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clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt.scl { text-align:left; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt.sct { text-align:right; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; margin-left:1em; } - .toc dt.jl { text-align:left; clear:both; font-variant:normal; } - .toc dt.scc { text-align:center; clear:both; font-variant:small-caps; } - .toc dt span.lj { text-align:left; display:block; float:left; } - .toc dt.jr { font-style:normal; } - .toc dt a span.cn, .toc dt span.cn, dt span.cn { width:3.5em; text-align:right; margin-right:.7em; float:left; } - dt .large {font-weight:bold; } - div.bcat dl dd { margin-left:4em; max-width:21em; } - div.bcat dl dt { text-indent:-2em; margin-left:2em; } - -.clear { clear:both; } -.htab { margin-left:8em; } - /* MAXWIDTH FOR JUVENILE BOOKS */ - p, blockquote, li, dd, dt, div.bcat, pre { text-align:justify; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - p, li, dd, dt, div.bcat, pre.internal dl { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - blockquote { max-width:23em; } - - - div.verse { max-width:25em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - div.bq { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:23em; } -/* book advertisements */ - p.bkad {font-size:125%; font-weight:bold; margin-top:2em; max-width:20em; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } - p.bkpr {font-size:90%; } - p.bkrv { } - p.small { max-width:30em; } - dl.blist dt { margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; } - dl.blist, dl.biblio { margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto; max-width:25em; } - dl.int dt.center { text-align:center; margin-right:auto; margin-left:auto; } -</style> -</head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Boy Fortune Hunters in Panama, by Floyd Akers - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: The Boy Fortune Hunters in Panama - -Author: Floyd Akers - -Release Date: August 27, 2019 [EBook #60191] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY FORTUNE HUNTERS IN PANAMA *** - - - - -Produced by David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This book was produced from images made available by the -HathiTrust Digital Library.) - - - - - - -</pre> - -<div class="img"> -<img class="cover" id="coverpage" src="images/cover.jpg" alt="The Boy Fortune Hunters In Panama" width="500" height="753" /> -</div> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/i1.jpg" alt="The Moit Convertible Automobile" width="500" height="746" /> -</div> -<div class="box"> -<h1>The Boy -<br />Fortune Hunters -<br />in Panama</h1> -<p class="center"><span class="small">By</span> -<br /><span class="large">FLOYD AKERS</span></p> -<p class="center small">Author of -<br />“The Boy Fortune Hunters in Egypt,” etc.</p> -<div class="img"> -<img src="images/i2.jpg" alt="Publisher Logo" width="181" height="176" /> -</div> -<p class="center">CHICAGO -<br />THE REILLY & BRITTON CO. -<br /><span class="small">PUBLISHERS</span></p> -</div> -<h3>BOYS BOOKS BY FLOYD AKERS</h3> -<p class="center">The Boy Fortune Hunters in Alaska -<br />The Boy Fortune Hunters in Panama -<br />The Boy Fortune Hunters in Egypt</p> -<p class="center">Cloth 12 mos. Splendidly Illustrated.</p> -<p class="center">Price 60 cents each.</p> -<hr /> -<p class="center smaller"><span class="sc">Copyright</span> 1908 -<br /><span class="small">BY</span> -<br />THE REILLY & BRITTON CO.</p> -<h2>CONTENTS</h2> -<dl class="toc"> -<dt class="jr"><span class="jl"><span class="sc">Chapter</span></span> <span class="sc">Page</span></dt> -<dt><a href="#c1"><span class="cn">I. </span><span class="sc">I Undertake a Hazardous Voyage</span></a> 9</dt> -<dt><a href="#c2"><span class="cn">II. </span><span class="sc">I Ship a Queer Passenger</span></a> 22</dt> -<dt><a href="#c3"><span class="cn">III. </span><span class="sc">The Moit Convertible Automobile</span></a> 33</dt> -<dt><a href="#c4"><span class="cn">IV. </span><span class="sc">We Come to Grief</span></a> 56</dt> -<dt><a href="#c5"><span class="cn">V. </span><span class="sc">Making the Best of It</span></a> 71</dt> -<dt><a href="#c6"><span class="cn">VI. </span><span class="sc">The Dead Man’s Story</span></a> 84</dt> -<dt><a href="#c7"><span class="cn">VII. </span><span class="sc">The Folly of the Wise</span></a> 100</dt> -<dt><a href="#c8"><span class="cn">VIII. </span><span class="sc">The San Blas Country</span></a> 116</dt> -<dt><a href="#c9"><span class="cn">IX. </span><span class="sc">Facing the Enemy</span></a> 128</dt> -<dt><a href="#c10"><span class="cn">X. </span><span class="sc">Nalig-Nad</span></a> 137</dt> -<dt><a href="#c11"><span class="cn">XI. </span><span class="sc">Princess Ilalah</span></a> 153</dt> -<dt><a href="#c12"><span class="cn">XII. </span><span class="sc">War is Declared</span></a> 170</dt> -<dt><a href="#c13"><span class="cn">XIII. </span><span class="sc">We Look Into Danger’s Eyes</span></a> 182</dt> -<dt><a href="#c14"><span class="cn">XIV. </span><span class="sc">We Astonish Our Foes</span></a> 195</dt> -<dt><a href="#c15"><span class="cn">XV. </span><span class="sc">We Search for the Valley</span></a> 213</dt> -<dt><a href="#c16"><span class="cn">XVI. </span><span class="sc">The Arrow-Maker</span></a> 224</dt> -<dt><a href="#c17"><span class="cn">XVII. </span><span class="sc">A Woodland Wonderland</span></a> 241</dt> -<dt><a href="#c18"><span class="cn">XVIII. </span><span class="sc">The Princess Disappears</span></a> 255</dt> -<dt><a href="#c19"><span class="cn">XIX. </span><span class="sc">We Attempt a Rescue</span></a> 265</dt> -<dt><a href="#c20"><span class="cn">XX. </span><span class="sc">Outwitted</span></a> 275</dt> -<dt><a href="#c21"><span class="cn">XXI. </span><span class="sc">The Sacrifice</span></a> 285</dt> -<dt><a href="#c22"><span class="cn">XXII. </span><span class="sc">The Thrust of a Spear</span></a> 293</dt> -<dt><a href="#c23"><span class="cn">XXIII. </span><span class="sc">The Deserter</span></a> 299</dt> -<dt><a href="#c24"><span class="cn">XXIV. </span><span class="sc">We Leave Panama</span></a> 307</dt> -</dl> -<div class="pb" id="Page_9">9</div> -<h2 id="c1"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER I</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">I UNDERTAKE A HAZARDOUS VOYAGE</span></h2> -<p>The bark <i>Nebuchadnezar</i> came staggering -into Chelsea harbor in a very demoralized condition. -Her main and mizzen masts were both -gone, the bulwarks were smashed in, the poop -swept away, and she leaked so badly that all the -short-handed crew were nearly ready to drop -from the exhausting labor of working the pumps. -For after weathering a dreadful storm in which -the captain and mate were washed overboard, together -with five of the men, those remaining had -been forced to rig up a square-sail on the foremast -and by hook or crook to work the dismantled -hulk into harbor, and this they did from no love -of the ship but as a matter of mere self-preservation, -the small boats having all been lost or destroyed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_10">10</div> -<p>As soon as they dropped anchor in the harbor -they fled from the crippled ship and left her to -her fate.</p> -<p>It fortunately happened that an agent of the -owners, a man named Harlan, lived at Chelsea -and was able to take prompt action to save the -company’s property. The <i>Nebuchadnezar</i> was -loaded heavily with structural steel work from -Birmingham, which had been destined for San -Pedro, California, which is the port of entry for -the important city of Los Angeles. It was a -valuable cargo, and one well worth saving; so -Mr. Harlan quickly sent a lot of men aboard to -calk the sprung seams and pump her dry, and -within twenty-four hours they had her safe from -sinking, although she still looked more like a -splintered tub than a ship.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_11">11</div> -<p>And now the agent spent a whole day exchanging -telegrams with the chief agents of the -Line in New York. It appeared that to unload the -heavy structural beams, which were of solid steel, -and ship them by rail across the continent would -entail a serious loss, the freight rates being enormous -for such a distance. There was at the time -no other ship procurable to carry the cargo on to -its destination. Either the old <i>Nebuchadnezar</i> -must be made seaworthy again, and sent on its -way around the Horn to San Pedro, or the company -was in for a tremendous loss.</p> -<p>Harlan was a man of resource and energy. -He promptly informed his superiors that he -would undertake to fit the ship for sea, and -speedily; so he was given permission to “go -ahead.”</p> -<p>New masts were stepped, the damages repaired, -and the bark put in as good condition as -possible. But even then it was a sad parody on a -ship, and the chances of its ever getting to the -port of destination were regarded by all observers -as extremely doubtful.</p> -<p>Having done the best in his power, however, -Mr. Harlan came to my father and said:</p> -<p>“Captain Steele, I want you to take the <i>Nebuchadnezar</i> -to San Pedro.”</p> -<p>The Captain smiled, and answered with his -usual deliberation:</p> -<p>“Thank you, Mr. Harlan; but I can’t by any -possibility get away this winter.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_12">12</div> -<p>You see, we were just building our new vessel, -the <i>Seagull</i>, which was to be our future pride and -joy, and my father did not believe the work could -progress properly unless he personally inspected -every timber and spike that went into her. Just -now the builders were getting along finely and -during the coming winter all the interior fittings -were to be put in. I knew very well that nothing -could induce Captain Steele to leave the <i>Seagull</i> -at this fascinating period of its construction.</p> -<p>Mr. Harlan was very grave and anxious, and -spoke frankly of the difficulty he was in.</p> -<p>“You see, sir, my reputation is at stake in this -venture,” he explained, “and if anything happens -to that cargo they will blame me for it. The -only way to avoid a heavy loss is to get the old -hull into port, and I am aware that to accomplish -this task a man of experience and exceptional -judgment is required. There is not another captain -on the coast that I would so completely and -confidently trust with this undertaking as I would -you, sir; and we can afford to pay well for the -voyage.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_13">13</div> -<p>My father appreciated the compliment, but it -did not alter his resolve.</p> -<p>“Can’t be done, Mr. Harlan,” he said, pressing -the ashes into the bowl of his pipe and looking -around the group of intent listeners with a -thoughtful expression. “Time was when I’d -have liked a job of that sort, because it’s exciting -to fight a strong ocean with a weak ship. But -my whole heart is in the <i>Seagull</i>, and I can’t an’ -won’t leave her.”</p> -<p>Just then his eyes fell upon me and brightened.</p> -<p>“There’s no reason, howsomever,” he added, -“why Sam can’t undertake your commission. -We won’t be likely to need him this winter, at -all.”</p> -<p>Mr. Harlan frowned; then looked toward me -curiously.</p> -<p>“Would you really recommend a boy like Sam -for such an important undertaking?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Why not, sir?” replied my father. “Sam’s -as good a navigator as I am, an’ he’s a brave lad -an’ cool-headed, as has been proved. All he lacks -is experience in working a ship; but he can take -my own mate, Ned Britton, along, and there’s -not a better sailing-master to be had on the two -oceans.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_14">14</div> -<p>The agent began to look interested. He revolved -the matter in his mind for a time and then -turned to me and asked, abruptly:</p> -<p>“Would you go, sir?”</p> -<p>I had been thinking, too, for the proposition -had come with startling suddenness.</p> -<p>“On one condition,” said I.</p> -<p>“What is that?”</p> -<p>“That in case of accident—if, in spite of all -our efforts, the old tub goes to the bottom—you -will hold me blameless and look as cheerful as -possible.”</p> -<p>The agent thought that over for what seemed -a long time, considering the fact that he was a -man of quick judgment and action. But I will -acknowledge it was a grave condition I had required, -and the man knew even better than I did -that under the most favorable circumstances the -result of the voyage was more than doubtful. -Finally he nodded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_15">15</div> -<p>“I do not know of any one I would rather -trust,” said he. “You are only a boy, Sam -Steele; but I’ve got your record, and I know Ned -Britton. Next to getting Captain Steele himself, -the combination is as good as I could hope -to secure for my company, and I’m going to -close with you at once, condition and all.”</p> -<p>Britton, who was himself present at this conference, -shifted uneasily in his chair.</p> -<p>“I ain’t right sure as we can ship a proper -crew, sir,” he remarked, eyeing me with the -characteristic stare of his round, light blue eyes, -which were as unreadable as a bit of glass.</p> -<p>“Well, we can try, Ned,” I answered, with -some concern. “I shall take Nux and Bryonia -along, of course, and we won’t need over a dozen -able seamen.”</p> -<p>I must explain that the Nux and Bryonia mentioned -were not homeopathic remedies, but two -stout, black South Sea Islanders who bore those -absurd names and had already proven their loyalty -and devotion to me, although they were the -especial retainers of my uncle, Naboth Perkins.</p> -<p>“What became of the crew that brought the -ship in?” asked my father.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_16">16</div> -<p>“Deserted, sir, an’ dug out quick’s scat,” answered -Ned.</p> -<p>“Why?”</p> -<p>“Said as nothing but bad luck followed the -ship. She were a thirteener, sir, and bound fer -to get in trouble.”</p> -<p>“How’s that?”</p> -<p>“Why, I talked with the second mate, who -brung the ship in. He said they had sailed from -Liverpool on a Friday, the thirteenth o’ the -month. There was thirteen aboard; it were the -Cap’n’s thirteenth voyage; an’ the <i>Nebuchadnezar</i>, -which had thirteen letters in its name—bein’ -as how it were mis-spelled by its builders—was -thirteen year old to a day. That was bad -enough fer a starter, as everybody can guess. -Thirteen days out they struck trouble, an’ it -clung to ’em as desp’rit as their own barnacles. -You couldn’t hire one o’ that crew to go aboard -agin, sir, fer love or money.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_17">17</div> -<p>This dismal revelation struck a chill to all -present, except, perhaps, Mr. Harlan and myself. -I am superstitious about some things, I acknowledge, -but thirteen has for me always been a -number luckier than otherwise. However, I -knew very well that sailors are obstinate and fearful; -so I turned to the agent and said:</p> -<p>“You must paint out that name <i>Nebuchadnezar</i> -and replace it with any other you like. Do -it at once, before we attempt to ship a crew. -With that accomplished, Ned won’t have much -trouble in getting the men he wants.”</p> -<p>“I’ll do it,” replied Mr. Harlan, promptly. -“I’ll call her the <i>Gladys H.</i>, after my own little -daughter. That ought to bring her good luck.”</p> -<p>Ned bobbed his head approvingly. It was evident -the idea pleased him and removed his most -serious objection to the voyage.</p> -<p>“And now,” continued the agent, “it is only -necessary to discuss terms.”</p> -<p>These proved liberal enough, although I must -say the money was no factor in deciding me to -undertake the voyage. I had been quite fortunate -in accumulating a fair share of worldly -wealth, and a part of my own snug fortune had -gone into our new <i>Seagull</i>, of which I was to be -one-third owner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_18">18</div> -<p>So it was really a desire to be doing something -and an irrepressible spirit of adventure that urged -me on; for, as my father said, a struggle with old -ocean was always full of surprises, and when we -had such frail support as the crippled <i>Nebuchadnezar</i>, -the fight was liable to prove interesting.</p> -<p>But that preposterous name was painted out -the following day, and before I trod the deck for -the first time the bark had been renamed the -<i>Gladys H.</i>, and was resplendent in fresh paint -and new cordage. The old hulk actually looked -seaworthy to a superficial observer; but Ned -Britton went below and examined her seams -carefully and came back shaking his head.</p> -<p>“If the weather holds good and the cargo -steady,” he said to me, “we may pull through; -but if them big iron beams in the hold ever shifts -their position, the whole hull’ll open like a sieve.”</p> -<p>“Don’t whisper that, Ned,” I cautioned him. -“We’ve got to take chances.”</p> -<p>He was not the man to recoil at taking chances, -so he kept a close mouth and in three days secured -all the sailors we needed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_19">19</div> -<p>They were a fairly good lot, all experienced -and steady, and when I looked them over I was -well pleased. One or two who were new to our -parts grinned rather disrespectfully when they -noted my size and youth; but I paid little attention -to that. I was, in reality, a mere boy, and -the only wonder is that they consented to sail -under my command.</p> -<p>My mate, however, looked every inch the -sailor, and won their immediate respect, while my -father’s ample reputation as a daring and skillful -captain caused the men to be lenient in their judgment -of his son.</p> -<p>It was to be a long cruise, for Mr. Harlan had -instructed me to skirt the coast the way to -Cape Horn, keeping well in to land so that in an -emergency I could run the ship ashore and beach -her. That would allow us to save the valuable -cargo, even if we lost the ship, and that structural -steel work was worth a lot of bother, he assured -me.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_20">20</div> -<p>“When you get to the Cape,” said the agent, -“take your time and wait for good weather to -round it. There’s no hurry, and by the time you -arrive there the conditions ought to be the most -favorable of the year. Once in the Pacific, continue -to hug the coast up to San Pedro, and then -telegraph me for further instructions. Of course -you know the consignment is to the contracting -firm of Wright & Landers, and when you arrive -they will attend to the unloading.”</p> -<p>I got my things aboard and found my room -very pleasant and of ample size. I took quite a -library of books along, for the voyage would -surely consume most of the winter. We were -liberally provisioned, for the same reason, and our -supplies were of excellent quality.</p> -<p>My two black Islanders, Nux and Bryonia, -were calmly indifferent to everything except the -fact that “Mars’ Sam” was going somewhere and -would take them along.</p> -<p>Bry was our cook, and a mighty good one, -too. With him in charge of the galley we were -sure to enjoy our meals. Nux acted as steward -and looked after the officers’ cabins. He was -wonderfully active and a tower of strength in -time of need. Both men I knew I could depend -upon at all times, for they were intelligent, active, -and would be faithful to the last.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_21">21</div> -<p>We arranged to sail with the tide on a -Wednesday afternoon, the date being the nineteenth -of September. On that eventful morning -every preparation was reported complete, and I -rowed to the shore for a final conference with -the agent and a last farewell to my father.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_22">22</div> -<h2 id="c2"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER II</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">I SHIP A QUEER PASSENGER</span></h2> -<p>The ship-yards were on this side of the harbor, -and presented a busy scene; for besides our -own beautiful <i>Seagull</i>, whose hull was now -nearly complete and so graceful in its lines that -it attracted the wondering admiration of every -beholder, several other ships were then in the -yards in course of construction.</p> -<p>It was in one of the builders’ offices that I met -my father and Mr. Harlan, and while we were -talking a man came in and touched his cap to us, -saying:</p> -<p>“May I speak to Captain Steele?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_23">23</div> -<p>He was about thirty years of age, somewhat -thin and lank in appearance, and would have been -considered tall had he stood erect instead of -stooping at the shoulders. His face was fine and -sensitive in expression and his eyes were large -and gray but dreamy rather than alert. Gray -eyes are usually shrewd; I do not remember ever -before seeing so abstracted and visionary a look -except in brown or black ones. The man’s hair -was thick and long and of a light brown—nearly -“sandy”—color. He dressed well but carelessly, -and was evidently nervous and in a state of suppressed -excitement when he accosted us. I noticed -that his hands were large and toil-worn, and -he clasped and unclasped them constantly as he -looked from one to another of our group.</p> -<p>“I am Captain Steele,” said my father.</p> -<p>“Then, sir, I desire to ask a favor,” was the -reply.</p> -<p>“State it, my man.”</p> -<p>“I want you to take me and my automobile -with you on your voyage to Los Angeles.”</p> -<p>Mr. Harlan laughed, and I could not repress a -smile myself.</p> -<p>“Then I’m not the Captain Steele you want,” -said my father. “This is the one you must deal -with,” pointing his finger in my direction.</p> -<p>The stranger turned, but to my satisfaction -seemed in no way surprised or embarrassed by -being confronted with a boy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_24">24</div> -<p>“It will be a great favor, sir,” he continued, -earnestly. “I beg you will grant my request.”</p> -<p>“An automobile!” I exclaimed.</p> -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> -<p>“Your request is unusual,” I said, in order to -decline gracefully, for something about the fellow -was strangely appealing. “We are not a -passenger ship, but a slow freighter, and we are -bound for a long voyage around the Horn.”</p> -<p>“Time does not greatly matter,” he murmured. -“Only one thing really matters at all.”</p> -<p>“And that?”</p> -<p>“The expense.”</p> -<p>We stared at him, somewhat perplexed.</p> -<p>“Permit me to explain,” he went on, still gazing -at me alone with his beseeching eyes. “I -have invented an automobile—not strictly an -automobile, it is true; but for want of a better -name I will call it that. I have been years experimenting -and building it, for it is all the work -of my own hands and the child of my exclusive -brain. It is now just finished—complete in every -part—but I find that I have exhausted nearly -every available dollar of my money. In other -words, sir, my machine has bankrupted me.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_25">25</div> -<p>He paused, and catching a wink from Mr. -Harlan I said in an amused tone:</p> -<p>“That is an old story, sir.”</p> -<p>“You doubt it?”</p> -<p>“No; I mean that it is quite natural.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps,” he replied. “You see I had not -thought of money; merely of success. But now -that at last I have succeeded, I find that I have -need of money. My only relative is a rich uncle -living at Pasadena, California, who is so eccentric -in his disposition that were I to appeal to him -for money he would promptly refuse.”</p> -<p>“Most rich men have that same eccentricity,” -I observed.</p> -<p>“But he is quite a genius commercially, and if -he saw my machine I am confident he would freely -furnish the money I require to erect a manufactory -and promote its sale. I assure you, gentlemen,” -looking vaguely around, “that my machine -is remarkable, and an original invention.”</p> -<p>We nodded. There was no object in disputing -such a modest statement.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_26">26</div> -<p>“So I wish to get myself and my automobile to -Los Angeles, and at the least possible expense. -The railroads demand a large sum for freight -and fare, and I have not so much money to pay. -By accident I learned that your ship is going to -the very port I long to reach, and so I hastened to -appeal to you to take me. I have only two hundred -dollars in my possession—the last, I grieve -to say, of my ample inheritance. If you will -carry us for that sum to your destination, I shall -indeed be grateful for the kindness.”</p> -<p>Really, I began to feel sorry for the poor -fellow.</p> -<p>“But,” said I, “I cannot possibly take you. We -sail this afternoon and the hatches are all closed -and battened down for the voyage.”</p> -<p>“I do not wish the machine put in the hold,” -he answered, with strange eagerness. “All I ask -is a spot in which to place it on the deck—anywhere -that will be out of your way. I will make -it secure, myself, and take every care of it, so -that it will cause you no trouble at all.”</p> -<p>“I’m afraid you could not get it to the ship -in time.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_27">27</div> -<p>“It is already loaded upon a flat-boat, which -will take it to the <i>Gladys H.</i> in an hour, once I -have your permission.”</p> -<p>I looked at him in astonishment.</p> -<p>“You seem to have considered your request -granted in advance,” I remarked, with some -asperity.</p> -<p>“Not that, sir; I am not impertinent, believe -me. But I enquired about Captain Steele and -was told that he is a good man and kind. So, -that I might lose no time if I obtained your consent, -I had the machine loaded on the flat-boat.”</p> -<p>Mr. Harlan laughed outright. Acting upon -a sudden impulse I turned to him and said:</p> -<p>“May I decide as I please in this matter?”</p> -<p>“Of course, Sam,” he replied. “It is your affair, -not mine.”</p> -<p>I looked at the stranger again. He was -actually trembling with anxious uncertainty.</p> -<p>“Very well,” I announced, “I will take you.”</p> -<p>“For the two hundred dollars?”</p> -<p>“No; I’ll carry you for nothing. You may -need that extra money at your journey’s end.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_28">28</div> -<p>He took out his handkerchief and wiped his -brow, upon which beads of perspiration were -standing.</p> -<p>“Thank you, sir,” he said, simply.</p> -<p>“But I must warn you of one thing. The bark -is not in what we call A-1 condition. If she happens -to go to the bottom instead of San Pedro -I won’t be responsible for your precious machine.”</p> -<p>“Very well, sir. I will take as many chances -as you do.”</p> -<p>“May I ask your name?”</p> -<p>“Moit, sir; Duncan Moit.”</p> -<p>“Scotch?”</p> -<p>“By ancestry, Captain. American by birth.”</p> -<p>“All right; make haste and get your traps -aboard as soon as possible.”</p> -<p>“I will. Thank you, Captain Steele.”</p> -<p>He put on his cap and walked hurriedly away, -and when he had gone both Mr. Harlan and my -father rallied me on account of my queer “passenger.”</p> -<p>“He looks to me like a crank, Sam,” said the -agent. “But it’s your fireworks, not mine.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_29">29</div> -<p>“Whatever induced you to take him?” Captain -Steele enquired, wonderingly.</p> -<p>“The bare fact that he was so anxious to go,” -I replied. “He may be a crank on the automobile -question, and certainly it is laughable to -think of shipping a machine to Los Angeles on a -freighter, around the Horn; but the poor fellow -seemed to be a gentleman, and he’s hard up. -It appeared to me no more than a Christian act -to help him out of his trouble.”</p> -<p>“You may be helping him into trouble, if that -confounded cargo of yours takes a notion to -shift,” observed my father, with a shake of his -grizzled head.</p> -<p>“But it’s not going to shift, sir,” I declared, -firmly. “I’m looking for good luck on this voyage, -and the chances are I’ll find it.”</p> -<p>The agent slapped me on the shoulder approvingly.</p> -<p>“That’s the way to talk!” he cried. “I’m -morally certain, Sam, that you’ll land that cargo -at San Pedro in safety. I’m banking on you, -anyhow, young man.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_30">30</div> -<p>I thanked him for his confidence, and having -bade a last good-bye to my father and my employer -I walked away with good courage and -made toward my boat, which was waiting for me.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth was waiting, too, for I found -his chubby form squatting on the gunwale.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth’s other name was Mr. Perkins, -and he was an important member of the firm of -“Steele, Perkins & Steele,” being my dead -mother’s only brother and my own staunch friend. -I had thought my uncle in New York until now, -and had written him a letter of farewell to his -address in that city that very morning.</p> -<p>But here he was, smiling serenely at me as I -approached.</p> -<p>“What’s this foolishness I hear, Sam?” he demanded, -when I had shaken his hand warmly.</p> -<p>“I’m off on a trip around the Horn,” said I, -“to carry a cargo of building steel to the Pacific -coast in that crippled old bark, yonder.”</p> -<p>His sharp eye followed mine and rested on the -ship.</p> -<p>“Anything in it, my lad?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_31">31</div> -<p>“Not much except adventure, Uncle. But it -will keep me from growing musty until Spring -comes and the <i>Seagull</i> is ready for launching. -I’m dead tired of loafing around.”</p> -<p>He began to chuckle and cough and choke, but -finally controlled himself sufficiently to gasp:</p> -<p>“So’m I, Sam!”</p> -<p>“You?”</p> -<p>“Tired as blazes. New York’s a frost, Sam. -Nothin’ doin’ there that’s worth mentionin’. All -smug-faced men an’ painted-faced women. No -sassiety, more policemen than there is sailors, -hair-cuts thirty-five cents an’ two five-cent drinks -fer a quarter. I feel like Alladin an’ the Forty -Thieves—me bein’ Alladin.”</p> -<p>“But, Uncle, it wasn’t Aladdin that the -Forty——”</p> -<p>“Never mind that. Got a spare bunk aboard, -Sam?”</p> -<p>I laughed; but there was no use in being surprised -at anything Uncle Naboth did.</p> -<p>“I’ve got a whole empty cabin—second -mate’s.”</p> -<p>“All right. When do we sail?”</p> -<p>“Three o’clock, Uncle Naboth—sharp.”</p> -<p>“Very good.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_32">32</div> -<p>He turned and ambled away toward the town, -and, rather thoughtfully, I entered my boat and -was rowed out to the <i>Gladys H.</i></p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_33">33</div> -<h2 id="c3"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER III</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE MOIT CONVERTIBLE AUTOMOBILE</span></h2> -<p>The flat-boat came alongside within the hour. -On it was a big object covered with soiled canvas -and tied ’round and ’round with cords like a -package from the grocer. Beside it stood Moit, -motionless until the barge made fast and Ned -Britton—who at my request had ordered the -windlass made ready—had the tackle lowered to -hoist it aboard.</p> -<p>Then the inventor directed his men in a clear-headed, -composed way that made the task easy -enough. The big bundle appeared not so heavy -as it looked, and swung up without much strain -on the tackle.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_34">34</div> -<p>I found a place for it just abaft the forecastle, -where it would not interfere with the sailors in -working the ship. In a brief space of time Duncan -Moit had screwed hooks in the planking and -lashed his bulky contrivance so firmly to the deck -that no ordinary pitch or roll of the ship could -possibly affect its security.</p> -<p>Then he carried his trunk and several packages -to his cabin, which I had assigned him next -my own, and after that I lost sight of him in -the responsible duties of our preparations to hoist -anchor.</p> -<p>Luncheon was served while we waited for the -tide, but there was as yet no sign of Uncle Naboth. -I really did not know whether to expect -him or not. He might have changed his mind, -I reflected; for unless it was a business matter my -uncle and partner was wont to be extremely erratic -in his decisions. And he had no business -at all to join me on this voyage except, as he had -said, that he was tired of the land and wished -to relieve his restlessness by a smell of salt water.</p> -<p>He was no sailor at all, nor even a navigator; -but he had sailed so many years as supercargo -and trader that he was seldom contented for long -on land, and like myself he dreaded the long wait -until Spring when our beautiful new craft would -be ready for her maiden trip.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_35">35</div> -<p>So for a time I thought it probable that he -would come alongside; and then I thought it -probable he would not. If he ran across Captain -Steele, my father was liable to discourage him -from making so long and so useless a voyage -when no profit was to be had from it. My case -was different, for I was a boy still full of a youthful -energy and enthusiasm that needed a safety-valve. -Moreover, I was pardonably proud of my -new position, being for the first time the captain -of a ship in name and authority, although I was -forced to acknowledge to myself that Ned Britton -was the real captain and that without him I would -be very helpless indeed.</p> -<p>Two o’clock came, and then three o’clock; but -there was no evidence of Uncle Naboth.</p> -<p>I gave a sigh of regret and unfeigned disappointment -then, and nodded to Ned to weigh anchor, -for the tide was beginning to turn.</p> -<p>My new men worked cheerily and with a will, -and soon the anchor was apeak, our mainsail set -and we were standing out to sea on our doubtful -attempt to round the Horn and reach the blue -waters of the Pacific.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_36">36</div> -<p>We had left the bay and were standing well -out from the coast, when I happened to glance -over the rail and notice a small launch coming -toward us from the harbor at full speed. They -were unable to signal from that distance, but I -brought a powerful glass and soon made out the -form of Uncle Naboth standing upright in the -middle of the little craft and gracefully waving a -red handkerchief.</p> -<p>I had Ned luff and lay to, laughing to think -how nearly the little uncle had missed us, and before -long the launch covered the distance between -us and came alongside.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth was gorgeous in appearance. -He was dressed in a vividly checked suit and wore -a tourist cap perched jauntily atop his iron-gray -locks. His shirt bosom was wonderfully pleated, -his shoes of shiney patent-leather, and he wore -yellow kid gloves that wrinkled dreadfully. -Moreover—the greatest wonder of all, to me—my -uncle was smoking a big, fat cigar instead of -his accustomed corn-cob pipe, and he had a kodak -slung over one shoulder and a marine-glass over -the other.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_37">37</div> -<p>First of all my uncle sent his traps up the -side. Then he began a long but calm argument -with the crew of the launch, who were greatly -excited, and this might have continued indefinitely -had not Ned become impatient and yelled -a warning that he was about to tack. At this -Uncle Naboth thrust some money in the hand of -the skipper and leisurely ascended the ladder -while a chorus of curses and threats fell upon -his unheeding ears.</p> -<p>“Nearly missed you, Sam, didn’t I?” he said, -nodding cheerfully as the sails filled and we -headed into the breeze again. “Close shave, but -no alum or bay-rum.”</p> -<p>“What made you late, Uncle?”</p> -<p>“Had to do a lot to git my outfit ready,” he -said, puffing his cigar, smoothing out his gloves -and at the same time casting a critical eye over -the deck. “First time in my life, nevvy, that I’ve -went to sea on a pleasure-trip. No business to -look after, no worry, no figgerin’. Jest sailin’ -away o’er the deep blue sea with a jolly crew is -the life for me. Eh, Sam?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_38">38</div> -<p>“Right you are, Uncle. You’re just a passenger, -and a mighty welcome one. I’m glad you -caught us.”</p> -<p>“Stern chase, but not a long one. What do -you s’pose, Sam? I had to pay them pirates in -that half-grown steamboat thirty dollars to get -me aboard.”</p> -<p>“Thirty dollars!”</p> -<p>“Dreadful, wasn’t it? And then they wanted -sixty. Took me for a tourist gent ’cause I looked -the part. But I was bound to come, an’ they was -onto my anxiousness, so it might be expected as -they’d soak me good an’ plenty. Where’d you -say you was bound for, Sam?”</p> -<p>“Down the coast, around the Horn, and up -the Pacific to San Pedro.”</p> -<p>“Sounds interestin’.”</p> -<p>His bright little eye had been observant.</p> -<p>“What’s aboard, my lad?”</p> -<p>“Steel beams for some new buildings in Los -Angeles.”</p> -<p>“Loaded rather heavy, ain’t she?”</p> -<p>“Too heavy, Uncle.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_39">39</div> -<p>“H-m-m. Not any too tight, either, I take -it. Hull old an’ rotten; plenty o’ paint to cover -up the worm-holes.”</p> -<p>“Exactly, sir.”</p> -<p>“Will you make it, Sam?”</p> -<p>“Can’t say, Uncle Naboth. But I’ll try.”</p> -<p>“Cargo insured?”</p> -<p>“No; that’s the worst of it. The owners insure -themselves, because the tub won’t pass at -Lloyd’s. If we sink it’s a big loss. So we -mustn’t sink.”</p> -<p>“Iron won’t float, nevvy.”</p> -<p>“I’m going to hug the coast, mostly. If trouble -comes I’ll beach her. You may be in for a -long cruise, Uncle.”</p> -<p>He nodded quite pleasantly.</p> -<p>“That’s all right. I take it we’ll manage to -get home by Spring, an’ that’s time enough fer -us both. But I can see she ain’t a race-hoss, Sam, -my boy.”</p> -<p>Indeed, the ship was not behaving at all to suit -me. With a favorable breeze and an easy sea -the miserable old hulk was sailing more like a -water-logged raft than a modern merchantman.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_40">40</div> -<p>Her sails and cordage were new and beautiful, -and her paint spick and span; but I noticed -my sailors wagging their heads with disappointment -as the <i>Gladys H.</i> labored through the water.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth chuckled to himself and glanced -at me as if he thought it all a good joke, and I -the only victim. But I pretended to pay no attention -to him. Being, as he expressed it, a “loafin’ -land-lubber,” I installed him in the last of the -roomy cabins aft, all of which opened into the -officers’ mess-room. Ned Britton had the cabin -opposite mine, and Mr. Perkins the one opposite -to that occupied by Duncan Moit. For my part, -I was pleased enough to have such good company -on a voyage that promised to be unusually -tedious.</p> -<p>Moit had kept well out of our way until everything -was snug and ship-shape, and then he came -on deck and stood where he could keep a tender -eye on his precious machine. I introduced him -to Uncle Naboth and the two “passengers” shook -hands cordially and were soon conversing together -in a friendly manner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_41">41</div> -<p>I had decided to take my sailors into my confidence -in the very beginning, so I called all hands -together and made them a brief speech.</p> -<p>“My lads,” said I, “we need not look forward -to a very good voyage, for you have doubtless -discovered already that the <i>Gladys H.</i> is not a -greyhound. To be honest with you, she’s old -and leaky, and none too safe. But she’s got a -valuable cargo aboard, that must be safe delivered -if we can manage it, and we are all of us -well paid to do our duty by the owners. My instructions -are to hug the land and make a harbor -if bad weather comes. At the worst we can run -the ship on the shingle and save the cargo in that -way—for the cargo is worth a dozen such tubs. -It’s a somewhat risky undertaking, I know, and if -any of you don’t like your berths I’ll put you -ashore at the first likely place and you can go -home again. But if you are willing to stick to -me, I’ll take as good care of you as I can, and -your money is sure because the Interocean Forwarding -Company is back of us and good for -every penny. What do you say, my lads?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_42">42</div> -<p>They were a good-natured lot, and appreciated -my frankness. After a little conference together -the boatswain declared they were all content -to see the venture to the end and do the best -they could under the circumstances. So a mutual -understanding was established from the beginning, -and before the end came I had cause to -be proud of every man aboard.