diff options
| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 18:44:15 -0700 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-14 18:44:15 -0700 |
| commit | 853e733a8096ab919d1529394ac67342347b8d3c (patch) | |
| tree | 5232340878c20544906648643e77858f2c4c7c04 /44503-h | |
Diffstat (limited to '44503-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/44503-h.htm | 8044 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 0 -> 90641 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/coverf.jpg | bin | 0 -> 100699 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i02.jpg | bin | 0 -> 72060 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i02f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 81323 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i03.jpg | bin | 0 -> 70978 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i03f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 82926 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i04.jpg | bin | 0 -> 77520 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i04f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 108068 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i05.jpg | bin | 0 -> 72594 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i05f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 94737 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i06.jpg | bin | 0 -> 4960 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i06f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 47932 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i07.jpg | bin | 0 -> 5353 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i07f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 76518 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i08.jpg | bin | 0 -> 5579 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i08f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 66480 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i09.jpg | bin | 0 -> 5440 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i09f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 58116 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i10.jpg | bin | 0 -> 6160 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i10f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 54923 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i11.jpg | bin | 0 -> 12497 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i11f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 157541 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i12.jpg | bin | 0 -> 6369 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i12f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 71036 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i13.jpg | bin | 0 -> 5958 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i13f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 65844 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i14.jpg | bin | 0 -> 6742 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i14f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 68909 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i15.jpg | bin | 0 -> 5819 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i15f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 72819 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i16.jpg | bin | 0 -> 6577 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i16f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 68344 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i17.jpg | bin | 0 -> 5954 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 44503-h/images/i17f.jpg | bin | 0 -> 63440 bytes |
35 files changed, 8044 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/44503-h/44503-h.htm b/44503-h/44503-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..7872b01 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/44503-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8044 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title>Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific, by Wilbur Lawton</title> + <link rel="coverpage" href="images/coverf.jpg" /> + <meta name='DC.Title' content='Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific' /> + <meta name='DC.Creator' content='Wilbur Lawton' /> + <meta name='DC.Language' content='en' /> + <meta name='DC.Created' content='1916' /> + <style type="text/css"> + body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } + .pagenum { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; + text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; + border: 1px solid silver; padding: 1px 3px; font-style: normal; + font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } + .it { font-style:italic; } + .bold { font-weight:bold; } + .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } + p { text-indent:0; margin-top:0.5em; margin-bottom:0.5em; + text-align: justify; } + div.lgc { } + div.lgc p { text-align:center; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; } + h1.title { text-align:center; font-weight:normal; + font-size:1.4em; margin:2em auto 1em auto} + h2 { text-align:center; font-weight:normal; + font-size:1.2em; margin:2em auto 1em auto} + .figright { float:right; clear:right; margin-left:1em; + margin-bottom:1em; margin-top:1em; margin-right:0; + padding:0; text-align:center; } + hr.pbk { border:none; border-bottom:1px solid silver; + width:100%; margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:2em; } + @media handheld { + .figright {float:right;} + } + .figleft { float:left; clear:left; margin-right:1em; + margin-bottom:1em; margin-top:1em; margin-left:0; + padding:0; text-align:center; } + @media handheld { + .figleft {float:left;} + } + .figcenter { text-align:center; margin:1em auto;} + div.blockquote { margin:1em 2em; text-align:justify; } + p.caption { text-align:center; margin:0 auto; width:100%; } + h2.nobreak { } + p.line { text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:0; } + table.center { margin:0.5em auto; border-collapse: collapse; padding:3px; } + .literal-container { text-align:center; margin:0 0; } + .literal { display:inline-block; text-align:left; } + .s001 { padding: 2px 5px; text-align:right; vertical-align:top } + .s002 { padding: 2px 5px; text-align:left; vertical-align:bottom } + .s003 { padding: 2px 5px; text-align:right; vertical-align:bottom } + .pbb { page-break-before: always } + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44503 ***</div> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<a href='images/coverf.jpg'><img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0000' style='width:379px;height:600px;' /></a> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='figcenter pbb'> +<a href='images/i02f.jpg'><img src='images/i02.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0001' style='width:364px;height:600px;' /></a> +<p class='caption'>Half way to the shore a triangular fin came cruising near him.</p> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb'> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;font-size:1.4em;'> +THE<br />OCEAN WIRELESS BOYS<br />ON THE PACIFIC</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;'> +BY<br /><br />CAPTAIN WILBUR LAWTON</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:0.8em;'> +AUTHOR OF “THE BOY AVIATORS’ SERIES,” “THE DREADNOUGHT BOYS’<br /> +SERIES,” “THE OCEAN WIRELESS BOYS ON THE ATLANTIC,” “THE<br /> +OCEAN WIRELESS BOYS AND THE LOST LINER,” “THE OCEAN<br /> +WIRELESS BOYS OF THE ICEBERG PATROL,” “THE<br /> +OCEAN WIRELESS BOYS AND THE NAVAL CODE,”<br /> +ETC.</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;font-style:italic;'> +ILLUSTRATED BY<br />ARTHUR O. SCOTT</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;'> +NEW YORK<br /><span style='font-size:larger'>HURST & COMPANY</span><br /><br />PUBLISHERS</p> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb'> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:2em;'> +Copyright, 1916,<br />BY<br />HURST & COMPANY</p> +</div> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<p class='line pbb' style='text-align:center;'>CONTENTS</p> + +<table summary="" class='center'> +<tr><td class='s001'>I. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>On the Broad Pacific</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_5'>5</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>II. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Ocean in a Rage</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_14'>14</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>III. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Long Night</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>IV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Derelict</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_26'>26</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>V. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The “Centurion”</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>VI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Mystery of the Seas</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_39'>39</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>VII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>An Old Enemy Oddly Met</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>VIII. </td><td style='padding: 2px 5px; text-align:left; vertical-align:top'> “<span class='sc'>Land, Ho!</span>” </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_56'>56</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>IX. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Through Hidden Dangers</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>X. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Chumming with Savages</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Cave of the Pearls</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Trap!</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XIII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>On the Reef</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XIV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Battling Man-eating Sharks</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_97'>97</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Message from the Deep</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_104'>104</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XVI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Alive on the Sea</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XVII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>An Encounter at Bomobori</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_119'>119</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XVIII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Donald Judson Again</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_126'>126</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XIX. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>He Tells a Strange Story</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XX. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Traitor in Camp</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_143'>143</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Memorable Night</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_153'>153</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Into the Jungle</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXIII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Dangerous Tree</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXIV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Wireless at Work</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_178'>178</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Jungle Hotel</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_186'>186</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXVI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Prisoners of “Bully” Broom</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_195'>195</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXVII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>At the Old Fort</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_203'>203</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXVIII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Free-booter’s Demands</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_209'>209</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXIX. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Rescue Party</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_216'>216</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXX. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>In the Coils of a Python</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_224'>224</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXXI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Journey Resumed</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_236'>236</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXXII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Storm in the Jungle</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_245'>245</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXXIII. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Giant Spiders</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXXIV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>A Fight with a Hornbill</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_272'>272</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXXV. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>The Heart of New Guinea</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_280'>280</a></td></tr> +<tr><td class='s001'>XXXVI. </td><td class='s002'> <span class='sc'>Found at Last!</span> </td><td class='s003'> <a href='#Page_292'>292</a></td></tr> +</table> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<h1 class='title pbb'>The Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific.</h1> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_5' id='Page_5'>5</a></span><h2 class='nobreak' id='t98'>CHAPTER I.—ON THE BROAD PACIFIC.</h2></div> + +<p>Twenty days out from San Francisco in the +vast, heaving desert of the sea, twenty days of +storm, sunshine and calm, the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, the +great white yacht of Jacob Jukes, head of the big +Atlantic and Pacific Shipping Combine, was making +her way lazily through the dreamy South +Seas. The vessel was capable of great speed, +being known as one of the fastest craft of her +kind. But she was bound on a mission which +might take a long time to consummate, and +economy of coal, which was piled even on her +decks, to re-enforce the supply in the bunkers, +was necessary.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_6' id='Page_6'>6</a></span>What this mission was remained, so far, a +mystery to every one on board except Mr. Jukes +himself, the iron-jawed and impenetrable organizer +of the expedition. Up to this time he had +shown no inclination to unburden himself of his +secret, and although the craft was equipped with +powerful wireless of the most modern type, the +yacht had received no messages, nor had she +sent any, under orders from Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>On this particular evening Jack Ready leaned +against the door of the wireless-room, a converted +deck cabin, and covertly watched the +heavy-shouldered, bull-necked form of the millionaire +shipping man as the latter gazed over +the rail across the vacant waters at the gorgeous +sunset.</p> + +<p>It was a true pageant of the heavens, such as is +only to be seen in the Southern ocean. Great +cloud-masses rose in wondrous forms, like glorified +castle walls and turrets, glowing with purple +and gold and red. Jack found himself following +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_7' id='Page_7'>7</a></span> +Mr. Jukes’ gaze. Although such spectacles had +been almost nightly ones since they had steamed +into the tropics, there was something wild and +sinister about the present one that thrilled him.</p> + +<p>Captain Septimus Sparhawk, the brown, gaunt +captain of the yacht, whose thin face was decorated +by two little dabs of grayish whiskers forward +of each ear, passed by.</p> + +<p>“Nothing to do but to look at the sky, eh?” he +asked Jack, as a suspicion of a smile crept over +his face.</p> + +<p>“That’s about all, sir,” rejoined Jack, with a +laugh. “I expect to see spiders spinning webs on +my instruments every day. I haven’t touched +the key since we sailed.”</p> + +<p>The captain shook his head. He was an old +and loyal employee of the shipping man, and not +much given to words. But, apparently, now he +felt called upon to express himself.</p> + +<p>“It’s a queer business, lad,” he said, “and it +may get queerer still before we find out what it’s +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_8' id='Page_8'>8</a></span> +all about. I’m as much in the dark as you or +the cabin boy. But right now that sunset worries +me more than anything else.”</p> + +<p>“You’re on the look-out for a storm?” asked +Jack, noting a sudden look of anxiety in the captain’s +pale blue eyes, surrounded by a network +of tiny wrinkles, due to long gazing into salty +gales.</p> + +<p>“Worse than that, Ready,” was the rejoinder. +“This is the hurricane season in these parts and +the glass,—I’ve just taken a squint at it,—is +dropping as if it never meant to stop.”</p> + +<p>“If I could use the wireless——” began Jack.</p> + +<p>“We could probably get a weather reading +from some other ship,” interrupted the captain, +starting off, “but as it is, we might as well not +have it on board at all. The thing’s got me +stumped.”</p> + +<p>He carried himself off on his long, thin legs +but paused to speak to Mr. Jukes. The ship-owner, +although Jack could not hear what was +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_9' id='Page_9'>9</a></span> +said, appeared to be agitated somewhat by the +captain’s words, for he began puffing rapidly at +his after-dinner cigar, sending out smoke like +the exhaust of a locomotive funnel, a sure sign, +as Jack had observed, that he was disturbed.</p> + +<p>“I’ll make all snug, sir,” the boy heard the +captain say, as he turned away, “and then we will +be prepared for whatever happens.”</p> + +<p>“Very well, Sparhawk,” answered Mr. Jukes, +in a somewhat louder voice than he had used +hitherto, “and be sure to see to it that the deck +load of coal is secured safely. They tell me the +bunkers are running low.”</p> + +<p>As has been stated, the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> decks were +piled high fore and aft with coal, kept in place +by wooden bulkheads, which did not add to the +appearance of the ship and encumbered progress +from bow to stern. Only amidships, where the +cabins were situated, was the deck clear. As the +captain ascended the bridge he turned and gave +an order to a petty officer and presently the crew +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_10' id='Page_10'>10</a></span> +could be seen at work lashing big tarpaulins down +over the coal which was so important to keep the +<em>Sea Gypsy</em> moving on her mysterious mission.</p> + +<p>The news that the coal supply was running +low in the bunkers was a surprise to Jack. He +made for Billy Raynor’s cabin where the young +chief engineer of the yacht was writing up his +“log.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, it’s right,” he rejoined to Jack’s question, +“the loss of that deck load would be a serious +matter. We’re a good many hundred miles from +land and will have to tap the supply before long.”</p> + +<p>“Billy, what on earth do you suppose is the +object of this voyage?” demanded Jack abruptly.</p> + +<p>“Blessed if I know, but I’m well satisfied with +my promotion and job,” declared Raynor. +“Cruising these wonderful seas in a yacht that’s a +beauty, even if her decks are all littered up like a +cattle boat’s, just about suits me.”</p> + +<p>“That’s all right, you’ve got something to do,” +complained Jack. “But look at my case. I have +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_11' id='Page_11'>11</a></span> +to polish up my instruments every day to keep +them from getting rusty.”</p> + +<p>“Serves you right for not stopping ashore and +enjoying yourself,” chuckled Raynor teasingly. +“Since you sold that ‘Universal Detector’ of yours +to the government you could surely afford to.”</p> + +<p>“Just as if I could kick my heels on shore doing +nothing,” was Jack’s indignant reply, “but it does +seem as if it’s about time we knew something of +what this voyage is for.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe it’s just a pleasure cruise to allow Mr. +Jukes to get away from his business troubles,” +hazarded Raynor.</p> + +<p>Jack shook his head in decided negative.</p> + +<p>“There’s more in it than that,” he declared +positively. “Mr. Jukes is first of all a man of +business. He wouldn’t come skylarking across +the Pacific for three weeks if he was just out for +a cruise. He’d go where he could keep in touch +with the market and Wall Street.”</p> + +<p>“That’s so,” Raynor was compelled to agree. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_12' id='Page_12'>12</a></span> +“Well, I suppose when he gets ready to spill some +information he’ll do it. In the meantime my job +just suits me. But what made you ask about +the deck coal?”</p> + +<p>“Because Captain Sparhawk says we’re in for +a bad blow, maybe a hurricane.”</p> + +<p>Raynor’s usually cheerful face became suddenly +serious.</p> + +<p>“When did he say that?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“Just now. They’re putting tarpaulins over +it now. If we dropped it, we’d be in a bad fix, +eh, Billy?”</p> + +<p>“We’d have about coal enough left for two +or three days,” rejoined Raynor.</p> + +<p>“And after that——?”</p> + +<p>“It would be a case of ‘merrily we drift +along.’”</p> + +<p>The door gave a sudden sharp slam. A puff +of wind, sweeping suddenly over the hitherto +breathless sea, had banged it shut.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_13' id='Page_13'>13</a></span>Jack jumped up and swung it quickly open +again.</p> + +<p>“Here she comes,” he cried excitedly.</p> + +<p>At the same instant the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> gave a sidelong +lurch that sent both lads helter-skelter across +the cabin. Outside came a sudden bawling of +voices and a distant, disquieting roar that grew +louder every second.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_14' id='Page_14'>14</a></span><h2 id='t314'>CHAPTER II.—THE OCEAN IN A RAGE.</h2></div> + +<p>Directly they recovered their sea legs, both lads +made for the cabin door. A wonderful but alarming +spectacle met their eyes. The sunset had been +blotted out as if by magic. In its place was a +ragged, inky-black cloud curtain that was being +swept across the sky as if invisible, titanic hands +were swiftly pulling it.</p> + +<p>The sea immediately about them was heaving +wildly in great swells that tumbled the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, +rendered less stable by her top-heavy load, from +side to side. Far off, under the rushing black +cloud, the forefront of which was almost over +them by this time, was a jagged line of white.</p> + +<p>Mr. Booth, the second mate, bundled up in oilskins, +ran past the boys on his way to the bridge.</p> + +<p>“Better get under cover,” he advised as he +passed. “This is going to be a hummer.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_15' id='Page_15'>15</a></span>But, fascinated by the majestic sight, both boys +stood still, clutching the rail and bracing themselves +for the shock they felt was coming, for +both had guessed that the jagged white line in the +distance was a giant wave. Like a cliff of water +it grew as it swept toward them, accompanied +by a howling of the wind that sounded like a +witches’ carnival. So swift was its advance that +the boys had hardly time to run toward the cabin +when it broke upon them.</p> + +<p>The <em>Sea Gypsy</em> heeled like a ship that had been +struck a mortal blow. For one instant she hung +balanced as if she was about to capsize. The door +of the cabin in which the boys had taken refuge +was ripped from its hinges by the terrific force +of the impact as if it had been matchwood.</p> + +<p>The next moment both lads were struggling +for their lives in a surging, sweeping smother of +water that filled the cabin to the roof. Jack felt +himself clutched by the hands of his chum. Fighting +to keep himself above water, Jack saw that +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_16' id='Page_16'>16</a></span> +Raynor had been hurled against some object and +been wounded. There was a jagged cut in his +forehead.</p> + +<p>He had hardly noticed this, when the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> +staggered back to an even keel. As she did so +the water swept out of the cabin like a millrace, +carrying both boys helplessly with it.</p> + +<p>Jack felt Raynor torn from his arms, and the +next thing he realized he was struggling for +his life in the waves that reared and roared above +the floundering yacht.</p> + +<p>A month before the events we are describing +took place, Jack Ready, the young wireless operator +of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, and his inseparable chum, +Billy Raynor, had been summoned to Mr. Jukes’ +New York office and told that they were detached +from duty on the big <em>Columbia</em>, the crack liner +of the Jukes’ ships, and ordered to pack their +things forthwith and meet the ship-owner at the +St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco within a week. +Neither had demurred, supposing some interest +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_17' id='Page_17'>17</a></span> +of the ship-owners called for their presence there. +But, much to their bewilderment, they had each +been handed a substantial check by Mr. Jukes on +his arrival in the western metropolis, told to +outfit themselves for a long voyage, and nothing +more. Two days later the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> cleared the +harbor.</p> + +<p>The acquaintance of Jack and Mr. Jukes had +its beginning in certain events which took place +near Jack’s quaint home, which he shared with an +eccentric uncle on an old schooner in the Erie +Basin in New York. The rescue by Jack of Mr. +Jukes’ little daughter, and the result on his affairs, +were fully detailed in the first volume of +this series, which was called “The Ocean Wireless +Boys on the Atlantic.” This is not the place +to re-tell all the exciting adventures that befell +Jack and young Raynor, who was third engineer +on the steamer to which Jack was assigned, in +fulfillment of his ambition to be a “wireless man.”</p> + +<p>Nor can we do more here than to hint at the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_18' id='Page_18'>18</a></span> +contents of the second volume. This was called +“The Ocean Wireless Boys and the Lost Liner,” +and set forth the fate of the <em>Tropic Queen</em>. In +this book we found Jack and his inseparable chum +steadily progressing in their chosen professions, +and also met several other characters, all of whom +had an important bearing on the events of the +boys’ lives. Mr. Jukes took formal recognition +of the part Jack played in the disaster that overtook +the <em>Tropic Queen</em>, and inwardly resolved +that his heroism and devotion to duty had made +him a lad worth watching.</p> + +<p>Still a third volume followed, describing the +boys’ further adventures. In the “Ocean Wireless +Boys of the Iceberg Patrol,” much interesting +information about the manner in which the +ocean lanes are guarded from the white menace +of the north, was given. The boys shared in +many thrilling adventures also, and ended by discovering +something that an expedition, at the +head of which was Jack’s Uncle Toby, had almost +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_19' id='Page_19'>19</a></span> +lost through the tricks of a band of hard characters.</p> + +<p>The fourth book setting forth their doings was +called “The Ocean Wireless Boys and the Naval +Code.” Captain Simms of the U. S. N., after +devising a novel code for the use of this government, +through the machinations of a band of +daring rascals, found himself robbed of it. Wireless +played a big part in the recovery of the documents +in the long run, Jack acquitting himself to +the delight of the naval officials and the government +by his work in this connection. Some of +the miscreants, whose tricks Jack had helped to +frustrate, were sent to prison but others got free. +These latter the boys, though they little suspected +it, were destined to meet again.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_20' id='Page_20'>20</a></span><h2 id='t451'>CHAPTER III.—A LONG NIGHT.</h2></div> + +<p>Blinded, choked and with a red mist before his +eyes, and in his ears the roar of waters, Jack +fought the undertow of the retreat of the giant +wave with all his strength. All at once he felt +some heavy object hurled against him.</p> + +<p>The force of the collision almost knocked what +little breath remained in his body out of his lungs. +Instinctively he reached out for whatever it was +that had struck him.</p> + +<p>It was a human body.</p> + +<p>The boy had hardly realized this before he +found himself flung, panting and gasping, down +upon the deck. Thanks to the stays of the foremost +of the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> two masts, against which +the retreating wave had pitched him, he had +not been drawn overboard. Instead, as the pressure +of water relaxed, it had dropped him and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_21' id='Page_21'>21</a></span> +the mute burden he had clasped, to the deck.</p> + +<p>For a few minutes Jack lay there panting, too +much exhausted to exert a muscle or limb. The +unconscious form hurtled against him by the +swirling waters lay at his side. It was too dark +for Jack to see then who it was, or if life remained +in the motionless figure. By-and-by, as +his strength came back, he got to his feet and +dragged the limp form to a cabin. It proved to +be the one which the great wave had swept from +Jack so unceremoniously. Luckily, although the +seas were thundering mountains high about the +laboring yacht, none like that first terrific comber +assailed her.</p> + +<p>Steadying himself on the rocking floor with +much difficulty, Jack fumbled for the electric +switch. He found it at last and let on a flood of +light. The radiance shed itself on a pale face +with a deeply slashed forehead that lay at the +boy’s feet.</p> + +<p>“It’s Billy,” choked the boy. He got on his +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_22' id='Page_22'>22</a></span> +knees by Raynor’s unconscious form and gently +raised his chum’s head. It fell back limply. A +blood-chilling thought surged through Jack and +he grew as white as the lad he held.</p> + +<p>He put his hand hastily over Raynor’s heart +and a great wave of relief went through him. +His chum’s heart was beating, although feebly. +It was not too late to save him. It was a hard +task for Jack to stagger across that bounding, +reeling floor, carrying the limp and unconscious +Raynor, but at last he managed to accomplish it, +and deposited the injured young engineer in the +bunk that occupied one side of the latter’s cabin. +Then he washed and dressed the injury as best +he could.</p> + +<p>“Now I’ll have to get help,” said the boy to +himself. “The captain’s got a medicine chest +and bandages, but we have no doctor. I’ll go and +find the skipper.”</p> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<a href='images/i03f.jpg'><img src='images/i03.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0002' style='width:400px;height:514px;' /></a> +<p class='caption'>It was a hard task for Jack to stagger across that bounding, reeling floor, carrying the limp and unconscious Raynor.</p> +</div> + +<p>Out upon the dripping decks, over which a +wave crest would every now and then curl, with +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_23' id='Page_23'>23</a></span> +a roar like that of a waterfall, Jack once more +emerged. Clawing at hand-holds and desperately +clinging on now and then when a wave threatened +to tear loose his grip, he wormed his way forward. +As he reached the bridge deck, he heard +a thunderous roar forward, and the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, +as if she had been freed of a burden, made a sudden +plunge skyward, with her bow pointing almost +straight at the obscured heavens.</p> + +<p>“There goes the fore-deck load of coal,” +thought Jack, as he made his way to where, in +the lee of the pilot house some obscure figures +stood huddled. Ten minutes later he and the +gaunt form of Captain Sparhawk were bending +over Raynor, as he lay white and still, in his +bunk. With rough skill the captain dressed the +wound.</p> + +<p>“It’s a wonder that Mr. Jukes wouldn’t have +brought a doctor along,” he muttered. “He’s +carrying a rapid-fire gun, so why not sawbones, +too?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_24' id='Page_24'>24</a></span>“Where is Mr. Jukes?” demanded Jack suddenly.</p> + +<p>“In his cabin, I guess. I haven’t seen him since +this ocean tantrum broke out.”</p> + +<p>“The—the rapid-fire gun you spoke about?” +asked Jack.</p> + +<p>The other looked at him in some confusion.</p> + +<p>“Confound my habit of talking to myself,” he +exclaimed. “Did you hear that?”</p> + +<p>“I couldn’t help it,” apologised Jack. “Are we +going to fight any one?”</p> + +<p>“You must ask Mr. Jukes that,” answered the +captain, non-committally. “It’s up to him to tell +what he wants to. All I know is that there is +one on board. Maybe he brought it along to shoot +clay pigeons with. Maybe not. I don’t know.”</p> + +<p>“Well,” he added, “I’ve got to get for’ard +again. I guess our young ship-mate will do now. +He had a nasty crack though. Both of you are +lucky you’re not in Davy Jones’ locker.”</p> + +<p>All through the rest of that tempestuous night +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_25' id='Page_25'>25</a></span> +Jack sat by his chum, dozing off at times and +then waking with a start to hear the uproar of +the hurricane as they struggled through it. The +dawn showed a troubled sea, leaping at the yacht +as though to engulf her. The wind almost flattened +Jack against the deck house as, Raynor +having sunk into a deep sleep after an interval of +consciousness, the young wireless man set out +to see what chance there was for breakfast.</p> + +<p>The companionway to the dining saloon on the +deck below was in the after part of the ship. As +he was about to descend an unusually big wave +lifted the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> dizzily skyward, and then +rushed her downward. There was a heave and +a crash from the stern and Jack saw the after +deck load of coal vanish like a black avalanche, +to be swallowed up in the maw of the sea.</p> + +<p>“Worse, and more of it,” he muttered, as some +of the crew who had narrowly escaped being +overwhelmed, set up a shout; “this will be bad +news to give poor old Billy.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_26' id='Page_26'>26</a></span><h2 id='t606'>CHAPTER IV.—THE DERELICT.</h2></div> + +<p>Two days later the hurricane had blown itself +out. The storm-stressed crew were set to work +putting things to rights and the yacht put on more +of her normal appearance. But she had been +sadly battered for all that. Two boats were stove +in, ventilators smashed and stanchions bent and +twisted by the fury of the waves.</p> + +<p>The flat, oily sea that succeeded the wild turmoil +of the hurricane, heaved gently without a +ripple as Jack and Raynor, the latter recovered +but still wearing a bandage round his head, stood +looking over the rail into the glassy waters.</p> + +<p>So transparent was the ocean that, under them, +they could see great fish swimming about slowly +and lazily, as if life held no hurry for them. Now +and then a great shark glided by, nosing about +the ship for scraps. His sharp, triangular dorsal +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_27' id='Page_27'>27</a></span> +fin stuck from his back like a blue steel knife +cutting the surface and glistening like a thing of +metal. About these great tigers of the deep, two +smaller fish usually hovered. These were pilot +fish, the strange sea-creatures that invariably +accompany sharks, and are supposed by sailors +to pilot them to their prey.</p> + +<p>Then there were queer-looking “gonies,” with +their flat heads winging their way above the +water and every now and then dropping, with a +scream and a splash, in a group of a dozen to fight +furiously over some drifting morsel. After these +tussles they appeared to “run” over the water to +give their heavy, awkward bodies a good start +upward. Then, having attained a certain height, +down they would flop again, like weights shooting +through the air, hitting the water with a heavy +splash and sliding, with a white wake behind +them, for some feet.</p> + +<p>Schools of nautilus, too, gave them something +to look at as the delicate little creatures, with +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_28' id='Page_28'>28</a></span> +their thin, membranous sails set, drifted by under +the gentle breeze that hardly ruffled the water.</p> + +<p>“Doesn’t look much as if this ocean could ever +have kicked up the ructions it did, eh, Billy?” +remarked Jack, after a long silence.</p> + +<p>“It does not,” replied Raynor, with a rueful +grin, “but I owe it this crack on the head.”</p> + +<p>“And the loss of that coal,” chimed in Jack. +“No wonder you look glum, old fellow. We’ll +never make port on what’s below.”</p> + +<p>“Not a chance of it,” was the rejoinder, “about +all we can do is to use the sails if the worst comes +to the worst.”</p> + +<p>“Well, as we don’t appear to have any port +in view, and nothing to do but to keep on drifting +about like another Flying Dutchman, I don’t see +that it much matters where we fetch up,” commented +Jack, with some irritation.</p> + +<p>It was at that instant that there came an interruption. +The voice of the sea-man at the +look-out forward broke the spell.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_29' id='Page_29'>29</a></span>“Steamer, ho!” he shouted.</p> + +<p>“Where away?” came a hoarse voice from the +bridge, that of Mr. Jolliffe, the first officer.</p> + +<p>“Three p’ints on the starbo’d bow.”</p> + +<p>“Let’s go forward and have a look,” suggested +Jack. “You’re not on watch for some time yet.”</p> + +<p>“I’m with you,” agreed Raynor. “Anything +for variety’s sake. Wonder what ship it is?”</p> + +<p>“Too far off to make out yet,” said Jack, as, +far off, they could just about see, by straining +their eyes, a small dark speck on the distant horizon.</p> + +<p>“I don’t see any smoke,” said Raynor. “Perhaps +it’s a sailing ship after all.”</p> + +<p>“We’ll know before long,” was Jack’s reply.</p> + +<p>During an interval in which the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> +drew steadily toward the craft that had, by this +time, excited the attention of all on board, the +boys saw Mr. Jukes emerge from his cabin and +take his place on the bridge beside Captain Sparhawk. +That bronzed mariner handed the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_30' id='Page_30'>30</a></span> +millionaire his glasses and Mr. Jukes’ rather fat, +pallid face took on an unwonted hue of excitement +as he handed them back.</p> + +<p>The boys standing on the main deck just below +the bridge heard the owner of the yacht putting +sharp questions. He showed more animation +than he had at any time during the voyage. The +sight of the other craft appeared to affect him +curiously.</p> + +<p>“She’s a schooner, Sparhawk.”</p> + +<p>“Undoubtedly, sir.”</p> + +<p>“But although she has her canvas set she is +making no way.”</p> + +<p>“That appears to be correct. But there is little +wind. Odd though that she doesn’t signal us.”</p> + +<p>Mr. Jukes snatched up the glasses again from +the shelf where he had laid them down.</p> + +<p>“Blessed if I can make out a soul on board her, +Sparhawk,” he exclaimed presently. “Here, try +what you can do.”</p> + +<p>He handed the binoculars over to the master +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_31' id='Page_31'>31</a></span> +of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>. Captain Sparhawk took a prolonged +observation. When he, in turn, laid the +glasses down his thin, mahogany-hued face bore +a puzzled look.</p> + +<p>“It’s queer, sir, but I don’t seem to be able to +make out a living soul either.”</p> + +<p>“A derelict, perhaps?”</p> + +<p>“Possibly,” assented the captain, and no more +was said as, with all eyes fixed on the strange +schooner, the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> drew nearer. The boys +could now make out every detail of the other +craft. She was a trig-looking schooner, painted +black, with a flush deck except for her after house +and a small structure astern of the fore-mast. +Her canvas was set but it flapped idly in the light +breeze as she swung to and fro on the Pacific +swells. No guiding hand could be seen at her +wheel. Not a soul was visible on her deserted +decks.</p> + +<p>There is no more melancholy sight than a sea +derelict, the aimless prey of winds and currents, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_32' id='Page_32'>32</a></span> +drifting sometimes for years over the trackless +wastes of the ocean. The boys felt something of +this as all doubt as to human occupancy of the +schooner vanished.