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diff --git a/old/8647-h.htm.2021-01-26 b/old/8647-h.htm.2021-01-26 new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8dfece6 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/8647-h.htm.2021-01-26 @@ -0,0 +1,21670 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Afloat and Ashore, by James Fenimore Cooper + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Afloat And Ashore, by James Fenimore Cooper + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Afloat And Ashore + +Author: James Fenimore Cooper + + +Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8647] +This file was first posted on July 29, 2003 +Last Updated: March 11, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AFLOAT AND ASHORE *** + + + + +Text file produced by Project Gutenberg Online Distributed +Proofreaders Team (www.pgdp.net) + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + AFLOAT AND ASHORE + </h1> + <h3> + A SEA TALE + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By James Fenimore Cooper + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + “Home-keeping youth have ever homely wits."<br /> <i>Two Gentlemen of + Verona</i> + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PREF"> PREFACE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> <b>AFLOAT AND ASHORE.</b> </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XXIX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XXX. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PREFACE. + </h2> + <p> + The writer has published so much truth which the world has insisted was + fiction, and so much fiction which has been received as truth, that, in + the present instance, he is resolved to say nothing on the subject. Each + of his readers is at liberty to believe just as much, or as little, of the + matter here laid before him, or her, as may suit his, or her notions, + prejudices, knowledge of the world, or ignorance. If anybody is disposed + to swear he knows precisely where Clawbonny is, that he was well + acquainted with old Mr. Hardinge, nay, has often heard him preach—let + him make his affidavit, in welcome. Should he get a little wide of the + mark, it will not be the first document of that nature, which has + possessed the same weakness. + </p> + <p> + It is possible that certain captious persons may be disposed to inquire + into the <i>cui bono?</i> of such a book. The answer is this. Everything + which can convey to the human mind distinct and accurate impressions of + events, social facts, professional peculiarities, or past history, whether + of the higher or more familiar character, is of use. All that is necessary + is, that the pictures should be true to nature, if not absolutely drawn + from living sitters. The knowledge we gain by our looser reading, often + becomes serviceable in modes and manners little anticipated in the moments + when it is acquired. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the greater portion of all our peculiar opinions have their + foundation in prejudices. These prejudices are produced in consequence of + its being out of the power of any one man to see, or know, every thing. + The most favoured mortal must receive far more than half of all that he + learns on his faith in others; and it may aid those who can never be + placed in positions to judge for themselves of certain phases of men and + things, to get pictures of the same, drawn in a way to give them nearer + views than they might otherwise obtain. This is the greatest benefit of + all light literature in general, it being possible to render that which is + purely fictitious even more useful than that which is strictly true, by + avoiding extravagancies, by pourtraying with fidelity, and, as our friend + Marble might say, by “generalizing” with discretion. + </p> + <p> + This country has undergone many important changes since the commencement + of the present century. Some of these changes have been for the better; + others, we think out of all question, for the worse. The last is a fact + that can be known to the generation which is coming into life, by report + only, and these pages may possibly throw some little light on both points, + in representing things as they were. The population of the republic is + probably something more than eighteen millions and a half to-day; in the + year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred, it was but a little more than + five millions. In 1800, the population of New-York was somewhat less than + six hundred thousand souls; to-day it is probably a little less than two + millions seven hundred thousand souls. In 1800, the town of New-York had + sixty thousand inhabitants, whereas, including Brooklyn and Williamsburg, + which then virtually had no existence, it must have at this moment quite + four hundred thousand. These are prodigious numerical changes, that have + produced changes of another sort. Although an increase of numbers does not + necessarily infer an increase of high civilization, it reasonably leads to + the expectation of great melioration in the commoner comforts. Such has + been the result, and to those familiar with facts as they now exist, the + difference will probably be apparent in these pages. + </p> + <p> + Although the moral changes in American society have not kept even pace + with those that are purely physical, many that are essential have + nevertheless occurred. Of all the British possessions on this continent, + New-York, after its conquest from the Dutch, received most of the social + organization of the mother country. Under the Dutch, even, it had some of + these characteristic peculiarities, in its patroons; the lords of the + manor of the New Netherlands. Some of the southern colonies, it is true, + had their caciques and other semi-feudal, and semi-savage noblesse, but + the system was of short continuance; the peculiarities of that section of + the country, arising principally from the existence of domestic slavery, + on an extended scale. With New-York it was different. A conquered colony, + the mother country left the impression of its own institutions more deeply + engraved than on any of the settlements that were commenced by grants to + proprietors, or under charters from the crown. It was strictly a royal + colony, and so continued to be, down to the hour of separation. The social + consequences of this state of things were to be traced in her habits unlit + the current of immigration became so strong, as to bring with it those + that were conflicting, if not absolutely antagonist. The influence of + these two sources of thought is still obvious to the reflecting, giving + rise to a double set of social opinions; one of which bears all the + characteristics of its New England and puritanical origin, while the other + may be said to come of the usages and notions of the Middle States, + proper. + </p> + <p> + This is said in anticipation of certain strictures that will be likely to + follow some of the incidents of our story, it not being always deemed an + essential in an American critic, that he should understand his subject. + Too many of them, indeed, justify the retort of the man who derided the + claims to knowledge of life, set up by a neighbour, that “had been to + meetin' and had been to mill.” We can all obtain some notions of the + portion of a subject that is placed immediately before our eyes; the + difficulty is to understand that which we have no means of studying. + </p> + <p> + On the subject of the nautical incidents of this book, we have endeavoured + to be as exact as our authorities will allow. We are fully aware of the + importance of writing what the world thinks, rather than what is true, and + are not conscious of any very palpable errors of this nature. + </p> + <p> + It is no more than fair to apprize the reader, that our tale is not + completed in the First Part, or the volumes that are now published. This, + the plan of the book would not permit: but we can promise those who may + feel any interest in the subject, that the season shall not pass away, so + far as it may depend on ourselves, without bringing the narrative to a + close. Poor Captain Wallingford is now in his sixty-fifth year, and is + naturally desirous of not being hung up long on the tenter-hooks of + expectation, so near the close of life. The old gentleman having seen much + and suffered much, is entitled to end his days in peace. In this mutual + frame of mind between the principal, and his editors, the public shall + have no cause to complain of unnecessary delay, whatever may be its rights + of the same nature on other subjects. + </p> + <p> + The author—perhaps editor would be the better word—does not + feel himself responsible for all the notions advanced by the hero of this + tale, and it may be as well to say as much. That one born in the + Revolution should think differently from the men of the present day, in a + hundred things, is to be expected. It is in just this difference of + opinion, that the lessons of the book are to be found. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AFLOAT AND ASHORE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “And I—my joy of life is fled, + My spirit's power, my bosom's glow; + The raven locks that grac'd my head, + Wave in a wreath of snow! + And where the star of youth arose, + I deem'd life's lingering ray should close, + And those lov'd trees my tomb o'ershade, + Beneath whose arching bowers my childhood play'd.” + MRS. HEMANS. +</pre> + <p> + I was born in a valley not very remote from the sea. My father had been a + sailor in youth, and some of my earliest recollections are connected with + the history of his adventures, and the recollections they excited. He had + been a boy in the war of the revolution, and had seen some service in the + shipping of that period. Among other scenes he witnessed, he had been on + board the Trumbull, in her action with the Watt—the hardest-fought + naval combat of that war—and he particularly delighted in relating + its incidents. He had been wounded in the battle, and bore the marks of + the injury, in a scar that slightly disfigured a face, that, without this + blemish, would have been singularly handsome. My mother, after my poor + father's death, always spoke of even this scar as a beauty spot. Agreeably + to my own recollections, the mark scarcely deserved that commendation, as + it gave one side of the face a grim and fierce appearance, particularly + when its owner was displeased. + </p> + <p> + My father died on the farm on which he was born, and which descended to + him from his great-grandfather, an English emigrant that had purchased it + of the Dutch colonist who had originally cleared it from the woods. The + place was called Clawbonny, which some said was good Dutch others bad + Dutch; and, now and then, a person ventured a conjecture that it might be + Indian. Bonny it was, in one sense at least, for a lovelier farm there is + not on the whole of the wide surface of the Empire State. What does not + always happen in this wicked, world, it was as good as it was handsome. It + consisted of three hundred and seventy-two acres of first-rate land, + either arable, or of rich river bottom in meadows, and of more than a + hundred of rocky mountain side, that was very tolerably covered with wood. + The first of our family who owned the place had built a substantial + one-story stone house, that bears the date of 1707 on one of its gables; + and to which each of his successors had added a little, until the whole + structure got to resemble a cluster of cottages thrown together without + the least attention to order or regularity. There were a porch, a front + door, and a lawn, however; the latter containing half a dozen acres of a + soil as black as one's hat, and nourishing eight or ten elms that were + scattered about, as if their seeds had been sown broad-cast. In addition + to the trees, and a suitable garniture of shrubbery, this lawn was coated + with a sward that, in the proper seasons, rivalled all I have read, or + imagined, of the emerald and shorn slopes of the Swiss valleys. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny, while it had all the appearance of being the residence of an + affluent agriculturist, had none of the pretension of these later times. + The house had an air of substantial comfort without, an appearance that + its interior in no manner contradicted. The ceilings, were low, it is + true, nor were the rooms particularly large; but the latter were warm in + winter, cool in summer and tidy, neat and respectable all the year round. + Both the parlours had carpets, as had the passages and all the better + bed-rooms; and there were an old-fashioned chintz settee, well stuffed and + cushioned, and curtains in the “big parlour,” as we called the best + apartment,—the pretending name of drawing-room not having reached + our valley as far back as the year 1796, or that in which my recollections + of the place, as it then existed, are the most vivid and distinct. + </p> + <p> + We had orchards, meadows, and ploughed fields all around us; while the + barns, granaries, styes, and other buildings of the farm, were of solid + stone, like the dwelling, and all in capital condition. In addition to the + place, which he inherited from my grandfather, quite without any + encumbrance, well stocked and supplied with utensils of all sorts, my + father had managed to bring with him from sea some fourteen or fifteen + thousand dollars, which he carefully invested in mortgages in the county. + He got twenty-seven hundred pounds currency with my mother, similarly + bestowed; and, two or three great landed proprietors, and as many retired + merchants from York, excepted, Captain Wallingford was generally supposed + to be one of the stiffest men in Ulster county. I do not know exactly how + true was this report; though I never saw anything but the abundance of a + better sort of American farm under the paternal roof, and I know that the + poor were never sent away empty-handed. It as true that our wine was made + of currants; but it was delicious, and there was always a sufficient stock + in the cellar to enable us to drink it three or four years old. My father, + however, had a small private collection of his own, out of which he would + occasionally produce a bottle; and I remember to have heard Governor + George Clinton, afterwards, Vice President, who was an Ulster county man, + and who sometimes stopped at Clawbonny in passing, say that it was + excellent East India Madeira. As for clarets, burgundy, hock and + champagne, they were wines then unknown in America, except on the tables + of some of the principal merchants, and, here and there, on that of some + travelled gentleman of an estate larger than common. When I say that + Governor George Clinton used to stop occasionally, and taste my father's + Madeira, I do not wish to boast of being classed with those who then + composed the gentry of the state. To this, in that day, we could hardly + aspire, though the substantial hereditary property of my family gave us a + local consideration that placed us a good deal above the station of + ordinary yeomen. Had we lived in one of the large towns, our association + would unquestionably have been with those who are usually considered to be + one or two degrees beneath the highest class. These distinctions were much + more marked, immediately after the war of the revolution, than they are + to-day; and they are more marked to-day, even, than all but the most + lucky, or the most meritorious, whichever fortune dignifies, are willing + to allow. + </p> + <p> + The courtship between my parents occurred while my father was at home, to + be cured of the wounds he had received in the engagement between the + Trumbull and the Watt. I have always supposed this was the moving cause + why my mother fancied that the grim-looking scar on the left side of my + father's face was so particularly becoming. The battle was fought in June + 1780, and my parents were married in the autumn of the same year. My + father did not go to sea again until after my birth, which took place the + very day that Cornwallis capitulated at Yorktown. These combined events + set the young sailor in motion, for he felt he had a family to provide + for, and he wished to make one more mark on the enemy in return for the + beauty-spot his wife so gloried in. He accordingly got a commission in a + privateer, made two or three fortunate cruises, and was able at the peace + to purchase a prize-brig, which he sailed, as master and owner, until the + year 1790, when he was recalled to the paternal roof by the death of my + grandfather. Being an only son, the captain, as my father was uniformly + called, inherited the land, stock, utensils and crops, as already + mentioned; while the six thousand pounds currency that were “at use,” went + to my two aunts, who were thought to be well married, to men in their own + class of life, in adjacent counties. + </p> + <p> + My father never went to sea after he inherited Clawbonny. From that time + down to the day of his death, he remained on his farm, with the exception + of a single winter passed in Albany as one of the representatives of the + county. In his day, it was a credit to a man to represent a county, and to + hold office under the State; though the abuse of the elective principle, + not to say of the appointing power, has since brought about so great a + change. Then, a member of congress was <i>somebody</i>; now, he is only—a + member of congress. + </p> + <p> + We were but two surviving children, three of the family dying infants, + leaving only my sister Grace and myself to console our mother in her + widowhood. The dire accident which placed her in this, the saddest of all + conditions for a woman who had been a happy wife, occurred in the year + 1794, when I was in my thirteenth year, and Grace was turned of eleven. It + may be well to relate the particulars. + </p> + <p> + There was a mill, just where the stream that runs through our valley + tumbles down to a level below that on which the farm lies, and empties + itself into a small tributary of the Hudson. This mill was on our + property, and was a source of great convenience and of some profit to my + father. There he ground all the grain that was consumed for domestic + purposes, for several miles around; and the tolls enabled him to fatten + his porkers and beeves, in a way to give both a sort of established + character. In a word, the mill was the concentrating point for all the + products of the farm, there being a little landing on the margin of the + creek that put up from the Hudson, whence a sloop sailed weekly for town. + My father passed half his time about the mill and landing, superintending + his workmen, and particularly giving directions about the fitting of the + sloop, which was his property also, and about the gear of the mill. He was + clever, certainly, and had made several useful suggestions to the + millwright who occasionally came to examine and repair the works; but he + was by no means so accurate a mechanic as he fancied himself to be. He had + invented some new mode of arresting the movement, and of setting the + machinery in motion when necessary; what it was, I never knew, for it was + not named at Clawbonny after the fatal accident occurred. One day, + however, in order to convince the millwright of the excellence of this + improvement, my father caused the machinery to be stopped, and then placed + his own weight upon the large wheel, in order to manifest the sense he + felt in the security of his invention. He was in the very act of laughing + exultingly at the manner in which the millwright shook his head at the + risk he ran, when the arresting power lost its control of the machinery, + the heavy head of water burst into the buckets, and the wheel whirled + round carrying my unfortunate father with it. I was an eye-witness of the + whole, and saw the face of my parent, as the wheel turned it from me, + still expanded in mirth. There was but one revolution made, when the + wright succeeded in stopping the works. This brought the great wheel back + nearly to its original position, and I fairly shouted with hysterical + delight when I saw my father standing in his tracks, as it might be, + seemingly unhurt. Unhurt he would have been, though he must have passed a + fearful keel-hauling, but for one circumstance. He had held on to the + wheel with the tenacity of a seaman, since letting go his hold would have + thrown him down a cliff of near a hundred feet in depth, and he actually + passed between the wheel and the planking beneath it unharmed, although + there was only an inch or two to spare; but in rising from this fearful + strait, his head had been driven between a projecting beam and one of the + buckets, in a way to crush one temple in upon the brain. So swift and + sudden had been the whole thing, that, on turning the wheel, his lifeless + body was still inclining on its periphery, retained erect, I believe, in + consequence of some part of his coat getting attached, to the head of a + nail. This was the first serious sorrow of my life. I had always regarded + my father as one of the fixtures of the world; as a part of the great + system of the universe; and had never contemplated his death as a possible + thing. That another revolution might occur, and carry the country back + under the dominion of the British crown, would have seemed to me far more + possible than that my father could die. Bitter truth now convinced me of + the fallacy of such notions. + </p> + <p> + It was months and months before I ceased to dream of this frightful scene. + At my age, all the feelings were fresh and plastic, and grief took strong + hold of my heart. Grace and I used to look at each other without speaking, + long after the event, the tears starting to my eyes, and rolling down her + cheeks, our emotions being the only communications between us, but + communications that no uttered words could have made so plain. Even now, I + allude to my mother's anguish with trembling. She was sent for to the + house of the miller, where the body lay, and arrived unapprised of the + extent of the evil. Never can I—never shall I forget the + outbreakings of her sorrow, when she learned the whole of the dreadful + truth. She was in fainting fits for hours, one succeeding another, and + then her grief found tongue. There was no term of endearment that the + heart of woman could dictate to her speech, that was not lavished on the + lifeless clay. She called the dead “her Miles,” “her beloved Miles,” “her + husband,” “her own darling husband,” and by such other endearing epithets. + Once she seemed as if resolute to arouse the sleeper from his endless + trance, and she said, solemnly, “<i>Father</i>—dear, <i>dearest</i> + father!” appealing as it might be to the parent of her children, the + tenderest and most comprehensive of all woman's terms of endearment—“Father—dear, + dearest father! open your eyes and look upon your babes—your + precious girl, and noble boy! Do not thus shut out their sight for ever!” + </p> + <p> + But it was in vain. There lay the lifeless corpse, as insensible as if the + spirit of God had never had a dwelling within it. The principal injury had + been received on that much-prized scar; and again and again did my poor + mother kiss both, as if her caresses might yet restore her husband to + life. All would not do. The same evening, the body was carried to the + dwelling, and three days later it was laid in the church-yard, by the side + of three generations of forefathers, at a distance of only a mile from + Clawbonny. That funeral service, too, made a deep impression on my memory. + We had some Church of England people in the valley; and old Miles + Wallingford, the first of the name, a substantial English franklin, had + been influenced in his choice of a purchase by the fact that one of Queen + Anne's churches stood so near the farm. To that little church, a tiny + edifice of stone, with a high, pointed roof, without steeple, bell, or + vestry-room, had three generations of us been taken to be christened, and + three, including my father, had been taken to be buried. Excellent, + kind-hearted, just-minded Mr. Hardinge read the funeral service over the + man whom his own father had, in the same humble edifice, christened. Our + neighbourhood has much altered of late years; but, then, few higher than + mere labourers dwelt among us, who had not some sort of hereditary claim + to be beloved. So it was with our clergyman, whose father had been his + predecessor, having actually married my grand-parents. The son had united + my father and mother, and now he was called on to officiate at the funeral + obsequies of the first. Grace and I sobbed as if our hearts would break, + the whole time we were in the church; and my poor, sensitive, nervous + little sister actually shrieked as she heard the sound of the first clod + that fell upon the coffin. Our mother was spared that trying scene, + finding it impossible to support it. She remained at home, on her knees, + most of the day on which the funeral occurred. + </p> + <p> + Time soothed our sorrows, though my mother, a woman of more than common + sensibility, or, it were better to say of uncommon affections, never + entirely recovered from the effects of her irreparable loss. She had loved + too well, too devotedly, too engrossingly, ever to think of a second + marriage, and lived only to care for the interests of Miles Wallingford's + children. I firmly believe we were more beloved because we stood in this + relation to the deceased, than because we were her own natural offspring. + Her health became gradually undermined, and, three years after the + accident of the mill, Mr. Hardinge laid her at my father's side. I was now + sixteen, and can better describe what passed during the last days of her + existence, than what took place at the death of her husband. Grace and I + were apprised of what was so likely to occur, quite a month before the + fatal moment arrived; and we were not so much overwhelmed with sudden + grief as we had been on the first great occasion of family sorrow, though + we both felt our loss keenly, and my sister, I think I may almost say, + inextinguishably. Mr. Hardinge had us both brought to the bed-side, to + listen to the parting advice of our dying parent, and to be impressed with + a scene that is always healthful, if rightly improved. “You baptized these + two dear children, good Mr. Hardinge,” she said, in a voice that was + already enfeebled by physical decay, “and you signed them with the sign of + the cross, in token of Christ's death for them; and I now ask of your + friendship and pastoral care to see that they are not neglected at the + most critical period of their lives—that when impressions are the + deepest, and yet the most easily made. God will reward all your kindness + to the orphan children of your friends.” The excellent divine, a man who + lived more for others than for himself, made the required promises, and + the soul of my mother took its flight in peace. + </p> + <p> + Neither my sister nor myself grieved as deeply for the loss of this last + of our parents, as we did for that of the first. We had both seen so many + instances of her devout goodness, had been witnesses of so great a triumph + of her faith as to feel an intimate, though silent, persuasion that her + death was merely a passage to a better state of existence—that it + seemed selfish to regret. Still, we wept and mourned, even while, in one + sense, I think we rejoiced. She was relieved from, much bodily suffering, + and I remember, when I went to take a last look at her beloved face, that + I gazed on its calm serenity with a feeling akin to exultation, as I + recollected that pain could no longer exercise dominion over her frame, + and that her spirit was then dwelling in bliss. Bitter regrets came later, + it is true, and these were fully shared—nay, more than shared—by + Grace. + </p> + <p> + After the death of my father, I had never bethought me of the manner in + which he had disposed of his property. I heard something said of his will, + and gleaned a little, accidentally, of the forms that had been gone + through in proving the instrument, and of obtaining its probate. Shortly + after my mother's death, however, Mr. Hardinge had a free conversation + with both me and Grace on the subject, when we learned, for the first + time, the disposition that had been made. My father had bequeathed to me + the farm, mill, landing, sloop, stock, utensils, crops, &c. &c., + in full property; subject, however, to my mother's use of the whole until + I attained my majority; after which I was to give her complete possession + of a comfortable wing of the house, which had every convenience for a + small family within itself, certain privileges in the fields, dairy, + styes, orchards, meadows, granaries, &c., and to pay her three hundred + pounds currency, per annum, in money. Grace had four thousand pounds that + were “at use,” and I had all the remainder of the personal property, which + yielded about five hundred dollars a-year. As the farm, sloop, mill, + landing, &c., produced a net annual income of rather more than a + thousand dollars, besides all that was consumed in housekeeping, I was + very well off, in the way of temporal things, for one who had been trained + in habits as simple as those which reigned at Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + My father had left Mr. Hardinge the executor, and my mother an executrix + of his will, with survivorship. He had also made the same provision as + respected the guardians. Thus Grace and I became the wards of the + clergyman alone on the death of our last remaining parent. This was + grateful to us both, for we both truly loved this good man, and, what was + more, we loved his children. Of these there were two of ages corresponding + very nearly with our own; Rupert Hardinge being not quite a year older + than I was myself, and Lucy, his sister, about six months younger than + Grace. We were all four strongly attached to each other, and had been so + from infancy, Mr. Hardinge having had charge of my education as soon as I + was taken from a woman's school. + </p> + <p> + I cannot say, however, that Rupert Hardinge was ever a boy to give his + father the delight that a studious, well-conducted, considerate and + industrious child, has it so much in his power to yield to his parent. Of + the two, I was much the best scholar, and had been pronounced by Mr. + Hardinge fit to enter college, a twelvemonth before my mother died; though + she declined sending me to Yale, the institution selected by my father, + until my school-fellow was similarly prepared, it having been her + intention to give the clergyman's son a thorough education, in furtherance + of his father's views of bringing him up to the church. This delay, so + well and kindly meant, had the effect of changing the whole course of my + subsequent life. + </p> + <p> + My father, it seems, wished to make a lawyer of me, with the natural + desire of seeing me advanced to some honourable position in the State. But + I was averse to anything like serious mental labour, and was greatly + delighted when my mother determined to keep me out of college a + twelvemonth in order that my friend Rupert might be my classmate. It is + true I learned quick, and was fond of reading; but the first I could not + very well help, while the reading I liked was that which amused, rather + than that which instructed me. As for Rupert, though not absolutely dull, + but, on the other hand, absolutely clever in certain things, he disliked + mental labour even more than myself, while he liked self-restraint of any + sort far less. His father was sincerely pious, and regarded his sacred + office with too much reverence to think of bringing up a “cosset-priest,” + though he prayed and hoped that his son's inclinations, under the guidance + of Providence, would take that direction. He seldom spoke on the subject + himself, but I ascertained his wishes through my confidential dialogues + with his children. Lucy seemed delighted with the idea, looking forward to + the time when her brother would officiate in the same desk where her + father and grandfather had now conducted the worship of God for more than + half a century; a period of time that, to us young people, seemed to lead + us back to the dark ages of the country. And all this the dear girl wished + for her brother, in connection with his spiritual rather than his temporal + interests, inasmuch as the living was worth only a badly-paid salary of + one hundred and fifty pounds currency per annum, together with a small but + comfortable rectory, and a glebe of five-and-twenty acres of very + tolerable land, which it was thought no sin, in that day, for the + clergyman to work by means of two male slaves, whom, with as many females, + he had inherited as part of the chattels of his mother. + </p> + <p> + I had a dozen slaves also; negroes who, as a race, had been in the family + almost as long as Clawbonny. About half of these blacks were singularly + laborious and useful, viz., four males and three of the females; but + several of the remainder were enjoying <i>otium</i>, and not altogether + without <i>dignitate</i>, as heir-looms to be fed, clothed and lodged, for + the good, or evil, they had done. There were some small-fry in our + kitchens, too, that used to roll about on the grass, and munch fruit in + the summer, <i>ad libitum;</i> and stand so close in the chimney-corners + in cold weather, that I have often fancied they must have been, as a legal + wit of New York once pronounced certain eastern coal-mines to be, + incombustible. These negroes all went by the patronymic of Clawbonny, + there being among them Hector Clawbonny, Venus Clawbonny, Caesar + Clawbonny, Rose Clawbonny—who was as black as a crow—Romeo + Clawbonny, and Julietta, commonly called Julee, Clawbonny; who were, with + Pharaoh, Potiphar, Sampson and Nebuchadnezzar, all Clawbonnys in the last + resort. Neb, as the namesake of the herbiferous king of Babylon was + called, was about my own age, and had been a sort of humble playfellow + from infancy; and even now, when it was thought proper to set him about + the more serious toil which was to mark his humble career, I often + interfered to call him away to be my companion with the rod, the + fowling-piece, or in the boat, of which we had one that frequently + descended the creek, and navigated the Hudson for miles at a time, under + my command. The lad, by such means, and through an off-hand friendliness + of manner that I rather think was characteristic of my habits at that day, + got to love me as a brother or comrade. It is not easy to describe the + affection of an attached slave, which has blended with it the pride of a + partisan, the solicitude of a parent, and the blindness of a lover. I do + think Neb had more gratification in believing himself particularly + belonging to Master Miles, than I ever had in any quality or thing I could + call my own. Neb, moreover liked a vagrant life, and greatly encouraged + Rupert and myself in idleness, and a desultory manner of misspending hours + that could never be recalled. The first time I ever played truant was + under the patronage of Neb, who decoyed me away from my books to go + nutting on the mountain stoutly maintaining that chestnuts were just as + good as the spelling-book, or any primer that could be bought in York. + </p> + <p> + I have forgotten to mention that the death of my mother, which occurred in + the autumn, brought about an immediate change in the condition of our + domestic economy. Grace was too young, being only fourteen, to preside + over such a household, and I could be of little use, either in the way of + directing or advising. Mr. Hardinge, who had received a letter to that + effect from the dying saint, that was only put into his hand the day after + the funeral, with a view to give her request the greater weight, rented + the rectory, and came to Clawbonny to live, bringing with him both his + children. My mother knew that his presence would be of the greatest + service to the orphans she left behind her; while the money saved from his + own household expenses might enable this single-minded minister of the + altar to lay by a hundred or two for Lucy, who, at his demise, might + otherwise be left without a penny, as it was then said, cents not having + yet come much into fashion. + </p> + <p> + This removal gave Grace and me much pleasure, for she was as fond of Lucy + as I was of Rupert, and, to tell the truth, so was I, too. Four happier + young people were not to be found in the State than we thus became, each + and all of us finding in the arrangement exactly the association which was + most agreeable to our feelings. Previously, we only saw each other every + day; now, we saw each other all day. At night we separated at an early + hour, it is true, each having his or her room; but it was to meet at a + still earlier hour the next morning, and to resume our amusements in + company. From study, all of us were relieved for a month or two, and we + wandered through the fields; nutted, gathered fruit, or saw others gather + it as well as the crops, taking as much exercise as possible in the open + air, equally for the good of our bodies, and the lightening of our + spirits. + </p> + <p> + I do not think vanity, or any feeling connected with self-love, misleads + me, when I say it would have been difficult to find four young people more + likely to attract the attention of a passer-by, than we four were, in the + fall of 1797. As for Rupert Hardinge, he resembled his mother, and was + singularly handsome in face, as well as graceful in movements. He had a + native gentility of air, of which he knew how to make the most, and a + readiness of tongue and a flow of spirits that rendered him an agreeable, + if not a very instructive companion. I was not ill-looking, myself, though + far from possessing the striking countenance of my young associate. In + manliness, strength and activity, however, I had essentially the advantage + over him, few youths of my age surpassing me in masculine qualities of + this nature, after I had passed my twelfth year. My hair was a dark + auburn, and it was the only thing about my face, perhaps, that would cause + a stranger to notice it; but this hung about my temples and down my neck + in rich ringlets, until frequent applications of the scissors brought it + into something like subjection. It never lost its beauty entirely, and + though now white as snow, it is still admired. But Grace was the one of + the party whose personal appearance would be most likely to attract + attention. Her face beamed with sensibility and feeling, being one of + those countenances on which nature sometimes delights to impress the + mingled radiance, sweetness, truth and sentiment, that men ascribe to + angels. Her hair was lighter than mine; her eyes of a heavenly blue, all + softness and tenderness; her cheeks just of the tint of the palest of the + coloured roses; and her smile so full of gentleness and feeling, that, + again and again, it has controlled my ruder and more violent emotions, + when they were fast getting the mastery. In form, some persons might have + thought Grace, in a slight degree, too fragile, though her limbs would + have been delicate models for the study of a sculptor. + </p> + <p> + Lucy, too, had certainly great perfection, particularly in figure; though + in the crowd of beauty that has been so profusely lavished on the youthful + in this country, she would not have been at all remarked in a large + assembly of young American girls. Her face was pleasing nevertheless; and + there was a piquant contrast between the raven blackness of her hair the + deep blue of her eyes, and the dazzling whiteness of her skin. Her colour, + too, was high, and changeful with her emotions. As for teeth, she had a + set that one might have travelled weeks to meet with their equals; and, + though she seemed totally unconscious of the advantage, she had a natural + manner of showing them, that would have made a far less interesting face + altogether agreeable. Her voice and laugh, too, when happy and free from + care, were joyousness itself. + </p> + <p> + It would be saying too much, perhaps, to assert that any human being was + ever totally indifferent to his or her personal appearance. Still, I do + not think either of our party, Rupert alone excepted, ever thought on the + subject, unless as it related to others, down to the period Of which I am + now writing. I knew, and saw, and felt that my sister was far more + beautiful than any of the young girls of her age and condition that I had + seen in her society; and I had pleasure and pride in the fact. I knew that + I resembled her in some respects, but I was never coxcomb enough to + imagine I had half her good-looks, even allowing for difference of sex. My + own conceit, so far as I then had any—plenty of it came, a year or + two later—but my own conceit, in 1797, rather ran in the direction + of my athletic properties, physical force, which was unusually great for + sixteen, and stature. As for Rupert, I would not have exchanged these + manly qualities for twenty times his good looks, and a thought of envy + never crossed my mind on the subject. I fancied it might be well enough + for a parson to be a little delicate, and a good deal handsome; but for + one who intended to knock about the world as I had it already in + contemplation to do, strength, health, vigour, courage and activity, were + much more to be desired than beauty. + </p> + <p> + Lucy I never thought of as handsome at all. I saw she was pleasing; + fancied she was even more so to me than to any one else; and I never + looked upon her sunny, cheerful and yet perfectly feminine face, without a + feeling of security and happiness. As for her honest eyes, they invariably + met my own with an open frankness that said, as plainly as eyes could say + anything, there was nothing to be concealed. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Cease to persuade, my loving Proteus; + Home-keeping youth have ever homely wits;— + I rather would entreat thy company + To see the wonders of the world abroad.” + <i>Two Gentlemen of—Clawbonny.</i> +</pre> + <p> + During the year that succeeded after I was prepared for Yale, Mr. Hardinge + had pursued a very judicious course with my education. Instead of pushing + me into books that were to be read in the regular course of that + institution, with the idea of lightening my future labours, which would + only have been providing excuses for future idleness, we went back to the + elementary works, until even he was satisfied that nothing more remained + to be done in that direction. I had my two grammars literally by heart, + notes and all. Then we revised as thoroughly as possible, reading + everything anew, and leaving no passage unexplained. I learned to scan, + too, a fact that was sufficient to make a reputation for a scholar, in + America, half a century since. {*] After this, we turned our attention to + mathematics, a science Mr. Hardinge rightly enough thought there was no + danger of my acquiring too thoroughly. We mastered arithmetic, of which I + had a good deal of previous knowledge, in a few weeks, and then I went + through trigonometry, with some of the more useful problems in geometry. + This was the point at which I had arrived when my mother's death occurred. + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: The writer's master taught him to scan Virgil in 1801. This + gentleman was a graduate of Oxford. In 1803, the class to which the writer + then belonged in Yale, was the first that ever attempted to scan in that + institution. The quantities were in sad discredit in this country, years + after this, though Columbia and Harvard were a little in advance of Yale. + All that was ever done in the last college, during the writer's time, was + to scan the ordinary hexameter of Homer and Virgil.] + </p> + <p> + As for myself, I frankly admit a strong disinclination to be learned. The + law I might be forced to study, but practising it was a thing my mind had + long been made up never to do. There was a small vein of obstinacy in my + disposition that would have been very likely to carry me through in such a + determination, even had my mother lived, though deference to her wishes + would certainly have carried me as far as the license. Even now she was no + more, I was anxious to ascertain whether she had left any directions or + requests on the subject, either of which would have been laws to me. I + talked with Rupert on this matter, and was a little shocked with the + levity with which he treated it. “What difference can it make to your + parents, <i>now</i>,” he said, with an emphasis that grated on my nerves, + “whether you become a lawyer, or a merchant, or a doctor, or stay here on + your farm, and be a farmer, like your father?” + </p> + <p> + “My father had been a sailor,” I answered, quick as lightning. + </p> + <p> + “True; and a noble, manly, gentleman-like calling it is! I never see a + sailor that I do not envy him his advantages. Why, Miles, neither of us + has ever been in town even, while your mother's boatmen, or your own, as + they are now, go there regularly once a-week. I would give the world to be + a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “You, Rupert! Why, you know that your father in tends, or, rather, wishes + that you should become a clergyman.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty appearance a young man of my figure would make in the pulpit, + Miles, or wearing a surplice. No, no; there have been two Hardinges in the + church in this century, and I have a fancy also to the sea. I suppose you + know that my great-grandfather was a captain in the navy, and <i>he</i> + brought <i>his</i> son up a parson; now, turn about is fair play, and the + parson ought to give a son back to a man-of-war. I've been reading the + lives of naval men, and it's surprising how many clergymen's sons, in + England, go into the navy, and how many sailors' sons get to be priests.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is no navy in this country now—not even a single + ship-of-war, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the worst of it. Congress <i>did</i> pass a law, two or three + years since, to build some frigates, but they have never been launched. + Now Washington has gone out of office, I suppose we shall never have + anything good in the country.” + </p> + <p> + I revered the name of Washington, in common with the whole country, but I + did not see the <i>sequitur</i>. Rupert, however, cared little for logical + inferences, usually asserting such things as he wished, and wishing such + as he asserted. After a short pause, he continued the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “You are now substantially your own master,” he said, “and can do as you + please. Should you go to sea and not like it, you have only to come back + to this place, where you will be just as much the master as if you had + remained here superintending cattle, cutting hay, and fattening pork, the + whole time.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not my own master, Rupert, any more than you are yourself. I am your + father's ward, and must so remain for more than five years to come. I am + just as much under his control as you, yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Rupert laughed at this, and tried to persuade me it would be a good thing + to relieve his worthy fether of all responsibility in the affair, if I had + seriously determined never to go to Yale, or to be a lawyer, by going off + to sea clandestinely, and returning when I was ready. If I ever was to + make a sailor, no time was to be lost; for all with whom he had conversed + assured him the period of life when such things were best learned, was + between sixteen and twenty. This I thought probable enough, and I parted + from my friend with a promise of conversing further with him on the + subject at an early opportunity. + </p> + <p> + I am almost ashamed to confess that Rupert's artful sophism nearly blinded + my eyes to the true distinction between right and wrong. If Mr. Hardinge + really felt himself bound by my father's wishes to educate me for the bar, + and my own repugnance to the profession was unconquerable, why should I + not relieve him from the responsibility at once by assuming the right to + judge for myself, and act accordingly? So far as Mr. Hardinge was + concerned, I had little difficulty in coming to a conclusion, though the + profound deference I still felt for my father's wishes, and more + especially for those of my sainted mother, had a hold on my heart, and an + influence on my conduct, that was not so easily disposed of. I determined + to have a frank conversation with Mr. Hardinge, therefore, in order to + ascertain how far either of my parents had expressed anything that might + be considered obligatory on me. My plan went as far as to reveal my own + desire to be a sailor, and to see the world, but not to let it be known + that I might go off without his knowledge, as this would not be so + absolutely relieving the excellent divine “from all responsibility in the + premises,” as was contemplated in the scheme of his own son. + </p> + <p> + An opportunity soon occurred, when I broached the subject by asking Mr. + Hardinge whether my father, in his will, had ordered that I should be sent + to Yale, and there be educated for the bar. He had done nothing of the + sort. Had he left any particular request, writing, or message on the + subject, at all? Not that Mr. Hardinge knew. It is true, the last had + heard his friend, once or twice, make some general remark which would lead + one to suppose that Captain Wallingford had some vague expectations I + might go to the bar, but nothing further. My mind felt vastly relieved by + these admissions, for I knew my mother's tenderness too well to anticipate + that she would dream of absolutely dictating in a matter that was so + clearly connected with my own happiness and tastes. When questioned on + this last point, Mr. Hardinge did not hesitate to say that my mother had + conversed with him several times concerning her views, as related to my + career in life. She wished me to go to Yale, and then to read law, even + though I did not practise. As soon as this, much was said, the + conscientious servant of God paused, to note the effect on me. Reading + disappointment in my countenance, I presume, he immediately added, “But + your mother, Miles, laid no restraint on you; for she knew it was <i>you</i> + who was to follow the career, and not herself. 'I should as soon think of + commanding whom he was to marry, as to think of forcing, a profession on + him,' she added. 'He is the one who is to decide this, and he only. We may + try to guide and influence him, but not go beyond this. I leave you, dear + sir, to do all you think best in this matter, certain that your own wisdom + will be aided by the providence of a kind Master.'” + </p> + <p> + I now plainly told Mr. Hardinge my desire to see the world, and to be a + sailor. The divine was astounded at this declaration, and I saw that he + was grieved. I believe some religious objections were connected with his + reluctance to consent to my following the sea, as a calling. At any rate, + it was easy to discover that these objections were lasting and profound. + In that day, few Americans travelled, by way of an accomplishment, at all; + and those few belonged to a class in society so much superior to mine, as + to render it absurd to think of sending, me abroad with similar views. Nor + would my fortune justify such an expenditure. I was well enough off to be + a comfortable and free housekeeper, and as independent as a king on my own + farm; living in abundance, nay, in superfluity, so far as all the ordinary + wants were concerned; but men hesitated a little about setting up for + gentlemen at large, in the year 1797. The country was fast getting rich, + it is true, under the advantages of its neutral position; but it had not + yet been long enough emancipated from its embarrassments to think of + playing the nabob on eight hundred pounds currency a-year. The interview + terminated with a strong exhortation from my guardian not to think of + abandoning my books for any project as visionary and useless as the hope + of seeing the world in the character of a common sailor. + </p> + <p> + I related all this to Rupert, who, I now perceived for the first time, did + not hesitate to laugh at some of his father's notions, as puritanical and + exaggerated. He maintained that every one was the best judge of what he + liked, and that the sea had produced quite as fair a proportion of saints + as the land. He was not certain, considering the great difference there + was in numbers, that more good men might not be traced in connection with + the ocean, than in connection with any other pursuit. + </p> + <p> + “Take the lawyers now, for instance, Miles,” he said, “and what can you + make out of them, in the way of religion, I should like to know? They hire + their consciences out at so much <i>per diem</i>, and talk and reason just + as zealously for the wrong, as they do for the right.” + </p> + <p> + “By George, that is true enough, Rupert. There is old David Dockett, I + remember to have heard Mr. Hardinge say always did double duty for his + fee, usually acting as witness, as well as advocate. They tell me he will + talk by the hour of facts that he and his clients get up between them, and + look the whole time as if he believed all he said to be true.” + </p> + <p> + Rupert laughed at this sally, and pushed the advantage it gave him by + giving several other examples to prove how much his father was mistaken by + supposing that a man was to save his soul from perdition simply by getting + admitted to the bar. After discussing the matter a little longer, to my + astonishment Rupert came out with a plain proposal that he and I should + elope, go to New York, and ship as foremastlads in some Indiaman, of which + there were then many sailing, at the proper season, from that port. I did + not dislike the idea, so far as I was myself concerned; but the thought of + accompanying Rupert in such an adventure, startled me. I knew I was + sufficiently secure of the future to be able to risk a little at the + present moment; but such was not the case with my friend. If I made a + false step at so early an age, I had only to return to Clawbonny, where I + was certain to find competence and a home; but, with Rupert, it was very + different. Of the moral hazards I ran, I then knew nothing, and of course + they gave me no concern. Like all inexperienced persons, I supposed myself + too strong in virtue to be in any danger of contamination; and this + portion of the adventure was regarded with the self-complacency with which + the untried are apt to regard their own powers of endurance. I thought + myself morally invulnerable. + </p> + <p> + But Rupert might find it difficult to retrace any serious error made at + his time of life. This consideration would have put an end to the scheme, + so far as my companion was concerned, had not the thought suggested itself + that I should always have it in my own power to aid my friend. Letting + something of this sort escape me, Rupert was not slow in enlarging on it, + though this was done with great tact and discretion. He proved that, by + the time we both came of age, he would be qualified to command a ship, and + that, doubtless, I would naturally desire to invest some of my spare cash + in a vessel. The accumulations of my estate alone would do this much, + within the next five years, and then a career of wealth and prosperity + would lie open before us both. + </p> + <p> + “It is a good thing, Miles, no doubt,” continued this tempting sophist, + “to have money at use, and a large farm, and a mill, and such things; but + many a ship nets more money, in a single voyage, than your whole estate + would sell for. Those that begin with nothing, too, they tell me, are the + most apt to succeed; and, if we go off with our clothes only, we shall + begin with nothing, too. Success may be said to be certain. I like the + notion of beginning with nothing, it is so American!” + </p> + <p> + It is, in truth, rather a besetting weakness of America to suppose that + men who have never had any means for qualifying themselves for particular + pursuits, are the most likely to succeed in them; and especially to fancy + that those who “begin poor” are in a much better way for acquiring wealth + than they who commence with some means; and I was disposed to lean to this + latter doctrine myself, though I confess I cannot recall an instance in + which any person of my acquaintance has given away his capital, however + large and embarrassing it may have been, in order to start fair with his + poorer competitors. Nevertheless, there was something taking, to my + imagination, in the notion of being the fabricator of my own fortune. In + that day, it was easy to enumerate every dwelling on the banks of the + Hudson that aspired to be called a seat, and I had often heard them named + by those who were familiar with the river. I liked the thought of erecting + a house on the Clawbonny property that might aspire to equal claims, and + to be the owner of a <i>seat</i>; though only after I had acquired the + means, myself, to carry out such a project. At present, I owned only a <i>house</i>; + my ambition was, to own a <i>seat</i>. + </p> + <p> + In a word, Rupert and I canvassed this matter in every possible way for a + month, now leaning to one scheme, and now to another, until I determined + to lay the whole affair before the two girls, under a solemn pledge of + secrecy. As we passed hours in company daily, opportunities were not + wanting to effect this purpose. I thought my friend was a little shy on + this project; but I had so much affection for Grace, and so much + confidence in Lucy's sound judgment, that I was not to be turned aside + from the completion of my purpose. It is now more than forty years since + the interview took place in which this confidence was bestowed; but every + minute occurrence connected with it is as fresh in my mind as if the whole + had taken place only yesterday. + </p> + <p> + We were all four of us seated on a rude bench that my mother had caused to + be placed under the shade of an enormous oak that stood on the most + picturesque spot, perhaps, on the whole farm, and which commanded a + distant view of one of the loveliest reaches of the Hudson. Our side of + the river, in general, does not possess as fine views as the eastern, for + the reason that all our own broken, and in some instances magnificent + back-ground of mountains, fills up the landscape for our neighbours, while + we are obliged to receive the picture as it is set in a humbler frame; but + there are exquisite bits to be found on the western bank, and this was one + of the very best of them. The water was as placid as molten silver, and + the sails of every vessel in sight were hanging in listless idleness from + their several spars, representing commerce asleep. Grace had a deep + feeling for natural scenery, and she had a better mode of expressing her + thoughts, on such occasions, than is usual with girls of fourteen. She + first drew our attention to the view by one of her strong, eloquent bursts + of eulogium; and Lucy met the remark with a truthful, simple answer, that + showed abundant sympathy with the sentiment, though with less of + exaggeration of manner and feeling, perhaps. I seized the moment as + favourable for my purpose, and spoke out. + </p> + <p> + “If you admire a vessel so much, Grace,” I said, “you will probably be + glad to hear that I think of becoming a sailor.” + </p> + <p> + A silence of near two minutes succeeded, during which time I affected to + be gazing at the distant sloops, and then I ventured to steal a glance at + my companions. I found Grace's mild eyes earnestly riveted on my face; + and, turning from their anxious expression with a little uneasiness, I + encountered those of Lucy looking at me as intently as if she doubted + whether her ears had not deceived her. + </p> + <p> + “A sailor, Miles!”—my sister now slowly repeated—“I thought it + settled you were to study law.” + </p> + <p> + “As far from that as we are from England; I've fully made up my mind to + see the world if I can, and Rupert, here—” + </p> + <p> + “What of Rupert, here?” Grace asked, a sudden change again coming over her + sweet countenance, though I was altogether too inexperienced to understand + its meaning. “<i>He</i> is certainly to be a clergyman—his dear + father's assistant, and, a long, long, <i>very</i> long time hence, his + successor!” + </p> + <p> + I could see that Rupert was whistling on a low key, and affecting to look + cool; but my sister's solemn, earnest, astonished manner had more effect + on us both, I believe, than either would have been willing to own. + </p> + <p> + “Come, girls,” I said at length, putting the best face on the matter, + “there is no use in keeping secrets from <i>you</i>—but remember + that what I am about to tell you <i>is</i> a secret, and on no account is + to be betrayed.” + </p> + <p> + “To no one but Mr. Hardinge,” answered Grace. “If you intend to be a + sailor, he ought to know it.” + </p> + <p> + “That comes from looking at our duties superficially,” I had caught this + phrase from my friend, “and not distinguishing properly between their + shadows and their substance.” + </p> + <p> + “Duties superficially! I do not understand you, Miles. Certainly Mr. + Hardinge ought to be told what profession you mean to follow. Remember, + brother, he now fills the place of a parent to you.” + </p> + <p> + “He is not more <i>my</i> parent than Rupert's—I fancy you will + admit that much!” + </p> + <p> + “Rupert, again! What has Rupert to do with your going to sea?” + </p> + <p> + “Promise me, then, to keep my secret, and you shall know all; both you and + Lucy must give me your words. I know you will not break them, when once + given.” + </p> + <p> + “Promise him, Grace,” said Lucy, in a low tone, and a voice that, even at + that age, I could perceive was tremulous. “If we promise, we shall learn + everything, and then may have some effect on these headstrong boys by our + advice.” + </p> + <p> + “Boys! <i>You</i> cannot mean, Lucy, that Rupert is not to be a clergyman—your + father's assistant; that Rupert means to be a sailor, too?” + </p> + <p> + “One never knows what boys will do. Let us promise them, dear; then we can + better judge.” + </p> + <p> + “I do” promise you, Miles, “said my sister, in a voice so solemn as almost + to frighten me. + </p> + <p> + “And I, Miles,” added Lucy; but it was so low, I had to lean forward to + catch the syllables. + </p> + <p> + “This is honest and right,”—it was honest, perhaps, but very wrong,—“and + it convinces me that you are both reasonable, and will be of use to us. + Rupert and I have both made up our minds, and intend to be sailors.” + </p> + <p> + Exclamations followed from both girls, and another long silence succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “As for the law, hang all law!” I continued, hemming, and determined to + speak like a man. “I never heard of a Wallingford who was a lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + “But you have <i>both</i> heard of Hardinges who were clergymen,” said + Grace, endeavouring to smile, though the expression of her countenance was + so painful that even now I dislike to recall it. + </p> + <p> + “And sailors, too,” put in Rupert, a little more stoutly than I thought + possible. “My father's grandfather was an officer in the navy.” + </p> + <p> + “And <i>my</i> father was a sailor himself—in the navy, too.” + </p> + <p> + “But there is no navy in this country now, Miles,” returned Lucy, in an + expostulating tone. + </p> + <p> + “What of that? There are plenty of ships. The ocean is just as big, and + the world just as wide, as if we had a navy to cover the first. I see no + great objection on that account—do you, Ru?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. What we want is to go to sea, and that can be done in an + Indiaman, as well as in a man-of-war.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said I, stretching myself with a little importance. “I fancy an + Indiaman, a vessel that goes all the way to Calcutta, round the Cape of + Good Hope, in the track of Vasquez de Gama, isn't exactly an Albany + sloop.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is Vasquez de Gama?” demanded Lucy, with so much quickness as to + surprise me. + </p> + <p> + “Why, a <i>noble</i> Portuguese, who discovered the Cape of Good Hope, and + first sailed round it, and then went to the Indies. You see, girls, even + <i>nobles</i> are sailors, and why should not Rupert and I be sailors?” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that, Miles,” my sister answered; “every honest calling is + respectable. Have you and Rupert spoken to Mr. Hardinge on this subject?” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly—not spoken—hinted only—that is, blindly—not + so as to be understood, perhaps.” + </p> + <p> + “He will <i>never</i> consent, boys!” and this was uttered with something + very like an air of triumph. + </p> + <p> + “We have no intention of asking it of him, Grace. Rupert and I intend to + be off next week, without saying a word to Mr. Hardinge on the subject.” + </p> + <p> + Another long, eloquent silence succeeded, during which I saw Lucy bury her + face in her apron, while the tears openly ran down my sister's cheek. + </p> + <p> + “You <i>do</i> not—<i>cannot</i> mean to do anything so cruel, + Miles!” Grace at length said. + </p> + <p> + “It is exactly because it will not be cruel, that we intend to do it,”—here + I nudged Rupert with my elbow, as a hint that I wanted assistance; but he + made no other reply than an answering nudge, which I interpreted into as + much as if he had said in terms, “You've got into the scrape in your own + way, and you may get out of it in the same manner.” “Yes,” I continued, + finding succour hopeless, “yes, <i>that's</i> just it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is just it, Miles? You speak in a way to show that you are not + satisfied with yourself—neither you nor Rupert is satisfied with + himself, if the truth were known.” + </p> + <p> + “I not satisfied with <i>myself!</i> Rupert not satisfied with <i>himself!</i> + You never were more mistaken in your life, Grace. If there ever were two + boys in New York State that <i>were</i> well satisfied with themselves, + they are just Rupert and I.” + </p> + <p> + Here Lucy raised her face from the apron and burst into a laugh, the tears + filling her eyes all the while. + </p> + <p> + “Believe them, dear Grace,” she said. “They are precisely two + self-satisfied, silly fellows, that have got some ridiculous notions in + their heads, and then begin to talk about 'superficial views of duties,' + and all such nonsense. My father will set it all right, and the boys will + have had their talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Not so last, Miss Lucy, if you please. Your father will not know a + syllable of the matter until you tell him all about it, after we are gone. + We intend 'to relieve him from all responsibility in the premises.'” + </p> + <p> + This last sounded very profound, and a little magnificent, to my + imagination; and I looked at the girls to note the effect. Grace was + weeping, and weeping only; but Lucy looked saucy and mocking, even while + the tears bedewed her smiling face, as rain sometimes falls while the sun + is shining. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I repeated, with emphasis, “'of all responsibility in the + premises.' I hope that is plain English, and good English, although I know + that Mr. Hardinge has been trying to make you both so simple in your + language, that you turn up your noses at a profound sentiment, whenever + you hear one.” + </p> + <p> + In 1797, the grandiose had by no means made the deep invasion into the + everyday language of the country, that it has since done. Anything of the + sublime, or of the recondite, school was a good deal more apt to provoke a + smile, than it is to-day—the improvement proceeding, as I have + understood through better judges than myself, from the great melioration + of mind and manners that is to be traced to the speeches in congress, and + to the profundities of the newspapers. Rupert, however, frequently + ornamented his ideas, and I may truly say everything ambitious that + adorned my discourse was derived from his example. I almost thought Lucy + impertinent for presuming to laugh at sentiments which came from such a + source, and, by way of settling my own correctness of thought and terms, I + made no bones of falling back on my great authority, by fairly pointing + him out. + </p> + <p> + “I thought so!” exclaimed Lucy, now laughing with all her heart, though a + little hysterically; “I thought so, for this is just like Rupert, who is + always talking to me about 'assuming the responsibility,' and 'conclusions + in the premises,' and all such nonsense. Leave the boys to my father, + Grace, and he will 'assume the responsibility' of 'concluding the + premises,' and the whole of the foolish scheme along with it!” + </p> + <p> + This would have provoked me, had not Grace manifested so much sisterly + interest in my welfare that I was soon persuaded to tell <i>her</i>—that + minx Lucy overhearing every syllable, though I had half a mind to tell her + to go away—all about our project. + </p> + <p> + “You see,” I continued, “if Mr. Hardinge knows anything about our plan, + people will say he ought to have stopped us. 'He a clergyman, and not able + to keep two lads of sixteen or seventeen from running away and going to + sea!' they will say, as if it were so easy to prevent two spirited youths + from seeing the world. Whereas, if he knew nothing about it, nobody can + blame him. That is what I call 'relieving him from the responsibility.' + Now, we intend to be off next week, or as soon as the jackets and trowsers + that are making for us, under the pretence of being boat-dresses, are + finished. We mean to go down the river in the sail-boat, taking Neb with + us to bring the boat back. Now you know the whole story, there will be no + occasion to leave a letter for Mr. Hardinge; for, three hours after we + have sailed, you can tell him everything. We shall be gone a year; at the + end of that time you may look for us both, and glad enough shall we all be + to see each other. Rupert and I will be young men then, though you call us + boys now.” + </p> + <p> + This last picture a good deal consoled the girls. Rupert, too, who had + unaccountably kept back, throwing the labouring-oar altogether on me, came + to the rescue, and, with his subtle manner and oily tongue, began to make + the wrong appear the right. I do not think he blinded his own sister in + the least, but I fear he had too much influence over mine. Lucy, though + all heart, was as much matter-of-fact as her brother was a sophist. He was + ingenious in glozing over truths; she, nearly unerring in detecting them. + I never knew a greater contrast between two human beings, than there was + between these two children of the same parents, in this particular. I have + heard that the son took after the mother, in this respect, and that the + daughter took after the father; though Mrs. Hardinge died too early to + have had any moral influence on the character of her children. + </p> + <p> + We came again and again to the discussion of our subject during the next + two or three days. The girls endeavoured earnestly to persuade us to ask + Mr. Hardinge's permission for the step we were about to undertake; but all + in vain. We lads were so thoroughly determined to “relieve the divine from + all responsibility in the premises,” that they might as well have talked + to stones. We knew these just-minded, sincere, upright girls would not + betray us, and continued obdurate to the last. As we expected, as soon as + convinced their importunities were useless, they seriously set about doing + all they could to render us comfortable. They made us duck bags to hold + our clothes, two each, and mended our linen, stockings, &c., and even + helped to procure us some clothes more suited to the contemplated + expedition than most of those we already possessed. Our “long togs,” + indeed, we determined to leave behind us, retaining just one suit each, + and that of the plainest quality. In the course of a week everything was + ready, our bags well lined, being concealed in the storehouse at the + landing. Of this building I could at any moment procure the key, my + authority as heir-apparent being very considerable, already, on the farm. + </p> + <p> + As for Neb, he was directed to have the boat all ready for the succeeding + Tuesday evening, it being the plan to sail the day after the Wallingford + of Clawbonny (this was the name of the sloop) had gone on one of her + regular trips, in order to escape a pursuit. I had made all the + calculations about the tide, and knew that the Wallingford would go out + about nine in the morning, leaving us to follow before midnight. It was + necessary to depart at night and when the wharf was clear, in order to + avoid observation. + </p> + <p> + Tuesday was an uneasy, nervous and sad day for us all, Mr. Hardinge + excepted. As the last had not the smallest distrust, he continued calm, + quiet, and cheerful as was his wont. Rupert had a conscience-stricken and + furtive air about him, while the eyes of the two dear, girls were scarcely + a moment without tears. Grace seemed now the most composed of the two, and + I have since suspected that she had had a private conversation with my + ingenious friend, whose convincing powers were of a very extraordinary + quality, when he set about their use in downright earnest. As for Lucy, + she seemed to me to have been weeping the entire day. + </p> + <p> + At nine o'clock it was customary for the whole family to separate, after + prayers. Most of us went to bed at that early hour, though Mr. Hardinge + himself seldom sought his pillow until midnight. This habit compelled us + to use a good deal of caution in getting out of the house, in which Rupert + and myself succeeded, however, without discovery, just as the clock struck + eleven. We had taken leave of the girls in a hasty manner, in a passage, + shaking hands, and each of us kissing his own sister, as he affected to + retire for the night. To own the truth, we were much gratified in finding + how reasonably Grace and Lucy behaved, on the occasion, and not a little + surprised, for we had expected a scene, particularly with the former. + </p> + <p> + We walked away from the house with heavy hearts, few leaving the paternal + roof for the first time, to enter upon the chances of the world, without a + deep sense of the dependence in which they had hitherto lived. We walked + fast and silently, and reached the wharf in less than half an hour, a + distance of near two miles. I was just on the point of speaking to Neb, + whose figure I could see in the boat, when I caught a glimpse of two + female forms within six feet of me. There were Grace and Lucy, in tears, + both waiting our arrival, with a view to see us depart! I confess I was + shocked and concerned at seeing these two delicate girls so far from their + home, at such an hour; and my first impulse was to see them both safely + back before I would enter the boat; but to this neither would consent. All + my entreaties were thrown away, and I was obliged to submit. + </p> + <p> + I know not exactly how it happened, but of the fact I am certain; odd as + it may seem, at a moment like that, when about to separate, instead of + each youth's getting his own sister aside to make his last speeches, and + say his last say to, each of us got his friend's sister aside. I do not + mean that we were making love, or anything of the sort; we were a little + too young, perhaps, for that; but we obeyed an impulse which, as Rupert + would have said, “produced that result.” + </p> + <p> + What passed between Grace and her companion, I do not know. As for Lucy + and myself, it was all plain-sailing and fair dealing. The excellent + creature forced on me six gold pieces, which I knew had come to her as an + heirloom from her mother, and which I had often heard her declare she + never meant to use, unless in the last extremity. She knew I had but five + dollars on earth, and that Rupert had not one; and she offered me this + gold. I told her Rupert had better take it; no, <i>I</i> had better take + it. I should use it more prudently than Rupert, and would use it for the + good of both. “Besides, you are rich,” she said, smiling through her + tears, “and can repay me—I <i>lend</i> them to you; to Rupert I + should have to <i>give</i> them.” I could not refuse the generous girl, + and took the money, all half-joes, with a determination to repay them with + interest. Then I folded her to my heart, and kissed her six or eight times + with fervour, the first time I had done such a thing in two years, and + tore myself away. I do not think Rupert embraced Grace, but I confess I do + not know, although we were standing within three or four yards of each + other, the whole time. + </p> + <p> + “Write, Miles—write, Rupert,” said the sobbing girls leaning forward + from the wharf, as we shoved off. It was not so dark but we could see + their dear forms for several minutes, or until a bend in the creek put a + dark mass of earth between us and them. + </p> + <p> + Such was the manner of my departure from Clawbonny, in the month of + September, 1797. I wanted a few days of being seventeen; Rupert was six + months older, and Neb was his senior, again, by near a twelvemonth. + Everything was in the boat but our hearts. Mine, I can truly say, remained + with the two beloved creatures we left on the wharf; while Rupert's was + betwixt and between, I fancy—seldom absolutely deserting the dear + tenement in which it was encased by nature. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There's a youth in this city, it were a great pity + That he from our lasses should wander awa'; + For he's bonny and braw, weel-favoured witha', + And his hair has a natural buckle and a'. + His coat is the hue of his bonnet so blue; + His pocket is white as the new-driven snaw; + His hose they are blue, and his shoon like the slae, + And his clean siller buckles they dazzle us a'.” + BURNS. +</pre> + <p> + We had selected our time well, as respects the hour of departure. It was + young ebb, and the boat floated swiftly down the creek, though the high + banks of the latter would have prevented our feeling any wind, even if + there were a breeze on the river. Our boat was of some size, sloop-rigged + and half-decked; but Neb's vigorous arms made her move through the water + with some rapidity, and, to own the truth, the lad sprang to his work like + a true runaway negro. I was a skilful oarsman myself, having received many + lessons from my father in early boyhood, and being in almost daily + practice for seven mouths in the year. The excitement of the adventure, + its romance, or what for a short time seemed to me to be romance, and the + secret apprehension of being detected, which I believe accompanies every + clandestine undertaking, soon set me in motion also. I took one of the + oars, and, in less than twenty minutes, the Grace & Lucy, for so the + boat was called, emerged from between two, high, steep banks, and entered + on the broader bosom of the Hudson. + </p> + <p> + Neb gave a half-suppressed, negro-like cry of exultation, as we shot out + from our cover, and ascertained that there was a pleasant and fair breeze + blowing. In three minutes we had the jib and mainsail on the boat, the + helm was up, the sheet was eased off, and we were gliding down-stream at + the rate of something like five miles an hour. I took the helm, almost as + a matter of course; Rupert being much too indolent to do anything + unnecessarily, while Neb was far too humble to aspire to such an office + while Master Miles was there, willing and ready. In that day, indeed, it + was so much a matter of course for the skipper of a Hudson river craft to + steer, that most of the people who lived on the banks of the stream + imagined that Sir John Jervis, Lord Anson, and the other great English + admirals of whom they had read and heard, usually amused themselves with + that employment, out on the ocean. I remember the hearty laugh in which my + unfortunate father indulged, when Mr. Hardinge once asked him how he could + manage to get any sleep, on account of this very duty. But we were very + green, up at Clawbonny, in most things that related to the world. + </p> + <p> + The hour that succeeded was one of the most painful I ever passed in my + life. I recalled my father, his manly frankness, his liberal bequests in + my favour, and his precepts of respect and obedience; all of which, it now + seemed to me, I had openly dishonoured. Then came the image of my mother, + with her love and sufferings, her prayers, and her mild but earnest + exhortations to be good. I thought I could see both these parents + regarding me with sorrowful, though not with reproachful countenances. + They appeared to be soliciting my return, with a species of silent, but + not the less eloquent, warnings of the consequences. Grace and Lucy, and + their sobs, and admonitions, and entreaties to abandon my scheme, and to + write, and not to remain away long, and all that tender interest had + induced two warm-hearted girls to utter at our parting, came fresh and + vividly to my mind. The recollection proved nearly too much for me. Nor + did I forget Mr. Hardinge, and the distress he would certainly feel, when + he discovered that he had not only lost his ward, but his only son. Then + Clawbonny itself, the house, the orchards, the meadows, the garden, the + mill, and all that belonged to the farm, began to have a double value in + my eyes, and to serve as so many cords attached to my heart-strings, and + to remind me that the rover + </p> + <p> + “Drags at each remove a lengthening chain.'” + </p> + <p> + I marvelled at Rupert's tranquility. I did not then understand his + character as thoroughly as I subsequently got to know it. All that he most + prized was with him in the boat, in fact, and this lessened his grief at + parting from less beloved objects. Where Rupert was, there was his + paradise. As for Neb, I do believe his head was over his shoulder, for he + affected to sit with his face down-stream, so long as the hills that lay + in the rear of Clawbonny could be at all distinguished. This must have + proceeded from tradition, or instinct, or some latent negro quality; for I + do not think the fellow fancied <i>he</i> was running away. He knew that + his two young masters were; but he was fully aware he was my property, and + no doubt thought, as long as he staid in my company, he was in the line of + his legitimate duty. Then it was <i>my</i> plan that he should return with + the boat, and perhaps these backward glances were no more than the shadows + of coming events, cast, in his case, <i>behind</i>. + </p> + <p> + Rupert was indisposed to converse, for, to tell the truth, he had eaten a + hearty supper, and began to feel drowsy; and I was too much wrapped up in + my own busy thoughts to solicit any communications. I found a sort of + saddened pleasure in setting a watch for the night, therefore, which had + an air of seaman-like duty about it, that in a slight degree revived my + old taste for the profession. It was midnight, and I took the first watch + myself, bidding my two companions to crawl under the half-deck, and go to + sleep. This they both did without any parley, Rupert occupying an inner + place, while Neb lay with his legs exposed to the night air. + </p> + <p> + The breeze freshened, and for some time I thought it might be necessary to + reef, though we were running dead before the wind. I succeeded in holding + on, however, and I found the Grace & Lucy was doing wonders in my + watch. When I gave Rupert his call at four o'clock, the boat was just + approaching two frowning mountains, where the river was narrowed to a + third or fourth of its former width; and, by the appearance of the shores, + and the dim glimpses I had caught of a village of no great size on the + right bank, I knew we were in what is called Newburgh Bay. This was the + extent of our former journeyings south, all three of us having once + before, and only once, been as low as Fishkill Landing, which lies + opposite to the place that gives this part of the river its name. + </p> + <p> + Rupert now took the helm, and I went to sleep. The wind still continued + fresh and fair, and I felt no uneasiness on account of the boat. It is + true, there were two parts of the navigation before us of which I had + thought a little seriously, but not sufficiently so to keep me awake. + These were the Race, a passage in the Highlands, and Tappan Sea; both + points on the Hudson of which the navigators of that classical stream were + fond of relating the marvels. The first I knew was formidable only later + in the autumn, and, as for the last, I hoped to enjoy some of its wonders + in the morning. In this very justifiable expectation, I fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + Neb did not call me until ten o'clock. I afterwards discovered that Rupert + kept the helm for only an hour, and then, calculating that from five until + nine were four hours, he thought it a pity the negro should not have his + share of the glory of that night. When I was awakened, it was merely to + let me know that it was time to eat something—Neb would have starved + before he would precede his young master in that necessary occupation—and + I found Rupert in a deep and pleasant sleep at my side. + </p> + <p> + We were in the centre of Tappan, and the Highlands had been passed in + safety. Neb expatiated a little on the difficulties of the navigation, the + river having many windings, besides being bounded by high mountains; but, + after all, he admitted that there was water enough, wind enough, and a + road that was plain enough. From this moment, excitement kept us wide + awake. Everything was new, and everything seemed delightful. The day was + pleasant, the wind continued fair, and nothing occurred to mar our joy. I + had a little map, one neither particularly accurate, nor very well + engraved; and I remember the importance with which, after having + ascertained the fact myself, I pointed out to my two companions the rocky + precipices on the western bank, as New Jersey! Even-Rupert was struck with + this important circumstance. As for Neb, he was actually in ecstasies, + rolling his large black eyes, and showing his white teeth, until he + suddenly closed his truly coral and plump lips, to demand what New Jersey + meant? Of course I gratified this laudable desire to obtain knowledge, and + Neb seemed still more pleased than ever, now he had ascertained that New + Jersey was a State. Travelling was not as much of an every-day occupation, + at that time, as it is now; and it was, in truth, something for three + American lads, all under nineteen, to be able to say that they had seen a + State, other than their own. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the rapid progress we had made for the first few hours of + our undertaking, the voyage was far from being ended. About noon the wind + came out light from the southward, and, having a flood-tide, we were + compelled to anchor. This made us all uneasy, for, while we were + stationary, we did not seem to be running away. The ebb came again, at + length, however, and then we made sail, and began to turn down with the + tide. It was near sunset before we got a view of the two or three spires + that then piloted strangers to the town. New York was not the “commercial + emporium” in 1796; so high-sounding a title, indeed, scarce belonging to + the simple English of the period, it requiring a very great collection of + half-educated men to venture on so ambitious an appellation—the only + emporium that existed in America, during the last century, being a + slop-shop in Water street, and on the island of Manhattan. <i>Commercial</i> + emporium was a flight of fancy, indeed, that must have required a whole + board of aldermen, and an extra supply of turtle, to sanction. What is + meant by a <i>literary</i> emporium, I leave those editors who are “native + and to the <i>manor</i> born,” to explain. + </p> + <p> + We first saw the State Prison, which was then new, and a most imposing + edifice, according to our notions, as we drew near the town. Like the + gallows first seen by a traveller in entering a strange country, it was a + pledge of civilization. Neb shook his head, as he gazed at it, with a + moralizing air, and said it had a “wicked look.” For myself, I own I did + not regard it altogether without dread. On Rupert it made less impression + than on any of the three. He was always somewhat obtuse on the subject of + morals.{*] + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: It may be well to tell the European who shall happen to read + this book, that in America a “State's Prison” is not for prisoners of + State, but for common rogues: the term coming from the name borne by the + local governments.] + </p> + <p> + New York, in that day, and on the Hudson side of the town, commenced a + short distance above Duane street. Between Greenwich, as the little hamlet + around the State Prison was called, and the town proper, was an interval + of a mile and a half of open fields, dotted here and there with + country-houses. Much of this space was in broken hills, and a few piles of + lumber lay along the shores. St. John's church had no existence, and most + of the ground in its vicinity was in low swamp. As we glided along the + wharves, we caught sight of the first market I had then ever seen—such + proofs of an advanced civilization not having yet made their way into the + villages of the interior. It was called “The Bear,” from the circumstance + that the first meat ever exposed for sale in it was of that animal; but + the appellation has disappeared before the intellectual refinement of + these later times—the name of the soldier and statesman, Washington, + having fairly supplanted that of the bear! Whether this great moral + improvement was brought about by the Philosophical Society, or the + Historical Society, or “The Merchants,” or the Aldermen of New York, I + have never ascertained. If the latter, one cannot but admire their + disinterested modesty in conferring this notable honour on the Father of + his country, inasmuch as all can see that there never has been a period + when their own board has not possessed distinguished members, every way + qualified to act as god-fathers to the most illustrious markets of the + republic. But Manhattan, in the way of taste, has never had justice done + it. So profound is its admiration for all the higher qualities, that + Franklin and Fulton have each a market to himself, in addition to this + bestowed on Washington. Doubtless there would have been Newton Market, and + Socrates Market, and Solomon Market, but for the patriotism of the town, + which has forbidden it from going out of the hemisphere, in quest of names + to illustrate. Bacon Market would doubtless have been too equivocal to be + tolerated, under any circumstances. Then Bacon was a rogue, though a + philosopher, and markets are always appropriated to honest people. At all + events, I am rejoiced the reproach of having a market called “The Bear” + has been taken away, as it was tacitly admitting our living near, if not + absolutely in, the woods. + </p> + <p> + We passed the Albany basin, a large receptacle for North River craft, that + is now in the bosom of the town and built on, and recognized in it the + mast-head of the Wallingford. Neb was shown the place, for he was to bring + the boat round to it, and join the sloop, in readiness to return in her. + We rounded the Battery, then a circular stripe of grass, with an earthen + and wooden breastwork running along the margin of the water, leaving a + narrow promenade on the exterior. This brought us to White-Hall, since so + celebrated for its oarsmen, where we put in for a haven. I had obtained + the address of a better sort of sailor-tavern in that vicinity, and, + securing the boat, we shouldered the bags, got a boy to guide us, and were + soon housed. As it was near night, Rupert and I ordered supper, and Neb + was directed to pull the boat round to the sloop, and to return to us in + the morning; taking care, however, not to let our lodgings be known. + </p> + <p> + The next day, I own I thought but little of the girls, Clawbonny, or Mr. + Hardinge. Neb was at my bed-side before I was up, and reported the Grace + & Lucy safe alongside of the Wallingford, and expressed himself ready + to wait on me in my progress in quest of a ship. As this was the moment of + action, little was said, but we all breakfasted, and sallied forth, in + good earnest, on the important business before us. Neb was permitted to + follow, but at such a distance as to prevent his being suspected of + belonging to our party—a gentleman, with a serving-man at his heels, + not being the candidate most likely to succeed in his application for a + berth in the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + So eager was I to belong to some sea-going craft, that I would not stop + even to look at the wonders of the town, before we took the direction of + the wharves. Rupert was for pursuing a different policy, having an + inherent love of the genteeler gaieties of a town, but I turned a deaf ear + to his hints, and this time I was master. He followed me with some + reluctance, but follow he did, after some remonstrances that bordered on + warmth. Any inexperienced eye that had seen us passing, would have + mistaken us for two well-looking, smart young sailor-boys, who had just + returned from a profitable voyage, and who, well-clad, tidy and + semi-genteel, were strolling along the wharves as <i>admirateurs</i>, not + to say critics, of the craft. <i>Admirateurs</i> we were, certainly, or <i>I</i> + was, at least; though knowledge was a point on which we Were sadly + deficient. + </p> + <p> + The trade of America was surprisingly active in 1797. It had been preyed + upon by the two great belligerents of the period, England and France, it + is true; and certain proceedings of the latter nation were about to bring + the relations of the two countries into a very embarrassed state; but + still the shipping interest was wonderfully active, and, as a whole, + singularly successful. Almost every tide brought in or took out ships for + foreign ports, and scarce a week passed that vessels did not arrive from, + or sail for, all the different quarters of the world. An Indiaman, + however, was our object; the voyage being longer, the ships better, and + the achievement greater, than merely to cross the Atlantic and return. We + accordingly proceeded towards the Fly Market, in the vicinity of which, we + had been given to understand, some three or four vessels of that + description were fitting out. This market has since used its wings to + disappear, altogether. + </p> + <p> + I kept my eyes on every ship we passed. Until the previous day, I had + never seen a square-rigged vessel; and no enthusiast in the arts ever + gloated on a fine picture or statue with greater avidity than my soul + drank in the wonder and beauty of every ship I passed. I had a large, + full-rigged model at Clawbonny; and this I had studied under my father so + thoroughly, as to know the name of every rope in it, and to have some + pretty distinct notions of their uses. This early schooling was now of + great use to me, though I found it a little difficult, at first, to trace + my old acquaintances on the large scale in which they now presented + themselves, and amid the intricate mazes that were drawn against the + skies. The braces, shrouds, stays and halyards, were all plain enough, and + I could point to either, at a moment's notice; but when it came to the + rest of the running rigging, I found it necessary to look a little, before + I could speak with certainty. + </p> + <p> + Eager as I was to ship, the indulgence of gazing at all I saw was so + attractive, that it was noon before we reached an Indiaman. This was a + pretty little ship of about four hundred tons, that was called the John. + Little I say, for such she would now be thought, though a vessel of her + size was then termed large. The Manhattan, much the largest ship out of + the port, measured but about seven hundred tons; while few even of the + Indiamen went much beyond five hundred. I can see the John at this moment, + near fifty years after I first laid eyes on her, as she then appeared. She + was not bright-sided, but had a narrow, cream-coloured streak, broken into + ports. She was a straight, black-looking craft, with a handsome billet, + low, thin bulwarks, and waistcloths secured to ridge-ropes. Her larger + spars were painted the same colour as her streak, and her stern had a few + ornaments of a similar tint. + </p> + <p> + We went on board the John, where we found the officers just topping off + with the riggers and stevedores, having stowed all the provisions and + water, and the mere trifle of cargo she carried. The mate, whose name was + Marble, and a well-veined bit of marble he was, his face resembling a map + that had more rivers drawn on it than the land could feed, winked at the + captain and nodded his head towards us as soon as we met his eye. The + latter smiled, but did not speak. + </p> + <p> + “Walk this way, gentlemen—walk this way, if you please,” said Mr. + Marble, encouragingly, passing a ball of spun-yarn, all the while, to help + a rigger serve a rope. “When did you leave the country?” + </p> + <p> + This produced a general laugh, even the yellow rascal of a mulatto, who + was passing into the cabin with some crockery, grinning in our faces at + this salutation. I saw it was now or never, and determined not to be + brow-beaten, while I was too truthful to attempt to pass for that I was + not. + </p> + <p> + “We left home last night, thinking to be in time to find berths in one of + the Indiamen that is to sail this week.” + </p> + <p> + “Not <i>this</i> week, my son—not till <i>next</i>,” said Mr. + Marble, jocularly. “Sunday is <i>the</i> day. We run from Sunday to Sunday—the + better day, the better deed, you know. How did you leave father and + mother?” + </p> + <p> + “I have neither,” I answered, almost choked. “My mother died a few months + since, and my father, Captain Wallingford, has now been dead some years.” + </p> + <p> + The master of the John was a man of about fifty, red-faced, hard-looking, + pock-marked, square-rigged, and of an exterior that promised anything but + sentiment. Feeling, however, he did manifest, the moment I mentioned my + father's name. He ceased his employment, came close to me, gazed earnestly + in my face, and even looked kind. + </p> + <p> + “Are you a son of Captain Miles Wallingford?” he asked in a low voice—“of + Miles Wallingford, from up the river?” + </p> + <p> + “I am, sir; his only son. He left but two of us, a son and a daughter; + and, though under no necessity to work at all, I wish to make this Miles + Wallingford as good a seaman as the last, and, I hope, as honest a man.” + </p> + <p> + This was said manfully, and with a spirit that must have pleased; for I + was shaken cordially by the hand, welcomed on board, invited into the + cabin, and asked to take a seat at a table on which the dinner had just + been placed. Rupert, of course, shared in all these favours. Then followed + the explanations. Captain Robbins, of the John, had first gone to sea with + my father, for whom I believe he entertained a profound respect. He had + even served with him once as mate, and talked as if he felt that he had + been under obligations to him. He did not question me very closely, + seeming to think it natural enough that Miles Wallingford's only son + should wish to be a seaman. + </p> + <p> + As we sat at the table, even, it was agreed that Rupert and I should join + the ship, as green hands, the very next morning, signing the articles as + soon as we went on shore. This was done accordingly, and I had the + felicity of writing Miles Wallingford to the roll d'equipage, to the tune + of eighteen dollars per month—seamen then actually receiving thirty + and thirty-five dollars per month—wages. Rupert was taken also, + though Captain Robbins cut <i>him</i> down to thirteen dollars, saying, in + a jesting way, that a parson's son could hardly be worth as much as the + son of one of the best old ship-masters who ever sailed out of America. He + was a shrewd observer of men and things, this new friend of mine, and I + believe understood “by the cut of his jib” that Rupert was not likely to + make a weather-earing man. The money, however, was not of much account in + our calculations; and lucky enough did I think myself in finding so good a + berth, almost as soon as looked for. We returned to the tavern and staid + that night, taking a formal leave of Neb, who was to carry the good news + home, as soon as the sloop should sail. + </p> + <p> + In the morning a cart was loaded with our effects, the bill was + discharged, and we left the tavern. I had the precaution not to go + directly alongside the ship. On the contrary, we proceeded to an opposite + part of the town, placing the bags on a wharf resorted to by craft from + New Jersey, as if we intended to go on board one of them. The cartman took + his quarter, and drove off, troubling himself very little about the future + movements of two young sailors. Waiting half an hour, another cart was + called, when we went to the John, and were immediately installed in her + forecastle. Captain Robbins had provided us both with chests, paid for out + of the three months' advance, and in them we found the slops necessary for + so long a voyage. Rupert and I immediately put on suits of these new + clothes, with regular little round tarpaulins, which so much altered us in + appearance, even from those produced by our Ulster county fittings, that + we scarce knew each other. + </p> + <p> + Rupert now went on deck to lounge and smoke a segar, while I went aloft, + visiting every yard, and touching all three of the trucks, before I + returned from this, my exploring expedition. The captain and mates and + riggers smiled at my movements, and I overheard the former telling his + mate that I was “old Miles over again.” In a word, all parties seemed + pleased with the arrangement that had been made; I had told the officers + aft of my knowledge of the names and uses of most of the ropes; and never + did I feel so proud as when Mr. Marble called out, in a loud tone— + </p> + <p> + “D'ye hear there, Miles—away aloft and unreeve them fore-top-gallant + halyards, and send an end down to haul up this new rope, to reeve a fresh + set.” + </p> + <p> + Away I went, my head buzzing with the complicated order, and yet I had a + very tolerable notion of what was to be done. The unreeving might have + been achieved by any one, and I got through with that without difficulty; + and, the mate himself helping me and directing me from the deck, the new + rope was rove with distinguished success. This was the first duty I ever + did in a ship, and I was prouder of it than of any that was subsequently + performed by the same individual. The whole time I was thus occupied, + Rupert stood lounging against the foot of the main-stay, smoking his segar + like a burgomaster. His turn came next, however, the captain sending for + him to the cabin, where he set him at work to copy some papers. Rupert + wrote a beautiful hand, and he wrote rapidly. That evening I heard the + chief-mate tell the dickey that the parson's son was likely to turn out a + regular “barber's clerk” to the captain. “The old man,” he added, “makes + so many traverses himself on a bit of paper, that he hardly knows at which + end to begin to read it; and I shouldn't wonder if he just stationed this + chap, with a quill behind his ear, for the v'y'ge.” + </p> + <p> + For the next two or three days I was delightfully busy, passing half the + time aloft. All the sails were to be bent, and I had my full share in the + performance of this duty. I actually furled the mizen-royal with my own + hands—the ship carrying standing royals—and it was said to be + very respectably done; a little rag-baggish in the bunt, perhaps, but + secured in a way that took the next fellow who touched the gasket five + minutes to cast the sail loose. Then it rained, and sails were to be + loosened to dry. I let everything fall forward with my own hands, and, + when we came to roll up the canvass again, I actually managed all three of + the royals alone; one at a time, of course. My father had taught me to + make a flat-knot, a bowline, a clove-hitch, two half-hitches, and such + sort of things; and I got through with both a long and a short splice + tolerably well. I found all this, and the knowledge I had gained from my + model-ship at home of great use to me; so much so, indeed, as to induce + even that indurated bit of mortality, Marble, to say I “was the ripest + piece of green stuff he had ever fallen in with.” + </p> + <p> + All this time, Rupert was kept at quill-driving. Once he got leave to quit + the ship—it was the day before we sailed—and I observed he + went ashore in his long-togs, of which each of us had one suit. I stole + away the same afternoon to find the post-office, and worked up-stream as + far as Broadway, not knowing exactly which way to shape my course. In that + day, everybody who was anybody, and unmarried, promenaded the west side of + this street, from the Battery to St. Paul's Church, between the hours of + twelve and half-past two, wind and weather permitting. There I saw Rupert, + in his country guise, nothing remarkable, of a certainty, strutting about + with the best of them, and looking handsome in spite of his rusticity. It + was getting late, and he left the street just as I saw him. I followed, + waiting until we got to a private place before I would speak to him, + however, as I knew he would be mortified to be taken for the friend of a + Jack-tar, in such a scene. + </p> + <p> + Rupert entered a door, and then reappeared with a letter in his hand. He, + too, had gone to the post-office, and I no longer hesitated about joining + him. + </p> + <p> + “Is it from Clawbonny?” I asked, eagerly. “If so, from Lucy, doubtless?” + </p> + <p> + “From Clawbonny—but from Grace,” he answered, with a slight change + of colour. “I desired the poor girl to let me know how things passed off, + after we left them; and as for Lucy, her pot-hooks are so much out of the + way, I never want to see them.” + </p> + <p> + I felt hurt, offended, that my sister should write to any youngster but + myself. It is true, the letter was to a bosom friend, a co-adventurer, one + almost a child of the same family; and I had come to the office expecting + to get a letter from Rupert's sister, who had promised, while weeping on + the wharf, to do exactly the same thing for me; but there <i>is</i> a + difference between one's sister writing to another young man, and another + young man's sister writing to oneself. I cannot even now explain it; but + that there <i>is</i> a difference I am sure. Without asking to see a line + that Grace had written, I went into the office, and returned in a minute + or two, with an air of injured dignity, holding Lucy's epistle in my hand. + </p> + <p> + After all, there was nothing in either letter to excite much sensibility. + Each was written with the simplicity, truth and feeling of a + generous-minded, warm-hearted female friend, of an age not to distrust her + own motives, to a lad who bad no right to view the favour other than it + was, as an evidence of early and intimate friendship. Both epistles are + now before me, and I copy them, as the shortest way of letting the reader + know the effect our disappearance had produced at Clawbonny. That of Grace + was couched in the following terms: + </p> + <h3> + DEAR RUPERT: + </h3> + <p> + Clawbonny was in commotion at nine o'clock this morning, and well it might + be! When your father's anxiety got to be painful, I told him the whole, + and gave him the letters. I am sorry to say, he wept. I wish never to see + such a sight again. The tears of two such silly girls as Lucy and I, are + of little account—but, Rupert, to behold an aged man we love and + respect like him, a minister of the gospel too, in tears! It was a hard + sight to bear. He did not reproach us for our silence, saying he did not + see, after our promises, how we could well do otherwise. I gave your + reasons about “responsibility in the premises;” but I don't think he + understood them. Is it too late to return? The boat that carried you down + can bring you back; and oh! how much rejoiced shall we all be to see you! + Wherever you go, and whatever you do, boys, for I write as much to one as + to the other, and only address to Rupert because he so earnestly desired + it; but wherever you go, and whatever you do, remember the instructions + you have both received in youth, and how much all of us are interested in + your conduct and happiness. + </p> + <p> + Affectionately, yours, + </p> + <h3> + GRACE WALLINGFORD. + </h3> + <p> + To Mr. Rupert Hardinge. + </p> + <p> + Lucy had been less guarded, and possibly a little more honest. She wrote + as follows: + </p> + <h3> + DEAR MILES: + </h3> + <p> + I believe I cried for one whole hour after you and Rupert left us, and, + now it is all over, I am vexed at having cried so much about two such + foolish fellows. Grace has told you all about my dear, dear father, who + cried too. I declare, I don't know when I was so frightened! I thought it + <i>must</i> bring you back, as soon as you hear of it. What will be done, + I do not know; but <i>something</i>, I am certain Whenever father is in + earnest, he says but little. I know he is in earnest <i>now</i>. I believe + Grace and I do nothing but think of you; that is, she of <i>you</i>, and I + of Rupert; and a little the other way, too—so now you have the whole + truth. Do not fail, on any account, to write before you go to sea, if you + <i>do</i> go to sea, as I hope and trust you will not. + </p> + <p> + Good-bye. + </p> + <h3> + LUCY HARDINGE. + </h3> + <p> + To Mr. Miles Wallingford. + </p> + <p> + P.S. Neb's mother protests, if the boy is not home by Saturday night, she + will go after him. No such disgrace as a runaway ever befel her or hers, + and she says she will not submit to it. But I suppose we shall see <i>him</i> + soon, and with him <i>letters</i>. + </p> + <p> + Now, Neb had taken his leave, but no letter had been trusted to his care. + As often happens, I regretted the mistake when it was too late; and all + that day I thought how disappointed Lucy would be, when she came to see + the negro empty-handed. Rupert and I parted in the street, as he did not + wish to walk with a sailor, while in his own long-togs. He did not <i>say</i> + as much; but I knew him well enough to ascertain it, without his speaking. + I was walking very fast in the direction of the ship, and had actually + reached the wharves, when, in turning a corner, I came plump upon Mr. + Hardinge. My guardian was walking slowly, his face sorrowful and dejected, + and his eyes fastened on every ship he passed, as if looking for his boys. + He saw me, casting a vacant glance over my person; but I was so much + changed by dress, and particularly by the little tarpaulin, that he did + not know me. Anxiety immediately drew his look towards the vessels, and I + passed him unobserved. Mr. Hardinge was walking <i>from</i>, and I <i>towards</i> + the John, and of course all my risk terminated as soon as out of sight. + </p> + <p> + That evening I had the happiness of being under-way, in a real full-rigged + ship. It is true, it was under very short canvass, and merely to go into + the stream. Taking advantage of a favourable wind and tide, the John left + the wharf under her jib, main-top-mast staysail, and spanker, and dropped + down as low as the Battery, when she sheered into the other channel and + anchored. Here I was, then, fairly at anchor in the stream, Half a mile + from any land but the bottom, and burning to see the ocean. That afternoon + the crew came on board, a motley collection, of lately drunken seamen, of + whom about half were Americans, and the rest natives of as many different + countries as there were men. Mr. Marble scanned them with a knowing look, + and, to my surprise, he told the captain there was good stuff among them. + It seems he was a better judge than I was myself, for a more unpromising + set of wretches, as to looks, I never saw grouped together. A few, it is + true, appeared well enough; but most of them had the air of having been + dragged through—a place I will not name, though it is that which + sailors usually quote when describing themselves on such occasions. But + Jack, after he has been a week at sea, and Jack coming on board to duty, + after a month of excesses on shore, are very different creatures, morally + and physically. + </p> + <p> + I now began to regret that I had not seen a little of the town. In 1797, + New York could not have had more than fifty thousand inhabitants, though + it was just as much of a paragon then, in the eyes of all good Americans, + as it is today. It is a sound patriotic rule to maintain that <i>our</i> + best is always <i>the</i> best, for it never puts us in the wrong. I have + seen enough of the world since to understand that we get a great many + things wrong-end foremost, in this country of ours; undervaluing those + advantages and excellencies of which we have great reason to be proud, and + boasting of others that, to say the least, are exceedingly equivocal. But + it takes time to learn all this, and I have no intention of getting ahead + of my story, or of my country; the last being a most suicidal act. + </p> + <p> + We received the crew of a Saturday afternoon, and half of them turned in + immediately. Rupert and I had a good berth, intending to turn in and out + together, during the voyage; and this made us rather indifferent to the + movements of the rest of our extraordinary associates. The kid, at supper, + annoyed us both a little; the notion of seeing one's food in a round <i>trough</i>, + to be tumbled over and cut from by all hands, being particularly + disagreeable to those who have been accustomed to plates, knives and + forks, and such other superfluities. I confess I thought of Grace's and + Lucy's little white hands, and of silver sugrar-toogs, and of clean plates + and glasses, and table-cloths—napkins and silver forks were then + unknown in America, except on the very best tables, and not always on + them, unless on high days and holidays—as we were going through the + unsophisticated manipulations of this first supper. Forty-seven years have + elapsed, and the whole scene is as vivid to my mind at this moment, as if + it occurred last night. I wished myself one of the long-snouted tribe, + several times, in order to be in what is called “keeping.” + </p> + <p> + I had the honour of keeping an anchor-watch in company with a grum old + Swede, as we lay in the Hudson. The wind was light, and the ship had a + good berth, so my associate chose a soft plank, told me to give him a call + should anything happen, and lay down to sleep away his two hours in + comfort. Not so with me. I strutted the deck with as much importance as if + the weight of the State lay on my shoulders—paid a visit every five + minutes to the bows, to see that the cable had not parted, and that the + anchor did not “come home”—and then looked aloft, to ascertain that + everything was in its place. Those were a happy two hours! + </p> + <p> + About ten next morning, being Sunday, and, as Mr. Marble expressed it, + “the better day, the better deed,” the pilot came off, and all hands were + called to “up anchor.” The cook, cabin-boy, Rupert and I, were entrusted + with the duty of “fleeting jig” and breaking down the coils of the cable, + the handspikes requiring heavier hands than ours. The anchor was got in + without any difficulty, however, when Rupert and I were sent aloft to + loose the fore-top-sail. Rupert got into the top via the lubber's hole, I + am sorry to say, and the loosing of the sail on both yard-arms fell to my + duty. A hand was on the fore-yard, and I was next ordered up to loose the + top-gallant-sail. Canvass began to fall and open all over the ship, the + top-sails were mast-headed, and, as I looked down from the fore-top-mast + cross-trees, where I remained to overhaul the clew-lines, I saw that the + ship was falling off, and that her sails were filling with a stiff + north-west breeze. Just as my whole being was entranced with the rapture + of being under-way for Canton, which was then called the Indies, Rupert + called out to me from the top. Ha was pointing at some object on the + water, and, turning, I saw a boat within a hundred feet of the ship. In + her was Mr. Hardinge, who at that moment caught sight of us. But the + ship's sails were now all full, and no one on deck saw, or at least + heeded, the boat. The John glided past it, and, the last I saw of my + venerated guardian, he was standing erect, bare-headed, holding both arms + extended, as if entreating us not to desert him! Presently the ship fell + off so much, that the after-sails hid him from my view. + </p> + <p> + I descended into the top, where I found Rupert had shrunk down out of + sight, looking frightened and guilty. As for myself, I got behind the head + of the mast, and fairly sobbed. This lasted a few minutes, when an order + from the mate called us both below. When I reached the deck, the boat was + already a long distance astern, and had evidently given up the idea of + boarding us. I do not know whether I felt the most relieved or pained by + the certainty of this fact. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “There is a tide in the affairs of men, + Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune + Omitted, all the voyage of their life + Is bound in shallows, and in miseries. + On such a full sea are we now afloat; + And we must take the current when it serves, + Or lose our ventures.” + Brutus—Julius Caesar. +</pre> + <p> + In four hours from the time when Rupert and I last saw Mr. Hardinge, the + ship was at sea. She crossed the bar, and started on her long journey, + with a fresh north-wester, and with everything packed on that she would + bear. We took a diagonal course out of the bight formed by the coasts of + Long Island and New Jersey, and sunk the land entirely by the middle of + the afternoon. I watched the highlands of Navesink, as they vanished like + watery clouds in the west, and then I felt I was at last fairly out of + sight of land. But a foremast hand has little opportunity for indulging in + sentimen, as he quits his native shore; and few, I fancy, have the + disposition. As regards the opportunity, anchors are to be got in off the + bows, and stowed; cables are to be unbent and coiled down; studding-gear + is to be hauled out and got ready; frequently boom-irons are to be placed + upon the yards, and the hundred preparations made, that render the work of + a ship as ceaseless a round of activity as that of a house. This kept us + all busy until night, when the watches were told off and set. I was in the + larboard, or chief-mate's watch, having actually been chosen by that + hard-featured old seaman, the fourth man he named; an honour for which I + was indebted to the activity I had already manifested aloft. Rupert was + less distinguished, being taken by the captain for the second-mate's + watch, the very last person chosen. That night Mr. Marble dropped a few + hints on the subject, which let me into the secret of these two + selections. “You and I will get along well together, I see that plainly, + Miles,” he said, “for there's quicksilver in your body. As for your friend + in t'other watch, it's all as it should be; the captain has got one hand + the most, and such as he is, he is welcome to him. He'll blacken more + writing paper this v'y'ge, I reckon, than he'll tar down riggin'.” I + thought it odd, however, that Rupert, who had been so forward in all the + preliminaries of our adventure, should fall so far astern in its first + practical results. + </p> + <p> + It is not my intention to dwell on all the minute incidents of this, my + first voyage to sea, else would it spin out the narrative unnecessarily, + and render my task as fatiguing to the reader, as it might prove to + myself. One occurrence, however, which took place three days out, must be + mentioned, as it will prove to be connected with important circumstances + in the end. The ship was now in order, and was at least two hundred + leagues from the land, having had a famous run off the coast, when the + voice of the cook, who had gone below for water, was heard down among the + casks, in such a clamour as none but a black can raise, with all his + loquacity awakened. + </p> + <p> + “There's <i>two</i> niggers at that work!” exclaimed Mr. Marble, after + listening an instant, glancing his eye round to make certain the mulatto + steward was not in the discussion. “No <i>one</i> darkey ever could make + all that outcry. Bear a hand below, Miles, and see if Africa has come + aboard us in the night.” + </p> + <p> + I was in the act of obeying, when Cato, the cook, was seen rising through + the steerage-hatch, dragging after him the dark poll of another black, + whom he had gripped by the wool. In an instant both were on deck, when, to + my astonishment, I discovered the agitated countenance of Nebuchadnezzar + Clawbonny. Of course the secret was out, the instant the lad's glistening + features were recognised. + </p> + <p> + Neb, in a word, had managed to get on board the ship before she hauled out + into the stream, and lay concealed among the water-casks, his pockets + crammed with ginger-bread and apples, until discovered by the cook, in one + of his journeys in quest of water. The food of the lad had been gone + twenty-four hours, and it is not probable the fellow could have remained + concealed much longer, had not this discovery taken place. The instant he + was on deck, Neb looked eagerly around to ascertain how far the ship had + got from the land, and, seeing nothing but water on every side of him, he + fairly grinned with delight. This exasperated Mr. Marble, who thought it + was adding insult to injury, and he gave the lad a cuff on the ear that + would have set a white reeling. On Neb, however, this sharp blow produced + no effect, falling as it did on the impregnable part of his system. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you're a nigger, be you?” exclaimed the mate, waxing warmer and + warmer, as he: fancied himself baffled by the other's powers of endurance. + “Take that, and let us see if you're full-blooded!” + </p> + <p> + A smart rap on the shin accompanying these words, Neb gave in on the + instant. He begged for mercy, and professed a readiness to tell all, + protesting he was not “a runaway nigger”—a term the mate used while + applying the kicks. + </p> + <p> + I now interfered, by telling Mr. Marble, with all the respect due from a + green hand to a chief-mate, who Neb really was, and what I supposed to be + his motives for following me to the ship. This revelation cost me a good + deal in the end, the idea of Jack's having a “waiting-man” on board giving + rise to a great many jokes at my expense, during the rest of the voyage. + Had I not been so active, and so <i>willing,</i> a great source of favour + on board a ship, it is probable these jokes would have been much broader + and more frequent. As it was, they annoyed me a good deal; and it required + a strong exercise of all the boyish regard I really entertained for Neb, + to refrain from turning-to and giving him a sound threshing for his + exploit, at the first good occasion. And yet, what was his delinquency + compared to my own? He had followed his master out of deep affection, + blended somewhat, it is true, with a love of adventure; while, in one + sense, I had violated all the ties of the heart, merely to indulge the + latter passion. + </p> + <p> + The captain coming on deck, Neb's story was told, and, finding that no + wages would be asked in behalf of this athletic, healthy, young negro, he + had no difficulty in receiving him into favour. To Neb's great delight, he + was sent forward to take his share on the yards and in the rigging, there + being no vacancy for him to fill about the camboose, or in the cabin. In + an hour the negro was fed, and he was regularly placed in the + starboard-watch. I was rejoiced at this last arrangement, as it put the + fellow in a watch different from my own, and prevented his officious + efforts to do my work. Rupert, I discovered, however, profited often by + his zeal, employing the willing black on every possible occasion. On + questioning Neb, I ascertained that he had taken the boat round to the + Wallingford, and had made use of a dollar or two I had given him at + parting, to board in a house suitable to his colour, until the ship was + ready for sea, when he got on board, and stowed himself among the + water-casks, as mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Neb's apparition soon ceased to be a subject of discourse, and his zeal + quickly made him a general favourite. Hardy, strong, resolute, and + accustomed to labour, he was early of great use in all the heavy drags; + and aloft, even, though less quick than a white would have been, he got to + be serviceable and reasonably expert. My own progress—and I say it + without vanity, but simply because it was true—was the subject of + general remark. One week made me familiar with the running gear; and, by + that time, I could tell a rope by its size, the manner in which it led, + and the place where it was belayed, in the darkest night, as well as the + oldest seaman on board. It is true, my model-ship had prepared the way for + much of this expertness; but, free from all seasickness, of which I never + had a moment in my life, I set about learning these things in good + earnest, and was fully rewarded for my pains. I passed the weather-earing + of the mizen-top-sail when we had been out a fortnight, and went to those + of the fore and main before we crossed the line. The mate put me forward + on all occasions, giving me much instruction in private; and the captain + neglected no opportunity of giving me useful hints, or practical ideas. I + asked, and was allowed to take my regular trick at the wheel, before we + got into the latitude of St. Helena; and from that time did my full share + of seaman's duly on board, the nicer work of knotting, splicing, &c., + excepted. These last required a little more time; but I am satisfied that, + in all things but judgment, a clever lad, who has a taste for the + business, can make himself a very useful and respectable mariner in six + months of active service. + </p> + <p> + China voyages seldom produce much incident. If the moment of sailing has + been judiciously timed, the ship has fair winds much of the way, and + generally moderate weather. To be sure, there are points on the long road + that usually give one a taste of what the seas sometimes are; but, on the + whole, a Canton voyage, though a long one, cannot be called a rough one. + As a matter of course, we had gales, and squalls, and the usual + vicissitudes of the ocean, to contend with, though our voyage to Canton + might have been called quiet, rather than the reverse. We were four months + under our canvass, and, when we anchored in the river, the clewing up of + our sails, and getting from beneath their shadows, resembled the rising of + a curtain on some novel scenic representation. John Chinaman, however, has + been so often described, particularly of late, that I shall not dwell on + his peculiarities. Sailors, as a class, are very philosophical, so far as + the peculiarities and habits of strangers are concerned, appearing to + think it beneath the dignity of those who visit all lands, to betray + wonder at the novelties of any. It so happened that no man on board the + John, the officers, steward and cook excepted, had ever doubled the Cape + of Good Hope before this voyage; and yet our crew regarded the shorn + polls, slanting eyes, long queues, clumsy dresses, high cheek-bones, and + lumbering shoes, of the people they now saw for the first time, with just + as much indifference as they would have encountered a new fashion at home. + Most of them, indeed, had seen, or fancied they had seen, much stranger + sights in the different countries they had visited; it being a standing + rule, with Jack to compress everything that is wonderful into the “last + voyage”—that in which he is engaged for the present time being + usually set down as common-place, and unworthy of particular comment. On + this principle, <i>my</i> Canton excursion <i>ought</i> to be full of + marvels, as it was the progenitor of all that I subsequently saw and + experienced as a sailor. Truth compels me to confess, notwithstanding, + that it was one of the least wonderful of all the voyages I ever made, + until near its close. + </p> + <p> + We lay some months in the river, getting cargo, receiving teas, nankins, + silks and other articles, as our supercargo could lay hands on them. In + all this time, we saw just as much of the Chinese as it is usual for + strangers to see, and not a jot more. I was much up at the factories, with + the captain, having charge of his boat; and, as for Rupert, he passed most + of his working-hours either busy with the supercargo ashore, or writing in + the cabin. I got a good insight, however, into the uses of the + serving-mallet, the fid, marlinspike and winch, and did something with the + needle and palm. Marble was very good to me, in spite of his nor-west + face, and never let slip an occasion to give a useful hint. I believe my + exertions on the outward-bound passage fully equalled expectations, and + the officers had a species of pride in helping to make Captain + Wallingford's son worthy of his honourable descent. I had taken occasion + to let it be known that Rupert's great-grandfather had been a man-of-war + captain; but the suggestion was met by a flat, refusal to believe it from + Mr. Kite, the second-mate, though Mr. Marble remarked it <i>might</i> be + so, as I admitted that both his father and grandfather had been, or were, + in the Church. My friend seemed fated to achieve nothing but the glory of + a “barber's clerk.” + </p> + <p> + Our hatches were got on and battened down, and we sailed for home early in + the spring of 1798. The ship had a good run across the China Sea, and + reached the Indies in rather a short passage. We had cleared all the + islands, and were fairly in the Indian Ocean, when an adventure occurred, + which was the first really worthy of being related that we met in the + whole voyage. I shall give it, in as few words as possible. + </p> + <p> + We had cleared the Straits of Sunda early in the morning, and had made a + pretty fair run in the course of the day, though most of the time in thick + weather. Just as the sun set, however, the horizon became clear, and we + got a sight of two small sail seemingly heading in towards the coast of + Sumatra, proas by their rig and dimensions. They were so distant, and were + so evidently steering for the land, that no one gave them much thought, or + bestowed on them any particular attention. Proas in that quarter were + usually distrusted by ships, it is true; but the sea is full of them, and + far more are innocent than are guilty of any acts of violence. Then it + became dark soon after these craft were seen, and night shut them in. An + hour after the sun had set, the wind fell to a light air, that just kept + steerage-way on the ship. Fortunately, the John was not only fast, but she + minded her helm, as a light-footed girl turns in a lively dance. I never + was in a better-steering ship, most especially in moderate weather. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marble had the middle watch that night, and of course I was on deck + from midnight until four in the morning. It proved misty most of the + watch, and for quite an hour we had a light drizzling rain. The ship, the + whole time, was close-hauled, carrying royals. As everybody seemed to have + made up his mind to a quiet night, one without any reefing or furling, + most of the watch were sleeping about the decks, or wherever they could + get good quarters, and be least in the way. I do not know what kept me + awake, for lads of my age are apt to get all the sleep they can; but I + believe I was thinking of Clawbonny, and Grace, and Lucy; for the latter, + excellent girl as she was, often crossed my mind in those days of youth + and comparative innocence. Awake I was, and walking in the + weather-gangway, in a sailor's trot. Mr. Marble, he I do believe was + fairly snoozing on the hen-coops, being, like the sails, as one might say, + barely “asleep.” At that moment I heard a noise, one familiar to seamen; + that of an oar falling in a boat. So completely was my mind bent on other + and distant scenes, that at first I felt no surprise, as if we were in a + harbour surrounded by craft of various sizes, coming and going at all + hours. But a second thought destroyed this illusion, and I looked eagerly + about me. Directly on our weather-bow, distant perhaps a cable's length, I + saw a small sail, and I could distinguish it sufficiently well to perceive + it was a proa. I sang out “Sail ho! and close aboard!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Marble was on his feet in an instant. He afterwards told me that when + he opened his eyes, for he admitted this much to me in confidence, they + fell directly on the stranger. He was too much of a seaman to require a + second look, in order to ascertain what was to be done. “Keep the ship + away—keep her broad off!” he called out to the man at the wheel. + “Lay the yards square—call all hands, one of you—Captain + Robbins, Mr. Kite, bear a hand up; the bloody proas are aboard us!” The + last part of this call was uttered in a loud voice, with the speaker's + head down the companion-way. It was heard plainly enough below, but + scarcely at all on deck. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, everybody was in motion. It is amazing how soon sailors + are wide awake when there is really anything to do! It appeared to me that + all our people mustered on deck in less than a minute, most of them with + nothing on but their shirts and trowsers. The ship was nearly before the + wind, by the time I heard the captain's voice; and then Mr. Kite came + bustling in among us forward, ordering most of the men to lay aft to the + braces, remaining himself on the forecastle, and keeping me with him to + let go the sheets. On the forecastle, the strange sail was no longer + visible, being now abaft the beam; but I could hear Mr. Marble swearing + there were two of them, and that they must be the very chaps we had seen + to leeward, and standing in for the land, at sunset. I also heard the + captain calling out to the steward to bring him a powder-horn. Immediately + after, orders were given to let fly all our sheets forward, and then I + perceived that they were waring ship. Nothing saved us but the prompt + order of Mr. Marble to keep the ship away, by which means, instead of + moving towards the proas, we instantly began to move from them. Although + they went three feet to our two, this gave us a moment of breathing time. + </p> + <p> + As our sheets were all flying forward, and remained so for a few minutes, + it gave me leisure to look about. I soon saw both proas, and glad enough + was I to perceive that they had not approached materially nearer. Mr. Kite + observed this also, and remarked that our movements had been so prompt as + “to take the rascals aback.” He meant, they did not exactly know what we + were at, and had not kept away with us. + </p> + <p> + At this instant, the captain and five or six of the oldest seamen began to + cast loose all our starboard, or weather guns, four in all, and sixes. We + had loaded these guns in the Straits of Banca, with grape and canister, in + readiness for just such pirates as were now coming down upon us; and + nothing was wanting but the priming and a hot logger-head. It seems two of + the last had been ordered in the fire, when we saw the proas at sunset; + and they were now in excellent condition for service, live coals being + kept around them all night by command. I saw a cluster of men busy with + the second gun from forward, and could distinguish the captain pointing + it. + </p> + <p> + “There cannot well be any mistake, Mr. Marble?” the captain observed, + hesitating whether to fire or not. + </p> + <p> + “Mistake, sir? Lord, Captain Robbins, you might cannonade any of the + islands astarn for a week, and never hurt an honest man. Let 'em have it, + sir; I'll answer for it, you do good.” + </p> + <p> + This settled the matter. The loggerhead was applied, and one of our sixes + spoke out in a smart report. A breathless stillness succeeded. The proas + did not alter their course, but neared us fast. The captain levelled his + night-glass, and I heard him tell Kite, in a low voice, that they were + full of men. The word was now passed to clear away all the guns, and to + open the arm-chest, to come at the muskets and pistols. I heard the + rattling of the boarding-pikes, too, as they were cut adrift from the + spanker-boom, and fell upon the deck. All this sounded very ominous, and I + began to think we should have a desperate engagement first, and then have + all our throats cut afterwards. + </p> + <p> + I expected now to hear the guns discharged in quick succession, but they + were got ready only, not fired. Kite went aft, and returned with three or + four muskets, and as many pikes. He gave the latter to those of the people + who had nothing to do with the guns. By this time the ship was on a wind, + steering a good full, while the two proas were just abeam, and closing + fast. The stillness that reigned on both sides was like that of death. The + proas, however, fell a little more astern; the result of their own + manoeuvring, out of all doubt, as they moved through the water much faster + than the ship, seeming desirous of dropping into our wake, with a design + of closing under our stern, and avoiding our broad-side. As this would + never do, and the wind freshened so as to give us four or five knot way, a + most fortunate circumstance for us, the captain determined to tack while + he had room. The John behaved beautifully, and came round like a top. The + proas saw there was no time to lose, and attempted to close before we + could fill again; and this they would have done with ninety-nine ships in + a hundred. The captain knew his vessel, however, and did not let her lose + her way, making everything draw again as it might be by instinct. The + proas tacked, too, and, laying up much nearer to the wind than we did, + appeared as if about to close on our lee-bow. The question was, now, + whether we could pass them or not before they got near enough to grapple. + If the pirates got on board us, we were hopelessly gone; and everything + depended on coolness and judgment. The captain behaved perfectly well in + this critical instant, commanding a dead silence, and the closest + attention to his orders. + </p> + <p> + I was too much interested at this moment to feel the concern that I might + otherwise have experienced. On the forecastle, it appeared to us all that + we should be boarded in a minute, for one of the proas was actually within + a hundred feet, though losing her advantage a little by getting under the + lee of our sails. Kite had ordered us to muster forward of the rigging, to + meet the expected leap with a discharge of muskets, and then to present + our pikes, when I felt an arm thrown around my body, and was turned + in-board, while another person assumed my place. This was Neb, who had + thus coolly thrust himself before me, in order to meet the danger first. I + felt vexed, even while touched with the fellow's attachment and + self-devotion, but had no time to betray either feeling before the crews + of the proas gave a yell, and discharged some fifty or sixty matchlocks at + us. The air was full of bullets, but they all went over our heads. Not a + soul on board the John was hurt. On our side, we gave the gentlemen the + four sixes, two at the nearest and two at the sternmost proa, which was + still near a cable's length distant. As often happens, the one seemingly + farthest from danger, fared the worst. Our grape and canister had room to + scatter, and I can at this distant day still hear the shrieks that arose + from that craft! They were like the yells of fiends in anguish. The effect + on that proa was instantaneous; instead of keeping on after her consort, + she wore short round on her heel, and stood away in our wake, on the other + tack, apparently to get out of the range of our fire. + </p> + <p> + I doubt if we touched a man in the nearest proa. At any rate, no noise + proceeded from her, and she came up under our bows fast. As every gun was + discharged, and there was not time to load them, all now depended on + repelling the boarders. Part of our people mustered in the waist, where it + was expected the proa would fall alongside, and part on the forecastle. + Just as this distribution was made, the pirates cast their grapnel. It was + admirably thrown, but caught only by a ratlin. I saw this, and was about + to jump into the rigging to try what I could do to clear it, when Neb + again went ahead of me, and cut the ratlin with his knife. This was just + as the pirates had abandoned sails and oars, and had risen to haul up + alongside. So sudden was the release, that twenty of them fell over by + their own efforts. In this state the ship passed ahead, all her canvass + being full, leaving the proa motionless in her wake. In passing, however, + the two vessels were so near, that those aft in the John distinctly saw + the swarthy faces of their enemies. + </p> + <p> + We were no sooner clear of the proas than the order was given, “ready + about!” The helm was put down, and the ship came into the wind in a + minute. As we came square with the two proas, all our larboard guns were + given to them, and this ended the affair. I think the nearest of the + rascals got it this time, for away she went, after her consort, both + running off towards the islands. We made a little show of chasing, but it + was only a feint; for we were too glad to get away from them, to be in + earnest. In ten minutes after we tacked the last time, we ceased firing, + having thrown some eight or ten round-shot after the proas, and were + close-hauled again, heading to the south-west. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed we went to sleep again immediately. Neb was the + only man on board who did, but he never missed an occasion to eat or + sleep. The captain praised us, and, as a matter of course in that day, he + called all hands to “splice the main-brace.” After this, the watch was + told to go below, as regularly as if nothing had happened. As for the + captain himself, he and Mr. Marble and Mr. Kite went prying about the ship + to ascertain if anything material had been cut by what the chief-mate + called “the bloody Indian matchlocks.” A little running-rigging had + suffered, and we had to reeve a few new ropes in the morning; but this + terminated the affair. + </p> + <p> + I need hardly say, all hands of us were exceedingly proud of our exploit. + Everybody was praised but Neb, who, being a “nigger,” was in some way or + other overlooked. I mentioned his courage and readiness to Mr. Marble, but + I could excite in no one else the same respect for the poor fellow's + conduct, that I certainly felt myself. I have since lived long enough to + know that as the gold of the rich attracts to itself the gold of the poor, + so do the deeds of the unknown go to swell the fame of the known. This is + as true of nations, and races, and families, as it is of individuals; poor + Neb belonging to a proscribed colour, it was not in reason to suppose he + could ever acquire exactly the same credit as a white man. + </p> + <p> + “Them darkies do sometimes blunder on a lucky idee,” answered Mr. Marble + to one of my earnest representations, “and I've known chaps among 'em that + were almost as knowing as dullish whites; but everything out of the common + way with 'em is pretty much chance. As for Neb, however, I will say this + for him; that, for a nigger, he takes things quicker than any of his + colour I ever sailed with. Then he has no sa'ce, and that is a good deal + with a black. White sa'ce is bad enough; but that of a nigger is + unbearable.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! Neb. Born in slavery, accustomed to consider it arrogance to think + of receiving even his food until the meanest white had satisfied his + appetite, submissive, unrepining, laborious and obedient—the highest + eulogium that all these patient and unobtrusive qualities could obtain, + was a reluctant acknowledgment that he had “no sa'ce.” His quickness and + courage saved the John, nevertheless; and I have always said it, and ever + shall. + </p> + <p> + A day after the affair of the proas, all hands of us began to brag. Even + the captain was a little seized with this mania; and as for Marble, he was + taken so badly, that, had I not known he behaved well in the emergency, I + certainly should have set him down as a Bobadil. Rupert manifested this + feeling, too, though I heard he did his duty that night. The result of all + the talk was to convert the affair into a very heroic exploit; and it + subsequently figured in the journals as one of the deeds that illustrate + the American name. + </p> + <p> + From the time we were rid of the proas, the ship got along famously until + we were as far west as about 52°, when the wind came light from the + southward and westward, with thick weather. The captain had been two or + three times caught in here, and he took it into his head that the currents + would prove more favourable, could he stand in closer to the coast of + Madagascar than common. Accordingly, we brought the ship on a bowline, and + headed up well to the northward and westward. We were a week on this tack, + making from fifty to a hundred miles a day, expecting hourly to see the + land. At length we made it, enormously high mountains, apparently a long + distance from us, though, as we afterwards ascertained, a long distance + inland; and we continued to near it. The captain had a theory of his own + about the currents of this part of the ocean, and, having set one of the + peaks by compass, at the time the land was seen, he soon convinced + himself, and everybody else whom he tried to persuade, Marble excepted, + that we were setting to windward with visible speed. Captain Robbins was a + well-meaning, but somewhat dull man; and, when dull men, become theorists, + they usually make sad work with the practice. + </p> + <p> + All that night we stood on to the northward and westward, though Mr. + Marble had ventured a remonstrance concerning a certain head-land that was + just visible, a little on our weather-bow. The captain snapped his fingers + at this, however; laying down a course of reasoning, which, if it were + worth anything, ought to have convinced the mate that the weatherly set of + the current would carry us ten leagues to the southward and westward of + that cape, before morning. On this assurance, we prepared to pass a quiet + and comfortable night. + </p> + <p> + I had the morning watch, and when I came on deck, at four, there was no + change in the weather. Mr. Marble soon appeared, and he walked into the + waist, where I was leaning on the weather-rail, and fell into discourse. + This he often did, sometimes so far forgetting the difference in our + stations <i>afloat</i>—not <i>ashore</i>; <i>there</i> I had + considerably the advantage of him—as occasionally to call me “sir.” + I always paid for this inadvertency, however, it usually putting a stop to + the communications for the time being. In one instance, he took such + prompt revenge for this implied admission of equality, as literally to + break off short in the discourse, and to order me, in his sharpest key, to + go aloft and send some studding-sails on deck, though they all had to be + sent aloft again, and set, in the course of the same watch. But offended + dignity is seldom considerate, and not always consistent. + </p> + <p> + “A quiet night, Master Miles”—<i>this</i> the mate <i>could</i> call + me, as it implied superiority on his part—“A quiet night, Master + Miles,” commenced Mr. Marble, “and a strong westerly current, accordin' to + Captain Robbins. Well, to my taste gooseberries are better than currents, + and <i>I'd</i> go about. That's my manner of <i>generalizing</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “The captain, I suppose, sir, from that, is of a different opinion?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes, somewhatish,—though I don't think he knows himself + exactly what his own opinion is. This is the third v'y'ge I've sailed with + the old gentleman, and he is half his time in a fog or a current. Now, + it's his idee the ocean is full of Mississippi rivers, and if one could + only find the head of a stream, he might go round the world in it. More + particularly does he hold that there is no fear of the land when in a + current, as a stream never sets on shore. For my part, I never want any + better hand-lead than my nose.” + </p> + <p> + “Nose, Mr. Marble?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, nose, Master Miles. Haven't you remarked how far we smelt the + Injees, as we went through the islands?” + </p> + <p> + “It is true, sir, the Spice Islands, and all land, they say—” + </p> + <p> + “What the devil's that?” asked the mate, evidently startled at something + he <i>heard</i>, though he appeared to <i>smell</i> nothing, unless indeed + it might be a rat. + </p> + <p> + “It sounds like water washing on rocks, sir, as much as anything I ever + heard in my life!” + </p> + <p> + “Ready about!” shouted the mate. “Run down and call the captain, Miles—hard + a-lee—start everybody up, forward.” + </p> + <p> + A scene of confusion followed, in the midst of which the captain, + second-mate, and the watch below, appeared on deck. Captain Robbins took + command, of course, and was in time to haul the after-yards, the ship + coming round slowly in so light a wind. Come round she did, however, and, + when her head was fairly to the southward and eastward, the captain + demanded an explanation. Mr. Marble did not feel disposed to trust his + nose any longer, but he invited the captain to use his ears. This all + hands did, and, if sounds could be trusted, we had a pretty lot of + breakers seemingly all around us. + </p> + <p> + “We surely can go out the way we came in, Mr. Marble?” said the captain, + anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, if there were no <i>current</i>; but one never knows where a + bloody current will carry him in the dark.” + </p> + <p> + “Stand by to let go the anchor!” cried the captain. “Let run and clew up, + forward and aft. Let go as soon as you're ready, Mr. Kite.” + </p> + <p> + Luckily, we had kept a cable bent as we came through the Straits, and, not + knowing but we might touch at the Isle of France, it was still bent, with + the anchor fished. We had talked of stowing the latter in-board, but, + having land in sight, it was not done. In two minutes it was a-cock-bill, + and, in two more, let go. None knew whether we should find a bottom; but + Kite soon sang out to “snub,” the anchor being down, with only six fathoms + out. The lead corroborated this, and we had the comfortable assurance of + being not only among breakers, but just near the coast. The + holding-ground, however, was reported good, and we went to work and rolled + up all our rags. In half an hour the ship was snug, riding by the stream, + with a strong current, or tide, setting exactly north-east, or directly + opposite to the captain's theory. As soon as Mr. Marble had ascertained + this fact, I overheard him grumbling about something, of which I could + distinctly understand nothing but the words “Bloody cape—bloody + current.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “They hurried us aboard a bark; + Bore us some leagues to sea; where they prepared + A rotten carcass of a boat, not rigg'd, + Nor tackle, sail, nor mast: the very rats + Instinctively had girt us—” + <i>Tempest.</i> +</pre> + <p> + The hour that succeeded in the calm of expectation, was one of the most + disquieting of my life. As soon as the ship was secured, and there no + longer remained anything to do, the stillness of death reigned among us; + the faculties of every man and boy appearing to be absorbed in the single + sense of hearing—the best, and indeed the only, means we then + possessed of judging of our situation. It was now apparent that we were + near some place or places where the surf was breaking on land; and the + hollow, not-to-be-mistaken bellowings of the element, too plainly + indicated that cavities in rocks frequently received, and as often + rejected, the washing waters. Nor did these portentous sounds come from + one quarter only, but they seemed to surround us; now reaching our ears + from the known direction of the land, now from the south, the north-east, + and, in fact, from every direction. There were instances when these + moanings of the ocean sounded as if close under our stern, and then again + they came from some point within a fearful proximity to the bows. + </p> + <p> + Happily the wind was light, and the ship rode with a moderate strain on + the cable, so as to relieve us from the apprehension of immediate + destruction. There was a long, heavy ground-swell rolling in from, the + south-west, but, the lead giving us, eight fathoms, the sea did not break + exactly where we lay; though the sullen washing that came to our ears, + from time to time, gave unerring notice that it was doing so quite near + us, independently of the places where it broke upon rocks. At one time the + captain's impatience was so goading, that he had determined to pull round + the anchorage in a boat, in order to anticipate the approach of light; but + a suggestion from Mr. Marble that he might unconsciously pull into a + roller, and capsize, induced him to wait for day. + </p> + <p> + The dawn appeared at last, after two or three of the longest hours I + remember ever to have passed. Never shall I forget the species of furious + eagerness with which we gazed about us. In the first place, we got an + outline of the adjacent land; then, as light diffused itself more and more + into the atmosphere, we caught glimpses of its details. It was soon + certain we were within a cable's length of perpendicular cliffs of several + hundred feet in height, into whose caverns the sea poured at times, + producing those frightful, hollow moanings, that an experienced ear can + never mistake. This cliff extended for leagues in both directions, + rendering drowning nearly inevitable to the shipwrecked mariner on that + inhospitable coast. Ahead, astern, outside of us, and I might almost say + all around us, became visible, one after another, detached ledges, + breakers and ripples; so many proofs of the manner in which Providence had + guided us through the hours of darkness. + </p> + <p> + By the time the sun appeared, for, happily, the day proved bright and + clear, we had obtained pretty tolerable notions of the critical situation + in which we were placed by means of the captain's theory of currents. The + very cape that we were to drift past, lay some ten leagues nearly dead to + windward, as the breeze then was; while to leeward, far as the eye could + reach, stretched the same inhospitable, barrier of rock as that which lay + on our starboard quarter and beam. Such was my first introduction to the + island of Madagascar; a portion of the world, of which, considering its + position, magnitude and productions, the mariners of Christendom probably + know less than of any other. At the time of which I am writing, far less + had been learned of this vast country than is known to-day, though the + knowledge of even our own immediate contemporaries is of an exceedingly + limited character. + </p> + <p> + Now that the day had returned, the sun was shining on us cheerfully, and + the sea looked tranquil and assuring, the captain became more pacified. He + had discretion enough to understand that time and examination were + indispensable to moving the ship with safety; and he took the wise course + of ordering the people to get their breakfasts, before he set us at work. + The hour that was thus employed forward, was passed aft in examining the + appearance of the water, and the positions of the reefs around the ship. + By the time we were through, the captain had swallowed his cup of coffee + and eaten his biscuit; and, calling away four of the most athletic + oarsmen, he got into the jolly-boat, and set out on the all-important duty + of discovering a channel sea-ward. The lead was kept moving, and I shall + leave the party thus employed for an hour or more, while we turn our + attention in-board. + </p> + <p> + Marble beckoned me aft, as soon as Captain Robbins was in the boat, + apparently with a desire to say something in private. I understood the + meaning of his eye, and followed him down into the steerage, where all + that was left of the ship's water was now stowed, that on deck having been + already used. The mate had a certain consciousness about him that induced + great caution, and he would not open his lips until he had rummaged about + below some time, affecting to look for a set of blocks that might be + wanted for some purpose or other, on deck. When this had lasted a little + time, he turned short round to me, and let out the secret of the whole + manoeuvre. + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what, Master Miles,” he said, making a sign with a finger + to be cautious, “I look upon this ship's berth as worse than that of a + city scavenger. We've plenty of water all round us, and plenty of rocks, + too. If we knew the way back, there is no wind to carry us through it, + among these bloody currents, and there's no harm in getting ready for the + worst. So do you get Neb and the gentleman”—Rupert was generally + thus styled in the ship—“and clear away the launch first. Get + everything out of it that don't belong there; after which, do you put + these breakers in, and wait for further orders. Make no fuss, putting all + upon orders, and leave the rest to me.” + </p> + <p> + I complied, of course, and in a few minutes the launch was clear. While + busy, however, Mr. Kite came past, and desired to know “what are you at + there?” I told him 'twas Mr. Marble's orders, and the latter gave his own + explanation of the matter. + </p> + <p> + “The launch may be wanted,” he said, “for I've no notion that jolly-boat + will do to go out as far as we shall find it necessary to sound. So I am + about to ballast the launch, and get her sails ready; there's no use in + mincing matters in such a berth as this.” + </p> + <p> + Kite approved of the idea, and even went so far as to suggest that it + might be well enough to get the launch into the water at once, by way of + saving time. The proposition was too agreeable to be rejected, and, to own + the truth, all hands went to work to get up the tackles with a will, as it + is called. In half an hour the boat was floating alongside the ship. Some + said she would certainly be wanted to carry out the stream-anchor, if for + nothing else; others observed that half a dozen boats would not be enough + to find all the channel we wanted; while Marble kept his eye, though + always in an underhand way, on his main object. The breakers we got in and + stowed, filled with <i>fresh</i> water, by way of ballast. The masts were + stepped, the oars were put on board, and a spare compass was passed dawn, + lest the ship might be lost in the thick weather, of which there was so + much, just in that quarter of the world. All this wars said and done so + quietly, that nobody took the alarm; and when the mate called out, in a + loud voice, “Miles, pass a bread-bag filled and some cold grub into that + launch—the men may be hungry before they get back,” no one seemed to + think more was meant than was thus openly expressed. I had my private + orders, however, and managed to get quite a hundred-weight of good cabin + biscuit into the launch, while the cook was directed to fill his coppers + with pork. I got some of the latter <i>raw</i> into the boat, too; <i>raw</i> + pork being food that sailors in no manner disdain. They say it eats like + chestnuts. + </p> + <p> + In the mean time, the captain was busy in his exploring expedition, on the + return from which he appeared to think he was better rewarded than has + certainly fallen to the lot of others employed on another expedition which + bears the same name. He was absent near two hours, and, when he got back, + it was to renew his theory of what Mr. Marble called his “bloody + currents.” + </p> + <p> + “I've got behind the curtain, Mr. Marble,” commenced Captain Robbins, + before he was fairly alongside of the ship again, whereupon Marble + muttered “ay! ay! you've got behind the rocks, too!” “It's all owing to an + eddy that is made in-shore by the main current, and we have stretched a <i>leetle</i> + too far in.” + </p> + <p> + Even I thought to myself, what would have become of us had we stretched a + <i>leetle</i> further in! The captain, however, seemed satisfied that he + could carry the ship out, and, as this was all we wanted, no one was + disposed to be very critical. A word was said about the launch, which the + mate had ordered to be dropped astern, out of the way, and the explanation + seemed to mystify the captain. In the meanwhile, the pork was boiling + furiously in the coppers. + </p> + <p> + All hands were now called to get the anchor up. Rupert and I went aloft to + loosen sails, and we staid there until the royals were mast-headed. In a + very few minutes the cable was up and down, and then came the critical + part of the whole affair. The wind was still very light, and it was a + question whether the ship could be carried past a reef of rocks that now + began to show itself above water, and on which the long, heavy rollers, + that came undulating from the south-western Atlantic, broke with a sullen + violence that betrayed how powerful was the ocean, even in its moments of + slumbering peacefulness. The rising and falling of its surface was like + that of some monster's chest, as he respired heavily in sleep. + </p> + <p> + Even the captain hesitated about letting go his hold of the bottom, with + so strong a set of the water to leeward, and in so light a breeze. There + was a sort of bight on our starboard bow, however, and Mr. Marble + suggested it might be well to sound in that direction, as the water + appeared smooth and deep. To him it looked as if there were really an eddy + in-shore, which might hawse the ship up to windward six or eight times her + length, and thus more than meet the loss that must infallibly occur in + first casting her head to seaward. The captain admitted the justice of + this suggestion, and I was one of those who were told to go in the + jolly-boat on this occasion. We pulled in towards the cliffs, and had not + gone fifty yards before we struck an eddy, sure enough, which was quite as + strong as the current in which the ship lay. This was a great advantage, + and so much the more, because the water was of sufficient depth, quite up + to the edge of the reef which formed the bight, and thus produced the + change in the direction of the set. There was plenty of room, too, to + handle the ship in, and, all things considered, the discovery was + extremely fortunate. In the bottom of the bight we should have gone ashore + the previous night, had not our ears been so much better than our noses. + </p> + <p> + As soon as certain of the facts, the captain pulled back to the ship, and + gladdened the hearts of all on board with the tidings. We now manned the + handspikes cheerily, and began to heave. I shall never forget the + impression made on me by the rapid drift of the ship, as soon as the + anchor was off the bottom, and her bows were cast in-shore, in order to + fill the sails. The land was so near that I noted this drift by the rocks, + and my heart was fairly in my mouth for a few seconds. But the John worked + beautifully, and soon gathered way. Her bows did not not strike the eddy, + however, until we got fearful evidence of the strength of the true + current, which had set us down nearly as low as the reef outside, to + windward of which it was indispensable for us to pass. Marble saw all + this, and he whispered me to tell the cook to pass the pork into the + launch at once—hot to mind whether it were particularly well done, + or not. I obeyed, and had to tend the fore-sheet myself, for my pains, + when the order was given to “ready about.” + </p> + <p> + The eddy proved a true friend, but it did not carry us up much higher than + the place where we had anchored, when it became necessary to tack. This + was done in season, on account of our ignorance of all the soundings, and + we had soon got the John's head off-shore again. Drawing a short distance + ahead, the main-top-sail was thrown aback, and the ship allowed to drift. + In proper time, it was filled, and we got round once more, looking into + the bight. The manoeuvre was repeated, and this brought us up fairly under + the lee of the reef, and just in the position we desired to be. It was a + nervous instant, I make no doubt, when Captain Robbins determined to trust + the ship in the true current, and run the gauntlet of the rocks. The + passage across which we had to steer, before we could possibly weather the + nearest reef was about a cable's length in width, and the wind would + barely let us lay high enough to take it at right-angles. Then the air was + so light, that I almost despaired of our doing anything. + </p> + <p> + Captain Robbins put the ship into the current with great judgment. She was + kept a rap-full until near the edge of the eddy, and then her helm was put + nearly down, all at once. But for the current's acting, in one direction, + on her starboard bow, and the eddy's pressing, in the other, on the + larboard quarter, the vessel would have been taken aback; but these + counteracting forces brought her handsomely on her course again, and that + in a way to prevent her falling an inch to leeward. + </p> + <p> + Now came the trial. The ship was kept a rap-full, and she went steadily + across the passage, favoured, perhaps, by a little more breeze than had + blown most of the morning. Still, our leeward set was fearful, and, as we + approached the reef, I gave all up. Marble screwed his lips together, and + his eyes never turned from the weather-leeches of the sails. Everybody + appeared to me to be holding his breath, as the ship rose on the long + ground-swells, sending slowly ahead the whole time. We passed the nearest + point of the rocks on one of the rounded risings of the water, just + touching lightly as we glided by the visible danger. The blow was light, + and gave little cause for alarm. Captain Robbins now caught Mr. Marble by + the hand, and was in the very act of heartily shaking it, when the ship + came down very much in the manner that a man unexpectedly lights on a + stone, when he has no idea of having anything within two or three yards of + his feet. The blow was tremendous, throwing half the crew down; at the + same instant, all three of the topmasts went to leeward. + </p> + <p> + One has some difficulty in giving a reader accurate notions of the + confusion of so awful a scene. The motion of the vessel was arrested + suddenly, as it might be by a wall, and the whole fabric seemed to be + shaken to dissolution. The very next roller that came in, which would have + undulated in towards the land but for us, meeting with so large a body in + its way, piled up and broke upon our decks, covering everything with + water. At the same time, the hull lifted, and, aided by wind, sea and + current, it set still further on the reef, thumping in a way to break + strong iron bolts, like so many sticks of sealing-wax, and cracking the + solid live-oak of the floor-timbers as if they were made of willow. The + captain stood aghast! For one moment despair was painfully depicted in his + countenance; then he recovered his self-possession and seamanship. He gave + the order to stand by to carry out to windward the stream-anchor in the + launch, and to send a kedge to haul out by, in the jolly-boat. Marble + answered with the usual “ay, ay, sir!” but before he sent us into the + boats, he ventured to suggest that the ship had bilged already. He had + heard timbers crack, about which he thought there could be no mistake. The + pumps were sounded, and the ship had seven feet water in her hold. This + had made in about ten minutes. Still the captain would not give up. He + ordered us to commence throwing the teas overboard, in order to ascertain, + if possible, the extent of the injury. A place was broken out in the wake + of the main-hatch, and a passage was opened down into the lower-hold, + where we met the water. In the mean time, a South-Sea man we had picked up + at Canton, dove down under the lee of the bilge of the ship. He soon came + back and reported that a piece of sharp rock had gone quite through the + planks. Everything tending to corroborate this, the captain called a + council of all hands on the quarter-deck, to consult as to further + measures. + </p> + <p> + A merchantman has no claim on the services of her crew after she is + hopelessly wrecked. The last have a lien in law, on the ship and cargo, + for their wages; and it is justly determined that when this security + fails, the claim for services ends. It followed, of course, that as soon + as the John was given over, we were all our own masters; and hence the + necessity for bringing even Neb into the consultation. With a vessel of + war it would have been different. In such a case, the United States pays + for the service, ship or no ship, wreck or no wreck; and the seaman serves + out his term of enlistment, be this longer or shorter. Military discipline + continues under all circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Captain Robbins could hardly speak when we gathered round him on the + forecastle, the seas breaking over the quarter-deck in a way to render + that sanctuary a very uncomfortable berth. As soon as he could command + himself, he told us that the ship was hopelessly lost. How it had + happened, he could not very well explain himself, though he ascribed it to + the fact that the currents did not run in the direction in which, + according to all sound reasoning, they ought to run. This part of the + speech was not perfectly lucid, though, as I understood our unfortunate + captain, the laws of nature, owing to some inexplicable influence, had + departed, in some way or other, from their ordinary workings, expressly to + wreck the John. If this were not the meaning of what he said, I did not + understand this part of the address. + </p> + <p> + The captain was much more explicit after he got out of the current. He + told us that the island of Bourbon was only about four hundred miles from + where we then were, and he thought it possible to go that distance, find + some small craft, and come back, and still save part of the cargo, the + sails, anchors, &c. &c. We might make such a trip of it as would + give us all a lift, in the way of salvage, that might prove some + compensation for our other losses. This sounded well, and it had at least + the effect to give us some present object for our exertions; it also made + the danger we all ran of losing our lives, less apparent. To land on the + island of Madagascar, in that day, was out of the question. The people + were then believed to be far less civilized than in truth they were, and + had a particularly bad character among mariners. Nothing remained, + therefore, but to rig the boats, and make immediate dispositions for our + departure. + </p> + <p> + Now it was that we found the advantage of the preparations already made. + Little remained to be done, and that which was done, was much better done + than if we had waited until the wreck was half full of water, and the seas + were combing in upon her. The captain took charge of the launch, putting + Mr. Marble, Rupert, Neb, myself and the cook, into the jolly-boat, with + orders to keep as close as possible to himself. Both boats had sails, and + both were so arranged as to row in calms, or head-winds. We took in rather + more than our share of provisions and water, having two skillful caterers + in the chief-mate and cook; and, having obtained a compass, quadrant, and + a chart, for our portion of the indispensables, all hands were ready for a + start, in about two hours after the ship had struck. + </p> + <p> + It was just noon when we cast off from the wreck, and stood directly off + the land. According to our calculations, the wind enabled us to run, with + a clean full, on our true course. As the boats drew out into the ocean, we + had abundant opportunities of discovering how many dangers we had escaped; + and, for my own part, I felt deeply grateful, even then, as I was going + out upon the wide Atlantic in a mere shell of a boat, at the mercy we had + experienced. No sooner were we fairly in deep water, than the captain and + mate had a dialogue on the subject of the currents again. Notwithstanding + all the difficulties his old theory had brought him into, the former + remained of opinion that the true current set to windward, and that we + should so find it as soon as we got a little into the offing; while the + mate was frank enough to say he had been of opinion, all along, that it + ran the other way. The latter added that Bourbon was rather a small spot + to steer for, and it might be better to get into its longitude, and then + find it by meridian observations, than to make any more speculations about + matters of which we knew nothing. + </p> + <p> + The captain and Mr. Marble saw things differently, and we kept away + accordingly, when we ought to have luffed all we could. Fortunately the + weather continued moderate, or our little boat would have had a bad time + of it. We outsailed the launch with ease, and were forced to reef in order + not to part company. When the sun set, we were more than twenty miles from + the land, seeing no more of the coast, though the mountains inland were + still looming up grandly in the distance. I confess, when night shut in + upon us, and I found myself on the wide ocean, in a boat much smaller than + that with which I used to navigate the Hudson, running every minute + farther and farther into the watery waste, I began to think of Clawbonny, + and its security, and quiet nights, and well-spread board, and comfortable + beds in a way I had never thought of either before. As for food, however, + we were not stinted; Mr. Marble setting us an example of using our teeth + on the half boiled pork, that did credit to his philosophy. To do this man + justice, he seemed to think a run of four hundred miles in a jolly-boat no + great matter, but took everything as regularly as if still on the deck of + the John. Each of us got as good a nap as our cramped situations would + allow. + </p> + <p> + The wind freshened in the morning, and the sea began to break. This made + it necessary to keep still more away, to prevent filling at times, or to + haul close up, which might have done equally well. But the captain + preferred the latter course, on account of the current. We had ticklish + work of it, in the jolly-boat, more than once that day, and were compelled + to carry a whole sail in order to keep up with the launch, which beat us, + now the wind had increased. Marble was a terrible fellow to carry on + everything, ship or boat, and we kept our station admirably, the two boats + never getting a cable's length asunder, and running most of the time + within hail of each other. As night approached, however, a consultation + was held on the subject of keeping in company. We had now been out thirty + hours, and had made near a hundred and fifty miles, by our calculation. + Luckily the wind had got to be nearly west, and we were running ahead + famously, though it was as much as we could do to keep the jolly-boat from + filling. One hand was kept bailing most of the time, and sometimes all + four of us were busy. These matters were talked over, and the captain + proposed abandoning the jolly-boat altogether, and to take us into the + launch, though there was not much vacant space to receive us. But the mate + resisted this, answering that he thought he could take care of our boat a + while longer, at least. Accordingly, the old arrangement was maintained, + the party endeavouring to keep as near together as possible. + </p> + <p> + About midnight it began to blow in squalls, and two or three times we + found it necessary to take in our sails, our oars, and pull the boat head + to sea, in order to prevent her swamping. The consequence was, that we + lost sight of the launch, and, though we always kept away to our course as + soon as the puffs would allow, when the sun rose we saw nothing of our + late companions. I have sometimes thought Mr. Marble parted company on + purpose, though he seemed much concerned next morning when he had + ascertained the launch was nowhere to be seen. After looking about for an + hour, and the wind moderating, we made sail close on the wind; a direction + that would soon have taken us away from the launch, had the latter been + close alongside when we first took it. We made good progress all this day, + and at evening, having now been out fifty-four hours, we supposed + ourselves to be rather more than half-way on the road to our haven. It + fell calm in the night, and the next morning we got the wind right aft. + This gave us a famous shove, for we sometimes made six and seven knots in + the hour. The fair wind lasted thirty hours, during which time we must + have made more than a hundred and fifty miles, it falling nearly calm + about an hour before dawn, on the morning of the fourth day out. Everybody + was anxious to see the horizon that morning, and every eye was turned to + the east, with intense expectation, as the sun rose. It was in vain; there + was not the least sign of land visible. Marble looked sadly disappointed, + but he endeavoured to cheer us up with the hope of seeing the island + shortly. We were then heading due east, with a very light breeze from the + north-west. I happened to stand up in the boat, on a thwart, and, turning + my face to the southward, I caught a glimpse of something that seemed like + a hummock of land in that quarter. I saw it but for an instant; but, + whatever it was, I saw it plain enough. Mr. Marble now got on the thwart, + and looked in vain to catch the same object. He said there was no land in + that quarter—could be none—and resumed his seat to steer to + the eastward, a little north. I could not be easy, however, but remained + on the thwart until the boat lifted on a swell higher than common, and + then I saw the brown, hazy-looking spot on the margin of the ocean again. + My protestations now became so earnest, that Marble consented to stand for + an hour in the direction I pointed out to him. “One hour, boy, I will + grant you, to shut your mouth,” the mate said, taking out his watch, “and + that you need lay nothing to my door hereafter.” To make the most of this + hour, I got my companions at the oars, and we all pulled with hearty + good-will. So much importance did I attach to every fathom of distance + made, that we did not rise from our seats until the mate told us to stop + rowing, for the hour was up. As for himself, he had not risen either, but + kept looking behind him to the eastward, still hoping to see land + somewhere in that quarter. + </p> + <p> + My heart beat violently as I got upon the thwart, but there lay my hazy + object, now never dipping at all. I shouted “land ho!” Marble jumped up on + a thwart, too and no longer disputed my word. It was land, he admitted, + and it must be the island of Bourbon, which we had passed to the + northward, and must soon have given a hopelessly wide berth. We went to + the oars again with renewed life, and soon made the boat spin. All that + day we kept rowing, until about five in the afternoon, when we found + ourselves within a few leagues of the island of Bourbon, where we were met + by a fresh breeze from the southward, and were compelled to make sail. The + wind was dead on end, and we made stretches under the lee of the island, + going about as we found the sea getting to be too heavy for us, as was + invariably the case whenever we got too far east or west. In a word, a lee + was fast becoming necessary. By ten, we were within a mile of the shore, + but saw no place where we thought it safe to attempt a landing in the + dark; a long, heavy sea setting in round both sides of the island, though + the water did not break much where we remained. At length the wind got to + be so heavy, that we could not carry even our sail double-reefed, and we + kept two oars pulling lightly in, relieving each other every hour. By + daylight it blew tremendously, and glad enough were we to find a little + cove where it was possible to get ashore. I had then never felt so + grateful to Providence as I did when I got my feet on <i>terra-firma</i>. + </p> + <p> + We remained on the island a week, hoping to see the launch and her crew; + but neither appeared. Then we got a passage to the Isle of France, on + arriving at which place we found the late gale was considered to have been + very serious. There was no American consul in the island, at that time; + and Mr. Marble, totally without credit or means, found it impossible to + obtain a craft of any sort to go to the wreck in. We were without money, + too, and, a homeward-bound Calcutta vessel coming in, we joined her to + work our passages home, Mr. Marble as dickey, and the rest of us in the + forecastle. This vessel was called the Tigris, and belonged to + Philadelphia. She was considered one of the best ships out of America, and + her master had a high reputation for seamanship and activity. He was a + little man of the name of Digges, and was under thirty at the time I first + knew him. He took us on board purely out of a national feeling, for his + ship was strong-handed without us, having thirty-two souls, all told, when + he received us five. We afterwards learned that letters sent after the + ship had induced Captain Digges to get five additional hands in Calcutta, + in order to be able to meet the picaroons that were then beginning to + plunder American vessels, even on their own coast, under the pretence of + their having violated certain regulations made by the two great + belligerents of the day, in Europe. This was just the commencement of the + <i>quasi</i> war which broke out a few weeks later with France. + </p> + <p> + Of all these hostile symptoms, however, I then knew little and cared less. + Even Mr. Marble had never heard of them and we five joined the Tigris + merely to get passages home, without entertaining second thoughts of + running any risk, further than the ordinary dangers of the seas. + </p> + <p> + The Tigris sailed the day we joined her, which was the third after we + reached Mauritius, and just fifteen days after we had left the wreck. We + went to sea with the wind at the southward, and had a good run off the + island, making more than a hundred miles that afternoon and in the course + of the night. Next morning, early, I had the watch, and an order was given + to set top-gallant studding-sails. Rupert and I had got into the same + watch on board this vessel, and we both went aloft to reeve the gear. I + had taken up the end of the halyards, and had reeved them, and had + overhauled the end down, when, in raising my head, I saw two small + lug-sails on the ocean, broad on our weather-bow, which I recognised in an + instant for those of the John's launch. I cannot express the feeling that + came over me at that sight. I yelled, rather than shouted, “Sail ho!” and + then, pushing in, I caught hold of a royal-backstay, and was on deck in an + instant. I believe I made frantic gestures to windward, for Mr. Marble, + who had the watch, had to shake me sharply before I could let the fact be + known. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Marble comprehended me, and got the bearings of the boat, he + hauled down all the studding-sails, braced sharp up on a wind, set the + mainsail, and then sent down a report to Captain Digges for orders. Our + new commander was a humane man, and having been told our whole story, he + did not hesitate about confirming all that had been done. As the people in + the launch had made out the ship some time before I saw the boat, the + latter was running down upon us, and, in about an hour, the tiny sails + were descried from the deck. In less than an hour after this, our mainyard + swung round, throwing the topsail aback, and the well-known launch of the + John rounded-to close under our lee; a rope was thrown, and the boat was + hauled alongside. + </p> + <p> + Everybody in the Tigris was shocked when we came to get a look at the + condition of the strangers. One man, a powerful negro, lay dead in the + bottom of the boat; the body having been kept for a dreadful alternative, + in the event of his companions falling in with no other relief. Three more + of the men were nearly gone, and had to be whipped on board as so many + lifeless bales of goods. Captain Robbins and Kite, both athletic, active + men, resembled spectres, their eyes standing out of their heads as if + thrust from their sockets by some internal foe; and when we spoke to them, + they all seemed unable to answer. It was not fasting, or want of food, + that had reduced them to this state, so much as want of water. It is true, + they had no more bread left than would keep body and soul together for a + few hours longer; but of water they had tasted not a drop for seventy odd + hours! It appeared that, during the gale, they had been compelled to empty + the breakers to lighten the boat, reserving only one for their immediate + wants. By some mistake, the one reserved was nearly half-empty at the + time; and Captain Robbins believed himself then so near Bourbon, as not to + go on an allowance until it was too late. In this condition had they been + searching for the island quite ten days, passing it, but never hitting it. + The winds had not favoured them, and, the last few days, the weather had + been such as to admit of no observation. Consequently, they had been as + much out of their reckoning in their latitude, as in their longitude. + </p> + <p> + A gleam of intelligence, and I thought of pleasure, shot athwart the + countenance of Captain Robbins, as I helped him over the Tigris's side. He + saw I was safe. He tottered as he walked, and leaned heavily on me for + support. I was about to lead him aft, but his eye caught sight of a + scuttlebutt, and the tin-pot on its head. Thither he went, and stretched + out a trembling hand to the vessel. I gave him the pot as it was, with + about a wine-glass of water in it This he swallowed at a gulp, and then + tottered forward for more. By this time Captain Digges joined us, and gave + the proper directions how to proceed. All the sufferers had water in small + quantities given them, and it is wonderful with what expressions of + delight they received the grateful beverage. As soon as they understood + the necessity of keeping it as long as possible in their mouths, and on + their tongues, before swallowing it, a little did them a great deal of + good. After this, we gave them some coffee, the breakfast being ready, and + then a little ship's biscuit soaked in wine. By such means every man was + saved, though it was near a month before all were themselves again. As for + Captain Robbins and Kite, they were enabled to attend to duty by the end + of a week, though nothing more was exacted of them than they chose to + perform. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The yesty waves + Confound and swallow navigation up.” + <i>Macbeth.</i> +</pre> + <p> + Poor Captain Robbins! No sooner did he regain his bodily strength, than he + began to endure the pain of mind that was inseparable from the loss of his + ship. Marble, who, now that he had fallen to the humbler condition of a + second-mate, was more than usually disposed to be communicative with me, + gave me to understand that our old superior had at first sounded Captain + Digges on the subject of proceeding to the wreck, in order to ascertain + what could be saved; but the latter had soon convinced him that a + first-rate Philadelphia Indiaman had something else to do besides turning + wrecker. After a pretty broad hint to this effect, the John, and all that + was in her, were abandoned to their fate. Marble, however, was of opinion + that the gale in which the launch came so near being lost, must have + broken the ship entirely to pieces, giving her fragments to the ocean. We + never heard of her fate, or recovered a single article that belonged to + her. + </p> + <p> + Many were the discussions between Captain Robbins and his two mates, + touching the error in reckoning that had led them so far from their + course. In that day, navigation was by no means as simple a thing as it + has since become. It is true, lunars were usually attempted in India and + China ships; but this was not an every-day affair, like the present + morning and afternoon observations to obtain the time, and, by means of + the chronometer, the longitude. Then we had so recently got clear of the + islands, as to have no great need of any extraordinary head-work; and the + “bloody currents” had acted their pleasure with us for eight or ten days + before the loss of the ship. Marble was a very good navigator, one of the + best I ever sailed with, in spite of the plainness of his exterior, and + his rough deportment; and, all things considered, he treated his old + commander with great delicacy, promising to do all he could, when he got + home, to clear the matter up. As for Kite, he knew but little, and had the + discretion to say but little. This moderation rendered our passage all the + more agreeable. + </p> + <p> + The Tigris was a very fast ship, besides being well-found. She was a + little larger than the John, and mounted twelve guns, nine-pounders. In + consequence of the additions made to her crew, one way and another, she + now mustered nearer fifty than forty souls on board. Captain Digges had + certain martial tastes, and, long before we were up with the Cape, he had + us all quartered and exercised at the guns. He, too, had had an affair + with some proas, and he loved to converse of the threshing he had given + the rascals. I thought he envied us our exploit, though this might have + been mere imagination on my part, for he was liberal enough in his + commendations. The private intelligence he had received of the relations + between France and America, quickened his natural impulses; and, by the + time we reached St. Helena, the ship might have been said to be in good + fighting order for a merchantman. We touched at this last-mentioned island + for supplies, but obtained no news of any interest. Those who supplied the + ship could tell us nothing but the names of the Indiamen who had gone out + and home for the last twelvemonth, and the prices of fresh meat and + vegetables. Napoleon civilized them, seventeen years later. + </p> + <p> + We had a good run from St. Helena to the calm latitudes, but these last + proved calmer than common. We worried through them after a while, however, + and then did very well until we got in the latitude of the Windward + Islands. Marble one day remarked to me that Captain Digges was standing + closer to the French island of Guadaloupe than was at all necessary or + prudent, if he believed in his own reports of the danger there existed to + American commerce, in this quarter of the ocean. + </p> + <p> + I have lived long enough, and have seen too much of men and things, to + fancy my country and countrymen right in all their transactions, merely + because newspapers, members of congress, and fourth of July orators, are + pleased to affirm the doctrine. No one can go much to sea without reading + with great distrust many of the accounts, in the journals of the day, of + the grievous wrongs done the commerce of America by the authorities of + this or that port, the seizure of such a ship, or the imprisonment of some + particular set of officers and men. As a rule, it is safer to assume that + the afflicted parties deserve all that has happened to them, than to + believe them immaculate; and, quite likely, much more, too. The habit of + receiving such appeals to their sympathies, renders the good people of the + republic peculiarly liable to impositions of this nature; and the mother + who encourages those of her children who fetch and carry, will be certain + to have her ears filled with complaints and tattle. Nevertheless, it is a + fact beyond all dispute, that the commerce of the country was terribly + depredated on by nearly all the European belligerents, between the + commencement of the war of the French revolution and its close. So + enormous were the robberies thus committed on the widely extended trade of + this nation, under one pretence or another, as to give a colouring of + retributive justice, if not of moral right, to the recent failures of + certain States among us to pay their debts. Providence singularly avenges + all wrongs by its unerring course; and I doubt not, if the facts could be + sifted to the bottom, it would be found the devil was not permitted to do + his work, in either case, without using materials supplied by the + sufferers, in some direct or indirect manner, themselves. Of all the + depredations on American trade just mentioned, those of the great sister + republic, at the close of the last century, were among the most grievous, + and were of a character so atrocious and bold, that I confess it militates + somewhat against my theory to admit that France owns very little of the + “suspended debt;” but I account for this last circumstance by the + reparation she in part made, by the treaty of 1831. With England it is + different. She drove us into a war by the effects of her orders in council + and paper blockades, and compelled us to expend a hundred millions to set + matters right. I should like to see the books balanced, not by the devil, + who equally instigated the robberies on the high seas, and the + “suspension” or “repudiation” of the State debts; but by the great + Accountant who keeps a record of all our deeds of this nature, whether it + be to make money by means of cruising ships, or cruising scrip. It is + true, these rovers encountered very differently-looking victims, in the + first place; but it is a somewhat trite remark, that the aggregate of + human beings is pretty much the same in all situations. There were widows + and orphans as much connected with the condemnation of prizes, as with the + prices of condemned stock; and I do not see that fraud is any worse when + carried on by scriveners and clerks with quills behind their ears, than + when carried on by gentlemen wearing cocked hats, and carrying swords by + their sides. On the whole, I am far from certain that the account-current + of honesty is not slightly—honesty very <i>slightly</i> leavens + either transaction—in favour of the non-paying States, as men do + sometimes borrow with good intentions, and fail, from inability, to pay; + whereas, in the whole course of my experience, I never knew a captor of a + ship who intended to give back any of the prize-money, if he could help + it. But, to return to my adventures. + </p> + <p> + We were exactly in the latitude of Guadaloupe, with the usual breeze, + when, at daylight, a rakish-looking brig was seen in chase. Captain Digges + took a long survey of the stranger with his best glass, one that was never + exhibited but on state occasions, and then he pronounced him to be a + French cruiser; most probably a privateer. That he was a Frenchman, Marble + affirmed, was apparent by the height of his top-masts, and the shortness + of his yards; the upper spars, in particular, being mere apologies for + yards. Everybody who had any right to an opinion, was satisfied the brig + was a French cruiser, either public or private. + </p> + <p> + The Tigris was a fast ship, and she was under top-mast and top-gallant + studding-sails at the time, going about seven knots. The brig was on an + easy bowline, evidently looking up for our wake, edging off gradually as + we drew ahead. She went about nine knots, and bade fair to close with us + by noon. There was a good deal of doubt, aft, as to the course we ought to + pursue. It was decided in the end, however, to shorten sail and let the + brig come up, as being less subject to cavils, than to seem to avoid her. + Captain Digges got out his last letters from home, and I saw him showing + them to Captain Robbins, the two conning them over with great earnestness. + I was sent to do some duty near the hencoops, where they were sitting, and + overheard a part of their conversation. From the discourse, I gathered + that the proceedings of these picaroons were often equivocal, and that + Americans were generally left in doubt, until a favourable moment occurred + for the semi-pirates to effect their purposes. The party assailed did not + know when or how to defend himself, until it was too late. + </p> + <p> + “These chaps come aboard you, sometimes, before you're aware of what they + are about,” observed Captain Robbins. + </p> + <p> + “I'll not be taken by surprise in that fashion,” returned Digges, after a + moment of reflection. “Here, you Miles, go forward and tell the cook to + fill his coppers with water, and to set it boiling as fast as he can; and + tell Mr. Marble I want him aft. Bear a hand, now, youngster, and give them + a lift yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Of course I obeyed, wondering what the captain wanted with so much hot + water as to let the people eat their dinners off cold grub, rather than + dispense with it; for this was a consequence of his decree. But we had not + got the coppers half-filled, before I saw Mr. Marble and Neb lowering a + small ship's engine from the launch, and placing it near the galley, in + readiness to be filled. The mate told Neb to screw on the pipe, and then + half a dozen of the men, as soon as we got through with the coppers, were + told to fill the engine with sea-water. Captain Digges now came forward to + superintend the exercise, and Neb jumped on the engine, flourishing the + pipe about with the delight of a “nigger.” The captain was diverted with + the black's zeal, and he appointed him captain of the firemen on the spot. + </p> + <p> + “Now, let us see what you can do at that forward dead eye, darky,” said + Captain Digges, laughing. “Take it directly on the strap. Play away, boys, + and let Neb try his hand.” + </p> + <p> + It happened that Neb hit the dead-eye at the first jet, and he showed + great readiness in turning the stream from point to point, as ordered. + Neb's conduct on the night of the affair with the proas had been told to + Captain Digges, who was so well pleased with the fellow's present + dexterity, as to confirm him in office. He was told to stick by the engine + at every hazard. Soon after, an order was given to clear for action. This + had an ominous sound to my young ears, and, though I have no reason to + suppose myself deficient in firmness, I confess I began to think again of + Clawbonny, and Grace, and Lucy; ay, and even of the mill. This lasted but + for a moment, however, and, as soon as I got at work, the feeling gave me + no trouble. We were an hour getting the ship ready, and, by that time, the + brig was within half a mile, luffing fairly up on our lee-quarter. As we + had shortened sail, the privateer manifested no intention of throwing a + shot to make us heave-to. She seemed disposed to extend courtesy for + courtesy. + </p> + <p> + The next order was for all hands to go to quarters. I was stationed in the + main-top, and Rupert in the fore. Our duties were to do light work, in the + way of repairing damages; and the captain, understanding that we were both + accustomed to fire-arms, gave us a musket a-piece, with orders to blaze + away as soon as they began the work below. As we had both stood fire once, + we thought ourselves veterans, and proceeded to our stations, smiling and + nodding to each other as we went up the rigging. Of the two, my station + was the best, since I could see the approach of the brig, the + mizen-top-sail offering but little obstruction to vision after she got + near; whereas the main-top-sail was a perfect curtain, so far as poor + Rupert was concerned. In the way of danger, there was not much difference + as to any of the stations on board, the bulwarks of the ship being little + more than plank that would hardly stop a musket-ball; and then the French + had a reputation for firing into the rigging. + </p> + <p> + As soon as all was ready, the captain sternly ordered silence. By this + time the brig was near enough to hail. I could see her decks quite + plainly, and they were filled with men. I counted her guns, too, and + ascertained she had but ten, all of which seemed to be lighter than our + own. One circumstance that I observed, however, was suspicious. Her + forecastle was crowded with men, who appeared to be crouching behind the + bulwarks, as if anxious to conceal their presence from the eyes of those + in the Tigris. I had a mind to jump on a back-stay and slip down on deck, + to let this threatening appearance be known; but I had heard some sayings + touching the imperative duty of remaining at quarters in face of the + enemy, and I did not like to desert my station. Tyroes have always + exaggerated notions both of their rights and their duties, and I had not + escaped the weakness. Still, I think some credit is due for the + alternative adopted. During the whole voyage, I had kept a reckoning, and + paper and pencil were always in my pocket, in readiness to catch a moment + to finish a day's work. I wrote as follows on a piece of paper, therefore, + as fast as possible, and dropped the billet on the quarter-deck, by + enclosing a copper in the scrawl, <i>cents</i> then being in their + infancy. I had merely written—“The brig's forecastle is filled with + armed men, hid behind the bulwarks!” Captain Digges heard the fall of the + copper, and looking up—nothing takes an officer's eyes aloft quicker + than to find anything coming out of a top!—he saw me pointing to the + paper. I was rewarded for this liberty by an approving nod. Captain Digges + read what I had written, and I soon observed Neb and the cook filling the + engine with boiling water. This job was no sooner done than a good place + was selected on the quarter-deck for this singular implement of war, and + then a hail came from the brig. + </p> + <p> + “Vat zat sheep is?” demanded some one from the brig. + </p> + <p> + “The Tigris of Philadelphia, from Calcutta <i>home</i>. What brig is <i>that</i>?” + </p> + <p> + “<i>La Folie—corsair Français</i>. From vair you come?” + </p> + <p> + “From Calcutta. And where are <i>you</i> from?” + </p> + <p> + “Guadaloupe. Vair you go, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Philadelphia. Do not luff so near me; some accident may happen.” + </p> + <p> + “Vat you call '<i>accident</i>?' Can nevair hear, eh? I will come <i>tout + près</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Give us a wider berth, I tell you! Here is your jib boom nearly foul of + my mizen-rigging.” + </p> + <p> + “Vat mean zat, bert' vidair? eh! <i>Allons, mes enfants, c'est le moment</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Luff a little, and keep his spar clear,” cried our captain. “Squirt away, + Neb, and let us see what you can do!” + </p> + <p> + The engine made a movement, just as the French began to run out on their + bowsprit, and, by the time six or eight were on the heel of the jib-boom, + they were met by the hissing hot stream, which took them <i>en echelon</i>, + as it might be, fairly raking the whole line. The effect was + instantaneous. Physical nature cannot stand excessive heat, unless + particularly well supplied with skin; and the three leading Frenchmen, + finding retreat impossible, dropped incontinently into the sea, preferring + cold water to hot—the chances of drowning, to the certainty of being + scalded. I believe all three were saved by their companions in-board, but + I will not vouch for the fact. The remainder of the intended boarders, + having the bowsprit before them, scrambled back upon the brig's forecastle + as well as they could, betraying, by the random way in which their hands + flew about, that they had a perfect consciousness how much they left their + rear exposed on the retreat. A hearty laugh was heard in all parts of the + Tigris, and the brig, putting her helm hard up, wore round like a top, as + if she were scalded herself.{*] + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: This incident actually occurred in the war of 1798] + </p> + <p> + We all expected a broadside now; but of that there was little + apprehension, as it was pretty certain we carried the heaviest battery, + and had men enough to work it. But the brig did not fire, I suppose + because we fell off a little ourselves, and she perceived it might prove a + losing game. On the contrary, she went quite round on her heel, hauling up + on the other tack far enough to bring the two vessels exactly <i>dos à dos</i>. + Captain Digges ordered two of the quarter-deck nines to be run out of the + stern-ports; and it was well he did, for it was not in nature for men to + be treated as our friends in the brig had been served, without manifesting + certain signs of ill-humour. The vessels might have been three cables' + lengths asunder when we got a gun. The first I knew of the shot was to + hear it plunge through the mizen-top-sail, then it came whistling through + my top, between the weather-rigging and the mast-head, cutting a hole + through the main-top-sail, and, proceeding onward, I heard it strike + something more solid than canvass. I thought of Rupert and the fore-top in + an instant, and looked anxiously down on deck to ascertain if he were + injured. + </p> + <p> + “Fore-top, there!” called out Captain Digges. “Where did that shot + strike?” + </p> + <p> + “In the mast-head,” answered Rupert, in a clear, firm voice. “It has done + no damage, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Now's your time, Captain Robbing—give 'em a reminder.” + </p> + <p> + Both our nines were fired, and, a few seconds after, three cheers arose + from the decks of our ship. I could not see the brig, now, for the + mizen-top-sail; but I afterwards learned that we had shot away her gaff. + This terminated the combat, in which the glory was acquired principally by + Neb. They told me, when I got down among the people again, that the + black's face had been dilated with delight the whole time, though he stood + fairly exposed to musketry, his mouth grinning from ear to ear. Neb was + justly elated with the success that attended this exhibition of his skill, + and described the retreat of our enemies with a humour and relish that + raised many a laugh at the discomfited privateersman. It is certain that + some of the fellows must have been nearly parboiled. + </p> + <p> + I have always supposed this affair between la Folie and the Tigris to have + been the actual commencement of hostilities in the <i>quasi</i> war of + 1798-9 and 1800. Other occurrences soon supplanted it in the public mind; + but we of the ship never ceased to regard the adventure as one of great + national interest. It did prove to be a nine days' wonder in the + newspapers. + </p> + <p> + From this time, nothing worthy of being noted occurred, until we reached + the coast. We had got as high as the capes of Virginia, and were running + in for the land, with a fair wind, when we made a ship in-shore of us. The + stranger hauled up to speak us, as soon as we were seen. There was a good + deal of discussion about this vessel, as she drew near, between Captain + Digges and his chief-mate. The latter said he knew the vessel, and that it + was an Indiaman out of Philadelphia, called the Ganges, a sort of sister + craft to our own ship; while the former maintained, if it were the Ganges + at all, she was so altered as scarcely to be recognised. As we got near, + the stranger threw a shot under our fore-foot, and showed an American + pennant and ensign. Getting a better look at her, we got so many signs of + a vessel-of-war in our neighbour, as to think it wisest to heave-to, when + the other vessel passed under our stern, tacked, and lay with her + head-yards aback, a little on our weather-quarter. As she drew to + windward, we saw her stern, which had certain national emblems, but no + name on it. This settled the matter. She was a man-of-war, and she carried + the American flag! Such a thing did not exist a few months before, when we + left home, and Captain Digges was burning with impatience to know more. He + was soon gratified. + </p> + <p> + “Is not that the Tigris?” demanded a voice, through a trumpet, from the + stranger. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay! What ship is that?” + </p> + <p> + “The United States' Ship Ganges, Captain Dale; from the capes of the + Delaware, bound on a cruise. You're welcome home, Captain Digges; we may + want some of your assistance under a cockade.” + </p> + <p> + Digges gave a long whistle, and then the mystery was out. This proved to + be the Ganges, as stated, an Indiaman bought into a new navy, and the + first ship-of-war ever sent to sea under the government of the country, as + it had existed since the adoption of the constitution, nine years before. + The privateers of France had driven the republic into an armament, and + ships were fitting out in considerable numbers; some being purchased, like + the Ganges, and others built expressly for the new marine. Captain Digges + went on board the Ganges, and, pulling an oar in his boat, I had a chance + of seeing that vessel also. Captain Dale, a compact, strongly-built, + seaman-like looking man, in a blue and white uniform, received our skipper + with a cordial shake of the hand, for they had once sailed together, and + he laughed heartily when he heard the story of the boarding-party and the + hot water. This respectable officer had no braggadocia about him, but he + intimated that it would not be long, as he thought, before the rovers + among the islands would have their hands full. Congress was in earnest, + and the whole country was fairly aroused. Whenever that happens in + America, it is usually to take a new and better direction than to follow + the ordinary blind impulses of popular feelings. In countries where the + masses count for nothing, in the every-day working of their systems, + excitement has a tendency to democracy; but, among ourselves, I think the + effect of such a condition of things is to bring into action men and + qualities that are commonly of little account, and to elevate, instead of + depressing, public sentiment. + </p> + <p> + I was extremely pleased with the manly, benevolent countenance of Captain + Dale, and had half a desire to ask leave to join his ship on the spot. If + that impulse had been followed, it is probable my future life would have + been very different from what it subsequently proved. I should have been + rated a midshipman, of course; and, serving so early, with a good deal of + experience already in ships, a year or two would have made me a + lieutenant, and, could I have survived the pruning of 1801, I should now + have been one of the oldest officers in the service. Providence directed + otherwise; and how much was lost, or how much gained, by my continuance in + the Tigris, the reader will learn as we proceed. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Captain Digges had taken a glass or two of wine with his old + acquaintance, we returned to our own ship, and the two vessels made sail; + the Ganges standing off to the northward and eastward, while we ran in for + the capes of the Delaware. We got in under Cape May, or within five miles + of it, the same evening, when it fell nearly calm. A pilot came off from + the cape in a row-boat, and he reached us just at dark. Captain Robbins + now became all impatience to land, as it was of importance to him to be + the bearer of his own bad news. Accordingly, an arrangement having been + made with the two men who belonged to the shore-boat, our old commander, + Rupert and myself, prepared to leave the ship, late as it was. We two lads + were taken for the purpose of manning two additional oars, but were to + rejoin the ship in the bay, if possible; if not, up at town. One of the + inducements of Captain Robbins to be off, was the signs of northerly + weather. It had begun to blow a little in puffs from the north-west; and + everybody knew, if it came on to blow seriously from that quarter, the + ship might be a week in getting up the river, her news being certain to + precede her. We hurried off accordingly, taking nothing with us but a + change of linen, and a few necessary papers. + </p> + <p> + We got the first real blast from the north-west in less than five minutes + after we had quitted the Tigris's side, and while the ship was still + visible, or, rather, while we could yet see the lights in her + cabin-windows, as she fell off before the wind. Presently the lights + disappeared, owing, no doubt, to the ship's luffing again. The symptoms + now looked so threatening, that the pilot's men proposed making an effort, + before it was too late, to find the ship; but this was far easier said + than done. The vessel might be spinning away towards Cape Henlopen, at the + rate of six or seven knots; and, without the means of making any signal in + the dark, it was impossible to overtake her. I do believe that Captain + Robbins would have acceded to the request of the men, had he seen any + probability of succeeding; as it was, there remained no alternative but to + pull in, and endeavour to reach the land. We had the light on the cape as + our beacon, and the boat's head was kept directly for it, as the wisest + course for us to pursue. + </p> + <p> + Changes of wind from south-east to north-west are very common on the + American coast. They are almost always sudden; sometimes so much so, as to + take ships aback; and the force of the breeze usually comes so early, as + to have produced the saying that a “nor'-wester comes butt-end foremost.” + Such proved to be the fact in our case. In less than half an hour after it + began to blow, the wind would have brought the most gallant ship that + floated to double-reefed topsails, steering by, and to reasonably + short-canvass, running large. We may have pulled a mile in this half hour, + though it was by means of a quick stroke and great labour. The Cape May + men were vigorous and experienced, and they did wonders; nor were Rupert + and I idle; but, as soon as the sea got up, it was as much as all four of + us could do to keep steerage-way on the boat. There were ten minutes, + during which I really think the boat was kept head to sea by means of the + wash of the waves that drove past, as we barely held her stationary. + </p> + <p> + Of course, it was out of the question to continue exertions that were as + useless as they were exhausting. We tried the expedient, however, of + edging to the northward, with the hope of getting more under the lee of + the land, and, consequently, into smoother water; but it did no good. The + nearest we ever got to the light must have considerably exceeded a league. + At length Rupert, totally exhausted, dropped his oar, and fell panting on + the thwart. He was directed to steer, Captain Robbins taking his place. I + can only liken our situation at that fearful moment to the danger of a man + who is clinging to a cliff its summit and safety almost in reach of his + hand, with the consciousness that his powers are fast failing him, and + that he must shortly go down. It is true, death was not so certain by our + abandoning the effort to reach the land, but the hope of being saved was + faint indeed. Behind us lay the vast and angry Atlantic, without an inch + of visible land between us and the Rock of Lisbon. We were totally without + food of any sort, though, luckily, there was a small breaker of fresh + water in the boat. The Cape May men had brought off their suppers with + them, but they had made the meal; whereas the rest of us had left the + Tigris fasting, intending to make comfortable suppers at the light. + </p> + <p> + At length Captain Robbins consulted the boatmen, and asked them what they + thought of our situation. I sat between these men, who had been remarkably + silent the whole time, pulling like giants. Both were young, though, as I + afterwards learned, both were married; each having a wife, at that anxious + moment, waiting on the beach of the cape for the return of the boat. As + Captain Robbins put the question, I turned my head, and saw that the man + behind me, the oldest of the two, was in tears. I cannot describe the + shock I experienced at this sight. Here was a man accustomed to hardships + and dangers, who was making the stoutest and most manly efforts to save + himself and all with him, at the very moment, so strongly impressed with + the danger of our situation, that his feelings broke forth in a way it is + always startling to witness, when the grief of man is thus exhibited in + tears. The imagination of this husband was doubtless picturing to his mind + the anguish of his wife at that moment, and perhaps the long days of + sorrow that were to succeed. I have no idea he thought of himself, apart + from his wife: for a finer, more manly resolute fellow, never existed, as + he subsequently proved, to the fullest extent. + </p> + <p> + It seemed to me that the two Cape May men had a sort of desperate + reluctance to give up the hope of reaching the land. We were a strong + boat's crew, and we had a capital, though a light boat; yet all would not + do. About midnight, after pulling desperately for three hours, my strength + was quite gone, and I had to give up the oar. Captain Robbins confessed + himself in a very little better state, and, it being impossible for the + boatmen to do more than keep the boat stationary, and that only for a + little time longer, there remained no expedient but to keep off before the + wind, in the hope of still falling in with the ship. We knew that the + Tigris was on the starboard tack when we left her, and, as she would + certainly endeavour to keep as close in with the land as possible, there + was a remaining chance that she had wore ship to keep off Henlopen, and + might be heading up about north-north-east, and laying athwart the mouth + of the bay. This left us just a chance—a ray of hope; and it had now + become absolutely necessary to endeavour to profit by it. + </p> + <p> + The two Cape May men pulled the boat round, and kept her just ahead of the + seas, as far as it was in their power; very light touches of the oars + sufficing for this, where it could be done at all. Occasionally, however, + one of those chasing waves would come after us, at a racer's speed, + invariably breaking at such instants, and frequently half-filling the + boat. This gave us new employment, Rupert and myself being kept quite half + the time bailing. No occupation, notwithstanding the danger, could prevent + me from looking about the cauldron of angry waters, in quest of the ship. + Fifty times did I fancy I saw her, and as often did the delusive idea end + in disappointment. The waste of dark waters, relieved by the gleaming of + the combing seas, alone met the senses. The wind blew directly down the + estuary, and, in crossing its mouth, we found too much swell to receive it + on our beam, and were soon compelled, most reluctantly though it was, to + keep dead away to prevent swamping. This painful state of expectation may + have lasted half an hour, the boat sometimes seeming ready to fly out of + the water, as it drifted before the gale, when Rupert unexpectedly called + out that he saw the ship! + </p> + <p> + There she was, sure enough, with her head to the northward and eastward, + struggling along through the raging waters, under her fore and + main-top-sails, close-reefed, and reefed courses, evidently clinging to + the land as close as she could, both to hold her own and to make good + weather. It was barely light enough to ascertain these facts, though the + ship was not a cable's length from us when first discovered. + Unfortunately, she was dead to leeward of us, and was drawing ahead so + fast as to leave the probability she would forereach upon us, unless we + took to all our oars. This was done as soon as possible, and away we went, + at a rapid rate, aiming to shoot directly beneath the Tigris's + lee-quarter, so as to round-to under shelter of her hull, there to receive + a rope. + </p> + <p> + We pulled like giants. Three several times the water slapped into us, + rendering the boat more and more heavy; but Captain Bobbins told us to + pull on, every moment being precious. As I did not look round—<i>could</i> + not well, indeed—I saw no more of the ship until I got a sudden + glimpse of her dark hull, within a hundred feet of us, surging ahead in + the manner in which vessels at sea seem to take sudden starts that carry + them forward at twice their former apparent speed. Captain Robbins had + begun to hail, the instant he thought himself near enough, or at the + distance of a hundred yards; but what was the human voice amid the music + of the winds striking the various cords, and I may add <i>chords</i>, in + the mazes of a square-rigged vessel's hamper, accompanied by the base of + the roaring ocean! Heavens! what a feeling of despair was that, when the + novel thought suggested itself almost simultaneously to our minds, that we + should not make ourselves heard! I say simultaneously, for at the same + instant the whole five of us set up a common, desperate shout to alarm + those who were so near us, and who might easily save us from the most + dreadful of all deaths—starvation at sea. I presume the fearful + manner in which we struggled at the oars diminished the effect of our + voices, while the effort to raise a noise lessened our power with the + oars. We were already to leeward of the ship, though nearly in her wake, + and our only chance now was to over take her. The captain called out to us + to pull for life or death, and pull we did. So frantic were our efforts, + that I really think we should have succeeded, had not a sea come on board + us, and filled us to the thwarts. There remained no alternative but to + keep dead away, and to bail for our lives. + </p> + <p> + I confess I felt scalding tears gush down my cheeks, as I gazed at the + dark mass of the ship just before it was swallowed up in the gloom. This + soon occurred, and then, I make no doubt, every man in the boat considered + himself as hopelessly lost. We continued to bail, notwithstanding; and, + using hats, gourds, pots and pails, soon cleared the boat, though it was + done with no other seeming object than to avert immediate death. I heard + one of the Cape May men pray. The name of his wife mingled with his + petitions to God. As for poor Captain Robbins, who had so recently been in + another scene of equal danger in a boat, he remained silent, seemingly + submissive to the decrees of Providence. + </p> + <p> + In this state we must have drifted a league dead before the wind, the Cape + May men keeping their eyes on the light, which was just sinking below the + horizon, while the rest of us were gazing seaward in ominous expectation + of what awaited us in that direction, when the hail of “Boat ahoy!” + sounded like the last trumpet in our ears. A schooner was passing our + track, keeping a little off, and got so near as to allow us to be seen, + though, owing to a remark about the light which drew all eyes to windward, + not a soul of us saw her. It was too late to avert the blow, for the hail + had hardly reached us, when the schooner's cut-water came down upon our + little craft, and buried it in the sea as if it had been lead. At such + moments men do not think, but act. I caught at a bob-stay, and missed it. + As I went down into the water, my hand fell upon some object to which I + clung, and, the schooner rising at the next instant, I was grasped by the + hair by one of the vessel's men. I had hold of one of the Cape May men's + legs. Released from my weight, this man was soon in the vessel's head, and + he helped to save me. When we got in-board, and mustered our party it was + found that all had been saved but Captain Robbins. The schooner wore + round, and actually passed over the wreck of the boat a second time; but + our old commander was never heard of more! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh! forget not the hour, when through forest and vale + We returned with our chief to his dear native halls! + Through the woody Sierra there sigh'd not a gale, + And the moonbeam was bright on his battlement walls; + And nature lay sleeping in calmness and light, + Round the house of the <i>truants</i>, that rose on our sight.” + MRS. HEMANS. +</pre> + <p> + We had fallen on board an eastern coaster, called the Martha Wallis, bound + from James' River to Boston, intending to cross the shoals. Her watch had + seen us, because the coasters generally keep better look-outs than + Indiamen; the latter, accustomed to good offings, having a trick of + letting their people go to sleep in the night-watches. I made a + calculation of the turns on board the Tigris, and knew it was Mr. Marble's + watch when we passed the ship; and I make no question he was, at that very + moment, nodding on the hencoops—a sort of trick he had. I cannot + even now understand, however, why the man at the wheel did not hear the + outcry we made. To me it appeared loud enough to reach the land. + </p> + <p> + Sailors ordinarily receive wrecked mariners kindly. Our treatment on board + the Martha Wallis was all I could have desired, and the captain promised + to put us on board the first coaster she should fall in with, bound to New + York. He was as good as his word, though not until more than a week had + elapsed. It fell calm as soon as the north-wester blew its pipe out, and + we did not get into the Vineyard Sound for nine days. Here we met a craft + the skipper knew, and, being a regular Boston and New York coaster, we + were put on board her, with a recommendation to good treatment The people + of the Lovely Lass received us just as we had been received on board the + Martha Wallis; all hands of us living aft, and eating codfish, good beef + and pork, with duff (dough) and molasses, almost <i>ad libitum</i>. From + this last vessel we learned all the latest news of the French war, and how + things were going on in the country. The fourth day after we were put on + board this craft, Rupert and I landed near Peck's Slip, New York, with + nothing on earth in our possession, but just in what we stood. This, + however, gave us but little concern—I had abundance at home, and + Rupert was certain of being free from want, both through me and through + his father. + </p> + <p> + I had never parted with the gold given me by Lucy, however. When we got + into the boat to land at the cape, I had put on the belt in which I kept + this little treasure, and it was still round my body. I had kept it as a + sort of memorial of the dear girl who had given it to me; but I now saw + the means of making it useful, without disposing of it altogether. I knew + that the wisest course, in all difficulties, was to go at once to + head-quarters. I asked the address of the firm that owned, or rather <i>had</i> + owned the John, and proceeded to the counting-house forthwith. I told my + story, but found that Kite had been before me. It seems that the Tigris + got a fair wind, three days after the blow, that carried her up to the + very wharves of Philadelphia, when most of the John's people had come on + to New York without delay. By communications with the shore at the cape, + the pilot had learned that his boat had never returned, and our loss was + supposed to have inevitably occurred. The accounts of all this were in the + papers, and I began to fear that the distressing tidings might have + reached Clawbonny. Indeed, there were little obituary notices of Rupert + and myself in the journals, inserted by some hand piously employed, I + should think, by Mr. Kite. We were tenderly treated, considering our <i>escapade</i>; + and <i>my</i> fortune and prospects were dwelt on with some touches of + eloquence that might have been spared. + </p> + <p> + In that day, however, a newspaper was a very different thing from what it + has since become. Then, journals were created merely to meet the demand, + and news was given as it actually occurred; whereas, now, the competition + has produced a change that any one can appreciate, when it is remembered + to what a <i>competition in news</i> must infallibly lead. In that day, + our own journals had not taken to imitating the worst features of the + English newspapers—talents and education are not yet cheap enough in + America to enable them to imitate the best—and the citizen was + supposed to have some rights, as put in opposition to the press. The + public sense of right had not become blunted by familiarity with abuses, + and the miserable and craven apology was never heard for not enforcing the + laws, that nobody cares for what the newspapers say. Owing to these + causes, I escaped a thousand lies about myself, my history, my + disposition, character and acts. Still, I was in print; and I confess it + half-frightened me to see my death announced in such obvious letters, + although I had physical evidence of being alive and well. + </p> + <p> + The owners questioned me closely about the manner in which the John was + lost, and expressed themselves satisfied with my answers. I then produced + my half-joes, and asked to borrow something less than their amount on + their security. To the latter part of the proposition, however, these + gentlemen would not listen, forcing a check for a hundred dollars on me, + desiring that the money might be paid at my own convenience. Knowing I had + Clawbonny, and a very comfortable income under my lee, I made no scruples + about accepting the sum, and took my leave. + </p> + <p> + Rupert and I had now the means of equipping ourselves neatly, though + always in sailor guise. After this was done, we proceeded to the Albany + basin, in order to ascertain whether the Wallingford were down or not. At + the basin we learned that the sloop had gone out that very forenoon, + having on board a black with his young master's effects; a lad who was + said to have been out to Canton with young Mr. Wallingford, and who was + now on his way home, to report all the sad occurrences to the family in + Ulster. This, then, was Neb, who had got thus far back in charge of our + chests, and was about to return to slavery. + </p> + <p> + We had been in hopes that we might possibly reach Clawbonny before the + tidings of our loss. This intelligence was likely to defeat the + expectation; but, luckily, one of the fastest sloops on the river, a + Hudson packet, was on the point of sailing, and, though the wind held well + to the northward, her master thought he should be able to turn up with the + tides, as high as our creek, in the course of the next eight-and-forty + hours. This was quite as much as the Wallingford could do, I felt well + persuaded; and, making a bargain to be landed on the western shore, Rupert + and I put our things on board this packet, and were under way in half an + hour's time. + </p> + <p> + So strong was my own anxiety, I could not keep off the deck until we had + anchored on account of the flood; and much did I envy Rupert, who had + coolly turned in as soon as it was dark, and went to sleep. When the + anchor was down, I endeavoured to imitate his example. On turning out next + morning, I found the vessel in Newburgh Bay, with a fair wind. About + twelve o'clock I could see the mouth of the creek, and the Wallingford + fairly entering it, her sails disappearing behind the trees, just as I + caught sight of them. As no other craft of her size ever went up to that + landing, I could not be mistaken in the vessel. + </p> + <p> + By getting ashore half a mile above the creek, there was a farm-road that + would lead to the house by a cut so short, as nearly to bring us there as + soon as Neb could possibly arrive with his dire, but false intelligence. + The place was pointed out to the captain, who had extracted our secret + from us, and who good-naturedly consented to do all we asked of him. I do + think he would have gone into the creek itself, had it been required. But + we were landed, with our bag of clothes—one answered very well for + both—at the place I have mentioned, and, taking turn about to + shoulder the wardrobe, away we went, as fast as legs could carry us. Even + Rupert seemed to feel on this occasion, and I do think he had a good deal + of contrition, as he must have recollected the pain he had occasioned his + excellent father, and dear, good sister. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny never looked more beautiful than when I first cast eyes on it, + that afternoon. There lay the house in the secure retirement of its + smiling vale, the orchards just beginning to lose their blossoms; the + broad, rich meadows, with the grass waving in the south wind, resembling + velvet; the fields of corn of all sorts; and the cattle, as they stood + ruminating, or enjoying their existence in motionless self-indulgence + beneath the shade of trees, seemed to speak of abundance and considerate + treatment. Everything denoted peace, plenty and happiness. Yet this place, + with all its blessings and security, had I wilfully deserted to encounter + pirates in the Straits of Sunda, shipwreck on the shores of Madagascar, + jeopardy in an open boat off the Isle of France, and a miraculous + preservation from a horrible death on my own coast! + </p> + <p> + At no great distance from the house was a dense grove, in which Rupert and + I had, with our own hands, constructed a rude summer-house, fit to be + enjoyed on just such an afternoon as this on which we had returned. When + distant from it only two hundred yards, we saw the girls enter the wood, + evidently taking the direction of the seat. At the same moment I caught a + glimpse of Neb moving up the road from the landing at a snail's pace, as + if the poor fellow dreaded to encounter the task before him. After a + moment's consultation, we determined to proceed at once to the grove, and + thus anticipate the account of Neb, who must pass so near the summer-house + as to be seen and recognised. We met with more obstacles than we had + foreseen or remembered, and when we got to a thicket close in the rear of + the bench, we found that the black was already in the presence of his two + “young mistresses.” + </p> + <p> + The appearance of the three, when I first caught a near view of them, was + such as almost to terrify me. Even Neb, whose face was usually as shining + as a black bottle, was almost of the colour of ashes. The poor fellow + could not speak, and, though Lucy was actually shaking him to extract an + explanation, the only answer she could get was tears. These flowed from + Neb's eyes in streams, and at length the fellow threw himself on the + ground, and fairly began to groan. + </p> + <p> + “Can this be shame at having run away?” exclaimed Lucy, “or does it + foretell evil to the boys?” + </p> + <p> + “He knows nothing of <i>them</i>, not having been with them—yet, I + am terrified.” + </p> + <p> + “Not on my account, dearest sister,” I cried aloud; “here are Rupert and + I, God be praised, both in good health, and safe.” + </p> + <p> + I took care to remain hid, as I uttered this, not to alarm more than one + sense at a time; but both the girls shrieked, and held out their arms. + Rupert and I hesitated no longer, but sprang forward. I know not how it + happened, though I found, on recovering my self-possession, that I was + folding Lucy to my heart, while Rupert was doing the same to Grace. This + little mistake, however, was soon rectified, each man embracing his own + sister, as in duty bound, and as was most decorous. The girls shed + torrents of tears, and assured us, again and again, that this was the only + really happy moment they had known since the parting on the wharf, nearly + a twelvemonth before. Then followed looks at each other, exclamations of + surprise and pleasure at the changes that had taken place in the + appearance of all parties, and kisses and tears again, in abundance. + </p> + <p> + As for Neb, the poor fellow was seen in the road, whither he had fled at + the sound of my voice, looking at us like one in awe and doubt. Being + satisfied, in the end, of our identity, as well as of our being in the + flesh, the negro again threw himself on the ground, rolling over and over, + and fairly yelling with delight. After going through this process of negro + excitement, he leaped up on his feel, and started for the house, shouting + at the top of his voice, as if certain the good intelligence he brought + would secure his own pardon—“Master Miles come home!—Master + Miles come home!” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, quiet was sufficiently restored among us four, who + remained at the seat, to ask questions, and receive intelligible answers. + Glad was I to ascertain that the girls had been spared the news of our + loss. As for Mr. Hardinge, he was well, and busied, as usual, in + discharging the duties of his holy office. He had told Grace and Lucy the + name of the vessel in which we had shipped, but said nothing of the + painful glimpse he had obtained of us, just as we lifted our anchor, to + quit the port. Grace, in a solemn manner, then demanded an outline of our + adventures. As Rupert was the spokesman on this occasion, the question + having been in a manner put to him as oldest, I had an opportunity of + watching the sweet countenances of the two painfully interested listeners. + Rupert affected modesty in his narration, if he did not feel it, though I + remarked that he dwelt a little particularly on the shot which had lodged + so near him, in the head of the Tigris's foremast. He spoke of the + whistling it made as it approached, and the violence of the blow when it + struck. He had the impudence, too, to speak of my good-luck in being on + the other side of the top, when the shot passed through my station; + whereas I do believe that the shot passed nearer to me than it did to + himself. It barely missed me, and by all I could learn Rupert was leaning + over by the top-mast rigging when it lodged. The fellow told his story in + his own way, however, and with so much unction that I observed it made + Grace look pale. The effect on Lucy was different. This excellent creature + perceived my uneasiness, I half suspected, for she laughed, and, + interrupting her brother, told him, “There—that's enough about the + cannon-ball; now let us hear of something else.” Rupert coloured, for he + had frequently had such frank hints from his sister, in the course of his + childhood; but he had too much address to betray the vexation I knew he + felt. + </p> + <p> + To own the truth, my attachment for Rupert had materially lessened with + the falling off of my respect. He had manifested so much selfishness + during the voyage—had shirked so much duty, most of which had fallen + on poor Neb—and had been so little of the man, in practice, whom he + used so well to describe with his tongue—that I could no longer shut + my eyes to some of his deficiencies of character. I still liked him; but + it was from habit, and perhaps because he was my guardian's son, and + Lucy's brother. Then I could not conceal from myself that Rupert was not, + in a rigid sense, a lad of truth. He coloured, exaggerated, glossed over + and embellished, if he did not absolutely invent. I was not old enough + then to understand that most of the statements that float about the world + are nothing but truths distorted, and that nothing is more rare than + unadulterated fact; that truths and lies travel in company, as described + by Pope in his Temple of Fame, until— + </p> + <p> + “This or that unmixed, no mortal e'er shall find.” + </p> + <p> + In this very narration of our voyage, Rupert had left false impressions on + the minds of his listeners, in fifty things. He had made far more of both + our little skirmishes, than the truth would warrant, and he had neglected + to do justice to Neb in his account of each of the affairs. Then he + commended Captain Robbins's conduct in connection with the loss of the + John, on points that could not be sustained, and censured him for measures + that deserved praise. I knew Rupert was no seaman—was pretty well + satisfied, by this time, he never would make one—but I could not + explain all his obliquities by referring them to ignorance. The manner, + moreover, in which he represented himself as the principal actor, on all + occasions, denoted so much address, that, while I felt the falsity of the + impressions he left, I did not exactly see the means necessary to + counteract them. So ingenious, indeed, was his manner of stringing facts + and inferences together, or what <i>seemed</i> to be facts and inferences, + that I more than once caught myself actually believing that which, in + sober reality, I knew to be false. I was still too young, not quite + eighteen, to feel any apprehensions on the subject of Grace; and was too + much accustomed to both Rupert and his sister, to regard either with any + feelings very widely different from those which I entertained for Grace + herself. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the history of our adventures and exploits was concluded, we + all had leisure to observe and comment on the alterations that time had + made in our several persons. Rupert, being the oldest, was the least + changed in this particular. He had got his growth early, and was only a + little spread. He had cultivated a pair of whiskers at sea, which rendered + his face a little more manly—an improvement, by the way—but, + the effects of exposure and of the sun excepted, there was no very + material change in his exterior. Perhaps, on the whole, he was improved in + appearance. I think both the girls fancied this, though Grace did not say + it, and Lucy only half admitted it, and that with many reservations. As + for myself, I was also full-grown, standing exactly six feet in my + stockings, which was pretty well for eighteen. But I had also spread; a + fact that is not common for lads at that age. Grace said I had lost all + delicacy of appearance; and as for Lucy, though she laughed and blushed + she protested I began to look like a great bear. To confess the truth, I + was well satisfied with my own appearance, did not envy Rupert a jot, and + knew I could toss him over my shoulder whenever I chose. I stood the + strictures on my appearance, therefore, very well; and, though no one was + so much derided and laughed at as myself, in that critical discussion, no + one cared less for it all. Just as I was permitted to escape, Lucy said, + in an under tone— + </p> + <p> + “You should have staid at home, Miles, and then the changes would have + come so gradually, no one would have noticed them, and you would have + escaped being told how much you are altered, and that you are a <i>bear</i>.” + </p> + <p> + I looked eagerly round at the speaker, and eyed her intently. A look of + regret passed over the dear creature's face, her eyes looked as penitent + as they did soft, and the flush that suffused her countenance rendered + this last expression almost bewitching. At the same instant she whispered—“I + did not really mean <i>that</i>.” + </p> + <p> + But it was Grace's turn, and my attention was drawn to my sister. A year + had made great improvements in Grace. Young as she was, she had lost much + of the girlish air, in the sedateness and propriety of the young woman. + Grace had always something more of these last than is common; but they had + now completely removed every appearance of childish, I might almost say of + girlish, frivolity. In person, her improvement was great; though an air of + exceeding delicacy rather left an impression that such a being was more + intended for another world, than this. There was ever an air of fragility + and of pure intellectuality about my poor sister, that half disposed one + to fancy that she would one day be translated to a better sphere in the + body, precisely as she stood before human eyes. Lucy bore the examination + well. She was all woman, there being nothing about <i>her</i> to create + any miraculous expectations, or fanciful pictures; but she was evidently + fast getting to be a very lovely woman. Honest, sincere, full of heart, + overflowing with the feelings of her sex, gentle yet spirited, buoyant + though melting with the charities; her changeful, but natural and yet + constant feelings in her, kept me incessantly in pursuit of her playful + mind and varying humours. Still, a more high-principled being, a firmer or + more consistent friend, or a more accurate thinker on all subjects that + suited her years and became her situation, than Lucy Hardinge, never + existed. Even Grace was influenced by her judgment, though I did not then + know how much my sister's mind was guided by her simple and less + pretending friend's capacity to foresee things, and to reason on their + consequences. + </p> + <p> + We were more than an hour uninterruptedly together, before we thought of + repairing to the house. Lucy then reminded Rupert that he had not yet seen + his father, whom she had just before observed alighting from his horse at + the door of his own study. That he had been apprised of the return of the + runaways, if not prodigals, was evident, she thought, by his manner; and + it was disrespectful to delay seeking his forgiveness and blessing. Mr. + Hardinge received us both without surprise, and totally without any show + of resentment. It was about the time he expected our return, and no + surprise was felt at finding this expectation realized, as a matter of + course, while resentment was almost a stranger to his nature. We all shed + tears, the girls sobbing aloud; and we were both solemnly blessed. Nor am + I ashamed to say I knelt to receive that blessing, in an age when the cant + of a pretending irreligion—there is as much cant in self-sufficiency + as in hypocrisy, and they very often go together—is disposed to turn + into ridicule the humbling of the person, while asking for the blessing of + the Almighty through the ministers of his altars; for kneel I did, and + weep I did, and, I trust, the one in humility and the other in contrition. + </p> + <p> + When we had all become a little calm, and a substantial meal was placed + before us adventurers, Mr. Hardinge demanded an account of all that had + passed. He applied to me to give it, and I was compelled to discharge the + office of an historian, somewhat against my inclination. There was no + remedy, however, and I told the story in my own simple manner, and + certainly in a way to leave very different impressions from many of those + made by the narrative of Rupert. I thought once or twice, as I proceeded, + that Lucy looked sorrowful, and Grace looked surprised. I do not think I + coloured in the least, as regarded myself, and I know I did Neb no more + than justice. My tale was soon told, for I felt the whole time as if I + were contradicting Rupert, who, by the way, appeared perfectly unconcerned—perfectly + unconscious, indeed—on the subject of the discrepancies in the two + accounts. I have since met with men who did not know the truth when it was + even placed very fairly before their eyes. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge expressed his heartfelt happiness at having us back again, + and, soon after, he ventured to ask if we were satisfied with what we had + seen of the world. This was a home question, but I thought it best to meet + it manfully. So far from being satisfied, I told him it was my ardent + desire to get on board one of the letters-of-marque, of which so many were + then fitting out in the country, and to make a voyage to Europe. Rupert, + however, confessed he had mistaken his vocation, and that he thought he + could do no better than to enter a lawyer's office. I was thunderstruck at + this quiet admission of my friend, of his incapacity to make a sailor, for + it was the first intimation I heard of his intention. I had remarked a + certain want of energy, in various situations that required action, in + Rupert, but no want of courage; and I had ascribed some portion of his + lassitude to the change of condition, and, possibly, of food; for, after + all, that godlike creature, man, is nothing but an animal, and is just as + much influenced by his stomach and digestion as a sheep, or a horse. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge received his son's intimation of a preference of intellectual + labours to a more physical state of existence, with a gratification my own + wishes did not afford him. Still, he made no particular remark to either + at the time, permitting us both to enjoy our return to Clawbonny, without + any of the drawbacks of advice or lectures. The evening passed + delightfully, the girls beginning to laugh heartily at our own ludicrous + accounts of the mode of living on board ship, and of our various scenes in + China, the Isle of Bourbon, and elsewhere. Rupert had a great deal of + humour, and a very dry way of exhibiting it; in short, he was almost a + genius in the mere superficialities of life; and even Grace rewarded his + efforts to entertain us, with laughter to tears. Neb was introduced after + supper, and the fellow was both censured and commended; censured for + having abandoned the household gods, and commended for not having deserted + their master. His droll descriptions of the Chinese, their dress, + pigtails, shoes and broken English, diverted even Mr. Hardinge, who, I + believe, felt as much like a boy on this occasion, as any of the party. A + happier evening than that which followed in the little <i>tea</i>-parlour, + as my dear mother used to call it, was never passed in the century that + the roof had covered the old walls of Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + Next day I had a private conversation with my guardian, who commenced the + discourse by rendering a sort of account of the proceeds of my property + during the past year. I listened respectfully, and with some interest; for + I saw the first gave Mr. Hardinge great satisfaction, and I confess the + last afforded some little pleasure to myself. I found that things had gone + on very prosperously. Ready money was accumulating, and I saw that, by the + time I came of age, sufficient cash would be on hand to give me a ship of + my own, should I choose to purchase one. From that moment I was secretly + determined to qualify myself to command her in the intervening time. + Little was said of the future, beyond an expression of the hope, by my + guardian, that I would take time to reflect before I came to a final + decision on the subject of my profession. To this I said nothing beyond + making a respectful inclination of the head. + </p> + <p> + For the next month, Clawbonny was a scene of uninterrupted merriment and + delight. We had few families to visit in our immediate neighbourhood, it + is true; and Mr. Hardinge proposed an excursion to the Springs—the + country was then too new, and the roads too bad, to think of Niagara—but + to this I would not listen. I cared not for the Springs—knew little + of, and cared less for fashion—and loved Clawbonny to its stocks and + stones. We remained at home, then, living principally for each other. + Rupert read a good deal to the girls, under the direction of his father; + while I passed no small portion of my time in athletic exercises. The + Grace & Lucy made one or two tolerably long cruises in the river, and + at length I conceived the idea of taking the party down to town in the + Wallingford. Neither of the girls had ever seen New York, or much of the + Hudson; nor had either ever seen a ship. The sloops that passed up and + down the Hudson, with an occasional schooner, were the extent of their + acquaintance with vessels; and I began to feel it to be matter of reproach + that those in whom I took so deep an interest, should be so ignorant. As + for the girls themselves, they both admitted, now I was a sailor, that + their desire to see a regular, three-masted, full-rigged ship, was + increased seven-fold. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge heard my proposition, at first, as a piece of pleasantry; but + Grace expressing a strong desire to see a large town, or what was thought + a large town in this country, in 1799, and Lucy looking wistful, though + she remained silent under an apprehension her father could not afford the + expense of such a journey, which her imagination rendered a great deal + more formidable than it actually proved to be, the excellent divine + finally acquiesced. The expense was disposed of in a very simple manner. + The journey, both ways, would be made in the Wallingford; and Mr. Hardinge + was not so unnecessarily scrupulous as to refuse passages for himself and + children in the sloop, which never exacted passage-money from any who went + to or from the farm. Food was so cheap, too, as to be a matter of no + consideration; and, being entitled legally to receive that at Clawbonny, + it made no great difference whether it were taken on board the vessel, or + in the house. Then there was a Mrs. Bradfort in New York, a widow lady of + easy fortune, who was a cousin-german of Mr. Hardinge's—his father's + sister's daughter—and with her he always staid in his own annual + visits to attend the convention of the Church—I beg pardon, of the + Protestant Episcopal Church, as it is now <i>de rigueur</i> to say; I + wonder some ultra does not introduce the manifest improvement into the + Apostles' Creed of saying, “I believe in the Holy Protestant Episcopal + Catholic Church, &c.”—but, the excellent divine, in his annual + attendance on the convention, was accustomed to stay with his kinswoman, + who often pressed him to bring both Lucy and Grace to see her; her house + in Wall street being abundantly large enough to accommodate a much more + numerous party. “Yes,” said Mr. Hardinge, “that shall be the arrangement. + The girls and I will stay with Mrs. Bradfort, and the young men can live + at a tavern. I dare say this new City Hotel, which seems to be large + enough to contain a regiment, will hold even <i>them</i>. I will write + this very evening to my cousin, so as not to take her by surprise.” + </p> + <p> + In less than a week after this determination, an answer was received from + Mrs. Bradfort; and, the very next day, the whole party, Neb included, + embarked in the Wallingford. Very different was this passage down the + Hudson from that which had preceded it. Then I had the sense of error + about me, while my heart yearned towards the two dear girls we had left on + the wharf; but now everything was above-board sincere, and by permission. + It is scarcely necessary to say that Grace and Lucy were enchanted with + everything they saw. The Highlands, in particular, threw them both into + ecstasies, though I have since seen so much of the world as to understand, + with nearly all experienced tourists, that this is <i>relatively</i> the + worst part of the scenery of this beautiful river. When I say <i>relatively</i>, + I mean as comparing the <i>bolder</i> parts of our stream with those of + others—speaking of them as <i>high lands</i>—many other + portions of this good globe having a much superior <i>grandeur</i>, while + very few have so much lovely river scenery compressed into so small a + space as is to be found in the other parts of the Hudson. + </p> + <p> + In due time we arrived in New York, and I had the supreme happiness of + pointing out to the girls the State's Prison, the Bear Market, and the + steeples of St. Paul's and Trinity-<i>old</i> Trinity, as it was so lately + the fashion to style a church that was built only a few years before, and + which, in my youth, was considered as magnificent as it was venerable. + That building has already disappeared; and another edifice, which is now + termed splendid, <i>vast</i>, and I know not what, has been reared in its + place. By the time this is gone, and one or two generations of buildings + have succeeded, each approaching nearer to the high standard of church + architecture in the old world, the Manhattanese will get to understand + something of the use of the degrees of comparison on such subjects. When + that day shall arrive, they will cease to be provincial, and—not + till then. + </p> + <p> + What a different thing was Wall street, in 1799, from what it is to-day? + Then, where so many Grecian temples are now reared to Plutus, were rows of + modest provincial dwellings; not a tittle more provincial, however, than + the thousand meretricious houses of bricks and marble that have since + started up in their neighbourhood, but far less pretending, and insomuch + the more creditable. Mrs. Bradfort lived in one of these respectable + abodes, and thither Mr. Hardinge led the way, with just as much confidence + as one would now walk into Bleeker street, or the Fifth Avenue. + Money-changers were then unknown, or, if known, were of so little account + that they had not sufficient force to form a colony and a league by + themselves. Even the banks did not deem it necessary to be within a + stone's throw of each other—I believe there were but two—as it + might be in self-defence. We have seen all sorts of expedients adopted, in + this sainted street, to protect the money-bags, from the little temple + that was intended to be so small as only to admit the dollars and those + who were to take care of them, up to the edifice that might contain so + many rogues, as to render things safe on the familiar principle of setting + a thief to catch a thief. All would not do. The difficulty has been found + to be unconquerable, except in those cases in which the homely and almost + worn-out expedient of employing honest men, has been resorted to. But, to + return from the gossipings of old age to an agreeable widow, who was still + under forty. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradfort received Mr. Hardinge in a way to satisfy us all that she + was delighted to see him. She had prepared a room for Rupert and myself, + and no apologies or excuses would be received. We had to consent to accept + of her hospitalities. In an hour's time, all were established, and I + believe all were at home. + </p> + <p> + I shall not dwell on the happiness that succeeded. We were all too young + to go to parties, and, I might almost add, New York itself was too young + to have any; but in the last I should have been mistaken, though there + were not as many <i>children's</i> balls in 1799, perhaps, after allowing + for the difference in population, as there are to-day. If too young to be + company, we were not too young to see sights. I sometimes laugh as I + remember what these were at that time. There was such a museum as would + now be thought lightly of in a western city of fifteen or twenty years' + growth—a circus kept by a man of the name of Ricketts—the + theatre in John street, a very modest Thespian edifice—and a lion, I + mean literally the beast, that was kept in a cage quite out of town, that + his roaring might not disturb people, somewhere near the spot where the <i>triangle</i> + that is called Franklin <i>Square</i> now is. All these we saw, even to + the theatre; good, indulgent Mr. Hardinge seeing no harm in letting us go + thither under the charge of Mrs. Bradfort. I shall never forget the + ecstasy of that night! The novelty was quite as great to Rupert and myself + as it was to the girls; for, though we had been to China, we had never + been to the play. + </p> + <p> + Well was it said, “Vanity, vanity—all is vanity!” He that lives as + long as I have lived, will have seen most of his opinions, and I think I + may add, <i>all</i> his tastes, change. Nothing short of revelation has a + stronger tendency to convince us of the temporary character of our + probationary state in this world, than to note for how short a period, and + for what imperfect ends, all our hopes and success in life have been + buoying us up, and occupying our minds. After fifty, the delusion begins + to give way; and, though we may continue to live, and even to be happy, + blind indeed must be he who does not see the end of his road, and foresee + some of the great results to which it is to lead. But of all this, our + quartette thought little in the year 1799. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thou art the same, eternal sea! + The earth hath many shapes and forms + Of hill and valley, flower and tree; + Fields that the fervid noontide warms, + Or Winter's rugged grasp deforms, + Or bright with Autumn's golden store; + Thou coverest up thy face with storms, + Or smilest serene—but still thy roar + And dashing foam go up to vex the sea-beat shore.” + LUNT. +</pre> + <p> + I had a free conversation with my guardian, shortly after we reached town, + on the subject of my going to sea again. The whole country was alive with + the armament of the new marine; and cocked-hats, blue coats and white + lapels, began to appear in the streets, with a parade that always marks + the new officer and the new service. Now, one meets distinguished naval + men at every turn, and sees nothing about their persons to denote the + profession, unless in actual employment afloat, even the cockade being + laid aside; whereas in 1799 the harness was put on as soon as the + parchment was received, and only laid aside to turn in. Ships were + building or equipping in all parts of the country; and it is matter of + surprise to me that I escaped the fever, and did not apply to be made a + midshipman. Had I seen another captain who interested me as much as + Captain Dale, I make no doubt my career would have been quite different: + but, as things were, I had imbibed the prejudice that Southey, in his very + interesting, but, in a professional sense, very worthless, life of Nelson, + has attributed to that hero—“aft, the more honour; forward, the + better man.” Thus far, I had not got into the cabin-windows, and, like all + youngsters who fairly begin on the forecastle, felt proud of my own + manhood and disdain of hazards and toil. I determined, therefore, to + pursue the course I had originally pointed out to myself, and follow in + the footsteps of my father. + </p> + <p> + Privateers were out of the question in a war with a country that had no + commerce. Nor do I think I would have gone in a privateer under any + circumstances. The business of carrying on a warfare merely for gain, has + ever struck me as discreditable; though it must be admitted the American + system of private-armed cruisers has always been more respectable and + better conducted than that of most other nations. This has been owing to + the circumstance that men of a higher class than is usual in Europe, have + embarked in the enterprises. To a letter-of-marque, however, there could + be no objection; her regular business is commerce; she arms only in + self-defence, or, if she capture anything, it is merely such enemies as + cross her path, and who would capture her if they could. I announced to + Mr. Hardinge, therefore, my determination not to return to Clawbonny, but + to look for a berth in some letter-of-marque, while then in town. + </p> + <p> + Neb had received private instructions, and my sea dunnage, as well as his + own, was on board the Wallingford—low enough the wreck had reduced + both to be—and money obtained from Mr. Hardinge was used to purchase + more. I now began to look about me for a ship, determined to please my eye + as to the vessel, and my judgment as to the voyage. Neb had orders to + follow the wharves on the same errand. I would sooner trust Neb than + Rupert on such a duty. The latter had no taste for ships; felt no interest + in them; and I have often wondered why he took a fancy to go to sea at + all. With Neb it was very different. He was already an expert seaman; + could hand, reef and steer, knot and splice, and was as useful as nine men + in ten on board a vessel. It is true, he did not know when it became + necessary to take in the last reef—had no notion of stowing a cargo + so as to favour the vessel, or help her sailing; but he would break out a + cask sooner than most men I ever met with. There was too much “nigger” in + him for head-work of that sort, though he was ingenious and ready enough + in his way. A sterling fellow was Neb, and I got in time to love him very + much as I can conceive one would love a brother. + </p> + <p> + One day, after I had seen all the sights, and had begun to think seriously + of finding a ship, I was strolling along the wharves on the latter errand, + when I heard a voice I knew cry put, “There, Captain Williams, there's + just your chap; he'll make as good a third-mate as can be found in all + America.” I had a sort of presentiment this applied to me, though I could + not, on the instant, recall the speaker's name. Turning to look in the + direction of the sounds, I saw the hard countenance of Marble, alongside + the weather-beaten face of a middle-aged shipmaster, both of whom were + examining me over the nettings of a very promising-looking armed + merchantman. I bowed to Mr. Marble, who beckoned me to come on board, + where I was regularly introduced to the master. + </p> + <p> + This vessel was called the Crisis, a very capital name for a craft in a + country where crisises of one sort or another occur regularly as often as + once in six months. She was a tight little ship of about four hundred + tons, had hoop-pole bulwarks, as I afterwards learned, with nettings for + hammocks and old junk, principally the latter; and showed ten + nine-pounders, carriage-guns, in her batteries. I saw she was loaded, and + was soon given to understand that her shipping-articles were then open, + and the serious question was of procuring a third-mate. Officers were + scarce, so many young men were pressing into the navy; and Mr. Marble + ventured to recommend me, from near a twelvemonth's knowledge of my + character. I had not anticipated a berth aft quite so soon, and yet I had + a humble confidence in my own ability to discharge the duty. Captain + Williams questioned me for fifteen or twenty minutes, had a short + conversation with Mr. Marble alone, and then frankly offered me the berth. + The voyage was to be round the world, and it took my fancy at the very + sound. The ship was to take a cargo of flour to England; there, she was to + receive a small assorted cargo for the North-West Coast, and some of the + sandal-wood islands; after disposing of her toys and manufactures in + barter, she was to sail for Canton, exchange her furs, wood and other + articles for teas, &c., and return home. To engage in this voyage, I + was offered the berth I have mentioned, and thirty dollars a-month. The + wages were of little moment to me, but the promotion and the voyage were + of great account. The ship, too, carried out letters-of-marque and + reprisal with her, and there were the chances of meeting some Frenchman in + the European waters, at least. + </p> + <p> + I examined the vessel, the berth I was to occupy, made a great many shy + glances at the captain, to ascertain his character by that profound + expedient, analyzing his looks, and finally determined to ship, on + condition Neb should be taken as an ordinary seaman. As soon as Marble + heard this last proposal, he explained the relation in which the black + stood to me, and earnestly advised his being received as a seaman. The + arrangement was made accordingly, and I went at once to the notary and + signed the articles. Neb was also found, and he was shipped too; this time + regularly, Mr. Hardinge attending and giving his sanction to what was + done. The worthy divine was in excellent spirits, for that very day he had + made an arrangement with a friend at the bar to place Rupert in his + office, Mrs. Bradfort insisting on keeping her young kinsman in her house, + as a regular inmate. This left on the father no more charge than to + furnish Rupert with clothes, and a few dollars of pocket-money. But I knew + Rupert too well to suppose he would, or could, be content with the little + he might expect from the savings of Mr. Hardinge. I was not in want of + money. My guardian had supplied me so amply, that not only had I paid my + debt to the owners of the John, and fully equipped myself for the voyage, + but I actually possessed dollars enough to supply all my probable wants + during the expected absence. Many of the officers and men of the Crisis + left behind them orders with their wives and families to receive their + wages, in part, during their absence, as letters from time to time + apprised the owners that these people were on board, and in discharge of + their several duties. I determined on giving Rupert the benefit of such an + arrangement. First presenting him with twenty dollars from my own little + store, I took him with me to the counting-house, and succeeded, though not + without some difficulty, in obtaining for my friend a credit of twenty + dollars a-month, promising faithfully to repay any balance that might + arise against me in consequence of the loss of the ship, or of any + accident to myself. This I was enabled to do on the strength of my credit + as the owner of Clawbonny; for, as is usual in these cases, I passed for + being much richer than I really was, though far from being poor. + </p> + <p> + I will acknowledge that, while I felt no reluctance at making this + arrangement in favour of Rupert, I felt mortified he should accept it. + There are certain acts we may all wish to perform, and, yet, which bring + regrets when successfully performed. I was sorry that <i>my</i> friend, + Lucy's brother, Grace's admirer—for I was quick enough in perceiving + that Rupert began to entertain fancies of that sort—had not pride + enough to cause him to decline receiving money which must be earned by the + sweat of my brow, and this, moreover, in a mode of life he had not himself + sufficient resolution to encounter a second time. But he accepted the + offer, and there was an end of it. + </p> + <p> + As everything was alive in 1798, the Crisis was ready to sail in three + days after I joined her. We hauled into the North river, as became the + dignity of our voyage, and got our crew on board. On the whole, we + mustered a pretty good body of men, ten of them being green; fellows who + had never seen the ocean, but who were young, healthy and athletic, and + who promised to be useful before a great while. Including those aft, we + counted thirty-eight souls on board. The ship was got ready in hopes of + being able to sail of a Thursday, for Captain Williams was a thoughtful + man, and was anxious to get the ship fairly at sea, with the first work + done, previously to the next Sabbath. Some small matters, however, could + not be got through with in time; and, as for sailing of a Friday, that was + out of the question. No one did that in 1798, who could help it. This gave + us a holiday, and I got leave to pass the afternoon and evening ashore. + </p> + <p> + Rupert, Grace, Lucy and I took a long walk into the country that evening; + that is, we went into the fields, and along the lanes, for some distance + above the present site of Canal street. Lucy and I walked together, most + of the time, and we both felt sad at the idea of so long a separation as + was now before us. The voyage might last three years; and I should be + legally a man, my own master, and Lucy a young woman of near nineteen, by + that time. Terrible ages in perspective were these, and which seemed to us + pregnant with as many changes as the life of a man. + </p> + <p> + “Rupert will be admitted to the bar, when I get back,” I casually + remarked, as we talked the matter over. + </p> + <p> + “He will, indeed,” the dear girl answered. “Now you <i>are</i> to go, + Miles, I almost regret my brother is not to be in the ship; you have known + each other so long, love each other so much, and have already gone through + such frightful trials in company.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I shall do well enough—there'll be Neb; and as for Rupert, I + think he will be better satisfied ashore than at sea. Rupert is a sort of + a natural lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + By this I merely meant he was good at a subterfuge, and could tell his own + story. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, but Neb is not Rupert, Miles,” Lucy answered, quick as thought, and, + I fancied, a little reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “Very true—no doubt I shall miss your brother, and that, too, very + much, at times; but all I meant in speaking of Neb was, as you know, that + he and I like each other, too, and have been through just the same trials + together, you understand, and have known each other as long as I can + remember.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy was silent, and I felt embarrassed, and a little at a loss what to + say next. But a girl approaching sixteen, and who is with a youth who + possesses her entire confidence, is not apt to be long silent. Something + she will say; and how often is that something warm with natural feeling, + instinct with truth, and touching from its confiding simplicity! + </p> + <p> + “You will sometimes think of us, Miles?” was Lucy's next remark, and it + was said in a tone that induced me to look her full in the face, when I + discovered that her eyes were suffused with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Of that you may be <i>very</i> certain, and I hope to be rewarded in + kind. But, now I think of it, Lucy, I have a debt to pay you, and, at the + same time, a little interest. Here are the half-joes you forced me to take + last year, when we parted at Clawbonny. See, they are exactly the same + pieces; for I would as soon have parted with a finger, as with one of + them.” + </p> + <p> + “I had hoped they might have been of use to you, and had quite forgotten + them. You have destroyed an agreeable illusion.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it not quite as agreeable to know we had no occasion for them? No, + here they are; and, now I go with Mr. Hardinge's full approbation, you + very well know I can be in no want of money. So, there is your gold; and + here, Lucy, is some interest for the use of it.” + </p> + <p> + I made an effort to put something into the dear girl's hand as I spoke, + but all the strength I could properly apply was not equal to the purpose. + So tightly did she keep her little fingers compressed, that I could not + succeed without a downright effort at force. + </p> + <p> + “No—no—Miles,” she said hurriedly—almost huskily; “that + will never do! I am not Rupert—you may prevail with him; never with + <i>me</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Rupert! What can Rupert have to do with such a thing as this locket? + Youngsters don't wear lockets.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy's fingers separated as easily as an infant's, and I put my little + offering into her hand without any more resistance. I was sorry, however, + to discover that, by some means unknown to me, she had become acquainted + with the arrangement I had made as respected the twenty dollars a month. I + afterwards ascertained that this secret had leaked out through Neb, who + had it from one of the clerks of the counting-house who had visited the + ship, and repeated it to Mrs. Bradfort's black maid, in one of his + frequent visits to the house. This is a common channel of information, + though it seldom proves as true as it did in this instance. + </p> + <p> + I could see that Lucy was delighted with her locket. It was a very pretty + ornament, in the first place, and it had her own hair, that of Grace, + Rupert, and my own, very prettily braided together, so as to form a + wreath, made like a rope, or a grummet, encircling a combination of + letters that included all our initials. In this there was nothing that was + particular, while there was much that was affectionate. Had I not + consulted Grace on the subject, it is possible I should have been less + cautious, though I declare I had no thought of making love. All this time + I fancied I felt for, and trusted Lucy as another sister. I was shrewd + enough to detect Rupert's manner and feeling towards my own sister, and I + felt afraid it was, or soon would be, fully reciprocated; but as to + imagining myself in love with Lucy Hardinge, or any one else, the thought + never crossed my mind, though the dear girl herself so often did! + </p> + <p> + I saw Lucy's smile, and I could not avoid noticing the manner in which, + once or twice, unconsciously to herself, I do believe, this simple-minded, + sincere creature, pressed the hand which retained the locket to her heart; + and yet it made no very lively impression on my imagination at the time. + The conversation soon changed, and we began to converse of other things. I + have since fancied that Grace had left us alone in order that I might + return the half-joes to Lucy, and offer the locket; for, looking round and + seeing the latter in its new owner's hand, while Lucy was bestowing on it + one of the hundred glances of grateful pleasure it received that + afternoon, she waited until we came up, when she took my arm, remarking, + as this was to be our last evening together, she must come in for her + share of the conversation. Now, I solemnly affirm that this was the + nearest approach to anything like a love-scene that had ever passed + between Lucy Hardinge and myself. + </p> + <p> + I would gladly pass over the leave-taking, and shall say but little about + it. Mr. Hardinge called me into his room, when we got back to the house. + He spoke earnestly and solemnly to me, recalling to my mind many of his + early and most useful precepts. He then kissed me, gave me his blessing, + and promised to remember me in his prayers. As I left him, and I believe + he went on his knees as soon as my back was turned, Lucy was waiting for + me in the passage. She was in tears, and paler than common, but her mind + seemed made up to sustain a great sacrifice like a woman. She put a small, + but exceedingly neat copy of the Bible into my hand, and uttered, as well + as emotion would permit—“There, Miles; <i>that</i> is <i>my</i> + keepsake. I do not ask you to think of <i>me</i> when you read; but think + of <i>God</i>.” She then snatched a kiss, and flew into her room and + locked the door. Grace was below, and she wept on my neck like a child, + kissing me again and again, and calling me “her brother—her dear, + her <i>only</i> brother.” I was obliged actually to tear myself away from + Grace. Rupert went with me to the ship, and passed an hour or two on + board. As we crossed the threshold, I heard a window open above my head, + and, looking up, I saw Lucy, with streaming eyes, leaning forward to say, + “Write, Miles—write as often as you possibly can.” + </p> + <p> + Man must be a stern being by nature, to be able to tear himself from such + friends, in order to encounter enemies, hardships, dangers and toil, and + all without any visible motive. Such was my case, however, for I wanted + not for a competency, or for most of those advantages which might tempt + one to abandon the voyage. Of such a measure, the possibility never + crossed my mind. I believed that it was just as necessary for me to remain + third-mate of the Crisis, and to stick by the ship while she would float, + as Mr. Adams thinks it necessary for him to present abolition petitions to + a congress, which will not receive them. We both of us, doubtless, + believed ourselves the victims of fate. + </p> + <p> + We sailed at sun-rise, wind and tide favouring. We had anchored off + Courtlandt street, and as the ship swept past the Battery I saw Rupert, + who had only gone ashore in the pilot's boat at day-light, with two + females, watching our movements. The girls did not dare to wave their + handkerchiefs; but what cared I for that—I knew that their good + wishes, kind wishes, tender wishes, went with me; and this little touch of + affection, which woman knows so well how to manifest, made me both happy + and sad for the remainder of the day. + </p> + <p> + The Crisis was an unusually fast ship, faster even than the Tigris; + coppered to the bends, copper-fastened, and with a live-oak frame. No + better craft sailed out of the republic. Uncle Sam had tried to purchase + her for one of his new navy; but the owners, having this voyage in view, + refused his tempting offers. She was no sooner under her canvass, than all + hands of us perceived we were in a traveller; and glad enough were we to + be certain of the fact, for we had a long road before us. This, too, was + with the wind free, and in smooth water; whereas those who knew the vessel + asserted her <i>forte</i> was on a bowline and in a sea-that is to say, + she would sail relatively faster than most other craft, under the latter + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + There was a strange pleasure to me, notwithstanding all I had suffered + previously, all the risks I had run, and all I had left behind me, in + finding myself once more on the broad ocean. As for Neb, the fellow was + fairly enraptured. So quickly and intelligently did he obey his orders, + that he won a reputation before we crossed the bar. The smell of the ocean + seemed to imbue him with a species of nautical inspiration, and even I was + astonished with his readiness and activity. As for myself, I was every way + at home. Very different was this exit from the port, from that of the + previous year. Then everything was novel, and not a little disgusting. Now + I had little, almost nothing, to learn—literally nothing, I might + have said, were it not that every ship-master has certain <i>ways</i> of + his own, that it behooves all his subordinates to learn as quickly as + possible. Then I lived aft, where we not only had plates, and + table-cloths, and tumblers, and knives and forks; but comparatively <i>clean</i> + articles of the sort. I say comparatively, the two other degrees being + usually wanting in north-west traders. + </p> + <p> + The Crisis went to sea with a lively breeze at south-west, the wind + shifting after she had got into the lower bay. There were a dozen sail of + us altogether, and in our little fleet were two of Uncle Sam's men, who + felt disposed to try their hands with us. We crossed the bar, all three of + us, within a cable's length of each other, and made sail in company, with + the wind a trifle abaft the beam. Just as Navesink disappeared, our two + men-of-war, merchantmen altered, hauled up on bowlines, and jogged off + towards the West Indies, being at the time about a league astern of us. + This success put us all in high good-humour, and had such an effect on + Marble in particular, that he began to give it as his opinion that our + only superiority over them would not be found confined to sailing, on an + experiment. It is very convenient to think favourably of one's self, and + it is certainly comfortable to entertain the same notion as respects one's + ship. + </p> + <p> + I confess to a little awkwardness at first, in acting as an officer. I was + young, and commanded men old enough to be my father—regular + sea-dogs, who were as critical in all that related to the niceties of the + calling, as the journalist who is unable to appreciate the higher + qualities of a book, is hypercritical on its minor faults. But a few days + gave me confidence, and I soon found I was obeyed as readily as the + first-mate. A squall struck the ship in my watch, about a fortnight out, + and I succeeded in getting in sail, and saving everything, canvass and + spars, in a way that did me infinite service aft. Captain Williams spoke + to me on the subject, commending the orders I had given, and the coolness + with which they had been issued; for, as I afterwards understood, he + remained some time in the companion-way, keeping the other two mates back, + though all hands had been called, in order to see how I could get along by + myself in such a strait. On this occasion, I never saw a human being exert + himself like Neb. He felt that my honour was concerned. I do really think + the fellow did two men's duty, the whole time the squall lasted. Until + this little incident occurred, Captain Williams was in the habit of coming + on deck to examine the heavens, and see how things were getting on, in my + night-watches; but, after this, he paid no more visits of this sort to me, + than he paid to Mr. Marble. I had been gratified by his praises; but this + quiet mode of showing confidence, gave me more happiness than I can + express. + </p> + <p> + We had a long passage out, the wind hanging to the eastward near three + weeks. At length we got moderate southerly breezes, and began to travel on + our course. Twenty-four hours after we had got the fair wind, I had the + morning watch, and made, as the day dawned, a sail directly abeam of us, + to windward, about three leagues distant, or just hull down. I went into + the main-top, and examined her with a glass. She was a ship, seemingly of + about our own size, and carrying everything that would draw. I did not + send word below until it was broad daylight, or for near half an hour; and + in all that time her bearings did not vary any perceptible distance. + </p> + <p> + Just as the sun rose, the captain and chief-mate made their appearance on + deck. At first they agreed in supposing the stranger a stray English + West-Indiaman, bound home; for, at that time, few merchant vessels were + met at sea that were not English or American. The former usually sailed in + convoys, however; and the captain accounted for the circumstance that this + was not thus protected, by the fact of her sailing so fast. She might be a + letter-of-marque, like ourselves, and vessels of that character did not + take convoy. As the two vessels lay exactly abeam of each other, with + square yards, it was not easy to judge of the sparring of the stranger, + except by means of his masts. Marble, judging by the appearance of his + topsails, began to think our neighbour might be a Frenchman, he had so + much hoist to the sails. After some conversation on the subject, the + captain ordered me to brace forward the yards, as far as our + studding-sails would allow, and to luff nearer to the stranger. While the + ship was thus changing her course, the day advanced, and our crew got + their breakfast. + </p> + <p> + As a matter of course, the strange ship, which kept on the same line of + sailing as before, drew ahead of us a little, while we neared her + sensibly. In the course of three hours we were within a league of her, but + well on her lee-quarter. Marble now unhesitatingly pronounced her to be a + Frenchman, there being no such thing as mistaking the sails. To suppose an + Englishman would go to sea with such triangles of royals, he held to be + entirely out of the question; and then he referred to me to know if I did + not remember the brig “we had licked in the West Indies, last v'y'ge, + which had just such r'yals as the chap up there to windward?” I could see + the resemblance, certainly, and had remarked the same peculiarity in the + few French vessels I had seen. + </p> + <p> + Under all the circumstances, Captain Williams determined to get on the + weather-quarter of our neighbour, and take a still nearer look at him. + That he was armed, we could see already; and, as near as we could make + out, he carried twelve guns, or just two more than we did ourselves. All + this was encouraging; sufficiently so, at least, to induce us to make a + much closer examination than we had yet done. + </p> + <p> + It took two more hours to bring the Crisis, fast as she sailed, on the + weather-quarter of her neighbour, distant about a mile. Here our + observations were much more to the purpose, and even Captain Williams + pronounced the stranger to be a Frenchman, “and, no doubt, a + letter-of-marque, like ourselves.” He had just uttered these words, when + we saw the other vessel's studding-sails coming down her royals and + top-gallant-sails clewing up, and all the usual signs of her stripping for + a fight. We had set our ensign early in the day, but, as yet, had got no + answering symbol of nationality from the chase. As soon as she had taken + in all her light canvass, however, she clewed up her courses, fired a gun + to windward, and hoisted the French <i>tri-color</i>, the most graceful + flag among the emblems of Christendom, but one that has been as remarkably + unsuccessful in the deeds it has witnessed on the high seas, as it has + been remarkable for the reverse on land. The French have not been wanting + in excellent sailors—gallant seamen, too; but the results of their + exploits afloat have ever borne a singular disproportion to the means + employed—a few occasional exceptions just going to prove that the + causes have been of a character as peculiar, as these results have, in + nearly all ages, been uniform. I have heard the want of success in + maritime exploits, among the French, attributed to a want of sympathy, in + the nation, with maritime things. Others, again, have supposed that the + narrow system of preferring birth to merit, which pervaded the whole + economy of the French marine, as well as of its army, previously to the + revolution, could not fail to destroy the former, inasmuch as a man of + family would not consent to undergo the toil and hardships that are + unavoidable to the training of the true seaman. This last reason, however, + can scarcely be the true one, as the young English noble has often made + the most successful naval officer; and the marine of France, in 1798, had + surely every opportunity of perfecting itself, by downright practice, + uninjured by favouritism, as that of America. For myself, though I have + now reflected on the subject for years, I can come to no other conclusion + than that national character has some very important agency—or, + perhaps, it might be safer to say, <i>has</i> had some very important + agency—through some cause or other, in disqualifying France from + becoming a great naval power, in the sense of skill; in that of mere + force, so great a nation must always be formidable. Now she sends her + princes to sea, however, we may look for different results. + Notwithstanding the fact that an Englishman, or an American, rarely went + alongside of a Frenchman, in 1798, without a strong moral assurance of + victory, he was sometimes disappointed. There was no lack of courage in + their enemies, and it occasionally happened that there was no lack of + skill. Every manifestation that the experience of our captain could + detect, went to show that we had fallen in with one of these exceptions. + As we drew nearer to our enemy, we perceived that he was acting like a + seaman. His sails had been furled without haste or confusion; an + infallible evidence of coolness and discipline when done on the eve of + battle, and signs that the watchful seaman, on such occasions, usually + notes as unerring indications of the sort of struggle that awaits him. It + was consequently understood, among us on the quarter-deck, that we were + likely to have a warm day's work of it. Nevertheless, we had gone too far + to retreat without an effort, and we began, in our turn, to shorten sail, + in readiness for the combat. Marble was a prince of a fellow, when it came + to anything serious. I never saw him shorten sail as coolly and readily as + he did that very day. We had everything ready in ten minutes after we + began. + </p> + <p> + It was rare, indeed, to see two letters-of-marque set-to as coolly, and as + scientifically as were the facts with the Crisis and <i>la Dame de Nantes;</i> + for so, as we afterwards ascertained, was our antagonist called. Neither + party aimed at any great advantage by manoeuvring; but we came up + alongside of “The Lady,” as our men subsequently nick-named the Frenchman, + the two vessels delivering their broadsides nearly at the same instant. I + was stationed on the forecastle, in charge of the head-sheets, with orders + to attend generally to the braces and the rigging, using a musket in + moments that were not otherwise employed. Away went both my jib-sheet + blocks at the beginning, giving me a very pretty job from the outset. This + was but the commencement of trouble; for, during the two hours and a half + that we lay battering <i>la Dame de Nantes</i>, and she lay battering us, + I had really so much to attend to in the way of reeving, knotting, + splicing, and turning in afresh, that I had scarcely a minute to look + about me, in order to ascertain how the day was going. I fired my musket + but twice. The glimpses I did manage to take were far from satisfactory, + however; several of our people being killed or wounded, one gun fairly + crippled by a shot, and our rigging in a sad plight. The only thing + encourag'ng was Neb's shout, the fellow making it a point to roar almost + as loud as his gun, at each discharge. + </p> + <p> + It was evident from the first that the Frenchman had nearly twice as many + men as we carried. This rendered any attempt at boarding imprudent, and, + in the way of pounding, our prospects were by no means flattering. At + length I heard a rushing sound over my head, and, looking up, I saw that + the main-top-mast, with the yards and sails, had come down on the + fore-braces, and might shortly be expected on deck. At this point, Captain + Williams ordered all hands from the guns to clear the wreck. At the same + instant, our antagonist, with a degree of complaisance that I could have + hugged him for, ceased firing also. Both sides seemed to think it was very + foolish for two merchantmen to lie within a cable's length of each other, + trying which could do the other the most harm; and both sides set about + the, by this time, very necessary duty of repairing damages. While this + was going on, the men at the wheel, by a species of instinctive caution, + did their whole duty. The Crisis luffed all she was able, while <i>la Dame + de Nantes</i> edged away all she very conveniently could, placing more + than a mile of blue water between the two vessels, before we, who were at + work aloft, were aware they were so decidedly running on diverging lines. + </p> + <p> + It was night before we got our wreck clear; and then we had to look about + us, to get out spare spars, fit them, rig them, point them, and sway them + aloft. The last operation, however, was deferred until morning. As it was, + the day's work had been hard, and the people really wanted rest. Rest was + granted them at eight o'clock; at which hour, our late antagonist was + visible about a league distant, the darkness beginning to envelope her. In + the morning the horizon was clear, owing to the repulsion which existed in + so much force between the two vessels. It was not our business to trouble + ourselves about the fate of our adversary, but to take heed of our own. + That morning we go' up our spars, crossed the yards, and made sail again. + We had several days' work in repairing all our damages; but, happening to + be found for a long voyage, and well found, too, by the end of a week the + Crisis was in as good order as if we had not fought a battle. As for the + combat, it was one of those in which either side might claim the victory, + or not, as it suited tastes. We had very ingenious excuses for our + failure, however; and I make no doubt the French were just as ready, in + this way, as we were ourselves. + </p> + <p> + Our loss in this engagement amounted to two men killed outright, and to + seven wounded, two of whom died within a few days. The remaining wounded + all recovered, though the second-mate, who was one of them, I believe + never got to be again the man he had been. A canister-shot lodged near his + hip, and the creature we had on board as a surgeon was not the hero to + extract it. In that day, the country was not so very well provided with + medical men on the land, as to spare many good ones to the sea. In the new + navy, it was much the fashion to say, “if you want a leg amputated, send + for the carpenter; he <i>does</i> know how to use a saw, while it is + questionable whether the doctor knows how to use anything.” Times, + however, are greatly altered in this respect; the gentlemen who now + compose this branch of the service being not only worthy of commendation + for their skill and services, but worthy of the graduated rank which I see + they are just now asking of the justice of their country, and which, as + that country ordinarily administers justice, I am much afraid they will + ask in vain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “If we + Cannot defend our own door from the dog, + Let us be worried; and our nation lose + The name of hardiness, and policy.” + <i>Henry V.</i> +</pre> + <p> + The combat between the Crisis and <i>la Dame de Nantes</i> took place in + 42.37'.12” north latitude, and 34.16'.43” west longitude, from Greenwich. + This was very near the centre of the northern Atlantic, and gave us ample + time to get our ship in good condition before we drew in with the land. + Shortly after the affair, the wind came out light at northeast, forcing us + down nearer to the Bay of Biscay than was at all convenient, when bound to + London. The weather grew foggy, too, which is not usual on the coast of + Europe, with the wind at east, and the nights dark. Just a fortnight after + the action, I was awakened early one morning by a rough shake of the + shoulder from Marble, who had the watch, but who was calling me at least + an hour before the time. “Bear a hand and turn out,” he said; “I want you + on deck, Mr. Wallingford.” I obeyed, of course, and soon stood in the + presence of the chief-mate, rubbing my eyes diligently, as if they had to + be opened by friction. + </p> + <p> + It was just six bells, or seven o'clock, and one of the watch was on the + point of making the bell proclaim as much, when Mr. Marble ordered him not + to strike the hour. The weather was thick, or rather foggy, and the wind + light, with very little sea going. All this I had time to notice, to + listen to the unusual order about the bell, and to gape twice, before the + male turned to me. He seized my arm, carried me on the lee side of the + quarter-deck, shook his finger at a vacant spot in the fog, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Miles, my boy, down yonder, within half a mile of this very spot, is our + friend the Frenchman!” + </p> + <p> + “How is it possible you can know that, Mr. Marble?” I demanded in + surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Because I have seen him, with these two good-looking eyes of mine. This + fog opens and shuts like a playhouse-curtain, and I got a peep at the + chap, about ten minutes since. It was a short look, but it was a sure one; + I would swear to the fellow in any admiralty court in Christendom.” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you intend to do, Mr. Marble? We found him a hard subject in + clear weather; what can we do with him in thick?” + </p> + <p> + “That depends on the old man; his very natur' is overlaid by what has + happened already, and I rather think he will be for a fresh skrimmage”—Marble + was an uneducated Kennebunk man, and by no means particular about his + English. “There'll be good picking in that French gentleman, Master Miles, + for those who come in at the beginning of the plunder!” + </p> + <p> + The chief-mate then told me to go below and turn up all hands, making as + little rumpus about it as possible. This I did; and when I returned to the + deck, I found the fingers of Marble going again, with Captain Williams for + his auditor, just as they had gone to me, a few minutes earlier. Being an + officer, I made no scruples about joining the party. Marble was giving his + account of the manner in which he had momentarily seen the enemy, the + canvass he was under, the course he was steering, and the air of security + that prevailed about him. So much, he insisted he had noted, though he saw + the ship for about twenty seconds only. All this, however, might be true, + for a seaman's eye is quick, and he has modes of his own for seeing a + great deal in a brief space of time. Marble now proposed that we should go + to quarters, run alongside of the Frenchman, pour in a broadside, and + board him in the smoke. Our success would be certain, could we close with + him without being seen; and it would be almost as certain, could we engage + him with our guns by surprise. The chief-mate was of opinion we had dosed + him in the other affair, in a way to sicken him; this time we should bring + him to with a round turn! + </p> + <p> + The “old man” was pleased with the notion, I saw at a glance; and I + confess it took my fancy also. We all felt very sore at the result of the + other attempt, and here it seemed as if fortune gave us a good occasion + for repairing the evil. + </p> + <p> + “There can be no harm in getting ready, Mr. Marble,” the captain observed; + “and when we are ready ourselves we shall know better what to think of the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + This was no sooner said, than away we went to clear ship. Our task was + soon done; the tompions were got out, the guns cast loose, ammunition was + brought up, and a stand of grape was put in over the shot in every piece + in both batteries. As the men were told the motive, they worked like + dray-horses; and I do not think we were ten minutes before the ship was + ready to go into action, at a moment's notice. + </p> + <p> + All this time, Captain Williams refused to keep the ship away. I believe + he wanted to get a look at our neighbour himself, for he could not but + foresee what might be the consequences, should he run down in the fog, and + engage a heavier vessel than his own, without the ceremony of a hail. The + sea was covered with Englishmen, and one of their cruisers might not very + easily pardon such a mistake, however honestly made. But preparation seems + to infer a necessity for performance. When everything was ready, all eyes + were turned aft in a way that human nature could hardly endure, and the + captain was obliged to yield. As Marble, of all on board, had alone seen + the other vessel, he was directed to conn the Crisis in the delicate + operation she was about to undertake. + </p> + <p> + As before, my station was on the forecastle. I had been directed to keep a + bright look-out, as the enemy would doubtless be first seen from forward. + The order was unnecessary, however, for never did human beings gaze into a + fog more anxiously, than did all on board our ship on this occasion. + Calculating by the distance, and the courses steered, we supposed ten or + fifteen minutes would bring us square alongside of Mr. Marble's ship; + though some among us doubted his having seen any vessel at all. There was + about a five-knot breeze, and we had all our square sails set, knowing it + was necessary to go a little faster than our adversary, to catch up with + him. The intense expectation, not to say anxiety, of such a scene, is not + easily described. The surrounding fog, at times, seemed filled with ships; + but all vanished into <i>thick</i> air, one after another, leaving nothing + but vapour. Severe orders had been given for no one to call out, but, the + moment the ship was seen, for the discoverer to go aft and report. At + least a dozen men left their quarters on this errand, all returning in the + next instant, satisfied they had been deceived. Each moment, too, + increased the expectation; for each moment must we be getting nearer and + nearer to her, if any vessel were really there. Quite twenty minutes, + however, passed in this manner, and no ship was seen. Marble continued + cool and confident, but the captain and second-mate smiled, while the + people began to shake their heads, and roll the tobacco into their cheeks. + As we advanced, our own ship luffed by degrees, until we had got fairly on + our old course again, or were sailing close upon the wind. This change was + made easily, the braces not having been touched; a precaution that was + taken expressly to give us this advantage. When we found ourselves once + more close upon the wind, we gave the matter up forward, supposing the + mate had been deceived. I saw by the expression of the captain's face that + he was about to give the order to secure the guns, when, casting my eyes + forward, there was a ship, sure enough, within a hundred yards of us! I + held up both arms, as I looked aft, and luckily caught the captain's eye. + In an instant, he was on the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + It was easy enough to see the stranger now. There he was in the fog, + looking mystical and hazy; but there he was, under his + main-top-gallant-sail, close-hauled, and moving ahead in all the + confidence of the solitude of the ocean. We could not see his hull, or so + faintly as only to distinguish its mass; but from his tops up, there was + no mistaking the objects. We had shot away the Frenchman's + mizen-royal-mast. It was a pole, and there the stump stood, just as it was + when we had last seen him on the evening of the day of the combat. This + left no doubt of the character of our neighbour, and it at once determined + our course. As it was, we were greatly outsailing him, but an order was + immediately given to set the light staysails. As Captain Williams passed + aft, he gave his orders to the men in the batteries. In the mean time, the + second-mate, who spoke very good New York French, came upon the + forecastle, in readiness to answer the expected hail. As the Crisis was + kept a little free, in order to close, and as she sailed so fast, it was + apparent we were coming up with the chase, hand over hand. + </p> + <p> + The two ships were not more than a hundred feet asunder when the Frenchmen + first saw us. This blindness was owing to several circumstances. In the + first place, ten men look forward in a ship, where one looks aft. Those + who looked aloft, too, were generally on the quarter-deck, and this + prevented them from looking astern. Then the Frenchman's crew had just + gone to their breakfasts, most of them eating below. She was so + strong-handed, moreover, as to give a forenoon's watch below, and this + still left many of the sluggards in their hammocks. In that day, even a + French ship-of-the-line was no model of discipline or order, and a + letter-of-marque was consequently worse. As it afterwards appeared, we + were first seen by the mate of the watch, who ran to the taffrail, and, + instead of giving an order to call all hands, he hailed us. Mr. Forbank, + our second-mate, answered; mumbling his words so, that, if they were bad + French, they did not sound like good English. He got out the name “Le + Hasard, de Bordeaux,” pretty plainly, however; and this served to mystify + the mate for a few seconds. By the end of that time, our bows were + doubling on the Frenchman's quarter, and we were sheering into him so fast + as quite to distract the Nantes man. The hail had been heard below, + however, and the Frenchmen came tumbling up by the dozen, forward and aft. + </p> + <p> + Captain Williams was a prime seaman, and one of the coolest men that ever + lived. Everything that day was done at precisely the proper moment. The + Frenchman attempted to keep off, but our wheel was so touched as to keep + us lapping in nearly a parallel line with them, the whole time; and our + forward sails soon becalmed even their mainsail. Of course we went two + feet to their one. Marble came on the forecastle, just as our cat-head was + abreast of “The Lady's” forward-rigging. Less than a minute was required + to take us so far forward, and that minute was one of great confusion + among the French. As soon as Marble got on the forecastle, he made a + signal, the ensign was run up, and the order was given to fire. We let fly + all five of our nine-pounders, loaded with two round and a stand of grape, + at the same moment. At the next instant, the crash of the ships coming + foul of each other was heard. Marble shouted “Come on, boys!” and away he, + and I, and Neb, and all hands of us, went on board of the Frenchman like a + hurricane. I anticipated a furious hand to hand conflict; but we found the + deck deserted, and had no difficulty whatever in getting possession. The + surprise, the rush, and the effect of the broadside, gave us an easy + victory. The French captain had been nearly cut in two by a nine-pound + shot, moreover, and both of the mates were severely wounded. These + accidents contributed largely to our success, causing the enemy to abandon + the defence as hopeless. We had not a soul hurt. + </p> + <p> + The prize proved to be the ship I have mentioned, a letter-of-marque, from + Guadaloupe, bound to Nantes. She was a trifle larger than the Crisis, + mounted twelve French nines, and had eighty-three souls on board when she + sailed. Of these, however, no less than twenty-three had been killed and + wounded in our previous affair with her, and several were absent in a + prize. Of the wounded, nearly all were still in their hammocks. Among the + remainder, some sixteen or eighteen suffered by our close and destructive + broadside on the present occasion, reducing the efficient part of her crew + to about our own numbers. The vessel was new and valuable, and her cargo + was invoiced at something like sixty thousand dollars, having some + cochineal among it. + </p> + <p> + As soon as assured of our victory, the Crisis's main-top-sail was braced + aback, as well as it could be, and her helm put down. At the same time, + the Dame was kept away, and the two ships went clear of each other. Little + injury had been done by the collision, or the grinding; and, in + consequence of our guns having been so much shotted, no damage whatever + was done the lower masts of the prize. The shot had just force enough to + pass through the bulwarks, make splinters, and to lodge. This left both + vessels in good condition for going into port. + </p> + <p> + At first it was determined to leave me in <i>la Dame de Nantes,</i> as + prize-master, with directions to follow the Crisis into Falmouth, whither + she was bound for orders. But, on further examination, it was discovered + that the crew of an American brig was on board the prize as prisoners; <i>la + Dame de Nantes</i> having captured the vessel only two days before we met + the former the first time, taken out her people, manned her, and ordered + her for Nantes. These Americans, including the master and two mates, + amounted to thirteen souls in all, and they enabled us to make a different + disposition of the prize. The result of an hour or two's deliberations was + as follows: + </p> + <p> + Our old second-mate, whose hurt was likely to require better care than + could be had on the North-west Coast, was put on board the French ship as + prize-master, with orders to make the best of his way to New York. The + master and chief-mate of the American brig agreed to act under him, and to + assist in carrying <i>la Dame</i> across the ocean. Three or four of our + invalids were sent home also, and the liberated Americans took service for + the passage. All the French wounded were left in the ship, under the + charge of their own surgeon, who was a man of some little merit, though a + good deal of a butcher, as was too much the fashion of that day. + </p> + <p> + It was dark before all the arrangements were made, when <i>la Dame de + Nantes</i> turned short round on her heel, and made sail for America. Of + course our captain sent in his official report by her, and I seized a + moment to write a short letter to Grace, which was so worded as to be + addressed to the whole family. I knew how much happiness a line from me + would bestow, and I had the pleasure to inform them, also, that I was + promoted to be second-mate—the second-mate of the American brig + having shipped as my successor in the rank of third-officer. + </p> + <p> + The parting on the wide ocean, that night, was solemn, and, in some + respects, sad. We knew that several who were in <i>la Dame de Nantes</i> + would probably be left behind, as she travelled her long, solitary path, + in the depths of the ocean; and there were the chances that she, herself, + might never arrive. As respects the last, however, the odds were in her + favour, the American coast being effectually cleared of French privateers + by that time; and I subsequently received eleven hundred and seventy-three + dollars for my share in that exploit. How I was affected by the + circumstance, and what I did with the money, will appear in the sequel. + </p> + <p> + The Crisis made sail on a bowline, at the same moment her prize filled + away for America; Miles Wallingford a much more important personage than + he had been a few hours before. We put the prisoners below, keeping a good + watch over them, and hauled off to the northward and westward, in order to + avoid any French cruisers that might be hovering on their own coast. + Captain Williams seemed satisfied with the share of glory he had obtained, + and manifested no further disposition to seek renown in arms. As for + Marble, I never knew a man more exalted in his own esteem, than he was by + the results of that day's work. It certainly did him great credit; but, + from that hour, woe to the man who pretended to dispute with him + concerning the character of any sail that happened to cross our path. + </p> + <p> + The day after we parted company with our prize, we made a sail to the + westward, and hauled up to take a look at her, the wind having shifted. + She was soon pronounced to be an American; but, though we showed our + colours, the stranger, a brig, manifested no disposition to speak us. This + induced Captain Williams to make sail in chase, more especially as the + brig endeavoured to elude us by passing ahead, and the run was pretty + nearly on our course. At 4, P. M. we got near enough to throw a nine-pound + shot between the fellow's masts, when the chase hove-to, and permitted us + to come up. The brig proved to be the prize of <i>la Dame de Nantes</i>, + and we took possession of her forthwith. As this vessel was loaded with + flour, pot and pearl ashes, &c., and was bound to London, I was put in + charge of her, with a young man of my own age, of the name of Roger + Talcott, for my assistant, having six men for my crew. Of course the + Frenchmen, all but one who acted as cook and steward excepted, were + received on board the Crisis. Neb went with me, through his own and my + earnest entreaties, though spared by Marble with great reluctance. + </p> + <p> + This was my first command; and proud enough did I feel on the occasion, + though almost dying with the apprehension of doing something wrong. My + orders were, to make the Lizard light, and to crawl along up-channel, + keeping close in with the English coast; Captain Williams anticipating + instructions to go to the same port to which the Amanda (the brig) was + bound, and expecting to overtake us, after he had called at Falmouth for + his orders. As the Crisis could go four feet to the Amanda's three, before + sunset our old ship was hull down ahead of us. + </p> + <p> + When I took charge of the deck the next morning, I found myself on the + wide ocean, with nothing in sight, at the age of eighteen, and in the + enemy's seas, with a valuable vessel to care for, my way to find into + narrow waters that I had never entered, and a crew on board, of whom just + one-half were now on their first voyage. Our green hands had manifested + the aptitude of Americans, and had done wonders in the way of improvement; + but a great deal still remained to be learned. The Crisis's complement had + been too large to employ everybody at all sorts of work, as is usually + done in a merchant-vessel with her ordinary number of hands and the + landsmen had to take their chances for instruction. Notwithstanding, the + men I got were stout, healthy, willing and able to pull and haul with the + oldest salts. + </p> + <p> + By the arrangement that had been made, I was now thrown upon my own + resources. Seamanship, navigation, address, prudence, all depended on me. + I confess I was, at first, nearly as much depressed by the novelty and + responsibility of my command, as Neb was delighted. But it is surprising + how soon we get accustomed to changes of this sort. The first five or six + hours set me quite at my ease, though it is true nothing occurred in the + least out of the usual way; and, by the time the sun set, I should have + been happy, could I have got over the uneasiness produced by the darkness. + The wind had got round to south-west, and blew fresh. I set a lower and a + top-mast studding-sail, and by the time the light had entirely vanished, + the brig began to drag after her canvass in a way to keep me wide awake. I + was at a loss whether to shorten sail or not. On the one hand, there was + the apprehension of carrying away something; and, on the other, the fear + of seeming timid in the eyes of the two or three seamen I had with me. I + watched the countenances of these men, in order to glean their private + sentiments; but, usually, Jack relies so much on his officers, that he + seldom anticipates evils. As for Neb, the harder it blew, the greater was + his rapture. He appeared to think the wind was Master Miles's, as well as + the ocean, the brig, and himself. The more there was of each, the richer I + became. As for Talcott, he was scarcely as good a seaman as myself, though + he was well-educated, had good manners, was well-connected, and had been + my original competitor for the office of third-mate. I had been preferred + only through the earnest recommendations of Marble. Talcott, however, was + as expert a navigator as we had in the ship, and had been placed with me + on that account; Captain Williams fancying two heads might prove better + than one. I took this young man into the cabin with me, not only as a + companion, but to give him consideration with the people forward. On + shore, though less fortunate in the way of state, he would have been + considered as fully my equal in position. + </p> + <p> + Talcott and myself remained on deck together nearly the whole of the first + night and the little sleep I did get was caught in a top-mast + studding-sail that lay on the quarterdeck, and which I had determined not + to set, after rowsing it up for that purpose. When daylight returned, + however, with a clear horizon, no increase of wind, and nothing in sight, + I was so much relieved as to take a good nap until eight. All that day we + started neither tack nor sheet, nor touched a brace. Towards evening I + went aloft myself to look for land, but without success, though I knew, + from our observation at noon, it could not be far off. Fifty years ago the + longitude was the great difficulty with navigators. Both Talcott and + myself did very well with the lunars, it is true; but there was no chance + to observe, and even lunars soon get out of their reckoning among currents + and tides. Glad enough, then, was I to hear Neb sing but “Light ahead!” + from the fore-top-sail-yard. This was about ten o'clock. I knew this light + must be the Lizard, as we were too far to the eastward for Scilly. The + course was changed so as to bring the light a little on the weather-bow; + and I watched for its appearance to us on deck with an anxiety I have + experienced, since, only in the most trying circumstances. Half an hour + sufficed for this, and then I felt comparatively happy. A new beginner + even is not badly off with the wind fresh at south-west, and the Lizard + light in plain view on his weather-bow, if he happen to be bound + up-channel. That night, consequently, proved to be more comfortable than + the previous. + </p> + <p> + Next morning there was no change, except in the brig's position. We were + well in the channel, had the land as close aboard as was prudent, and + could plainly see, by objects ashore, that we were travelling ahead at a + famous rate. We went within a mile of the Eddystone, so determined was I + to keep as far as possible from the French privateers. Next morning we + were up abreast of the Isle of Wight; but the wind had got round to the + southward and eastward, becoming much lighter, and so scant as to bring us + on a taut bowline. This made England a lee-shore, and I began to be as + glad to get off it, as I had lately been to hug it. + </p> + <p> + All this time, it will easily be understood that we kept a sharp look-out, + on board the brig, for enemies. We saw a great many sail, particularly as + we approached the Straits of Dover, and kept as much aloof from all as + circumstances would allow. Several were evidently English vessels-of-war, + and I felt no small concern on the subject of having some of my men + impressed; for at that period, and for many years afterwards, ships of all + nations that traded with the English lost many of their people by this + practice, and the American craft more than any other. I ascribed to our + sticking so close to the coast, which we did as long as it was at all + safe, the manner in which we were permitted to pass unnoticed, or, at + least, undetained. But, as we drew nearer to the narrow waters, I had + little hope of escaping without being boarded. In the mean while, we made + short stretches off the land, and back again, all one day and night, + working slowly to the eastward. We still met with no interruption. I was + fast getting confidence in myself; handling the Amanda, in my own + judgment, quite as welt as Marble could have done it, and getting my green + hands into so much method and practice, that I should not have hesitated + about turning round and shaping our course for New York, so far as the + mere business of navigating the vessel was concerned. + </p> + <p> + The lights on the English coast were safe guides for our movements, and + they let me understand how much we made or lost on a tack. Dungeness was + drawing nearer slowly, to appearances, and I was beginning to look out for + a pilot; when Talcott, who had the watch, about three in the morning, came + with breathless haste into the cabin, to tell me there was a sail closing + with us fast, and, so far as he could make her out in the darkness, she + was lugger-rigged. This was startling news indeed, for it was almost + tantamount to saying the stranger was a Frenchman. I did not undress at + all, and was on deck in a moment. The vessel in chase was about half a + mile distant on our lee-quarter, but could be plainly enough + distinguished, and I saw at a glance she was a lugger. There were + certainly English luggers; but all the traditions of the profession had + taught me to regard a vessel of that particular rig as a Frenchman. I had + heard of privateers from Dunkirk, Boulogne, and various other ports in + France, running over to the English coast in the night, and making prizes, + just as this fellow seemed disposed to serve us. Luckily, our head was + toward the land, and we were looking about a point and a half to windward + of the light on Dungeness, being also favoured with a flood-tide, so far + as we could judge by the rapid drift of the vessel to windward. + </p> + <p> + My decision was made in a minute. I knew nothing of batteries, or where to + seek protection; but there was the land, and I determined to make for it + as fast as I could. By keeping the brig a good full, and making all the + sail she could carry, I thought we might run ashore before the lugger + could get alongside us. As for her firing, I did not believe she would + dare to attempt that, as it might bring some English cruiser on her heels, + and France was some hours' sail distant. The fore and mizen + top-gallant-sails were set as fast as possible, the weather-braces pulled + upon a little, the bowlines eased, and the brig kept a rap-full. The + Amanda was no flyer, certainly; but she seemed frightened as much as we + were ourselves, that night. I never knew her to get along so fast, + considering the wind; and really there was a short time when I began to + think she held her own, the lugger being jammed up as close as she could + be. But this was all delusion, that craft coming after us more like a + sea-serpent than a machine carried ahead by canvass. I was soon certain + that escape from such a racer by sailing, was altogether out of the + question. + </p> + <p> + The land and light were now close aboard us, and I expected every moment + to hear the brig's keel grinding on the bottom. At this instant I caught a + faint glimpse of a vessel at anchor to the eastward of the point, and + apparently distant about a quarter of a mile. The thought struck me that + she might be an English cruiser, for they frequently anchored in such + places; and I called out, as it might be instinctively, “luff!” Neb was at + the helm, and I knew by his cheerful answer that the fellow was delighted. + It was lucky we luffed as we did, for, in coming to the wind, the vessel + gave a scrape that was a fearful admonisher of what would have happened in + another minute. The Amanda minded her helm beautifully, however, and we + went past the nearest land without any further hints, heading up just high + enough to fetch a little to windward of the vessel at anchor. At the next + moment, the lugger, then about a cable's length from as, was shut in by + the land. I was now in great hopes the Frenchman would be obliged to tack; + but he had measured his distance well, and felt certain, it would seem, + that he could lay past. He reasoned, probably, as Nelson is <i>said</i> to + have reasoned at the Nile, and as some of his captains unquestionably <i>did</i> + reason; that is, if there was water enough for us, there was water enough + for him. In another minute I saw him, jammed nearly into the wind's eye, + luffing past the point, and falling as easily into our wake as if drawn by + attraction. + </p> + <p> + All this time, the night was unbroken by any sound. Not a hail, nor a + call, our own orders excepted, and they had been given in low tones, had + been audible on board the Amanda. As regards the vessel at anchor, she + appeared to give herself no concern. There she lay, a fine ship, and, as I + thought, a vessel-of-war, like a marine bird asleep on its proper element. + We were directly between her and the lugger, and it is possible her + anchor-watch did not see the latter. The three vessels were not more than + half a cable's length asunder; that is, we were about that distance from + the ship, and the lugger was a very little farther from us. Five minutes + must determine the matter. I was on the brig's forecastle, anxiously + examining all I could make out on board the ship, as her size, and shape, + and rig, became slowly more and more distinct; and I hailed— + </p> + <p> + “Ship ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + “Hilloa! What brig's that?” + </p> + <p> + “An American, with a French privateer-lugger close on board me, directly + in my wake. You had better be stirring!” + </p> + <p> + I heard the quick exclamation of “The devil there is!” “Bloody Yankees!” + came next. Then followed the call of “All hands.” It was plain enough my + notice had set everything in motion in that quarter. Talcott now came + running forward to say he thought, from some movements on board the + lugger, that her people were now first apprised of the vicinity of the + ship. I had been sadly disappointed at the call for all hands on board the + ship, for it was in the manner of a merchantman, instead of that of a + vessel-of-war. But we were getting too near to remain much longer in + doubt. The Amanda was already sweeping up on the Englishman's bows, not + more than forty yards distant. + </p> + <p> + “She is an English West-Indiaman, Mr. Wallingford,” said one of my oldest + seamen; “and a running ship; some vessel that has deserted or lost her + convoy.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you <i>know</i> anything of the lugger?” demanded an officer from on + board the ship, in a voice that was not very amicable. + </p> + <p> + “No more than you see; she has chased me, close aboard, for the last + twenty minutes.” + </p> + <p> + There was no reply to this for a moment, and then I was asked—“To + tack, and give us a little chance, by drawing him away for a few minutes. + We are armed, and will come out to your assistance.” + </p> + <p> + Had I been ten years older, experience in the faith of men, and especially + of men engaged in the pursuit of gain, would have prevented me from + complying with this request; but, at eighteen, one views these things + differently. It did appear to me ungenerous to lead an enemy in upon a man + in his sleep, and not endeavour to do something to aid the surprised + party. I answered “ay, ay!” therefore, and tacked directly alongside of + the ship. But the manoeuvre was too late, the lugger coming in between the + ship and the brig, just as we began to draw ahead again, leaving him room, + and getting a good look at us both. The Englishman appeared the most + inviting, I suppose, for she up helm and went on board of him on his + quarter. Neither party used their guns. We were so near, however, as + plainly to understand the whole, to distinguish the orders, and even to + hear the blows that were struck by hand. It was an awful minute to us in + the brig. The cries of the hurt reached us in the stillness of that gloomy + morning, and oaths mingled with the clamour. Though taken by surprise, + John Bull fought well; though we could perceive that he was overpowered, + however, just as the distance, and the haze that was beginning to gather + thick around the land, shut in the two vessels from our view. + </p> + <p> + The disappearance of the two combatants furnished me with a hint how to + proceed. I stood out three or four minutes longer, or a sufficient + distance to make certain we should not be seen, and tacked again. In order + to draw as fast as possible out of the line of sight, we kept the brig off + a little, and then ran in towards the English coast, which was + sufficiently distant to enable us to stand on in that direction some + little time longer. This expedient succeeded perfectly; for, when we found + it necessary to tack again, day began to dawn. Shortly after, we could + just discern the West-Indiaman and the lugger standing off the land, + making the best of their way towards the French coast. In 1799, it is + possible that this bold Frenchman got his prize into some of his own + ports, though three or four years later it would have been a nearly + hopeless experiment. As for the Amanda, she was safe; and Nelson did not + feel happier, after his great achievement at the Nile, than I felt at the + success of my own expedient. Talcott congratulated me and applauded me; + and I believe all of us were a little too much disposed to ascribe to our + own steadiness and address, much that ought fairly to have been imputed to + chance. + </p> + <p> + Off Dover we got a pilot, and learned that the ship captured was the + Dorothea, a valuable West-Indiaman that had stolen away from her convoy, + and come in alone, the previous evening. She anchored under Dungeness at + the first of the ebb, and, it seems, had preferred taking a good night's + rest to venturing out in the dark, when the flood made. Her berth was a + perfectly snug one, and the lugger would probably never have found her, + had we not led her directly in upon her prey. + </p> + <p> + I was now relieved from all charge of the brig; and a relief I found it, + between shoals, enemies, and the tides, of which I knew nothing. That day + we got into the Downs, and came-to. Here I saw a fleet at anchor; and a + pretty stir it made among the man-of-war's-men, when our story was + repeated among them. I do think twenty of their boats were alongside of + us, to get the facts from the original source. Among others who thus + appeared, to question me, was one old gentleman, whom I suspected of being + an admiral. He was in shore-dress, and came in a plain way; the men in his + boat declining to answer any questions; but they paid him unusual respect. + This gentleman asked me a great many particulars, and I told him the whole + story frankly, concealing or colouring nothing. He was evidently much + interested. When he went away, he shook me cordially by the hand, and said—“Young + gentleman, you have acted prudently and well. Never mind the grumbling of + some of our lads; they think only of themselves. It was your right and + your duty to save your own vessel, if you could, without doing anything + dishonourable; and I see nothing wrong in your conduct. But it's a sad + disgrace to us, to let these French rascals be picking up their crumbs in + this fashion, right under our hawse-holes.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “How pleasant and how sad the turning tide + Of human life, when side by side + The child and youth begin to glide + Along the vale of years: + The pure twin-being for a little space, + With lightsome heart, and yet a graver face. + Too young for woe, though not for tears.” + ALLSTON. +</pre> + <p> + With what interest and deference most Americans of any education regarded + England, her history, laws and institutions, in 1799! There were a few + exceptions—warm political partisans, and here and there an + individual whose feelings had become embittered by some particular + incident of the revolution—but surprisingly few, when it is + recollected that the country was only fifteen years from the peace. I + question if there ever existed another instance of as strong provincial + admiration for the capital, as independent America manifested for the + mother country, in spite of a thousand just grievances, down to the period + of the war of 1812. I was no exception to the rule, nor was Talcott. + Neither of us had ever seen England before we made the Lizard on this + voyage, except through our minds' eyes; and these had presented quantities + of beauties and excellencies that certainly vanished on a nearer approach. + By this I merely mean that we had painted in too high colours, as is apt + to be the case when the imagination holds the pencil; not that there was + any unusual absence of things worthy to be commended. On the contrary, + even at this late, hour, I consider England as a model for a thousand + advantages, even to our own inappreciable selves. Nevertheless, much + delusion was blended with our admiration. + </p> + <p> + English history was virtually American history; and everything on the + land, as we made our way towards town, which the pilot could point out, + was a source of amusement and delight. We had to tide it up to London, and + had plenty of leisure to see all there was to be seen. The Thames is + neither a handsome, nor a very magnificent river; but it was amazing to + witness the number of vessels that then ascended or descended it. There + was scarce a sort of craft known to Christendom, a few of the + Mediterranean excepted, that was not to be seen there; and as for the + colliers, we drifted through a forest of them that seemed large enough to + keep the town a twelvemonth in fire-wood, by simply burning their spars. + The manner in which the pilot handled our brig, too, among the thousand + ships that lay in tiers on each side of the narrow passage we had to + thread, was perfectly surprising to me; resembling the management of a + coachman in a crowded thoroughfare, more than the ordinary working of a + ship. I can safely say I learned more in the Thames, in the way of keeping + a vessel in command, and in doing what I pleased with her, than in the + whole of my voyage to Canton and back again. As for Neb, he rolled his + dark eyes about in wonder, and took an occasion to say to me—“He'll + make her talk, Masser Miles, afore he have done.” I make no doubt the + navigation from the Forelands to the bridges, as it was conducted thirty + years since, had a great influence on the seamanship of the English. + Steamers are doing away with much of this practice, though the colliers + still have to rely on themselves. Coals will scarcely pay for tugging. + </p> + <p> + I had been directed by Captain Williams to deliver the brig to her + original consignee, an American merchant established in the modern + Babylon, reserving the usual claim for salvage. This I did, and that + gentleman sent hands on board to take charge of the vessel, relieving me + entirely from all farther responsibility. As the captain in his letter + had, inadvertently I trust, mentioned that he had put “Mr. Wallingford, + his <i>third</i> mate,” in charge, I got no invitation to dinner from the + consignee; though the affair of the capture under Dungeness found its way + into the papers, <i>viâ</i> Deal, I have always thought, with the usual + caption of “Yankee Trick.” Yankee trick! This phrase, so often carelessly + used, has probably done a great deal of harm in this country. The young + and ambitious—there are all sorts of ambition, and, among others, + that of being a rogue; as a proof of which, one daily hears people call + envy, jealousy, covetousness, avarice, and half of the meaner vices, + ambition—the young and <i>ambitious</i>, then, of this country, too + often think to do a <i>good</i> thing, that shall have some of the + peculiar merit of a certain other good thing that they have heard laughed + at and applauded, under this designation. I can account in no other manner + for the great and increasing number of “Yankee tricks” that are of daily + occurrence among us. Among other improvements in taste, not to say in + morals, that might be introduced into the American press, would be the + omission of the histories of these rare inventions. As two-thirds of the + editors of the whole country, however, are Yankees, I suppose they must be + permitted to go on exulting in the cleverness of their race. We are + indebted to the Puritan stock for most of our instructors—editors + and school-masters—and when one coolly regards the prodigious + progress of the people in morals, public and private virtue, honesty, and + other estimable qualities, he must indeed rejoice in the fact that our + masters so early discovered “a church without a bishop.” + </p> + <p> + I had an opportunity, while in London, however, of ascertaining that the + land of our fathers, which by the way has archbishops, contains something + besides an unalloyed virtue in its bosom. At Gravesend we took on board <i>two</i> + customhouse officers, (they always set a rogue to watch a rogue, in the + English revenue system,) and they remained in the brig until she was + discharged. One of these men had been a gentleman's servant, and he owed + his place to his former master's interest. He was a miracle of + custom-house integrity and disinterestedness, as I discovered in the first + hour of our intercourse. Perceiving a lad of eighteen in charge of the + prize, and ignorant that this lad had read a good deal of Latin and Greek + under excellent Mr. Hardinge, besides being the heir of Clawbonny, I + suppose he fancied he would have an easy time with him. This man's name + was Sweeney. Perceiving in me an eager desire to see everything, the brig + was no sooner at her moorings, than he proposed a cruise ashore. It was + Sweeney who showed me the way to the consignee's, and, that business + accomplished, he proposed that we should proceed on and take a look at St. + Paul's, the Monument, and, as he gradually found my tastes more + intellectual than he had at first supposed, the wonders of the West End. I + was nearly a week under the pilotage of the “Admirable Sweeney.” After + showing me the exteriors of all the things of mark about the town, and the + interiors of a few that I was disposed to pay for, he descended in his + tastes, and carried me through Wapping, its purlieus and its scenes of + atrocities. I have always thought Sweeney was sounding me, and hoping to + ascertain my true character, by the course he took; and that he betrayed + his motives in a proposition which he finally made, and which brought our + intimacy to a sudden close. The result, however, was to let me into + secrets I should probably have never learned in any other manner. Still, I + had read and heard too much to be easily duped; and I kept myself not only + out of the power of my tempter, but out of the power of all that could + injure me, remaining simply a curious observer of what was placed before + my eyes. Good Mr. Hardinge's lessons were not wholly forgotten; I could + run away from him, much easier than from his precepts. + </p> + <p> + I shall never forget a visit I made to a house called the Black Horse, in + St. Catherine's Lane. This last was a narrow street that ran across the + site of the docks that now bear the same name; and it was the resort of + all the local infamy of Wapping. I say <i>local</i> infamy; for there were + portions of the West End that were even worse than anything which a mere + port could produce. Commerce, that parent of so much that is useful to + man, has its dark side as everything else of earth; and, among its other + evils, it drags after it a long train of low vice; but this train is + neither so long nor so broad as that which is chained to the + chariot-wheels of the great. Appearances excepted, and they are far less + than might be expected, I think the West End could beat Wapping out and + out, in every essential vice; and, if St. Giles be taken into the account, + I know of no salvo in favour of the land over the sea. + </p> + <p> + Our visit to the Black Horse was paid of a Sunday, that being the leisure + moment of all classes of labourers, and the day when, being attired in + their best, they fancied themselves best prepared to appear in the world. + I will here remark, that I have never been in any portion of Christendom + that keeps the Sabbath precisely as it is kept in America. In all other + countries, even the most rigorously severe in their practices, it is kept + as a day of recreation and rest, as well as of public devotion. Even in + the American towns, the old observances are giving way before the longings + or weaknesses of human nature; and Sunday is no longer what it was. I have + witnessed scenes of brawling, blasphemy and rude tumult, in the suburbs of + New York, on Sundays, within the last few years, that I have never seen in + any other part of the world on similar occasions; and serious doubts of + the expediency of the high-pressure principle have beset me, whatever may + be the just constructions of doctrine. With the last I pretend not to + meddle; but, in a worldly point of view, it would seem wise, if you cannot + make men all that they ought to be, to aim at such social regulations as + shall make them as little vile as possible. But, to return to the Black + Horse in St. Catherine's Lane—a place whose very name was associated + with vileness. + </p> + <p> + It is unnecessary to speak of the characters of its female visiters. Most + of them were young, many of them were still blooming and handsome, but all + of them were abandoned. “I need tell you nothing of these girls,” said + Sweeney, who was a bit of a philosopher in his way, ordering a pot of + beer, and motioning me to take a seat at a vacant table—“but, as for + the men you see here, half are house-breakers and pickpockets, come to + pass the day genteelly among you gentlemen-sailors. There are two or three + faces here that I have seen at the Old Bailey, myself; and how they have + remained in the country, is more than I can tell you. You perceive these + fellows are just as much at their ease, and the landlord who receives and + entertains them is just as much at <i>his</i> ease, as if the whole party + were merely honest men.” + </p> + <p> + “How happens it,” I asked, “that such known rogues are allowed to go at + large, or that this inn-keeper dares receive them?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you're a child yet, or you would not ask such a question! You must + know, Master Wallingford, that the law protects rogues as well as honest + men. To convict a pickpocket, you must have witnesses and jurors to agree, + and prosecutors, and a sight of things that are not as plenty as + pocket-handkerchiefs, or even wallets and Bank of England notes. Besides, + these fellows can prove an alibi any day in the week. An alibi, you must + know—” + </p> + <p> + “I know very well what an alibi means, Mr. Sweeney.” + </p> + <p> + “The deuce you do!” exclaimed the protector of the king's revenue, eyeing + me a little distrustfully. “And pray how should one as young as you, and + coming from a new country like America, know that?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” said I, laughing, “America is just the country for <i>alibis</i>—everybody + is everywhere, and nobody anywhere. The whole nation is in motion, and + there is every imaginable opportunity for <i>alibis</i>.” + </p> + <p> + I believe I owed the development of Sweeney's “ulterior views” to this + careless speech. He had no other idea of the word than its legal + signification; and it must have struck him as a little suspicious that one + of my apparent condition in life, and especially of my years, should be + thus early instructed in the meaning of this very useful professional + term. It was a minute before he spoke again, having been all that time + studying my countenance. + </p> + <p> + “And pray, Master Wallingford,” he then inquired, “do you happen to know + what <i>nolle prosequi</i> means, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; it means to give up the chase. The French lugger under + Dungeness entered a <i>nolle prosequi</i> as respects my brig, when she + found her hands full of the West-Indiaman.” + </p> + <p> + “So, so; I find I have been keeping company all this time with a knowing + one, and I such a simpleton as to fancy him green! Well, that I should + live to be done by a raw Jonathan!” + </p> + <p> + “Poh, poh, Mr. Sweeney, I can tell you a story of two of our naval + officers, that took place just before we sailed; and then you will learn + that all hands of us, on the other side of the Big Pond, understand Latin. + One of these officers had been engaged in a duel, and he found it + necessary to lie hid. A friend and shipmate, who was in his secret, came + one day in a great hurry to tell him that the authorities of the State in + which the parties fought had entered a <i>nolle prosequi”</i> against the + offenders. He had a newspaper with the whole thing in it, in print. + “What's a <i>nolle prosequi</i>, Jack?” asked Tom. “Why, it's Latin, to be + sure, and it means some infernal thing or other. We must contrive to find + out, for it's half the battle to know who and what you've got to face.” + “Well, you know lots of lawyers, and dare show your face; so, just step + out and ask one.” “I'll trust no lawyer; I might put the question to some + chap who has been fee'd. But we both studied a little Latin when boys, and + between us we'll undermine the meaning.” Tom assented, and to work they + went. Jack had the most Latin; but, do all he could, he was not able to + find a “<i>nolle</i>” in any dictionary. After a great deal of conjecture, + the friends agreed it must be the root of “knowledge,” and that point was + settled. As for “<i>prosequi</i>” it was not so difficult, as “sequor” was + a familiar word; and, after some cogitation, Jack announced his + discoveries. “If this thing were in English, now,” he said, “a fellow + might understand it. In that case, I should say that the sheriff's men + were in “pursuit of knowledge;” that is, hunting after <i>you</i>; but + Latin, you remember, was always an inverted sort of stuff, and that '<i>pro</i>' + alters the whole signification. The paper says they've '<i>entered</i> a + <i>nolle prosequi;</i>' and the 'entered' explains the whole. 