This -is another proof, Harold, that I am right as to our -whereabouts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really," said Harold, "this is a splendid country. -I have another fact about it that you will be glad to -learn, and that I intended as a pleasant surprise to -you ere long. There are plenty of </span><em class="italics">deer</em><span> here. I saw -their signs all through the woods this morning, within -a quarter of a mile of the tent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They gathered about a bushel of the ripest looking of -the fruit, and deposited them in the boat; then beginning -to feel hungry, they seated themselves on a green mound -of velvet-like moss at the foot of a spreading magnolia, -and there dined. Nanny and her kids were already on -shore, cropping the rich grass, and the dogs were made -happy with the remaining rabbit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shortly after dinner, while the boys were cutting a -supply of grass for their goats during the voyage of -the following day, they heard the bark of Fidelle and -the growling of Mum, uttered in such decided and -angry tones as to prove that they had something at -bay, with which they were particularly displeased. -"One of us ought to go and see what those dogs are -about," remarked Robert; "and since you took your -turn this morning, I presume it is my business now." He -had not gone long, before Harold saw him returning -with rapid steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do come here, cousin," said he, "there is the largest -king-snake I ever saw, and desperately angry. The -dogs have driven him into a thicket of briers, and he is -fighting as if he had the venom of a thousand serpents -in his fangs. His eyes actually flash. I cut a stick and -tried to kill him, but it was too short, and he struck at -me so venomously, that I concluded to cut me a longer -one. The most curious part of the business is, that there -is a large grasshopper or locust (if I may judge from -the sound), in the same thicket, making himself very -merry with the fight. There he is now--do you not -hear him? singing away as if he would crack his sides."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Locust!" exclaimed Harold, as soon as his quick ear -distinguished the character of the music, "you do not -call that a locust. Why, Robert, it is the rattle of a -rattle-snake. Did you never hear one before?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never in my life," he replied. "I have often seen -their skins and rattles, but never a live rattle-snake. -O, Harold," he said, shuddering, "what a narrow escape -I have made. That fellow struck so near me twice, as -barely to miss my clothes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys obtained each a pole of ten feet in length. -They stood on opposite sides of the narrow thicket in -which the venomous reptile was making its defence, and -as it moved, in striking, to the one side or the other, -they aimed their blows, until it was stunned by a -fortunate stroke from Robert, and fell writhing amid the -leaves and herbage. The moment the blow took effect, -Mum, whose eyes were lighted with fiery eagerness, -sprang upon the body, seized it by the middle, shook -it violently, then dropped and shook it again. It was -now perfectly dead. They drew it out, and stretched -it on the ground. Its body was longer than either of -theirs, and as large around as Robert's leg. The fangs, -which he shuddered to behold, were half as long as his -finger, and crooked, like the nails of a cat, and the -rattles were sixteen in number.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is an old soldier," said Harold; "he is seventeen -or eighteen years of age. Had we not better carry it to -the boat that Mary and Frank may see it? It is well -for all to be able to distinguish a rattle-snake when it is met."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The precaution was necessary. For though Mary had -a salutary fear of all reptiles, Frank had not; he would -as soon have played with a snake, as with a lizard or a -worm; and these last he would oftentimes hold in his -hand, admiring what he considered their beauty. They -stretched it on the earth before the children; put it into -its coil ready for striking; opened its mouth; showed -the horrid fangs; and squeezing the poison bag, forced -a drop of the green liquid to the end of the tooth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Frank," said Harold, "if you meet a snake like -this, you had better let him alone. Rattle-snakes never -run at people. They are very peaceable and only trouble -those that trouble them. But they will not budge out -of their way for a king; and if you wrong them, they -will give you the point of their fangs, and a drop of -their poison, and then you will swell up and die. Do -you think that you will play with snakes any more!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, indeed," he replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold," said Robert, "do you know how to -distinguish a poisonous snake from a harmless one?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On his replying in the negative, Robert continued, -"The poisonous serpents, I am told, may be usually -known by their having broad angular heads, and short -stumpy tails. That rattlesnake answers exactly to the -description, and I wonder at myself for not having put -my knowledge to better use when I met him. The only -exception to this rule I know of is the spreading adder, -which is of the same shape, but harmless. Poisonous -serpents must have fangs, and a poison bag. These must -be somewhere in the head, without being part of the -jaws themselves. This addition to the head gives to it -a broad corner on each side, different from that of a -snake which has no fangs. But </span><em class="italics">if ever you see a thick -set snake with a broad head and a short stumpy tail, -take care</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The conversation now turned upon the subject of -snake-bites and their cure. "My father," said Harold, -"had two negroes bitten during one summer by -highland moccasins, and each was cured by a very simple -remedy. In the first case the accident happened near -the house, and my father was in the field. He sent a -runner home for a pint bottle of sweet oil, and made him -drink by little and little the whole. Beside this there -was nothing done, and the negro recovered. The other -case was more singular. Father was absent, and there -was no oil to be had, but the overseer cured the fellow -</span><em class="italics">with chickens</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Chickens!" exclaimed Mary, laughing. "Did he -make him take them the same way?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not exactly," Harold answered; "he used them as -a sort of poultice. He ordered a number of half grown -fowls to be split open alive, by cutting them through the -back, and applied them warm to the wound. Before -the first chicken was cold, he applied another, and -another, until he had used a dozen. He said that the -warm entrails sucked out the poison. Whether or not -this was the true reason, the negro became immediately -better; and it was surprising to see how green the inside -of the first few chickens looked, after they had lain for -a little while on the wound."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"</span><em class="italics">We</em><span> also had a negro bitten by a ground rattle," -said Robert, "and father cured him by using hartshorn -and brandy, together with an empty bottle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold looked rather surprised to hear of the empty -bottle, and Robert said, "O, that was used only as a -cupping-glass. Hot water was poured in, and then -poured out, and as the air within cooled, it made the -bottle suck very strongly on the wound, to which it was -applied, and which father had opened more widely by -his lancet. While this operation was going on, father -made the fellow drink brandy enough to intoxicate him, -saying that this was the only occasion in which he -thought it was right to make a person drunk. The -hartshorn, by-the-by, was used on another occasion, when -there was neither a bottle nor spirit to be had. It -was applied freely to the wound itself, and also -administered by a quarter of a teaspoonful at a time in water, -until the person had taken six or eight doses. I -recollect hearing father say that all animal poisons are -regarded as </span><em class="italics">intense acids</em><span>, for which the best antidotes are -alkalies, such as hartshorn, soda saleratus, and even -strong lye."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Last year," said Harold, "I was myself bitten by -a water-moccasin. I was far from home, and had no -one to help me; but I succeeded in curing myself, -without help."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed! how was it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had gone to a mill-pond to bathe, and was in the -act of leaping into the water, when I trod upon one -that lay asleep at the water's edge. Although it is -more than a year since, I have the feeling under my foot -at this moment as he twisted over and struck me. -Fortunately his fangs did not sink very deep, but there -was a gash at the joint of my great toe, of at least -half an inch long. I knew in a moment that I was -bitten, and as quickly recollected hearing old Torgah -say, that the Indian cure for a bite is to lay upon the -wound the liver of the snake that makes it. But I -suppose that my snake had no notion of being made into -a poultice for his own bite; for though I chased him, -and tried hard to get his liver, he ran under a log and -escaped. Very likely if I had succeeded in killing him, -I might have relied upon the Indian cure and been -disappointed. As it was, I jumped into the water, washed -out the poison as thoroughly as possible, and having -made my foot perfectly clean, I sucked the wound until -the blood ceased to flow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And did not the poison make you at all sick?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not in the least. My foot swelled a little, and at -first stung a great deal. But that was the end of it. I -was careful to swallow none of the blood, and to wash -my mouth well after the sucking."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do, if you please, stop talking about snakes," said -Mary, "I begin to see them wherever I look; suppose we -return to our old encampment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys gathered the remainder of the hay, called -Nanny and the dogs, and reached the place which they -had left, about five o'clock in the afternoon--having -seen no signs of human habitation, and being exceedingly -pleased with the appearance of their island; they -made a slight alteration, however, in the place of their -tent. Instead of continuing on the beach, they pitched -it upon the bluff near the spring, and under the branches -of a large mossy live oak. By the time the duties of -the evening were concluded, they were ready for sleep. -They committed themselves once more to the care of -Him who has promised to be the Father of the fatherless, -and laid down in peace, to rest during their third night -upon the island.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xiii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">DISAPPOINTMENT--THE LIVE OAK--UNLOADING--FISHING -EXCURSION--HAROLD'S STILL HUNT--DISAGREEABLE -MEANS TO AN AGREEABLE END</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Before sunrise it was manifest that, without a -change in the wind, the excursion proposed for -that day was impossible; a strong breeze was -blowing directly from the east, and brought a ceaseless -succession of mimic billows down the river. Hoping, -however, that the wind might change or moderate, they -resolved to employ the interval in transferring all their -articles of value from the boat, to their new home under -the oak. And it was indeed fortunate, as they -afterwards had occasion to know, that they attended to this -duty so soon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The live oak, under which their tent was pitched, -was a magnificent tree. Its trunk was partially decayed -from age, and the signs of similar decay in many of the -larger limbs was no doubt the cause of its being spared -in the universal search along this coast for ship timber; -but it was so large, that the four youngsters by joining -hands could barely reach around it. Ten feet above -the root, it divided into three massive branches, which -in turn were subdivided into long pendant boughs -extending about sixty feet in every direction, and -showing, at their ends, a strong disposition to sweep the -ground. The height of the tree did not correspond to -its breadth. It is characteristic of the live oak that, -after attaining the moderate height of forty or fifty -feet, its growth is directed laterally; the older trees often -covering an area of more than double their height. -Every limb was hung so plentifully with long gray -moss, as to give it a strikingly venerable and patriarchal -aspect, and Harold declared he could scarcely look at -it without a disposition to take off his hat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At noon Harold proposed to Robert that, the wind -having ceased, they should spend the afternoon either -in hunting or fishing. "If," said he, "Mary and Frank -will allow us to leave them, I propose the first; if not, -I propose the last, in which all can join."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, let us go together, by all means," said Mary. -"I do not like to be left alone in this far off place; -something may happen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then let it be fishing," said Harold; "but what -shall we use for bait?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The old bait that our grandfathers used--shrimp," -replied Robert. "I observed on yesterday a multitude -of them in a nook of the creek near the river. We can -first catch some of these with our scoop net, and then -try for whatever may bite. At any rate we can take -the offals of the turkey, and fish for crabs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However, on ascending the river in their boat, and -making the trial, they found that the shrimp had -disappeared, and they were left with only six or seven -caught at a venture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is a dull prospect," said Harold, whose active -nature made him impatient of fishing as an amusement, -unless the success was unusually good. "If you will -allow me to go ashore I will try my luck with the gun."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, certainly," was the reply; though Robert -added, "You must remember that this is a wild country, -Harold, and that we had better keep within hearing at -least of each other's guns."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold promised not to wander beyond the appointed -limit; and each agreed that if help were needed, two -guns should be fired in quick succession.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you not take my double barrel?" said Robert. -"It is loaded with duck and squirrel shot, but you can -easily draw and load for deer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thank you, no," replied Harold. "It is so long -since I have handled anything but a rifle, that a smooth -bore now would be awkward."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They put him ashore, then dropped anchor, and began -to fish. Mary and Frank had been long initiated into -the mysteries of the art. On the present occasion, -Robert reserved to himself the shrimp, and set them to the -easier task of fishing for crabs. For security he tied -the lines to the thowl pins. Crabs, as all upon the -seaboard well know, are not caught with hooks, but with -bait either hooked or tied to a lie, and with a -spoon-shaped net. The crab takes hold of the bait with its -claws, and is drawn to the surface, when the net is -carefully introduced below. Robert inserted his own hook -through the back of a live silver fish, and threw it in the -water as a bait for drum. Soon Mary was seen drawing -up her line, which she said was very heavy. "There -is a crab on it, brother!" she cried, as it approached the -surface; "two crabs! two! two!" Robert was near her. -He inserted the net below, and the two captives were -soon in the boat. "Well done for you, Miss Mary; you -have beat us all!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here Frank called out suddenly, "I have got one too! -O, how heavy he is! Brother, come; he is pulling my -line away!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not a crab. Robert and he pulled together, and -after considerable play, they found that it was an -enormous cat-fish or bull-head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This fellow will make a capital stew for tomorrow's -dinner," said Robert. "But hold to your line, Frank, -while I put the net under him also. I am afraid of -these terrible side fins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fish had scarcely been raised over the gunwale of -the boat, with the remark, "that is a bouncer!" when -Robert noticed his own line fizzing through the water -at a rapid rate. He quickly loosed it from the place -where it was tied, and payed out yard after yard as -the vigorous fish darted and struggled away; then -humouring its motion by giving or taking the line as seemed -to be necessary, he at last drew it towards him, and took -it aboard. It was a drum, the largest he had ever caught, -or indeed ever seen. It was as long as his arm, and -strong enough to require all his art for its capture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He loosed the hooks from the floundering fishes, and -tried for more. But they now seemed slow to bite. He -took only two others, and they were small. Mary, -however, caught nine crabs, and Frank two. Becoming -weary of the sport, they heard afar off the sharp crack -of a rifle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There goes Harold's rifle!" said Robert; "and I -warrant something has seen its last of the sun. Let us -put up our lines, and meet him at the tent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The anchor was weighed, the sail spread, and in the -course of half an hour they saw Harold at the landing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What have you brought?" they all asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, nothing--nothing at all," he replied, looking -at the same time much pleased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing!" responded Robert. "Why we paid you -the compliment of saying, 'There goes Harold's rifle! -and you may be sure he has killed something."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If </span><em class="italics">you</em><span> have not anything, </span><em class="italics">we have</em><span>," boasted Frank. -"See what a big fish I caught! Isn't it a bouncer for -a little fellow like me to catch? Why, sir, he nearly -pulled me into the water; but I pulled and pulled, and -brother Robert came to help me, and we both pulled, and -got him in. See, too, what brother Robert caught--a -big trout; and sister Mary, she caught a parcel of crabs; -I caught two crabs myself. And you haven't anything! -Why, cousin Harold, are you not ashamed of yourself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you have killed something; I see it in your -looks," said Mary, scrutinizing his countenance; "what -is it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is another question," replied Harold. "You -all asked me at first what I had brought. Now, I </span><em class="italics">have -brought</em><span> nothing; but I have </span><em class="italics">to bring</em><span> a deer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then, indeed, you have beat us," said Robert; "but -that is only what I expected."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A deer!" exclaimed the two younger. "O, take us -to see it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mooring the boat safely, they hastened with Harold to -the scene of slaughter. It was about half a mile distant. -There lay a large fat buck, with branching horns, and -sleek brown sides. Frank threw himself upon it in an -ecstasy of delight; patted, hugged, and almost kissed it. -Mary hung back, shrinking from the sight of blood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, cousin Harold," she cried, "what a terrible gash -your bullet has made in the poor thing's throat! Just -look there!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold laughed. "That was not made by my ball, -but by my knife. Hunters always bleed their game, -cousin, or it will not look so white, taste so sweet, nor -keep so well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys prepared to carry it home. Harold, taking -from his bosom the hatchet, cut a long stout pole, and -Robert brought some leaves of the silk grass (the yucca -filamentosa, whose long narrow leaves are strong as -cords), with which the legs of the deer were tied -together. Swinging it on the pole between them, they -marched homewards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this afternoon's excursion they were provided with -a delightful supply of fish, crabs, and venison. But, -alas! they were compelled to be their own butchers and -cooks; and there are certain processes through which -these delicacies must pass before being ready for the -mouth that are not so agreeable. Mary and Frank -brought up the fish, and set about preparing them for -supper. They laid each upon a flat root of the tree, and -with a knife scraped off the scales. This was dirty work -for a nice young lady, but it was necessary to the desired -end. She pshawed and pshawed at it as the slimy scales -adhered to her fingers, or flew into her face, but she -persevered until all was done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime the fire had been mended, and water -poured into their largest pot. When it began to boil, -Mary and Frank dropped in the crabs. Poor creatures! it -was a warm reception they met with from their native -element. Each one gave a kick at the unwelcome -sensation, and then sunk into quiet repose, at the bottom of -its iron sepulchre. They remained boiling until their -shells were perfectly red, when they were taken out, and -piled in a dish for supper.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xiv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">FRANK'S EXCUSES--CURING VENISON--MAROONING -COOKERY--ROBERT'S VEGETABLE GARDEN--PLANS FOR -RETURN---PREPARATION FOR THE SABBATH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Mary and Frank arose next morning, -they saw the small boughs of the oak hung -with divided portions of venison. The boys -had so placed them, after finishing, late at night, for the -double purpose of allowing them to cool and of keeping -them out of reach of the dogs. "Come, Frank," said -Mary, "let us make up the fire, and get things ready -for breakfast." The wood was close at hand, ready cut, -and nothing more was needed for a fire than putting the -pieces together, with several sticks of light wood -underneath; a bright cracking blaze soon rose cheerfully -before them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Buddy," she said, "can you not go down to the -spring, and bring me some water, while I am preparing -these other things?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Frank was lazy that morning, and out of humour, -and the fire was so comfortable (for the air was cool) that -he stood before it, warming his hands, and puffing at the -smoke that blew in his face. He replied, "No, sister, I -am afraid"--then he paused, trying hard to think of -some excuse. "I am afraid that if I go the crabs will -bite me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Crabs!" Mary exclaimed. "Why how can they bite -you, when they are all cooked?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not mean the crabs in the dish," said he, "but -the crabs in the river."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if they are in the river," argued Mary, "how -can they hurt you, if you keep on the land?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank found that his excuse was about to fail. But -he was not disposed to surrender so easily. He therefore -devised another. "I am afraid to go, for if the crabs -do not bite me maybe the snakes will. Don't you -remember what cousin Harold told us the other day about -snakes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank said this very seriously, and had not Mary been -somewhat provoked at his unbrotherly refusal, she would -have laughed at the ridiculous contrast between his looks -and his language. She said, reproachfully, "I thought, -Frank, you loved me better than to treat me so. I want -the water to make coffee for you, and the rest of us, and -yet you will not help me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not wish any of the coffee," he answered. "All -that I want for breakfast is some of that nice fat deer, -and some of these fish and crabs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well," she added, in a hurt but independent -tone, "I can help myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She took the bucket, and went to the spring. Frank -looked ashamed, but continued silent. He drew up a -billet of wood and sat upon it, pushing his feet towards -the fire, and spreading out his hands, for the want of -something else to do. By the time Mary returned from -the spring, Robert and Harold came from the tent. They -had retired late and weary the night before, and as a -natural consequence had overslept their usual time for -rising. "What is that we heard you and Frank talking -about?" Robert asked of Mary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Inquire of Frank," she replied; "I prefer that he -should tell you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Frank, what was it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing," he answered, doggedly, "except that sister -wanted me to go to the spring, and I told her I was -afraid that the crabs and snakes would bite me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did sister Mary want with the water?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To make coffee, I suppose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And do you not love coffee?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sometimes; but I do not wish any this morning, -for sister never puts in sugar enough for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, well, we shall see who wants coffee at breakfast. -Sister Mary, is there anything I can do to help you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cousin," said Harold, uniting quickly in the effort -to shame Frank out of his strange caprice, "I wish you -would let me too help you in some way. You are -always so ready to do everything you can for us, that -we are glad whenever we can do anything for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary needed nothing, except to have the kettle lifted -to its place upon the fire. Frank was all this time -warming his hands and feet, as if he was desperately cold. -In reading the Scriptures, and repeating the Lord's -Prayer, his voice could scarcely be heard; he knew that -he had done wrong, and was beginning to repent. At -breakfast, Mary asked him in a kind, forgiving tone, if -he would not have some coffee; but true to his resolution -he declined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first business of the day was to take care of their -venison. Yet what should they do with it? They had -no cool place in which to keep it fresh, nor salting tub -nor barrel in which to corn or pickle what they could -not consume in its green state. Harold's proposal was -that they should cut the hams into thin slices, and jerk -them in the smoke, as he had seen Torgah do; or else -to dry them in the sun, which in the middle of the day -was quite hot. Robert said he had heard or read of -meat being saved fresh for several days by burying it -under cool running water, and offered to try it at their -spring. Mary said she liked both plans, but having had -such good experience of Harold's baked turkey, she -hoped he would now give them a specimen of baked venison.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was finally resolved to give each plan a fair trial. -One ham should be sliced and jerked; another should -be baked for the next day's dinner, as the turkey had -been; one shoulder should be cooked for that day's -consumption, and the other put under the drip of the spring -to prove whether it would keep until Monday.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is one advantage at least that we shall gain -from these experiments," said Harold; "a knowledge -how to economize our meat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a minute or two Mary had been evidently pondering -upon some difficult problem; and Robert, observing -her abstraction, asked in a jesting tone if she was -studying anatomy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not exactly," she replied; "I was thinking of two -things; how to cook this shoulder, when we have nothing -in which to bake or roast it--"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, as for that," Harold interjected, "I will provide -you in ten minutes' time with a roaster wide enough for -an ox, or small enough for a sparrow. Do you just hang -it by a string from the pole I will set for you above the -fire; it will roast fast enough, only you will lose all your -gravy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The gipsies' roasting-pole!" said she; "I wonder I -did not think of it. The other thing is, that after you -have sliced the steak-pieces from the bone, the remainder -would make an excellent soup, if we had any vegetables -to put with it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what do you want?" Robert inquired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In beef soup," she replied, "cooks usually put in -turnips, onions, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and the like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Carrots and potatoes I fear we must do without at -this time," said he, "but the rest I think I can furnish, -or something very like them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! have you a vegetable garden already growing -on the island?" asked Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," he answered, "a very large and fine one; an -endless supply of the most beautiful white cabbage, and -most delicate asparagus, besides quantities of spinach, -okra, and other vegetables. The palmetto gives the first, -the tender shoots of the bamboo-brier the second; the -leaves of the poke, when young, furnish the third, and -those of the wild violet the last, or rather a substitute in -its mucilaginous leaf, for the okra. Beside these plants -(all of which, except the last, need to be boiled in -several waters to free them from their bitter taste), there -are multitudes more growing around us that are perfectly -wholesome as articles of food--the purslain, the thistle, -the dandelion, the lambsquarter, the cresses and -pepper-grasses, to say nothing of the pink-gilled mushrooms, and -the fungus that grows from logs of hickory."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will ask no more questions about your garden," said -Harold. "I will confess at once that it is one of the -largest and finest in the world; but will say too that it -requires a person of your knowledge to use it aright."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And no great knowledge after all," responded -Robert. "I could teach you in half an hour every one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will await them here," said Harold, "wishing you -all success in visiting the garden, and cousin Mary all -success in preparing the vegetables for use."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That afternoon they engaged in another discussion -about attempting a speedy return home. Robert and -Mary had become impatient of their stay, and were -despairing of any one's coming soon to their relief. The -three and a half days of separation from their father -seemed to them a month.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not make the effort to return at once?" they -contended. "This place is very good indeed; on some -accounts we could not desire a better; yet it is not home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold shook his head, and replied, "I am not sure, -notwithstanding all your arguments, that any of us know -where home is. One thing I do know, that this island -seems to be a very safe and comfortable place for people -in our condition. Moreover, I am confident that your -father will use every means for finding us; and we -can scarcely be in a better place than this for being -found. My opinion still is that we had better continue -here for a fortnight or three weeks in safety, than to -risk what we should, by starting in an open boat, to go -upon the broad sea, we know not where."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold, however, was overruled. Mary and Frank -united with Robert in resolving to attempt their return -homewards by coasting; and Harold yielded with a sigh, -remarking that his heart was with them, but his -judgment against them. The moment the question was -decided, Frank began to show the greatest glee. To his -hopeful spirit, to try was to succeed; and he was even -then in fancy revelling once more in the scenes of happy Bellevue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But when should they begin their voyage? Not that -day, for they were not ready. Not the next, for that was -the Sabbath, which they had been taught to reverence. -Not Monday morning, because there were preparations -to be made, which they could not complete without -working on the Sabbath, They resolved to "remember the -Sabbath day to keep it holy," by rest from labour, and -by appropriate exercises, and then to start as soon after -as possible; which, probably, could not be before Monday -evening or Tuesday morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They prepared another oven, heated and protected as -before, into which the ham of venison was introduced. -They collected and cut a supply of wood to be used in -case of cool weather the following day, and brought from -the bank another basket full of oysters. After spending -a pleasant evening in conversation, they retired to -rest, happy in the thought that they had been trying to -live as they should, and that they had resolved, of their -own free will, to reverence the Sabbath, at the sacrifice -of another day from home.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">THEIR FIRST SABBATH ON THE ISLAND, AND THE NIGHT AND -MORNING THAT SUCCEEDED</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The morning sun rose with uncommon beauty, -and the young people having retired early to -bed, were prepared for early rising. Frank -now volunteered to aid his sister in preparing for -breakfast; his repentance was shown not by words but by -deeds; and though it was only an act of duty performed -towards his sister and the company, it was in part a very -proper beginning in the observance of a day belonging -to Him who encourages us to think that he regards -whatever we do from a principle of duty to our fellow men, -as being done to himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the time of worship they gathered with more than -usual solemnity around the accustomed place, and read -the portion of Scripture for the morning. It was a -chapter of unusual interest to them all, and -particularly so to Harold. He had become increasingly -thoughtful since their accident. This morning he appeared to -be more serious than ever, and once or twice, when his -turn came to read, his voice was so low and unsteady, that -he could scarcely be heard. There was evidently some -cause of distress to that youth of strong mind and pure -life which the others knew not.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Sabbath passed, as may be readily conceived, -without being enlivened by any incidents of a particularly -interesting character. It can scarcely be said that they -did actually sanctify the Sabbath, for there was nothing -spiritual, nor even hearty in their exercises; and they -themselves felt that there was a great deficiency somewhere.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their unmethodical though conscientious effort was -useful in teaching them to look beyond mere externals -for any real good to be derived. They learned they were -imperfect even in their best performances, and without -merit when they had done what they could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Late in the evening they went to the seashore, and -sitting upon a bank of clean sand near their flag-staff, -looked upon the sea from which they had made so -providential an escape, and to which they expected once more -to commit themselves. A light breeze had been blowing -from the west all day, yet light as it was it had been -sufficient to raise the waves, and make them roar and -break with ominous violence upon the shore. This action -of the breeze revealed to them another fact, that two -or three miles to the seaward there was a long and -apparently endless chain of breakers extending north -and south, as far as the eye could reach. They could -see the large waves gather, and the white tops sparkle -with foam. Here was another cause for thankfulness. -Had the present wind been blowing on the day of their -accident, they could not possibly have crossed that -foaming bar; they would have been kept at sea, and been to -a certainty lost in the sudden squall that arose that night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the sight of these breakers was also a source of -disquiet, in view of their intended voyage. It was -evident, as they supposed, that they could not sail with -safety, when the wind was blowing with any freshness, -either on or off the shore, on account of the rough swell, -caused by the first, and of the danger of being carried out -to sea by the last. They conversed long and anxiously -upon this new feature in their case; and then, by -general consent, kneeled together upon the sands, in -conscious helplessness, and implored Him who is the Lord of -the seas, to care for them and direct their steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they left the beach, the light of day was fading -into the hues of night; and several faint stars peeped -timidly from the yet illuminated sky. Mary and Frank -retired to their room soon after dark. The larger boys -sat for some time, conversing upon their situation and -prospects, when observing the sky to cloud rapidly with -the indications of a sudden change of weather, they went -to the landing, made their boat secure as possible, and -then laid down to rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wind soon began to sigh in the branches of the -huge oak above them. Each puff became stronger than -the one before it. They could hear the roar of the -distant surf, bursting angrily over the sandy barrier, and -thundering on the shore. It was the beginning of a -hurricane. The boys sprang from their pallets, and dressing -themselves hastily, seized the ax and hatchet, and drove -the tent-pins deeply into the ground. While thus -engaged, Nanny and her kids came up, and showed a strong -disposition to take refuge in the tent. The dogs also -gave signs of uneasiness, following them around with -drooping tails, whining and shivering, as they looked -with half shut, winking eyes, in the direction of the -wind. These signs of terror in their dumb companions -only made the boys work faster, and do their work more -securely. They did not content themselves with driving -down the tent-pins; they took the logs cut for firewood, -and laid them on the windward edges of the tent, to -prevent the wind from entering below and blowing the -canvas from above their heads. Had they the time they -would have laid the sails of their boat, which they had -hastily unrigged, above the canvas of the tent; but ere -they could accomplish this, the wind burst upon them -with the fury of a tornado. The grand old tree -quivered to its roots, and groaned in every limb. The tent -fluttered and tugged at the ropes with such force that -the deeply driven pins could scarcely hold it down. It -was fortunate that it had been pitched under the oak, -for the long lower branches, which at ordinary times -almost swept the ground, were strained downwards so far, -that with their loads of moss, they formed a valuable -barrier against the wind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was little sleeping for the boys that night. -Scarcely had they entered the tent before the rain -commenced. It came in heavy drifts, and was carried with -such force that, notwithstanding the protection afforded -by the oak, it insinuated itself through the close threads -of the canvas, and under the edges of the tent. Mary -had been awaked by the hammering, and Frank was now -roused by the dropping of water in his face. When -Robert entered their room to see how they fared, he -discovered them seated on a trunk, wrapped in their father's -cloak, and sheltered by that very umbrella which Frank -had been provident enough to bring. They rolled up -their bedding and clothes, and protected as best they -could whatever seemed most in danger from the wet. -They sat on boxes and trunks, and wrapped themselves in -cloaks and blankets; but it was in vain; they could not -guard themselves at the same time from the rain above -and the driven water from below. They sat cold and -shivering until three o'clock in the morning, when the -rain ceased and the wind abated. Then they made a -fire; and just before day were enabled, by lying on trunks -and boxes, to indulge themselves in a short uneasy sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The clear sun shone over the main land before the -wearied company awoke. Harold was the first on his -feet, and calling to Robert, they hastened out to see what -damage had been done. Mary also joined them, -followed by Frank; for having dressed themselves during -the night, they had no further toilet to make.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In every direction were to be seen traces of the storm; -prostrate trees, broken branches, the ground strewed -with twigs, and the thickets and vines loaded with -packages of moss, torn from the taller trees. The sea roared -terribly, and thick dirty billows came rolling up the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold was about to mend the fire for Mary, who said -she wanted to drink something hot, as the best means -of warming her chilled limbs, when Robert, glancing at -the tremendous tide in the river, called to her quickly--"Do -not waste one drop of this water in the bucket; there -is only a quart left, and no one can tell when the tide -will be down enough for us to obtain more." He ran -to the bluff, and the others observed him make a -gesture of surprise, look hastily around, and finally leap -down the bank. He was absent only two or three -minutes, and then returned with a pale face and hurrying -step.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold!" said he, scarcely able to articulate, "OUR -BOAT IS GONE! Burst from her moorings!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this terrible announcement, every face whitened, -and there was a general rush for the landing. It was -even so. The boat was nowhere to be seen. The stake -which had confined it had also disappeared. Far as the -eye could reach nothing was visible but water--water, -with here and there a patch of mangrove, higher than -the rest, and bowing reluctantly to the rush of the waves. -They looked anxiously over the watery waste, and then -into each other's agitated faces. It was clear that their -prospect of speedily returning home was hopeless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But perhaps," said Mary, who was the first to recover -speech, "it is not lost. It may have only drifted up the -river; or it may have sunk at the landing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert mournfully looked, where he had already looked -more than once, and said, "Well, we can try. But what -is the use? something has been against us ever since we -left home. Harold, shall we search the river?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold seemed lost in thought. His keen eye had -glanced in every direction, where it was possible the boat -could have been driven; then lessening in its fire, it -gave evidence of deep abstraction. Robert's question -recalled him, and he slowly answered, "Yes; but it is my -opinion we shall not find it. You know I have all along -had the idea that we ought not to leave this island. -It has seemed to me, ever since the fish let go our anchor, -that the hand of God was in this accident, and that we -are not yet at the end of it. I am troubled, like the -rest of you; but I have also been questioning whether -it is meant for our harm or for our good. I do not think -it is for harm, or we might have been left to perish -at sea; and if it is for good, I think we ought to submit -with cheerfulness."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They conversed awhile upon the bluff, in view of the -dismal waters, then slowly turned towards the tent, which -was now the only place on earth they could call their home.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xvi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">A SAD BREAKFAST--SAGACITY OF DOGS--SEARCH FOR THE -BOAT--EXCITING ADVENTURE--A PRETTY PET--UNEXPECTED -INTELLIGENCE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Once more the young people assembled in -their tent; once more they read the Scriptures, -and knelt together in prayer. Their tones were -humble and subdued. They felt more deeply than ever -their dependence upon an arm that is stronger and -farther reaching than man's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their simple meal was soon ready, consisting of the -most tempting bits that Mary could select, as an -enticement to their reluctant appetites. They sat down, and -endeavoured to appear cheerful, but little was said, -and less was eaten. Harold's face was towards the -marsh. Robert observed him fix his eye steadily upon a -distant point of land, where the opposite bluff of the -river terminated on the sea. He looked as if he saw -something unusual, but after a scrutinizing gaze of -half a minute, turned away his eye, and relapsed into -thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you observe anything across the marsh?" -inquired Robert, willing to relieve the silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thought I saw a little curl of smoke upon the -point," he returned; "but now suppose it was the steam -from the bluff, drawn up by the sun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert," he continued, "it is possible after all -that we may find our boat. If not sunk at the landing, -it is certainly somewhere up the river, in the direction -of the wind. The tide has not yet begun to ebb. If it -has lodged in the marsh, we can best see it while the water -is high, and if it has not lodged, it may float back with -the tide. Suppose we set off at once to search."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's reluctance to be left alone yielded to the -necessity of the case, and begging them to be careful of -themselves, and to return as soon as possible, she -assumed a cheerful air, and tried to prepare them for their -departure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys promised to return by midday, unless -delayed by finding the boat; and taking their guns and -hatchet, together with a luncheon in case of delay, they -set out, accompanied by Mum. Ere proceeding more -than a few steps, however, Robert stopped to say, -"Harold, we shall not need the dogs. Let us leave them for -protectors to Mary and Frank. True, there is no -danger; but they will feel safer for having them at hand. -Frank, bring me Mum's chain. Here, Mum! Here, Mum!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mum came rather reluctantly; for dog though he was, -he appeared to apprehend the state of the case. Mary -observing this, exclaimed, "Cousin, I do believe that -Mum understands what brother says. Only see how -disappointed he looks!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes," returned Harold; "dogs understand more -than most people suspect. He probably heard Robert -use the word 'chain'; and he has heard it often enough -to know what it means. But they gather more from the -eye and tone than from words. Mum, poor fellow, I am -sorry to leave you; for I know you love hunting better -than staying at home. But you know nothing of hunting -boats, Mum; so we want you to stay and help Fidelle to -guard your young mistress and master against the -squirrels and opossums. If any of them come you must bite -them well; do you hear, Mum?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The poor dog wagged his short tail mournfully, as -much as to say he would do his best; but at the same time -cast a wistful look at the guns. With a charge to Mary -not to let Mum loose without necessity, and to Frank -not to approach the bluff except in the company of his -sister, the boys were once more on the move, when Mary -inquired, "But what shall we do if we see the boat -coming down the river, or if we need you for any other -reason?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, true," said Robert; "I am glad you suggested -it. We will load William's gun for you, and you must -fire it for your signal. We shall probably be within -hearing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert well knew that Mary was able to do what he -proposed, for her father had made it a part of his duty -to instruct her, or cause her to be instructed, in every -art necessary to preserve and enjoy life. For this -purpose she had learned how to load and use the several -varieties of firearms--to manage a horse in harness and -under the saddle--and even to swim. Compared with -most other girls she was qualified to be quite a heroine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With many adieus and kind wishes from both sides, -the boys finally set off. They struck directly through the -woods for their old fishing point, at the junction of the -creek with the river. Standing on the most commanding -part of the bluff, they looked in every direction, but -no sign of the boat appeared. Then they turned their -steps to the southeast, following, as closely as they could, -the bank of the creek, though compelled oftentimes to -make large circuits in order to avoid the short creeks and -bay-galls that set in from the marsh. These bay-galls are -wet spongy bottoms, shaded with loblolly bays, and -tangled with briers, and the edges are usually fringed -with the gall-berry bush--a shrub closely resembling the -whortleberry, and bearing a black fruit of the same size, -but nauseously bitter. Compelled to make great -circuits around these miry bottoms, and interrupted by a -close growth of vines and trees, the boys advanced -scarcely a mile and a half to the hour. They left not a -foot of the shore unexplored; still no vestige of the boat -appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About eleven o'clock they approached the tongue of -land on which they had discovered the orange trees, -and where they proposed to quench their thirst with the -pleasant acid of the fruit, and afterwards to return to the -tent. They had just headed a short bay-gall, and were -enjoying the first glimpses of the south river, when they -were startled by a trampling in the bushes before them; -and a herd of six deer rushed past and disappeared in -the dark bottom. Soon after a half grown fawn, white -as milk, and bleating piteously, was seen staggering -through the bushes, having a large wildcat seated upon -its shoulders, and tearing furiously at its neck. Robert's -gun had been levelled, when the herd appeared, but they -passed too quickly for a shot; he was therefore all ready -when the fawn approached, and aiming not at it, but at -the fierce creature upon its back, both animals rolled -together upon the ground. He would have rushed -immediately upon them, had he not been restrained by the -grasp of Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not yet!" said he, "not yet! keep your other -barrel ready, a wildcat is hard to kill, and will fight -until he begins to gasp."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fortunate for Robert that he was thus arrested, -for the cat was only wounded, and soon recovered -sufficiently to limp away. "Now give him your second -barrel, Robert; give it to him in his shoulder." Before he -could do so, however, the cat slipped into the hollow of a -neighbouring tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is safe now," said Harold; "we can kill him at -our leisure. But keep your eye on the hole, and be ready -to shoot, while I attend to this fawn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Harold took hold of the beautiful little creature, -he discovered that the wounds were very slight. The ball -had penetrated the back of the head and stunned it, -without touching any vital part, and it was beginning to -recover; the wounds made by the wildcat were only skin -deep, and could easily be healed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall I bleed it for venison?" asked Harold, "or save -it as a pet for Mary and Frank?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, save it by all means," replied Robert, whose -sympathies had been from the first excited by the piteous, -childlike tones of the fawn. "Save it for sister, and let -us make haste to finish this beast."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then lend me your handkerchief," said Harold; -"mine alone is not sufficient for both collar and cord."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert approached him for the purpose, when he -observed the cat creep slyly from his hole, and hobble -away with all haste. "Quick, Harold," cried Robert, -tossing him the handkerchief, "tie the fawn, and follow -me," then dashed through the bushes in pursuit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take care, you may get too near," Harold shouted; -but Robert was already lost to sight behind the -underwood. By the time the fawn was secured, Harold heard -him hallooing about one hundred paces away, and going -rapidly in that direction, saw him watching the -convulsive throes of the wild creature as it lay gasping on the -ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold looked on and pleasantly remarked, "You will -soon get your name up for a hunter, if you keep -improving at this rate. That is a splendid cat! What -claws and teeth! Let us see how long he is." Putting -his hands together at the thumbs, and spreading them -out to span a foot, he ascertained that it measured two -feet nine inches from the nose to the root of the short -tail; and that, standing with its head erect, it must have -been fully two and a half feet high. Its teeth and nails -were savage looking things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad he did not fasten those ugly looking things -in my leg," said Robert; "but I was so excited by the -pursuit, that I rushed at one time almost upon him. He -had stopped behind a bush; all at once he sprang at me -with a growl, showing his white teeth, bristling his hair, -and glaring at me with his large fierce eyes. He dodged -behind another bush, and when I next saw him he was -gasping and convulsed as when you came up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It would have been a desperate fight, if he had seized -you," remarked Harold; "you would have borne the -marks to the end of your life."