</p> + +<p>“Deserted, I reckon,” hazarded Jack. “Although +her canvas appears perfect, her hull sound +and——”</p> + +<p>He broke off sharply. From the abandoned +ship there had suddenly come a sound which, +under the circumstances, was particularly depressing +and even startling.</p> + +<p>It was the measured tolling of a bell, like a +funeral knell.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_33' id='Page_33'>33</a></span><h2 id='t783'>CHAPTER V.—THE “CENTURION.”</h2></div> + +<p>“Hark!” cried Raynor, as the two boys exchanged +glances.</p> + +<p>“I have it,” exclaimed Jack the next instant. +“That’s only the tolling of the ship’s bell as the +schooner rolls on the sea.”</p> + +<p>“My, it gave me a jump though,” admitted +Raynor. “Hullo, they are slowing down. Must +be going to board her.”</p> + +<p>“Evidently,” agreed Jack, as the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> +propeller revolved more and more slowly.</p> + +<p>Captain Sparhawk descended from the bridge. +The ponderous form of Mr. Jukes followed him. +The millionaire’s face bore a look of strange excitement.</p> + +<p>“Of course that can’t be the schooner,” the +boys heard him say to the captain, “but still I +can’t pass it unsearched.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_34' id='Page_34'>34</a></span>His eye fell on the boys.</p> + +<p>“Lads, we are going to board that schooner and +try to find out something about her,” he said. +“Do you want to go along?”</p> + +<p>These were the first words the boys had had +with their employer in some days. Of course +both jumped at the chance, and before many +minutes passed, one of the yacht’s remaining +boats was being sent over the sea at a fast clip +toward the derelict. Close inspection showed the +schooner’s condition not to be as good as it had +seemed at a distance. Her paint was blistered +and the oakum calking was spewing out of her +sun-dried seams like Spanish moss on an aged +tree. Her sails were mildewed and torn in many +places and her ropes bleached and frayed. Mingling +now with the incessant, melancholy tolling +of the bell, came the monotonous creak of her +booms and gaffs as they swung rhythmically to +and fro.</p> + +<p>No name appeared on her bow, although +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_35' id='Page_35'>35</a></span> +blurred tracings of white paint showed that one +had once been inscribed there. But there was a +yellow-painted figurehead; a stern, Roman-nosed +bust of a man, apparently intended for an +emperor or a warrior.</p> + +<p>“We’ll row round the stern and take a look +at her name,” decided Captain Sparhawk. “We’ll +have to climb aboard from the other side anyway. +There is no means of scrambling up from this.”</p> + +<p>The boat was turned and rowed under the +graceful stern of the derelict. On it, in bold, +raised letters, surrounded by a fanciful design, +stood out, in fading colors, the lost craft’s name.</p> + +<p>“<em>Centurion</em>, San Francisco,” read out Jack, +with an odd thrill. There was a sudden exclamation +from Mr. Jukes, who had not yet been able +to make out more than the first few letters.</p> + +<p>“What’s that?” he exclaimed, in a voice so +sharp and tense that the boys turned and stared +at him, as did the boat’s crew and Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_36' id='Page_36'>36</a></span>Jack repeated his answer and, to his astonishment, +Mr. Jukes, the iron-jawed, self-possessed +business man, who had never shown signs of possessing +any more emotion than a stone, suddenly +sunk his head in his hands with a groan.</p> + +<p>“Too late after all,” they heard him mutter +unsteadily. But when he again raised his face, +although it was ashy pale, he appeared to have +mastered himself.</p> + +<p>“Well, we’ve reached the end of our journey, +Sparhawk,” he remarked in a voice that he rendered +steady by an apparent effort. “Let us go +on board, however, and see if we can find some +trace of the unfortunates of the <em>Centurion</em>.”</p> + +<p>The captain looked as if he would have liked +to ask a great many questions, but something in +Mr. Jukes’ face rendered him silent. He gave +the necessary orders and the boat was pulled +round to the other side of the schooner. Here +they were glad to find some dilapidated ropes +dangling which afforded a means of getting on +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_37' id='Page_37'>37</a></span> +board. Two sailors, after first testing their +weight-bearing qualities, scrambled up them like +monkeys, and, under the captain’s orders, went +hunting for a Jacob’s ladder which would support +Mr. Jukes’ ponderous weight. One was found +and lowered, and soon all stood on the silent decks +which for so long had not echoed the footsteps +of a human being.</p> + +<p>“Away forward and muzzle that bell, some of +you,” ordered the captain briskly. “The sound +of the thing gets on my nerves.”</p> + +<p>“Send them all forward,” supplemented Mr. +Jukes. “Tell them to search the forecastle, anything +to keep them busy. We will examine the +cabins and officers’ quarters.”</p> + +<p>“Are we to accompany you, sir?” asked Jack +hesitatingly.</p> + +<p>For a fraction of a second the millionaire +seemed plunged in thought. Then he arrived at +one of his characteristic quick decisions.</p> + +<p>“Why not?” he asked, half to himself it +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_38' id='Page_38'>38</a></span> +seemed. “Later I shall have something to say +to all of you. You have wondered at the object +of this cruise, no doubt?”</p> + +<p>Captain Sparhawk nodded gravely.</p> + +<p>“I have guessed you had some great end to +serve in it, Mr. Jukes,” he said.</p> + +<p>“An end which has now been reached, I fear,” +said the millionaire solemnly. “But come, let us +proceed with our examination.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_39' id='Page_39'>39</a></span><h2 id='t924'>CHAPTER VI.—A MYSTERY OF THE SEAS.</h2></div> + +<p>At first glance Jack saw that the main cabin of +the <em>Centurion</em> was fitted up with a luxuriousness +not common to mere trading schooners. A silver +hanging lamp of elaborate design, silk curtains +at the stern ports, book-cases filled with handsomely +bound volumes and the thick carpets on +the floor, clearly indicated that whoever had occupied +it had been above the class of the rough +and ready South Sea trader.</p> + +<p>In one corner stood a desk as handsome in its +appointments as the rest of the furniture. But +it had been roughly dealt with. The front had +been smashed in, drawers pulled out and papers +and documents scattered about all over the cabin +floor. The door to a sleeping cabin leading off +the main apartment was open. Within was the +same disorder. Even mattresses had been ripped +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_40' id='Page_40'>40</a></span> +open in a hunt for something, the nature of which +the boys could not guess.</p> + +<p>Mr. Jukes hastily rummaged through the contents +of the desk, selecting some papers, casting +aside others as worthless, and gathered up on his +hands and knees those on the floor. Then every +cabin was searched and in each the millionaire +took a few papers, but the look of anxiety on his +face did not change, and the boys judged he had +not found what he was in search of.</p> + +<p>“Not a solitary clue,” he exclaimed with a +heavy sigh as, dust-covered and perspiring from +his exertions, he sank down at the long dining +table in the main cabin. For a time he appeared +lost in thought and the others stood about silently. +To Jack it was almost awe-inspiring, to see this +over-mastering man of affairs, who bullied whole +corporations into his way of thinking, sitting +there in the cabin of the derelict schooner utterly +at a loss, and apparently defeated. At length Mr. +Jukes spoke. His first words were a surprise:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_41' id='Page_41'>41</a></span>“I suppose you all have heard of my brother, +Jerushah Jukes?” he asked.</p> + +<p>“The traveler and explorer?” asked Captain +Sparhawk. “I guess every one in America knows +of him, Mr. Jukes.”</p> + +<p>Paying no attention to the captain’s reply, the +millionaire went on.</p> + +<p>“The papers reported some months ago that +he had set out for Central Africa.”</p> + +<p>“I read the account,” said Jack, “but——”</p> + +<p>Mr. Jukes waved his hand. The boy fell into +an abashed silence; in a second the millionaire +had changed once more from a crushed, defeated +human being into Jacob Jukes, millionaire and +king of commerce.</p> + +<p>“He did not go to Africa,” he said. “Instead, +his destination was the South Pacific. He chartered +this schooner, the <em>Centurion</em>, and the last +I heard of him was when he set sail from San +Francisco. If no news of him was received within +a certain time I promised him to come in search +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_42' id='Page_42'>42</a></span> +of him. You see,” he added with a simplicity new +from him, “he was my younger brother and I +promised my mother on her death-bed always to +look after him.”</p> + +<p>There was a pause. In the silence of the long-deserted +cabin they could hear the dismal creak +of the neglected rudder and the bang-banging of +the swinging spars above.</p> + +<p>“We were poor then, miserably poor, and my +mother never lived to see the rise of our fortunes, +for as I advanced in business I helped my +brother up, too. But his bent was not for finance. +He had a streak of the adventurous in him. But +I put it to paying purpose. I seldom lose on any +venture.” Unconsciously as it seemed, the hard +vein in Jacob Jukes had cropped out again. “I +decided to put my brother on a paying basis. The +results were good. Concessions in South +America, gold mines in Alaska, and certain South +African enterprises were put through, largely +through his instrumentality.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_43' id='Page_43'>43</a></span>“And now, to get down to the present time. +The <em>Centurion</em> was chartered to obtain for Mrs. +Jukes, who has a craze for expensive and rare +jewelry, the ‘Tear of the Sea,’ the most famous +pearl of the South Seas. I had obtained information +of its whereabouts in the Pomoutou Archipelago +through means which are not important to +relate here. I thought that an expedition to purchase +the ‘Tear of the Sea’ and, incidentally, +other pearls, would be a good investment and +keep my brother, who was getting restless, in +occupation.</p> + +<p>“In the meantime, however, a dishonest employee +managed to get wind of what was about +to take place and furnished the information to a +firm of European jewelers with agents in New +York and all over the world. From that moment, +I rushed through the <em>Centurion’s</em> expedition with +all possible speed, for I knew the conditions of +competition in the Pacific. There is little more +law among pearl traders than there is north of +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_44' id='Page_44'>44</a></span> +fifty-three. My brother knew this as well as I +did and realised the necessity for haste. Moreover, +we knew that the European firm was +anxious to obtain, for a royal customer, the very +pearl that I was after. In addition, this firm was +known as one of the most unscrupulous in gaining +its ends, and maintained, in the South Pacific, +a system of spies and bullies which brought +most of the pearl hunters’ prizes into their hands. +Ugly stories have been told of their methods of +gaining their ends—and—and I am afraid the +fate of the <em>Centurion</em> will have to be added to the +black list.”</p> + +<p>“There is nothing in the papers to show what +happened to your brother, sir?” asked Captain +Sparhawk presently.</p> + +<p>“Nothing. They are merely formal documents, +ship’s papers, clearance bills and so forth. There +is no memorandum relating to the pearl in any +way.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_45' id='Page_45'>45</a></span>Captain Sparhawk knitted his brows. For a +minute he appeared lost in deep thought.</p> + +<p>“Do you mind telling us the name of that firm, +sir?” he asked at last.</p> + +<p>“There is nothing we can prove against them,” +said the millionaire. “They work without their +hands showing in any of their ugly transactions. +Their name, however, is F—— & Freres.”</p> + +<p>“Of Amsterdam?” queried the captain.</p> + +<p>“The same. They have practically a monopoly +of the pearl trade of Europe.”</p> + +<p>“I know that, sir,” said the captain, clenching +his hands. “They tried to work their tricks on +a ship-mate of mine who went a-pearl trading. +But, sir, to change the subject, did you ever hear +of ‘Bully’ Broom?”</p> + +<p>The millionaire shook his head.</p> + +<p>“I have; and have good cause to remember +him,” said the captain. “But none of that at this +time. Sir,” he continued earnestly, “your brother +may be as safe and sound as we are. He may +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_46' id='Page_46'>46</a></span> +have the pearl. But if neither of these things +have happened, Bully Broom is the man to look +for if we have to hunt him all over the Pacific. +I’ve sailed these seas and know that ‘Bully’ +Broom did F—— & Co.’s dirty work for them. +He calls himself a trader, but, like lots of others +doing business under that name in these waters, +‘Pirate’ would be a sight better name for him.”</p> + +<p>“And you think that this man ‘Bully’ Broom, +as you call him, has something to do with this +mysterious disappearance of my brother?” asked +Mr. Jukes, who had listened with deep attention, +willing to hear of any clue, however slight.</p> + +<p>“I ain’t dead sure,” said the captain, “but it’s +my impression that if the firm you spoke of was +after this ‘Tear of the Sea,’ then ‘Bully’ Broom +knows where Jerushah Jukes is,” and he brought +his lean, gnarled fist down with a thump on the +table.</p> + +<p>The old ginger came back into Mr. Jukes’ eyes, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_47' id='Page_47'>47</a></span> +the wonted crisp authority into his voice as he +snapped out:</p> + +<p>“That being the case, we’ll find ‘Bully’ Broom.”</p> + +<p>“No matter where we have to go?” asked Captain +Sparhawk, raising his eyebrows.</p> + +<p>“We’ll scour the whole Pacific if necessary. +But nobody of the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> crew need accompany +her against his will. All I ask is that they +remain till we can touch at some civilised port, +such as Papeiti or Honolulu and ship a man in +his place. Do you boys wish to stick?”</p> + +<p>“To the finish,” came from Jack, and Raynor, +standing beside him, nodded his assent.</p> + +<p>As for Captain Sparhawk, he simply reached +out one of his brown hands toward the millionaire, +who clasped it, and said:</p> + +<p>“I’m with you till the bottom drops out of the +ship.”</p> + +<p>“Thank you, Sparhawk. It’s what I expected +of you all,” said Mr. Jukes quietly, but his voice +shook.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_48' id='Page_48'>48</a></span>Thus, in the desolated cabin of the derelict +<em>Centurion</em>, there was ratified a bargain that was +to lead the boys into strange seas and stranger +adventures.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_49' id='Page_49'>49</a></span><h2 id='t1158'>CHAPTER VII.—AN OLD ENEMY ODDLY MET.</h2></div> + +<p>The lads stood on the stern deck of the <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy</span>, gazing behind them. On the horizon hovered +a tall, black column of smoke. It marked +the last resting place of the <em>Centurion</em>, for Mr. +Jukes, after ransacking the cabin of everything +associated with his brother, had decided to burn +the derelict, which, if she had drifted into the +paths of navigation, might have proved a dangerous +menace.</p> + +<p>“Well, Billy, the mystery is solved at last,” said +Jack.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and in a way I’d never have guessed in +a thousand years. Mr. Jukes must be very fond +of his brother. It’s a new side of his character +to me.”</p> + +<p>“Same here,” agreed Jack. “While he has +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_50' id='Page_50'>50</a></span> +always been just and kind, I thought him a regular +man of business, with ice-water instead of red +blood in his veins, and his heart in his enterprises +only.”</p> + +<p>“Just goes to show that you are liable to run +up against a streak of sentiment when you least +expect it,” said Raynor.</p> + +<p>“I see now why an embargo was put on the +wireless,” said Jack presently.</p> + +<p>“I can’t figure it out. I should have thought +he would have used it to try and locate the <em>Centurion</em>.”</p> + +<p>“I guess he figured that if he did so, some ship +might pick up the message and it would reach +the ears of that Amsterdam firm and they would +find out about this expedition in search of Jerushah +Jukes.”</p> + +<p>“Perhaps that’s it. But there’s one thing sure +and certain, Jack.”</p> + +<p>“And that is——?”</p> + +<p>“That we can’t do much without coal.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_51' id='Page_51'>51</a></span>“Jove, that’s true; I’d forgotten that. What +rotten luck! Where is the nearest coaling place?”</p> + +<p>“Papeiti, in Tahiti, I reckon.”</p> + +<p>“How close are we to that port now?”</p> + +<p>“Well, to-day’s reckoning puts us in Latitude +29 degrees, 49 minutes.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll have to look at the map, but that makes it +quite a run.” The second mate came bustling up +to Raynor.</p> + +<p>“The skipper and Mr. Jukes want to see you +in the captain’s cabin,” he said.</p> + +<p>“Do you know what about?” asked Raynor.</p> + +<p>“Coal, I think. How much have you got to +keep those old tea-kettles of yours chugging?”</p> + +<p>“Precious little since your gang on deck let +that deck-load be washed overboard,” grinned +Raynor, as he hurried off.</p> + +<p>The consultation lasted a long time. But at +length Raynor returned with the news that, for +as long as possible, full speed was to be made +with the coal in hand, and that then canvas would +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_52' id='Page_52'>52</a></span> +be spread, for the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> was schooner rigged +and in addition carried a big square sail on her +foremast.</p> + +<p>For two days good time was made, but when +Raynor, with a rueful face, announced that only +a few shovelfuls more coal remained in the bunkers, +they were still many weary sea-miles from +their destination. However, sailors are proverbially +inclined to make the best of things. The +<em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> canvas was bent, and under a spanking +breeze they glided, at a fair speed, over the +sparkling waters, while in the engine room the +fires were drawn and the engines grew cold.</p> + +<p>But a steam vessel, while she will behave fairly +well under canvas, is not designed for sail and +makes an astonishing amount of what sailors call +“lee-way,” that is, the wind, if it blows a’beam, +constantly drives her side-ways, or crab-fashion, +of a direct course, so that for every mile she +makes in a forward direction a considerable +amount of lee-way has to be deducted. For this +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_53' id='Page_53'>53</a></span> +reason all hands looked forward to a long and +tedious voyage before the highlands of Tahiti +were sighted.</p> + +<p>Now that there was no doubt as to the fate of +the <em>Centurion</em>, and no danger of her being captured, +the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> wireless was set to work +again. But they were traveling a lonely tract of +the Pacific, and no answer came to Jack’s +messages, nor did he “listen in” on any outside +conversations.</p> + +<p>Captain Sparhawk was in hopes of encountering +an English, French or German cruiser, for +all those nations keep war craft in these Pacific +waters to watch out for pearl pirates and other +law-breakers, but the wireless failed to pick any +up, although Jack worked it assiduously.</p> + +<p>For two days the favoring breeze that was helping +the crippled <em>Sea Gypsy</em> along held. Then +there fell a flat calm, and the glass began to drop +ominously. Captain Sparhawk went about with +a grave face. Jack gathered from a few remarks +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_54' id='Page_54'>54</a></span> +the reserved seaman had let fall, that he expected +another hurricane. Situated as she was, the <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy’s</span> predicament would be a serious one if +such a tornado as the one she had safely weathered +were to strike her now. The sailors stood +about in little knots discussing the situation and +casting anxious glances at the horizon. Mr. +Jukes and the captain and officers spent long +hours on the bridge in careful consultation.</p> + +<p>Before the sun set, the question as to whether +or no the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> was in for a second fight +with the elements was definitely settled. Thunder +and lightning deafened and blinded the voyagers. +Rain descended as only tropical rain can, +flooding the decks and blinding the look-outs and +the officers on the bridge. The <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> canvas +was reduced, only enough being kept on to +keep her from literally rolling her hull under the +towering water mountains.</p> + +<p>The crew clawed their way about the decks +by holding fast to life-lines which Captain +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_55' id='Page_55'>55</a></span> +Sparhawk had ordered stretched when the storm +broke. Raynor, coming on deck to report that all +was well below, met Jack on his way back to the +lower regions of the ship.</p> + +<p>“Well, old fellow, this is a corker and no mistake,” +he observed, raising his voice in order to +make it audible above the frantic battle noises +of the storm.</p> + +<p>“It’s the worst yet,” Jack agreed.</p> + +<p>“And it will be worse than ever before it gets +better, according to the way Captain Sparhawk +put it when I reported to him,” said the young +engineer.</p> + +<p>“Hullo, what’s that?” exclaimed Jack suddenly.</p> + +<p>“We hit something,” shouted Raynor. “Look +at the watch running forward.”</p> + +<p>“Storm or no storm, I’m going forward to +see what’s up,” ejaculated Jack, and, followed by +Raynor, he hurried toward the bow where several +of the oil-skin coated crew were already clustered.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_56' id='Page_56'>56</a></span><h2 id='t1340'>CHAPTER VIII.—“LAND, HO!”</h2></div> + +<p>It was a fight every inch of the way, but at +last they reached the bow and found the sailors +bending over the recumbent form of a youth.</p> + +<p>“What has happened? What did we strike?” +asked Jack of one of the sailors.</p> + +<p>“Struck a small boat,” was the reply. “How +it ever lived in this sea is a wonder. This fellow +was in it.”</p> + +<p>“Is he all right?”</p> + +<p>“No; about half dead,” rejoined the third mate. +“Carry him aft, men, and put him in one of the +spare cabins. With care he may pull through. +I’m going to notify the captain,” and he hurried +off.</p> + +<p>Several men picked up the form of the rescued +one. Jack suddenly saw his face, pale as +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_57' id='Page_57'>57</a></span> +death, with his wet hair hanging over his forehead.</p> + +<p>“Great guns, Billy!” he gasped.</p> + +<p>“What is it? What’s the matter? Do you +know him?” queried Raynor.</p> + +<p>“Know him? I should say so. So do you. It’s +Harvey Thurman.”</p> + +<p>“Impossible.”</p> + +<p>“Not at all. Take a look at him yourself.”</p> + +<p>“By George, you are right. What a strange +happening,” declared Raynor, after taking one +glance at the youth the crew were bearing off.</p> + +<p>“What in the world can he be doing in this +part of the ocean in a small boat?” wondered +Jack.</p> + +<p>“I’ve no idea. We’ll have to wait till he comes +to, if he ever does. I remember hearing now +that he had got a job on a Pacific steamer. Perhaps +it had been wrecked and he was a castaway.”</p> + +<p>“Possibly,” agreed Jack. “I’m glad we saved +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_58' id='Page_58'>58</a></span> +him, although he has made a lot of trouble for us +in the past.”</p> + +<p>As readers of “The Ocean Wireless Boys and +the Naval Code” will recall, it was Harvey +Thurman who was assistant wireless man on the +<em>Columbia</em> and whose dislike of Jack and Billy resulted +in his joining their enemies in an effort to +discredit them. After the stolen code was recovered, +Thurman was not, like the rest engaged +in the rascally business, sent to prison, but was +allowed to go free at the boys’ behest, as they +believed he had been badly influenced more than +anything else.</p> + +<p>“So you know him?” said Captain Sparhawk, +as they all stood in the cabin to which Thurman +had been taken and restoratives were administered +to the unfortunate youth.</p> + +<p>“Indeed we do,” said both boys, and they told +the captain something of their experiences.</p> + +<p>“He is not a desirable character then?” said +the captain.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_59' id='Page_59'>59</a></span>“I wouldn’t say that,” said Jack. “We thought +he was influenced by bad companions. But at any +rate he had no liking for us. Is he going to get +better?”</p> + +<p>“I think so. See, he is opening his eyes.”</p> + +<p>Thurman’s face, under the influence of the restoratives, +had become suffused by a faint flush +of color. He looked wildly about him. As his +gaze rested first on Jack and then on Raynor he +looked like a sleeper newly awakened from a +night-mare.</p> + +<p>“Gracious, am I dreaming?” he gasped.</p> + +<p>“No, my lad,” said the captain, “but you had +a close call from going into a sleep from which +you never would have awakened.”</p> + +<p>“But Ready and Raynor! What are they doing +here?”</p> + +<p>“Oh, we’re solid enough. Nothing ghostly +about us,” Jack assured him, extending his hand. +“Congratulations on your narrow escape from +death, and—and we’ll let bygones be bygones.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_60' id='Page_60'>60</a></span>“I never meant to be really bad,” said Thurman +weakly.</p> + +<p>“Say no more about it,” advised Billy. “But +tell us how you came to be adrift in such a fearful +storm in that dinky little boat.”</p> + +<p>“Better let him eat some soup first,” said the +captain, taking a steaming bowl from the steward, +from whom he had ordered it for the relief +of the castaway, “he’s half starved.”</p> + +<p>The way in which Thurman gulped down the +grateful food showed that this statement was no +exaggeration.</p> + +<p>“That’s the first food I’ve had in two days,” he +declared. “You see, when the <em>Galilee</em>, that was +the schooner I was on board of, sank in the storm +some days ago, I escaped in the boat. We +launched two altogether, but I guess the other one +was lost.”</p> + +<p>“Begin at the beginning,” suggested Jack.</p> + +<p>“All right then. It was this way, Ready: +After my—er—my little trouble with you I came +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_61' id='Page_61'>61</a></span> +west. I got a job as assistant wireless man at a +lonely station on one of the Caroline Islands. But +I couldn’t stand the life and resigned. No regular +steamers touch there, so I got passage on the +<em>Galilee</em>, a little trading schooner for Papeiti. +She sprang a leak and sank, and there was only +a loaf of bread and a few cans of meat in the +boat when I shoved off from the sinking hulk. +It was all I had time to put in. What happened +after that till you bumped into me and saved me +is like a bad dream. I guess I was crazy most +of the time. I never expected to be saved, and—and +I guess it has been a good lesson to me.”</p> + +<p>“If it has made you resolve to reform, it will +not have been wasted,” said Jack. And he then +told Thurman something about themselves. Captain +Sparhawk promised that as soon as Thurman +was stronger he would find a job for him, for the +boys’ old enemy was penniless, having left his +wallet behind him in his haste at fleeing from the +sinking schooner.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_62' id='Page_62'>62</a></span>All that night the tempest raged with unabated +fury. At times it seemed as if the yacht must go +to pieces, so sadly was she wrenched and buffeted +by the giant combers. There was little sleep for +any on board that night and the day broke wildly +on a worried, harried-looking crew. Shortly before +noon the foresail tore away from the bolt +ropes, and split with a noise like the explosion of +a cannon. This accident was almost immediately +followed by a shout from the lookout.</p> + +<p>“Land, ho!”</p> + +<p>This cry, ordinarily one hailed with delight by +sailors, was not thus received on the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>. +Captain Sparhawk had been unable to get an +observation during the days of storm, and what +with this, and the heavy lee drift made by the +yacht, he had no idea of his whereabouts.</p> + +<p>At the shout all hands clambered to points of +vantage to see what islands they could be approaching. +As the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> rose dizzily on the +top of a great wave Jack saw, with a flash of +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_63' id='Page_63'>63</a></span> +alarm, that they were headed straight for a large +island dotted with tropical verdure and tall, wind-bent +palms about which rocks bristled menacingly +like hungry fangs awaiting to penetrate the <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy’s</span> stout hull.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_64' id='Page_64'>64</a></span><h2 id='t1532'>CHAPTER IX.—THROUGH HIDDEN DANGERS.</h2></div> + +<p>Critical moments followed. Captain Sparhawk +navigated the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> among the rocks +with marvelous seamanship. Time and again a +shout of dismay went up from the sailors as the +yacht almost grazed some huge black rock or +scraped a coral reef. But the passage was negotiated +with safety, and finally the sea-battered +yacht lay snug and safe in the lee of the island +and all hands drew a long breath of relief.</p> + +<p>“Let go the anchor,” came the command, and +the cable roared out of the hawser holes with a +savage shout, as if of joy, at the ship’s delivery.</p> + +<p>“Where under the sun are we?” asked Mr. +Jukes of Captain Sparhawk, as soon as these +maneuvers had been completed.</p> + +<p>“I have no more idea than you, sir,” was the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_65' id='Page_65'>65</a></span> +reply. “But it looks to me as if this island must +be one of the Pamatous.”</p> + +<p>“One of the pearl islands?” asked the millionaire.</p> + +<p>“The very same. But I cannot be sure. Islands +are sown pretty thickly in this part of the +Pacific.”</p> + +<p>“Are the Pamatou people cannibals?” asked +Jack.</p> + +<p>“I don’t think so,” said the captain, “but before +I send a boat ashore I am going to deal out arms +to the landing party. We want to run no risks. +I shall also put a guard on the ship, for these +savages are great thieves and they might see a +chance for some piratical tricks in our dilemma.”</p> + +<p>“The machine gun will come in handy then,” +said Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>“Yes, indeed, sir. I’ll give orders to have it +mounted at once in a conspicuous place so if +any of the gentry ashore have any rascally +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_66' id='Page_66'>66</a></span> +designs they can see we’re ready for them with a +dose of cold lead.”</p> + +<p>Jack, after some difficulty, secured permission +for himself and Raynor to go ashore with the +landing party. Mr. Jukes, who remained on +board, was unwilling that they take the risk of +a hostile attack, but at last he yielded, and the +boys, in high glee, buckled on cartridge belts and +selected rifles from the ship’s armory.</p> + +<p>“Keep the rifles in the bottom of the boat,” +ordered the captain, as they shoved off, “and +don’t use them unless you absolutely have to.”</p> + +<p>Although the place where they lay was sheltered, +the storm was still howling and shrieking +above the island and the sea ran rather high. The +inclement weather, no doubt, explained why no +natives had so far been seen.</p> + +<p>A landing was successfully made in the surf, +the men leaping from the boat and dragging her +ashore, waist-deep in water. Dense foliage, +among which could be seen the huge fronds of +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_67' id='Page_67'>67</a></span> +the banana, and broad-leaved breadfruit trees +grew almost down to the dazzlingly white beach. +Further back great palms, laden with cocoanuts, +towered majestically above the tropic growth.</p> + +<p>“There seems to be no sign of a village here,” +said the captain.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps it is on the other side of the island,” +suggested Jack.</p> + +<p>“Well, we’ll tramp along the beach and see +what we can find,” decided the man in command +of the “expedition.”</p> + +<p>Four men were told off to guard the boat, with +orders to fire three shots if anything out of the +way occurred. The party in search of the village +was to signal in the same way if anything +untoward happened and they needed help.</p> + +<p>“Shall we carry the rifles?” asked Jack.</p> + +<p>“Yes; but try to conceal them as much as possible,” +counseled the captain.</p> + +<p>They set off along the beach, walking briskly, +for the sand was firm and hard. Looking back +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_68' id='Page_68'>68</a></span> +at the anchored yacht, they could see the glitter +of the machine-gun with a man stationed beside +it. The gun was trained on the shore ready for +instant use against any possible attack. After +traversing a short distance they came in sight of +what appeared to be a pathway. The condition +of it showed that it was much traveled and probably +it formed the high road to the village.</p> + +<p>Captain Sparhawk decided to follow it. In +single file the adventurers advanced along the +track which wound in and out, dodging trees and +rocks in a manner peculiar to most savage trails +whose makers would rather go round an obstacle +than clear it out of the way. There was a +gloomy sky overhead and the wind boomed dolefully +among the palms, making a noise like sheets +of rain falling as their big fan-like leaves rustled +and scraped against each other.</p> + +<p>A hundred rods or so from the coast they +found themselves in a ravine which towered up +steeply on each side of the track. This canyon +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_69' id='Page_69'>69</a></span> +appeared to penetrate the centre of the island, the +interior of which was hilly.</p> + +<p>“I guess the village, if there is one, must be +clear round the other side of the island,” said +Billy Raynor, between bites at a banana he had +picked from a bush at the side of the trail. Others +of the party were munching on oranges and +a fruit the captain called a “custard apple,” the +latter a large, brown-colored “apple,” filled with +a yellow paste that looked and tasted like custard.</p> + +<p>“There’s one thing certain, the high cost of +living need never worry these fellows,” remarked +Jack.</p> + +<p>“Not if they’re content to be vegetarians,” said +Billy.</p> + +<p>“They don’t need to be that,” said the captain, +“the seas hereabouts teem with fish—and look +there!”</p> + +<p>There was a rush and a clatter of falling stones +just ahead of them as a flock of goats, half-wild +creatures, with wonderfully agile legs, leaped +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_70' id='Page_70'>70</a></span> +up the sides of the canyon and then, at a safe +height, stood gazing down at the invaders of the +island.</p> + +<p>“These South Sea islanders prefer goat’s meat +to anything except pork,” said the captain; “in +fact, the cannibals pay the doubtful compliment +to human flesh of calling it 'long pig.’”</p> + +<p>This mention of cannibalism made the boys +feel rather uncomfortable. Although the captain +reassured them and they knew that the horrible +practice of eating human flesh had all but +died out in the South Seas, except in some remote +islands, they did not know but the one they were +exploring might prove to be one of the latter. +It was just as their minds were busy with these +disquieting thoughts that Jack gave a sharp exclamation +and came to a halt.</p> + +<p>The fronds of a banana tree had parted suddenly +in front of the lad who was in advance of +the party.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_71' id='Page_71'>71</a></span>Between the green leaves a hideous face, +daubed with red and white paint, suddenly glared +out at the boy and then, as swiftly, vanished.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_72' id='Page_72'>72</a></span><h2 id='t1715'>CHAPTER X.—CHUMMING WITH SAVAGES.</h2></div> + +<p>So quickly had this happened that none of the +others had seen it. But Jack quickly apprised +them of his discovery.</p> + +<p>“If the man’s face was painted, would that +mean he was on the war-path?” asked Billy +rather nervously.</p> + +<p>“Not necessarily,” rejoined the captain, “but +still, he might be hostile. On feast days the natives +paint themselves up and that may have been +the reason for his decorations.”</p> + +<p>“Ugh! He was hideous enough to stop a +clock or scare a locomotive off the track,” exclaimed +Jack.</p> + +<p>“The village must be near at hand,” said the +captain presently. “Let us press on.”</p> + +<p>They had reached the end of the ravine now, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_73' id='Page_73'>73</a></span> +having crossed almost the entire island. The +path widened and others branched off from it. +But they stuck to the main thoroughfare and in +a few moments came in sight of a native village +lying not far back from the shore and amidst a +grove of magnificent palms.</p> + +<p>The rhythmical throbbing of tom-toms reached +their ears and they could see natives dancing in +their peculiar swaying manner to the sound of +the skin drums. Suddenly the dancing ceased. +The natives in a swarm, among them the man +with the painted face, descended on the travelers. +Many wore flowers in their hair and others added +to these decorations by brass rings in their noses +and ear-rings composed of old china door knobs. +The men were remarkably handsome and the +women pretty.</p> + +<p>After the first uncertainty as to their reception, +there was no doubt of their friendliness as they +pressed about. Several of them could talk English +and the captain soon learned that they were +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_74' id='Page_74'>74</a></span> +indeed on one of the Pamatou group, as he had +surmised. The village, which was celebrating a +feast day, was one of two on the island occupied +by pearl fishers. The natives were civilized; +schooners and ships frequently touching there. +To the south of them they said were “bad men,” +meaning cannibals, and the boys were glad they +had not landed on one of them.</p> + +<p>Nothing would do but that the white men must +sit down and partake of the feast which was just +ready. The boys stuffed themselves with roast +pork, goat-meat, sweet potatoes, yams, roasted +bread-fruit, fish and fruit. They washed this +down with cocoanut milk. During the meal, a +young Pamatouan attached himself to each of the +boys. Each of these lads was about sixteen and +wore, like most of the rest, a single white garment, +although some of the natives sported trousers, +and a few even had shoes—which they carried +in their hands!</p> + +<p>The two lads, who had thrust their services +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_75' id='Page_75'>75</a></span> +on Jack and Billy, informed them that they were +their friends and would be so all the time the +<em>Sea Gypsy</em> lay at the island. They waited on the +amused boys hand and foot, not letting them do +anything. Jack’s acquisition was called Bolabola; +Billy’s savage servitor was called, so he said, +Anai. Each could speak a little English and they +informed the boys that they were “their friends +for always.” From the captain the lads learned +that this is a common custom among the islanders +who value the friendship of a white man highly, +and think it an honor and a credit to wait on him. +He suggested giving them some little presents. +Jack presented Bolabola with a pocket-knife and +Billy gave Anai a fountain pen, having nothing +else with him. Anai promptly stuck the pen +through a big hole bored in the lobe of his ear +and capered about delighted with his new ornament.</p> + +<p>When it came time to go back to the ship, the +friendly natives could not hear of the adventurers +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_76' id='Page_76'>76</a></span> +trudging back on foot. A great war canoe was +launched and paddled by fifty strapping natives, +singing musically, and so they were paddled +round the island in state. On their arrival at +the ship, the boat which had been left under guard +was signalled to return, and presents of calico, +straw hats, cheap cutlery and glass beads and +fish-hooks and lines,—the latter highly prized,—were +dealt out from the yacht’s stores. The natives +swarmed all over the ship and it was hard +to induce them to leave at all. As for Bolabola +and Anai, they refused to go till they had extracted +promises from their “friends,” Jack and +Billy, to visit them ashore and visit a pearl cave +they knew of along the coast.