</p> -<p>The weather was warm and pleasant, and as -I sat with our passengers and Ned on the deck -in the afternoon Uncle Naboth got his eye on -the overgrown grocery package and said to Moit:</p> -<p>“What sort of an automobile have you got?”</p> -<p>The man had been dreaming, but he gave a -start and his eyes lighted with sudden interest. -The abstracted mood disappeared.</p> -<p>“It is one of my own invention, sir,” he replied.</p> -<p>“What do you call it?”</p> -<p>“The Moit Convertible Automobile.”</p> -<p>“Heh? Convertible?”</p> -<p>“Yes, sir.”</p> -<p>“I guess,” said Uncle Naboth, “I’m up agin -it. ‘Convertible’ is a word I don’t jest catch the -meaning of. Latin’s a little rusty, you know; -so long since I went to school.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_43">43</div> -<p>“It means,” said Moit, seriously, “that the -machine is equally adapted to land and water.”</p> -<p>My uncle stared a little, then looked away and -began to whistle softly. Ned Britton sighed and -walked to the rail as if to observe our motion. -For my part, I had before entertained a suspicion -that the poor fellow was not quite right in his -mind, so I was not surprised. But he appeared -gentlemanly enough, and was quite in earnest; -so, fearing he might notice the rather pointed -conduct of my uncle and Ned, I made haste to -remark with fitting gravity:</p> -<p>“That is a very desirable combination, Mr. -Moit, and a great improvement on the ordinary -auto.”</p> -<p>“Oh, there is nothing ordinary about the machine, -in any way,” he responded, quickly. “Indeed, -it is so different from all the other motor -vehicles in use that it cannot properly be -termed an automobile. Some time I intend to -provide an appropriate name for my invention, -but until now the machine itself has occupied my -every thought.”</p> -<p>“To be sure,” I said, rather vaguely.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_44">44</div> -<p>“Most automobiles,” began my uncle, lying -back in his chair and giving me a preliminary -wink, “is only built to go on land, an’ balks -whenever they gets near a repair shop. I was -tellin’ a feller the other day in New York, who -was becalmed in the middle of the street, that if -he’d only put a sail on his wagon and wait for a -stiff breeze, he could tell all the repair men to go -to thunder!”</p> -<p>“But this has nothing to do with Mr. Moit’s -invention,” I said, trying not to smile. “Mr. -Moit’s automobile is different.”</p> -<p>“As how?” asked my uncle.</p> -<p>Mr. Moit himself undertook to reply.</p> -<p>“In the first place,” said he, his big eyes looking -straight through me with an absorbed expression, -as if I were invisible, “I do not use the -ordinary fuel for locomotion. Gasoline is expensive -and dangerous, and needs constant replenishing. -Electricity is unreliable, and its storage -very bulky. Both these forces are crude and unsatisfactory. -My first thought was to obtain a -motive power that could be relied upon at all -times, that was inexpensive and always available. -I found it in compressed air.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_45">45</div> -<p>“Oh!” ejaculated Uncle Naboth.</p> -<p>I am sure he knew less about automobiles -than I did, for I owned a small machine at home -and had driven it some while on shore. But Mr. -Perkins prided himself on being familiar with all -modern inventions, and what he did not know -from personal experience he was apt to imagine -he knew.</p> -<p>“Compressed air,” he observed, oracularly, -“is what blows the sails of a ship.”</p> -<p>The inventor turned on him a look of wonder.</p> -<p>“This seems to me like a clever idea,” I -hastened to say. “But I can’t see exactly, sir, -how you manage to use compressed air for such -a purpose.”</p> -<p>“I have a storage tank,” Moit answered, -“which is constantly replenished by the pumps -as fast as the air is exhausted, which of course -only occurs while the machine is in action.”</p> -<p>“But you need something to start the engines,” -I suggested. “Do you use gasoline for -that purpose?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_46">46</div> -<p>“No, sir. I have a glycerine explosive which -is so condensed that an atom is all that is required -to prime the engines. In a little chamber -that contains about a pint I can carry enough -explosive to last me for a year. And wherever -there is air I have power that is perpetual.”</p> -<p>“That’s great!” cried Uncle Naboth, with an -enthusiasm so plainly assumed that Ned and I -had much ado to keep from laughing outright.</p> -<p>“In other ways,” continued Duncan Moit, “I -have made marked improvements upon the ordinary -motor car. Will you allow me, gentlemen, -to show you my machine, and to explain it -to you?”</p> -<p>We were glad enough of this diversion, even -Ned Britton, who could not have run a sewing-machine, -being curious to examine our crazy passenger’s -invention.</p> -<p>Moit at once began to untie the cords and remove -the soiled canvas, which consisted of parts -of worn-out sails stitched clumsily together. But -when this uninviting cover was withdrawn we -saw with astonishment a machine of such beauty, -completeness and exquisite workmanship that our -exclamations of delight were alike spontaneous -and genuine.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_47">47</div> -<p>Moit might be mad, but as a mechanic he was -superb, if this was indeed a creation of his own -hands.</p> -<p>An automobile? Well, it had four massive -wheels with broad rubber tires, a steering gear -(of which only the wheel was visible) and a body -for the passengers to ride in; but otherwise the -world-pervading auto-fiend would not have recognized -the thing.</p> -<p>It seemed to be all of metal—a curious metal -of a dull silver hue—not painted or polished in -any place, but so finely constructed that every -joint and fitting appeared perfect. It was graceful -of design, too, although the body was shaped -like the hull of a boat, with the wheels so placed -that the structure was somewhat more elevated -from the ground than ordinarily. This body was -about a foot in thickness, having an inner and -outer surface composed of beautifully rivetted -plates of the strange metal.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_48">48</div> -<p>Moit explained that part of this space was -used for vacuum chambers, which were kept exhausted -by the pumps when required and made -the machine wonderfully light. Also, within -what corresponded with the gunwale of a boat, -were concealed the parts of the adjustable top, -which, when raised into position and hooked together, -formed a dome-shaped cover for the entire -body. These parts were almost entirely of -glass, in which a fine wire netting had been imbedded, -so that while the riders could see clearly -on all sides, any breakage of the glass was unlikely -to occur. In any event it could only crack, -as the netting would still hold the broken pieces -in place.</p> -<p>The engines were in a front chamber of the -body. There were four of them, each no bigger -than a gallon jug; but Moit assured us they were -capable of developing twenty-five horse-power -each, or a total of one hundred horse-power, -owing to the wonderful efficiency of the compressed -air. All the other machinery was similarly -condensed in size and so placed that the -operator could reach instantly any part of it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_49">49</div> -<p>The entrance was at either side or at the back, -as one preferred, but the seats were arranged in -a circle around the body, with the exception of -the driver’s chair. So roomy was the car that -from six to eight passengers could be carried with -comfort, or even more in case of emergency.</p> -<p>All of these things were more easily understood -by observation than I can hope to explain -them with the pen. Perhaps I have omitted to -describe them to you as clearly as I should; but -I must plead in extenuation a lack of mechanical -knowledge. That you will all ride in similar cars -some day I have no doubt, and then you will understand -all the details that I, a plain sailor, have -been forced to ignore because of my ignorance -of mechanics.</p> -<p>“But,” said Uncle Naboth, whose eyes were -fairly bulging with amazement, “I don’t yet see -what drives the blamed thing through water.”</p> -<p>Moit smiled for almost the first time since I -had known him, and the smile was one of triumphant -pride.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_50">50</div> -<p>He entered the automobile, touched some buttons, -and with a whirring sound a dozen little -scoop-shaped flanges sprang from the rim of each -wheel. There was no need for farther explanation. -We could see at once that in water the -four wheels now became paddle-wheels, and their -rapid revolution would no doubt drive the machine -at a swift pace.</p> -<p>The paddles were cleverly shaped, being made -of the same metal employed everywhere in the -construction of this astonishing invention, and -they stood at just the right angle to obtain the utmost -power of propulsion.</p> -<p>“Aluminum?” questioned Mr. Perkins, pointing -to the metal.</p> -<p>“No, sir. This is perhaps my most wonderful -discovery, and you will pardon me if I say it -is a secret which I am unwilling at this time to -divulge. But I may tell you that I have found -an alloy that is unequalled in the known world -for strength, durability and lightness. It weighs -a little more than pure aluminum, but has a thousand -times its tensile strength. You may test -one of these blades, which seem to the eye to be -quite delicate and fragile.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_51">51</div> -<p>Uncle Naboth leaned over and gingerly tested -one of the wheel blades with his thumb and finger. -Then he exerted more strength. Finally -he put his heel upon it and tried to bend it with -the weight of his body. It resisted all efforts -with amazing success.</p> -<p>And now the inventor pushed some other buttons, -or keys, and the metal blades all receded -and became once more a part of the rims of the -wheels.</p> -<p>“When we get to San Pedro, gentlemen,” -said he, “it will give me pleasure to take you for -a ride in my machine, both on land and water. -Then you will be sure to appreciate its perfection -more fully.”</p> -<p>He began to replace the canvas cover, apologizing -as much to his beloved machine as to us -for its shabbiness.</p> -<p>“All of my money was consumed by the machine -itself,” he explained, “and I was forced to -use this cloth to make a cover, which is needed -only to protect my invention from prying eyes. -The metal will never rust nor corrode.”</p> -<p>“Is this material, this alloy, easy to work?” I -asked.</p> -<p>He shook his head.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_52">52</div> -<p>“It is very difficult,” he returned. “Steel -crumbles against it with discouraging readiness, -so that my tools were all of the same metal, annealed -and hardened. Even these had to be constantly -replaced. You must not imagine, sir, -that I obtained all of this perfection at the first -trial. I have been years experimenting.”</p> -<p>“So I imagine, Mr. Moit.”</p> -<p>“By a fortunate coincidence,” he went on, -dreamily, “my money, which I had inherited from -my father, lasted me until all the work was complete. -I had thought of nothing but my machine, -and having at last finished it and made -thorough tests to assure myself that it was as -nearly perfect as human skill can make it, I -awoke to find myself bankrupt and in debt. By -selling my tools, my workshop, and everything -else I possessed except the machine itself, I managed -to pay my indebtedness and have two hundred -dollars left. This was not enough to get -myself and my car shipped to California by rail; -so I was at my wits’ end until you, sir,” turning -to me, “kindly came to my rescue.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_53">53</div> -<p>During the pause that followed he finished -covering up his machine, and then Uncle Naboth -asked, bluntly:</p> -<p>“If you are sure the blamed thing will work, -why didn’t you run it overland to California? -That has been done more’n once, I’m told, and -as you use compressed air the expense wouldn’t -be a circumstance.”</p> -<p>That had occurred to me too, and I awaited -the man’s reply with much curiosity.</p> -<p>“Sir,” he answered, “you must not forget that -I have devoted years to this work—years of secret -and constant toil—and that my whole heart -is involved in the success of my perfected machine. -But you can readily understand that I -have not dared to patent it, or any of its parts, -until all was complete; for an imperfect patent -not only fails to protect one, but in this case it -would give other designers of automobiles the -ideas I had originated. A patent is never a safeguard -if it can be improved or stolen. As I have -said, when at last my work was finished I had no -money with which to obtain patents, of which no -less than nineteen are required to protect me.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_54">54</div> -<p>“And have you, at this time, no patents at -all?” I asked, surprised at such neglect.</p> -<p>He shook his head.</p> -<p>“Not one. There, gentlemen, stands one of -the most important mechanical inventions the -world has ever known, and its inventor has no -protection whatever—as yet. If I attempted to -run the machine overland to the Pacific coast, -a dozen automobile experts would see it and -promptly steal my ideas. Such a risk was too -great to run. I must manage to reach my rich -and selfish uncle, prove to him how wonderful -my invention is, offer him a half interest in it, and -so procure the money to protect it and to establish -a manufactory. Do you understand now why -I have acted in so puzzling a way—puzzling, at -least, to one not aware of my dilemma?”</p> -<p>“It is quite clear to me,” I replied, beginning -to think my passenger was not mad, after all. -“But have you not been foolish to confide all -this to us?”</p> -<p>He smiled pleasantly, and the smile made his -face really attractive.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_55">55</div> -<p>“I am not especially stupid, believe me,” said -he, “and I am a fair judge of human nature. -You will pardon me if I say that not a man on -this ship is at all dangerous to me.”</p> -<p>“How is that?” I asked, slightly discomfitted.</p> -<p>“No man among you is competent to steal my -invention,” he asserted, coolly, “even if you were -disposed to do so, which I doubt. It would require -a dishonest person who is a mechanical expert, -and while there are many such between -Chelsea and California, I am sure there is none -on this ship who would wrong me, even if he -possessed the power. I feel entirely secure, gentlemen, -in your company.”</p> -<p>This was diplomatic, at least, for we were -naturally pleased at the tribute to our good faith, -even if inclined to resent the disparagement of -our mechanical genius. However, we regarded -Duncan Moit in a more friendly light and with -vastly increased respect from that time forth.</p> -<p>It was growing dark by this time, and presently -Nux announced that dinner was served. -So we repaired to the mess cabin, and while testing -Bryonia’s superb talents as a cook beguiled -the hour by canvassing the future possibilities of -the Moit Convertible Automobile.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_56">56</div> -<h2 id="c4"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER IV</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WE COME TO GRIEF</span></h2> -<p>Fortune seemed to favor the voyage of the -<i>Gladys H.</i> All the way to Hatteras the weather -was delightful and the breeze fresh and constant. -There was not a moment when the sails were not -bulging to some extent and in spite of the old -ship’s labored motion we made excellent time.</p> -<p>However, I followed my instructions, keeping -well in toward the coast, and so crept steadily -down to Key West.</p> -<p>Here an important proposition confronted us: -whether to enter the Gulf of Mexico and follow -its great circle near to the shore—a method that -would require weeks—or run across to Cuba -and then attempt the passage of the Caribbean by -the short cut to Colon or Porto Bella. We had -canvassed this alternative before I left harbor; -but Mr. Harlan had maintained that I must decide -the question for myself, being guided by the -actions of the bark and the condition of the -weather.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_57">57</div> -<p>Both these requirements seemed favorable for -the short cut. The ship had behaved so far much -better than I had expected, and the good weather -seemed likely to hold for some time longer.</p> -<p>So after a conference with Ned Britton—for -Uncle Naboth refused to “mix up in the business” -or even to offer an opinion—I decided to -take the chances and follow the shortest route. -After reaching Colon I would keep close to land -way down to the Horn.</p> -<p>So we stood out to sea, made Cuba easily, -and skirted its western point to the Isles de Pinos. -Still the skies were clear and the breeze favorable, -and with good courage we headed south in -a bee-line for Colon.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_58">58</div> -<p>And now we were in the Caribbean, that famous -sea whose very name breathes romance. -It recalls to us the earliest explorers, the gold -seekers and buccaneers, the fact that scarce an -inch of its rippling surface is unable to boast some -tragedy or adventure in the days of the Spanish -Main, when ships of all nations thronged the -waters of the West Indies.</p> -<p>For three whole days luck was our bedfellow; -then, as Uncle Naboth drily remarked, it “went a -fishin’” and left us to take care of ourselves.</p> -<p>With gentle sighs our hitherto faithful breeze -deserted us and our sails flapped idly for a time -and then lay still, while the ship floated upon a -sheet of brilliant blue glass, the tropic sun beat -fiercely down upon us, and all signs of life and -animation came to an end.</p> -<p>No sailor is partial to calms. A gale he -fights with a sense of elation and a resolve to -conquer; a favoring breeze he considers his right; -but a glassy sea and listless, drooping sails are -his especial horror. Nevertheless, he is accustomed -to endure this tedium and has learned by -long experience how best to enliven such depressing -periods.</p> -<p>Our men found they possessed a violinist—not -an unskilled fiddler by any means—and to -his accompanying strains they sang and danced -like so many happy children.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_59">59</div> -<p>Uncle Naboth and Ned Britton played endless -games of penocle under the deck awning and I -brought out my favorite books and stretched myself -in a reclining chair to enjoy them.</p> -<p>Duncan Moit paced deliberately up and down -for the first two days, engrossed in his own musings; -then he decided to go over his machine and -give it a careful examination. He removed the -cover, started his engines, and let them perform -for the amusement of the amazed sailors, who -formed a curious but respectful group around -him.</p> -<p>Finally they cleared a space on the deck and -Moit removed the guy-ropes that anchored his -invention and ran his auto slowly up and down, -to the undisguised delight of the men. He -would allow six or eight to enter the car and ride—sixteen -feet forward, around the mainmast, -and sixteen feet back again—and it was laughable -to watch the gravity of their faces as they held -fast to the edge, bravely resolving to endure the -dangers of this wonderful mode of locomotion. -Not one had ever ridden in an automobile before, -and although Moit merely allowed it to crawl -over its confined course, the ride was a strange -and fascinating experience to them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_60">60</div> -<p>I must allow that the performances of this -clever machine astonished me. The inventor was -able to start it from his seat, by means of a -simple lever, and it was always under perfect control. -The engines worked so noiselessly that you -had to put your ear close in order to hear them at -all, and the perfection of the workmanship could -not fail to arouse my intense admiration.</p> -<p>“If this new metal is so durable as you claim,” -I said to Moit, “the machine ought to last for -many years.”</p> -<p>“My claim is that it is practically indestructible,” -he answered, in a tone of conviction.</p> -<p>“But you have still the tire problem,” I remarked. -“A puncture will put you out of business -as quickly as it would any other machine.”</p> -<p>“A puncture!” he exclaimed. “Why, these -tires cannot puncture, sir.”</p> -<p>“Why not?”</p> -<p>“They are not inflated.”</p> -<p>“What then?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_61">61</div> -<p>“It is another of my inventions, Mr. Steele. -Inside each casing is a mass of sponge-rubber, of -a peculiarly resilient and vigorous character. And -within the casing itself is embedded a net of steel -wire, which will not allow the vulcanized rubber -to be cut to any depth. The result is an excellent -tire that cannot be punctured and has great -permanency.”</p> -<p>“You do not seem to have overlooked any important -point,” I observed, admiringly.</p> -<p>“Ah, that is the one thing that now occupies -my mind,” he responded, quickly. “That is why -I have been testing the machine today, even in -the limited way that is alone possible. I am -haunted by the constant fear that I <i>have</i> over-looked -some important point, which another -might discover.”</p> -<p>“And have you found such a thing?”</p> -<p>“No; to all appearances the device is perfect. -But who can tell what may yet develop?”</p> -<p>“Not I,” with a smile; “you have discounted -my mechanical skill already. To my mind the -invention seems in every way admirable, Mr. -Moit.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_62">62</div> -<p>For nine days we lay becalmed, with cloudless -skies above and a tranquil sea around us. -During the day we rested drowsily in the oppressive -heat, but the nights were always cooler -and myriads of brilliant stars made it nearly as -light as day. Ned had taken in every yard of -canvas except a square sail which he rigged forward, -and he took the added precaution to lash -every movable thing firmly to its place.</p> -<p>“After this, we’ve got to expect ugly -weather,” he announced; and as he knew the -Caribbean well this preparation somewhat dismayed -me. I began to wish we had entered the -Gulf of Mexico and made the roundabout trip; -but it was too late for regrets now, and we must -make the best of our present outlook.</p> -<p>Personally I descended into the hold and examined -with care the seams, finding that the -calking had held securely so far and that we were -as right and tight as when we had first sailed. -But even this assurance was not especially encouraging, -for we had met with no weather that -a canoe might not have lived through without -shipping more than a few drops of sea.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_63">63</div> -<p>The ninth day was insufferably hot, and the -evening brought no relief. Ned Britton’s face -looked grave and worried, and I overheard him -advising Duncan Moit to add several more anchor -ropes to those that secured his machine.</p> -<p>We awaited the change in the weather anxiously -enough, and toward midnight the stars -began to be blotted out until shortly a black pall -overhung the ship. The air seemed vibrant and -full of an electric feel that drew heavily upon -one’s nerves; but so far there had been no breath -of wind.</p> -<p>At last, when it seemed we could wait no -longer, a distant murmur was heard, drawing -ever nearer and louder until its roar smote our -ears like a discharge of artillery. The ship began -to roll restlessly, and then the gale and the -waves broke upon us at the same instant and with -full force.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_64">64</div> -<p>Heavily weighted and lazy as the bark was, -she failed to rise to the first big wave, which -washed over her with such resistless power that -it would have swept every living soul away had -we not clung desperately to the rigging. It -seemed to me that I was immersed in a wild, -seething flood for several minutes; but they must -have been seconds, instead, for presently the -water was gone and the wind endeavoring to tear -me from my hold.</p> -<p>The square sail held, by good luck, and the -ship began to stagger onward, bowing her head -deep and submitting to constant floods that -washed her from end to end. There was not -much that could be done to ease her, and the -fervid excitement of those first hours kept us all -looking after our personal safety. Along we -went, scudding before the gale, which maintained -its intensity unabated and fortunately drove us -along the very course we had mapped out.</p> -<p>The morning relieved the gloom, but did not -lessen the force of the storm. The waves were -rolling pretty high, and all faces were serious or -fearful, according to the disposition of their owners. -In our old <i>Saracen</i>, or even the <i>Flipper</i>, I -would not have minded the blow or the sea, but -here was a craft of a different sort, and I did not -know how she might stand such dreadful -weather.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_65">65</div> -<p>I got Ned into the cabin, where we stood like -a couple of drenched rats and discussed the situation. -On deck our voices could not be heard.</p> -<p>“Are the small boats ready to launch?” I -asked.</p> -<p>“All ready, sir; but I doubt if they’d live -long,” he replied. “However, this ’ere old hulk -seems to be doin’ pretty decent. She lies low, -bein’ so heavy loaded, an’ lets the waves break -over her. That saves her a good deal of strain, -Sam. If she don’t spring a-leak an’ the cargo -holds steady, we’ll get through all right.”</p> -<p>“Tried the pumps?”</p> -<p>“Yes; only bilge, so far.”</p> -<p>“Very good. How long will the gale last?”</p> -<p>“Days, perhaps, in these waters. There’s -no rule to go by, as I knows of. It’ll just blow -till it blows itself out.”</p> -<p>He went on deck again, keeping an eye always -on the ship and trying to carry just enough canvas -to hold her steady.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_66">66</div> -<p>Duncan Moit and Uncle Naboth kept to the -cabin and were equally unconcerned. The latter -was an old voyager and realized that it was best -to be philosophical; the former had never been at -sea before and had no idea of our danger.</p> -<p>On the third morning of this wild and persistent -tempest the boatswain came to where Ned -and I clung to the rigging and said:</p> -<p>“She’s leaking, sir.”</p> -<p>“Badly?”</p> -<p>“Pretty bad, sir.”</p> -<p>“Get the pumps manned, Ned,” said I; “I’ll -go below and investigate.”</p> -<p>I crawled into the hold through the forecastle -cubby, as we dared not remove the hatches. I -took along a sailor to carry the lantern, and we -were not long in making the discovery that the -<i>Gladys H.</i> was leaking like a sieve. Several of -the seams that Mr. Harlan had caused to be -calked so carefully had reopened and the water -was spurting through in a dozen streams.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_67">67</div> -<p>I got back to my cabin and made a careful -examination of the chart. According to my -calculations we could not be far from the coast -of Panama. If I was right, another six hours -would bring us to the shore; but I was not sure -of my reckoning since that fearful gale had struck -us. So the question whether or no the ship could -live six hours longer worried me considerably, for -the pumps were of limited capacity and the water -was gaining on us every minute.</p> -<p>I told Uncle Naboth our difficulty, and Duncan -Moit, who stood by, listened to my story with -lively interest.</p> -<p>“Will you try to beach her, Sam?” enquired -my uncle, with his usual calmness.</p> -<p>“Of course, sir, if we manage to float long -enough to reach the land. That is the best I can -hope for now. By good luck the coast of Panama -is low and marshy, and if we can drive the tub -aground there the cargo may be saved to the owners.”</p> -<p>“Ain’t much of a country to land in, Sam; -is it?”</p> -<p>“Not a very lovely place, Uncle, I’m told.”</p> -<p>“It’s where they’re diggin’ the canal, ain’t -it?”</p> -<p>“I believe so.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_68">68</div> -<p>“Well, we may get a chance to see the ditch. -This ’ere travellin’ is full of surprises, Mr. Moit. -I never thought to ’a’ brung a guide book o’ -Panama, or we could tell exactly where they -make the hats.”</p> -<p>The inventor appeared ill at ease. I could -understand the man’s disappointment and anxiety -well enough. To beach his beloved machine -on a semi-barbarous, tropical shore was -not what he had anticipated, and I had time to -feel sorry for him while thinking upon my own -troubles.</p> -<p>He followed me on deck, presently, and I saw -him take a good look at the sea and shake his -head despondently. The Convertible Automobile -might work in ordinary water, but it was not intended -for such mammoth waves as these.</p> -<p>Then he watched the men at the pumps. They -worked with a will, but in that cheerless way -peculiar to sailors when they are forced to undertake -this desperate duty. The ocean was pushing -in and they were trying to keep it out; and -such a pitiful struggle usually results in favor of -the ocean.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_69">69</div> -<p>Suddenly Moit conceived a brilliant idea. He -asked for a length of hose, and when it was -brought he threw off the covering of his machine -and succeeded in attaching the hose to his engines. -The other end we dropped into the hold, and -presently, despite the lurching and plunging of -the ship, the engines started and a stream the full -size of the hose was sucked up and sent flowing -into the scruppers. It really did better work than -the ship’s pumps, and I am now positive that this -clever arrangement was all that enabled us to -float until we made the coast.</p> -<p>In the afternoon, while the gale seemed to redouble -its force, we sighted land—low, murky -and uninteresting, but nevertheless land—and -made directly for it.</p> -<p>Darkness came upon us swiftly, but we held -our course, still pumping for dear life and awaiting -with tense nerves the moment of impact.</p> -<p>What this shore, of which we had caught a -glimpse, might be like I did not know, more than -that it was reported low and sandy at the ocean’s -edge and marshy in the interior. There were a -few rocky islands at the south of the isthmus, -and there might be rocks or breakers at any -point, for all we knew. If the ship struck one -of these we were surely doomed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_70">70</div> -<p>On and on we flew, with blackness all round -us, until on a sudden the bow raised and our -speed slackened so abruptly that we were all -thrown prostrate upon the deck. The mainmast -snapped and fell with a deafening crash, and -slowly the ship rolled to starboard until the deck -stood at a sharp angle, and trembled a few brief -moments, and then lay still.</p> -<p>The voyage of the <i>Gladys H.</i> was at an end.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_71">71</div> -<h2 id="c5"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER V</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">MAKING THE BEST OF IT</span></h2> -<p>“Are you there, Sam?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Ned.”</p> -<p>“Safe and sound?”</p> -<p>“I think so.”</p> -<p>Overhead the wind still whistled, but more -moderately; around me I could hear the men -stirring, with an occasional groan. We had -come from the tempest-tossed seas into a place of -comparative quiet, which just now was darker -than the pocket of Erebus.</p> -<p>I found the after cabin and slid down the -steps, which inclined sidewise. Inside, however, -the hanging lamps had withstood the shock and -still cast a dim light over the room. I found -Uncle Naboth reclining upon a bench with his -feet braced against the table, while he puffed away -complacently at one of his enormous cigars.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_72">72</div> -<p>“Stopped at a way station, Sam?” he enquired.</p> -<p>“So it appears, Uncle.”</p> -<p>“Any damage?”</p> -<p>“Can’t tell, yet. Were you hurt?”</p> -<p>He exhibited a great lump on his forehead, -but smiled sweetly.</p> -<p>“You should ’a’ seen me dive under the table, -Sam. It were a reg’lar circus, with me the chief -acrobat. Where are we?”</p> -<p>“I’m going to find out.”</p> -<p>I unhooked both the lanterns and started up -the companion-way with them. Rather than remain -in the dark Uncle brought himself and his -cigar after me.</p> -<p>I gave Ned one of the lights and we began to -look about us. Duncan Moit lay unconscious beside -his machine, the engines of which were still -running smoothly. I threw back the lever and -stopped them, and then a couple of seamen carried -the inventor into the cabin. Black Nux had -lighted another lantern, and with my uncle’s assistance -undertook to do what he could to restore -the injured man.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_73">73</div> -<p>Ned and I slid aft and found the stern still -washed by a succession of waves that dashed over -it. Walking the deck was difficult because the -ship listed from stem to stern and from port to -starboard. Her bow was high and dry on a -sand-bar—or such I imagined it to be—but it was -only after I had swung a lantern up a halyard -of the foremast, so that its dim rays would illumine -the largest possible area, that I discovered -we had plunged straight into a deep inlet -of the coast. On one side of us appeared to -be a rank growth of tangled shrubs or underbrush; -on the other was the outline of a forest. -Ahead was clear water, but its shallow depth had -prevented our proceeding farther inland.</p> -<p>Either the gale had lessened perceptibly or we -did not feel it so keenly in our sheltered position. -An examination of the men showed that one of -them had broken an arm and several others were -badly bruised; but there were no serious casualties.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_74">74</div> -<p>The ship was now without any motion whatever, -being fast on the bottom of the inlet. The -breakers that curled over the stern did her no -damage, and these seemed to be gradually lessening -in force.</p> -<p>Ned sent his tired men to their bunks and -with the assistance of Bryonia, who was almost as -skillful in surgery as in cooking, prepared to set -the broken arm and attend to those who were the -most bruised.</p> -<p>I went to the cabin again, and found that -Uncle Naboth and Nux had been successful in restoring -Duncan Moit, who was sitting up and -looking around him with a dazed expression. I -saw he was not much hurt, the fall having merely -stunned him for the time being.</p> -<p>“The machine—the machine!” he was muttering, -anxiously.</p> -<p>“It’s all right, sir,” I assured him. “I shut -down the engines, and she seems to have weathered -the shock in good shape.”</p> -<p>He seemed relieved by this report, and passed -his hand across his brow as if to clear his brain.</p> -<p>“Where are we?” was his next query.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_75">75</div> -<p>“No one knows, sir. But we are landed high -and dry, and I’m almost sure it is some part of -the coast of Panama. To-morrow morning we -can determine our location more accurately. But -now, Mr. Moit, I recommend that you tumble into -your bunk and get all the rest you can before daybreak.”</p> -<p>The strain of the last few days had been severe -upon all of us, and now that the demand for work -or vigilance was removed we found that our -strength had been overtaxed. I left Ned to set -a watch, and sought my own bed, on which I -stretched myself to fall asleep in half a minute.</p> -<p>“Wake up, Mars’ Sam,” said Nux, shaking -me. “Breakfas’ ready, seh.”</p> -<p>I rubbed my eyes and sat up. The sun was -streaming through the cabin window, which was -on the port side. Around me was a peculiar -silence which contrasted strongly with the turmoil -that had so long buffeted my ears. The -gale had passed on and left us to count the -mischief it had caused.</p> -<p>“What time is it, Nux?”</p> -<p>“Eight o’clock, Mars’ Sam.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_76">76</div> -<p>I sprang up, now fully conscious of the night’s -tragedy, which sleep had for a time driven from -my mind. Nux stood with my basin and towel -and his calmness encouraged me to bathe before -I went on deck.</p> -<p>In the mess-cabin I found that the table legs -had been propped up with boxes to hold it level, -and that a hot breakfast had been prepared and -was now steaming on the table. Around the -board were gathered Ned Britton, Uncle Naboth -and Duncan Moit, all busily engaged in eating. -They greeted me cheerfully and bade me sit down -and join them.</p> -<p>“How is everything, Ned?” I enquired, anxiously.</p> -<p>“Bad as can be, an’ right as a trivet, Sam,” -he replied. “The <i>Gladys H.</i>’ll never float again. -Her bottom’s all smashed in, an’ she’s fast in -the mud till she goes to pieces an’ makes kindlin’-wood -for the Injuns.”</p> -<p>“Then the cargo is safe, for the present?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_77">77</div> -<p>“To be sure. It can’t get lost, ’cause it’s a -chunk o’ steel, and the ship’s planks’ll hold it in -place for a long time. It’ll get good and soaked, -but I’ve noticed it’s all painted to keep it from -rustin’. This ain’t San Pedro, whatever else it -is, and the voyage has miscarried a bit; but them -beams is a good deal better off here than at the -bottom o’ the sea, so I take it we’ve done the best -we could by the owners.”</p> -<p>I sat down and took the coffee Nux poured -for me.</p> -<p>“How about the crew?” I asked. “Are the -men all right?”</p> -<p>“No body hurt but Dick Lombard, and his -arm’ll mend nicely.”</p> -<p>“Have you any idea where we are, Ned?”</p> -<p>“Stuck in a river, somewhere. Wild country -all around us, but I guess we can find a way out. -Lots o’ provisions and a good climate. We may -say as we’re in luck, Sam.”</p> -<p>I shook my head dismally. It did not appear -to me that luck had especially favored us. To -be sure, we might have gone to the bottom of the -Caribbean in the gale; but it struck me we had -landed the cargo in an awkward place for the -owners as well as for ourselves. Mr. Harlan -would have done better had he not taken the long -chance of our making the voyage to San Pedro -successfully.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_78">78</div> -<p>“Well, I cannot see that we have failed in our -duty, in any way,” I remarked, as cheerfully as I -could, “so we may as well make the best of it.”</p> -<p>“This bein’ a tourist, an’ travellin’ fer pleasure,” -said Uncle Naboth, “is more fun than a -kickin’ mule. Sam’s got to worry, ’cause he’s -paid fer it; but we passengers can look on an’ -enjoy ourselves. Eh, Mr. Moit?”</p> -<p>“It is a serious situation for me,” replied the -inventor. “Think of it, gentlemen! The most -wonderful piece of mechanism the world has yet -known is stranded in a wilderness, far from -civilization.”</p> -<p>“That is your own fault,” remarked Ned, -bluntly.</p> -<p>“Not that, sir; it is fate.”</p> -<p>“The machine is all right,” said I. “You -will have no trouble to save it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_79">79</div> -<p>“As for that, I must, of course, make the best -of the adverse circumstances that have overtaken -me,” he replied, with more composure than I had -expected. “It is not my nature to be easily discouraged, -else I could never have accomplished -what I have in the perfection of any inventions. -My greatest regret, at this moment, is that the -world will be deprived, for a longer period than -I had intended, of the benefits of my Convertible -Automobile.”</p> -<p>“Having never known its excellent qualities, -sir, the world can wait,” asserted Uncle Naboth, -philosophically. I have noticed one can be quite -philosophical over another’s difficulties.</p> -<p>Having hurried through my breakfast, which -our faithful Bryonia had prepared most excellently -in spite of the fact that his galley was at -an angle of nearly forty-five degrees, I went on -deck to obtain for the first time a clear view of -our surroundings.