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Returning to the fawn, which struggled violently on -their approach, they soon succeeded in allaying its -terror by gentle tones and kind treatment. It yielded -passively to its fate, and consented to be led wherever they -chose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The oranges were delicious after their long walk, and -now excessive thirst. A few minutes served to rest their -weary limbs, and they had just begun to discuss the -propriety of returning to the tent, when the fawn pricked -up its ears with the signs of renewed alarm, a neighbouring -bush was agitated, and ere they could fully grasp -their guns and spring to their feet, Mum came dashing -up at full speed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were much surprised, and were afraid some -accident had happened. Mum, however, showed no signs -of anything wrong; he came up wagging his cropped -tail, and looking exceedingly pleased. He cast a hungry -look at the fawn, as though his mouth watered for a -taste, but he offered no interference. On close -inspection, Harold observed a string tied round his neck, to -which was fastened a little roll of paper. He hastily -took it off, and calling to Robert, they read these lines -in pencil:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come home quickly. I see some one across the river; -he is waving a flag. Mary."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xvii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">MARY AND FRANK--EXAMINATION OF THE TENT--SMOKE -SIGNALS--DEVICES--BRUTE MESSENGER--RAPT--BLAZING -THE TREES--VOYAGE--DISASTROUS EXPEDITION--NEWS -FROM HOME--RETURN TO THE TENT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>When Robert and Harold left the tent that -morning, to look for the lost boat, Mary and -Frank watched with anxious eyes their retiring -forms. It was painful to be left alone in that vast -solitude. But the act was necessary, and Mary resolved -to bear it with cheerfulness. In order therefore to -withdraw their minds from their situation, she proposed to -Frank to join her in exposing to the sun those articles in -the tent which had been wet by the rain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Among these was a bundle of William's. "Poor -William!" said Frank, "I wonder what became of him. -Don't you think, sister, he was drowned?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know, buddy," she answered with a sigh; -"though I presume not. William was a good swimmer, -and near shore. O, I do wish we could hear from our -dear father, and he could hear from us! See here, -Frank." She pointed to a valise-trunk. "This is -father's, it contains his razors, and all the little things -that he uses every day. I wish I could open it, and -air everything for him; both top and bottom seem to be wet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She tried the various keys in her bunch, and to her -delight found one that fitted the lock. Some of its -contents were quite damp, and no doubt they were saved -from serious injury by her affectionate care. In it she -spied a morocco case, which proved quite useful in the -end; it was a case of choice medicines. Mary was careful -to disturb nothing, except so far as was needful for its -preservation; for, though her father had no concealments -that she knew of, this was his private property, -and she held its privacy sacred. After drying -everything in it, they were replaced as before.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This work had occupied them about two hours, when -Frank, whose eyes were continually directed towards the -sea, with a lingering hope that he might see his father -sailing after them, exclaimed, "Sister, is not that a smoke -across the river?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the bluff where, three miles distant, the -opposite bank of the river overhung the sea, a bluish vapour -was curling upward. It was evidently a smoke. Mary -gazed at it with feelings both of hope and distrust. -Who made it? What did it mean? She ran for the spy -glass, drew it to its focus, steadied her trembling hands -against a tree, directed it towards the point, and almost -instantly exclaimed, "Some person is there. I can see a -signal flying, like a handkerchief tied to a pole. But -who can it be? If it is one of our people, why does he -not come over? O Frank, how I wish brother and cousin -Harold were here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us fire off the gun, sister," Frank replied, "that -will bring them back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They took the gun, loaded by Robert for the purpose, -and fired it repeatedly. Mary then took another peep -through the glass, and cried out--"He sees us, Frank, -whoever it is; he is waving his flag. He must have heard -our guns, or seen their smoke. I wonder I cannot see -him. O, yes, there he is, lying on the ground, or half -lying. Now he has put down the flag, and I can see him -dragging himself along the ground by one arm. What -can it mean? O, when will brother Robert and cousin -Harold come back!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's impatience made the time seem very long. She -employed herself in every way that she could devise for -an hour, and then, turning to Frank with a bright look, -clapped her hands joyfully, and said, "I have it! I'll -bring them back! I mean to send a runner after them. -I can do it--O, yes, I can do it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank looked troubled. "How can you?" he -inquired. "I am the only one you have; and I am sure -I cannot find the way any more than you can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, not you, nor myself," she said; "but one that I -know can find them, and can take a note to them -too." She opened her trunk, took out a piece of paper, -pencilled upon it the note recorded in the last chapter, -tied it tightly with a string, which she fastened around -Mum's neck, and said, "Here is my messenger! He -will find them, I warrant." Then loosening the chain, -she said, "Hie on, Mum! hie on!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mum looked at her inquisitively, and was evidently in -doubt what to make of her command. She called him to -the track of the boys, pointed to it, followed it for a few -steps, and encouraged him to proceed, when the intelligent -brute took the meaning, and with a whine of joy -sprang away at a rapid trot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys reached the tent about one o'clock, leading -the fawn by the two handkerchiefs. They had been -strongly tempted more than once to leave it behind, tied -to a bush, or to free it entirely, as it somewhat retarded -their movements; but having already taught it the art -of following, it came after them with rapid strides, and -for the latter half of their journey they had not to pull -it in the least. Mary and Frank heard their distant -halloo, and ran to meet them. They were delighted with -the new pet, and spent a moment in patting its snowy -sides; but the interest excited by the person across the -river absorbed every other consideration. As soon as -Harold saw the smoke still faintly rising, he said, "I -saw that smoke this morning. It was so faint I could -scarcely discern it darken the sky, and took it for mist. -That person has been there all night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert had by this time adjusted the glass, and each -looked in turn. They could see nothing more than a -little smoke. Mary described the position in which she -saw the person lying, and dragging himself along, after -the guns were fired. "Then," said Harold, "I will let -off another gun; and do you, Robert, place yourself so -that you can see whether he notices it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert laid himself flat on the sand, rested the glass -upon a log of wood, that both he and it might be steady, -and said, "Now fire!" About a quarter of a minute -after the discharge he exclaimed, "I see him! He is -lying upon the sand beneath the shade of a cedar. I see -him move. He rests on one arm, as though he were -sick or hurt. Now he drags himself as you describe, -sister. There is his flag flying again. He uses only one -arm. The other hangs down uselessly by his side. Who -can it be? I wish he was in the sunshine, for then I could -see his complexion. But I am sure it is not a white man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, it is Riley!" said Frank. "I know it is Riley -come after us. Now we can go home again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold took the glass and used it as Robert had done. -The person had by this time put down the flag, and was -reclining languidly against some support behind him. -Harold saw him grasp his left arm with his right hand, -move it gently, and lie back as before. "That person is -badly hurt," he remarked. "Instead of helping us, he -wants us to help him. It must be some one who was -cast away in the storm last night. Oh, for our boat! -Robert, we must go over and help him. We can make a -raft. It is not three miles across. We have the oars -and paddle of our boat, and we can surely make that -distance and back this evening, by hard work. Let us see -if there is not timber enough near at hand for a raft."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They looked at a fallen tree not far distant, and wished -it were only near the river bank. "But what do I say?" -said Robert. "The palmetto, which I felled for the -cabbage, is sixty or seventy feet long, straight as an -arrow, and what is better, just at the river side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Off they went with ax, hatchet, and nails. Mary -called after them to say, that if they would show her -the way, she and Frank would follow them with -something to eat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do, cousin, if you please," said Harold. "I, for -one, am hungry enough. We will blaze a path for you -as we pass along. Do follow us soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you mean that you will chop the trees as you pass?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes. We will chop them so as to show the white -wood beneath the bark. That is called a blaze. You -cannot mistake your way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The work of blazing the path scarcely detained them -at all; an experienced woodsman can do it with a single -blow of his ax as he moves, without stopping. Many -of the trees were cut so as to show little more than the -mark of the hatchet. Coming to the fallen palmetto, the -boys cut it into four lengths, one of twenty, two of -seventeen, and the remainder of ten feet long. It was easy -work; the palmetto is a soft wood, and every blow of the -ax, after going beneath the hard surface, made a deep -cut. Then with the aid of levers, they rolled the logs to -the water's edge; they pinned them together, sharpened -the bow for a cutwater, and fastened some cross pieces -on top for seats, and as receptacles for the thowl pins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While thus engaged, Mary and Frank, guided by the -blazed trees, and attracted by the sound of the ax, came -with a basket full of provision, and setting it before -them, remarked, "I am sorry we have no water yet to -offer you, but here are some of the oranges we brought -the other day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is almost incredible what a deal of work can be -accomplished in a limited time, where a person works with -real vigour and good will. The boys were themselves -astonished to find that shortly after three o'clock they were -seated on their raft, with Mary and Frank aboard, -rowing rapidly towards the landing at the tent. A glance -now at the spring showed that they could supply -themselves with water, and while Harold scooped out a basin, -and dammed it against the occasional overflow of a wave, -Robert went with Mary and Frank to the tent, from -which he brought down the guns, a jug for water, the -spy-glass, and the morocco medicine case, of which Mary -had told him, and which he supposed might be needed by -the sick person.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more Robert and Harold embarked, leaving the -younger ones on the shore. "Do not be alarmed," said -they, seeing the tears start into Mary's eyes at the -prospect of another separation. "Make a good fire on shore, -and put your trust in God. We will try to return before -dark; and we hope to bring you good news from home. -If the person yonder is a messenger from Tampa, we -will let you know by firing two guns; look out, and listen -for them about five minutes after you see us land." With -a silent prayer to God from each party for safety and -success, the voyagers waved adieu to the others, and were -soon moving through the water at the rate of more than -two miles the hour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>However earnest they were to relieve the person -apparently in distress, the boys did not approach the opposite -shore without caution. They knew themselves to be in -the land of savages, who were exceedingly ingenious and -patient in their schemes of violence. Each took in turn -the glass, when relieved by the other in rowing, and -directed it upon the point to which they were going. -Approaching within a quarter of a mile of shore, they rested -upon their oars, and deliberately surveyed both the -person and the place. They could distinctly see him -reclining against the cedar, and beckoning with his right hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold," said Robert, "that is a negro, and I do -believe it is Sam, the carpenter. O poor fellow! how -badly hurt he appears to be. I wonder what can be the -matter!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They pulled along very fast, and when within a -hundred yards of shore stopped and looked again. "It is -Sam," said Robert. "All's right! Let us push on now!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Running the raft ashore, and making it fast to their -ax, sunk in the sand for a stake, they hurried up the -bluff. There indeed lay Sam, badly hurt and unable to -move. They ran to him, and were about to throw their -arms around him, when he beckoned them off imploringly, -and said, "Stop! stop! for marcy sake don't shake -me hard. Huddie[#] Mas Robbut! Huddie Mas Harrol! -Bless de Lord to see you once mo'e!" the tears streaming -down the poor fellow's face.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Howdye.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Dear old Sam!" said the boys, "we are so glad to -see you. But what is the matter?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, I am kill!" he replied; "my arm and leg bote got -broke las' night. You got any water?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Plenty--plenty. We brought it for you," and they -both ran for the jug, but Harold was foremost, and -Robert returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mas Robbut," Sam asked, "wey de children?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We left them at the tent yonder. They were the first -to see you; and they fired the guns that you heard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bless dey young soul," he said, "I do lub 'em."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how is father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Berry well--berry well--O Lord my leg!--'sept he -in mighty trouble 'bout you all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is the water, Sam," said Harold returning, -"let me hold the jug while you drink. There, don't take -too much at first--it may hurt you. How is uncle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam told him. While they were conversing, Robert -ran to the raft, brought from it his gun, went to the most -conspicuous part of the bluff, and waving first a white -handkerchief, until he received an answering signal -from Mary and Frank, fired the two barrels at the -interval of several seconds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please mossa, let me hab some mo'e water?" Sam -asked; then taking a hearty draught, he said, "Bless de -Lord for dis nice cool water! It is so good!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They inquired of him the nature and occasion of his -accident. "It was de boat las' night--Riley's boat," said -he. "It kill him and cripple me. We come to look for -you all. De win' blow and de sea rise; and me and -Riley went to draw the boat higher on sho', w'en a big -wave lif' de boat and pitch it right into Riley's breast. -It kill him I s'pose--I nebber see him no mo'e. W'en I -come to my senses, I bin lie right on de beach, wi' my arm -and leg broke, and de water dashin' ober me. I drag -myself up here las' night, by my well arm and leg; but if -it hadn't bin for de win' I nebber bin git here at all--it -lif' me up like a fedder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is talking enough for this time, Sam," said -Robert; "you are too sick and weak, and we have no time to -spare. Let us carry you to our tent, and there you may -talk as much as you will. Is there anything we can do -for you before we move?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only to give me a little mo'e water." He had -already drunk a quart. He also pointed them to a certain -spot, where they found Riley's rifle and its equipments, -together with an ax and several gourds. These were -transferred to the raft; and Harold said, "Come, Sam, -tell us how we can help you. The sun is fast going down, -and we have a long way to go. Mary and Frank don't -wish to be left in the dark, and are no doubt looking for -us to start."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"De childun! Bless 'em!" said Sam. "I do want to -see dey sweet face once mo 'e. But I 'fraid it will kill me -to move. See how my arm and leg swell a'ready."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After much demurring, Sam consented to attempt the -removal; and though he groaned and shuddered at the -thought, it was effected with far less pain than he -expected. They spread his blanket beside him, helped him -into the middle of it, lapped and pinned its edges over -a strong pole with splinters of cedar, and taking each an -end of the pole, lifted him gently from the ground, and -bore him at full length to the raft, where they had -previously prepared a couch of moss.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun sunk into the waters ere they had gone half a -mile; but the boys pulled with a hearty good will, and -moreover with the advantage of a little wind in their -favour. It was dark when they landed, or rather, dark -as it could be with a bright moon nearly at the full. -Robert took occasion while at the helm to re-load his two -barrels with powder, and repeat the signal agreed upon. -As the darkness deepened they could see afar off the -figures of Mary and Frank standing upon the beach, before -a fire which they had made as a guide to the voyagers, -and listening apparently to every thump of the oars. -Long before words could be distinguished, Frank's clear -voice rang over the waters in a tone of inquiry. The -two boys united their voices at a high musical pitch, and -sung out, "Sam! Sam!" repeating it at intervals until -they perceived from the tones of the children on shore -that the name had been heard. Presently Frank's voice -shouted shrilly, "Howdy, Sam?" Poor Sam tried to -answer, but his voice was too weak. Robert and Harold -answered for him. Mary would have called out too; -but the truth is she was crying for joy, and was not able -to utter a word.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xviii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XVIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">NIGHT LANDING--CARRYING A WOUNDED PERSON--SETTING -ONE'S OWN LIMBS WHEN BROKEN--SPLINTING A -LIMB--REST TO THE WEARY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was a picturesque scene as the raft drew near -shore. The soft moonlight upon the bluff--the -faint sparkle of the briny water broken by the -oars--the lurid light from the resinous fire--the dark -shadows and excited movements of Mary and Frank--formed -altogether a group worthy of a painter's skill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank could scarcely be restrained from rushing -through the water to welcome the new comer; but when -he heard how weak he was, and in what bad condition, -he waited in quietness. Harold took him in his arms, -and Robert made a stepping place for Mary with the -oars, and they both shook hands with the poor fellow, -and told him how sorry they were to see him so badly hurt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving Harold and Frank at the raft, Robert and -Mary hastened to the tent to prepare a place for the -invalid, that he need not be disturbed after being once -removed. They lit a candle, piled the trunks in a corner -of the room, and taking most of the moss that constituted -their beds, laid it in another corner, remarking, "We can -easily obtain more; or we can even sleep on the ground -tonight, if necessary, for his sake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish we had an old door, or even a plank long -enough for him to lie upon, as we bring him from the -raft," said Robert, "it would be so much easier to his -broken bones, if they could be kept straight. But the -blanket is next best, and with that we must be content."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the time the transfer was completed, the boys were -exceedingly weary, having been disturbed all the -preceding night, and engaged in vigorous and incessant -effort ever since they arose from their short sleep. They -sat for half an hour revelling in the luxury of rest. -Sam appeared to suffer so much and to be so weak, that -they discouraged him from talking, and took their own -seats outside the tent, that he might be able to sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What have you done with the fawn, sister?" -inquired Robert, willing to divert their minds from the -painful thoughts that were beginning to follow the -excitement of hearing from home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, we fed it with sassafras leaves and grass," said -she, "and gave it water. After that we sewed the torn -skin to its place upon the neck, and it appears to be -doing very well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are quite a surgeon, cousin Mary," Harold -remarked. "I think we shall have to call you our 'Sister -of Mercy.' If, however, our handkerchiefs are still tied -to it, I will suggest that it may be best for it, as well as -for us, that you make a soft pad for its neck, and put -on the dog's collar."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have done that already," she replied. "I -thought of it as soon as we returned to the tent and saw -the dog's chain. But as for my being a surgeon, it -requires very little skill to know that the sooner a fresh -wound is attended to, and the parts brought to the right -place for healing the better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a fact," said Robert, starting, as a deep -groan from the tent reached his ears; "and that reminds -me that perhaps Sam is suffering at this moment for the -want of having his bones set. We must attend to them at -once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Set a broken arm and leg!" exclaimed Harold in -surprise. "Why, Robert, do you know how to do it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," he replied. "There is no mystery -about it; and father, you know, teaches us children -everything of the kind, as soon as we are able to learn -it. I have never set the bones of a </span><em class="italics">person</em><span>, but I did once -of a dog, and succeeded very well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold asked him to describe the process. Robert -replied, "If the bones appear to have moved from their -proper place, all that you have to do is to pull them apart -lengthways by main strength so that they will naturally -slide together, or else can be made to do so by the pressure -of your hand. Then you must bandage the limb with -strips of cloth, beginning at its extremity, so as to keep -the parts in place; and over this you must bind a splint, -to keep the bone from being bent or jostled out of place. -That is all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They went into the tent, and made inquiry of Sam -whether his bones did not need attention. He replied -that maybe his leg was in need of setting, but that as for -his arm he had </span><em class="italics">sot</em><span> that himself, and that it was in need -only of splintering.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You set it yourself! Why, how did you manage -that?" inquired Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You remember, Mas Robbut, I bin hab my arm broke -once befo'e; so I knowed jes what to do," replied Sam, -and then he went on to describe his process. He said -that finding the bones out of place, he had tied the hand -of his broken arm to a root of the cedar, and strained -himself back until the bones were able to pass, when he -pressed them into place by means of his well hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After that he tore some strips from his clothing, and -tied the hand over his breast, at the same time stuffing -his bosom full of moss, to keep the bone straight, and -over all passing a bandage, to keep the arm against his -side. He had made a similar attempt to set the bone -of his leg, but it pained him so much that he had given -up the attempt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On examination, Robert learned that the arm was -broken between the elbow and shoulder, and that the leg -was fractured between the knee and ankle. "The leg," -said he, "is safe enough. Below the knee are two bones, -and only one of these is broken. Would you like to have -the bandage and splints put on your arm tonight?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam replied that he was sure he should sleep better if -Mas Robert was not too tired to attend to it, for he -would be "mighty onrestless" while his bones were in -that "fix."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wearied boy pondered a moment, and asked his -sister to tear one of the sheets or table-cloths into strips -about as wide as her three fingers, and to sew the ends -together, to make a bandage five or six yards long, while he -and Harold prepared the splints. They then went to -the palmetto tree, half a mile distant, and selecting one -of the broadest and straightest of its flat, polished limbs, -returned to the tent, and produced from it a lath about -the length of the arm. Having bandaged the limb from -the finger-ends to the shoulder, they bound it to this -splint, which extended from the armpit to the extremity, -and Robert pronounced the operation complete.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam was profuse in his praise of Robert's surgery, -bestowing upon it every conceivable term of laudation, and -seeming withal to be truly grateful. "Tankee, Mas -Robert! Tankee, Mas Harold! Tankee, my dear little -misses! Tankee, Mas Frank too! Tankee, ebbery body! -I sure I bin die on dat sand-bank, 'sept you all bin so kind -to de poor nigger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No more of that, Sam," said Robert, "you were -hurt in trying to help us; it is but right we should help -you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the close of this scene, the young people prepared -for bed. It was past ten o'clock, and they were sadly -in need of rest; but so strongly had their sympathies -been excited for their black friend, that even little Frank -kept wide awake, waiting his turn to be useful. When, -however, their work was done, and they had lain down -to rest, they needed no lullaby to hush them into slumber. -Within twenty minutes after the light was extinguished, -and during the livelong night, nothing was to be heard -in that tent but the hard breathing of the wearied -sleepers. Thanks to God for sleep! None but the weary -know its blessedness.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xix"><span class="large">CHAPTER XIX</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">THE SURPRISE AND DISAPPOINTMENT--NAMING THE -FAWN--SAM'S STORY--DEPRESSION AFTER EXCITEMENT--GREAT -MISFORTUNE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Had there been nothing to excite them the -company might have overslept themselves on the -following morning. But shortly after daylight -they were awaked by an incident that hurried them -all out of bed. It was nothing less than hearing Frank -exclaim, in a laughing, joyous tone, "O father, -howdy! howdy! I am so glad you have come!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dull ears of the sleepers were caught by these -welcome words, and all sprang to their feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father! Father! Is he here?" they asked. -"Where, Frank? where!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yonder," said he, sitting bolt-upright in bed, -rubbing his half-opened eyes with one hand, and with the -other pointing to a corner of the tent. "Isn't that -father? I saw him there just now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was only a dream. Frank had been thinking more -than usual of home during the day and night past, and -it was natural that his visions of the night should be of -the same character with his dreams of the day. He -fancied that his father had found the lost boat, and -having tied it at the landing, was coming to the tent. -Poor fellow! he was sadly disappointed to learn that it -was all a dream. The picture was so vivid, and his -father looked so real, that for a moment he was -perfectly confused. Mary tried to comfort him by saying, -"Never mind, buddy; we </span><em class="italics">will</em><span> see him coming some of -these days. But though father is not here, you -remember that Sam is, and that he is going to tell us about -home, as soon as he is able to talk. Come, let us get up, -and see how he is." The history of the preceding day -dawned slowly upon the mind of the bewildered child, -and the sense of disappointment was gradually lost in -the hope of hearing Sam's story.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The wounded man had spent a night of suffering. -His leg pained him so intensely, that several times he -had been on the point of calling for assistance; but -hearing from every one that peculiar breathing which -betokens deep sleep, and remembering that they had -undergone immense fatigue, he stifled his groans, and -bore his sufferings in silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Robert and Harold were occupied with kind -offices around the couch, Mary and Frank went to see -after the fawn. Its neck was somewhat sore to the -touch, but otherwise it appeared to be doing well. They -gave it more water, hay and sassafras leaves. Frank -offered it also a piece of bread; but wild deer are not -used to cookery, and the fawn rejected it; though, after -becoming thoroughly tamed, it became so fond of bread -of every kind, that it would follow Frank all over the -woods for a piece no bigger than his finger. "What -shall we call her?" asked Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We will have a consultation about that," replied -Mary, as she saw the others approaching. "Cousin -Harold, what name would you give?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Snow or Lily, I think, would suit her colour very -well," he answered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brother Robert, what is yours?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As she came from among the flowers," he said, "I -think Flora would do very well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," added Mary, "and very pretty names all -Frank, what is yours?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anna," said he, "I would like to talk to her -sometimes, and to make believe that she was Sister Anna."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That would sound almost too much like Nannie," -Mary objected, and then asked, "Did you say, brother, -that you gave her to me?" He replied, "Yes." -"Then," she added, "I will call her Dora, for I heard -father say that that name means a gift."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dora let it be," said Robert, patting its delicate -head. "Miss Dora, I wish you a speedy cure, and a -pleasant captivity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About nine o'clock Sam awakened from a refreshing -sleep, and the anxious company assembled at his side to -hear what he had to tell about home. "I a'nt got much -to tell," said Sam, "I lef so soon a'ter you all, dat -you know most all sept what happen to me and Riley -on de way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us hear it all," said Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But before you begin," interrupted Mary, "do tell -us about William. Was he drowned or not?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>(For the sake of the reader who may not be familiar -with the lingo of southern and sea-coast negroes, the -narrative will be given in somewhat better English, -retaining, however, the peculiarities of thought and -drapery.)</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, no, Misses," he replied to Mary's question. "He -only fell backward into the water, and was a little -strangled. He rose directly, and gave the alarm. I -suppose the reason that you did not hear him was that -he was under the wharf, holding tight to a post, for -fear some of the fish might come and take hold of him -too. He came with me to Riley's Island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now do you begin at the beginning," said Robert, -"and tell us one thing after another, just as it happened. -If there is anything of which we wish to hear more -particularly, we will stop you to inquire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well," said Sam, "you know that when you left I -was working in the back room. I was putting in the -window sash, when I heard your father talking to some -one at the door, and saying, 'Stay here, I will be out -in a moment!' He went into his room, came out with -something in his hand, and spoke a word to the man at -the door, when we heard William's voice, crying out, -'Help! help!' as if he was half smothered. Your -father said, 'What can be the matter?' I heard him -and the stranger running towards the bluff, and I ran -too. When I reached a place where I could see you -(for the little cedars were between the house and the -water), your father had just fallen upon his knees. -He had his two hands joined together, and was praying -very hard; he was pale as a sheet, and groaned as if -his heart was breaking. For a while I could hardly -take my eyes off from him; but I could see you in the -boat, going over the water like a dove through the air, -leaving a white streak of foam behind. Presently your -father rose from his knees, and said, 'It is a devil fish! -He cannot hold that gait long. Sam, do you and -William (for William had by this time come up from -the water), get the canoe ready in a minute, and let -us pursue them;' then he wrung his hands again, and -said, 'O, my God, have mercy, and spare my children!'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"William and I ran a few steps toward the canoe, but -I came back to tell master that the canoe could not -float--a piece of timber had fallen from the wharf, and punched -a great hole in it. Then the soldier spoke, and said, -'The Major has a fine sail boat, Doctor. If you can -do no better, I will ride very fast, and ask him to send -it.' 'Do, if you please,' master said. 'Tell the Major -he is my only help on earth. Lay your horse to the -ground, good soldier, I will pay all damages.' The -soldier turned short off, clapped his spurs to his horse, -and made him lay himself almost straight to the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When your father came to the canoe, he said quickly, -'We can mend that hole, and set off long before the -boat comes from Tampa. Peter, make a fire here at -once--quick! quick! Judy, run to the house, and bring -down a pot, and the cake of wax, and a double handful -of oakum. William, do you go to the house too, and -bring the side of harness leather, two hammers, and a -paper of the largest tacks. And Sam,' said he to me, -'let us take hold of the boat, and turn it over ready for -mending.' The hole was big as my head, and there -were two long cracks besides; but we worked very fast, -and the boat was ready for the water in less than an -hour. Your father worked as hard as any of us, but -every once in a while he turned to watch you, and -looked very sorrowful. At last you went so far away -that we could barely see you, like a little speck, getting -smaller and smaller. When you were entirely out of -our sight, your father took his other spy glass, went on -top of the shed, and watched you till we were ready to -go. Then he came to us, and said to me and William, -'I have concluded to send you off alone; you can row -faster without me. I will wait for the Major's boat. -The children are now passing Riley's Island, and -turning down the coast. Make haste to Riley, and say from -me, that if he brings me back my children I will give -him whatever he asks. If he needs either of you, do -you, Sam, go with him, and do you, William, return -to me; otherwise do you both keep on so far as you can -with safety, and if you succeed, I will give you also -whatever you ask. If you can hear anything of them -from Riley, make a smoke on the beach; if you learn -anything good make two smokes, about a hundred yards -apart; I will watch for them. And now, my good -fellows, good-bye! and may the Lord give you a safe -passage and good success!' Neither I nor William -could say one word. We took hold of master's hands, -knelt down, and kissed them. And, somehow, I saw -his hand was very wet; we could not help it, for we -love him the same as if he was our father, and the tears -would come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We reached the island about twelve o'clock. Riley -was gone. His wife said he saw the boat pass, knew -who was in it, and went after it, without stopping for -more than a calabash of water. When we heard that, -we jumped into our own boat again, and pushed on. -Riley's wife brought down a bag of parched corn, a -dried venison ham, and his gun and ammunition, saying -that if he went he would need these things. We begged -her to make two fires on the beach; for we thought that -although it was not the best news in the world to hear -that you had been carried so far away, it was good -news to hear that you had not been drowned, and that -Riley had gone after you.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In about an hour we met Riley coming back. He -had gone to a high bluff, on an island south of his, -and watched you until you had passed out of sight. -He was now returning home, uncertain whether to go -after you in the morning, or to give you up altogether. -When we gave him your father's message, he said he -would go, for that the Doctor was a good man, but -that he must return home for a larger boat; that the -coast below was dangerous, and that the boat in which -he was was not safe. So we came to his island, where -I staid with him that night, and William returned to -Bellevue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As we left the island at daybreak we saw a vessel -sailing towards Tampa, but too far for us to hail. That -day we did not search the coast at all, more than to -keep a sharp look out, for we knew that you had gone -far beyond. But the next three days we went into every -cove and inlet, though not very far into any of them. -Riley said that since the change of Indian Agents, many -of his people were hostile to the whites, and to all -Indians who were friendly with them, and that perhaps -he should not be safe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We saw some Indians on the first few days, but the -last day we saw none at all. Riley said that this coast -was barren and bad; nobody visited it. The Caloosa -Indians, he said, used to live here, but they had been -starved out. There was only a narrow strip of ten -miles wide, between the sea and the swamps within, and -a great fire had swept over it a few summers before, and -burnt up almost all the trees. The Indians supposed -that this part of the coast was cursed by the Great -Spirit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All that day we found the coast so full of reefs and -shoals, and covered with breakers, that we could scarcely -get along; and we talked several times of turning back. -These breakers that you see from the bluff, stretch -from a great ways above. Riley did not like to pass -them. He said he was afraid we could not stop -anywhere, except on an island, which no Indian dared to -visit; for that it was always enchanted with </span><em class="italics">white deer</em><span>,[#] -and the curse of the Great Spirit was so strong upon -it that no Indian could go there and live.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] It is surprising to learn how widespread is the -superstition among semi-civilized and uncivilized -nations that white deer -are connected with enchantment.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"We kept on, however, as well as we could, and hoped -to find some place where we could pass the surf upon -the shoals, and reach the shore, before we came to that -terrible island. But the wind was against us, and also -blowing on shore; and we made so little headway, that -towards evening we had to force our way through the -smoothest place we could find, and even then were nearly -swamped more than once. When we landed it was dark. -We saw a fire afar off, and thinking it might be yours, -I tried to persuade Riley to go to it; but perhaps he -thought it was on </span><em class="italics">that island</em><span>, though he did not say so; -he replied only that we were going to have a storm soon, -and that we must be preparing for it. We drew the -boat as high on the beach as possible, and made it fast -by his painter, made of twisted deerskins.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"After we landed I cut some wood, and tried to make -a fire; but before we could set it a-blazing the wind -came and the tide rose. We went to the boat, and -drew it up higher on shore, and then higher still; but -after a while the wind blew so hard, and the waves rolled -so high, that it was not safe to be near the boat at -all. Yet we could not afford to lose it; so we went down -for the last time to draw it up, when all at once a big -wave came and pitched it upon us as I told you.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had a terrible night. The water from the beach -dashed over me while lying under the cedar tree to -which I had crawled, and the rain poured down. The -wind kept such a roaring that I suppose if a cannon -had been fired a mile off you could not have heard it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The next morning I tried to set my broken bones. -Then I dragged myself to the edge of the bluff to see if -Riley's body, or the boat, or anything was in sight. But -nothing was to be seen except the black water rolling in -from sea. As the light became stronger, I saw afar off -your tent and smoke, and I was then sure that the -fire we saw the night before was yours. I tried every -way to make you see me. I took Riley's rifle, and -snapped it, but the powder inside was wet. Then I -went to a bush, and with my one hand cut a long switch, -to which I tied my handkerchief, and waved and waved -it; but nobody saw me. I could see </span><em class="italics">you</em><span> very well (for -my sight is good) sitting down, or walking about, as if -you were in trouble about something. Then I tried to -raise a smoke. Everything was wet; but the tree near -me had a hollow, and in the hollow was some dry rotten -wood. I spread some powder on the driest pieces, and -by snapping the rifle over it several times, set it on -fire; but it was a long time before I could find anything -to burn well. While I was trying at the fire, you, Mas -Robbut and Mas Harrol, went off; but I kept on -throwing into the fire whatever trash and small wood -I could collect by crawling after them, until I was sure -Miss Mary and Mas Frank would see it. At last I -heard their guns, and knew by their motions that they -saw me; and for a time I felt safe. But you were so -long time away, and I was in such pain, that it seemed -to me I must die before you could help me, though I -saw you come to the tent, and heard your guns. And -when, late in the evening, I saw that you had got a -boat, or something of that sort, and were coming over -the river to me, I was so glad that I--I--"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam did not finish the sentence. The tears were -streaming down his black face, and the young people -were weeping with him. There were but few questions -to be asked. Sam's narrative had been so full and -particular, that it anticipated almost every inquiry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The severe labours of the day before, together with -excitement and loss of rest, had so far relaxed the -energies of the larger boys, that they did little more -that day than hang about the tent, and converse with -Sam and each other about home and their own adventures. -Several times Harold proposed to Robert to join -him in visiting the beach, to ascertain whether their -signal had stood the storm, and if not, to replant it; -but Robert ever had some reason ready for not going -just then. At last, late in the afternoon, they took the -spade and hoe, and went to the beach. The flag was -prostrate, and lay half buried in the sand; and what -was their dismay, on approaching the bluff, to see a -vessel that had evidently passed the mouth of the river -just beyond the shoals, and was now about four miles -distant, sailing to the southward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, cousin!" exclaimed Robert, "there is our -vessel--gone! It is the cutter! Father is aboard of her! -They came as near as they could, looking for our signal--and -there it lies! Oh--h!" said he, wringing his hands, -"why did we not come sooner?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe you are correct," replied Harold, looking -sadly after the departing vessel; "we have missed our -chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There remained one solitary hope. It was possible, -barely possible, that some one on board might be looking -that way with a spy-glass, and that the signal might yet -be seen. The boys eagerly seized the flag-staff; they set -the lower end upon the ground; they waved it to and -fro in the air; they shook their handkerchiefs; they -tossed up their hats and coats, and shouted with all their -might (vain shout!), "Brig ahoy!" They gathered -grass, leaves, twigs, everything inflammable, and raised -a smoke, as large as possible, and kept it rising, higher, -higher. They were too late; the vessel kept steadily on -her way. She faded gradually from sight, and -disappeared for ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two boys sat down, and looked sorrowfully over -the distant waters. They were pale with excitement, -and for a long time neither said a word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They may return," said Harold; "let us plant our -flag-staff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They dug a deep hole, set the pole in the middle, -threw in the dirt, packed it tightly with the handle of -the hoe, and then returned slowly to the tent, to inform -the others of their sad misfortune.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xx"><span class="large">CHAPTER XX</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">SPECULATIONS AND RESOLVES--FISHING--INVENTORY OF -GOODS AND CHATTELS--ROASTED FISH--PALMETTO -CABBAGE--TOUR--SEA-SHELLS, THEIR USES--THE -PELICAN--NATURE OF THE COUNTRY--STILL HUNTING--WILD -TURKEYS AGAIN--WORK ON THE TENT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The little company did not retire early that -night. Sorrow kept them awake. They sat for -a long time speculating upon the probable -destination of the vessel, and upon their own expectations -in the case. To one it seemed probable that their father -had obtained the use of the cutter, for the purpose of -examining the coast; to another, that he had been -brought by it to the place where they had last been -seen, and that he was now not far away; to another, that -he would go down as far as the Florida Keys, and there -employ some of the wreckers to join him in the search. -At any rate they were sure that a search was going on, -and that it would not be long before they were -discovered, and taken home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere retiring to rest that night they adopted a series -of resolutions, the substance of which was that they -should live every day in the expectation of being taken -off, and yet husband their resources, as though they -were to continue there for months.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>1st. They were to keep their signal always flying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>2d. To be as much as possible on the lookout.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>3d. To have a pile of wood ready for a smoke near the -signal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>4th. To keep on hand a store of provisions sufficient -for several weeks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>5th. To examine, and know exactly what stores they -possessed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>6th. To use no more of their permanent stock than was -absolutely necessary, but to live upon the resources of -the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>7th. To fit up their habitation more securely, that in -case of being assailed by such another storm as that of -Sunday night, they should enjoy a more perfect protection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>8th. In every possible way to be ready either for -departing home, or continuing there an indefinite length -of time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In consequence of these resolutions, the first business -to which they attended on the following morning, was -the preparation of the pile of wood for their signal by -smoke; and the next, the provision of a stock of food. -As a temporary fulfilment of this last named duty, -Harold went with Frank to obtain a supply of fish, -leaving Robert and Mary at the tent, to make out the -proposed inventory of goods. Both parties fulfilled their -contracts, and on coming together, Harold reported eight -large trout, besides a number of crabs, and a small -turtle; and Robert read a list, showing that besides the -stores put up by their father for Riley, and those brought -by Sam and Riley in their boat, consisting of bread and -bacon, parched corn and dried venison, there were -rations for a full fortnight or more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Of the trout brought by Harold, all except one had -been cleaned, and presented to Mary; the last he -reserved for the purpose, he said, of giving them another -specimen of wild-woods' cookery. Before sitting down -to dinner, he took this one without any preparation -whatever of scaling or cleansing, and wrapping it in -green leaves, laid it in the ashes to roast. It was soon -done. Then peeling off the skin, he helped each to the -pure white meat in such a way as to leave the skeleton -and its contents untouched. Mary's taste was offended -by the sight of a dish so rudely prepared; but hearing -the others speak in surprise of its peculiarly delicate -flavour, she also was tempted to try, and then partook -of it as heartily as any one else.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Harold was absent on his fishing excursion, -Robert, having completed his inventory, had obtained -another stick of palmetto cabbage. By Sam's instruction, -this was freed from every particle of the green -and hard covering, boiled in three separate waters, in -the last of which was put a little salt. When thoroughly -done, it was laid in a dish, and seasoned with butter. -Prepared thus it was a real delicacy, partaking of the -combined flavours of the cauliflower and the artichoke.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bent resolutely upon living as real "marooners" on -the productions of the island, the boys felt that it was -necessary for them first to know something more of the -country around. It was therefore agreed that they -should devote that day to a combined tour of hunting -and exploration. To this Mary also consented, for she -had now become more accustomed to her situation, and -moreover had Sam with her as an adviser.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Taking an early breakfast, and calling Mum, they -departed, leaving Fidelle as a protector to Mary and -Frank. The course which they pursued was along the -coast. For a mile they walked on the smooth hard -beach, and saw it covered with innumerable shells, of -all sorts and sizes. Some were most beautifully fluted; -others were encircled with spurs or sharp knots; some -were tinted with an exquisite rose colour; others were -snowy white, and others of a dark mahogany. Conchs -of a large size were abundant, and there were myriads -of little rice-shells.