</p> + +<p>This exactly suited the boys, and their delight, +when Mr. Jukes decided to stay at the island for +some days, was unbounded. The reason for the +decision to remain there was arrived at after the +millionaire had held a consultation with Captain +Sparhawk. Tahiti was not far off, and that +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_77' id='Page_77'>77</a></span> +night Jack was ordered to raise the wireless station +on the French island and find out if a small +vessel could not be despatched at once with coal +to replenish the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> exhausted bunkers.</p> + +<p>The next morning Jack had the satisfaction of +informing Mr. Jukes that the details had been +arranged and that a small tramp steamer might +be expected to come to their relief in a few days. +The expense was considerable, but this did not +appear to bother Mr. Jukes, who chafed at the +delay in his search for the survivors, if any there +were, of the <em>Centurion</em>.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_78' id='Page_78'>78</a></span><h2 id='t1846'>CHAPTER XI.—THE CAVE OF THE PEARLS.</h2></div> + +<p>Two days later, following the arrival at the +island of the coal ship—a small, rusty tramp +steamer—the boys set out for the village to meet +their friends, who had swum out to the ship almost +daily, despite the sharks, to see the white +youths. As they left the yacht they saw Thurman, +who had been put to work in the crew, laboring +with the other blackened “hands” at getting +the fuel on board.</p> + +<p>“He doesn’t look as if he liked his job much,” +said Jack.</p> + +<p>“He ought to be glad he’s alive,” supplemented +Billy Raynor. “I wonder if he has really mended +his ways or if it was just the effect of his scare +that made him promise to reform.”</p> + +<p>“Impossible to say,” replied Jack, “but time +will show, I guess.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_79' id='Page_79'>79</a></span>The boys found their friends on the beach with +a long, cranky-looking canoe, paddled with wonderfully +carved paddles. In the canoe were +bananas, roast pork and other delicacies; also +several empty cocoanut shells.</p> + +<p>“What are those for?” asked Jack, looking at +the latter.</p> + +<p>“We put um pearl in them if so be we get any,” +grinned Anai.</p> + +<p>“Do you really think we’ll get any?” asked +Billy.</p> + +<p>“No can say. Think cave good place. You +ready?”</p> + +<p>“Whenever you are,” said Jack, taking his +place in the canoe, while Billy followed his example. +The two native lads shoved off and sprang +on board with wonderful agility, driving the +canoe through the surf and up onto the summit +of a huge wave, where it hung poised for an instant +like a bird. The next moment they had +shot with powerful strokes through the rollers +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_80' id='Page_80'>80</a></span> +and were out beyond the danger line of the surf.</p> + +<p>They passed through a noisy fleet of fishers, all +of whom greeted them, and then the canoe was +headed for a green headland some distance down +the coast. The sun glowed fiercely overhead, the +surf boomed unceasingly on the beach and the +reef beyond, the water hissed along the sides of +the canoe as the two athletic young natives urged +forward amid shouts.</p> + +<p>Looking over the side, Jack could see the coral +bottom as clearly as if an inch instead of many +feet of water separated it from the frail canoe. +It was almost as if they were floating in the air. +Fish of brilliant colors darted about and once a +dark, sinister shade appeared beneath the canoe. +The Kanaka boys shouted and beat the water +with their paddles. The dark shadow melted +away.</p> + +<p>“Him very bad shark,” said Anai. “White +men call him tiger shark. Worst kind of all +shark.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_81' id='Page_81'>81</a></span>“I’d hate to bathe around here,” observed Jack.</p> + +<p>“Oh, him all right, most generally scare him +away, kick, splash, makee big noise, he go 'way.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but suppose he refused to be scared,” objected +Billy.</p> + +<p>“Then maybe he takee off leg, arm, maybe +swallow you all up.”</p> + +<p>The long, curved point soon hid the fishers in +front of the village from view. Rounding it, they +found themselves skimming along a coast of surpassing +beauty. Steep, majestic cliffs arose from +the clear water and long green creepers from the +forest above trailed over them.</p> + +<p>At last the prow of the canoe was turned and +the boys saw that the furious paddlers were heading +at top speed for the cliffs.</p> + +<p>“Hey, stop that, you’ll smash the canoe!” cried +Jack, as, without any diminution of speed, the +canoe was urged with wild shouts from the paddlers +right at the rocky escarpment.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_82' id='Page_82'>82</a></span>“They’ve gone crazy,” exclaimed Billy, +“they——”</p> + +<p>He did not conclude what he was going to say. +Instead, he set up a cry of alarm as the prow of +the canoe was hurled at the cliff at a spot where +a regular curtain of lianas and other forest trailers +depended from above.</p> + +<p>Swish, whoosh, went the canoe, as it shot +through the parasites and creepers. The boys +instinctively ducked their heads. Instead of being +dashed to destruction against the cliff, the +frail craft had been guided into this singular cave, +one of many along the coast, through the greenery +portal. Both the Kanaka boys set up a shout +of laughter at the expense of Jack and Billy, who +looked rather sheepish at their late alarm.</p> + +<p>They were in a dark passage that led into an +inner water cave filled with an eternal sunless twilight +that was very refreshing to them after the +heat and glare outside. The canoe shot through +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_83' id='Page_83'>83</a></span> +the passage and into the cave itself, the boys uttering +a shout of admiration the while.</p> + +<p>“Look,” said Anai, pointing upward.</p> + +<p>Overhead was a marvelously perfect, natural +dome, with a large hole in the centre through +which shafts of sunlight fell into the cave and +were reflected from the water with a greenish +light.</p> + +<p>“Look,” ordered the Kanaka boy again.</p> + +<p>The boys obeyed and gazed over the side of the +canoe. Below them, through several feet of crystal-clear +water, they could see bowers of coral, +white and pink, with fish darting in and out of +the chinks and crossing prismatically, while others +hung motionless as if suspended, fanning the +water incessantly with their gauzy fins. It was +the most wonderful water picture the boys had +ever seen.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_84' id='Page_84'>84</a></span><h2 id='t1998'>CHAPTER XII.—A TRAP!</h2></div> + +<p>“We eat. Then we go get pearls,” decided +Anai.</p> + +<p>The boys, whose appetites had been sharpened +by the trip, were not averse to this, and they made +a hearty meal. After it the two native boys produced +leaves in which betel nuts had been carefully +wrapped up and offered them to Jack and +Billy, both of whom declined them. But Anai and +his friend began chewing the spicy nuts with +great zest.</p> + +<p>A canoe-length from where they floated a clear +rill of water stole noiselessly down from above, +mingling its sweet waters with the sea. After +demolishing their betel nuts, the chewing of +which is a well-nigh universal custom in the +South Seas, the two native boys stood erect and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_85' id='Page_85'>85</a></span> +then bound their long black hair in knots on the +top of their heads.</p> + +<p>Then, with a shout, they balanced gracefully +for a second on the edge of the canoe and plunged +over. They floated for a minute or two and then +dived, after inhaling immense breaths. To the +boys, watching the divers through the clear water, +it looked as if they were literally climbing down, +head first, through the pellucid depths.</p> + +<p>Then they saw both the Kanaka lads wrenching +oyster shells from their hold on the coral with +furious energy. It seemed impossible that they +could stay under water as long as they did, but +at length, even their wonderful endurance gave +out and, laden with shells, they shot back to the +surface.</p> + +<p>Reaching the canoe, the two divers hung almost +exhausted on the outrigger, regaining their +breath after they had thrown several oysters into +the canoe, which the boys opened eagerly, but only +two small pearls rewarded them. The two Kanaka +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_86' id='Page_86'>86</a></span> +boys showed plainly the stress of the long time +they had stayed down. Their eyes were bloodshot +and their faces suffused. Their veins stood +out on their bodies like cords.</p> + +<p>The boys begged them not to go down again, +but they insisted.</p> + +<p>“How often do you mean to dive?” asked Billy.</p> + +<p>“One, maybe two, three time,” said Anai.</p> + +<p>“Nobody can dive more than three time,” declared +the other. “Him bad if dive too many +time. Makee much sick.”</p> + +<p>“I should think so,” said Jack. “I wouldn’t +have thought it possible for any one to stay down +so long. It’s wonderful.”</p> + +<p>The next two dives yielded three more pearls +from a dozen or more oysters. None of them +were of any great value but the two divers insisted +on presenting them to the boys.</p> + +<p>“Me try get you very good pearl some udder +day,” promised Anai, and his companion nodded +to show that he meant to help in the enterprise.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_87' id='Page_87'>87</a></span>“Hullo, what’s that?” asked Jack suddenly, +after they had chatted and rested for some time +and began to think about returning. There was +a booming sound in the air and the waters of the +cave began to become agitated, rocking the +canoe dangerously.</p> + +<p>Overhead, through the dome, they could see +that the sky had darkened.</p> + +<p>“Me think storm come. Better get out of +here,” said Anai, looking troubled. “Him bad +time of year for storms.”</p> + +<p>“Goodness, I should say so,” declared Jack. +“We’ve been in two bad ones already.”</p> + +<p>“That’s how we got blown here,” added Billy.</p> + +<p>“We thinkee that good storm blow you here, +white boys,” said Anai.</p> + +<p>The sky grew darker, and every now and then +a big roller entirely filled the mouth of the cavern, +blinding them with spray. Having spent its fury, +these great waves retired with a concussion that +was deafening, dragging the canoe with fearful +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_88' id='Page_88'>88</a></span> +velocity toward the mouth of the cave by its suction. +At such times they only saved themselves +from being swept out to sea by grasping the +hanging curtain of creepers and vines. Anai and +his companion baled the canoe with a big shell, +but the boys felt that their position was an awkward +and even a dangerous one.</p> + +<p>Another great wave burst, sealing up the cave +as if it was an air-tight compartment, and making +the waters of the cavern boil and seethe furiously. +The pressure of air caused by the sudden rush of +water affected the boys’ ears as if they had been +suddenly placed in a caisson.</p> + +<p>“This is terrible,” cried Jack.</p> + +<p>“Something will have to be done,” said Billy. +“We can’t last in here much longer.”</p> + +<p>“Are we in danger, Anai?” asked Jack.</p> + +<p>“We in very bad fix; but we getee out all right,” +the Kanaka assured him, stopping his bailing.</p> + +<p>“They’ve got some plan in their head,” decided +Jack, and sat down in the bottom of the cranky, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_89' id='Page_89'>89</a></span> +frail canoe to see what the next move was to be. +It was a startling one. The two youths seized +their paddles and then, as the next wave receded, +they shot out of the mouth of the cave like a bomb +from a mortar, before either Jack or Billy could +guess their intention or stop what seemed sheer +madness on the Kanakas’ part, and placed all their +lives in grave danger. Outside they found themselves +in the teeth of a howling gale. Spray +blinded them, flying over them in sheets.</p> + +<p>Nothing more was said, nothing seen. The air +was darkened with flying spume. It seemed impossible +that the canoe could live a minute.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_90' id='Page_90'>90</a></span><h2 id='t2145'>CHAPTER XIII.—ON THE REEF.</h2></div> + +<p>The two lads crouched, drenched through, on +the bottom of the canoe, while the Kanaka boys +paddled furiously. Giant waves, true mountains +of water, hung above them threatening to engulf +them, but the canoe rode them with what appeared +incredible buoyancy.</p> + +<p>How long this kept up, neither Jack nor Billy +ever knew. It seemed like years. Dizzy and sick +from the riotous motions of the canoe as it swung +wildly between sea and sky, they lost all count of +everything. But the struggle was nearing its +end.</p> + +<p>Suddenly a giant comber caught up the dugout, +turtled it skyward and then rushed it sickeningly +down. It lifted the craft over the reef and +into the open sea. For one instant it hesitated +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_91' id='Page_91'>91</a></span> +and then spun round in the trough of the sea. +The next moment it was smashed into slivers +against the reef while an avalanche of waters carried +all its occupants down into the depths before +they had time to even shout their consternation. +More dead than alive, Jack shot back to the surface +again. Not far from him was a projecting +point of the reef. He managed somehow to crawl +to it, but as he made his progress along the lower +lying portions of the coral wall he was swept time +and again by waves and compelled to exert all +his strength to avoid being dashed off. At length, +with hands cut and bleeding from the rough coral, +and his clothing in shreds, he reached his refuge +and was almost immediately joined there, to his +great relief, by Anai and his comrade, who had +rescued Billy Raynor.</p> + +<p>But it was a miserable refuge they had found. +The projecting point of rock hardly gave room +for all of them, and frequently waves swept over +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_92' id='Page_92'>92</a></span> +it. At all times they were choked and blinded +with spray.</p> + +<p>“Well, this is the limit,” declared Billy. +“Never again for me so far as pearl hunting is +concerned.”</p> + +<p>“Nor for me either,” said Jack. “Still, it was +our fault for not watching the weather.”</p> + +<p>“How long will the storm last, Anai, do you +think?” inquired Billy, a little later.</p> + +<p>The Kanaka boy looked at the weather with a +practiced eye.</p> + +<p>“Him get better soon,” he said. “Him not bad +storm.”</p> + +<p>“Not a bad storm!” exclaimed Jack. “Well, if +this isn’t one, I never want to see one.”</p> + +<p>“Sometimes hurricane season come blow whole +village away,” Anai assured him.</p> + +<p>“I hope this won’t be a hurricane,” said Jack.</p> + +<p>The Kanaka shook his head.</p> + +<p>“Bimeby him go way,” he assured them. “Look +blue sky way off there now.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_93' id='Page_93'>93</a></span>Sure enough, in the far north-west, from +whence the hurricane had come, a shaft of sunlight +was striking the sea. Behind them they +could see the storm retreating. Before long the +sea had quieted down and the wind dropped almost +completely.</p> + +<p>“Well, we are better off in one respect,” said +Jack, as they lay about on the reef, basking in the +hot sun and drying their wet garments, “but how +are we to get ashore?”</p> + +<p>The question was answered by Anai.</p> + +<p>“Me swim, get canoe. Soon back,” he said.</p> + +<p>The next moment his lithe brown form was in +the water. To protect himself against sharks, he +carried a long knife, fashioned out of iron wood, +which was slung round his neck by a lanyard. It +was as tough and hard as steel, and he appeared +to have no doubt that he could protect himself +with it against the great fish.</p> + +<p>Half-way to the shore a triangular fin came +cruising near him and the boys dreaded to see a +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_94' id='Page_94'>94</a></span> +tragic end to their island friend. But Anai set +up diabolical yells and kicked up a great splashing +in the water and the sea monster sheered off +again.</p> + +<p>“Shark him big coward,” said Anai’s friend, +who had remained behind with the boys. Directly +Anai landed he turned and waved and then +set off at a sharp run along the beach. Before +they expected him he was back again with a +canoe, and thus an adventure which might have +had disastrous consequences ended safely. But +it was a long time before the boys ever forgot it.</p> + +<p>The next morning Jack and Billy were leaning +over the rail of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, chatting and +watching the sharks that swum around the ship +eagerly watching for scraps from the galley. +The coal was nearly all unloaded from the small, +rusty tramp that had brought it, and all hands +were looking forward to a resumption of the +journey.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, Mr. Jukes had been investigating +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_95' id='Page_95'>95</a></span> +ashore and learned, from some natives, +that the “Tear of the Sea” had actually been +bought by his brother, and that just after the purchase, +the <em>Centurion</em> had sailed away. Not long +after, ‘Bully’ Broom’s ship arrived, and the sea +rover was informed of the sale. He was furious +as it appeared that, in accordance with his usual +practice, he intended to raid the village and take +possession of the wonderful pearl by force. Mr. +Jerushah Jukes’ arrival ahead of him had, of +course, frustrated this plan. According to the +best information he could get, the millionaire +learned that “Bully” had at once put to sea in +pursuit of the <em>Centurion</em>. The finding of the +empty derelict left little doubt that he had attacked +the schooner and imprisoned, or worse, +perhaps killed, all those on board her.</p> + +<p>This, in its way, was well enough, but it left +the fate of the party still a mystery, and their +whereabouts unknown, for “Bully” had half a +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_96' id='Page_96'>96</a></span> +dozen retreats scattered through the South Seas +where he might have taken them, for even Captain +Sparhawk did not believe that the ruffian +would have dared to kill them.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_97' id='Page_97'>97</a></span><h2 id='t2300'>CHAPTER XIV.—BATTLING MAN-EATING SHARKS.</h2></div> + +<p>“Like a chance to catch one uv them bastes, +Mishther Riddy?” asked Tim Muldoon, the Irish +quarter-master of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, who paused +near where the boys were standing watching a +mighty commotion in the water made by two +great tiger sharks fighting desperately over a +piece of spoiled pork that had been thrown overboard.</p> + +<p>“What would we do with it when we had it?” +asked Jack with a smile.</p> + +<p>“Shure there’s a certain part of the cratirs that +makes illigint ateing. Meself and several other +la-ads in ther crew wouldn’t have iny objictions +at all, at all to a bit of shar-ark steak if so be +y’u’d loike to hook one.”</p> + +<p>“What do you say, Billy?” asked Jack.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_98' id='Page_98'>98</a></span>“That it would be good fun. But what sort +of a rig do you use? No use taking an eight-ounce +rod and a dry fly or a hand line to those +fellows.”</p> + +<p>“Shure oi’ve got a foine shar-ark hook up forward. +I’ll go git it fer yez,” declared Muldoon, +hurrying off.</p> + +<p>He was back before long with a hook that +looked like one of those used by butchers on +which to hang whole carcasses. Attached to this +was a length of steel chain with a swivel, and +above a stout rope some hundred feet in length. +Billy Raynor went below to the cook’s quarters +and soon came back with a big chunk of pork +which was stuck on the hook.</p> + +<p>“How’ll we haul him out if we do get one?” +Billy wanted to know, as the bait struck the water +with a splash.</p> + +<p>“Just give a holler and I’ll git some uv ther +byes uv ther crew to lind yez a hand,” declared +Muldoon. “Sure 'tis foine spor-rot ye’ll be hivin’ +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_99' id='Page_99'>99</a></span> +intirely—wow! murtha! Watch yersilf Misther +Raynor!”</p> + +<p>There had come a sudden vicious rush of one +of the sea-monsters at the hook. Turning its +hideous jaws upward, the ravenous creature had +literally swallowed “hook, line and sinker.” It +happened that at that precise moment Billy alone +had hold of the rope.</p> + +<p>As the shark’s jaws gripped the hook and its +sharp point sunk into his flesh, the creature made +a mighty rush. It caught Billy unprepared as +he stood by the rail, a section of which had been +removed while the crew polished the brass work.</p> + +<p>Before he realised what was happening a coil +of the rope entangled his legs. Like a bullet from +a gun, he was whisked off the deck and through +the air into the sea, which Jack knew was alive +with sharks. It had all happened so suddenly +that the last of Muldoon’s alarmed cries had not +left his lips before poor Billy was towed away +from the ship by the maddened shark, unable to +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_100' id='Page_100'>100</a></span> +make a move to extricate himself. He was barely +able to breathe, in fact, being half submerged.</p> + +<p>Paralyzed for an instant, Jack regained his +faculties with an effort. Captain Sparhawk, who +had seen the whole affair, was the first to take +definite action, however. He issued an order for +a boat to be lowered at once and then dashed +into his cabin for a pistol.</p> + +<p>“Hurry, Sparhawk, for Heaven’s sake,” urged +Mr. Jukes, who had also been a witness of the +accident. “The poor lad will be drowned or eaten +alive by the other sharks if we don’t act +promptly.”</p> + +<p>But the captain was already out of earshot. +Muldoon and two other sailors were at the oars +of the boat as he tumbled into it, followed by +Jack, who, in his haste, did not stop to ask permission +to come. Luckily, the shark, instead of +taking a straight course out to sea, was dashing +round and round in circles. This gave them a +chance to save Billy’s life, for had the great fish +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_101' id='Page_101'>101</a></span> +pursued a straight course, Raynor’s fate would +undoubtedly have been sealed.</p> + +<p>“Row for your lives, men,” urged the captain, +standing erect, pistol in hand, awaiting the first +opportunity for a shot at the shark.</p> + +<p>“Shure thare’s no nade to till us thot, captain, +dear,” cried Muldoon. “We’ll git the poor lad +if we have to pull our own heads off.”</p> + +<p>The shark now made a swift dash for the bow +of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>. Behind him, at a distance of +about seventy-five feet, poor Billy’s body could +be seen being rushed through the water with a +“wake” behind it like that of a fast steamer. +Jack could see his chum’s face, which was ashen +white. But from the glimpse he had of it, the +young wireless man was sure that Billy was still +alive, marvelous though that seemed. For half +the time, owing to the manner in which he was +attached to the shark, the unfortunate lad’s head +was under the surface of the water.</p> + +<p>Bang! Captain Sparhawk’s pistol spoke as the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_102' id='Page_102'>102</a></span> +shark crossed the bow of the boat which had +been instantly turned to follow the creature’s new +tactics.</p> + +<p>“Missed,” he groaned.</p> + +<p>“No,” cried Jack, an instant later. “See, the +water is red behind him! You hit him.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but I fear not mortally. These creatures +have an amazing grip on life,” was the +despondent reply.</p> + +<p>And now a fresh element entered into the +scene. Round the bow of the yacht, toward +which the shark, with its human burden, was +dashing, there suddenly appeared a long, slender +canoe with two lithe young native figures propelling +it. It was Anai and his friend, the sworn +allies of the boys.</p> + +<p>For an instant, as the extraordinary scene presented +itself to them, they stood like bronze figures. +Then the full meaning of the impending +tragedy appeared to strike them. With a simultaneous +cry each grasped his great iron-wood +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_103' id='Page_103'>103</a></span> +knife and without the slightest hesitation leaped +overboard.</p> + +<p>“They are going to save him!” cried Jack +exultingly, as the two Kanaka boys fearlessly +clove the shark-infested water to attack the monster +that had abducted Billy.</p> + +<p>“And lose their own lives,” exclaimed the captain +as several dark fins appeared in the water +about the two intrepid youths.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_104' id='Page_104'>104</a></span><h2 id='t2463'>CHAPTER XV.—A MESSAGE FROM THE DEEP.</h2></div> + +<p>The scene that ensued was one that lingered +long in the recollection of those who saw it. +Uttering loud yells, the two native boys bore +down on the shark that had poor Billy in tow.</p> + +<p>Each taking a side they dashed upon it with +fury. As they gained its flanks their arms +flashed up and the next instant their great iron-wood +knives were buried hilt-deep in the tough +skin. The watchers saw the great shark give +an upward leap and the water was dyed crimson.</p> + +<p>“They reached his vitals. Hurrah for them,” +cried Captain Sparhawk. “Bear down on Billy, +lads. I reckon the shark is done for.”</p> + +<p>They were none too soon. After being disentangled +from the rope that had caused all the +trouble, Billy was hauled into the boat just in +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_105' id='Page_105'>105</a></span> +the nick of time. The rope had grazed and +chafed his legs cruelly, but except for the great +amount of water in his lungs he had suffered no +other injury.</p> + +<p>But no sooner had this been done than another +necessity arose. The brave Anai and his companion +were surrounded by a school of sharks +attracted by the blood of the creature the two +young Kanakas had despatched. So far, by +splashing furiously, and screeching at the top +of their voices, the native youths had succeeded +in keeping the monsters at bay, but it was doubtful +for how long they could do so.</p> + +<p>“To the rescue, lads,” cried Captain Sparhawk, +replacing the cartridge he had discharged. +“Give way with a will. I wouldn’t wish to see +either of those brave lads harmed.”</p> + +<p>In a few seconds they were in the midst of +the school of sharks that had assembled as if by +magic, ravenous for the flesh of their dead +brother. The captain’s pistol spat lead right and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_106' id='Page_106'>106</a></span> +left, and at that short range the effect of the +bullets was deadly. In a few minutes five of +the sea monsters were dead. But far from being +scared off the rest fell furiously upon these, +making upward rushes, exposing their huge +mouths with their triple rows of needle-like teeth.</p> + +<p>Leaving them to their cannibal feast, Anai and +his companion were hauled on board and at Muldoon’s +special request the body of the brute that +had almost caused Billy’s death was taken in tow.</p> + +<p>“I’ll make you byes some handsome watch-charms +out of his teeth fer remimbrancers,” he +promised.</p> + +<p>“As if we needed anything to remind us of +it,” shuddered Jack.</p> + +<p>“Just think, if it hadn’t been for Anai here +and Bolabola I’d have been past saving by now,” +cried Billy, warmly ringing their hands.</p> + +<p>“You may well say that, lad,” agreed the captain. +“They saved you from visiting Davy +Jones, without a doubt.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_107' id='Page_107'>107</a></span>“We your friends. Must save you even if it +cost our lives,” said Anai, looking embarrassed.</p> + +<p>“Shure an’ thot’s more than many a white +man wud say,” approved Muldoon warmly. “Byes, +give us yer flippers. Ye may hav’ black skins, +but be jabers yer hearts is pure gold entoirely.”</p> + +<p>The canoe was taken in tow and the whole +party returned to the yacht, where they received +more congratulations from the others on board +who had watched the whole affair spell-bound +with alarm and then with admiration at the +Kanaka boys’ brave act. The decks rang with +cheers as they came on board, Captain Sparhawk +and Jack supporting Billy, who was still white +and shaky.</p> + +<p>Mr. Jukes’ enthusiasm for Anai and Bolabola +knew no bounds. The millionaire wanted them +to accept a handful of gold pieces each. But the +lads shook their heads. Gold was of little use +to them. But other presents which were showered +upon them they accepted gladly. There was +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_108' id='Page_108'>108</a></span> +almost a canoe-full of them, ranging from gaudy +neckties to a broken concertina, the latter being +presented by Muldoon. It could emit, upon coaxing, +a few wheezy notes, and the brown boys appeared +to prize it quite above any of their other +gifts.</p> + +<p>In the meantime, on the foredeck, to which +the body of the great shark had been hoisted +by slings, the members of the crew, who understood +such operations, assisted by Muldoon, were +cutting up the monster. From time to time they +flung useless bits of offal over the side. A scramble +from such of the sharks as had disposed of +the dead bodies of their companions instantly +ensued. Sharks are the most rapacious of any +creatures on land or sea, and their appetites appeared +to have been slacked in no important particular +by their cannibal meal.</p> + +<p>“Bad luck to yez,” exclaimed Muldoon, shaking +his fist at them after one of these rushes, +for every sailor hates a shark. “There’s many +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_109' id='Page_109'>109</a></span> +a thrue lad gone to his long rickonin’ through +yez or yez mates. Bad cess to all uv yez, says +Tim Muldoon.”</p> + +<p>An interested group, among whom were Jack +and Billy, watched the proceedings from the +bridge. Mr. Jukes was no less interested than +the rest. He attentively watched the sharks as +they fought. Perhaps their feverish rapacity +reminded him of certain “big business” operations +at home in the States where great corporations +have been not unknown to gobble up their +small competitors as hungrily as any tiger shark.</p> + +<p>“Hullo, they seem to have found something +interesting,” said Jack, as a murmur arose among +the butchers who suddenly crowded round Muldoon, +chief of the dissectors.</p> + +<p>“It’s a bottle,” cried Billy Raynor.</p> + +<p>“Look here what I found in the hongry divil’s +stomach,” exclaimed Muldoon, holding up his +find. “Be jabers, he must hav’ a digestion a +dispiptic millionaire would invy to ——”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_110' id='Page_110'>110</a></span>He stopped short, covered with confusion, as +he suddenly recalled that Mr. Jukes suffered from +the very complaint he had mentioned.</p> + +<p>“Bring that bottle here, Muldoon,” ordered +Captain Sparhawk, in order to save what threatened +to be an awkward situation, for Mr. Jukes +had turned as red as a turkey-cock and the boys +had had to turn away to hide their smiles.</p> + +<p>The quartermaster hastened aft with the bottle. +It was encrusted with deposits apparently caused +by the acids of the shark’s stomach. But when +Captain Sparhawk held it to the light, he could +see that contained within it was some object.</p> + +<p>“There’s something inside it,” he said.</p> + +<p>“By jove, perhaps a letter from some shipwrecked +sailors,” exclaimed Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>“Such messages are often frauds, sir,” observed +the captain. “If it should prove to be +such, I’d be wary about replying to it.”</p> + +<p>“Well, let’s have a look at it, whatever it is,” +said Mr. Jukes. “This is really interesting.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_111' id='Page_111'>111</a></span>They all crowded about, even the Kanakas, +as the captain smashed the bottle on the rail. +A rolled-up paper dropped on the deck. Jack, at +whose feet it had fallen, picked it up. He opened +it and saw that it was scribbled on with pencil.</p> + +<p>“It seems ——,” he began, when a sudden +exclamation from Mr. Jukes checked his further +utterance.</p> + +<p>“Let me look at that paper,” commanded the +millionaire, who, they now noticed, was breathing +quickly and whose eyes shone with feverish +excitement.</p> + +<p>Jack handed it over, while they all regarded +the millionaire’s agitation curiously. With hands +that shook, the financier scanned the letter and +then made an electrifying announcement in a +voice that was tense and self-controlled, but yet +betrayed the excitement under which he labored +as he spoke.</p> + +<p>“Gentlemen, the age of miracles has not +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_112' id='Page_112'>112</a></span> +passed,” he said. “When Ready first opened the +paper, I thought I recognized a peculiar handwriting. +I was not wrong. This message was +written by my brother!”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_113' id='Page_113'>113</a></span><h2 id='t2673'>CHAPTER XVI.—ALIVE ON THE SEA.</h2></div> + +<p>“Incredible!” exclaimed Captain Sparhawk, +unable to think of anything else to say at the +astounding information.</p> + +<p>“But, nevertheless, true. Sparhawk, this message +confirms the truth of your theory about +‘Bully’ Broom. That rascal attacked and overcame +the unsuspecting crew of the <em>Centurion</em>, and +obtained the 'Tear of the Sea’.”</p> + +<p>“The infernal scoundrel,” breathed Captain +Sparhawk. “There is not another man in the +South Seas who would have dared such a coup. +But does the message give any clue to your +brother’s fate, sir?” he added respectfully.</p> + +<p>The millionaire’s face glowed and suddenly +lost its careworn look.</p> + +<p>“That’s the best part of it,” he explained. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_114' id='Page_114'>114</a></span> +“But come to my cabin, captain—yes, Ready, you +and Raynor may come, too,” he added as he intercepted +anxious looks on the boys’ faces.</p> + +<p>Inside the cabin the millionaire spread on the +table the yellowed, scribbled bit of paper that +just then meant more to him than any document +he had ever seen in his life.</p> + +<p>“I’ll read aloud,” he said, and then, in a clear +voice, he recited the contents of the missive.</p> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p>“Any one finding this please notify my brother +Jacob Jukes of New York, who will reward him +lavishly for the trouble. This is being written +on board ‘Bully’ Broom’s schooner, <span class='it'>South Sea +Lass</span>. We are all prisoners and the 'Tear of +the Sea’ is in the ruffian’s possession. We are +being taken, as I overheard, to Bomobori, in New +Guinea, with what object I cannot say. May +Heaven help us in our desperate strait. I am +throwing this, with a prayer to Heaven that it +may be found, from the window of the cabin in +which I am confined.</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:0em;font-variant:small-caps;'>Jerushah Jukes.”</p> + +</div> + +<p>“I know Bomobori well,” exclaimed Captain +Sparhawk, as Mr. Jukes finished reading. “I +was there in '87 and again in '89.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_115' id='Page_115'>115</a></span>“What sort of a place is it?” inquired Mr. +Jukes.</p> + +<p>“Not much of a town,” was the reply. “It +is at the mouth of a river that penetrates a wild +country. If ‘Bully’ Broom wished to hide his +captives, he could not have taken them to a better +place.”</p> + +<p>“Sparhawk,” and the millionaire’s voice was +vibrant with determination, “how long will it +take us to get there?”</p> + +<p>“I should say not more than a week. But we +should have to re-coal at Tahiti if we are to +make the run at top speed. How about that, +Raynor?”</p> + +<p>“You’re right, captain,” said the young engineer. +“I’ll guarantee to run the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> +engines faster than they were ever run before, +but I’ve got to have the coal to do it with.”</p> + +<p>“That steamer is through coaling us now?” +asked the millionaire, after he had made a few +calculations on a scrap of paper.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_116' id='Page_116'>116</a></span>“They emptied the last of their load an hour +ago,” said Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“Good,” was Mr. Jukes’ response. “Send +the captain to me and I will give him my check. +Raynor, how soon can you have steam up?”</p> + +<p>“In an hour, sir,” responded the young engineer.</p> + +<p>“Splendid; make all the time you can. Every +moment is valuable now. Ready——”</p> + +<p>Jack was all attention. Into the millionaire’s +manner had come a snap and a grip of affairs +that had not been there since they had sailed. He +had something tangible to go upon now, and was +plainly prepared to make the most of it.</p> + +<p>“Ready,” he went on, “I want you to raise +Tahiti at once. Order coal to be ready for us +when we arrive and have a force of men engaged +to hustle it on board without loss of time.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, sir,” rejoined Jack, hurrying from the +cabin.</p> + +<p>Within a few minutes the entire atmosphere +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_117' id='Page_117'>117</a></span> +of the ship appeared to be charged with electricity +and bustle. Black smoke volleyed from +the stack and the roar of escaping steam soon +came from the relief pipe. Anai and his companion, +almost in tears at the thought of parting +with the boys, were sent ashore, and final preparations +made for the start.</p> + +<p>Shortly before sun-down Raynor reported all +ready in the engine room.</p> + +<p>“Very well, captain,” said Mr. Jukes, “you +may get up your anchor.”</p> + +<p>The necessary orders were soon given and as +the chains rattled home through the exhaust +pipes the yacht swung her bow gracefully seaward. +A big crowd of canoes and the small +tramp, which had also taken up anchor, accompanied +her some distance out to sea.</p> + +<p>The natives raised their voices in melancholy +songs as they paddled, and from time to time +cried out:</p> + +<p>“Come back, white men.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_118' id='Page_118'>118</a></span>Among them Jack and Raynor recognized +Anai and the other young Kanaka. Both lads +felt a genuine regret at leaving the brave, likeable +young natives, but ahead of them they felt +lay experiences which for the time being put all +other emotions out of their minds. The <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy</span>, rushing ahead at top speed, soon left the +rusty tramp, her consort, far behind. By dark +only the summit of the island was visible on the +horizon. It sank quickly from sight, and when +the first stars appeared the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> was alone +on the sea.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_119' id='Page_119'>119</a></span><h2 id='t2827'>CHAPTER XVII.—AN ENCOUNTER AT BOMOBORI.</h2></div> + +<p>It was on a clear day a little more than a +week later that the lookout announced land dead +ahead. All on board knew that it must be New +Guinea, the wild and little known country where +Mr. Jukes had confident hopes of finding his lost +brother. Captain Sparhawk made an excellent +“land-fall,” as sailors call it, and by night they +came to anchor off Bomobori.</p> + +<p>It was a beautiful scene. The waves dashed +against a golden strand. Behind lay vast and +mysterious forests, looking dark and uninviting +in the evening light. Beyond the forests rose +great mountains veiled in the bluish mist of the +far distances. As darkness fell, the lights of +Bomobori began to twinkle, casting reflections +in the still waters of the harbor and river, the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_120' id='Page_120'>120</a></span> +mouth of which latter could be seen to the north +of the town.</p> + +<p>“Well, I’m ready to go ashore,” remarked +Raynor, as he joined Jack on deck at the conclusion +of his duties in the engine-room. “It +will certainly feel good to put foot on shore once +more.”</p> + +<p>“Indeed it will,” agreed Jack, warmly. “I’m +anxious to get a look at New Guinea too. It’s +a country about which very little is known—I +mean so far as the interior is concerned.”</p> + +<p>“Well, we are likely to have plenty of opportunity +for exploration,” said Raynor. “I heard +Mr. Jukes telling the captain that he believed, +from what he had heard about ‘Bully’ Broom at +Tahiti where he is well known, that the rascal +has a secret hiding place in the interior somewhere.”