'Entered a + nolle' means, have entered on the knowledge, got a scent; you see it is + law English; 'pro' means 'how,' and 'sequi,' 'to give chase.' The amount + of it all is, Tom, that they are on your heels, and I must go to work and + send you off, at once, two or three hundred miles into the interior, where + you may laugh at them and their 'nolle prosequis' together.” {*] + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: There is said to be foundation for this story.] + </p> + <p> + Sweeney laughed heartily at this story, though he clearly did not take the + joke, which I presume he fancied lay concealed under an American flash + language; and he proposed by way of finishing the day, to carry me to an + entertainment where, he gave me to understand, American officers were fond + of sometimes passing a few minutes. I was led to a Wapping assembly-room, + on entering which I found myself in a party composed of some forty or + fifty cooks and stewards of American vessels, all as black as their own + pots with partners of the usual colour and bloom of English girls I have + as few prejudices of colour as any American well can have; but I will + confess this scene struck me as being painfully out of keeping. In + England, however, nothing seemed to be thought of it; and I afterwards + found that marriages between English women, and men of all the colours of + the rainbow, were very common occurrences. + </p> + <p> + When he had given me this ball as the climax of his compliments, Sweeney + betrayed the real motive of all his attentions. After drinking a pot of + beer extra, well laced with gin, he offered his services in smuggling + anything ashore that the Amanda might happen to contain, and which I, as + the prize-master, might feel a desire to appropriate to my own particular + purposes. I met the proposal with a little warmth, letting my tempter + understand that I considered his offer so near an insult, that it must + terminate our acquaintance. The man seemed astounded. In the first place, + he evidently thought all goods and chattels were made to be plundered, and + then he was of opinion that plundering was a very common “Yankee trick.” + Had I been an Englishman, he might possibly have understood my conduct; + but, with him, it was so much a habit to fancy an American a rogue, that, + as I afterwards discovered, he was trying to persuade the leader of a + press-gang that I was the half-educated and illegitimate son of some + English merchant, who wished to pass himself off for an American. I + pretend not to account for the contradiction, though I have often met with + the same moral phenomena among his countrymen; but here was as regular a + rogue as ever cheated, who pretended to think roguery indigenous to + certain nations, among whom his own was not included. + </p> + <p> + At length I was cheered with the sight of the Crisis, as she came drifting + through the tiers, turning, and twisting, and glancing along, just as the + Amanda had done before her. The pilot carried her to moorings quite near + us; and Talcott, Neb and I were on board her, before she was fairly + secured. My reception was very favourable, Captain Williams having seen + the account of the “Yankee trick” in the papers; and, understanding the + thing just as it had happened, he placed the most advantageous + construction on all I had done. For myself, I confess I never had any + misgivings on the subject. + </p> + <p> + All hands of us were glad to be back in the Crisis again. Captain Williams + had remained at Falmouth longer than he expected, to make some repairs + that could not be thoroughly completed at sea, which alone prevented him + from getting into the river as soon as I did myself. Now the ship was in, + we no longer felt any apprehension of being impressed, Sweeney's + malignancy having set several of the gang upon the scent after us. Whether + the fellow actually thought I was an English subject or not, is more than + I ever knew; but I felt no disposition myself to let the point be called + in question, before my Lord Chief Justice of a Rendezvous. The King's + Bench was more governed by safe principles, in its decisions, than the + gentlemen who presided in these marine courts of the British navy. + </p> + <p> + As I was the only officer in the ship who had ever seen anything of + London, my fortnight's experience made me a notable man in the cabin. It + was actually greater preferment for me than when I was raised from third + to be second-mate. Marble was all curiosity to see the English capital, + and he made me promise to be his pilot, as soon as duty would allow time + for a stroll, and to show him everything I had seen myself. We soon got + out the cargo, and then took in ballast for our North-West voyage; the + articles we intended to traffic with on the coast, being too few and too + light to fill the ship. This kept us busy for a fortnight, after which we + had to look about us to obtain men to supply the places of those who had + been killed, or sent away in <i>la Dame de Nantes</i>. Of course we + preferred Americans; and this so much the more, as Englishmen were liable + to be pressed at any moment. Fortunately, a party of men that had been + taken out of an American ship, a twelvemonth before, by an English + cruiser, had obtained their discharges; and they all came to London, for + the double purpose of getting some prize-money, and of obtaining passages + home. These lads were pleased with the Crisis and the voyage, and, instead + of returning to their own country, sailor-like, they took service to go + nearly round the world. These were first-rate men—Delaware-river + seamen—and proved a great accession to our force. We owed the + windfall to the reputation the ship had obtained by her affairs with the + letter-of-marque; an account of which, copied from the log-book and a + little embellished by some one on shore, he consignee had taken care + should appear in the journals. The history of the surprise, in particular, + read very well; and the English were in a remarkably good humour, at that + time, to receive an account of any discomfiture of a Frenchman. At no + period since the year 1775, had the American character stood so high in + England as it did just then; the two nations, for a novelty, fighting on + the same side. Not long after we left London, the underwriters at Lloyd's + actually voted a handsome compliment to an American commander for + capturing a French frigate. Stranger things have happened than to have the + day arrive when English and American fleets may be acting in concert. No + one can tell what is in the womb of time; and I have lived long enough to + know that no man can foresee who will continue to be his friends, or a + nation what people may become its enemies. + </p> + <p> + The Crisis at length began to take in her bales and boxes for the + North-West Coast, and, as the articles were received slowly, or a few + packages at a time, it gave us leisure for play. Our captain was in such + good humour with us, on account of the success of the outward-bound + passage, that he proved very indulgent. This disposition was probably + increased by the circumstance that a ship arrived in a very short passage + from New York, which spoke our prize; all well, with a smacking southerly + breeze, a clear coast, and a run of only a few hundred miles to make. This + left the almost moral certainty that <i>la Dame de Nantes</i> had arrived + safe, no Frenchman being likely to trust herself on that distant coast, + which was now alive with our own cruisers, going to or returning from the + West Indies. + </p> + <p> + I had a laughable time in showing Marble the sights of London. We began + with the wild beasts in the Tower, as in duty bound; but of these our mate + spoke very disparagingly. He had been too often in the East “to be taken + in by such animals;” and, to own the truth, the cockneys were easily + satisfied on the score of their <i>menagerie</i>. We next went to the + Monument; but this did not please him. He had seen a shot-tower in America—there + was but one in that day—that beat it out and out as to height, and + he thought in beauty, too. There was no reasoning against this. St. Paul's + rather confounded him. He frankly admitted there was no such church at + Kennebunk; though he did not know but Trinity, New York, “might stand up + alongside of it.” “Stand up along side of it!” I repeated, laughing. “Why, + Mr. Marble, Trinity, steeple and all, could stand up in it—<i>under</i> + that dome-and then leave more room in this building than all the other + churches in New York contain, put altogether.” + </p> + <p> + It was a long time before Marble forgave this speech. He said it was + “unpatriotic;” a word which was less used in 1799 than it is used to-day, + certainly; but which, nevertheless, <i>was</i> used. It often meant then, + as now, a thick and thin pertinacity in believing in provincial marvels; + and, in this, Marble was one of the most patriotic men with whom I ever + met. I got him out of the church, and along Fleet street, through Temple + Bar, and into the Strand, however, in peace; and then we emerged into the + arena of fashion, aristocracy and the court. After a time, we worked our + way into Hyde Park, where we brought up, to make our observations. + </p> + <p> + Marble was deeply averse to acknowledging all the admiration he really + felt at the turn-outs of London, as they were exhibited in the Park, of a + fine day, in their season. It is probable the world elsewhere never saw + anything approaching the beauty and magnificence that is here daily seen, + at certain times, so far as beauty and magnificence are connected with + equipages, including carriages, horses and servants. Unable to find fault + with the <i>tout ensemble</i>, our mate made a violent attack on the + liveries. He protested it was indecent to put a “hired man”—the word + <i>help</i> never being applied to the male sex, I believe, by the most + fastidious New England purist—in a cocked hat; a decoration that + ought to be exclusively devoted to the uses of ministers of the gospel, + governors of States, and militia officers. I had some notions of the + habits of the great world, through books, and some little learned by + observation and listening; but Marble scouted at most of my explanations. + He put his own construction on everything he saw; and I have often + thought, since, could the publishers of travels have had the benefit of + his blunders, how many would have profited by them. Gentlemen were just + then beginning to drive their own coaches; and I remember, in a particular + instance, an ultra in the new mode had actually put his coachman in the + inside, while he occupied the dickey in person. Such a gross violation of + the proprieties was unusual, even in London; but there sat Jehu, in all + the dignity of cotton-lace, plush, and a cocked hat. Marble took it into + his head that this man was the king, and no reasoning of mine could + persuade him to the contrary. In vain I pointed out to him a hundred + similar dignitaries, in the proper exercise of their vocation, on the + hammer-cloths; he cared not a straw—this was not showing him one <i>inside</i>; + and a gentleman inside of a carriage, who wore so fine a coat, and a + cocked hat in the bargain, could be nothing less than some dignitary of + the empire; and why not the king! Absurd as all this will seem, I have + known mistakes, connected with the workings of our own institutions, + almost as great, made by theorists from Europe. + </p> + <p> + While Marble and I were wrangling on this very point, a little incident + occurred, which led to important consequences in the end. Hackney-coaches, + or any other public conveyance, short of post-chaises and post-horses, are + not admitted into the English parks. But glass-coaches are; meaning by + this term, which is never used in America, hired carriages that do not go + on the stands. We encountered one of these glass-coaches in a very serious + difficulty. The horses had got frightened by means of a wheelbarrow, aided + probably by some bad management of the driver, and had actually backed the + hind-wheels of the vehicle into the water of the canal. They would have + soon had the whole carriage submerged, and have followed it themselves, + had it not been for the chief-mate and myself. I thrust the wheelbarrow + under one of the forward-wheels, just in time to prevent the final + catastrophe; while Marble grasped the spoke with his iron gripe, and, + together, he and the wheelbarrow made a resistance that counterbalanced + the backward tendency of the team. There was no footman; and, springing to + the door, I aided a sickly-looking, elderly man—a female who might + very well have been his wife, and another that I took for his daughter—to + escape. By my agency all three were put on the dry land, without even + wetting their feet, though I fared worse myself. No sooner were they safe, + than Marble, who was up to his shoulders in the water, and who had made + prodigious efforts to maintain the balance of power, released his hold, + the wheelbarrow gave way at the same moment, and the whole affair, coach + and horses, had their will, and went, stern foremost, overboard. One of + the horses was saved, I believe, and the other drowned; but, a crowd soon + collecting, I paid little attention to what was going on in the carriage, + as soon as its cargo was discharged. + </p> + <p> + The gentleman we had saved, pressed my hand with fervour, and Marble's, + too; saying that we must not quit him—that we must go home with him. + To this we consented, readily enough, thinking we might still be of use. + As we all walked towards one of the more private entrances of the Park, I + had an opportunity of observing the people we had served. They were very + respectable in appearance; but I knew enough of the world to see that they + belonged to what is called the middle class in England. I thought the man + might be a soldier; while the two females had an air of great + respectability, though not in the least of fashion. The girl appeared to + be nearly as old as myself, and was decidedly pretty. Here, then, was an + adventure! I had saved the life of a damsel of seventeen, and had only to + fall in love, to become the hero of a romance. + </p> + <p> + At the gate, the gentleman stopped a hackney-coach, put the females in, + and desired us to follow. But to this we would not consent, both being + wet, and Marble particularly so. After a short parley, he gave us an + address in Norfolk Street, Strand; and we promised to stop there on our + way back to the ship. Instead of following the carriage, however, we made + our way on foot into the Strand, where we found an eating-house, turned in + and eat a hearty dinner each, the chief-mate resorting to some brandy in + order to prevent his taking cold. On what principle this is done, I cannot + explain, though I know it is often practised, and in all quarters of the + world. + </p> + <p> + As soon as we had dined and dried ourselves, we went into Norfolk street. + We had been told to ask for Major Merton, and this we did. The house was + one of those plain lodging-houses, of which most of that part of the town + is composed: and we found the Major and his family in the occupation of + the first floor, a mark of gentility on which some stress is laid in + England. It was plain enough, however, to see that these people were not + rolling in that splendour, of which we had just seen so much in the Park. + </p> + <p> + “I can trace the readiness and gallantry of the English tar in your + conduct,” observed the Major, after he had given us both quite as warm a + reception as circumstances required, at the same time taking out his + pocket-book, and turning over some bank-notes. “I wish, for your sakes, I + was better able than I am to reward you for what you have done; but twenty + pounds is all I can now offer. At some other time, circumstances may place + it in my power to give further and better proofs of my gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + As this was said, the Major held two ten-pound notes towards Marble, + doubtless intending that I should receive one of them, as a fair division + of the spoils. Now, according to all theory, and the established opinion + of the Christian world, America is <i>the</i> avaricious country; the + land, of all others, in which men are the most greedy of gain; in which + human beings respect gold more, and themselves less, than in any other + portion of this globe. I never dispute anything that is settled by the + common consent of my fellow-creatures, for the simple reason that I know + the decision must be against me; so I will concede that money <i>is</i> + the great end of American life—that there is little else to live + for, in the great model republic. Politics have fallen into such hands, + that office will not even give social station; the people are omnipotent, + it is true; but, though they can make a governor, they cannot make + gentlemen and ladies; even kings are sometimes puzzled to do that; + literature, arms, arts, and fame of all sorts, are unattainable in their + rewards, among us as in other nations, leaving the puissant dollar in its + undisturbed ascendency; still, as a rule, twenty Europeans can be bought + with two ten-pound Bank of England notes, much easier than two Americans. + I leave others to explain the phenomenon; I only speak of the <i>fact</i>. + </p> + <p> + Marble listened to the Major's speech with great attention and respect, + fumbling in his pocket for his tobacco-box, the whole time. The box was + opened just as the Major ended, and even I began to be afraid that the + well-known cupidity of Kennebunk was about to give way before the + temptation, and the notes were to be stowed alongside of the tobacco but I + was mistaken. Deliberately helping himself to a quid, the chief-mate shut + the box again, and then he made his reply. + </p> + <p> + “Quite ginerous in you, Major,” he said, “and all ship-shape and right. I + like to see things done just in that way. Put up the money; we thank you + as much as if we could take it, and that squares all accounts. I would + just mention, however, to prevent mistakes, as the other idee might get us + impressed, that this young man and I are both born Americans—he from + up the Hudson somewhere, and I from York city, itself, though edicated + down east.” + </p> + <p> + “Americans!” resumed the Major, drawing himself up a little stiffly; “then + <i>you</i>, young man,” turning to me, and holding out the notes, of which + he now seemed as anxious to be rid, as I had previously fancied he was + sorry to see go—“<i>you</i> will do me the favour to accept of this + small token of my gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “It is quite impossible, sir,” I answered, respectfully. “We are not + exactly what we seem, and you are probably deceived by our roundabouts; + but we are the first and second officers of a letter-of-marque.” + </p> + <p> + At the word “officers,” the Major drew back his hand, and hastily + apologised. He did not understand us even then, I could plainly see; but + he had sufficient sagacity to understand that his money would not be + accepted. We were invited to sit down, and the conversation continued. + </p> + <p> + “Master Miles, there,” resumed Marble, “has an estate, a place called + Clawbonny, somewhere up the Hudson; and he has no business to be sailing + about the world in jacket and trowsers, when he ought to be studying law, + or trying his hand at college. But as the old cock crows, the young 'un + l'arns; his father was a sailor before him, and I suppose that's the + reason on't.” + </p> + <p> + This announcement of my position ashore did me no harm, and I could see a + change in the deportment of the whole family—not that it had ever + treated me haughtily, or even coldly; but it now regarded me as more on a + level with itself. We remained an hour with the Mertons, and I promised to + repeat the call before we sailed. This I did a dozen times, at least; and + the Major, finding, I suppose, that he had a tolerably well-educated youth + to deal with, was of great service in putting me in a better way of seeing + London. I went to both theatres with the family, taking care to appear in + a well-made suit of London clothes, in which I made quite as respectable a + figure as most of the young men I saw in the streets. Even Emily smiled + when she first saw me in my long-togs, and I thought she blushed. She was + a pretty creature; gentle and mild in her ordinary deportment, but full of + fire and spirit at the bottom, as I could see by her light, blue, English + eye. Then she had been well-educated; and, in my young ignorance of life, + I fancied she knew more than any girl of seventeen I had ever met with. + Grace and Lucy were both clever, and had been carefully taught by Mr. + Hardinge; but the good divine could not give two girls, in the provincial + retirement of America, the cultivation and accomplishments that were + within the reach of even moderate means in England. To me, Emily Merton + seemed a marvel in the way of attainments; and I often felt ashamed of + myself, as I sat at her side, listening to the natural and easy manner in + which she alluded to things, of which I then heard for the first time. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Boatswain!” + “Here, master: what cheer?” + “Good: speak to the mariners; fall to 't + Yarely, or we run ourselves aground: bestir, bestir.” + <i>Tempest.</i> +</pre> + <p> + As Captain Williams wished to show me some favour for the manner in which + I had taken care of the brig, he allowed me as much time ashore as I asked + for. I might never see London again; and, understanding I had fallen into + good company, he threw no obstacle in the way of my profiting by it. So + careful was he, indeed, as to get one of the consul's clerks to ascertain + who the Mertons were, lest I should become the dupe of the thousands of + specious rogues with which London abounds. The report was favourable, + giving us to understand that the Major had been much employed in the West + Indies, where he still held a moderately lucrative, semi-military + appointment, being then in England to settle certain long and vexatious + accounts, as well as to take Emily, his only child, from school. He was + expected to return to the old, or some other post, in the course of a few + months. A portion of this I gleaned from Emily herself, and it was all + very fairly corroborated by the account of the consul's clerk. There was + no doubt that the Mertons were persons of respectable position; without + having any claims, however, to be placed very high. From the Major, + moreover, I learned he had some American connexions, his father having + married in Boston. + </p> + <p> + For my part, I had quite as much reason to rejoice at the chance which + threw me in the way of the Mertons, as they had. If I was instrumental in + saving their lives, as was undeniably the case, they taught me more of the + world, in the ordinary social sense of the phrase, than I had learned in + all my previous life. I make no pretensions to having seen London society; + that lay far beyond the reach of Major Merton himself, who was born the + son of a merchant, when merchants occupied a much lower position in the + English social scale than they do to-day, and had to look to a patron for + most of his own advancement. But, he was a gentleman; maintained the + notions, sentiments, and habits of the caste; and was properly conscious + of my having saved his life when it was in great jeopardy. As for Emily + Merton, she got to converse with me with the freedom of a friend; and very + pleasant it was to hear pretty thoughts expressed in pretty language, and + from pretty lips. I could perceive that she thought me a little rustic and + provincial; but I had not been all the way to Canton to be brow-beaten by + a cockney girl, however clever and handsome. On the whole—and I say + it without vanity, at this late day—I think the impression left + behind me, among these good people, was favourable. Perhaps Clawbonny was + not without its influence; but, when I paid my last visit, even Emily + looked sorrowful, and her mother was pleased to say they should all miss + me much. The Major made me promise to hunt him up, should I ever be in + Jamaica, or Bombay; for one of which places he expected to sail himself, + with his wife and daughter, in the course of a few months. I knew he had + had one appointment, thought he might receive another, and hoped + everything would turn out for the best. + </p> + <p> + The Crisis sailed on her day; and she went to sea from the Downs, a week + later, with a smacking southerly wind. Our Philadelphians turned out a + noble set of fellows; and we had the happiness of beating an English + sloop-of-war, just as we got clear of the channel, in a fair trial of + speed. To lessen our pride a little, a two-decker that was going to the + Mediterranean, treated us exactly in the same manner, only three days + later. What made this last affair more mortifying, was the fact that + Marble had just satisfied himself, and all hands, that, a sloop-of-war + being the fastest description of vessel, and we having got the better of + one of them, it might be fairly inferred we could outsail the whole + British navy. I endeavoured to console him, by reminding him that “the + race was not always to the swift.” He growled out some sort of an answer, + denouncing all sayings, and desiring to know out of what book I had picked + up that nonsense. + </p> + <p> + I have no intention of dwelling on every little incident that occurred on + the long road we were now travelling. We touched at Madeira, and landed an + English family that went there for the benefit of an invalid; got some + fruit, fresh meat and vegetables, and sailed again. Our next + stopping-place was Rio, whither we went for letters from home, the captain + being taught to expect them. The ship's letters were received, and they + were filled with eulogiums on our good conduct, having been written after + the arrival of <i>la Dame de Nantes;</i> but great was my disappointment + on finding there was not even a scrawl for myself. + </p> + <p> + Our stay at Rio was short, and we left port with a favourable slant of + wind, running as far north as 50°, in a very short time. As we drew near + to the southern extremity of the American continent, however, we met with + heavy weather and foul winds. We were now in the month that corresponds to + November in the northern hemisphere, and had to double The Horn at that + unpropitious season of the year, going westward. There is no part of the + world of which navigators have given accounts so conflicting, as of this + celebrated passage. Each man appears to have described it as he found it, + himself, while no two seem to have found it exactly alike. I do not + remember to have ever heard of calms off Cape Horn; but light winds are by + no means uncommon, though tempests are undoubtedly the predominant + characteristic. Our captain had already been round four times, and he held + the opinion that the season made no difference, and that it was better to + keep near the land. We shaped our course accordingly for Staten Land, + intending to pass through the Straits of Le Maire and hug the Horn, as + close as possible, in doubling it. We made the Falkland Islands, or West + Falkland rather, just as the sun rose, one morning, bearing a little on + our weather-quarter, with the wind blowing heavily at the eastward. The + weather was thick, and, what was still worse, there was so little day, and + no moon, that it was getting to be ticklish work to be standing for a + passage as narrow as that we aimed at. Marble and I talked the matter + over, between ourselves, and wished the captain could be persuaded to haul + up, and try to go to the eastward of the island, as was still possible, + with the wind where it was. Still, neither of us dared propose it; I, on + account of my youth, and the chief-mate, as he said, on account of “the + old fellow's obstinacy.” “He likes to be poking about in such places,” + Marble added, “and is never so happy as when he is running round the ocean + in places where it is full of unknown islands, looking for sandal wood, + and bêche-la-mar! I'll warrant you, he'll give us a famous time of it, if + he ever get us up on the North-West Coast.” Here the consultation + terminated, we mates believing it wiser to let things take their course. + </p> + <p> + I confess to having seen the mountains on our weather-quarter disappear, + with melancholy forebodings. There was little hope of getting any + observation that day; and to render matters worse, about noon, the wind + began to haul more to the southward. As it hauled, it increased in + violence, until, at midnight, it blew a gale; the commencement of such a + tempest as I had never witnessed in any of my previous passages at sea. As + a matter of course, sail was reduced as fast as it became necessary, until + we had brought the ship down to a close-reefed main-top-sail, the + fore-top-mast staysail, the fore-course, and the mizen-staysail. This was + old fashioned Canvass; the more recent spencer being then unknown. + </p> + <p> + Our situation was now far from pleasant. The tides and currents, in that + high latitude, run with great velocity; and, then, at a moment when it was + of the greatest importance to know precisely where the ship was, we were + left to the painful uncertainty of conjecture, and theories that might be + very wide of the truth. The captain had nerve enough, notwithstanding, to + keep on the larboard tack until daylight, in the hope of getting in sight + of the mountains of Terra del Fuego. No one, now, expected we should be + able to fetch through the Straits; but it would be a great relief to + obtain a sight of the land, as it would enable us to get some tolerably + accurate notions of our position. Daylight came at length, but it brought + no certainty. The weather was so thick, between a drizzling rain, sea-mist + and the spray, that it was seldom we could see a league around us, and + frequently not half a mile. Fortunately, the general direction of the + eastern coast of Terra del Fuego, is from north-west to south-east, always + giving us room to ware off shore, provided we did not unexpectedly get + embarrassed in some one of the many deep indentations of that wild and + inhospitable shore. + </p> + <p> + Captain Williams showed great steadiness in the trying circumstances in + which we were placed. The ship was just far enough south to render it + probable she could weather Falkland Islands, on the other tack, could we + rely upon the currents; but it would be ticklish work to undertake such a + thing, in the long, intensely dark nights we had, and thus run the risk of + finding ourselves on a lee shore. He determined, therefore, to hold on as + long as possible, on the tack we were on, expecting to get through another + night, without coming upon the land, every hour now giving us the hope + that we were drawing near to the termination of the gale. I presume he + felt more emboldened to pursue this course by the circumstance that the + wind evidently inclined to haul little by little, more to the southward, + which was not only increasing our chances of laying past the islands, but + lessened the danger from Terra del Fuego. + </p> + <p> + Marble was exceedingly uneasy during that second night. He remained on + deck with me the whole of the morning watch; not that he distrusted my + discretion in the least, but because he distrusted the wind and the land. + I never saw him in so much concern before, for it was his habit to + consider himself a timber of the ship, that was to sink or swim with the + craft. + </p> + <p> + “Miles,” said he, “you and I know something of these 'bloody currents,' + and we know they take a ship one way, while she looks as fiercely the + other as a pig that is dragged aft by the tail. If we had run down the + 50th degree of longitude, now, we might have had plenty of sea-room, and + been laying past the Cape, with this very wind; but, no, the old fellow + would have had no islands in that case, and he never could be happy + without half-a-dozen islands to bother him.” + </p> + <p> + “Had we run down the 50th degree of longitude,” I answered, “we should + have had twenty degrees to make to get round the Horn; whereas, could we + only lay through the Straits of Le Maire, six or eight of those very same + degrees would carry us clear of everything.” + </p> + <p> + “Only lay through the Straits of Le Maire, on the 10th November, or what + is the same thing in this quarter of the world, of May, and with less than + nine hours of day-light! And such day-light, too! Why, our Newfoundland + fogs, such stuff as I used to eat when a youngster and a fisherman, are + high noon to it! Soundings are out of the question hereabouts; and, before + one has hauled in the deep-sea, with all its line out, his cut-water may + be on a rock. This ship is so weatherly and drags ahead so fast, that we + shall see <i>terra firma</i> before any one has a notion of it. The old + man fancies, because the coast of Fuego trends to the north-west, that the + land will fall away from us, as fast as we draw towards it. I hope he may + live long enough to persuade all hands that he is right!” + </p> + <p> + Marble and I were conversing on the forecastle at the time, our eyes + turned to the westward, for it was scarcely possible for him to look in + any other direction, when he interrupted himself, by shouting out—“hard + up with the helm—spring to the after-braces, my lads—man + mizen-staysail downhaul!” This set everybody in motion, and the captain + and third-mate were on deck in a minute. The ship fell off, as soon as we + got the mizen-staysail in, and the main-topsail touching. Gathering way + fast, as she got the wind more aft, her helm threw her stern up, and away + she went like a top. The fore-topmast staysail-sheet was tended with care, + and yet the cloth emitted a sound like the report of a swivel, when the + sail first filled on the other tack. We got the starboard fore-tack + forward, and the larboard sheet aft, by two tremendously severe drags, the + blocks and bolts seeming fairly to quiver, as they felt the strains. + Everything succeeded, however, and the Crisis began to drag off from the + coast of Terra del Fuego, of a certainty; but to go whither, no one could + precisely tell. She headed up nearly east, the wind playing about between + south-and-by-east, and south-east-and-by-south. On that course, I own I + had now great doubt whether she could lay past the Falkland Islands, + though I felt persuaded we must be a long distance from them. There was + plenty of time before us to take the chances of a change. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the ship was round, and trimmed by the wind on the other tack, + Captain Williams had a grave conversation with the chief-mate, on the + subject of his reason for what he had done. Marble maintained he had + caught a glimpse of the land ahead—“Just as you know I did of la + Dame de Nantes, Captain Williams,” he continued, “and seeing there was no + time to be lost, I ordered the helm hard up, to ware off shore.” I + distrusted this account, even while it was in the very process of coming + out of the chief mate's mouth, and Marble afterwards admitted to me, quite + justly; but the captain either was satisfied, or thought it prudent to + seem so. By the best calculations I afterwards made, I suppose we must + have been from fifteen to twenty leagues from the land when we wore ship; + but, as Marble said, when he made his private confessions, “Madagascar was + quite enough for me, Miles, without breaking our nose on this sea-gull + coast; and there may be 'bloody currents' on this side of the Cape of Good + Hope, as well as on the other. We've got just so much of a gale and a foul + wind to weather, and the ship will do both quite as well with her head to + the eastward, as with her head to the westward.” + </p> + <p> + All that day the Crisis stood on the starboard tack, dragging through the + raging waters as it might be by violence; and just as night shut in again, + she wore round, once more, with her head to the westward. So far from + abating, the wind increased, and towards evening we found it necessary to + furl our topsail and fore-course. Mere rag of a sail as the former had + been reduced to, with its four reefs in, it was a delicate job to roll it + up. Neb and I stood together in the bunt, and never did I exert myself + more than on that occasion. The foresail, too, was a serious matter, but + we got both sails in without losing either. Just as the sun set, or as + night came to increase the darkness of that gloomy day, the + fore-topmast-staysail went out of the bolt-rope, with a report that was + heard all over the ship; disappearing in the mist, like a cloud driving in + the heavens. A few minutes later, the mizen-staysail was hauled down in + order to prevent it from travelling the same road. The jerks even this low + canvass occasionally gave the ship, made her tremble from her keel to her + trucks. + </p> + <p> + For the first time, I now witnessed a tempest at sea. Gales, and pretty + hard ones, I had often seen; but the force of the wind on this occasion, + as much exceeded that in ordinary gales of wind, as the force of these had + exceeded that of a whole-sail breeze. The seas seemed crushed, the + pressure of the swooping atmosphere, as the currents of the air went + howling over the surface of the ocean, fairly preventing them from rising; + or, where a mound of water did appear, it was scooped up and borne off in + spray, as the axe dubs inequalities from the log. In less than an hour + after it began to blow the hardest, there was no very apparent swell—the + deep breathing of the ocean is never entirely stilled—and the ship + was as steady as if hove half out, her lower yard-arms nearly touching the + water, an inclination at which they remained as steadily as if kept there + by purchases. A few of us were compelled to go as high as the + futtock-shrouds to secure the sails, but higher it was impossible to get. + I observed that when I thrust out a hand to clutch anything, it was + necessary to make the movement in such a direction as to allow for + lee-way, precisely as a boat quarters the stream in crossing against a + current. In ascending it was difficult to keep the feet on the ratlins, + and in descending, it required a strong effort to force the body down + towards the centre of gravity. I make no doubt, had I groped my way up to + the cross-trees, and leaped overboard my body would have struck the water, + thirty or forty yards from the ship. A marlin-spike falling from either + top, would have endangered no one on deck. + </p> + <p> + When the day returned, a species of lurid, sombre light was diffused over + the watery waste, though nothing was visible but the ocean and the ship. + Even the sea-birds seemed to have taken refuge in the caverns of the + adjacent coast, none re-appearing with the dawn. The air was full of + spray, and it was with difficulty that the eye could penetrate as far into + the humid atmosphere as half a mile. All hands mustered on deck, as a + matter of course, no one wishing to sleep at a time like that. As for us + officers, we collected on the forecastle, the spot where danger would + first make itself apparent, did it come from the side of the land. It is + not easy to make a landsman understand the embarrassments of our + situation. We had had no observations for several days, and had been + moving about by dead reckoning, in a part of the ocean where the tides run + like a mill-tail, with the wind blowing a little hurricane. Even now, when + her bows were half submerged, and without a stitch of canvass exposed, the + Crisis drove ahead at the rate of three or four knots, luffing as close to + the wind as if she carried after-sail. It was Marble's opinion that, in + such smooth water, do all we could, the vessel would drive towards the + much-dreaded land again, between sun and sun of that short day, a distance + of from thirty to forty miles. “Nor is this all, Miles,” he added to me, + in an aside, “I no more like this 'bloody current,' than that we had over + on the other side of the pond, when we broke our back on the rocks of + Madagascar. You never see as smooth water as this, unless when the wind + and current are travelling in the same direction.” I made no reply, but + there all four of us, the captain and his three mates, stood looking + anxiously into the vacant mist on our lee-bow, as if we expected every + moment to behold our homes. A silence of ten minutes succeeded, and I was + still gazing in the same direction, when by a sort of mystic rising of the + curtain, I fancied I saw a beach of long extent, with a dark-looking waste + of low bottom extending inland, for a considerable distance. The beach did + not appear to be distant half a knot, while the ship seemed to glide along + it, as compared with visible objects on shore, at a rate of six or eight + miles the hour. It extended, almost in a parallel line with our course, + too, as far as could be seen, both astern and ahead. + </p> + <p> + “What a strange delusion is this!” I thought to myself, and turned to look + at my companions, when I found all looking, one at the other, as if to ask + a common explanation. + </p> + <p> + “There is no mistake here,” said captain Williams, quietly. “That is <i>land</i>, + gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “As true as the gospel,” answered Marble, with the sort of steadiness + despair sometimes gives. “What is to be done, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “What <i>can</i> be done, Mr. Marble?—We have not room to ware, and, + of the two, there seems, so far as I can judge more sea-room ahead than + astern.” + </p> + <p> + This was so apparent, there was no disputing it. We could still see the + land, looking low, chill, and of the hue of November; and we could also + perceive that ahead, if anything, it fell off a little towards the + northward, while astern it seemingly stretched in a due line with our + course. That we passed it with great velocity, too, was a circumstance + that our eyes showed us too plainly to admit of any mistake. As the ship + was still without a rag of sail, borne down by the wind as she had been + for hours, and burying to her hawse-holes forward, it was only to a racing + tide, or current of some sort, that we could be indebted for our speed. We + tried the lead, and got bottom in six fathoms! + </p> + <p> + The captain and Marble now held a serious consultation; That the ship was + entering some sort of an estuary was certain, but of what depth, how far + favoured by a holding ground, or how far without any anchorage at all, + were facts that defied our inquiries. We knew that the land called Terra + del Fuego was, in truth, a cluster of islands, intersected by various + channels and passages, into which ships had occasionally ventured, though + their navigation had never led to any other results than some immaterial + discoveries in geography. That we were entering one of these passages, and + under favourable circumstances, though so purely accidental, was the + common belief; and it only remained to look out for the best anchorage, + while we had day-light. Fortunately, as we drove into the bay, or passage, + or what ever it was, the tempest lifted less spray from the water, and, + owing to this and other causes, the atmosphere gradually grew clearer. By + ten o'clock, we could see fully a league, though I can hardly say that the + wind blew less fiercely than before. As for sea, there was none, or next + to none; the water being as smooth as in a river. + </p> + <p> + The day drew on, and we began to feel increased uneasiness at the novelty + of our situation. Our hope and expectation were to find some anchorage; + but to obtain this it was indispensable also to find a lee. As the ship + moved forward, we still kept the land in view, on our starboard hand, but + that was a lee, instead of a weather shore; the last alone could give our + ground-tackle any chance, whatever, in such a tempest. We were drawing + gradually away from this shore, too, which trended more northerly, giving + us additional sea-room. The fact that we were in a powerful tide's way, + puzzled us the most. There was but one mode of accounting for the + circumstance. Had we entered a bay, the current must have been less, and + it seemed necessary there should be some outlet to such a swift + accumulation of water. It was not the mere rising of the water, swelling + in an estuary, but an arrow-like glancing of the element, as it shot + through a pass. We had a proof of this last fact, about eleven o'clock, + that admitted of no dispute. Land was seen directly ahead, at that hour, + and great was the panic it created. A second look, however, reassured us, + the land proving to be merely a rocky islet of some six or eight acres in + extent. We gave it a berth, of course, though we examined closely for an + anchorage near it, as we approached. The islet was too low and too small + to make any lee, nor did we like the looks of the holding-ground. The + notion of anchoring there was consequently abandoned; but we had now some + means of noting our progress. The ship was kept a little away, in order to + give this island a berth, and the gale drove her through the water at the + rate of seven or eight knots. This, however, was far from being our whole + speed, the tide sweeping us onward at a furious rate, in addition. Even + Captain Williams thought we must be passing that rock at the rate of + fifteen knots! + </p> + <p> + It was noon, and there was no abatement in the tempest, no change in the + current, no means of returning, no chance of stopping; away we were + driven, like events ruled by fate. The only change was the gradual + clearing up of the atmosphere, as we receded from the ocean, and got + farther removed from its mists and spray. Perhaps the power of the gale + had, in a small degree, abated, by two o'clock, and it would have been + possible to carry some short sail; but there being no sea to injure us, it + was unnecessary, and the ship continued to drive ahead, under bare poles. + Night was the time to dread. + </p> + <p> + There was, now, but one opinion among us, and that was this:—we + thought the ship had entered one of the passages that intersect Terra del + Fuego, and that there was the chance of soon finding a lee, as these + channels were known to be very irregular and winding. To run in the night + seemed impossible; nor was it desirable, as it was almost certain we + should be compelled to return by the way we had entered, to extricate + ourselves from the dangers of so intricate a navigation. Islands began to + appear, moreover, and we had indications that the main passage itself, was + beginning to diminish in width. Under the circumstances, therefore, it was + resolved to get everything ready, and to let go two anchors, as soon as we + could find a suitable spot. Between the hours of two and four, the ship + passed seventeen islets, some of them quite near; but they afforded no + shelter. At last, and it was time, the sun beginning to fall very low, as + we could see by the waning light, we saw an island of some height and size + ahead, and we hoped it might afford us a lee. The tide had changed too, + and that was in our favour. Turning to windward, however, was out of the + question, since we could carry no sail, and the night was near. Anchor, + then, we must, or continue to drive onward in the darkness, sheered about + in all directions by a powerful adverse current. It is true, this current + would have been a means of safety, by enabling us to haul up from rocks + and dangers ahead, could we carry any canvass; but it still blew too + violently for the last. To anchor, then, it was determined. + </p> + <p> + I had never seen so much anxiety in Captain Williams's countenance, as + when he was approaching the island mentioned. There was still light enough + to observe its outlines and shores, the last appearing bold and promising. + As the island itself may have been a mile in circuit, it made a tolerable + lee, when close to it. This was then our object, and the helm was put to + starboard as we went slowly past, the tide checking our speed. The ship + sheered into a sort of roadstead—a very wild one it was—as + soon as she had room. It was ticklish work, for no one could tell how soon + we might hit a rock; but we went clear, luffing quite near to the land, + where we let go both bowers at the same instant. The ship's way had been + sufficiently deadened, by throwing her up as near the wind as she could be + got, and there was no difficulty in snubbing her. The lead gave us seven + fathoms, and this within pistol-shot of the shore. We knew we were + temporarily safe. The great point was to ascertain how the vessel would + tend, and with how much strain upon her cables. To everybody's delight, it + was found we were in a moderate eddy, that drew the ship's stern from the + island, and allowed her to tend to the wind, which still had a fair range + from her top-sail yards to the trucks. Lower down, the tempest scuffled + about, howling and eddying, and whirling first to one side, and then to + the other, in a way to prove how much its headlong impetuosity was broken + and checked by the land. It is not easy to describe the relief we felt at + these happy chances. It was like giving foothold to some wretch who + thought a descent of the precipice was inevitable. + </p> + <p> + The ship was found to ride easily by one cable, and the hands were sent to + the windlass to heave up the other anchor, as our lead told us, we had + rocks beneath us, and the captain was afraid of the chafing. The + larboard-bower anchor was catted immediately, and there it was left + suspended, with a range of cable overhauled, in readiness to let go at a + moment's notice. After this, the people were told to get their suppers. As + for us officers, we had other things to think of. The Crisis carried a + small quarter-boat, and this was lowered into the water, the third-mate + and myself manned its oars, and away we went to carry the captain round + the ship, in order that he might ascertain the soundings, should it be + necessary to get under way in the night. The examination was satisfactory, + on all points but one; that of the holding-ground; and we returned to the + vessel, having taken good care to trust ourselves in neither the wind nor + the current. An anchor-watch was set, with a mate on deck, four hours and + four hours, and all hands turned in. + </p> + <p> + I had the morning watch. What occurred from seven o'clock (the captain + keeping the dog-watches himself,) until a few minutes before four, I + cannot tell in detail, though I understood generally, that the wind + continued to blow in the same quarter, though it gradually diminished in + violence, getting down to something like a mere gale, by midnight. The + ship rode more easily; but, when the flood came in, there was no longer an + eddy, the current sucking round each side of the island in a very unusual + manner. About ten minutes before the hour when it was my regular watch on + deck, all hands were called; I ran on deck, and found the ship had struck + adrift, the cable having parted. Marble had got the vessel's head up to + the wind, under bare poles as before, and we soon began to heave in the + cable. It was found that the mischief had been done by the rocks, the + strands being chafed two-thirds through. As soon as the current took the + vessel's hull with force, the cable parted. We lost our anchor, of course, + for there was no possible way of getting back to the island at present, or + until the ebb again made. + </p> + <p> + It wanted several hours of day, and the captain called a council. He told + us, he made no doubt that the ship had got into one of the Terra del Fuego + passages, guided by Providence; and, as he supposed we must be almost as + far south as Staten Land, he was of opinion we had made an important + discovery! Get back we could not, so long as the wind held where it was, + and he was disposed to make sail, and push the examination of the channel, + as far as circumstances would allow. Captain Williams had a weakness on + this point, that was amiable and respectable perhaps, but which hardly + comported with the objects and prudence of a trading ship-master. We were + not surprised, therefore, at hearing his suggestion; and, in spite of the + danger, curiosity added its impulses to our other motives of acquiescing. + We could not get back as the wind then was, and we were disposed to move + forward. As for the dangers of the navigation, they seemed to be lessening + as we advanced, fewer islands appearing ahead, and the passage itself grew + wider. Our course, however, was more to the southward bringing the ship + close up by the wind, once more. + </p> + <p> + The morning promised to be lighter than we had found the weather for + several days, and we even experienced some benefit from the moon. The + wind, too, began to back round to the eastward again, as we approached the + dawn; and we got the three top-sails, close-reefed, the fore-course, and a + new fore-top-mast stay-sail, on the ship. At length day appeared, and the + sun was actually seen struggling among dark masses of wild-looking, + driving clouds. For the first time since we entered those narrow waters, + we now got a good look around us. The land could be seen in all + directions. + </p> + <p> + The passage in which we found the Crisis, at sunrise on the morning of the + second of these adventurous days, was of several leagues in width; and + bounded, especially on the north, by high, precipitous mountains, many of + which were covered with snow. The channel was unobstructed; and not an + island, islet, or rock, was visible. No impediment to our proceeding + offered, and we were still more encouraged to push on. The course we were + steering was about south-south-west, and the captain predicted we should + come out into the ocean to the <i>westward</i> of the Straits of Le Maire, + and somewhere near the Cape itself. We should unquestionably make a great + discovery! The wind continued to back round, and soon got to be abaft the + beam. We now shook our reefs out, one after another, and we had whole + topsails on the vessel by nine o'clock. This was carrying hard, it must be + owned; but the skipper was determined to make hay while the sun shone. + There were a few hours, when I think the ship went fifteen knots by the + land, being so much favoured by the current. Little did we know the + difficulties towards which we were rushing! + </p> + <p> + Quite early in the day, land appeared ahead, and Marble began to predict + that our rope was nearly run out. We were coming to the bottom of a deep + bay. Captain Williams thought differently; and when he discovered a narrow + passage between two promontories, he triumphantly predicted our near + approach to the Cape. He had seen some such shape to the mountains inland, + in doubling the Horn, and the hill-tops looked like old acquaintances. + Unfortunately we could not see the sun at meridian, and got no + observation. For several hours we ran south-westerly, in a passage of no + great width, when we came to a sudden bend in our course, which led us + away to the north-west. Here we still had the tide with us, and we then + all felt certain that we had reached a point where the ebb must flow in a + direction contrary to that in which we had found it, in the other parts of + the passage. It followed, that we were now halfway through to the ocean, + though the course we were steering predicted a sinuous channel. We were + certainly not going now towards Cape Horn. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the difficulties and doubts which beset us, Captain + Williams packed on the ship, determined to get ahead as fast as he could, + while there was light. It no longer blew a gale, and the wind was hauling + more to the southward again. It soon got to be right aft, and before + sunset it had a little westing in it. Fortunately, it moderated, and we + set our main-sail and top-gallant-sails. We had carried a lower and + top-mast studding-sails nearly all day. The worst feature in our + situation, now, was the vast number of islands, or islets, we met. The + shore on each side was mountainous and rude, and deep indentations were + constantly tempting us to turn aside. But, rightly judging that the set of + the tide was a lair index to the true course, the captain stood on. + </p> + <p> + The night that followed was one of the most anxious I ever passed. We were + tempted to anchor a dozen times, in some of the different bays, of which + we passed twenty; but could not make up our minds to risk another cable. + We met the flood a little after sunset, and got rid of it before morning. + But the wind kept hauling, and at last it brought us fairly on a taut + bow-line; under top-gallant-sails, however. We had come too far to recede, + or now would have been the time to turn round, and retrace our steps. But + we hoped every moment to reach some inclination south, again, that would + carry us into the open sea. We ran a vast many chances of shipwreck, + passing frightfully near several reefs; but the same good Providence which + had so far protected us, carried us clear. Never was I so rejoiced as when + I saw day returning. + </p> + <p> + We had the young ebb, and a scant wind, when the sun rose next day. It was + a brilliant morning, however, and everybody predicted an observation at + noon. The channel was full of islands, still, and other dangers were not + wanting; but, as we could see our way, we got through them all safely. At + length our course became embarrassed, so many large islands, with passages + between them, offering on different sides. One headland, however, lay + before us; and, the ship promising to weather it, we held on our way. It + was just ten o'clock as we approached this cape, and we found a passage + westward that actually led into the ocean! All hands gave three cheers as + we became certain of this fact, the ship tacking as soon as far enough + ahead, and setting seaward famously with the tide. + </p> + <p> + Captain Williams now told us to get our quadrants, for the heavens were + cloudless, and we should have a horizon in time for the sun. He was + anxious to get the latitude of our discovery. Sure enough, it so fell out, + and we prepared to observe; some predicting one parallel, some another. As + for the skipper himself, he said he thought we were still to the eastward + of the Cape; but he felt confident that we had come out to the westward of + Le Maire. Marble was silent; but he had observed, and made his + calculations, before either of the others had commenced the last. I saw + him scratch his head, and go to the chart which lay on the companionway. + Then I heard him shout— + </p> + <p> + “In the Pacific, by St. Kennebunk!”—he always swore by this pious + individual when excited—“We have come through the Straits of + Magellan without knowing it!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sound trumpets, ho!—weigh anchor—loosen sail— + The seaward-flying banners chide delay; + As if't were heaven that breathes this kindly gale, + Our life-like bark beneath it speeds away.—” + PINKNEY. +</pre> + <p> + The stout ship Crisis had, like certain persons, done a good thing purely + by chance, Had her exploit happened in the year 1519, instead of that of + 1800, the renowned passage we had just escaped from would have been called + the Crisis Straits, a better name than the mongrel appellation it now + bears; which is neither English, nor Portuguese. The ship had been lost, + like a man in the woods, and came out nearer home, than those in her could + have at all expected. The “bloody currents” had been at the bottom of the + mistake, though this time they did good, instead of harm. Any one who has + been thoroughly lost on a heath, or in a forest, or, even in a town, can + comprehend how the head gets turned on such occasions, and will understand + the manner in which we had mystified ourselves. + </p> + <p> + I shall remember the feelings of delight with which I looked around me, as + the ship passed out into the open ocean, to my dying day. There lay the + vast Pacific, its long, regular waves rolling in towards the coast, in + mountain-like ridges, it is true, but under a radiant sun, and in a bright + atmosphere. Everybody was cheered by the view, and never did orders sound + more pleasant in my ears, than when the captain called out, in a cheerful + voice, “to man the weather braces.” This command was given the instant it + was prudent; and the ship went foaming past the last cape with the speed + of a courser. Studding-sails were then set, and, when the sun was dipping, + we had a good offing, were driving to the northward under everything we + could carry, and had a fair prospect of an excellent run from the + neighbourhood of Terra del Fuego, and its stormy seas. + </p> + <p> + It is not my intention to dwell on our passage along the western coast of + South America. A voyage to the Pacific was a very different thing in the + year 1800, however, from what it is to-day. The power of Spain was then + completely in the ascendant, intercourse with any nation but the mother + country, being strictly prohibited. It is true, a species of commerce, + that was called the “forced trade on the Spanish Main” existed under that + code of elastic morals, which adapts the maxim of “your purse or your + life” to modern diplomacy, as well as to the habits of the highwayman. + According to divers masters in the art of ethics now flourishing among + ourselves, more especially in the atmosphere of the journals of the + commercial communities, the people that “<i>can</i> trade and <i>won't</i> + trade, <i>must be made to trade</i>.” At the commencement of the century, + your mercantile moralists were far less manly in the avowal of their + sentiments, though their practices were in no degree wanting in the spirit + of our more modern theories. Ships were fitted out, armed, and navigated, + on this just principle, quite as confidently and successfully as if the + tongue had declared all that the head had conceived. + </p> + <p> + Guarda-Costas were the arguments used, on the other side of this knotty + question, by the authorities of Spain; and a very insufficient argument, + on the whole, did they prove to be. It is an old saying, that vice is + twice as active as virtue; the last sleeping, while the former is hard at + work. If this be true of things in general, it is thrice true as regards + smugglers and custom-house officers. Owing to this circumstance, and + sundry other causes, it is certain that English and American vessels found + the means of plundering the inhabitants of South America, at the period of + which I am writing, without having recourse to the no longer reputable + violence of Dampier, Wood, Rogers, or Drake. As I feel bound to deal + honestly with the reader, whatever I may have done by the Spanish laws, I + shall own that we made one or two calls, as we proceeded north, shoving + ashore certain articles purchased in London, and taking on board dollars, + in return for our civility. I do not know whether I am bound, or not, to + apologize for my own agency in these irregular transactions—regular, + would be quite as apposite a word—for, had I been disposed to + murmur, it would have done my morals no good, nor the smuggling any harm. + Captain Williams was a silent man, and it was not easy to ascertain + precisely what he <i>thought</i> on the subject of smuggling; but, in the + way of <i>practice</i>, I never saw any reason to doubt that he was a firm + believer in the doctrine of Free Trade. As for Marble, he put me in mind + of a certain renowned editor of a well-known New York journal, who + evidently thinks that all things in heaven and earth, sun, moon, and + stars, the void above and the caverns beneath us, the universe, in short, + was created to furnish materials for newspaper paragraphs; the worthy + mate, just as confidently believing that coasts, bays, inlets, roadsteads + and havens, were all intended by nature, as means to run goods ashore + wherever the duties, or prohibitions, rendered it inconvenient to land + them in the more legal mode. Smuggling, in his view of the matter, was + rather more creditable than the regular commerce, since it required + greater cleverness. + </p> + <p> + I shall not dwell on the movements of the Crisis, for the five months that + succeeded her escape from the Straits of Magellan. Suffice it to say, that + she anchored at as many different points on the coast; that all which came + up the main-hatch, went ashore; and all that came over the bulwarks, was + passed down into the run. We were chased by <i>guarda-costas</i> seven + times, escaping from them on each occasion, with ease; though we had three + little running fights. I observed that Captain Williams was desirous of + engaging these emissaries of the law, as easily as possible, ordering us + to fire altogether at their spars. I have since thought that this + moderation proceeded from a species of principle that is common enough—a + certain half-way code of right and wrong—which encouraged him to + smuggle, but which caused him to shrink from taking human life. Your + half-way rogues are the bane of honesty. + </p> + <p> + After quitting the Spanish coast, altogether, we proceeded north, with the + laudable intention of converting certain quantities of glass-beads, + inferior jack-knives, frying-pans, and other homely articles of the same + nature, into valuable furs. In a word, we shaped our course for that + district which bids fair to set the mother and daughter by the ears, one + of these days, unless it shall happen to be disposed of <i>à la Texas</i>, + or, what is almost as bad, <i>à la Maine</i>, ere long. At that time the + whole north-west coast was unoccupied by white men, and I felt no scruples + about trading with the natives who presented themselves with their skins + as soon as we had anchored, believing that they had the best right to the + country and its products. We passed months in this traffic, getting, at + every point where we stopped, something to pay us for our trouble. + </p> + <p> + We went as far north as 53°, and that is pretty much all I ever knew of + our last position. At the time, I thought we had anchored in a bay on the + main land, but I have since been inclined to think it was in one of the + many islands that line that broken coast. We got a very secure berth, + having been led to it by a native pilot who boarded us several leagues at + sea, and who knew enough English to persuade our captain that he could + take us to a point where sea-otter skins might be had for the asking. Nor + did the man deceive us, though a more unpromising-looking guide never had + charge of smuggling Christians. He carried us into a very small bay, where + we found plenty of water, capital holding-ground, and a basin as smooth as + a dock. But one wind—that which blew from the north-west—could + make any impression on it, and the effects of even that were much broken + by a small island that lay abreast of the entrance; leaving good passages, + on each side of it, out to sea. The basin itself was rather small, it is + true, but it did well enough for a single ship. Its diameter may have been + three hundred yards, and I never saw a sheet of natural water that was so + near a circle. Into a place like this, the reader will imagine, we did not + venture without taking the proper precautions. Marble was sent in first, + to reconnoitre and sound, and it was on his report that Captain Williams + ventured to take the ship in. + </p> + <p> + At that time, ships on the North-West Coast had to use the greatest + precautions against the treachery and violence of the natives. This + rendered the size of our haven the subject of distrust; for, lying in the + middle of it, where we moored, we were barely an arrow's flight from the + shore, in every direction but that which led to the narrow entrance. It + was a most secure anchorage, as against the dangers of the sea, but a most + insecure one as against the dangers of the savages. This we all felt, as + soon as our anchors were down; but, intending to remain only while we + bartered for the skins which we had been told were ready for the first + ship that should offer, we trusted to vigilance as our safeguard in the + interval. + </p> + <p> + I never could master the uncouth sounds of the still more uncouth savages + of that distant region. The fellow who carried us in had a name of his + own, doubtless, but it was not to be pronounced by a Christian tongue, and + he got the <i>sobriquet</i> of the Dipper from us, owing to the manner in + which he ducked at the report of our muskets, which had been discharged by + Marble merely with the intention to renew the cartridges. We had hardly + got into the little basin, before the Dipper left us, returning in an + hour, however, with a canoe loaded to the water's edge, with beautiful + skins, and accompanied by three savages as wild-looking, seemingly as + fierce, and certainly as avaricious as he was himself. These auxiliaries, + through various little circumstances, were known among us that same + afternoon, by the several appellations of Smudge, Tin-pot, and Slit-nose. + These were not heroic names, of a certainty, but their owners had as + little of the heroic in their appearance, as usually falls to the lot of + man in the savage state. I cannot tell the designation of the tribes to + which these four worthies belonged, nor do I know any more of their + history and pursuits than the few facts which came under my own immediate + observation. I did ask some questions of the captain, with a view to + obtain a few ideas on this subject, but all he knew was, that these people + put a high value on blankets, beads, gun-powder, frying-pans, and old + hoops, and that they set a remarkably low price on sea-otter skins, as + well as on the external coverings of sundry other animals. An application + to Mr. Marble was still less successful, being met by the pithy answer + that he was “no naturalist, and knew nothing about these critturs, or any + wild beasts, in general.” Degraded as the men certainly were, however, we + thought them quite good enough to be anxious to trade with them. Commerce, + like misery, sometimes makes a man acquainted with strange bed-fellows. + </p> + <p> + I had often seen our own Indians after they had become degraded by their + intercourse with the whites and the use of rum, but never had I beheld any + beings so low in the scale of the human race, as the North-Western savages + appeared to be. They seemed to me to be the Hottentots of our own + continent. Still they were not altogether without the means of commanding + our respect. As physical men they were both active and strong, and there + were gleams of ferocity about them, that all their avarice and art could + not conceal. I could not discover in their usages, dress, or deportment, a + single trace of that chivalrous honour which forms so great a relief to + the well-established cruelty of the warrior of our own part of the + continent. Then, these sea-otter dealers had some knowledge of the use of + fire-arms, and were too well acquainted with the ships of us civilized men + to have any superstitious dread of our power. + </p> + <p> + The Dipper, and his companions, sold us one hundred and thirty-three + sea-otter skins the very afternoon we anchored. This, of itself, was + thought to be a sufficient reward for the trouble and risk of coming into + this unknown basin. Both parties seemed pleased with the results of the + trading, and we were given to understand that, by remaining at anchor, we + might hope for six or eight times our present number of skins. Captain + Williams was greatly gratified with the success with which he had already + met, and having found that all the Dipper had promised came true, he + determined to remain a day or two, in his present berth, in order to wait + for more bargains. This resolution was no sooner communicated to the + savages than they expressed their delight, sending off Tin-pot and + Slit-nose with the intelligence, while the Dipper and Smudge remained in + the ship, apparently on terms of perfect good-fellowship with everybody on + board. The gentry of the North-West Coast being flagrant thieves, however, + all hands had orders to keep a good look-out on our two guests, Captain + Williams expressing his intention to flog them soundly, should they be + detected in any of their usual light-fingered dexterity. + </p> + <p> + Marble and myself observed that the canoe, in which the messengers left + us, did not pull out to sea, but that it entered a small stream, or creek, + that communicated with the head of the bay. As there was no duty on board, + we asked the captain's permission to explore this spot; and, at the same + time, to make a more thorough examination of our haven, generally. The + request being granted, we got into the yawl, with four men, all of us + armed, and set out on our little expedition. Smudge, a withered, + grey-headed old Indian, with muscles however that resembled whip-cord, was + alone on deck, when this movement took place. He watched our proceedings + narrowly, and, when he saw us descend into the boat, he very coolly + slipped down the ship's side, and took his place in the stern-sheets, with + as much quiet dignity as if he had been captain. Marble was a good deal of + a ship's martinet in such matters, and he did not more than half like the + familiarity and impudence of the procedure. + </p> + <p> + “What say you, Miles,” he asked, a little sharply, “shall we take this + dried ourang-outang ashore with us, or shall we try to moisten him a + little, by throwing him overboard'!” + </p> + <p> + “Let him go, by all means, Mr. Marble. I dare say the man wishes to be of + use, and he has only a bad manner of showing it.” + </p> + <p> + “Of use! He is worth no more than the carcase of a whale that has been + stripped of its blubber. I say, Miles, there would be no need of the + windlass to heave the blanket off of this fish!” + </p> + <p> + This professional witticism put Marble in good humour with himself, and he + permitted the fellow to remain. I remember the thoughts that passed + through my mind, as the yawl pulled towards the creek, on that occasion, + as well as if it had all occurred yesterday. I sat looking at the + semi-human being who was seated opposite, wondering at the dispensation of + Divine Providence which could leave one endowed with a portion of the + ineffable; nature of the Deity, in a situation so degraded. I had seen + beasts in cages that appeared to me to be quite as intelligent, and + members of the diversified family of human caricatures, or of the baboons + and monkeys, that I thought were quite as agreeable objects to the eye. + Smudge seemed to be almost without ideas. In his bargains, he had trusted + entirely to the vigilance of the Dipper, whom we supposed to be some sort + of a relation; and the articles he received in exchange for his skins, + failed to arouse in his grim, vacant countenance, the smallest signs of + pleasure. Emotion and he, if they had been acquainted, now appeared to be + utter strangers to each other; nor was this apathy in the least like the + well-known stoicism of the American Indian; but had the air of downright + insensibility. Yet this man assuredly had a soul, a spark of the + never-dying flame that separates man from all the other beings of earth! + </p> + <p> + The basin in which the Crisis lay was entirely fringed with forest. The + trees in most places even overhung the water, forming an impenetrable + screen to everything inland, at the season when they were in leaf. Not a + sign of a habitation of any sort was visible; and, as we approached the + shore, Marble remarked that the savages could only resort to the place at + the moments when they had induced a ship to enter, in order to trade with + them. + </p> + <p> + “No—no,” added the mate, turning his head in all directions, in + order to take a complete survey of the bay; “there are no wigwams, or + papooses, hereabouts. This is only a trading-post; and luckily for us, it + is altogether without custom-house officers.” + </p> + <p> + “Not without smugglers, I fancy, Mr. Marble, if contriving to get other + people's property without their knowledge, can make a smuggler. I never + saw a more thorough-looking thief than the chap we have nick-named the + Dipper. I believe he would swallow one of our iron spoons, rather than not + get it!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, there's no mistake about him, 'Master Mile,' as Neb calls you. But + this fellow here, hasn't brains enough to tell his own property from that + of another man. I would let him into our bread-lockers, without any dread + of his knowing enough to eat. I never saw such a vacancy in a human form; + a down-east idiot would wind him up in a trade, as handily as a pedlar + sets his wooden clocks in motion.” + </p> + <p> + Such was Marble's opinion of the sagacity of Mr. Smudge; and, to own the + truth, such, in a great measure, was my own. The men laughed at the + remarks—seamen are a little apt to laugh at chief-mates' wit—and + their looks showed how thoroughly they coincided with us in opinion. All + this time, the boat had been pushing ahead, and it soon reached the mouth + of the little creek. + </p> + <p> + We found the inlet deep, but narrow and winding. Like the bay itself, it + was fringed with trees and bushes, and this in a way to render it + difficult to get a view of anything on the land; more especially as the + banks were ten or fifteen feet in height. Under the circumstances, Marble + proposed that we should land on both sides of the creek, and follow its + windings on foot, for a short distance, in order to get a better + opportunity to reconnoitre. Our dispositions were soon made. Marble and + one of the boat's crew, each armed, landed on one side of the inlet, while + Neb and myself, similarly provided, went ashore on the other. The two + remaining men were ordered to keep abreast of us in the boat, in readiness + to take us on board again, as soon as required. + </p> + <p> + “Leave that Mr. Smudge in the boat, Miles,” Marble called out across the + creek, as I was about to put foot on the ground. I made a sign to that + effect to the savage, but when I reached the level ground on the top of + the bank, I perceived the fellow was at my elbow. It was so difficult to + make such a creature understand one's wishes, without the aid of speech, + that, after a fruitless effort or two to send him back by means of signs, + I abandoned the attempt, and moved forward, so as to keep the whole party + in the desired line. Neb offered to catch the old fellow in his arms, and + to carry him down to the yawl; but I thought it more prudent to avoid + anything like violence. We proceeded, therefore, accompanied by this + escort. + </p> + <p> + There was nothing, however, to excite alarm, or awaken distrust. We found + ourselves in a virgin forest, with all its wildness, dampness, gloomy + shadows, dead and fallen trees, and unequal surface. On my side of the + creek, there was not the smallest sign of a foot-path; and Marble soon + called out to say, he was equally without any evidences of the steps of + man. I should think we proceeded quite a mile in this manner, certain that + the inlet would be a true guide on our return. At length a call from the + boat let us know there was no longer water enough to float it, and that it + could proceed no farther. Marble and myself descended the banks at the + same moment, and were taken in, intending to return in the yawl. Smudge + glided back to his old place, with his former silence. + </p> + <p> + “I told you to leave the ourang-outang behind,” Marble carelessly + observed, as he took his own seat, after assisting in getting the boat + round, with its head towards the bay. “I would rather have a rattlesnake + for a pet, than such a cub.” + </p> + <p> + “It is easier said than done, sir. Master Smudge stuck to me as close as a + leech.” + </p> + <p> + “The fellow seems all the better for his walk—I never saw him look + half as amiable as he does at this moment.” + </p> + <p> + Of course this raised a laugh, and it induced me to look round. For the + first time, I could detect something like a human expression in the + countenance of Smudge, who seemed to experience some sensation a little + akin to satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “I rather think he had taken it into his head we were about to desert the + coppers,” I remarked, “and fancied he might lose his supper. Now, he must + see we are going back, he probably fancies he will go to bed on a full + stomach.” + </p> + <p> + Marble assented to the probability of this conjecture, and the + conversation changed. It was matter of surprise to us that we had met no + traces of anything like a residence near the creek, not the smallest sign + of man having been discovered by either. It was reasonable to expect that + some traces of an encampment, at least, would have been found. Everybody + kept a vigilant look-out at the shore as we descended the creek; but, as + on the ascent, not even a foot-print was detected. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the bay, there being still several hours of day-light, we made + its entire circuit, finding nowhere any proof of the former presence of + man. At length, Marble proposed pulling to the small wooded island that + lay a little without the entrance of the haven, suggesting that it was + possible the savages might have something like an encampment there, the + place being more convenient as a look-out into the offing, than any point + within the bay itself. In order to do this, it was necessary to pass the + ship; and we were hailed by the captain, who wished to know the result of + our examinations. As soon as he learned our present object, he told us to + come alongside, intending to accompany us to the island in person. On + getting into the boat, which was small and a little crowded by the + presence of Smudge, Captain Williams made a sign for that personage to + quit the yawl. He might as well have intimated as much to one of the + thwarts! Laughing at the savage's stupidity, or obstinacy, we scarce knew + which to term it, the boat was shoved off, and we pulled through the + entrance, two hundred yards outside perhaps, until our keel grated against + the low rocks of this islet. + </p> + <p> + There was no difficulty in landing; and Neb, who preceded the party, soon + gave a shout, the proof that he had made some discovery. Every man among + us now looked to his arms, expecting to meet an encampment of savages; but + we were disappointed. All that the negro had discovered were the + unequivocal traces of a former bivouac; and, judging from a few of the + signs, that of no very recent occupation. The traces were extensive, + covering quite half of the interior of the island; leaving an extensive + curtain of trees and bushes, however, so as completely to conceal the spot + from any eyes without. Most of the trees had been burnt down, as we at + first thought, in order to obtain fuel; but, farther examination satisfied + us, that it had been done as much by accident, as by design. + </p> + <p> + At first, nothing was discovered in this encampment, which had every + appearance of not having been extensively used for years, though the + traces of numerous fires, and the signs of footsteps, and a spring in the + centre, indicated the recent occupation, of which I have just spoken. A + little further scrutiny, however, brought to light certain objects that we + did not note without much wonder and concern. Marble made the first + discovery. It was impossible for seamen to mistake the object, which was + the head of a rudder, containing the tiller-hole, and which might have + belonged to a vessel of some two hundred and fifty, or three hundred tons. + This set all hands of us at work, and, in a few minutes we found, + scattered about, fragments of plank, top-timbers, floor-timbers, and other + portions of a ship, all more or less burnt, and stripped of every particle + of metal. Even the nails had been drawn by means of perseverance and + labour. Nothing was left but the wood, which proved to be live-oak, cedar + and locust, the proofs that the unfortunate craft had been a vessel of + some value. We wanted no assurance of this, however, as none but a + North-West trader could well have got as high up the coast, and all + vessels of that class were of the best description. Then the locust, a + wood unknown to the ship-builders of Europe, gave us the nearly certain + assurance that this doomed craft had been a countryman. + </p> + <p> + At first, we were all too much occupied with our interesting discovery to + bethink us of Smudge. At length, I turned to observe its effect on the + savage. He evidently noted our proceedings; but his feelings, if the + creature had any, were so deeply buried beneath the mask of dullness, as + completely to foil my penetration. He saw us take up fragment after + fragment, examine them, heard us converse over them, though in a language + he could not understand, and saw us throw them away, one after another, + with seemingly equal indifference. At length he brought a half-burned + billet to the captain, and held it before his eyes, as if he began to feel + some interest in our proceedings. It proved to be merely a bit of ordinary + wood, a fragment of one of the beeches of the forest that lay near an + extinguished pile; and the act satisfied us all, the fellow did not + comprehend the reason of the interest we betrayed. He clearly knew nothing + of the strange vessel. + </p> + <p> + In walking around this deserted encampment, the traces of a pathway to the + shore were found. They were too obvious to be mistaken, and led us to the + water in the passage opposite to that by which the Crisis had been carried + in by the Dipper, and at a point that was not in view from her present + anchorage. Here we found a sort of landing, and many of the heavier pieces + of the wreck; such as it had not been thought necessary to haul up to the + fires, having no metal about them. Among other things of this sort, was a + portion of the keel quite thirty feet long, the keelson bolts, keelson, + and floor-timbers all attached. This was the only instance in which we + discovered any metal; and this we found, only because the fragment was too + strong and heavy to be manageable. We looked carefully, in all directions, + in the hope of discovering something that might give us an insight into + the nature of the disaster that had evidently occurred, but, for some time + without success. At length I strolled to a little distance from the + landing, and took a seat on a flat stone, which had been placed on the + living rock that faced most of the island, evidently to form a + resting-place. My seat proved unsteady, and in endeavouring to adjust it + more to my mind, I removed the stone, and discovered that it rested on a + common log-slate. This slate was still covered with legible writing, and I + soon had the whole party around me, eager to learn the contents. The + melancholy record was in these precise words: viz.— + </p> + <p> + “The American brig Sea-Otter, John Squires, master, <i>coaxed</i> into + this bay, June 9th, 1797, and seized by savages, on the morning of the + 11th. Master, second-mate, and seven of the people killed on the spot. + Brig gutted first, then hauled up <i>here</i>, and burnt to the water's + edge for the iron. David King, first-mate, and six others, viz., George + Lunt, Henry Webster, Stephen Stimpson and John Harris, seamen, Bill Flint, + cook, and Peter Doolittle, boy, still living, but God only knows what is + to be our fate. I shall put this slate beneath the stone I now sit on, in + the hope it may one day let our friends learn what has happened.”— + </p> + <p> + We looked at each other, astounded. Both the captain and Marble remembered + to have heard that a brig in this trade, called the Sea-Otter, was + missing; and, here, by a communication that was little short of + miraculous, we were let into the secret of her disappearance. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Coaxed</i> in—” repeated the captain, running his eye over the + writing, which had been thus singularly preserved, and that, in a + situation where one would think it might have been discovered a thousand + times.