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder if these shells can be put to no use?" -asked Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly," Robert responded. "If we need lime -we can obtain it by burning them. These large round -shells may be cut so as to make handsome cups and -vases. The long ones are used by many poor people -for spoons. And the conch makes a capital trumpet; -our negroes on the seaboard make a hole in the small -end for this purpose. We often hear the boatmen -blowing their conchs at night; and when the sound comes -to us across the water, as an accompaniment to their -boat songs, it is particularly sweet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On learning these uses of the conch shell, Harold -selected several fine specimens, and threw them higher -on the beach, remarking, that in case they remained upon -the island they would need other signals than those of -the gun or the smoke for calling each other's attention; -and that he intended to try his skill in converting some -of these shells into trumpets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Pocketing some of the most delicate varieties for Mary -and Frank, they continued down the coast, attracted by -a large white object near the water-side. At first it -appeared to be a great heap of foam thrown there by -the sea, but soon they saw it move, and Robert -pronounced it to be a pelican. "It is a pity that it is not -eatable," said he, "for one bird would furnish more -flesh than a larger gobbler. But it is fishy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, if that be its only fault we can correct it," -replied Harold. "I recollect one day when you were -sea-sick, hearing the captain say that he had eaten -every sea-bird that flies, except Mother Cary's chickens; -and that he took off the skin as you would that of a -deer or rabbit, and soaked the flesh in strong brine; or -if he was on shore he buried it for a day or two in the -earth, and that then the flesh was pleasant enough. He -said, moreover, that the fishy taste of water-fowl comes -mostly from the skin. Come, let us get that fellow. I -cannot help thinking what a nice shawl, in cold or -rainy weather, his skin would make for Mary, if properly -cured with all its feathers on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pelican, however, saved them all future trouble -on account of either its flesh or its skin, for, being a -very shy bird, it flew away long before they came -within gunshot. Having ascended the bluff, they stood -upon a bank of sand, and looking far down the coast -saw it curve out of sight, without offering any -inducement to pursue it further. Immediately upon the -bluff, and for a quarter of a mile inland, the country -was bare of trees, except here and there a cluster of -dwarfish cedars, overtopped by tall palmettoes; but in -the interior the forest trees appeared rising into loftier -magnificence the farther they grew from the sea. -Striking across this barren strip--which, however, was -pleasantly varied by patches of cacti loaded with superb -crimson pears, and by little wildernesses of chincopin -(dwarf-chestnut) bushes, whose open burrs revealed each -a shining jet black cone--and entering the kind of -forest where game might be expected, Harold gave -Mum the order to "Hie on"; and he was soon dashing -about in every direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose," said Robert, "that you intend to </span><em class="italics">still -hunt</em><span>. But if so, you must remember that I have the -art yet to learn; and if you wish not to be interrupted -by my blunders, you had better describe now, before we -go to work, how it is that still hunters find their game, -and then how they approach it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They find their game by various means," Harold -replied, acknowledging, at the same time, the justice -of Robert's remarks. "Some by their own keen eyes -alone in watching or in tracking; others by a dog trained -for the purpose, as we expect to do. This last is the -easier if the dog is good. When Mum has discovered -a trail, he will keep directly before us, and as the trail -freshens he will grow more cautious, until at last his -step becomes as stealthy and noiseless as a cat. We must -then be cautious too. If the woods are close so that we -cannot see the deer, nor they see us until we are upon -them, our success will depend upon the quickness of -our shots, and the certainty of our aim; but if the woods -are open, so that we can see them afar off, we must use -the cover of a hill or of a thicket to conceal our approach, -or else one of us must leave the dog with the other, and -advance upon them in the open woods."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you do not mean to say," Robert argued, in -surprise, "that deer will allow you to come upon them -in broad day-light, and shoot them down?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I do," he replied; "and it is easy enough if -you will pursue the right plan. When a deer feeds, -he directs his eyes to the ground; and during that -time he sees nothing except what is just at his nose. -That is the opportunity you must take to advance. The -moment he lifts his head you must stand stock still; -and if you can manage to be of the colour of a stump, -he will be apt to take you for one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But can you stop soon enough to imitate a stump!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course you must be quick; but this brings me -to speak of another fact. A deer never puts down nor -raises his head without first shaking his tail. Keep -your eye therefore steadily fixed upon him, and guide -your motions by his signs. Old Torgah used to give me -an amusing account of the difference between deer and -turkeys in this respect; for, with all their sagacity, in -some things deer are very simple, while the turkey is -so keen and watchful as to be called by hunters 'the wit -of the woods.' Old Torgah's account, given in his -broken English is this: ''Ingin,' said he, 'see deer -feed, and creep on him when his head down. Deer -shake 'ee tail; Injin stop still. Deer look hard at him, -and say "stump! stump! nothing but stump!" Presently -Injin creep close, and shoot him down. But Injin -see turkey feed, and creep on him. Turkey raise 'ee long -neck to look, and Injin stand still like a stump; but -turkey never say "stump!" once; he say, "dat old Injin -now!" and he gone.' But see, Mum has struck the trail -of something. Notice how eager he is, yet how patiently -he waits for us. Come, let us follow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In Robert's opinion, Mum's reputation for patience -was, on the present occasion, not deserved; for his pace -was so rapid that it was difficult for them to keep -within sight, and moreover he soon sprang ahead, and -burst into a full loud cry. "I thought you said that -he hunted in silence," he remarked, almost out of breath -with running.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I said he was silent on the trail of </span><em class="italics">deer</em><span>," replied -Harold, "but these are turkeys. Do you not see the -deep print of their toes in running! Mum knows what -he is about. His racing after them will cause them to -fly into the trees; and then as he stands below and -barks, they will keep their eyes fixed on him, and never -notice us. There they are! See in that oak! Robert, -do you advance behind the cover of yonder mossy tree. -I will find some other place. But as my rifle will -carry farther than your smooth bore, do not mind me, -except to await my signal. As soon as you are ready -to fire, let me know by a whistle; if I am ready, I will -answer you; and then do you fire about a second after -you hear me. I will take the highest turkey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They advanced silently but rapidly. Each came -within a fair distance. Mum kept up a furious barking -as the hunters approached. One whistle was heard, then -another; three reports followed in quick succession; and -four turkeys, two of them magnificent gobblers, tumbled -heavily from the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well done for us! Hurra!" shouted the boys, rushing -upon their prey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was indeed good shooting, although part of it was -accidental. Robert fairly won the credit of his two -shots, having brought down the birds he aimed at; but -the ball from Harold's rifle had passed through the eye -of the one which he had selected, and broken the legs -of another unseen by him beyond, and it now lay -floundering upon the ground unhurt, except in its -fractured limbs, but unable to rise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young hunters swung their prizes over a pole, -of which each took an end, and then turned their faces -homewards. The distance was not more than two miles, -but burdened as they were with guns and game, and -compelled to cut their way through frequent network -of the grape-vine and yellow jessamine, and dense masses -of undergrowth, they were nearly two hours in making -it. Frank spied them from afar, and giving Mary a -call, bounded to meet them. "Whew!" he whistled, -on seeing their load, "what a bundle of turkeys!" He -offered to help them carry a part of the load, but they -were too weary to stop and untie. They preferred that -Mary and Frank should show their kindness, by -providing them with some cool water. "We will pay you -for your trouble," said they, patting their pockets, -which were stuffed full of something heavy; "make -haste, and let us have it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the time they had wiped their wet brows, and -begun to enjoy their rest, the water came. The boys -first emptied their pockets of the shells and chincopins, -found during their ramble, then cooled themselves by -bathing their wrists; after which they drank, and -casting themselves at length upon their couches of moss, -they talked across the tent to Sam, who seemed to be as -much elated as any of them with their success.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now past the middle of the day. The afternoon -was spent in working upon their tent. Their object -was to make it more impervious to rain and drift, in -case of another storm; and this they effected by raising -the floor, and by spreading the sail of their boat as a -sort of outer awning.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">RAINY DAY--THE KITCHEN AND FIRE--HUNTING THE -OPOSSUM</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was fortunate for the young adventurers that they -had executed so promptly their intended work upon -the tent, for though they had no heavy wind, the -rain poured down during the whole night; and when -they arose next morning, the sky was full of low scudding -clouds, which promised plenty of rain for all that day, -and perhaps for days to come. But, though the tent -was dry as a hay loft, there were several deficiencies. -They had but a meagre supply of wood, and their kitchen -fire was without a shelter. The wind and rain were -both chilly; and, it was plain, that without somebody's -getting wet they must content themselves with a cold -breakfast, and a shivering day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why did we not think of this before?" Robert -querulously asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Simply because we had other things to think of," -replied Harold. "For my part, I am thankful that we -have a dry tent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So am I," rejoined Robert, changing his tone. "But -I should be still more thankful if we had a place where -we could sit by the fire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very likely, </span><em class="italics">now</em><span> since we know from experience, -how uncomfortable it is to be without. But I doubt if -any of us would be half so thankful, were it not for -being put to inconvenience. I recollect a case in point. -My mother was once taken sick while we were travelling -through the Indian nation. At that time the Indians -were becoming hostile, and we were every day expecting -them to declare war. O, how troubled we all were! -I remember that every morning we made it a point -to say how thankful we were for spending another -night, without being scalped. But afterwards, when -we had returned home, and could spend our days and -nights in peace, we forgot to be thankful at all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert smiled at the naturalness of the description, -and remarked, "Well, I think we shall be thankful now -for a fire and shelter. Can we not devise some way to -have them?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The result of this conference was, that in the course -of an hour they set up the boat-awning as a sort of -kitchen, enclosed on three sides by the remaining -bed-sheets, and having a fire at the windward gable, near -which they sat very cosily on boxes and trunks brought -from the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Contrary to their expectation, the rain began to abate -about noon, and long before sunset the surface of the -earth was so much dried, and the drops left upon the -trees and bushes so thoroughly exhaled or shaken off -by a brisk wind, that the boys used the opportunity to -bring in a supply of wood and lightwood. The light-wood -was very rich, and split into such beautiful torch -pieces, that Harold was tempted to think of a kind of -sport in which he had often engaged, and in which he -was very fond. "We have been pent up all day," said -he to Robert; "suppose we change the scene by taking a -fire-hunt tonight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With all my heart," was the reply; "and I think -no one will object to our having a fat roast pig for our -Sunday's dinner."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably not," Harold rejoined, "and I am still -more in favour of the idea, for the reason that, as we -take such game alive, we can keep it as long as we will."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their preparation for the excursion consisted simply -in splitting an armful of lightwood, which Harold tied -into a bundle, to be readily slung over the shoulders by -a strap. In the midst of their preparations Frank -came up, and on learning their purpose, almost shouted -for joy. He had so often heard Sam and William -speak of the pleasure of their 'possum hunts, that it -had long been the height of his ambition, as a sportsman, -to engage in one; but for various reasons the convenient -time had never yet come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, I am so glad!" he exclaimed, with a face lighted -with pleasure; "you will let me go, won't you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here now was a dilemma. How could they refuse -him? and yet how could they with propriety leave Mary -with no other companion than poor bed-ridden Sam? -The boys saw no alternative but to give up the hunt, -until Robert proposed himself to stay with Mary, on -condition that Frank should carry the torch and -light-wood, while Harold bore the ax and gun. But to their -gratification, Frank, perceiving the difficulties of the -case, and ashamed to rob his brother of a place which -he himself was incompetent to fill, set the matter at -rest, by saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, brother, I will not go tonight; I will wait and -go with Cousin Harold some time when Sam gets well. -But you must give me the pigs when you come back, -and let me feed them every day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They praised him sincerely for his act of self-denial, -and promised that he should be no loser on account of -it. Soon as it was dark they bid him good-night, and -departed. He stood in the tent door, happy in the -thought of their pleasure, and watched the animated -motions of boys and dogs, as the red light flashed upon -the trees, and the whole party became gradually lost -from sight in the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys had not proceeded a half mile, before the -quick sharp bark, first of Mum, then of Fidelle, gave -indications of their having "treed" some kind of game. -Hastening to the spot, they saw the dogs looking eagerly -up a slender, tall persimmon, and barking incessantly. -For a time they could discover nothing in its branches, -or on its body; and had begun almost to conclude that -(in hunter's phrase) their dogs had </span><em class="italics">lied</em><span>, when Harold -took the torch, waved it to and fro behind him, -walking thus around the tree, and keeping his eyes fixed -on those places where he supposed the opossum to be. -Presently he cried out, "We have him! I see his eyes! -Mum, poor fellow," patting his head, "you never lie, -do you?" Mum wagged his expressive tail with great -emphasis, as much as to say that he perfectly -understood both the slander and the recantation, and that he -now desired nothing but the privilege of giving that -'possum a good shake. Robert also took the light, and -holding it behind him, saw amid a bunch of moss two -small eyes glistening in the dark. The aim was so fair -that the gun might have been used with certainty, were -it not against all hunting rule; an opossum must be -</span><em class="italics">caught</em><span>, not killed. The boys plied their ax upon the -yielding wood, the eyes of the now silent dogs being -fixed alternately upon the game above and the work -below. The tree cracked and toppled. Mum's ears -stood perfectly erect; and ere the branches had time to -sway back, from their crash upon the ground, he was -among them, growling at something upon which he had -pounced. It was the opossum; and like all the rest -of its tribe when in the presence of an enemy, it seemed -to be stone dead. They took it up by its scaly, rat-like -tail, and again went on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the course of a short walk they took a second, and -on their way back, a third. These were quite as many -as they could conveniently carry; and taking their -captives home, they made them secure, by tying a -forked stick around the neck of each, on the plan of a -pig-yoke. From the moment that these singular animals -found themselves in the power of their enemies, they put -on all the usual appearances of death; not a muscle -twitched, nothing stirred or trembled; each limb was -stiff, and each eye closed; not even the growl or grip -of the dogs was sufficient to disturb their perfect -repose. Robert could scarcely persuade himself that they -were not really dead. Harold laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They can stand the crash of a tree and the worrying -of dogs," he said, after they were made secure; "but -there is one thing which they cannot stand. See here!" -and he poured a cupful of cold water on each. The -shock seemed to be electric. Each dead opossum was -galvanized into life, and pulled stoutly to break away -from its wooden fetters. "Now let us to bed."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">FRANK AND HIS "PIGS"--THE CAGE--WALK ON THE -BEACH--IMMENSE CRAWFISH--THE MUSEUM--NAMING THE -ISLAND</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Frank's first words the next morning, as in his -night-clothes he ran from Mary's room, were, -"Have you brought my pig?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes! yes!" they answered, "three of them; and all -yoked to boot, so that they cannot get either into the -garden or the cornfield."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank did not comprehend this enigmatical language; -he hastily dressed and went out. Close to the awning -he found the new comers sitting, each secured by the -novel pillory which Harold had contrived. They were -ugly looking creatures, with long, hypocritical faces, -coarse, grizzly hair, and an expression of countenance -exceedingly contemptible. Frank had often seen -opossums before, but the fancy name of pigs had caused him -mentally to invest them with the neat and comely aspect -of the little grunters at home. When he hurried from -the tent, and saw them in their native ugliness, writhing -their naked, snakey tails, he turned away with unaffected -disgust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They are not very pretty," said Harold, watching -the changes that flitted across the little fellow's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, indeed," he replied; "they are the ugliest things -I ever saw. You may keep them and feed them yourself; -for I will not have them for mine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The unsightly appearance of the opossum excites in -many persons a prejudice against its use for the table. -But when young and tender, or after having been kept -for several days, its flesh is so nearly in taste like that -of a roast pig, that few persons can distinguish the -difference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A cage for the captives was soon constructed, of poles -several inches in diameter, notched into each other, and -approaching at the top like a stick trap. The floor -was also guarded with poles, to prevent their burrowing -out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now we need one or two troughs for their water and -food," observed Harold, after the prisoners, loosed from -their neck-locks, had been introduced into the airy -saloon erected for their accommodation. "I propose, -therefore, that Mary and Frank shall go with one of -us to Shell Bluff, and bring home a supply of conch -shells, to be converted, as we need them, into troughs, -cups, dippers, and trumpets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary and Frank needed no persuasion to go upon -this excursion, after the glowing description given by -the boys on their return from the beach. Robert -preferred to remain with Sam. The others set off--Harold -with his gun, which, for reasons of policy, was an -inseparable companion, Mary with a basket, and Frank -with his dog and hatchet. On arriving at the beach, -down which they were to pass for a mile or more, the -youngsters amused themselves for a time with writing -names, or making grotesque figures in the hard smooth -sand; then ran to overtake Harold, who had walked -slowly on, watching the sea-gulls plunge after their -prey on the surface of the water; for a short distance -they went with him side by side, chatting through mere -excitement; then dashing far ahead, they picked up -shells and other curiosities thrown up from the sea. -Several times was Mary's basket filled with prizes, and -afterwards emptied for others still more beautiful, -before they reached the place which the boys had named -"Shell Bluff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The beach at that place was lovely indeed. For half -a mile or more it looked like snow, mottled with rose -colour here, and with dark brown there; while, -crowning the bluff above, waved a cluster of tropical -palmettoes, around whose bases gathered the dark and fragrant -cedar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again Mary replenished her basket, Frank filled every -pocket he had, and his cap besides, and Harold collected -his handkerchief full of fine-looking conch shells. They -were about returning, when their attention was attracted -by the shell of an enormous crawfish, whose body alone -was nearly a foot long, and whose claws, extending far -in front, were of hideous dimensions. This last Harold -said he must take home for "Mr. Philosopher Robert," -and learn from him what it was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert was much pleased to see the collections they -had made, and particularly so with the shell. He said -that this was another proof, if he needed any other, to -show that they were on the western coast of South -Florida, for he had often heard of the enormous -crawfish that abounded there, and that were almost equal in -size to the lobster.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us be sure, Harold," said he, "to put it beside -your oyster, with the raccoon's foot, as the beginning of -a museum gathered from the island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; and our rattlesnake's skin," Frank added.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And our turkey's tail, and Frank's plume," said -Mary. "We have the beginning of a museum already; -for there are besides these things about twenty varieties -of shells and sea-weeds in this basket, some of which -I never saw before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold was as much interested as any in the idea of -a museum; for though he knew nothing of its proper -arrangement, he had good sense enough to perceive that -it was a very ready means of acquiring and retaining -knowledge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But the name of this island," said Robert, musing; -"I have several times wished that we had one. And -why should we not, for who has a better right to give it -a name than we, its only inhabitants?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He expressed the mind of the whole company, and -they soon proceeded to call upon each other for -nominations. "The rule in such cases, I have heard, is to -begin with the youngest," said Robert. "So Master -Frank, do you tell us what you would have it called."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank mused a moment, and replied, "I will call it -Turkey Island; because turkeys were the first thing -we saw here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My name, I think, will be the Island of Hope," said -Mary, as her brother's eye rested on her. "We have -certainly been </span><em class="italics">hoping</em><span> ever since we came, and will -continue to hope until we get away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, but we sometimes despaired, too," answered -Robert, "especially on the morning after the storm. I -have thought of the Caloosa name--the Enchanted -Island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please, Massa," Sam implored, "don't call um by -dat name. I begin to see ghosts now; and I 'fraid, -if you call um so, I will see ghosts and sperits all de -time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think a more suitable name still," said Harold, -"is the Island of Refuge. It has certainly been to us -a refuge from the sea, and from the storm. And if it -is the Enchanted Island, of which Riley spoke, it will -also prove a refuge from the Indians, for none will dare -to trouble us here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam declined suggesting any name. He said, pointing -across the river to the bluff, where he had met with -his accident, "Dat my place, obe' turrah side;[#] and -my name for him is Poor Hope."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] That is my place, over the other side.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The name decided by universal acclamation, was THE -ISLAND OF REFUGE.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish we had a horn of oil," said Robert, "I would -anoint it, as discoverers are said to do. And if any -person could suggest an appropriate speech I would -repeat it on the occasion; but the only words I can think -of now are,</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>'Isle of Beauty, fare thee well!'</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>And much as I admire everything around, I hope ere -long to repeat those words in truth."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxiii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">THEIR SECOND SABBATH ON THE ISLAND, AND THE WAY -THEY SPENT IT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On coming together in the morning, Robert -proposed that they should add to their usual -religious exercises the singing of a hymn. "It is -father's plan," said he, "to mark the Sabbath with as -many pleasant peculiarities as possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold was gratified with the suggestion, but -remarked, "As I cannot sing, you must allow me to join -you in my heart, or else to assist the music with my -flute."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, the flute, by all means!" Mary replied. "And -see here what a beautiful hymn I have just found!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert took the book, and read with remarkable -appropriateness of tone and manner that exquisite hymn -by Dr. Watts, beginning</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"My God, how endless is thy love!"</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The music that morning was unusually sweet. The -voices of the singers were rendered plaintive by a -consciousness of their helpless situation; and the rich -tones of the flute, together with Sam's African voice, -which was marked by indescribable mellowness, added -greatly to the effect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The subject of the chapter was the parable of the -prodigal son. Sam, poor fellow, raised himself on his -elbow, and listened attentively; his remark made -afterwards to Mary, showed that, however far beyond his -comprehension a great part of the parable may have -been, he had caught its general drift and meaning. "De -Lord is berry kind; he meet de sinner afore he get home, -and forgib him ebbery ting."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About nine o'clock the young people separated, with -the understanding that they were to re-assemble at -eleven, for the purpose of reading the Scriptures, and -of conversation about its teachings.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert went to the beach, and taking his seat upon -a log, near the flag-staff, looked upon the ocean, and -engaged in deep reflection upon their lonely situation, -and the waning prospects of their deliverance. His -Testament gradually slipped from his grasp, and his -head sunk between his knees. Such was his absorption -of mind, that the big drops gathered upon his forehead, -and he was conscious of nothing except of his separation -from home, and of the necessity for exertion. At last he -heard a voice from the tent. Harold and Mary were -beckoning to him; and looking up to the sun, he saw -that eleven o'clock had come and passed. He sprang to -his feet, and in doing so, was rebuked to see lying on -the ground the Testament which he had taken to read, -but had not opened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold, on leaving the tent, took his pocket Bible and -strolled up the river bank, to a pleasant cluster of trees, -where he selected a seat upon the projecting root of a -large magnolia. His mind also reverted naturally to -their lonely situation; but he checked the rising thoughts, -by saying to himself, "No. I have time enough during -the week for thoughts like these. The Sabbath is given -for another purpose, which it will not do for me longer -to neglect. When the Lord delivered us in that strange -way at sea, I resolved to live like a Christian, but I -have neither lived nor felt as I ought. The Lord -forgive me for my neglect, and help me to do better." He -knelt down, and for several minutes was engaged -in endeavouring to realize that he was in the presence -of God. His first words were a hearty confession that, -although he had been early taught to know his duty, he -had not done it, nor had the heart to do it; and, though -in the experience of countless blessings, he had never -been grateful for any until the time of that unexpected -deliverance. He thanked God for having taught him -by that dreadful accident to feel that he was a sinner, -and that it was a terrible thing to live and to die such. -He said he knew there were promises, many and great, -to all who would repent of sin, and believe in Jesus -Christ, and he prayed that God would enable him so -to repent and believe, as to feel that the promises were -made to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Rising from his knees, and sitting upon the root of -the tree, he opened the Bible, and his eye rested upon -the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, "Ho, every one that -thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no -money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come; buy wine and -milk, without money and without price." Here he -stopped, for his eyes filled, and the page became -obscured. He put his hands to his face, and thought, -"That passage surely describes </span><em class="italics">me</em><span>. I came to this spot -as a thirsty person goes to a spring. My soul longs -for something, I know not what, except that God only -can supply it, and that I have nothing to offer for its -purchase. Now God says that he will </span><em class="italics">give</em><span> it, 'without -money and without price.' O, what a blessing! O, -how merciful! Let me see that passage again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He re-opened the Bible, which had been laid in his -lap, but the place had not been marked, and was not to -be found. After searching some time, he turned to the -New Testament, and having opened it at the Epistle to -the Romans, was turning back to the Gospels, when his -eye was caught by these words (contained in the seventh -and eighth verses of the fourth chapter of Romans): -"Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and -whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the -Lord will not impute sin." "Ah, yes!" he exclaimed, -"how true that is! There is no blessing like -it." Supposing that something might be said in the chapter to -show how sin may be forgiven and covered, he read -the chapter through, but was disappointed. The only -clear idea he gained was that Abraham was counted -righteous, and was saved, not by his works, but by his -faith. This confused him. "I always thought," said -he, "that people were saved because they were good. -But this teaches,--let me see what,"--at this time his -eye rested on the words, "Now it was not written for -his sake alone (viz. that Abraham's faith was imputed -to him for righteousness), but FOR US ALSO, </span><em class="italics">to whom</em><span> it -shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up -Jesus, our Lord, from the dead, who was delivered for -our offences, and was raised again for our justification."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, there comes my case again!" he mentally -exclaimed. "It does seem as if God is opening to me the -scriptures. This fact, about Abraham, was </span><em class="italics">recorded</em><span> -not for his sake, but FOR OUR SAKES </span><em class="italics">now</em><span>. And the blessing -bestowed on him (that is, the forgiveness of sin), shall -be bestowed on us too, 'if we believe on Him (that is, -God the Father), that raised up Jesus from the dead, -who was delivered (that is, given up to death--put to -death) for our offences, but raised again for our -justification.' But justification, what does that mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He glanced his eye over the chapter. It flashed upon -him that justification means nothing more nor less than -what Paul had been speaking of throughout the whole -chapter. Abraham was "justified"--that is, "sin was -not imputed to him"--he was "counted righteous," on -account of his faith. Now he understood the passage. -It declared that we too shall be justified, if we believe -on God, who gave up Jesus to suffer for our sins, and -who raised him again that we might be counted righteous.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he had conceived this idea, and had certified -his mind of its correctness, by reading the passage over -several times, he fell once more upon his knees, and said, -"O Lord, I am a sinner. But thou hast said, 'Ho, -every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters; and -he that hath no money.' I come as a sinner, thirsting -for pardon, but having no money to offer for its purchase. -My only hope is in Thy promise. I plead it now before -Thee. Thou hast promised, that as Abraham was justified -by faith, so shall we be, if we believe on Thee, who -didst raise Jesus from the dead. Lord, I believe; help -thou my unbelief. Accept of me as righteous in thy -sight, not because I am righteous--for I am not, but -because Jesus Christ was delivered for our offences, and -raised again for our justification. Forgive my iniquities, -cover my sins, and make me all that thou wouldst -have me be, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For some minutes he continued kneeling; his eyes -were closed, his hands clasped, and his bowed face -marked by strong emotion. It was pleasant to be thus -engaged. He had experienced for the first time the -blessedness of drawing near to God, and now he was -listening to that "still small voice," that spoke peace -to his inmost soul.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more he sat upon the rough root of the tree. -He opened his Bible to the same page which had been -so instructive, but it was to the next chapter, where he -read: "Therefore, being justified by faith, we have -peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ." "Yes, -yes," he murmured, as his hand sought his bosom. -"Peace indeed! Peace with God! Peace through our -Lord Jesus Christ--and justified by faith." He -continued reading:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By whom we have access by faith into this grace -wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of -God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations -also; knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and -patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh -not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in -our hearts, by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! is not this true?" he joyfully soliloquized. "We -glory in tribulations. I used to wonder how people could -glory in trouble. But now, thanks to God for trouble! especially -for the trouble that brought us to this island, -and brought me to Jesus Christ! Yes, </span><em class="italics">thanks to God for -trouble</em><span>!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having read the chapter to the end, and found, as -is usual with persons in his state of mind, that although -he could not understand it all, there was scarcely a verse -in which he did not discover something suitable to his -case, he knelt down and consecrated himself to God; -praying that the Lord would grant him grace to live as -a Christian, and more particularly so to live, as to be -the means of bringing his young companions to a -knowledge of the truth. As he closed his prayer, the words -of the morning hymn rose vividly to his recollection; -he did not indeed use them as any part of his address -to a throne of grace, but he used them as uttering -beautifully the language of his own heart in that sweet -communion to which he was now initiated.</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"I yield my powers to thy command,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>To thee I consecrate my days;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Perpetual blessings from thy hand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Demand perpetual songs of praise."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Looking at his watch he saw that the hour of eleven -was at hand. He turned his face toward the tent, and -walked slowly onward, and as he went his lips -continually murmured,</span></p> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"Perpetual blessings from thy hand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Demand perpetual songs of praise."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>While Robert and Harold were thus engaged, Mary -told Frank to amuse himself not far away, and that -after she had looked over her own lessons she would -call for him. In the act of going to her room, she was -arrested by the voice of Sam, who said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please, misses, Mas Robert and Mas Harold both -gone away; and if you can, read some of the Bible to -your poor sick servant--do, misses."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Touched by his melancholy earnestness, she promised -to do so with pleasure, after having finished Frank's -lessons and her own; and indeed, urged on by his apparent -thankfulness, she dispatched her task in one-half the -usual time, and then called for Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What! have you learned your lessons already?" he -asked, in some surprise. She replied, "Yes." "Then," -said he, "I wish you would make mine as short, for it -took you a very little while." But when she informed -him of the secret of her rapidity, and he heard a -plaintive, half-devotional sigh from Sam's corner, he said, -"Get the book, sister; I will learn as fast as I can, and -then we can both go and sit by him, while you read." Mary -patted his cheek, saying that he was a good -fellow, whenever he chose to be; and giving him the book, -he stood by her side, and learnt his lessons very soon, -and very well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chapter selected at Sam's request was the third -of John. With this he was so well acquainted as to be -able to repeat verse after verse, while Mary was reading, -and he seemed withal to have a very clear idea of its -meaning. Mary was surprised. She knew that her -father was in the habit of calling his plantation negroes -together on Sabbath evenings, and instructing them from -the Scriptures, but she had no idea that the impressions -made by his labour had been so deep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not until half-past eleven that they were all -assembled and composed. They sang several hymns, -then conversed freely upon the subject of the chapter, -which had interested them in the morning, and on which -they had promised to reflect. These exercises occupied -them so pleasantly that it was past the usual hour ere -any one thought of dinner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A part of Dr. Gordon's custom had been to call upon -each of his children every day at their midday meal, -to tell what "new knowledge" they had gained since -that hour of the day preceding. On Sundays the same -plan was pursued, except that the knowledge was -required to be suitable to the day. This practice was on -the present occasion resumed by the young people. -Frank's new knowledge consisted of part of his morning -lesson; Mary's, of a new method devised by her for -remembering the order of certain books in the Bible; -Robert's, of the aim and object of the parable just discussed: -it was a keen rebuke to the Scribes and Pharisees, who -murmured against Jesus for receiving sinners and eating -with them. When Harold's turn came, he spoke with -much emotion, and a face radiant with pleasure. He -said that he had on that day learnt the most important -lesson of his life; how good the Lord is, and how great -a sinner he himself had been; he had learnt how to love -Him, and how to trust Him; how to read the Bible, and -how to pray. He was not able to tell how it happened, -but there was now a meaning in the Scriptures, and a -sweetness in prayer, that he had never before suspected, -and that he hoped it would last for ever. He concluded -by saying that he could conceive of no greater blessing -than that of being enabled to feel all his life-long as he -felt that morning, after promising to try to live like a -Christian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To these remarks of Harold no one made reply. Robert -looked down a moment, then directed his gaze far -away, as if disturbed by some painful recollection. -Mary gazed wistfully on her cousin, and covered her face -with both hands. Frank slid from his seat, and coming -to Harold's side, insinuated himself upon his knee, and -looked affectionately into his face. All felt that a great -event had happened in their little circle; and that from -that time forth their amiable cousin was in a most -important sense their superior. They separated in silence, -Robert going to the spring, Mary to her room, and Harold -to talk with Sam.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Late in the afternoon they went together to the -seashore, and sitting around their flag-staff, on the clear -white sand, looked over the gently rippling waters, and -talked thankfully of their merciful deliverance, and of -their pleasant Island of Refuge. The air became chilly, -and the stars peeped out, before they sought the tent. -Again soft music stole upon the night air, and floated far -over the sands and waters. Then all was hushed. The -youthful worshippers had retired. And so softly did -sleep descend upon their eyelids, and so peacefully did -the night pass, that one might almost have fancied angels -had become their guardians, were it not for the still -more animating thought that the </span><em class="italics">God</em><span> of the angels was -there, and that He "gave his beloved sleep."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxiv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">MOTE IN THE EYE, AND HOW IT WAS REMOVED--CONCH -TRUMPET AND SIGNALS--TRAMP--ALARM</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The next morning, while planning together the -employments of the day, Frank came in, holding -his hand over his eye, having had a grain of -sand thrown into it by an unfortunate twitch of Dora's -tail. It pained him excessively, and he found it almost -impossible to keep from crying. Mary ran quickly and -brought a basin, for the purpose of his washing it out. -He however became frightened at finding his mouth and -nose immersed, and was near being strangled in the -attempt. It would have been better for so young a person, -if Mary had made him hold back his head, and dropped -the water under the uplifted lid. She next proposed to -remove it by introducing the smooth head of a large -needle to the painful spot, and moving the mote away; -but neither would Frank allow this. Robert then took -the matter in hand, and having in vain blown and -rubbed in various ways, endeavoured to remove the -substance by drawing the irritated lid over the other, in such -a way as to make the lash of one a sort of wiper to -the other. But neither did this succeed. By this time -the eye had become much inflamed, and Frank began -to whimper. Harold asked him to bear it for a minute -longer, and he would try old Torgah's plan. With a -black filament of moss, the best substitute he could devise -for a horse hair, he made a little loop, which he inserted -under the uplifted lid, so as to enclose the foreign -substance; then letting the lid fall, he drew out the loop, -and within it the grain of sand. Robert observed that -an almost infallible remedy is to bandage the eye and -take a nap; and Mary added, that it would be still more -certain if a flaxseed were put into the eye before going -to sleep. Frank, however, needed no further treatment; -he bathed his eye with cold water, wore a bandage for -an hour, and then was as well as ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the conversation that preceded this incident, -Harold had brought out a hammer and large nail, and -now occupied himself with making a smooth hole in the -small end of one of the conches. Having succeeded, he -put the conch to his lips, and after several trials brought -from it a loud clear note like that of a bugle. Robert -also, finding that the sound came easily, called aloud, -"Come here, sister, let us teach you how to blow a -trumpet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not until after several attempts that Mary -acquired the art. Frank was much amused to see how she -twisted and screwed her mouth to make it fit the hole; -and though he said nothing at the time, Harold had -afterwards reason to remember a lurking expression of -sly humour dancing about the corners of his mouth and eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, cousin," said Harold, when Mary had succeeded -in bringing out the notes with sufficient clearness, "if -ever you wish to call us home when we are within a -mile of you at night, or half a mile during the day, you -have only to use this trumpet. For an ordinary call, -sound a long loud blast, but for </span><em class="italics">an alarm</em><span>, if there should -be such a thing, sound two long blasts, with the interval -of a second. When you wish to call for Frank, sound a -short blast, for Robert two, and for me three.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his different strolls through the forest, Harold had -observed that the wild turkeys frequented certain oaks, -whose acorns were small and sweet. It was part of his -plan to capture a number of these birds in a trap, and -to keep them on hand as poultry, to be killed at pleasure. -For this purpose, it was necessary that the spot where the -trap was to be set should first be baited. He therefore -proposed to Robert to spend part of the forenoon in -selecting and baiting several places; and with this -intention they left home, having their pockets filled with -corn and peas. It did not require long to select half a -dozen such places, within a moderate distance of the -tent, to bait, and afterwards to mark them so that they -could be found.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having completed this work, they were returning to -the tent, when they heard afar off the sound of the -conch. It was indistinct and irregular at first, as if -Mary had not been able to adjust her mouth properly -to the hole; but presently a note came to them so clear -and emphatic, that Mum pricked up his ears, and trotted -briskly on; and after a second's pause came another -long blast. "Harold! Harold!" Robert said in a quick -and tremulous tone, "that is an alarm! I wonder what -can be the matter. Now there are two short blasts; they -are for me; and now three for you. Come, let us hurry. -Something terrible must have happened to Frank or to Sam."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They quickened their pace to a run, and were -bursting through the bushes and briers, when they again -heard the two long blasts of alarm, followed by the short -ones, that called for each of them. They were seriously -disturbed, and continued their efforts until they came -near enough to see Mary walking about very composedly, -and Frank sitting, not far from the tent, with the conch -lying at his feet. These signs of tranquillity so far -relieved their anxiety, that they slackened their pace to a -moderate walk, but their faces were red, and their breath -short from exertion. They began to hope that the alarm -was on account of </span><em class="italics">good</em><span> news instead of bad--perhaps the -sight of a vessel on the coast. Robert was trembling with -excitement. A loud halloo roused the attention of Frank, -and springing lightly to his feet he ran to meet them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the matter?" asked Robert; but either Frank -did not hear, or did not choose to reply. He came up -with a merry laugh, talking so fast and loud, as to drown -all the questions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha! ha!" said he, "I thought I could bring you! -That was loud and strong, wasn't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You!" Robert inquired. "What do you mean? Did -you blow the conch?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I did," he replied; "I blew just as cousin -Harold said we must, to bring you all home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Frank," remonstrated Harold, "the conch -sounded an alarm. It said, Something is the matter. -Now what was the matter?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, not much," Frank answered, "only I was getting -hungry, and thought it was time for you all to come -back. That was something, wasn't it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You wicked fellow!" said Robert, provoked out of -all patience, to think of their long run. "You have -put us to a great deal of trouble. Sister, how came you -to let him frighten us so?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, I could not help it," she replied. "When -I went to the spring a little while since, he excused -himself from going by saying that he felt tired; but no -sooner had I passed below the bluff, than I heard the -sound of the conch. I supposed at first it must be Sam, -who had become suddenly worse, and was blowing for -you to return; so I filled my bucket only half full, and -hurried home; when I ascended the bluff I saw the little -monkey, with the conch in his hand, blowing away with -all his might."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And didn't it go well?" asked Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young wag looked so innocent of every intent -except fun, and seemed withal to think his trick so clever, -that in spite of their discomfort, the boys laughed -heartily at the consternation he had produced, and at the half -comic, half tragic expression which his face assumed on -learning the consequences of his waggery. They gave -him a serious lecture, however, upon the subject, and -told him that hereafter he must not interfere with the -signals. But as he seemed to have such an uncommon -aptitude for trumpeting, Harold promised to prepare -him a conch for his own use, on condition that he played -them no more tricks. Frank was delighted at this, -and taking up the horn, blew, as he said, "all sorts of -crooked ways," to show what he could do. The boys -were astonished. Frank was the most skilful trumpeter -of the company; and on being questioned how he -acquired the art, replied, that when he and his mother had -gone on a visit to one of her friends, during the -preceding summer, he and a negro boy used to go after the -cows every evening, and blow horns for their amusement.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">A HUNTER'S MISFORTUNE--RELIEF TO A SPRAIN--HOW TO -AVOID BEING LOST IN THE WOODS, AND TO RECOVER -ONE'S COURSE AFTER BEING LOST--A STILL HUNT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was remarked by Mary the next morning, that -if some one did not go out hunting they should -soon be out of provision. "Which for our character -as marooners I hope will not be the case," rejoined -Harold. "Come, Robert, shall we be hunters today?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We cannot do better," Robert languidly replied, -"unless we go fishing instead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, do let me go with you," begged Frank. "I am so -tired of being cooped up here under this oak tree, and -running for ever to the spring and to the oyster bank. I -want to go either hunting or fishing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps we can do both," said Mary, perceiving from -Robert's looks that he was disinclined to any great -exertion. "Cousin Harold can take Frank and go to the -woods, while you and I, brother, can catch a mess of fish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That will do! O, yes, that is the very plan," Frank -exclaimed, clapping his hands. "Then we can run a -race to see who shall do best."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The company separated; Harold took Frank and -disappeared in the forest, where they were absent several -hours, and Robert and Mary went to the oyster bank, -where they supplied themselves with bait, and then -embarking on the raft, began to fish for sheepshead, near -a log imbedded in the mud, and covered with barnacles -and young oysters. The success of the fishing party -was very good; they soon had a basket half full of fish, -and the remainder filled with shrimp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not so with the hunters. Robert and Mary were -engaged in preparing their prizes for use, when they -heard a sharp halloo, and saw Frank emerging from a -dense growth of bushes, with the rifle upon his shoulder, -followed by Harold, who was limping painfully, and -beckoning them to approach.