</p> + +<p>“Then it’s likely to take a long time to locate +him,” said Jack. “This is a pretty big country +and very densely wooded, with big mountains +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_121' id='Page_121'>121</a></span> +and rivers galore. I’m afraid it’s a needle and +hay-stack job.”</p> + +<p>“I expect Mr. Jukes means to get a clue in +Bomobori, where Broom is probably well known,” +hazarded Raynor.</p> + +<p>“That is probably his idea,” said Jack. “Anyhow, +he is not a man who would give up his +purpose for any ordinary difficulties.”</p> + +<p>It was decided not to leave the yacht till the +morning. It can well be imagined then that the +sleep of the boys that night was not as sound as +usual. Both lay awake wondering what lay before +them, and whether they would succeed or +fail in the mission, for that evening Mr. Jukes +had appointed them members of the expedition, +and declared that he would rely upon them to +the uttermost to aid him.</p> + +<p>It was then that Jack had made a suggestion. +The yacht was to be left in the harbor with a +crew to guard her, but communication with her +might be important, even necessary, if they were +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_122' id='Page_122'>122</a></span> +driven to some other part of the coast and were +unable to return to Bomobori.</p> + +<p>Jack’s suggestion was that, with the spare +parts of the ship’s wireless, of which a big stock +was carried, he should construct a portable radio +apparatus by means of which they could at all +times be in touch with the yacht. He had an +idea that he could do this easily. Thurman, who +had been conducting himself in an irreproachable +manner, could be left in charge of the <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy’s</span> plant with perfect safety, the boy felt +confident. And so, subject to his success with a +portable set, it was arranged.</p> + +<p>“This doesn’t appear to be much of a town,” +observed Raynor, as they landed the next day, a +little before noon, in a warm, gentle shower of +rain such as frequently swept across the island +at that time of the year.</p> + +<p>“Well, you could hardly expect to find it a +New York or London, you know,” rejoined Jack.</p> + +<p>In truth Bomobori was a very fair specimen +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_123' id='Page_123'>123</a></span> +of a town in that section of the world. Along +the water front, back of which squatted a line +of tin-roofed warehouses, were moored native +craft from up the river with bamboo cabins and +great lattice sails that housed a whole family +of natives. In spite of the rain it was warm +and steamy, and a strange assortment of odors +greeted their nostrils as the boat was run up to +the principal dock and made fast.</p> + +<p>The population was a very mixed one. Pallid +white men, who looked like Frenchmen for the +most part, rubbed elbows on the water front with +Chinese, Lascars, Malays, Javanese and the wild-looking +Papuans from the interior with their +frizzed hair and ornamental cloaks of bird skins +and long spears. Here and there a stout German +in white ducks waddled by with a sun-helmeted +Englishman. There appeared to be quite a lot +of trading going on.</p> + +<p>But they were anxious to hurry on to the hotel +where Mr. Jukes hoped to begin the inquiries +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_124' id='Page_124'>124</a></span> +which he was sanguine would result in his finding +his brother. The hostelry for which they +were bound lay some squares back from the +water front. It was situated, like most tropical +hotels, in a park in which flowers and shrubs +of all kinds grew luxuriantly, and bright colored +birds flew with harsh cries, like (bright) jewels, +among the brilliant foliage. It was a two-story +affair in front of which a fountain plashed coolingly +in the hot, heavy air. Verandas, upon which +every room opened, completely surrounded each +story.</p> + +<p>They entered the office where the hand baggage +they had brought was picked up by barefooted, +white-garmented servants. Mr. Jukes +was bending over the register writing his name +and those of his party when Jack caught sight +of somebody lounging in a bamboo chair in the +reading room that nearly took his breath away.</p> + +<p>“Well, if that isn’t——”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_125' id='Page_125'>125</a></span>“What is it, Jack?” asked Billy quickly.</p> + +<p>“Look at that chap there reading a paper. It’s +Donald Judson—Donald Judson, as sure as +you’re a foot high!”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_126' id='Page_126'>126</a></span><h2 id='t2978'>CHAPTER XVIII.—DONALD JUDSON AGAIN.</h2></div> + +<p>Jack was right; the boy sitting in the reading +room was indeed the formerly ne’er-do-well son +of the man who had headed the plot to steal the +naval code, though what he could be doing in +Bomobori neither of the boys could guess. But +so changed was he in appearance from the flashily-dressed, +aggressively-conceited Donald Judson +they had known, that for a moment both boys +doubted the evidence of their eyes.</p> + +<p>Donald had always, in the past, been inclined +to dudishness in his clothes. Now his clothing +was dilapidated and torn, his shoes were old +canvas ones that looked ready to fall apart, and +he had a scarecrow of a battered straw hat on +his head.</p> + +<p>Moreover, his face was careworn and his +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_127' id='Page_127'>127</a></span> +cheeks hollow and one eye appeared to have suffered +a blow of some sort for it was blackened +and swollen. Altogether he was a most woebegone +looking specimen of humanity, and the +boys wondered he was suffered about the hotel. +Donald’s presence there, however, was later accounted +for, although this, of course, the boys +did not know, by a long tale of disaster and suffering +he had sustained while gold hunting in +the interior. Donald said he was expecting remittances +from America and on this account had +been accommodated with quarters.</p> + +<p>“My gracious, what a change,” exclaimed +Billy under his breath. “He looks like a regular +scarecrow.”</p> + +<p>“He must have been in mighty tough luck,” +rejoined Jack. “But what beats me is what he +is doing here. It’s a very odd coincidence that +we should run into two of our old enemies on this +trip.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_128' id='Page_128'>128</a></span>“It is, indeed. But see, he is looking at us. +I suppose we ought to speak to the poor chap.”</p> + +<p>Donald had dropped his paper and was staring +straight at the two lads as if they had been +ghosts. Then he got to his feet and came toward +them.</p> + +<p>“Jack Ready!” he exclaimed, “where did you +come from?”</p> + +<p>“We might ask the same question of you, Judson,” +said Jack, “but—er—you’ll excuse my saying +so, but you look as if you’d been in hard luck +lately.”</p> + +<p>“I have been, oh I have been,” said Donald, +in a voice far different from his old bragging +one. “I got out of a job and shipped for a sailor. +I’d heard it was a fine life. The ship I was on +sailed away from Honolulu while I was still +ashore after overstopping my leave. Then I +got a job on a schooner that had a bad reputation, +when I was nearly starved, but I had to live +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_129' id='Page_129'>129</a></span> +somehow. The captain of the <em>South Sea Lass</em> +was a brute. He——”</p> + +<p>“Here, hold on,” cried Jack, seizing his arm +which was thin and bony, “was his name Broom——”</p> + +<p>“Yes. ‘Bully’ Broom. He is little better +than a pirate. He treated me worse than a dog, +and finally, after blacking my eye, put me ashore +here several days ago. He——say, hold on, +what’s the matter?”</p> + +<p>Jack and Billy had seized him one on each +side and were dragging him across the floor of +the hotel office.</p> + +<p>“There’s somebody here we want you to tell +your story to,” explained Jack. “It’ll be worth +something to you, but be sure to tell the truth.”</p> + +<p>“As if I could lie, no matter what I said about +that wretch, ‘Bully’ Broom,” declared Donald. +“I’m sure he was mixed up in some illegal business. +Why we put into an island called the Pommer-Pommer——”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_130' id='Page_130'>130</a></span>“The Pamatous?” came from Billy.</p> + +<p>“That’s it.”</p> + +<p>“And some men were taken prisoners from a +schooner called the <em>Centurion</em>?” demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>“Yes, but see here Ready, how in the world——?”</p> + +<p>“Never mind that. What became of those +prisoners?”</p> + +<p>“He locked them up in cabins. He said that +they were bad men and pearl robbers and that +he was bringing them to justice.”</p> + +<p>“Did you ever talk with them?”</p> + +<p>“No; except one, and I never got a chance to +say much to him. Broom watched me very +closely. He’d have murdered me if he’d thought +that I was trying to pry into his affairs.”</p> + +<p>“What was the name of the man you talked +to?”</p> + +<p>“He was a kind of a leader of the party, I +guess,” was the reply. “I used to take him his +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_131' id='Page_131'>131</a></span> +meals and there were precious few of those too, +for we were on short rations ourselves.”</p> + +<p>“But his name—his name?” demanded Jack.</p> + +<p>“Oh, Flukes—something like that, anyhow. +I never was good at names.”</p> + +<p>“Was it Jukes?”</p> + +<p>“That was it,” cried Donald, snapping his +fingers.</p> + +<p>“Well, boys, what’s the matter?” demanded +the missing man’s brother as he finished with the +register and turned amazedly to face his two +young followers grasping Donald’s ragged figure +on each side as if they had a prisoner in custody.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Jukes, this boy has seen and talked to +your brother within the last two weeks,” was the +announcement from Jack that sent the millionaire +staggering back against the hotel desk, for +once in his life giving way to uncontrolled amazement.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_132' id='Page_132'>132</a></span><h2 id='t3128'>CHAPTER XIX.—HE TELLS A STRANGE STORY.</h2></div> + +<p>“Bless my soul,” he exclaimed, when he found +breath, “you boys are always digging up somebody. +Who is this?”</p> + +<p>He regarded the ragged figure of the unfortunate +Donald with some disapprobation. Jack +explained, and then Donald, stumbling and stuttering +somewhat under Mr. Jukes’ steady eye, +told his story.</p> + +<p>“But you have not told us the most important +part of it all,” said the millionaire, as he concluded. +“Where was my unfortunate brother +taken to by this ruffian?”</p> + +<p>“That’s just what I don’t know, sir,” rejoined +the boy. “You see, they took good care I +shouldn’t know too much about their operations. +All I know is that I heard them saying something +about 'up the river.’”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_133' id='Page_133'>133</a></span>“Meaning this river—the Bomobori?” asked +Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>“I suppose so.”</p> + +<p>“Do you know where the schooner is now?” +was the millionaire’s next question, but Donald +did not. All he knew was that, after landing him +in Bomobori, ‘Bully’ Broom had departed under +cover of night. Where he had headed for was +a mystery.</p> + +<p>Jack whispered something to the millionaire +when Donald had concluded his narrative and +Mr. Jukes put his hand in his pocket and drew +out some coins. Then as he moved off Jack +rather hesitatingly said to Donald:</p> + +<p>“You’ve had a hard time of it for money, I +suppose?”</p> + +<p>“Hard? That’s no name for it,” exclaimed +the other. “That rascal Broom never gave me +a cent, though when he shipped me he promised +me wages. If you hadn’t arrived I don’t know +what I should have done.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_134' id='Page_134'>134</a></span>“Well, we are willing to let bygones be bygones,” +said Jack.</p> + +<p>“It wouldn’t be fair to be rough on a fellow +who is down on his luck,” muttered Donald +rather grudgingly. “And—and I guess I’ve +learned a lesson, fellows.”</p> + +<p>“By the way, Donald,” said Jack, handing the +boy the coins Mr. Jukes had given him, “here is +something from Mr. Jukes to help you along for +the present. I am sure he will see to it that you +do not suffer any more hardships in return for +the valuable information you have given us.”</p> + +<p>The destitute lad’s face brightened wonderfully. +The money—about twenty dollars—was +more than he had seen in a long time. He +fingered the coins greedily.</p> + +<p>“I—I’m much obliged to you and to your +friend, too,” he muttered rather shamefacedly, +“and—er—I’m sorry I ever played you mean +tricks.”</p> + +<p>“Never mind about that now,” said Jack, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_135' id='Page_135'>135</a></span> +cutting him short. “My advice to you is not to hang +about here, but to get a job on the first ship +that touches here and go home.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll go down to the shipping offices right now +and see what the chances are,” promised Donald, +and with a new spring in his step he started out +of the hotel.</p> + +<p>“What a change,” exclaimed Jack, when he +had gone. “I never thought Donald Judson +could become so humbled.”</p> + +<p>“He is certainly blue, and that is hardly surprising,” +agreed Billy. “But the question is +whether his seeming repentance is sincere.”</p> + +<p>“Let’s hope all that he has been through has +taught him a good lesson,” said Jack.</p> + +<p>“It surely ought to have,” said Billy, and then +the subject was dismissed by a tall, half-clothed +native striding into the lobby and beating stridently +on a huge brass gong inscribed with queer +characters.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_136' id='Page_136'>136</a></span>“What’s that for?” asked Jack of the clerk +behind the desk who looked like a German.</p> + +<p>“Dot iss for Riz Tavel,” replied the clerk.</p> + +<p>“For Riz who?” asked Billy.</p> + +<p>“For Riz Tavel,” rejoined the man impatiently, +as if surprised at their ignorance. “Riz +Tavel, dot means lunch.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, I see,” replied Jack. “Well, I’m ready +for it whatever they call it.”</p> + +<p>At the summons of the gong several guests +of the hotel came into the lobby, appearing as +if they had just got out of bed. The boys were +amazed to see that many of the male guests wore +pyjamas, while the women were in negligee. This, +however, applied only to the half castes and +Dutch residents. The Germans and English, who +did most of the trading at Bomobori, wore tropical +suits of conventional make.</p> + +<p>They were waited on by barefooted Malays +who set before each of the boys and their shipmates, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_137' id='Page_137'>137</a></span> +when these latter appeared, big soup +plates full of rice.</p> + +<p>“They call this the 'riz-tavel,’ that means the +rice table,” explained Captain Sparhawk, thus +clearing away the secret of the mysterious words. +“Rice is a staple all through the East, just like +bread is at home.”</p> + +<p>Having filled their plates with rice, as they +saw everybody else do, the Americans waited for +the next move. The waiters had all vanished +after depositing the rice, and Jack was moved +to remark whether that was all they were going +to get.</p> + +<p>His question was answered by the re-appearance +of the barefooted servitors. They bore numerous +dishes piled with fish, duck, chicken, pork, +omelette, onions and peppers. The guests all +piled portions of every one of these dishes on the +top of the rice, and the visitors seeing that they +were not expected to ask for more plates were +fain to do the same. The boys, however, balked +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_138' id='Page_138'>138</a></span> +at a thin curried sauce which was supposed to be +poured over this hodge-podge of edibles.</p> + +<p>Having disposed of what in itself was a +mighty meal they then found that they were +expected to despatch beefsteaks, salad and fruit.</p> + +<p>“Well, they don’t starve you here, that’s one +thing sure,” said Jack.</p> + +<p>“You must remember that their 'breakfast,’ +as they call it, is eaten in the cool of the morning +and usually only consists of coffee and fruit,” +said Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>A groan from the dyspeptic Mr. Jukes, who +had eaten a hearty meal, was followed soon after +by the breaking up of the party. There was +much to be attended to, but Captain Sparhawk +said it would be useless to try to transact business +till the late afternoon when the sea breeze +sprung up. The interval between riz-tavel and +that hour he said was set aside for sleeping, and +nobody ever dreamed of interfering with the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_139' id='Page_139'>139</a></span> +custom. In fact, he would have found nobody to +transact business with.</p> + +<p>He warned the boys against walking about in +the scorchingly hot afternoon sun also, as it was +said to induce fevers. There was nothing left +for them to do, therefore, but to pass the afternoon +in their rooms, although they would have +preferred exploring the town.</p> + +<p>When they came down again they found Donald +Judson in the lobby. He appeared very disconsolate. +He said that no ships for American +ports would call at the port for a long time.</p> + +<p>“I guess I’m stuck here for the rest of my +life,” he complained, and then made a sudden +suggestion.</p> + +<p>“Say, why can’t you take me with you on that +expedition?” he asked, for the boys had told him +something about the object of their presence in +New Guinea.</p> + +<p>“Um—er—I don’t know that Mr. Jukes +wants anybody else along,” hesitated Jack.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_140' id='Page_140'>140</a></span>“I’d work hard and do anything I was told +to,” said Donald pleadingly. “Won’t you ask +him about it? It’s awful to be stuck here like a +bump on a log.”</p> + +<p>“Well, perhaps we might see about it,” relented +Jack, really feeling sorry for the unhappy +plight of their former enemy, mean and despicable +as he had proved himself to have been +in the past.</p> + +<p>“Thanks, awfully,” exclaimed Donald, gratefully, +and he went off through the gardens, saying +that he was going to get himself a pair of +new shoes. Soon after Mr. Jukes, having got +over his attack of dyspepsia, appeared, the boys +laid Donald’s request before him.</p> + +<p>“I really don’t know,” he hesitated. “Of +course, the lad is in hard luck, but somehow I +don’t exactly like his looks and I don’t see what +use he could be to us. I’d rather leave money +here to pay for his living till some ship arrives +he could get a berth on.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_141' id='Page_141'>141</a></span>“If you left him money in a place like this he +might fall back into his old bad ways,” suggested +Jack.</p> + +<p>“That is true. I wouldn’t wish to push any +one down the hill when there was a chance of +helping them up,” said the millionaire, musingly. +“Well, I’ll see about it,” he added after an interval +of thought. Just then, as Captain Sparhawk +came up, the incident was ended and the two +elders set out for a trading store to arrange for +supplies and other necessaries for their dash into +the interior, for Mr. Jukes had resolved to act +on Donald Judson’s unexpected clue and make +his way up the river.</p> + +<p>“I’ve got a notion that if we did take that +fellow Donald along that he would make trouble +for us,” said Raynor as soon as they were out +of ear-shot.</p> + +<p>“I don’t see how he could, or what object he +would have,” doubted Jack. “Still, I myself +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_142' id='Page_142'>142</a></span> +wouldn’t trust him very far, in spite of his declarations +of reform.”</p> + +<p>But as it so happened neither of the boys need +have troubled themselves over the matter, for +that evening, when Mr. Jukes sent for Donald +to have a talk with him, the boy’s manner had +changed entirely. He was no longer servile and +cringing as he had been earlier. In fact, he +intimated very plainly that he wanted nothing +more to do with the Jukes party.</p> + +<p>There was a reason for this, a reason that none +of the party naturally was able at the time to +guess. Donald’s change of front was not due +to any mere caprice. A deep-seated reason lay +behind it, and that reason was rooted in an encounter +he had had just after he left the boys +in the hotel garden.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_143' id='Page_143'>143</a></span><h2 id='t3409'>CHAPTER XX.—A TRAITOR IN CAMP.</h2></div> + +<p>Donald’s encounter had been with no less a +personage than ‘Bully’ Broom himself, whose +spies in the town had informed him that a party +of Americans had arrived on a yacht and had +been making inquiries about a missing man +named Jukes. Broom at once knew that the half-suspected +had happened, and that a strong party +in search of the missing man had, by some inexplicable +(to him) chance, arrived in Bomobori.</p> + +<p>He perceived at once that Donald’s presence +at the hotel, where he had abandoned him to his +fate, might result disastrously for him and he +congratulated himself that the boy did not know +more of the fate of Jerushah Jukes than he had +already told our friends. But even that meager +information, Broom foresaw, might be used to +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_144' id='Page_144'>144</a></span> +great advantage, so he posted himself in a resort +frequented by men of his type of whom there +are many in the South Seas, and despatched some +of his crew to look for the boy he had cast off.</p> + +<p>It was not long before Donald who, to do him +justice, came unwillingly at first, was presented +to Broom by two villainous-looking half-caste +Malay sailors, for Broom had few white men in +his crew.</p> + +<p>“They talk too much,” he was wont to say.</p> + +<p>As soon as Donald appeared, the ‘Bully’ +reversed his usual tactics and tried to make himself +as pleasant as possible. He was a huge-framed +ruffian with a tangled black beard, and +burned brown enough by sun and wind to be +taken for a negro. Donald soon saw that he had +nothing to fear from Broom now, and being a +sharp boy he proceeded to take the initiative after +some verbal sparring.</p> + +<p>“You’ve got an awful nerve sending for me +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_145' id='Page_145'>145</a></span> +after the treatment you gave me,” he observed. +“What do you want, anyhow?”</p> + +<p>“Now see here, boy,” bellowed Broom, in his +gruff voice which he tried to render amiable +without much success, so used was he to ruling +his band with an iron hand, “I’ll admit that I +may have used you a bit roughly, but that was +the way of the sea. A fine young fellow like you, +though, oughtn’t to mind that. A little knocking +about is good for you.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and it was good for me to be left +stranded in this hole, too, I suppose,” said Donald.</p> + +<p>“I didn’t leave you stranded. I was merely out +of funds and was coming back to pay you up and +get you out of trouble,” protested Broom, with +an earnestness that appeared genuine. “See +here.”</p> + +<p>He plunged his hand into his pocket and drew +out a handful of gold and then let it fall trickling +on the table.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_146' id='Page_146'>146</a></span>“That doesn’t look as if I wasn’t able to do +it, either, does it?” he demanded. “Now, see +here,” he went on, “I’ve got a proposition to +make to you. You’re a smart lad, a clever lad, +and one that’s bound to get on the world. I’m +going to help you, too.”</p> + +<p>“Well, what do you want?” demanded Donald, +who was very susceptible to flattery, and who +had a weak nature, easily played upon by any one +skillful enough to touch the right chord.</p> + +<p>“That gang that arrived on the yacht? What +about them?” came from Broom.</p> + +<p>“They are going to cook your hash if you don’t +look out,” said Donald. “That’s Jukes’ brother, +and they’re going to find him wherever you’ve +put him and then nab you.”</p> + +<p>“So that’s the program, eh?” muttered the +‘Bully.’ “Now see here, Donald, I want you +on my side and I’m not afraid to pay for it. A +smart and clever boy like you could do me a deal +of harm if you were sided with the enemy. You’ll +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_147' id='Page_147'>147</a></span> +be no loser by it. You haven’t told them anything +about our little deal with the <em>Centurion</em> yet, have +you?”</p> + +<p>Donald did some quick thinking. He was +sharp enough to see that Broom was afraid of +what he might have said, for even in Bomobori +there was law and if it were known to Mr. Jukes +that Broom was in the vicinity it would be immediately +invoked. He balanced his two opportunities +against each other. Cupidity, greed for +money, had always been his main fault, and now +he thought he saw a way to make more out of +Broom than he could out of Mr. Jukes. Besides, +although he had appeared so humbled before the +boys, and ashamed of his past conduct, his hatred +still rankled, for the reason that he blamed all +his troubles on them and had often brooded over +plans of revenge.</p> + +<p>“No, I haven’t told them anything about the +<em>Centurion</em>,” he said at length, fearing that if he +told Broom how much the Jukes party knew +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_148' id='Page_148'>148</a></span> +the freebooter might withdraw from any deal +he was about to make. “I simply gave them a +cock-and-bull story about myself when they were +astonished to find me here.”</p> + +<p>“Ah! So you know them, then? They are +friends of yours?” exclaimed Broom.</p> + +<p>“Hardly friends,” muttered Donald. “I knew +them in America.”</p> + +<p>“You’ve no particular affection for them, +though?”</p> + +<p>“How do you know?”</p> + +<p>“Your tone told me that, my young friend.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I might as well admit it. I don’t like +them. They wronged me in America and that’s +why I am here now. I’ve treated them in a +friendly way because I’m out of money.”</p> + +<p>Broom’s deep set eyes flashed.</p> + +<p>“You’ve got a good head boy, very good,” he +said, approvingly. “Now to get down to business. +I’ll give you a handsome sum to stay on +my side.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_149' id='Page_149'>149</a></span>“Spot cash?”</p> + +<p>“The money on the nail. I want you to do a +little job for me in return. Keep your mouth +absolutely shut, but find out all you can about +their plans. You will always find me here when +you want to report. Here’s something to start +with,” and he pushed over the gold which lay +on the table.</p> + +<p>Donald’s eyes sparkled greedily as he counted +it.</p> + +<p>“All right, I’ll do what you say,” he remarked, +as he pocketed it, “but tell me one thing: Where +is Jerushah Jukes?”</p> + +<p>“Ah, that is for me to know and for them to +find out,” was Broom’s reply, “but I’ll tell you +all about it in proper time.”</p> + +<p>“It’s a wonder you are not afraid to be seen +in the town,” said Donald. “Any one might +tell them about your being here.”</p> + +<p>“Nobody knows about me but my friends, and +there is no danger of their talking.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_150' id='Page_150'>150</a></span>“But your schooner, which is as well known in +this part of the ocean as a mail steamer?”</p> + +<p>Broom smiled.</p> + +<p>“You don’t think I’d be fool enough to bring +my schooner in here after I heard about the +arrival of Jukes’ yacht?” he asked. “The <span class='it'>South +Sea Lass</span> is safely hidden up the coast. I came +here on a native canoe.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you ought to be good at covering up +your tracks, you’ve had enough experience,” said +Donald, with a sort of grudging admiration for +the ruffian.</p> + +<p>“One thing more,” said Broom, acknowledging +what he chose to take as a compliment with +a grin. “Jukes is very rich. Has he much money +with him this trip?”</p> + +<p>“I guess not. Jukes is pretty foxy with his +money. If he has much it would be in some form +that is not negotiable. He is not the sort of man +to take chances.”</p> + +<p>Broom nodded his massive head ponderously. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_151' id='Page_151'>151</a></span> +He was evidently revolving some plan in his +mind. Presently he brought down his heavy +fist with a crash on the table.</p> + +<p>“Jukes has poked his nose into this business,” +he exclaimed, “and it will cost him something +to get out of it before he gets through.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean?” asked Donald.</p> + +<p>“If he was made a prisoner for instance, he +would pay handsomely to be released.”</p> + +<p>“I should say so. He’s worth about $20,000,000.”</p> + +<p>Broom smacked his lips.</p> + +<p>“Some of that’s as good as ours if you do what +I tell you,” he exclaimed.</p> + +<p>“Ours?” A greedy look crept into the boy’s +face.</p> + +<p>“Yes, when he pays up you’ll get your share +and get even with the people you dislike at the +same time.”</p> + +<p>When Donald left the place with one of his +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_152' id='Page_152'>152</a></span> +ragged pockets bulging with unaccustomed +wealth, a compact had been formed that was to +cause our friends a great deal of trouble in the +near future.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_153' id='Page_153'>153</a></span><h2 id='t3652'>CHAPTER XXI.—A MEMORABLE NIGHT.</h2></div> + +<p>“It’s very peculiar that Donald should have +undergone such a sudden change of front,” said +Jack later that evening, following the boy’s +strange way of receiving Mr. Jukes’ proposal. +“He certainly appeared to want to go along the +worst way a few hours ago.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t help thinking that he has been up to +some mischief,” replied Billy. “He’s got himself +a new outfit somewhere and I saw him paying +his hotel bill.”</p> + +<p>“Well, at any rate that’s a laudable act,” +laughed Jack. “After all, we are not much concerned +with anything that he does now.”</p> + +<p>“No, that’s true. By-the-way, how is that +wireless idea of yours for a portable set getting +along?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_154' id='Page_154'>154</a></span>“First rate; I’ve got it all worked out on paper +and have cut the weight down to fifty pounds +without the aerials.”</p> + +<p>“Good for you. I’ve got a notion we can make +a lot of use of it.”</p> + +<p>“At any rate it won’t be much of an extra +load and it might get us out of a tight place, who +can tell?”</p> + +<p>After some further talk the boys decided to +turn in, as they had to be up early the next +day. It was a hot, close night when the heavens +seemed to be pressed down like a brazen lid on +a pot. Far off, flashes of lightning illuminated +the distant sky toward the mountains where, for +all they knew, the millionaire’s abducted brother +might be concealed.</p> + +<p>“Phew! It’s warm,” exclaimed Jack. “I guess +I’ll take a bath before I turn in.”</p> + +<p>The boys’ bedroom was typical of hotels in +that part of the world. Its floor was bare except +for a strip of matting. There were two beds +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_155' id='Page_155'>155</a></span> +in it, hung with mosquito netting curtains, and +a tiny wash basin and jug. An old-fashioned +bell-pull hung near one of the beds and Jack decided +to give it a tug and order a bath, when +one of the native “bell boys” appeared. After +a long interval, one of the barefooted functionaries +of the hotel arrived. Jack made his wants +known and the man hurried off again without a +word.</p> + +<p>“That’s odd,” commented Jack, “but I guess +he’s gone to fill it and will be back directly to +say it’s ready.”</p> + +<p>They waited for some time before a soft patter +of bare feet was heard in the hall and two of the +native servants entered carrying between them +a barrel. Another followed with a sort of dipper +made out of a cocoanut.</p> + +<p>The boys stared in amazement as the men +advanced to the middle of the room and solemnly +set down the barrel and then stood about waiting +with an expectant look on their faces.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_156' id='Page_156'>156</a></span>“What in the world is all this?” demanded the +amazed Jack.</p> + +<p>“Him your bath, boss,” came the answer, “you +gettee in him ballel, we washee you.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll be jiggered if you do,” exclaimed Jack. +“Get out of here,” and the men hurried off, first +staring at the boy as if they thought he was +mad. “Well, a New Guinea bath certainly accounts +for the appearance of some of the natives +I’ve seen about,” he laughed, as soon as they had +left. “But I suppose I must make the best of it.”</p> + +<p>So Jack’s bath consisted of dipping water out +of the tub and pouring it over himself, trying not +to flood the room. But apparently he did so, for +soon a loud and indignant voice was heard at the +door.</p> + +<p>“Who is there?” demanded the boys.</p> + +<p>“Sapristi! Eet is I. Zee landlord. You flood +zee place. Zee water drip on me.”</p> + +<p>“Sorry,” sang out Jack, cheerfully, “but I’m +doing the best I can. You see, I’m not used to +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_157' id='Page_157'>157</a></span> +the customs of the country yet. I don’t understand +your way of bathing.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean zee bathing?”</p> + +<p>“I’m trying to get a bath in this barrel that +you sent me up.”</p> + +<p>“Taking a bath!” shouted the landlord in a +startled voice, “a bath at zees time of zee night. +You must be crazee. Anyhow, you drop no more +of zee water on me. I sleep zee room undaire.”</p> + +<p>“Well, he doesn’t look as if a little water +would hurt him,” commented Billy, as the landlord’s +footsteps retreated down the passage.</p> + +<p>The boys were soon in bed, but not to sleep. +Their exciting day amid new scenes had rendered +them wakeful and then, too, the beds of the Hotel +Bomobori were not couches of roses. The sheets +and pillows smelled abominably of camphor and +mildew, and the latter appeared to have been, +or so Billy declared, stuffed with corn cobs. The +same applied to the mattresses. But as if this +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_158' id='Page_158'>158</a></span> +was not enough, there came a sudden shrill cry +from somewhere in the room:</p> + +<p>“Beck-ee! Beck-ee! Beck-ee!”</p> + +<p>“What in the nation was that?” cried Billy, +considerably startled.</p> + +<p>“Somebody calling for 'Becky,’” laughed +Jack, “but Rebecca won’t answer. Go to sleep, +Billy, if you can, on these miserable beds. It +must be some insect.”</p> + +<p>“I hope it isn’t anything venomous,” muttered +Raynor.</p> + +<p>“Better keep your curtains close drawn and +then it can’t get at you, anyhow,” advised Jack.</p> + +<p>“But then it shuts out all the air and I almost +suffocate,” complained Billy.</p> + +<p>“Wow!” he yelled a moment later, in a tone +that roused Jack, who was almost asleep.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter, Billy?” he asked +anxiously.</p> + +<p>“Ugh, something soft with legs on it just ran +over my face,” cried Raynor. “For goodness’ +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_159' id='Page_159'>159</a></span> +sake get up and get a light. It may be something +that bites or stings.”</p> + +<p>Jack lost no time in getting hurriedly out of +his bed, and as he shook the curtains something +was dislodged from them and went whirring and +banging round the room, blundering heavily +against the ceiling.</p> + +<p>“What the dickens——!” exclaimed the boy, +considerably startled, when another cry from +Billy split the air.</p> + +<p>“Ouch, for the love of Mike. A light, quick. +Something just nipped my toe.”</p> + +<p>Jack fumbled for the matches; but, as is usual +in such cases, he located every object in the room +before he found them, finally colliding with the +washstand and sending it with a crash to the +ground floor. An instant later there was the +noise of slamming doors below and the landlord +came racing up the stairs to the boys’ room.</p> + +<p>“Ciel! What is zee mattaire zees time? First +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_160' id='Page_160'>160</a></span> +you try drown me, zen you make zee beeg crash +like zee tonnaire!”</p> + +<p>“It’s all the fault of your old hotel,” exclaimed +Jack angrily, going to the door. “This +room is full of some kind of animals. It’s a regular +menagerie.”</p> + +<p>He opened the door and the landlord, with a +curious-looking night-light, composed of a wick +floating in a tumbler full of some strong-smelling +oil that gave out a powerful odor of sandal wood, +came inside. Instantly there was a mighty scuffling +and several ugly looking lizards darted off +across the floor and a huge bat (no doubt the +creature that had vacated Jack’s bed-curtains +with such a prodigious flapping) went soaring +out through the open lattice-work doors which +led out on the verandah, but which the boys had +left open for coolness. There were also a dozen +other specimens of unclassified insects, both +winged and legged, which went scuttling off at +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_161' id='Page_161'>161</a></span> +the sight of the light. Then the landlord’s eye +fell on the open doors.</p> + +<p>“Sacre!” he cried, “nevaire did I such a foolishness +see.”</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter now?” demanded Jack. +“The only foolishness I can see is in our coming +to this hotel.”</p> + +<p>The landlord shrugged his shoulders as if in +despair.</p> + +<p>“What else do you expect but zee bat, zee scorpion, +zee centipede, zee leezard, zee chigre, +zee——”</p> + +<p>“What makes a noise like 'becky, becky, +becky’?” asked Billy, breaking in on the catalogue.</p> + +<p>“Ah! Zee biting leezard 'ee do zat.”</p> + +<p>“Then that fellow that nipped my toe and the +one that sang out for Rebecca must be the same +individual,” cried Billy indignantly, “but go on +with your catalogue.”</p> + +<p>The landlord looked puzzled.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_162' id='Page_162'>162</a></span>“Zere was zee cat and zee dog 'ere, too?” he +demanded.</p> + +<p>“No, I said the catalogue. The list of insects +you were rattling off.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, well, I was going to say to you not to +leave zee porch doors open in zee night. And +also nevaire go to bed wizout lighting one of zees +lights.” He tapped the peculiar-smelling night-light +he held. “See, here eez one 'ere on zees +table.”</p> + +<p>“Well, you can’t blame us for not knowing +what it was,” protested Jack, as he lighted it. +“I thought it was some peculiar kind of drink. +It’s the first time I ever saw light served in a +tumbler.”</p> + +<p>“Zee light veree good,” said the landlord, as +he was leaving the room. “Zee animal no like +zee light, also they no like zee smell.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t blame them,” said Jack, after the man +had left, and the odd tumbler lamp was burning +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_163' id='Page_163'>163</a></span> +with a sputtering, smoking flame, “especially +the smell part.”</p> + +<p>“Anyhow, anything is better than sharing +your bed with you-don’t-know-what creepy-crawly +things,” declared Raynor.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and lizards that go round hollering girls’ +names,” agreed Jack. “I fancy we’ll sleep better +now. But, after all, we’ve got to get used to it +all for we may meet worse in the jungle.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_164' id='Page_164'>164</a></span><h2 id='t3930'>CHAPTER XXII.—INTO THE JUNGLE.</h2></div> + +<p>The next day was busily spent by the boys. +Jack had his portable wireless to assemble. Raynor +was assigned as “chief of baggage,” and Captain +Sparhawk and Mr. Jukes, with Muldoon, +who spoke the Papuan dialect after a fashion, +occupied the time rounding up the native bearers +and finding a suitable “head man.” The latter +was very important to the success of the expedition, +both to keep the other natives up to their +work and to find trails and, if necessary, act as +interpreter. Through the good offices of Jabez +Hook, a “smart Yankee” who ran a “general +store” at Bomobori, and was a warm friend of +Captain Sparhawk’s, they finally found just the +man they wanted. He was a tall, up-right Papuan +with an exceptionally intelligent face, who +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_165' id='Page_165'>165</a></span> +spoke fair English, knew the country thoroughly +and appeared about thirty years old. Salloo, as +he called himself, agreed to have everything in +readiness for a start into the interior by the next +morning. He held out hopes that from some of +the interior tribes they would get news of the lost +ones, for among the natives news travels fast, +and if ‘Bully’ Broom had conveyed prisoners into +the inland some of the tribesmen would be sure +to know about it.