</p> -<p>The tide had changed and the wind fallen. -We lay in the center of a placid river—high and -dry, as Ned had said—with the current gently -rippling against our bow. Not more than ten -yards to the right was a low, marshy bank -covered with scrub underbrush of a tropical character. -On our left, however, and some fifty -yards distant, lay a well defined bank marking the -edge of the stately forest which I had observed -the night before. The woodland gradually -sloped upward from the river, and above it, far -to the south, a formidable range of mountains -was visible.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_80">80</div> -<p>Between us and this left bank the water -seemed a fair depth, but it was quite shallow on -our right. It seemed wonderful that any gale -could have sent so big a ship so far up the river; -but I remembered that the billows had followed -us in, and doubtless their power alone had urged -us forward.</p> -<p>Here we were, anyway, and here the <i>Gladys -H.</i> must remain until demolished by time, tide or -human endeavor.</p> -<p>For the rest, the air was warm and pleasant, -with a blue sky overhead. Aside from the loss -that would follow the salvage of the valuable -cargo we had good reason to thank Providence -for our fortunate escape from death.</p> -<p>I felt that I had done as much to promote the -interests of the owners as any man could do; but -the conditions had been adverse, and the responsibility -was now theirs, and not mine.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_81">81</div> -<p>The gravest part of the situation, so far as I -was personally concerned, was to get my men into -some civilized port where they could find an opportunity -to get home again. Also I must notify -Mr. Harlan, by cable, and that as soon as possible, -of the location and condition of his cargo. The -loss of the ship I knew would matter little to him, -as he had asserted this several times.</p> -<p>And now to solve the problem of our location. -I had reason to believe that we had not varied to -any great extent from the course my chart had -indicated. Somewhere, either up or down the -coast, was Colon, the Atlantic terminal of the -Panama canal, and to reach that place ought not -to be especially difficult, because our small boats -were in fairly good condition.</p> -<p>The river made a bend just ahead of us, and -my first thought was to get out a boat and explore -the stream for a way. We might find some village, -I imagined, or at least some evidence of -human habitation.</p> -<p>So I ordered the gig lowered and took with -me four men, besides Duncan Moit, who wanted -to go along and begged the privilege. The current -was languid and easy to breast, so we made -excellent progress.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_82">82</div> -<p>Bend after bend we made, for the stream was -as crooked as a ram’s horn; but always the forest -towered on the one hand and the low, marshy -flats prevailed upon the other.</p> -<p>Rowing close to the shore, under the shadow -of the trees, we could hear the stealthy sound of -wild beasts in the wilderness, and once we espied -a sleek jaguar lying flat upon the bank to -drink. But no sign of man or civilization of any -sort did we encounter. Even the woodman’s axe -was nowhere in evidence.</p> -<p>We hugged the forest for several miles, finding -the river easily navigable for small steamers. -Then we decided to return, and followed the edge -of the opposite marsh, which was much less inviting -and less liable to be inhabited than the other -shore.</p> -<p>We were scarcely a mile from the ship when -Moit suddenly exclaimed:</p> -<p>“Isn’t that a canoe?”</p> -<p>“Where?” I asked.</p> -<p>He pointed to a small inlet, and I could see -plainly a craft that looked like an Indian dugout -lying among the reeds.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_83">83</div> -<p>“Let us get it and see what it looks like,” said -I, hailing with some satisfaction this first evidence -of human handicraft.</p> -<p>At the word my men rowed in, and the sailor -in the bow, as he grasped the gunwale of the -canoe, uttered a startled cry.</p> -<p>“What is it?” I asked.</p> -<p>Without reply he drew the canoe alongside -our boat, and we could all see the form of a man -lying flat upon his face on the rough bottom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_84">84</div> -<h2 id="c6"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE DEAD MAN’S STORY</span></h2> -<p>“Turn him over, Tom,” said I, softly, and -the sailor clambered into the canoe and obeyed—rather -gingerly, though, for no one likes to -touch a dead man.</p> -<p>The bearded face and staring eyes that confronted -us were those of one of our own race, a -white man who had been shot through the heart -with an arrow that still projected from the -wound. His clothing was threadbare and hung -almost in rags, while his feet were protected by -rude sandals of bark laced with thongs of some -vegetable fibre. He was neither a Mexican nor -a Spaniard, but I judged him a North American -of German descent, if his physiognomy could be -trusted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_85">85</div> -<p>The man had not long been dead, that was -quite evident, and the arrow that had pierced his -heart must have killed him instantly. I pulled out -the weapon and found it of skillful construction,—a -head of hammered bronze fastened to a shaft -most delicately shaped and of a wood that resembled -yew. It differed materially from any -Indian arrow I had ever before seen.</p> -<p>The mystery of this man’s life and death -seemed impenetrable, and I ordered the canoe attached -to our stern and towed it in our wake -down to the ship.</p> -<p>A sailor’s burial ground is the sea; so I decided -to sew the corpse in sacking, weight it -heavily, and sink it in the deepest water of the -river.</p> -<p>Before doing this one of the men searched the -pockets of the tattered clothing and drew out a -small book that looked like a diary, a pocketknife, -several bits of lead-pencil and a roll of thin -bark tied with wisps of the same material.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_86">86</div> -<p>These things I took charge of, and then -watched the obsequies. These were quickly performed, -Ned reading a short prayer from his -Bible by way of ceremony while all our company -stood with bared heads. Then the men rowed -the body out to the deepest part of the river, and -as I watched them from the deck I noticed they -were thrown into a state of sudden excitement -and heard cries of anger and alarm. Lifting my -glass into position I discovered the cause of this. -The boat was surrounded by sharks, their dark -heads and white bellies alternating as they slowly -swam round and round, attracted by the scent of -prey. I yelled to the men to bring the body back, -but they were too excited to hear me and the -next instant had dumped the weighted sack overboard -and begun to row back to the wreck at -racing speed.</p> -<p>It was just as well, however. I am quite sure -the poor fellow reached bottom before a shark -could seize him, and once on the bottom they -would be unable to either see him or grasp him in -their jaws.</p> -<p>Seated on the deck with the others and shaded -from the sun by a heavy awning, I glanced at the -diary and found that the murdered man had not -made a daily record, but had written upon the -pages a sort of narrative, which seemed likely to -prove interesting. So I asked Duncan Moit to -read it aloud, which he did. I have it beside me -now, and copy the following word for word as it -was first read to us that day in the tropics with the -wilderness all around us.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_87">87</div> -<p>“My name is Maurice Kleppisch,” it began, -“by profession an engineer and mining expert residing -at Denver, Colorado, at those times when -I am at home.</p> -<p>“Nine years ago I was sent to the Republic -of Colombia to examine a mine, and while there -I joined myself to a party that was formed to -visit the San Blas Country, at the south of -Panama, and trade with the Indians who are -the masters of a vast territory there. I am no -trader, but my object was to take advantage of -this opportunity to investigate the mining possibilities -of the wild and unknown region of San -Blas, thinking that should I fall in with traces of -gold my fortune would be made.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_88">88</div> -<p>“But, when we arrived at the border, the arrogant -Indians would not allow us to enter their -country at all, commanding us, with imperious -scorn, to stand at a respectful distance and display -our wares. The traders obeyed without -demur, but I was angry and vengeful, and for -a time considered my journey a failure. The -Indians, however, exchanged their cocoanuts and -sheep-skins—with such other things as their land -produced—with great willingness and absolute -honesty and fairness, and the traders learned that -their given word was held inviolate.</p> -<p>“Nursing my disappointment at being excluded -from this mysterious country, I stood sullenly -watching the bartering when my attention was -aroused by an object that made my heart bound -with excitement. It was an immense rough -diamond, set in the bronze shaft of a spear borne -by Nalig-Nad, the king of the San Blas and the -most stalwart, dignified and intelligent Indian I -have ever seen.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_89">89</div> -<p>“I will here explain that the strange race -known as the San Blas Indians of Southern -Panama is none other than that historic remnant -of the Aztec nation which, when Mexico was -conquered by the Spaniard, fled through morass -and mountains, across plains and rivers, until they -came to this then unknown wilderness. Here -they located and established a new nation which -they call Techla. Their territory stretches south -of the natural depression of the isthmus from -the Atlantic to the Pacific, and contains vast -stretches of forests and coastal plains, which they -have ever jealously guarded from intrusion. No -more did they build beautiful cities and golden -temples, for gold they had learned to abhor because -the lust for it had brought the white demons -upon them in Mexico. The white skinned races -were cordially detested as the destroyers of their -former nation. By them the Techlas had been -driven from the abode bequeathed them by their -ancestors.</p> -<p>“The creed of the new nation, therefore, contained -two prime articles of faith: Never to mine -or trade or employ gold in any form for use or -ornament; to hate and oppose every white man -that came near them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_90">90</div> -<p>“The San Blas people are not truly Indians, -as we regard the West Indian and Central American -tribes, but are well formed, intelligent and -fierce. Their skin is of copper-colored hue and -they have a characteristic dress that is peculiar to -their nation. They have an established government -centering in the king, humane and just laws -for the guidance of their tribes, and many racial -characteristics. It is said the weaker Aztecs remained -in Mexico as slaves of the Spaniards, -while the nobles and the most stalwart and -powerful individuals, realizing their inability to -oppose the usurpers but scorning to become their -vassals, fled southward in the manner I have described.</p> -<p>“However true this may be, I found the San -Blas—a name given them by the early Spaniards -but never acknowledged by themselves—to be -well worthy of admiration in all ways except their -persistent hatred of the whites. They gave our -party cocoanuts and cereals, tortoise-shells, skins -of wild beasts that were most skillfully dressed, -and a soft quality of lamb’s wool, in exchange for -knives, glass beads, compasses, colored crayons, -mirrors and other inexpensive trinkets.</p> -<p>“When I got my eye upon the king’s mammoth -diamond I was so amazed that I trembled -with eagerness. The gem must have weighed -fully five hundred carats, and being intent to obtain -it for myself I offered my silver watch, a -fountain pen, my comb and brushes and a quantity -of buttons in exchange for the diamond.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_91">91</div> -<p>“My very anxiety was the cause of my undoing. -My reckless offers aroused the king’s suspicions, -and when my comrades also saw the -diamond they became as anxious as I was, and -offered so much for a bit of stone which the king -had never considered of any value, that he questioned -us closely and learned that the white men -esteem these gems even more than they do gold.</p> -<p>“Then the king drew himself up proudly and -spoke to his men in their own native dialect, with -which we are unfamiliar. Several of the Indians -brought to their ruler specimens of the same -stones—rough diamonds ranging from the size of -a pea upward. These they had doubtless gathered -and kept because they were pretty, but Nalig-Nad -took them all in his hand and, having pried -his own splendid stone from its setting in the -spearshaft, he advanced to the edge of the river -and cast them all into its depths.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_92">92</div> -<p>“‘I have told my men,’ said he, ‘never to -gather these pebbles again; nor will we ever trade -them to the white men. I class them with the -gold, for we are determined not to own anything -which will arouse the mad desires of your people.’</p> -<p>“A few of the San Blas, including their king, -speak the English language; more of them speak -in the Spanish tongue; but their own language, -as I have said, is distinct from the dialects of the -other Indian tribes and the white men have no -opportunity to learn it.</p> -<p>“We were greatly disappointed by the loss of -the gems, and when we returned to our camp -we talked the matter over and concluded that -there must be many diamonds lying exposed upon -the surface of the ground in some part of the -San Blas territory. Else the Indians would not -have been enabled to pick up such choice and -extraordinarily large specimens as we had seen.</p> -<p>“I did not like to go away without making an -attempt to locate these diamond fields, and seven -of the party, adventurous as myself, determined -to join in braving the anger of the stern Nalig-Nad. -So at night we stole through the north -forest and by morning had come to the edge of the -fertile plains whereon the San Blas mostly dwell.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_93">93</div> -<p>“Their country may be divided into three sections: -First, the North Forest, bordering on the -Panama marshes and the wilderness. Second, a -high and broad sweep of coastal plains, formed by -eroded drift from the mountains. This section -is well watered by numerous streams and the soil -is extremely rich and fertile. To the east, by the -Atlantic coast, are the cocoanut groves, but most -of this fruit is grown upon several islands lying -off the coast in the Atlantic. The third division -lies south of the plains and consists of a magnificent -primeval forest which covers thickly all the -slope of the mountains. The climate, especially -that of the uplands, is temperate and delightful, -and it has been stated that these powerful Indians -control the most desirable bit of land in the Western -Hemisphere.</p> -<p>“It was in the plain that we determined to -search for the diamond fields, and as the Indians -had arbitrarily forbidden white men to enter their -domain, we stained our faces and arms and chests -with walnut juice, and dressed ourselves in imitation -of the San Blas people as nearly as we were -able. And thus we prowled around for several -days, until in a rich valley covered with alluvial -deposit I picked up one of the coveted ‘pebbles,’ -and to our great delight we knew that we had -stumbled upon the right place.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_94">94</div> -<p>“An hour later we were surrounded by a band -of the San Blas and made prisoners. We relied -upon our disguises to protect us, but when they -had examined us closely the Indians stripped off -our clothing and discovered our white skins. -We knew, then, our fate was sealed.</p> -<p>“These people allow negroes to enter their -country, and even employ some of them to labor -upon their farms. Other Indian tribes of the -mountains, who are all hostile to the whites, are -permitted to pass through the San Blas territory, -and sometimes these mountaineers have with them -white slaves, who are treated cruelly and obliged -to bear their burdens. But these whites who are -the slaves of Indians are the only ones ever tolerated -in the country, and a band like our own, -entering by stealth to secure treasure, might expect -no mercy at the hands of the San Blas.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_95">95</div> -<p>“Being taken before Nalig-Nad at his own -village, he condemned us all to death but one, who -was to be sent back to Colombia to tell the fate -of those who dared defy the laws of the San Blas. -We cast lots, and I drew the fortunate number. -My comrades, two of whom were young men of -position and wealth in Bogota, were ruthlessly -murdered, and I was then escorted to the border -and set free.</p> -<p>“I reported the matter to the Colombian authorities, -and a company of soldiers was promptly -sent by the President to punish the impudent Indians -and teach them not to molest the whites in -the future. After a long period of waiting a -single soldier, who had his ears cut off and was -otherwise horribly mutilated, arrived at Bogota to -tell of the total extinction of all his fellows and to -report that King Nalig-Nad had promised to treat -in the same manner any who dared to interfere -with his authority. The government decided to -let these fierce Indians alone. There were other -troubles, nearer home, that needed attention.</p> -<p>“I returned to Denver, but could not get this -rich diamond field out of my head. I was a poor -man, yet I knew where I might obtain countless -treasure—if I dared but make the attempt.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_96">96</div> -<p>“Finally I decided that I might be able to accomplish -alone what a band of white men could -never succeed in doing, and having formulated my -plans I sailed to Colon and prepared to enter once -more the country of the San Blas.</p> -<p>“My idea was admirably simple. The Indians -feel so secure that they seldom prowl by -night, and in their climate the stars and moon are -so brilliant that they illuminate the country almost -as well as does the sun by day. By -stealthily avoiding all habitations and villages, I -had a fair chance to escape observation, and the -valley I sought was in an uninhabited part of the -plains.</p> -<p>“I took a canoe and a package of provisions, -and began my journey by entering the San -Maladrino river at the Atlantic mouth. I followed -this until the river passed between two -high hills, which may be seen in the crude map -I have drawn for the benefit of others, should I -lose my life in this desperate adventure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_97">97</div> -<div class="img" id="pic1"> -<img src="images/i3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="379" /> -<p class="caption">ISTHMUS OF PANAMA MAP</p> -</div> -<div class="pb" id="Page_98">98</div> -<p>“A stream of which I do not know the name -enters the San Maladrino just beyond the hills -mentioned, and leads to the southward. It passes -through the first forest and is broad and deep. -Hiding in the forest the first day, I cautiously -paddled my canoe up this stream the next night -and passed a portion of the plain until I reached -a smaller tributary entering from the left. This -tributary flows through the most fertile and most -thickly inhabited portion of the Indian lands. At -the first junction I turned to the right and paddled -along until I could go no further by boat. -So, secreting my canoe in some bushes, I walked -during the following night to the valley which we -had before visited, and which lies in the uplands -near to the edge of the great mountain forest. -This tangled woodland favored me, for in it I hid -securely by day, while at night I searched for diamonds -in my valley.</p> -<p>“I found many stones, and some of extraordinary -size and beauty, but was greatly retarded -in my discoveries by the dimness of the light. -The forest shaded the valley part of the time, and -only for a brief two hours each night was the light -of the moon directly upon the slight depression -where I labored.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_99">99</div> -<p>“And now I have been three weeks hidden in -the heart of the San Blas district, and no one has -observed me as yet. I have secured almost three -quarts of superb diamonds—a fortune so enormous -that I am considering a speedy return to -civilization. Meantime, I have employed some of -my leisure moments in writing this history in my -book.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_100">100</div> -<h2 id="c7"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE FOLLY OF THE WISE</span></h2> -<p>No one had interrupted Duncan Moit as he -read clearly and slowly the above interesting -story, but as he paused at the close of the last -paragraph I have recorded we gave some sighs -of wonder and admiration and looked at one another -curiously to see what impression the “history” -was making.</p> -<p>“Go on!” cried Uncle Naboth, eagerly. -“That can’t be all.”</p> -<p>“No,” answered the inventor, “it is not all. -But it seems to cover the period of the first writing. -The other entries are more hurried and -more carelessly inscribed.”</p> -<p>“Is the map he mentions there?” I asked.</p> -<p>“Yes. It is badly drawn, for an engineer, -but sufficiently clear, I imagine, to enable one to -follow it with ease.”</p> -<p>“Then read on, please.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_101">101</div> -<p>He obeyed at once.</p> -<p>“Last night, as I approached the forest after -my work in the valley, I saw a man’s face peering -at me from between the trees. The moon shone -on it clearly. It was an Indian’s face, but in an -instant it had disappeared. Greatly startled, I -searched the forest with care, but could find no -trace of the spy. I may have been deceived, however. -Perhaps my nerves are getting unstrung.”</p> -<p>Moit turned a leaf.</p> -<p>“Again I have seen a man’s face,” he read. -“This time it was in the center of the valley, -among a clump of low bushes. I ran to the -forest in a state of excitement; then reproached -myself for my folly and came back; but I could -find nothing.”</p> -<p>“These are all different entries,” remarked the -reader, turning another page. “I will read them -as they appear.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_102">102</div> -<p>“I am confident,” proceeded the writer, “that -I have been discovered at last by the San Blas. -They have spies all around me, by day as well as -by night, but to my surprise they have not yet molested -me in any way. I have determined to get -away at once—this very night—but as I may be -seized, and perhaps murdered, I shall not take -more than a part of my treasure with me. This -valley of diamonds is far richer than any field -ever discovered in South Africa, and if I am able -to escape I shall secure assistance and come here -again in spite of the San Blas. So I will leave -the greater part of my treasure where it has been -hidden, and take only such stones as I can comfortably -carry in my pockets. I must write a description -of where the diamonds are secreted, for -if I am killed and any white man comes upon this -book, I bequeathe to him my wealth, provided he -is brave enough to take it from the country of the -San Blas. Here is my injunction: When you -have reached the valley I have marked upon the -map, you will find near its center a boulder of -deep red granite, bare and solitary, the upper portion -bearing an arm-like projection or spike that -points directly toward the forest. Follow this -line of direction and you will come upon a gigantic -mahogany tree standing just at the edge -of the forest, which is really a jungle at this -point. Back of the mahogany is a large dead -stump, surrounded by moss. Lift the moss at the -right of the stump and you will come upon a cavity -in which I have secreted my hoard of diamonds. -You will have no trouble in recognizing -the valley, on account of the remarkable boulder -of rock, and the rest is easy.... I have -reached the stream and found my canoe safe; but -I must keep hidden among the bushes until another -night. I do not think I have been followed, -but I cannot be sure. The strange inaction of the -San Blas astonishes me and makes me uneasy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_103">103</div> -<p class="center"><span class="gs">* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<p>“The worst has happened, and it is not so very -bad, after all. They seized me last evening and -took away my diamonds, which they cast into the -river with absolute disdain of their value. But -then they at once released me, and went away and -left me to myself. Fortunately I had hidden ten -fine stones in a roll of bark, and these they failed -to discover. I am sorry to have lost the others, -but these few specimens will prove the truth of -my story when I get home. The adventure -shows my wisdom in leaving the bulk of the -treasure secreted in the forest.... There -is no use in hiding myself now, for my presence is -well known. Why I should have been spared, -when every other white intruder has been killed, -I cannot explain. But they seem to have made -an exception in my favor, and I am jubilant and -fearful at the same time. Somehow, I cannot -help imagining that these dreadful Indians are -playing with me, as a cat does with a mouse. But -I shall go boldly forward, and trust to luck to escape.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_104">104</div> -<p>“Is that all?” I asked, as Duncan Moit paused -and closed the book.</p> -<p>“It is all.”</p> -<p>“But the rest of the poor fellow’s story is as -clear as if he had written it,” I commented, musingly. -“The Indians waited until he had reached -the last boundary of their territory, and then put -an arrow into his heart. Where he fell they left -him, trusting the canoe would float down the -stream and warn other whites not to venture too -near.”</p> -<p>“Do you think that story is true?” enquired -Uncle Naboth, with some asperity.</p> -<p>“Why not, Uncle?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_105">105</div> -<p>“It sounds fishy, to my notion.”</p> -<p>I drew the roll of bark we had taken from the -pocket of the dead man and cut with my knife the -thongs which bound it together. After removing -the outer wrappers I found ten crystal pebbles in -the center, which I handed around so that all -could examine them with care. Only Uncle Naboth -had seen rough diamonds before, but the -grunts of the shrewd old trader told me at once -that he recognized the value of these stones.</p> -<p>However, I looked up the acid test in one of -my books in the stateroom, and was able to apply -it in a satisfactory manner. We managed to -crumble a portion of one stone and with the dust -thus secured Duncan polished a small surface on -another. They were diamonds, sure enough, -very white in color and seemingly perfect specimens.</p> -<p>And all the while we were thus occupied the -four of us were silently thinking. Each one, -moreover, took the book and read with care the -story for himself. The map was crude enough, -but I stared at it so intently that every pencil mark -was indelibly impressed upon my brain.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_106">106</div> -<p>At dinner we were an unsociable party. Afterward -we assembled on the deck. Uncle Naboth -smoked his pipe instead of the big cigar, -but said nothing. Ned put his face between his -hands and resting his elbows upon his knees -stared fixedly at the deck in meditative silence. -Duncan Moit hung over the rail and gazed at the -river as it murmured by.</p> -<p>I looked at my comrades and smiled at their -absorption. This longing for treasure and sudden -wealth is natural enough, and few men are -able to escape it. I knew very well that all of us -were pondering on a way to get at the diamonds -Maurice Kleppisch had left secreted in the forest -of San Blas. I may as well acknowledge that I -was fully as covetous as the others, but a hearty -fear of those strange Indians did much to lessen -my desire to visit them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_107">107</div> -<p>The evening passed with scarcely a remark, -and when we went to bed we were still thinking. -Not of the wrecked ship, though, or how we -should save the cargo and get ourselves into some -civilized port. The reading of the dead man’s -narrative had turned our thoughts entirely from -our own mischance and inoculated us with a -feverish desire to plunge into the same adventurous -channels that had resulted so fatally in his -own case.</p> -<p>At breakfast Uncle Naboth suddenly abandoned -all pretense of reserve.</p> -<p>“This is the San Maladrino river,” he asserted.</p> -<p>We all nodded, our faces serious and attentive.</p> -<p>“Of course,” said I. “He returned the same -way he entered the San Blas country, and we -found him floating on this very stream.”</p> -<p>No one cared to discuss a proposition so very -evident, and having hurriedly finished the meal we -assembled on deck to resume the conversation.</p> -<p>“Gentlemen,” said Moit, “you have all arrived -at some conclusion, I am sure. Let us exchange -ideas, and discuss their various merits.”</p> -<p>I asked Ned Britton to speak first.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_108">108</div> -<p>“Well,” said he, “it wouldn’t be right or -proper for us to leave them two or three quarts -o’ diamon’s to rust under that stump. I notice -the book says these Injuns don’t have firearms; -but we’ve got a plenty, so I perpose as we march -in, pepper ’em good if they show fight, an’ then -march out agin with the di’monds. I believe if -we put up a good front there’s enough of us to do -the job.”</p> -<p>“Especially as a company of carefully drilled -soldiers got wiped off the earth,” I remarked -somewhat sarcastically.</p> -<p>“Colombian sodgers don’t count,” said Ned. -“Our men is the right stuff ’cause they’re all -Americans.”</p> -<p>“I confess that I do not like the looks of this -arrow,” said Moit, handling cautiously the bronze -tipped weapon we had drawn from the dead man’s -breast. “It is evident they can shoot straight, and -there may be thousands of the San Blas to fight, -for all we know. I think that open warfare -would result in our total extinction.”</p> -<p>“If by that you mean we’d be punched full o’ -holes, I quite agree with you,” observed Uncle -Naboth. “Diplomacy’s the thing; diplomacy an’ -caution. You can ketch more flies with sugar -’n’ you can with vinegar.”</p> -<p>“Haven’t you a suggestion, Uncle?” I asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_109">109</div> -<p>During several voyages in the company of -Naboth Perkins I had learned to have great respect -for his shrewdness and judgment, and for -that reason I now awaited his reply with genuine -interest.</p> -<p>He relighted his pipe, gave two or three energetic -puffs, and then began:</p> -<p>“This fellow, you’ll notice, tells us a good deal -about the San Blas Indians, an’ what he says is all -worth careful considerin’. They ain’t like common -savages, but have their laws an’ live up to -’em. In one place he says niggers is used by -them for slaves, and that white slaves of Injuns -that is friendly to ’em, an’ not to the whites, is let -alone whenever they’re in their country. Gentlemen—an’ -Sam, too—that’s my keynote. It tells -us plain what to do, an’ how to do it!”</p> -<p>He looked at us triumphantly, but I was too -stupid to see the point of this argument.</p> -<p>“I’m afraid I don’t understand, Uncle,” I -said.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_110">110</div> -<p>“Well, you’re wrong, Sam. It’s a thing you -can’t help now, but you’re likely to outgrow it. -Hey there, Nux!” he called. “Get Bry an’ both -o’ you come here.”</p> -<p>I started, beginning to see what he meant; -but I said nothing until the two Sulus stood before -us. Bryonia was tall and slender, and very -powerful. Nux was shorter and stouter, but -equally strong of muscle. Their faces were intelligent -and expressive and their poise exhibited -a native dignity. Two more faithful followers -no man ever had than this pair of South Sea Indians, -and I regarded them more as brothers than -servants, for I owed my life to their bravery and -care.</p> -<p>“Gentlemen,” announced Uncle Naboth, -“these boys is Indians, and mighty good Indians, -too. They’re goin’ to take us four white folks -into the San Blas country as their slaves. They’ll -be finely welcomed, for they’ll pound an’ kick us -all around, and we’ll be meek as Moses till we git -our fists on them di’monds. It’s jest as easy as -rollin’ off a log, an’ a heap more fun.”</p> -<p>I admit the suggestion filled me with admiration, -and I saw Duncan Moit’s face brighten as -soon as he heard it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_111">111</div> -<p>“That’s it, sir!” he exclaimed. “That is just -the idea I was looking for, to connect with my -own. By putting the two together I believe we -shall succeed without a doubt.”</p> -<p>“What is your idea, then?” I asked.</p> -<p>“To travel in my convertible automobile.”</p> -<p>“What! Through a wilderness?”</p> -<p>“Along the streams as far as the water will -allow, and then over the level plains. The machine -will run in any farming country, for you -must remember that it does not sink into soft -ground as ordinary heavy automobiles do. Indeed, -by turning the pumps into the vacuum -chambers and exhausting them, I can render the -car so light that it will almost skim over a -marsh.”</p> -<p>“But what’s the use of travellin’ that way?” -asked Uncle Naboth.</p> -<p>“We gain safety, in case of attack; speed, if -we are forced to fly; comfort, by carrying our -hotel always with us, and, above all, I rely upon -the invention to awe the simple Indians and make -them look upon us as superior creatures. The -machine is here and in working order; it would -be folly, when it offers so many advantages, not -to use it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_112">112</div> -<p>“Very good,” said I, approvingly, for I could -see the force of his arguments.</p> -<p>“The only thing that worried me,” continued -Moit, “was the fact that our being white would -arouse the enmity of the San Blas, in spite of the -wonders we can show them. But if Nux and -Bryonia pose as the masters, and we are merely -their slaves to run and care for their magic -travelling machine, then we need have no special -fear.”</p> -<p>“Magic travellin’ machine is good!” cried my -uncle. “You’ve hit the nail on the head, Mr. -Moit, as sure as fate!”</p> -<p>The inventor smiled, as if pleased with the -compliment.</p> -<p>“If I can get a share of those diamonds,” said -he, “I will be independent of my rich uncle in -Los Angeles, and will have the means to secure -my patents, erect my own factory, and manufacture -the machines myself. It is something to -work for, is it not?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_113">113</div> -<p>I had been carefully examining the proposition, -and now said:</p> -<p>“There seems to be a serious flaw in your arrangement, -Uncle.”</p> -<p>“What’s that, Sam?”</p> -<p>“It isn’t reasonable that four white men -should be slaves to two black ones. Such a -combination would excite the suspicions of the -Indians at once, if they are really as clever as -they are reported to be. Take your own case, -for example, Uncle Naboth. You couldn’t look -like a slave for a single minute.”</p> -<p>Indeed, Mr. Perkins’ stout little body, his -cheery face and shrewd eyes, and the general air -of prosperity and contentment that radiated from -his benign personality, were a clear refutation of -any suggestion of slavery or even dependence. -Even Ned smiled at the idea, and Duncan Moit -shook his head with a sigh.</p> -<p>“Mr. Perkins can’t go,” he said.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth looked disappointed, and then -puffed his pipe angrily.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_114">114</div> -<p>“You fellers don’t allow for my actin’,” he -growled. “I’m as good a play actor as ever -travelled with a show.”</p> -<p>“That may be, Uncle; but you don’t look the -part, and unfortunately you can’t disguise yourself,” -I said. “But I want it clearly understood -that whoever goes on this adventure, we are all -to have an equal share in the spoils. For the -opportunity belongs to us all alike, and all would -be glad to go and do their full share.”</p> -<p>“I am willing to agree to that,” said Moit.</p> -<p>“Then I propose that you and I alone accompany -Bry and Nux on the expedition,” I continued. -“Two of us are as good as a dozen, for -we cannot fight our way, in any event.”</p> -<p>“What about me?” asked Britton, anxiously.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_115">115</div> -<p>“I want you to take a crew in the long boat -and try to make Colon, by feeling your way north -along the coast. From there you can report by -wire our mishap to Mr. Harlan, and get his instructions -what to do. Uncle Naboth must in -the meantime take charge of the wrecked ship -and the remaining men. This country isn’t very -big, you know; so we all ought to be able to -meet again in a few days, when we can decide -upon our future movements.”</p> -<p>And so the matter was finally arranged, and -it was decided that Ned and his crew in the long -boat and our party in our “magic travelling -machine” would leave the wreck the next morning -and proceed in opposite directions upon our -respective missions.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_116">116</div> -<h2 id="c8"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER VIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE SAN BLAS COUNTRY</span></h2> -<p>We had an early breakfast and then Ned -Britton bade us good-bye and started obediently -to descend the river and explore along the coast. -He was loth to abandon the more dangerous and -fascinating quest for the diamonds, but being -loyal to the core he knew how to obey orders -without grumbling.</p> -<p>As soon as he was away we began preparations -for our own departure. The first thing -was to arrange for launching the convertible -automobile, which Moit had been examining very -carefully ever since daybreak. He reported that -it had sustained no damage whatever from the -storm or the shock of grounding and was in -perfect condition. So all we had to do was to -remove the guy ropes, let it slide down the -slanting deck to the bulwarks—over which we -lifted it with a crane attached to the mizzenmast—and -then let the machine descend gently until -it rested on the bosom of the river.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_117">117</div> -<p>I was still so skeptical concerning some of -Moit’s absurd claims that it would not have surprised -me to see the huge car sink like a stone; -but instead of that it rode the water like a duck, -the wheels half submerged, the rail high above -the water-line.</p> -<p>We now filled the ample lockers beneath the -seats with provisions, put in a cask of fresh water -in case the river water proved unpalatable, and -took along such trinkets as we could gather together -for trading purposes. We each carried a -brace of revolvers, Moit and I (being slaves) -concealing ours, while Nux and Bry carried -theirs openly.</p> -<p>Finally we dressed for the excursion. The -gay checked suit and tourist cap of Uncle Naboth -we gave to Nux, and although they hung rather -loosely he presented a most startling appearance -in them. He swung a brass watch chain of -gigantic size across his vest front and Uncle gave -him a few of the big cigars to smoke when he -wanted to “show off.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_118">118</div> -<p>Bry wore a white duck suit belonging to -Duncan Moit, and to my astonishment looked as -aristocratic as any Eastern potentate on his first -visit to London. These Sulus were by no means -bad looking men, if one could forget their color, -and they took great delight in the transformations -we thrust upon them.</p> -<p>As for Moit and myself, we hunted among -the sailors’ cast-off togs for the most disreputable -“land clothes” we could find, and those we selected -were ragged and dirty enough, in all -conscience. I wore a run-down shoe upon one -foot and a red leather slipper on the other, and -when I had rumpled my hair and soiled my face -and hands I am sure I was as disgraceful in appearance -as any ragged urchin you ever came -across.</p> -<p>I was not wholly satisfied with Duncan, however. -In spite of his apparel there was so -thoughtful a look in his big gray eyes and so -well-bred and composed an expression on his -finely molded features that he could not look a -servant’s part as fully as I did and the best I -could hope was that the San Blas people would -consider him an unfortunate gentleman in hard -luck.