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Washing their hands with haste, Robert and Mary -ran to meet them. Harold was seated on a log, looking -very pale. Within an hour after leaving the tent he had -sprained his ankle, and ever since had been slowly and -with great suffering attempting to return. Mary was -frightened to see the haggard looks of her cousin, and -inquired anxiously what she could do to help him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take the gun, sister," said Robert. "Lean on me, -cousin, I will support you to the tent, and then show -you the best thing in the world for a sprain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary ran to the tent, put the gun in its place, -prepared Harold's couch, and then at Robert's request -hurried with Frank to the spring and brought up a -bucket of water, by the time that Harold's shoe and -stocking had been removed. The ankle was much -swollen, and the blood had settled around it in deep blue -clouds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, sister, bring me the coffee pot and a basin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The basin was placed under the foot, and the coffee -pot filled with cool water was used to pour a small -stream upon the injured part. This process was -continued for half an hour, by which time the inflammation -and pain were greatly reduced. It was also repeated -several times that day, and once more before retiring to -bed, the good effects being manifest on each occasion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This accident not only confined the whole company -at home for the rest of the day, but caused an unpleasant -conviction to press heavily upon the mind of Robert--the -whole responsibility of supplying the family with -food and other necessaries would for a time devolve upon -himself. This fact almost made him shudder, for though -a willing boy, he was not robust; labour was painful to -him; at times he felt a great disinclination to bodily -effort, but the greatest difficulty in the way of his -success in their present mode of life, was his ignorance of -some of the most necessary arts of a hunter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold," said he, with a rueful face, the next -morning, when they had finished talking over the various -means for discovering and approaching game in the -forest; "to tell you the truth, I am afraid of </span><em class="italics">getting -lost</em><span> in these thick and tangled woods. It is a perfect -wonder to me how you can dash on through bush and -brier, and turn here and there, as if you knew every -step of the way, when, if I were left alone, I should never -find my way home at all. Now my head is easily turned, -and when I am once lost, I am lost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know exactly what you mean," replied Harold, -"and in former times I used to feel the same way. But -there are two or three rules which helped me much, and -which I will give to you.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The first is, </span><em class="italics">never allow to yourself that you are -lost</em><span>. Say to yourself that you are mistaken, or that -you have taken the wrong course, or anything that you -will, but never allow the </span><em class="italics">lost feeling</em><span> to come over you, -so long as you can keep it off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When, however, you ascertain that you have unfortunately -missed your track, your next rule is to sit down -</span><em class="italics">as quietly as possible</em><span> to determine your course. Most -people in such a case become excited, run here and there, -at perfect random, and become worse bewildered than -before. First do you determine the points of the -compass, and then strike for the point you are most certain -of reaching. For instance, you know that anywhere on -this island the sea lies to the west, and a river to the -north. You can surely find either of these places; and -when once found you will be no longer in doubt, although -you may be far from home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how am I to know the points of the compass?" -inquired Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easily enough," his cousin replied. "But before -speaking of that, let me give you my third rule, which is, -</span><em class="italics">never get lost</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert laughed. "That is the only rule I want. Give -me that and you may have the rest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then," continued Harold, "make it your constant -habit to notice the course you travel, and the time you -are travelling. Watch the sun, or else the shadows of -the trees, and the angle at which you cross them. Early -in the morning the shadows are very long, and point -west. In the middle of the forenoon, they are about -as long as the trees that make them, and all point -north-west. And at twelve o'clock they are very short, and -point due north. To a woodsman the shadows are both -clock and compass; and by keeping your mind on them, -you can easily make what the captain would call your -</span><em class="italics">dead reckoning</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But," said Robert, "what would you do on such a -day as this, when there is neither sun nor shadow?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must work by another rule," he replied. "Old -Torgah gave me three signs for telling the points of the -compass, by noticing the limbs, the bark, and the green -moss on the trunks of trees </span><em class="italics">well exposed</em><span> to the sun. -Moss, you know, loves the shade, while the bark and -limbs grow all the faster for having plenty of light. As -a general rule, therefore, you will find the south, or -sunny side of a tree marked by large limbs and thick, -rough bark, and the north side covered, more or less, with -whatever green moss there may be on it.[#] Did I ever tell -you how these signs helped me once to find my way home?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Happening not long since to converse with an old and -observant farmer, on the subject of these natural signs, he pointed -out another.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">"Notice," said he, "the direction in which those trees </span><em class="italics small">lean</em><span class="small">."</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span class="small">We were in a pine forest, and, almost without exception, the -trees that declined from a perpendicular leaned towards the east. -The severe winds through the up country of South Carolina, -Georgia and Alabama, which start our trees and unsettle our -fences, usually prevail from the west. That is the point also -from which almost invariably come our thunder storms.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Robert replied that he had not. "I was at my uncle's, -where I had never been before, in a newly settled part -of the country. A small stream ran near his house, -and bent considerably around his plantation. Down -this stream I followed one day, in search of ducks, and -walked several miles before thinking of home. My -uncle's house lay due east, and instead of returning the -way I went, I determined to take a shorter course -through the woods. I had not gone far, however, before -a fat squirrel jumped upon a log, within good shooting -distance, curled his tail over his back, and sat there -barking; he seemed to give me every invitation that a -squirrel possibly could to shoot him, and I did so. But -it was really curious to see the consequence. Such a -barking of squirrels I never heard before in my life. -They were all around me, jumping, shaking their tails, -and </span><em class="italics">quaw-quawing</em><span> at such a rate, that it was almost like -witchcraft. I killed as many as I could carry, and once -more set out for home. But I had completely lost my -course; the chase had taken off my mind, and I could tell -neither which way I came into the wood, nor how I was -to go out of it. My uncle's house I knew lay to the -east, and the stream to the north. But which way was -east, and which north? The sun was hidden, and the -trees were so close and thick, that the moss covered their -large trunks on every side, and the limbs and bark for -the same reason seemed to be of equal size all round. At -last I spied a small tree, that was pretty well exposed to -the sun, and the limbs of which were evidently larger, -and the bark rougher on one side than on the other; there -was also a beautiful tuft of green moss growing at its -root, on the side opposite to the large limbs. These -signs satisfied me; but to make assurance doubly sure, -I cut into the tree far enough to ascertain that the -thickest bark was on the roughest side. That one tree was my -guide. I struck a straight course for home, and reached -it without difficulty. Now, if you take these rules, you -can guide yourself anywhere through these woods, in -which you will never be more than three or four miles -to the east of the sea-shore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, cousin," said Robert; "thank you -sincerely. You have relieved my mind from the greatest -embarrassment I have felt at the thought of roaming -these dark woods alone. Your rules give me confidence; -for the very trees that before caused my bewilderment -shall now become my guides."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He took his gun, called his dog, and gave a look to -Frank, in the expectation that he also would come. -But Frank had listened quietly to the preceding -conversation, and had as quietly made up his mind not -to go. He sat beside the cage, watching the opossum, -and took no notice of dog, gun, or look.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jump, Frank," said Robert, in a cheering tone; "I -am ready to go. Let us see if we cannot find a deer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I thank you," he soberly replied; "I do not love -to get lost. It does not feel pleasant. I had rather -stay at home and pour water on cousin Harold's foot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then stay," said Robert, in a disappointed tone; -"I forgot that you were a baby."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold, however, who knew that Frank was an -uncommon pedestrian, and that Robert preferred to have -company, whispered to him, "He is not going to lose -himself, Frank. I think, too, he will kill some deer, and -who knows but he may find another fawn to keep Dora -company." Frank seized his cap, and calling out, -"Brother! brother! I am coming!" dashed off in -pursuit. Fidelle started too, but they returned to tie her -up, and to say to Mary that she must not be uneasy if -they did not return by dinner-time, as they were -unwilling to come without game; then taking some parched -corn in their pockets in case of hunger, together with -Frank's hatchet and matches, they again set off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first business was to visit the turkey baits; at one -of which the corn and peas had all disappeared, with -evident traces of having been eaten by turkeys. "What -a pity we had not brought some more bait," remarked -Robert; "Harold says that when they have once found -food at a place, they are almost sure to return the next -day to look for more. We must share with them our -dinner of parched corn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Renewing the bait, they proceeded in a straight course -south, having for their guide the bright clouds that -showed the place of the sun to the south-east. Frank -was very anxious for Robert to kill some of the many -squirrels that frolicked around them. "May be," said -he, "if you shoot, they will quaw-quaw for you as they -did for Cousin Harold, and then we can go home -loaded." But Robert replied that this would be a -useless waste of ammunition: that it would probably scare -off the deer from the neighbourhood; and that, -moreover, his gun was not loaded for such small game.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had the argument closed before Mum began -to smell and snort, here and there, intent upon a -confused trail. His motion became soon more steady, and -he started off at a pace that made the hunters run to -keep in sight. Afraid that at this rate Frank would -give out, and that he himself would be too much out of -breath to aim surely, or to creep cautiously upon the -deer, Robert called out, "Steady, Mum!" The well-trained -brute instantly slackened his speed, and keeping -only about a rod ahead, went forward at a moderate walk. -In this way they followed for a full quarter of a mile, -when Robert observed him take his nose from the ground, -and walk with noiseless step, keeping his eyes keenly -directed forwards. He "steadied" him again by a half -whispered command, and kept close at his heels. Soon -he saw a pair of antlers peering above a distant thicket, -and the brown side of a deer between the branches. -Softly ordering Mum to "come in," and noticing that -what little wind there was blew so as not to carry their -scent to the deer, he said to Frank, "Buddy, if you will -remain by this large poplar, I will creep behind yonder -thicket, and see if I cannot get a shot. Will you be -afraid?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," he replied, "if you do not go too far away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will not go out of hearing," Robert said, "and if -you need anything, whistle for me, but do not call. -Hide yourself behind this tree, and when you hear me -shoot, come as soon as you please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was easy to cover his advance behind the dense -foliage of a viny bower, until he was quite near. He -paused to listen; the rustle of leaves and the sound of -stamping feet were distinctly heard. A short but -cautious movement gave him a commanding view of the -ground. There were three deer feeding within easy -reach of his shot. He sprung both barrels, and tried to -be deliberate, but in spite of all resolution his heart -jumped into his mouth, and his hand shook violently; he -had what hunters call "the buck-ague." Steadying his -piece against a stout branch, he aimed at the shoulders -of the largest, and fired. It fell, with a bound forward. -The other deer, instead of darting away, as he expected, -turned in apparent surprise to look at the unusual -vision of smoke and fire, accompanied by such a noise, -when he took deliberate aim with a now steady hand, -and fired at the head of the next largest, as it was in -the act of springing away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Frank! come!" he shouted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank, however, had started at the first report, and -was now running at the top of his speed. Robert rushed -forward to dye his hand for the first time in the blood -of so noble a victim; yet it made him almost shudder -to hear the knife grate through the delicate flesh, and to -see the rich blood gurgling upon the ground. Had it -not been that such butchery was necessary to subsistence, -he would have resolved at that moment to repeat it no -more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But what was next to be done? Here were two large -deer lying upon the earth. Should he skin and cleanse -them there, and attempt to carry home the divided -quarters? or should he carry home one deer and return for the -other? He decided upon the last. Before proceeding -homewards, however, he blazed a number of trees, to -show afar off the place of his game; then selecting a -tree, as far as he could distinguish in his way, he went -towards it, chopping each bush and sapling with his -hatchet; and making a broad blaze upon this tree, he -selected another in the same line, and proceeded thus -until he reached the tent. He had learnt by one-half -day's practice to thread the trackless forest with a -steadiness of course and a confidence of spirit that were -surprising to himself.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxvi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">CRUTCHES IN DEMAND--CURING VENISON--PEMMICAN--SCALDING -OFF A PORKER'S HAIR WITH LEAVES AND -WATER--TURKEY TROUGH--SOLITARY WATCHING--FORCE -OF IMAGINATION--FEARFUL RENCOUNTER--DIFFERENT -MODES OF REPELLING WILD BEASTS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Harold's ankle continued so painful whenever -he attempted to move, that Sam advised him, -the morning after the accident, to construct -for himself a pair of crutches. "Make 'em strong and -good, Mas Harol," said he, with a broad grin of -satisfaction. "I hope by time you trow 'em away, I'll pick -'em up." This work occupied the two invalids, while -Robert and Frank were engaged in their successful deer hunt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the venison was brought home, Harold assisted -in various ways in preparing it for use; and also -promised that if he was provided with the necessary means, -he would see that all which was thereafter brought in -should be properly cured. His favourite mode was by -the process called </span><em class="italics">jerking</em><span>. The plan was this: A -wig-wam was made, about five feet in diameter at the base, -and five feet high, leaving a hole at the top about two -feet wide. A place for fire was scooped in the middle; -and the pieces of venison were hung in the smoke that -poured through the open top. Pieces an inch thick, -when exposed at the same time to smoke and sunshine -were perfectly cured in the course of a day. The hams -required, of course, a longer time, and were all the -better for a little salt. The </span><em class="italics">salting tub</em><span> was made of a -fresh deer's skin, fleshy side up, supported by stakes so -as to sag in the middle. A substitute for a </span><em class="italics">pickle barrel</em><span> -was also devised in the course of time; this consisted of -a deer's skin, stripped off whole, and rendered -water-tight by stopping the holes; in this the meat was put, -covered with a strong brine, and drawn up into a tree. -When the visits of the flesh-fly were apprehended, the -mouth of the sack was secured by a string. But the -most convenient form in which the meat was cured was -that known as </span><em class="italics">pemmican</em><span>. To prepare this the meat -was jerked until perfectly dry, then pounded fine, and -mixed with half its own weight of melted grease; after -which it was packed away in skin bags, having the hair -outwards. The pemmican could be eaten, like bologna -sausage, either cooked or raw, and kept perfectly sweet -as long as it was needed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While describing these several modes of preparing and -preserving their meat, it may not be amiss to mention -also a method adopted by Harold for scalding off an -opossum's hair without any of the usual appliances for -heating the water. The opossum had been killed before -it was known that the utensils for boiling were all in use -and could not be spared. Robert was perplexed, for he -knew that the hair "sets" as soon as the carcass is cold, -and refuses to be drawn. But Harold replied with a smile,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have seen hogs scalded by being put into a deep -puddle of water heated with red hot stones. All the -water needed for so small an object as the opossum may -be heated in a deer skin, hung like our salting tub over -the fire. But I will show you a still easier plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gathered a pile of dry leaves, with which he covered -the body, and then poured on water until the pile was -quite wet; after which he piled on a much larger quantity -of dry leaves, which he set on fire. When the mass had -burnt down, the hair of the opossum was found so -thoroughly </span><em class="italics">steamed</em><span> by the surrounding heat, that it yielded -as easily as if it had passed through the most approved -process of the pork cleaning art.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Towards sunset Robert went to the turkey baits; -the birds had returned to the place they had visited -before, and eaten all the parched corn thrown there -the second time. He renewed the bait, with this -difference (made on Harold's suggestion)--that whereas he -had formerly scattered the corn broad-cast, he now -strewed it in a sort of trough, or shallow trench, made -in the ground. This trench was made on a line proceeding -straight from a place of concealment, selected -within good shooting distance. Turkeys are greedy -feeders; and when they find a place baited as that was, -they gather on each side of the trench, with their heads -close together, trying each to obtain his share of the -prize; and a person having a gun loaded with duck or -squirrel shot, has been known to kill six or eight at a -time, by firing among their interlocking heads.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An additional visit enabled Robert to determine that -the hour of their coming was early in the morning; -and this being the only other circumstance wanting to -fix the time of his own coming to meet them, he used that -opportunity to arrange to his fancy the place of his -concealment. The trench was on a line with two short -hedges of bamboo brier, diverging from each other in -the shape of the letter V, having a place of egress at -the angle. He closed the mouth of the V by planting a -blind of evergreens, high as his head, and very close at -the bottom; and as it was probable that he should be -compelled to remain some hours in concealment, he made -a seat, and opened through the blind a hole for observation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the following morning he was up and moving at -the peep of day. Mary prepared him a cup of coffee, -and by the time that there was light sufficient to follow -the blazed track he was on the way. His course lay -eastward, and through the opening branches glowed -that beautiful star which he had often admired, Venus, -the gem of the morning, "flaming upon the forehead of -the dawn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank begged hard to be allowed to go too, his -confidence in Robert's woodsmanship having been greatly -increased by the recent success; but Harold decided -against him. He said that in turkey shooting the fewer -persons there were present the better; that Robert -himself must keep still as a mouse, and that well trained as -Mum was, it would be better even for him to be left -behind. Robert therefore departed alone, putting into -his pocket a small volume of Shakespeare, to aid in -whiling away the slow hours of his solitary watch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On arriving at the spot his first act was to see that -the bait was yet untouched. He took his seat, and -continued for a long time peeping through the port hole, -and listening with an attention so acute that he could -hear the rush of his own blood along the throbbing -arteries. But as the minutes passed, and no change -occurred, not even the chirp of a bird or the bark of a -squirrel enlivening the grim solitude, his excitement -gradually gave way to weariness. He leaned his gun -against the wall of vines, and drew out his book. It was -the first volume, containing that magnificent drama, -"The Tempest." He read rapidly the familiar scenes -describing Ariel, the light, invisible spirit, and Caliban, -the hideous son of the old hag, and Prospero, with his -beautiful daughter, and the dripping refugees from the -sea, and became so deeply absorbed as perfectly to forget -where he was, until a slight rustling behind a briery -thicket near the bait aroused his attention. Whatever -the animal might have been, its step was very stealthy, -and evidently approaching. Laying down the book, and -grasping his gun, he peeped cautiously around; nothing -was visible. Soon he heard a rattling upon the ground -of falling fragments, as if from some animal climbing a -tree, and a grating sound like that of bark which is -grasped and crushed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder what that can be?" he mentally soliloquized. -"Perhaps a large fox-squirrel climbing after -acorns--but no, there is too much bark falling for that. -It must be a squirrel barking a dead limb for worms. -That's it! O, yes, that's it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But it was no squirrel, and had Robert been more of -a woodsman he would not have returned so quietly to -his reading. Indeed, he had become more deeply -interested in his book than in his business, and was glad of -any excuse that allowed him to return to Prospero and -the shipwrecked crew. He read a few pages more, and -stopping to connect in his mind the disjointed parts of -the story, his eye rested upon what appeared to be the -bushy tail of a very large squirrel, lying upon a limb -of the tree that overhung the bait.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I knew it was a squirrel," said he to himself; "but -he is a bouncer! How long his tail is! and how it moves -from side to side like a cat's, when it sees a bird or -a mouse that it is trying to catch. I wish I could -see his body, but it is hidden by that bunch of leaves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His imagination was so powerfully impressed with the -graphic scenery of "The Tempest," that he could -scarcely think of anything else. The idea in his mind -at that moment was the ludicrous scene in which the -drunken Stephano comes upon the queer bundle, made -up of Caliban and Trinculo, lying head to head under the -same frock, and appearing to his unsteady eyes like a -monster with two pairs of legs at each end. As Robert -looked into the tree, he almost laughed to catch himself -fancying that he saw Caliban's head lying on the same -limb on which lay the squirrel's tail, and staring at him -with its two great eyes. Indeed he did see something. -There was a veritable head resting there, and two great -eyeballs were glaring upon him, and nothing but the -irresistible influence of the scenes he had read deceived -him for a moment with the idea that it was Caliban's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A second and steady look would probably have -revealed the truth; but for this he had not time. The -welcome "twit! twit!" of the expected game caused him -to look through his port hole, and a large turkey cock, -accompanied by four hens, ran directly to the trench, -and began to eat as fast as they could pick up the grains. -Robert cautiously slipped his gun through the port hole, -and took deliberate aim, confident that he could kill the -five at one shot. But hesitating a moment whether he -should commit such wholesale destruction, when they -were already so well supplied with fresh meat, his gun -made a slight noise against the leaves, which attracted -the attention of the turkeys, and caused the hens to -dart away. The gobbler, being the leader and -protector of the party, stood his ground courageously, -stretching his long neck full four feet high, looking in -every direction, and then coming cautiously towards the -blind to reconnoitre.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert had gained experience from his still hunting; -and in this conjuncture stood perfectly motionless, -keeping his gun as immovable as the stiff branch of a dry -tree. The bird was deceived. It returned quietly to -the trench, and commenced feeding. Robert waited in -the hope that it would be joined by another; but no other -coming, he fired while it was picking up the last few -grains, and killed it. The moment of pulling the trigger, -he heard a rustle of leaves in the tree above the turkey, -and the moment after the report of his gun a heavy fall -upon the ground. As he rushed from his concealment -to seize the fallen game, he was horrified to see an -enormous beast of the cat kind, crushing the head of the -bird in its mouth, while its paw pinioned the fluttering -wings. It was a panther. It had crawled into the tree -while Robert was reading. It was </span><em class="italics">its</em><span> tail he had -mistaken for a squirrel's, and </span><em class="italics">its</em><span> head he had fancied was -Caliban's. For half an hour it had been glaring upon -him with its big eyeballs, waiting until he should pass -near enough to be pounced upon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The coming of the turkeys had distracted its attention; -and being hungry, it had ceased to watch for its human -victim, and resolved upon that which was surer. When -Robert emerged from his concealment it turned upon -him, dropped the mangled head from its bloody mouth, -reversed the hair on both back and tail, showed its -enormous fangs, and growled. Had he retreated from the -field he might have escaped the terrible conflict that -awaited him, for the panther, left to the peaceable -possession of its prize, would probably have snatched it up -and ran away. But his horror at the sight was so great -that for a moment he was paralysed. He convulsively -clutched his gun, and was on the point of firing almost -without aim, when another fierce growl from the panther, -that appeared to be gathering itself for a leap, brought -him to his senses. He took deliberate aim between its -eyes, and fired. It was a desperate chance, for the gun -was loaded only with duck shot. The howl of rage and -pain with which the panther bounded upon him, and the -grinning horrible teeth that it showed, made his blood -run cold. He clubbed his gun, prepared to aim a -heavy blow upon its forehead, but, to his surprise, -instead of leaping upon him, it sprang upon the thicket -of briers, about three feet distant, and began furiously -to tear on every side at perfect random.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He needed no better chance to escape from so dangerous -a neighbourhood; and, in the moment of leaving, saw -that both eyes of the animal had been shot away, and -that the bloody humour was streaming down its face. -He hurried on for a few steps, but fearing that the -frantic beast might pursue him, he slipped behind a tree, -and pouring hastily into his gun a charge of powder, -which he rammed down as he ran, put upon that a -heavy load of deer shot, and then made his way homewards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ere he had run one-half the distance, however, his -fears began to subside. The panther, if not mortally -wounded, was stone-blind; why should he not muster -courage enough to complete the work, and thus perform -a feat of which he might be proud as long as he lived? -In the midst of this cogitation, he heard before him the -tramp of footsteps, and saw the glimmering of an animal -that bounded towards him with rapid pace. Could this -be the panther which had pursued him, and intercepted -his flight! He levelled his piece in readiness for battle, -and was preparing to pull trigger at the first fair sight, -when he saw that, instead of a panther, it was -Mum--good faithful Mum, broken loose from his confinement -at home, and come in a moment of need to help his -master. What a relief! Robert called him, patted him, -hugged him, and then said, "Stop, Mum! I'll give you -something to do directly. Just wait a minute, boy, till -I load this other barrel; and with you to help me, I -shall not be afraid of any panther, whether his eyes -are in or out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mum had sagacity enough to know that his master was -greatly excited, and he showed his own sympathy by -whining, frisking about, and wagging his short tail. -Robert loaded with dispatch, hurried back, keeping Mum -directly before him, and holding his piece ready for -instant use; but the panther had disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On reaching the field of battle, Mum's first act was -to spring upon the prostrate bird, but finding it dead -he let it lie; then perceiving the odour of the panther's -track, his hair bristled, he followed the trail for a few -steps, and returned, looking wistfully into his master's -face. He evidently understood the dangerous character -of the beast that had been there, and was reluctant to -follow. Robert, however, put him upon the trail, and -encouraged him to proceed. Mum undertook the business -very warily. He went first to the brier on which -the panther had last been seen; then in a zigzag course, -that seemed to be interrupted by every bush against -which the blinded beast had struck; finally he bristled -up again, and gave signs of extreme caution. A few -steps brought them to a fallen log, between two large -branches of which Robert saw his formidable enemy, -crouched and panting. He softly called in his dog. The -panther pricked up its ears, and raised its head, as if -trying to pierce through the impenetrable gloom. -Robert came noiselessly nearer and nearer, until within -ten paces, then deliberately taking aim, he discharged -the whole load of bullets between the creature's eyes. -It leaped convulsively forward, and died almost without -a struggle.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 65%" id="figure-59"> -<span id="deliberately-taking-aim-he-discharged-the-whole-load-of-bullets-between-the-creature-s-eyes"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Deliberately taking aim, he discharged the whole load of bullets between the creature's eyes" src="images/img-210.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Deliberately taking aim, he discharged the whole load of bullets between the creature's eyes</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon as it was indubitably dead, Robert went forward -to examine it. He turned it over, felt its bony legs and -compact body; looked at the terrible fangs from which -he had made so narrow an escape, and, having satisfied -his curiosity, attempted to take it upon his shoulder; -but this was far beyond his strength--the panther was -heavy as a large deer. He marked carefully the spot -where it lay, and returning to the tree for his book and -bird, hurried home, to tell the others of his perilous -adventure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had he come within sight, before Frank's quick -eyes discerned him. "What!" said he, with a playful -taunt, "only one turkey! I thought you would have -had a house full, you staid so long and fired so often. -Cousin Harold hardly knew what to make of it; he -said he supposed you must have </span><em class="italics">wounded</em><span> a turkey; so -I ran and let Mum loose to help you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am glad you did," replied Robert, drawing a long -breath, "for never in my life was I more in need of -help."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you didn't get the other after all?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes, all I aimed at. But something came near -getting me, too. Where are Cousin Harold and sister?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the tent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold and Mary smiled with pleasure to see the -fine bird on his shoulder, but could not understand the -seriousness of countenance with which he approached. -He related the particulars of his adventure, to which -they listened with breathless attention. Mary turned -very pale, Harold's eyes flashed fire, and Sam's white -teeth shone in repeated laughs of admiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How I wish I could have been with you," said -Harold, looking mournfully at his lame foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish you had been."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That was a terrible moment, when you had fired -your last barrel, and the panther was rushing upon you. -You must have given up all for lost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Robert, "I felt myself tremendously -excited, but had no idea of giving up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is natural," said Harold. "No one ever gives -up while there is anything to do. But do tell me, what -did you think of? People can think so fast, and so -powerfully, when brought to the pinch, that I like to -hear all about their plans and thoughts. Tell me everything."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From first to last," said Robert, smiling, "I thought -of many things, but of none which I had time to execute, -except to fire into his eyes, and club my gun. I first -thought of running away, but not until I had stood so -long that the panther seemed about to spring upon me. -Then the idea occurred to me of trying the power of my -eye, as father recommended about dogs; but I confess -there was more power in his eye than mine, for I was -badly frightened. My next thought was to take off my -cap and rush upon him, as if that was some deadly -weapon. I heard once of a lady in India, who saved -herself and several others from a Bengal tiger, by -rushing at him with an umbrella which she kept opening and -shutting as she ran. There was another plan still, of a -negro in Georgia, who fought and killed a panther with -his knife. But," he continued, "let us talk a moment -of the carcass. What shall I do with it; leave it there -or bring it to the tent?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, bring it, bring it, by all means," Harold replied; -"I doubt not Cousin Mary and Frank will help you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary was not at all pleased with the prospect of -such unladylike business, and in consequence gave -Harold a look of disapproval, which he affected not to -see. She went, nevertheless, and the panther was soon -lying before the tent-door. The rest of the forenoon was -spent in flaying it, which they did with the claws, tail -and ears attached; for Robert had remarked, that being -compelled to imitate Hercules in destroying wild beasts, -he had a fancy to imitate him also in his couch. While -thus engaged, Harold asked for the story of the negro.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is not much of a story," said Robert; "I thought -of it merely in connection with the rest. The negro was -going to his wife's house, which was some miles distant -from the plantation, and which made it necessary for him -to pass through a dark, dismal swamp. Usually he passed -it by daylight, for it was infested by wild beasts; but -being a daring fellow, he sometimes went by night, armed -only with a long sharp knife. The last time he made -the attempt he did not reach his wife's house, and his -master went in search of him. Deep in the swamp he -had met with a panther, and had a terrible fight. Traces -of blood were plentiful, and deep tracks, where first one -and then the other had made some unusual effort. Near -at hand lay the panther, stabbed in nine places, and a -little beyond lay the negro, torn almost to pieces. They -had killed each other."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder," said Harold, "that he did not carry a -torch; no wild beast will attack a person bearing fire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you sure of that?" Robert inquired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As sure as I can be, from having heard of it often, -and tried it twice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert begged for the particulars.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I went with my father and two other gentlemen, on -a hunting excursion among the mountains, where we -camped out, of course. One of the gentlemen having -heard that there were plenty of wolves in that region, -and wishing, as he said, to have some fun that night, had -rubbed gum assafoetida upon the soles of his boots, -before leaving the tent for it is said that wolves are -attracted by the smell of this gum, and will follow it to -a great distance. Now, whether it was the smell of the -assafoetida or of our game, I will not pretend to say, but -the wolves came that night in such numbers that we could -scarcely rest. They howled first on this side and then -on that, and barked in such short quick notes, that one -sounded like half a dozen. Our horses were terribly -frightened; we could scarcely keep them within bounds; -and our dogs ran slinking into the tent with every sign -of fear. The only plan by which we could sleep with -comfort was by building a large fire, and keeping it -burning all night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did not the gentleman who was so fond of wolves -go out after them?" asked Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes, we all went, again and again, but the cunning -creatures kept in the edge of the darkness, and when -we approached on one side, they ran to the other. It -was there I heard the other gentleman, who was esteemed -a great hunter, remark, that all wild beasts are afraid of fire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Night beasts are afraid I suppose, because they prowl -in darkness; and as for the others, if they once feel the -pain of fire they will be apt to keep out of its way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The other circumstance is this:--Last year I went -on a night hunt, with some boys of my own age; and -not only did we meet with very poor success, but for -some hours were completely lost. About an hour before -day I left the company, and returned home; for I had -promised my mother to return by twelve o'clock. Before -parting company, we heard a panther in the woods -directly in my way, crying for all the world like a -young child. The boys tried to frighten me out of my -intention; but I told them that if they would only let -me have a good torch, I should safely pass by a dozen -panthers. It was full two miles home. The panther -continued his cry until I came within a furlong, and -then ceased. As I passed the piece of woods from which -his voice appeared to come, I heard afar off the stealthy -tread of something retiring, and saw two large eyes -shining in the dark. I have always supposed that these -were the eyes and tread of the panther, and that it was -driven off by the torch."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxvii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">TURKEY-PEN--SUCKING WATER THROUGH OOZY SAND--EXPLORING -TOUR--APPEARANCE OF THE COUNTRY--"MADAME -BRUIN"--SOLDIER'S REMEDY FOR CHAFED -FEET--NIGHT IN THE WOODS--PRAIRIE--INDIAN -HUT--FRUIT TREES--SINGULAR SPRING</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It would be useless, and perhaps tedious, to trace thus -day by day, and hour by hour, the history of our -young friends. We will now pass over an interval -of nearly three weeks, from Saturday, November sixth, -when Robert's contest with the panther occurred, to -Wednesday, November twenty-fourth, when their affairs -received another turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The only incident worth relating that occurred during -this period, was the construction of a pen for entrapping -turkeys. It was simply a covered enclosure, of ten or -twelve feet square, with a deep trench communicating -from the outside to the centre. This trench was made -deep enough to allow a feeding turkey to walk under the -side of the pen, and next the wall, inside, it was bridged -over, so that the birds in running around the enclosure, -after having entered, might not fall into the trench, and -see their way out. This trap is planned with a knowledge -of the fact, that though a turkey looks down when -feeding, it never looks down when trying to escape. -This is equally true of the quail or southern partridge, -and perhaps of most of the gallinaceous birds. By -means of this trap the boys took so many turkeys that -they were at last weary of seeing them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the meantime Harold's ankle had become so nearly -well, that for a week it had been strong enough for -all ordinary purposes; and Sam's bones, though by no -means fit to be used, were rapidly knitting, and gave -promise of being all that broken bones can become in -the course of a few weeks. No one had yet come to -their rescue. Often had they gone, singly and together, -to the flag-staff, and swept the watery horizon with their -glass, but no helper appeared, and no sign. Robert -and Mary had learned by this time to curb their impatience, -and to wait in calmness the time when they should -commence working upon their proposed boat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the first day that they found themselves shut -up upon the island, Robert and Harold had meditated -an exploration of the surrounding country, but had -hitherto been prevented by various causes. Among these -was Mary's excessive nervousness at the idea of being -left alone, and particularly so after Robert's contest with -the panther; but now she said, that with Fidelle to -guard, and with Sam to shoot, exclusive of what she -herself might do in case of an emergency, she gave her -consent to the tour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stock of provision laid in by this time was quite -respectable. Five deer had been killed, and their hams -were now in the smoke, the company having in the -meantime subsisted upon the other parts of the venison, -turkeys from the pen, oysters, crabs, and fish. There -were also fifty dried fish, two live turkeys, and four fat -"pigs" (so called) in the cage, to say nothing of the -stores brought from home. Before starting, the boys -provided Mary with a large supply of wood for the -kitchen and smoke-house, water also, and everything else -which they could foresee as needful. They loaded the -remaining guns with heavy shot, and laid them aside -ready for use; and, moreover, offered to build for her a -palisade around the tent, by driving down stakes, and -wattling them with grape vines; but to this last Mary -objected, saying she was ashamed to be considered so -great a coward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was broad daylight on the morning of Wednesday, -the twenty-fourth day of November, when they set out -upon their tour. Robert carried the wallet of provision, -consisting of parched corn, jerked venison, and a few -hard crackers of Mary's manufacture; in his belt he -fastened a flat powder flask filled with water, being the -best substitute he could devise for a canteen. Harold -carried the blanket rolled like a wallet, and Frank's -hatchet stuck in his belt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Willing to ascertain the coastwise dimensions of the -island, and also the approaches to it from sea, they -directed their course along the hard smooth beach, -occasionally ascending the bluff for the purpose of observing -the adjacent country. Their rate of travelling was -at first intentionally slow, for they were both pedestrians -enough to know that the more slowly a journey is commenced, -the more likely it is to be comfortably continued.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the end of six miles they plainly discerned the -southern extremity of the island, lying a mile beyond, -and marked by a high bank of sand, thrown up in -such profusion as almost to smother a group of dwarfish, -ill-formed cedars. Beyond the bluff they saw the river -setting eastward from the sea, and bordered on its -further side with a dense growth of mangroves. Satisfied -with this discovery, and observing that, after -proceeding inland for a few miles, the river bent suddenly -to the north, they turned their faces eastward, resolved -to strike for some point upon the bank. The sterile -soil of the beach, and its overhanging bluff, which was -varied only by an occasional clump of cedars and a -patch of prickly pears, with now and then a tall palmetto, -that stood as a gigantic sentry over its pigmy -companions, was exchanged as they receded from the coast, -first for a thick undergrowth of low shrubs and a small -variety of oak, then for trees still larger, which were -oftentimes covered with vines, whose long festoons and -pendant branches were loaded with clusters of blue and -purple grapes. About midway of the island the surface -made a sudden ascent, assuming that peculiar character -known as "hammock," and which, to unpractised eyes, -looks like a swamp upon an elevated ridge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before leaving the beach the boys had quenched their -thirst at a spring of cool, fresh water, found by -scratching in the sand at high water mark, but which they -would not have been able to enjoy had it not been for -a simple device of Robert's. The sand was so soft and -oozy, that before the basin they had excavated was -sufficiently full to dish from, its sides had fallen in. -Harold had tried at several places, but failing in all, -he hallooed to Robert, whom he had left behind, to -know what had been his success.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come and see," was the reply. Harold went, but -saw nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is my spring," said Robert, pointing to the -end of a reed like that of a pipe-stem, sticking out of the -sand. "Suck at that," he continued, "and you will -get all that you want."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold tried it, and rose delighted. "Capital!" he -exclaimed; "but how do you keep the sand from rising -with the water?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert drew out the reed, and showed him a piece of -cloth fastened as a strainer on its lower end. "I have -often thus quenched my thirst when fishing on our sandy -beaches, and have never found it to fail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is exceedingly simple," remarked Harold. "I -wonder I never saw it nor heard of it before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So do I," rejoined Robert; "and yet I question -whether I should ever have heard of it myself, had it -not been for the Hottentots."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold's eyes opened wide at the mention of Hottentots, -and Robert went on to say, "A year or two since, -while reading an account of the suffering of people in -South Africa for the want of water, and their various -devices for obtaining it, I was struck with the simplicity -of one of their plans. On coming to a place where the -water was near the surface, but where they could not -dig a well, they would make a narrow hole a yard or -more deep, and insert a small reed having a bunch of -grass or moss tied around its lower end. This reed they -buried, all except a short end left above ground, and -packed the earth tightly around it. Then they sucked -strongly at the open end, and it is said that, if the -earth was sufficiently moist and if the soil was not too -close, the water would soon run through the reed, -cleansed of its mud and sand by passing through the -rude filter attached to its lower end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whoever may have been its author, it is an excellent -device," said Harold. "I shall not forget it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At noon the boys seated themselves under a heavy -canopy of vines, and ate their frugal dinner in sight -of a luscious-looking dessert, hanging in purple clusters -above and around them, which in its turn they did not -fail to enjoy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Resuming their journey to the east, they proceeded -about a mile further, when Mum, who had trotted along -with quite a philosophic air, as if knowing that his -masters were intent upon something other than hunting, -was seen to dash forward a few steps, smell here and -there intently, then with a growl of warning to come -beside them for protection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is a panther, I'll warrant," said Robert. "At -least Mum acted exactly in that way the other day -when I put him upon the panther's track. Had we -not better avoid it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By no means," replied Harold. "Let us see what -the creature is. We are on an exploring tour, you know, -and that includes animals as well as trees. A panther -is a cowardly animal, unless it has very greatly the -advantage; and if you could conquer one with a single -load of duck-shot when alone and surprised, surely we -two can manage another."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said Robert, "but I assure you, my success -was more from accident than skill; and I would rather -not try it again. However, it will do no harm to push -on cautiously, and see what sort of neighbours we have."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They patted their dog, and gave him a word of -encouragement; the brave fellow looked up, as if to -remonstrate against the dangerous undertaking, but on -their persisting went cheerfully upon the trail; he took -good care, however, to move very slowly, and to keep but -little in advance of the guns. The two boys walked -abreast, keeping their pieces ready for instant use, and -proceeded thus for about fifteen minutes, when their -dog came to a sudden halt, bristled from head to tail, -and showed his fangs with a fierce growl; while from a -thicket, not ten paces distant, there issued a deep -grumbling sound, expressive of defiance and of deadly -hate. Harold stooped quickly behind the dog, and saw -an enormous she bear, accompanied by two cubs that -were running beyond her, while she turned to keep the -pursuers at bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must be cautious, Robert," said Harold; "a bear -with cubs is not to be trifled with. We must either -let her alone, or follow at a respectful distance. What -shall we do? She has a den somewhere near at hand, -and no doubt is making for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert was not very anxious for an acquaintance -with so rough a neighbour, but before the fearless eye -of his cousin every feeling of trepidation subsided, and -he was influenced only by curiosity, which, it is well -known, becomes powerfully strong when spiced with -adventure. They followed, governing themselves by the -cautious movements of their dog, and able to catch only a -casual glimpse of the bear and her cubs, until they -came within thirty paces of a poplar,[#] five feet in -diameter, with a hollow base, into which opened a hole -large enough to admit the fugitives.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), called poplar at the -South.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"There, now, is the country residence of Madame -Bruin," said Robert, stopping at a distance to -reconnoitre the premises. "Shall we knock at her door, and -ask how the family are?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think not," replied Harold, "the old lady is -rather cross sometimes, and I suspect from the tones -of her voice she is not in the sweetest humour at the -present. Take care, Robert, she is coming! Climb that -sapling! Quick! Quick!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys each clambered into a small tree, and as -soon as they were well established, Harold remarked, -"Now let her come, if she loves shot. A bear cannot -climb a sapling. Her arms are too stiff to grasp it; -she needs a tree large enough to fill her hug."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Madame Bruin, like the rest of her kin, was a -peaceable old lady, not at all disposed to trouble those -that let her alone, and on the present occasion she had -two sweet little cherubs, whose comfort depended upon -her safety; so she contented herself with going simply -to her front door, and requesting her impertinent visitors -to leave the premises. This request was couched in -language which, though not English, nor remarkably -polite, was perfectly intelligible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose we shall have to go now," said Harold; -"it will not be civil to keep prying into the old lady's -chamber. But when Sam is able to join us, we can -come prepared to make bacon of her and pets of her cubs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They called off the dog, patted him in praise of his -well-doing, and then retreated, blazing the trees all the -way from the poplar to the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several of these last miles Robert had walked with -increasing painfulness; his feet were so much chafed as -to be almost blistered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stop, Harold, and let us rest here," he said, on -reaching a fallen log. "I wish to try that soldier's -remedy for chafed feet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What soldier's?" Harold inquired.