</p> + +<p>When Jack returned from the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, +where he had set up his apparatus, he reported +that all was well on board and everything going +forward smoothly under the command of the +first officer. Thurman appeared to be delighted +with his chance to vindicate himself, but acting +under Mr. Jukes’ advice, it had been deemed +prudent to refuse him shore liberty till the party +returned. Thurman did not seem to resent this, +and told Jack that after all he had gone through, +a “soft berth” and good meals on the yacht +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_166' id='Page_166'>166</a></span> +appealed to him. He had seen enough of the +tropics, so he declared, to have no especial desire +to go ashore at Bomobori.</p> + +<p>It was not till eleven o’clock that night that +they turned in. But when they did so it was +with a satisfied feeling that every detail had been +attended to. Not the least satisfactory result +of the day had been Jack’s achievement of perfecting +the portable wireless which would keep +them at all times in touch with the yacht.</p> + +<p>The next morning dawned bright and clear. +The boys were up before any of the rest of the +party, dressed in khaki suits, sun helmets and +stout leggings, for much of the way would lie +through ragged bush. Each lad carried a water +canteen, a pocket filter, compass, knife, and wore +a service revolver attached to a cartridge belt. +In these “uniforms” they looked very business-like, +and capable of giving a good account of +themselves in any emergency. Soon after the +other members of the party appeared somewhat +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_167' id='Page_167'>167</a></span> +similarly attired. Mr. Jukes’ pockets bulged with +boxes of dyspepsia pills, and Muldoon wore his +sailor uniform with the addition of leggings and +a sun helmet.</p> + +<p>“Shure I look like a sea soldier no liss,” was the +way he summed up his appearance, and the boys +couldn’t help agreeing with him.</p> + +<p>While they were at breakfast, Salloo and his +“bearers” presented themselves.</p> + +<p>Salloo greeted them with a low “salaam,” and +volunteered the information that:</p> + +<p>“Him welly good day for makum start. Go +many miles. Good trail for first part of journey.”</p> + +<p>“Well, the further we go, the quicker we’ll get +back,” commented Muldoon in true Irish style.</p> + +<p>At eight o’clock they were off. Nobody in the +town knew the true object of their expedition, but +supposed they were off on a hunt for entomological +specimens, for New Guinea swarms with rare +forms of insect life and many intrepid collectors +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_168' id='Page_168'>168</a></span> +have found it a happy hunting ground, some of +them paying for their devotion to science with +their lives.</p> + +<p>At first the question of traveling on horse-back +had been mooted. But Salloo promptly vetoed +this. The country was too rough and thickly +grown to make horse-back travel feasible for +more than a few miles, he declared. They might +have used the river, but it was only navigable +for a short distance when the swift current and +the shoals made it dangerous for up-stream +travel. Natives coming down it always abandoned +their dugouts, which were simply hollow +trees, at Bomobori, and went back to their villages +on foot.</p> + +<p>The town was soon left behind and they struck +into a trail which was broad and well trodden. +On all sides were dense groves of tropical vegetation, +towering palms, spreading mangoes laden +with golden fruit, that ever-present banana and +fragrant guava and lemon trees. From the tall +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_169' id='Page_169'>169</a></span> +lance-wood and cotton trees great creepers and +lianas, looking like serpents, twined and coiled. +There was a moist, steaming heat in the air.</p> + +<p>“It’s just like being in a big conservatory at +home,” said Jack, and indeed the air had just the +odor and closeness of a glass-house.</p> + +<p>“This is fever territory,” declared Mr. Jukes, +administering a large dose of quinine to himself. +“There is to be no sleeping on the ground, remember.”</p> + +<p>“I guess not, after the experience we had in +our room at the hotel last night,” said Raynor, +and amidst much laughter he narrated the details +of their uncomfortable night.</p> + +<p>As they pushed onward, there came from the +river, which glinted like molten lead in the sunshine +at their left, a long-drawn cry which startled +all the white members of the expedition. It resembled +the human voice and appeared to be the +appeal of someone in agony.</p> + +<p>“Shure there’s some poor soul in throuble over +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_170' id='Page_170'>170</a></span> +yonder forninst the river,” declared Muldoon, +and before any one could stop him he had left the +trail and was making for the water.</p> + +<p>“Hi you white man, you comee back,” cried +Salloo.</p> + +<p>But he was too late. Hardly had Muldoon left +the trail than he sank up to his knees in black, +oozy mud which held him like liquid glue.</p> + +<p>His struggles only made matters worse, and +soon he was up to his knees in the evil-smelling, +glutinous mass which bubbled about him as it +sucked him down.</p> + +<p>“Help! Murther! Shure, O’im kilt intirely!” +cried the frightened man, waving his arms frantically.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_171' id='Page_171'>171</a></span><h2 id='t4092'>CHAPTER XXIII.—A DANGEROUS TREE.</h2></div> + +<p>All this time, from the river, came the same +weird cries that had mystified them. What with +these cries and Muldoon’s lusty yells for help, +had there been an enemy within a mile they must +have heard them, but luckily they were in a territory +known to be peaceable, although Salloo was +not quite so sure of some of the tribes who had +a bad reputation as “head hunters.”</p> + +<p>“He’s stuck in the mud!” exclaimed Jack, and +was starting forward to Muldoon’s assistance +when Salloo grabbed his arm.</p> + +<p>“No go,” he warned, “him mud velly bad. +Make drown in mud plitty quick no get helpee.”</p> + +<p>The native began making his way by a circuitous +route toward the luckless Muldoon. In +his hand he had a long rope. He leaped from +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_172' id='Page_172'>172</a></span> +tuft to tuft of the hummocks that appeared above +the black soil. As soon as he got close enough to +Muldoon he threw the struggling boatswain the +end of the line, which Muldoon had presence of +mind enough to place under his arm-pits. Then +Salloo skipped nimbly back to the trail and all +laying hold with a will they soon hauled Muldoon +out of his disagreeable predicament, although he +was a sorry sight to look at.</p> + +<p>“But faith,” he exclaimed, “it’s glad enough I +am to know O’im not dead intirely. A little mud +will soon dry and clean off, begob.”</p> + +<p>“Tropical places are full of just such treacherous +swamps,” declared Captain Sparhawk. “It +will be well for all of us to be very careful and +not leave the trail except by Salloo’s advice.”</p> + +<p>But now the strange wailing sound which they +had for the moment forgotten in the excitement +of Muldoon’s rescue again startled them. The +cause of it was quickly explained by Salloo.</p> + +<p>“Him <em>dugong</em>, allee samee sea-cow,” he said.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_173' id='Page_173'>173</a></span>“Oh, I know now—like the manitou they have +in Florida,” cried Jack.</p> + +<p>“Me no know 'bout man or two,” said Salloo, +“but him big an’mul. Live in river. Makee noise +like heap cryee allee timee.”</p> + +<p>“It sounds as if somebody was being murdered,” +commented Raynor. “However, I guess +we’re not the first people to be scared by the dinner-gong, +or whatever you call it.”</p> + +<p>The halt for the noon-day meal was made in a +pleasant grove of tropical trees which stood on +safe rising ground to one side of the trail. All +the white members of the party were glad enough +of the chance to take a rest, but the wiry natives +appeared to be perfectly fresh and strong as when +they set out, despite their heavy burdens. While +the natives began cooking their rice and salted +fish, with a sort of curry sauce, Salloo set about +making a fire for the whites. With marvelous +dexterity he twirled a stick between his outspread +hands against some dry tinder and soon had a +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_174' id='Page_174'>174</a></span> +good blaze going. The boys scattered to get +wood, of which they soon had a sufficient quantity. +Then, determined to make the most of their +halt, they flung themselves down under a +peculiarly fine tree with wide, dark green leaves, +glossy as polished leather.</p> + +<p>They were chatting about the incidents of the +trip so far when Jack all at once felt something +strike him on the arm. His first impression was +that it was a stone. But on looking at the place +where he had been struck he saw that the sleeve +of his shirt, for he had laid aside his khaki coat, +had been ripped in parallel lines as if a curry comb, +with sharp teeth, had been drawn down +it. He felt a sharp pain moreover, and then he +saw blood on his arm.</p> + +<p>Billy had sprung up in alarm at his sharp +exclamation of pain, and was peering into the +brush in the dread of seeing savage faces peering +at them. His shout of alarm brought them +all, including Salloo, on the run to Jack’s side. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_175' id='Page_175'>175</a></span> +The boy explained what had occurred and the +faces of the whites grew grave. If they were +attacked at this early stage of the journey it +augured ill for the remainder of their adventure.</p> + +<p>But Salloo speedily solved the mystery. Lying +on the ground beside Jack was a green, oval-shaped +ball, about the size of those projectiles +that one sees stacked by memorial cannons in +our country. But this missile was covered with +sharp spikes like the spines of a hedgehog. Salloo +pointed up into the beautiful tree under which +they had cast themselves down to rest.</p> + +<p>“Nobody throw him,” he explained, “him big +fruit, some callum Durion nut. You comee way +from there. One hittee you headee your blains +getee knocked out.”</p> + +<p>“They deserve to be for getting up a scare like +that,” laughed Jack, who, like Billy, stepped +hastily from under the dangerous tree. “It seems +to be a pretty good idea in this country to be +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_176' id='Page_176'>176</a></span> +always on the look out. Even nature seems to +have it in for you.”</p> + +<p>Jack’s arm was doctored by Captain Sparhawk, +for it was quite painful, but luckily the spines of +the durion, sometimes called the Jack fruit, are +not poisonous and it was soon all right again. +But during the noon-day meal, which was then +ready, when they heard the crashing of nut after +nut from the durion tree, both boys felt they had +had a very lucky escape from having their skulls +fractured.</p> + +<p>“Be jabers,” commented Muldoon, “shure o’ive +been in a hurricane where the blocks and tackle +that was ripped from aloft made yez skip around +loively to dodge thim, but this is the first toime +thot iver I heard of a three throwing things at +yez as if ye was a nigger dodger at a fair.”</p> + +<p>“You’ll discover stranger things than that, +Muldoon, before we have been very long in New +Guinea,” said Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“Faith, so long as they’re not snakes, oi dunno +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_177' id='Page_177'>177</a></span> +thot I care much,” said the Irishman. “Begob, +o’im thinking that St. Pathrick would be a good +man to have along in a counthry where the craturs +are. Wun wave uv his sthick and away +they’d all go, bad luck to thim.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_178' id='Page_178'>178</a></span><h2 id='t4246'>CHAPTER XXIV.—WIRELESS AT WORK.</h2></div> + +<p>For two days they traveled thus, making fresh +discoveries constantly. Once, for instance, Billy +triumphantly pounced on what seemed like a fine +bit of fire-wood for the noon-day halt. But he +dropped it with a yell, as the “stick” suddenly developed +legs and on being dropped walked off.</p> + +<p>“Begorrah, there’s a shillalegh come to loife, +so it has,” yelled Muldoon, as he observed the +phenomenon; but the “shillalegh” was only one +of those strange “stick insects” that abound in +that part of the world and sometimes fool even +the natives.</p> + +<p>At noon of the third day they found themselves +approaching a settlement, as cleared ground, +where grew maize, sugar cane, yams and other +plants, testified. The village proved to be a large +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_179' id='Page_179'>179</a></span> +one where white traders and animal collectors +often stopped and there was a native hostelry in +it conducted by a greasy-looking Frenchman who +had a native wife as dirty-looking as he was. +The native huts were all of bamboo hung with +cocoanut mats. Natives squatted in front of +them chewing betel nuts, the juice crimsoning +their lips and chins. All ages and both sexes indulged +in the habit, which is universal throughout +Polynesia and the South Seas generally.</p> + +<p>There appeared to be a lot of rivalry among the +men as to who could grow the fuzziest, most outstanding +crop of hair.</p> + +<p>“Faith, a barber would starve to death in this +country,” declared Muldoon.</p> + +<p>Just then a young woman came down the +“street,” if such the muddy track between the +huts could be called. She held something in her +arms that they thought at first was a baby. But +it turned out to be a young pig!</p> + +<p>“We’ll rest at the hotel here,” said Mr. Jukes, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_180' id='Page_180'>180</a></span> +“till it grows cooler. My dyspepsia is bad again. +It comes from traveling during the heat of the +day as we have been doing.”</p> + +<p>The mid-day meal was cooked on a sort of +altar built of stones. The boys watched the operations +in this open-air kitchen with interest. +At least twenty natives assisted in the culinary +demonstration and the chatter and laughter was +deafening. They made a hearty meal on the +native fare, which they were astonished to find +was quite as good as anything they had tasted +at home.</p> + +<p>As Mr. Jukes did not wish to go forward at +once after the meal they took it easy in several +grass hammocks stretched under a large, shady, +tree. The fact that the natives kept coming up +and peering into their faces and that babies, +chickens and pigs wandered about under the hammocks +did not disturb the boys after a while, and +they dropped off to sleep.</p> + +<p>“I don’t wonder the natives here are lazy,” +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_181' id='Page_181'>181</a></span> +remarked Jack, when Muldoon awakened him +with a yell of “All hands on deck to see it rain.” +“I rarely slept in the day-time, but here I just +dozed off without knowing it.”</p> + +<p>“Same here,” chimed in Raynor. “I didn’t +have to even half try.”</p> + +<p>“This climate is very enervating, boys,” declared +Captain Sparhawk, joining in the conversation. +“That is why this part of the globe +makes so little progress toward civilisation. Men +who are hustlers in their own country come here +determined to make the dirt fly, but after a few +months their energy oozes out of them like—well, +say like tar out of the seams of a hot ship’s +deck.”</p> + +<p>“That’s a good comparison,” laughed Jack.</p> + +<p>Once more everything was stirring in the adventurers’ +camp, and soon they were on their way +again. The Frenchman, whose “hotel” they had +left, had told them that by evening they would +reach another village, the last one they would +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_182' id='Page_182'>182</a></span> +encounter before plunging into the really wild +jungle, where there was another “hotel.”</p> + +<p>“As it will be our last chance for many days +to sleep under a roof, I propose we stay there to-night,” +said Mr. Jukes, swallowing a pill.</p> + +<p>This suited the rest of the party and they +struck forward at a brisk pace after their refreshing +rest and sleep. The jungle was filled +with countless birds, but there were no feathered +songsters among them. The air was filled with +nothing but discordant shrieks and cries that set +the teeth on edge. Once the boys had the thrill +of seeing a bird of paradise, with its glorious +plumage and wonderful tail feathers, flash across +their path.</p> + +<p>The village they stopped at that evening resembled +in almost every respect the one in which +the noon-day halt had been made. There were +the same huts, the same swarming pigs and chickens, +and the same fuzzy-headed Papuans, many +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_183' id='Page_183'>183</a></span> +of them returning from the fields with corn and +yams.</p> + +<p>The proprietor of the “hotel,” which had no +more pretensions to the name than the other +hostelry, proved to be a Portuguese half-caste, +lacking one eye, and sporting a pair of huge brass +ear-rings. His wife was a giant negress. However, +they welcomed the party warmly, as they +had good reason to do, not having had any guests +for some time, and pigs and fowls were at once +killed for supper, everything in such places being +ordered “on the hoof,” so to speak. Mr. Jukes +delighted his native followers by ordering an +elaborate meal for them also, in celebration of +the fact that on the morrow they would leave +“civilization” behind them.</p> + +<p>Jack, at Mr. Jukes’ request, set up his wireless +plant, stringing the aerials from a tall tree up +which one of the natives swarmed like a monkey +to make the long wires fast. As he worked, he +and Billy talked.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_184' id='Page_184'>184</a></span>“I guess we’ll sleep with one eye open to-night,” +said Jack in an undertone, for they were surrounded +by a curious crowd watching the white +boy “make conjure medicine.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, those hotel people are a crafty-looking +couple,” rejoined Billy, “and in a country like this +it’s a good thing to regard everybody with suspicion +till you find them all right.”</p> + +<p>Muldoon sauntered up to them as they chatted +and worked and had his word to put in too.</p> + +<p>“Begorrah, that Portugee don’t look like no +angel,” he said, “and his wife looks like the ould +Nick himsilf.”</p> + +<p>“Just what we were talking about, Muldoon,” +said Jack. “It will be a good thing if we keep our +eyes and ears open.”</p> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<a href='images/i04f.jpg'><img src='images/i04.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0003' style='width:400px;height:528px;' /></a> +<p class='caption'>It was some time before Jack got a reply, but at last he received Thurman’s answering call.</p> +</div> + +<p>At last Jack got everything ready, and Raynor +started to turn the hand-crank of the generator, +for of course a gasoline engine for that purpose +could not be carried into the jungle. When the +storage batteries were charged, Jack began to +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_185' id='Page_185'>185</a></span> +pump out the <em>Sea Gypsy’s</em> call. At the first +crackle and whip-snap like explosion of the spark +the natives scattered with yells. Even Salloo, +who was looking on, and had to stand his ground +to maintain his dignity before his men, looked +uneasy and shifted about nervously.</p> + +<p>It was some time before Jack got a reply, but +at last he received Thurman’s answering call.</p> + +<p>Everything it seemed was O. K. and there was +no particular news from his end except that +another party had started up-country right on +the heels of Mr. Jukes’ expedition. It was +thought they were traders, Thurman said. Jack +gave his news and then flashed “Good-night.”</p> + +<p>He told Mr. Jukes of the conversation and of +the start of a second party.</p> + +<p>“I heard nothing in Bomobori of a second expedition,” +mused Mr. Jukes, on receipt of this +information. “But no doubt they are traders. It +seems odd, though, that they didn’t join with us +if they were coming this way, as is the general +custom.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_186' id='Page_186'>186</a></span><h2 id='t4451'>CHAPTER XXV.—A JUNGLE HOTEL.</h2></div> + +<p>The hostelry was divided into half a dozen +rooms walled with bamboo, and all on the ground +floor. Rough mats of cocoanut cloth alone interposed +between the sleepers and the ground, and +cockroaches and singing lizards abounded. But +by this time the lads had become pretty well used +to the night noises of the jungle, which are far +more tumultuous after dark than in the day-time, +and as for the hard beds, they were too tired to +mind much where they slept.</p> + +<p>Jack had not slept long when he was awakened +by someone calling to him. It was Muldoon. The +Irishman was plainly agitated by some excitement +as he stood in the grass-curtained door-way.</p> + +<p>“Whist!” he exclaimed, holding a finger to his +lips, “is thot you Misther Riddy?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_187' id='Page_187'>187</a></span>“Yes, what’s the trouble, Muldoon?”</p> + +<p>“Shure o’ive made a discovery, sor.”</p> + +<p>“What?”</p> + +<p>“Thot other party. Ther ones you was tiligraphing +about.”</p> + +<p>“Well, what about them?”</p> + +<p>“They’re here, begob.”</p> + +<p>“Where, in the hotel?”</p> + +<p>“No, in the woods back of the house.”</p> + +<p>“Camping there?”</p> + +<p>“No, bejabbers. There’s something looks +queer to me about the whole thing, that’s why I +called yez. They’ve sent for the Dago that runs +this shabeen, sor.”</p> + +<p>“Maybe they want to get accommodations?”</p> + +<p>“Thin why wouldn’t they stip up like min and +ask for ’em?” was Muldoon’s unanswerable retort.</p> + +<p>Just then Mr. Jukes, rubbing his eyes sleepily, +appeared in the door-way. Behind him stood +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_188' id='Page_188'>188</a></span> +the giant negress. The millionaire had evidently +dressed hastily.</p> + +<p>“I’ve got news, Ready,” he exclaimed in a +rather excited voice. “This woman has just told +me that her husband wants to see me outside. I +gathered it’s on some matter connected with my +brother.”</p> + +<p>“Yassir,” grinned the hideous negress, showing +a double row of sharply filed teeth, “dat’s it, sah. +It’s 'bout yo’ brudder.”</p> + +<p>Raynor had awakened by this time and was +sitting up on his mat listening sleepily. He eyed +the woman narrowly as she spoke and an uneasy +conviction entered his mind that all was +not well.</p> + +<p>“You’d better be cautious, sir,” warned Jack, +who also felt an undeniable feeling of suspicion, +“something may be wrong.”</p> + +<p>“What can be wrong,” demanded Mr. Jukes, +rather impatiently. “I’m going outside to see. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_189' id='Page_189'>189</a></span> +If it’s about my brother it’s my duty to do so +at once.”</p> + +<p>“Then if you’re going I’ll go with you,” said +Jack, hastily throwing on the garments he had +divested himself of, and strapping on his revolver.</p> + +<p>“And begorrah o’i second the motion,” declared +Muldoon.</p> + +<p>“Wait a moment for me,” begged Billy.</p> + +<p>“No, stay here,” said Jack. “If anything goes +wrong, I’ll fire three shots.”</p> + +<p>A minute later, followed by the native woman, +the three left the place. As they reached the door +she took the lead and conducted them through a +bamboo grove to a thick growth of trees under +which her husband and a big man with black +beard were conversing.</p> + +<p>“You wish to see me?” asked Mr. Jukes, addressing +the bearded one.</p> + +<p>“Yes; zees gentleman say zat 'e ave good news +for you,” said the landlord, spreading his hands.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_190' id='Page_190'>190</a></span>“Begorrah, oi don’t see no gintilmin here excipt +oursilves,” muttered Muldoon.</p> + +<p>“Muldoon, be quiet,” ordered Mr. Jukes, then +turning to the black-bearded man he went on +with, “Well, sir, what is it you wish?”</p> + +<p>“You are Mr. Jukes?” asked the other, in a +deep, gruff voice.</p> + +<p>“I am, what of it?”</p> + +<p>“I want to see you. I have news for you.”</p> + +<p>“But—but I don’t know you. Why didn’t you +come to the hotel if you had anything to say to +me?” asked the millionaire in a puzzled way.</p> + +<p>“I wanted to talk to you in private about your +brother,” was the reply.</p> + +<p>“My brother! Why, we are searching for him +now. That is the reason of our presence in the +jungle. Do you know anything about him?”</p> + +<p>“I do. It was he who sent me here.”</p> + +<p>“Jerushah sent you?” the millionaire was fairly +amazed now. “He is then alive?”</p> + +<p>“Yes, but he is a prisoner and very sick. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_191' id='Page_191'>191</a></span> +Through natives he heard of the arrival of your +expedition and sent me even at this hour to bring +you to him.”</p> + +<p>“That is a strange story, my man,” said Mr. +Jukes suspiciously. “I might say it is almost +incredible.”</p> + +<p>“I’ll admit it does sound strange,” said the +other, “but strange things happen in this part +of the world. I might add that the other Mr. +Jukes wants to see you alone. Something about +a pearl, I believe.”</p> + +<p>Jack gave a tug at Mr. Jukes’ sleeve. The lad +had been peering about him through the dark +trees and had seen something the others had not. +If his eyes had not deceived him, and Jack did +not believe they had, several forms were moving +about in the gloom beneath the interlaced +branches.</p> + +<p>“Mr. Jukes,” he whispered, “I don’t believe this +man. I think we are in some sort of a trap. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_192' id='Page_192'>192</a></span> +Why didn’t he come to the house with this cock-and-bull +story?”</p> + +<p>Mr. Jukes hesitated. It was strange that this +man of great affairs, before whom board meetings +quailed, and who ruled almost supreme +among the great money kings of New York, appeared +to be lost now that he was out of his little +world and among the great elemental things of +the untraveled jungle.</p> + +<p>“I’m sure I don’t know, Ready,” he replied.</p> + +<p>“Ask him,” suggested Jack, with his hand on +his revolver. He felt that a crisis of some sort +was at hand, but it was too late to retreat now.</p> + +<p>Mr. Jukes, with some of his old pomposity, put +the question. The bearded man’s reply was brief +and to the point.</p> + +<p>“That is beside the question,” he snapped. +“Are you coming with me?”</p> + +<p>Before any reply could be made the bearded +man’s eye caught the glint of Jack’s weapon. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_193' id='Page_193'>193</a></span> +Instantly a shrill whistle sounded. From the trees +leaped a dozen or more men.</p> + +<p>“Howly saints! A trap!” yelled Muldoon.</p> + +<p>“A trap!” echoed Jack. He raised his pistol +to cover the black-bearded man. But before he +had it leveled both he and Mr. Jukes were thrown +from their feet by a combined attack and in a +twinkling both the millionaire and the boy were +helpless.</p> + +<p>“Run for the house, Muldoon. Warn the others. +Come after us as quick as you can.”</p> + +<p>“Hold your horses there,” roared the black-bearded +man, who, as our readers will have +guessed, was ‘Bully’ Broom himself, with his +band of renegade followers. He tried to block +the boatswain’s path as Muldoon darted off.</p> + +<p>Biff, the old seaman’s knotted fist shot out and +caught the redoubtable ‘Bully’ between his eyes. +He staggered but did not fall.</p> + +<p>“Take that, you murtherin’ spalpeen,” shouted +Muldoon, as he darted off among the trees and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_194' id='Page_194'>194</a></span> +was speedily lost to sight. Three or four of the +band pursued him, but ‘Bully’ Broom called them +back.</p> + +<p>“We’ve got the fellows we want,” he said; +“bind and gag them and if they show fight don’t +be too gentle with them.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_195' id='Page_195'>195</a></span><h2 id='t4680'>CHAPTER XXVI.—PRISONERS OF ‘BULLY’ BROOM.</h2></div> + +<p>Jack fought desperately, but as he was helpless, +and in return for his struggles received only +a rain of brutal blows, he deemed it wiser to remain +quiet. Soon both he and the millionaire had +their hands tied behind their backs and gags of +dirty grass were thrust, none too gently, into +their mouths.</p> + +<p>“Now march, and behave yourselves or you’ll +be shot,” snarled ‘Bully’ Broom, whose temper +had not been improved by the blow Muldoon’s +strong fist had given him.</p> + +<p>As it would have been folly to have resisted, +situated as they were, the two prisoners did as +they were told. Jack wondered where they were +being taken and why they had been attacked. +Even his acute mind did not connect their +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_196' id='Page_196'>196</a></span> +captors with ‘Bully’ Broom and his gang. The +boy thought they had fallen into the hands of +one of those bands of free-booters, known to frequent +parts of the bush, holding up helpless travelers.</p> + +<p>He felt sorry for Mr. Jukes, though. The millionaire +was stout and accustomed to his ease. +After his tiring day this night march must have +been cruel exertion to him. But if he lagged, the +man of millions received a vicious jab in the back +with the stock of a rifle.</p> + +<p>Even in this trouble, Jack could not help reflecting +on the strange turn of the wheel of fortune +that had brought Jacob Jukes, man of millions, +into the heart of a lonely jungle, a shirt-sleeved, +perspiring prisoner, in the hands of a band of +men of undoubtedly desperate character. He +wondered, too, if the millionaire himself was not +contrasting this cruel march through the forest +with his magnificent town and country houses, +his automobiles, his lavishly furnished offices and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_197' id='Page_197'>197</a></span> +his elaborate entertainments. If he were doing +so, Jack surmised that his thoughts must be bitter. +In thinking thus, Jack contrived largely to +keep his mind off his own misfortunes.</p> + +<p>A journey of some hours, at the close of which +Mr. Jukes began to give every outward sign of +deep physical exhaustion, brought them to a +clearing, once cultivated, but now neglected, overlooking +the river. Here, on a bluff about fifty +feet above the water, in years gone by, a trading +company had maintained a post. It had been +built in the days when the natives were troublesome +in that section and it was a strong structure +like a fort. It was almost overgrown with +rank tropical vines, but evidently the way to it +was not unknown to the men conducting Mr. +Jukes and Jack.</p> + +<p>Lanterns were lit and when the two captives +had been ushered in both were made fast to the +logs that formed the walls of the place. Jack +glanced at Mr. Jukes. The millionaire was +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_198' id='Page_198'>198</a></span> +assuredly a pitiable-looking object. His fine white +shirt was torn almost to ribbons by thorny vines +encountered along the path, his carefully +groomed appearance had given way to a general +disreputableness that would have gained him +recognition by any tramp as a member of the +fraternity, his face was almost purple, from his +enforced exertions and the gag in his mouth.</p> + +<p>“Gracious, he looks as if he might have apoplexy +at any minute,” thought Jack, who, although +he was in as bad a plight, characteristically +did not spend any sympathy on himself. +Perhaps the members of the band that had captured +them noticed what Jack had, and feared +fatal consequences, for Mr. Jukes’ gag was soon +removed and so was Jack’s.</p> + +<p>When this had been done, and before Mr. Jukes +could recover his breath enough to speak, the +rascals withdrew to the other end of the building, +which was like a long mess hall and may +indeed have been used at some time as such.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_199' id='Page_199'>199</a></span>“What does this outrage mean?” demanded +Jack, as the black-bearded man strolled off last of +all, after looking them over with a cynical smile.</p> + +<p>“You would like to know, eh, Jack Ready?”</p> + +<p>“So you know my name?” exclaimed Jack in +some surprise.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and that of your companions who will +join you here before long. We hope to have the +pleasure of your company for quite a long time.”</p> + +<p>“You abominable ruffian,” cried Jack, overcome +by indignation, “you will pay dearly for this some +time,” but at the same time the boy did not believe +that the rest had been caught napping and +captured. They were a strong party and, led by +Muldoon, he knew they would put up a stiff fight.</p> + +<p>“I wish you had taken my warning, Mr. Jukes,” +Jack could not help saying, as soon as they were +left alone.</p> + +<p>“You wish it no more fervently than I do, my +boy,” was the despondent reply. “Wall Street +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_200' id='Page_200'>200</a></span> +and New York seem like a dream to me. Only +this horror is real.”</p> + +<p>“I would like to know what it all means,” said +Jack. “These men can’t be just common robbers; +they appear to have a regular hang-out here.”</p> + +<p>“I can’t help thinking that I’ve seen some of +these ruffians loitering about Bomobori,” said +Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>“That struck me, too. At any rate they must +be the party Thurman wirelessed to me about as +leaving just behind us. They’ve followed our +trail pretty closely, too. We should have been +more on our guard.”</p> + +<p>Slowly the hours wore by till daylight began +to show in the narrow windows of the old barracks. +The positions of both prisoners were +most uncomfortable. The strain on their arms +from the tightly tied cords was almost unbearable.</p> + +<p>“And to think I used to complain of discomfort +if my chauffeur allowed my car to bump over a +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_201' id='Page_201'>201</a></span> +rut,” groaned Mr. Jukes, with a comical pathos +that would have made Jack smile had they been +in any other situation.</p> + +<p>All the men had left the place, but they could +hear the murmur of their voices outside. A smell +of wood smoke drifted in and then the tantalising +odors of frying bacon and the aroma of coffee +combined to remind both prisoners that, in spite +of their sufferings, they were both hungry and +thirsty.</p> + +<p>“I wonder if we are going to get any breakfast?” +asked Jack, after a silence broken only +by Mr. Jukes’ pathetic groans.</p> + +<p>“I’d risk a month of dyspepsia for a plate of +beans and bacon right now,” wailed the unhappy +millionaire.</p> + +<p>“Yes,” thought Jack. “There are decidedly +situations where all the millions in the world +wouldn’t do you much good, and this, apparently, +is one of them.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_202' id='Page_202'>202</a></span>At last footsteps were heard approaching from +the opposite end of the ramshackle building.</p> + +<p>“Somebody at last,” cried Jack.</p> + +<p>He had hardly spoken when ‘Bully’ Broom +stood before them, followed by—Donald Judson.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_203' id='Page_203'>203</a></span><h2 id='t4860'>CHAPTER XXVII.—AT THE OLD FORT.</h2></div> + +<p>Jack found it difficult to credit his eyesight as +he gazed at the boy who formerly had made so +much trouble for them and the gigantic ruffian +who stood beside him.</p> + +<p>“Judson! Is it possible?” he gasped. “What +brought you here?”</p> + +<p>“Are you a prisoner, too?” demanded Mr. +Jukes.</p> + +<p>“A prisoner?” laughed Judson. “Well, that’s +a good one, I must say. Only fools walk into +traps.”</p> + +<p>“Well, what are you doing here then, boy?” +demanded the millionaire, recollecting his former +kindness to Donald. “You ask him, Ready. He’s +a friend of yours.”</p> + +<p>“He’s no friend of mine, Mr. Jukes,” denied +Jack. “Can’t you see it all?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_204' id='Page_204'>204</a></span>“See what?”</p> + +<p>“Why, the contemptible turn-coat is in with +these rascals.”</p> + +<p>“Impossible!”</p> + +<p>“So, Judson,” went on Jack, “this is how you +repay our kindness to you?”</p> + +<p>“Your kindness,” sneered the boy. “I want +none of it. I’m in with a good crowd now. Besides, +I told you in Bomobori I didn’t want to +go with your old expedition.”</p> + +<p>“But you didn’t refuse the money I got you +from Mr. Jukes,” said Jack.</p> + +<p>“Oh, he’s made of money,” chuckled Donald, +“and we mean to get some more of it.”</p> + +<p>“You miserable young whelp,” panted the +helpless millionaire, purple with rage, “if I had +you in America——”</p> + +<p>“And anyhow,” continued Judson, thoroughly +enjoying this, “you are only getting what’s coming +to you, Ready. In the States you tried to +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_205' id='Page_205'>205</a></span> +have me put in pris—er that is you wanted to +tell lies about me.”</p> + +<p>“I’m sorry we didn’t have you locked up, now,” +said Jack bitterly. “I suppose you put this gang +of scoundrels on our trail.”</p> + +<p>“You can suppose anything you want,” was +the rejoinder, but a bit of the old boastfulness +crept into his tone, “and you’re going to pay up, +too, before you get out of this. Have you had +them searched, Captain Broom?”</p> + +<p>“What——?” shouted the millionaire, almost +beside himself at this sudden revelation of the +black-bearded man’s identity, “are you ‘Bully’ +Broom?”</p> + +<p>“My name’s Broom all right,” was the surly +reply, “but I want my proper handle, which is +Captain.”</p> + +<p>“What have you done with my brother, you +infernal rascal?” stormed the millionaire.</p> + +<p>“Now you ain’t going to get along any better +by cutting up rough and losing your temper like +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_206' id='Page_206'>206</a></span> +that, pard’ner,” was the cool reminder. “You +may be my guest for quite a time, so let’s you and +me get along peaceable. Otherwise we’ll find a +way to <em>make</em> you keep a civil tongue in your +head.”</p> + +<p>“Did you have them searched?” repeated Donald +greedily. “If you did I want my share of it.”</p> + +<p>“They were searched, Judson, but they only +had a few dollars; not more than a hundred at +most.”</p> + +<p>“Bah!” growled Judson; “then they left some +behind at old Baroni’s place. If we don’t capture +the others, then——”</p> + +<p>“Never mind that, now,” commanded Broom; +“you tell ’em what I told you.”</p> + +<p>“All right,” assented Judson, and then, turning +to Jack, he said:</p> + +<p>“Do you know why you were brought here, Mr. +Fresh?”</p> + +<p>“To be robbed, I suppose. I see no other explanation +to it,” was Jack’s reply, with a steady +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_207' id='Page_207'>207</a></span> +look at Judson that made the other drop his eyes. +“I always knew you were a bad lot, Judson, but +I never thought you were as bad as this.”</p> + +<p>“Don’t talk to me like that. I’m as good as +you,” stormed Judson, although he looked uneasy. +Jack’s shot had told. “To be brief, we +want to make money out of you.”</p> + +<p>“In what way?”</p> + +<p>“First of all, you must answer our questions.”</p> + +<p>“That’s the way,” approved ‘Bully’ Broom, +stroking his huge beard. “How much money did +you bring with you from America?”</p> + +<p>“Very little cash,” replied the millionaire, who +had found it more prudent to control his temper, +“most of the money is in the form of a letter of +credit.”</p> + +<p>“Where is that letter of credit?” demanded +Judson, interfering.</p> + +<p>“It is in Bomobori with the bankers,” was the +reply, and Jack rejoiced to think that Mr. Jukes +had managed to tell him that, as most of the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_208' id='Page_208'>208</a></span> +money had been left behind at the hostelry with +Captain Sparhawk, who had been appointed a +sort of pay-master to the party.</p> + +<p>“Well, now we’ll come down to brass tacks,” +growled Broom, after an interval of thought. +“How much is your liberty worth to you?”</p> + +<p>“So that’s your game, is it, you rascally blackmailer?” +sputtered the infuriated millionaire. +“You won’t get a cent out of me.”</p> + +<p>But ‘Bully’ Broom only smiled.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps in a few days you’ll sing a different +tune,” he said, and something, not in the words, +but in the way they were uttered, sent a cold +shiver down Jack’s spine.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_209' id='Page_209'>209</a></span><h2 id='t5020'>CHAPTER XXVIII.—THE FREE-BOOTER’S DEMANDS.</h2></div> + +<p>“Well, what do you demand?” was the millionaire’s +next question.</p> + +<p>Donald Judson drew ‘Bully’ Broom aside and +whispered to him. The other nodded.</p> + +<p>“The least we will take is one hundred thousand +dollars,” he said.</p> + +<p>The millionaire grew purple.</p> + +<p>“What?” he almost shouted.</p> + +<p>“That is for the liberty of both,” said ‘Bully’ +Broom coolly. “Fifty thousand for the boy and +fifty thousand for you. If you don’t want to +take the boy, you can pay up fifty thousand and +we will keep him.”</p> + +<p>“What would you do with him?”</p> + +<p>“Well, the river is full of hungry alligators——” +grinned the wretch.