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_119">119</div> -<p>There was much laughter and amusement -among the men we left behind on the wreck, -when they beheld our queer appearance. Uncle -Naboth chuckled until he coughed, and coughed -until he choked, badly frightening those who -were unaware that this startling exhibition was -usual with him whenever he reached that climax -of joy which he called being “desp’ritly pleased.”</p> -<p>I bade him an affectionate farewell, and then -we four got into the “auto-boat.” Moit sprung -the paddles from the rims of the wheels and -started the engines, and a minute later we were -waving our hands to those on the wreck and -gliding at a good rate of progress up the river.</p> -<p>The bulky machine did not draw so much -water as one would imagine, owing to its broad -displacement and the lightness of the material -employed in its construction. We found the current -gentle, and made such good time that at -eleven o’clock we passed between the two hills -indicated on Maurice Kleppisch’s map, a copy of -which I had brought with us.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_120">120</div> -<p>The current was swifter here because the -mounds narrowed the river considerably; but -Moit gave the engines a little more speed and we -went through without abating our rate of progress.</p> -<p>Just beyond the hills we saw a group of Indians -standing beneath the trees on the left bank -and regarding us earnestly but calmly. Perhaps -they had seen small steamers and thought -our craft belonged to that class, for they exhibited -neither fear nor surprise, merely turning their -grave faces toward us and remaining otherwise -motionless and silent as we glided by.</p> -<p>I whispered to Bryonia and Nux to stand up -and bow a greeting, which they proceeded to do -with amusing and exaggerated dignity; and then -I told Nux to box my ears, which he did so -promptly and in so lusty a manner that they -rang for several minutes afterward.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_121">121</div> -<p>I had explained to my blacks at great length -our reasons for undertaking this queer adventure, -and what we expected them to do to carry out -the farce and assist us in securing the treasure. -I had even read to them the dead man’s diary, -from beginning to end, so that they would know -as much about the San Blas as we did. They -were, as I have said, both clever and resourceful, -besides being devoted to me personally; so that -I felt justified in relying to a great extent upon -their judgment in case of emergency.</p> -<p>Should I need to give them any secret instructions, -I could do so in their own language, -which they had taught me during the tedium of -several long voyages, and which I prided myself -upon speaking fairly well. It was the language -of their own island of Tayakoo, for these were -not properly Sulus but natives belonging to a -distinct tribe of South Sea Islanders which owed -allegiance to no other ruler than their own.</p> -<p>Being aware that the king, and some others, -of the San Blas knew English and Spanish, I -could rely upon this almost unknown dialect to -cover any secret instructions I wished to convey -to my blacks.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_122">122</div> -<p>Nux and Bry were not linguists, however, -and knew but a few Spanish words besides the -imperfect English and their native tongue; but -we arranged that they were to command me to -interpret in Spanish whenever it was necessary. -Duncan Moit, unfortunately, knew nothing but -English.</p> -<p>The tributary that entered the river from the -left side was a farther distance beyond the hills -than the map seemed to indicate; but we came -to it presently and began slowly to ascend it in -a southerly direction, although it made many -twists and turns. We found it easily navigable, -with dense forests on either side, and several -times we found we were observed by silent groups -of Indians on the bank, to all of whom Nux and -Bry bowed greetings with tremendous condescension -and mock courtesy. The bows were -never returned, however, and the Indians stood -like statues until we had passed by.</p> -<p>“There is no way of avoiding these people,” -said Moit, “so I think our best policy will be to -go directly to the king’s village, which I see -marked upon the map, and make friends with -him. Bryonia can explain our presence by saying -he merely wishes to examine the San Blas -country, and when once we have established -friendly relations with these natives we can visit -several different parts of their territory, to throw -them off their guard, and finally reach the valley -for which we are bound and secure the diamonds -at our leisure.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_123">123</div> -<p>“That seems to me a capital plan,” I agreed, -and we decided then and there to follow it as -closely as circumstances would allow.</p> -<p>After an hour’s cruise through the forest we -came to the coastal plains, finding this a remarkably -fertile country with fields under fine -cultivation. As soon as we discovered a low -bank on our left we turned the machine toward -the shore, and when the wheels touched bottom -they climbed the bank easily and we quickly -found ourselves upon dry land.</p> -<p>More Indians were observing us, and as we -left the water and glided over the land I detected -a look of amazement upon their faces that -all their reserve could not control. Indeed, I -was myself filled with wonder at the marvelous -performances of Duncan Moit’s invention, so that -small blame attaches to the San Blas if their -stoicism could not master their astonishment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_124">124</div> -<p>We crossed the plain until we came upon a -pretty stream, which we took to be the one indicated -upon the map, and from there followed -its course eastward, making excellent time over -the level meadows. We saw a few huts scattered -along the way, and several herds of cattle and -sheep, but no horses. The sheep seemed few to -supply the wool for which these Indians were -famous, but I imagined we would find larger -flocks in the uplands.</p> -<p>It was about five o’clock in the afternoon when -we sighted a considerable village, which at once -we determined must be the place we sought. -Bowling along at an increased pace we soon -reached the town, but to our surprise we found -our way barred by solid files of Indians, all standing -with their arrows ready notched in their -bowstrings.</p> -<p>Moit stopped the engines and we came to a -halt. Hitherto we had been allowed to go where -we pleased since entering this strange land, but -it seemed that our license was now at an end.</p> -<p>Bry stood up in his seat, made a bow, and -said in a loud voice:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_125">125</div> -<p>“Any speak Englis’?—America—United -States?”</p> -<p>In an instant we were surrounded by the -stern-visaged natives, while one of them, a tall, -powerful fellow and evidently a chief, stepped -close to the machine and answered in a quiet -voice:</p> -<p>“I the English speak.”</p> -<p>“Very good,” said Bry. “I am great chief -of Tayakoo. My name is Honorable Bryonia. -Here is my brother, also great chief of Tayakoo—he -name Senator Nux. We come to visit the -chiefs and great king of the San Blas. Then, -say to me, oh, Chief, are we welcome? Are we -all brothers?”</p> -<p>I thought this was a very good introduction. -But the chief glanced at me and at Moit, frowning -darkly, and asked:</p> -<p>“Who the white men? What bring them -here?”</p> -<p>“You speak about our slaves? Bah! Have -my brothers of San Blas, then, no slaves to do -their work?”</p> -<p>The chief considered a moment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_126">126</div> -<p>“Where you get white slaves?” he questioned, -suspiciously.</p> -<p>“Stan’ up, Dunc!” said Bry, giving the inventor -a vicious kick that made him howl. -“Where we get you, heh?”</p> -<p>He kicked him again, quite unnecessarily, I -thought, and Moit stood up with a red and -angry face and growled:</p> -<p>“Stop that, you fool!”</p> -<p>At this rebellion Nux promptly fetched him -a blow behind the knees that sent him tumbling -backward upon his seat, and when I laughed—for -I could not help it—I got another ear-splitter -that made me hold my head and be glad -to keep silent. Moit evidently saw the force of -our blacks’ arguments, for he recovered his wits -in time to avoid further blows.</p> -<p>The exhibition had one good effect, anyway; -it lulled any suspicions of the chief that the -Honorable Bryonia and Senator Nux might not -be the masters in our little party. Although -Duncan Moit and I constantly encountered looks -of bitter hatred, our men were thereafter treated -with ample respect and consideration.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_127">127</div> -<p>“You welcome,” said the chief. “I, Ogo—Capitan -Ogo—green chief. You come to my -house.”</p> -<p>He turned and marched away, and Moit -started the machine and made it crawl after him.</p> -<p>The other natives followed in a grave procession, -and so we entered the village and passed -up its clean looking streets between rows of -simple but comfortable huts to the further end -where we halted at the domicile of the “green -chief.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_128">128</div> -<h2 id="c9"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER IX</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">FACING THE ENEMY</span></h2> -<p>“Capitan” Ogo made an impressive bow in -the direction of his mud mansion and then another -bow to Nux and Bry.</p> -<p>“Come,” he said.</p> -<p>They accepted the invitation and climbed out -of the machine.</p> -<p>“Don’t be long, Nux,” I remarked, in the -Tayakoo dialect.</p> -<p>Instantly the chief swung around on his -heel.</p> -<p>“What does this mean?” he cried, speaking -the same language. “Do you receive orders -from your white slaves?”</p> -<p>I stared at him open mouthed, but to my intense -admiration neither Nux nor Bryonia -exhibited the least surprise.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_129">129</div> -<p>“Orders?” asked Bry, quietly. “Do you -blame us that the whites are fools, and speak -like fools? My brother has surely more wisdom -than that. If you knew the white dogs, you -would believe that their tongues are like the -tongues of parrots.”</p> -<p>“I know them,” answered Ogo, grimly. Then -he asked, abruptly:</p> -<p>“Where did you learn the language of my -people—the ancient speech of the Techlas?”</p> -<p>“It is my own language, the speech of my -people of Tayakoo, whose chief I am.”</p> -<p>They looked upon each other with evident -curiosity, and I examined the two Indians, as -they stood side by side, and wondered at their -similar characteristics. Bryonia might easily be -mistaken for a brother of the San Blas chief, so -far as appearances went, and although Nux was -of a different build there were many duplicates -of him in the silent crowd surrounding us.</p> -<p>“Where is Tayakoo?” asked Ogo.</p> -<p>“Far to the south, in the Pacific ocean.”</p> -<p>“What is the history of your people?”</p> -<p>“I do not know.”</p> -<p>“Are there many of you?”</p> -<p>“But a few, inhabiting a small island.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_130">130</div> -<p>The chief seemed thoughtful. Then he -turned again.</p> -<p>“Come!” he commanded; and they followed -him into his house.</p> -<p>Duncan Moit was clearly puzzled by this -conversation, carried on in a language unknown -to him.</p> -<p>“What is it all about, Sam?” he enquired, in a -low voice.</p> -<p>“The Sulus and the San Blas speak the same -language,” I replied.</p> -<p>“Anything wrong?”</p> -<p>“No; our chances are better than ever, I -guess.”</p> -<p>Fifty pair of eyes were staring at us -curiously; so we decided not to converse further -at present. We stared in turn at the natives, -who seemed not to object in the least.</p> -<p>Without question the San Blas were the best -looking Indians I have ever seen. They resembled -somewhat the best of the North American tribes, -but among them was a larger proportion of intelligence -and shrewdness. Their faces were -frank and honest, their eyes large and expressive, -and they moved in a self-possessed and staid manner -that indicated confidence in their own powers -and contempt for all enemies.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_131">131</div> -<p>Their costumes were exceedingly interesting. -Men and women alike wore simple robes of finely -woven wool that were shaped somewhat like -Greek tunics. The arms of the men were bare; -the women had short flowing sleeves; and this -was the only perceptible difference in the garb of -the two sexes, except that most of the men wore -sandals of bark, while the women and children -were bare-footed.</p> -<p>The tunic was their sole garment, and reached -only to the knees, being belted at the waist. The -women, I afterward learned, wove the cloth -in their houses, as one of their daily occupations, -and the body of the tunic was always white, with -colored stripes worked in at the neck and around -the bottom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_132">132</div> -<p>These colors, which must have been vegetable -dyes, were very brilliant in hue, including purple, -orange, red, blue and yellow. Black was never -used at all, and green was the color reserved for -the nobles and the king. I noticed that the chief, -Ogo, had a narrow band of green on his robe, -which explained his proudly proclaiming himself -a “green” or royal chief. The bands of green -we found varied in width according to the prominence -of their wearers.</p> -<p>One can easily imagine that the appearance of -an automobile in this country, isolated as it was -from all modern civilization, would be likely to -inspire the natives with awe and wonder, if not -with actual terror. Yet these queer people -seemed merely curious, and tried to repress even -their curiosity as much as possible. They knew -nothing at all of mechanics, existing in the same -simple fashion that their ancestors had done -centuries before, plowing their land with sharpened -sticks and using arrows and spears as their -only weapons except for the long bronze knives -that were so roughly fashioned as to be well-nigh -ridiculous. The only way I can explain the -stolid demeanor of these Indians is through their -characteristic fearlessness and repression, which -enabled them to accept any wonderful thing without -displaying emotion.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_133">133</div> -<p>But they were interested, nevertheless. Their -eyes roved everywhere about the machine and -only we, the accursed whites, were disregarded.</p> -<p>After a half hour or so Nux and Bryonia -came out of the house, accompanied by the chief. -They had broken bread together and tasted a -native liquor, so that they might now depend -upon the friendship of their host unless he found -that they had deceived him. This was a long -stride in the right direction. But when they had -asked to see the king they were told that his -residence was several miles to the eastward, and -that in the morning Ogo would escort them to -the royal dwelling and introduce them to the -mighty Nalig-Nad.</p> -<p>Meantime Nux and Bry were given plain instructions -not to leave this village, and when -they were invited to sleep in the chief’s house -they were able to decline by asserting that they -always lived in their magic travelling machine. -This excuse had been prearranged by us, for we -deemed it best not to separate or to leave the -machine while we were in the enemy’s country.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_134">134</div> -<p>As soon as the blacks had re-entered the machine -they commanded me, in abusive language, -to prepare supper. Duncan at once got out our -table, which was a folding contrivance he had -arranged to set up in the center of the car, -and then I got the alcohol stove from its locker -and proceeded to light it.</p> -<p>While I made coffee and set the table with -the food we had brought, Nux and Bry lolled -on their seats and divided the admiring glances -of the surrounding villagers with the (to them) -novel preparations I was making for the repast. -Then the Sulus sat at the table and I waited -upon them with comical deference, Moit being -unable to force himself to take part in the farce. -Afterward we ate our own suppers and I for -one relished it more than I usually did. In my -boyish fashion I regarded it all as a great lark, -and enjoyed the humor of the situation.</p> -<p>As it was growing dark I now lighted our -lamps while the inventor drew the sections of -the glass dome into place and fastened them together.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_135">135</div> -<p>We could still be observed by those without, -for although the top was provided with curtains -we did not draw them. But now we were able -to converse without being overheard, and Nux -and Bry, appearing to be talking with each other, -related all that had transpired in the chief’s house, -while we commented upon it and our good fortune -up to the present time.</p> -<p>“After we have visited the king, and made -friends with him, we shall be able to go wherever -we please,” I prophesied; “and then it won’t -take us long to get the diamonds and make tracks -back to the wreck again.”</p> -<p>To this all were agreed. Then Duncan remarked, -musingly:</p> -<p>“It is strange you two Indian nations, so far -removed, speak the same language.”</p> -<p>“True ’nough, Mars’ Moit,” replied Bry. -“But I ’spect our folks come from de same country -dese San Blas did, an’ dat ’counts fo’ it.”</p> -<p>“This fact ought to help us with them,” -said I.</p> -<p>“Sure t’ing, Mars’ Sam,” Nux responded. -“Dey knows now we just as good as dey is—an’ -we know we’s better.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_136">136</div> -<p>As we were tired with our day’s excursion -we soon removed the table and spread our blankets -upon the roomy floor of the car. Then, -with a courtesy we had not anticipated, the crowd -of observers melted silently away, and by the -time we were ready to put out the lights and -draw the curtains we were alone in the village -street, where not a sound broke the stillness.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_137">137</div> -<h2 id="c10"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER X</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">NALIG-NAD</span></h2> -<p>We slept nicely in our rather confined quarters, -and at daybreak Bryonia arose and prepared -breakfast while the curtains were still -drawn. But as soon as he and Nux had cleared -away the things we let down the top and appeared -in our open car again, to find that the -chief had waited so long outside that he was -inclined to be in a bad humor.</p> -<p>The rabble did not come near to us this -morning, however. Perhaps the chief thought -their intent observation undignified, and had -ordered them to keep away. But behind Ogo -stood ten tall warriors who had been selected as -our escort, or body-guard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_138">138</div> -<p>When we signified we were ready for the -journey these formed a line of march—three in -front, three behind, and two on either side. All -were armed with stout spears, and each bore a -bow and a quiver of bronze-tipped arrows, as -well as a knife stuck into his girdle. When we -started the chief brought up the rear of the procession, -so that he could keep an eye on us.</p> -<p>Duncan Moit resented the necessity of running -his machine at a slow pace, but when he -started it at an ordinary walk he soon found that -the Indians were accustomed to swing along at a -much swifter rate. So he gradually increased -our speed, and it was comical to see the solemn -visaged warriors trying to keep up with us without -running.</p> -<p>Finally, however, they broke into an easy -trot, which they maintained for a long time without -seeming to tire. I made Moit slow down -after a while, for I did not wish to provoke the -San Blas at present, and thought it wiser to show -them some slight consideration.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_139">139</div> -<p>The plains we were now crossing were remarkably -rich and fertile, and we passed many -farms where men were cultivating the soil by -dragging sharpened sticks over the surface. In -other places were fields of grain ready for the -harvest, and Nux questioned the chief and -learned that the climate was so uniform the year -around that several crops could be grown in -rapid succession. They used no beasts of burden, -but performed all the labor with their own muscles, -which in a measure accounted for their -powerful racial physique. There were no roads -leading from one place to another; merely paths -over the meadows to indicate the lines of travel.</p> -<p>The houses were formed partly of logs and -partly of clay baked in the sun. They were -simple and somewhat rude in construction, but -appeared to be quite clean and comfortable. So -far we had seen little evidence of luxury or refinement.</p> -<p>It was nearly noon when we approached a -circular enclosure which proved to be a stockade -of clay held together with brushwood until the -sun had hardened it to brick. There was an -arched opening in this wall, and Moit obeyed a -signal from Ogo and headed toward it.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_140">140</div> -<p>Entering the enclosure we found a large, -rambling dwelling in the center and a row of -smaller houses circling the inner side of the wall. -A large space was thus left around the central -building, which we naturally concluded to be -the king’s palace.</p> -<p>The doorways and windows (the latter being -unglazed apertures) of the smaller huts were -filled with attentive faces of women and children, -but not a sound broke the silence to which these -natives seemed to be trained. Except on extraordinary -occasions the San Blas did not chatter; -they only spoke when they were required to say -something of meaning.</p> -<p>The chief directed us to halt before a small -door of the palace.</p> -<p>“Get out,” he commanded, in the native -tongue, “and follow me to the presence of our -ruler, the mighty Nalig-Nad.”</p> -<p>Bryonia and Nux at once obeyed, but the -chief motioned to us to come also. We hesitated, -and Bry said:</p> -<p>“One of our slaves must remain in the machine, -to care for it. The other may accompany -us.”</p> -<p>“Both must come!” returned the chief, -sternly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_141">141</div> -<p>“What! do you give me orders—do you command -the Honorable Bryonia, King of Tayakoo?” -demanded our black, drawing himself up -proudly and frowning upon Ogo.</p> -<p>“The king shall decide,” returned the chief. -“Come!”</p> -<p>I followed them in and Duncan remained -with the machine. We passed through a hallway -and came upon a central courtyard, built in -the Spanish style. Here, upon a rude bench, sat -an old warrior with a deeply lined face and long -locks sprinkled with gray. His eyes were large -and black and so piercing in their gaze that they -seemed to probe one through and through, yet -the expression of the man’s countenance was just -now gentle and unassuming.</p> -<p>He had neither the stern nor the fierce look -we had remarked in so many of the San Blas, but -one might well hesitate to deceive the owner of -that square chin and eagle-like glance.</p> -<p>The king wore a white robe with seven broad -stripes of green woven into its texture, and on -his knees were seated two children, a curly-headed -little maid of about ten years and a calm -faced boy of five. His surroundings were exceedingly -simple, and the only others present were -a group of warriors squatting in a far corner.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_142">142</div> -<p>“Well, you are here at last,” said Nalig-Nad, -looking at us over the heads of the children as -we ranged ourselves before him and bowed with -proper deference. “Which is your leader?”</p> -<p>“My friend, the Senator Nux, and I, the -Honorable Bryonia, are alike kings and rulers in -our own country,” was the reply. “But my -friend is modest, and at his request I will speak -for us both.”</p> -<p>“Good!” ejaculated Nalig-Nad. “Sit down, -my brothers; kings must not stand in my presence.”</p> -<p>They sat upon a bench, and Nux, thinking -this the right time to be impressive, got out a -big cigar and lighted it, having offered another to -the king, who promptly refused it.</p> -<p>“Why are you here to honor me with your -presence?” was the next question, quietly put.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_143">143</div> -<p>“In our magic travelling machine we are -making a trip around the world,” began Bryonia, -in a bombastic tone. They were speaking in the -native dialect, which I clearly understood; and I -must say that my men expressed themselves much -better in that than they did in English.</p> -<p>The king took a bit of green chalk from his -pocket and made a mark upon the bench beside -him.</p> -<p>“Where did you get your white slaves?” he -enquired.</p> -<p>“They were shipwrecked upon the island -which we rule, and we made them our slaves,” -said Bry.</p> -<p>The king made a second chalk mark.</p> -<p>“And where did you get the magic machine -for travelling upon both land and water?” It -was evident he had been well informed of our -movements.</p> -<p>“It was made for us by a wizard of our island,” -said Bry.</p> -<p>“What island?”</p> -<p>“Tayakoo.”</p> -<p>A third chalk mark.</p> -<p>“Does it belong to you?”</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>Another mark.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_144">144</div> -<p>“And now,” said the king, looking at them -curiously, “tell me what request you have to -make.”</p> -<p>“A request?”</p> -<p>“Yes; you asked to see the King of the San -Blas. Then you wish something. I am the -King.”</p> -<p>Bryonia hesitated.</p> -<p>“We wish to see all things,” said he, slowly, -“and so we crave permission to visit the different -parts of your country, that we may observe -what it is like.”</p> -<p>“Just as a matter of curiosity?”</p> -<p>“Of course, my brother.”</p> -<p>A chalk mark.</p> -<p>“Do you love gold?” asked the king, -abruptly.</p> -<p>“No, we do not care for gold.”</p> -<p>“Not at all?”</p> -<p>“Not in the least.”</p> -<p>The chalk mark again.</p> -<p>“Nor the white pebbles?” looking at them -shrewdly.</p> -<p>“We care for no pebbles at all, white or -black,” asserted Bry, beginning to grow uneasy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_145">145</div> -<p>The king made another mark, and then -slowly counted them.</p> -<p>“Seven lies!” he announced, shaking his head -gravely. “My brother is not honest with me. -Otherwise there would be no lies.”</p> -<p>Nux put the wrong end of the cigar in his -mouth, and begun to splutter and make faces. -Bryonia looked at the king, stern and indignant.</p> -<p>“Do you judge us by the whites?” he cried.</p> -<p>“No; I have found that the whites are quick -to acknowledge their love of gold.”</p> -<p>“If you were in my country,” said Bry, -proudly, “I would not insult my brother king.”</p> -<p>“What would you do if I lied to you?” asked -Nalig-Nad, quickly.</p> -<p>“You would not lie,” declared Bry. “Kings -do not lie to each other—unless they are white.”</p> -<p>I wanted to yell “bravo!” the retort was so -cleverly put. The king seemed pleased, and became -thoughtful, stroking the little boy’s hair -gently while the girl rested her pretty head -against his broad bosom.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_146">146</div> -<p>“The Techlas have reason to hate the whites,” -he said, with a keen glance at me. “They drove -us from our old home, because they wanted to -rob us of our gold, which we loved only because -it was beautiful. They were cruel and unjust, -and lied to us, and had no faith nor honesty. So -we fled; but we swore to hate them forever, and -to be cruel and unjust to them, in turn, whenever -they fell into our hands.”</p> -<p>“I do not blame your people,” declared Bry, -stoutly.</p> -<p>“Tell me, then, why do you of Tayakoo hate -them, and make them your slaves?”</p> -<p>“Why?”</p> -<p>“Yes; had you gold?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“Nor white pebbles?”</p> -<p>“No.”</p> -<p>“Then why do you hate them?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_147">147</div> -<p>“Because they are dangerous and wicked. -They come in ships to our island and try to make -us slaves. We fight them and drive them away, -but they take some of my people and lash them -with whips, and make them work like beasts. -Also some of the whites we capture—such as -these we now have with us—and then we love -to force them to do our bidding. Never has -there been friendship between the white men and -the men of Tayakoo.”</p> -<p>He spoke very earnestly, and I knew he was -telling the truth, in the main, for I had heard the -same thing before. It was only because Uncle -Naboth had saved the lives of these two blacks -and been kind to them that they came to love -us and to abandon the fierce hatred for the whites -that had been a part of their training from youth -up.</p> -<p>“I will buy your white slaves,” said the king, -coolly, “and then you may go where you will in -my kingdom.”</p> -<p>“We will not part with them. They must -work for us and make our machine go.”</p> -<p>“If it is magic, it does not need slaves to -make it go,” observed the king, with a smile.</p> -<p>“Would you deprive your brother kings of -their only followers?”</p> -<p>“I will give you as many negroes as you require, -in place of them.”</p> -<p>“We cannot spare them. These white dogs -know our ways, and serve us well.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_148">148</div> -<p>“Then I will take but one, and leave you the -other.”</p> -<p>Bry shook his head.</p> -<p>“Whatever else we possess, except our wonderful -travelling machine, we will freely give -to our brother,” said he. “But even Nalig-Nad -has no right to demand our slaves, and we shall -keep them.”</p> -<p>The king seemed disappointed. After a -moment’s pause,</p> -<p>“Think of it,” he said; “and meantime make -my home your home. We will talk of these -matters again.”</p> -<p>He waved his hand in dismissal and turned -to caress the children.</p> -<p>Ogo the chief said, sternly: “Come!” but -Bry stood still.</p> -<p>“Have we the king’s permission to visit his -dominions in our machine, while we are his -guests?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Not yet,” replied Nalig-Nad, with the first -touch of impatience he had shown; “we will talk -again before you leave my village.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_149">149</div> -<p>“That does not sound friendly,” retorted -Bryonia, frowning.</p> -<p>“Have you done anything to forfeit my -friendship?” enquired the king, turning a swift -glance upon the speaker. “Be content. Only -in the king’s village should the brothers and -guests of the king remain in peace and comfort. -My people shall be your servants, and you may -command them as you will; but you must not go -outside the wall.”</p> -<p>We did not like this, and stood a moment -silent.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_150">150</div> -<p>“Seems to me, King Honorable Bryonia,” -said Nux, speaking for the first time during the -interview and addressing his friend point blank, -as if the king’s presence was immaterial; “seems -to me this new brother, King Nalig-Nad, is not -a bad fellow. I like him because he is kind to -little children, and I am sorry for him because he -is not better informed. But what can you expect, -when he stays in this one-horse place and -knows nothing of the great world that bows at -our feet? If he dares oppose your will, remember -how poor and ignorant he is, and forgive -him. I know what you are thinking, great -King Honorable Bryonia, but I beg you not to -destroy Nalig-Nad yet, or to explode his people -with the terrible power you possess. Let us be -patient. Permit this king to live on, for a short -time, anyway. What a shame to ruin this happy -home! Be patient, my mighty brother, and soon -this foolish Nalig-Nad will have wisdom, and -willingly grant all that you desire.”</p> -<p>Having delivered himself of this speech, Nux -puffed his cigar again and looked at the king with -a face expressive of great sympathy and concern.</p> -<p>Both Bry and I were fairly astounded. We -had not expected Nux to take part in the discussion, -and the pleading tone he had adopted -was as good a bit of acting as Bryonia had yet -exhibited. It impressed the king even more than -Bryonia’s dignified assurances, although at first -I trembled at the folly of threatening so clever -and powerful a man as Nalig-Nad. After all, -he was merely a savage, and more liable to suspect -us of unknown powers than of unsupported -audacity.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_151">151</div> -<p>We soon discovered that Nux had grasped the -situation more clearly than we had. The ruler -of the San Blas was used to trickery and cunning -and had trained himself to search for hidden -reasons in all his dealings with outsiders. The -suggestion that the owners of the strange travelling -machine, who had so boldly invaded his -country, had the intention and power of “exploding” -himself and all his people struck him -as more reasonable than anything he had yet -heard. He was visibly worried, and looked half -fearfully at the stern and impassive countenance -of the tall South Sea Islander who stood before -him.</p> -<p>“We will break bread,” he said, with quick -decision. “Send away your slave, my brothers, -and come with me.”</p> -<p>“Go,” said Bry, turning to me. “And go -you, also, Chief Ogo,” he added, imperatively; -“we would be alone with the king.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_152">152</div> -<p>The chief looked uneasily toward Nalig-Nad, -who had set the children down and allowed them -to run into the house. Noting the look, the king -bowed his head to affirm Bry’s command. He -might with reason fear his strange guests, but he -was no coward.</p> -<p>I left the courtyard, followed by Ogo, and returned -to where the automobile was standing.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_153">153</div> -<h2 id="c11"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">PRINCESS ILALAH</span></h2> -<p>Leaning over the side of the machine, her -chin resting upon her hands at the edge of the -car, was the most beautiful girl I had ever seen. -Her form was tall and slender, her features -exquisitely regular in contour and her eyes deep -brown and soft as velvet. Her fleecy white tunic -was without color save a broad band of green -that formed a zigzag pattern around its edge, and -in her dark hair was twined a wreath of white -blossoms with delicate green leaves.</p> -<p>I noticed that her skin was almost white in -the sunshine, the bronze hue being so soft as to -be scarcely observable. She had not the same -expression of sadness that seemed an inherited -characteristic of her people, but gazed upward -with a faint smile that showed her dainty white -teeth, full at the face of Duncan Moit. When I -appeared upon the scene the inventor was sitting -on the side of the car opposite the girl and returning -her frank regard with a look of wonder -and admiration.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_154">154</div> -<p>A little back stood a silent group of young -women, whose demeanor indicated that they were -the girl’s attendants. Their eyes, I noticed, -roved over the strange machine with eager -curiosity.</p> -<p>Chief Ogo uttered an exclamation of impatience -and strode quickly forward.</p> -<p>“This is no place for you, my Princess!” he -said, addressing the girl. “You must retire at -once to your rooms.”</p> -<p>She turned her head without altering her -position and said in a calm, sweet tone:</p> -<p>“Does my lord Ogo command Ilalah, then?”</p> -<p>“When the king is not present it is my duty -to guard his women,” he returned, brusquely.</p> -<p>With a contemptuous shrug as her only reply -she looked toward Duncan again, and as if continuing -a conversation already begun, she said to -him in soft but awkward English:</p> -<p>“And shall it fly like a bird, too?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_155">155</div> -<p>“It can almost fly, but not quite, miss,” he -answered.</p> -<p>“But it swims like a fish?”</p> -<p>“Yes, miss.”</p> -<p>“And runs like a deer?”</p> -<p>“Exactly, miss.”</p> -<p>“It would be to please me if it did that,” she -remarked, very gently.</p> -<p>Duncan was puzzled for a moment; then his -face brightened, and he said eagerly:</p> -<p>“If you will get in, I will take you to ride—you -and three of your women.”</p> -<p>She did not hesitate at all, but turned and -called three of the young women by name, who -came at once to her side.</p> -<p>Ogo the chief, who could not follow very well -the English words, was scowling fiercely, but had -kept at a respectful distance since the girl had -repulsed him. Enjoying his discomfiture, I -promptly opened the door of the car and motioned -the princess to enter. She ascended the -steps lightly and I pushed her attendants after -her, for I scented a lark and wanted to prevent -Ogo from interfering.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_156">156</div> -<p>I could see he was uncertain how to act, and -the other bystanders were equally undecided. But -no sooner had I jumped in after the women than -Moit threw over the lever and started the engines, -so promptly that the machine leaped forward -with a bound.</p> -<p>We circled the king’s palace three times, while -the dainty princess clung to the back of her seat -and laughed delightedly and her women huddled -together in abject terror. Every inhabitant -flocked to the doors and windows to see us, nor -could the natives control their amazement at our -rapid flight.</p> -<p>Then Duncan headed for the arched opening -in the wall, and ignoring Ogo’s wild shout to -halt darted through and out upon the plains. The -chief instantly notched an arrow, but the princess -sprang to her feet and faced him from the rear -of the car, so that he dared not shoot for fear -of wounding her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_157">157</div> -<p>Another moment and we were out of range; -and now Duncan, inspired by a natural desire to -show his fair passenger what his invention could -do, increased the speed until the wind whistled -past our ears and our eyes were not quick -enough to note the objects we passed.</p> -<p>I own that, being myself a sailor, I was a -little frightened at this terrific dash; but Ilalah -laughed gleefully and cast a slim brown arm -around Duncan’s neck to steady herself as she -gazed straight ahead and enjoyed to the full the -excitement of the wild ride.</p> -<p>There was no real danger, however. The -meadows were as smooth as any highway, and -in an incredibly short period of time we were almost -out of sight of the village.</p> -<p>The thought now came to me that it would -not be wise for us to offend Nalig-Nad by carrying -our prank too far, so I called to Duncan to -return. Rather reluctantly, I imagined, he described -a great circle and headed at last for the -village, never abating his speed, however, until -we had flown through the arch and narrowly escaped -knocking over a dozen or so of the throng -assembled in the enclosure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_158">158</div> -<p>Around the king’s palace we again sped, so -as not to slacken our pace too abruptly, and then -the inventor brought his wonderful machine to a -halt in almost the same spot from whence we -had started.</p> -<p>We now observed Nalig-Nad standing at the -entrance to his dwelling with Nux and Bryonia -on either side of him. Now that he stood upright -I saw that he towered far above all his -people, and was moreover straight as a gun-barrel.</p> -<p>As soon as we halted I opened the door and -assisted the frightened attendants to reach the -ground. Duncan, however, sprang out and gave -his hand to Ilalah, who needed no such support. -Her cheeks glowed pink through their rich tinting, -her eyes sparkled brightly and there could -be no question of her delight in her recent novel -experience.</p> -<p>As soon as her feet touched the ground she -ran to the king and seized his arm affectionately, -crying aloud in her native tongue:</p> -<p>“Oh, my father, it is a miracle! The white -man’s wagon is alive, and more fleet than an -arrow.