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One of those at Tampa," replied Robert. "I heard -several of them relate, one day, how much they had -suffered in marching with blistered feet, when one of -the number remarked that whenever the signs of chafing -occurred he had relieved himself by shifting his socks -from one foot to the other, or by turning them inside -out. Upon this another stated that he was generally -able to escape all chafing by rubbing the inside of his -socks with a little soap before setting out. And -another still added that he had often </span><em class="italics">cured</em><span> his blistered -feet, in time for the next day's march, by rubbing them -with spirits mixed with tallow dropped from a candle -into the palm of his hand. Before leaving home, today, -I took the precaution to soap the inside of my socks; but -now I shall have to try the efficacy of the other remedy; -and sorry shall I be if there should be need for the -third plan, because we have neither the tallow nor the -spirits necessary for the experiment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert gave the proposed plan a trial, and found, to -his delight, that it saved him from all further discomfort.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nothing more of interest occurred that day. On -leaving the river, which, after making a great sweep -to the south-east, came so near the bank on which they -stood, as to afford a good landing for boats, they turned -into the woods and kept a northern course parallel with -the shore. About sunset they stopped beside a large -log of resinous pine, which they selected for the place of -their encampment that night, intending to set the log -a-fire. Around it they cleared an irregular ring, which -they fired on the inner side, thus providing a place for -their sleeping free from insects, and from which fire -could not escape into the surrounding forest. Next, -they made themselves a tent of bushes, by bending down -one sapling, fastening its top to the side of another, and -then piling against it a good supply of evergreens, -inclined sufficiently to allow a narrow space beneath. A -neighbouring tree supplied them with moss for a superb -woodland mattress, and while Robert was preparing that -Harold collected a quantity of pine knots, to be reserved -in case their fire should decline.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By the time these preparations were completed darkness -closed around. Jupiter, at that time the evening -star, glowed brightly from the western sky, while Orion, -with his brilliant belt, gleamed cheerily from the east. -The boys sat for some time luxuriating in their rest, -listening to the musical roar of their fire, and watching -the red glare which lighted up the sombre arches of -the forest; then uniting in their simple repast, and -giving Mum his share, they lay down to sleep, having -committed themselves to the care of Him who slumbers -not, and who is as near his trustful worshippers in the -forest as in the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There is a wild pleasure in sleeping in the deep dark -woods. The sense of solitude, the consciousness of -exposure, the eternal rustle of the leafy canopy, or else -its perfect stillness, broken only by the stealthy tread of -some beast of night, or the melancholy hooting of a -restless owl, give a variety which is not usual to civilized -men, but which, being of a sombre character, requires -for its enjoyment a bold heart and a self-relying spirit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys retired to rest soon after supper, and tried -to sleep; but the novelty of their circumstances kept -them awake. They rose from their mossy couch, sat -by the fire, and talked of their past history and of -their future prospects. All around was perfect -stillness. Their voices sounded weak and childlike in that -deep forest; and embosomed as they were in an illuminated -circle, beyond whose narrow boundary rose an -impenetrable wall of darkness, they felt as if they were -but specks in the midst of a vast and lonely world.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last their nervous excitement passed away. They -retired once more to bed, having their guns within reach, -and Mum lying at their feet. The roar of the blaze -and crackle of the wood composed them to sleep; and -when they next awoke, daylight had spread far over the -heavens, and the stars had faded from sight. They -sprang lightly to their feet, and before the sun appeared -were once more on their way northward, along the banks -of the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their march was now slow and toilsome. In the -interior a hammock of rich land, covered with lofty trees, -matted with vines, and feathered with tall grass, -impeded their progress; while near the river bay-galls, -stretching from the water's edge to the hammocks, -fringed with gall-berries, myrtles and saw-palmettoes, -and crowded internally with bays, tupeloes, and -majestic cypresses (whose singular looking "knees" peeped -above the mud and water like a wilderness of conical -stumps), forced them to the interior. Their average -rate of travel was scarcely a mile to the hour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several herds of deer darted before them as they -passed, and once, while in the hammock, where the -growth was very rank, they were almost within arm's -length.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About noon they emerged into an open space, which -Harold pronounced to be a small prairie; but in the act -of stepping into it, rejoiced at a temporary relief from -the viny forest, he grasped the arm of his cousin, and -drew him behind a bush, with a hurried,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Back! back! Look yonder!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert gave one glance, and stepped back into -concealment as quickly as if twenty panthers were guarding -the prairie. There stood an Indian hut.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys gazed at each other in dismay; their hearts -beat hard, and their breath grew short. Were there -Indians then upon the island, and so near them? What -might not have happened to Mary and Frank? But a -close scrutiny from their bushy cover enabled them to -breathe freely. There was a hut, but it was evidently -untenanted; grass grew rank about the doorway, and -the roof was falling to decay. It had been deserted for -years.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys went boldly to it, and entered. Rain from -the decayed and falling roof had produced tufts of grass -in the mud plaster of the walls. In the centre was a -grave, banked with great neatness, and protected by a -beautifully arched pen of slender poles. At the door -was a hominy mortar, made of a cypress block, slightly -dished, and having a narrow, funnel-shaped cavity in -its centre. Upon it, with one end resting in a crack -of the wall, lay the pestle, shaped like a maul, and -bearing the marks of use upon that end which white -men would ordinarily regard as the handle. Overhanging -the house were three peach trees, and around it the -ground was covered with a profusion of gourds of all -sizes, from that which is used by many as a pocket -powder-flask to that which would hold several gallons. -Beyond the house, and on the edge of the prairie, was -a close growth of wild plums.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This place," said Harold, musing, "must have -belonged to some old chief. The common people do not -live so comfortably. It is likely that he continued here -after all others of his tribe had gone; and when he died, -his children buried him, and they also went away. Poor -fellow! here he lies. He owned a beautiful island, and -we are his heirs."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peace to his ashes!" ejaculated Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They looked sadly upon the signs of ruin and -desolation. It always makes one sad to look upon a spot -where our kind have dwelt, and from which they have -passed away; it is symbolic of ourselves, and the grief we -feel is a mourning over our own decay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was now twelve o'clock, and they began to feel the -demands of appetite. Harold proposed to search longer, -in hope of finding a spring of fresh water. "I am -sure," said he, "there must be one hereabouts, and we -shall find it exceedingly convenient in our frequent -hunts."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They searched for nearly half an hour in vain; and -as they were on the point of giving up, Harold called -out, "I have found it! Come here, Robert, and see -what a beauty!" Robert hastened to the shallow ravine -which terminated the eastern end of the prairie. Not -two steps below its green margin was a real curiosity of -its kind--a rill of clear, cool-looking water, issuing from -the hollow base of a large tupelo[#] tree. It was a -freak of nature, combining beauty, utility and -convenience. The water was as sweet as it was clear.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] The black gum of the swamps, having, like all trees that -grow in water, a spreading, and generally a hollow base.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Having quenched their thirst at this beautiful -fountain, and prepared to open their wallet of provisions, -Robert's eye was attracted by a glimpse of a rich golden -colour, on the edge of the prairie. They went to it, and -found several varieties of orange trees, bearing in great -profusion, and among them were limes, whose delicate -ovals asked only to be tried. Beneath these trees they -dined, and afterwards plucked their fragrant dessert -from the loaded branches. Then they filled their pockets -with the different varieties, and started homewards.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was scarcely a mile from these orange trees to the -first that they had discovered; and thence only three -miles home. They reached the tent late in the afternoon. -All were rejoiced to see them. Frank made himself -merry, as usual, at their expense--laughing now that -two hunters should be absent two whole days, and bring -back only a few wild oranges. Mary said she had missed -them very much, especially when night came on, but -that everything had been smooth and pleasant; she had -seen no panthers, and had not even dreamed of any.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxviii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXVIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">PLANS--VISIT TO THE PRAIRIE--DISCOVERIES--SHOE -MAKING--WATERFOWL</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The severe exercise of the two preceding days -was more than Harold's ankle, in its state of -partial recovery, could endure without injury. -For several days afterwards he was compelled to rest -it from all unnecessary labour, and to relieve its pain by -frequent and copious applications of cold water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam's wounded limbs were rapidly regaining strength, -and he insisted that they were well enough to be used; -but Robert refused to indulge him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must risk nothing in the case," said he. "It is -so important to have you able to help us build our boat, -that I think you had better continue in bed one week -too long than leave it one day too soon. You must be -content to rest your arm for full five weeks, and your -leg for six or seven."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary and Frank had listened with deep interest to -the account which the boys gave of the old Indian -settlement, with its open prairie, vine covered forest, orange -grove, and sparkling spring; and begged so earnestly -for the privilege of accompanying them on their next -visit, that they gave their consent. The only difficulty -foreseen in the case, was that of leaving Sam alone; but -when this was made known to him, he removed all -objection by saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wuddah gwine hu't me?[#] Jes load one gun, and -put um by my side. I take care o' myself."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] What is going to hurt me?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The object of their visit was not one of mere enjoyment. -They had waited for deliverance until they were -convinced that it was vain to rely upon anything except -their own exertions. It was now between five and six -weeks since they had landed upon the island. There -had been some strange fatality attending all the efforts -that they were sure had been made on their behalf, and -now they must try to help themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The exploration had resulted in the discovery of -beautiful timber, of every size, fit for boats, and near -the water's edge. They well knew it would be a -herculean task for persons of their age and education, and -possessed of so few tools, to dig out, from these trees, -a boat large enough to carry them all home; but they -were compelled to do this, or to remain where they were. -Having consulted with Sam, upon whose judgment in -matters of work they relied far more than on their own, -they resolved to build not one large boat but two of -moderate dimensions, which might if necessary be lashed -firmly together; and for this purpose to select near the -water two cypresses of three feet diameter, which should -be felled as soon as possible. Their visit to the prairie -was for the purpose of selecting these trees, in the low -ground near the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The four set out in fine spirits early on the morning -of Tuesday, November 30th, and continued their walk -direct and without incident to the Indian hut. -Notwithstanding the gloomy association of the solitary grave -inside the deserted house, Mary and Frank were -captivated with the wild beauty of the scene. The soft -green grass of the prairie--the magnificent wall of -forest trees enclosing the peaceful plain--the peach trees -over the hut--the oranges and the limes glancing through -their dark green leaves--and the bright bubbling spring -that flowed so singularly from its living curb--all -combined to enchant them. It was so delightful a contrast -to the bare and sterile sand of their present encampment, -that they plead at once for a removal there. This, -of course, had occurred to the minds of the others also; -but there were two serious objections to it. One was -that here they would be out of sight of vessels passing -at sea; and the other (which they kept to themselves) -was that here they should be more in danger from wild -beasts. They replied that they also preferred the -prairie, but that they could not remove until Sam was -better able to travel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having enjoyed to their satisfaction the view of the -hut and its premises, Harold took Frank, and, followed -by Fidelle, went in one direction, while Robert and -Mary, with Mum, went in another, to search for trees -suitable in size and location for their boats. In the -course of an hour they returned, having marked a large -number, and at the same time having added to their -knowledge of the resources of the island. Harold -discovered a fine patch of Coontah or arrowroot, from which -a beautiful flour can be manufactured; and hard by a -multitude of plants, with soft velvet-like leaves, of three -feet diameter, having a large bulbous root resembling a -turnip, and which Robert pronounced to be the tanyah, -a vegetable whose taste is somewhat like that of a mealy -potato. The other company went to the river, where -Robert discovered an old boat landing, on one side of -which was a large oyster bank, and on the other a deep -eddy of the stream, in which trout and other fish were -leaping about a fallen tree. Mary's discovery was more -pleasant than useful. It was a bed of the fragrant -calamus or sweet flag, from which she gathered a handful of -roots, and washing them clean, brought them as a present -to the others. Frank was quite chagrined to see that -he had discovered nothing new or valuable, and he did -not recover his equanimity for some minutes. While the -seniors lingered cheerfully around the remains of their -dinner, discussing the merits of their delightful island -and the prospect of their return home, Mary suddenly -inquired:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But where is Frank? I have not seen him for half -an hour."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nor had any one else; for, unsatisfied with only one -orange allowed him for dessert, while there were so many -on the trees, and secretly hoping to find something -valuable to announce, he had quietly slipped away, and had -stealthily climbed one of the orange trees, from which -he plucked an orange for each of his four pockets, -then with Fidelle at his side he had strolled a little -farther into the forest, eating as he went.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys, startled by Mary's question, sprang -instantly to their feet, realizing vividly the danger to -which he was exposed from wild beasts, but of which -they had said nothing to him or to her. Scarcely, -however, had their halloo sounded among the trees, than -they saw him and his faithful companion approaching -leisurely through the small thicket of wild plums.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You thoughtless little boy," said Robert, upbraidingly; -"why did you go off by yourself in these dangerous -woods? Did you not know they are full of bears -and panthers?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I didn't," Frank replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I now tell you that they are," continued -Robert, "and that you must never again go there unless -one of us is with you. But what took you there this time?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Humph," grunted Frank; "don't you suppose I -want to find something new and good as well as the rest -of you? and I have found it, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed," said Harold; "what is it, Frank?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must all guess," he answered, looking very -proud, "all of you guess. What is the best thing in the -world?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will say," answered Mary, "that one of the best -things in the world is a little boy who always tries to -do right."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it is no boy," Frank continued; "it is something -sweet. Guess the sweetest thing in the world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think," said Robert, inclined to amuse himself, -"that the sweetest </span><em class="italics">looking</em><span> things in the world are those -pretty little girls we used to meet on King Street, in -Charleston."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," said Frank; "it is neither boys nor girls, -but something to eat. What is the sweetest thing in the -world to eat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If we were in town," Harold replied, "I should -guess candy and sugar-plums; but, as we are in the wild -woods, I guess honey."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that's it," said Frank, triumphantly; "I have -found a bee-tree."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why do you think it is a bee-tree?" asked Mary, -incredulously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because I saw the bees," he replied, in confident tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, Frank," said Robert, laughing, "the bees you -saw may have their hives miles and miles away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, they have not," Frank stoutly maintained. "I -have seen them going and coming out of their own hole -just as they do at home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That sounds very much as if Frank is right, after -all," argued Harold; "let us go and see for ourselves. -But how came you to find the tree, Frank?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"While I was eating my orange," he replied, "a bee -lit on my hand, and began to suck the juice there. I -was not afraid of him, for I knew that he would not -sting me if I did not hurt him; and more than that, -I always love to look at bees. Well, he sucked till he -had got juice enough, then he flew right up into a -tree a little way off, and went into a hole. While I -was looking at that hole, I saw many other bees going -in or coming out; and then I knew that it was a bee-tree, -because I had heard Riley talk about them at Bellevue. -And, Cousin Harold, did you not put up some brimstone -for taking bee-trees?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I did, my dear little cousin," answered Harold, -pleased with this unexpected allusion. "I have no -doubt, from what you say, that you have found a real -bee-tree; and, in that case, you have beat us all. Take -us to see it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They all went in joyous mood, and sure enough there -was a good sized tree, with a knot-hole about twenty -feet above ground, with plenty of bees passing in and out -of it. The smell, too, of honey was decidedly strong, -showing that the hive was old and plentifully stored.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It may be as well to state here, as elsewhere, that -before many days the tree was felled, and that it supplied -them with such an abundance of honey that a portion -of it was, at Harold's suggestion, stowed away in skin -bags, hair side outward. Some of it was beautifully -white and clear. This was kept in the comb. The -remainder was strained, and the wax was moulded into -large cakes for future use. The bees, poor creatures! were -all suffocated with the fumes of burning sulphur -thrown into the hollow of the tree before it was opened. -A few recovered, and for days hovered around their -ruined home, until finally they all perished. It made -Frank's kind heart very sad to see them, and several -times he was stung while watching their movements and -trying to help them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After spending a delightful day, they returned about -sunset to the tent. Sam's white teeth glistened when -they approached the door. It had been a lonely day -with him, but their return compensated for his solitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From this time forth the boys had before their minds -a fixed object to be accomplished--the felling of those -trees, and converting them into boats. But what should -be the plan of their procedure while engaged in the -work? They could go every morning, and return every -evening--a distance altogether of eight miles; or they -could spend several nights in succession at the prairie, -leaving Frank and Mary with Sam; or they could -remove everything to the place of their labour. As to -the first two of these plans, it was so manifestly -improper to leave the two younger ones for hours and days -together, in a wild country, infested with wild beasts, -and unprotected, except by a lame, bedridden negro, -who was unable to protect himself, that they did not -entertain them for a moment. It was finally resolved -to delay their regular operations until the next week, -by which time they hoped to be able, partly by water -and partly by land, to transport everything, and take -up their permanent abode at the prairie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this conclusion, they set about those little -preparations which they could foresee as being necessary to -an undivided use of their time after entering upon their -work. Their clothes, and particularly their shoes, began -to give signs of decay. Frank's shoes had for some -time been gaping incontinently at the toes, looking for -all the world, Sam said, as if they were laughing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold, foreseeing the necessity before it occurred, had -put some deer-skins in soak, wrapped up in lime made -from burnt oyster shells; and after removing the hair -loosened by this means, had stretched them in the sun, -and softened them by frequent applications of suet. -The skins were ready now for use; and as soon as it was -determined to delay their visit to the prairie, he brought -one of them to the tent, and calling to Frank, said,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lend me your foot a minute, Master Frank, and I -will give you a pair of moccasins."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not the </span><em class="italics">snakes</em><span>, I hope," replied Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, but something of the same name," said Harold; -"I am going to turn shoemaker, and make you a pair of -Indian shoes. I need a pair myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And so do I--and I!" echoed Robert and Mary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed, at this rate," said Harold, "we may as -well all turn shoemakers, and fit ourselves out in Indian -style."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold planted Frank's foot upon the leather, which -he drew up close around it, and marked at the heel, toe, -and instep. He then cut it according to the measure, -and there being but one short seam at the heel, and -another from the toe to the instep, the sewing was soon -finished. Frank tried it on, and for a first attempt -the fit was very good. The fellow to this was barely -completed, before two reports of Robert's gun, following -in quick succession, came lumbering down the river. -Fidelle pricked up her ears, and Harold, recalling vividly -the panther scene, gave her the word to "hie on," -and seizing his own gun followed rapidly along the -shore. He had not proceeded far before a turn in the -bluff revealed the figure of Robert, moving about the -beach, and throwing at something in the water. He -saw, too, that when Fidelle came up, Robert patted her, -and pointing to the river, she plunged in and brought -out a dark looking object, which she laid on a pile -already at his feet. Arriving at the spot, he saw six -water-fowl, between the size of a duck and a goose, of -a kind entirely new to him, and which Robert assured -him were brant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O Harold!" Robert exclaimed, "the shore was lined -with them. I crept behind the bluff and killed four at -my first shot, and three at my second, though one of -them fell in the marsh and is lost. A little further -up was a large flock of mallards, feeding upon the acorns -of the live oak. I could have killed even more of them -than of these, but I preferred the brant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You startled me," said Harold; "I did not know -you had left the tent until I heard your gun, and then -fearing you had got into another panther scrape, I -dispatched Fidelle to your aid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She was exactly what I wanted, though I am -thankful to say for a pleasanter purpose. See how fat -these birds are!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They gathered up the game, and returned to the -tent. All were rejoiced at the new variety of provisions, -for they had begun to weary of the old. The brant -proved quite as pleasant as Robert anticipated, and -alternated occasionally with wild ducks, constituted for -a long time an important addition to their stores.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For two days they were occupied with their new -art of shoe making, and so expert did they become, that -Harold said he doubted whether old Torgah himself -could make much better moccasins than those -manufactured by themselves. There was one improvement, -however, which they made upon the usual Indian mode--a -stout sole, made of several thicknesses of the firmest -part of the leather as a defence against thorns and -cock-spurs, so abundant in the sandy soil of the coast.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxix"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXIX</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">REMOVAL TO THE PRAIRIE--NIGHT ROBBERY--FOLD--DANGEROUS -TRAP--MYSTERIOUS SIGNALS--BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>On Monday morning, the wind blew so favourably -up the river, that even before the tide began -to rise, the young movers had loaded their -raft, prepared a rude sail, and were ready to start. The -raft which had been constructed for the purpose of -rescuing Sam, had been originally so small, and the logs -were now so thoroughly soaked with water, that to make -it carry what they wished at their first load they were -compelled to add to its dimensions. But this did not -detain them long, and after all was completed, and the -baggage stowed away, Sam, by the help of Harold's -crutches, hobbled to the beach, and seated himself at the -helm, while Harold took the oars, and Robert, Mary and -Frank went by their well marked path through the -woods, to meet them at the orange landing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The passage by water occupied nearly three hours, and -when the clumsy float slowly approached the shore, -Harold could see through the narrow strip of woodland, -that Robert had felled two palmettoes on the edge of the -other river, and was now engaged in cutting them up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can it be, Robert," he asked, on landing, "that some -bird of the air has carried to you the message I wanted -to send? Are you not preparing another raft?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am," he replied. "It occurred to me that if we -could complete this raft by the turn of the tide, we might -take the load to the </span><em class="italics">prairie landing</em><span>, and yours might be -floated hack to the old encampment for another cargo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The idea was so valuable, that the boys scarcely -allowed themselves time to eat or to rest until it was -accomplished; and when at last the tide was seen moving -towards the sea, they separated, Robert, Mary, and Sam -going to the prairie landing, where they soon had the -tent spread, and a fire burning; and Harold and Frank -floating back to the place of their former residence, where -they secured the raft, and calling Nanny, Dora, and the -kids, returned overland to join the company at the new home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For several days they were occupied with the labour -of transporting their baggage, and fitting up their -present abode with comforts and conveniences. The tent -was not established at the landing where it was pitched -the first night, but on the edge of the prairie, a furlong -distant, and within a stone's throw of the spring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the third night after their removal, they -experienced a loss which caused them to feel both sad and -anxious. Nanny and her kids, having no place provided -for them, had selected a nice retreat under the shelter -of a mossy oak, and made that their lounging place by -day, and their sleeping place by night. At the time -referred to the boys had just retired to bed, when they -heard one of the kids bleating piteously, and its cry -followed by the tramp of the others running to the tent -for protection. Harold and Robert sprang to their -guns, and calling the dogs, seized each a burning brand, -and hurried in the direction of the kid, whose wail of -pain and fear became every moment more faint, until it -was lost in the distance. The depredator was without -doubt a panther. Such a circumstance was calculated to -dishearten the boys exceedingly; for it forewarned them -that not only were they likely to lose all their pets, but -that there was no safety to themselves, and particularly -none to Frank, if he should incautiously straggle into -a panther's way. They called Nanny to a spot near -the tent, fastened her by the dog's chain to a bush, threw -a supply of wood on the fire sufficient to burn for some -hours, and retired to bed sad and uneasy. Returning -from their unsuccessful sally, Harold significantly shook -his head, and said, "I will be ready for him before he -has time to be hungry again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no other disturbance that night. Frank was -asleep at the time of the accident, and knew nothing of -it until the next morning, when seeing Nanny fastened -near the tent, he asked why that was, and where was the -other kid. "Poor Jinny!" he exclaimed, on hearing of -its fate (the kids, being a male and female, had been -called Paul and Virginia). "Poor Jinny! So you are -gone!" He went to Nanny, the chief mourner, and -patting her smooth side said, in a pitying tone, "Poor -Nanny! Ain't you sorry for your daughter? Only -think, Nanny, that she is eaten up by a panther!" Nanny -looked sorrowful enough, and replied, "Baa!" But -whether that meant, "I am so sorry my daughter -is dead," or, "I wish you would loose my chain, and let -me eat some of this nice grass," Frank could not determine. -After a breakfast, by no means the most cheerful, -Harold said,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert, we must make a picket fence for the protection -of these poor brutes. But as I have a particular -reason for wishing some fresh venison before night, I -want to arrange matters so that either you or I shall go -out early enough to be sure of obtaining it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert urged him to go at once, but disliking the -appearance of avoiding labour, he preferred to remain, and -aid them through the most laborious part of the -proposed work. The palisade was made of strong stakes, -eight or ten feet long, sharpened at one end, and driven -into a narrow trench, which marked the dimensions of the -enclosure. Harold assisted to cut and transport to the -spot the requisite number of stakes; and shortly after -noon took Frank as his companion, and left Robert and -Sam to complete the work. He had not been gone more -than an hour and a half, before Robert heard the distant -report of a heavily loaded gun, in the direction of the -spot where the brant and ducks had been shot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh! eh!" said Sam, "Mas Harrol load he gun mighty -hebby for a rifle!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said Robert, "and he has chosen a very poor -weapon for shooting ducks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The workmen were too intently engaged to reflect that -the report which they heard could not have proceeded -from a rifle. In the course of half an hour another -report, but of a sharper sound, was heard much nearer, -and appearing to proceed from the neighbourhood of the -orange-trees, on the tongue of land. Robert now looked -inquiringly at Sam, and was about to remark, "That gun -cannot be Harold's--it has not the crack of a rifle;" -but the doubt was only momentary, and soon passed -away. Long afterwards the familiar sound of Harold's -piece was heard in the west, and a little before sunset -Harold and Frank appeared, bearing a fat young deer -between them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That looks nice; but you have been unfortunate, -Harold," said Robert, who having finished the pen, and -introduced into it Nanny and the two young ones, had -wiped his brows, and sat down to rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why so?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In getting no more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold looked surprised, but considering the remark -as a sort of compliment to his general character, returned,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, that must be expected sometimes. But come, -Robert, if you are not too weary, I shall be glad of your -assistance in a little work before dark. I wish to post -up a notice here, that night robbers had better keep away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By their united efforts they succeeded in constructing -a very simple though dangerous trap, which Harold said -he hoped would give them a dead panther before morning. -He laid Riley's rifle upon two forked stakes, about -a foot from the ground, and fastened it so that any -movement forwards would bring the trigger against an -immovable pin, and spring it. He then tied a tempting -piece of venison to a small pole, which was bound to the -rifle in a range with the course of the ball. And to -make assurance doubly sure, he drove down a number -of stakes around the bait, so that nothing could take -hold of it, except in such direction as to receive the load -from the gun.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now," said he, after having tried the working of -his gun, by charging it simply with powder and pulling -at the pole, as he supposed a wild beast would pull at the -bait, then loading it with ball and setting it ready for -deadly use--"Now, if there is in these woods a panther -that is weary of life, I advise him to visit this place -to-night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The dogs were tied up, and the work was done. So -long as the boys were engaged in making and setting their -trap their minds were absorbed in its details, and they -conversed about nothing else. But when that was -finished, Harold referred to Robert's remark about his -hunting, and said, "I was unfortunate, it is true, but it -was only in going to the wrong place; for I got all that I -shot at. But what success had you, for I heard your -gun also."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My gun!" responded Robert, "no, indeed. I heard -two guns up the river, and supposed you were trying -your skill in shooting ducks with a rifle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold stopped, and stared at him in the dim twilight. -"Not your gun, did you say? Then did Sam go out?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. He was working steadily with me, until a few -minutes before you returned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys exchanged with each other looks of trouble -and anxiety. "Did you hear any gun in reply to mine?" -Harold asked. Robert replied he had not.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then," said Harold, in a voice tremulous with -emotion, "I am afraid that our worst trouble is to come; -for either there are Indians on the island, or our friends -have come for us, and we have left no notice on our -flag-staff to tell them where we are."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert wrung his hands in agony. "O, what an -oversight again! when we had resolved so faithfully to -give every signal we could devise. I'll get my gun! -It may not be too late for an answer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He ran with great agitation into the tent, and brought -out his gun, but hesitated. "What if those we heard -were fired by enemies, instead of friends?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In that case," replied Harold, "we must run our -risk. If those were Indian guns, it will be vain to -attempt concealment. They have already seen our traces; -and if they are bent on mischief, we shall feel it. Let us -give the signal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They fired gun after gun, charging them with powder -only, and hearing the echoes reverberate far away in the -surrounding forest; but no sound except echoes returned. -The person who fired those mysterious guns had either -left the island, or was indisposed to reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Many were the speculations they now interchanged -upon the subject, and gravely did the two elder boys -hint to each other, in language intelligible only to -themselves, that there was now more to fear than to hope. -They ate their supper in silence, and Mary and Frank -went sorrowfully to bed. Robert, Harold and Sam sat -up late, after the lights were extinguished, watching for -the dreaded approach of Indians, and devising various -plans in case of attack. At last they also retired, taking -turns to keep guard during the whole night. All was -quiet until near morning; when, in the midst of Sam's -watch, they were aroused by hearing near at hand the -sharp report of a rifle. In an instant the excited boys -were on their feet, and standing beside their sentry, guns -in hand, prepared to repel what they supposed to be an -Indian attack. But Sam sung out in gleeful tone:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No Injin! no Injin! but de trap. Only yerry[#] how -he growl! I tell you he got de lead!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Yerry, hear.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The boys hastily kindled a torch, loosed the dogs, -ran to the trap, and found, not a panther indeed, but -a large wild cat, rolling and growling in mortal agony. -The dogs sprang fiercely upon it, and in less than two -minutes it lay silent and motionless, its keen eye -quenched, and its once spasmed limbs now softly flexible -in death. They took it up. It was nearly as large as -Mum, being quite as tall, though not so heavy. Before -they had ceased their examinations the grey streak of -dawn gleamed above the eastern woods, and instead of -retiring to rest again, as their weariness strongly -prompted, they prepared for the duties of the opening day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These duties appeared to be so contradictory, that they -scarcely knew what plan to pursue. It was clear that -some one or more should go without delay to the coast, -to ascertain whether their friends were or had been -there. But who should go, and who should stay? If -there were Indians abroad, it would be dangerous to -divide their little force; and yet all could not go, for -Sam was lame. Harold offered to go alone; but the -others, burning with the hope that their father might yet -be on the island, or within sight, insisted on bearing him -company. Sam also helped to settle the question, by -saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go, Mas Robbut, and little Missus, and Mas Frank; -go all o' you. Don't be 'fraid for me; s'pose Injin come, -he nebber trouble nigger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This remark was based upon the well known fact that -Indians seldom interfere with negroes. And encouraged -thus to leave him a second time alone, the young -people resolved to go in a body to the coast; agreeing -with him, however, that if he saw any danger he should -give them timely warning by setting on fire a fallen -pine-top.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Carrying what arms they could, and sending their -dogs on either side as scouts, they walked swiftly along -their well known path to the seacoast. No accident -happened, no sign of danger appeared; everything was -as usual on the way, and at the place of their old -encampment. But scarcely had they reached the oak, -before Harold, pointing to the earth, softened by a rain -two nights before, cried out:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Robert! The tracks of two persons wearing shoes!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert's unpractised eye would never have detected the -signs which Harold's Indian tuition enabled him so readily -to discover; he could scarcely distinguish, after the -closest scrutiny, more than the deep indentation of a -boot-heel. But that was enough; a boot-heel proved -the presence of a boot, and a boot proved the presence -of a white man. That one fact relieved them from all -apprehension that the visitors were Indians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They fired their guns, to attract if possible the -attention of the strangers; giving volley after volley, in -repeated succession, and scanning the coast in every -direction; but it was without the desired result--the -persons were gone. Their dogs had by this time gone to a -spot near the bluff, where there had been a fire, and were -engaged in eating what the boys discovered, on inspection, -to be a ham-bone and scattered crumbs of bread. -On descending the bluff, where footprints were sharply -defined in the yielding sand, Frank exclaimed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is </span><em class="italics">William's</em><span> track! I know it--I know it is -William's!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others examined it, and asked how he knew it was -William's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know it," said he, "by that W. When father gave -him that pair of thick boots for bad weather, William -drove a great many tacks into the sole; and when I asked -him why he did so, he said it was to make them last -longer, and also to know them again if they should be -stolen, for there was his name. In the middle of one sole -he drove nine tacks, making that W., and in the other he -drove seven, so as to make an H.; for he said his name -was William Harper. Yes, look here," pointing to the -other track, "here is the H., too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was now not the shadow of a doubt that the track -thus ingeniously identified was William's. Then -whose was that other, formed by a light, well shaped -boot? Every heart responded. The elder boys looked -on with agitated faces; Mary burst into tears, and Frank, -casting himself passionately down, laid his wet cheek -upon that loved foot-print, and kissed it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But he was gone now--though he had been so near--gone -without a word, or a sign, to say that he was -coming back. Gone? Perhaps not. Perhaps a smoke might -recall him, if the guns did not. Harold silently ascended -the bluff, and with one of Frank's matches fired the grass -placed beneath the heap of wood near the flag-staff. The -smoke rose; it attracted the attention of the others, and -soon they heard Harold call from a distance, "Come here, -all of you! Here is something more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They ran together, Robert and Mary taking each a -hand of Frank; and when they reached the flag-staff, saw -a paper fastened to it by wooden pins driven into the -bark, and on the paper, written in large round characters:</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>"</span><em class="italics">Five Thousand Dollars Reward</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Will be cheerfully paid to any one who shall restore to -me in safety a boat's company, lost from Tampa Bay on -the 26th of October last. They were dragged to sea by -a devil-fish, and when last seen were near this island. -The company consisted of my nephew, Harold McIntosh, -aged nearly fifteen, having black hair and eyes; and my -three children, Robert Gordon, aged fourteen; Mary -Gordon, aged eleven; and Frank Gordon, aged seven -years; all having light hair and blue eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The above reward will be paid for the aforesaid -company, with their boat and boat's furniture; or one -thousand dollars for any one of the persons, or for such -information as shall enable me to know certainly what -has become of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Information may be sent to me at Tampa Bay, care -of Major ----, commanding officer; or to Messrs. ---- & -Co., Charleston, S. C.; or to R. H----, Esquire, -Savannah, Georgia.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"><span>"Dec. 9, 1830. -<br />"CHARLES GORDON, M.D."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Underneath was the following postscript in pencil:</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"P.S. The aforesaid company have evidently been -upon this island within ten days past. I have searched -the coast and country here in almost every direction. -They appear to have left, and I trust for home. Should -any fatality attend their voyage, they will probably be -heard of between this island and Tampa Bay. C. G."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The young people were overwhelmed. "Poor father!" -Mary said with a choking voice, "how disappointed he -will be when he reaches home, and finds that we are not -there! And poor mother! if she is there I know it will -almost kill her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But father </span><em class="italics">will</em><span> come again--he will come right -back--I know he will," Frank murmured resolutely through -his tears.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, if mother is not too sick to be left," conjectured -Mary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, children," said Robert, with an air of sullen -resolve, "it is of no use to stand here idle. Let us go -back to the prairie, and build our boats."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But not before we have left word on the flag-staff to -tell where we are to be found," Harold added. A bitter -smile played around the corners of Robert's mouth, as -muttering something about "locking the door after the -steed is stolen," he took out his pencil, and wrote in -deep black letters,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"The lost company, together with Sam, a servant, are -to be found at a small prairie three or four miles -south-east from this point. We have lost our boat, and are -building another.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Dec. 10, 1830. ROBERT GORDON."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>They collected another pile of wood and grass for a -fire signal near their flag-staff, and then with slow, sad -steps, turned their faces once more to the prairie.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxx"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXX</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">BEST CURE FOR UNAVAILING SORROW--MARY'S ADVENTURE -WITH A BEAR--NOVEL DEFENCE--PROTECTING THE TENT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was natural that the youthful company should be -much cast down by this misfortune. But recent -experiences had taught them many valuable lessons, -and had caused them to practise, more fully than they -would have otherwise, those wise maxims which had -formed no small part of their education. While Robert -and Mary were yet anguished with their sense of -disappointment, Harold cheerfully remarked:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have often heard your father say, 'There are two -kinds of ill that it is worth no wise man's while to fret -about:--Ills that </span><em class="italics">can be</em><span> helped, for then why do we not -help them? and, Ills that </span><em class="italics">cannot be</em><span> helped, for then what -is the use of fretting?' I have also heard him say that -'</span><em class="italics">the best cure for ills that cannot be helped is to set -about doing something useful</em><span>.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what can we do more than we have already tried -to do?" asked Robert, in a questioning tone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much, I confess," was Harold's reply; "yet we -can be on the lookout for something. Yes," he -continued, pointing, as they walked, to one of the turkey -pens which they had not visited for several days, "there -is something now. Very likely that trap has caught, -and possibly the poor creature that is in it, is now -suffering more in body for want of food and water, than -we are in mind. Let us go and see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They turned aside accordingly, and found within the -trap a fine young hen in a half-famished condition. She -scarcely noticed them until they were within a few paces -of her, and then ran with feeble steps around the pen, -twitting mournfully, but without strength to fly. -Robert proposed to let her go, saying that there would be no -use in carrying home a starved bird; but to this Mary -objected. She was beginning to believe with Harold -that they were destined to stay a long time on the -island. "I think," said she, "we had better take her -home, and make a coop for her, and let her be the -beginning of a stock of poultry. We can get some ducks, -too, I have no doubt, and that will be so nice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The picture which she drew was so comfortable and -pleasant, that they agreed to put it into instant -execution. They would make for her not a coop merely, but -a poultry yard and house, and stock it for her with -turkeys, ducks, and brant; and she and Frank should -feed them every morning on acorns and chopped venison, -and then they would live like princes. The only -particular difficulty that suggested itself in the case was, -that wild turkeys cannot be tamed. There is such an -innate love of freedom in their very blood, that even -those which are raised from the egg by tame hens will -soon forsake the yard for the forest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These little pleasant plans (for after all it is </span><em class="italics">little -things</em><span> that make life pleasant or unpleasant), occupied -their minds, and soon employed their hands; for -immediately on their return home they commenced upon Mary's -poultry house, and marked out also the limits of the -adjoining yard. This occupied them for the two -remaining days of that week, and it was not until the Monday -following that they commenced working upon their boats.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the midst of that week, however, another incident -occurred, which threatened to be fearful enough in its -consequences, and caused another interruption to their -work. Robert, Harold, and Sam, were engaged upon -the fallen tree; Mary was preparing their dinner, and -Frank, having found a large beetle, was employed in -driving down sticks into the ground, on the plan of -the picket fence, "making," as he professed, "a house -for his turkey." He had begun to feel hungry; and as -the odour of the broiling venison floated to his olfactories, -he suddenly became ravenous. He left his beetle half -penned, and was on his way to ask his sister for a -mouthful or two before dinner, when directly behind the -tent he saw a great black object approaching the spot -where Mary stood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked a moment, uncertain what it could be, then -gave a scream. "Run, sister! run!" he said. "Come -here! Look! look!" She looked, but saw nothing, for -the tent intervened. As Frank said "run!" he set the -example, and reaching a small tree about six inches in -diameter, climbed it as nimbly as a squirrel, crying as he -ran, "Come here! Come here!