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_210' id='Page_210'>210</a></span>“You scoundrel,” thundered Mr. Jukes, “do +you suppose I’d leave him behind, anyway?” Jack +cast him a grateful look. “But what have you +done with my brother, you ruffian?”</p> + +<p>“Ah! I was coming to that,” said the rascal +with an insolent smile, “but you can also have him +for the very insignificant sum that I have already +mentioned as being the price for you and +the boy.”</p> + +<p>“You’re worth a whole lot more than that, +Jukes,” put in Judson, with an equally insolent +air. “You’re a regular old money-bags, you +know.”</p> + +<p>“You’ll never get my money,” raged the millionaire.</p> + +<p>“We won’t, eh?”</p> + +<p>“Never.”</p> + +<p>“Hunger makes a lot of difference, Mr. Jukes,” +smiled Broom.</p> + +<p>“So you mean to starve us into submission, +eh?” demanded Jack. “I don’t see how such +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_211' id='Page_211'>211</a></span> +rogues can exist. Judson, you are the worst +young hound I ever heard of.”</p> + +<p>In high rage the boy’s enemy stepped up to him +and deliberately struck him a heavy blow in the +face, which Jack was, of course, powerless to +return.</p> + +<p>“Yes, a cowardly trick like that is in perfect +accordance with what I know of your nature,” +said Jack with menacing quietness.</p> + +<p>“You dare say that again,” screamed Donald, +beside himself with anger, “just you dare and +I’ll——” He ended with a shake of his fist.</p> + +<p>“Oh, you can’t scare me, even if I am tied,” +said Jack scornfully.</p> + +<p>His perfect calmness added fuel to the fire of +Judson’s rage.</p> + +<p>“I’ll fix you,” he yelled, “I’ll——”</p> + +<p>“Judson, be quiet,” ordered Broom, and the boy +subsided. “Now,” went on the free-booter to Mr. +Jukes, “your best plan, if you don’t want to lose +a few pounds, will be to make out a check for that +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_212' id='Page_212'>212</a></span> +money. Of course, we’ll have to keep you here +till it’s safely cashed, otherwise you might, and +probably would, stop the check. But——”</p> + +<p>“Don’t pay a cent, Mr. Jukes,” interrupted +Jack.</p> + +<p>Judson stepped suddenly forward and struck +the helpless lad another stinging blow. It was +such a hard one that Jack’s senses swam for a +minute.</p> + +<p>“Shame on you, you young villain,” cried Mr. +Jukes. “He is helpless, otherwise you wouldn’t +dare lay hands on him.”</p> + +<p>“Who says so? I could lick him any day,” +swaggered Judson imprudently.</p> + +<p>“Have you people no sense of right and honesty +in your compositions?” demanded Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>But this appeal had no more effect on Broom +than it would have had on adamant.</p> + +<p>“We’re no worse than you millionaires, if all +the papers say is true,” he retorted. “You rob +in your way, we rob in ours. We’re not quite so +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_213' id='Page_213'>213</a></span> +refined about it, perhaps. That’s the only difference, +Mr. Jukes.”</p> + +<p>“You ruffian! Do you compare business,—legitimate +business,—with your rascally trade?”</p> + +<p>“My rascally trade, as you please to term it, is +business,—legitimate business,—to me,” returned +Broom.</p> + +<p>“Are we to have any food?” demanded the +millionaire abruptly.</p> + +<p>“When you listen to reason, yes.”</p> + +<p>“And your idea of reason is that I consent to +pay that preposterous ransom?”</p> + +<p>“Your insight does you credit, Mr. Jukes. Sign +that check and you shall have all you want to eat +within the poor limits of my larder, and reasonable +liberty till it is cashed. After that you are +free to go where you will.”</p> + +<p>“Our friends will raise a hue and cry for us,” +declared Jack. “They’ll find us and put you +where you belong, behind the bars.”</p> + +<p>Broom and young Judson turned away and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_214' id='Page_214'>214</a></span> +left the hut by another door from the one by +which they had entered.</p> + +<p>“You think they will pay?” asked Broom, with +some anxiety in his voice.</p> + +<p>“I’m sure they will. Even a tight-wad old +millionaire will pay up when it comes to a choice +between that and starving.”</p> + +<p>“Then you think they are sure to give in?”</p> + +<p>“Without a doubt. Then it is only a question +of waiting for the money and getting out.”</p> + +<p>“I don’t mind that. But I didn’t like what +they said about their friends following us here.”</p> + +<p>“Why you said nobody knew the way here +through the swamps but yourself along that path +we came last night.”</p> + +<p>“That’s true, but then there’s the river. However, +it would be impossible to see the old fort +from below and anyhow the cliff is fifty feet high +and easily guarded.”</p> + +<p>“Of course you are foolish to worry. However, +perhaps if they don’t give in in a day or +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_215' id='Page_215'>215</a></span> +two we had better be moving along. That young +Ready’s chum, Billy, has given me trouble before.”</p> + +<p>“Well,” said Broom, “we’ll see how things +come out. If they don’t want to perish in the +swamps they’ll have to come by the river. From +now on I’ll have that cliff guarded.”</p> + +<p>“Yes, and if any rescue party comes they’ll get +a big surprise,” was young Judson’s reply.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_216' id='Page_216'>216</a></span><h2 id='t5204'>CHAPTER XXIX.—THE RESCUE PARTY.</h2></div> + +<p>“I wish I’d gone along with them,” muttered +Raynor to himself as he slipped on his socks and +boots so as to be ready instantly in case of alarm. +“I don’t like the look of this thing at all.”</p> + +<p>For some minutes he sat there listening intently. +But no sound came from outside.</p> + +<p>“I guess I’ll just join them anyhow,” he resolved +to himself, getting on his feet. “This waiting +is too nerve-racking. I’ll——”</p> + +<p>The boy halted where he stood. A loud shout +from the jungle reached his ears.</p> + +<p>“Something has happened!” cried the boy.</p> + +<p>He reached for his pistol, and hastily buckling +it on, he was about to rush out of the hostelry +when a wild figure appeared.</p> + +<p>“Help! There’s murther goin’ on. Help!”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_217' id='Page_217'>217</a></span>It was Muldoon, fleeing before three of +Broom’s followers. But as the pursuers came in +sight of the hotel they halted. The next moment +they were in active retreat.</p> + +<p>“What’s wrong? What’s happened?” gasped +Raynor.</p> + +<p>“Those spalpeens out yonder. They’ve captured +Misther Jukes and Jack Riddy.”</p> + +<p>“We must rouse the others at once and go +in pursuit,” decided Billy.</p> + +<p>He hurried off to awaken Captain Sparhawk, +while Muldoon aroused Salloo, who in turn, soon +had his native followers astir. It did not take +Captain Sparhawk much longer to get into his +clothes when he heard Billy’s alarming news than +it did for the natives, who were not embarrassed +by garments, to adjust what few they did wear.</p> + +<p>It was well they had hastened, for the rascally +landlord of the place had, by this time, aroused +all the half-castes in the place and as, headed by +Captain Sparhawk, they set off into the jungle, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_218' id='Page_218'>218</a></span> +there was a scattering firing of shots behind +them. Nobody was hurt, however, and they hastened +forward to the place where Muldoon told +them the capture had taken place.</p> + +<p>Salloo was consulted and he made a careful +examination of the surroundings. It was considered +quite safe to make this halt, as the tumult +behind them had died out and was probably only +incited by the hotel owner in order to get them +out of the village.</p> + +<p>“Must wait till light come,” decided Salloo at +last, “no can make out trail in dark.”</p> + +<p>It seemed a whole eternity till dawn, but at last +it grew light and the Malay darted hither and +thither in the vicinity. At last he announced to +Captain Sparhawk that he thought he knew, from +the direction the trail took, the place to which +the prisoners had been conveyed.</p> + +<p>“Me think they take um to old fort on river,” +he declared.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_219' id='Page_219'>219</a></span>“Then let us go there at once,” said Captain +Sparhawk eagerly. “Is it far?”</p> + +<p>“No velly far through jungle. But Salloo no +know trail. Velly bad swamp in there and if +no know trail get in tlubble plenty quick.”</p> + +<p>“Then we can’t reach them,” said Billy with a +groan.</p> + +<p>“Salloo know other way,” was the reply, “we +go round by ribber. Then climbee cliff, find fort +at top.”</p> + +<p>“Then let’s start at once,” said Captain Sparhawk. +“I don’t want to lose a second of time.”</p> + +<p>“No, begorry, those spalpeens may have taken +them further on by the time we git there if we +don’t put a good foot forward,” said Muldoon.</p> + +<p>Salloo glanced up at the sky. A light, fleecy +haze overspread it.</p> + +<p>“Nuther reason we hully,” he said. “Salloo +think big storm come to-mollow. Rain washee +out the tlacks.”</p> + +<p>They set off along a narrow track that Salloo +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_220' id='Page_220'>220</a></span> +said would bring them to the river, whose course +they must follow to the deserted fort. The jungle +contained every kind of tropical growth, and huge +ferns as big as trees waved over the path. But +the atmosphere was close and feverish, with a +humid heat that was very tiring. At times they +encountered vines which had grown across the +trail and had to be cut. Some of these were thin +and wiry and could cut like a knife; others were +as thick as a man’s arm and bore brilliant, though +poisonous-looking blossoms of every color.</p> + +<p>“Bad traveling,” remarked Captain Sparhawk, +“still I suppose we must expect that on a seldomly +frequented trail.”</p> + +<p>“Him get velly bad further on,” was all the +comfort Salloo could offer, “but not velly far to +ribber once we strike udder trail.”</p> + +<p>Before long they came to the track he had referred +to which branched off at right angles to +the one along which they had been traveling.</p> + +<p>Several miles were covered, however, when it +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_221' id='Page_221'>221</a></span> +became time to halt for lunch. They made a +hasty meal of canned goods instead of stopping +to light fires, as Salloo thought it would be inadvisable +to advertise their whereabouts by smoke +columns in case the “enemy” had scouts out. +They had hardly resumed their wearisome journey +when they were startled by hearing a cry +from a distance. Salloo came to an instant halt.</p> + +<p>“Keep out ob sight, all of you,” he said, “Salloo +go see what makee noise.”</p> + +<p>He glided off into the dense vegetation with the +silent, undulatory movements of a snake.</p> + +<p>“Begorry, I wonder what that critter was?” +said Muldoon in a low voice.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know. I only hope it wasn’t a band +of natives who might prove unfriendly,” muttered +Billy.</p> + +<p>“Well, so far we have had more trouble with +white men than with natives,” said Captain Sparhawk, +a remark of which they all felt the truth.</p> + +<p>“It might have been monkeys chattering,” +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_222' id='Page_222'>222</a></span> +suggested Raynor, after a pause, during which they +all listened for some sign of Salloo.</p> + +<p>“And spaking of the divil,” exclaimed Muldoon, +“look, there’s a monkey looking at us now. +See those two black oys back in the threes?”</p> + +<p>He pointed with his forefinger and they all +gazed in that direction. It was Billy who first +discovered the nature of Muldoon’s monkey.</p> + +<p>“That’s not a monkey. It’s a big snake! Look +out for yourselves!” he yelled.</p> + +<p>“A python!” cried Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>He started back and the others did the same. +But Muldoon tripped over a bow and fell sprawling +headlong. As he scrambled to his feet a serpent’s +form appeared above him as it swung from +a big tree. The next instant there was a cry of +horror from them all.</p> + +<p>The serpent had made a sudden lunge and a +cry broke from Muldoon as, before he could make +a move to help himself, he was enwrapped in the +spiral folds of the great python.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_223' id='Page_223'>223</a></span>Captain Sparhawk seized his revolver from +his belt and leveled the weapon. But the next +moment he lowered it. To have fired would have +been to imperil Muldoon’s life, and there might +still be a chance of saving him.</p> + +<p>The monstrous reptile that had the unfortunate +boatswain in its grip was large, even judged by +the standards of the immense pythons of the New +Guinea and Borneo forests. It must have been +fully thirty-five feet long.</p> + +<p>Billy could not endure the sight and put his +hands in front of his eyes. When he removed +them it was to behold a stirring sight.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_224' id='Page_224'>224</a></span><h2 id='t5412'>CHAPTER XXX.—IN THE COILS OF A PYTHON.</h2></div> + +<p>From the jungle there had darted a lithe figure. +It was Salloo. He had traced the source of the +mysterious cries to a troop of monkeys. He was +returning when Muldoon’s despairing cry broke +on his ears.</p> + +<p>The Malay, guessing that there was serious +trouble, glided through the jungle at the best +speed of which he was capable, making his way +swiftly through thickets that a white man could +not have passed at all. There is one weapon with +which a Malay is always armed—his kriss, a +razor-edged sword about two feet long, with a +“wavy” outline. This kriss Salloo now drew +from under his single garment.</p> + +<p>One instant it flashed in the sunlight and the +next, during which it was impossible to follow +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_225' id='Page_225'>225</a></span> +its movements, so swift were they, the python’s +head was severed. But instantly, by a convulsive +movement, its coils tightened and Muldoon emitted +another pitiful cry. But, fortunately, the life +of the snake had departed and soon its coils relaxed +and its gaudily-colored body slipped in a +heap to the ground.</p> + +<p>They all sprang forward to Muldoon’s aid, for +the man, powerful and rugged, was almost in a +state of collapse as the result of his terrible experience. +An examination by Captain Sparhawk +soon showed that no bones had been broken, as +they had at first feared, and after restoratives +had been administered, and after a short rest, +Muldoon announced that he was ready to march +on again.</p> + +<p>“That was a close shave, Muldoon,” remarked +Raynor, as they pressed onward, after Muldoon +had nearly wrung the hand off Salloo in expressing +his thanks for the Malay’s courageous act, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_226' id='Page_226'>226</a></span> +which had undoubtedly saved the boatswain’s +life.</p> + +<p>“Ouch! Don’t say a wurrud,” groaned the +Irishman, “I thought I was a goner sure. Divil +a bit more of snakes is it I want to see.”</p> + +<p>That evening they reached the river, and leaving +them camped, Salloo set off on a scouting expedition. +It was a long time before he returned, +but when he came in he brought good news. He +had located the old fort and reported that the +ruffians who had carried off Mr. Jukes and Jack +were all there enjoying themselves round a big +fire and apparently in no fear of an attack.</p> + +<p>“Me see um white boy there, too,” he added. +“Same boy hang round hotel at Bomobori all +time.”</p> + +<p>“Donald Judson!” exclaimed Billy. “How +can that be possible? I can’t fit him into this at +all.”</p> + +<p>“Well, the question is, now that we have +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_227' id='Page_227'>227</a></span> +tracked the rascals, what’s the next move,” said +Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“Me think now good time attack,” counseled +Salloo. “They no think anyone near. Give ’em +heap big surprise.”</p> + +<p>“Begorry, that’s well said, naygur,” approved +Muldoon, “I’m aching to git a good crack at +thim.”</p> + +<p>After some consultation it was decided to make +the attack at once. If they delayed they would +have to wait till the next night in order to surprise +Broom’s band and there was no telling what +might happen during the twenty-four hours +that would elapse.</p> + +<p>Luckily, there was a moon, though it was somewhat +obscured by the haze which Salloo had +drawn attention to as presaging a storm. The +party, piloted by Salloo, started off up the river, +which was low, as the weather had been dry and +there was plenty of room for them to pass between +the bank and the water’s edge.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_228' id='Page_228'>228</a></span>At last they arrived in sight of the cliff and +Raynor’s heart gave a bound. At the top they +could see the red glare of the camp fire, though +they could not see any of the men.</p> + +<p>“There’s one good thing, the ascent of the +cliff will be easy,” said Billy, in a whisper, as he +drew attention to the knotted and twisted vines +that hung down it.</p> + +<p>“Yes, we’ll need no scaling ladders,” rejoined +Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“No need for usum vines,” declared the Malay. +“Salloo know a path to top.”</p> + +<p>Telling them to remain where they were, the +faithful fellow set off on another scouting expedition. +His kriss glittered menacingly in the +moonlight as he went on, trying to keep in the +shadow of the cliff. Arrived at the path he knew +of, he glided noiselessly up it, although it was a +steep and tortuous one, and soon was at the top +of the cliff. Through the gloom he made out a +solitary figure sitting on a rock far removed +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_229' id='Page_229'>229</a></span> +from the campfire, about which the rest were +gathered. The Malay guessed it was a sentry, +although the fellow was not keeping a very careful +watch and appeared to be half asleep.</p> + +<p>“Me fixee you one minute,” grinned the Malay +to himself.</p> + +<p>He cast himself on his stomach in the long +grass that grew on the cliff-top and began worming +his way round the sentry so as to approach +him from the rear. He scarcely made a sound +as he moved with wonderful rapidity.</p> + +<p>The sentry appeared to shake off his drowsiness +suddenly and rose to his feet just as Salloo +was within a few inches of him. But he left his +rifle leaning against the rock on which he had +been seated. Instantly Salloo leaped from the +grass and the next instant the kriss was at the +thunderstruck sentry’s throat.</p> + +<p>“You no speak or me killee,” grated out the +Malay, and one glance convinced the sentry that +Salloo would carry out his threat.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_230' id='Page_230'>230</a></span>Salloo stooped and picking up a small pebble +cast it over the cliff. It fell almost at the feet of +Captain Sparhawk and Billy, who were anxiously +on the look-out for this signal, which had been +prearranged.</p> + +<p>“Forward,” ordered Captain Sparhawk, who +was in the lead. Next came Billy, then Muldoon +and last the natives, some of whom had spears, +and others the peculiar blow-pipes used by the +Papuans to shoot poisoned darts.</p> + +<p>The advance was made in silence, and at the +top of the cliff they found Salloo waiting for +them. He was garmentless, having used his +single cloak to tie up the sentry with. Grass +stuffed in the man’s mouth had effectually gagged +him.</p> + +<p>“Good for you, Salloo,” said the captain approvingly, +to which the native replied with a grin.</p> + +<p>“Now we take him down below and find out +some things from him,” said the Malay.</p> + +<p>The helpless prisoner was bundled back down +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_231' id='Page_231'>231</a></span> +the trail and brought to the camp at the foot of +the cliff. Here he was roped to a tree and the gag +taken out of his mouth. But the sight of Salloo’s +ever-ready kriss kept him from making any outcry.</p> + +<p>Yes, he said, the old, fat man and the boy were +all right. They had not been fed though, and +wouldn’t be till a ransom was forthcoming.</p> + +<p>This made the whites boil with indignation. +Questioned as to how many were in the band, +he said he did not know, and as he stuck to this +it was thought best not to waste any more time +questioning him.</p> + +<p>After a consultation the gag was replaced, but +the ropes were loosened so that with a little exertion +the man could set himself free.</p> + +<p>“If, for any reason, we couldn’t come back, +and we left the ropes tight, he would perish,” said +Captain Sparhawk, “and we want no human lives +to our account.”</p> + +<p>“Me leave him there starve to death plitty +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_232' id='Page_232'>232</a></span> +quick,” growled Salloo, with a scowl at the crestfallen +prisoner.</p> + +<p>At the foot of the cliff all was now dark and +silent as the grave. The moon was obscured by a +cloud and it was an ideal moment for the dash +on the camp to begin.</p> + +<p>“We go plenty slow or maybe take big tumble,” +advised Salloo.</p> + +<p>He was in advance but Billy was close at his +heels. Cautiously they ascended, taking great +care not to dislodge loose stones which might +have been fatal to their plans. At last the stream +was far below them and the summit of the cliff +within reach.</p> + +<p>It was at this moment that a torch flashed +above them, glaring into their upturned faces.</p> + +<p>“What’s all this, who are you?” a voice demanded.</p> + +<p>“Silence if you value your life,” came from +Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“It’s Donald Judson!” exclaimed Billy.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_233' id='Page_233'>233</a></span>“Billy Raynor,” cried the other in his turn. +“How did you——?”</p> + +<p>“Don’t utter another word,” ordered Captain +Sparhawk. “Put your hands above your head, +you young rascal.”</p> + +<p>“Not much I won’t!” exclaimed Judson.</p> + +<p>He flung his torch full in Billy’s face and then +started at top speed for the camp fire, yelling the +alarm at the top of his lungs.</p> + +<p>For a minute Billy was in peril of losing his +balance as the torch struck him. But Salloo +caught and held him firmly. The torch dropped +with a splash and hiss into the waters of the river +below.</p> + +<p>By this time Salloo scrambled to the cliff summit +and made off after young Judson. Both +reached the camp fire at about the same time. +The others, following close on Salloo’s heels, saw +Donald turn, catch sight of the glittering kriss, +and then, with a yell of dismay, tumble headlong. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_234' id='Page_234'>234</a></span> +He lay quite still and had apparently been stunned +by the violence of the fall.</p> + +<p>“Help! Help!” It was Jack’s voice from the +fort and was instantly recognised by Billy.</p> + +<p>But by this time the men about the fire, headed +by ‘Bully’ Broom, were on their feet. There was +no time for them to get their weapons, which had +been left inside the fort so that they would not +rust in the damp night air. The battle was a +brief one, although some shots were fired, none of +which, in the excitement, took effect.</p> + +<p>Billy, by a clever ruse, brought the engagement +to a speedy termination. In the midst of +the fight he turned toward the cliff and then raising +his voice as if summoning help, he shouted:</p> + +<p>“This way, captain. Bring that company up +here. Let the others guard the river.”</p> + +<p>“Get out of here, boys,” roared Broom, completely +taken in. “I’ll settle with you later on,” +he cried, shaking his fist as he turned and +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_235' id='Page_235'>235</a></span> +followed the rout of his followers, who, imagining +they were being pursued by great numbers, made +off at top speed for the jungle, which soon swallowed +them up.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_236' id='Page_236'>236</a></span><h2 id='t5701'>CHAPTER XXXI.—THE JOURNEY RESUMED.</h2></div> + +<p>“Thank Heaven that is over,” said Mr. Jukes, +as he sat on an old bench in the fort after he +and Jack had been released. “You may depend +upon it that I shall not forget the part that Salloo +and all of you played in our rescue.”</p> + +<p>It was some two hours after the “battle,” if the +rout of the rascals who had captured Mr. Jukes +and Jack could be termed such. The kidnappers’ +larder had been ransacked and a good meal enjoyed +by all hands, especially, as may be imagined, +by the two captives who had been without food +for almost twenty-four hours.</p> + +<p>Donald Judson, looking hang-dog and abject, +was huddled on a bench in a corner of the room. +He had been picked up after the fray, having +shammed insensibility to avoid being injured, +and was easily captured by the victors.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_237' id='Page_237'>237</a></span>“You certainly came in the nick of time,” said +Jack. “From what I could hear them saying, +that scoundrel Broom was actually contemplating +torturing us if that check was not signed by Mr. +Jukes.”</p> + +<p>The millionaire shuddered. His experiences +had greatly affected him.</p> + +<p>“That young ruffian over yonder,” he nodded +his head toward Judson, “was the instigator of +the idea to get money out of me, I believe,” he +said. “He ought to be punished severely.”</p> + +<p>“I didn’t,” whined Judson miserably, “I—I—that +fellow Broom did it all.”</p> + +<p>“What’s the use of your lying, Judson,” exclaimed +Jack, “you met Broom at Bomobori. It’s +as plain as day now, and furnished him with an +account of as much of our plans as we had confided +to you.”</p> + +<p>“Well, maybe I did,” mumbled Judson sullenly, +“but I didn’t put him up to getting money out of +you.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_238' id='Page_238'>238</a></span>“Nonsense,” said Captain Sparhawk, “you are +as bad as Broom is—worse, in fact, for you are +a lad of decent upbringing.”</p> + +<p>No more was said to Judson that night, and +they retired to catch a few hours sleep, leaving +the “carriers” under Salloo on guard. The +Malay amused himself by making hideous faces +at the unfortunate Donald and flourishing his +kriss under his nose. By daylight the wretched +prisoner was half dead from fear. Captain Sparhawk +sternly warned Salloo not to tease him +any more, at which the Malay appeared to be +much surprised.</p> + +<p>“Him enemy,” he said, “why no can do what +like with him?”</p> + +<p>Breakfast, of which Donald was given his +share, was eaten in the fort, and after that meal +the natives were sent down to the river to bring +up all the supplies which had been left there. +They reported that the prisoner Salloo had made +had succeeded, as they intended he should, in +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_239' id='Page_239'>239</a></span> +loosening his bonds during the night and had +vanished.</p> + +<p>As soon as the boxes containing the wireless +apparatus and the hand-generator arrived, Jack +lost no time in setting them up and as soon as he +raised the yacht sent a full account of Broom’s +rascally conduct to her. The first officer at once +left to notify the authorities and ask that a keen +lookout be kept for Broom’s schooner.</p> + +<p>“Broom will never guess that we have any +means of communicating with Bomobori,” the boy +explained, “and if he returns there, will bungle +into a fine trap.”</p> + +<p>“Begorry, I hope he does,” commented Muldoon, +“shure that wireless is an illigant invintion +entirely.”</p> + +<p>“If Broom is captured, as many other criminals +have been, by its aid, it will have proved its +splendid usefulness once more,” declared Mr. +Jukes. “Ready, you might flash another message +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_240' id='Page_240'>240</a></span> +saying that I will give $1,000 to anyone who +captures ‘Bully’ Broom.”</p> + +<p>After this had been done, the question arose +of what to do with Donald Judson. They had +no desire to have the young rascal as a traveling +companion, but at the same time they did not see +how they could very well turn him loose in the +jungle in which he might starve to death. It was +a problem that they were still discussing when +Donald himself spoke up in the timid, fawning +voice he affected when in trouble.</p> + +<p>“See here,” he said, “if you won’t make trouble +for me maybe I can help you out.”</p> + +<p>“In what way?” sharply asked Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>“Why I saw Broom put a map or something +that looked like one in a cupboard in the room +that door opens into,” said the boy, pointing to +the end of the room. “I thought maybe it might +have something to do with your brother, Mr. +Jukes.”</p> + +<p>“Come here at once and show me,” ordered the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_241' id='Page_241'>241</a></span> +millionaire. “I don’t suppose it was anything of +great importance,” he added.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps not,” whimpered Donald, “but if it +is will you let it count in my favor?”</p> + +<p>“I shall consider that later,” said Mr. Jukes +sternly, as they all followed the boy into the room +he indicated. In one corner was a rough cupboard. +Mr. Jukes opened this and took out a +rolled-up paper. He spread it out on the table +and they all pressed about him.</p> + +<p>“It’s a map!” cried Billy.</p> + +<p>“Yes, and of this part of the country, too,” +cried Jack. “See, there’s that village, Taroo, +where we stopped two nights ago.”</p> + +<p>“And what’s this leading along the river from +this place marked 'Fort’ on the map?” asked Mr. +Judson, his eyes shining as his forefinger traced +a red ink line that zig-zagged along till it left the +river and struck inland to what appeared to be +intended to show a range of mountains. “The +Kini-Balu Mountains,” he read out.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_242' id='Page_242'>242</a></span>“The Kini-Balu Mountains!” echoed Salloo, +“me know them. Me bet your brother up there. +One time ‘Bully’ Bloom he helpee Kini-Balu men +fight big battle 'gainst Tariani tribe. Kini-Balus +win and now heap like ‘Bully’ Bloom hide your +brother up there.”</p> + +<p>“It is possible,” mused the millionaire, “and—yes, +by jove! Look here.”</p> + +<p>Indicated on the map in red letters, at a spot +in the heart of the Kini-Balu country, was a place +marked “Cave.”</p> + +<p>“Do you think it possible that that can be +‘Bully’ Broom’s hiding place for the other Mr. +Jukes?” asked Jack.</p> + +<p>“I don’t know, but it appears probable,” rejoined +the millionaire.</p> + +<p>“Me membel now sometime ‘Bully’ Bloom go +way from Bomobori long time,” said Salloo, “nobody +know where he go. That time when cruiser +come look for him. Maybe he hide up there.”</p> + +<p>“It seems worth trying at any rate,” said Mr. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_243' id='Page_243'>243</a></span> +Jukes, in the manner of one who has reached a +decision.</p> + +<p>“It seems reasonable to suppose that if Broom +had taken your brother and his men anywhere +on the island it would have been to some such +inaccessible spot as that,” said Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“Well thin, what’s to privint us going up +among the 'balloon’ men, or whativer they call +thimsilves?” asked Muldoon.</p> + +<p>“It may be attended by some danger,” said Mr. +Jukes. “From what Salloo said the Kini-Balu +men are a very war-like tribe. They might attack +us. How about that, Salloo?”</p> + +<p>The Malay’s reply was not one calculated to +reassure them.</p> + +<p>“Kini-Balu men head hunters,” he said, “Maybe +they no hurt us. But maybe take our heads. +Salloo no 'fraid, though.”</p> + +<p>“Then, by golly, neither are we,” declared Muldoon.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_244' id='Page_244'>244</a></span>After more discussion, it was decided to advance +cautiously into the Kini-Balu country and +then do some scouting to see how matters lay. +If the natives were hostile, and if they were convinced +that Mr. Jukes was really a captive among +them, guarded by their warriors at ‘Bully’ +Broom’s orders, then they would return to Bomobori +without risking their lives and come back +with a strong force. If everything appeared to +be pacific, then they would seek out the place indicated +on the map and settle the question of +whether or no it was actually the place of the +pearl hunter’s confinement.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_245' id='Page_245'>245</a></span><h2 id='t5926'>CHAPTER XXXII.—A STORM IN THE JUNGLE.</h2></div> + +<p>Two days later, before they turned away from +the river, they heard some news of the Kini-Balus +from a party of natives bound down-stream in +dug-outs. Salloo learned from them that the +tribe was at war, at least so it was supposed by +the canoeists from the fact that they had heard +that the chief of the Kini-Balus had been making +levies of cattle and corn among his subjects.</p> + +<p>“That sounds bad,” said Mr. Jukes, when this +news had been interpreted to the party.</p> + +<p>“No, him good,” asserted Salloo positively.</p> + +<p>“How do you make that out?” asked Jack.</p> + +<p>“If Kini-Balus makee war, they leave only +women and old men at home. They no fight us,” +argued the Malay, and they had to admit that +there was a good deal of truth in what he said.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_246' id='Page_246'>246</a></span>“We’re all going to get killed anyhow,” whimpered +Donald, who had been taken along by the +party, much against their will, in consideration +of the services he had rendered in showing them +the hiding place of the map.</p> + +<p>“Him heap big coward,” muttered Salloo. +“Boy’s body, girl’s heart.”</p> + +<p>It was on the afternoon of the second day that +the storm that Salloo had predicted overtook +them. They were passing through a dense forest +of magnificent trees when the eternal twilight +that reigned under the great branches deepened +till it was almost totally dark. Astonished at this +phenomenon, for it was long before the proper +hour for night to descend, they questioned Salloo.</p> + +<p>“Big storm come,” he said, “me thinkee we +better get out of here. Lightning hit a tlee maybe +he killee us.”</p> + +<p>The birds of the jungle screamed discordantly, +as if warning each other of what was coming. +Troops of monkeys swung through the trees as if +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_247' id='Page_247'>247</a></span> +seeking refuge, and the almost deafening chorus +of insects and lizards gave way to total silence. +It seemed as if nature was holding her breath +preparatory to some great crisis.</p> + +<p>“We had better look for some safe place to stay +before it breaks,” counseled Captain Sparhawk. +“A hurricane in the jungle is a serious matter. +Trees are rooted up and struck by lightning and +in the forest it is very dangerous for anyone to +be caught by such a storm.”</p> + +<p>“Me findee place,” said Salloo, and struck off +down a dim trail leading toward the river. “Follow +me, evelybody, and hully up.”</p> + +<p>They needed no urging. The gloom and quiet +of the forest was overawing. It had begun to +get on their nerves. Under Salloo’s guidance +they soon found themselves at a great mass of +rocks on a high bank overlooking the river. The +great masses of stone were piled in such a way +that the crevices among them formed regular +caves.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_248' id='Page_248'>248</a></span>“We getee in here,” said Salloo, indicating the +largest of them. “I send my men in annuder +one.”</p> + +<p>“I’m not going in there,” declared Donald, +“there might be snakes or wild beasts inside.”</p> + +<p>“You’d better come in or be blown away,” said +Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>He had hardly spoken, before the storm broke +in all its fury. Donald, with a cry of alarm, followed +the others into shelter.</p> + +<p>“Gracious, this beats anything I ever saw, even +that storm off the Pamatous,” shouted Jack, +above the shrieking of the wind.</p> + +<p>“Him blow more big bimeby,” said Salloo, +“him big storm this. You see.”</p> + +<p>The trees swayed violently, and before long, +from their shelter, they saw a big one torn up by +the roots and hurtled from the bank into the river. +The wind grew more violent. The dark air was +filled with flying branches, leaves and sticks. +Birds, large and small, were swept by, powerless +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_249' id='Page_249'>249</a></span> +to contend with the furious gale. Donald was +crouched back in a far corner of their shelter, too +frightened to do anything more than mumble and +whimper.</p> + +<p>The river began to rise and add its mighty +voice to the other sounds, although no rain had +yet fallen where they were. The darkness increased, +but suddenly everything was lit up in a +livid glare that made them all blink.</p> + +<p>“Lightning,” exclaimed Salloo, “now him comin’.”</p> + +<p>Then down came the rain. It literally fell in +sheets, blotting out everything like a fog even +when the constant flashes illuminated the scene. +The water began to pour into their shelter from +above, making it a very uncomfortable place. +Soon the water was up to their knees and in the +cave occupied by the carriers the men stood upright +with their burdens on their heads to keep +them out of the water.</p> + +<p>“Gracious, I never saw so much water come +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_250' id='Page_250'>250</a></span> +down in my life,” exclaimed Jack. “It’s a regular—my!”</p> + +<p>There had come a flash, a red ribbon of flame, +so blinding that for an instant they could not see. +It was followed by a crack of thunder that seemed +to have split the sky. Donald gave a yell of +alarm.</p> + +<p>“Him hittee something close by for sure,” declared +Salloo. He was right. Presently they +saw a tall ceiba tree burst into flame like a torch. +Fanned by the wind, it blazed fiercely even in the +downpour. Its red glare lit up their faces in a +ghostly manner, for it was not more than a few +feet from their place of refuge.</p> + +<p>“My, this is awful,” muttered Raynor. “Thank +goodness we got out from under those trees in +time.”</p> + +<p>“Amen to that,” said Captain Sparhawk solemnly.</p> + +<p>It rained for the rest of that night and in the +morning they were sorry-looking objects. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_251' id='Page_251'>251</a></span> +Everything was wet, and although they had tried to +light a fire during the night, after the first violence +of the storm had abated, they had not succeeded. +But when, shortly before noon, the sun +did come out, it shone down with a heat that made +the whole wet earth steam. Clothes were spread +out on the rocks to dry, as was the rest of the +outfit. Fortunately, the bags the carriers bore +were mostly of waterproof material, so not much +damage was done to the contents.</p> + +<p>It was a scene of havoc on which they gazed. +The river ran high and its surface was littered +with the bodies of dead monkeys, snakes, great +trees torn up bodily, and other debris eloquent of +the violence of the hurricane.</p> + +<p>All round them lay big trees and the bodies of +countless birds that had been dashed to death. It +was some time before Salloo could persuade a fire +to burn, but among the rocks, in crevices the +rain had not penetrated, he found old dried leaves +and sticks which made capital kindling and at +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_252' id='Page_252'>252</a></span> +last they cooked a hot meal, in need of which they +all stood badly.</p> + +<p>Then it was off on the long trail again. Late +that afternoon, just as they were making camp, +a party of natives came along the trail. They +carried the skins of numerous beautiful birds that +they had brought down with their blow-pipes. +They were friendly and the boys bought some of +the skins. Afterward Salloo had a long talk with +them and, this being concluded, they kept on their +way while our party went on with its preparations +for spending the night.</p> + +<p>Salloo had some news to disclose, he said. The +natives he had been talking to knew the Kini-Balu +Mountains well and told him, after he had +described the cave they were looking for, that it +was a very bad place. Nobody liked to go near it.</p> + +<p>“On account of the Kini-Balus?” asked Mr. +Jukes.</p> + +<p>“No, on account um ghosts,” rejoined Salloo; +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_253' id='Page_253'>253</a></span> +“ghost of Taratao, old-time chief of Kini-Balus +haunt him.”</p> + +<p>“Begorry, so long as the ghosts ain’t got a +punch it’s sorra a bit I care for ’em,” declared +Muldoon valiantly.</p> + +<p>That evening Salloo had a novelty for supper +in the form of the flesh of a huge lizard, or +iguana. At first the boys and their companions +did not want to touch it, for in life it had been a +hideous looking monster. But being pressed by +Salloo, they consented, and found it very good +eating. Its flesh tasted like chicken, though even +more delicate.