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_159">159</div> -<p>“It is not the white man’s wagon,” said Bry, -quickly. “It is our wagon—the wagon of kings—and -the white man is a slave, whose duty it is -to make it go.”</p> -<p>“A slave? Oh, I am sorry!” said Ilalah, with -disappointment.</p> -<p>“Why?” asked her father, putting an arm -around her.</p> -<p>“Because the white man is beautiful as a -spirit, and he is good and kind,” answered the -princess.</p> -<p>I glanced at the unconscious Duncan and -nearly laughed outright. That the thin-faced, -stooping, dreamy-eyed inventor could by any stretch -of the imagination be called beautiful was -as strange as it was amusing. But the girl was -doubtless in earnest, and being so rarely beautiful -herself she ought to be a judge.</p> -<p>The king was plainly annoyed at this frank -praise of a hated white. He presented his -daughter, with much ceremony, to Nux and -Bryonia, and she touched their foreheads lightly -with her finger-tips, and then her own brow, in -token of friendship.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_160">160</div> -<p>“Will your Majesty take a ride in our magic -travelling machine?” asked Bry, with proud condescension.</p> -<p>“Not now,” said the king, drawing back -thoughtfully.</p> -<p>Presently he walked close to the machine and -eyed every part of it with great intentness. But -it was clear the thing puzzled him, as well it -might, and he shook his grizzled head as if he -despaired of solving the problem.</p> -<p>Then he escorted the blacks around his village, -showing them the various huts and storehouses -for fruits and grain; and while they were -thus occupied the princess came nearer and leaned -again upon the side of the car, Moit and I being -seated within it.</p> -<p>“If you are slaves,” she said, in a low voice, -“I will befriend you. Do not fear, but call on -Ilalah if you meet trouble or enemies threaten -you.”</p> -<p>“Thank you, sweet Princess,” replied Duncan. -“We may be slaves at present, but soon we shall -be free. We fear no danger.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_161">161</div> -<p>She nodded, brightly, as if the answer reassured -her, and walked away to enter the palace, -her train of attendants following at a respectful -distance.</p> -<p>Ogo and his villagers stood several paces -away, silent and motionless. When the king returned -with his “noble” guests he noticed the -chief and at once dismissed him, telling him to -return to his village and be vigilant until the -visitors had departed from their dominions.</p> -<p>Ogo promptly departed, but not without a -final glance of hatred at the inventor and me. -Then the king, with many expressions of friendship, -retired into his palace, and Bry and Nux -were again permitted to join us.</p> -<p>“Let us put up the top,” said I, “so that we -may talk without being overheard.”</p> -<p>We drew up the sections of the glass dome -and fastened them in place, while the natives -looked on with renewed curiosity. Then, quite -alone although we could see anything that happened -around us, we sat at our ease and canvassed -the situation.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_162">162</div> -<p>“If you fellows had been with us,” said Moit, -“I would have run away with the princess and -held her as hostage to secure our safe return to -the ship.”</p> -<p>“Would you have let her go then?” I enquired, -mischievously.</p> -<p>He did not deign to reply.</p> -<p>“We could not abandon Bry and Nux, -though,” I continued, more seriously, “so there -is nothing to regret.”</p> -<p>Bry seemed very thoughtful.</p> -<p>“We in bad box, Mars’ Sam,” he said in his -broken English, which contrasted so strongly -with the ease with which he expressed himself in -his own tongue; “dat king is old fox, sure ’nough, -an’ won’t let us go ’way from here to get de -di’monds.”</p> -<p>“He seemed to treat you and Nux very politely, -I thought.”</p> -<p>“All seem, Mars’ Sam; no be.”</p> -<p>“But isn’t he friendly? Didn’t he break -bread with you?”</p> -<p>“Dat don’t ’mount to nuffin, seh. If a friend -lie to him, he frien’ship is broke.”</p> -<p>“Well, Bry; what then?”</p> -<p>“He know I lie to him.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_163">163</div> -<p>“What makes you think so?”</p> -<p>“He make de chalk mark.”</p> -<p>“But how could he know you were lying?”</p> -<p>“His people see our wreck ship, when we not -see dem. Dey see from de trees me cook de -breakfas’ an’ Nux wait on de white folks. Dey -see Mars’ Dunc put de machine in de ribber, an’ -we-all ride away on it. Ev’yt’ing de king know -befo’ we come an’ lie to him. He know we fin’ -de body in de canoe, an’ bury dead man in ribber. -He know dead man wanted di’monds, so he kill -him. He think we want di’monds, too; so he -kill us if he can.”</p> -<p>This was indeed a gloomy prophecy. I had -no doubt my man had put the exact truth clearly -before us. Our folly in imagining we could so -easily deceive these clever Indians was all too -evident.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_164">164</div> -<p>“I noticed that Nalig-Nad seemed suspicious -and unbelieving,” I remarked, after a period of -silence during which we sat staring despondently -into one another’s faces. “He was telling himself -all the time, perhaps, that we were fools, and -he had us in his power. Only once was he at all -disturbed, and that was when Nux threatened to -‘explode’ him and his people. He is not quite -sure that we cannot do that.”</p> -<p>“Nor am I,” said Duncan Moit, musingly.</p> -<p>“But they must know about fire-arms, and -Maurice Kleppisch wrote in his book that they -despised them,” I observed.</p> -<p>“Fire-arms do not explode people. I did not -refer to them,” Moit returned. “But, tell me: -if these natives are aware of our imposture, what -is the use of keeping up the game? Let us get -hold of the girl, make a dash for the diamonds, -and then escape the best way we can.”</p> -<p>“The girl!” I exclaimed, as if surprised; “why -should you want the girl when, as you say, we -defy the natives and no hostage will be required?”</p> -<p>Moit looked confused.</p> -<p>“She knows the country,” he said, after a -moment, “and would make a good guide.” Then -he glanced up at me and added, more honestly: -“She’s very nice and pretty, Sam.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_165">165</div> -<p>“She’s a darling, old man; I agree with you -there. But it strikes me that to capture the princess -and run away with her would be to stir -up no end of a rumpus. We cannot run the machine -through the tangled forests, so the only way -to get back is by the river—the same way we -came. The king could assemble a thousand warriors -to oppose us, and the chances are he’d win -out.”</p> -<p>“Well, what shall we do?” he asked; “fight it -out?”</p> -<p>“Of course.”</p> -<p>“Got to fight, anyhow,” remarked Nux, philosophically.</p> -<p>“And we may as well keep up the fable of -our being slaves to Nux and Bry,” I added. -“They may know a good deal by observation, -but the chances are they have guessed at a lot; so -as long as we pretend to be two black kings and -two white slaves they haven’t any good excuse -for attacking us.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_166">166</div> -<p>During the afternoon several chiefs arrived -at the village, coming in one by one as if from -different parts of the country. All had more or -less green in their robes, and they were a lot of -remarkably shrewd and imposing looking fellows. -We decided that they had been summoned -by the king to a conference concerning us, for -after pausing in the enclosure to take accurate -note of our appearance and study the queer machine -in which we were seated, they passed on -into the royal dwelling.</p> -<p>Toward evening we prepared our supper, -while many of the inhabitants came to watch us -through our glass case. Presently some one -rapped softly upon the glass, and going to the -place I saw a woman standing there and holding -out a basket made of rushes. I opened a window -near and took in the basket.</p> -<p>“Ilalah sends it to the big white slave,” said -the woman, in her native dialect.</p> -<p>“The big white slave thanks Ilalah and sends -her his love in return,” I answered, laughing. -But she nodded and turned away with a serious -countenance, as if the message was no more than -she had expected.</p> -<p>I handed the basket to Duncan and gave him -the message of the princess. His face lighted up -and he blushed like a school-boy, but made no -comment.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_167">167</div> -<p>In the basket were some fresh eggs and a -roasted fowl that resembled a pheasant in size -and flavor. We cooked the eggs over our alcohol -stove and blessed the girl for her thoughtfulness, -for her contribution was a grateful addition to -our tinned foods.</p> -<p>As darkness came on we lighted our lamps -and drew our curtains and after a little further -discussion as to our future actions we lay down -upon our blankets and prepared to pass a second -peaceful night in the heart of the enemy’s -country.</p> -<p>It must have been about midnight when I was -awakened by a strange crackling sound. For a -moment I lay still, wondering what it could be; -then I sprang up and opened one of the little -windows.</p> -<p>Dense smoke was rising all around the automobile, -and thrusting out my head I saw a mass -of flames underneath us. I drew back quickly, -my eyes smarting from the smoke, and closed -the orifice.</p> -<p>The interior of the car was now dimly illumined -by a dull red glow. Moit was sitting up -when I reached out to touch him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_168">168</div> -<p>“What is it?” he asked sleepily.</p> -<p>“They have built a great bonfire underneath -us,” I answered. “Will it be likely to do any -damage?”</p> -<p>He shook his head.</p> -<p>“All the harm it could possibly do would be -to melt the rubber of the tires, and as they are -vulcanized I do not believe any open fire would -be powerful enough,” he said. “But it may get -rather close and warm for us to sleep, so we will -move on a bit.”</p> -<p>He reached for the lever and the machine -started and slowly moved over the blazing logs, -bouncing us around somewhat but creating no -other discomfort. By raising the curtain in front -Duncan could see when we were at a safe distance -from the fire, so he stopped about twenty -yards away and we prepared to lie down again.</p> -<p>“Some one ought to stand watch,” said the -inventor; “for if we are sound asleep while they -are wide awake they may get into more dangerous -mischief than building bonfires.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_169">169</div> -<p>We cheerfully agreed to so necessary a precaution, -and I was glad to find myself selected -for the first watch, because by that time I had -become as wakeful as an owl. When the others -returned to their blankets I settled myself comfortably -on a seat and listened intently for the -slightest sound that might indicate danger.</p> -<p>Presently I heard another crackling, from -which it appeared that our unseen foes had -dragged the blazing logs toward us and were -making another effort to burn our stout metal car. -So I aroused Duncan, and this time we moved -around to the other side of the enclosure, halting -close to a wing of the king’s house. For while -the car itself could not burn, a good bed of coals -under us would convert it into a frying-pan, and -we had no mind to sizzle and brown for the entertainment -of the San Blas.</p> -<p>Perhaps it was a fear of setting the royal palace -on fire that deterred our enemies from annoying -us further; for after this second move we -were not molested and my comrades were allowed -to finish their sleep in comfort.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_170">170</div> -<h2 id="c12"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WAR IS DECLARED</span></h2> -<p>Next morning we made an unpleasant discovery.</p> -<p>When we brought the automobile around to -the front of the house again we found that during -the night the natives had bricked up the entrance -arch to a height of some four feet above -the ground, using blocks of baked clay cemented -together with some preparation that we were not -familiar with.</p> -<p>This action was intended to imprison the -automobile within the wall and prevent our running -out on another excursion, as we had the day -before.</p> -<p>At first sight it appeared that the device was -successful. A small hut had been torn down to -provide the material, and the blocks were thick -and hard as rock.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_171">171</div> -<p>Duncan frowned as he looked at the barrier, -and remarked:</p> -<p>“Then it is to be war.”</p> -<p>“I knew that last night,” said I, “when they -tried to smoke us out or burn us up.”</p> -<p>“Let us give them a good volley from our -revolvers,” he suggested, angrily.</p> -<p>“Don’ do dat, seh,” said Bry, earnestly. -“Wait first till dey shoot arrows. We make -b’lieve we frien’s as long as we can. It gives us -time to think what we do.”</p> -<p>“Evidently,” said I, “the council of chiefs has -advised the king to make short work of us. We -have probably been condemned already, and all -that now holds them in check is their uncertainty -of the best way to vanquish us.”</p> -<p>“They are a little awed by our wonderful -powers, I am sure,” declared Moit.</p> -<p>“Quite probable,” I replied. “Is there any -way to get over that wall, Duncan?”</p> -<p>He did not answer at once, but looked reflectively -at the archway.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_172">172</div> -<p>“We can leave this place tomorrow morning,” -said he, finally; “but I do not see how we can -accomplish the feat before then. Do you imagine -we can hold the natives at bay another day?”</p> -<p>“We can try,” I said as cheerfully as I could.</p> -<p>But the prospect was not an enticing one, -and I began to bitterly regret our folly in ever -entering a place wherein we could be so easily -imprisoned.</p> -<p>“If we get out,” said Nux, “then we mus’ -fight our way all time. If we bold an’ quick, we -get away all right.”</p> -<p>Nux didn’t speak often, but his judgment was -pretty good.</p> -<p>“I want those diamonds,” I said; “and I’m -going to have them. If we go back empty-handed -we have made a failure of the expedition.”</p> -<p>“To let a lot of ignorant natives triumph over -the greatest invention of the century is absurd—it’s -fairly criminal!” added Moit. “I’m not -afraid to tackle the whole San Blas nation in this -car.”</p> -<p>“Too bad you didn’t make it a man-o’-war,” -said I, with a laugh. “If we had a gattling gun -aboard we’d have everything our own way.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_173">173</div> -<p>We raised the curtains, and while Bry openly -got the breakfast ready I took careful note of -our surroundings.</p> -<p>Some twenty warriors, armed with spears, and -bows, were in sight, lounging in doorways or -leaning silently against the various buildings. -They were watching us closely, no doubt; but -there was no open attempt to attack us as yet.</p> -<p>After a brief conference we decided not to put -down the top again, as the San Blas might take a -notion to shoot at any time, and their arrows, -while they might not penetrate the netted glass of -the dome, might mow us down quickly if we -were exposed to them.</p> -<p>But I did not like to acknowledge that we -were afraid, either; so I let down the steps and -opened the rear door, and Bry and Nux and myself -all descended to the ground and grouped ourselves -carelessly near the car, leaving Moit alone -in the machine.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_174">174</div> -<p>As soon as we appeared the natives began to -come nearer, in a curious observant crowd. -Then one who was doubtless a chief came forward -and said that the King Nalig-Nad desired -his brother kings to attend him at once in his -palace.</p> -<p>“In our country,” answered Bry, gravely, “it -is the custom when kings meet to honor each -other in turn. Yesterday we waited upon Nalig-Nad; -today he must wait upon us.”</p> -<p>“But he is the great King of the Techlas!” -protested the other, as if amazed that the command -could be disregarded.</p> -<p>“And we are the mighty Kings of Tayakoo, -which numbers more people than the leaves of -the forest,” replied Bry, drawing himself up -proudly and frowning upon the other. “Take -your master our answer, slave!”</p> -<p>The fellow obeyed; but the king was in no -hurry to come.</p> -<p>His daughter arrived, though, fresh and beautiful -as a rose in bloom, and the natives made -way for her as she pressed through the group.</p> -<p>“A greeting to my friends!” she said in English, -and peered into the car in search of Duncan -Moit.</p> -<p>“Enter, Princess,” said I, holding open the -door.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_175">175</div> -<p>She accepted the invitation frankly, and Duncan -took her hand and pressed it to his lips as an -old time courtier would have done. She was -very sweet and lovely, this Indian maiden, and I -did not blame the inventor for worshipping her -as he evidently did.</p> -<p>“You cannot today with me run away,” she -said, laughing and pointing a slender finger at -the barricade.</p> -<p>“You are wrong, Ilalah,” answered Moit, -smiling into her fair face. “When I wish to go -the walls cannot stop me. But we would like -to stay another day in your village.”</p> -<p>She became serious at this. Thinking someone -in the crowd might understand the English -language as well as she did, I motioned to Nux -and Bry to enter the car, and I followed them and -closed the door.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_176">176</div> -<p>“Listen, then,” she said, seeming to be glad -of the seclusion. “The king, who is my father, -is angry because you have told lies to him. There -was a council of the chiefs last night. The white -men are to be captured and shot with arrows. -The magic machine that is a bird and a fish -will be destroyed, and the two black kings may -then go free because they speak in our tongue, -and are therefore brothers.”</p> -<p>“That is pleasant news,” said Duncan. -“When will they do this?”</p> -<p>“To-day, if they can. I was with them at -the council. I told them that I loved you, and -would make you the mate of the Princess Ilalah. -But to that my father would not agree. He says -you must die.”</p> -<p>Duncan took her hand and kissed it again, -very gratefully and with a look of joy and animation -upon his face that fairly transformed -it.</p> -<p>“Did not this make you afraid?” I asked the -girl, surprised that she seemed to accept her -lover’s cruel fate so lightly.</p> -<p>“Oh, no,” she replied. “For the white Chief -I love is greater than the San Blas. He will -save himself and fly, and I will go with him.”</p> -<p>“Will you?” cried Duncan, earnestly.</p> -<p>“And why not?” she asked, frankly. “Will -the doe leave the stag she has chosen? Could -I be happy or content without my white chief?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_177">177</div> -<p>“Here is a case of love at first sight, with a -vengeance!” I said, greatly amused at the girl’s -bold declaration. But Moit frowned upon me -angrily and his eyes flashed.</p> -<p>“Shut up, you pig!” he growled, and suddenly -I felt ashamed of myself for not better appreciating -the maiden’s brave honesty.</p> -<p>“Is there no way, Ilalah, to make your father -wait until to-morrow morning?” he asked, turning -again toward the girl.</p> -<p>“Why should he wait?” she returned.</p> -<p>“I have summoned mighty powers to my assistance,” -declared Moit, after a moment’s -thought, “and it would please me to await their -arrival. It will make me stronger; but I am -not afraid if your people begin the war at any -time.”</p> -<p>“And to-morrow morning?”</p> -<p>“Then, at daybreak, you must come to me, -and we will go away and leave your people.”</p> -<p>“That is good,” she said, joyfully. “I will -try to make my father wait, and to-morrow I -will give up my power to go with my white -chief.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_178">178</div> -<p>“What is your power, Ilalah?” asked Duncan, -puzzled by the expression.</p> -<p>“After my father, I am the ruler of -the Techlas, which you call the San Blas. When -the king dies, I am queen, with power of life and -death over my people. But the king my father -hates white men, who may not live if they enter -his kingdom, so I must go with my mate to -another country where the king does not hate -him, or to his own country, where he will rule.”</p> -<p>This willing abdication of a throne for the -sake of a man whom she had known only for a -day aroused my wonder. But I could not fail -to admire the girl’s courage, and indeed to rule -the San Blas was no great privilege, in my estimation.</p> -<p>“If your father makes war to-day,” said -Duncan, “fly here to me at once. Then, if I escape, -we will never more be separated.”</p> -<p>She promised readily to do this, and leaving -the car rejoined her women and moved away to -enter the palace.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_179">179</div> -<p>I noticed that while she had abandoned all—her -life, her prejudices and her kingdom—for -her white lover, Duncan Moit had promised nothing -in return except that they would not be separated. -The thought made me sorry for the -poor maid; but it was none of my affair.</p> -<p>Bye and bye the king came out, followed by -his chief men and counsellors, in an imposing -group.</p> -<p>As he approached, Bry and Nux again descended -from the car and stood by the steps, and -I followed and took up a position just behind -them. Duncan, as before, remained inside. -We were all prepared to act quickly in an emergency, -but our plan was to secure a truce in -some way until another morning. I could not -understand why Moit desired the delay so -earnestly, but was willing to assist him to obtain -it.</p> -<p>The king was plainly annoyed at the refusal -of the black kings to come into his dwelling. -His face still wore its calm expression but -his eyes snapped ominously.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_180">180</div> -<p>“My brothers,” said he, “we do not like -your white slaves. Years ago the whites -wronged the Techlas most cruelly, and the law -of our nation is to put all white people to death -who enter our country. I am sorry to take away -your property, but the slaves must die.”</p> -<p>“My brother,” answered Bry, “see how -much more we love you than you love us. We -could kill you in a flash, even where you stand. -We could destroy your village and all your people. -If we so desired, there would be no more a -nation of Techlas on the face of the earth. But -we let you live, because we have called you our -friend. To break that friendship would be to -destroy yourselves. I beg you will not again -ask us to give up our slaves to your cruel and unjust -vengeance.”</p> -<p>It did me much good to watch Nalig-Nad’s -face. He did not like to risk defying the unknown -power of the strangers, but if his own -authority was thus ignored he would hereafter -be a king only in name. Some of his chiefs -were glancing at one another significantly, -while others were clearly uneasy at our domineering -attitude.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_181">181</div> -<p>I stood with my hands in the pockets of my -jacket and a grin of amusement on my face when -the king’s roving eyes suddenly observed me. I -suppose his forbearance could not withstand the -white boy’s audacity, for he raised his hand and -at the signal a coil of rope shot through the air -and a loop settled over my body and clutched me -firmly around the chest.</p> -<p>Instantly I was jerked from my feet and -dragged into the group of warriors, all of whom, -as if the action had been preconcerted, sprang -forward with their spears levelled threateningly -at Nux and Bry.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_182">182</div> -<h2 id="c13"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WE LOOK INTO DANGER’S EYES</span></h2> -<p>The capture was so sudden that it took me a -moment to collect my wits. Although bruised -and bumped to some extent I had not been much -hurt, and even before I was jerked to my feet I -cried aloud to my men:</p> -<p>“Get into the car and watch out! Don’t -mind me. Take care of yourselves.”</p> -<p>They obeyed promptly, but none too soon; -for scarcely had they closed the door when a -shower of arrows rattled against the dome. All -subterfuge and arbitration was now at an end; -they had at last “shot the arrow” and we might -expect in the future nothing but implacable -hatred.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_183">183</div> -<p>My captors—two stalwart chiefs—having -raised me to my feet now held me firmly secured -by means of the thong lasso which still -encircled my body. The coils pinioned my elbows -so closely to my sides that I could not even -withdraw my hands from the pockets of my -jacket.</p> -<p>They had begun to hurry me toward the -king’s house when a roar of dismay broke from -the group we had just left. I turned half -around and saw that the automobile had made a -short circle and was plunging straight at the -king and his warriors. Some were wise enough -to scatter from its path, but the more dignified -hesitated and were bowled over like a company -of wooden soldiers and tossed in every direction.</p> -<p>The lightness of the machine prevented many -serious casualties, however, and while Duncan -chased them here and there, managing the huge -automobile with consummate skill, the warriors -gathered up the stunned and maimed and, dodging -the onslaught as nimbly as they could, fled -into the palace and houses where the terrible -monster could not follow them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_184">184</div> -<p>Forgetting for the moment my own unenviable -plight, I laughed heartily at the exhibition -until the two chiefs pushed me roughly toward a -doorway and so along the narrow hall and into -the big courtyard.</p> -<p>Here the chiefs began to gather, muttering -angrily at their recent discomfiture and casting -upon me glances of such malignity that they had -the effect of sobering me effectually.</p> -<p>The king came limping in and dropped upon -his bench with a brow like a thundercloud. He -had not been much injured, but his royal dignity -had suffered a severe blow.</p> -<p>While one man held the loose end of my lasso -and guarded me, the others all ranged themselves -back of the king, who said, with what appeared -to me to be unseemly haste:</p> -<p>“What shall be the fate of the white -stranger?”</p> -<p>“Death!” they cried, in a fierce chorus.</p> -<p>“And at once,” added Nalig-Nad. He -glanced around him. “To you, Tetch-Tsa, I -allow the privilege.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_185">185</div> -<p>A stout young fellow with considerable of the -royal green in his robe stepped forward with a -grim smile and drew his long knife. As I -looked at him I clutched with my fingers the -handles of the two self-cocking revolvers that -were fortunately in my jacket pockets, and which -I had been secretly holding when the coil of the -lasso settled over me. I was not able to move -my arms because of the thong that pressed them -against my body, but I pointed the barrel of the -right hand weapon as accurately as I could -toward my proposed executioner. When he was -but a few paces off I blazed away at him.</p> -<p>At the first shot he paused, as if astonished; -at the second he threw up his arms and tumbled -over.</p> -<p>Instantly I whirled and fired at the man behind, -and my position was so awkward and my -aim so uncertain that I emptied the chambers of -the revolver in quick succession to make sure -one bullet would take effect.</p> -<p>He staggered back and released the thong, -and even while I loosed the slip-noose I ran toward -the hall and made my best speed for the -door.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_186">186</div> -<p>The thong tripped me as it dropped to my -feet and I fell just in time to escape a spear that -was hurled after me. Another, as I jumped up, -slipped past my right ear, and a third slashed -my hip. But I fled for dear life and in a jiffy -was free of the house and heading across the -enclosure toward the automobile.</p> -<p>They saw me coming and opened the door -for me to tumble in. A spear crashed into the -netted glass just as the door swung into place -again, hurled with such force that its point stuck -half way into the car and taught us we were not -so secure within the dome as we had imagined. -But now I lay panting upon the floor while Bryonia -emptied a couple of revolvers into the crowd -of my pursuers and brought them to an abrupt -halt.</p> -<p>“Getting a little warm,” remarked Duncan -Moit, calmly. “I’m not sure, Sam, whether we -can stick out the day or not.”</p> -<p>“Glad you escape, Mars’ Sam!” said Nux, -bending over me. “Bad hurt?”</p> -<p>“I guess not,” I answered, still breathing -hard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_187">187</div> -<p>The black unfastened my clothing, which was -saturated with blood just over the left hip. The -spear had cut an angry looking gash in the flesh -as a passing reminder of what it might do if better -aimed, but fortunately the wound was not -deep and on account of its location would cause -me little trouble beyond a slight stiffness. Nux -began to dress it as well as he could by tearing up -a shirt for bandages and applying plenty of sticking -plaster from the supply we had brought with -us. I thought he made a very good job of it, -being somewhat skilled in the treatment of flesh -wounds myself.</p> -<p>I could imagine how furious the San Blas -would be at my escape. They did not venture -out into the open space after these two repulses, -but hung around the doorways in an alert and -vigilant way, being very sure that we could not -get out of the enclosure and would be unable to -defy them for any length of time.</p> -<p>Duncan rather expected the princess to appear, -as she had promised in case of open warfare; -but either she did not consider the emergency -had yet arisen or she had been prevented -from acting as she wished.</p> -<p>“I won’t go without her, though,” he muttered, -decidedly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_188">188</div> -<p>“Tell me,” said I, “what is your object in -wanting to wait until to-morrow before escaping -from here? I can’t see that another day -will bring any better condition to our captivity, -and it’s a settled fact that we can’t get the machine -out of this enclosure, in any event.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps I ought to explain,” he began, and -then paused for a long time, as if absorbed in -deep thought.</p> -<p>“Take your time, Duncan,” I remarked, -impatiently.</p> -<p>He did not notice the sarcasm, but my voice -aroused him and he said:</p> -<p>“Perhaps you remember that I once told you -I used a glycerine explosive of my own invention -to prime the engines of this automobile. In starting, -a tiny drop is fed into the cylinders to procure -the air compression which furnishes the -motive power.”</p> -<p>“I remember; go ahead.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_189">189</div> -<p>“The feeding chamber is supplied with -enough of this explosive to run the machine a -year or more,” he continued; “but when I made -it, in my own laboratory, the apparatus required -was so complicated and expensive that I decided -to manufacture an extra supply, to use in -other machines which I intended to build -later.”</p> -<p>“I see.”</p> -<p>“This reserve supply, in a powerfully concentrated -form, I now have with me.”</p> -<p>“Oh! Isn’t it dangerous, old man?” I asked, -glancing around uneasily.</p> -<p>“Properly applied it might blow all Panama -to atoms,” he returned vaguely. “But it cannot -be accidentally exploded while it remains in the -place I have provided for it.”</p> -<p>“Where is that?”</p> -<p>He reached down and removed a square trap -in the floor of the car. Leaning over, I discovered -a small cylindrical jar, having the capacity of -about a quart, which was suspended at one side -of the driving shaft. The straps that held it in -place allowing it to swing in any direction with -the movement of the machine, but any sudden -jar was impossible.</p> -<p>“Is it like nitro-glycerine?” I asked, eyeing -the cylinder with an involuntary shudder.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_190">190</div> -<p>“Not at all,” replied the inventor, calmly closing -the trap again. “It is a much more powerful -explosive, in its concentrated form, but may -be diluted to any strength desired. The mechanism -I have invented for its application renders -it perfectly harmless when exploded in atomic -quantities in the engines, although ordinary concussion -would, as in the case of nitro-glycerine, -explode the condensed contents of the extra -cylinder.”</p> -<p>“I think I now comprehend your idea,” said I.</p> -<p>“Yes, it is very simple. Under cover of darkness -I propose to bore a hole in that barrier and -fill it with my explosive. In the morning I will -blow up the wall and in the excitement that follows -run the machine through the gap and escape.”</p> -<p>“Very good!” I exclaimed, joyfully. “Then -all we need do is to keep these Indians at bay until -we have an opportunity to do the job.”</p> -<p>“Otherwise,” said he, musingly, “I would -have to throw some of the explosive at the wall, -and that attempt might prove as dangerous for -us as are the fierce San Blas themselves.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_191">191</div> -<p>The Indians seemed for some time unwilling -to resume the attack. It was the middle of the -afternoon before the king sent a messenger from -his council chamber to say that all friendship had -now ceased and we must consider ourselves completely -in his power. If the Senator Nux and the -Honorable Bryonia would leave the village alone -and on foot, Nalig-Nad would guarantee their -safe conduct to the border, and thus they would -be permitted to escape. The white men and -their devil-machine were alike doomed, and could -in no way survive the vengeance of the Techlas. -And, unless Nux and Bry abandoned us at once, -they must perish with us.</p> -<p>This proposition enabled us to gain the desired -respite. Bryonia pretended to consult with -Nux and then answered the messenger that they -would decide the matter at daybreak the following -morning. At that time the final answer of -the two kings would be given to Nalig-Nad, and -they intimated that they might possibly decide to -abandon the miserable whites and save their own -skins.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_192">192</div> -<p>Whether this proposition was satisfactory or -not to the king and his council did not appear; -but the San Blas evidently decided to wait, for -they did not molest us again that day.</p> -<p>As night approached we were somewhat -worried lest they should resume the attempts to -burn us; but they must have been satisfied of the -impossibility of such a proceeding. No bonfires -were lighted, which suited our plans admirably.</p> -<p>The moon, however, was brilliant during the -first part of the night, and by its rays we could -see that watchers were maintained in several -places, so we were unable to do more than restrain -our impatience as best we might. Moit -raised the trap and carefully removed the cylinder -that contained the explosive from its suspended -position, placing it on the seat beside -him. The very sight of the thing filled me with -terror, and both Nux and Bry moved as far away -from it as possible—as if that would do any good -if it went off. But the inventor had handled it -so often that he did not fear it as we did, and -taking an empty glass bottle that was about as big -around as your little finger he unscrewed the cap -of the cylinder and calmly filled the bottle from -its contents.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_193">193</div> -<p>I watched him as if entranced, and thought -the liquid resembled castor oil in color and consistency. -When the bottle was filled Duncan -corked it and put it in his inside pocket, afterward -replacing the cylinder and strapping it into -place.</p> -<p>And now he rummaged in his box of tools and -took out a brace and a long bit that was about a -half inch in diameter. He also picked out a piece -of red chalk and placed that too in his pocket.</p> -<p>We were all ready, now, but had to wait, although -the strain began to tell upon our nerves.</p> -<p>Finally the moon passed behind the king’s -house and sank so low that the building cast a -black shadow over the enclosure, throwing both -the automobile and the barricaded archway into -intense darkness.</p> -<p>“In an hour more day will break,” whispered -Duncan in an anxious voice. “We must -work quickly now, or we are lost.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_194">194</div> -<p>He started the machine moving so slowly -that it merely crept toward the wall. The watchers -had doubtless retired, for we heard no sound -of movement in the sleeping village.</p> -<p>When we had approached quite near to the -barricade Moit softly opened the rear door, left -the car, and crawled on hands and knees to the -wall. We showed no light at all, and from the -automobile I lost sight of our friend altogether.</p> -<p>But presently I could hear the faint sound of -the augur as it ground its way into the clay wall. -Duncan started at about the middle of the barricade, -but bored his hole slanting downward, -so that the explosive would run into the cavity -without danger of escaping. It did not take him -more than a few minutes to complete his task, and -before long he was back in the car again, holding -the empty bottle before our faces with a smile of -satisfaction.</p> -<p>And now the machine crept inch by inch back -to its former position, and we were ready for the -day to break.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_195">195</div> -<h2 id="c14"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XIV</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WE ASTONISH OUR FOES</span></h2> -<p>Slowly the sun arose, and as its first rays -lighted the cloudless sky Ilalah came gliding -from the palace and sprang lightly up the steps -that Duncan had let down in order to receive -her. Once she was in the car we all breathed -easier, and the inventor especially showed his content -and exultation.</p> -<p>“Now let them come!” he cried; and each of -us felt that the sooner the suspense was over the -better we would like it.</p> -<p>King Nalig-Nad gave us plenty of time, -though, and we had breakfast while we waited, -the princess accepting her share with gracious -enjoyment of a meal quite novel in her experience. -She was so unaffected and so charming in -her manner that already we began to consider -her one of us.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_196">196</div> -<p>At last the king and his chiefs emerged, and -we could see by their stern faces that a climax in -our adventure had arrived.</p> -<p>Moit was ready for them. He backed the -machine around until it was facing the barricade -and as far removed from it as the enclosure -would allow. He had made Ilalah crouch low on -the floor of the car, so that her people would not -discover her presence.</p> -<p>A spokesman advanced from the group of -warriors and demanded Bryonia’s promised answer.</p> -<p>I opened a side window and said, boldly and -in a loud voice, that we had played with the San -Blas people long enough.</p> -<p>“You annoy us with your foolish demands,” -I added, “and we cannot bother to remain with -you longer. Had you been friendly, we would -have favored you; but you are silly children, and -so we leave you.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_197">197</div> -<p>As I finished speaking Duncan opened the -window in front of his steering wheel and aimed -a shot from his revolver at the red chalk mark -on the barricade that marked the location of the -explosive. There was no result, so he fired -again, and still again.</p> -<p>The natives, at first furious at my insults, now -paused to wonder what the big white slave was -shooting at, and I saw that the inventor’s nervousness -or lack of marksmanship was likely soon -to plunge us into a deal of trouble. Leaping to -his side I pushed him away and took careful aim -with my own revolver.</p> -<p>A crash that seemed to rend the very air followed. -The machine was hurled backward -against the king’s palace, from which a rain of -mud bricks and bits of wood rattled down upon -us, while all the open space of the enclosure was -filled with falling debris.</p> -<p>Shrieks of terror and pain followed, while -we, who had all been dumped in a heap on the -floor of the car, scrambled up and took note of -what had happened. The wall had vanished, and -only a ragged depression in the earth remained -to mark the place where the barricade had lately -stood.