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary was astonished. She was sure from the tones of -his voice that he was in earnest, yet she saw no danger, -and hesitated what to do. Observing him, however, -climb the tree, calling earnestly to her, she was about -to follow, when in a moment it was too late. An -enormous bear came from behind the tent, snuffing the odour -of the meat, and looking very hungry. Almost as soon -as it discovered her, it rose upon its hind legs, -seeming surprised to meet a human being, and came forward -with a heavy growl. Had any one been present to help, -Mary would probably have screamed and fainted, but -thrown upon her own resources she ran to the fire and -seized a burning brand. Then another and very -fortunate thought came to her mind. The dipper, or water -ladle, was in her hand; and as she drew the brand from -the fire, she dipped a ladle full of the boiling, greasy -water, and threw it into the breast, and upon the -fore-paws of the growling beast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That expedient saved her life. The bear instantly -dropped upon all fours, and began most piteously to -whine and lick its scalded paws. Mary seeing the -success of her experiment, dipped another ladle full, and -threw it in its face. The bear now uttered a perfect -yell of pain, and turning upon its hind legs, ran -galloping past the tent, as if expecting every moment to feel -another supply of the hot stuff upon its back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this time Frank was calling from his tree, "Come -here, sister! He can't get you here! Come! come!" And -Mary was about to go; but the bear was no sooner -out of sight, than she felt very sick. Beckoning Frank -to come to her, she ran towards the tent, intending to -fire off one of the guns, as a signal for the large boys to -return; but ere reaching the door her sight failed, her -brain reeled, and she fell prostrate upon the earth. -Frank looked all round, and seeing that the bear was -"clear gone," sprang lightly from the tree, and ran to -her assistance. He had once before seen her in a -fainting fit, and recollecting that Robert had poured water -in her face, and set him to fanning her, and chafing her -temples and the palms of her hands, he first poured a -dipper full of cold water on her face, then seizing the -conch, blew the signal of alarm, till the woods rang again.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This soon brought the others. Harold came rushing -into the tent, and by the time that Robert arrived, he had -loosened Mary's dress, and was rubbing her hands and -wrists, while Frank fanned her, and told the tale of her -fighting the bear with hot water. The boys were powerfully -excited. Harold's eye turned continually to the -woods, and he called Mum, and patted him with one -hand, while he helped Mary with the other.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me attend to her now," said Robert. "I see by -your eye that you wish to go. But if you will only wait -a minute, I think sister will be sufficiently well for me to -go with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am well enough now," she faintly replied. "You -need not stay on my account. Do kill him. He can't be -far away. Oh, the horrible"--she covered her eyes with -both hands, and shuddered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But will you not be afraid to have us leave you?" -asked Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no; not if you go to kill that terrible creature. -Do go, before he gets away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam had in the meantime hobbled in, and the boys -needed no other encouragement. Frank showed them -the direction taken by the bear, and they set out instantly -in pursuit. Mum had already been smelling around, and -exhibiting signs of rage. Now he started off on a brisk -trot. They followed him to a moist, mossy place, where -the bear appeared to have rolled on the damp ground, and -drawn the wet moss around it to alleviate the pain of the -fire; then to another low place, where he showed by his -increasing excitement that the game was near at hand. -Indeed, they could hear every minute a half whine, half -growl, which proved that the troubled beast was there in -great pain, and conscious of their approach. But it did -not long remain. Seeming to know that it had brought -upon itself a terrible retribution, by attacking the quiet -settlement, it broke from the cover, and ran to a large -oak, in the edge of the neighbouring hammock, and when -the boys arrived, they found it climbing painfully, a few -feet above ground. Its huge paws convulsively grasped -the trunk, and it made desperate efforts to ascend, as -if confident that climbing that tree was its only refuge, -and yet finding this to fail it in its time of need. -Both boys prepared to shoot, but Harold beckoned to Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let me try him in the ear with a rifle ball, while you -keep your barrels ready in case he is not killed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He advanced within ten paces, rested his rifle -deliberately against a tree, took aim without the quivering -of a muscle. Robert saw him draw a "bead sight" on -his victim, and knew that its fate was sealed. There was -a flash, a sharp report, and the heavy creature fell to -the earth, like a bag of sand, and the dark blood, oozing -from ears and nose, proved that its sufferings and its -depredations were ended for ever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He will give us plenty of fresh pork, the monster!" -said Harold, endeavouring to quell his emotions, by -taking a utilitarian view of the case, and, in consequence, -making a singular medley of remarks, "What claws and -teeth! I don't wonder that Mary fainted! She is a -brave girl!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, indeed," replied Robert; "there is not one girl -in a thousand that could have stood her ground so well. -And that notion of fighting with hot water--ha! ha! I -must ask where she got it. It is capital. Only see here, -Harold, how this fellow's foot is scalded; this is the -secret of his climbing so badly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's hot water had done its work effectually. The -bear was terribly scalded on its paws, breast, face, and -back of its head. The boys bled it, as they did their -other game, by cutting through the jugular vein and -carotid artery; but wishing to relieve Mary's mind as -soon as possible, they returned to inform her that her -enemy was dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And pray tell me, sister," said Robert merrily, after -recounting the scene just described, "where did you learn -your new art of fighting bears?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From cousin Harold," she replied.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From me, cousin!" Harold repeated. "Why, I -never heard of such a thing in my life. How </span><em class="italics">could</em><span> I -have told you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You said one day," Mary continued, "that wild -beasts are afraid of fire, and that they cannot endure the -pain of a burn. Now when I took up the brand to -defend myself, according to your rule, I remembered that -</span><em class="italics">hot water</em><span> hurts the most, and that moreover I could -</span><em class="italics">throw</em><span> it. But if you had not mentioned the one, I -should not have thought of the other."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think you deserve a patent," said Harold, patting -her pale cheek. "You have beat the whole of us, not -excepting Robert, who was a perfect hero in his day; for -he conquered a panther with duck-shot, but you have -conquered a bear with a ladle. Why, cousin Mary, -if ever we return to a civilized country we shall have -to publish you for a heroine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She smiled at these compliments, but remarked that -she was not heroine enough to covet another such trial; -for that she was a coward after all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And you, Master Frank," said Robert, whose pleasurable -feeling excited a disposition to teaze, "you climbed -into a tree."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed I did," replied Frank, "as fast as I could, -and tried to get sister Mary there too. But she would -stay and fight the bear with hot water. Sister, why did -you not come?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did not know why you called," she answered. "I -did not see anything, and did not know which way to run."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think, cousin," remarked Harold, "that if you -had run when Frank called, you would have saved -yourself the battle. The bear was after your meat, not -after you; and if you had only been willing to give up -that dinner, which you defended so stoutly, he would -probably have eaten it, and let you alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this lively chatting, Mary was so much cheered, -that she joined them at dinner, and partook slightly of -the choice bits that her brother and cousin pressed upon -her. The afternoon was spent in preparing the flesh of -their game. They treated it in every respect as they -would pork, except that the animal was flayed; and they -found the flesh well flavoured and pleasant. The parings -and other fatty parts were by request turned over to -Sam, who prepared from them a soft and useful grease. -The skin was stretched in the sun to dry, after which it -was soaked in water, cleansed of all impurities, and -rubbed well with salt and saltpetre (William had put -up a quantity), and finally with the bear's own grease. -After it had been nicely cured, Harold made a present of -it to Mary, who used it as a mattress so long as she lived -upon the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Warned so impressively to protect their habitation -against wild beasts, the boys spent the rest of the week -in erecting a suitable enclosure. They planted a double -row of stakes around the tent and kitchen, filling up the -interstices with twigs and short poles. The fence was -higher than their heads, and there was a rustic gateway -so contrived that at a little distance it looked like part -of the fence itself.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">HARD WORK--LABOUR-SAVING DEVICE--DISCOVERY AS TO THE -TIME OF THE YEAR--SCHEMES FOR AMUSEMENT--TIDES -ON THE FLORIDA COAST</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For a fortnight the boys worked very hard, and -yet made but little apparent progress. Previous -to this, they had devoted two days to Mary's -convenience, and three more to her protection. The rest -had been spent in hacking, with dull axes, upon an -immense tree. The log was three feet in diameter, and had -been rough shaped into the general form of a boat, -eighteen feet long. But having no adze, nor mattock, which -might be used in digging, and receiving from Sam very -little assistance more than the benefit of his advice, they -began to feel somewhat discouraged at the small results of -their unpractised labours. This caused them to cast in -their minds for some device by which their work might -be facilitated, and thankful enough were they to -Indian ingenuity for suggesting the plan by fire. They -set small logs of pine along the intended excavation, and -guarding the edges with clay, to prevent the fire from -extending beyond the prescribed limits, had the satisfaction -to see, the next morning, that the work accomplished -by this new agent during the night, was quite as great -as that accomplished by themselves during the day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a few days they had been working under the pleasing -stimulation produced by this discovery, when Robert, -pausing in the midst of his work, said,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold, have you any idea what day of the month this is?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Harold, "I know that it is Friday, and -that we are somewhere past the middle of December. -But why do you ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Because, if I am not mistaken, tomorrow is Christmas -day. This is the twenty-fourth of December."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The announcement made Sam start. He looked at -Robert with a half bewildered, half joyful gaze. The -very name of Christmas brought the fire to his eye.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ki, Mas Robbut," said he, "you tink I remember -Christmas? Who ebber hear o' nigger forget Christmas -befo'? But for sure, I nebber say Christmas to -myself once, since I been come to dis island. Eh! eh! I -wonder if ee ent[#] 'cause dis Injin country, whey dey -nebber hab no Christmas at all? Eh! Christmas? -Tomorrow Christmas?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] If it is not.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Robert could have predicted the effect which his -discovery would have upon Sam, but he was excessively -amused to observe how unforgiving he seemed to be to -himself for neglecting this part of a negro's privilege. -As soon as it was settled, by a brief calculation, that the -next day was indeed the twenty-fifth of December, -another thing was settled, of course--that no work should -be done, and that the day should be spent in enjoyment. -Sam clapped his hands, and would have been guilty of -some antic on the occasion, if his lame leg had not -admonished him to be careful. So he only tossed his cap -into the air, and shouted,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Merry Christmas to ebbery body here, at Bellevue -and at home!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now comes another question," said Robert; "how -shall the day be spent? We have no neighbours to visit. -No Christmas trees grow here, and Frank may hang -up his moccasins in vain, for I doubt whether Santa -Claus ever heard of this island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes, Mas Robbut," Sam merrily interposed. -"Dere is one neighbour I been want to see for long time. -I hear say I got a countryman[#] libbin way yonder in a -hollow tree. He is a black nigger, 'sept he is got four -legs and a mighty ugly face."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Pronounced long, country ma-an. It usually means a native -African.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"What does the fellow mean?" said Harold, seriously.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O," replied Robert, laughing, "it is only his way -of asking us to visit our friend the bear. What do -you think of it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have </span><em class="italics">promised</em><span> to make Mrs. Bruin a visit," said -Harold, entering into the joke; "and perhaps she may -think it hard if we do not keep our word." Just then -the conch called them home. "But let us hear what Mary -and Frank have to say. I foresee difficulties all -around."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the question was discussed in general conclave, -Mary looked rather sober. She had not yet recovered -wholly from her former fright; but not willing to -interfere with a frolic, from which the others seemed to -anticipate so much pleasure, although it seemed to her to -be one of needless peril, she replied that she would -consent on two conditions--one was that they should go on -the raft, to save the immense walk to the spot, and the -other was that they should either put her and Frank -in some place of safety while they fought the bear, or -supply her with an abundance of hot water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That idea of the raft is capital," said Robert. "The -tide will suit exactly for floating down in the morning -and back in the afternoon. I think we can give sister -all she asks, and the hot water too, if she insists upon it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A word here about tides on the western coast of -Florida. From Cape Romano, or Punta Largo, northward -to Tampa, and beyond, there is but one tide in the course -of the day, and that with a rise usually of not more than -three feet. But south of Cape Romano, and particularly -in the neighbourhood of Chatham Bay, there are two, as -in other parts of the world, except that they are of -unequal lengths, one occupying six, and the other eighteen -hours, with its flood and ebb. People there call them -"the tide and half tide." The plan of the boys was to -float down on the nine hour ebb, and to return on the -three hour flood.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam's notions about the observation of Christmas eve, -as a part of Christmas, suited exactly the inclination of -the boys; their hands were blistered, and they were glad -of a good excuse for leaving off work, by an hour or two -of the sun. In anticipation of the next day's absence, -and of the Sabbath succeeding, Frank gathered during -the afternoon plenty of acorns for the poultry, and grass -for the deer and goats, which were to be kept in their -fold; and the others laid up a supply of wood for the -fire. Mary sliced some nice pieces of venison and bear's -meat, and made some bread and Christmas cakes; all, -which she packed away in a basket, with oranges, limes, -and a bottle of transparent honey. Long before dark -everything was ready for the expedition.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">CHRISTMAS MORNING--VOYAGE--VALUABLE DISCOVERY--HOSTILE -INVASION--ROBBERY--MASTERLY RETREAT--BATTLE -AT LAST--A QUARREL REQUIRES TWO QUARRELLERS--THE GHOST'S VISIT</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There may have been many a more noisy -Christmas, but never a brighter one, and few -merrier, than that which dawned upon our -young marooners; nor was it entirely without its noise. -The boys had requested Sam, in case he was first awake, -to rouse them at the break of day, and he had promised -to do so. A secret whispering had been observed -between him and Frank; and the latter had also begged -for a piece of twine, which he promised to return, but -the use of which he refused to tell. Conjecturing that -it was intended for some piece of harmless fun, they gave -it to him, and waited his own time to reveal the purpose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On going to bed Mary noticed that Frank fidgetted a -great deal with his toes, and seemed to be much tickled -with several remarks made by himself, but which seemed -to her to have nothing in them particularly witty. He -was evidently in a frolic, and wanted excuses to laugh. -In the dead of night, as Mary supposed, though it was -really just before day, she was awakened by feeling him -move restlessly, and then put his hands to his feet with -the inquiry:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the matter with my toe?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is there anything the matter with it!" she drowsily -asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, no, nothing at all," he replied. "I dreamed that -a rat was gnawing it off. But it is only a string I tied -there myself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then turned over, and lay still, pretending to be -asleep; but when he heard her breathe hard, he slipped -out of bed, put on his clothes, and went softly out of the -tent. Sam had agreed to wake him, so that they two -might, according to Christmas custom, "catch" the -others, by hailing them first; and as Sam could not go into -the room where Mary slept, he persuaded Frank to tie a -string to one of his toes, and to pass the other end outside -of the tent. It was Sam's pulling at this string that gave -Frank his dream, and finally waked him. For a minute -or two they whispered together in merry mood, and on -Sam's saying, "Now, Mas Frank, now!" the roar of two -guns, and then the sound of a conch, broke upon the -ears of the startled sleepers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good morning, lazy folks!" said Frank, bursting -into the tent. "Merry Christmas to you all!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Merry Christmas, Mas Robbut!" Sam echoed from -behind, "Merry Christmas, Mas Harrol! Merry -Christmas, little Missus!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fairly caught!" answered Robert; "and now, I -suppose, we must look out some presents for you both."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The company completed their toilet, and came -together under the awning, which was still their kitchen. -The day star was "flaming" gloriously, and the -approach of day was marked by a hazy belt of light above -the eastern horizon. They kindled their fire, and -prepared for breakfast, with many jests and kind -expressions; then sobering themselves to a becoming gravity, -they sat around the red blaze, and engaged in their -usual morning worship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the sun threw his first slanting beams across -the island, Harold went to the landing, and returned, -saying, "Come all. The tide has been going down for -hours, and is now running like a mill-tail!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hastening their preparations, they were in a short -time seated upon the raft, Sam at the helm, and Robert -and Harold by turn at the oars. Borne by the current, -and impelled by their own efforts, they were not two -hours in reaching the proposed landing place.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 60%" id="figure-60"> -<span id="they-were-not-two-hours-in-reaching-the-proposed-landing-place"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="They were not two hours in reaching the proposed landing place" src="images/img-266.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">They were not two hours in reaching the proposed landing place</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>The river was exceedingly crooked, and so densely -bordered with mangroves, that from the place they left -to that which they sought, it was nowhere possible for -them to reach the shore. Once when they approached -nearest land, they saw a herd of deer peep inquisitively -at them through an opening glade, and turn quietly to -feed. The tall heron was a frequent sight, lifting its long -blue neck high as their heads, and then flapping its broad -wings to escape too near an approach; and the dapper -kingfisher turning his big head to look at them; and the -"poor jobs," or small white cranes clustering thick upon -the dead trees; and the Spanish curlew sticking forward -its long curved bill; and the grey curlew with its keen -note; and the marsh hens, cackling far and near, to say -(such is the report) that the tide is moving; and ducks -rising in clouds from different points of the marsh and -reaches of the river;--these sights were very frequent, -and seen with the bright eyes of young people on a -Christmas excursion, imparted a charming vivacity to the -scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Passing a creek which drained the marsh to their left, -they made a discovery, which proved a valuable one -indeed. Harold was looking up the creek with that -universal scrutiny that had become in him second nature, -when he suddenly dropped his oars, exclaiming, "What -is that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The raft shot so quickly past that no one but Sam -had time to look. He, however, replied instantly, "Starn -ob a vessel!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stern of a vessel, did you say?" inquired Robert. -"'Bout ship, Sam. Come, Harold, let us pull right for -it and see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They brought the raft into an eddy near shore, and -though it required a prodigious pull to propel so clumsy -a thing against the tide from the creek, they managed -to do so, and discovered not the stern of a vessel only, -but the whole of a small brig turned bottom upwards, -and lying across the creek jammed in the mud and mangroves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, that is indeed a Christmas gift worth having," -said Robert. "Did I say Santa Claus never heard of -this island? I take that back; he has not forgotten us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He or some One greater," interposed Mary, with -seriousness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They rowed alongside, and tried to enter; but having -no tools for penetrating the vessel's side, nor candles for -lighting them after they had entered, they concluded to -prosecute their voyage, and to delay their visit to the -wreck till Monday.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this intention they pushed out of the creek, and -descended to the proposed landing, where they made -fast their raft to a crooked root, and stepped upon a -firm beach of mixed mud and sand. The fiddlers (a -small variety of crabs that look at a little distance like -enormous black spiders) were scampering in every -direction, with their mouths covered with foam, and their -threatening claws raised in self-defence, until each one -dived into its little hole, and peeped slyly at the strange -intruders. A wild cat sat upon a neighbouring tree, -watching their motions with as much composure as if she -were a favourite tabby in her mistress' parlour. Frank -was the first to spy and point it out. It was within a -good rifle shot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stand still a moment, if you wish to see how far a -cat can jump," said Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rested his rifle upon a small tree, and taking steady -aim, sent the ball, from a distance of seventy yards, -through both sides of the cat, directly behind the -shoulders. She leaped an immense distance, and fell dead. -Frank seized it, saying it was </span><em class="italics">his</em><span> cat, and that he -intended to take off its skin, and make it into a cap like -cousin Harold's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the landing they followed the mark left by their -hatchet upon the trees in their exploring tour, and it was -not long before they recognized from a distance the -poplar or tulip tree, in the hollow base of which the bear -had made her den.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As yet Mum had given no indications of alarm; but -on approaching the tree the boys selected for Mary and -Frank a pretty little oak, with horizontal branches, in -full sight of the den; and having prepared them a seat -made comfortable with moss, and helped them into it, -advanced to the field of battle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To their disappointment the old bear was gone. The -sun shone full into the hole, and revealed the two cubs -alone, nicely rolled up in the middle of their bed, and -soundly asleep. There was some reason to suppose that -the mother would return before they left the neighbourhood, -and in this expectation Harold prepared to secure -the cubs. He placed Robert and Sam as videttes at a -little distance, and also charged Mary and Frank to -keep a sharp look out from their elevated position, while -Mum and Fidelle were set to beating the surrounding -bushes as scouts. But, notwithstanding all his care -and skill, he found that the work of capturing the cubs -was very difficult. The cavity being too large to allow -of reaching them with his arms, and afraid to trust -himself inside the hole, lest the old bear should arrive -and catch him in the act, he relied upon throwing a slip -noose over their heads, or upon their feet; but young -as they were he found them astonishingly expert in -warding off his traps. The only plan by which he at -last succeeded, was with a hooked pole, by which he drew -forth first one, and then the other, to the mouth of the den, -where, after sundry bites and scratches, he seized their -hind legs, passed a cord round their necks, and made it -secure by a fast knot. This done, he tied each to a tree, -where they growled and whined loudly for help. The -hunters were now in a momentary expectation of -hearing the bushes burst asunder, and seeing the old bear -come roaring upon them; but she was too far distant, -and had no suspicion of the savage robbery that was -going on at her quiet home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was fully an hour before the cubs were taken -and secured. By that time Mary and Frank had become -so weary of their unnatural roosting, that they begged the -others to cease their hunt, and return at once to the raft. -But here arose a new and unforeseen difficulty. The -distance to the raft was considerable, and the way was so -tangled that they had made slow progress when they -came; what could they now do, encumbered with two -disorderly captives, and in constant danger of attack from -the fiercest beast of the forest, "a bear robbed of her -whelps"? It was easy enough to decide this question, if -they would consent to free the captives and return as -they came. But no one, except Mary and Frank, -entertained this idea for a moment; they would have been -ashamed to give up through fear what they had -undertaken through choice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plan they at last devised was this--which though -appearing to assign the post of danger to the youngest, -was in fact the safest they could adopt. Mary and -Frank led each a cub, but they were instructed to drop -the cord on the first appearance of danger, and run to -the safest point. Sam marched in the van, Harold -brought up the rear; Mary and Frank were in the centre, -and while Robert guarded one flank, the dogs were kept -as much as possible on the other. It was with much -misgiving that this plan was adopted, for the boys began -to feel that they had engaged in a foolish scrape, -involving a needless exposure of the young people, as well -as of themselves. But they were now </span><em class="italics">in for it</em><span>, and they -had no choice, except to go forward or to give up the -project in disgrace. Formed in retreating column as -described, and ready for instant battle, they turned their -faces to the river, and marched with what haste they could.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had not gone many steps, however, before Harold -suddenly faced about, levelled his piece, and called -to them to "look out!" He heard a bush move behind -him, and supposed, of course, that it was the bear -coming in pursuit, but it proved to be only a bent twig -righting itself to its natural position.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not long after Robert raised a similar alarm on his -side, and levelled his gun at some unseen object that -was moving rapidly through the bushes. Mary and -Frank dropped the cords, and Frank clambered up a -small tree near at hand. Mary turned very pale, and ran -first to Sam, but hearing the noise approach that way, -she ran back to Harold for protection. The next -moment she saw Sam drop his gun from its aim, and call out,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You Mum! Come in, sah! You git yo' libber shot -out o' you, you scary warment!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The alarm was occasioned by Mum, who, unperceived -by any, had wandered to the wrong side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cubs, trained by this time to obey the cord, and -either weary with the walk, or submissive to a fate that -seemed so gentle, had not stirred from the spot where -they were left. Frank slipped quietly from his tree, -hoping that nobody had seen him; but Robert caught his -eye, and gave a sly wink, to which Frank doggedly replied,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't care, sir. I suspect you would like to have -been up a tree too, if you could have got there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I should, Frank," said Robert; "but it seems -that you are the only one of the crowd who can find trees -in time when bears are about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They resumed their march to the landing, and were -interrupted only once more. The bushes before them -rustled loudly, Fidelle rushed forward in pursuit, and -the ground shook with the heavy trampling of some -large beast. It was on Sam's side; but as he brought his -piece to a level, Harold cried, "Deer! deer! don't shoot!" -and again all was quiet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A short walk brought them to the landing; where they -wiped their moist brows, and rested, thankful that they -had completed their perilous journey without accident. -But their dangers were by no means over. The tide was -down; the raft was aground; it was not possible to leave -for hours; and in the meantime the enraged beast might -follow the trace of her cubs, and perhaps assault them -where they were. In view of this contingency they tied -the young bears at a distance from the shore, but within -sight of their own place of repose, confident that if the -mother came she would bestow her first care in breaking -their bonds, and taking them away, in which case they -could attack and destroy her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With this expectation they sat down to their -Christmas dinner, for which they had by this time a pretty -keen appetite. Sam stood sentry while they ate; then -Robert and Harold by turns took his post, and gave him -opportunity to dine. The spice of danger gave great -zest to the enjoyment of all except Mary, who would -vastly have preferred being at their comparatively -secure and quiet home upon the prairie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tide finally rose, and floated the raft. They once -more embarked. The young bears were secured, so -that they could neither escape nor annoy. The fastening -was cast off. Harold's oar, which he used as a pole for -shoving off, sunk in the yielding sand, and Robert's -"Heigh ho for home!" was hardly uttered, when they -heard a tramping on the bluff, and a moment after saw -the bear standing on the spot they had left. She stared -in surprise at the retreating raft, whined affectionately -to her cubs, who whined in answer, and tried to break -loose; then seeing their efforts to be ineffectual, and the -raft to be moving away, she raised such a roar as made -every heart tremble, and with a fierce look at the persons -on board plunged into the water. The raft was by this -time but ten yards from shore, and slowly "backing" -into the stream. Harold's rifle was quickly at his -shoulder, and in a second more the blood spouted from the -mouth and nose of the terrible beast. But the wound -was not mortal, piercing below the eyes, and entering the -nostrils and throat; and blowing out the blood by -successive snorts, she plunged on, and began to swim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Robert!" shouted Harold, "be steady! Aim -between her eyes!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert fired first one barrel, and then the other; the -bear sunk for a moment, borne down by the heavy shot, -but she rose again, streaming with gore, and roaring till -the waters trembled. Sam's gun was the only remaining -chance, and he used it most judiciously. Waiting -until the bear was almost ready to place her feet upon the -raft, he coolly levelled his gun, and putting the muzzle -within a few inches of her ear, poured its contents bodily -into her brain. The furious creature had just time to -grasp the side of the raft; she gave one convulsive shake, -and turned on her side, stone dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was a desperate fight," said Robert, drawing a -long breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a very foolish one," rejoined Harold. "I have -been thinking for the last hour that we might have been -better employed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert looked displeased. "Answer for yourself. If -it is foolish, you helped to bring it on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know that," replied Harold, with mildness, "and -that makes me condemn it the more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then please, sir, not to blame the rest," said Robert, -"for I am sure everybody behaved as bravely as people -could."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have not questioned any one's courage, nor have -I quarrelled with any one except myself," replied Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, sir, you have," persisted Robert, "you called us -all a parcel of fools for coming on a Christmas excursion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O! no, brother," mediated Mary, "he only said we -might have been better employed; and I think father -would say so too. I am sure if I had known all before -coming, as I know it now, I should not have given my -consent."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Please, mossa," said Sam, looking from one to the -other, "'tain't any o' you been de fool. Nobody fool -but me. Enty I ax you,[#] please come see my countryman -in de hollow tree; and you come? And now, please, -mossa, don't let my countryman git away. See he -floatin' away to de alligator. Please let me catch 'em. I -want him fat to fry my hominy."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Did not I ask you.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Sam looked so whimsical throughout the whole of this -eloquent appeal, that Robert's face relaxed from its -stern and angry expression, and at the last words he -caught Harold's eye, and burst into a laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Harold," said he, "let us save his fat; I know -his mouth waters for it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The quarrel was over. Indeed it could not properly be -called a quarrel, for it was all on one side, and no one can -quarrel alone. They caught the floating carcass, tied -it behind the raft, then pulling into the current, floated -rapidly home, and reached the prairie about the middle -of the afternoon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For the rest of the day their hands were full; and it -was not until late at night that they were able to retire. -The young bears were first stowed away in the same pen -with the goats and deer, but Harold was scarcely able -to remove them in time to save their lives; for Nanny, -after running from them as far as the limits of the pen -allowed, rose upon her hind legs with a desperate baa! and -bringing her stony forehead against the head of the -nearest, laid it senseless on the ground, and was -preparing to serve the other in the same way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What to do with them Harold did not know. He -dared not put them in the poultry house, and he was -unwilling either to shelter them in the tent or to tie them -outside the palisade. So, until some other arrangement -could be devised, he fastened them to a stake inside -the enclosure round the tent, where he supplied them -with water, honey, and a piece of venison.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The adventure, however, was not quite over. Late in -the night Sam was awaked by feeling something move -upon his bed, and put its cold nose upon his face. -Thinking it was some one walking in his sleep, he called -out, "Who dah?" and putting out his hand, felt to his -dismay the rough head and shaggy skin of a bear. Sam -was a firm believer in ghosts, both human and brute. -He gave one groan, and cried out, "O massy!" expecting -the next moment to be overpowered, if not torn to -pieces; then jumping from bed in the greatest hurry, -he hunted tremulously for some weapon of defence, -exclaiming all the while,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mas Harrol! Mas Robbut! O massy! Here de -ole bear, or else he ghost, come after us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The taper was brought from Mary's room, and disclosed -the secret. One of the cubs feeling in the chill, -night air the want of its mother's warmth, had loosed -the insecure fastening, and come to seek more comfortable -quarters in the tent. "It is your countryman's baby, -Sam," said Robert, after the excitement had subsided. -"You killed its mother, and it has come, poor little -orphan, to ask that you shall be its daddy now."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxiii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">THE CUBS--VOYAGE TO THE WRECK--STORES--HORRID -SIGHTS--TRYING PREDICAMENT--PRIZES--RETURN--FRANK -NEEDS ANOTHER LECTURE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Early on Monday morning Robert and Harold -set out for the wreck, leaving Sam to guard the -young people, and to add another apartment to -the fold, for the accommodation of the cubs. It may be -stated here, that the new pets had eaten little or nothing -since they were taken. For several days Sam was -compelled to force the food and water into their mouths; -but after they had acquired the art of feeding in a -domestic way, Frank assumed their whole care, and was -indefatigable in attending to their wants and their -education. He taught them to stand on their hind feet and -beg; to make a bow by scraping their feet, like country -clowns; and many a wrestling match did he have with -them, in which for a long time he was invariably the -victor. Robert named them, after the twins of old, -Castor and Pollux.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By Sam's advice, the boys took with them on their -voyage an ax, hatchet, auger, and saw, together with -some candles and a rope, and reached the wreck about -nine o'clock. They moored their raft fast to a projecting -bolt, and then, with much difficulty, succeeded in -reaching the stern windows, from which the receding tide -flowed gently, bearing on its bosom an unpleasant odour, -like that of animal matter long decayed. They peeped -into the dark cavity, and receiving a full blast of its -sepulchral odours, drew back in disgust.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot go into </span><em class="italics">that</em><span> hole," said Harold, "it is -stifling. Let us cut a passage through the side or bottom."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Clambering along the sloping side next the rudder, -they selected a place for their scuttle, and commenced to -work, but the thick and well fastened copper was so -difficult to remove, that their hatchet was nearly ruined -before they reached the wood. Then, with their auger, -they made an entrance for the saw, and soon opened a -hole between two of the ribs, large enough to admit their -bodies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold descended first, and standing upon a hogshead, -which, being on the top of a confused pile, reached near -the hole, lit a candle, and helped Robert to descend.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were in the hold where all the grosser articles -were stowed. Some of the hogsheads visible appeared -to contain sugar, others molasses, rum, &c. Passing -towards the stern, they saw half a dozen boxes and crates, -of different sizes, one of which was filled with lemons, -and from the other, on being broken, rolled out a -cocoanut. Returning from this hasty survey towards the -forward part of the hold, they discovered a plentiful -supply of flour, ship-bread, rice, hams, and beef, stowed away -in the style appropriate to each. The vessel was -evidently victualled for a long voyage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Satisfied with this partial examination, they returned -amidships, and sought the hatchway, through which they -might descend into the habitable part of the vessel. It -was choked by such a multitude of boxes and bags, that -they were a long time in finding it, and longer still in -freeing it from encumbrances. Descending by their -rope, they found themselves on the inner side of the -inverted deck. The water had by this time all run off, -except a puddle in one corner; and the floor, or rather -that which had been ceiling, was wet and slimy, with -deposits from the muddy river water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On entering the cabin the sight which greeted them -was horrid. There lay four skeletons, of a man and -woman, a boy and girl, handsomely dressed; the soiled -though costly garments still adhering to the wet and -ghastly bones. The sight was more than Harold could -endure; he called to Robert, and hastened as fast as -possible to the open air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, horrid! horrid!" said he, pale as a sheet. "I -don't think I can ever go back to that dreadful cabin. -It made me almost faint."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was horrid, indeed," responded Robert. "But -you will soon recover; the trouble was more in your -mind than in your body. I doubt not you are feeling -as father says he felt when going first into a dissecting -room--he fainted outright; and he said that this is no -uncommon thing with beginners, but they soon become -used to it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am willing enough to go through the whole vessel," -said Harold, "but not into that cabin, for a while -at least."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor creatures!" sighed Robert, "they appear to -have been passengers; and unless the cabin filled soon -with water, they must have had a lingering death."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't speak of it," Harold pleaded. "The bare -thought makes me shudder. And then to think of their -being devoured by such slimy things as eels and catfish, -and of being pinched to pieces by crabs, as these bodies -were--it is sickening!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert perceived that these reflections were exceedingly -painful to his cousin, and had been in fact the -cause of his sickness; he therefore managed adroitly -to shift the conversation from point to point, until it -gradually assumed a cheerful character. Pleasant -thoughts were the medicine Harold needed, and in the -course of a few minutes he himself proposed to renew -the search.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Descending between decks, they found in the side of -the vessel, contrary to custom, the cook's room. It -contained a stove, with all its appurtenances complete. This -was a real treasure; they rejoiced to think how much -labour and trouble would be saved to Mary, whose -patience and ingenuity were often put to the test for the -want of suitable utensils.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The steward's room adjoined; and here they found -crockery of all sorts, though most of it was in -fragments; knives, forks, spoons, and candlesticks, none of -which they valued, having plenty of their own; two -bottles of olives, and a case of anchovies, sound and good, -and a fine set of castors, partly broken, containing -mustard, pepper, catsup and vinegar. Upon the topmost -shelf (or under what </span><em class="italics">had been</em><span> the lowest) were two -large lockers, which they opened with difficulty, the door -being fast glued with paste, and out of which poured a -deluge of musty flour from an upturned barrel. There -were also different kinds of hard biscuit and ship bread, -but they were all spoiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From these two rooms they passed with great difficulty -to the forecastle, having to cut their way through a thick -partition. Here the sight was more appalling than that -which they had witnessed in the cabin. Lying on the -floor, partly immersed in a muddy pool, were the -skeletons of eight men and two boys; and in the midst of them -they heard such a splashing of the water that their blood -ran cold, and their hair stood on end. They started -back in terror, thinking at first that the dead had waked -from sleep, and were moving before their eyes; in -doing so, Robert, who carried the candle, jostled roughly -against Harold, and instantly they were in darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O mercy! mercy!" Robert ejaculated, in an agony -of alarm, and falling upon his knees clasped his hands -together, expecting every moment to be his last. Harold, -however, with that presence of mind which is the mark of -true courage, and is the best preservative in time of -danger, threw his arms around him, to prevent him from -escaping, and fortunately recovered the candle, which -had dropped in the edge of the wet slime upon the floor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing but fishes!" said he, divining the state of -Robert's mind from what he knew of his own. "Nothing -but fishes! I saw one leap from the water. Softly, -Robert, let us light the candle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The quieting effect of a soft, calm voice in a season -of excitement is magical. Robert's excessive fear -subsided, and though he trembled violently, he aided -Harold to re-light the candle. Fortunately the wick was -scarcely touched by the water; there was a slight -spluttering from a particle or two of damp mud, but the flame -soon rose bright as ever. Harold's hand now began to -tremble; for though in the moment of trial his nerves had -been stretched and steady as a tense wire, the re-action -was so great that he began to feel weak. Robert -perceived this, and pulling his sleeve said,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, let us go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold's courage, however, was of that sturdy kind -that rises with the occasion, and he replied, "No, I mean -to go through with it now. I was driven from the cabin -by a bad smell, but no one shall say that I was scared -off by a few catfish. Look, do you not see them -floundering in the water?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A calm inspection wholly relieved Robert from his -fears, and he continued to examine the room with -composure, although while looking he beheld the startling -sight of a skeleton in actual motion through the water, -a large fish having entered its cavity, and become -entangled in the adhering clothes, giving a most lifelike -motion to the arms and legs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A glance around this room was sufficient to convince -them that the vessel was of a warlike character. Great -numbers of guns, pistols, cutlasses, and pikes, were -visible on the floor, where they had fallen into the water, or -against the walls where they had been fastened. The -boys surveyed these significant appendages, exchanged -glances with each other, and simultaneously exclaimed, -"A cutter, or a pirate!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I doubt whether it can be a cutter," said Robert; -"my mind misgives me that it is a vessel of bad -character. But we can tell by going to the captain's room. -Let us see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They returned to the cabin, and entering the room -which appeared to be the captain's, found it abundantly -supplied with arms of various sorts, and (though mostly -injured by the sea-water) of exquisite finish. Of papers -they saw none; these were probably contained in a heavy -iron chest which was fast locked, and the key of which -was nowhere to be found. In the mate's room, -however, the evidences were more decisive. There were -flags of all nations; and among them one whose hue was -jet black, except in the middle, where were sewed the -snow-white figures of a skull and cross-bones. From -the side-pocket of a coat, which lay in the berth, they -took a pocket-book, containing letters in Spanish, and -a paper signed by forty-two names, the greater part of -which were marked by a cross. These indications were -satisfactory, and the boys afterwards ascertained by -circumstantial evidence, which left them no shadow of -a doubt, that not only was the vessel piratical, but that -she was overwhelmed by the same storm that had so -nearly proved fatal to Sam. The prize, therefore, they -considered their own by right of first discovery--stores, -arms, magazine, money and all.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By rights there ought to be a carpenter's room -somewhere," said Robert; "or if not a room, there must be -tools, which will help us greatly in our work. Let us -look for them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To Harold's mind the tools were the most valuable -part of the prize, unless indeed they could find a boat -ready made. But before proceeding, they took each a -pistol from the captain's room, loaded, and thrust it -into their bosoms, supposing that they should be more -calm and self-possessed, when conscious of having about -them the means of defence. The carpenter's room was -found, and in it a chest of splendid tools, and an -excellent grindstone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With these discoveries the boys were content to think -of returning home; and now they began to feel hungry. -Taking from the steward's room the bottle of olives and -case of anchovies, and breaking open a barrel of -shipbread, from which they filled their pockets, they went -to the open air, taking each a lemon and cocoanut, in -lieu of water and dessert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was time to load the raft. Taking some small bags, -of which they found a number, they filled them with -sugar, coffee, rice, and flour; they brought out six hams, -and, by opening a barrel, six pieces of mess-beef. In -searching still further, they lit upon a barrel of mackerel, -a firkin of good butter, and a case of English cheese; of -each of which they took a portion, and laid all upon -the most level part of the vessel's bottom, ready for -lowering into the raft. The kegs of biscuit they found -on trial to be too large to pass through their scuttle; -they emptied them by parcels into a large bag outside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hitherto they had said nothing and thought little -about money; for their minds had been fixed on supplying -themselves with necessaries and comforts, together -with the means of returning home. Indeed, the idea of -enriching themselves at the expense of the dead, even -if they were pirates, savoured rather of robbery, and the -delicate sense of the young explorers was offended by -the thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But let us at least gather whatever of this sort we -may find," said Harold, after exchanging thoughts with -his cousin. "We can afterwards ask your father to -decide what use shall be made of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Neither their consciences nor their pockets, however, -were very heavily burdened with this new charge; for -they found only a few hundred dollars' worth of money, -chiefly in foreign gold, together with several rich jewels, -the greater part of which was discovered in consequence -of an act of kindness to Mary and Frank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Resolving to return the next day, accompanied by -the whole party, and unwilling to have Mary's nerves -shocked as theirs had been, they determined to remove -all unsightly objects from the cabin, and to close them -up in the forecastle. A box of sperm candles enabled -them to set a light along the dark passages, and in each -room; and taking a small sail, upon which they -carefully drew the skeletons, they carried them to the -forecastle, and laid them decently in one corner. From the -person of the man they took a gold watch and chain, a -handsome pencil case, and pocket-knife, a purse containing -several pieces of gold, and a pocket-book, containing -papers, written apparently in Spanish, but almost -perfectly illegible. The name of this man, marked upon the -clothing, and occasionally appearing in the papers, was -Manuel De Rosa. Upon the person of the lady were -found a diamond ring, hanging loosely upon the slender -bone of one finger, and on the lace cape over her bosom -a sprig breast-pin, whose leaves were emerald, and its -flower of opal. Her name, and that of the children also, -was De Rosa. These valuables were collected into a -parcel, together with a lock of hair from each, as the -means of identifying them, should any clue be obtained -to their history and their home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While removing a coarsely clothed skeleton from that -corner of the forecastle in which they wished to deposit -the bones of the perished family, they found it so -much heavier than the others, as to induce a closer -examination. They found hid beneath the clothing, and -belted to the bones, a large girdle, containing fifty-four -Mexican dollars, a variety of gold pieces from different -nations, and a lump of what appeared to be gold and -silver fused into one mass. The name of this man -could not be ascertained.