</p> + +<p>It was about an hour after the meal when they +were preparing for bed that Jack complained +that he was feeling poorly. He said he had a +headache and a feeling of vertigo. The others +then admitted experiencing the same symptoms. +Nausea soon succeeded these and ere long they +were all convinced that they had been poisoned +by eating the iguana. The natives, who camped +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_254' id='Page_254'>254</a></span> +some distance off with Salloo, experienced no +such illness but then they had eaten none of the +iguana which, to Captain Sparhawk’s mind, made +it all the more certain that it was the giant lizard’s +flesh that had made them ill.</p> + +<p>Salloo was called from the native camp and +bitterly reproached for inducing them to eat it. +He protested that it could not have been the +iguana that had made them ill. Had he not himself +eaten it? But in the end he returned to the +native camp with his head hung down, completely +crushed by what he deemed the injustice of his +white friends in blaming him for their illness. +At first they were not greatly alarmed, not deeming +it possible that they had actually been poisoned, +and Captain Sparhawk administered remedies +from the medicine chest. But, to their +alarm, instead of decreasing in severity, their sufferings +grew more acute as the night wore on.</p> + +<p>Their ideas became confused, and as in sea-sickness +in an acute stage, they lay about, not +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_255' id='Page_255'>255</a></span> +caring whether they lived or died. If they tried +to rise, their heads swam, their feet tottered. +Thus it was that Salloo found them in the morning +when he came from the native camp.</p> + +<p>The faithful fellow was seriously alarmed and +set up a mighty wailing which soon brought his +followers running over. But the sufferers only +turned dull eyes upon them and moaned in their +pain. Plainly they were in such a serious condition +that unless something was done soon to relieve +them, death itself might put an end to their +misery. Salloo looked about him wildly, hoping +to catch some solution to the mystery of this sudden +illness. He raised his eyes upward and his +lips moved as if he were invoking the aid of some +heathen deity.</p> + +<p>But suddenly the expression on his countenance +changed. His eyes were fixed on the leaves of a +tree under which the sufferers had passed the +night. For the first time, too, he became aware +of a peculiarly sickening odor in the air. It +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_256' id='Page_256'>256</a></span> +smelled like carrion. As some huge scarlet flowers +which grew on the tree began to open to the +daylight (they had been closed at night) this +terrible stench became stronger. Salloo uttered +a single shout of comprehension.</p> + +<p>“Upas!” It was echoed by his companions, +whom Salloo at once directed to pick up the sufferers +and carry them to some distance. When +the last had been transported, Salloo got water +from a forest pool and poured it over them. One +by one they began to revive. Jack, who was one +of the first to come to, rose dizzily to his feet and +tried to walk. But Salloo gently made him lie +down again. After an hour or so all felt better +and partook of some soup and weak tea.</p> + +<p>“Salloo, you are forgiven,” said Captain Sparhawk, +“but never persuade us to eat lizard again. +You came near being the death of us all.”</p> + +<p>“Faith, oi was niver so near the Pearly Gates +before,” declared Muldoon emphatically.</p> + +<p>“Him no lizard hurt you,” declared Salloo +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_257' id='Page_257'>257</a></span> +vehemently; “lizard heap good. Upas he hurt +you. If I no see it and have you moved away +you plitty soon have died.”</p> + +<p>“What do you mean, Salloo?” asked Mr. Jukes. +“Do you mean our sickness had anything to do +with the tree we camped under?”</p> + +<p>“Ebblyting,” was the reply; “him tree was the +upas.”</p> + +<p>“I see it all now,” exclaimed Captain Sparhawk. +“That tree was the deadly upas of which +you may have heard. Every one in the Indian +Archipelago knows of it. Within its great red +blossoms are the sepulchre of birds and insects +whose bodies, lying rotting there, give out that +terrible odor which ought to warn all travelers +against it. But we camped when it was getting +dark and the flowers were closed, keeping the +noxious reek from escaping and warning us. +Salloo is right, and if he had not had us dragged +from under it we should have perished miserably.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_258' id='Page_258'>258</a></span>“I remember reading somewhere of the upas,” +said Jack, “but I always thought its deadly qualities +were exaggerated. After our last night’s experience +I’ll know better.”</p> + +<p>“I suppose the heat of our camp fire under the +branches had something to do with it, too,” said +Billy.</p> + +<p>“Undoubtedly,” declared the captain. “And +then as we sat around after supper we were, unknown +to ourselves, inhaling the deadly vapor +till we grew sick. Instead of moving away before +we grew worse, as we certainly would have if +we had known the cause of our malady, we made +ourselves worse by lying down to sleep with that +poisonous breath as our only atmosphere. Salloo, +your lizard is vindicated, and to show you it +is, the next one you shoot I’ll volunteer to eat.”</p> + +<p>But although recovered, they still felt weak +from the effects of their terrible night under the +upas, whose Latin name, if any one wishes to +know it, is <em>antiaris toxicaria</em>. In fact, their +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_259' id='Page_259'>259</a></span> +feelings were very like those of persons just getting +over sea-sickness. They felt buoyantly well and +happy, but not yet quite strong enough for the +hard work of the trail. So they remained where +they were till the next day and then pushed on +once more on their quest.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_260' id='Page_260'>260</a></span><h2 id='t6285'>CHAPTER XXXIII.—THE GIANT SPIDERS.</h2></div> + +<p>When they resumed their journey the next +morning they encountered a new form of obstacle +in the form of the webs of huge red bird-catching +spiders, whose nets stretched from tree to tree in +the forest, looked like seine nets in a fisherman’s +village hung out to dry, or to make another comparison, +miles of mosquito netting hung between +the tree trunks. Through these webs they had +to make their way for a long distance.</p> + +<p>The boys did not like it at all, and Donald +Judson, who was particularly averse to spiders, +slunk in the rear till the natives, with shouts and +yells, cut down the webs that hung across the +trail. The soft silky substance of the webs +struck them in the face and clung glutinously and +covered their clothes with a coating of white +fleece.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_261' id='Page_261'>261</a></span>As they forced their way through this repulsive +feature of New Guinea forest travel, they could, +from time to time, see the hideous forms of the +huge and venomous spiders that had spread the +webs peering at them from dark retreats in the +crevices of trees or else scuttling off on long, +hairy legs to safety. It did not require much +imagination to picture their anger at this ruthless +destruction of their homes. That night they +camped near the edge of a big swamp, and the +two boys, weary of the monotony of the long +march and tired of canned stuff and preserved +goods, volunteered to set out with rifles and see +if they could not bring in something more palatable.</p> + +<p>As they had camped early when the swamp +crossed their path, there was plenty of time for +them to go quite a distance in search of game. +In a short time they had brought down two birds +that looked something like partridges, as well as +shooting an odd-looking bird like a huge parrot, +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_262' id='Page_262'>262</a></span> +with a gigantic bill and horny head. They were +some distance apart, separated by a brake of +reeds, when Jack heard a sudden cry of alarm +from Billy.</p> + +<p>Disregarding the danger of snakes, he pushed +his way through the brake at once. As he came +in sight of Billy, who was standing staring into +the forest as if petrified, Jack, too, received a +shock. Not far from Billy was what he at first +thought was a man. But such a man! Not +even in a nightmare had the boy ever beheld such +a hideous form.</p> + +<p>This man, if such he was, was covered all over +with red hair, thick and shaggy, except on the +face, which was darker and bereft of hair, but +from which two yellow eyes glared malevolently. +In an instant the true nature of this creature +flashed upon Jack. It was an orang-outang, and +a monster, too, that stood facing them, its long +arms trailing in front of it. But even though +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_263' id='Page_263'>263</a></span> +stooped over, it was as large as the average man, +with a massive chest and shoulders.</p> + +<p>“Take a shot at it, Jack,” urged Billy.</p> + +<p>But Jack shook his head.</p> + +<p>“It looks too horribly human,” he said. “Besides, +it doesn’t look as if it would attack us. It +seems to be more possessed by curiosity than anything +else.”</p> + +<p>Perhaps the boy was right, for after eyeing +them for a few seconds more the monstrous creature +shuffled off for the edge of a big sheet of +water on whose margin they stood, and began +tearing up some sort of water plants and eating +their roots with many grunts of satisfaction. He +waded in almost knee deep, stuffing his bag-like +cheeks full and chewing with huge satisfaction. +The boys gazed at this strange picture with fascination.</p> + +<p>But suddenly the monster stopped eating and +stood erect. Its hair began to bristle and it uttered +an angry sort of growl. Apparently it was +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_264' id='Page_264'>264</a></span> +not fear but anger that possessed this colossus +of the forests as it glanced angrily about it. The +cause of its emotion was not long in appearing. +From the stagnant waters was approaching an +antagonist formidable indeed—a giant saurian—a +crocodile larger than any the boys had ever +seen in any zoo.</p> + +<p>The boys naturally expected to see the orang-outang +beat a hasty retreat. But instead it stood +its ground, merely drawing back a few inches +as the crocodile’s hideous snout and scaly body +were successively protruded from the water. +Jack now recalled what Salloo had told him one +night in camp about the orang. The Malay had +said it was the king of the New Guinea forests, +fearing no man, beast or reptile, and this certainly +appeared to be the case in this instance.</p> + +<p>Had it wished to beat a retreat to safety, the +mias, as the natives called the red gorilla, might +easily have done so. One leap and he could have +grasped a tree trunk, up which he could have +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_265' id='Page_265'>265</a></span> +scrambled in a jiffy. On the contrary, after its +first backward steps, which brought it almost out +of the water, the creature stood upright and, uttering +savage growls, beat on its hairy chest with +its huge arms, producing a sound like the reverberations +of a savage “tom-tom.”</p> + +<p>The scaly reptile continued to advance. Perhaps, +to its eyes, the red gorilla was simply a +native, a poor weak human being, such as possibly +had fallen victim to the great crocodile before. +However that may have been, the saurian, +without undue hurry, could be seen to be making +straight for the red ape and, maneuvering so as +to get its monstrous armor-plated tail in position +to give a fatal flail-like sweep, which would fling +the orang-outang into the water, stunning it and +making it an easy prey.</p> + +<p>It appeared to flatten itself as it reached shallow +water, its ugly lizard-like legs spread out on +each side of its scaly body almost horizontally. +Then, with a suddenness that made the boys catch +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_266' id='Page_266'>266</a></span> +their breaths in a quick gasp, the monster gave a +sudden leap, aiding this maneuver by its tail, +which it suddenly stiffened as if it had been a +spring.</p> + +<p>Its whole length was launched into the air as +it sprang, and for a flash its wide-opened jaws +with their hideous rows of triangular teeth, appeared +to engulf the red ape. But while the boys +were still held spell-bound by this spectacle, such +a one as perhaps no human being but a lone native +hunter had ever beheld before, the red gorilla +gave a mighty leap. It was partly straight up and +partly to one side. As the great jaws of the +saurian came together with a snap like that of a +titanic steel trap, the red ape landed fair and +square on the scaled monster’s back.</p> + +<p>Straddling the plated hide, the great hairy legs +gripped the crocodile’s sides as a bronco buster +grips his fractious mount. And now commenced +a struggle between these two denizens of the +deepest New Guinea forests such as the two +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_267' id='Page_267'>267</a></span> +young spectators remembered with photographic +vividness to the end of their lives.</p> + +<p>On the part of the crocodile the battle was simply +a series of leaps and wild tail threshings in +an effort to dislodge his nimble foe. The grass +and weeds were mown down as if by a scythe by +the sweeps of the great tail, but the ape held +firm, his little eyes twinkling wickedly. With +one arm it clutched the rough hide firmly, but +the other was waving about like a tentacle seeking +something to grasp.</p> + +<p>During the struggle the jaws of the crocodile +had been frequently snapped, but they only closed +on empty air. As in all the saurian tribe, during +this process the upper jaw had pointed nearly +vertically upward, making an opening big enough +to swallow a canoe. Suddenly the watchers saw +the orang’s purpose. All at once the disengaged +arm made a swift sweep forward and grasped +the extended upper jaw.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_268' id='Page_268'>268</a></span>“Great Scott! he’s done for now,” cried Billy. +“That jaw will close and cut his fingers off.”</p> + +<p>“Hold on,” warned Jack. “Watch. I’ve heard +these creatures can bend rifle barrels as if they +were made of lead. Perhaps—look!”</p> + +<p>The orang suddenly shifted his position. He +was now kneeling on the crocodile’s back, his +knees braced firmly on its armor-plated neck and +his second arm aiding the first in the task of +keeping those jaws, once apart, from ever coming +together again. Then summoning every +ounce of that strength that has made the orang +the most dreaded of all the forest animals in +that part of the world, even the Bornean tiger +owning his supremacy, the red gorilla gave one +grand wrench.</p> + +<p>There was a tearing sound as of a tree being +torn from its roots, and the alligator’s body +writhed and threshed about convulsively. The +great ape sprang free from the scaly monster +and with hoarse laughter that sounded like the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_269' id='Page_269'>269</a></span> +merriment of a maniac, it gazed on the saurian’s +struggles. But it was not destined to see the end +of them. In its agony the great crocodile instinctively +made for the water and was soon out +of sight, threshing and writhing until a clump +of water-cane hid it from sight.</p> + +<p>Then, and not till then, did the orang take its +eyes from its conquered enemy. But when it +had seen the last of it, the hairy creature turned +and appeared to be contemplating fresh victory. +The lust of battle was in its wicked little eyes.</p> + +<p>“Down, Billy, down with you quick,” warned +Jack, pulling his chum aside in the thicket. “If +it comes this way, shoot at once. I wouldn’t +want to come to close quarters with a creature +like that. I thought Salloo was drawing the long +bow when he told me about the <em>mias</em>, as he called +it, but he didn’t put it on thick enough.”</p> + +<p>“If only we’d had a camera,” was Billy’s regret. +But for the next few moments there were +more important things to think about. The orang +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_270' id='Page_270'>270</a></span> +stood upright, looking about him in a truculent +manner. It almost appeared as if, now that his +battle with the saurian was over, he had recollected +the human figure he had seen not long before, +but had paid little heed to it in his haste to +make his evening meal among the water plants.</p> + +<p>In fact, he started shamblingly toward the +brake where the boys were concealed with leveled +rifles and fingers on triggers. But the great +creature’s life was spared, for that time at least, +for had the boys fired he must have fallen at the +first bullets from the high-powered rifles. After +advancing a few paces, he changed his mind and, +grumbling to himself, he shuffled off and was +soon lost in the gloom of the forest.</p> + +<p>“We ought to have shot him, Jack,” muttered +Billy as they started back to camp with what +game they bagged.</p> + +<p>“What, kill a fine old warrior like that without +cause? Could you have done it, Billy?”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_271' id='Page_271'>271</a></span>“Um—well—er—no, I don’t believe I could,” +rejoined his chum. “After all, that crocodile +started the scrap and—and I guess every American +likes a good fighter.”</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_272' id='Page_272'>272</a></span><h2 id='t6554'>CHAPTER XXXIV.—A FIGHT WITH A HORNBILL.</h2></div> + +<p>“Now me showee you something.”</p> + +<p>It was during the noon rest the next day and +the Malay had asked the whites to come a little +distance apart from the camp to a fine-looking +banyan tree. They watched him with interest +as with the axe he cut down several lengths of +bamboo from a nearby cluster, and, pointing the +ends sharply, having first separated the lengths +into bits about two feet long, began driving them +into the yielding bark of the tree. In this way +he had soon made the first four rounds of a +primitive ladder.</p> + +<p>Although, as yet, he had given them no hint +of the object of all this, they were all sure that he +had something really of interest to show them +and forbore asking questions till he was ready +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_273' id='Page_273'>273</a></span> +to explain the mystery. Salloo had driven the +tenth round of his queer ladder and was about +ten feet from the ground, when Jack drew everybody’s +attention to a strange hissing sound that +appeared to come from within the tree.</p> + +<p>“Look out for snakes, Salloo,” he warned. But +the Malay only nodded his head confidently and +smiled. Donald glanced about nervously. Even +Captain Sparhawk looked apprehensive. As for +Muldoon, he shouted, “This is no place for a son +of St. Patrick,” and fled back to camp.</p> + +<p>“What’s the matter, Salloo?” asked Mr. Jukes. +“Are you in trouble?”</p> + +<p>“No trouble, Missel Boss,” rejoined Salloo. +“Only bit what you callee good luck,” grinned the +Malay, looking down on them and continuing +his work.</p> + +<p>“How good luck?” asked Jack.</p> + +<p>“You see plenty soon,” was the cryptic reply, +and the Malay drew another sharp-pointed peg +from his girdle and drove it in with vigorous +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_274' id='Page_274'>274</a></span> +strokes of the axe. While he did this, the hissing +continued, mingled with a hoarse roaring like +that which might be emitted by a disabled foghorn. +Moreover, they could now see that a few +feet above Salloo’s head was an object which alternately +was thrust out from the tree trunk and +withdrawn. It was white and sharp-pointed, like +one of the pegs he was driving. It was assuredly +not a snake’s head, as they had for a minute +thought, but what was it?</p> + +<p>“What’s that right over your head, Salloo?” +asked Captain Sparhawk.</p> + +<p>“Him buld (bird), captain. Him plentee much +bigee buld.”</p> + +<p>“Oh, only a bird,” said Mr. Jukes in a disappointed +voice. “What sort of a one?”</p> + +<p>“Him hornbill. Ole hen hornbill. She on nest. +Old man hornbill he shut her up in there so she +no leave eggs. Him put mud over crack in tree +so as she no put nothing but her beak out. That +the way he feedee her.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_275' id='Page_275'>275</a></span>So that was the explanation of that object that +darted in and out, and also of the hissing and +grunting sounds. Looking closer, they now saw +that at the spot where the bill still kept darting in +and out there was a big longitudinal patch of mud +which walled the hen hornbill up as effectually +as certain prisoners were “walled up” in the days +of old. As Salloo got within reaching distance +of the nest, he raised his axe and smashed the +mud wall before any of the party could check +him. The next instant his bare arm was plunged +fearlessly into the orifice and came out with his +fingers clutching the old hen by the neck. In a +moment she was fluttering, with her neck wrung, +at the adventurers’ feet.</p> + +<p>“Say, Salloo, you shouldn’t have done that,” +called up Jack indignantly. “That’s a shame.”</p> + +<p>The rest echoed his indignation at what seemed +an act of wanton cruelty. Salloo only looked +astonished.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_276' id='Page_276'>276</a></span>“Him plenty good eat. Roast hornbill plenty +fine.”</p> + +<p>“You see, he takes a different point of view +about these things than we do,” said Captain +Sparhawk. “You can’t blame him. Still I wish +we could have prevented it.”</p> + +<p>They examined the dead hornbill with much interest. +It was a gorgeous bird, almost as big as +a turkey, with a bill of a size altogether disproportionate +to even its large size. This beak was +like a gigantic parrot’s bill and the horny structure +extended over almost the entire head of the +bird. It was not unlike the one the boys had shot +the night before and thrown away as not good for +food.</p> + +<p>“Plentee eggs in there,” said Salloo as he came +down, “but they no good eat.”</p> + +<p>“Well, I’m glad there were no young ones +to be starved through our interference,” said +Billy, and the others felt as he did.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_277' id='Page_277'>277</a></span>“Say, I’m going to have a look at that nest,” +said Jack suddenly.</p> + +<p>“All right. But look out you don’t fall and +break your neck,” warned Raynor. Jack went +nimbly up Salloo’s queer ladder and soon reached +a height where he could see into the nest, which +was built in a cavity of the tree and had afterward +been carefully walled up with mud, +strengthened by weaving reeds into it. Jack was +still examining the nest when a sudden shadow +fell over him. He looked up and above him he +saw, with somewhat of a shock, a great bird +whose plumage flashed brilliantly in the sun and +whose huge beak snapped viciously at the boy.</p> + +<p>“Look out, look out, him father hornbill,” cried +Salloo from the ground.</p> + +<p>The hornbill made a swoop at Jack, aiming +with that cruel beak straight for his eyes. The +boy put up an arm to defend himself, but the bird +seized it with its parrot-like claws, scratching it +badly, and all the while it kept up a beating of +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_278' id='Page_278'>278</a></span> +its wings that blinded the boy. Then the bird +suddenly changed its tactics. It swooped off +and then made a swift dash at the boy’s head. +It was well for Jack that he had on his stiff sun +helmet or his skull would have been cracked like +an egg by that huge, horny bill. As it was, the +helmet was ripped open.</p> + +<p>Those below called on him to come down. +But the attacks of the great bird so blinded and +bewildered him that he was unable to move a +step. Billy, at the order of Captain Sparhawk, +brought a rifle from the camp, but so close did +the bird stay to the boy that there was danger +in using it. Even the most expert of shots would +have been quite as likely to hit Jack as the enraged +hornbill.</p> + +<p>Salloo had sprung into the tree, and with his +ever ready <em>kriss</em> was ascending to the rescue +when Captain Sparhawk saw an opportunity. +The rifle was already at his shoulder and, as +the hornbill rose and hovered for an instant +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_279' id='Page_279'>279</a></span> +before making another plunge at Jack’s head, his +finger pressed the trigger. A splendid shot, a +broken wing, the huge bird fluttered to the earth +and flopped and screamed on the ground till its +strugglings were put an end to by another bullet. +Jack remained where he was for a few seconds +to recover his nerves and then, still somewhat +shaken by his experience, he descended.</p> + +<p>His arm was badly scratched and Captain +Sparhawk was opening the medicine chest when +Salloo intervened. He quickly gathered a handful +of a plant that exuded a sort of thick milk. +Crushing the gathered stems on a stone, he soon +had a quantity of this juice, which he spread on +the wounds. The irritation at once left them and +Salloo promised a speedy cure. But it may be +said that Jack had no appetite for roast hornbill +that night.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_280' id='Page_280'>280</a></span><h2 id='t6748'>CHAPTER XXXV.—THE HEART OF NEW GUINEA.</h2></div> + +<p>The expedition now found itself advancing +through forest that grew sparser as they progressed. +The ground was rapidly becoming more +rugged. Close to them now towered the range +known as the Kini-Balu among the wild recesses +of which the tribe of that name made its home. +Constant vigilance was the watchword of the +hour now. Salloo would permit no fires to be +lighted, and he and his followers were constantly +scouting in front of the party, while additional +watch was kept at the rear and on both flanks.</p> + +<p>It was dangerous, thrilling work, but the boys, +who loved adventure, relished every moment of +it. But Donald Judson lived a life of misery. +Every rustle in the bush made him turn pale. +He was constantly giving false alarms in the +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_281' id='Page_281'>281</a></span> +night and the boys heartily wished he had been +left behind. One afternoon—they were right in +the mountains now—Salloo halted the party with +a quick gesture.</p> + +<p>“Two men ahead of us. Up the mountain. +Salloo go, look, see.”</p> + +<p>He glided off with his usual snake-like agility +and vanished in a flash, while the party waited +behind a mighty rock, for cover of the forest kind +was growing scarce now. A wilder region would +have been hard to imagine. The cliffs and mountains +were of all sorts of extravagant shapes. +Some of the larger rocks and peaks took on the +outlines of monstrous animals. But they were +still following a trail which was undoubtedly the +one set down in red ink on Broom’s map.</p> + +<p>Through the glasses, which they were able to +use without being observed, by crouching down in +the coarse grass, they could see Salloo advancing +toward the two figures on the mountain side. As +he went he was making the peace sign, extending +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_282' id='Page_282'>282</a></span> +his arms as if inviting the others to attack him at +their will. But as far as they could see, the +meeting was friendly enough. Salloo conversed +with the two men of the mountain for a long time. +Then he could be seen retracing his steps.</p> + +<p>“Well?” demanded everybody as he returned +to the camp.</p> + +<p>“Ebblyting good so far,” reported Salloo. +“Those two men velly old men. They left behind +when tribe go to war in the north.”</p> + +<p>“Then the country is free of danger?” cried +Donald.</p> + +<p>Salloo turned a look of contempt on him and +did not answer. Addressing the others, he continued:</p> + +<p>“They say they know of cave. But no know +if white man is there,” went on the Malay.</p> + +<p>“Would they be willing to guide us to it?” inquired +Mr. Jukes.</p> + +<p>“That me no know yet. Me go see ’em again +to-night,” replied Salloo. “They say nobody but +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_283' id='Page_283'>283</a></span> +old men, women and children left behind now +tribe go to war. So maybe they no afraid to +show us. You pay ’em good?”</p> + +<p>“Anything, any sum at all,” was the response +of the millionaire. “No sum is too great to restore +my brother to his family.”</p> + +<p>When night fell Salloo left the camp again and +did not return till midnight. He brought the +news that the two old men would guide them for +three pieces of gold each. They did not want +the coins to spend, explained Salloo, but to pierce +and wear round their necks as ornaments.</p> + +<p>“I’ll make it six each,” declared Mr. Jukes, “if +they lead us aright.”</p> + +<p>There was little sleep for anybody that night, +and soon after daybreak the two old men appeared +in the camp. They were odd-looking old +fellows; unclothed except for a breech cloth, and +were daubed with red and yellow earth, signifying +that their tribe was at war, although their +age barred them from taking part.</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_284' id='Page_284'>284</a></span>At Salloo’s suggestion, only himself, Mr. +Jukes, Jack and Billy were to accompany the +guides. The others were to remain behind and +keep as well under cover as they could till the +rest returned with success or failure. Final instructions +having been given, they set off behind +the two old men, who chattered volubly with Salloo +as they went. They knew of the cave, it +appeared, but nothing more, for they did not +come from that part of the mountains.</p> + +<p>The next day they were not far from the cave, +their aged guides told them, and Salloo enjoined +the strictest caution in proceeding. If they met +a returning war party, their position would be +ticklish in the extreme, he declared, and they +readily agreed with him.</p> + +<p>It was not long after this that, high up on the +mountain side, they became aware of a dark hole. +The two old men chattered and pointed, and then +Salloo said:</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_285' id='Page_285'>285</a></span>“There him cave. You wait here. Salloo go, +look, see.”</p> + +<p>He made off up the mountain with the two old +tribesmen, while the others waited with what +patience they could for his return. The boys had +never seen Mr. Jukes so nervous. He could not +keep still under the tension, but paced to and fro, +regardless of Salloo’s advice to keep under cover.</p> + +<p>“He is taking his time,” said Jack after a +long interval.</p> + +<p>“Perhaps something has happened to him,” +said Mr. Jukes, apprehensively. “We’d better +have our pistols ready. Hark! what was that?”</p> + +<p>There was a rustling in the bushes near at +hand and they all sprang to their feet, only to +burst into laughter a minute later when a rock +coney, or small rabbit, emerged, looked at them +for an instant and then vanished.</p> + +<p>“That shows how we are keyed up,” said Jack. +“We’ve got to keep our nerve or we shall be useless +if any emergency did happen.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_286' id='Page_286'>286</a></span>As he spoke, something whizzed over their +heads and then sank quivering in the ground not +far from them. They looked round and saw +standing not far off two hideous natives, with +frizzed hair and painted faces and bodies. Both +were wounded and apparently had been sent back +from “the front.” But still there was a chance +that they might be the advance guard of a big +body of troops.</p> + +<p>“We friends,” cried Jack, giving the peace sign +as he had seen Salloo give it.</p> + +<p>The natives merely stared, and there is no +knowing what might have been the outcome, but +at that moment there came a hail from high up on +the mountain and the old tribesmen and Salloo +began coming toward them. The natives awaited +their coming with their eyes fixed on the whites. +As soon as Salloo and the others arrived there +was a long confab and Salloo explained that the +two warriors said that the main body of the savage +troops was not far off, and that they had been +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_287' id='Page_287'>287</a></span> +sent back on account of their wounds. They had +thrown the spear because they thought the whites +were coming to invade their country. When Salloo +explained the object of their errand, everything +appeared to be satisfactory.</p> + +<p>“Now we go to the cave,” said Salloo, at the +end of these negotiations. “Him velly big one, +me think.”</p> + +<p>“Did you—did you see any trace of my +brother?” asked Mr. Jukes anxiously.</p> + +<p>“Me no see anything yet,” was the reply. “Me +only go little way into cave.”</p> + +<p>“Then come, let us start at once,” said Mr. +Jukes, stepping nimbly over the rough ground, in +spite of his cumbersome build.</p> + +<p>As Salloo had said, the cave was a large one. +It ran back fully a mile under the mountain. +But they paid little attention to its natural beauties, +so eager were they to find some trace of +Jerushah Jukes. To one side was a swiftly flowing +stream. They did not doubt that it came +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_288' id='Page_288'>288</a></span> +from a waterfall, the noise of which they could +hear in the distance.</p> + +<p>Before long they stood in front of the waterfall, +a beautiful ribbon of water falling fully a +hundred feet into a clear pool. A sort of mist +hung over the pool caused by the spray, which +was lighted by a rift in the rocks above. It was +a lovely sight and even in their anxiety to get on +they could not help standing and admiring it for +a few minutes.</p> + +<p>“By the way, Salloo,” said Jack abruptly, “how +about that ghost that is supposed to haunt the +cave?”</p> + +<p>“Me no know. Me——”</p> + +<p>“Look, look, the ghost!” cried Raynor suddenly. +He pointed straight in front of him at +the fall.</p> + +<p>“Great Scott!” exclaimed Jack as he too perceived +an apparition that appeared to rise out of +the waters. Salloo fell flat on his face in terror +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_289' id='Page_289'>289</a></span> +and so did the two old natives, who had been +their guides.</p> + +<p>“Don’t talk nonsense,” said Mr. Jukes sharply. +“I see nothing. I—for heaven’s sake!”</p> + +<p>Out of the mist of the pool he had seen advancing +toward him as he stepped forward the +gigantic form of a man. Then he glanced again.</p> + +<p>The ghost was Mr. Jukes himself, who certainly +had nothing spiritualistic about him. The explanation +of the queer sight struck the boys and +the millionaire at the same instant. The sun, +shining through the rift, was reflected upon the +wet rock which in turn projected their figures +against the watery mist that hung above the +pool.</p> + +<p>“And so that’s the ghost that’s been scaring +the natives to death,” said Jack. “Get up, Salloo, +and I’ll show you how the trick is done.”</p> + +<p>After a brief demonstration the Malay was +satisfied, but the two old men were unconvinced. +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_290' id='Page_290'>290</a></span> +They mumbled and were ill at ease till that part +of the cave was left behind.</p> + +<p>“Hullo, here’s a path leading up past the waterfall,” +cried Jack suddenly.</p> + +<p>“So there is. Let’s see where it goes,” cried +Billy. They started up the slippery footway +very slowly so as to avoid the consequences of +a slip. As they went it grew lighter. They were +coming to the upper world once more. A minute +later and they emerged upon a small plateau in +the heart of the mountains. It was surrounded +by steep precipices. In the centre stood a group +of bamboo huts.</p> + +<p>At sight of the white men, several women and +children set up a shrill cry. Suddenly above the +hub-bub came a voice that brought a thrill to +them all:</p> + +<p>“Has help come at last?”</p> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<a href='images/i05f.jpg'><img src='images/i05.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0004' style='width:386px;height:600px;' /></a> +<p class='caption'>“Has help come at last?”</p> +</div> + +<p>From behind one of the huts had stepped a tall, +angular figure, wearing ragged white clothes and +a battered sun helmet. Perched on his nose were +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_291' id='Page_291'>291</a></span> +a pair of huge horn-rimmed spectacles, a ragged, +unkempt beard covered his face and his hair hung +in matted locks about his shoulders.</p> + +<p>At the sight of him, Mr. Jukes gave a gasp +and then a glad cry.</p> + +<div class='pbb'><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_292' id='Page_292'>292</a></span><h2 id='t7041'>CHAPTER XXXVI.—FOUND AT LAST!</h2></div> + +<p>“Oh, my brother,” cried Mr. Jukes, “I can +hardly believe we’ve found you at last.”</p> + +<p>“Thank God! you have, Jacob,” returned the +other fervently. “For a moment I thought that +you were only one of the fantastic visions that +have visited my brain lately.”</p> + +<p>“My poor brother,” exclaimed the millionaire, +“but now thank heaven you are restored to your +friends.”</p> + +<p>“But how did you ever find me? I never +deemed it possible that rescuers could find their +way to this place where that villain Broom, after +stealing the pearl, marooned me.”</p> + +<p>“Ah, so the pearl is gone,—but never mind that +now. I would not have given your life for an +ocean-full of pearls,” declared the millionaire +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_293' id='Page_293'>293</a></span> +happily, “but I must introduce our friends who +have shared with me the hardships of the trail.”</p> + +<p>The boys, and then Salloo, added their congratulations +to Mr. Jukes, while the women and +children gathered round and chattered frantically. +It was plain that they objected to all this, +yet did not see how to stop it. The white men’s +weapons glinted menacingly and there were no +warriors in the village.</p> + +<p>“And now let us hasten away from here,” said +Jerushah Jukes. “The men are off on a fighting +expedition and I might have escaped but without +food or weapons I could never have made my +way to the coast through the jungle. I suppose +that is the reason they did not tie me up.”</p> + +<p>“Undoubtedly,” said the millionaire, “but I’m +forgetting something,” and he doled out to the +two old men a reward, much over what they had +demanded. They chattered their thanks glibly, +making all sorts of gesticulations of gratitude.</p> + +<p>“It’s all like a dream to me so far,” said Jerushah +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_294' id='Page_294'>294</a></span> +Jukes, as they made their way back through +the cave and past the “haunted” waterfall. +“Broom sent me up here with a guard of his men. +The tribe appeared to be friendly to him and +agreed to keep me prisoner as long as he wished. +But my poor crew? What has become of them?”</p> + +<p>“That we do not know yet,” said Mr. Jukes, +“but we will talk later. I want to put all the +distance I can between this tribe and our party as +soon as we can. Those women will give the +alarm although they dared not make an active +protest.”</p> + +<p>But as they emerged from the cave they met +with a rude shock. A party of warriors with +frizzed hair and war-paint daubing their bodies +barred the way.</p> + +<p>At first the tribesmen stood motionless with +astonishment at the sight of a party of white +men emerging from their secret cave. But the +next instant they broke into a savage volley of +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_295' id='Page_295'>295</a></span> +shouts and yells and raised their spears and cruel-looking +war clubs.</p> + +<p>“We have come too late, my poor brother,” +groaned Mr. Jukes. But suddenly Salloo raised +his voice. He spoke in tones of loud authority. +The spears and clubs were lowered. He turned +to Mr. Jukes and in a quick low voice said:</p> + +<p>“Give me um map. Quick, our lives depend +on him.”</p> + +<p>The millionaire lost no time in producing +‘Bully’ Broom’s map. The most be-frizzed of +the natives pored over it for several minutes. +Then one of them said in fair English:</p> + +<p>“You come from Chief Broom; all right, you +may go. He tell us to keep white man till he send +for him. You show Broom’s map. He all right. +Goo’ bye,” and the warriors went on.</p> + +<p>Thus by the clever Malay’s strategy he had +told the warriors, who had returned unexpectedly, +that the white men had been sent by ‘Bully’ +Broom,—they were saved from disaster. But +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_296' id='Page_296'>296</a></span> +the tribesmen had demanded proof of Salloo’s +story and, in the nick of time, he had luckily +thought of the map which satisfied their suspicions +at once, for Broom was the only white man, +except the prisoner, who had ever visited the secret +cave.</p> + +<p>The return to the camp was made without incident +and Jack, on reaching it, at once rigged +up his wireless apparatus and flashed to the <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy</span> the glad news of the rescue of the millionaire’s +brother. But, a few minutes later, he, +in his turn, was receiving good tidings. Broom +had returned to Bomobori and was arrested +while he was recruiting a crew to make a dash +into the jungle and intercept the Jukes’ party. He +was apprehended while rowing ashore from a +native craft.