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_198">198</div> -<p>None of us was injured, fortunately, and as -soon as Duncan had assured himself that Ilalah -was alive and unhurt he sprang to the lever and -the machine bounded forward and skimmed light -as a feather over the littered ground.</p> -<p>I tried to look out and wave an adieu to King -Nalig-Nad; but we were off like a shot across -the meadows and all I could see was a mass of -excited natives rushing here and there in wild -confusion.</p> -<p>After fifteen minutes of this terrific speed -Moit moderated our pace, for we were miles from -the village and pursuit was impossible.</p> -<p>“Where now?” he asked, his voice seeming to -indicate that he cared not a rap, since we had -managed to escape with the beautiful princess.</p> -<p>“It will be well for us to find that valley of -diamonds as soon as possible,” said I, “and secure -our plunder before the king can raise the -alarm and head us off.”</p> -<p>“All right; where is it?” he demanded.</p> -<p>I produced the map and pointed out the location -of the valley, which appeared to lie in a -fork of the river, far to the south.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_199">199</div> -<p>“We are now somewhere to the east of the -king’s village,” I observed. “The hilly ground -ahead of us rises to small mountains between here -and the sea; but if we turn south there is open -country clear through to the forest-clad mountain -range, and when we reach the forest we can follow -its edge until we come to the diamond valley.”</p> -<p>“That is clear enough,” replied Moit, looking -over my shoulder.</p> -<p>So we turned south, and presently came to -a stream with such steep banks that we could -not cross it. The map had not prepared us for -this, so we kept to the eastward, endeavoring to -find a crossing, until we reached a marsh, and -found our wheels sinking into a soft and -treacherous bog.</p> -<p>We backed out just in time to avoid serious -trouble, and had to go north again, skirting the -marsh slowly and with care until we were once -more in the hills we had recently left.</p> -<p>This was decidedly annoying, and we appealed -to Ilalah.</p> -<p>“Is there not a path from here to the mountains?” -I asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_200">200</div> -<p>“Oh, yes;” she said; “there must be many -paths.”</p> -<p>“Do you know them?”</p> -<p>“Not to go to them from here. Often I and -my women cross to the great forest from our -village; but we seldom come here at all.”</p> -<p>“I don’t blame you,” growled Moit. “This -part of your country isn’t worth photographing. -What shall we do now, Sam?”</p> -<p>“I don’t like to go back,” said I, studying -the map with a suspicion that its maker had -never been in this section at all. “But we might -try these hills. If we could find a path over -them it might lead us around the marsh, and then -we would be all right.”</p> -<p>“How do you know? There may be more -marshes,” he suggested.</p> -<p>“It may be. This is all guess work, it -seems—map and all. But if we reached the -ocean we could run along the beach at low tide, -and make good time.”</p> -<p>“It is certainly worth a trial,” he said; “and -if we fail we cannot be any worse off than we are -at present.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_201">201</div> -<p>I doubted that the automobile would be much -of a hill-climber, because until then I had a -notion that the heaviest machines, with the most -power to move their weight, could climb the -easiest. But a few minutes removed that erratic -idea from my mind. We skimmed up the slopes -as lightly as an ibex, and went down them much -more safely than a heavy machine under the -strain of brakes could do. And so, winding -around this hill and over that, we kept on at an -easy pace until the breath of salt air could be -felt and we knew we were close to the sea.</p> -<p>But now the hills became rocky and more -difficult. One good sized mound stood right in -our way, and after a close inspection of it through -our telescope (for Moit seemed to have forgotten -nothing in fitting up his automobile) we saw a -broad ledge running around its right side which -promised a way through to the coast.</p> -<p>By now it was after midday, for much time -had been consumed in seeking a path through -this wild and unknown country. So we halted -for luncheon, and as we ate I said to Ilalah:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_202">202</div> -<p>“How did you learn to speak such fine English, -Princess, when your people have always -hated the whites and tried to drive them from -your dominions?”</p> -<p>“The king my father,” she answered, “is very -wise. From his captives he has learned that -half of the people of the world speak English. -So he thought it would be best for some of the -Techlas to speak English too. One day our -watchers brought to the king a man and a -woman, who were of the English but could speak -a little Spanish too. My father promised them -life if they would teach us to speak the English -tongue. So the man taught the king and his -noble chiefs each day in the courtyard of the -palace, while the woman taught the foreign -tongue to me and my favorite attendants in our -own rooms. It was a long task and a hard one, -but after many moons some of us could speak -and understand the English well enough.”</p> -<p>“Did you also learn to read?” Duncan asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_203">203</div> -<p>“No. My father says written words are lies, -for when you read the signs you cannot read the -speaker’s eyes and know that he speaks truth. -The Techlas do not love the sign language, and -will not have it.”</p> -<p>“That is foolish,” I said. “If you cannot -read, you cannot know what is going on in the -world.”</p> -<p>“And that is what we do not wish to know,” -she answered, smiling. “My people say that to -hear of other people is to make unhappiness. We -live only our own lives; so why should we care -what happens in other lives in other countries?”</p> -<p>It struck me there was some sense in that, -if their own lives were sufficient to content them.</p> -<p>“What became of the white man and woman -who taught you?” asked Duncan.</p> -<p>“After we had learned to speak their tongue -my father killed them,” she answered simply.</p> -<p>“Then he, too, lied,” I said.</p> -<p>“Not so. He promised them life if they would -teach us, and they lived. But he could not -promise them life for all time, because all life -is uncertain.”</p> -<p>“So he killed them?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_204">204</div> -<p>“Yes; having no longer need for them. They -were white, and the Techlas hate all white -people.”</p> -<p>“Because of their color?”</p> -<p>“Because they once robbed our people and -drove them from their homes.”</p> -<p>“Listen, Ilalah,” said Duncan, earnestly; “the -white race that wronged your people was the -Spanish race; but there are many whites that -are not Spaniards—any more than are all Indians -Techlas. So you have no reason to hate -us, who are not Spanish and have never wronged -you.”</p> -<p>“I do not hate you,” she answered, taking his -hand and pressing it fondly. “I love you.”</p> -<p>“But your people do.”</p> -<p>She grew serious.</p> -<p>“If I should come to rule my people,” was the -slow answer, “I would command them to hate -and to kill only the Spaniards. But I will never -rule them, because I shall go with you to your -own country, where you are the king, and help -you to rule your subjects.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_205">205</div> -<p>I laughed at the idea, although the sentiment -was so pretty. Duncan frowned at me. He did -not tell the Indian maid that he was merely a -bankrupt inventor, with no subjects and no wealth -aside from the possession of his really wonderful -machine. Why should he?</p> -<p>We now moved on again, following the natural -ledge of rock that wound around the hill. The -precipice beside it grew deeper and more dangerous -as we advanced, and the ledge narrowed until -often there was barely room for the machine -to pass around a projection. Also the ledge -sometimes inclined toward the chasm at an -awkward angle that forced us to crawl cautiously -along and rely upon the rubber tires to keep us -from slipping off the rock entirely.</p> -<p>Not knowing from one moment to another -what the windings of the ledge were about to disclose, -it is obvious that our journey was as interesting -as it was exciting. But we kept moving -with dogged perseverance until, with the end almost -in sight, we were brought to an abrupt halt -by the total disappearance of the ledge itself.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_206">206</div> -<p>With a precipice in front and one at our -right, while a steep wall of rock towered at our -left, we had no trouble to decide that we must go -back by the same nerve-racking path we had -come. This was the more embarrassing that we -had no room to turn around, and it was no easy -task to back the machine over the dangerous -places.</p> -<p>Duncan made us all get out and walk. The -way he steered the machine along its crab-like -course filled me with wonder and admiration, and -I am sure Ilalah considered him little less than a -god.</p> -<p>We had dropped the dome top to bring the -weight closer to the ground, and if the automobile -chanced to slip over the edge Duncan -would have a good show to leap out and save -himself. Yet so dear was the machine to its -inventor that I feel positive that Moit, at any -time before Ilalah had enslaved him with her -sweet face, would have gone to his death in it -without hesitation rather than live to see it demolished. -But the pretty Indian princess now -possessed his heart as the automobile had possessed -his brain, and with such a divided allegiance -I looked to see him jump in case anything -went wrong. But nothing did, and so the -occasion to test the strength of his affection for -the girl or the machine did not transpire. Knowing -so accurately the capabilities of his marvelous -invention, he was able to guide it safely until -we reached once more the base of the hill and -came upon level ground.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_207">207</div> -<p>Then we all breathed again, and entering the -car held a council to discuss our future actions.</p> -<p>“Isn’t the Atlantic coast inhabited by your -people?” I asked Ilalah.</p> -<p>“Only in the northern part, where the cocoanut -groves are,” she answered.</p> -<p>Then, as we questioned her, she told us some -interesting things about her people. Off the -coast were several islands, also inhabited by the -San Blas Tribes, the chiefs of which all paid -tribute to Nalig-Nad. These tribes hated the -whites even more venomously than did the dwellers -on the mainland, although they traded constantly -with many ships that came to them for -their cocoanuts, which are considered the finest -grown in all the world.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_208">208</div> -<p>She said these ships were from many countries, -but their crews were never permitted to -sleep a night upon the shore and merely landed -to make their trades with the natives. The San -Blas people built great pyramids of cocoanuts -close to the landing places, and when a ship arrived -the natives retired and allowed the traders -to come ashore and examine and count the supply -of cocoanuts. When they had estimated the -worth of the offering thus made them by the -Indians they placed beside the pyramids such -articles as they were willing to exchange, including -beads, clothing, tools and liquors. Then -they all retired to their ship and allowed the Indians -to advance and look over the goods. If -they were satisfied it was a fair exchange they -took the plunder away and permitted the traders -to load the cocoanuts upon their vessel; but if the -San Blas considered the offer too little, they left -the goods untouched and again retired. Then -the traders must add more, until the natives were -content, before they undertook to remove a single -cocoanut.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_209">209</div> -<p>No other form of communication ever took -place between these two inimical races, and the -San Blas island tribes were so rich in cocoanut -groves and so shrewd in trading, that they were -the most prosperous subjects the king could -boast.</p> -<p>Smaller groves were also on the mainland, -south of the marsh country, and traders reached -that district by entering a bay and the mouths -of one or two rivers. But all trading was there -conducted in the same manner as upon the islands, -and it was only in the north, where we -had entered, that the whites came occasionally to -trade for skins, tortoise-shell and grains from the -farm lands, and with these parties Nalig-Nad -personally conducted the trading and was thus -able to jealously guard his border from invasion.</p> -<p>I would like to say, at this point in my digression -from my story, that many travellers -who have had no personal experience with the -San Blas Indians have been induced by the unreliable -gossip of the traders to write preposterous -tales concerning the manners and customs of these -interesting natives. As a rule such descriptions -are very misleading, and I am quite positive no -white men before our visit to the Techlas have -ever had the same opportunities to observe their -country and their customs as we had.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_210">210</div> -<p>So much time had been lost in our futile -journeying and in discussing our plans with the -princess, that the sun was now low in the -horizon. It was discouraging to reflect that in -all that long day we had accomplished nothing at -all since our escape from the village.</p> -<p>To endeavor to cross an unknown country at -night would be folly; so there was nothing to do -but find a convenient place to camp until morning.</p> -<p>“Our safest plan,” I counselled, “is to return -to the river the way we came, and paddle upstream -as far as possible. Then we can take to -the bank and still follow the stream to the valley -of diamonds. Our departed friend, the German, -was not a success as a map-maker; but we -know that he followed the river in the way I -propose, so that part of the country is probably -depicted on the map with a fair degree of accuracy.”</p> -<p>“This plan will oblige us to pass the villages -again,” objected Moit, “and that will mean a -fight.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_211">211</div> -<p>“Not necessarily. The country is level there, -and we can dash by at full speed, before they -know we are coming.”</p> -<p>It really seemed the only practical thing to do; -so we decided to get as near to the king’s village -as possible without danger of being observed, and -then wait until daylight to regain the river.</p> -<p>I kept watch through the telescope as we -bowled along over the smooth meadows; and -when, just at dusk, I sighted the distant enclosure, -we came to a halt.</p> -<p>While Nux and Bry cooked us a good supper -the rest of us got out of the car and strolled to -the brook to stretch our limbs. I felt that “three -was a crowd” and let Duncan and Ilalah walk by -themselves. They wandered so far and were so -deeply occupied by their own interesting conversation -that when the meal was ready I jumped -into the machine and ran it over to where they -were sitting side by side on the bank of the brook.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_212">212</div> -<p>It was easy enough to do, for I had watched -Moit very carefully; but the inventor was not at -all pleased with what he called my “infernal -meddling,” and told me to keep my hands off his -property thereafter.</p> -<p>When darkness came on and it was time to -sleep I proposed rigging up a little room in the -front of the car for Ilalah by suspending blankets -from the dome to the floor. In this way the -princess would have all the seclusion of a private -apartment. But Duncan protested that he had -no intention of sleeping while we were in so -dangerous a position, and Ilalah very promptly -decided to sit up with him and keep him company.</p> -<p>So there was no need for the rest of us to do -more than lie down and go to sleep, an undertaking -which we accomplished with much satisfaction.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_213">213</div> -<h2 id="c15"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XV</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WE SEARCH FOR THE VALLEY</span></h2> -<p>At the first sign of light we were off, making -to the north until we had nearly reached the edge -of the wood and then following its curves over -the plains toward the west.</p> -<p>In this way we managed to gain a considerable -distance northward from the villages, and although -we passed some scattered houses and a -few groups of farmers who were early in the -fields, there was no attempt made to interfere -with our progress.</p> -<p>But when we came to the bank of the main -river—making the same point where we had -first landed—we found a different condition of affairs -confronting us. Fully a hundred warriors -were gathered on the bank, armed and prepared -to receive us. I saw them through our telescope -before they could see us, and we halted at -once for a conference.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_214">214</div> -<p>Nalig-Nad had evidently conceived the notion -that in order to leave his country we would be -forced to pass down the river at this point, and -therefore it was here that he had determined to -assemble his forces in order to stop us. He was -right in his conclusion that we needed the waterway -to carry us to our ship, but he was wrong -in thinking that we were ready to escape.</p> -<p>The approach to the river was somewhat confined, -because the forest was on one side of us -and the high-banked stream entered the river on -the other side, narrowing the plain whereon we -could travel to rather a small space. It would be -impossible to proceed without coming into contact -with the band of natives ahead of us.</p> -<p>These warriors seemed intent on watching the -river, for they had no idea that we had altered -our course and would come up behind them. Indeed, -we afterward learned that there was a good -path around the base of the hills to the eastward, -and had we not been so ignorant of the country -we need not have turned back at all. But here -we were, confronting a grave emergency, and it -puzzled us for a time to know what to do.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_215">215</div> -<p>Duncan solved the difficulty in his own peculiar -way.</p> -<p>“Isn’t that a house over there?” he asked, -pointing to a roof that showed above a small -hollow.</p> -<p>“It is sure to be,” I answered, and the princess, -who was quite at home in this section, said -we were right.</p> -<p>Without more ado Duncan ran the machine -over to the house, passing a man who stood in a -field staring at us. As we drew up at the door of -the primitive hut and Moit leaped out of the car, -a woman sprang away like a startled deer carrying -a child in her arms and screaming lustily, although -Ilalah called to her not to be afraid.</p> -<p>Duncan entered the house and quickly returned -bearing a bow and a sheaf of arrows in -a leathern quiver. His face wore a smile of -satisfaction, but as he rejoined us and started the -car again I said to him:</p> -<p>“Do you imagine we can shoot better with -that outfit than with our revolvers?”</p> -<p>“Yes; one shot will be worth a volley from -a regiment,” he returned.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_216">216</div> -<p>I own I was puzzled, but he graciously allowed -me to run the car, although at a moderate -speed, so that I had little chance to observe his -immediate actions. I heard him lift the trap in -the door, though, and then, after a period of -silence, he touched my arm and told me to stop.</p> -<p>We could now observe with the naked eye -the group of Indians on the river bank.</p> -<p>“Who can make the best shot with this contrivance?” -asked Moit.</p> -<p>I turned around and understood his plan at -once. To one of the arrows he had firmly tied -the slender glass bottle, and I could see that it -had again been filled with the dreadful explosive.</p> -<p>“I shoot,” said Nux, nodding his head -gravely.</p> -<p>Both of the blacks shot splendidly with the -bow, I remembered, for it was their native -weapon. But Nux was the best marksman of -the two.</p> -<p>Duncan handed the arrow and the bow to him -and opened a side window.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_217">217</div> -<p>“When we get a hundred yards away from -the river,” said he, “shoot the arrow among the -San Blas; but try, if you can, to strike one of -those trees growing by the bank. Can you shoot -so far, and shoot straight?”</p> -<p>Nux nodded confidently, but held the arrow -with great caution and was evidently afraid of it.</p> -<p>The machine started again and rolled over the -thick turf at a great rate of speed, heading directly -toward the river. Soon one of the Indians -discovered us, and gave a cry that turned -every face in our direction.</p> -<p>“Now!” shouted Moit, without slackening -speed.</p> -<p>Nux drew the bow and the arrow sped swiftly -on its mission. The aim was good, but the bottle -so weighted the shaft that I feared for a moment -it would miss the mark. It flew over the heads -of the group, in a graceful curve, and struck a -root at the very base of the tree.</p> -<p>The explosion was instantaneous. The tree -itself flew skyward and the air was filled with -earth, wood and Indians. I do not know how -many of the San Blas suffered in this catastrophe, -but those who were left were thrown into such -dire confusion that they fled in all directions and -many leaped into the river in an endeavor to -escape.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_218">218</div> -<p>Meantime the machine never abated its speed -for an instant, although the ears of all on board -were ringing with the shock. We knew that we -must take advantage of our opportunity and the -confusion of our foes, so on we drove until we -reached the low, shelving bank, and the next -moment plunged unhesitatingly into the water.</p> -<p>Duncan sprung the paddles on the rims and -turned the wheel to guide our course up stream. -Before the Indians could recover we were a good -distance away and had turned the first bend so -that we were hidden from their view.</p> -<p>“Get out the revolvers and stand ready,” said -Moit. “They will probably follow, and we cannot -tell how long the water will be of a sufficient -depth to float us.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_219">219</div> -<p>But the San Blas decided not to give chase. -They had ample evidence, by this time, that we -were dangerous enemies, and since we had chosen -to proceed still farther into their territory instead -of trying to leave it, they would have plenty -of time to reorganize their forces and determine -on the best method to oppose us.</p> -<p>We found the stream navigable for several -miles. Then we reached the uplands, and the -water began tumbling amongst rocky boulders in -a way that made farther progress dangerous. So -we took to the land, gaining the left bank with -ease and then rolling along in a southerly direction.</p> -<p>And now we had occasion to blame the map-maker -again, for instead of the single fork in the -stream which he had depicted we found a dozen -branches leading down from the mountains and -forming a regular network on this part of the -plain. Several we forded, losing more and more -our sense of location, until finally we came to a -high embankment that barred our way and were -forced to follow its course up to the forest, which -we reached about the middle of the afternoon.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_220">220</div> -<p>The grandeur of this immense woodland, as -we approached its border, both awed and amazed -us. The wood we had passed at the north was -nothing more than a grove of trees when compared -with the grand primeval forest that covered -the mountain as far as the eye could reach.</p> -<p>We hardly knew whether to turn to the east -or west from this point, and so we asked Ilalah -if she had any idea in which direction lay the -valley where the “white pebbles” were found.</p> -<p>She had none at all. The law forbidding the -Techlas to gather these pebbles was passed by -the king her father years ago, when she was but -a child. No one had ever mentioned in her -hearing where they had been found.</p> -<p>Fairly bewildered as to our whereabouts, by -this time, we turned to the left and, easily fording -now the shallow streams we encountered, -visited several valleys without having a notion -whether any of them was the one we sought, or -not.</p> -<p>Finally I said to the princess:</p> -<p>“The place we seek has a great rock of red -granite stone in the center, and a part of the -rock points like an arm directly at the forest.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes!” she exclaimed; “that place I remember -well, for I have visited it often as a girl.”</p> -<p>Here was cheering news, indeed.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_221">221</div> -<p>“Is it near here?” asked Duncan.</p> -<p>“It is far to the right,” she answered, after -some thought. “We should not have come in -this direction at all.”</p> -<p>Blaming ourselves for our stupidity in not -questioning the girl about this land-mark before, -we turned the machine again and began to double -on our tracks.</p> -<p>“This means spending another night in the -wilderness,” said Moit; but he spoke with unusual -cheerfulness, and I reflected that as long as Ilalah -was by his side our inventor was not likely to -complain of the length of this trip.</p> -<p>“But there seem to be no Indians in this neighborhood -to annoy us,” I observed. “Do you -know, Duncan, I believe that your invention of -the glycerine explosive is almost as important -as the machine itself?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_222">222</div> -<p>“Oh, it has helped us nicely in two emergencies, -so far,” he answered soberly; “but I hope -we shall not be called upon to use it again. It -is so powerful that it frightens me. Every time -I handle it I place all of us in as much danger -as I do our enemies, for a premature explosion -is not unlikely to happen. Especially is this -true in so hot a climate as the one we are now -travelling in. The can that contains the glyceroid -was quite warm when I filled that bottle to-day, -and this condition adds to its tendency to explode.”</p> -<p>It made me a little uneasy to hear this.</p> -<p>“Doesn’t it require a jar to set it off?” I -asked.</p> -<p>“Almost always. And there is less chance of -a jar to the can if we leave it alone.”</p> -<p>We finally reached the place where we had -first arrived at the forest, and fording the stream, -which was shallow as it came from the wood, continued -our search to the westward. The country -was very beautiful around here, and when I asked -Ilalah why it was not more thickly settled she -said that the forest was full of terrible beasts -and serpents, which attacked men fearlessly and -destroyed them. So few cared to live in the -neighborhood.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_223">223</div> -<p>We were not afraid, though, with the protection -of the car, and when the princess recognized, -just at dark, a familiar landmark, and assured -us the valley we sought was not far distant, -we decided to make our camp where we were -and await the morning to complete our quest.</p> -<p>The temperature cooled rapidly in the shade -of the forest, and we were now in the uplands, -too, where the day was never as sultry as on the -lower plains; so we thoroughly enjoyed the -evening.</p> -<p>Ilalah sang sweetly some of her native songs, -and Nux and Bry favored us with a duet that -they had learned in their own far away island -home. So we were merry enough until bedtime, -and then, the Sulus being appointed to keep -watch, the rest of us turned in and slept fairly -well until morning, despite the sound of an occasional -wild beast prowling around our glass-covered -retreat.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_224">224</div> -<h2 id="c16"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XVI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE ARROW-MAKER</span></h2> -<p>We were up and stirring early, and after a -good breakfast and a draught of cool water from -a sparkling brook near by, we started again in -search of the valley of diamonds.</p> -<p>An hour’s swift run brought us to the slight -depression in which stood the great block of red -granite we had so eagerly sought. There was no -mistaking it, as the German had said; curiously -enough, it was the only granite boulder we had -seen in this country.</p> -<p>A long, horizontal spike of rock near the -apex pointed unerringly into the near-by forest, -and I dismounted and walked from the boulder -slowly in the direction indicated by the guide.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_225">225</div> -<p>Sure enough, on reaching the forest I found -myself confronting a gigantic mahogany tree, -standing a little in advance of its fellows; so -with a shout of joy I beckoned to my comrades -and waited for them to join me. Duncan ran -the automobile close up to the edge of the wood, -and then stopped the engines and closed the door -of the dome so that we could all take part in the -discovery of the diamonds.</p> -<p>Entering the forest, which was quite open -and clear at this one spot, we had no difficulty -in finding the dead stump, and then I fell upon -my knees and began to remove the thick moss -that clung to the ground all around the stump.</p> -<p>I was scarcely more excited than the others—if -I may except the princess, to whom treasure -had no meaning. Moit, Nux and Bry were all -bending over me, while in the background the -Indian maiden watched us with a plaintive smile. -To her this anxiety to secure a collection of pebbles -was not quite comprehensible.</p> -<p>At first the moss resisted my efforts. Then, -as I moved farther around, a great patch of the -growth suddenly gave way to my grasp and -disclosed a large cavity between two prongs of -the stump.</p> -<p>I leaned over to look. Then I thrust in my -arm to make sure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_226">226</div> -<p>The cavity was empty.</p> -<p>“Try somewhere else!” cried Moit, hoarsely. -He had risked a good deal for the gems which -were to enable him to become famous and -wealthy, and this disappointment was sufficient to -fill his heart with despair, had he not found another -treasure in Ilalah which might somewhat -mitigate this baffling failure.</p> -<p>I worked all around the stump, digging up the -moss with my knife and finger-nails; but in -every other place the ground was solid. There -was but this one vacant cavity, and when at last -we knew the truth we stared at each other in -absolute dejection.</p> -<p>“He must have put them there, though,” I -said, hopelessly. “The trouble is that someone -else has taken them away.”</p> -<p>“Oh, yes; I did it,” said a strange voice at -our side.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_227">227</div> -<p>I turned and found a tiny Indian standing -near us. At first I thought it was a child, but -looking more closely perceived the lines of age -on his thin face and streaks of gray in his hair. -Yet so small was his stature that he was no -taller than my breast.</p> -<p>He wore the ordinary San Blas tunic, striped -with purple and yellow, a narrow band of green -showing between the two plebeian colors. When -first we saw him he had assumed a dignified pose -and with folded arms was looking upon us with a -calm and thoughtful countenance.</p> -<p>“Greetings, Tcharn!” exclaimed the princess, -in a pleased and kindly tone.</p> -<p>The dwarf, or liliputian, or whatever he might -be, advanced to her with marked but somewhat -timid respect and touched the fingers of his right -hand to the fair brow she bent toward him. Then -he retreated a pace and laid his hand upon his -heart.</p> -<p>“My Princess is welcome to my forest,” he -said in his native tongue.</p> -<p>“Is it near here, then, that you live, my -Tcharn?” she enquired.</p> -<p>“Very near, my Princess.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_228">228</div> -<p>“But tell us,” I cried, unable to control myself -longer, “did you find many of the white -pebbles in this cavity, and did you take them all -away?”</p> -<p>“Yes,” he answered readily, with a nod of his -small head; “I found them and I took them -away, and they were many.”</p> -<p>“But why did you take them?” asked the -girl, who, without knowing the value to us of -the stones, was able to sympathize with us in -our bitter disappointment.</p> -<p>Tcharn was thoughtful. He sat upon the -stump and for a moment studied the various faces -turned toward him.</p> -<p>“Some time ago,” said he, “a white man came -to this valley, which our laws forbid the whites -to enter. Perhaps he did not know that I rule -the forest which is my home—that I am the -Master Workman of the Techla nation. Why -should he know that? But the white beast was -well aware that his race is by us hated and detested”—here -he cast a sinister glance at Duncan -and myself—“and barred from our domain. He -sneaked in like a jackal, hiding himself by day -while by night he prowled around upon all fours, -gathering from off the ground the pebbles which -our master the king has forbidden any man to see -or to touch.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_229">229</div> -<p>“Day after day I watched the white man at his -unlawful toil. I sent tidings to Nalig-Nad, the -king, who laughed at the cowardly intruder, and -bade me continue to watch and to notify him if -the beast tried to escape.</p> -<p>“Finally he saw my face among the trees, and -it frightened him. He prepared to run away, -and buried all the pebbles he had found under -the moss beside this stump. Then he slunk from -the valley and I let him go; for the king had -been notified and would look after him.”</p> -<p>This relation proved to us the honesty of the -German’s story. We knew well the rest of the -tragic tale, and were just then more deeply interested -in the loss of the diamonds.</p> -<p>“Why did you dig up the pebbles, when the -commands of your king forbade you to touch -them?” I asked, in a bitter tone.</p> -<p>The little Indian gave me a scornful look -and said to Ilalah:</p> -<p>“Must I answer the white child, my Princess?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_230">230</div> -<p>“It will please me to have you do so,” she -answered. “I must tell you, Tcharn, that these -white people are my friends. Those who love -me will also befriend them, and treat them -kindly.”</p> -<p>For a time the dwarf stood motionless, frowning -and staring stolidly upon the ground. Then -he looked up and said:</p> -<p>“Does Nalig-Nad also love these whites?”</p> -<p>“He hates them, and seeks their destruction,” -Ilalah replied.</p> -<p>The dwarf smiled.</p> -<p>“Then they will be destroyed,” he prophesied.</p> -<p>“Not so, my Tcharn,” replied the princess, -gently. “The power of these white chieftains is -greater than the power of Nalig-Nad.”</p> -<p>Tcharn grew thoughtful again.</p> -<p>“I saw them approach in a moving house, that -seemed alive and yet was not,” he remarked.</p> -<p>“That is but one proof of their might,” said -she.</p> -<p>“And is my Princess now opposed to her -father the King?”</p> -<p>“Yes, Tcharn, in this one thing.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_231">231</div> -<p>“Then,” said he, “I will stand by your side, -for my blood is the blood of your dead mother, -and not the blood of Nalig-Nad.”</p> -<p>“But the pebbles!” I cried, impatiently. “Tell -us what you have done with them.”</p> -<p>He turned his sombre eyes in my direction.</p> -<p>“I carried the pebbles to my own dwelling,” -he returned. “They are beautiful, and when the -sun kisses them they borrow its light and glow -like fireflies at dusk. I love the pebbles; so I -took them, and they are mine.”</p> -<p>This was exasperating to a degree.</p> -<p>“You had no right to do that,” I protested. -“Your king has forbidden you to gather the -pebbles.”</p> -<p>“I did not gather them; I but took them from -the place where the white jackal had placed -them.”</p> -<p>“The king will punish you for keeping them!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_232">232</div> -<p>“The king? Ah, the king will not know. -And we are opposed to the king just now, the -Princess Ilalah and myself,” with a queer smile. -“But you are strangers, and therefore you do not -know that in my forest even Nalig-Nad dare not -molest the Master Workman.”</p> -<p>The last words were spoken confidently, and -his prompt defiance of the king pleased me.</p> -<p>“Who is this man, Ilalah?” asked Duncan.</p> -<p>“Tcharn is my mother’s cousin,” she replied, -with frankness, “and in my mother’s veins flowed -the most royal blood of our great ancestors. For -this reason Tcharn is a person of consequence -among my people. He is called the Arrow-Maker, -and forges all the arrow-heads that the -Techlas use. No one else is allowed to work in -metals, which Tcharn brings from the mountains. -In this forest—I do not know exactly where—is -his secret work-shop and his dwelling place. -Only one thing is forbidden him, under penalty -of torture and death: to gather or use the loathsome -gold which was at one time the curse of the -Techlas. In all else Tcharn is master of the forest, -and the people honor and avoid him.”</p> -<p>An important individual, truly, and one who -doubtless realized his own importance. Since he -had secured the diamonds and loved their beauty -it would be difficult to wrest them from him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_233">233</div> -<p>While the princess had spoken the little Techla -had been regarding her with an uneasy look.</p> -<p>“I see trouble in Ilalah’s path,” he now remarked -gravely.</p> -<p>“Am I not the princess?” she asked, proudly.</p> -<p>“You are the princess, and one day you will -succeed your father as ruler of the Techlas—if -you live. If you do not live, Nalig-Nad’s children -by another mother will succeed him. Will -you live, Ilalah—you who defy the traditional -hatred of your race for the cursed white people?”</p> -<p>Ilalah flushed a little, but not with fear. She -wanted Tcharn to understand her, though, and -began to tell him how the white people had for -many ages dominated the world beyond the seas, -where they had many distinct nations that warred -with each other. Some of the white nations were -strong, and just, and wise; others were strong, -but wicked and unjust. It was one of these latter -nations, she explained, whose people were known -as Spaniards, that had invaded the country of her -forefathers and robbed and oppressed them; -therefore the Techlas, knowing no better, had -hated all of the white nations instead of that especial -one that had wronged them.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_234">234</div> -<p>“These friends,” she added, pointing to us, -“have never injured us, nor have their people, -who have themselves warred with the Spaniards, -our old and hated enemies. Why then, should -I condemn and hate the innocent?”</p> -<p>The dwarf listened carefully to this explanation, -and without answering her appeal he said, -in a doubtful tone:</p> -<p>“The chiefs who rule the islands and the coast, -all of whom trade with the whites, have told me -they are all alike. They are never satisfied, but -always want something that belongs to others.”</p> -<p>I laughed at his shrewd observation, for that -was our case, just then. We wanted the diamonds.</p> -<p>“Will you not permit us to see the beautiful -pebbles?” I asked.</p> -<p>Tcharn hesitated.</p> -<p>“Will you let me see your moving house?” he -demanded.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_235">235</div> -<p>I nearly yelled with delight. I had been -searching my brain for some way to win this -strange personage to our side, and he promptly -put himself in our hands by acknowledging his -curiosity concerning our machine. But this -proved his intelligence, too, and betrayed his mechanical -instinct, so that it increased our respect -for him.</p> -<p>“We will explain to you our moving house, -which is the most wonderful thing ever made by -the hands of man,” I answered, seriously, “and we -will also take you to ride in it, that you may -know how and why it moves. But in return you -must take us to your dwelling and show us the -pebbles.”</p> -<p>I was rather surprised that he consented readily.