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their next work was to fumigate the cabin. They -wrapped a little sugar in a piece of brown paper, and -setting it on fire, walked around the room, waving it in -every direction. The aromatic odour of the burnt sugar -pervaded every crack and cranny, and overwhelmed so -entirely the disgusting effluvium, that Robert snuffed -at the pleasant fragrance, and remarked, "There, now! the -cabin is fit for the nose of a king. Let us close up -the forecastle, and return home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Beside the provisions, which have been already -mentioned as constituting a part of the intended load for -the raft, the boys carried out such tools as they -conceived needful for their work, consisting of adzes, -drawing-knives, augers, gimlets, chisels, planes, saws, square -and compass, and an oil-stone. They also took the box -of sperm candles and a box of soap; three cutlasses and -a rapier, four pikes, four pair of pistols, three rifles, -two muskets, and flasks and pouches to suit. Gunpowder -they did not see, except what was in the flasks; -they knew there must be plenty in the magazine, which -they supposed to be near the officers' rooms, but which -they did not care then to visit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A short but laborious tug against the tide, that set -strongly up the creek, brought them to the river, on -which they floated gently home. When within half a -mile of the landing, they fired a gun, as a signal of -their approach; and long before they reached the shore, -Mary and Frank were seen running to meet them, with -Mum and Fidelle scampering before, and Sam hobbling -far in the rear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, Frank, is your Christmas present," said -Robert, when the raft touched land; "and here, Sam, -is yours, at least so long as we stay upon the island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He tossed the one a cocoanut, and handed the other -a musket and cutlass. Harold's presents were still more -acceptable; he gave Frank a nice pocket-knife, somewhat -the worse for rust, and gave Sam a large twist of -tobacco.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank's eyes twinkled with pleasure at the sight of -the knife; but Sam's expression of countenance was -really ludicrous. He was a great chewer and smoker of -tobacco, and the sight of that big black twist, after so -long a privation, brought the tears to his eyes. He -scraped his foot, and tried to laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tankee, Mas Robbut! Tousand tankee to you, Mas -Harrol! Sword, gun, tobacky! I-ee! I feel like I kin -fight all de bear and panter in de wull!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the work of unloading and transporting to the -tent occupied only about two hours, they had time -sufficient, before dark, to construct another and a larger -raft. There was a poplar, fallen and dry, near the -water's edge; this they cut into suitable lengths, and -across the long logs they laid a floor of short ones, so -that they doubted not being able at their next load to -bring from the wreck all that they wished.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxiv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXIV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">SECOND VOYAGE TO THE WRECK--FUMIGATING AGAIN--MORE -MINUTE EXAMINATION--RETURN--ACCIDENT--DANGERS -OF HELPING A DROWNING PERSON--RECOVERING -A PERSON APPARENTLY DROWNED</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Next morning our young marooners endeavoured -to make as early a start as on the day -before; but there being now more persons to go, -each of whom had some preparation to make; and besides -that, encumbered by another clumsy float of logs, their -arrival at the wreck was fully an hour later. Securing -the two rafts to the vessel's side, Robert and Harold -clambered to the hole they had cut, by the help of a -rope tied there for the purpose; then making a -slipknot at the end, they drew up Sam, Frank, and finally, -Mary. The new comers were so anxious to enter the -vessel that they could scarcely wait for the lighting of -a candle, but slid at once into the hold, and began -rummaging by means of the imperfect light transmitted -through the scuttle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The examination of the hold on the day before had -been so thorough, that few more discoveries of -importance remained to be made; and the new comers, -burning with curiosity, begged to be conducted to the -rooms below. Entering the cabin, Mary and Frank -were repelled by the unpleasant odour that, notwithstanding -the former fumigation, still continued; but the -smell was on this occasion mingled more with that of -mud, and Robert managed by a quick allusion to the -river slime, and the nauseous odour of the mangroves, -to prevent Mary's suspicion of the real cause.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We burnt some sugar here, on yesterday," said he, -"but the tide has been up since, and we shall have to -burn more. Or stay--we can try something else. I -recollect hearing father say that burning coffee is one of -the best fumigators in the world."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He brought some coffee from the hold, and wrapping -it in paper, tried to burn it, as he did the sugar; but -it was not so easily ignited; and Mary, in her impatience, -took some sugar, and setting it on fire while he was -experimenting with the damp coffee, so thoroughly -impregnated the room with its fragrant fumes, that they -were ready to begin their examination.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first thing they noticed on entering the cabin, -was a handsome sofa and set of chairs. Overhead, -screwed fast to what had been the floor, was an extension -table, capable of seating from four to twelve persons. -Mary clapped her hands at this welcome sight, exclaiming:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, now we can sit and eat like decent people again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To their right was a little room, with its door open. -On entering it, they saw a boy's cap and pair of shoes. -Frank pounced upon these, and tried them on, with -several merry jests, to which the others made no reply, -for the larger boys thought immediately of the little -skeleton to which these had belonged. A trunk was -there too, perched upon the upturned bottom of what -had been the lowest berth, containing the usual -wardrobe of the boy; and beside it, the trunk and carpet bag -of the girl. These last were locked. On forcing them -open, Mary found many of the articles in a state of -perfect preservation; though the linen and cotton were -sadly mildewed, and almost spoiled. She saw at a -glance that the silk dresses, and other parts of attire, -were nearly all the same size with her own. But though -greatly in need of clothing, and fitted almost exactly in -what she found, she manifested more sadness than -pleasure at the sight; her mind reverted irresistibly to -the former wearer, who was no doubt as fond of life -as herself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor thing!" she said, as tears came into her eyes, -after turning over several articles, "and her name was -Mary, too. See here, 'Marie De Rosa,' written so neatly -on this white handkerchief. What a beautiful name! -I wish I knew her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fastened to the wall was a neat looking-glass, and -beside it a handsome hair-brush, hung by a blue ribbon -to a small brass knob; but the water had dissolved the -glue, and the rosewood veneering had separated from -the brush. On the floor were two ivory combs, and the -fragments of pitcher, bason, and tumblers, lying with -the towels. In the berths were two hair mattresses, -whose ticking was mouldy and mildewed, but they were -otherwise good; and in each, with the damp sheets, was -a pair of blankets as good as new.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next to this room was another, whose door was jammed -and swollen tight. Forcing it open, they found two -trunks and travelling bags, with various articles of -male and female attire--a hat and pair of boots, a bonnet -and rich shawl, the little boy's boots and best cap, and -the girl's parasol and cloak; new evidences these, to the -boys, to prove that the four skeletons belonged to one -family. There were also several books, but they were -in Spanish, and so perfectly soaked and blackened as to -be useless, even had they been in their own language. -The De Rosas were evidently a family of wealth and -education.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other rooms were furnished with the usual -appendages of warlike men, and beside these there was -little else to tell who or what they were. Their papers -and valuables were probably locked up in the iron chest, -or left behind where they had concealed their treasures.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Passing from the cabin, their attention was arrested -at the door by a small closet under the companion-way. -Harold stood upon a stool and examined it. There were -silver cups, of various figures, a basket of champagne -wine, and many bottles and decanters, or rather their -fragments, which appeared to have held different kinds -of liquors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bah!" said Harold, "liquor in the hold--liquor in -the rooms--liquor in the closets--there is more liquor -than anything else aboard, except guns and pistols."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They naturally go together," responded Robert. "I -suspect the poor fellows needed the liquor to fit them -for their wicked works."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the cabin they went to the carpenter's room. -Sam decided in a moment that he must have the grindstone, -and the rest of the tools--they were too good to -be lost. He also looked wistfully at the work-bench, -with the iron vice attached, and said he thought they -could force it from the wall, and float it behind the -rafts. But the boys mistrusted his partiality for tools, -and decided that it was not so important as some other -things.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next to the carpenter's room was another, into which -they forced an entrance with the ax. This was the -gunner's. Here they found cartridges in abundance, of -all sorts and sizes, bomb-shells, clusters of grape-shot, -canisters of balls, a profusion of cannon shot of several -sizes, and two small cannons of brass, with balls to suit. -There were also several large kegs of powder, but the -powder appeared to be spoilt, for the kegs were damp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the time came to prepare for loading, the boys -united with Sam to enlarge the scuttle. They put upon -one raft a keg of rice, and another of flour, the firkin -of butter, two cheeses, six loaves of sugar, the grindstone, -the chest of tools, Sam's box of tobacco, and -more of the hams and beef. On the other, they put -the extension-table and leaves, six chairs, the sofa, the -trunks of the De Rosas, five mattresses, with their -clothing, the looking-glass, &c.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The return voyage was made in all safety until they -reached the landing; but there occurred one of those -misadventures that appear to come oftenest in seasons -of greatest security.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the rafts neared the shore, Sam hobbled to the -hindmost end, to look after his darling tobacco, and -having for some reason stooped as one raft struck the -other in stopping, he lost his balance, and fell headlong -into the water. No one knew of the accident, until -hearing a great splutter, they looked around, and saw -him blowing the water from his nose and mouth, and -wearing a most comical expression of surprise and fear. -They ran, of course, to his assistance, but knowing him -to be a good swimmer, they apprehended no serious -consequences, and were rather disposed to jest than to -be alarmed. But Sam, who had been already strangling -for a quarter of a minute, so as to be unable to utter a -word, and who discerned at a glance that they did not -apprehend his situation, stretched out his hand -imploringly, and gasped.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is drowning!" exclaimed Harold. "Here, Robert, -help me!" then ran to obtain something buoyant, -to which Sam might cling. When he returned, bringing -with him a pair of oars (the nearest thing within reach), -he saw his cousin, heedless of danger, and moved only -by sympathy, swimming just over the place where Sam -had sunk.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Robert! Robert! COME AWAY!" he called in a voice -of thunder; "he is too strong for you, and will drown you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert turned at this earnest and even imperative -call, and began to swim back; but it was too late. Sam -rose within reach, grasped his arm, drew him up close, -pinioned him firmly, and again sunk out of sight. Mary -and Frank shrieked as they saw their brother go down, -and Harold stood a moment, with clasped hands, -exclaiming, "My God! What shall I do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment an idea occurred to him. Calling to -Mary, "Bring me that hat" (it was De Rosa's, and -water-proof), he threw off his coat and vest, then -spreading his handkerchief over the mouth of the hat, so that -he could grasp the corners under the crown, he plunged -into the water, swimming with one hand, and holding the -hat as a temporary life preserver with the other. As -he expected, Robert rose to the surface and grasped him. -Harold did nothing at first but hold firmly to the hat to -prevent his own sinking, and in that short interval -Robert recovered sufficiently to know what he was about.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God for </span><em class="italics">you</em><span>, Robert!" said Harold. "I was -afraid you were gone; here, take the hat and swim to -the raft, while I dive after Sam. Has he ceased -struggling?" Robert replied, "Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Joining his hands high over his head, Harold rose -as far as he could from the water, and sank perpendicularly -with his feet close together. He succeeded -in finding the body, but not in time to seize it, before -he was compelled to rise for the want of breath. He -came to the surface, panted for a quarter of a minute, -then descended a second time, and rose with the body. -Robert reached him one of the oars, dragged him to the -raft, and then to the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And now what was to be done? Robert knew well -that when a person has been under water four minutes -and more it is exceedingly difficult to restore life, and -that whosoever would render aid must do it quickly. -His preparations were few and simple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Begging Mary and Frank to make a fire as soon as -possible, and to heat one of the blankets, he laid the -body with the head lowest, to allow the water to run -from the mouth and throat, while he hastily unloosed -the clothing. Then laying the body with the head -highest, as in sleep, he and Harold rubbed the skin with all -their might, for the double purpose of removing the -moisture and restoring the heat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This friction was continued for several minutes, when -Robert, requesting Harold to keep on, tried another -means. He inserted a reed into one of Sam's nostrils, -which he pressed tightly around it, and closing also the -other nostril and the mouth to prevent the egress of the -air, he blew forcibly until he felt the chest rise, when, -by a gentle pressure, he expelled the air as in natural -respiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time Mary and Frank had warmed one of the -blankets brought from the vessel. This Robert wrapped -closely around the body, and while Mary and Frank -were engaged in warming still another, Harold greatly -increased the effectiveness of his friction by tearing a -third blanket into strips, and using the hot pieces as -rubbers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Persisting for an hour in these simple means, the -anxious company were at last rewarded by the signs of -returning life. Sam's heart began to beat softly, and -shortly after he gave a sigh. The boys were nearly -exhausted by their protracted efforts, but still they kept -on; and it was well they did, for many a person has been -lost by neglect after life seemed to have been restored. -When the patient was sufficiently recovered to swallow, -Robert poured down his throat some warm water and -sugar, remarking it was a pity they had brought none of -the wines or spirits which were so abundant on shipboard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is some in the box of tobacco," observed -Frank. "I saw Sam put a bottle there; and when I -asked him what it was, he said it was rum to rub on -his weak leg."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert and Harold exchanged a significant smile; for -though Sam might have intended only what he professed, -they knew that he loved rum as well as tobacco. It was -fortunate, however, that the spirits were there, for it -was the best stimulant they could administer. Sam -soon opened his eyes, and began to speak. His first -words, after looking around, were, "Bless de Lord! -Poor Sam here again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving him now to recover slowly, the boys brought -each a chair from the raft, and sat down to rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why, Robert," said Harold, "you seem to know -by heart the whole rule for restoring a drowned person."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And why not? There is nothing mysterious in it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So it seems, and I wish you would teach it to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can do that in half a breath," replied Robert. -"In father's words, all that you have to do, is to </span><em class="italics">restore -the warmth and excite the respiration</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That, certainly, is simple."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father always said," continued Robert, "that he -did not see why boys should not all be taught how -to help one another on such occasions. 'Send for a -doctor,' he said to me, 'but don't wait for him. Go to -work at once before life is gone. If you can do nothing -else strip off the wet clothes, and rub, rub, RUB, and blow -into the lungs. Start the breath, and you will start -the blood, or start the blood, and that will start the -breath, for each comes with the other. Apply heat -inwardly--outwardly by friction, by clothing, by fire, -by hot bottles, by sand-bags, by any means, and keep -trying for hours.' That is the rule."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A good one it is," said Harold. "But it is a pity -your father did not give you some rule also about -keeping out of the way of drowning people so that you -might put your knowledge to some use, instead of getting -drowned yourself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He did," replied Robert, laughing, "but I forgot -it. It was exceedingly thoughtless in me to do as I -did. However, I tried to make up for it in another way; -for after Sam had pinioned my arms, I made no effort -whatever, except to take a long breath, and retain my -presence of mind. When we were going down, I learned -exactly what kind of a grip he had taken, and by the -time we reached bottom, I had drawn up my knees, and -put my feet against the pit of his stomach. When that -was done I felt safe, for I knew that my legs were -stronger than his arms, and that I could break his hold. -But what did you intend to do when you called me to -help you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had no exact plan," Harold answered, "except to -keep you from putting yourself in danger, and then to -throw or reach Sam something by which to help -himself. I had seen drowning people before, and knew very -well that unless you had something to prevent your own -sinking, as I had when you seized me, or unless you -were strong enough (as in this case you were not) to -hold him at arm's length, he would be almost sure to -drown you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This untoward accident delayed the work of -transportation until near dark, and then it was only the -lighter and more necessary articles that they carried. -Sam gradually recovered, and about dusk, supported by -the boys, he staggered slowly to the tent.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxv"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXV</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">HOUSEHOLD ARRANGEMENTS--THIRD VISIT TO THE -WRECK--RAINY WEATHER--AGREEMENT ABOUT WORK--MARY -IN GREAT DANGER--EXTINGUISHING FIRE ON ONE'S -DRESS--RELIEF TO A BURN--CONVERSATION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>They did not return to the vessel the next day. -The work of transporting the many heavy -articles brought, and of giving them accommodation, -occupied the whole day. Indeed, the work of -arranging was by no means easy, for their possessions were -now too large for their dwelling. They were therefore -compelled to make a new room for Sam and his tools, -by means of some spare sails brought from the wreck; -and this led them to think of erecting still another wing -to the tent, as a place of deposit for their stores of -provision.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By Thursday the return tide came at so late an hour -in the afternoon, that the boys were loth to go upon the -third trip; but there were several other articles of -importance that they needed, and intending to make a -short visit, they did not start until near mid-day. On -entering the vessel their first work was to remove the -stove; which being quite new and recently put up, they -had no difficulty in taking to pieces, and lowering, with -its appurtenances, into the raft. The work-bench they -detached, with great labour, from the wall, and tumbled -it over the vessel's side. From the carpenter's room -they carried several sails, two coils of small rope, and -a hank of twine. The magazine they did not care to -enter. Most of the powder in the gunner's room was -wet, but there were two large kegs of cannon powder, -the outside of which was caked and ruined, while the -central part was perfectly good, and also a five pound -canister of superfine rifle powder, which was so tightly -sealed that not a particle of damp had entered. These -they took. And dragging out one of the small cannon -they managed, after hard work, to lower it, with its -appropriate carriage, into the raft, and deposited along -with it several dozen balls, and as many canisters to fit -the bore. These, together with the trunks and clothing -of the officers, the iron vice, a small kit of mackerel, and -the box of cocoanuts, constituted their load. The -voyage back was made without accident.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On landing, their first business was to shelter their -powder, for the sky was clouding fast, with long blue -belts, that promised rain before morning, and the night -was rapidly coming on. Unwilling to keep so dangerous -a quantity of powder in the tent, they divided it -into several parcels, and concealed them in hollow trees, -which they closed and marked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The cannon carriage proved a great convenience in -transporting the trunks, the disjointed parts of the -stove, and other heavy articles to the tent. But even -with this assistance they did not complete their work -before the night set in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next day was wet--wet--wet. The young people -continued within doors, made a particular examination -of the trunks, and divided among themselves the articles -that were serviceable. With these employments, and the -fitting up of their stove, they spent all that day, and -part of the next.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was during that evening, as they sat listening to -the incessant patter of the rain upon the canvas roof, -that the boys conceived and resolved upon a species of -competition, that gave a steady progression to their -work from that time forward.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tomorrow is New Year's Day," observed Harold. -"We have been two months and a half upon the island. -Our first boat is not a quarter finished. Why, Robert, -it will be six months before we get away by our own -exertions; and then your father will have left Bellevue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you forget how many interruptions we have -had," replied Robert. "First, there was Sam's -misfortune, then yours; after that, our removal to the -prairie, and securing the tent; then this discovery of the -wreck, which has furnished us with food and tools for -continuing our work without interruption. If I am not -mistaken, the end of January will see us at Bellevue, -or on our way there. What do you think, Sam--can -we finish our two boats in a month?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"May be so, massa, if we work mighty hard; but it -will take a heap o' work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I doubt if we finish them in two months, work as -we may," remarked Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert was not pleased with this discouraging assertion, -though he was startled to find that the usual -prudent Harold entertained such an opinion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, cousin," said he, "I will put this matter to -the test. As we boys used to say, I'll make a bargain -with you. We shall all work on the second boat, until -it is as far advanced as the present one. Then we -shall each take a boat and work. Sam shall divide his -time between us. And if at the end of a month we are -not ready to return home, I'll give up that I am mistaken."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Give me your hand to that bargain," said Harold. -"You shall not beat me working, if I can help it; but -if, with all our efforts, we leave this island before the -last day of February, I will give up that </span><em class="italics">I</em><span> am mistaken."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Faithful to this agreement, the boys went next -morning to the landing, and brought the various parts of -the work-bench, which they aided Sam in fitting up. -The grindstone also they set upon its necessary fixtures; -and collecting the various tools that were in need of -grinding, they persisted in relieving each other at the -crank, until they had sharpened two very dull axes, two -adzes, three chisels, a broad ax, and a drawing knife, -and stowed them safely under Sam's shelter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The history of the day, however, was not concluded -without an incident of a very serious character, in which -Mary was the principal, though unwilling actress; and -in which, but for her presence of mind, she would have -met with a painful and terrible death.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About ten o'clock that night she retired to her room, -undressed, and was laying aside the articles of dress -necessary for the next morning, when, turning around, -her night clothes touched the flame of the candle, which, -for the want of a table, she had set upon the floor. The -next instant she extinguished the candle, and was about -stepping into bed, when her attention was excited by a -dim light shining behind her, and a slight roar, that -increased as the flame ran up her back. Giving a scream -of terror, she was on the point of rushing into the next -room for help, when recollecting the repeated and earnest -injunctions of her father, she threw herself flat upon -the blanket of the bed, and wrapping it tightly round -her, rolled over and over upon the floor, calling for help. -The flame was almost instantly quenched, as it probably -would have been, even without a blanket, had she only -sat down instantly on the floor, and folded the other part -of her dress tightly over the flame.[#]</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] </span><em class="italics small">Flame ascends</em><span class="small">. All have observed how much more rapidly -it consumes a sheet of paper held with the burning end down, -than the same sheet laid on the table. So with a female's dress; -an erect posture allows the flame to run almost instantly over -the whole person.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>But though the </span><em class="italics">flame</em><span> was extinguished, the charred -ends of the dress were not; they kept on burning, and -coming into contact with the naked skin, made her -scream with pain. The agony was so great, that again -she was almost tempted to throw off the blanket and -rush into the open air, but knowing that this would -certainly increase the fire, and perhaps renew the blaze, -she drew the blanket more tightly around her, and -rolled over, calling to Robert, who had by this time -come to her assistance. "Pour on water--</span><em class="italics">water</em><span>--WATER!" Robert -did his best--he fumbled about for -the pitcher, then finding it, asked where the water was -to be poured; but now that the water was ready to be -thrown upon her, Mary felt secure; she cast off the -blanket, and the remaining fire was put out by the -application of Robert's wet hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The time occupied by this terrifying scene was scarcely -a minute and a half, yet Mary's night dress was consumed -nearly to her shoulders, and her lower limbs were badly -scorched. So rapid an agent is fire. Whoever would -escape destruction from a burning dress, must work -fast, with good judgment and a strong resolution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary's burns were slight in comparison with what -they might have been. The skin was reddened for a -foot or more along each limb; but it was broken only -in two places, about as wide and long as her two fingers. -Still the pain was excessive, and she wept and groaned -a great deal. Robert applied cold water for a number -of minutes, and would have continued it longer, but Mary -at last said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bring me a cup full of flour. I have tried it on -a burnt finger, and you can scarcely imagine how cooling -it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The flour was brought, and applied by means of -handkerchiefs tied over the raw and blistered parts. -Its effect was to form a sort of artificial cuticle over those -spots where the skin had been removed; and the soft -and cool sensation it produced in the other parts was -delightful. Still Mary appeared to suffer so much, that -Robert administered an opiate, as he did in the case of -Sam, and after that he heard no more from her until -next morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What a quick, brave girl she is!" said Harold, after -Robert had described the scene. "Most girls would have -rushed into the open air, and been burned to death."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She showed great presence of mind," Robert assented.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"More than that," said Harold, "she showed great -</span><em class="italics">resolution</em><span>. I knew a beautiful girl at school, who had -presence of mind enough to wrap herself in the hearth -rug, but who could not stand the pain of the fire; she -threw off the rug, rushed into the open air, screaming for -help, and was burnt to death in less than two minutes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Mary came from her room next morning her -eyes were dull and glassy, from the effects of the -medicine, and she had no appetite for more than a cup of -coffee. The others met her with more than their usual -affection. Her accident had revealed to them how much -they loved her; and her coolness in danger, and -fortitude in suffering, had given them a greater respect for -her character.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We do sincerely thank God, on your account, -cousin," said Harold, as soon as they were left alone -that Sabbath morning. "It is so seldom a person meets -with such an accident, without being seriously injured."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I hope I feel thankful, too," returned Mary. "I -could not help thinking last night, before going to sleep, -how uncertain life is. O, I do wish I were a Christian, -as I believe you to be, cousin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed, if I am a Christian at all, I wish you were -a far better one," he replied. "I have neither felt nor -acted as I desired, or supposed I should."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But still you feel and act very differently from us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My feelings are certainly very different from what -they used to be, and I thank God that they are. Yet -the only particular thing which I recollect of myself, at -the time that I began to feel differently, is that I was -troubled on account of my past life, and wished heartily -to serve God. To judge from myself, then, I should -say that to </span><em class="italics">desire to serve God</em><span>, is to be a Christian."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, I do desire," said Mary, weeping. "I do, with -all my heart. But I know I am not what I ought to -be. I do not love God; I do not trust him; I do not -feel troubled for sin, as I ought to be; and I have no -reason to think that my sins are forgiven."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am a poor preacher, Mary," Harold said, with -strong emotion; "for I never knew anything of these -feelings myself, until lately. But this I can say, that -if you will heartily give yourself to God, to be his -servant for ever, and put your trust in his promises, -you will be accepted. Did not Jesus Christ come into -this world to save sinners, even the chief? Does he not -say, 'Him that cometh to me, I will in nowise cast out'? -Now what does the Bible mean, but to encourage all who -feel as you do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary did not reply; the tears burst through her -fingers, and dropped into her lap. Harold continued,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ever since we came to the island I felt as you feel, -until the Sabbath when I knelt down in the woods, and -gave myself to the Lord. My heart was very heavy; -I knew that I was a sinner needing forgiveness, and -that I had nothing that I could offer as pay; but I read -where God offers salvation 'without money and -without price,' and again where he says we must 'believe -on him.' Well, after all that, I could not help -believing; it was sweet to pray--sweet to think of -God--sweet to read the Bible--sweet to do whatever was -pleasing to Him. I hope it will be so always; and I -long for the time when I can return to Bellevue to -talk with your father about these things. Now, cousin, -I advise you to try the same plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He marked several passages of Scripture for her to -read; then walked into the woods, where he prayed that -the Lord would direct her, so as to find peace by believing -in Jesus Christ.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxvi"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXVI</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">SUCCESSFUL WORK--EXCURSION--THE FISH-EAGLE--DIFFERENT -METHODS OF PROCURING FIRE--WOODSMAN'S -SHELTER AGAINST RAIN AND HAIL--NOVEL REFUGE -FROM FALLING TREES</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Monday morning found the labourers moving -at the dawn of day. Sam was cook, and -fulfilled his office with unexpected ability. His -corn-bread was delightful; no one but a negro knows -how to make it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The tools were in excellent order, and the boys -commenced work in fine spirits. At Harold's suggestion -they resolved to work very leisurely that day and the -next, as being the surest way to attain expedition in -the end. Said he,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My father was a great manager of horses, and -sometimes made tremendous journeys. But his rule was -always to begin a long journey very moderately. He -used to say, 'If you strain a horse at the first, he will -move heavily all the way through, but if you spare him -at first, he will become gradually accustomed to the -strain, and be able to push on faster at the end than -at the beginning of the journey!' Now, as we are the -horses, I think we had better make very moderate -journeys today and tomorrow."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert was much pleased with the rule. Notwithstanding -his boast, he had shuddered at the idea of -blistered hands and weary limbs; but this plan enabled -him to anticipate fresh feelings, and even increasing -labour, so long as they chose to work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the course of four days the second tree was cut, -hewed, and excavated to the exact shape and size of -the first. They then drew for choices, and separated, -each working on his own boat, within hearing of the -other's ax and mallet. One reason, perhaps, of the -increased rapidity of their work, was a lesson which they -learned of employing every moment to advantage, and of -resting themselves by a mere change of work. For -instance, when weary of the adze they would resort to the -mallet and chisel, the auger, ax, or drawing-knife, and -this was to some extent a real rest, for fresh muscles were -brought into play while the wearied ones were relieved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By Friday, however, their whole bodies began to feel -the effects of fatigue; and Harold proposed, that for -that day their arms should be entirely relieved from -labour, and that they should search the woods for timber -suitable for masts, yards, and oars. They, therefore, -took their guns and hatchets, and went first to the -orange landing, where they saw their old raft lying as -they had left it exactly a month before. Passing thence -to the place which they had dubbed "Duck Point," -they proceeded along the beach towards their old -encampment, and thence home. This was their route; -but it was marked by such a variety of useful expedients, -that we must stop to describe them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Robert was engaged for a few minutes in searching -a little grove, Harold saw a fish eagle plunge into -the water, and bring out a trout so large that it could -scarcely fly with it to the shore. Harold was hungry; -his appetite at breakfast had not allowed him to eat at -all. Now it began to crave, and the sight of that rich -looking fish whetted it, keenly. He ran towards the -eagle, crying out,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll divide with you, old gentleman, if you please; -that is too much for one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The eagle, however, appeared to dissent from the -proposal, and tried hard to carry its prey into a tree, -but apprehensive of being itself caught before it could -rise beyond reach, it dropped the fish, and flying to a -neighbouring tree, watched patiently to see what share -its human robber was disposed to leave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A fish is easily enough cooked, if a person has fire; -but in this case there was none, and what was worse, -no apparent means of producing it, for their matches -were left behind, and the wadding of their guns was -not of a kind to receive and hold fire from the powder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lend me your watch a minute," said Robert, on -learning what was wanted. "It is possible that I may -obtain from it what you wish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Had Robert spoken of some chemical combination for -producing fire, by mixing sand and sea-water, Harold -could scarcely have been more surprised than by the -proposal to obtain fire from his watch. He handed it -to his cousin with the simple remark, "Please don't -hurt it," and looked on with curiosity. Robert -examined the convex surface of the crystal, which being -old fashioned, was almost the section of a sphere, and said,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think it will do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then obtaining some dry, rotten wood from a decayed -tree, he filled the hollow part of the crystal with water, -and setting it upon a support, for the purpose of -keeping the water perfectly steady, showed Harold that -the rays of the sun passing through this temporary -lens, were concentrated as by a sun-glass. The tinder -smoked, and seemed almost ready to ignite, but did -not quite--the sun's rays were too much aslant at that -hour of the day, and the sky was moreover covered with -a thin film of mist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a failure," said he, "but still there is another -plan which I have seen adopted--a spark of fire </span><em class="italics">squeezed -from the air</em><span> by suddenly compressing it in a syringe. -If we had a dry reed, the size of this gun barrel, I -would try it by using a tight plug of gun wadding as -a piston."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Robert had no opportunity for trying his -philosophical experiment, and being mortified by a second -disappointment, as he probably would have been, from -the rudeness of the contrivance; for Harold's voice was -soon heard from the bank above, "I have it now!" and -when Robert approached he saw in his hand a white -flint arrowhead. With this old Indian relic he showered -a plentiful supply of sparks upon the dry touch-wood, -until a rising smoke proclaimed that the fire had taken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the time occupied by these experiments, and -the subsequent cookery, the thin mist in the sky had -given place to several dark rolling clouds, which -promised ere long to give them a shower. The promise was -kept; for the boys had not proceeded half a mile before -the rain poured down in torrents. As there was no -lightning, they sought the shelter of a mossy tree, and -for a season were so well protected that they could not -but admire their good fortune. But their admiration -did not last long; the rain soaked through the dense -masses over head, and fell in heavy drops upon their -caps and shoulders.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This will never do," cried Harold. "Come with -me, Robert, and I will provide a shelter that we can -trust."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Putting upon their heads a thick covering of moss, -which hung like a cape as far down as their elbows, -they ran to a fallen pine, and loosened several pieces of -its bark, as long and broad as they could detach, then -placing them upon their heads above the moss, marched -back to the tree, and had the pleasure of seeing the rain -drip from their bark shelters as from the eaves of a -house. Robert was much pleased with the expedient, -and remarked,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose this is another of old Torgah's notions."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, no," replied Harold. "I have frequently seen -it used by negroes in the field, and by hunters in the -woods. But there is another device of a similar kind, -which I will leave you to guess. I was riding once with -a rough backwoodsman across one of our Alabama -prairies, when we were overtaken by a severe hail-storm, -that gave us an unmerciful pelting. Now, how do you -suppose he protected himself against the hailstones?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Got under his horse," conjectured Robert. "I once -saw a person sheltering himself under his wagon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He took the </span><em class="italics">saddle</em><span> from his horse, and placed it -upon his head. For my own part, I preferred the -pelting of the stones to the smell of the saddle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rain ceasing shortly after, they continued their -walk to the old encampment, which they visited for the -purpose of ascertaining whether there were any other -signs of visitors. Everything was just as they had left -it, except that it had assumed a desolate and weather-beaten -aspect. Their flag was flying, and the paper, -though wet, adhering to the staff. At sea the weather -looked foul, and the surf was rolling angrily upon the -shore. Resting themselves upon the root of the noble -old oak, and visiting the spring for a drink of cool -water, they once more turned their faces to the prairie.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whoever will travel extensively through our pine -barrens, will see tracts, varying in extent from a quarter -of an acre to many hundreds of acres, destroyed by the -attacks of a worm. The path from the old encampment -led through a "deadening," as it is called, of this sort; -in which the trees, having been attacked some years -before, were many of them prostrate, and others -standing only by sufferance of the winds. By the time our -travellers reached the middle of this dangerous tract, -a sudden squall came up from sea, and roared through -the forest at a terrible rate. They heard it from afar, -and saw the distant limbs bending, breaking, and -interlocking, while all around them was a wilderness of -slender, brittle trunks, from which they had not time -to escape. Their situation was appalling. Death -seemed almost inevitable. But just as the crash -commenced among the pines, a brilliant idea occurred to the -mind of Robert.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, Harold!" said he. "Run! run! run!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suiting the action to the word, he threw himself flat -beside a large sound log that lay </span><em class="italics">across the course of -the wind</em><span>, and crouched closely beside its curvature; -almost too closely, as he afterwards discovered. Hardly -had Harold time to follow his example, before an -enormous tree cracked, crashed, and came with a horrible -roar, directly over the place where they lay. The log -by the side of which they had taken refuge, was buried -several inches in the ground; and when Robert tried to -move, he found that his coat had been caught by a -projecting knot, and partly buried. The tree which fell -was broken into four parts; two of them resting with -their fractured ends butting each other on the log, while -their other ends rested at ten or twelve feet distance -upon the earth. For five minutes the winds roared, -and the trees crashed around them; and then the squall -subsided as quickly as it had arisen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That was awful," said Robert, rising and looking at -the enormous tree, from whose crushing fall they had -been so happily protected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was, indeed," Harold responded; "and we owe -our lives, under God, to that happy thought of yours. -Where did you obtain it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert pointed to the other end of the log, and said, -"There." A small tree had fallen across it, and was -broken, as the larger one had been. "I saw that," said -he, "just as the wind began to crash among these pines, -and thought that if we laid ourselves where we did, we -should be safe from everything, except straggling limbs, -or flying splinters."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really," said Harold, "at this rate you are likely -to beat me in my own province. I wonder I never -thought of this plan before."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had an adventure somewhat like this last year, -only not a quarter so bad," said Robert. "I was fishing -with Frank, on a small stream, when a whirlwind came -roaring along, with such force as to break off limbs from -several of the trees. Afraid that we, and particularly -Frank, who was light, might be taken up and carried -away, or else dashed against a tree and seriously hurt, I -made him grasp a sapling, by putting around it both -arms and legs, while I threw my own arms around him -and it together, to hold all tight. I was badly -frightened at the noise and near approach of the whirlwind, -but for the life of me could not help laughing at an act -of Frank's. We had taken only a few small catfish -(which he called from their size, </span><em class="italics">kitten</em><span>-fish), and two of -these being the first he had ever caught, he of course -thought much of them. When the wind came nearest, -and I called to him, 'Hold fast, Frank!' I saw him -lean his head to one side, looking first at the flying -branches, then at the string of fish, which the wind had -slightly moved, and deliberately letting go his hold of -the tree, he grasped his prize, and held to that with -an air and manner, which said as plainly as an act -could say, 'If you get them, you must take me too.'"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxvii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXVII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">LAUNCHING THE BOATS--MORE WORK, AND YET MORE--ECLIPSE -OF FEB. 12TH, 1831--HEALING BY "FIRST -INTENTION"--FRANK'S BIRTHDAY--PREPARING FOR A -VOYAGE--RAIN, RAIN</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The boats came on swimmingly. By the end of -the second week of their systematic labours they -had not only been sufficiently excavated, but the -young shipwrights had trimmed down much of the -exterior. They were two and a half feet wide, by twenty -inches deep, and eighteen feet long. At this stage Robert -supposed the work to be nearly done, but Sam shook -his head, and said, "Not half." The most laborious -part of the work was over, but so much more remained, -in the way of paring, smoothing, trimming, and bringing -into proper shape, that it was full a fortnight before -they were considered fit for the water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were ready for launching on the same day; and -though Robert made his announcement of the fact some -hours in the advance of Harold, it was agreed, that as -Sam had been with him half a day more, the race should -be considered as even. The launching occupied four -days. They were distant from the water respectively -an hundred and an hundred and fifty paces. A thick -forest was to be traversed. It was necessary to clear a -road, build bridges, and cut down the river bank. -Robert's was launched on February 1st, and Harold's -on February 3d. On each occasion there was a general -rejoicing, and every person, not excepting Mary and -Frank, fired a salute.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But on being launched the boats did not float to -please them. One was too heavy at the bows, the other -leaned too much to one side. Several days were spent -in correcting these irregularities, and thus closed the -fifth week of their labour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another week was spent in making the rudders and -a pair of oars, and fitting in the seats and masts. This -caused them to make another voyage to the wreck, for -the purpose of obtaining planks, screws, and other -materials. They went, of course, in their boats, and had -the pleasure of seeing them behave admirably. They -were steady, sat well on the water, and obeyed the oars -and helm almost as well as though they had been built -in a shipyard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were two incidents worthy of note occurring -about this time. One was the discovery, made first by -Frank, of an interesting astronomical phenomenon. -About a quarter before twelve o'clock he had gone to -the water bucket beside the door for a drink of water, -when all at once Mary heard him call out,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Run here, sister, run! The sun has turned into a moon!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had looked into the water, and seeing the reflected -image of the sun like a half moon, sharply horned, had -strained his eyes by looking up until he ascertained -that the sun itself was of the same shape. Mary, who -had witnessed an event of the kind before, perceived at -a glance that it was an eclipse. She therefore took a -basin, and hurried with Frank to the landing, to inform -the others of the fact.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look in the </span><em class="italics">water</em><span>, brother," said Frank, whose -eyes were yet watery from the severe trial he had given -them. "You can't look at the sun without crying."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a time, of course, no work was done; all were -engaged in watching the phenomenon. It was the great -annular eclipse of February 12th, 1831, in which the sun -appeared at many places like a narrow ring of light -around the dark body of the moon. To our young -people there was no ring. They were too far south. -The sun appeared like the moon when two days old, and -the sky and earth were very gloomy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other incident was in itself trivial, and would -not be introduced here but that the fact it illustrates -is sometimes of real importance. It was simply the -healing of a wound by what is called "</span><em class="italics">first intention</em><span>." Mary -was engaged in some of her culinary duties, when, -by an unfortunate slip of her hand, the knife which -she was using missed its place, and sliced her finger. -The piece was not cut </span><em class="italics">off</em><span>, but there was a large gash, -and it bled profusely. Her first act was to wash the -wound well in tepid water until the blood ceased to -flow; then seeing that all the clots were removed, she -brought the lips of the wound together, and kept them -so by a bandage and a little case, like the finger of a -glove made fast to the wrist by a piece of tape. The -wound soon underwent a process similar to that of -trees in grafting, only far more rapid. By the next -morning the lips began to adhere, and in the course of -three days the wound was healed--so rapidly will the -flesh of a healthy person recover from a cut if the -conditions necessary to "first intention" are observed, -viz., that the parts be </span><em class="italics">brought quickly together, and -kept without disturbance</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next week was spent in fitting up the sails and -rigging, and preparing the boats, so that in case of -rough weather they could be firmly lashed together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Their work was now done. They had been labouring -steadily for a month and a half, and were ready by -Friday evening to pack up and start for home. But they -resolved to wait and sanctify the Sabbath. They needed -rest: they were jaded in every limb and muscle. Moreover, -the next day was Frank's birthday. Taking everything -into consideration, they preferred to spend that -day in rest and rejoicing, partly in honour of Frank, -but more especially as a sort of thanksgiving for their -successful work. And as the voyage home promised to -be long, and perhaps perilous, they also determined that -they would devote Monday to trying their boats at sea, -by an outward voyage round the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After Frank had retired, the rest agreed upon the -plans by which to make the following day pleasant and -profitable to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I," said Mary, "will make him a birth-day cake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I," said Robert, "will teach him how to shoot -a bird."