</p> + +<p>As the officers of the law seized him, he was +seen to throw something into the water. One of +the native oarsmen instantly dived after the object +and succeeded in grabbing it before it +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_297' id='Page_297'>297</a></span> +reached the bottom. It proved to be the great +pearl, “The Tear of the Sea.” And there was +yet more intelligence of a kind to hearten them +after all their tribulations in the wild jungles of +New Guinea.</p> + +<p>The first officer of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, having received +news of a mysterious schooner anchored +in a cove up the coast, resolved to do a little amateur +detective work. He found that she was +none other than the famous <em>South Sea Lass</em>. Securing +the co-operation of the authorities, the +vessel was raided one night and her small crew +easily overpowered. Then cries were heard from +below and on the removal of the hatches the crew +of the <em>Centurion</em>, or what remained of them—for +five had died from privation—were discovered. +They had refused to join Broom’s band +and he was afraid to let them loose, so they had +been confined in the almost unlivable hold ever +since their capture. Since Broom’s arrest, the +Australian authorities had cabled that he was +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_298' id='Page_298'>298</a></span> +wanted there for piracy and other crimes and he +had been sent to Melbourne on a mail steamer. +It may be added here that British justice was +dealt out with a heavy hand to the ruffian and +his many victims were fully avenged. His crew +was tried and sentenced in Bomobori and all received +heavy terms of imprisonment. Thus were +the South Seas rid of one of the chief of their +many freebooters.</p> + +<p>The long march back to Bomobori was made +without anything of particular interest occurring +and one morning they stood on a rise overlooking +the harbor. There lay the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> with +the dear old Stars and Stripes flying, and the +ship dressed in gay bunting; for by wireless Jack +had notified those on board of the time of their +arrival. A few hours more and they were among +their friends again with their strange experiences +behind them.</p> + +<p>As there was no reason for staying in Bomobori, +except to take on board the survivors of +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_299' id='Page_299'>299</a></span> +the <em>Centurion’s</em> crew, the <em>Sea Gypsy</em> steamed out +of the harbor the next day, being saluted as she +went, a compliment which she returned with her +rapid-fire gun. Watching them from the wharf +were two figures. One a tall agile Malay, who, +with tears in his eyes, watched the yacht till she +was hull-down on the horizon. It was Salloo. +He had been well rewarded for his services which +indeed, as Mr. Jukes said, were beyond price; but, +as he watched the departure of his white friends, +his thoughts were only with them and not with +what were, to him, the riches of a lifetime.</p> + +<p>The other watcher turned away with a sneer, +jingling the money Mr. Jukes had left him in his +pockets:</p> + +<p>“So I’ve got to stick round this hole till I can +get a steamer home,” grumbled Donald Judson, +for, as our readers will have guessed, it was he. +“If it hadn’t been for those boys I might have +gone home in comfort on the yacht. Well, maybe +some day I’ll get even with them.”</p> + +<p><span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_300' id='Page_300'>300</a></span>On the voyage home a stop was made at the +Pamatou Islands; the glad news of the rescue +had already been wirelessed home, and there was +no great hurry except Mr. Jukes’ desire to get +back to his business affairs after a romantic adventure +he would never forget. As the <span class='it'>Sea +Gypsy</span> dropped anchor in the well-known harbor, +a fleet of canoes dashed out to welcome her, +among them you may be sure those of Anai and +his friend, who wept tears of joy at seeing their +white “chums” once more. Mr. Jukes, his speculative +instinct once more in the ascendent, bought +a large quantity of pearls on which he subsequently +realized a good profit.</p> + +<p>“But we must hurry home,” he said one day. +“My business will be going to rack and ruin without +me and besides I’ve run out of dyspepsia pills. +I only hope I didn’t ruin my digestion in the +jungle.”</p> + +<p>And here the adventures of the Ocean Wireless +Boys on the Pacific must be brought to a +<span class='pagenum'><a name='Page_301' id='Page_301'>301</a></span> +close, except that it might be mentioned that +pretty Helen Dennis, whose father’s ship was in +port on the return of the <em>Sea Gypsy</em>, now wears +a very pretty locket, set with South Sea pearls—the +gift of Jack Ready. And so, till we meet +them in the next volume of this series, we will +wish the lads and their friends good-bye.</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;margin-top:1.5em;'>THE END</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>A Volume of Cheerfulness in Rhyme and Picture</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>KINDERGARTEN</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>LIMERICKS</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By FLORENCE E. SCOTT.</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>Pictures by Arthur O. Scott with a Foreword</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>by Lucy Wheelock</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<a href='images/i06f.jpg'><img src='images/i06.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0005' style='width:110px;height:158px;' /></a> +</div> + +<div class='blockquote'> + +<p>The book contains a rhyme for every letter of the +alphabet, each illustrated by a full page picture in +colors. The verses appeal to the child’s sense of humor +without being foolish or sensational, and will be welcomed +by kindergartners for teaching rhythm in a most +entertaining manner.</p> + +</div> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>Beautifully printed and bound. In attractive</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>box. Price, Postpaid One Dollar.</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'><em>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</em></p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>FRANK ARMSTRONG SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By MATTHEW M. COLTON</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 60c. per vol., postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i07f.jpg'><img src='images/i07.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0006' style='width:110px;height:144px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p><em>Frank Armstrong’s Vacation</em></p> + +<p>How Frank’s summer experiences with +his boy friends make him into a sturdy +young athlete through swimming, boating +and baseball contests, and a tramp +through the Everglades, is the subject +of this splendid story.</p> + +<p><em>Frank Armstrong at Queens</em></p> + +<p>We find among the jolly boys at +Queen’s School, Frank, the student-athlete, +Jimmy, the baseball enthusiast, and +Lewis, the unconsciously-funny youth +who furnishes comedy for every page +that bears his name. Fall and winter +sports between intensely rival school +teams are expertly described.</p> + +<p><em>Frank Armstrong’s Second Term</em></p> + +<p>The gymnasium, the track and the field make the background +for the stirring events of this volume, in which David, +Jimmy, Lewis, the “Wee One” and the “Codfish” figure, while +Frank “saves the day.”</p> + +<p><em>Frank Armstrong, Drop Kicker</em></p> + +<p>With the same persistent determination that won him success +in swimming, running and baseball playing, Frank Armstrong +acquired the art of “drop-kicking,” and the Queen’s football +team profits thereby.</p> + +<p><em>Frank Armstrong, Captain of the Nine</em></p> + +<p>Exciting contests, unexpected emergencies, interesting incidents +by land and water make this story of Frank Armstrong +a strong tale of school-life, athletic success, and loyal friendships.</p> + +<p><em>Frank Armstrong at College</em></p> + +<p>With the development of this series, the boy characters have +developed until in this, the best story of all, they appear as +typical college students, giving to each page the life and vigor +of the true college spirit.</p> + +<p>Six of the best books of College Life Stories published. They +accurately describe athletics from start to finish.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Any book sent postpaid upon receipt of 60 cents, or we will +send the six for $3.50.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>OAKDALE ACADEMY SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Stories of Modern School Sports</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By MORGAN SCOTT.</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 60c. per vol., postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i08f.jpg'><img src='images/i08.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0007' style='width:110px;height:142px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p><span class='bold'>BEN STONE AT OAKDALE.</span></p> + +<p>Under peculiarly trying circumstances +Ben Stone wins his way at +Oakdale Academy, and at the +same time enlists our sympathy, +interest and respect. Through the +enmity of Bern Hayden, the loyalty +of Roger Eliot and the clever work +of the “Sleuth,” Ben is falsely accused, +championed and vindicated.</p> + +<p><span class='bold'>BOYS OF OAKDALE ACADEMY.</span></p> + +<p>“One thing I will claim, and that +is that all Grants fight open and +square and there never was a sneak among them.” It was +Rodney Grant, of Texas, who made the claim to his friend, +Ben Stone, and this story shows how he proved the truth +of this statement in the face of apparent evidence to the +contrary.</p> + +<p><span class='bold'>RIVAL PITCHERS OF OAKDALE.</span></p> + +<p>Baseball is the main theme of this interesting narrative, +and that means not only clear and clever descriptions of +thrilling games, but an intimate acquaintance with the +members of the teams who played them. The Oakdale +Boys were ambitious and loyal, and some were even disgruntled +and jealous, but earnest, persistent work won out.</p> + +<p><span class='bold'>OAKDALE BOYS IN CAMP.</span></p> + +<p>The typical vacation is the one that means much freedom, +little restriction, and immediate contact with “all outdoors.” +These conditions prevailed in the summer camp of +the Oakdale Boys and made it a scene of lively interest.</p> + +<p><span class='bold'>THE GREAT OAKDALE MYSTERY.</span></p> + +<p>The “Sleuth” scents a mystery! He “follows his nose.” +The plot thickens! He makes deductions. There are +surprises for the reader—and for the “Sleuth,” as well.</p> + +<p><span class='bold'>NEW BOYS AT OAKDALE.</span></p> + +<p>A new element creeps into Oakdale with another year’s +registration of students. The old and the new standards +of conduct in and out of school meet, battle, and cause +sweeping changes in the lives of several of the boys.</p> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Any volume sent postpaid upon receipt of price.</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY—Publishers—NEW YORK</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>Log Cabin to White House Series</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>LIVES OF CELEBRATED AMERICANS</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 60c., per vol., postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i09f.jpg'><img src='images/i09.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0008' style='width:110px;height:150px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p>FROM BOYHOOD TO MANHOOD (The Life of Benjamin Franklin). By <em>Wm. M. Thayer</em>.</p> + +<p>Benjamin Franklin was known in the +scientific world for his inventions and +discoveries, in the diplomatic world because +of his statesmanship, and everywhere, +because of his sound judgment, +plain speaking, and consistent living.</p> + +<p>FROM FARM HOUSE TO WHITE HOUSE (The Life of George Washington). By <em>Wm. M. Thayer</em>.</p> + +<p>The story of the hatchet and other +familiar incidents of the boyhood and +young manhood of Washington are included +in this book, as well as many +less well-known accounts of his experiences +as surveyor, soldier, emissary, +leader, and first president of the United States.</p> + +<p>FROM LOG CABIN TO WHITE HOUSE (The Life of James A. Garfield). By <em>Wm. M. Thayer</em>.</p> + +<p>It was a long step from pioneer home in Ohio where James +A. Garfield was born, to the White House in Washington, and +that it was an interesting life-journey one cannot doubt who reads +Mr. Thayer’s account of it.</p> + +<p>FROM PIONEER HOME TO WHITE HOUSE (The Life of Abraham Lincoln). By <em>Wm. M. Thayer</em>.</p> + +<p>No President was ever dearer to the hearts of his people +than was homely, humorous “Honest Abe.”</p> + +<p>To read of his mother, his early home, his efforts for an +education, and his rise to prominence is to understand better his +rare nature and practical wisdom.</p> + +<p>FROM RANCH TO WHITE HOUSE (The Life of Theodore Roosevelt). By <em>Edward S. Ellis, A. M.</em></p> + +<p>Every boy and girl is more or less familiar with the experiences +of Mr. Roosevelt as Colonel and President, but few +of them know him as the boy and man of family and school +circles and private citizenship.</p> + +<p>Mr. Ellis describes Theodore Roosevelt as a writer, a hunter, +a fighter of “graft” at home and of Spaniards in Cuba, and +a just and vigorous defender of right.</p> + +<p>FROM TANNERY TO WHITE HOUSE (The Life of Ulysses S. Grant). By <em>Wm. M. Thayer</em>.</p> + +<p>Perhaps General Grant is best known to boys and girls as +the hero of the famous declaration: “I will fight it out on this +line if it takes all summer.”</p> + +<p><em>We will mail any of the above books prepaid at 60 cents each or the six for $3.50.</em></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>REX KINGDON SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By GORDON BRADDOCK</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 60c. per volume</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i10f.jpg'><img src='images/i10.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0009' style='width:110px;height:149px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p class='line' style='font-style:italic;'>Rex Kingdon of Ridgewood High</p> + +<p>A new boy moves into town. Who is +he? What can he do? Will he make +one of the school teams? Is his friendship +worth having? These are the +queries of the Ridgewood High Students. +The story is the answer.</p> + +<p class='line' style='font-style:italic;'>Rex Kingdon in the North Woods</p> + +<p>Rex and some of his Ridgewood friends establish a camp fire in +the North Woods, and there mystery, jealousy, and rivalry enter +to menace their safety, fire their interest and finally cement their +friendship.</p> + +<p class='line' style='font-style:italic;'>Rex Kingdon at Walcott Hall</p> + +<p>Lively boarding school experiences make this the “best yet” +of the Rex Kingdon series.</p> + +<p class='line' style='font-style:italic;'>Rex Kingdon Behind the Bat</p> + +<p>The title tells you what this story is; it is a rattling good +story about baseball. Boys will like it.</p> + +<p>Gordon Braddock knows what Boys want and how to write +it. These stories make the best reading you can procure.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Any book sent upon receipt of 60 cents each, or we +will send all four of them for $2.30.</span></p> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>NEW BOOKS ON THE WAR</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>GREAT WAR SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By MAJOR SHERMAN CROCKETT</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Price, 50c. postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figcenter'> +<a href='images/i11f.jpg'><img src='images/i11.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0010' style='width:250px;height:138px;' /></a> +</div> + +<div class='lgc' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>Two American Boys with the Allied Armies</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>Two American Boys in the French War Trenches</p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-style:italic;'>Two American Boys with the Dardanelles Battle Fleet</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<p>The disastrous battle raging in Europe between Germany and +Austria on one side and the Allied countries on the other, has +created demand for literature on the subject. The American +public to a large extent is ignorant of the exact locations of the +fighting zones with its small towns and villages. Major Crockett, +who is familiar with the present battle-fields, has undertaken to +place before the American boy an interesting Series of War stories.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Get these three books and keep up-to-date. We will +send any book for 50c., or the three of them for $1.25.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>BOY SCOUT SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'><em>ENDORSED BY BOY SCOUT ORGANIZATIONS</em></p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By LIEUT. HOWARD PAYSON</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth. Illustrated. Price 50c. Each</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i12f.jpg'><img src='images/i12.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0011' style='width:110px;height:146px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS OF THE EAGLE PATROL</p> + +<p>In this story, self-reliance and self-defense +through organized athletics are +emphasized.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS ON THE RANGE</p> + +<p>Cow-punchers, Indians, the Arizona +desert and the Harkness ranch figure in +this tale of the Boy Scouts.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS AND THE ARMY AIRSHIP</p> + +<p>The cleverness of one of the Scouts as +an amateur inventor and the intrigues of +his enemies to secure his inventions make +a subject of breathless interest.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS’ MOUNTAIN CAMP</p> + +<p>Just so often as the reader draws a relieved breath at the +escape of the Scouts from imminent danger, he loses it again +in the instinctive impression, which he shares with the boys, of +impending peril.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS FOR UNCLE SAM</p> + +<p>Patriotism is a vital principle in every Boy Scout organization, +but few there are who have such an opportunity for its practical +expression as comes to the members of the Eagle Patrol.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS AT THE PANAMA CANAL</p> + +<p>Most timely is this authentic story of the “great ditch.” It is +illustrated by photographs of the Canal in process of Building.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS UNDER FIRE IN MEXICO</p> + +<p>Another tale appropriate to the unsettled conditions of the present +is this account of recent conflict.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS ON BELGIAN BATTLEFIELDS</p> + +<p>Wonderfully interesting is the story of Belgium as it figures in +this tale of the Great War.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS WITH THE ALLIES IN FRANCE</p> + +<p>On the firing line—or very near—we find the Scouts in France.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS AT THE PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION</p> + +<p>If you couldn’t attend the Exposition yourself, you can go even +now in imagination with the Boy Scouts.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS UNDER SEALED ORDERS</p> + +<p>Here the Boy Scouts have a secret mission to perform for the +Government. What is the nature of it? Keen boys will find that +out by reading the book. It’s a dandy story.</p> + +<p>BOY SCOUTS’ CAMPAIGN FOR PREPAREDNESS</p> + +<p>Just as the Scouts’ motto is “Be Prepared,” just for these reasons +that they prepare for the country’s defense. What they do +and how they do it makes a volume well worth reading.</p> + +<p>You do not have to be a Boy Scout to enjoy these fascinating +and well-written stories. Any boy has the chance. Next to the +Manual itself, the books give an accurate description of Boy +Scout activities, for they are educational and instructive.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Price postpaid, 50 cents per volume, or we will send any six +titles you select for $2.50.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>MOTOR CYCLE SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By LIEUT. HOWARD PAYSON</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 50c per vol., postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i13f.jpg'><img src='images/i13.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0012' style='width:110px;height:149px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p><em>The Motor Cycle Chums Around the World</em></p> + +<p>Could Jules Verne have dreamed of encircling the globe with +a motor cycle for emergencies, he would have deemed it an +achievement greater than any he describes in his account of +the amusing travels of Philias Fogg. This, however, is the +purpose successfully carried out by the Motor Cycle Chums, +and the tale of their mishaps, hindrances and delays is one +of intense interest, secret amusement, and incidental +information to the reader.</p> + +<p><em>The Motor Cycle Chums of the Northwest Patrol</em></p> + +<p>The Great Northwest is a section of vast possibilities and +in it the Motor Cycle Chums meet adventures even more +unusual and exciting than many of their experiences on their +tour around the world. There is not a dull page in this +lively narrative of clever boys and their attendant “Chinee.”</p> + +<p><em>The Motor Cycle Chums in the Gold Fields</em></p> + +<p>How the Motor Cycle Chums were caught by the lure of the gold +and into what difficulties and novel experiences they were led, +makes a tale of thrilling interest.</p> + +<p><em>The Motor Cycle Chums’ Whirlwind Tour</em></p> + +<p>To right a wrong is the mission that leads the Riding Rovers +over the border into Mexico and gives the impulse to this story +of amusing adventures and exciting episodes.</p> + +<p><em>The Motor Cycle Chums South of the Equator</em></p> + +<p>New customs, strange peoples and unfamiliar surroundings add +fresh zest to the interest of the Motor Cycle Chums in travel, and +the tour described in this volume is full of the tropical atmosphere.</p> + +<p><em>The Motor Cycle Chums through Historic America</em></p> + +<p>The Motor Cycle Chums explore the paths where American history +was made, where interest centers to-day as never before.</p> + +<p>You do not need to own either a motor-cycle or a bicycle to +enjoy the thrilling experiences through which the Motor Cycle +Chums pass on their way to seek adventure and excitement. +Brimful of clever episodes.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>We will send prepaid any book for 50 cents or the +six for $2.50.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>BOY INVENTORS’ SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By RICHARD BONNER</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 50c per vol., postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i14f.jpg'><img src='images/i14.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0013' style='width:110px;height:151px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p><em>The Boy Inventors’ Wireless Triumph</em></p> + +<p>Blest with natural curiosity,—sometimes +called the instinct of investigation,—favored +with golden opportunity, and +gifted with creative ability, the Boy Inventors +meet emergencies and contrive +mechanical wonders that interest and +convince the reader because they always +“work” when put to the test.</p> + +<p><em>The Boy Inventors and the Vanishing Gun</em></p> + +<p>A thought, a belief, an experiment; discouragement, hope, +effort and final success. This too is the history of the +daring Boy Inventors.</p> + +<p><em>The Boy Inventors’ Diving Torpedo Boat</em></p> + +<p>As in the previous stories of the Boy Inventors, new and +interesting triumphs of mechanisms are produced which become +immediately valuable, and the stage for their proving and +testing is again the water. On the surface and below it, the +boys have jolly, contagious fun.</p> + +<p><em>The Boy Inventors’ Flying Ship</em></p> + +<p>A Boston newspaper reporter,—a young fellow with a camera +slung over his shoulders,—wanders into this story at the very +beginning. He finds himself an aerial stowaway and finally a +part of a South American exploring party. How this happens +is an absorbing tale in itself.</p> + +<p><em>The Boy Inventors’ Electric Hydroaeroplane</em></p> + +<p>The restless, inventive spirit of Jack Chadwick and the persistent +enthusiasm of his cousin, Tom Jesson, once more clamor +for a new expression, and this book describes the unique result +of their labors and the use to which it is opportunely put.</p> + +<p><em>The Boy Inventors’ Radio Telephone</em></p> + +<p>The determination to adopt, adapt and improve the latest +means of communication gave a fresh impulse to the ambition +of the Boy Inventors.</p> + +<p>Watch boys, and you will notice their minds naturally turn to +mechanism. In these delightful stories, the boys try their +genius in new inventions. Read the books and see what they +accomplish through skill and ingenuity.</p> + +<p><em>Any book postpaid at 50 cents per copy or the six for $2.50.</em></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>DREADNOUGHT BOYS SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>TALES OF THE NEW NAVY</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By CAPT. WILBUR LAWTON</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth. Illustrated. Price, 50c. per volume</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i15f.jpg'><img src='images/i15.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0014' style='width:110px;height:142px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p><em>The Dreadnought Boys on Battle Practice</em></p> + +<p>Especially interesting and timely is this book which +introduces the reader with its heroes, Ned and Herc, to the +great ships of modern warfare and to the intimate life and +surprising adventures of Uncle Sam’s sailors.</p> + +<p><em>The Dreadnought Boys Aboard a Destroyer</em></p> + +<p>In this story real dangers threaten and the boys’ patriotism +is tested in a peculiar international tangle. The scene is +laid on the South American coast.</p> + +<p><em>The Dreadnought Boys on a Submarine</em></p> + +<p>To the inventive genius—trade-school boy or mechanic—this +story has special charm, perhaps, but to every reader its +mystery and clever action are fascinating.</p> + +<p><em>The Dreadnought Boys on Aero Service</em></p> + +<p>Among the volunteers accepted for Aero Service are Ned and +Herc. Their perilous adventures are not confined to the air, +however, although they make daring and notable flights in +the name of the Government; nor are they always able to fly +beyond the reach of their old “enemies,” who are also airmen.</p> + +<p><em>The Dreadnought Boys’ World Cruise</em></p> + +<p>From San Francisco the boys start on their world cruise. At +Hawaii, Japan, Egypt and Gibraltar they meet experiences +unforeseen and eventful.</p> + +<p><em>The Dreadnought Boys in Home Waters</em></p> + +<p>Into mimic naval warfare creeps actual intrigue that complicates +the defense of New York Harbor.</p> + +<p>It would be hard work to find a boy—young or old—who is +not keenly alive to the achievements of our great Navy. You +can get a good conception of what Uncle Sam is doing by reading +these marvelous stories.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Sent postpaid for 50 cents per volume, or the set of six for +$2.50.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>BOY AVIATORS SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Thrilling Airship Stories</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By CAPTAIN WILBUR LAWTON</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 50c. per vol., postpaid.</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figright'> +<a href='images/i16f.jpg'><img src='images/i16.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0015' style='width:110px;height:152px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS IN NICARAGUA</p> + +<p>“Boys of all ages will be captivated by this clever story of +two bright American lads who in an aeroplane of unusual +construction have many adventures in Nicaragua.”</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS ON SECRET SERVICE</p> + +<p>“Its heroes go in an airship to the Everglades of Florida, +and use their wireless telegraph to assist in the rescue of +a Government inventor. Japanese spies are plotting against +them, and the result is a thrill in every chapter.”</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS IN AFRICA</p> + +<p>“In this book the lads go to Africa in their flying machine +and strike an aerial ivory trail. Adventures come thick and +fast. One cannot help wishing himself fourteen years old +once more, to take this book out back on the barn, or under +the pear tree, to enjoy it in fashion.”</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS’ TREASURE QUEST</p> + +<p>“The author takes the boys on a quest after the golden galleon, +lost in a position where it is imaginatively possible to obtain the +treasure. The story is one of the keenest interest from the boy +standpoint.”</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS IN RECORD FLIGHT</p> + +<p>“The story deals with aerial contests for a big prize offered by +newspapers to fly from New York across the continent and the +hairbreadth escapes encountered.”</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS’ POLAR DASH</p> + +<p>“The useful information concerning the Antarctic regions, and +the aviation features and their technical correctness, set the book +apart from those of simple entertainment and adventure.”</p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:right;margin-right:0em;'>—<em>The Dallas News</em>, Dallas, Texas.</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS’ FLIGHT FOR A FORTUNE</p> + +<p>“The volume is packed with incidents from cover to cover, and +conveys an accurate idea of modern aeroplanes.”</p> + +<p>THE BOY AVIATORS WITH THE AIR RAIDERS</p> + +<p>In view of the world-wide interest in practical aviation, this +book is especially thrilling and timely. It pertains to the Great +European War.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Up-to-the-minute AIRSHIP Books which record the most thrilling +experiences any daring aviator could wish for. The Stories +are written by a famous aviation instructor and are technically +correct in details. One million copies have been sold.</span></p> + +<p><span class='it'>Sent postpaid at 50c. per volume, any four books for +$1.75, or the complete set of eight for $3.25.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<div class='lgc pbb' style=''> <!-- rend='center;' --> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY’S BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;font-size:1.2em;'>OCEAN WIRELESS SERIES</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>By CAPT. WILBUR LAWTON</p> +<p class='line'> </p> +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>Cloth Bound. Illustrated. Price, 50c. per vol., postpaid</p> +</div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div class='figleft'> +<a href='images/i17f.jpg'><img src='images/i17.jpg' alt='' id='iid-0016' style='width:110px;height:147px;' /></a> +</div> + +<p><em>The Ocean Wireless Boys on the Atlantic</em></p> + +<p>How a Brooklyn boy became a wireless operator and shared in +the work of rescue on the sea makes a thrilling tale.</p> + +<p><em>The Ocean Wireless Boys and the Lost Liner</em></p> + +<p>This book takes the young wireless operators into southern +waters and through grave perils.</p> + +<p><em>The Ocean Wireless Boys of the Iceberg Patrol</em></p> + +<p>The sinking of the <em>Titanic</em> emphasized the usefulness of the +wireless in the iceberg zones described in this volume.</p> + +<p><em>The Ocean Wireless Boys and the Naval Code</em></p> + +<p>Combine warships and wireless, danger, intrigue, and daring +and you have an exciting tale of the sea.</p> + +<p><em>The Ocean Wireless Boys on the Pacific</em></p> + +<p>Just as fascinating, thrilling and interesting as any of the +preceding volumes. Plenty of action for red-blooded boys.</p> + +<p>The tragedies of the seas became less dreadful with the introduction +of the wireless aboard steamships and it is to be hoped +ultimately that the “ocean grave-yard” will be a thing of the +past. These volumes describe daring and exciting tales.</p> + +<p><span class='it'>Sent postpaid upon receipt of 50 cents each, or the +five books for $2.25.</span></p> + +<p class='line' style='text-align:center;'>HURST & COMPANY, Publishers, NEW YORK</p> + +<hr class='pbk' /> + +<p class='line pbb' style='text-align:center;margin-bottom:1em;font-size:1.2em;'>Transcriber’s Notes</p> + +<div class='literal-container' style=''><div class='literal'> <!-- rend='block;' --> +<p class='line'>1. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> +<p class='line'>2. Inconsistent spelling and hyphenation in the original document have been preserved.</p> +<p class='line'>3. Page-specific notes:</p> +<p class='line'>  p. <a href='#Page_76'>76</a> restored full-stop in “Captain Sparhawk Tahiti was not far off.”</p> +<p class='line'>  p. <a href='#Page_193'>193</a> whiste -> whistle in “shrill whistle sounded”</p> +<p class='line'>  p. <a href='#Page_213'>213</a> Jordan -> Judson in “Broom and young Judson turned”</p> +<p class='line'>  p. <a href='#Page_242'>242</a> “membel” retained (for “remember”) in dialect: “Me membel now”</p> +<p class='line'>  p. <a href='#Page_262'>262</a> blared -> glared in “yellow eyes glared malevolently”</p> +</div></div> <!-- end rend --> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44503 ***</div> + </body> +</html> diff --git a/44503-h/images/cover.jpg b/44503-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..cb3a526 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/coverf.jpg b/44503-h/images/coverf.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..153e05d --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/coverf.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i02.jpg b/44503-h/images/i02.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9bd5885 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i02.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i02f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i02f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..02adcca --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i02f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i03.jpg b/44503-h/images/i03.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ebe367b --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i03.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i03f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i03f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2580942 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i03f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i04.jpg b/44503-h/images/i04.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a3d1321 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i04.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i04f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i04f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ca4377a --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i04f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i05.jpg b/44503-h/images/i05.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..88b0681 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i05.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i05f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i05f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..045f82d --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i05f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i06.jpg b/44503-h/images/i06.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a0ffee5 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i06.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i06f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i06f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..db5bbee --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i06f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i07.jpg b/44503-h/images/i07.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1e4fd21 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i07.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i07f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i07f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8f01024 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i07f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i08.jpg b/44503-h/images/i08.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9d48e91 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i08.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i08f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i08f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..186e30a --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i08f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i09.jpg b/44503-h/images/i09.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2e98ddb --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i09.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i09f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i09f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d63ad6c --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i09f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i10.jpg b/44503-h/images/i10.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..80c8b90 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i10.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i10f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i10f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d23a7e0 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i10f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i11.jpg b/44503-h/images/i11.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..099fbbc --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i11.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i11f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i11f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..13e3c94 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i11f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i12.jpg b/44503-h/images/i12.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..807d711 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i12.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i12f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i12f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..302a01a --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i12f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i13.jpg b/44503-h/images/i13.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b6c7177 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i13.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i13f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i13f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..99a7fbb --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i13f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i14.jpg b/44503-h/images/i14.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ae7dd88 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i14.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i14f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i14f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..ecc200e --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i14f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i15.jpg b/44503-h/images/i15.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2c237b4 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i15.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i15f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i15f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..38558ca --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i15f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i16.jpg b/44503-h/images/i16.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..d5a2b11 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i16.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i16f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i16f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..fc70048 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i16f.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i17.jpg b/44503-h/images/i17.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f04b12e --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i17.jpg diff --git a/44503-h/images/i17f.jpg b/44503-h/images/i17f.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c1574a4 --- /dev/null +++ b/44503-h/images/i17f.jpg |