</p> -<p>“It is a bargain,” said he, quietly, and Ilalah -whispered that his word might be depended upon.</p> -<p>So we all walked out of the forest to where -we had left the car, which Tcharn first examined -from the outside with minute intentness.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_236">236</div> -<p>“Here is a man who might steal my patents, -if he lived in our world,” remarked the inventor, -with a smile. But as there was no danger to be -apprehended Moit took pains to explain to the -dwarf how the machine would float and move in -the water as well as travel upon the land, and -then he took the little Indian inside and showed -him all the complicated mechanism and the arrangements -for promoting the comfort and convenience -of the passengers.</p> -<p>Tcharn listened with absorbed interest, and if -he failed to comprehend some of the technical -terms—which is very probable, as I was obliged -to translate most of the description and there were -no words in the native language to express mechanical -terms—he allowed neither word nor look -to indicate the fact.</p> -<p>Afterward Moit started the car and gave the -arrow-maker an impressive ride around the valley, -gradually increasing the speed until we very -nearly flew over the ground.</p> -<p>When, at last, we came to a halt at the forest’s -edge, it was evident we had won the dwarf completely. -His face was full of animation and delight, -and he proceeded to touch each of our foreheads, -and then his own heart, to indicate that we -were henceforth friends.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_237">237</div> -<p>“We will ride into the forest,” he said. “I -will show you the way.”</p> -<p>It suited us very well to hide the machine -among the trees, for we might expect the natives -to search for us and give us further annoyance. -But we failed to understand how the big machine -might be guided into the tangled forest.</p> -<p>Tcharn, however, knew intimately every tree -and shrub. He directed Moit to a place where -we passed between two giant mahoganies, after -which a sharp turn disclosed an avenue which led -in devious windings quite a distance into the -wood. Sometimes we barely grazed a tree-trunk -on either side, or tore away a mass of clinging -vines or dodged, by a hair’s breadth, a jagged -stump; and, after all, our journey was not a great -way from the edge of the forest and we were -soon compelled to halt for lack of a roadway.</p> -<p>“The rest of the distance we will walk,” announced -the dwarf. “Follow me, if you will.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_238">238</div> -<p>I shall never forget the impressiveness of this -magnificent forest. The world and its glaring -sunlight were shut out. Around our feet was a -rank growth of matted vines, delicate ferns and -splendid mosses. We stood in shadow-land, a -kingdom of mystery and silence. The foliage -was of such dainty tracery that only in the deep -seas can its equal be found, and wonderful butterflies -winged their way between the tender plants, -looking like dim ghosts of their gorgeous fellows -in the outer world. Here was a vast colonnade, -the straight, slender, gray tree-trunks supporting -a massive roof of green whose outer branches -alone greeted the sun. Festooned from the upright -columns were tangled draperies of climbing -vines which here rested in deep shadow and there -glowed with a stray beam of brilliant sunshine -that slyly crept through the roof. And ever, as -we pressed on, new beauties and transformations -were disclosed in the forest’s mysterious depths, -until the conviction that here must be the favorite -retreat of elfins and fays was dreamily impressed -upon our awed minds.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_239">239</div> -<p>But almost before we were aware of it we -came to a clearing, a circular place in the wood -where great trees shot their branches into the sky -and struggled to bridge the intervening space -with their foliage. The vain attempt left a patch -of clear sky visible, although the entire enclosure -was more than half roofed with leaves.</p> -<p>Instead of mosses and vines, a grassy sward -carpeted the place, and now we came upon visible -evidence that we had reached the abode of the little -arrow-maker.</p> -<p>On one side was a rude forge, built of clay, -and supporting a bellows. In a basket beside the -forge were hundreds of arrow-points most cleverly -fashioned of bronze, while heaps of fagots -and bars of metal showed that the dwarf’s daily -occupation was seldom neglected.</p> -<p>The tools strewn about interested me greatly, -for many were evidently of American or European -make; but Tcharn explained this by saying -that his people often traded their cocoanuts and -skins for tools and cutlery, and at these times he -was allowed to select from the store such things -as he required.</p> -<p>“But where do you live?” asked Moit; “and -where are the pebbles?”</p> -<p>“Come,” said the arrow-maker, briefly, and -led us across the glade and through a little avenue -where there was a well trodden path.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_240">240</div> -<p>A moment later a mass of interwoven boughs -covered with vines confronted us, and stooping -our heads we passed through a low archway into -wonderland.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_241">241</div> -<h2 id="c17"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XVII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">A WOODLAND WONDERLAND</span></h2> -<p>What we saw was a circular chamber formed -of tree-trunks at the sides and roofed with masses -of green leaves. The central trees had been -cleared away by some means, for a large mahogany -stump was used for a table and its beautifully -polished surface proclaimed that it had -been a live tree when sawed through. Also there -were several seats formed from stumps in various -parts of the room, and one or two benches and a -couch had been manufactured very cleverly from -polished mahogany wood.</p> -<p>But these were by no means the chief wonder -of the place. The walls were thickly covered with -climbing vines, which reached in graceful festoons -to the overhanging central boughs; but these were -all the creation of man rather than of nature, -for they were formed from virgin gold.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_242">242</div> -<p>Also the ornaments scattered about the place, -the mountings of the furniture, swinging lamps -and tabourettes, all were of gold, and never have -I beheld the equal of their exquisite workmanship -or unique designing. The tracery of every -leaf of the golden bower imitated accurately nature -itself, the veins and stems being so perfect as -to cause one to marvel. Not only had a vast -amount of pure gold been used in this work, but -years must have been consumed in its execution.</p> -<p>“Oh, Tcharn!” cried Ilalah, in a shocked -tone, as soon as she had recovered from the wonder -of her first look; “you have broken the law!”</p> -<p>“It is true,” answered the arrow-maker, -calmly.</p> -<p>“Why did you do it?” she asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_243">243</div> -<p>“The yellow metal is very beautiful,” said he, -looking upon the golden bower with loving eyes; -“and it is soft, and easy to work into many pretty -forms. Years ago, when I began to gather the -metal for my arrows and spears, I found in our -mountains much of the forbidden gold, and it -cried out to me to take it and love it, and I could -not resist. So I brought it here, where no white -man could ever see it and where not even your -father was likely to come and charge me with my -crime. My princess, you and your friends are -the first to know my secret, and it is safe in your -care because you are yourself breaking the law -and defying the king.”</p> -<p>“In what way?” asked Ilalah.</p> -<p>“In seeking the pebbles that are denied our -people, and in befriending the whites who have -been condemned by us for centuries.”</p> -<p>She was silent for a moment. Then she said, -bravely:</p> -<p>“Tcharn, such laws are unjust. I will break -them because they are my father’s laws and not -my own. When I come to rule my people I will -make other laws that are more reasonable—and -then I will forgive you for your gold-work.”</p> -<p>“Oh, Ilalah!” exclaimed Moit; “how can you -rule these Indians when you have promised to -come with me, and be my queen?”</p> -<p>She drew her hand across her eyes as if bewildered, -and then smiled sweetly into her lover’s -face.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_244">244</div> -<p>“How easy it is to forget,” she said, “when -one has always been accustomed to a certain life. -I will go with you, and I will never rule my people.”</p> -<p>“You are wrong, my princess,” declared the -dwarf, eagerly. “What to you is the white man’s -land? You will rule us indeed, and that in a -brief space of time!”</p> -<p>“No, my friend,” she said, “the house that -moves will carry me away with my white chief, -and in a new land I will help him to rule his own -people.”</p> -<p>The arrow-maker looked at her with a -dreamy, prophetic expression upon his wizened -features.</p> -<p>“Man knows little,” said he, “but the Serpent -of Wisdom knows much. In my forest the serpent -dwells, and it has told me secrets of the -days to come. Soon you will be the Queen of the -Techlas, and the White Chief will be but your -slave. I see you ruling wisely and with justice, -as you have promised, but still upholding the traditions -of your race. You will never leave the -San Blas country, my Ilalah.”</p> -<p>She laughed, brightly.</p> -<p>“Are you then a seer, my cousin?” she asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_245">245</div> -<p>The dwarf started, as if suddenly awakened, -and his eyes lost their speculative gaze.</p> -<p>“Sometimes the vision comes to me,” he said; -“how or why I know not. But always I see -truly.”</p> -<p>Duncan Moit did not understand this dialogue, -which had been conducted in the native tongue. -He had been examining, with the appreciation of -a skilled workman, the beautiful creations of the -Indian goldsmith. But now our uneasy looks and -the significant glances of Nux and Bryonia attracted -his attention, and he turned to ask an explanation.</p> -<p>The princess evaded the subject, saying -lightly that the dwarf had been trying to excuse -himself for breaking the law and employing the -forbidden gold in his decorations. I turned to -Tcharn and again demanded:</p> -<p>“Show us the pebbles.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_246">246</div> -<p>At once he drew a basket woven of rushes -from beneath a bench and turned out its contents -on the top of the great table. A heap of stones -was disclosed, the appearance of which at first disappointed -me. They were of many shapes and -sizes and had surfaces resembling ground glass. -In the semi gloom of the bower and amid the shining -gold tracery of its ornamentation the “pebbles” -seemed uninteresting enough.</p> -<p>But Moit pounced upon the treasure with exclamations -of wonder, examining them eagerly. -Either the German or the arrow-maker had -chipped some of them in places, and then the -clear, sparkling brilliancy of the diamonds was -fully demonstrated.</p> -<p>“They are magnificent!” cried the inventor. -“I have never seen gems so pure in color or of -such remarkable size and perfect form.”</p> -<p>I compared them mentally with the stones I -had found in the roll of bark taken from the dead -man’s pocket, and decided that these were indeed -in no way inferior.</p> -<p>The dwarf opened a golden cabinet and -brought us three more diamonds. These had -been cut into facets and polished, and were amazingly -brilliant. I am sure Tcharn had never seen -the usual method of diamond-cutting, and perhaps -knew nothing of the esteem in which civilized -nations held these superb pebbles of pure carbon; -so it is remarkable that he had intuitively found -the only means of exhibiting the full beauty of -the stones.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_247">247</div> -<p>“Will you give me these, my cousin?” asked -the princess.</p> -<p>For answer he swept them all into the basket -and placed it in her hands. She turned and with -a pleased smile gave the treasure to Moit.</p> -<p>“At last,” said I, with a sigh of relief, “we -have accomplished the object of our adventure.”</p> -<p>“At last,” said Duncan, “I have enough -money to patent my inventions and to give the -machine to the world in all its perfection!”</p> -<p>“But we mus’ get out o’ here, Mars’ Sam,” -observed Bry, gravely.</p> -<p>“That is true,” I replied. “And I hope now -that we have no further reason for staying that -we shall have little difficulty in passing the lines -of our enemies.”</p> -<p>We confided to the arrow-maker a portion of -our adventures, and told him how Nalig-Nad had -seemed determined to destroy us. When the relation -was finished I asked:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_248">248</div> -<p>“Will you advise us how we can best regain -our ship without meeting the king’s warriors?”</p> -<p>He considered the matter with great earnestness. -Then he enquired:</p> -<p>“Will your machine run safely in the waters -of the ocean?”</p> -<p>I repeated the question to Moit.</p> -<p>“Yes,” he answered, “if the water is not too -rough.”</p> -<p>“Then it will be best for you to go east until -you come to the coast of the Atlantic,” said -Tcharn. “The tribes of the south-east will not -oppose you if the Princess Ilalah and I are with -you. When you get to the ocean you may travel -in the water to your river, and so reach your -ship.”</p> -<p>This advice was so good that we at once -adopted the suggestion.</p> -<p>The arrow-maker now clapped his hands, and -to our surprise three tall natives entered the -bower and bowed to him. He ordered them to -bring refreshments, and they at once turned and -disappeared.</p> -<p>“Who are these men?” I asked.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_249">249</div> -<p>“They are my assistants, who help me to -forge the arrows and the spears,” he replied. -“The king always allows me three men, and -their tongues are cut out so that they cannot tell -to others the secrets of my art.”</p> -<p>That explained why he was able to devote so -much time to the execution of his gold-work.</p> -<p>The servants shortly returned bearing golden -dishes of exquisite shapes, on the polished surfaces -of which familiar scenes in the lives of the -San Blas were cleverly engraved.</p> -<p>We were given fresh milk, a kind of hominy -boiled and spiced, slices of cold mutton and several -sorts of fruits, including cocoanut meats.</p> -<p>Sitting around the splendid table, which would -have conferred distinction upon a king’s palace, -we made a hasty but satisfying meal and then -prepared to return to the automobile.</p> -<p>I think the little arrow-maker was as eager to -ride in the wonderful machine as to guide us on -our way; but we were very glad to have him -with us, and he sat quietly absorbed by the side -of Duncan Moit and watched the inventor direct -the course of his automobile over the difficult -pathway between the trees.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_250">250</div> -<p>We reached level ground without accident and -then, turning to the left, increased our speed and -travelled rapidly over the now familiar plains in -the direction of the sea.</p> -<p>We followed the edge of the forest as well as -we could, for here in the uplands the numerous -streams were less difficult to cross; but soon after -we had passed beyond the point of our first excursion -in this direction we came upon a good -sized river sweeping out from the wood, which -Tcharn told us flowed into the Atlantic further -toward the north. There were dangerous rapids -in it, however, so we decided it would be safer to -continue on to the coast than to trust ourselves -to this treacherous current.</p> -<p>And now we soon began to pass the cocoanut -groves, while groups of natives paused to stare at -us wonderingly. But we made no halt, for the -plains were smooth and easy to travel upon and -the less we had to do with the natives the better -we were off.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_251">251</div> -<p>A mile inland from the ocean the dwarf told -us were many villages. We decided to rush past -these quickly to avoid being stopped, and Tcharn -agreed that it would be wise. Explanations -would be sure to delay us, even if these tribes had -not already been warned by messengers from Nalig-Nad -to capture us if we came their way. So -when we reached the villages we shot by them like -a flash, and the sensation we created was laughable.</p> -<p>Men, women and children—even the dogs—rushed -from the path of the dreadful flying monster -in a panic of fear, and we heard their screams -and wild cries long after the houses had been left -far behind. These tribes may be just as brave -as the ones farther north, but their natures are -not so stolid and self-possessed.</p> -<p>The ocean came into view suddenly, and we found -the banks so high above the beach that we -were obliged to turn north until we reached a -small river, the water of which was deep enough -to float us out to sea.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_252">252</div> -<p>Here we bade farewell, with much regret, to -our arrow-maker, and Duncan generously presented -him with such wrenches and other tools -as could be spared from his outfit. These presents -gave the dwarf much delight, and for my -part I was so grateful for his assistance that I -gave him my silver watch, and showed him how -to tell the time of day by following the movements -of its hands. He understood it very -quickly and I knew that he would obtain much -pleasure from its possession.</p> -<p>It was little enough, indeed, for the transfer -of the diamonds, which were worth a fortune; -but the gems were valueless to him, even had he -been able to own them without the risk of forfeiting -his life.</p> -<p>We left the arrow-maker earnestly watching -us from the bank as we paddled swiftly down the -stream; but soon our attention was directed to -other matters and we forgot him.</p> -<p>When we reached the ocean we headed out -boldly, but the long waves rolled pretty high for -us, we soon found. It was not at all a rough sea, -yet Moit was forced to acknowledge that his invention -was not intended for ocean travel. After -we had tossed about for a time we went -ashore, finding to our joy that the beach was -broad and sandy, and the tide was out.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_253">253</div> -<p>This was the best luck that could possibly have -happened to us, and we sped along the sands at a -fine rate of speed, resolved to make the most of -our opportunities.</p> -<p>Just before we reached the northern forest, -however, we found that king Nalig-Nad had been -thoughtful enough to anticipate the possibility of -our coming this way and had sent a large force -to oppose us. They were crowded thickly upon -the beach and we were given the choice of meeting -them or driving into the ocean again.</p> -<p>I rather favored the latter course, but Duncan’s -face was set and stern, and I saw that he -was intent on running them down.</p> -<p>He increased our rate of speed until we were -fairly flying, and a moment more we bumped into -the solid ranks of the Indians and sent them tumbling -in every direction—not so much on account -of the machine’s weight as its velocity.</p> -<p>Those who were not knocked over made haste -to get out of our way, and in a few seconds they -were all behind us and we could slacken our terrible -pace with safety.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_254">254</div> -<p>We had passed the mouths of several streams -on our way, and circled some remarkably broad -and pretty bays, so now we began to look for the -river in which our wrecked ship was stranded. -One broad inlet we paddled up for a way, but it -led straight into the wood; so we backed out -again, and the next time were more successful; -for soon we were able to discern the <i>Gladys H.</i> -lying on her side, and knew we were near our -journey’s end.</p> -<p>Ilalah told us that small ships sometimes came -to this river to trade with her people for skins -and tortoise-shell; but none had been there for -several months.</p> -<p>At first I thought that our wreck was entirely -deserted, but after a time Uncle Naboth’s pudgy -form appeared at the stern, waving his red handkerchief -in frantic greeting; a moment later our -sailors flocked to his side, and then a lusty cheer -of welcome saluted our grateful ears.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_255">255</div> -<h2 id="c18"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XVIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE PRINCESS DISAPPEARS</span></h2> -<p>We were given a joyful welcome by our comrades -aboard the wreck, you may be sure. Ned -was there, a smile mantling his rugged face as the -auto came alongside and he assisted us to make -fast and mount to the slanting deck of the ship.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth’s eyes were big and staring as -our dainty Indian princess came aboard; but I -could see that he was pleased with her beauty and -modest demeanor.</p> -<p>No questions were asked us until we were all -comfortably stowed on deck and the automobile -had been hoisted over the side by the willing sailors -and set in its old position. They were glad -enough to see us safely returned without bothering -us with questioning; but I knew of their -eagerness to hear of our adventures and so took -an early opportunity to remark:</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_256">256</div> -<p>“Well, Uncle Naboth and Ned, we’ve got the -diamonds.”</p> -<p>“Sure?”</p> -<p>“Sure enough.”</p> -<p>I brought the basket and allowed them to inspect -the treasure, which they did with wonder -and a sort of awe, for they had little to say.</p> -<p>“How much is the bunch worth?” asked my -uncle, trying to be indifferent.</p> -<p>“Why, we are all quite ignorant of their -value,” I replied; “but Moit and I both think we -have secured a snug fortune for each one of us -four who are interested in the division. We -couldn’t have done anything at all without the -automobile, though, so I am going to give Duncan -a part of my share.”</p> -<p>“I won’t take it,” declared Moit. “We made -a fair and square bargain, to share alike, and I -mean to live up to it.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_257">257</div> -<p>“But you need the money more than we do,” -I protested, “for you’ve got to build a factory to -manufacture your machines and also to make a -home for Ilalah. She is a prize we don’t share -in, but we’d like to contribute to her happiness, -so I shall suggest to Ned and Uncle Naboth that -you take a half of all the diamonds and we will -divide the other half.”</p> -<p>“Agreed!” cried my uncle and Ned, both together, -and although Duncan objected in a -rather pig-headed way I declared that we had -fully made up our minds and he had nothing to -say about the matter.</p> -<p>Then we told our story, rather briefly at first, -for it would take some time to give our friends all -the details of our adventures. Uncle was very -proud of the way Bryonia and Nux had behaved, -and told them so in his outspoken fashion. The -honest fellows could have desired no higher reward.</p> -<p>After this Ned told me of his trip. On reaching -the ocean he had rigged a mast and sail on the -long boat and before a brisk breeze had soon -reached Manzanillo Bay and arrived at Colon -harbor within a half day.</p> -<p>Colon is a primitive town built upon a low -coral island, but being the Atlantic terminal of -the great canal it possessed an office of the Central -and South American Telegraph Company, -so that Ned was able to send a cable message by -way of Galveston to Mr. Harlan.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_258">258</div> -<p>He got an answer the next day, saying that -the <i>Carmenia</i>, one of the Company’s ships, was -due at Cristobal in a few days, and further instructions -as to the disposition of the wrecked -cargo would be cabled me on her arrival. Cristobal -was a port adjoining Colon, and I remembered -to have heard that the <i>Carmenia</i> was soon -to come home from the Pacific with a light cargo; -so I judged it would be Mr. Harlan’s intention -to have her take our structural steel on board and -carry it on to San Pedro.</p> -<p>All we could do now was to wait, and instead -of waiting in unhealthy Colon Ned wisely decided -to return to the wreck and report to me.</p> -<p>They had begun to worry over us and to fear -the Indians had murdered us, so it was a great -relief to them when we came back safe and successful -from our perilous adventure.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_259">259</div> -<p>Uncle Naboth admired Ilalah more and more -as he came to know her, and he told Duncan -with great seriousness that she was worth more -than all the diamonds in the world, to which -absurd proposition the inventor gravely agreed. -But indeed we were all fond of the charming -girl and vied with one another to do her honor. -Even stolid Ned Britton rowed across to the -marshes in the afternoon and returned with a -gorgeous bouquet of wild flowers to place in the -Indian maid’s cabin—formerly his own cabin, -but gladly resigned for her use.</p> -<p>Ilalah accepted all the attentions showered -upon her with simple, unaffected delight, and confided -to us that she had altered entirely her old -judgment of the whites and now liked them very -much.</p> -<p>“They must be my people, after this,” she said, -with a sad smile, “because I have left the Techlas -forever.”</p> -<p>At dinner Bryonia outdid himself as a chef -and provided for the menu every delicacy the -ship afforded. Ilalah ate little, but enjoyed the -strange foods and unusual cooking. After dinner -we sat on the deck in the splendid moonlight -and recited at length our adventures, until the -hour grew late.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_260">260</div> -<p>When I went to bed I carried the diamonds to -my locker, putting them carefully away where no -one could get at them until we left the wreck and -the time came to make the division. The ship -was very safe for the present. Until another severe -gale occurred to bring the waves up the river -there was no danger of her going to pieces, as she -held firmly to her mud bank, weighted on her -open planks with the great mass of steel in the -hold. Her bottom was like a crate, but her upper -works seemed as firm and substantial as ever.</p> -<p>Ilalah’s cabin was on the starboard side, but -in spite of the ship’s listing her window was four -or five feet above the surface of the river. She -bade us a sweet good-night in her pretty broken -English, and an hour later everyone on board was -enjoying peaceful slumbers and I, for my part, -was dreaming of the fortune we had so unexpectedly -secured.</p> -<p>Suddenly a cry aroused me. I sat up and -listened but could hear no further sound. Absolute -silence reigned throughout the ship. Yet the -cry still rang in my ears, and the recollection of -it unnerved me.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_261">261</div> -<p>While I hesitated a knock came to my door, -and I got up and lighted a candle.</p> -<p>Moit was standing outside in the saloon. -His face was white but as undecided in expression -as my own.</p> -<p>“Did you hear anything, Sam?” he asked.</p> -<p>“Yes.”</p> -<p>“Was it a cry for help?”</p> -<p>“That, or a woman’s scream, Duncan.”</p> -<p>“Come with me,” he said, and I followed him -to the door of Ilalah’s cabin.</p> -<p>Two or three loud knockings failed to arouse -any response. I turned the handle, found the -door unlocked, and threw it open.</p> -<p>The room was empty.</p> -<p>I turned my flickering candle in every direction, -lighting up the smallest cranny, as if the -girl could be hidden in a rat-hole. The window -stood wide open, and the cool night breeze came -through it.</p> -<p>I turned toward Duncan, who stood in the -middle of the room staring at the floor. As my -gaze followed his I saw several of the blue beads -Ilalah had worn scattered over the carpet.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_262">262</div> -<p>“It is Nalig-Nad,” he muttered. “The San -Blas have stolen my princess!”</p> -<p>“What’s up, boys?” asked Uncle Naboth. -He was standing in the doorway clad in a suit of -pajamas that were striped like a convict’s, only in -more gorgeous colors.</p> -<p>“The Indians have stolen Ilalah and carried -her away,” I answered.</p> -<p>I am afraid Uncle Naboth swore. He is a -mild mannered old gentleman, but having taken a -strong liking for the beautiful girl he perhaps -could find no other way, on the impulse of the moment, -to express his feelings.</p> -<p>“Well,” he remarked, after we had looked -blankly into one another’s faces for a time, “we -must get her back again, that’s all.”</p> -<p>“Of course, sir,” agreed Duncan, rousing himself. -“We will go at once.”</p> -<p>“What time is it?” I asked.</p> -<p>“Three o’clock,” answered my uncle, -promptly.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_263">263</div> -<p>“Then let us wait until morning,” I advised. -“The Indians already have a good start of us and -there would be no chance to overtake them before -they regain the king’s village. We must be cautious -and lay our plans carefully if we hope to -succeed.”</p> -<p>“Perhaps you are right,” returned Duncan, -wearily. “But I swear to you, Sam, that I will -find Ilalah and bring her back with me, or perish -in the attempt.”</p> -<p>I smiled at his theatric manner, but Uncle -Naboth said seriously:</p> -<p>“I don’t blame you a bit, sir. That girl is -worth a heap o’ trouble, and you can count on -me to help you to the last gasp.”</p> -<p>“Well, well,” said I, impatiently, “let us get -dressed and go on deck to talk it over.” I well -knew there would be no more sleep for us that -night, and although I was not in love with the -lost princess I was as eager to effect her rescue as -Moit himself.</p> -<p>“But I must warn you, gentlemen,” I continued, -“that you have to deal with the wiliest and -fiercest savage in existence, and if we venture into -his dominions again the chances of our ever coming -out alive are mighty slim.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_264">264</div> -<p>“All right, Sam,” retorted Uncle Naboth, -cheerfully; “we’ve got to take those chances, my -lad, so what’s the use of grumbling?”</p> -<p>“If you’re afraid, Sam—” began Moit, stiffly.</p> -<p>“Oh, get out!” was my peevish reply. “I -may be afraid, and small wonder if I am; but you -know very well I’ll go with you. So get your -togs on, both of you, and I’ll meet you on deck.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_265">265</div> -<h2 id="c19"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XIX</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WE ATTEMPT A RESCUE</span></h2> -<p>The entire ship’s company was aroused by this -time, and it amused me to find that every man -jack, down to the commonest sailor, was tremendously -indignant and most properly incensed because -Nalig-Nad had dared to steal his own -daughter—the successor to his throne—from the -white men with whom she had fled.</p> -<p>Ned Britton’s plan was to arm our entire company -“to the teeth” and march in solid ranks -through the forest until we came to the king’s village, -which he figured lay about opposite the point -where our ship had stranded. Once at the village -we could surprise the place, capture Ilalah, and -bear her in triumph back to the wreck.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_266">266</div> -<p>There were several objections to Ned’s optimistic -plan. In the first place we did not know -the forest, and the Indians did. They could hide -behind the trees and pick us off with their arrows -before we could use our fire-arms; or they might -ambush us, and annihilate our band. Moreover, -we were not sure Ilalah had been taken directly to -the king’s village. They might have hidden her -somewhere else.</p> -<p>“It’s another case of automobile, Mr. Moit,” -declared Uncle Naboth. “If we’re a-goin’ to get -that girl you’ll have to use the convertible, as -sure as fate.”</p> -<p>“There is no doubt of that,” returned the inventor, -promptly. “I have determined to start as -soon as it is daylight.”</p> -<p>“What is your idea, Duncan?” I asked.</p> -<p>“Simply to enter the country of the Techlas, -show them a bold and fearless front, find out -where the princess is, and then rescue her in some -way. I’m afraid they will treat her badly, because -she defied them and ran away with me.”</p> -<p>“But she is to be their next ruler, after Nalig-Nad -is dead,” said I.</p> -<p>“Yes, if she outlives him. But the king has -two other children, and he may prefer one of -them to rule.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_267">267</div> -<p>“That’s a fact,” I answered. “I’ve seen them. -And Nalig-Nad must have been furious at Ilalah -for favoring the hated whites.”</p> -<p>“There is no time to lose,” continued Duncan, -nervously. “We must start as soon as possible -and make our plans on the way. Who will go -with me?”</p> -<p>Everyone wanted to go, of course; but finally -it was settled that Uncle Naboth and I, with Nux -and Bryonia, should accompany Duncan Moit in -the automobile. If we did not return within -twenty-four hours then Ned Britton was to land -his sailors and march quickly through the forest -to our rescue. This arrangement was the best -we could think of, and when I frankly told the -men that this hazardous duty would not be forced -upon them, since the adventure was wholly outside -their province as seamen, they one and all -declared they would “see us through” or die in -the attempt.</p> -<p>Only Dick Lombard, whose arm had been -broken, and an old sailor with a bruised knee -were to be left behind, that they might care for -the ship in our absence.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_268">268</div> -<p>“No one can steal the cargo, anyhow; it’s too -heavy,” I remarked; “and if the Indians manage -to do us up entirely Mr. Harlan will still be -able to get his steel beams. So we need not -worry over the ship.”</p> -<p>It was a desperate enterprise, and we knew it; -but so strong was our admiration for the Princess -of the Techlas that we did not hesitate to attempt -in her behalf all that brave men might be capable -of.</p> -<p>At the first break of day we got the automobile -over the side and safely launched it. There -was not a moment’s unnecessary delay, and as -Duncan was now familiar with the river channel -we were soon paddling at our best speed up the -river.</p> -<p>By the time the red rays of the rising sun -gleamed over the water we had passed the two -hillocks and reached the southern tributary that -led into the land of the Techlas.</p> -<p>We saw no Indians in the forest this time. -Either it was too early for them to be abroad or -they had assembled inland for some purpose. -The forest was deserted.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_269">269</div> -<p>Our progress was, of course, much slower -than on land. I think the automobile paddled -about eight miles an hour in still water, but as we -now had to stem a current we made less time than -that. But distances are not great in Panama, -where the isthmus has a breadth of only some -fifty miles, so that we were not long in passing -the northern forest and coming to the coastal -plains.</p> -<p>We left the river at the same spot as before, -where the bank was low and shelving; for in talking -over our plans we had decided to make directly -for Nalig-Nad’s own village. It was reasonable -to suppose that Ilalah had been first taken -there, it being the nearest point to the ship from -whence they had stolen her. The king might intend -to hide her, presently, even if he permitted -his rebellious daughter to live; but we judged that -he would not expect us to give chase so soon. -That we would dare venture into his dominions -a second time the astute monarch would hesitate -to believe.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_270">270</div> -<p>We relied much upon the promptness with -which we had acted, and although we were forced -to travel by a roundabout route we ought, with -good luck, to reach the king’s village by the middle -of the forenoon.</p> -<p>Once on the broad and level plains Moit allowed -his machine to do its best. We knew there -were no obstructions in the way, so we made a -wonderful dash across the country.</p> -<p>No effort was made by the San Blas to oppose -us or interfere with our progress. We observed -no warriors at all, and the few farmers we -passed scarcely paused in their labors long enough -to stare at us.</p> -<p>When we came to Ogo’s village, however, we -saw by means of the glass that the place was -swarming with Indians, who were as busy and -excited as bees in a hive. This puzzled us, and -made us fear the princess might be in this place -instead of the village farther on. But we decided -to stick to our first programme, so we circled -around the town to the north and continued on -our way.</p> -<p>Much faster than we had covered the distance -before we now fled over the plain, and soon the -enclosure became visible and our journey was -almost over.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_271">271</div> -<p>A great jagged section of the wall had been -blown up by the explosion, wrecking some of the -huts at the same time; but as we drew nearer we -discovered that Nalig-Nad had caused a big ditch -to be dug, in the form of a half moon, reaching -from one end of the broken wall to the other. -This ditch was evidently made on our account, -and as it circled outward into the plain it prevented -most effectually our entering the enclosure -with the automobile.</p> -<p>We smiled at so childish an attempt to bar -us from the village, but it informed us plainly -that the king had anticipated our return and -feared us, which knowledge served to encourage -us very much.</p> -<p>We halted the machine outside the ditch, a -hundred yards or so from the wall, and then proceeded -to take careful observation of the condition -of affairs at the village.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_272">272</div> -<p>Our arrival had created no apparent excitement. -There were no crowds to be seen and the -few natives, men or women, who stalked across -the space that was visible within the wall, going -from one building to another, merely turned their -faces toward us for a moment and then continued -on their way. A woman sat at one side of the -gap milking a goat; another near her was hanging -some newly washed tunics on the edge of the -broken wall to dry in the sun; but neither of these -gave us more than a glance or allowed us to interrupt -their occupation.</p> -<p>This apathy was mystifying. Surely we had -created enough excitement at the time we left the -king’s village to ensure a degree of interest in -our return. If the savages imagined their puny -ditch any protection they were likely to find themselves -much mistaken.</p> -<p>Presently we saw something that aroused us -to action. Ilalah appeared, crossing the enclosure -from one of the side huts to the king’s palace. -Her hands were bound firmly behind her back -and her eyes were covered with a thick scarf -which effectually blindfolded her. She was led -and pushed along by two sour visaged old women, -who showed their princess scant courtesy.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_273">273</div> -<p>Moit swore roundly under his breath and I -myself was filled with indignation at the poor -girl’s condition; at the same time we were gratified -to know we had found her by coming -promptly to the right place.</p> -<p>“Now,” said Duncan, grimly, “we know what -to do.”</p> -<p>“What is it?” I enquired.</p> -<p>“They will bring her out again, sooner or -later,” he answered, “and then we must make -a dash, seize her, regain the automobile, and fly -back to the ship.”</p> -<p>“Easy enough!” ejaculated Uncle Naboth, admiringly.</p> -<p>The women had finished milking and hanging -out their clothes. Just now the courtyard seemed -deserted.</p> -<p>“This is our chance,” cried Moit. “Follow -me, all of you except Mr. Perkins. He must -stay to guard the machine and to wave us a signal -when Ilalah appears. We will creep up to -the broken wall and hide behind it until the princess -comes back. Then we will make a rush all -together and capture her before the Indians know -what we are about. Are you all armed?”</p> -<p>We were, and ready.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_274">274</div> -<p>Duncan leaped from the car and we followed -him. Then, bounding across the narrow ditch, -we ran silently but quickly to a position behind -the wall, where those inside could not see us. -There we crouched, panting, to await Uncle Naboth’s -signal.