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I," said Harold, "will teach him how to swim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And I," said Sam, "will sing him a corn song."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They went to bed and slept soundly. It is astonishing -how habit can reconcile us to our necessities! Had these -young people been set down by any accident, a few -months before, in the midst of a lonely prairie, -surrounded by a wild forest, full of bears and panthers, -afar from their friends, and without any other protection -than that which they had long enjoyed, they would -have been miserable. But they went to sleep that night, -not only free from painful apprehension, but happy--yes, -actually </span><em class="italics">happy</em><span>--when they knew that their nearest -neighbours were treacherous savages, and that they were -surrounded nightly by fierce beasts, from whose devouring -jaws they had already escaped more than once, only -by the blessing of God upon brave hearts and steady -hands. How came this change? It was by cheerful -habit. </span><em class="italics">The labours, dangers, and exposure of men, had -given them the hearts of men</em><span>. God bless the children! -They slept in the midst of that leafy forest as sweetly -as though they were at home, and the bright stars that -rose by turns to measure out the night, looked down -like so many angel eyes, to watch the place of their -habitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary and Frank were the first to awake in the morning. -The others, wearied by their long labours, and free -from pressing responsibility, abandoned themselves to a -repose as sweet as it was needful. Frank moved first, -and his moving awaked Mary, who, on calling to mind -the nature of the day, and the resolutions of the night -before, put her arms affectionately round his neck, and -said, "Good morning, Mr. Eight-years-old; I wish you -many pleasant birthdays."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank put his arms round her neck, also, and kissed -her; then both began to dress. Wishing not to disturb -the sleepers, they slipped softly from the tent. Mary -went first to the poultry-pen, which she opened. The -ducks quacked with pleasure at her approach, and she -watched them as they dodged through the narrow hole -opened for their passage, and ran in a long line with -shaking tails and patting feet after the leading drake. -Then she raised the portcullis-like gate for the goats -and deer; Nanny bleated, no doubt intending to say -"good morning," but the unmannerly kid and fawn -pranced away, mindful of nothing but their expected -feast of grass and leaves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Mary was engaged with these, Frank went to -look after his own particular pets. She heard him at -the back of Nanny's pen, where the cubs were kept, -calling out, "Come along, sir!" then he laughed heartily, -but a moment after his voice sounded impatiently, -"Quit it, you Pollux! quit it, sir!" then in a distressed -tone, "Sister, sister, come help me!" Mary ran to -his assistance, yet she could scarce restrain her risibles -at the sight which greeted her eyes. Frank had loosed -the cord which confined the cubs, and was leading them -out for the purpose of a romp, when Pollux, who was -a saucy fellow, and knew as well as his young master -what was intended, rose, with a playful growl, upon -his hind legs, and walking behind him, pinioned his arms -close, and began trying to throw him down. Frank -was much pleased with what he regarded as a cunning -trick in his young scholar; but he soon found that it -was by no means pleasant to be hugged in that way -by a bear. He tried in vain to break loose, and when -Mary came to his assistance, the bear had thrown him -down, with his face and nose in the dirt. Frank rose, -looking very much mortified, and more than half angry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You ugly beast," he said to the bear, that seemed -amazingly to enjoy the joke, and was rising for another -frolic. "Get out, sir. I have a great mind to give you -a beating."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, no, Frank," said Mary, "don't be angry with -your playmate. Remember who taught him to wrestle, -and remember besides that this is your birthday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank's wrath instantly subsided, and jerking down -Pollux by the cord, he led both cubs back to the pen, -where he secured them, and then washed from his face -the traces of his defeat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam had by this time come from his shed-room and -made the fire for breakfast, and Robert and Harold, -awaked by Frank's call for help, dressed themselves and -made their appearance. They all wished Frank a -pleasant birthday, and hoped he might have as many as -would be for his good.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Master Frank," said Harold, while they were -sitting together, "what would you have us do for you -today? We are all your humble servants, and ready -to do whatever we can for your pleasure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then," said Frank, "the first thing I want you to -do, is to carry me right home to father and mother."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wish we could, Buddy," said Robert; "but as we -cannot do all that today, you must try to think of -something else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank could think of nothing. Robert suggested that -he might spend part of his birthday in learning to -shoot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I can shoot now," he replied. "Sister and I -have shot many times already since we came to the -island."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I mean," said Robert, "that you should learn to use -a gun, so as to kill whatever you wish."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes," said Frank, "I should like that very -much. For who knows but some old bear or panther -may come after sister or me yet, before we get away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, as for bears," Robert maliciously remarked, "I -think you will never need a gun. I think you will always -find a tree."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Frank's face reddened as he returned, "I don't care -if I did, sir. Cousin Harold knows that I did exactly -right. Didn't I, cousin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pardon me, Frank," Robert implored, "I did not -suppose that you felt so sore about that climbing. I -only said it to teaze you. I am sure I should have -done exactly as you did. But I can't help laughing to -think how your feet </span><em class="italics">twinkled</em><span>, as you climbed that tree."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert well knew that this half apology would be -satisfactory. Frank prided himself on his nimbleness, -being so lithe and active that his playmates used to call -him "squirrel." The allusion to his "twinkling" feet -restored him to good humour.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Frank," said Robert, beginning his lecture -with the gun in hand, "the first lesson I wish to teach -you is this, </span><em class="italics">never let the muzzle of your gun point to -yourself, or to any person</em><span>, and never allow any person -to point one towards you. A gun can never kill where -it does not point. Even when you are loading, or walking, -be careful to hold it so, that if it should go off it -could hurt nothing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then related several stories, illustrating the fact -that almost all accidents from guns are from careless -handling. Frank was a prudent child. He listened -attentively, and then replied,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brother Robert, I think I had better let the gun -alone till I am older. May be, if I begin so early, I -shall shoot myself or somebody else."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert was pleased with this mark of caution in his -little brother, and said, "Hold on to that, Frank, it is -a remark worthy of your birthday, and I trust that -every return of this day will find you as wise in -proportion to your age."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The further instructions intended for Frank that -day, being of an out-door character, were interrupted by -a rain that commenced about nine o'clock, and held on -steadily all day. They employed themselves leisurely -in packing and preparing, first for the short voyage -contemplated on Monday, and also for the longer voyage -home. During the whole day the tent was strewed and -confused with the various bags, boxes, trunks, and kegs, -intended to receive the articles to be carried. They -looked and felt like travellers on the eve of departure. -About sunset the rain ceased. The preparations being -now complete, they came together in the tent, and -rested on the sofa. Sam was missing. He had not -been seen for half an hour, and now it was getting dark. -Presently they heard a voice ringing musically through -the woods, in the direction of the boat landing, "Join, -oh, join, oh! Come, boys, we're all here! Join, oh! join, -oh!" Frank sprang to his feet, exclaiming, "That -is a corn song!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The music was very simple, and of the kind that may -be termed persuasive. It was the song usually sung by -the negroes of one plantation, when inviting those of -the neighbourhood to join them in their -"corn-shuckings." This practice is much more common in the up -country of Georgia, where the corn crop is large, than -on the seaboard, where the principal attention is given -to cotton. A corn-shucking frolic among these light -hearted people, is a scene worth witnessing; it is always -held at night, and concluded about midnight with a -feast, and is to the negro what a quilting party is to -country people.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Frank heard the first stave of Sam's song, he -recalled vividly the merry scenes of the corn-shucking, -and running towards the landing, met him, and returned, -holding him by the hand, and joining in the chorus.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was late ere they retired to rest. They began to -realize a tender nearness to the loved ones at home, such -as they had not felt since parting from them. They -talked long and gratefully over past deliverances and -future hopes; then closed the evening as those should who -wish to find the Sabbath a day of blessing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next morning dawned more dark and uncomfortable -than the day preceding. The whole sky was -loaded with clouds, and the rain fell every minute -through the day. The young people probably would -have found their time pass away very dismally had it not -been for the pious vivacity of Harold, who laid himself -out to make it agreeable. He frankly avowed that one -reason why he wished to have them unite with him in -spending the Sabbath aright, was his desire to succeed -in the effort to see their friends that week; and he -referred for authority, to the story told of Sir Matthew -Hale, High Chancellor of England, who advised that, -if there were no higher motive, the Sabbath should be -kept sacred as a matter of </span><em class="italics">policy</em><span>; remarking that, for -his own part, he could almost foretell his success during -the week to come, by the way he spent the Sabbath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The others, influenced by a variety of considerations, -united with him in this effort, and the day passed off -not only with pleasure, but with profit. Robert had -always thought in his heart that this story of Sir -Matthew Hale smacked strongly of superstition; but -when he came to reflect that if the Bible is true, of -which he had no doubt, the God who speaks to us now is -the same who spoke to Moses, and who actually prospered -or hindered the children of Israel according to their -observance of the Sabbath, he changed his opinion so -far as this--he resolved for the present to adopt the -advice of that great man, and then to watch whether -the same results were verified in his own case. And -although his reflections upon this point partook of the -merely philosophic character that, to some extent, marked -the operations of his mind, the course upon which he -resolved had several good effects; it made him realize -more sensibly his practical relation to God, and caused -him to watch more closely the consequences resulting -from the discharge or neglect not only of this particular -duty, but of duty in the general. That resolution, -apparently so trifling, and expressed to no one, started him -on a perfectly new track, and enabled him to learn, from -his own experience, that "</span><em class="italics">whoever will watch the providence -of God, will never lack a providence to watch</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On Monday the weather was worse than before. They -did indeed go out, well protected by thick boots, -watercoats, and tarpaulin hats, to see after their boats; but -the day was so chilly, as well as wet, that their most -comfortable place was near the fire. Before sunset, -however, the rain ceased, the clouds rapidly dispersed, -and when the sun flung his last slanting beams across -the earth, Robert pointed to Harold a red spot upon a -cloud, which spread so fast, that soon the whole western -sky was blazing with the promise of a fair morrow. -With this expectation they made every preparation, and -went to bed.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="xxxviii"><span class="large">CHAPTER XXXVIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">VOYAGE BOUND THE ISLAND--THE LOST BOAT--STRANGE -SIGNALS AGAIN--HURRICANE--NIGHT MARCH--HELPLESS -VESSEL--MELANCHOLY FATE--THE RESCUE--MAROONERS' -HOSPITALITY--CONCLUSION</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Tuesday morning dawned without a cloud. -Before the stars had ceased shining all hands -were called to work, and by the time the sun -peeped over the eastern marsh, they pushed off from -their landing, Harold and Sam, with Mum, being in -one boat, and Robert, Mary, and Frank, with Fidelle, -in the other. Rowing slowly down the river, against -a light wind from the south-east, the perfume of yellow -jessamines (gelseminum sempervirens), then in rich -bloom, so loaded the air, that the young people snuffed -up the delicious odours, and looked lovingly at the green -island they were preparing to forsake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The voyage was made almost without incident. When -they had passed out to sea, the voyagers were rejoiced -to find their boats behaving as well upon the rough water -as they had already done upon the smooth--they danced -joyously upon the gentle swell, as if congratulating -their young builders in the happy prospect of a -successful voyage. The boys tried the effect of lashing -them together, and thus verified the expectation of their -safety; they rubbed and creaked a good deal, and moved -less rapidly than when separate, but they sat upon the -water with a steadiness which no ordinary commotion -could disturb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Running the sea length of the island, and now bending -their course for the north river, Sam sang out, "A -sail!" Far up the coast a faint white speck appeared, -glancing in the sunbeams, but it soon faded from sight, -and they concluded that either it was a distant sea gull, -or else a vessel passing to the north. They watched it -with interest so long as it was visible, and then turned -into the river. Had they suspected what that white -thing was, and that instead of disappearing in the -increasing distance, it was only obscured by a little mist, -as it approached, beating against a head wind, they -would have forsaken river, island, tent, everything, and -sailed joyfully to meet it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They reached the old encampment at one o'clock, -having made the run of twenty-six miles in six and a -half hours. The boats behaved so well, and the winds, -sea, and sky were so inviting, that their only regret was, -that they had not put everything aboard and made a -day's voyage homewards. But doubtless, as Harold -remarked, a kind Providence watched over their path, and -would prove its kindness even in this delay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having taken a hasty survey of their old place of -rest and of refuge, and refreshed themselves at the -spring, they resolved to divide their company--Robert's -boat to go direct to the orange landing, where it was to be -left, while the passengers went by land to the tent, and -prepared the provisions for next day; and Harold and -Sam, in the meantime, to continue up the river, and -ascertain whether there was not an inland passage round -the island, shorter and easier than the route by sea. -With this understanding they sailed together to Duck -Point, where Robert turned into the Creek, and putting -Mary at the helm, rowed until they came to the orange -landing, and there moored the boat beside the old raft. -They reached the tent long before sunset, and having -completed the necessary preparations about dark, began -to wish for the return of the others. Several times -Robert went to the landing to look for them before the -daylight had entirely ceased; and after dark he went again -by the light of the moon, which, being half full, shed her -light at this time of the evening perpendicularly upon -his path. He was becoming uneasy, when afar off he -heard the mellow sounds of a boat song; the notes grew -more and more distinct; the thump of the oars began to -be heard keeping time to the music; finally, the song -ceased; a clatter was heard as the oars were laid in the -boat; and soon the whole company were together once -more, enjoying the last supper of which they expected to -partake on the island.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What kept you so long?" inquired Robert. "Was -the distance great?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," replied Harold, with a look of pleasure; "we -found the distance only about six miles, but we were -detained by missing our way, and more especially by -trying to be sure of a piece of very good news. I think -we have found the old boat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed!" said Robert, starting to his feet, with the -keenness of his delight. "Where? How?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In the marsh, at the far bend of the river. I always -thought it had lodged somewhere in that direction, and -therefore kept my eyes open at every little creek and -opening in the marsh. At last I saw, what I cannot say -positively is </span><em class="italics">our</em><span> boat, but it is a boat of the same colour, -and having a stripe of white and black, like ours. We -tried until sunset to approach it, but did not succeed -in getting any nearer than at first; it is surrounded -with soft mud, and a wilderness of mangroves."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was certainly pleasant, though unprofitable, -intelligence. There was no prospect of their being able to -extricate the boat, except by the help of some uncommon -tide; and its value, though considerable, was nothing -in comparison with the necessity for returning home. -They resolved not to wait for it; on the contrary, that -they would transport to the portage, by means of -Harold's boat, the lading intended for Robert's; then -returning to the prairie, they would take in the second load, -and passing around by the new way, unite at Duck Point, -and sail thence for home. By rising early they were -sure that they could leave the island by eleven or twelve -o'clock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While engaged in these plans for the morrow, Sam -came in to say that he was afraid the next day also -would see them on the island, for never in his life had -he seen clouds gather so rapidly, or fly so fast. The -little company went out, and saw a multitude of low -scudding clouds passing with intense rapidity over the face -of the moon. Suddenly each one started, and looked -inquisitively into the others' faces, for at that moment the -sound of a cannon, within five miles, came booming from -the coast. Robert and Mary turned red and pale by -turns. Frank clapped his hands, exclaiming, "It is -father! O, I know it is father!" Harold folded his -arms--he had evidently acquired something of the composure -of the Indian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quick! quick! let us answer it!" cried Robert, and -with the word darted away to the tree where the cannon -powder was kept. While he was gone there came -another report. They loaded expeditiously, and in a -moment afterwards the dark woods were illuminated with -the flash, and the earth shaken with the thundering -discharge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now for a march to double quick time!" said Robert, -his strong excitement making him the leader of all that -was done. "But, sister, what shall we do with you and -Frank? You cannot keep pace with us. You had better -stay here with Sam, while Harold and I push on to the -coast, and see who is there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Had we not better fire our cannon once more!" -suggested Harold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sam can do it," Robert answered. "Here, Sam, put -in so much," showing him the quantity, "and fire it until -you are sure they hear you. But what is that?" he -continued, listening to a loud roar that came from the coast, -and increased like the accumulating rush of waters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is a hurricane," replied Harold. "There is no use -in trying to go now. Down with the tent pins! deep! deep! or -we shall have our house blown from above us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They hastened all to do what could be done for their -immediate protection; but there was little to be done. -Gaining wisdom from their former experience, they had -driven down the pins as far as they could go when the -tent was pitched, and moreover had raised the floor and -trenched the premises. They could only make the upper -canvas a little more secure, and having done this, they -entered the tent a few seconds before the storm burst -upon them. It was a terrible repetition of what they -had experienced four months before, when Sam was so -nearly destroyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary and Frank were in deep distress. The earnest -impetuosity of Robert, combined with their own thoughts, -had left in their minds no doubt that the guns fired were -from their father; and now, O what a storm to meet him -on his coming a second time to their truly enchanted -island! Frank cried as if his heart would break. Mary -buried her face in her hands, and prayed to Him who is -mighty to deliver, even when the winds and the waves -overwhelm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Harold also was strongly convinced that the guns were -from his uncle, but he knew that this was only conjectural, -and therefore he kindly remarked in the hearing -of the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have no </span><em class="italics">certain</em><span> reason, Robert, to believe that -those guns are from your father. But suppose that -they are, then another thing is true, he is in a vessel, -for boats do not usually carry guns. They were fired -too before the storm came on; therefore they are not -signals of distress, and also they appear to have come from -the river. Now, if the person who fired them is in a -vessel, and in the river, what is there to fear? He cannot -get away tonight, and he cannot probably be hurt by the -storm. Let us be quiet until morning, and then go out -to see who it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These thoughts were very comforting. Mary and -Frank ceased their weeping, and united in the conversation. -They all huddled together in the middle of the -tent. For hours the wind roared and howled with great -fury, but their tent was protected by the grand wall -of forest trees around, and also by the picket enclosure; -and though the wind made the canvas flutter, it could -neither crush it down nor lift it from above them. Nor -did the rain which poured in torrents, and was driven -with great violence across the prairie, give them any -particular inconvenience; it was readily shed by the -several thicknesses of canvas overhead, and carried off by -the drainage round the tent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the course of an hour, Mary and Frank fell asleep -upon the sofa, and the others took such naps as they could -obtain, while sitting in their chairs, and listening to a -roar of winds so loud, that if twenty cannons had been -fired at the river they could scarcely have been heard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About midnight the rain ceased, and the wind began -sensibly to abate. Puff after puff, and roar after roar, -still succeeded each other through the forest; but the -fury of the storm was over. An hour before day, -Harold shook Robert by the shoulder, and said, "I think we -can start now. Come and see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sky and woods were pitchy dark, little pools of -water covered the ground, and the prairie was rough -with huge branches torn from the trees, and conveyed -to a distance. These were obstacles and inconveniences, -but not impediments; and as the wind had so far lulled -that it was possible for a torch to live, Robert decided to -make a trial. He waked Mary and Sam, and announcing -his intention, said to them:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We wish to reach the old encampment by the time -there is light enough to see over the river. If possible, -we will return by eight o'clock, and let you know all. -If we are absent longer than that, you may conclude that -we have found something to do; and in that case, you -had better follow us. We shall, of course, be -somewhere on the river; but as we ourselves do not know -where, you had better go direct to Duck Point, from -which you can see almost all the way to our old spring. -Let me have a piece of white cloth, sister; I will, if -necessary, set up a signal for you on the beach, to tell you -where we are."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mary was exceedingly unwilling to have them depart. -The darkness looked horrible; their blind path must -now be still more obscured by prostrate trees and fallen -branches; and if they succeeded in reaching the intended -place, they might be called to engage in she knew not -what dangerous enterprise upon water as boisterous as -the sea. Quelling her anxieties, however, in view of the -necessities of the case, she said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go, but do take care of yourselves. Remember that -you two are the only protectors, except Sam, for Frank -and me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys promised to run no unnecessary risks, and to -return if possible by the appointed hour. Taking their -guns, the spy-glass, and a bundle of rich splints of -lightwood, they set out. Mary watched their figures -gradually diminishing under the illuminated arches of -the forest. She noticed the dark shadows of the trees -turning upon their bases as pivots, when the torch -passed, until they all pointed towards the tent. Then -the light began to be intercepted; it was seen by fitful -glares; it ceased to be seen at all; its course was marked -only by a faint reflection from the tree-tops, or from the -misty air; finally every trace of the torch and of its -reflection was lost to sight, and Mary returned, with a -sigh and a prayer, to her seat upon the sofa.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys were compelled to watch very carefully the -blazing upon the trees, and what few signs of their path -remained. There were no stars to guide their course, -and the marks upon the earth were so perfectly obliterated -by the storm, that several times they missed their -way for a few steps, and recovered it with the utmost -difficulty. It is scarcely possible for the best woodsman -in the world, of a dark night, and after a storm, to -keep a course, or to regain it after it is lost. The boys -were extremely fortunate in being able to reach the river -by the break of day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nothing yet was visible. The river and marsh looked -like a dark abyss, from which rolled hoarse and angry -murmurs. They gathered some wet fragments of pine -left by them near the oak, and made a fire, beside which -they sat and talked. Was there any person in the -river! Surely it was time to hear some voice or gun, or -to see some answering light. They would have hallooed, -but there was something oppressive and ominous in the -gloom of that storm-beaten solitude; and, for aught they -knew, their call might come only to the wet ears of the -drowned and the dead. They waited in painful and -reverential silence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gradually the dark rolling water became visible; then -afar off appeared black, solitary things, that proved to -be the tops of mangroves, higher than the rest, around -which had gathered moss and dead twigs of the marsh. -When the light of day more fully developed the scene, -they descried, at the distance of two miles, an object -which the glass revealed to be a small vessel, of the pilot -boat class, dismantled, and on her beam ends. This -sight filled them with apprehension.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no person visible on the side or yards; was -there any one living within? The companion-way was -closed. Possibly a gun might cause the persons on board -to give some sign of life.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys made ready to shoot, but neither gun could -be discharged. The powder was wet. The only leak in -the tent the night before had been directly over the guns, -and the rain had dripped into the barrels. It was vain -to attempt cleansing them for use; and if they succeeded -in producing a discharge, how could that help the -persons on board?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no," said Robert, "what they want is our boat. -Let us get that, and go immediately to their rescue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before leaving the bluff they planted conspicuously a -small pole, in the cleft top of which Robert slipped a -piece of paper, on which was written, "We have gone for -our boat; you will see us as we pass. Robert."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they arrived at the orange landing the boat -was floating so far from shore, that without swimming it -could scarcely be reached. The raft, however, to which -it was moored, was nearer the bank, and Harold managed, -by climbing a slender sapling near the water's edge, and -throwing his weight upon the proper side, to bend it so -that he could drop upon the raft, and from that to enter -the boat. It was ankle deep with water, and there was no -gourd nor even a paddle with which to bale it. Robert's -ingenuity devised a plan; he threw into the boat an -armful of moss, which soaked up the water like a sponge, -and lifting this over the gunwale, he squeezed it into -the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a short delay they pushed from shore. To their -delight, the tide was so high that they could row over -the marsh in a straight line for the river, which was -hardly a mile distant. On their way the sun burst -through a cloud, and appeared so high as to prove that -the hour of eight was already passed, and that Mary's -company was probably on their way to the point before -them. The water in the river was dark and rough, from -the action of the neighbouring sea, but undisturbed by -wind. On reaching it they paused, and hallooed to know -whether the party by land had reached the point; -hearing no answer, they resumed their oars, and crossed to -the other side of the river, where the water was more -smooth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>We will now leave them for awhile, and return to the -company at the tent. Mary reclined on the sofa, but -could not sleep. The idea of her father in danger, -perhaps lost in his effort to rescue them, and thoughts of -the perilous night-march of the boys through a dense -forest, and then the nameless adventures into which her -daring cousin and excited brother might be tempted, -haunted her mind until the grey light of morning stole -through the white canvas, and admonished her to rise. -Frank was fast asleep upon the sofa, covered with a -cloak; and Sam's snores sounded long and loud from his -shed-room. On looking at the watch, which Harold had -left for her convenience, she found that it was nearly -seven o'clock; she did not know that when the sky is -densely covered by clouds, the dawn does not appear -until the sun has nearly reached the horizon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was not long after this before a fire was made, and -breakfast ready for the explorers. Mary employed -herself in every useful way she could devise, until the -slow minute hand measured the hour of eight; then -taking a hasty meal, they set out upon their march. Sam -led the van with a gun upon his shoulder, and a gourd of -water in his hand. Mary followed, carrying a basket -of provision for the hungry boys, and Frank went from -one to the other, at will, or lagged behind to watch the -motions of the dogs, that looked thoughtful, as if aware -that something unusual was on hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The ground was still quite wet, and they were compelled -to pick their way around little pools and puddles -that lay in their path; but with care they succeeded so -well that they would have reached Duck Point in advance -of the boys, had it not been for a circumstance that -interested them much, while it filled them with gloom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearing the point, the dogs, that had hitherto followed -very demurely behind, pricked up their ears, and trotted -briskly towards the water's side. Sam noticed this, and -remarked, "Dey after tukkey I 'speck, but we a'n't got -no time fo' tukkey now." Soon after, their attention -was arrested by hearing a cry from the dogs, which was -neither a bark nor a whine, but a note of distress made -up of both.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh! eh!" said Sam. "Wat dem dog after now? -Dah no cry for deer, nor for tukkey, nor for squirrel. -Missus, you and Mas Frank stay here one minute, till I -go see w'at dem dog about. I sho' dey got some'n -strange. Only harkee how dey talk!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sam was in fact fearful that some sad accident had -befallen Robert and Harold, and that the dogs, having -scented them by the light wind coming down the river, -had given utterance to this moan of distress. He -therefore walked with hurried steps in the direction from -which the sound proceeded, while Mary and Frank, -unwilling to be left alone, followed slowly behind him. -He had not gained more than twenty paces the advance, -when they saw him stop--run a few steps forward--then -stop again, and lift up his hands with an exclamation -of surprise. They hurried to his side, and found -him gazing, with looks of horror, into a little strip of -bushes that skirted the margin of the tide water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the matter, Sam?" inquired Mary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look, Missus," he replied, pointing with his finger. -"Enty[#] dat some people drown dey in de ma'sh?"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Is not that.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Mary and Frank looked, and saw what appeared to be -in truth, the bodies of two persons fast locked in each -other's arms, and lodged upon the top of a submerged -mallow, which allowed them to sway back and forth with -the undulations of the water. Sam was hesitating what -to do--for negroes are almost universally superstitious -about dead people. Mary urged him on.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will not leave them there, will you?" she -inquired; "you will surely draw them out, and see who -they are. May be, too, they are not dead. O, get them -out, Sam, get them at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Shamed out of his superstitious fear, Sam reluctantly -obeyed the injunction of his mistress. He waded -carefully and timidly along, until he could lay hold of the -bodies, and drag them to shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"W'ite man and nigger, Missus," he said, solemnly, -as the movement through the water revealed the pale -features of the one, and the woolly head of the other. -"De w'ite man, I dun-know[#] who he is, he look like -sailor; and de nigger--" He had now drawn them -ashore, and examined their features. It would have -made any one's heart sad to hear the groan that came -from the poor fellow, when he had looked steadily into -the face of the dead man. He staggered, fell on his -knees in the water, embraced the wet body, and kissed it.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Dun-know, don't know.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"O my Missus," he cried, "it is Peter! my own brudder -Peter! De only brudder I got in dis wide wull. O -Peter--Peter!" and he wept like a child.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Draw them out, Sam," said Mary, energetically; -"draw them on high ground, and let us rub them as we -rubbed you. There may be life in them yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, Missus," he replied, pulling the bodies higher -ashore. "No life here. He cold--he stiff--he dead. O -Peter, my brudder, I glad to meet you once mo'. -Huddee[#] Peter! Huddee boy!" The poor fellow actually -shook hands with the corpse, and poured out afresh his -unaffected sorrows.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">[#] Howdye.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>As soon as the bodies were drawn sufficiently from the -water, Mary proceeded to examine them. The face of -the white man was unknown to her, he appeared to have -been a respectable sailor. He and Peter were evidently -stiff dead. She was so certain they were beyond all hope -of recovery, that she did not even require their clothes -to be unloosed, or any means to be used for their -restoration. She waited on the mourning brother until the -first burst of his grief was over, then she and Frank aided -him to make a sort of brush wood fence around the bodies, -to protect them until something could be done for their -interment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was while they were engaged in this last duty that -Robert and Harold passed the point. Their halloo -might, under ordinary circumstances, have been heard; -but with their own occupation of mind, the rustle of -bushes dragged along, and the roar of the distant surf, -the voices of the boatmen sounded in vain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>From the point the boys proceeded, it was said, to the -other side of the river, to escape the waves that dashed -heavily against the island. The whole marsh, from bluff -to bluff, was one flood of water, with the exception of -patches of the more luxuriant herbage that peered above -the rolling surface. The mangroves, though generally -immersed, broke so completely the violence of the waves, -that the water above and around them, was comparatively -smooth, while in the channel of the river it was too -rough for safety.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Picking their way over the tops of the low bushes, and -around the branching summits of the taller, the boys -rowed steadily towards the unfortunate vessel. They -had gone not quite half a mile from shore, when they -heard a gun, and looking back, they saw Mary's -company beckoning to them. It was too late to return, -without great sacrifice of time; and Robert pointed with -one hand to the distant vessel, and with the other to the -place of the old encampment. These signs were -understood; the company on shore, after looking steadily at -the distant object on the water, disappeared in the woods, -and afterwards re-appeared above the old spring.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The labour of rowing increased as the boat proceeded. -The passage through the marsh became more intricate, -and the swell from sea began to be more sensibly felt -through the irregular openings. But with the increase -of difficulties came also an increase of energy, as they -approached the vessel. They were now about a quarter -of a mile distant. Their hands were sore, and their limbs -weary with rowing. They tried not to exert themselves -any more vigorously than before, lest they should utterly -exhaust their strength, but they nevertheless observed, -that as they neared the vessel, their boat did somehow -move more rapidly through the water, and crowd with -greater skill through the narrow opening.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the young boatmen came within hail they would -have called, had they not been restrained by the same -ominous feeling which they experienced on the beach. -With beating hearts they rowed silently around the bow -of the vessel. The waves dashed heavily against it, and -came up the inclined deck, oftentimes higher than the -companion-way. They moored the boat to the broken -mast, and then clambering along the pile of sea-weed and -mangroves, which the vessel had collected in drifting, -came at last to the cabin door. Robert could not say -one word; his heart had risen into his mouth, and he felt -almost ready to faint.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hallo!" cried Harold, his own voice husky with -emotion. "Is anybody within?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God!" responded a voice near the cabin door. -It was a female voice, and its familiar tones thrilled to -Harold's very soul. "Yes, yes, there are three of us -here. Who is that calling?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold," he answered, "Harold Mc----." The -name was not finished. He reeled as he spoke, and leaned -pale as a sheet against the companion-way. That voice -was not to be mistaken, little as he expected to hear it -on that dark river. It was the voice first known to -him, and first loved of all earthly voices. He tried again -to answer; it was in vain. He groaned in very anguish -of joy, and the big tears rolled down his face. Robert -answered for him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Harold McIntosh and Robert Gordon. Who is in here?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The voice from within did not reply. It seemed as if -the person to whom it belonged was also overcome by -emotion; for soon after they heard her speak tremulously,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Brother! Sister! Thank God--our boys--are here!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Robert did not recognize the voice of his aunt, nor did -he understand the speechless look which his cousin turned -upon him, until after two or three violent sobs, Harold -replied to his inquiring look, "My mother! Robert, -mother!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hearing the exclamation from within, Robert had now -recovered from his own torture of suspense, and leaned -down to the cabin-door in time to hear the manly voice -of Dr. Gordon, asking in tones that showed he too was -struggling to command himself,</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My children, are you all well?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, father, all well," Robert replied. He wished -to ask also, "Is mother here?" but his voice again -failed; he fell upon the leaning door, and gave vent to -a passionate flood of tears. While leaning there he heard -his aunt call out, "Come, help me, brother. She has -fainted." But that answer was enough; his mother -was there.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys tried in vain to open the door; it was secured -on the inside, and it was not until after some delay -that Dr. Gordon removed not only the bolt, but various -appliances that he had used to keep the water from -dripping into his sister's berth, and gave each a hearty -shake of the hand as they leaned sideways to enter the -door, and clambered in the dark cabin. Dark, however, -as that cabin was, and insecure as was the footing of -the boys, it was not long before each was locked in his -mother's arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mrs. Gordon was very feeble, and her face much -emaciated with suffering. She said little more at first than -to ask after Mary and Frank. This silence alarmed -Robert; he knew that joy is usually loquacious, and he -heard his aunt talking very earnestly with Harold; but -he forgot that his mother was just recovering from a -swoon, and that extreme joy expresses itself differently -in different persons. His father, seeing him look -anxiously into her pale, thin face, remarked, "She will -recover fast enough, now. The only medicine she needed -was to meet you all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"O, yes," she too observed. "Give me now my dear -Mary and Frank, and I think I shall soon get well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can give them to you in an hour, if you are able -to bear removal," said Robert. "Is she able, father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes, able enough," his father answered. "And, -I presume, we had better go, before the tide recedes, or -we may be caught in the marsh. Come, let us load -without delay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They removed the trunks, and other things needful, to -the boat; the boys relating all the while to their delighted -parents what a beautiful prairie home they had, and how -well it was stocked with every comfort. "Everything," -said Robert, "except father and mother; and now we are -taking them there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boat was brought close to the vessel's side, and held -there firmly by Dr. Gordon, while the ladies were assisted -by the boys. And with what pride those mothers leaned -upon those brave and manly sons--grown far more -manly since their exile--may be imagined, but can not -be described. Mrs. Gordon recovered her vivacity, and -a great portion of her strength, before she left the cabin. -Joy had inspired her heart, and energized her muscles. -Mrs. McIntosh also seemed to grow happier every -moment, as she discovered the mental and moral -developments of her son. Dr. Gordon, having carefully closed -the companion-way, took the helm, and the boys the -oars, while the mothers, with their faces towards the bow, -looked with eyes of love and admiration upon the young -labourers, who were requiting life for life, and love -for love, what had been bestowed on them in their -infancy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they were passing through the marsh, Mrs. Gordon -spied several human figures on a distant bluff. They -were exceedingly small, but distinctly marked against -the sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Can they be my dear little Mary and Frank?" she asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boys replied that they were, and she waved her -white handkerchief to them, in the hope of attracting -their attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The water was still so rough in the channel, that, -anxious as the parents were to embrace their long-lost -children, Dr. Gordon decided that instead of attempting -the passage directly across, in their heavily loaded skiff, -they must continue up the river, through the irregular -openings of the marsh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They came at last near enough to be discovered by -Mary and Frank, who, seeing the boat load of passengers -going up the river, needed no invitation to meet them -at Duck Point. The two companies reached the beach -about the same time. Frank rushed right through the -water, and sprang into his mother's lap; Mary was lifted -into the boat by Robert, who waded back and forth to -bring her; and Sam, though he was saddened by the -melancholy fate of his brother, came with open lips and -shining teeth, to shake hands with Mossa and Missus, as -soon as the children gave him an opportunity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Here they stopped long enough to allow the hungry -boys to refresh themselves from Mary's basket of -provisions, and Sam's gourd of water. They were almost -ravenous. Dr. Gordon then went with Robert overland, -to bring the other boat from the prairie to the -portage, while Harold and Sam conducted the company by -water to the orange landing. From this latter place -Mrs. McIntosh preferred to walk alone with her son to -the tent, leaving the others to descend the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During this part of the voyage, Dr. Gordon first learnt -with certainty the fate of Peter and the sailor. As soon -therefore as Mrs. Gordon had landed, he left Robert to -support her to the tent, and re-entering the boat with -Sam, went to rescue the bodies from their exposure, and -to prepare them for a decent burial. It was late in the -afternoon when they returned; and, as the best they -could do with the dead bodies, they left them all night -in the boat, covered with a sail, and pushed a little -distance from the land.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young housekeepers laid themselves out to entertain -their welcome guests. Mary provided them with an -early and delightful supper, which was highly seasoned -with love and good will. Mrs. Gordon and Mrs. McIntosh -reclined on Mary's sofa, the others gathered -round to complete the circle, and the young people gave -snatches of their eventful history. It was late before -any one thought of retiring. Then Dr. Gordon called -for a copy of the Scriptures. He talked of their -separation, their sorrows, dangers, escapes, and now of their -joyful reunion. After that, he read the ninety-first -Psalm, which speaks of the protection that God promises -to His people, and kneeling down, he offered their united -thanksgiving for all the past, and their united prayer -that the Lord would be their God, and make them His -loving, grateful people. When they arose from their -knees, every eye was wet with the tears of gratitude -and joy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sleeping arrangements for the night were hasty -and scant. Mary lay between her mother and aunt, for -whom two of the narrow mattresses of the vessel had been -placed side by side, and covered with the bear-skin. -Frank nestled into the bosom of his father, and close -beside him on another mattress lay Robert. Harold had -chosen the sofa. After the labours and disturbances of -the past twenty-four hours, sleep came without -invitation. The moon and stars shone brilliantly overhead, -the air was uncommonly pure, as if washed clean by -the preceding rain, and the leafy forest, which had so -often enclosed in its bosom the young but hopeful exiles, -now murmured all night its soft blessings upon a -reunited family.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Having extended this history far beyond the limits -originally intended, it is time to close with a few hurried -words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Poor Peter was buried the next night by torchlight, -according to the romantic custom prevalent among the -negroes. Locked indissolubly in each other's arms, he -and the sailor were laid in the same grave, and a double -head and foot-board was sunk to mark the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After much labour, and many dangers and delays (to -recount which would require almost another volume), -they raised and launched their little vessel, recovered -the sail boat, provided suitably for their brute pets, -sailed from the Island of Refuge and arrived safely at -Bellevue, where they had been long expected, and almost -given up for lost.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before they left, the health of Mrs. Gordon was -rapidly and almost perfectly restored. Fed from her -children's stores, drinking from their tupelo spring, and -regaled in every sense by the varied productions of that -land of enchantment, but more especially charmed by -her children's love there was nothing more for her to -desire, except the presence of the dear ones left behind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The joy of beginning their return to Bellevue was, -however, strangely dashed with sorrow, at parting from -scenes tenderly endeared by a thousand associations. As -they passed down the river, a gentle gale came from -the woods, loaded with the perfume of flowers. Harold -pointed to his mother the tall magnolia on the river bank, -which had been to him a Bethel (Gen. xviii. 16-19); it -was now in bloom, and two magnificent flowers, almost a -foot in diameter, set like a pair of brilliant eyes near the -top, looked kindly upon him, and seemed to watch him -until he had passed out of sight. The live oak, under -whose immense shade their tent had been first pitched, -was the last tree they passed; a nonpareil, hidden in the -branches, sat whistling plaintively to its mate; a -mocking bird was on the topmost bough, singing with all its -might a song of endless variety; and underneath a herd -of shy, peeping deer had collected, and looked inquisitively -at the objects moving upon the water. It seemed -to the young people as if the whole island had centred -itself upon that bluff, to reproach them with ingratitude, -and protest against their departure. But their resolution -could not now be changed; the prow of their vessel -held on its way. </span><em class="italics">The Marooning Party was Over</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>THE END</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="backmatter"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst" id="pg-end-line"><span>*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE YOUNG MAROONERS ON THE FLORIDA COAST</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="cleardoublepage"> -</div> -<div class="language-en level-2 pgfooter section" id="a-word-from-project-gutenberg" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<span id="pg-footer"></span><h2 class="level-2 pfirst section-title title"><span>A Word from Project Gutenberg</span></h2> -<p class="pfirst"><span>We will update this book if we find any errors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This book can be found under: </span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42066"><span>http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42066</span></a></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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