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_275">275</div> -<h2 id="c20"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XX</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">OUTWITTED</span></h2> -<p>The silence of death seemed to reign in the -little village. All life had for the moment ceased, -and gradually this extraordinary fact impressed -me ominously.</p> -<p>“Where are all the people?” I whispered to -Moit.</p> -<p>“I can’t imagine,” he answered.</p> -<p>“Guess dey in de co’te-yard of de palace,” -said Bry, who with Nux stood just beside us. -“Princess bein’ judged; ev’body lookin’ on.”</p> -<p>That seemed plausible; and it was a condition -especially favorable to our plans; so we waited -with suppressed excitement, our eager eyes upon -the automobile, until suddenly we saw Uncle Naboth -spring to his feet and wave his red handkerchief.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_276">276</div> -<p>At the signal we four rose as one man and -dashed through the gap into the enclosure, each -with a revolver held fast in either hand.</p> -<p>As I bounded over the loose rubbish something -suddenly caught me and threw me violently -to the ground, where I rolled over once or twice -and then found myself flat upon my back with a -gigantic Indian pressing his knee against my -chest.</p> -<p>I heard a roar from Moit and answering -shouts from our two blacks, and turning my head -saw them struggling with a band of natives who -surrounded them on every side.</p> -<p>Indeed, our conquest was effected much sooner -than I can describe the event on paper, and within -a few moments all four of us stood before our -captors disarmed and securely bound.</p> -<p>I own I was greatly humiliated by the clever -deception practiced upon us by Nalig-Nad. The -wily king had foreseen our arrival and using -Ilalah as a bait had ambushed us so neatly that -we had no chance to fight or to resist our capture. -The victory was his, and it was complete.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_277">277</div> -<p>Stay; there was Uncle Naboth yet to be reckoned -with. I could see him still standing in the -car glaring with amazement at the scene enacted -within the enclosure.</p> -<p>The Indians saw him, too, and with wild and -triumphant yells a score of them rushed out and -made for the car. But my uncle was warned and -had calmly laid a number of revolvers upon the -seat beside him.</p> -<p>With a weapon in either hand the old gentleman -blazed away at the Techlas as soon as they -approached, doing such deadly execution that the -natives were thrown into confusion and held back, -uncertain what to do.</p> -<p>Having emptied one brace of revolvers Mr. -Perkins hurled them at the heads of his assailants -and picked up another pair. I wondered that the -San Blas did not shoot him down with arrows, or -impale him on a spear, for the top was down and -he was unprotected from such missiles; but doubtless -they had been instructed to capture him alive -and had not been prepared for such a vigorous resistance.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_278">278</div> -<p>Presently an Indian who had made his way -around to the opposite side put his hand on the -rail and leaped lightly into the car; but my uncle -turned in a flash and seized the fellow at the -waist in his powerful arms. Lifting the astonished -Techla high in the air Uncle Naboth flung -him bodily into the furious crowd before him, -tumbling a number of his foes to the ground with -this living catapult.</p> -<p>But such magnificent strength and courage -was without avail. Before uncle could seize his -revolvers again a dozen warriors had leaped into -the car beside him and grasped him so firmly that -further struggles were useless. The little man -collapsed immediately and was dragged out and -brought to where we had been watching him in -wonder and admiration.</p> -<p>“Good for you, Uncle!” I cried. “If we -could have managed to put up such a fight it -might have been a different story.”</p> -<p>He smiled at us cheerily.</p> -<p>“Hain’t had so much fun, my lads, since -Polly had the measles,” he panted; “but it couldn’t -last, o’ course, ’cause I’m all out o’ trainin’.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_279">279</div> -<p>And now that all our party had been captured, -transforming powerful enemies into helpless victims, -King Nalig-Nad appeared before us with a -calm countenance and ordered us taken to one of -the huts, there to remain in confinement to await -his pleasure concerning our disposal.</p> -<p>“Who’s this feller?” asked Uncle Naboth, -looking hard at the king.</p> -<p>“It is Nalig-Nad,” I replied, rather depressed -by our hard luck.</p> -<p>“Why, hello, Naddie, old boy—glad to meet -you!” said Mr. Perkins, advancing as far as his -captors would let him and holding out one of his -broad, fat hands.</p> -<p>The king regarded him silently. It was the -first time he had had an opportunity to inspect -this addition to our former party. But he paid -no attention to the outstretched hand.</p> -<p>“Know your daughter well,” continued Uncle -Naboth, unabashed at the marked coolness with -which his friendly advances were met; “she’s a -fine gal, Nalig; oughter be proud o’ her, old -chap!”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_280">280</div> -<p>With this he began to chuckle and poked the -king jovially in his royal ribs, causing the stern -visaged monarch to jump backward with a cry of -mingled indignation and rage. This so pleased -my uncle that his chuckle increased to a cough, -which set him choking until he was purple in the -face.</p> -<p>The king watched this exhibition with amazement; -but when his prisoner recovered with startling -abruptness and wiped the tears of merriment -from his eyes, the barbarian gave a disdainful -grunt and walked away to his palace. He was -followed by his band of attendant chiefs, whom I -recognized as his former counsellors.</p> -<p>I looked around for Ilalah, but she had disappeared -the moment we rushed into the enclosure, -having doubtless been dragged away by her -attendants as soon as she had served the purpose -of luring us into the trap.</p> -<p>We were now taken to one of the huts built -against the wall and thrust through a doorway -with scant ceremony. It was merely a one-roomed -affair with thick walls and no furniture -but a clay bench at the back. The only aperture -was the doorway. Several stout warriors, well -armed and alert, ranged themselves before this -opening as a guard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_281">281</div> -<p>We were not bound, for having lost all our -weapons, including even our pocket-knives, we -were considered very helpless.</p> -<p>“I don’t like the looks of this thing,” I remarked, -when we had seated ourselves quite soberly -in a row on the mud bench.</p> -<p>“Bad box, sure ’nough, Mars’ Sam,” said -Bryonia, with a sigh.</p> -<p>“I hope they won’t touch the machine,” observed -Moit, nervously. “I don’t mind what they -do to me if they let the automobile alone.”</p> -<p>“That’s rubbish,” said I in a petulant tone; -“they couldn’t run it to save their necks. Don’t -worry, old man.”</p> -<p>“I s’pose we won’t have much use for an automerbeel -in the course of a jiffy or two,” added -my uncle, cheerfully.</p> -<p>“Oh, I depend a good deal upon Ned and his -men,” I replied. “He will be sure to come to -our rescue early to-morrow morning.”</p> -<p>“Too late, den, Mars’ Sam,” muttered Nux. -“Dat wicked king ain’t goin’ let us lib long, I -’spect.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_282">282</div> -<p>“Then why did he put us here?” I demanded. -“If he intended to kill us quickly he’d have murdered -us on the spot.”</p> -<p>“There was nothing to prevent his doing that, -most certainly,” said Moit, eagerly adopting the -suggestion.</p> -<p>This aspect of the affair was really encouraging. -So elastic is hope in the breasts of doomed -men that we poor creatures sat there for an hour -or more and tried to comfort ourselves with the -thought that a chance for escape might yet arise. -It was pitiful, now that I look back upon it; but -at the moment the outlook did not appear to us -especially gloomy.</p> -<p>I do not believe that any regret for having -followed the Indian girl and tried to rescue her -entered into the mind of any one of the party. -Ilalah had stood by us and it was our duty to -stand by her, even had not Moit been so infatuated -by her beauty that he could not be contented -without her.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_283">283</div> -<p>Being a boy and less stolid than my elders, I -caught myself wondering if I should ever behold -the handsome ship my father was building, and -sighed at the thought that I might never stand -upon its deck after all the ambitious plans we had -laid for the future. There was a little comfort in -the thought that all the diamonds were safe in -the locker of the wreck and that Ned would look -after them and carry my share as well as Uncle -Naboth’s to my father. But we were likely to -pay a good price for the treasure we had wrested -from the San Blas.</p> -<p>Midday arrived and passed. Food was -brought to our guard but none was given to us. -We were not especially hungry, but this neglect -was ominous. It meant that we had either not -long to live or our foes intended to starve us. -We tried to believe that the latter was the correct -solution of the problem.</p> -<p>Soon after noon, however, all uncertainty vanished. -Our guards entered, commanded by one -of the chiefs, and said we were to be taken to -judgment. They prepared us for the ordeal by -tying our hands behind our backs with thongs, -so securely that there was no way to slip the -bonds. Then they fastened us together in a -string by an original method.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_284">284</div> -<p>A coil of dressed skin was brought and an -Indian held one end while another made a slip-noose -and threw it over Duncan’s head. A second -slip-noose was placed around Bryonia’s neck, -a third around that of Uncle Naboth, a fourth -around Nux and the fifth around my own neck. -There was still enough of the coil remaining for -a second guard to hold—and there we were. If -any one of us attempted to run, or even to struggle, -he would only tighten his noose, and perhaps -those of the others, and risk a choking.</p> -<p>It wasn’t a bad method of keeping us orderly -and meek, and we were not at all pleased with -the arrangement, I assure you.</p> -<p>When we had been thus secured the chief—who, -by the way, was a “green chief”—ordered -us sternly to march; and so, like a gang of -chained convicts, we tramped from the gloomy -hut and passed out into the courtyard.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_285">285</div> -<h2 id="c21"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XXI</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE SACRIFICE</span></h2> -<p>The elaborate preparations made for our -“judgment” were certainly flattering; but we -were in no mood to appreciate the mocking attentions -of the San Blas.</p> -<p>The open space of the enclosure in front of -the palace was filled with a crowd of silent Indians, -so many being present that we knew they -must have gathered from all parts of the territory.</p> -<p>Our guards led us through the close ranks -of these spectators to a clear place near the center, -where King Nalig-Nad sat upon a bench -with a score of his favorite green chiefs ranged -just behind him. At the sides of this interesting -group several women, all of whom had green -in their tunics, squatted upon the ground. At -the king’s feet were the same pretty boy and girl -I had seen on my first presentation to the potentate.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_286">286</div> -<p>But this was not all. In the open space at -the right of the king stood Ilalah between two -stout guards. The girl’s hands were bound behind -her back as ours were, but she was no longer -blindfolded. Her proud and beautiful face wore -a smile as we were ranged opposite her, and she -called aloud in English in a clear voice:</p> -<p>“Have fortitude, my White Chief. In death -as in life Ilalah is your own.”</p> -<p>A murmur of reproach came from those of -the San Blas who understood her speech. The -king looked at his daughter with a dark frown -mantling his expressive features.</p> -<p>“And I belong to Ilalah,” replied Duncan -Moit, composedly, as he smiled back at his sweetheart.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_287">287</div> -<p>Indeed, I was proud of the courage of all my -comrades on this trying occasion. Bryonia and -Nux were dignified and seemingly indifferent, -Uncle Naboth smiling and interested in each phase -of the dramatic scene, and the inventor as cool -in appearance as if this gathering of the nation -was intended to do him honor. I do not know -how I myself bore the ordeal, but I remember -that my heart beat so fast and loud that I was -greatly annoyed for fear someone would discover -its rebellious action and think me afraid. Perhaps -I really was afraid; but I was greatly excited, -too, for it occurred to me that I was facing -the sunshine and breathing the soft southern air -for almost the last time in my life. I was sorry -for myself because I was so young and had so -much to live for.</p> -<p>Ilalah, it seemed, was to be judged first because -her rank was higher than that of the strangers.</p> -<p>The king himself accused her, and when he -began to speak his voice was composed and his -tones low and argumentative. But as he proceeded -his speech grew passionate and fierce, -though he tried to impress upon his people the -idea that it was his duty that obliged him to condemn -Ilalah to punishment. However that plea -might impress the Techlas it did not deceive us in -the least. It was father against daughter, but -perhaps the king’s hatred of the whites had turned -him against his first born, or else he preferred -that the pretty girl nestling at his feet should -succeed him.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_288">288</div> -<p>“Lords and chiefs of the Techlas,” he said, -speaking in his native language, “the Princess -Ilalah has broken our laws and outraged the -traditions that have been respected in our nation -for centuries. We have always hated the white -race, and with justice. We have forbidden them -to enter our dominions and refused to show them -mercy if they fell into our hands. But this girl, -whose birth and station are so high that she is -entitled to succeed me as ruler of the Techlas, -has violated our most sacred sentiments. She -has favored and protected a band of white invaders; -she has dared to love their chief, who -has lied to us and tricked us; she has even forgotten -her maidenly dignify and run away with -him, preferring him to her own people. It is the -law that I, her father, cannot judge or condemn -her, although it is my privilege to condemn all -others. Therefore I place her fate in the hands -of my noble chiefs. Tell me, what shall be the -fate of the false Techla? What shall be Ilalah’s -punishment?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_289">289</div> -<p>The chiefs seemed undecided and half frightened -at the responsibility thus thrust upon them. -They turned and consulted one another in whispers, -casting uncertain looks at the princess, who -smiled back at them without a trace of fear upon -her sweet face.</p> -<p>Standing close beside Ilalah I now discovered -our old friend Tcharn, the goldsmith and arrow-maker, -whose eager face showed his emotion -at the peril of his friend. His dark eyes roved -anxiously from the girl to her judges, and it was -plain to see that he was fearful of her condemnation.</p> -<p>I myself tried to read the decision of the -chiefs from their faces, and decided that while -Ilalah was doubtless a great favorite with them -all, they could find no excuse for her conduct. -Their conference lasted so long that the king -grew impatient, and his animosity became more -and more apparent as he glowered menacingly -upon the girl and then glanced appealingly at -her judges, who tried to avoid his eyes.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_290">290</div> -<p>Finally, however, the conference came to an -end.</p> -<p>A tall, lean chief whose gray hairs and the -prominence of the green stripes in his tunic evidently -entitled him to be the spokesman, stepped -forward and bowed low before the king.</p> -<p>“Mighty Ruler of the Techlas,” he said, “we -have weighed well the strange conduct of the -Princess Ilalah and desire to ask her a question.”</p> -<p>“The speech of the accused may not be considered,” -said the king, gruffly.</p> -<p>“It affects not her condemnation, but rather -her punishment,” returned the other.</p> -<p>“Then proceed.”</p> -<p>“Princess,” continued the old man, speaking -in a kindly tone as he addressed the young girl, -“if in our mercy we spare your life will you -promise to forsake your white chief and yield -him and his followers to our vengeance?”</p> -<p>“No!” she answered, proudly.</p> -<p>Her questioner sighed and turned to his fellows, -who nodded to him gravely.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_291">291</div> -<p>“Then,” said he, again turning to the king, -“we find that the conduct of the Princess Ilalah -merits punishment, and the punishment is death!”</p> -<p>The king smiled triumphantly and cast a look -around the assemblage. Not a man or woman -returned his smile. They stood steadfast as -rocks, and only the little arrow-maker gave way -to his grief by bowing his head in his hands and -sobbing most pitifully.</p> -<p>“We also find,” continued the grave chieftain, -breaking the painful pause, “that the law -forbids any Techla to lift a hand against one -of the royal blood; and especially is that person -immune who is next in succession to the throne.”</p> -<p>This statement caused a thrill that could not -be repressed to pass through the crowd. The -natives looked on one another curiously, but satisfaction -lurked in their dark eyes.</p> -<p>I began to like these people. In themselves -they were not especially disposed to evil, but their -fiendish king had dictated their thoughts and -actions for so long that they were virtually the -slaves of his whims.</p> -<p>“Therefore,” said the chief, speaking in a firm -voice, “who will execute our decree of death upon -the royal princess?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_292">292</div> -<p>“I will!” cried Nalig-Nad, springing to his -feet “The king is bound by no law save his own -will. The girl is condemned to death, and die -she shall!”</p> -<p>With a lightning gesture he caught up his bow -and notched an arrow.</p> -<p>I looked toward Ilalah. Her face was pallid -and set but she did not flinch for an instant. One -fleeting glance she gave into Duncan’s face and -then turned her eyes steadily upon her fierce and -enraged sire.</p> -<p>The king did not hesitate. He drew the bowstring -to his chin, took rapid aim, and loosed the -deadly shaft.</p> -<p>A cry burst from the assemblage, and even -while it rang in my ears I saw Tcharn leap into -the air before the princess, receive the arrow in -his own breast, and then fall writhing in agony -upon the ground.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_293">293</div> -<h2 id="c22"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XXII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE THRUST OF A SPEAR</span></h2> -<p>Instantly there was tumult all about us. -The crowd broke and surged toward the central -point in the tragedy, forcing us who were in -front to struggle on the crest of the wave. Their -reserve vanished and each man cried to his neighbor -in eager tones and allowed the mad excitement -of the moment full sway.</p> -<p>Some one cut Ilalah’s bonds and the girl sank -to the ground to support the head of the little -arrow-maker upon her breast, pressing back his -thin locks and tenderly kissing him upon the forehead.</p> -<p>But he knew nothing of this grateful kindness. -His eyes were set and glazed, for the arrow -had lodged in his heart.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_294">294</div> -<p>A tug at my thong threatened to strangle me, -for Moit had bounded forward to kneel beside -Ilalah and try to assist her in spite of his own -helpless condition. Then some semblance of order -was restored and our guards pushed us back -and eased the thong which was fast throttling -me.</p> -<p>From the murmured words of the natives I -gathered that Tcharn had atoned by his sacrifice -for all the guilt charged against the princess, -as the law declared that when the death penalty -was imposed another could die instead of the -condemned and so set him free.</p> -<p>For this reason the king was raging like a -wild beast and threatening those who expressed -sympathy for the girl who had so miraculously -escaped his brutal vengeance.</p> -<p>“But the whites, at least, shall die—and the -black men who are with them!” he shouted aloud, -casting at us such glances of hatred and ferocity -that we knew our fate was sealed.</p> -<p>They had carried poor Tcharn away and the -princess had risen to her feet and now stood -bravely confronting her father.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_295">295</div> -<p>“It is folly to talk of injuring these strangers,” -she answered him, boldly. “I alone know their -wonderful powers and that they are able to crush -us all if we dare attempt to harm them.”</p> -<p>The king let out a disdainful roar, but Ilalah’s -words impressed many in the crowd and caused -the Techlas to murmur again.</p> -<p>“What can they do?” asked Nalig-Nad, derisively. -“They are but human and they are in -our power.”</p> -<p>“They have their magic chariot,” she said, -“which you all know can deal death and destruction -to their foes.”</p> -<p>“Magic!” retorted the king, laughing boisterously; -“do you call that poor, man-made contrivance -magic?”</p> -<p>All eyes turned toward the opening, where -a hundred yards beyond the broken wall poor -Moit’s automobile was standing motionless as we -had left it.</p> -<p>Most of those present had witnessed the machine’s -marvelous performances, and in nearly -every face now lurked an expression of awe or -apprehension. Nalig-Nad saw the look, and it -aroused him to fury.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_296">296</div> -<p>“Come!” he cried, “I will prove that the white -men have no magic.”</p> -<p>Seizing a heavy, bronze-tipped spear from an -attendant he ran from the enclosure and made -directly for the automobile, followed by a crowd -of his most devoted adherents. The others, with -us, remained to watch curiously what he -would do.</p> -<p>I saw Moit’s face pale and his lips tremble; -but he stood firm and steadfast while the king -rushed upon his beloved machine and with a powerful -stroke drove the spear clean through the -plates of sheathing which protected the body.</p> -<p>I own I was amazed at such a display of -strength, but a more athletic savage than Nalig-Nad -I have never beheld. When the jagged rent -was torn in the side of the automobile the crowd -that surrounded it danced gleefully and jeered at -the helpless child of our poor inventor’s brain -as if it were alive and could feel their scorn.</p> -<p>Again Nalig-Nad seized a spear and hurled -it at the side of the machine, piercing once more -the light but stout metal. A third went crashing -into the automobile, and then—</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_297">297</div> -<p>And then it seemed as though the world had -suddenly come to an end.</p> -<p>I was dashed so forcibly against the huge -body of my guard that where he fell upon the -hard earth his head was crushed in like an eggshell. -But I did not know this until I came to -my senses and heard the sounds of moaning all -around me and saw the ground covered with the -forms of the stricken natives.</p> -<p>A knife severed my bonds and set me free, -and I staggered to my feet to find Ilalah and Duncan -Moit supporting me until I could recover -sufficiently to stand alone.</p> -<p>Nux and Bryonia, all unhurt, were busy restoring -the bruised and bewildered Techlas to -consciousness, while Uncle Naboth sat upon the -king’s bench, his clothing torn to tatters, and -wiped away with his red handkerchief the blood -that trickled from a cut in his head.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_298">298</div> -<p>I looked around wonderingly, trying to -imagine what had happened, and saw a piece of -dull silver metal driven edgewise into the front -of the palace, where it was wedged firmly into -the hard clay. That gave me a hint, and I looked -out upon the plain where the automobile had -stood and found that it had disappeared. So -had Nalig-Nad and the crowd of furious natives -that had surrounded him as he plunged his spear -into the heart of Duncan Moit’s great invention.</p> -<p>Then I remembered the can of glycerine explosive -and knew the whole terrible story in an -instant. The spear-point had made Ilalah Queen -of the Techlas. It had also deprived her lover -of the perfect fruit of years of inspired thought -and faithful toil.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_299">299</div> -<h2 id="c23"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XXIII</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">THE DESERTER</span></h2> -<p>While the village slowly recovered from the -effects of this dreadful calamity and the uninjured -were caring for their less fortunate brethren, -our party was ushered into a comfortable -apartment of the palace and given food and drink -and such comforts as the place afforded.</p> -<p>We saw nothing of Ilalah at the time, for -with those chiefs left to her she was doing her -best to relieve the misery of the stricken village. -Moit was with her, alert and active, keeping -constantly by her side and eagerly assisting her -in the work of mercy. This I learned afterward. -Just then I imagined him frantic with grief and -despair, and I found myself regretting the destruction -of his great invention even more than -the loss of life caused by the explosive. The -dead were unimportant savages; the machine -that had perished with them was the most splendid -achievement; I firmly believe, that any man -in any era of civilization has ever been able to -boast.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_300">300</div> -<p>But when toward evening Duncan Moit came -to us with Ilalah, I was astonished at his placid -stoicism. Grieved he certainly was, but his face -expressed resolve and thoughtfulness more than -despair.</p> -<p>“I’m awfully sorry, old man,” I said, laying -a sympathetic hand upon his shoulder. “I know -how long and tedious the time will seem until -you are able to construct another machine as perfect -as the one you have lost.”</p> -<p>He shuddered a little at my words but replied -gently:</p> -<p>“Sam, I shall never build another machine. -That dream is over.”</p> -<p>“Over!” I cried, astonished. “What do you -mean? Will you abandon all your ambitions—the -certain fortune that awaits you—the applause -and admiration of your fellow men?”</p> -<p>“What do they all amount to?” he asked. -“Yes; I abandon them. I’m going to live with -Ilalah.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_301">301</div> -<p>“Here?”</p> -<p>“Here; in the half savage and almost unknown -land of the Techlas. The result of years -of labor has been wiped out of existence in a -flash, and I have not the courage to begin all over -again. I have no patterns of the machine and -the drawings and specifications all were destroyed -with it. I could never build another that would -equal it in perfection. But why should I attempt -it? I do not need an automobile here. I do not -need fortune, or fame, or anything but love; and -this Ilalah has given me freely.”</p> -<p>“Do I understand you to mean that you will -always remain in this forsaken country?”</p> -<p>“That is my intention,” he said. “I shall -help my wife to rule her people and in her companionship -be happy in a simple, natural way.”</p> -<p>We argued with him long and earnestly, -while Ilalah sat beside him silent and smiling -but very sure that we could not prevail over his -sudden but preposterous resolution.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_302">302</div> -<p>They found a few scraps of what they believed -to have once been Nalig-Nad, and that -night the remains were consumed with fire, accompanied -by many impressive ceremonies. -Other funeral pyres burned also, both in the enclosure -and on the plain beyond; for the most -malignant of the green chiefs had followed the -king to assist him in destroying the automobile -and had therefore shared his fate.</p> -<p>Bright and early next morning Ned Britton -appeared at the edge of the forest leading his -band of seamen to our rescue. We advanced -eagerly to meet him and told him the news of -the king’s destruction and of our altered standing -with the new ruler of the San Blas. Ned -had heard and felt the explosion even on the -wreck, but thought that it must have been an -earthquake.</p> -<p>The newcomers were not regarded with much -favor by the Indians, yet I thought that we all -assisted greatly to lend dignity to the day’s ceremonies, -which included the formal acknowledgment -of Ilalah as ruler and lawgiver of the nation -and her subsequent marriage—a most primitive -rite—to the inventor, Duncan Moit. Ilalah’s -husband was next adopted as a Techla, and then -the excitement seemed to subside and the population -settled down to business again.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_303">303</div> -<p>However, there was no denying the fact that -the natives resented our presence among them -and were ill at ease while we remained in the -village. So I told “King Duncan,” as Uncle -Naboth insisted upon jocosely calling him, that we -would make haste to return to our ship.</p> -<p>He offered no objection to our going, but -stated simply that it would be our wisest course. -Then he hesitated a moment, as if embarrassed, -and added:</p> -<p>“You must never come back, you know. The -Techlas will live their own lives in their own -way, and hereafter I am to be one of them and -shall forget everything that exists outside our -borders. We permit you to go freely now, as a -return for your kindness to our queen; but should -you be daring enough to return at any time I -warn you that you will be received as enemies, -and opposed to the death.”</p> -<p>“Will you become another Nalig-Nad, then?” -I asked, indignant at the traitorous words.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_304">304</div> -<p>“In the future, as in the past, the demoralizing -influences of the whites and their false civilization -will be excluded from the dominions of -the San Blas,” he answered, coolly. “My wife -will rule as her fathers did, in spite of the fact -that one white man has been admitted into the -community. You have been my friends, but -when you leave me now you must forget our -friendship, as I am resolved to do. Should you -invade the country of the Techlas again, you do -so at your peril.”</p> -<p>This assertion, coming from one whom I had -trusted and regarded as a faithful comrade, filled -me with consternation not unmixed with resentment. -But the man had always been peculiar -and I tried to make allowances for his erratic -nature.</p> -<p>“Tell me, then,” I said, after a moment’s -thought; “how about dividing those diamonds?”</p> -<p>“They are yours. I have no use for such -things now,” he added, a touch of sadness in his -voice. “You are welcome to whatever share was -due me—on one condition.”</p> -<p>“What is that, Duncan?”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_305">305</div> -<p>“That you will tell no one where you found -them and will promise never to return here for -more.”</p> -<p>I hesitated, and Uncle Naboth looked sorely -disappointed.</p> -<p>“It is my intention,” continued Moit, firmly, -“to support the traditions of the Techlas. They -must own nothing that will arouse the cupidity -of the outside world, for only in this way will -they be able to control their own territory. I am -glad the audacious Tcharn is dead, and I will -destroy all his pretty goldsmith work within the -next few days. Also I shall have the valley of -diamonds thoroughly searched and all the white -pebbles cast into the sea. Therefore no temptation -will exist for you or your fellows to come -here again. Our laws will be rigidly maintained, -and any strangers, white or black, who defy them -will be severely punished.”</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_306">306</div> -<p>Yes, I had always suspected a streak of madness -in Moit. Perhaps the destruction of his -marvelous invention had served to unbalance a -mind already insecurely seated. Anyway, I -could see that he was in deadly earnest and that -any argument would be useless. My companions, -also, noted a strange glitter in his eyes that -warned them he would not lift a finger to save -their lives if they again ventured to invade the -country ruled by Queen Ilalah.</p> -<p>So, with regret, we submitted to the inevitable. -We bade Duncan Moit and his beautiful bride -farewell and marched away through the forest -till we came to the banks of the river, where the -wreck lay in plain sight. A strong escort of -silent natives watched us until we were all on -board, and then they melted away and disappeared -like ghosts.</p> -<p>I have never seen the inventor since, or -stepped a foot upon the land of the Techlas.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_307">307</div> -<h2 id="c24"><span class="h2line1">CHAPTER XXIV</span> -<br /><span class="h2line2">WE LEAVE PANAMA</span></h2> -<p>Well, the story is told, as you may easily -guess.</p> -<p>Uncle Naboth and I ran up to Colon, and -not liking that city took a train across the isthmus -to Panama, which we liked no better. The half-caste -Spaniards and natives are a miserable lot, -and do not compare either in intelligence or dignity -with the isolated tribes of the San Blas. -Some day, however, when the great canal is -built, Americans will invade these parts in such -numbers that the present population will disappear.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_308">308</div> -<p>It is a mistake to think the climate of Panama -unhealthful. On the uplands, both north and -south of the depression where the canal zone is -established, it is as healthful as any tropical -country in the world. In the zone itself, which -is ten miles wide, bad sanitation caused by the -carelessness of the French workmen used constantly -to breed fevers and disease. The Americans -are now busily cleansing the Augean stables -and good sanitary conditions are rapidly being -established. But I will say this: that unless one -has business in Panama he may readily discover -a more desirable location for a residence.</p> -<p>We soon returned to the wreck, which we -preferred to the towns of the isthmus, and there -amused ourselves until the <i>Carmenia</i> arrived at -Colon. Then her captain, an active and energetic -young man named Colton, took charge of -the remains of the <i>Gladys H.</i> He had received -orders to remove the cargo, strip the wreck of all -valuables and then abandon her where she lay.</p> -<p>He brought his ship alongside with ease and -as soon as he was in charge and had given me -a receipt, our people removed their personal possessions -and were rowed round to Colon, where -a steamer was shortly due that would carry us -to New Orleans.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_309">309</div> -<p>I kept an eye upon the forest for Moit, thinking -he might appear to bid us good-bye; but he -did not. We warned Captain Colton not to land -in the San Blas country, but did not confide to -him any part of our recent remarkable experiences.</p> -<p>A few days later we caught the steamer and -made a quick voyage across the gulf. We -reached Chelsea on the twelfth day of February, -and were warmly welcomed by my father, who -reported the <i>Seagull</i> nearing completion.</p> -<p>The diamonds were sold for a surprising -amount of money, because the stones proved exceptionally -large and perfect, and the proceeds -were equally divided between Ned Britton, Uncle -Naboth and myself. We had selected three good -specimens of the “white pebbles” to sell for the -benefit of our faithful seamen, and the amount -of prize money they received from this source -greatly delighted them. Nux and Bryonia -would never accept anything in the way of money -at all. They said that they belonged to Uncle -Naboth and “Mars Sam,” and they knew very -well that whatever we had they were welcome to.</p> -<div class="pb" id="Page_310">310</div> -<p>Neither Mr. Harlan nor his company ever -blamed me for the loss of the <i>Gladys H.</i> It was -one of those fateful occurrences that mortal man -is powerless to control.</p> -<p>I may add that “The Boy Fortune Hunters” -are still fortune hunting. Perhaps you have read -in “The Boy Fortune Hunters in Alaska” of our -trip to the gold fields. Some of the adventures -we have had in the trim and speedy <i>Seagull</i>, since -our return from Panama, I have set forth in “The -Boy Fortune Hunters in Egypt”, where we discovered -buried treasure in the great desert, and -in “The Boy Fortune Hunters in China”, where -we penetrated to the dangerous interior and rifled -the ancestral halls of a mighty Prince.</p> -<h2 id="c25"><span class="h2line1"><i><span class="u">Up-to-the-Minute Boys’ Books</span></i></span></h2> -<p class="center"><span class="xlarge">The Airship Boys</span> -<br /><span class="large">Series</span></p> -<p class="center"><i>By</i> H. L. SAYLER</p> -<p class="center"><span class="small">ILLUSTRATED BY F. R. HARPER</span></p> -<p>This is one of the most fascinating, besides -being one of the most timely and technically -accurate series of boys’ books yet published. -Mr. Sayler is not only first, but, we think, without a -rival in this new field of boys’ literature which offers -so much in the way of invention, exploration and -adventure. The first two volumes are:</p> -<p class="center"><b><span class="large">The Airship Boys</span> -<br /><span class="small"><i>or, The Quest of the Aztec Treasure</i></span></b> -<br /><span class="small">AND</span> -<br /><b><span class="large">The Airship Boys Adrift</span> -<br /><span class="small"><i>or, Saved by an Aeroplane</i></span></b></p> -<p class="tbcenter">Each, fully illustrated, with handsome cover and striking wrapper in colors, $1.00</p> -<hr /> -<p class="center"><i>For sale wherever books are sold</i></p> -<div class="box"> -<p class="center"><i>THE AUNT JANE SERIES</i> -<br /><span class="small">By EDITH VAN DYNE</span></p> -<p class="tbcenter"><b><span class="large">AUNT JANE’S NIECES</span></b></p> -<blockquote> -<p>How Louise, Beth and Patsy were invited by their -Aunt Jane to visit her at Elmhurst; how one of them -missed becoming her heiress, and how Uncle John -came to the rescue.</p> -</blockquote> -<p class="tbcenter"><b><span class="large">AUNT JANE’S NIECES ABROAD</span></b></p> -<blockquote> -<p>How Uncle John took the three girls to Europe, -where they witnessed the eruption of Vesuvius and -had many exciting adventures in Sicily.</p> -</blockquote> -<p class="tbcenter"><b><span class="large">AUNT JANE’S NIECES AT MILLVILLE</span></b></p> -<blockquote> -<p>How the three girls spent a delightful summer vacation -at Uncle John’s farm.</p> -</blockquote> -<p class="tbcenter"><b><span class="large">AUNT JANE’S NIECES AT WORK</span></b></p> -<blockquote> -<p>How Louise, Beth and Patsy helped the fortunes of -their cousin Kenneth in a hot political contest in his -own district.</p> -</blockquote> -<hr /> -<p class="center">Each, cloth, 12mo, uniform, 60 cents.</p> -</div> -<h2>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -<ul> -<li>Copyright notice provided as in the original—this e-text is public domain in the country of publication.</li> -<li>Silently corrected palpable typos; left non-standard spellings and dialect unchanged.</li> -<li>In the text versions, delimited italics text in _underscores_ (the HTML version reproduces the font form of the printed book.)</li> -</ul> - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's The Boy Fortune Hunters in Panama, by Floyd Akers - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BOY FORTUNE HUNTERS IN PANAMA *** - -***** This file should be named 60191-h.htm or 60191-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/6/0/1/9/60191/ - -Produced by David Edwards, Stephen Hutcheson, and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This book was produced from images made available by the -HathiTrust Digital Library.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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