—“Yes, yes—I now begin to understand the whole matter. + If there were any wind, gentlemen, I would go to sea this very night.” + </p> + <p> + “That would be hardly worth our while, Captain Williams,” the chief-mate + answered, “since we are now on our guard, and I feel pretty certain that + there are no savages in our neighbourhood. So far, the Dipper and his + friends have traded with us fairly enough, and it is likely they have more + skins to dispose of. This chap, whom the people have christened Smudge, + takes matters so coolly, that I hardly think he knows anything about the + Sea-Otter, which may have been cut off by another gang, altogether.” + </p> + <p> + There was good reason in these remarks, and they had their effect on the + captain. The latter, however, determined to put Smudge to the proof, by + showing him the slate, and otherwise bringing him under such a + cross-examination as signs alone could effect. I dare say, an indifferent + spectator would have laughed at witnessing our efforts to confound the + Indian. We made grimaces, pointed, exclaimed, hallooed, swore, and + gesticulated in vain. Smudge was as unmoved at it all, as the fragment of + keel to which he was confronted. The fellow either did not, or would not + understand us. His stupidity defied our tests; and Marble gave the matter + up in despair, declaring that “the beast knows nothing of anything, much + less of the Sea-Otter.” As for the slate, he did not seem to have the + smallest notion what such a thing meant. + </p> + <p> + We returned to the ship, carrying with us the slate, and the report of our + discoveries. All hands were called, and the captain made us a speech. It + was sufficiently to the point, though it was not in the least, of the + “God-like” character. We were told how ships were lost by the carelessness + of their crews; reminded we were on the North-West Coast, where a vessel + with a few boxes of beads and bales of blankets, to say nothing of her + gunpowder, firearms, and metals, was as valuable, as a vessel laden with + gold dust would be in one of our own ports. Vigilance, while on watch, and + obedience to the orders of the vessel, in the event of an alarm, were the + principal things dwelt on. By observing these two great requisites, we + should all be safe enough; whereas, by disregarding them, we should + probably share the fate of the people of the brig, of which we had just + discovered some of the remains. + </p> + <p> + I will confess, I passed an uncomfortable night. An unknown enemy is + always a formidable enemy; and I would rather have fought three <i>guarda-costas</i> + at once, than lie where we did, in a bay as smooth as a looking-glass, + surrounded by forests as silent as a desert, and in a well-armed ship, + that was prepared at all points, to meet her foes, even to her + boarding-nettings. + </p> + <p> + Nothing came of it all. The Dipper and Smudge eat their supper with the + appetites of injured innocence, and slept like tops. If guilty, we all + agreed that they must be utterly destitute of consciences. As for + ourselves, we were on the alert until near morning, the very moment when + the danger would probably be the greatest, provided there were any at all; + and then weariness overcame all who were not on the look-out, and some who + were. Still, nothing happened. The sun returned to us in due season, + gilding the tree-tops with its beams; our little bay began to bask in its + glory, and with the cheerfulness that usually accompanies such a scene, + vanished most of our apprehensions for the moment. A night of reflection + had quieted our fears, and we all woke up next morning, as indifferent to + the fate of the Sea-Otter, as was at all decent. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The monarch mind—the mystery of commanding, + The godlike power—the art Napoleon, + Of winning, fettering, moulding, wielding, banding + The hearts of millions, till they move as one; + Thou hast it.” + HALLECK—<i>Red Jacket</i>. +</pre> + <p> + Smudge and the Dipper behaved admirably all next day. Beef, pork and bread—those + great desiderata of life, which the European is apt to say form the <i>primum + mobile</i> of American existence—seemed to engross their thoughts; + and when they were not eating, they were busy with sleep. At length we + grew ashamed of watching such mere animals, and turned our thoughts to + other subjects. We had understood the Dipper, that eight-and-forty hours + must elapse before we might expect to see any more skins; and Captain + Williams, passing from alarm to extreme security, determined to profit by + a lovely day, and send down, or rather strip, all three of the top-masts, + and pay some necessary attention to their rigging. At nine o'clock, + accordingly, the hands were turned-to, and before noon the ship was pretty + thoroughly <i>en deshabille</i>. We sent as little down as possible, + keeping even the top-sail-yards aloft, though without their lifts or + braces, steadying them by guys; but the top-masts were lowered as far as + was found possible, without absolutely placing the lower yards on the + hammock-cloths. In a word, we put the ship in the most unmanageable + position, without absolutely littering our decks. The security of the + haven, and the extreme beauty of the weather, emboldened the captain to do + this; apprehension of every sort appearing to have quite taken leave of + him. + </p> + <p> + The work proceeded merrily. We had not only a strong crew, but we had a + good crew; and our Philadelphians were in their element, the moment there + was a question of the rigging. By sunset, the chafes were examined, and + parcelled, and served anew; and the top-mast rigging was all got up and + put over the mast-heads again, and everything was ready to sway upon in + the morning. But an uncommonly active day required a good night's rest; + and the people were all ordered to turn in, as soon as they had supped. + The ship was to be left to the vigilance of the captain and the three + mates, during the night. + </p> + <p> + The anchor-watch was set at eight, and ran from two hours, to two hours. + My turn commenced at midnight, and was to last until two; Marble + succeeding me from two until four, when all hands were to be called to get + our sticks aloft. When I turned out at twelve, I found the third-mate + conversing, as well as he could, with the Dipper; who, with Smudge, having + slept so much of the day, appeared disposed to pass the night in smoking. + </p> + <p> + “How long have these fellows been on deck?” I asked of the third-mate, as + he was about to go below. + </p> + <p> + “All my watch; I found them with the captain, who passed them over to me + for company. If that chap, the Dipper, only knew anything of a human + language, he would be something of society; but I'm as tired of making + signs to him, as I ever was with a hard day's work.” + </p> + <p> + I was armed, and felt ashamed of manifesting fear of an unarmed man. Then + the two savages gave no additional cause of distrust; the Dipper having + taken a seat on the windlass, where he was smoking his pipe with an + appearance of philosophy that would have done credit to the + gravest-looking baboon. As for Smudge, he did not appear to be + sufficiently intellectual to smoke; an occupation that has at least the + merit of affecting the air of wisdom and reflection. I never could + discover whether your great smokers were actually wiser than the rest of + the race, or not; but, it will be admitted, they occasionally seem to be + so. It was a pity Smudge did not have recourse to the practice, as it + might have given the fellow an appearance of sometimes cogitating. As it + was, while his companion was enjoying his pipe at the windlass, he kept + strolling about the deck, much as a pig would have wandered in the same + place, and seemingly with the same object. + </p> + <p> + I took charge of the decks with a very lively sense of the peculiarity of + our situation. The security that prevailed on board struck me as + unnatural; and yet I could detect no particular reason for immediate + alarm. I might be thrown overboard or murdered by the two savages on deck, + it was very true; but of what use would it be to destroy me, since they + could not hope to destroy all the rest on board without being discovered. + The night was star-lit, and there was little chance of a canoe's + approaching the ship without my seeing it; a circumstance that, of itself, + in a great measure, removed the danger. I passed the first quarter of an + hour in reflecting on these things; and then, as use accustomed me to my + situation, I began to think less of them, and to revert to other subjects. + </p> + <p> + Clawbonny, Grace, Lucy, and Mr. Hardinge, often rose before my mind's eye, + in those distant seas. It was seldom I passed a tranquil watch at night, + without revisiting the scenes of my boyhood, and wandering through my own + fields, accompanied by my beloved sister, and her quite as well beloved + friend. How many hours of happiness had I thus passed on the trackless + wastes of the Pacific and the Atlantic; and with how much fidelity did + memory recall the peculiar graces, whether of body or mind, of each of the + dear girls in particular! Since my recent experience in London, Emily + Merton would occasionally adorn the picture, with her more cultivated + discourse and more finished manner; and yet I do not remember to have ever + given her more than a third place on the scale of my admiration. + </p> + <p> + On the present occasion I was soon lost in ruminations on the past, and in + imagining events for the future. I was not particularly expert at building + castles in the air; but what youth of twenty, or maiden of sixteen, never + reared some sort of a fabric of this nature? These fanciful structures are + the results of inexperience building with the materials of hope. In my + most imaginative moments, I could even fancy Rupert an industrious, staid + lawyer, adorning his profession, and rendering both Lucy and Grace happy. + Beyond this, it was not easy for the human faculties to conceive. + </p> + <p> + Lucy sang sweetly. At times, her songs fairly haunted me, and for hours I + could think of nothing but their tender sentiment and their touching + melody. I was no nightingale myself, though I sometimes endeavoured to hum + some one of the airs that floated in my recollection, like beautiful + visions of the past. This night, in particular, my thoughts recurred to + one of these songs that told of affection and home; and I stood, for + several minutes, leaning over the railing forward, humming the tune to + myself, while I endeavoured to recall not only the words, but the sweet + voice that was wont to give them so much thrilling pathos. I did this + sometimes at Clawbonny; and time and again had Lucy placed her soft little + hand on my mouth, as she would laughingly say, “Miles, Miles! do not spoil + so pretty a song! You will never succeed with music, so work the harder + with your Latin.” Sometimes she would steal behind me—I fancied I + could hear her breathing at my shoulder, even as I leaned over the rail—and + would apply her hand slyly to my lips, in her many attempts of this + nature. So vivid did one of these scenes become, that I thought I really + felt the soft smooth hand on my mouth, and I was actually about to kiss + it, when something that was smooth enough, certainly, but which was very + far from being soft, passed between my teeth, and I felt it drawn so tight + as completely to prevent my calling out. At the same moment, my arms were + seized from behind, and held as if grasped by a vice. Turning, as well as + I was able, I found that rascal Smudge had been breathing within an inch + of my ear, while he passed the gag; and the Dipper was busy in lashing my + arms together behind my back. The whole had been done so suddenly, and yet + with so much skill, that I was a helpless prisoner, as it might be, in a + single instant! + </p> + <p> + Resistance being as much out of my power as it was to give any alarm, I + was soon secured, hands and feet, and placed carefully in the waist, a + little out of the way; for I probably owed my life solely to the wish of + Smudge to keep me as his slave. From that instant every appearance of + stupidity vanished from this fellow's countenance and manner, and he + became the moving spirit, and I might say the soul, of all the proceedings + of his companions. As for myself, there I sat, lashed to a spar, utterly + unable to help myself, an unwilling witness of all that followed. I felt + the imminent danger of our situation, but I think I felt the disgrace of + having such a surprise occur in my watch, more even than the personal + risks I ran! + </p> + <p> + In the first place, I was disarmed. Then, the Dipper took a lantern which + stood on the binnacle, lighted it, and showed it, for half a minute, above + the taffrail. His signal must have been instantly answered, for he soon + extinguished the light, and moved about the deck, in attentive + watchfulness to seize any straggler, who might happen to come on deck. + Little fear of that, however, weariness chaining the men to their berths + as closely as if they had been bolted down with iron. I now expected to + see the fellows fill the yawl with effects, and run away with them, for, + as yet, I could not believe that two men would have the hardihood to + attack such a ship's company as ours. + </p> + <p> + I reckoned without my host. It might have been ten minutes after I was + seized, that dark-looking figures began to climb the ship's sides, until + more than thirty of them were on her decks. This was done so noiselessly, + too, that the most vigilant attention on my part gave no notice of their + approach, until they stood among us. All these men were armed; a few with + muskets; others with clubs, and some with bows and arrows. So far as I + could discover, each had some sort of a knife, and a few had hatchets, or + tomahawks. To my great regret, I saw that three or four were immediately + stationed at the companion-way, aft, and as many more at the booby-hatch, + forward. This was effectually commanding the only two passages by which + the officers and men would be likely to ascend, in the event of their + attempting to come on deck. It is true, the main hatch, as well as that of + the steerage, was used by day, but both had been covered over night, and + no one would think of using either, unless aware of the danger that + existed on deck. + </p> + <p> + I suffered a good deal, both from the gag and the ropes that bound my + limbs, and yet I hardly thought of the pain, so intense was my curiosity + as to what was to follow. After the savages were all on board, the first + quarter of an hour passed in making their dispositions, Smudge, the + stupid, inanimate, senseless Smudge, acting as leader, and manifesting not + only authority, but readiness and sagacity. He placed all his people in + ambush, so that, one appearing from below, would not at once be apprized + of the change that had taken place on deck, and thus give the savages time + to act. After this, another quarter of an hour passed, during which the + fall of a pin might almost have been heard, so profound was the silence. I + shut my eyes in this terrific interval, and endeavoured to pray. + </p> + <p> + “On deck, here—forward, there!” said a voice suddenly, that, at + once, I knew to be the captain's. I would have given the world to be able + to answer, in order to warn him of the danger, but this was impossible. I + did groan, and I believe the captain heard me; for he moved away from the + cabin-door, and called out “Mr. Wallingford—where have you got to, + Mr. Wallingford?” He was without his hat, having come on deck half-clad, + simply to ascertain how went the night, and it makes me shudder, even now, + to write about the blow that fell on his unprotected skull. It would have + felled an ox, and it crushed him on the spot. The caution of his murderers + prevented his falling, however, for they did not wish to alarm the + sleepers below; though the plash on the water that followed, could not + fail to reach ears which took in every sound with the avidity of mine. + Thus perished Captain Williams, a mild, well-meaning man, an excellent + seaman, and one whose principal fault was want of caution. I do not think + the water was necessary to complete his fate, as nothing human could have + survived such a blow. + </p> + <p> + Smudge had been the principal actor in this frightful scene; and, as soon + as it was over, he caused his men to return to their ambushes. I now + thought the officers and men were to be murdered, in this manner, as one + by one they appeared on deck. It would soon be time for Marble to turn + out, though there was the hope he might not unless called, and I could not + do this office, situated as I was. But, I was mistaken. Instead of + enticing any men on deck, the savages pursued a different course. Having + destroyed the captain, they closed the doors of the companion-way, drew + over the booby-hatch, and adopted the safe expedient of making all below + prisoners. This was not done altogether without noise, and the alarm was + evidently given by the means taken to secure the fastenings. I heard a + rush at the cabin-doors, which was soon followed by one at the + booby-hatch; but Smudge's ingenuity had been sufficient to prevent either + from being successful. + </p> + <p> + As soon as certain that their prisoners were safe, the savages came and + loosened the ropes of my arms sufficiently to put me more at my ease. They + removed those which bound my feet entirely, and, at the same instant, the + gag was taken from my mouth. I was then led to the companionway, and, by a + sign, given to understand I might communicate with my friends below. In + the management of all this, I found that Smudge, the semi-human, dull, + animal-seeming Smudge, was at the head. I also came to the conclusion my + life was to be spared, for a time at least, and for some purpose that, as + yet, baffled my conjectures. I did not call out immediately, but waited + until I heard a movement on the ladder, when I complied with the orders of + my captors and masters. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marble,” I cried, loud enough to be heard below, “is that you?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—and is that you, Master Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “This is I. Be cautious how you act, Mr. Marble. The savages are in + possession of the upper deck, and I am their prisoner. The people are all + below, with a strong watch at the fore-scuttle.” + </p> + <p> + I heard a long, low whistle, within the companion-way doors, which it was + easy enough to interpret into an expression of the chief-mate's concern + and wonder. For myself, I saw no use in attempting concealment, but was + resolved to speak out fully, even though it might be at the risk of + betraying some of my feelings to my captors, among whom I thought it + probable there might be more than one who understood something of English. + </p> + <p> + “We miss Captain Williams below here,” Marble resumed, after a short + delay. “Do you know anything of his movements?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! Mr. Marble—poor Captain Williams can be of no service to any + of us, now.” + </p> + <p> + “What of him?” was demanded in a clear, full voice and as quick as + lightning. “Let me know, at once.” + </p> + <p> + “He has been killed by a blow from a club, and is thrown overboard.” + </p> + <p> + A dead silence followed, and it lasted near a minute. + </p> + <p> + “Then it has fallen to my duty to decide what is to be done!” Marble at + length exclaimed. “Miles, are you at liberty?—dare you say what you + think?” + </p> + <p> + “I am held here, by two of the savages, whose prisoner I certainly am. + Still, Mr. Marble, they encourage me to speak, but I fear some among them + understand what we say.” + </p> + <p> + There was another pause, during which the mate was doubtless reflecting on + the best course to pursue. + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, Miles,” Marble continued, “we know each other, and can tell what + is meant without blabbing. How old are you, out there, on deck.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite thirty years, Mr. Marble—and good stout years they are, too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well provided for, with sulphur and the pills, or only with Indian tools, + such as our boys sometimes play with?” + </p> + <p> + “A little of the first—half-a-dozen, perhaps; with some of the last, + and a plenty of carvers.” + </p> + <p> + An impatient push from the Dipper warned me to speak plainer, and + satisfied me that the fellow could comprehend what passed, so long as we + confined ourselves to a straight, forward discourse. This discovery had + the effect to put me still more on my guard. + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Miles,” Marble answered, in a thoughtful manner; “we + must be on our guard. Do you think they mean to come below?” + </p> + <p> + “I see no signs at present—but <i>understanding</i>—” + emphasizing the word, “is more general than you imagine, and no secrets + must be told. My advice is 'Millions for defence, and not a cent for + tribute.'” + </p> + <p> + As this last expression was common in the mouths of the Americans of the + day, having been used on the occasion of the existing war with France, I + felt confident it would be understood. Marble made no answer, and I was + permitted to move from the companion-way, and to take a seat on the + hen-coops. My situation was sufficiently remarkable. It was still dark; + but enough light fell from the stars to permit me to see all the swarthy + and savage forms that were gliding about the decks, and even to observe + something of the expression of the countenances of those, who, from time + to time, came near to stare me in the face. The last seemed ferociously + disposed; but it was evident that a master-spirit held all these wild + beings in strict subjection; quelling the turbulence of their humours, + restraining their fierce disposition to violence, and giving concert and + design to all their proceedings. This master-spirit was Smudge! Of the + fact, I could not doubt; his gestures, his voice, his commands, giving + movement and method to everything that was done. I observed that he spoke + with authority and confidence, though he spoke calmly. He was obeyed, + without any particular marks of deference, but he was obeyed implicitly. I + could also see that the savages considered themselves as conquerors; + caring very little for the men under hatches. + </p> + <p> + Nothing material occurred until day dawned. Smudge—for so I must + continue to call this revolting-looking chief, for want of his true name—would + permit nothing to be attempted, until the light became sufficiently strong + to enable him to note the proceedings of his followers. I subsequently + ascertained, too, that he waited for reinforcements, a yell being raised + in the ship, just as the sun appeared, which was answered from the forest. + The last seemed fairly alive with savages; nor was it long before canoes + issued from the creek, and I counted one hundred and seven of these + wretches on board the ship. This was their whole force, however, no more + ever appearing. + </p> + <p> + All this time, or for three hours, I had no more communication with our + own people. I was certain, however, that they were all together, a + junction being easy enough, by means of the middle-deck, which had no + other cargo than the light articles intended for the north-west trade, and + by knocking down the forecastle bulk-head. There was a sliding board in + the last, indeed, that would admit of one man's passing at a time, without + having recourse to this last expedient. I entertained no doubt Marble had + collected all hands below; and, being in possession of plenty of arms, the + men having carried their muskets and pistols below with them, with all the + ammunition, he was still extremely formidable. What course he would + pursue, I was obliged to conjecture. A sortie would have been very + hazardous, if practicable at all; and it was scarcely practicable, after + the means taken by Smudge and the Dipper to secure the passages. + Everything, so far as I was concerned, was left to conjecture. + </p> + <p> + The manner in which my captors treated me, excited my surprise. As soon as + it was light, my limbs were released, and I was permitted to walk up and + down the quarter-deck to restore the circulation of the blood. A clot of + blood, with some fragments of hair, marked the spot where poor Captain + Williams had fallen; and I was allowed to dash a bucket of water over the + place, in order to wash away the revolting signs of the murder. For + myself, a strange recklessness had taken the place of concern, and I + became momentarily indifferent to my fate. I expected to die, and I am now + ashamed to confess that my feelings took a direction towards revenge, + rather than towards penitence for my past sins. At times, I even envied + Marble, and those below, who might destroy their enemies at a swoop, by + throwing a match into the magazine. I felt persuaded, indeed, it would + come to that before the mate and men would submit to be the captives of + such wretches as were then in possession of the deck. Smudge and his + associates, however, appeared to be perfectly indifferent to this danger, + of the character of which they were probably ignorant. Their scheme had + been very cunningly laid; and, thus far, it was perfectly successful. + </p> + <p> + The sun was fairly up, and the savages began to think seriously of + securing their prize, when the two leaders, Smudge and the Dipper, + approached me in a manner to show they were on the point of commencing + operations. The last of these men I now discovered had a trifling + knowledge of English, which he had obtained from different ships. Still he + was a savage, to all intents and purposes, the little information thus + gleaned, serving to render his worst propensities more dangerous, rather + than, in any manner, tempering them. He now took the lead, parading all + his men in two lines on the deck, making a significant gesture towards his + fingers, and uttering, with emphasis, the word “count.” I did count the + wretches, making, this time, one hundred and six, exclusively of the two + leaders. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him, down there”—growled the Dipper, pointing below. + </p> + <p> + I called for Mr. Marble, and when he had reached the companion-way, the + following conversation took place between us: + </p> + <p> + “What is it now, Miles, my hearty?” demanded the chief-mate. + </p> + <p> + “I am ordered to tell you, sir, that the Indians number one hundred and + eight, having just counted them, for this purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish there were a thousand, as we are about to lift the deck from the + ship, and send them all into the air. Do you think they can understand + what I say, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “The Dipper does, sir, when you speak slow and plain. He has only half a + notion of what you now mean, as I can see by his countenance.” + </p> + <p> + “Does the rascal hear me, now?—is he anywhere near the + companion-way?” + </p> + <p> + “He does, and is—he is standing, at this moment, on the larboard + side of the companion-way, kneeling one knee, on the forward end of the + hen-coop.” + </p> + <p> + “Miles”—said Marble, in a doubting sort of a voice. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Marble—I hear what you say.” + </p> + <p> + “Suppose—eh—lead through the companion-way—eh—what + would happen to <i>you?</i>” + </p> + <p> + “I should care little for that, sir, as I've made up my mind to be + murdered. But it would do no good, just now, and might do harm. I will + tell them, however, of your intention to blow them up, if you please; + perhaps <i>that</i> may make them a little shy.” + </p> + <p> + Marble assented, and I set about the office, as well as I could. Most of + my communication had to be made by means of signs; but, in the end, I + succeeded in making the Dipper understand my meaning. By this man the + purport was told to Smudge, in terms. The old man listened with grave + attention, but the idea of being blown up produced no more effect on him, + than would have been produced by a message from home to tell him that his + chimney was on fire, supposing him to have possessed such a civilized + instrument of comfort. That he fully comprehended his friend, I could see + by the expression of his ourang-outang-looking countenance. But fear was a + passion that troubled him very little; and, sooth to say, a man whose time + was passed in a condition as miserable as that in which he habitually + dwelt, had no great reason to set a very high value on his life. Yet, + these miserable wretches never commit suicide! That is a relief reserved + rather for those who have become satiated with human enjoyments, nine + pampered sensualists dying in this mode, for one poor wretch whose + miseries have driven him to despair. + </p> + <p> + I was astonished at seeing the intelligence that gleamed in the + baboon-like face of Smudge, as he listened to his friend's words. + Incredulity was the intellectual meaning in his eye, while indifference + seemed seated in his whole visage. + </p> + <p> + It was evident the threat had made no impression, and I managed to let + Marble understand as much, and that in terms which the Dipper could not + very well comprehend. I got no answer, a death-like stillness reigning + below decks, in lieu of the bustle that had so lately been heard there. + Smudge seemed struck with the change, and I observed he was giving orders + to two or three of the elder savages, apparently to direct a greater + degree of watchfulness. I confess to some uneasiness myself, for + expectation is an unpleasant guest, in a scene like that, and more + especially when accompanied by uncertainty. + </p> + <p> + Smudge now seemed to think it time to commence his operations in earnest. + Under the direction of the Dipper a quantity of line was thrown into the + yawl, studding-halyards, and such other rope of convenient size as could + be found in the launch, and the boat was towed by two or three canoes to + the island. Here the fellows made what seamen call a “guess-warp,” of + their rope; fastening one end to a tree, and paying out line, as the yawl + was towed back again to the ship. The Dipper's calculation proved to be + sufficiently accurate, the rope reaching from the vessel to the tree. + </p> + <p> + As soon as this feat was accomplished, and it was done with sufficient + readiness, though somewhat lubberly, twenty or thirty of the savages + clapped on the warp, until they had tautened it to as great a strain as it + would bear. After this they ceased pulling, and I observed a search around + the galley in quest of the cook's axe, evidently with a design to cut the + cables. I thought this a fact worth communicating to Marble, and I + resolved to do so at the risk of my life. “The Indians have run a line to + the island, and are about to cut the cables, no doubt intending to warp + the ship ashore; and that, too, at the very spot where they once had the + Sea-Otter.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—let them go on; we'll be ready for them in time,” was the + only answer I received. + </p> + <p> + I never knew whether to ascribe the apathy the savages manifested to this + communication, to a wish that the fact might be known to the people below, + or to indifference. They certainly proceeded in their movements with just + as much coolness as if they had the ship all to themselves. They had six + or eight canoes, and parties of them began to move round the vessel, with + precisely the same confidence as men would do it in a friendly port. What + most surprised me were the quiet and submission to orders they observed. + At length the axe was found secreted in the bows of the launch, and Marble + was apprised of the use to which it was immediately applied, by the heavy + blows that fell upon the cables. + </p> + <p> + “Miles,” said the chief-mate—“these blows go to my heart! Are the + blackguards really in earnest?” + </p> + <p> + “The larboard bower is gone, sir, and the blows you now hear are on the + starboard, which is already half in two—that finishes it; the ship + now hangs only by the warp.” + </p> + <p> + “Is there any wind, boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a breath of it in the bay, though I can see a little ripple on the + water, outside.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it rising or falling water, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “The ebb is nearly done—they'll never be able to get the ship up on + the shelving rock where they had the Sea-Otter, until the water rises ten + or twelve feet.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God for that! I was afraid they might get her on that accursed bed, + and break her back at once.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it of any importance to us, Mr. Marble? What hope can we have of doing + anything against such odds, and in our circumstances?” + </p> + <p> + “The odds I care nothing for, boy. My lads are screwed up so tight, they'd + lick the whole North-West Coast, if they could only get on deck without + having their fashion-pieces stove in. The circumstances, I allow, must + count for a great deal.” + </p> + <p> + “The ship is moving fast towards the island—I see no hope for us, + Mr. Marble!” + </p> + <p> + “I say, Miles, it is worth some risk to try and save the craft—were + it not for fear of you, I would have played the rascals a trick half an + hour since.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind me, sir—it was my fault it has happened, and I ought to + suffer for it—do what duty and discretion tell you is best.” + </p> + <p> + I waited a minute after this, in intense expectation, not knowing what was + to follow, when a report made me fancy for an instant some attempt was + making to blow up the deck. The wails and cries that succeeded, however, + soon let me into the real state of the case. A volley of muskets had been + fired from the cabin-windows, and every individual in two canoes that were + passing at the time, to the number of eleven, were shot down like + bullocks. Three were killed dead, and the remainder received wounds that + promised to be mortal. My life would have been the instant sacrifice of + this act, had it not been for the stern authority of Smudge, who ordered + my assailants off, with a manner and tone that produced immediate + compliance. It was clear I was reserved for some peculiar fate. + </p> + <p> + Every man who could, rushed into the remaining canoes and the ship's yawl, + in order to pick up the killed and wounded, as soon as the nature of the + calamity was known. I watched them from the taffrail, and soon ascertained + that Marble was doing the same from the windows below me. But the savages + did not dare venture in a line with a fire that had proved so fatal, and + were compelled to wait until the ship had moved sufficiently ahead to + enable them to succour their friends, without exposing their own lives. As + this required some distance, as well as time, the ship was not only left + without a canoe, or boat of any sort, in the water, but with only half her + assailants on board of her. Those who did remain, for want of means to + attack any other enemy, vented their spite on the ship, expending all + their strength in frantic efforts on the warp. The result was, that while + they gave great way to the vessel, they finally broke the line. + </p> + <p> + I was leaning on the wheel, with Smudge near me, when this accident + occurred. The tide was still running ebb, and with some strength; and the + ship was just entering the narrow passage between the island and the point + that formed one termination of the bay, heading, of course, toward the + tree to which the warp had been secured. It was an impulsive feeling, + rather than any reason, that made me give the vessel a sheer with the + helm, so as to send her directly through the passage, instead of letting + her strike the rocks. I had no eventual hope in so doing, nor any other + motive than the strong reluctance I felt to have the good craft hit the + bottom. Luckily, the Dipper was in the canoes, and it was not an easy + matter to follow the ship, under the fire from her cabin-windows, had he + understood the case, and been disposed to do so. But, like all the rest in + the canoes, he was busy with his wounded friends, who were all carried off + towards the creek. This left me master of the ship's movements for five + minutes, and by that time she had drawn through the passage, and was + actually shooting out into the open ocean. + </p> + <p> + This was a novel, and in some respects an embarrassing situation. It left + a gleam of hope, but it was a hope without a direction, and almost without + an object. I could perceive that none of the savages on board had any + knowledge of the cause of our movement, unless they might understand the + action of the tide. They had expected the ship to be run ashore at the + tree; and here she was gliding into the ocean, and was already clear of + the passage. The effect was to produce a panic, and fully one-half of + those who had remained in the ship, jumped overboard and began to swim for + the island. I was momentarily in hope all would take this course; but + quite five-and-twenty remained, more from necessity than choice, as I + afterwards discovered, for they did not know how to swim. Of this number + was Smudge, who probably still remained to secure his conquest. It struck + me the moment was favourable, and I went to the companion-way, and was + about to remove its fastenings, thinking the ship might be recovered + during the prevalence of the panic. But a severe blow, and a knife + gleaming in the hands of Smudge, admonished me of the necessity of greater + caution. The affair was not yet ended, nor was my captor a man as easily + disconcerted as I had incautiously supposed. Unpromising as he seemed, + this fellow had a spirit that fitted him for great achievements, and + which, under other circumstances, might have made him a hero. He taught me + the useful lesson of not judging of men merely by their exteriors. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>Court</i>—“Brother John Bates, is not that the morning which + breaks yonder?” + <i>Bates</i>.—“I think it be; but we have no great cause to desire + the approach of day.” + <i>Will</i>.—“We see yonder the beginning of the day; but I think + we shall never see the end of it——” + <i>Henry V.</i> +</pre> + <p> + The ship did not lose her steerage-way. As soon as past the point of the + island, a gentle southerly breeze was felt; and, acting on the spars and + hull, it enabled me, by putting the helm a little up, to keep her head off + shore, and thus increase her distance from the bay. The set of the tide + did more for her than the wind, it is true; but the two, acting in unison, + carried her away from the coast at a rate that nearly equalled two knots + in the hour. This was slow moving, certainly, for a vessel in such a + strait; but it would require fifteen or twenty minutes for the canoes to + return from the creek, and make the circuit of the island by the other + channel. By that time we should be near half a mile at sea. + </p> + <p> + Smudge, beyond a question, understood that he was in a dilemma, though + totally ignorant of some of the leading difficulties of his case. It was + plain to me he could not comprehend why the ship took the direction of the + offing, for he had no conception of the power of the rudder. Our tiller + worked below, and it is possible this circumstance mystified him, more + small vessels in that day managing their helms without the aid of the + wheel, than with it. At length the movement of the vessel became too + palpable to admit of further delay; and this savage approached me, with a + drawn knife, and a manner that proved natural affection had not been the + motive of his previous moderation. After flourishing his weapon fiercely + before my eyes, and pressing it most significantly, once or twice, against + my breast, he made signs for me to cause the ship to turn round and + re-enter the port. I thought my last moment had come, but naturally enough + pointed to the spars, giving my master to understand that the vessel was + not in her usual trim. I believe I was understood as to this part of my + excuses, it being too apparent that our masts and yards were not in their + usual places, for the fact to be overlooked even by a savage. Smudge, + however, saw that several of the sails were bent, and he pointed to those, + growling out his threats, should I refuse to set them. The spanker, in + particular, being near him, he took hold of it, shook it, and ordered me + to loosen it forthwith. + </p> + <p> + It is scarcely necessary to say, I obeyed this order with secret joy. + Casting loose the brails, I put the out-hauler in the hands of a dozen of + the savages, and set the example of pulling. In a minute we had this sail + spread, with the sheet a little eased off. I then led a party forward, and + got the fore and main stay-sails on the ship. To these were added the + mizen stay-sail, the only other piece of canvass we could show, until the + top-masts were fidded. The effect of these four sails, however, was to add + at least another knot to the way of the ship, and to carry her out sooner + to a point where she felt the full force of the light breeze that was + blowing from the south-east. By the time the four sails were set, we were + fully a quarter of a mile from the island, every instant getting more + fairly into the true currents of the air. + </p> + <p> + Smudge watched me with the eyes of a hawk. As I had obeyed his own orders + in making sail, he could not complain of that; but the result evidently + disappointed him. He saw we were still moving in the wrong direction, and, + as yet, not a canoe was visible. As for these last, now the vessel had way + on her, I was not without hopes of being able to keep them exposed to the + fire from the cabin-windows, and, finally, of getting rid of them by + drawing off the land to a distance they would not be likely to follow. The + Dipper, however, I was aware, was a bold fellow—knew something of + vessels—and I was determined to give a hint to Marble to pick <i>him</i> + off, should he come within range of his muskets. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime the alarm and impatience of Smudge and his companions, + very sensibly increased. Five minutes were an age in the circumstances in + which they were placed, and I saw that it would soon be necessary to adopt + some new expedient, or I might expect to be sacrificed to the resentment + of these savages. Necessity sharpens the wits, and I hit upon a scheme + which was not entirely without the merit of ingenuity. As it was, I + suppose I owed my life to the consciousness of the savages, that they + could do nothing without me. + </p> + <p> + Smudge, with three or four of the fiercest of his companions, had begun + again to menace me with the knife, making signs, at the same time, for me + to turn the ship's head towards the land. I asked for a little room, and + then describing a long circle on the deck, pointing to the four sails we + had set, and this in a way to tell them that under the canvass we carried, + it would be necessary to go a great distance in order to turn round. When + I had succeeded in communicating this idea, I forthwith set about giving + them to understand that by getting up the top-masts, and making more sail, + we might return immediately. The savages understood me, and the + explanation appearing reasonable to them, they went aside and consulted + together. As time pressed, it was not long before Smudge came to me with + signs to show him and his party how to get the remainder of the sails set. + Of course, I was not backward in giving the desired information. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, I had a string of the savages hold of the mast-rope, + forward, a luff-tackle being applied. As everything was ready aloft, all + we had to do was to pull, until, judging by the eye, I thought the spar + was high enough, when I ran up the rigging and clapped in the fid. Having + the top-mast out of the way, without touching any of its rigging, I went + down on the fore-yard, and loosened the sail. This appeared so much like + business, that the savages gave sundry exclamations of delight; and, by + the time I got on deck, they were all ready to applaud me as a good + fellow. Even Smudge was completely mystified; and when I set the others at + work at the jeer-fall to sway up the fore-yard, he was as active as any of + them. We soon had the yard in its place, and I went aloft to secure it, + touching the braces first so as to fill the sail. + </p> + <p> + The reader may rest assured I did not hurry myself, now I had things in so + fair a way. I could perceive that my power and importance increased with + every foot we went from the land; and the ship steering herself under such + canvass, the wheel being a trifle up, there was no occasion for + extraordinary exertion on my part. I determined now to stay aloft as long + as possible. The yard was soon secured, and then I went up into the top, + where I began to set up the weather-rigging. Of course, nothing was very + thoroughly done, though sufficiently so for the weather we had. + </p> + <p> + From the top I had a good view of the offing, and of the coast for + leagues. We were now quite a mile at sea, and, though the tide was no + longer of any use to us, we were drawing through the water quite at the + rate of two knots. I thought that the flood had made, and that it took us + a little on our lee-bow, hawsing us up to windward. Just as I had got the + last lanyard fastened, the canoes began to appear, coming round the island + by the farther passage, and promising to overtake us in the course of the + next twenty minutes. The crisis demanded decision, and I determined to get + the jib on the ship. Accordingly, I was soon on deck. + </p> + <p> + Having so much the confidence of the savages, who now fancied their return + depended on me, I soon had them at work, and we had the stay set up in two + or three minutes. I then ran out and cast off the gaskets, when my boys + began to hoist at a signal from me. I have seldom been so happy as when I + saw that large sheet of canvass open to the air. The sheet was hauled in + and belayed as fast as possible, and then it struck me I should not have + time to do any more before the canoes would overtake us. It was my wish to + communicate with Marble. While passing aft, to effect this object, I + paused a moment to examine the movement of the canoes; old Smudge, the + whole time, expressing his impatience that the ship did not turn round. I + make no doubt I should have been murdered a dozen times, had I lives + enough, were it not that the savages felt how dependent they were on me, + for the government of the vessel. I began to see my importance, and grew + bold in proportion. As for the canoes, I took a look at them through a + glass, They were about half-a-mile distant; had ceased paddling, and were + lying close together, seemingly in consultation. I fancied the appearance + of the ship, under canvass, had alarmed them, and that they began to think + we had regained the vessel, and were getting her in sailing condition + again, and that it might not be prudent to come too near. Could I confirm + this impression, a great point would be gained. Under the pretence of + making more sail, in order to get the ship's head round, a difficulty I + had to explain to Smudge by means of signs some six or eight times, I + placed the savages at the <i>main</i>-top-mast mast-rope, and told them to + drag. This was a task likely to keep them occupied, and what was more, it + kept them all looking forward, leaving me affecting to be busied aft. I + had given Smudge a segar too, to put him in good humour, and I had also + taken the liberty to light one for myself. + </p> + <p> + Our guns had all been primed, levelled, and had their tompions taken out + the night before, in readiness to repel any assault that might be made. I + had only to remove the apron from the after-gun, and it was ready to be + discharged. Going to the wheel, I put the helm hard up, until our + broadside bore on the canoes. Then glancing along my gun, until I saw it + had a tolerable range, I clapped the segar to the priming, springing back + to the wheel, and putting the helm down. The explosion produced a general + yell among the savages, several of whom actually leaped into the chains + ready to go overboard, while Smudge rushed towards me, fiercely + brandishing his knife. I thought my time had come! but, perceiving that + the ship was luffing fast, I motioned eagerly forward, to draw the + attention of my assailant in that quarter. The vessel was coming-to, and + Smudge was easily induced to believe it was the commencement of turning + round. The breathing time allowed me to mystify him with a few more signs; + after which, he rejoined his people, showed them exultingly the ship still + luffing, and I make no doubt, he thought himself, and induced the rest to + think, that the gun had a material agency in producing all these apparent + changes. As for the canoes, the grape had whistled so near them, that they + began to paddle back, doubtless under the impression, that we were again + masters of the ship, and had sent them this hint to keep aloof. + </p> + <p> + Thus far I had succeeded beyond my most sanguine expectations; and I began + to entertain lively hopes of not only saving my life, but of recovering + the command of the vessel. Could I manage to get her out of sight of land, + my services would be so indispensable, as almost to insure success. The + coast was very low, and a run of six or eight hours would do this, + provided the vessel's head could be kept in the right direction. The wind, + moreover, was freshening, and I judged that the Crisis had already four + knots way on her. Less than twenty miles would put all the visible coast + under water. But, it was time to say something to Marble. With a view to + lull distrust, I called Smudge to the companion-way, in order that he + might hear what passed, though I felt satisfied, now that the Dipper was + out of the ship, not a soul remained among the savages, who could + understand a syllable of English, or knew anything of vessels. The first + call brought the mate to the door. “Well, Miles; what is it?”—he + asked—“what meant the gun, and who fired it?” + </p> + <p> + “All right, Mr. Marble. I fired the gun to keep off the canoes, and it has + had the effect I wished.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; my head was out of the cabin-window at the time, for I believed the + ship was waring, and thought you had given up, and were going back into + port. I saw the roundshot strike within twenty fathoms of the canoes, and + as for the grape, some of it flew beyond them. Why, we are more than half + a league from the land, boy!—Will Smudge stand that much longer?” + </p> + <p> + I then told Marble precisely how we were situated on deck, the sail we + were under, the number of savages we had on board, and the notion the + savages entertained on the subject of turning the ship round. It is not + easy to say which listened with the most attention, Marble, or Smudge. The + latter made frequent gestures for me to turn the ship towards the coast, + for by this time she had the wind abeam again, and was once more running + in a straight line. It was necessary, on more accounts than one, to adopt + some immediate remedy for the danger that began to press on me anew. Not + only must Smudge and his associates be pacified, but, as the ship got into + the offing, she began to feel the ground-swell, and her spars, aloft, were + anything but secure. The main-top-mast was about half-up, and it was + beginning to surge and move in the cap, in a way I did not like. It is + true, there was not much danger yet; but the wind was rising, and what was + to be done, ought to be done at once. I was not sorry, however, to + perceive that five or six of the savages, Smudge among the number, began + to betray signs of sea-sickness. I would have given Clawbonny, at the + moment, to have had all the rascals in rough water! + </p> + <p> + I now endeavoured to make Smudge understand the necessity of my having + assistance from below, both to assist in turning the vessel, and in + getting the yards and masts into their places. The old fellow shook his + head, and looked grave at this. I saw he was not sick enough yet, to be + indifferent about his life. After a time, however, he pronounced the names + of Neb and Yo, the blacks having attracted the attention of the savages, + the last being the cook. I understood him, he would suffer these two to + come to my assistance, provided it could be done without endangering his + own ascendency. Three unarmed men could hardly be dangerous to twenty-five + who were armed; and then I suspected that he fancied the negroes would + prove allies to himself, in the event of a struggle, rather than foes. As + for Neb, he made a fatal mistake; nor was he much nearer the truth in + regard to Joe-or Yo, as he called him—the cook feeling quite as much + for the honour of the American flag, as the fairest-skinned seaman in the + country. It is generally found, that the loyalty of the negroes is of + proof. + </p> + <p> + I found means to make Smudge understand the manner in which these two + blacks could be got on deck, without letting up the rest. As soon as he + fairly comprehended the means to be used, he cheerfully acquiesced, and I + made the necessary communication to Marble. A rope was sent down, over the + stern-boat, to the cabin-windows, and Neb took a turn round his body; when + he was hauled up to the gunwale of the boat, into which he was dragged by + the assistance of the savages. The same process was used with Joe. Before + the negroes were permitted to go aloft, however, Smudge made them a brief + oration, in which oracular sentences were blended with significant + gestures, and indications of what they were to expect, in the event of bad + behaviour. After this, I sent the blacks into the main-top, and glad + enough I thought they were both to get there. + </p> + <p> + Thus reinforced, we had the main-top-mast fidded in a very few minutes. + Neb was then directed to set up the rigging, and to clear away the yard, + so it might be got into its place. In a word, an hour passed in active + exertions, at the end of which, we had everything rove, bent, and in its + place, on the main-mast, from the top-mast-head to the deck. The + top-gallant-mast was lying fore and aft in the waist, and could not then + be touched; nor was it necessary. I ordered the men to loosen both sails, + and to overhaul down their rigging. In the eyes of Smudge, this looked + highly promising; and the savages gave a yell of delight when they saw the + top-sail fairly filled and drawing. I added the main-sail to the pressure, + and then the ship began to walk off the coast, at a rate that promised all + I hoped for. It was now necessary for me to stick by the wheel, of the + uses of which Smudge began to obtain some notions. At this time, the + vessel was more than two leagues from the island, and objects began to + look dim along the coast. As for the canoes, they could no longer be seen, + and chasing us any farther was quite out of the question. I felt that the + crisis was approaching. + </p> + <p> + Smudge and his companions now became more and more earnest on the subject + of turning the ship round. The indistinctness of the land began seriously + to alarm them, and sea-sickness had actually placed four of their number + flat on the deck. I could see that the old fellow himself was a good deal + affected, though his spirit, and the risks he ran, kept him in motion, and + vigilantly on the watch. It was necessary to seem to do something; and I + sent the negroes up into the fore-top, to get the top sail-yard in its + place, and the sail set. This occupied another hour, before we were + entirely through, when the land was getting nearly <i>awash</i>. As soon + as the mizen-top-sail was set, I braced sharp up, and brought the ship + close upon the wind. This caused the Indians to wilt down like flowers + under a burning sun, just as I expected; there being, by this time, a + seven-knot breeze, and a smart head-sea on. Old Smudge felt that his + forces were fast deserting him, and he now came to me, in a manner that + would not be denied, and I felt the necessity of doing something to + appease him. I got the savages stationed as well as I could, hauled up the + main-sail, and put the ship in stays. We tacked better than I could have + believed possible, and when my wild captors saw that we were actually + moving in the direction of the land, again, their delight was infinite. + Their leader was ready to hug me; but I avoided this pleasure in the best + manner I could. As for the consequences, I had no apprehensions, knowing + we were too far off to have any reason to dread the canoes, and being + certain it was easy enough to avoid them in such a breeze. + </p> + <p> + Smudge and his companions were less on the alert, as soon as they + perceived the ship was going in the proper direction. They probably + believed the danger in a measure over, and they began to yield a little to + their physical sufferings. I called Neb to the wheel, and leaning over the + taffrail, I succeeded in getting Marble to a cabin-window, without + alarming Smudge. I then told the mate to get all his forces in the + forecastle, having observed that the Indians avoided that part of the + vessel, on account of the heavy plunges she occasionally made, and + possibly because they fancied our people were all aft. As soon as the plan + was understood, I strolled forward, looking up at the sails, and touching + a rope, here and there, like one bent on his ordinary duty. The savage + stationed at the fore-scuttle was as sick as a dog, and with streaming + eyes, he was paying the landsmen's tribute to the sea. The hatch was very + strong, and it was secured simply by its hasp and a bit of iron thrust + through it. I had only to slip my hand down, remove the iron, throw open + the hatch, when the ship's company streamed up on deck, Marble leading. + </p> + <p> + It was not a moment for explanations. I saw, at a glance, that the mate + and his followers regarded the situation of the ship very differently from + what I did myself. I had now been hours with the savages, had attained a + little of their confidence, and knew how dependent they were on myself for + their final safety; all of which, in a small degree, disposed me to treat + them with some of the lenity I fancied I had received from them, in my own + person. But, Marble and the crew had been chafing below, like caged lions, + the whole time, and, as I afterwards learned, had actually taken an + unanimous vote to blow themselves up, before they would permit the Indians + to retain the control of the vessel. Then poor Captain Williams was much + beloved forward, and his death remained to be avenged. I would have said a + word in favour of my captors, but the first glance I got at the flushed + face of the mate, told me it would be useless. I turned, therefore, to the + sick savage who had been left as a sentinel over the fore-scuttle, to + prevent his interference. This man was armed with the pistols that had + been taken from me, and he showed a disposition to use them. I was too + quick in my motions, however, falling upon him so soon as to prevent one + who was not expert with the weapons from using them. We clenched, and fell + on the deck together, the Indian letting the pistols fall to meet my + grasp. + </p> + <p> + As this occurred, I heard the cheers of the seamen; and Marble, shouting + out to “revenge Captain Williams,” gave the order to charge. I soon had my + own fellow perfectly at my mercy, and got him so near the end of the jib + downhaul, as to secure him with a turn or two of that rope. The man made + little resistance, after the first onset; and, catching up the pistols, I + left him, to join in what was doing aft. As I lay on the deck, I heard + several plunges into the water, and then half-a-dozen of most cruelly + crushing blows succeeded. Not a shot was fired by either party, though + some of our people, who had carried all their arms below the night the + ship was seized, used their pikes with savage freedom. By the time I got + as far aft as the main-mast, the vessel was our own. Nearly half the + Indians had thrown themselves into the sea; the remaining dozen had either + been knocked in the head like beeves, or were stuck, like so many porkers. + The dead bodies followed the living into the sea. Old Smudge alone + remained, at the moment of which I have spoken. + </p> + <p> + The leader of the savages was examining the movements of Neb, at the + moment the shout was raised; and the black, abandoning the wheel, threw + his arms round those of the old man, holding him like a vice. In this + situation he was found by Marble and myself, who approached at the same + instant, one on each side of the quarter-deck. + </p> + <p> + “Overboard with the blackguard!” called out the excited mate; “overboard + with him, Neb, like a trooper's horse!” + </p> + <p> + “Hold—” I interrupted, “spare the old wretch, Mr. Marble;—he + spared me.” + </p> + <p> + A request from me would, at any moment, outweigh an order from the + captain, himself, so far as the black was concerned, else Smudge would + certainly have gone into the ocean, like a bundle of straw. Marble had in + him a good deal of the indifference to bodily suffering that is generated + by habit, and, aroused, he was a dangerous, and sometimes a hard man; but, + in the main, he was not cruel; and then he was always manly. In the short + struggle which he had passed, he had actually dropped his pike, to knock + an Indian down with his fist; bundling the fellow through a port without + ceremony, ere he had time to help himself. But he disdained striking + Smudge, with such odds against him; and he went to the helm, himself, + bidding Neb secure the prisoner. Glad of this little relief to a scene so + horrible, I ran forward, intending to bring my own prisoner aft, and to + have the two confined together, below. But I was too late. One of the + Philadelphians had just got the poor wretch's head and shoulders through + the bow-port, and I was barely in time to see his feet disappear. + </p> + <p> + Not a cheer was given for our success. When all was over, the men stood + gazing at each other, stern, frowning, and yet with the aspects of those + who felt they had been, in a manner, disgraced by the circumstances which + led them to the necessity of thus regaining the command of their own + vessel. As for myself, I ran and sprang upon the taffrail, to look into + the ship's wake. A painful sight met me, there! During the minute or two + passed in the brief struggle, the Crisis had gone steadily ahead, like the + earth moving in its orbit, indifferent to the struggles of the nations + that are contending on its bosom. I could see heads and arms tossing in + our track for a hundred fathoms, those who could not swim struggling to + the last to preserve their existence. Marble, Smudge and Neb, were all + looking in the same direction, at that instant. Under an impulse I could + not control, I ventured to suggest that we might yet tack and save several + of the wretches. + </p> + <p> + “Let them drown, and be d——d!” was the chief-mate's + sententious answer. + </p> + <p> + “No—no—Masser Mile,” Neb ventured to add, with a remonstrating + shake of the head—“dat will nebber do—no good ebber come of + Injin. If you don't drown him, he sartain drown you.” + </p> + <p> + I saw it was idle to remonstrate; and by this time one dark spot, after + another, began to disappear, as the victims sank in the ocean. As for + Smudge, his eye was riveted on the struggling forms of his followers, in a + manner to show that traces of human feeling are to be found, in some + aspect or other, in every condition of life. I thought I could detect + workings of the countenance of this being, indurated as his heart had + become by a long life of savage ferocity, which denoted how keenly he felt + the sudden destruction that had alighted on his tribe. He might have had + sons and grandsons among those struggling wretches, on whom he was now + gazing for the last time. If so, his self-command was almost miraculous; + for, while I could see that he felt, and felt intensely, not a sign of + weakness escaped him. As the last head sunk from view, I could see him + shudder; a suppressed groan escaped him; then he turned his face towards + the bulwarks, and stood immovable as one of the pines of his own forests, + for a long time. I asked Marble's permission to release the old man's + arms, and the mate granted it, though not without growling a few curses on + him, and on all who had been concerned in the late occurrences on board + the ship. + </p> + <p> + There was too much duty to be done, to render all secure, to suffer us to + waste much time in mere sympathy. All the top-mast rigging, backstays, + &c., had to be set up afresh, and gangs were sent about this duty, + forward and aft. The blood was washed from the decks, and a portion of the + crew got along the top-gallant-masts, and pointed them. The topsails were + all close-reefed, the courses hauled up, the spanker and jib taken in, and + the ship hove-to. It wanted but two hours of sunset when Mr. Marble had + got things to his mind. We had crossed royal-yards, and had everything set + that would draw, from the trucks down. The launch was in the water towing + astern; the ship was then about a mile from the southern passage into the + bay, towards which she was steering with the wind very much as it had been + since an hour after sunrise, though slightly falling. Our guns were loose, + and the crew was at quarters. Even I did not know what the new captain + intended to do, for he had given his orders in the manner of one whose + mind was too immovably made up, to admit of consultation. The larboard + battery was manned, and orders had been given to see the guns on that side + levelled and ready for firing. As the ship brushed past the island, in + entering the bay, the whole of this broadside was delivered in among its + bushes and trees. We heard a few yells, in reply, that satisfied us the + grape had told, and that Marble had not miscalculated the position of some + of his enemies, at least. + </p> + <p> + When the ship entered the little bay, it was with a moderate and steady + movement, the breeze being greatly broken by the forests. The main-yard + was thrown aback, and I was ordered into the launch, with its crew armed. + A swivel was in the bows of the boat, and I pulled into the creek, in + order to ascertain if there were any signs of the savages. In entering the + creek, the swivel was discharged, according to orders, and we soon + detected proofs that we disturbed a bivouac. I now kept loading and firing + this little piece into the bushes, supporting it with occasional volleys + of musketry, until pretty well satisfied that we had swept the shore + effectually. At the bivouac, I found the canoes, and our own yawl, and + what was some little revenge for what had happened, I also found a pile of + no less than six hundred skins, which had doubtless been brought to trade + with us, if necessary, in order to blind-our eyes until the favourable + moment for the execution of the conspiracy should offer. I made no scruple + about confiscating these skins, which were taken on board the ship. + </p> + <p> + I next went to the island, on which I found one man dying with a + grape-shot wound, and evidence that a considerable party had left it, as + soon as they felt our fire. This party had probably gone outside the + island, but it was getting too late to follow. On my return, I met the + ship coming out, Captain Marble being determined not to trust her inside + another night. The wind was getting light, and, the tides running fiercely + in that high latitude, we were glad to make an offing again while there + was still day. The success with the skins greatly mollified the new + captain, who declared to me that, after he had hanged Smudge in sight of + his own shores, he should “feel something like himself again.” + </p> + <p> + We passed the night under our top-sails, standing off and on, with the + wind steady, but light, at the southward. Next morning, the duty of the + ship went on as usual, until the men had breakfasted, when we stood again + into the bay. This time, we hove-to so as to get one of the buoys, when we + dropped the stream, leaving the top-sails set. We then hove up the anchor, + securing the range of cable that was bent to it. Both of the anchors, and + their ranges of cable, were thus recovered; the ends of the last being + entered at the hawse-holes, and the pieces spliced. This work may have + occupied us four hours; after which, the stream-anchor was hove up, catted + and fished. Marble then ordered a whip rove at the fore-yard-arm. + </p> + <p> + I was on the quarter-deck when this command was suddenly given. I wished + to remonstrate, for I had some tolerably accurate notions of legality, and + the rights of persons. Still, I did not like to say anything; for Captain + Marble's eye and manner were not the least in the trifling mood, at that + instant. The whip was soon rove, and the men stood looking aft, in silent + expectation. + </p> + <p> + “Take that murdering blackguard forward, fasten his arms behind his back, + place him on the third gun, and wait for orders,” added our new captain, + sternly. + </p> + <p> + No one dared hesitate about obeying these orders, though I could see that + one or two of the lads disliked the business. + </p> + <p> + “Surely,” I ventured to say, in a low voice, “you are not in earnest, Mr. + Marble!” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Captain</i> Marble, if you please, Mr. Wallingford. I am now master of + this vessel, and you are her chief-mate. I intend to hang your friend + Smudge, as an example to the rest of the coast. These woods are full of + eyes at this moment; and the sight they'll presently see, will do more + good than forty missionaries, and threescore and ten years of preaching. + Set the fellow up on the gun, men, as I ordered. This is the way to + generalize with an Indian.” + </p> + <p> + In a moment, there stood the hapless wretch, looking about him with an + expression that denoted the consciousness of danger, though it was not + possible he could comprehend the precise mode of his execution. I went to + him, and pressed his hand, pointing upward, as much as to say his whole + trust was now in the Great Spirit. The Indian understood me, for from that + instant he assumed an air of dignified composure, like one every way + prepared to meet his fate. It is not probable, with his habits, that he + saw any peculiar hardship in his own case; for he had, doubtless, + sacrificed many a prisoner under circumstances of less exasperation than + that which his own conduct had provoked. + </p> + <p> + “Let two of the 'niggers' take a turn with the end of the whip round the + chap's neck,” said Marble, too dignified to turn Jack Ketch in person, and + unwilling to set any of the white seamen at so ungracious an office. The + cook, Joe, and another black, soon performed this revolting duty, from the + odium of which a sailor seldom altogether escapes. + </p> + <p> + I now perceived Smudge looking upward, seeming to comprehend the nature of + the fate that awaited him. The deeply-seated principle within him, caused + a dark shadow to pass over a countenance already so gloomy and wrinkled by + suffering and exposure; and he turned his look wistfully towards Marble, + at whose command each order in succession had been obeyed. Our new captain + caught that gaze, and I was, for a single moment, in hope he would relent, + and let the wretch go. But Marble had persuaded himself he was performing + a great act of nautical justice; nor was he aware, himself, how much he + was influenced by a feeling allied to vengeance. + </p> + <p> + “Sway away!” he called out; and Smudge was dangling at the yard-arm in a + few seconds. + </p> + <p> + A block of wood could not have been more motionless than the body of this + savage, after one quivering shudder of suffering had escaped it. There it + hung, like a jewel-block, and every sign of life was soon taken away. In a + quarter of an hour, a man was sent up, and, cutting the rope, the body + fell, with a sharp plunge, into the water, and disappeared. + </p> + <p> + At a later day, the account of this affair found its way into the + newspapers at home. A few moralists endeavoured to throw some doubts over + the legality and necessity of the proceedings, pretending that more evil + than good was done to the cause of sacred justice by such disregard of law + and principles; but the feeling of trade, and the security of ships when + far from home, were motives too powerful to be put down by the still, + quiet remonstrances of reason and right. The abuses to which such + practices would be likely to lead, in cases in which one of the parties + constituted himself the law, the judge, and the executioner, were urged in + vain against the active and ever-stimulating incentive of a love of gold. + Still, I knew that Marble wished the thing undone when it was too late, it + being idle to think of quieting the suggestions of that monitor God has + implanted within us, by the meretricious and selfish approbation of those + who judge of right and wrong by their own narrow standard of interest. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>1st Lord</i>.—“Throca movonsas, cargo, cargo, cargo.” + <i>All</i>.—“Cargo, cargo, villianda par corbo, cargo.” + <i>Par</i>.—“O! ransome, ransome:—Do not hide mine eyes” + <i>1st Sold</i>.—“Boskos Thromuldo boskos.” + <i>Par</i>.—“I know you are the Muskos' regiment, + And I shall lose my life for want of language.—” + <i>All's Well That Ends Well.</i> +</pre> + <p> + The Crisis was tacked, as soon as the body of Smudge was cut down, and she + moved slowly, her crew maintaining a melancholy silence, out of the little + haven. I never witnessed stronger evidence of sadness in the evolutions of + a vessel; the slow and stately departure resembling that of mourners + leaving the grave on which they had just heard the fall of the clod. + Marble told me afterwards, he had been disposed to anchor, and remain + until the body of poor Captain Williams should rise, as it probably would + within the next forty-eight hours; but the dread of a necessity of + sacrificing more of the natives, induced him to quit the fatal spot, + without paying the last duties to our worthy old commander. I always + regretted we did not remain, for I think no Indian would have come near + us, had we continued in the harbour a month. + </p> + <p> + It was high-noon when the ship once more issued into the broad bosom of + the Pacific. The wind was at south-east, and as we drew off from the land, + it came fresh and steady. About two, having an offing of ten or twelve + miles, orders were issued to set all the larboard studding-sails, and we + stood to the southward and westward under a press of canvass. Every one + saw in this change, a determination to quit the coast; nor did we regret + the measure, for our trade had been quite successful, down to the moment + of the seizure, but could hardly be prosperous after what had passed. I + had not been consulted in the affair at all, but the second-mate having + the watch, I was now summoned to the cabin, and let into the secret of our + future movements. I found Marble seated at the cabin table, with Captain + Williams's writing-desk open before him, and sundry papers under + examination. + </p> + <p> + “Take a seat, Mr. Wallingford,” said the new master, with a dignity and + manner suited to the occasion. “I have just been overhauling the old man's + instructions from the owners, and find I have done right in leaving these + hang-gallows rascals to themselves, and shaping our course to the next + point of destination. As it is, the ship has done surprisingly well. There + are $67,370 good Spaniards down in the run, and that for goods which I see + are invoiced at just $26,240; and when you consider that no duties, + port-charges, or commissions are to be deducted, but that the dollars + under our feet are all our own, without any drawbacks, I call the + operation a good one. Then that blundering through the Straits, though it + must never be talked of in any other light than a bold push for a quick + passage, did us a wonderful deal of good, shoving us ahead near a month in + time. It has put us so much ahead of our calculations, indeed, that I + would cruise for Frenchmen for five or six weeks, were there the least + probability that one of the chaps was to the westward of the Horn. Such + not being the fact, however, and there still being a very long road before + us, I have thought it best to push for the next point of destination. Read + that page of the owner's idees, Mr. Wallingford, and you will get their + advice for just such a situation as that in which we find ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + The passage pointed out by Captain Marble was somewhat parenthetical, and + was simply intended to aid Captain Williams, in the event of his not being + able to accomplish the other objects of his voyage. It had a place in the + instructions, indeed, solely on account of a suggestion of Marble's + himself, the project being one of those favourite schemes of the mate, + that men sometimes maintain through thick or thin, until they get to be + ruling thoughts. On Captain Williams it had not weighed a feather; his + intention having been to proceed to the Sandwich Islands for sandalwood, + which was the course then usually pursued by North-West traders, after + quitting the coast. The parenthetical project, however, was to touch at + the last island, procure a few divers, and proceed in quest of certain + islands where it was supposed the pearl fishery would succeed. Our ship + was altogether too large, and every way too expensive, to be risked in + such an adventure, and so I told the ex-mate without any scruple. But this + fishery was a “fixed idea,” a quick road to wealth, in the new captain's + mind, and finding it in the instructions, though simply as a contingent + course, he was inclined to regard it as the great object of the voyage. + Such it was in his eyes, and such it ought to be, as he imagined, in those + of the owners. + </p> + <p> + Marble had excellent qualities in his way, but he was not fit to command a + ship. No man could stow her better, fit her better, sail her better, take + better care of her in heavy weather, or navigate her better; and yet he + wanted the judgment necessary to manage the property that must be + committed to his care, and he had no more ideas of commercial thrift, than + if he had never been employed in any of the concerns of commerce. This + was, in truth, the reason he had never risen any higher in his profession, + the mercantile instinct—one of the liveliest and most acute to be + found in natural history—forewarning his different owners that he + was already in the berth nature and art had best qualified him to fill. It + is wonderful how acute even dull men get to be, on the subject of money! + </p> + <p> + I own my judgment, such as it was at nineteen, was opposed to the opinion + of the captain. I could see that the contingency contemplated by the + instructions had not arisen, and that we should be acting more in + conformity with the wishes of the owners, by proceeding to the Sandwich + Islands in quest of sandal-wood, and thence to China, after a cargo of + teas. Marble was not to be convinced, however, though I think my arguments + shook him a little. What might have been the result, it is difficult to + say, had not chance befriended the views of each of us, respectively. It + is proper to add, that Marble availed himself of this opportunity to + promote Talcott, who was brought into the cabin as third-mate. I rejoiced + greatly in this addition to our little circle on the quarter-deck, Talcott + being a man of education, much nearer my own age than the two others, and + united to me by unusual ties since our common adventure in the prize. I + was not only rejoiced to be able to associate with him, but to hear him + called <i>Mr</i>. Talcott. + </p> + <p> + We had a long, but mild, passage to the Sandwich Islands. This group + occupied a very different place, in the opinions of the world, in the year + 1800, from that it fills to-day. Still it had made some small advances in + civilization since the time of Cook. I am told there are churches, + taverns, billiard-tables, and stone dwellings in these islands now, which + are fast turning to the Christian religion, and obtaining the medley of + convenience, security, vice, roguery, law and comfort, that is known as + civilization. It was far different then, our reception being by men who + were but a small degree removed from savages. Among those who first came + on board us, however, was the master of an American brig, belonging to + Boston, whose vessel had got on a reef, and bilged. He intended to remain + by the wreck, but wished to dispose of a considerable amount of + sandal-wood that was still in his vessel, and for the safety of which he + was under great concern, as the first gale of wind might scatter it to the + winds of the ocean. If he could obtain a fresh stock of goods to trade on, + he proposed remaining on the islands until another vessel belonging to the + same owners, which was expected in a few months, should arrive, on board + which vessel he intended to embark with everything he could save from the + wreck, and such wood as he could purchase in the interim. Captain Marble + rubbed his hands with delight, when he returned from a visit to the wreck, + his arrangements all completed. + </p> + <p> + “Luck is with us, Master Miles,” he said, “and we'll be off for them pearl + fisheries next week. I have bought all the sandal-wood in the wreck, + paying in trumpery, and at prices only about double Indian trade, and we + will heave up, and carry the ship round to the wreck, and begin to take in + this afternoon. There is capital holding-ground inside the reef, and the + ship can be safely carried within a hundred fathoms of her cargo!” + </p> + <p> + All turned out as Marble had hoped and predicted, and the Crisis was back + at her anchorage in front of the village, which is now the city of + Honolulu, within the week named. We got our supply of hogs, and having + procured four of the best divers going, we sailed in quest of Captain + Marble's Eldorado of pearls. I was less opposed to the scheme than I had + been, for we were now so much in advance of our time, that we could afford + to pass a few weeks among the islands, previously to sailing for China. + Our course was to the south-west, crossing the line in about 170° west + longitude. There was a clear sea, for more than a fortnight, while we were + near the equator, the ship making but little progress. Glad enough was I + to hear the order given to turn more to the northward again; for the heat + was oppressive, and this was inclining towards our route to China. We had + been out from Owyhee, as it was then usual to call the island where Cook + was killed—Hawaii, as it is called to-day—we had been out from + this island, about a month, when Marble came up to me one fine, moon-light + evening, in my watch, rubbing his hands, as was his custom when in good + humour, and broke out as follows:— + </p> + <p> + “I'll tell you what, Miles,” he said, “you and I have been salted down by + Providence for something more than common! Just look back at all our + adventures in the last three years, and see what they come to. Firstly, + there was shipwreck over here on the coast of Madagascar,” jerking his + thumb over a shoulder in a manner that was intended to indicate about two + hundred degrees of longitude, that being somewhat near our present + distance from the place he mentioned, in an air line; “then followed the + boat business under the Isle of Bourbon, and the affair with the privateer + off Guadaloupe. Well, as if that wern't enough, we ship together again in + this vessel, and a time we had of it with the French letter-of-marque. + After that, a devil of a passage we made of it through the Straits of + Magellan. Then came the melancholy loss of Captain Williams, and all that + business; after which we got the sandal-wood out of the wreck, which I + consider the luckiest transaction of all.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope you don't set down the loss of Captain Williams among our luck, + sir!” + </p> + <p> + “Not I, but the stuff is all logged together, you know; and, in + overhauling for one idee, in such a mess, a fellow is apt to get hold of + another. As I was saying, we have been amazingly lucky, and I expect + nothing else but we shall discover an island yet!” + </p> + <p> + “Can that be of any great service to us? There are so many owners ready to + start up and claim such discoveries, that I question if it would do us any + great benefit.” + </p> + <p> + “Let them start up—who cares for them; we'll have the christening, + and that's half the battle. Marble Land, Wallingford Bay, Talcott Hills, + and Cape Crisis, would look well on a chart—ha! Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “I have no objection to see it, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Land ho!” cried the look-out on the forecastle. + </p> + <p> + “There it is now, by George!” cried Marble, springing forward—“I + overhauled the chart half an hour since, and there ought to be nothing + within six hundred miles of us.” + </p> + <p> + There it was, sure enough, and much nearer to us than was at all + desirable. So near, indeed, that the wash of the breakers on the reef that + so generally lies off from the low coral islands of the Pacific, was + distinctly audible from the ship. The moon gave a strong light, it is + true, and the night was soft and balmy; but the air, which was very light, + blew directly towards this reef, and then there were always currents to + apprehend. We sounded, but got no bottom. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, this is one of your coral reefs, where a man goes on the rocks from + off soundings, at a single jump,” muttered Marble, ordering the ship + brought by the wind on the best tack to haul off shore. “No notice, and a + wreck. As for anchoring in such a place, a fellow might as well run a line + out to Japan; and, could an anchor find the bottom, the cable would have + some such berth as a man who slept in a hammock filled with open razors.” + </p> + <p> + All this was true enough; and we watched the effect of our change of + course with the greatest anxiety. All hands were called, and the men were + stationed, in readiness to work the ship. But, a few minutes satisfied us, + the hope of clawing off, in so light an air, was to the last degree vain. + The vessel set in fast towards the reef, the breakers on which now became + apparent, even by the light of the moon; the certain sign they were + fearfully near. + </p> + <p> + This was one of those moments in which Marble could show himself to be a + true man. He was perfectly calm and self-possessed; and stood on the + taffrail, giving his orders, with a distinctness and precision I had never + seen surpassed. I was kept in the chains, myself, to watch the casts of + the lead. No bottom, however, was the never-failing report; nor was any + bottom expected; it being known that these reefs were quite perpendicular + on their seaward side. The captain called out to me, from time to time, to + be active and vigilant, as our set inshore was uncontrollable, and the + boats, if in the water, as the launch could not be for twenty minutes, + would be altogether useless. I proposed to lower the yawl, and to pull to + leeward, to try the soundings, in order to ascertain if it were not + possible to find bottom at some point short of the reef, on which we + should hopelessly be set, unless checked by some such means, in the course + of the next fifteen or twenty minutes. + </p> + <p> + “Do it at once, sir,” cried Marble. “The thought is a good one, and does + you credit, Mr. Wallingford.” + </p> + <p> + I left the ship in less than five minutes, and pulled off, under the + ship's lee-bow, knowing that tacking or waring would be out of the + question, under the circumstances. I stood up in the stern-sheets, and + made constant casts with the hand-lead, with a short line, however, as the + boat went foaming through the water. The reef was now plainly in sight, + and I could see, as well as hear, the long, formidable ground-swells of + the Pacific, while fetching up against these solid barriers, they rolled + over, broke, and went beyond the rocks in angry froth. At this perilous + instant, when I would not have given the poorest acre of Clawbonny to have + been the owner of the Crisis, I saw a spot to leeward that was + comparatively still, or in which the water did not break. It was not fifty + fathoms from me when first discovered; and towards it I steered, animating + the men to redoubled exertions. We were in this narrow belt of smooth + water, as it might be in an instant, and the current sucked the boat + through it so fast, as to allow time to make but a single cast of the + lead. I got bottom; but it was in six fathoms! + </p> + <p> + The boat was turned, and headed out again, as if life and death depended + on the result. The ship was fortunately within sound of the voice, + steering still by the wind, though setting three feet towards the reef, + for one made in the desired direction; and I hailed. + </p> + <p> + “What now, Mr. Wallingford?” demanded Marble, as calmly as if anchored + near a wharf at home. + </p> + <p> + “Do you see the boat, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Quite plainly;—God knows you are near enough to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Has the ship steerage-way on her, Captain Marble?” + </p> + <p> + “Just that, and nothing more to boast of.” + </p> + <p> + “Then ask no questions; but try to follow the boat. It is the only hope; + and it may succeed.” + </p> + <p> + I got no answer; but I heard the deep, authoritative voice of Marble, + ordering the “helm up,” and the men “to man the weather-braces.” I could + scarcely breathe, while I stood looking at the ship's bows, as they fell + off, and noted her slow progress ahead. Her speed increased sensibly, + however, and I kept the boat far enough to windward to give the vessel + room fairly to enter the pass. At the proper moment, we moved towards the + inlet, the Crisis keeping more and more away, in order to follow. I was + soon in the pass itself, the water breaking within ten fathoms on each + side of me, sending portions of its foam, to the very blades of our oars; + but the lead still gave me six fathoms. At the next cast, I got ten; and + then the shin was at the point where I had just before found six. Two + breakers were roaring behind me, and I pulled round, and waited for the + ship, steering to the southward, sounding as I went. I could see that the + ship hauled up, and that I was already behind the reef. Straining my + voice, I now called out— + </p> + <p> + “Anchor, sir—bear a hand and anchor, as soon as possible.” + </p> + <p> + Not a word came back; but up went the courses, followed by the + top-gallant-sails, after which down went the jib. I heard the fore and + main-top-sail-halyards overhauling themselves, spite of the roar of the + breakers, and then the ship luffed into the wind. Glad enough was I to + hear the heavy plunge of one of the bowers, as it fell from the cathead + into the water. Even then I remained stationary, to note the result. The + ship took her scope of cable freely, after which I observed that she was + brought up. The next moment I was on board her. + </p> + <p> + “A close shave, Mr. Wallingford,” said Marble, giving me a squeeze of the + hand, that said more for his feelings than any words such a being could + utter; “and many thanks for your piloting. Is not that land I see, away + here to leeward—more to the westward, boy?” + </p> + <p> + “It is, sir, beyond a doubt. It must be one of the coral islands; and this + is the reef that usually lies to seaward from them. There is the + appearance of trees ashore!” + </p> + <p> + “It's a discovery, youngster, and will make us all great names! Remember, + this passage I call 'Miles's Inlet;' and to the reef, I give the name of + 'Yawl Reef.'” + </p> + <p> + I could not smile at this touch of Marble's vanity, for concern left me no + thoughts but for the ship. The weather was now mild and the bay smooth; + the night was fine, and it might be of the last importance to us to know + something more of our situation. The cable might chafe off, probably <i>would</i>, + so near a coral reef; and I offered to pull in towards the land, sounding + as I went, and otherwise gaining the knowledge that might be necessary to + our security. After a little reflection, the captain consented, ordering + me to take provisions and water in the boat, as the duty might detain me + until morning. + </p> + <p> + I found the bay between the reef and the island about a league in <i>breadth</i>, + and across its entire <i>width</i>, the soundings did not vary much from + ten fathoms. The outer barrier of rock, on which the sea broke, appeared + to be an advanced wall, that the indefatigable little insects had erected, + as it might be, in defence of their island, which had probably been raised + from the depths of the ocean, a century or two ago, by some of their own + ancestors. The gigantic works completed by these little aquatic animals, + are well known to navigators, and give us some tolerably accurate notions + of the manner in which the face of the globe has been made to undergo some + of its alterations. I found the land easy of access, low, wooded, and + without any sign of habitation. The night was so fine that I ventured + inland, and after walking more than a mile, most of the distance in a + grove of cocoa and bananas, I came to the basin of water that is usually + found in the islands of this particular formation. The inlet from the sea + was at no great distance, and I sent one of the men back to the yawl, with + orders for the boat to proceed thither. I next sounded the inlet and the + bay, and found everywhere a sandy bottom, and about ten fathoms of water. + As I expected, the shoalest spot was the inlet; but in this, which I + sounded thoroughly, there was nowhere less than five. It was now midnight; + and I should have remained on the island until morning, to make further + surveys by daylight, had we not seen the ship, under her canvass, and so + much nearer to us than we had supposed possible, as to satisfy me she was + drifting in fast towards the land. Of course I did not hesitate, but + pulled on board. + </p> + <p> + It was as I suspected. The rocks so near the reef had chafed off the + cable; the ship struck adrift, and Marble was under his canvass waiting my + return, in order to ascertain where he might anchor anew. I told him of + the lagoon in the centre of the island, and gave him every assurance of + there being water enough to carry in any craft that floats. My reputation + was up, in consequence of the manner the ship had been taken through the + first inlet, and I was ordered to conn her into this new haven. + </p> + <p> + The task was not difficult. The lightness of the wind, and uncertainty + about the currents proving the only source of embarrassment, I succeeded + in finding the passage, after a short trial; and sending the boat ahead, + under Talcott, as an additional precaution, soon had the Crisis floating + in the very centre of this natural dock. Sail was shortened as we came in, + and the ship made a flying moor; after which we lay as securely, at if + actually in some basin wrought by art. It is my opinion, the vessel would + have ridden out the hardest gale, or anything short of a hurricane, at + single anchor, in that place. The sense of security was now so strong upon + us, that we rolled up our canvass, set an anchor watch of only one man, + and turned in. + </p> + <p> + I never laid my head down, on board ship, with greater satisfaction, than + I did that night. Let the truth be frankly stated. I was perfectly + satisfied with myself. It was owing to my decision and vigilance that the + ship was saved, when outside the reef, out of all question; and I think + she would have been lost after she struck adrift, had I not discovered her + present berth. There she was, however, with land virtually all round her, + a good bottom, plenty of water, and well moored. As I have said already, + she could not be better secured in an artificial dock. In the midst of the + Pacific, away from all custom-house officers, in a recently discovered and + uninhabited island, there was nothing to fear. Men sleep soundly in such + circumstances, and I should have been in a deep slumber in a minute after + I was in my berth, had not Marble's conversation kept me awake, quite + unwillingly on my part, for five minutes. His state-room door was open, + and, through it, the following discourse was held. + </p> + <p> + “I think, on the whole,” commenced the captain, “it will be better to <i>generalize</i> + a little more,”—this was a favourite expression of the ex-mate's, + and one he often used without exactly knowing its application himself.—“Yes, + to generalize a little more; it shall be Marble Land, Wallingford Bay, + Yawl, Reef, <i>Talcott</i> Inlet, Miles's Anchorage—and a d——d + bad anchorage it was, Miles; but, never mind, we must take the good with + the bad, in this wicked world.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, sir; but as for taking that anchorage, you must excuse me, as + I shall never take it again.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not. Well, this is what I call comfort—ha! Talcott?—Is + Talcott asleep, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “He and the second-mate are hard at it, sir—full and by, and going + ten knots,” I muttered, wishing my tormentor in Japan, at the moment. + </p> + <p> + “Ay; they are rackers at a sleep! I say, Miles, such a discovery as this + will make a man's fortune! The world generalizes in discoveries, + altogether, making no great matter of distinction between your Columbuses, + Cooks, or Marbles. An island is an island and he who first discovers it, + has the credit. Poor Captain Williams! He would have sailed this ship for + a whole generation, and never found anything in the way of novelty.” + </p> + <p> + “Except the Straits—” I muttered very indistinctly, breathing deep + and hard. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that <i>was</i> an affair! Hadn't you and I been aboard, the ship + never would have done that. We are the very offspring of luck! There was + the affair of the wreck off Madagascar—there are bloody currents in + the Pacific, too, I find, Miles.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir—hard-a-weather—” + </p> + <p> + “The fellow's dreaming. One word, boy, before you cut loose from all + reason and reflection. Don't you think it would be a capital idea to poke + in a little patriotism among the names; patriotism goes so far in our part + of the world. Congress Rocks would be a good title for the highest part of + the reef, and Washington Sands would do for the landing you told me of. + Washington should have a finger in the pie.” + </p> + <p> + “Crust isn't down, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “The fellow's off, and I may as well follow, though it is not easy to + sleep on the honour of a discovery like this. Good night, Miles!” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay! sir.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the account Marble afterwards gave me of the termination of the + dialogue. Sleep, sleep, sleep! Never did men enjoy their rest more than we + did for the next five hours, the ship being as silent as a church on a + week-day, during the whole time. For myself, I can safely say I heard + nothing, or knew nothing, until I was awakened by a violent shake of the + shoulder. Supposing myself to have been aroused for an ordinary watch at + sea, I was erect in an instant, and found the sun's rays streaming into my + face, through the cabin-windows. This prevented me, for a moment, from + seeing that I had been disturbed by Captain Marble himself. The latter + waited until he perceived I could understand him, and then he said, in a + grave, meaning manner— + </p> + <p> + “Miles, there is a mutiny in the ship! Do you understand me, Mr. + Wallingford?—a bloody mutiny!” + </p> + <p> + “A mutiny, Captain Marble! You confound me, sir—I had thought our + people perfectly satisfied.” + </p> + <p> + “Umph! One never knows whether the copper will come up head or tail. I + thought, when I turned in last night, it was to take the surest nap I ever + tasted afloat; and here I awake and find a mutiny!” + </p> + <p> + I was on my feet and dressing in an instant, as a matter of course, having + first gone to the berths of the two other mates, and given each a call. + </p> + <p> + “But how do you know this, Captain Marble?” I resumed, as soon as there + was a chance. “I hear no disturbance, and the ship is just where we left + her,” glancing through the cabin-windows; “I think you must be mistaken, + sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Not I. I turned out, ten minutes since, and was about to go on deck to + get a look at your basin, and breathe the fresh air, when I found the + companion-doors fastened, precisely Smudge-fashion. I suppose you will + allow that no regular ship's company would dare to fasten the officers + below, unless they intended to seize the craft.” + </p> + <p> + “This is very extraordinary! Perhaps some accident has befallen the doors. + Did you call out, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I thumped like an admiral, but got no answer. When on the point of trying + the virtue of a few kicks, I overheard a low laugh on deck, and that let + me into the secret of the state of the nation at once. I suppose you will + all admit, gentlemen, when sailors laugh at their officers, as well as + batten them down, that they must be somewhat near a state of mutiny.” + </p> + <p> + “It does look so, indeed, sir. We had better arm the moment we are + dressed, Captain Marble.” + </p> + <p> + “I have done that already, and you will each find loaded pistols in my + state-room.” + </p> + <p> + In two minutes from that moment, all four of us were in a state for + action, each man armed with a brace of ship's pistols, well-loaded and + freshly primed. Marble was for making a rush at the cabin-doors, at once; + but I suggested the improbability of the steward or Neb's being engaged in + any plot against the officers, and thought it might be well to ascertain + what had become of the two blacks, before we commenced operations. Talcott + proceeded instantly to the steerage, where the steward slept, and returned + in a moment to report that he had found him sound asleep in his berth. + </p> + <p> + Reinforced by this man, Captain Marble determined to make his first + demonstration by way of the forecastle, where, by acting with caution, a + surprise on the mutineers might be effected. It will be remembered that a + door communicated with the forecastle, the fastenings of which were on the + side of “'twixt decks.” Most of the cargo being in the lower hold, there + was no difficulty in making our way to this door, where we stopped and + listened, in order to learn the state of things on the other side of the + bulkhead. Marble had whispered to me, as we groped our way along in the + sort of twilight which pervaded the place, the hatches being on and + secured, that “them bloody Philadelphians” must be at the bottom of the + mischief, as our old crew were a set of as “peaceable, well-disposed chaps + as ever eat duff (dough) out of a kid.” + </p> + <p> + The result of the listening was to produce a general surprise. Out of all + question, snoring, and that on no small scale of the gamut of Morpheus, + was unequivocally heard. Marble instantly opened the door, and we entered + the forecastle, pistols in hand. Every berth had its tenant, and all hands + were asleep! Fatigue, and the habit of waiting for calls, had evidently + kept each of the seamen in his berth, until that instant. Contrary to + usage in so warm a climate, the scuttle was on, and a trial soon told us + it was fast. + </p> + <p> + “To generalize on this idee, Miles,” exclaimed the captain, “I should say + we are again battened down by savages!” + </p> + <p> + “It does indeed look so, sir; and yet I saw no sign of the island's being + inhabited. It may be well, Captain Marble, to muster the crew, that we may + learn who's who.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite right—do you turn 'em up, and send 'em all aft into the + cabin, where we have more daylight.” + </p> + <p> + I set about awaking the people, which was not difficult, and in a few + minutes everybody was sent aft. Following the crew, it was soon found that + only one man was missing, and he was the very individual whom we had left + on deck, when we had all gone below on securing the ship. Every soul + belonging to the vessel was present in the cabin, or steerage, but this + solitary man—Philadelphians and all! + </p> + <p> + “It can never be that Harris has dared to trifle with us,” said Talcott; + “and yet it does look surprisingly like it.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite sure, Miles, that Marble Land is an uninhabited island?” said the + captain, interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + “I can only say, sir, that it is as much like all the other uninhabited + coral islands we have passed, as one pea is like another; and that there + were no signs of a living being visible last night. It is true, we saw but + little of the island, though to all appearances there was not much to + see.” + </p> + <p> + “Unluckily, all the men's arms are on deck, in the arm-chest, or strapped + to the boom or masts. There is no use, however, in dillydallying against + one man; so I will make a rumpus that will soon bring the chap to his + bearings.” + </p> + <p> + Hereupon Marble made what he called a rumpus in good earnest. I thought, + for a minute, he would kick the cabin-doors down. + </p> + <p> + “'Andzomelee-'andzomelee,” said some one on deck. “Vat for you make so + much kick?” + </p> + <p> + “Who the devil are you?” demanded Marble, kicking harder than ever. “Open + the cabin-doors, or I'll kick them down, and yourself overboard.” + </p> + <p> + “Monsieur—sair,” rejoined another voice, “<i>tenez</i>—you air + <i>prisonnier</i>. <i>Comprenez-vous</i>—prisonair, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “These are Frenchmen, Captain Marble,” I exclaimed, “and we are in the + hands of the enemy.” + </p> + <p> + This was astounding intelligence; so much so, that all had difficulty in + believing it. A further parley, however, destroyed our hopes, little by + little, until we entered into an arrangement with those on deck, to the + following effect: I was to be permitted to go out, in order to ascertain + the real facts of our situation; while Marble and the remainder of the + crew were to remain below, passive, until the result should be reported. + Under this arrangement, one of the cabin-doors was opened, and I sallied + forth. + </p> + <p> + Astonishment almost deprived me of the power of vision, when I looked + around me. Quite fifty armed white men, sailors and natives of France, by + their air and language, crowded round me, as curious to see me, as I could + possibly be to see them. In their midst was Harris, who approached me with + an embarrassed and sorrowful air— + </p> + <p> + “I know I deserve death, Mr. Wallingford,” this man commenced; “but I fell + asleep after so much work, and everything looking so safe and + out-of-harm's-way like; and when I woke up, I found these people on hoard, + and in possession of the ship.” + </p> + <p> + “In the name of wonder, whence come they, Harris? is there a French ship + at the island?” + </p> + <p> + “By all I can learn and see, sir, they are the crew of a wrecked + letter-of-marque—an Indiaman of some sort or other; and finding a + good occasion to get off the island, and make a rich prize, they have + helped themselves to the poor Crisis—God bless her! say I, though + she is now under the French flag, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + I looked up at the gaff, and, sure enough, there was flying the <i>tri-color!</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The morning air blows fresh on him:” + “The waves dance gladly in his sight;” + “The sea-birds call, and wheel, and skim—” + “O, blessed morning light!” + “He doth not hear their joyous call; he sees + No beauty in the wave, nor feels the breeze.” + DANA. +</pre> + <p> + Truth is, truly, often stranger than fiction. The history of the + circumstances that brought us into the hands of our enemies will fully + show this. La Pauline was a ship of six hundred tons, that carried + letters-of-marque from the French government. She sailed from France a few + weeks after we had left London, bound on a voyage somewhat similar to our + own, though neither sea-otter skins, sandal-wood, nor pearls, formed any + part of her contemplated bargains. Her first destination was the French + islands off Madagascar, where she left part of her cargo, and took in a + few valuables in return. Thence she proceeded to the Philippine Islands, + passing in the track of English and American traders, capturing two of the + former, and sinking them after taking out such portions of cargo as suited + her own views. From Manilla, la Pauline shaped her course for the coast of + South America, intending to leave certain articles brought from France, + others purchased at Bourbon, the Isle of France, and the Philippines, and + divers bales and boxes found in the holds of her prizes, in that quarter + of the world, in exchange for the precious metals. In effecting all this, + Monsieur Le Compte, her commander, relied, firstly, on the uncommon + sailing of his ship; secondly, on his own uncommon boldness and dexterity, + and thirdly on the well-known disposition of the South Americans to + smuggle. Doubloons and dollars taking up but little room, he reserved most + of the interior of his vessel, after his traffic on the “Main,” for such + property as might be found in the six or eight prizes he calculated, with + certainty, on making, after getting to the eastward of the Horn. All these + well-grounded anticipations had been signally realized down to a period of + just three months to a day, prior to our own arrival at this unhappy + island. + </p> + <p> + On the night of the day just mentioned, la Pauline, without the smallest + notice of the vicinity of any danger, running in an easy bowline, and + without much sea, had brought up on another part of the very reef from + which we had made so narrow an escape. The rocks being coral, there was + little hope for her; and, in fact, they appeared through her bottom within + two hours after she struck. The sugars taken in at the Isle of France, as + a ground tier of ballast, were soon rendered of doubtful value, as a + matter of course, but the weather remaining pleasant, Captain Le Compte + succeeded, by means of his boats, in getting everything else of value on + the island, and forthwith set about breaking up the wreck, in order to + construct a craft that might carry himself and his people to some + civilized land. Having plenty of tools, and something like sixty men, + great progress had been made in the work, a schooner of about ninety tons + being then so far completed, as to be nearly ready to be put in the water. + Such was the state of things, when, one fine night, we arrived in the + manner already related. The French kept constant look-outs, and it seems + we were seen, a distant speck on the ocean, just as the sun set, while the + low trees of the island eluded our vigilance. By the aid of a good + night-glass, our movements were watched, and a boat was about to be sent + out to warn us of our danger, when we passed within the reef. Captain Le + Compte knew the chances were twenty to one that we were an enemy, and he + chose to lie concealed to watch the result. As soon as we had anchored + within the basin, and silence prevailed in the ship, he manned his own + gig, and pulled with muffled oars up under our bows, to reconnoitre. + Finding everything quiet, he ventured into the fore-chains, and thence on + deck, accompanied by three of his men. He found Harris, snoring with his + back supported against a gun-carriage, and immediately secured him. Then, + it only remained to close the forescuttle and the cabin-doors, and to + fasten them, to have us all prisoners below. The boat was sent for more + men, and hours before any of us in the berths were awake, the ship had + effectually changed masters. Harris told our story, and the captors knew + our whole history, from the day of sailing down to the present time. + </p> + <p> + Much of this I learned in subsequent conversations with the French, but + enough of it was related to me then, to let me understand the outlines of + the truth. My eyes also let me into many secrets. I found the island, by + day-light, substantially as I had supposed it to be. It was not so large, + however, as it had seemed to me by the aid of the moon, though its general + character was the same. The basin in which the ship lay might have covered + a hundred and fifty acres in extent, the belt of land which encircled it, + varying in breadth from a quarter of a mile to three miles. Most of the + island was an open grove, lying at an elevation of from ten to thirty feet + above the ocean; and we ascertained there were several springs of the + sweetest water on it. Nature, by one of its secret processes, had covered + the earth with a beautiful short grass; and the French, with their usual + attention to the table, and their commendable activity, had already + several materials for salads, &c., in full growth. String-beans might + be had for asking, and <i>petits pois</i> were literally a drug. I saw the + tents of the French, extending in a line beneath the shades of the trees; + and there was la Petite Pauline (the schooner) on her ways, actually + undergoing the process of receiving her first coat of paint. As for la + Pauline, herself, I could just discover her lower mast-heads, inclining at + an angle of forty-five degrees from the perpendicular, through a vista in + the trees. + </p> + <p> + There was a good-humoured common sense in all the proceedings of Mons. Le + Compte, that showed he was a philosopher in the best sense of the word. He + took things without repining himself, and wished to make others as happy + as circumstances would allow. At his suggestion, I invited Marble on deck; + and, after making my own commander acquainted with the state of the facts, + we both listened to the propositions of our captor. Mons. Le Compte, all + his officers, and not a few of his men, had been prisoners, some time or + other, in England, and there was no difficulty in carrying on the + negotiations in our mother tongue. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Votre bâtiment</i>—your <i>sheep</i>, shall become French—<i>bien + entendu</i>”—commenced our captor—“vid her <i>cargaison—rig,</i> + and <i>tout cela. Bien; c'est convenu.</i> I shall not exact <i>rigueur</i> + in <i>mes conditions.</i> If you shall have <i>possible</i> to take your + <i>sheep</i> from <i>nous autres Français</i>—<i>d'accord.</i> Every + man for himself <i>et sa nation.</i> Zere is the <i>pavillion Français</i>—and + zere it shall fly, so long as we shall not help—<i>mais—parole + d'honneur</i>, ze prize come cheep, and shall be sell very dear—<i>entendez + vous? Bien.</i> Now, sair, I shall put you and all your peepl' on ze + island, vere you shall take our place, while we take your place. Ze arm + shall be in our hand, while ze sheep stay, but we leave you <i>fusils, + poudre et tout cela</i>, behind.” + </p> + <p> + This was nearly verbatim, the programme of capitulation, as laid down by + Captain Le Compte. As for Marble, it was not in his nature to acquiesce in + such an arrangement, without much cavilling and contention. But <i>cui + bono?</i> We were in Mons. le Compte's hands; and, though disposed to deal + very handsomely by us, it was easy enough to see he was determined to make + his own conditions. I succeeded, at last, in making Marble understand that + resistance was useless; and he submitted, though with some such grace as a + man, who has not been mesmerized, submits to an amputation—those who + <i>have,</i> are said rather to delight in the amusement. + </p> + <p> + The terms of the capitulation—and they differed but little from + surrendering at discretion—were no sooner agreed to, than our people + were ordered into the forecastle, whence they were transferred to the + boats, in readiness to be sent ashore. All the chests, and private + effects, were moved out, in the most honourable manner, and sent into la + Pauline's boats, which lay prepared to receive them. As for us officers, + we were put in the gig, Neb and the cabin steward being charged with the + duty of looking after our private property. When everybody, the blacks + excepted, was in a boat, we shoved off, and proceeded towards the landing, + as chop-fallen and melancholy a party as ever took possession of a + newly-discovered country. Marble affected to whistle, for he was secretly + furious at the <i>nonchalance</i> manifested by Captain Le Compte; but I + detected him in getting parts of Monny Musk and the Irish Washerwoman, + into the same strain. To own the truth, the ex-mate was morally much + disturbed. As for myself, I considered the affair as an incident of war, + and cared much less. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Voila, messieurs</i>,” exclaimed Monsieur Le Compte, flourishing his + arm, with an air of unsurpassed generosity; “you shall be master here, so + soon after we shall go away, and take our leetl' property wid us!” + </p> + <p> + “He's d——d generous, Miles,” growled Marble, in my ear. “He'll + leave us the island, and the reef, and the cocoa-nuts, when he has gone + off with our ship, and her cargo. I'll bet all I'm worth, he tows off his + bloody schooner, in the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “There is no use in complaining, sir; and by keeping on good terms with + the French, we may fare the better.” + </p> + <p> + The truth of this was soon apparent. Captain Le Compte invited us all to + share his breakfast, and we repaired to the tent of the French officers, + with that purpose. In the mean time, the French sailors were transferring + the few articles they intended to carry away, to the ship, with the + generous object of leaving their own tents to the immediate occupation of + us prisoners. As Monsieur Le Compte's plan was to proceed to the Spanish + Main, in order to complete his contemplated traffic in that quarter, no + sooner were the tents prepared, than the French began also to ship such + articles of their own, as it had originally been proposed to exchange for + Spanish dollars. In the mean time, we sat down to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “<i>C'est la fortune de guerre!</i>—vat you call fortune of war, <i>messieurs</i>,” + observed Captain Le Compte, whirling the stick in a vessel of chocolate, + in a very artistical manner, all the while. “<i>Bon—c'est excellente—Antoin—</i>” + </p> + <p> + Antoin appeared in the shape of a well-smoked, copper-coloured cabin-boy. + He was told to take a small pitcher of the chocolate, with Captain Le + Compte's compliments to <i>mademoiselle</i>, and to tell her there was now + every prospect of their quitting the island in a very few days, and of + seeing <i>la belle France</i>, in the course of the next four or five + months. This was said in French, and rapidly, with the vehemence of one + who felt all he uttered, and more too but I knew enough of the language to + understand its drift. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose the fellow is generalizing on our misfortunes, in his d——d + lingo,” growled Marble; “but, let him look out—he's not home yet, by + many a thousand miles!” + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured to explain it all to Marble; but it was useless; he insisted + the Frenchman was sending chocolate from his own table, to his crew, in + order to play the magnifico, on the score of his own good luck. There was + no use in “kicking against the pricks,” and I let Marble enjoy the + pleasure of believing the worst of his captor; a sort of Anglo-Saxon + propensity, that has garnished many a page in English and American history—to + say nothing of the propensities and histories of others, among the great + family of nations. + </p> + <p> + When breakfast was over, Monsieur Le Compte led me aside, in a walk under + the trees, to explain his views and intentions. He gave me to understand I + had been selected for this communication, on account of his observing the + state of mind of my captain. I also comprehended a little French, which + was quite convenient in a conversation with one who interlarded his + English so much with phrases taken from his mother tongue. I was given to + understand that the French would put the schooner into the water that very + evening, and that we should find her masts, rigging, and sails all fitted + for her. With activity, she could be ready to quit the island in a + fortnight, at the farthest. A portion of our own provisions would be + landed, as better suited to our habits than those which had been taken + from la Pauline, while a portion of the last would be transferred to the + Crisis, for the same reason, as applied to the French. As for water-casks, + &c., they were all arranged; everything, of the sort having been taken + from the wreck, with little or no difficulty, immediately after the loss + of the ship. In a word, we should have little more to do, than to step the + masts, rig our craft, stow her hold, and proceed at once to the nearest + friendly port. + </p> + <p> + “I zink you shall go to Canton,” added Monsieur Le Compte. “Ze distance + shall not be much more than to Sout' America; and zere you shall find + plenty of your <i>compatriotes</i>. Of course, you can sleep and go <i>chez + vous</i>—vat you call 'home,' with <i>toute la facilité</i>. Oui—<i>cet + arrangement est admirable.</i>” So the arrangement might appear to him, + though I confess to a decided 'preference to remaining in the “blind + Crisis,” as our men had got to call her, after her blundering through the + Straits of Magellan. “<i>Allons!</i>” exclaimed the French captain, + suddenly. “We are near ze tent of Mademoiselle—we shall go and + demand how she carry herself <i>ce beau matin!</i>” On looking up, I saw + two small tents within fifty yards of us. They were beautifully placed, in + the midst of a thicker portion of the grove than usual, and near a spring + of the most exquisitely limpid water I ever beheld. These tents were made + of new canvass, and had been fashioned with care and skill. I could see + that the one we first approached was carpeted over, and that it had many + of the appliances of a comfortable abode. Mons. Le Compte, who was really + a good-looking fellow under forty, put on his most amiable appearance as + he got near the canvass-door; and he hemmed once or twice, as respectfully + as he could, by way of letting his presence be known. In an instant, a + maid-servant came out to receive him. The moment I laid eyes on this + woman, it struck me her face was familiar, though I could not recall the + place, or time, where, or when, we had before met. The occurrence was so + singular, that I was still ruminating on it, when I unexpectedly found + myself standing in the tent, face to face with Emily Merton and her + father! We recognised each other at a glance, and, to Mons. Le Compte's + amazement, hearty greetings passed between us, as old acquaintances. Old + acquaintances, however, we could scarce be called; but, on an uninhabited + island in the South Seas, one is glad to meet any face that he has ever + met before. Emily looked less blooming than when we had parted, near a + twelvemonth before, in London; but she was still pretty and pleasing. Both + she and her father were in mourning, and, the mother not appearing, I at + once guessed the truth. Mrs. Merton was an invalid when I knew her, though + I had not anticipated for her so speedy a death. I thought Captain Le + Compte appeared vexed at my reception. Still, he did not forget his good + manners; and he rose, saying he would leave me with my friends to make + mutual explanations, while he proceeded to overlook the duty of the day. + On taking his leave, I was not pleased to see him approach and kiss + Emily's hand. The act was done respectfully, and not entirely without + grace; but there were a feeling and manner in it that could not well be + mistaken. Emily blushed, as she wished him good morning, and turning to + look at me, in spite of a kind of dog-in-the-manger sensation, I could not + forbear smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Never, Mr. Wallingford, never!” Emily said, with emphasis, the instant + her admirer was out of hearing. “We are at his mercy, and must keep terms + with him; but I can never marry a <i>foreigner</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “That is poor encouragement for Wallingford, my dear,” said her father, + laughing, “should he happen to take a fancy to you himself.” + </p> + <p> + Emily looked confused, but, what, for the circumstances, was better still, + she looked concerned. + </p> + <p> + “I am sure, dear sir,” she answered, with a quickness I thought charming, + “I am sure Mr. Wallingford will not suppose I meant anything so rude. + Then, he is no importunate suitor of mine, like this disagreeable + Frenchman, who always seems to me more like a Turkish master, than like + one who really respects a woman. Besides—” + </p> + <p> + “Besides what, Miss Merton?” I ventured to ask, perceiving that she + hesitated. + </p> + <p> + “Besides, Americans are hardly foreigners to <i>us</i>,” added Emily, + smiling; “for we have even American relatives, you know, father.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true, my dear, and came near being Americans ourselves. Had my + father established himself where he married, as had been his first + intention, such would have been our national character. But, Mons. Le + Compte has given us a moment to tell our stories to each other, and I + think it will not be a very long moment. Let one of us commence, if we + wish the offices done without unpleasant listeners.” + </p> + <p> + Emily urged me to begin, and I did not hesitate. My story was soon told. + Major Merton and his daughter understood all about the capture of the ship + in the basin, though they were ignorant of the vessel's name. I had only + to relate our voyage on the main, and the death of Captain Williams, + therefore, to have my whole story told. I made it all the shorter, from an + impatience to hear the circumstances which had thrown my friends into + their present extraordinary position. + </p> + <p> + “It seems extraordinary enough, beyond doubt,” Major Merton began, the + moment I left him an opening by my closing remark, “but it is all very + simple, when you commence at the right end of the sad story, and follow + events in the order in which they occurred.” + </p> + <p> + “When you left us in London, Wallingford, I supposed we were on the point + of sailing for the West Indies, but a better appointment soon after + offering in the East, my destination was changed to Bombay. It was + important that I should reach my port at as early a day as possible; and, + no regular Indiaman being ready, I took passage in a licensed running + vessel, a ship of no size, or force. Nothing occurred until we had got + within three or four days' sail of our port, when we fell in with la + Pauline, and were captured. At first, I think Captain Le Compte would have + been willing to let me go on parole, but no opportunity offered, and we + went with the ship to Manilla. While there, the melancholy loss happened, + which, no doubt, you have comprehended from our mourning; and I was + strongly in hopes of making some arrangements that would still enable me + to save my situation. But, by this time, Monsieur Le Compte had become an + open admirer of Emily, and I suppose it is hopeless to expect any + liberation, so long as he can invent excuses to frustrate it.” + </p> + <p> + “I trust he does not abuse his power, in any way, and annoy Miss Merton + with importunities that are unpleasant to her.” + </p> + <p> + Emily rewarded me for the warmth with which I spoke, with a sweet smile + and a slight blush. + </p> + <p> + “Of that I cannot accuse him, in one sense at least,” resumed Major + Merton. “Mons. Le Compte does all for us that his sense of delicacy can + suggest; and it was not possible for passengers to be more comfortable, or + retired, on board ship, than we were in the Pauline. That vessel had a + poop, and its cabin was given up entirely to our use. At Manilla, I was + permitted to go at large, on a mere verbal assurance of returning; and, in + all other particulars, we have been treated as well as circumstances would + very well allow. Nevertheless, Emily is too young to admire a suitor of + forty, too English to admire a foreigner, and too well-born to accept one + who is merely a merchant sailor—I mean one who is nothing, and has + nothing, but what his ship makes him, or can give him.” + </p> + <p> + I understood Major Merton's distinction; he saw a difference between the + heir of Clawbonny, pursuing his adventures for the love of the sea, and a + man who pursued the sea as an adventurer. It was not very delicately made, + but it was pretty well, as coming from an European to an American; the + latter being assumed <i>ex gratia</i>, to be a being of an inferior order, + morally, politically, physically, socially and in every other sense, but + the pecuniary. Thank Heaven! the American dollar is admitted, pennyweight + for pennyweight, to a precedency immediately next to that of the metal + dollar of Europe. It even goes before the paper <i>thaler</i> of Prussia. + </p> + <p> + “I can readily imagine Miss Merton would look higher than Captain Le + Compte, for various reasons,” I answered, making a sort of acknowledgment + for the distinction in my favour, by bowing involuntarily, “and I should + hope that gentleman would cease to be importunate as soon as convinced he + cannot succeed.” + </p> + <p> + “You do not know a Frenchman, Mr. Wallingford,” rejoined Emily. “He is the + hardest creature on earth to persuade into the notion that he is not + adorable.” + </p> + <p> + “I can hardly believe that this weakness extends as far as the sailors,” + said I, laughing. “At all events, you will be released the instant you + reach France.” + </p> + <p> + “Sooner too, I trust, Wallingford,” resumed the father. “These Frenchmen + can have it their own way, out here in the solitude of the Pacific; but, + once in the Atlantic, I shall expect some British cruiser to pick us up, + long ere we can reach France.” + </p> + <p> + This was a reasonable expectation, and we conversed about it for some + time. I shall not repeat all that passed; but the reader can have no + difficulty in understanding, that Major Merton and myself communicated to + each other every fact that was likely to be of interest to men in our + situation. When I thought it prudent to take my leave, he walked some + distance with me, holding his way to a point on the outer side of the + island, where I could get a view of the wreck. Here he left me, for the + moment, while I proceeded along the beach, ruminating on all that had + passed. + </p> + <p> + The process by which nature uses her materials to found islands in the + midst of oceans like the Pacific, is a curious study. The insect that + forms the coral rock, must be an industrious little creature, as there is + reason to think that some of the reefs that have become known to + navigators within the last sixty or seventy years, have since been + converted into islands bearing trees, by their labours. Should the work go + on, a part of this vast sea will yet be converted into a continent; and, + who knows but a railroad may yet run across that portion of our globe, + connecting America with the old world? I see that Captain Beechy, in his + voyage, speaks of a wreck that occurred in 1792, on a <i>reef</i>, where, + in 1826, he found an island near three leagues long, bearing tall trees. + It would be a curious calculation to ascertain, if one family of insects + can make an island three leagues long, in thirty-four years, how many + families it would take to make the grading of the railroad I have + mentioned. Ten years since, I would not have ventured a hint of this + nature, for it might have set speculation in motion, and been the + instrument of robbing more widows and orphans of their straitened means; + but, Heaven be praised! we have at length reached a period in the history + of the country, when a man may venture on a speculation in the theory of + geography without incurring the risk of giving birth to some wild—if + not unprincipled—speculation in dollars and cents. + </p> + <p> + As I drew near the outer shore of the island, opposite to the wreck, I + came unexpectedly on Marble. The poor fellow was seated on a raised + projection of coral rock, with his arms folded, and, was in so thorough a + brown study, that he did not even hear my footsteps in approaching, though + I purposely trod heavily, in order to catch his ear. Unwilling to disturb + him, I stood gazing at the wreck myself, for some little time, the place + affording a much better view of it than any other point from which it had + met my eye. The French had made far greater inroads upon their vessel, + than the elements. She had struck to leeward of the island, and lay in a + spot where, indeed, it might take years to break her entirely up, in that + placid sea. Most of her upper works, however, were gone; and I + subsequently discovered that her own carpenters had managed to get out + even a portion of her floor-timbers, leaving the fabric bound together by + those they left. Her lower masts were standing, but even her lower yards + had been worked up, in order to make something useful for the schooner. + The beach, at no great distance, was still strewed with objects brought + from the reef, and which it had not yet been found necessary to use. + </p> + <p> + At length a movement of mine attracted Marble's attention, and he turned + his head towards me. He seemed glad I had joined him, and expressed + himself happy, also, that he saw me alone. + </p> + <p> + “I have been generalizing a little on our condition, Miles,” he said, “and + look at it which end forward I may, I find it bad enough; almost enough to + overcome me. I loved that ship, Mr. Wallingford, as much as some folks + love their parents—of wife or children, I never had any—and + the thought that she has fallen into the hands of a Frenchman, is too much + for my natur'. Had it been Smudge, I could have borne up against it; but, + to haul down one's colours to a wrack, and a bloody French wrack, too, it + is superhuman!” + </p> + <p> + “You must remember all the circumstances, Captain Marble, and you will + find consolation. The ship was surprised, as we surprised the Lady of + Nantes.” + </p> + <p> + “That's just it—put that on a general principle, now, and where are + you? Surprisers mustn't be surprised. Had we set a quarter-watch, sir, it + never could have happened; and nothing less than a quarter-watch should + have been set in a strange haven. What mattered it, that it was an + uninhabited island, and that the ship was land-locked and well-moored, and + the holding-ground was capital? It is all of no account when you come to + look at the affair in the way of duty. Why, old Robbins, with his rivers + in the ocean, would never have been caught in this miserable manner.” + </p> + <p> + Then Marble fairly gave in, placed his two hard hands on his face, and I + could see tears trickling from beneath them, as if water were squeezed + from a stone. + </p> + <p> + “The chances of the sea, Captain Marble,” I said, greatly shocked at such + an exhibition, coming from such a quarter—“the chances of the sea + are sometimes too much for the best sailors. We should look at this loss, + as we look at the losses occasioned by a gale—then there is some + hope left, after all.” + </p> + <p> + “I should like to know what—to me, there is no land ahead.” + </p> + <p> + “Surprisers may not only be surprised, but they may carry on their old + trade again, and surprise once more, in their turn.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that, Miles,” said Marble, looking up eagerly, and + speaking as quick as lightning; “are you generalizing, or have you any + particular project in view?” + </p> + <p> + “Both, Sir. Generalizing, so far as taking the chances of war are + concerned, and particularizing, as to a certain notion that has come into + my head.” + </p> + <p> + “Out with the last, Miles—out with it, boy; the Lord made you for + something uncommon.” + </p> + <p> + “First, let me know, Captain Marble, whether you have had any further + conversation with Monsieur Le Compte? whether he has said any more on the + subject of our future proceedings?” + </p> + <p> + “I just left the grinning rascal—these amiable smiles of his, Miles, + are only so many grins thrown into our faces to let us feel his good luck; + but, d—n him, if I ever get home, I'll fit out a privateer and be + after him, if there's a fast-going schooner to be had in all America for + love or money. I think I'd turn pirate, to catch the villain!” + </p> + <p> + Alas! poor Marble. Little would he, who never got higher than a mate, + unless by accident, be likely to persuade your cautious ship-owners to + intrust him with a vessel of any sort, to go tilting against wind-mills + afloat, in that fashion. + </p> + <p> + “But, why go to America for a schooner, Captain Marble, when the French + are polite enough to give us one here, exactly where we are?” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to understand you, boy. There is a little consolation in the + idee, but this Frenchman has already got my commission, and without the + document we should be no better than so many pirates.” + </p> + <p> + “I doubt that, sir, even were a ship to act generally, provided she + actually sailed with a commission, and lost it by accident. Commissions + are all registered, and proof of our character could be found at home.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, for the Crisis, but not for this 'Pretty Polly'”—for so Marble + translated Petite Pauline—“The commission is only good for the + vessel that is named in it.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that, Captain Marble. Suppose our ship had been sunk in an + action in which we took our enemy, could we not continue our voyage in the + prize, and fight anything that came in our way, afterwards?” + </p> + <p> + “By George, that does look reasonable. Here was I just threatening to go + out as a pirate, yet hesitating about taking my own.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not the crews of captured vessels often rise upon their captors, and + recapture their own vessels? and were any of them ever called pirates? + Besides, nations at war authorise almost every sort of hostile act against + their enemies.” + </p> + <p> + “Miles, I have been mistaken—you <i>are</i> a good seaman, but + natur' meant you for a lawyer! Give me your hand, boy; I see a gleam of + hope ahead, and a man can live on less hope than food.” + </p> + <p> + Marble then told me the substance of the conversation he had held with + Captain Le Compte. The latter had expressed a sudden and violent + impatience to be off—I understood the cause in a moment; he wished + to separate Emily from her old acquaintance, as soon as possible—intending + to put the schooner into the water for us, that very afternoon, and to + sail himself in the morning. This was a sudden resolution, and the French + were moving heaven and earth to carry it into effect. I confess to some + little regret at hearing it, for it was pleasant to meet the Mertons in + that unexpected manner, and the influence of woman in such a solitude is + unusually great. I now told Marble of my discovery, and when he had got + through with his expressions of wonder, I carried him to the tents, and + led him into the presence of his old acquaintances. In consequence of this + visit, I enjoyed another half hour's <i>tête à tête</i> with Emily, Marble + soon taking the Major to walk with him, beneath the trees. + </p> + <p> + We were both recalled to a sense of our real situation, by the + reappearance of Monsieur Le Compte. I cannot say that our conqueror + behaved in the least unhandsomely towards us, notwithstanding his evident + jealousy. He had the tact to conceal most of his feelings, and owing + either to liberality or to art, he assumed an air of generous confidence, + that would be much more likely to touch the feelings of the maid he + sought, than any acts of severity. First asking permission of Miss Merton, + he even invited us, and himself, to dine with the Major, and, on the + whole, we had an agreeable entertainment. We had turtle and champaigne, + and both of a quality that was then out of the reach of all the aldermen + of London or New York; begging pardon of the Sir Peters and Sir Johns of + Guildhall, for putting them, in any sense, on a level with the “gentleman + from the Fourth Ward” or “the gentleman from the Eleventh Ward;” though, + if the truth must be told, the last very often eat the best dinners, and + drink, out of all comparison, the best wines. Who pays, is a fact buried + in the arcana of aldermanic legerdemain. It was late before we left the + table, though Monsieur Le Compte quitted us early. + </p> + <p> + At five o'clock precisely we were summoned to witness the launch. + Champaigne and claret had brought Marble into good humour, nor was I at + all out of spirits, myself. Emily put on her hat, and took her parasol, + just as she would have done at home, and accepting my arm, she walked to + the ship-yard, like all the rest of us. Getting her a good place for the + sight, I accompanied Marble to take a look at the “Pretty Poll,” which had + not as yet attracted as much of our attention as she ought. I had + suggested to him the probability of an occasion offering to rise upon the + Frenchman, while their attention was taken up with the schooner; but + Monsieur Le Compte warily kept quite half his men in the ship, and this + put the attempt out of the question, since the guns of the Crisis would + have swept any part of the island. + </p> + <p> + The French mechanics deserved great credit for the skill they had + manifested in the construction of <i>La Petite Pauline.</i> She was not + only a safe and commodious craft for her size, but, what was of great + importance to us, her lines promised that she would turn out to be a fast + sailer. I afterwards ascertained that Captain Le Compte had been her + draftsman, possessing not only much taste for, but a good deal of practice + in, the art. The ship in which the Merton's had taken passage to Bombay, + had the copper for a teak-built frigate and sloop of war in her, and this + had been transferred, among; other articles, to la Pauline, before the + prize was burned. Availing himself of this circumstance, Monsieur Le + Compte had actually coppered his schooner, and otherwise he had made her + as neat and commodious as possible. I make no doubt he intended to + surprise his friends at Marseilles, by showing what clever mariners, + wrecked on an island of the Pacific, could do, on an emergency. Then, + doubtless, he found it pleasant to linger on this island, eating fresh + cocoa-nuts, with delicious turtle, and making love to Emily Merton. Some + of the charms of “Pretty Poll” were fairly to be attributed to the charms + of the young lady. + </p> + <p> + The men began to wedge up, the moment we were all present, and this + portion of the labour was <i>soon</i> completed. Monsieur Le Compte then + took his station in the head of the schooner. Making a profound bow to + Emily, as if to ask her permission, the signal was given; the spur-shores + were knocked away, and the little craft slid off into the water so easily, + making so little ripple as she shot a hundred fathoms into the bay, as to + give the assurance she would prove a fast vessel. Just as she was + water-borne, Le Compte dashed a bottle against the tiller, and shouted, at + the top of his voice, “<i>succés à la Belle Emelie.</i>” + </p> + <p> + I turned to Emily, and saw by the blush that she understood French, while + the manner in which she pouted her pretty plump lip betrayed the humour in + which the compliment had been received. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes, Captain Le Compte landed, and, in a set speech, he gave + up the schooner to our possession. We were told not to consider ourselves + as prisoners, our captain handsomely admitting that he had gained no + laurels by his victory. + </p> + <p> + “We shall go away good friend,” he concluded, “mais, suppose we shall + meet, and <i>nos dux republique</i> shall not be at peace, then each must + fight for <i>son pavillion!</i>” + </p> + <p> + This was a good concluding sentiment, for such a scene. Immediately after + the Mertons and their domestics, of whom there were a man and a woman, + embarked, I took leave of them on the beach, and, either my observation, + or my vanity, induced me to think Emily got into the boat with reluctance. + Many good wishes were exchanged, and the Major called out to us, “we shall + meet again, gentlemen—there has been a Providence in our previous + intercourse. Adieu, until <i>then</i>.” + </p> + <p> + The French were now in a great bustle. Most of the articles they intended + to carry away were already on board the ship; and, by the time it was + dusk, they had closed their communication with the land. When Captain Le + Compte took his leave of us, I could not but thank him for his many + civilities. He had certainly dealt generously by us, though I still think + his sudden departure, which made us fall heirs to many things we otherwise + might not have so done, was owing to his wish to remove Emily Merton, as + quickly as possible, from my sight. + </p> + <p> + At daylight next morning, Neb came to the officers' tents to say, the ship + was getting her anchors. I was up and dressed in a moment. The distance to + the inlet was about a mile, and I reached it, just as the Crisis was cast. + In a few minutes she came sweeping into the narrow pass, under her + topsails, and I saw Emily and her father, leaning over the hammock-cloths + of the quarter-deck. The beautiful girl was so near, that I could read the + expression of her soft eyes, and I fancied they were filled with gentle + concern. The Major called out, “God bless you, dear Wallingford”—then + the ship swept past, and was soon in the outer bay. Half an hour later, or + before I left the spot, she was at sea, under everything that would draw + from her trunks down. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I better brook the loss of brittle life, + Than those proud titles thou hast won of me; + They wound my thoughts, worse than thy sword my flesh.” + SHAKESPEARE +</pre> + <p> + Half-way between this inlet and the ship-yard, I found Marble, standing + with his arms folded, gazing after the receding ship. His countenance was + no longer saddened; but it was fierce. He shook his hand menacingly at the + French ensign, which was flying at our old gaff, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Ay, d——n you, flutter away; you quiver and shake now like one + of your coxcombs pigeon-winging; but where will you be this day two + months? Miles, no man but a bloody Frenchman would cast away a ship, there + where this Mister Count has left the bones of his vessel; though <i>here</i>, + where we came so nigh going, it's a miracle any man could escape. Hadn't + we brought the Crisis through that opening first, he never would have + dared to go out by it.” + </p> + <p> + I confess I saw little about Monsieur Le Compte's management but skill and + good seamanship; but nothing is more painful to most men than to admit the + merit of those who have obtained an advantage over them. Marble could not + forget his own defeat; and the recollection jaundiced his eyes, and + biassed his judgment. + </p> + <p> + “I see our people are busy, already, sir,” I remarked, by way of drawing + the captain's attention to some other subject. “They have hauled the + schooner up to the yard, and seem to be getting along spars for shores.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—Talcott has his orders; and I expect you will bestir + yourself. I shall step the masts myself, and you will get all the rigging + ready to be put into its place, the moment it is possible. That Frenchman + calculated, he told me to my face, that we might get to sea in a + fortnight; I will let him see that a set of Yankees can rig and stow his + bloody schooner, in three days, and then leave themselves time to play.” + </p> + <p> + Marble was not a man of idle vaunts. He soon had everybody at work, with a + system, order, silence, and activity, that proved he was master of his + profession. Nor was the language which might sound so boastful to foreign + ears, altogether without its justification. Forty Americans were a + formidable force; and, well directed, I make no doubt they would + accomplish far more than the ordinary run of French seamen, as they were + governed and managed in the year 1800, and, counting them man for man, + would have accomplished in double the time. Our crew had now long acted + together, and frequently under the most trying circumstances; and they + showed their training, if men ever did, on the present occasion. Everybody + was busy; and we had the shears up, and both masts stepped, in the course + of a few hours. By the time the main-mast was in, I had the fore-mast + rigged, the jib-boom in its place, the sprit-sail yard crossed—everything + carried a spar under its bowsprit then—and the lower yard up. It is + true, the French had got everything ready for us; and when we turned the + hands to, after dinner, we actually began to strike in cargo, water, + provisions, and such other things, as it was intended to carry away. At + dusk, when we knocked off work, the Emily looked like a sea-going craft, + and there was every prospect of our having her ready for sea, by the + following evening. But, the duty had been carried on, in silence. Napoleon + said there had been more noise made in the little schooner which carried + him from l'Orient to Basque Roads, than was made on board the + line-of-battle ship that conveyed him to St. Helena, during the whole + passage. Since that memorable day, the French have learned to be silent on + board ship, and the fruits remain to be seen. + </p> + <p> + That night, Marble and myself consulted together on the aspect of things—or, + as he expressed it, “we generalized over our prospects.” Monsieur Le + Compte had done one thing which duty required of him. He did not leave us + a kernel of the gunpowder belonging to either ship; nor could we find a + boarding-pike, cutlass, or weapon of any sort, except the officers' + pistols. We had a canister of powder, and a sufficiency of bullets for the + last, which had been left as, out of an <i>esprit de corps</i>, or the + feeling of an officer, which told him we might possibly need these means + to keep our own crew in order. Such was not the fact, however, with the + particular people we happened to have; a more orderly and reasonable set + of men never sailing together. But, Monsieur Le Compte knew it was his + duty to put it out of their power to trouble us, so far as it lay in his; + but, at the same time, while he left us the means of safety, he provided + against our doing any further injury to his own countrymen. In this he had + pretty effectually succeeded, so far as armament was concerned. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I was up with the appearance of the dawn, and, having + suffered much from the heat the preceding day, I walked to a suitable + spot, threw off my clothes, and plunged into the basin. The water was + transparent almost as air; and I happened to select a place where the + coral grew within a few yards of the surface. As I dove, my eye fell on a + considerable cluster of large oysters that were collected on the rock, + and, reaching them, I succeeded in bringing up half a dozen that clung to + each other. These dives I repeated, during the next quarter of an hour, + until I had all the oysters, sixty or eighty in number, safe on the shore. + That they were the pearl oysters, I knew immediately; and beckoning to + Neb, the fellow soon had them snug in a basket, and put away in a place of + security. The circumstance was mentioned to Marble, who, finding no more + heavy drags to be made, ordered the Sandwich Islanders to take a boat and + pass a few hours in their regular occupation, on account of the owners—if, + indeed, the last had any further claim on our services. These men met with + tolerable success, though, relatively, nothing equal to mine. What, just + then, was of far more importance, they made a discovery of an arm-chest + lying on the bottom of the basin, at the anchorage of the Crisis, and + which had doubtless been sunk there by the French. We had all la Pauline's + boats but the captain's gig. I went in one of them with a gang of hands, + and, the divers securing a rope to the handles of the chest, we soon got + it in. It turned out to be one of the arm-chests of the Crisis, which the + French had found in their way and thrown overboard, evidently preferring + to use weapons to which they were accustomed. They had done better by + carrying the chest out to sea, and disposing of it in fifty or a hundred + fathom water. + </p> + <p> + The prize was turned over to the gunner, who reported that it was the + chest in which we kept our cutlasses and pistols, of both of which there + was a sufficient supply to give every man one of each. There were also + several horns of powder, and a bag of bullets; but the first was ruined by + the water. As for the arms, they were rubbed dry, oiled, and put away + again in the chest, after the last had stood a whole day, in the hot sun, + open. Thus, through the agency of men brought for a very different + purpose, we were put in possession of the means of achieving the exploit, + which might now be said to form the great object of our lives. + </p> + <p> + That day we got everything on board the schooner that it was thought + desirable to take with us. We left much behind that was valuable, it is + true, especially the copper; but Marble wisely determined that it was + inexpedient to put the vessel deeper than good ballast-trim, lest it + should hurt her sailing. We had got her fairly to her bearings, and this + was believed to be as low as was expedient. It is true, a great deal + remained to be stowed; the deck being littered, and the hold, the + ground-tier excepted, in great confusion. But our bread, water, beef, + pork, and other eatables, were all there, and in abundance; and, though + not to be had for the asking, they were still to be had. The sails were + bent, and the only anchor, la Pauline's stream, with her two largest + kedges, was on our bows. While in this condition, Marble gave the + unexpected order for all hands to come on board, and for the shore-fasts + to be cast off. + </p> + <p> + Of course, there was no dissenting to so positive a command. We had signed + new shipping-articles for the schooner, extending the engagements made + when we entered on board the Crisis, to this new vessel, or any other she + might capture. The wind was a steady trade, and, when we showed our + main-sail and jib to it, the little craft glided athwart the basin like a + duck. Shooting through the pass, Marble tacked her twice, as soon as he + had an offing; and everybody was delighted with the quickness with which + she was worked. There was barely light enough to enable us to find our way + through the opening in the reef; and, just thirty-eight hours after the + Crisis sailed, we were on her track. We had only conjecture to guide us as + to the ship's course, with the exception of the main fact of her having + sailed for the west coast of South America; but we had not failed to + notice that she disappeared in the north-east trades on a bow-line. We put + the schooner as near as possible on the same course, making a proper + allowance for the difference in the rig of the two vessels. + </p> + <p> + The distance run that night, satisfied us all that Mons. Le Compte was a + good draftsman. The schooner ran 106 miles in twelve hours, against a very + respectable sea, which was at least ten or fifteen more than the Crisis + could have done under the same circumstances. It is true, that what was + close-hauled for her, was not close-hauled for us; and, in this respect, + we had the advantage of her. Marble was so well pleased with our night's + work, that when he came on deck next morning, the first thing he did was + to order a bottle of rum to be brought him, and then all hands to be + called. As soon as the people were up, he went forward, got into the head, + and commanded every body to muster on the forecastle. Marble now made a + speech. + </p> + <p> + “We have some good, and some bad luck, this v'y'ge, men,” he said; “and, + when we generalize on the subject, it will be found that good luck has + usually followed the bad luck. Now, the savages, with that blackguard + Smudge, knocked poor Captain Williams in the head, and threw him + overboard, and got the ship from us; then came the good luck of getting + her back again. After this, the French did us that unhandsome thing: now, + here comes the good luck of their leaving us a craft that will overhaul + the ship, when I needn't tell <i>you,</i> what will come of it.” Here all + hands, as in duty bound, gave three cheers. “Now, I neither sail nor fight + in a craft that carries a French name. Captain Count christened the + schooner the—Mr. Wallingford will tell you her exact name.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>La Belle Emélie,</i>” said I, “or the Beautiful Emily.” + </p> + <p> + “None of your belles for me, nor your Beautiful Emilys either,” cried + Marble, smashing the bottle over the schooner's nose; “So here goes three + cheers again, for the 'Pretty Poll,' which was the name the craft was born + to, and the name she shall bear, as long as Moses Marble sails her.” + </p> + <p> + From that moment, the schooner was known by the name of the “Pretty Poll.” + I met with portions of our crew years afterwards, and they always spoke of + her by this appellation; sometimes familiarly terming her the “Poll,” or + the “Polly.” + </p> + <p> + All the first day out, we were busy in making ourselves comfortable, and + in getting the Polly's trim. We succeeded so well in this last, that, + according to our calculations, we made a knot an hour more than the Crisis + could have done under the same circumstances, fast as the ship was known + to be. As the Crisis had about thirty-eight hours the start of us, and + ran, on an average, about seven knots the hour for all that time, it would + require about ten days to overtake her. Of course this could only happen, + according to our own calculations, when we were from eighteen hundred to + two thousand miles from the island. For my own part, I sincerely hoped it + would not occur at all, at sea; feeling satisfied our only chances of + success depended on surprise. By following the vessel into some port, it + might be possible to succeed; but, for an unarmed schooner to attack a + ship like the Crisis, with even a large crew on board; it seemed rashness + to think of it. Marble, however, would not listen to my remonstrances. He + insisted we had more than powder enough to load all our pistols + half-a-dozen times each, and, laying the ship plump aboard, the pistols + would do the rest. I was silenced, quite as a matter of course, if not + convinced. + </p> + <p> + The fifth day out, Neb came to me, saying—“Master Miles, somet'ing + must be done wid 'em 'ere 'ysters! Dey smell, onaccountable; and de people + swear dey will t'row 'em overboard, if I don't eat 'em. I not hungry + enough for <i>dat</i>, sir.” + </p> + <p> + These were the pearl oysters, already mentioned, which had been hastening + to dissolution and decomposition, by the heat of the hold. As the captain + was as much concerned in this portion of the cargo, as I was myself, I + communicated the state of things to him, and he ordered the bags and + barrels on deck, forthwith. It was well something was done, or I doubt not + a disease would have been the consequence. As decomposition was the usual + process by which to come at the treasures of these animals, however, + everything was exactly in the state we wished. + </p> + <p> + An uninterested observer would have laughed, at seeing the employment of + the quarter-deck, for the next four hours. Marble, and the two mates, + attacked a barrel belonging to the captain, while Neb and I had my own + share to ourselves. It was a trying occupation, the odour far exceeding in + strength that of the Spice Islands. We stood it, however—for what + will not man endure for the sake of riches? Marble foresaw the + difficulties, and had once announced to the mates that they then would + “open on shares.” This had a solacing influence, and amid much mirth and + sundry grimaces, the work went on with tolerable rapidity. I observed, + however, that Talcott threw one or two subjects, that doubtless were + tougher than common, overboard, after very superficial examinations. + </p> + <p> + The first seven oysters I examined, contained nothing but seed pearl, and + not many of these. Neb opened, and I examined; and the latter occupation + was so little to my taste, that I was just on the point of ordering the + whole lot thrown overboard, when Neb handed me another. This oyster + contained nine beautiful pearls, of very uniform dimensions, and each + about as large as a good-sized pea. I dropped them into a bowl of fresh + water, whence they came out sweet, pearly, and lustrous. They were of the + sort known as the “white water,” which is the kind most prized among + Christian nations, doubtless on account of their harmonizing so well with + the skins of their women. No sooner was my luck known, than it brought all + the other “pearl fishermen” around me; Marble, with his nostrils plugged + with oakum, and a quid of tobacco in his mouth, that was as large as a + small potatoe. + </p> + <p> + “By George, Miles, that looks like business,” the captain exclaimed, going + back to his work, with renovated zeal, “though it is a calling fit only + for hogs and scavengers! Did I embark in it largely, I would keep as many + clerks as a bank. What do you suppose now, these nine chaps may be worth?” + </p> + <p> + “Some fifty dollars, or thereabouts—you see, sir, they are quite + large—much larger than it is usual to see our women wear.” + </p> + <p> + The ninth of my oysters produced eleven pearls, and all about the size and + quality of the first. In a few minutes I had seventy-three just such + pearls, besides a quantity of seed pearl. Then followed a succession of + barren shells; a dozen not giving a pearl. The three that succeeded them + gave thirty-one more; and another yielded four pearls, each of which was + as large as a small cherry. After that, I got one that was almost as large + as a common hickory-nut, and six more of the size of the cherry-sized + pearls. In addition to these, I got in all, one hundred and eighty-seven + of the size of peas, besides a large handful of the seed pearl. I + afterwards ascertained, that the pearls I had thus obtained were worth in + the market about eighteen hundred dollars; as they were far more + remarkable for their beauty, than for their size. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the oakum plugs, and the tobacco, and the great quantity + of shells his divers had found, for they had brought up something like two + hundred and fifty oysters in the course of the day, the party of the + captain found in all, but thirty-six pearls, the seed excepted; though + they obtained some beautiful specimens among the shells. From that moment, + Marble discontinued the trade, and I never heard him say anything more on + the subject of pursuing it. My own beauties were put carefully away, in + reserve for the time when I might delight the eyes of certain of my female + friends with them. I never intended to sell one, but they were very + precious to me on other accounts. As for the crew, glad enough were they + to be rid of such uncomfortable shipmates. As I gazed on the spotless and + lustrous pearls, and compared them with the revolting tenements from which + they had just been redeemed, I likened them to the souls of the just + escaping from their tenements of clay, to enjoy hereafter an endless + existence of purity. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, the Pretty Poll continued to find her way along miles and + miles of the deserted track across the Pacific. Marble had once belonged + to a Baltimore clipper, and he sailed our craft probably much better than + she would have been sailed by Mons. Le Compte, though that officer, as I + afterwards learned, had distinguished himself in command of a + lugger-privateer, in the British Channel. Our progress was generally from + a hundred and fifty to two hundred and twenty miles in twenty-four hours; + and so it continued to be for the first ten days, or the period, when, + according to our own calculations, we ought to be near the Crisis, had + that vessel steered a course resembling our own. For my own part, I + neither wished nor expected to see the ship, until we reached the coast of + South America, when we might ascertain her position by communicating with + the shore. As for the <i>guarda-costas</i>, I knew we could easily elude + them, and there might be a small chance of regaining the vessel, something + like the way in which we had lost her. But Marble's impatience, and the + keenness with which he felt our disgrace, would not make terms even with + the elements; and I do believe, he would have run alongside of the Crisis + in a gale of wind, could he have come up with her. The chance of our + having sailed so far, however, on a line so nearly resembling that of the + chase as to bring us together, was so very small, that few of us thought + it worth our consideration. + </p> + <p> + On the morning of the eleventh day, the look-out we had kept on the + fore-top-sail-yard, sang out “Sail-ho!” Marble and myself were soon on the + yard, there being nothing visible from the deck. The upper sails, + top-gallant-sails, and royals of a ship were visible on our + weather-quarter, distant from fifteen to twenty miles. As we were now in + the track of whalers, of which there were a good many in that part of the + Pacific, I thought it was probable this was one; but Marble laughed at the + notion, asking if I had ever heard of a whaler's carrying royals on her + cruising ground. He affirmed it was the Crisis, heading the same way we + were ourselves, and which had only got to windward of us, by keeping a + better luff. We had calculated too much on the schooner's weatherly + qualities, and had allowed her to fall off more than was necessary, in the + night-watches. + </p> + <p> + The Pretty Poll was now jammed up on a wind, in the hope of closing with + the chase in the course of the night. But the wind had been growing + lighter and lighter for some hours, and by noon, though we had neared the + chase so much as to be able to see her from deck, there was every prospect + of its falling calm; after which, in the trades, it would be surprising if + we did not get a blow. To make the most of our time, Marble determined to + tack, when we had just got the chase a point off our weather-bow. An hour + after tacking, an object was seen adrift on the ocean, and keeping away a + little to close with it, it was ascertained to be a whale-boat, adrift. + The boat was American built, had a breaker of water, the oars, and all the + usual fittings in it; and the painter being loose, it had probably been + lost, when towing in the night, in consequence of having been fastened by + <i>three</i> half-hitches. + </p> + <p> + The moment Marble ascertained the condition of this boat, he conceived his + plan of operations. The four Sandwich Islanders had been in whalers, and + he ordered them into the boat, put in some rum, and some food, gave me his + orders, got in himself, and pulled ahead, going off at five knots the + hour, leaving the schooner to follow at the rate of two. This was about an + hour before sunset; and by the time it was dark, the boat had become a + mere speck on the water, nearly half-way between us and the ship, which + was now some fifteen miles distant, heading always in the same direction. + </p> + <p> + My orders had been very simple. They were, to stand on the same course, + until I saw a light from the boat, and then tack, so as to run on a + parallel line with the ship. The signal was made by Marble about nine + o'clock. It was immediately answered from the schooner. The light in the + boat was concealed from the ship, and our own was shown only for a few + seconds, the disappearance of Mr. Marble's telling us in that brief space, + that our answer was noted. I tacked immediately; and, taking in the + fore-sail, stood on the directed course. We had all foreseen a change in + the weather, and probably a thunder-squall. So far from its giving Marble + any uneasiness, he anticipated the blow with pleasure, as he intended to + lay the Crisis aboard in its height. He fancied that success would then be + the most certain. His whole concern was at not being able to find the ship + in the darkness; and it was to obviate this difficulty that he undertook + to pilot us up to her in the manner I have just mentioned. + </p> + <p> + After getting round, a sharp look-out was kept for the light. We caught + another view of it, directly on our weather-beam. From this we inferred + that the ship had more wind than we felt; inasmuch as she had materially + altered her position, while we had not moved a mile since we tacked. This + was on the supposition that Marble would endeavour to follow the movements + of the ship. At ten, the tempest broke upon us with tropical violence, and + with a suddenness that took everybody by surprise. A squall had been + expected; but no one anticipated its approach for several hours; and we + had all looked for the return of the whale-boat, ere that moment should + come. But, come it did, when least expected; the first puff throwing our + little schooner down, in a way to convince us the elements were in + earnest. In fifteen minutes after the first blast was felt, I had the + schooner, under a reefed foresail, and with that short canvass, there were + instants, as she struggled up to the summit of the waves, that it seemed + as if she were about to fly out of the water. My great concern, however, + was for the boat, of which nothing could now be seen. The orders left by + Marble anticipated no such occurrence as this tempest, and the concert + between us was interrupted. It was naturally inferred among us, in the + schooner, that the boat would endeavour to close, as soon as the danger + was foreseen; and, as this would probably be done, by running on a + converging line, all our efforts were directed to keeping the schooner + astern of the other party, in order that they might first reach the point + of junction. In this manner there <i>was</i> a chance of Marble's finding + the schooner, while there was little of our finding the boat. It is true, + we carried several lights; but as soon as it began to rain, even a bonfire + would not have been seen at a hundred yards. The water poured down upon + us, as if it fell from spouts, occasionally ceasing, and then returning in + streams. + </p> + <p> + I had then never passed so miserable a night; even that in which Smudge + and his fellows murdered Captain Williams and seized the ship, being + happiness in comparison. I loved Marble. Hardy, loose, in some respects, + and unnurtured as he was in others, the man had been steadily my friend. + He was a capital seaman; a sort of an instinctive navigator; true as the + needle to the flag, and as brave as a lion. Then, I knew he was in his + present strait on account of mortified feeling, and the rigid notions he + entertained of his duty to his owners. I think I do myself no more than + justice, when I say that I would gladly have exchanged places with him, + any time that night. + </p> + <p> + We held a consultation on the quarter-deck, and it was determined that our + only chance of picking up the boat, was by remaining as nearly as + possible, at the place where her crew must have last seen the schooner. + Marble had a right to expect this; and we did all that lay in our power to + effect the object; waring often, and gaining on our tacks what we lost in + coming round. In this manner we passed a painful and most uncomfortable + night; the winds howling about us a sort of requiem for the dead, while we + hardly knew when we were wallowing in the seas or not, there being so much + water that came down from the clouds, as nearly to drown us on deck. + </p> + <p> + At last the light returned, and soon after the tempest broke, appearing to + have expended its fury. An hour after the sun had risen, we got the + trade-wind again, the sea became regular once more, and the schooner was + under all her canvass. Of course, every one of us officers was aloft, some + forward, some aft, to look out for the boat; but we did not see her again. + What was still more extraordinary, nothing could be seen of the ship! We + kept all that day cruising around the place, expecting to find at least + the boat; but without success. + </p> + <p> + My situation was now altogether novel to me. I had left home rather more + than a twelvemonth before, the third officer of the Crisis. From this + station, I had risen regularly to be her first officer; and now, by a dire + catastrophe, I found myself in the Pacific, solely charged with the + fortunes of my owners, and those of some forty human beings. And this, + too, before I was quite twenty years old. + </p> + <p> + Marble's scheme of attacking the ship had always seemed to me to be wild + and impracticable. This was while it was <i>his</i> project, not my own. I + still entertained the same opinion, as regards the assault at sea; but I + had, from the first, regarded an attempt on the coast as a thing much more + likely to succeed. Then Emily, and her father, and the honour of the flag, + and the credit I might personally gain, had their influence; and, at + sunset, all hope of finding the boat being gone, I ordered sail made on + our course. + </p> + <p> + The loss of the whale-boat occurred when we were about two thousand miles + from the western coast of South America. We had a long road before us, + consequently; and, as I had doubted whether the ship we had seen was the + Crisis, it was necessary to be in motion, if anything was to be effected + with our old enemies. The reader may feel some desire to know in what + manner my succession to the command was received by the people. No man + could have been more implicitly obeyed. I was now six feet and an inch in + height, of a powerful and active frame, a good seaman, and had the habit + of command, through a twelvemonth's experience. The crew knew me, having + seen me tried, from the weather-earings down; and it is very likely I + possessed more of their confidence than I deserved. At all events, I was + as implicitly obeyed as if I had sailed from New York at their head. + Everybody regretted Marble; more, I think, than we regretted poor Captain + Williams, though it must have been on account of the manner we saw him + disappear, as it might be, from before our eyes; since, of the two, I + think the last was the most estimable man. Nevertheless, Marble had his + strong points, and they were points likely to take with seamen; and they + had particularly taken with us. As for the four Sandwich Islanders, I do + not know that they occupied any of our minds at all. We had been + accustomed to regard them as strange beings, who came from that ocean to + which they had thus suddenly returned. + </p> + <p> + Fifteen days after the loss of the whale-boat, we made the peaks of the + Andes, a very few degrees to the southward of the equator. From some + casual remarks made by the French, and which I had overheard, I had been + led to believe they intended to run for Guayaquil, or its vicinity; and I + aimed at reaching the coast near the same point. We had been in, + ourselves, at several bays and roadsteads, moreover, on this part of the + shore, on our way north; and I felt at home among them. We had + acquaintances, too, who could not fail to be of use to us; and everything + conspired to render this an advantageous land-fall. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the twenty-ninth day after quitting the island, we took + the schooner into an open roadstead, where we had carried on some + extensive traffic in the ship, about eight months before, and where I + fancied we should still be recognised. As was expected, we had scarcely + anchored, before a Don Pedro Something, a fellow with a surprising string + of names, came off to us in a boat, in order to ascertain who we were, and + what we wanted. Perhaps it would be better to say, what we had that <i>he</i> + wanted. I knew the man at a glance, having delivered to him, myself, three + boat-loads of goods, and received a small bag of doubloons in exchange. A + very few words, half-English, half-Spanish, served to renew our + acquaintance; and I gave our old friend to understand that I was in search + of the ship, from which I had been separated on some extra duty. After + beating the bush to discover all he could, the Don Pedro gave me to + understand that <i>a</i> ship had gone in behind an island that was only + ten miles to the southward of us, that very afternoon; that he had seen + her himself, and had supposed she might be his old friend the Crisis, + until he saw the French ensign at her gaff. This was sufficient, and I + made inquiries for a pilot. A man qualified to carry us to the place was + found in one of the boatmen. As I feared the news of the arrival of a + schooner might be carried to the ship, much as we had got our + intelligence, no time was lost, but we were under-way by ten o'clock. At + midnight we entered the pass between the main and the island; there I got + into a boat, and pulled ahead, in order to reconnoitre. I found the ship + lying close under a high bluff, which made a capital lee, and with every + sign about her of tranquillity. Still, I knew a vessel that was always in + danger from the <i>guarda-costas</i>, and which relied on the celerity of + its movements for its safety, would have a vigilant look-out. Accordingly, + I took a cool and careful examination of the ship's position, landing and + ascending the bluff, in order to do this at my ease. About two o'clock in + the morning, I returned to the schooner. + </p> + <p> + When I put my foot on the Polly's deck again, she was quite near the + point, or bluff, having set down towards it during my absence. All hands + were on deck, armed, and in readiness. Expectation had got to be so keen, + that we had a little difficulty in keeping the men from cheering; but + silence was preserved, and I communicated the result of my observations in + as few words as possible. The orders were then given, and the schooner was + brought under short sail, for the attack. We were so near our side of the + bluff, while the ship lay so near the other, that my principal + apprehension was of falling to leeward, which might give the French time + to muster, and recollect themselves. The canvass, accordingly, was reduced + to the fore-sail, though the jib, main-sail, and top-sail were all loose, + in readiness to be set, if wanted. The plan was to run the ship aboard, on + her starboard-bow, or off-side, as respected the island; and to do this + with as little of a shock as possible. + </p> + <p> + When everything was ready, I went aft, stood by the man at the helm, and + ordered him to bear up. Neb placed himself just behind me. I knew it was + useless to interfere, and let the fellow do as he pleased. The pilot had + told me the water was deep, up to the rocks of the bluff; and we hugged + the land as close as possible, in rounding the point. At the next moment + the ship was in sight, distant less than a hundred fathoms. I saw we had + good way, and, three minutes later, I ordered the fore-sail brailed. At + the same instant I walked forward. So near were we, that the flapping of + the canvass was heard in the ship, and we got a hail. A mystified answer + followed, and then crash came our bows along those of the Crisis. “Hurrah! + for the old craft!” shouted our men, and aboard we tumbled in a body. Our + charge was like the plunge of a pack of hounds, as they leap through a + hedge. + </p> + <p> + The scene that followed was one of wild tumult. Some twenty pistols were + fired, and a good many hard blows were struck; but the surprise secured us + the victory. In less than three minutes, Talcott came to report to me that + our lads had complete possession of the deck, and that the French asked + for quarter. At first, the enemy supposed they had been seized by a <i>guarda-costa</i>, + for the impression had been general among them that we intended to quit + the island for Canton. Great was the astonishment among them when the + truth came to be known. I heard a great many “<i>sacr-r-r-es!</i>” and + certain other maledictions in low French, that it is scarcely worth while + to repeat. + </p> + <p> + Harris, one of the-Philadelphians, and the man who had got us into the + difficulty by falling asleep on his watch, was killed; and no less than + nine of our men, myself among the number, were hurt in this brisk + business. All the wounds, however, were slight; only three of the injuries + taking the parties off duty. As for the poor fellow who fell, he owed his + death to risking too much, in order to recover the ground he had lost. + </p> + <p> + The French fared much worse than ourselves. Of those killed outright, and + those who died before morning, there were no less than sixteen; our + fellows having fired a volley into a group that was rushing on deck, + besides using their cutlasses with great severity for the first minute or + two. This was on the principle that the first blow was half the battle. + There were few wounded; most of those who fell being cut or thrust at by + several at the same time—a species of attack that left little chance + for escape. Poor Mons. Le Compte was found stone-dead at the cabin-doors, + having been shot in the forehead, just as he put his foot on the deck. I + heard his voice once in the fray, and feared it boded no good; but the + silence which succeeded was probably caused by his just then receiving the + fatal bullet. He was in his shirt. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + <i>1st Witch</i>. “Hail!” + <i>2d Witch</i>. “Hail!” + <i>3d Witch</i>. “Hail!” + <i>1st Witch</i>. “Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.” + <i>2d Witch</i>. “Not so happy, yet much happier.” + MACBETH. +</pre> + <p> + I hope I shall be believed in saying, if Marble had been with us when we + retook the ship, I should have been perfectly happy. He was not, however, + and regret was left to mingle in our triumph. I had a hasty interview with + Major Merton that night, and communicated all that was necessary to quiet + the apprehensions of his daughter. Emily was in her state-room, and had + been alarmed, as a matter of course; but when she learned that all was + over, and had terminated successfully, her fears yielded to reason. Of + course, both she and her father felt it to be a great relief that they + were no longer prisoners. + </p> + <p> + We were no sooner fairly in command of our old ship, again, than I had all + hands called to get the anchor. We hove up, and passed out to sea without + delay, it being necessary to cover our movements with as much mystery as + possible, in order to prevent certain awkward demands from the Spanish + government, on the subject of the violation of neutral territory. A hint + from Major Merton put me on my guard as respected this point, and I + determined to disappear as suddenly as we had arrived, in order to throw + obstacles in the way of being traced. By day-light, therefore, both the + ship and schooner were four leagues from the land, and on the “great + highway of nations;” a road, it may be said in passing, that was then + greatly infested by foot-pads and other robbers. + </p> + <p> + Just as the sun rose, we buried the dead. This was done decently, and with + the usual ceremony, the triumph of victory giving place to the sad + reflections that are so apt to succeed to the excited feelings of most of + our struggles. I saw poor Le Compte disappear from sight with regret, and + remembered his recent hopes, his generous treatment, his admiration of + Emily, and all that he had so lately thought and felt, as a warning of the + fragile nature of life, and that which life can bestow. Thus terminated an + acquaintance of a month; but a month that had been pregnant with incidents + of great importance to myself. + </p> + <p> + It now became necessary to decide on our future course. I had the ship, + just as the French got her from us, with the addition of those portions of + their own cargo with which they had intended to trade on the coast of + South America. These consisted of silks and various fancy articles, with a + little wine, and would be nearly as valuable at home as they were in + Spanish America. I was strongly averse to smuggling, and the ship having + already followed out her original instructions on this point, I saw no + necessity for pursuing the ungrateful trade any further. Could I return to + the island, and get the articles of value left on it by the French, such + as the copper they had not used, and divers pales received from the Bombay + ship, which had been abandoned by us all under a tent, more profit would + accrue to my owners than by any illicit commerce we could now possibly + carry into effect on the coast. + </p> + <p> + While Talcott, and the new chief-mate, and myself were discussing these + points, the cry of “sail ho!” was heard. A large ship had suddenly hove up + out of the morning's mist, within a mile of us, and I thought, at first, + we had got under the guns of a Spanish man-of-war. A second look at her, + however, satisfied us all, that, though heavy and armed, she was merely + one of those clumsy traders that sailed, periodically, from the colonies + to Spain. We went to quarters, and cleared ship, but made no effort to + avoid the stranger. The Spaniards, of the two, were the most uneasy, I + believe, their country being then at war with England; but we spoke each + other without coming to blows. As soon as the strangers saw the American + ensign, they expressed a wish to communicate with us; and, unwilling to + let them come on board us, I volunteered a visit to the Spanish captain. + He received me with formal politeness, and, after some preliminary + discourse, he put into my hands some American newspapers, which contained + a copy of the treaty of peace between the United States and France. On + looking over the articles of this new compact, I found that, had our + recapture of the Crisis been delayed to that very day, at noon, it would + have been illegal. The two nations, in fact, were at peace, when the + French seized the ship, but the customary provisions as to captures in + distant seas, just brought us within the saving clauses. Such is war, and + its concomitants! + </p> + <p> + In the course of half an hour's conversation, I discovered that the + Spaniard intended to touch at Valparaiso, and called, in order to get men, + his own having suffered, up the coast, with the small-pox. His ship was + large, carried a considerable armament, and he should not deem her safe + from the smaller English cruisers, unless he doubled the Cape much + stronger handed than he then was. I caught at the idea, and inquired what + he thought of Frenchmen? They would answer his purpose, for France and + Spain had a common enemy, and nothing would be easier than to send the + French from Cadiz to Marseilles. A bargain was consequently struck on the + spot. + </p> + <p> + When I got back on board the Crisis, I had all the prisoners mustered on + deck. They were made acquainted with the offers of the Spanish captain, + with the fact that peace now existed between our respective countries, and + with the chance that presented itself, so opportunely, for them to return + home. The proposition was cheerfully accepted, anything being better than + captivity. Before parting, I endeavoured to impress on the French the + necessity of prudence on the subject of our recapturing the Crisis in + Spanish waters, inasmuch as the circumstance might induce an inquiry as to + what took the ship there; it being well understood that the mines were the + punishment of those who were taken in the contraband trade in that quarter + of the world. The French promised fairly. Whether they kept their words I + never knew, but, if they did not, no consequences ever followed from their + revelations. In such a case, indeed, the Spanish government would be very + apt to consider the question one that touched the interests of smugglers + alike, and to feel great indifference between the parties. At all events, + no complaints were ever made to the American government; or, if made, they + never reached my ears, or those of my owners. It is most probable nothing + was ever said on the subject. + </p> + <p> + About noon we had got rid of our prisoners. They were allowed to take away + with them all their own effects, and, as usually happens in such cases, I + make little doubt some that belonged to other persons. The ships then made + sail, each on her own course; the Spaniard running down the coast, while + we spread our studding-sails for the island. As soon as this was done, I + felt relieved from a great burthen, and had leisure to think of other + matters. I ought to mention, however, that I put the second-mate, or him + who had become chief-mate by my own advancement, in command of the “Pretty + Poll,” giving him two experienced seamen as his own mates, and six men, to + sail her. This made Talcott the Crisis' first officer, and glad was I to + see him in a station a little suited to his attainments. + </p> + <p> + That evening, just as the sun was setting, I saw Emily again, for the + first time since she had stood leaning over the rail as the Crisis shot + through the inlet of the lagoon. The poor girl was pale, and it was + evident, while she could not but rejoice at her liberation, and her + release from the solicitations of the unfortunate Le Compte, that his + death had cast a shade of sadness over her pretty features. It could not + well be otherwise, the female breast ever entertaining its sympathies for + those who submit to the influence of its owner's charms. Then, poor Le + Compte had some excellent qualities, and he treated Emily, as she admitted + to me herself, with the profoundest respect, and delicacy. His admiration + could scarce be an offence in <i>her</i> eyes, however disagreeable it + proved, in certain points of view. + </p> + <p> + Our meeting partook of the character of our situation, being a mixture of + melancholy and happiness. I rejoiced in our success, while I regretted + Marble, and even our late enemies, while the Major and his daughter could + not but remember all the gloomy particulars of their late, and, indeed, of + their present position. + </p> + <p> + “We seem to be kept, like Mahomet's coffin, sir,” Emily observed, as she + looked affectionately at her father, “suspended between heaven and earth—the + Indies and America—not knowing on which we are to alight. The + Pacific is our air, and we are likely to breathe it, to our heart's + content.” + </p> + <p> + “True, love—your comparison is not an unhappy one. But, Wallingford, + what has become of Captain Marble in these stirring times? You have not + left him, Sancho Panza like, to govern Barritaria, while you have come to + recover his ship?” + </p> + <p> + I told my passengers of the manner in which our old friend had + disappeared, and inquired if anything had been seen of the whale-boat, or + the schooner, on the night of the tropical tempest. + </p> + <p> + “Nothing”—answered the Major. “So far from expecting to lay eyes on + the 'Beautiful Emily,' again, we supposed you would be off for Canton by + the end of the fortnight that succeeded our own departure. At least, that + was poor Le Compte's version of the matter. I am certain however, that no + sail was seen from this ship, during the whole passage; nor, had we any + storm like that you have described. More beautiful weather, I never met at + sea.” + </p> + <p> + Upon this, I sent for the log-book, and ascertained, by day and date, that + the Crisis was not within fifty leagues of the spot, where we encountered + the thunder-squall. Of course the ship we saw was a stranger; most + probably a whaler. This destroyed any little hope that was left concerning + Marble's fate. + </p> + <p> + But it is time I should mention a <i>galanterie</i> of poor Le Compte's. + He was well provided with shipwrights—better, indeed, than with + seamen—as was apparent by the readiness with which he had + constructed the schooner. During the passage from Marble Land, he had set + these workmen about building a poop on the Crisis' quarter-deck, and I + found the work completed. There was a very pretty, airy cabin, with two + state-rooms communicating with light quarter-galleries, and everything + that is customary with such accommodations. Furniture had been made, with + French dexterity and taste, and the paint was just dry to receive it. + Emily and her father were to take possession of these new accommodations + the very day succeeding that in which the ship fell again into our hands. + This alteration was not such as I would have made, as a seaman; and I + wonder Mons. Le Compte, who had the gauntlet to run through the most + formidable navy in the world, should have ventured on it, since it + sensibly affected the ship's sailing on a wind. But, now it was peace, I + cared little about it, and determined to let it remain, so long, at least, + as Miss Merton continued on board. + </p> + <p> + That very night, therefore, the Major occupied one of the state-rooms, and + his daughter the other. Imitating poor Le Compte's gallantry, I gave them + a separate table, though I took quite half my meals with them, by + invitation. Emily did not absolutely dress my wound, a flesh injury in the + shoulder, that office falling to her father's share, who had seen a good + deal of service, and was familiar with the general treatment of hurts of + this nature; but she could, and did, show many of those gentle and + seductive attentions, that the tenderness of her sex can alone bestow, + with full effect, on man. In a fortnight my hurt was cured, though Emily + had specifics to recommend, and advice to bestow, until we were both + ashamed to allude to the subject any longer. + </p> + <p> + As for the passage, it was just such a one as might be expected to occur, + in the trades of the Pacific. The ship was under studding-sails nearly the + whole time, making, day in and day out, from a hundred and twenty to two + hundred miles in the twenty-four hours. The mates kept the watches, and I + had little to do, but to sit and chat with the Major and his daughter, in + the cool, airy cabin, that Le Compte had provided for us; listen to + Emily's piano, which had been transferred from the prize, and subsequently + saved from the wreck; or read aloud out of some of the two or three + hundred beautifully bound, and sweetly-scented volumes that composed her + library. In that day, people read Pope, and Young, and Milton, and + Shakspeare, and that sort of writers; a little relieved by Mrs. Radcliffe, + and Miss Burney, and Monk Lewis, perhaps. As for Fielding and Smollet, + they were well enough in their place, which was not a young lady's + library, however. There were still more useful books, and I believe I read + everything in the ship, before the voyage ended. The leisure of a + sea-life, in a tranquil, well-ordered vessel, admits of much study; and + books ought to be a leading object in the fitting out that portion of a + vessel's equipment which relates chiefly to the welfare of her officers + and crew. + </p> + <p> + Time passed pleasantly enough, with a young fellow who had certainly some + reason to be satisfied with his own success thus far in life, and who + could relieve the tedium of ship's duty in such society. I cannot say I + was in love, though I often thought of Emily when she was not before my + eyes, and actually dreamt of her three times, in the first fortnight after + the re-capture of the ship. What was a little remarkable, as I conceive, I + often found myself drawing comparisons between her and Lucy, though I + hardly knew why, myself. The result was very much after this sort;—Emily + had vastly the advantage in all that related to art, instruction, training—I + am wrong, Mr. Harding had given his daughter a store of precise, useful + knowledge, that Emily did not possess; and then I could not but see that + Lucy's tact in moral feeling, was much of the highest order of the two. + But, in purely conventional attainments, in most that relates to the + world, its usages, its finesse of feeling and manner, I could see that + Emily was the superior. Had I known more myself, I could have seen that + both were provincial—for England, in 1801, was but a province, as to + mere manners, though on a larger scale than America is even now—and + that either would have been remarked for peculiarities, in the more + sophisticated circles of the continent of Europe. I dare say, half my own + countrymen would have preferred Lucy's nature to the more artificial + manner of Emily; but, it will not do to say that even female deportment, + however delicate and feminine nature may have made it, cannot be improved + by certain general rules for the government of that which is even purely + conventional. On the whole, I wished that Lucy had a little of Emily's + art, and Emily a good deal more of Lucy's nature. I suppose the perfection + in this sort of thing is to possess an art so admirable that it shall + appear to be nature, in all things immaterial, while it leaves the latter + strictly in the ascendant, in all that is material. + </p> + <p> + In person, I sometimes fancied Emily was the superior, and, sometimes, + when memory carried me back to certain scenes that had occurred during my + last visit to Clawbonny, that it was Lucy. In complexion, and perhaps in + eyes, the English girl beat her rival; possibly, also, in the teeth; + though Lucy's were very even and white; but, in the smile, in the outline + of the face, most especially in the mouth, and in the hands, feet, and + person generally, I think nine judges in ten would have preferred the + American. One peculiar charm was common to both; and it is a charm, though + the strongest instance I ever saw of it in my life, was in Italy, that may + be said to belong, almost exclusively, to the Anglo-Saxon race: I mean + that expression of the countenance which so eminently betokens feminine + purity and feminine tenderness united; the look which artists love to + impart to the faces of angels. Each of the girls had much of this; and I + suppose it was principally owing to their heavenly blue eyes. I doubt if + any woman with black, or hazel eyes notwithstanding all the brilliancy of + their beauty, ever possessed this charm in the higher degree. It belonged + to Grace even more than to Lucy or Emily; though, of the two last, I think + the English girl possessed it, in a slight degree, the most, so far as it + was connected with mere shading and colour; while the American exhibited + the most of it, in moments of feeling and emotion. Perhaps, this last + advantage was owing to Lucy's submitting most to nature, and to her + impulses. It must be remembered, however, that I had not seen Lucy, now, + for near two years; and two of the most important years of a young + female's life, as respected her personal appearance. + </p> + <p> + As relates to character, I will not now speak as plainly as I shall be + called on to do, hereafter. A youth of twenty is not the best judge of + such things, and I shall leave events to tell their own story, in this + particular. + </p> + <p> + We had been at sea a fortnight, when happening to allude to the pearl + fishery, I bethought me of my own prizes. A ship that carries a numerous + crew, is a sort of <i>omnium gatherum</i>, of human employments. For + ordinarily manned craft, seamen are necessary; but ships of war, + privateers and letters-of-marque, can afford, as poor Marble would express + it, to generalize. We had several tradesmen in the Crisis—mechanics, + who found the restraints of a ship necessary for their own good—and, + among others, we happened to have a goldsmith. This man had offered to + perforate my pearls, and to string them; an operation to which I + consented. The fellow had performed his task as well as could be desired, + and supplying from his own stores a pair of suitable clasps, had formed + the whole into a simple, but as beautiful a necklace, as I ever laid eyes + on. He had put the largest pearl of all directly in the centre, and then + arranged the remainder, by placing several of the smaller together + separated by one of the second size, until the whole formed a row that + would much more than encircle my own neck, and which, of course, would + drop gracefully round that of a female. + </p> + <p> + When I produced this beautiful ornament, one that a woman of rank might + have coveted, Emily did not endeavour to conceal her admiration. + Unaccustomed, herself, to the higher associations of her own country, she + had never seen a necklace of the same value, and she even fancied it fit + for a queen. Doubtless, queens usually possess much more precious pearls + than those of mine, and yet it was to be supposed they would not disdain + to wear even such as they. Major Merton examined the necklace carefully, + and I could see by his countenance, he was surprised and pleased. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, I think it may be questioned, if any other man enjoys as + many <i>physical</i> advantages with the same means, as the Americans. I + speak more of his habits, than of his opportunities; but I am of opinion, + after seeing a good deal of various parts of the world, that the American + of moderate fortune has more physical indulgences than any other man. + While this is true, however, as a whole, there are certain points on which + he signally fails. He fails <i>often</i>, when it comes to the mere + outward exhibition; and it is probable there is not a single well-ordered + household—meaning for the purposes of comfort and representation + united—in the whole country. The particular deficiency, if + deficiency it be, applies in an almost exclusive degree to the use of + precious stones, jewelry, and those of the more valuable metals in + general. The ignorance of the value of precious stones is so great, that + half the men, meaning those who possess more or less of fortune, do not + even know the names of those of the commoner sorts. I doubt, if one + educated American in twenty could, even at this moment, tell a sapphire + from an amethyst, or a turquoise from a garnet; though the women are + rather more expert as lapidaries. Now, I was a true American in this + respect; and, while I knew I possessed a very beautiful ornament, I had + not the smallest idea of its value, as an article of commerce. With the + Major it was different. He had studied such things, and he had a taste for + them. The reader will judge of my surprise, therefore, when I heard him + say:— + </p> + <p> + “That necklace, in the hands of Rundle and Bridges, would bring a thousand + pounds, in London!” + </p> + <p> + “Father!” exclaimed Emily. + </p> + <p> + “I do think it. It is not so much the size of the pearls, though these + largest are not common even in that particular, but it is their extreme + beauty; their colour and transparency—their <i>water</i>, as it is + called.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought that a term applied only to diamonds”—observed Emily, + with an interest I wished she had not manifested. + </p> + <p> + “It is also applied to pearls—there are pearls of what is called the + 'white water,' and they are of the sort most prized in Europe. The 'yellow + water' are more esteemed among nations of darker skins; I suppose that is + the secret. Yes, I think if you send this necklace to London, Wallingford, + you will get six or eight hundred pounds for it.” + </p> + <p> + “I shall never sell it, sir—at least, not as long as I can avoid + it.” + </p> + <p> + I saw that Emily looked at me, with an earnestness for which I could not + account. + </p> + <p> + “Not sell it!—” repealed her father—“Why, what in the name of + Neptune can <i>you</i> do with such an ornament?” + </p> + <p> + “Keep it. It is strictly my own. I brought it up, from the bottom of the + sea, with my own hands; removed the pearls from what the editors would + call their 'native homes' myself, and I feel an interest in them, that I + never could feel in any ornament that was purchased.” + </p> + <p> + “Still, this will prove rather an expensive taste. Pray, What interest do + you obtain for money, in your part of the world, Wallingford?” + </p> + <p> + “Six per cent., in New York, sir, perhaps, on the better sort of permanent + securities.” + </p> + <p> + “And how much is sixty pounds sterling, when turned into dollars?” + </p> + <p> + “We usually say five for one, though it is not quite that; from two + hundred and eighty to two hundred and ninety, all things considered—though + two hundred and sixty-six, nominally, or thereabouts.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, even two hundred and sixty-six dollars a year, is a good deal for a + young man like you to pay, for the pleasure of saying he owns a pearl + necklace that he cannot use.” + </p> + <p> + “But it cost me nothing, sir, and of course I can lose nothing by it.” + </p> + <p> + “I rather think you will lose what I tell you, if the ornament can be sold + for that sum. When a man has property from which he might derive an + income, and does not, he is, in one sense, and that the most important, a + loser.” + </p> + <p> + “I have a sister, Major Merton; I may possibly give it to her—or, + should I marry, I would certainly give it to my wife.” + </p> + <p> + I could see a smile struggling about the mouth of the major, which I was + then too young, and I may add, too American, to understand. The + incongruity of the wife of a man of two thousand, or five and twenty + hundred dollars a-year, wearing two years' income round her neck, or of + being magnificent in only one item of her dress, household, or manner of + living, never occurred to my mind. We can all laugh when we read of Indian + chiefs wearing uniform-coats, and cocked-hats, without any other articles + of attire; but we cannot imagine inconsistencies in our own cases, that + are almost as absurd in the eyes of highly sophisticated and conventional + usages. To me, at that age, there was nothing in the least out of the way, + in Mrs. Miles Wallingford's wearing the necklace, her husband being + unequivocally its owner. As for Emily, she did not smile, but continued to + hold the necklace in her own very white, plump hand, the pearls making the + hand look all the prettier, while the hand assisted to increase the lustre + of the pearls. I ventured to ask her to put the necklace on her neck. She + blushed slightly, but she complied. + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, Emily,” exclaimed the gratified father, “you become each + other so well, that I am losing a prejudice, and begin to believe even a + poor man's daughter may be justified in using such an ornament.” + </p> + <p> + The sight was certainly sufficient to justify anything of the sort. The + dazzling whiteness of Miss Merlon's skin, the admirable outlines of her + throat and bust, and the flush which pleasure gave her cheeks, contributed + largely to the beauty of the picture. It would have been difficult to say, + whether the charms of the woman ornamented the pearls, or those of the + pearls ornamented the woman! I remember I thought, at the time, my eyes + had never dwelt on any object more pleasing, than was Miss Merton during + the novelty of that spectacle. Nor did the pleasure cease, on the instant; + for I begged her to continue to wear the necklace during the remainder of + the day; a request with which she had the good nature to comply. Which was + most gratified by this exhibition, the young lady or myself, it might be + difficult to say; for there is a mutual satisfaction in admiring, and in + being admired. + </p> + <p> + When I went into the cabin to say good-night, I found Emily Merton, with + the necklace in her hand, gazing at it, by the light of a powerful lamp, + with eyes as liquid and soft as the pearls themselves. I stood still to + admire her; for never before had I seen her so bewitchingly beautiful. Her + countenance was usually a little wanting in intellectual expression, + though it possessed so much of that which I have described as <i>angelic</i>; + but, on this occasion, <i>it seemed to me</i>, to be full of ideas. Can it + be possible, whispered conceit—and what very young man is entirely + free from it—can it be possible, she is now thinking how happy a + woman Mrs. Miles Wallingford will one day be?—Am I in any manner + connected with that meditating brow, that reflecting air, that fixed look, + that pleased and yet doubting expression? + </p> + <p> + “I was about to send for you, Captain Wallingford,” said Emily, the + instant she saw me, and confirming my conceited conjectures, by blushing + deeper than I had seen her before, in the whole of that blushing, + sensitive, and enjoyable day; “about to send for you, to take charge of + your treasure.” + </p> + <p> + “And could you not assume that much responsibility, for a single night?” + </p> + <p> + “'T would be too great—it is an honour reserved for Mrs. + Wallingford, you know.” + </p> + <p> + This was smilingly said, I fancied sweetly and kindly, and yet it was said + not altogether without something that approached to an <i>équivoque</i>; a + sort of manner that the deep, natural feeling of Grace, and needle-like + truth of Lucy had rendered unpleasant to me. I took the necklace, shook + the young lady's hand for good-night—we always did that, on meeting + and parting for the day—paid my compliments to the father, and + withdrew. + </p> + <p> + I was dressing next morning, when Neb came bolting into my state-room, + with his Clawbonny freedom of manner, his eyes looking lobsters, and <i>his</i> + necklace of pearl, glittering between a pair of lips that might have + furnished a cannibal two famous steaks. As soon as fairly established in + command, I had brought the fellow aft, berthing him in the steerage, in + order to have the benefit of more of his personal service than I could + obtain while he was exclusively a foremast Jack. Still, he kept his watch; + for it would have been cruel to deprive, him of that pleasure. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Masser Mile!” exclaimed the black, as soon as he could speak; “'e + boat!—'e boat!” + </p> + <p> + “What of the boat?—Is any one overboard?” + </p> + <p> + “'E whale-boat, sir!—Poor Captain Marble—'e whale-boat, sir!” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Neb—go on deck, and desire the officer of the + watch to heave-to the ship, as soon as it is proper; I will come up, the + instant I can.” + </p> + <p> + Here, then, I thought, Providence has brought us on the track of the + unfortunate whale-boat; and we shall doubtless see the mutilated remains + of some of our old companions—poor Marble, doubtless, from what Neb + said—well, the will of God be done. I was soon dressed; and, as I + went up the cabin-ladder, the movement on deck denoted the nature of the + excitement that now prevailed generally, in the ship. Just as I reached + the quarter-deck, the main-yard swung round, and the sails were brought + aback. The whole crew was in commotion, and it was some little time before + I could learn the cause. + </p> + <p> + The morning was misty, and the view round the ship, until within a few + minutes, had been confined to a circle of less than a mile in diameter. As + the sun rose, however, the mist broke away gradually, and then the watch + caught a view of the whale-boat mentioned by Neb. Instead of being + floating about on the ocean, with the remains of its unfortunate crew + lying in its bottom, as I had expected to see it, when I caught the first + glimpse of the unlooked-for object, it was not a mile distant, pulling + briskly for us, and containing not only a full, but a strong and an + animated crew. + </p> + <p> + Just at that instant, some one cried out “Sail-ho!” and sure enough, a + ship was seen some four or five miles to leeward, a whaler evidently, + turning to windward, under easy canvass, in order to rejoin her boat, from + which she had lately been separated by the night and the fog. This, then, + was no more than a whaler and her boat; and, on sweeping the horizon with + a glass, Talcott soon discovered, a mile to windward of the boat, a dead + whale, with another boat lying by it, in waiting for the approach of the + ship, which promised to fetch as far to windward, on its next tack. + </p> + <p> + “They desire to speak us, I suppose, Mr. Talcott,” I remarked. “The ship + is probably an American; it is likely the captain is in the boat, and he + wishes to send letters or messages home.” + </p> + <p> + A shout came from Talcott, at the next instant—then he cried out— + </p> + <p> + “Three cheers, my lads; I see Captain Marble in that boat, as plainly as I + see the boat itself!” + </p> + <p> + The cheers that followed, were a spontaneous burst of joy. They reached + the approaching boat, and gave its inmate an earnest of his reception. In + three more minutes. Marble was on the deck of his old ship. For myself, I + was unable to speak; nor was poor Marble much better off though more + prepared for the interview. + </p> + <p> + “I knew you, Miles; I knew you, and the bloody 'Pretty Poll,'” he at last + got out, the tears running down his cheeks like water, “the moment the fog + lifted, and gave me a fair glimpse. They've got her—yes—d——n + her—God bless her, I mean—they've got her, and the bloody + Frenchmen will not go home with <i>that</i> feather in their caps. Well, + it couldn't have happened to a cleverer fellow; and I'm just as happy as + if I had done it myself!” + </p> + <p> + There he stood, sound, safe, and sturdy as ever; and the four Sandwich + Islanders were all in the boat, just as well as if they had never quitted + the ship. Every man of the crew had to shake hands with Marble, + congratulations were to be exchanged, and a turbulent quarter of an hour + passed, before it was possible to get a coherent account from the man of + what had befallen him. As soon as practicable, however, he motioned for + silence, and told his own story aloud, for the benefit of all hands. + </p> + <p> + “You know how I left you, men,” Marble commenced, swabbing his eyes and + cheeks, and struggling to speak with something like an appearance of + composure, “and the errand on which I went. The last I saw of you was + about half an hour before the gust broke. At that time I was so near the + ship, as to make out she was a whaler; and, nothing doubting of being in + sight of you in the morning, I thought it safer to pull alongside of <i>her</i>, + than to try to hunt for the schooner in the dark. I found an old shipmate + in the whaler's captain, who was looking for a boat that had struck adrift + the night before; and both parties were pleased. There was not much time + for compliments, however, as you all know. The ship bore up to speak you, + and then she bore up, again and again, on account of the squalls. While + Mr. Wallingford was probably hugging the wind in order to find <i>me</i>, + we were running off to save our spars; and next morning we could see + nothing of you. How else we missed each other, is more than I can say; for + I've no idee you went off and left me out here, in the middle of the ocean—” + </p> + <p> + “We cruised for you, within five miles of the spot, for a whole day!” I + exclaimed, eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “No, no—Captain Marble,” the men put in, in a body, “we did all that + men could do, to find you.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it! I could swear to it, without a word from one of you. Well, + that's the whole story. We could not find you, and I stuck by the ship as + a matter of course, as there was no choice between that and jumping + overboard; and here has the Lord brought us together again, though we are + every inch of five hundred miles from the place where we parted.” + </p> + <p> + I then took Marble below, and related to him all that had occurred since + the separation. He listened with the deepest interest, manifesting the + strongest sympathy in our success. Nothing but expressions of + gratification escaped him, until I remarked, as I concluded my account— + </p> + <p> + “And here is the old ship for you, sir, just as we lost her; and glad am I + to see her once more in so good hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Who put that bloody poop on her, you or the Frenchman, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “The Frenchman. Now it is peace, however, it is no great matter; and the + cabin is very convenient for the Major and his daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “It's just like 'em! Spoiling the neatest quarter-deck on the ocean, with + a bloody supernumerary cabin!” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, as you are master now, you can have it all cut away again, if + you think proper.” + </p> + <p> + “I! I cut away anything! I take the command of this ship from the man who + has so fairly won it! If I do, may I be d——d!” + </p> + <p> + “Captain Marble! You astonish me by this language, sir; but it is nothing + more than a momentary feeling, of which your own good sense—nay, + even your duty to the owners—will cause you to get rid.” + </p> + <p> + “You never were more mistaken in your life, Master Miles Wallingford,” + answered Marble, solemnly. “I thought of all this the moment I recognised + the ship, and that was as soon as I saw her; and my mind was made up from + that instant. I cannot be so mean as to come in at the seventh hour, and + profit by your courage and skill. Besides, I have no legal right to + command here. The ship was more than twenty-four hours in the enemy's + hands, and she comes under the usual laws of recapture and salvage.” + </p> + <p> + “But the owners, Captain Marble—remember there is a cargo to be + taken in at Canton, and there are heavy interests at stake.” + </p> + <p> + “By George, that would make me so much the more firm. From the first, I + have thought matters would be better in your hands than mine; you have an + education, and that's a wonderful thing, Miles. As to sailing a ship, or + stowing her, or taking care of her in heavy weather, or finding my way + across an ocean, I'll turn my back on no man; but it's a different thing + when it comes to figures and calculations.” + </p> + <p> + “You disappoint me greatly in all this, sir; we have gone through so much + together—” + </p> + <p> + “We did not go through <i>the recapture of this vessel</i> together, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “But it was <i>your</i> thought, and, but for an accident, would have been + your <i>deed</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't know that; I have reflected coolly in the matter, after I got + over my mortification; and I think we should have been flogged, had we + attacked the French at sea. Your own plan was better, and capitally + carried out. Harkee, Miles, this much will I do, and not a jot more. You + are bound to the island, I take it for granted, to pick up odds and ends; + and then you sail for Canton?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely—I am glad you approve of it, as you must by seeing into + it so readily.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, at the island, fill up the schooner with such articles as will be + of no use at Canton. Let her take in the copper, the English goods, and + the like of that; and I will carry her home, while you can pursue the + v'y'ge in the ship, as you alone have a right to do.” + </p> + <p> + No arguments of mine could turn Marble from his resolution. I fought him + all day on the subject, and at night he was put in command of the “Pretty + Poll,” with our old second-mate for his first officer. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Thou shalt seek the beach of sand, + Where the water bounds the elfin land; + Thou shalt watch the oozy brine + Till the sturgeon leaps in the light moonshine.” + DRAKE. +</pre> + <p> + There is but a word to say of the whaler. We spoke her, of course, and + parted, leaving her her boat. She passed half an hour, close to us, and + then went after her whale. When we lost sight of her, she was cutting in + the fish, as coolly as if nothing had happened. As for ourselves, we made + the best of our way for the island. + </p> + <p> + Nothing worth relating occurred during the remainder of the passage. We + reached our place of destination ten days after we found Marble; and + carried both the ship and schooner into the lagoon, without any hesitation + or difficulty. Everything was found precisely as we had left it; two + months having passed as quietly as an hour. The tents were standing, the + different objects lay where they had been hastily dropped at our hurried + departure, and everything denoted the unchangeable character of an + unbroken solitude. Time and the seasons could alone have produced any + sensible alteration. Even the wreck had neither shifted her bed, nor + suffered injury. There she lay, seemingly an immovable fixture on the + rocks, and as likely to last, as any other of the durable things around + her. + </p> + <p> + It is always a relief to escape from the confinement of a ship, even if it + be only to stroll along the vacant sands of some naked beach. As soon as + the vessels were secured, we poured ashore in a body, and the people were + given a holiday. There was no longer an enemy to apprehend; and we all + enjoyed the liberty of movement, and the freedom from care that + accompanied our peculiar situation. Some prepared lines and commenced + fishing; others hauled the seine; while the less industriously disposed + lounged about, selected the fruit of the cocoa-nut tree, or hunted for + shells, of which there were many, and those extremely beautiful, scattered + along the inner and outer beaches, or lying, visible, just within the wash + of the water. I ordered two or three of the hands to make a collection for + Clawbonny; paying them, as a matter of course, for their extra services. + Their success was great; and I still possess the fruits of their search, + as memorials of my youthful adventures. + </p> + <p> + Emily and her maid took possession of their old tents, neither of which + had been disturbed; and I directed that the necessary articles of + furniture should be landed for their use. As we intended to remain eight + or ten days at Marble Land, there was a general disposition to make + ourselves comfortable; and the crew were permitted to bring such things + ashore as they desired, care being had for the necessary duties of the + ships. Since quitting London, we had been prisoners, with the short + interval of our former visit to this place, and it was now deemed wisest + to give the people a little relaxation. To all this, I was advised by + Marble; who, though a severe, and so often seemingly an obdurate man, was + in the main disposed to grant as much indulgence, at suitable moments, as + any officer I ever sailed with. There was an ironical severity, at times, + about the man, which misled superficial observers. I have heard of a + waggish boatswain in the navy, who, when disposed to menace the crew with + some of his official visitations, used to cry out, “Fellow-citizens, I'm + coming among you;” and the anecdote never recurs to my mind, without + bringing Marble back to my recollection. When in spirits, he had much of + this bitter irony in his manner; and his own early experience had rendered + him somewhat insensible to <i>professional</i> suffering; but, on the + whole, I always thought him a humane man. + </p> + <p> + We went into the lagoon, before the sun had risen; and before the + breakfast hour of those who lived aft, we had everything landed that was + necessary, and were in possession of our tents. I had ordered Neb to + attend particularly to the wants of the Mertons; and, precisely as the + bell of the ship struck eight, which, at that time of day, meant eight + o'clock, the black came with the major's compliments, inviting “<i>Captain</i>” + Wallingford and “<i>Captain</i>” Marble to breakfast. + </p> + <p> + “So it goes, Miles,” added my companion, after promising to join the party + in a few moments. “This arrangement about the schooner leaves us both + captains, and prevents anything like your downhill work, which is always + unpleasant business. <i>Captain</i> Marble and <i>Captain</i> Wallingford + sound well; and I hope they may long sail in company. But natur' or art + never meant me for a captain.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, admitting this, where there are <i>two</i> captains, one must + outrank the other, and the senior commands. You should be called <i>Commodore</i> + Marble.” + </p> + <p> + “None of your pleasantry, Miles,” returned Marble, with a severe look and + a shake of the head; “it is by your favour, and I hope by your good + opinion, that I am master of even that little, half-blooded, part French, + part Yankee, schooner. It is my second, and I think it will be my last + command. I have generalized over my life, upon a large scale, within the + last ten days, and have come to the conclusion that the Lord created me to + be your mate, and not you to be mine. When natur' means a man for anything + partic'lar, she doesn't set him adrift among human beings, as I was set + adrift.” + </p> + <p> + “I do not understand you, sir—perhaps you will give me an outline of + your history; and then all will be plain.” + </p> + <p> + “Miles, oblige me in one particular—it will cost you no great + struggle, and will considerably relieve my mind.” + </p> + <p> + “You have only to name it, sir, to be certain it will be done.” + </p> + <p> + “Drop that bloody <i>sir</i>, then; it's unbecoming now, as between you + and me. Call me Marble, or Moses; as I call you, Miles.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, be it so. Now for this history of yours, which you have promised to + give me, by the way, any time these two years.” + </p> + <p> + “It can be told in a few words; and I hope it may be of service. A human + life, properly generalized on, is at any time as good as most sermons. It + is full of what I call the morality of idees. I suppose you know to what I + owe my names?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I—to your sponsors in baptism, like all the rest of us, I + suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “You're nearer the truth than you may imagine, this time, boy. I was + found, a child of a week old, they tell me, lying in a basket, one + pleasant morning, in a stone-cutter's yard, on the North River side of the + town, placed upon a bit of stone that was hewing out for the head of a + grave, in order, as I suppose, that the workmen would be sure to find me, + when they mustered at their work. Although I have passed for a + down-easter, having sailed in their craft in the early part of my life, + I'm in truth York born.” + </p> + <p> + “And is this all you know of your origin, my dear Marble?” + </p> + <p> + “All I <i>want</i> to know, after such a hint. A man is never anxious to + make the acquaintance of parents who are afraid to own him. I dare say, + now, Miles, that <i>you</i> knew, and loved, and respected <i>your</i> + mother?” + </p> + <p> + “Love, and respect her! I worshipped her, Marble; and she deserved it all, + if ever human being did!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I can understand <i>that</i>,” returned Marble, making a hole + in the sand with his heel, and looking both thoughtful and melancholy. “It + must be a great comfort to love and respect a mother! I've seen them, + particularly young women, that I thought set quite as much store by their + mothers, as they did by themselves. Well, no matter; I got into one of + poor Captain Robbins's bloody currents at the first start, and have been + drifting about ever since, just like the whale-boat with which we fell in, + pretty much as the wind blew. They hadn't the decency to pin even a name—they + might have got one out of a novel or a story-book, you know, to start a + poor fellow in life with—to my shirt; no—they just set me + afloat on that bit of a tombstone, and cast off the standing part of what + fastened me to anything human. There they left me, to generalize on the + 'arth and its ways, to my heart's content.” + </p> + <p> + “And you were found next morning, by the stone-cutter, when he came, + again, to use his chisel.” + </p> + <p> + “Prophecy couldn't have better foretold what happened. There I was found, + sure enough; and there I made my first escape from destruction. Seeing the + basket, which it seems was one in which he had brought his own dinner, the + day before, and forgotten to carry away with him, he gave it a jerk to + cast away the leavings, before he handed it to the child who had come to + take it home, in order that it might be filled again, when out I rolled on + the cold stone. There I lay, as near the grave as a tomb-stone, when I was + just a week old.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow—you could only know this by report, however. And what + was done with you?” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose, if the truth were known, my father was somewhere about that + yard; and little do I envy the old gentleman his feelings, if he reflected + much, over matters and things. I was sent to the Alms-House, however; + stone-cutters being nat'rally hard-hearted, I suppose. The fact that I was + left among such people, makes me think so much the more, that my own + father must have been one of them, or it never could have happened. At all + events, I was soon rated on the Alms-House books; and the first thing they + did was to give me some name. I was No. 19, for about a week; at the age + of fourteen days, I became Moses Marble.” + </p> + <p> + “It was an odd selection, that your 'sponsors in baptism' made!” + </p> + <p> + “Somewhat—Moses came from the scriptur's, they tell me; there being + a person of that name, as I understand, who was turned adrift pretty much + as I was, myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, yes—so far as the basket and the abandonment were concerned; + but he was put afloat fairly, and not clapped on a tomb-stone, as if to + threaten him with the grave at the very outset.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Tombstone came very near being my name. At first, they thought of + giving me the name of the man for whom the stone was intended; but, that + being Zollickoffer, they thought I never should be able to spell it. Then + came Tombstone, which they thought melancholy, and so they called me + Marble; consaiting, I suppose, it would make me <i>tough.</i>” + </p> + <p> + “How long did you remain in the Alms-House, and at what age did you first + go to sea?” + </p> + <p> + “I staid among them the public feeds, until I was eight years old, and + then I took a hazy day to cut adrift from charity. At that time, Miles, + our country belonged to the British—or they treated it as if it did, + though I've heard wiser men than myself say, it was always our own, the + king of England only happening to be our king—but I was born a + British subject, and being now just forty, you can understand I went to + sea several years before the revolution.” + </p> + <p> + “True—you must have seen service in that war, on one side, or the + other?” + </p> + <p> + “If you say <i>both</i> sides, you'll not be out of the way. In 1775, I + was a foretop-man in the Romeny 50, where I remained until I was + transferred to the Connecticut 74—” + </p> + <p> + “The what?” said I, in surprise. “Had the English a line-of-battle ship + called the Connecticut?” + </p> + <p> + “As near as I could make it out: I always thought it a big compliment for + John Bull to pay the Yankees.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps the name of your ship was the Carnatic? The sounds are not + unlike.” + </p> + <p> + “Blast me, if I don't think you've hit it, Miles. Well, I'm glad of it, + for I run from the ship, and I shouldn't half like the thought of serving + a countryman such a trick. Yes, I then got on board of one of our sloops, + and tried my hand at settling the account with my old masters. I was taken + prisoner for my pains, but worried through the war without getting my neck + stretched. They wanted to make it out, on board the old Jarsey, that I was + an Englishman, but I told 'em just to prove it. Let 'em only prove where I + was born, I said, and I would give it up. I was ready to be hanged, if + they could only prove where I was born. D——, but I sometimes + thought I never <i>was</i> born, at all.” + </p> + <p> + “You are surely an American, Marble? A Manhattanese, born and educated?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, as it is not likely any person would import a child a week old, to + plant it on a tombstone, I conclude I am. Yes, I must be <i>that</i>; and + I have sometimes thought of laying claim to the property of Trinity + Church, on the strength of my birth-right. Well, as soon as the war was + over, and I got out of prison, and that was shortly after you were born, + Captain Wallingford, I went to work regularly, and have been ever since + sarving as dickey, or chief-mate, on board of some craft or other. If I + had no family bosom to go into, as a resting-place, I had my bosom to fill + with solid beef and pork, and that is not to be done by idleness.” + </p> + <p> + “And, all this time, my good friend, you have been living, as it might be, + alone in the world, without a relative of any sort?” + </p> + <p> + “As sure as you are there. Often and often, have I walked through the + streets of New York, and said to myself, Among all these people, there is + not one that I can call a relation. My blood is in no man's veins, but my + own.” + </p> + <p> + This was said with a bitter sadness, that surprised me. Obdurate, and + insensible to suffering as Marble had ever appeared to me, I was not + prepared to find him giving such evidence of feeling. I was then young, + but now am old; and one of the lessons learned in the years that have + intervened, is not to judge of men by appearances. So much sensibility is + hidden beneath assumed indifference, so much suffering really exists + behind smiling countenances, and so little does the exterior tell the true + story of all that is to be found within, that I am now slow to yield + credence to the lying surfaces of things. Most of all had I learned to + condemn that heartless injustice of the world, that renders it so prompt + to decide, on rumour and conjectures, constituting itself a judge from + which there shall be no appeal, in cases in which it has not taken the + trouble to examine, and which it had not even the power to examine + evidence. + </p> + <p> + “We are all of the same family, my friend,” I answered, with a good design + at least, “though a little separated by time and accidents.” + </p> + <p> + “Family!—Yes, I belong to my own family. I'm a more important man in + my family, than Bonaparte is in his; for I am all in all; ancestors, + present time and posterity!” + </p> + <p> + “It is, at least, your own fault you are the last; why not marry and have + children?” + </p> + <p> + “Because my parents did not set me the example,” answered Marble, almost + fiercely. Then clapping his hand on my shoulder, in a friendly way, as if + to soothe me after so sharp a rejoinder, he added in a gentler tone—“Come, + Miles, the Major and his daughter will want their breakfasts, and we had + better join them. Talking of matrimony, there's the girl for you, my boy, + thrown into your arms almost nat'rally, as one might say.” + </p> + <p> + “I am far from being so sure of that. Marble.” I answered, as both began + to walk slowly towards the tent “Major Merton might hot think it an + honour, in the first place, to let his daughter marry a Yankee sailor.” + </p> + <p> + “Not such a one as myself, perhaps; but why not one like you? How many + generations have there been of you, now, at the place you call Clawbonny?” + </p> + <p> + “Four, from father to son, and all of us Miles Wallingfords.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, the old Spanish proverb says 'it takes three generations to make a + gentleman;' and here you have four to start upon. In <i>my</i> family, all + the generations have been on the same level, and I count myself old in my + sphere.” + </p> + <p> + “It is odd that a man like you should know anything of old Spanish + proverbs!” + </p> + <p> + “What? Of <i>such</i> a proverb, think you, Miles? A man without even a + father or mother—who never had either, as one may say—and he + not remember such a proverb! Boy, boy, I never forget anything that so + plainly recalls the tomb-stone, and the basket, and the Alms-House, and + Moses, and the names!” + </p> + <p> + “But Miss Merton might object to the present generation,” I resumed, + willing to draw my companion from his bitter thoughts, “however favourably + disposed her father might prove to the last.” + </p> + <p> + “That will be your own fault, then. Here you have her, but on the Pacific + Ocean, all to yourself; and if you cannot tell your own story, and that in + a way to make her believe it, you are not the lad I take you for.” + </p> + <p> + I made an evasive and laughing answer; but, being quite near the tent by + this time, it was necessary to change the discourse. The reader may think + it odd, but that was the very first time the possibility of my marrying + Emily Merton ever crossed my mind. In London, I had regarded her as an + agreeable acquaintance, with just as much of the colouring of romance and + of the sentimental about our intercourse, as is common with youths of + nineteen and girls a little younger; but as nothing more. When we met on + the island, Emily appeared to me like a friend—a <i>female</i> + friend—and, of course, one to be viewed with peculiarly softened + feelings; still, as only a friend. During the month we had just passed in + the same ship, this tie had gradually strengthened; and I confess to a + perfect consciousness of there being on board a pretty girl in her + nineteenth year, of agreeable manners, delicate sentiments, and one whose + presence gave the Crisis a charm she certainly never enjoyed during poor + Captain Williams's time. Notwithstanding all this, there was something—though + what that something was, I did not then know myself—which prevented + me from absolutely falling in love with my fair guest. Nevertheless, + Marble's suggestion was not unpleasant to me; but, on the other hand, it + rather conduced to the satisfaction of my present visit. + </p> + <p> + We were kindly received by our hosts, who always seemed to remember the + commencement of our acquaintance, when Marble and myself visited them + together. The breakfast had a little of the land about it; for Mons. Le + Compte's garden still produced a few vegetables, such as lettuce, + pepper-grass, radishes, &c.; most of which, however, had sown + themselves. Three or four fowls, too, that he had left on the island in + the hurry of his departure, had begun to lay; and Neb having found a nest, + we had the very unusual treat of fresh eggs. I presume no one will deny + that they were sufficiently “country-laid.” + </p> + <p> + “Emily and myself consider ourselves as old residents here,” the Major + observed, as he gazed around him, the table being set in the open air, + under some trees; “and I could almost find it in my heart to remain on + this beautiful island for the remainder of my days—quite, I think, + were it not for my poor girl, who might find the society of her old father + rather dull work, at her time of life.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, Major,” said Marble, “you have only to let your taste be known, to + have the ch'ice among all our youngsters to be her companion. There is Mr. + Talcott, a well-edicated and mannerly lad enough, and of good connexions, + they tell me; and as for Captain Wallingford here, I will answer for <i>him</i>. + My life on it, he would give up Clawbonny, and the property on which he is + the fourth of his name, to be king, or Prince of Wales of this island, + with such company!” + </p> + <p> + Now, it was Marble, and not I, who made this speech; and yet I heartily + wished it unsaid. It made me feel foolish and I dare say it made me look + foolish; and I know it caused Emily to blush. Poor girl! she, who blushed + so easily, and was so sensitive, and so delicately situated—she was + entitled to have more respect paid to her feelings. The Major and Marble, + however, took it all very coolly, continuing the discourse as if nothing + out of the way had been said. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt—no doubt,” answered the first; “romance always finds + votaries among young people, and this place may well excite romantic + feelings in those who are older than these young men. Do you know, + gentlemen, that ever since I have known this island, I have had a strong + desire to pass the remainder of my days on it? The idea I have just + mentioned to you, therefore, is by no means one of a moment's existence.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad, at least, dear sir,” observed Emily, laughing, “that the + desire has not been so strong as to induce you to make formal proposals on + the subject.” + </p> + <p> + “You, indeed, are the great obstacle; for what could I do with a + discontented girl, whose mind would be running on balls, theatres, and + other amusements? We should not have even a church.” + </p> + <p> + “And, Major Merton,” I put in, “what could you, or any other man, do with + <i>himself</i>, in a place like this, without companions, books, or + occupation ?” + </p> + <p> + “If a conscientious man, Miles, he might think over the past; if a wise + one, he would certainly reflect on the future. I should have books, since + Emily and I could muster several hundred volumes between us; and, <i>with</i> + books, I should have companions. What could I do? I should have everything + to create, as it might be, and the pleasure of seeing everything rising up + under my own hand. There would be a house to construct—the materials + of that wreck to collect—ropes, canvass, timber, tar, sugar, and + divers other valuables that are still out on the reef, or which lie + scattered about on the beach, to gather together, and save against a rainy + day. Then I would have a thought for my poultry; and possibly you might be + persuaded to leave me one or two of these pigs, of which I see the French + forgot half a dozen, in their haste to cheat the Spaniards. Oh! I should + live like a prince and be a prince <i>regnant</i> in the bargain.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir, you would be captain and all hands, if that would be any + gratification; but I think you would soon weary of your government, and be + ready to abdicate.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so, Miles; yet the thought is pleasant to me: but for this dear + girl, it would be particularly so. I have very few relatives; the nearest + I have being, oddly enough, your own country-people, gentlemen. My mother + was a native of Boston, where my father, a merchant, married her; and I + came very near being a Yankee myself, having been born but a week after my + parents landed in England. On my father's side, I have not five recognised + relatives, and they are rather distant; while those on my mother's are + virtually all strangers. Then I never owned a foot of this earth on which + we live, in my life—” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I,” interrupted Marble, with emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “My father was a younger son; and younger sons in England are generally + lack-lands. My life has been such, and, I may add, my means such, that I + have never been in the way of purchasing even enough earth to bury me in; + and here, you see, is an estate that can be had for asking. How much land + do you fancy there is in this island, gentlemen? I mean, apart from the + beach, the sands and rocks; but such as has grass, and bears trees—ground + that might be tilled, and rendered productive, without much labour?” + </p> + <p> + “A hundred thousand acres,” exclaimed Marble, whose calculation was + received with a general laugh. + </p> + <p> + “It seems rather larger to me, sir,” I answered, “than the farm at + Clawbonny. Perhaps there may be six or eight hundred acres of the sort of + land you mention; though the whole island must contain several thousands—possibly + four, or five.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, four or five thousand acres of land make a good estate—but, + as I see Emily is getting frightened, and is nervous under the + apprehension of falling heir to such extensive possessions, I will say no + more about them.” + </p> + <p> + No more <i>was</i> said, and we finished our breakfasts, conversing of the + past, rather than of the future. The Major and Marble went to stroll along + the groves, in the direction of the wreck; while I persuaded Emily to put + on her hat and stroll—the other way. + </p> + <p> + “This is a singular notion of my father's,” my fair companion remarked, + after a moment of musing; “nor is it the first time, I do assure you, on + which he has mentioned it. While we were here before, he spoke of it + daily.” + </p> + <p> + “The scheme might do well enough for two ardent lovers,” said I, laughing; + “but would scarcely be Wise for an elderly gentleman and his daughter. I + can imagine that two young people, warmly attached to each other, might + get along in such a place for a year or two, without hanging themselves; + but I fancy even love would tire out, after a while, and they would set + about building a boat, in which to be off.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not very romantic, I perceive, Mr. Wallingford,” Emily answered, + and I thought a little reproachfully. “Now, I own that to my taste, I + could be happy anywhere—here, as well as in London, surrounded by my + nearest and dearest friends.” + </p> + <p> + “Surrounded! Ay, that would be a very different matter. Let me have your + father, yourself, honest Marble, good Mr. Hardinge, Rupert, dear, dear + Grace, and Lucy, with Neb and some others of my own blacks, and I should + ask no better home. The island is only in twenty, has plenty of shade some + delicious fruits, and Would be easily tilled—one might do here, I + acknowledge, and it would be pleasant to found a colony.” + </p> + <p> + “And who are all these people you love so well, Mr. Wallingford, that + their presence would make a desert island pleasant?” + </p> + <p> + “In the first place, Major Merton is a half-pay officer in the British + service, who has been appointed to some civil station in India”—I + answered, gallantly. “He is a respectable, agreeable, well-informed + gentleman, a little turned of fifty, who might act as Judge and + Chancellor. Then he has a daughter—” + </p> + <p> + “I know more of her and her bad qualities than you do yourself, <i>Sire</i>—but + who are Rupert, and Grace, and Lucy—<i>dear, dear</i> Grace, + especially?” + </p> + <p> + “Dear, <i>dearest</i> Grace, Madam, is my sister—my <i>only</i> + sister—all the sister I ever can have, either by marriage, or any + other means, and sisters are usually <i>dear</i> to young men, I believe.” + </p> + <p> + “Well—I knew you had a sister, and a <i>dear</i> sister, but I also + knew you had but one. Now as to Rupert—” + </p> + <p> + “He is not another sister, you may be well assured. I have mentioned to + you a friend from childhood, who went to sea with me, at first, but, + disliking the business, has since commenced the study of the law.” + </p> + <p> + “That, then, is Rupert. I remember some such touches of his character, but + did not know the name. Now, proceed on to the next—” + </p> + <p> + “What, Neb!—You know <i>him</i> almost as well as I do myself. He is + yonder feeding the chickens, and will save his passage money.” + </p> + <p> + “But you spoke of another—that is—was there not a Mr.—, + Hardinge was the name, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! true—I forgot Mr. Hardinge and Lucy, though they would be two + of the most important of the colonists. Mr. Hardinge is my guardian, and + will continue to be so a few months longer, and Lucy is his daughter—Rupert's + sister—the old gentleman is a clergyman, and would help us to keep + Sundays as one should, and might perform the marriage ceremony, should it + ever be required.” + </p> + <p> + “Not much danger of that, I fancy, on your <i>desert</i> island—your + Barrataria”—observed Miss Merton, quickly. + </p> + <p> + I cannot explain the sensitiveness of certain young ladies on such points, + unless it be through their consciousness. Now, had I been holding this + idle talk with Lucy, the dear, honest creature would have laughed, blushed + ever so little, possibly, and nodded her head in frank assent; or, + perhaps, she would have said “oh! certainly,” in a way to show that she + had no desire to affect so silly a thing as to wish one to suppose she + thought young people would not get married at Marble Land, as well as + Clawbonny, or New York. Miss Merton, however, saw fit to change the + discourse, which soon turned on her father's health. On this subject she + was natural and full of strong affection. She was anxious to get the Major + out of the warm latitudes. His liver had been touched in the West Indies, + but he had hoped that he was cured, or he never would have accepted the + Bombay appointment. Experience, however, was giving reason to suspect the + contrary, and Emily wished him in a cold climate as soon as possible, and + that with an earnestness that showed she regarded all that had been said + about the island as sheer pleasantry. We continued the conversation for an + hour when, returning to the tent, I left my fair companion with a promise + to be as active as possible, in order to carry the ship into a higher + latitude. Still I did not deem the island a particularly dangerous place, + notwithstanding its position; the trades and sea breezes, with its ample + shades, rendering the spot one of the most delightful tropical abodes I + had ever been in. + </p> + <p> + After quitting Emily, I went to join Marble, who was alone, pacing a spot + beneath the trees, that poor Le Compte had worn into a path, and which he + had himself called his “quarter-deck.” + </p> + <p> + “This Major Merton is a sensible man, Miles,” the ex-mate began, as soon + as I dropped in alongside of him, and joined in his semi-trot; “a + downright, sensible sort of a philosopher-like man, accordin' to my + notion.” + </p> + <p> + “What has he been telling you, now, that has seized your fancy so much + stronger than common?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, I was thinking of this idee of his, to remain on the island, and + pass the remainder of the v'y'ge here, without slaving day and night to + get up two or three rounds of the ladder of promotion, only to fall down + again.” + </p> + <p> + “And did the Major speak of such things? I know of no disappointments of + his, to sour him with the world.” + </p> + <p> + “I was not speaking for Major Merton, but for myself, Miles. To tell you + the truth, boy, this idee seems just suited to me, and I have almost made + up my mind to remain behind, here, when you sail.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at Marble with astonishment; the subject on which the Major had + spoken in pleasantry, rather than with any real design of carrying his + project into execution, was one that my old messmate regarded seriously! I + had noted the attention with which he listened to our discourse, during + breakfast, and the strong feeling with which he spoke at the time, but had + no notion of the cause of either. I knew the man too well, not to + understand, at once, that he was in sober earnest, and had too much + experience of his nature, not to foresee the greatest difficulty in + turning him from his purpose. I understood the true motive to be + professional mortification at all that occurred since he had succeeded + Captain Williams in command; for Marble was much too honest and too manly, + to think for a moment of concealing his own misfortunes behind the mantle + offered by my success. + </p> + <p> + “You have not thought of this matter sufficiently, my friend,” I answered, + evasively, knowing the folly of attempting to laugh the matter off—“when + you have slept on it a night, you will see things differently.” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy not, Miles. Here is all I want, and just what I want. After you + have taken away everything that can be required for the vessels, or + desirable to the owners, there will be enough left to keep me a dozen + lives.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not on account of food, that I speak—the island alone in its + fruits, fish and birds, to say nothing as to the seeds, and fowls, and + pigs, we could leave you, would be sufficient to keep fifty men; but, + think of the solitude, the living without object, the chances of sickness—the + horrible death that would follow to one unable to rise and assist himself, + and all the other miseries of being alone. Depend on it, man was not + created to live alone. Society is indispensable to him, and—” + </p> + <p> + “I have thought of it all, and find it entirely to my taste. I tell you, + Miles, I should be exactly in my sphere, in this island, and that as a + hermit. I do not say I should not like <i>some</i> company, if it could be + yourself, or Talcott, or the Major, or even Neb; but no company is better + than bad; and as for asking, or <i>allowing</i> any one to stay with me, + it is out of the question. I did, at first, think of keeping the Sandwich + Islanders; but it would be bad faith, and they would not be likely to + remain quiet, after the ship had sailed. No, I will remain alone. You will + probably report the island when you get home, and that will induce some + vessel, which may be passing near, to look for me, so I shall hear of you + all, every four or five years.” + </p> + <p> + “Gracious heaven! Marble, you cannot be serious in so mad a design?” + </p> + <p> + “Just look at my situation, Miles, and decide for yourself. I am without a + friend on earth—I mean nat'ral friend—I know what sort of + friend you are, and parting with you will be the toughest of all—but + I have not a relation on the wide earth—no property, no home no one + to wish to see me return, not even a cellar to lay my head in. To me all + places are alike, with the exception of this, which, having discovered, I + look upon as my own.” + </p> + <p> + “You have a <i>country</i>, Marble; and that is the next thing to family + and home—overshadows all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, and I'll have a country here. This will be America, having been + discovered by Americans, and in their possession. You will leave me the + buntin', and I'll show the stars and stripes of a 4th of July, just as you + will show 'em, in some other part of the world. I was born Yankee, at + least, and I'll die Yankee, I've sailed under that flag, boy, ever since + the year '77, and will not sail under another you may depend on it.” + </p> + <p> + “I never could justify myself to the laws for leaving a man behind me in + such a place.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I'll run, and that will make all right. But, you know well enough, + boy, that leaving a captain is one thing, and leaving a man another.” + </p> + <p> + “And what shall I tell all your acquaintances, those who have sailed with + you so often and so long, has become of their old ship-mate?” + </p> + <p> + “Tell 'em that the man who was once <i>found</i>, is now <i>lost</i>,” + answered Marble, bitterly. “But I am not such a fool as to think myself of + so much importance as you seem to imagine. The only persons who will + consider the transaction of any interest will be the newspaper gentry, and + they will receive it only as <i>news</i>, and thank you about half as much + as they would for a murder, or a robbery, or the poisoning of a mother and + six little children.” + </p> + <p> + “I think, after all, you would scarcely find the means of supporting + yourself,” I added, looking round in affected doubt; for I felt, at each + instant, how likely my companion was to adhere to his notion, and this + from knowing him so well. “I doubt if the cocoa is healthy, all the year + round, and there must be seasons when the trees do not bear.” + </p> + <p> + “Have no fear of that sort. I have my own fowling-piece, and you will + leave me a musket, or two, with some ammunition. Transient vessels, now + the island is known, will keep up the supply. There are two hens setting, + at this moment, and a third has actually hatched. Then one of the men + tells me there is a litter of pigs, near the mouth of the bay. As for the + hogs and the poultry, the shell-fish and berries will keep them; but there + are fifteen hogsheads of sugar on the beach, besides thirty or forty more + in the wreck, and all above water. There are casks of beans and peas, the + sea-stores of the French, besides lots of other things. I can plant, and + fish, and shoot, and make a fence from the ropes of the wreck, and have a + large garden, and all that a man can want. Our own poultry, you know, has + long been out; but there is still a bushel of Indian-corn left, that was + intended for their feed. One quart of that, will make me a rich man, in + such a climate as this, and with soil like that on the flat between the + two groves. I own a chest of tools, and am, ship-fashion, both a tolerable + carpenter and blacksmith; and I do not see that I shall want for anything. + You <i>must</i> leave half the things that are scattered about, and so far + from being a man to be pitied, I shall be a man to be envied. Thousands of + wretches in the greatest thoroughfares of London, would gladly exchange + their crowded streets and poverty, for my solitude and abundance.” + </p> + <p> + I began to think Marble was not in a state of mind to reason with, and + changed the subject. The day passed in recreation, as had been intended; + and next morning we set about filling up the schooner. We struck in all + the copper, all the English goods, and such portions of the Frenchman's + cargo as would be most valuable in America. Marble, however, had announced + to others his determination to remain behind, to abandon the seas, and to + turn hermit. As his first step, he gave up the command of the Pretty Poll, + and I was obliged to restore her, again, to our old third-mate, who was + every way competent to take care of her. At the end of the week, the + schooner was ready, and despairing of getting Marble off in <i>her</i>, I + ordered her to sail for home, viâ Cape Horn; giving especial instructions + not to attempt Magellan. I wrote to the owners, furnishing an outline of + all that had occurred, and of my future plans, simply remarking that Mr. + Marble had declined acting out of motives of delicacy, since the + re-capture of the ship; and that, in future, their interests must remain + in my care. With these despatches the schooner sailed. Marble and I + watched her until her sails became a white speck on the ocean, after which + she suddenly disappeared. + </p> + <p> + As for the ship, she was all ready; and my only concern now was in + relation to Marble. I tried the influence of Major Merton; but, + unfortunately, that gentleman had already said too much in favour of our + friend's scheme, in ignorance of its effect, to gain much credit when he + turned round, and espoused the other side. The arguments of Emily failed, + also. In fact, it was not reason, but feeling that governed Marble; and, + in a bitter hour, he had determined to pass the remainder of his days + where he was. Finding all persuasion useless, and the season approaching + when the winds rendered it necessary to sail, I was compelled to yield, or + resort to force. The last I was reluctant to think of; nor was I certain + the men would have obeyed me had I ordered them to use it. Marble had been + their commander so long, that he might, at any moment, have re-assumed the + charge of the ship; and it was not probable his orders would have been + braved under any circumstances that did not involve illegality, or guilt. + After a consultation with the Major, I found it necessary to yield to this + whim, though I did so with greater reluctance than I ever experienced on + any other occasion. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Pass on relentless world! I grieve + No more for all that thou hast riven! + Pass on, in God's name—only leave + The things thou never yet hast given.—” + LUNT. +</pre> + <p> + After every means had been uselessly exhausted to persuade Marble from his + design, it only remained to do all we could to make him comfortable and + secure. Of enemies, there was no danger, and care was not necessary for + defence. We got together, however, some of the timber, planks and other + materials, that were remaining at the shipyard, and built him a cabin, + that offered much better shelter against the tropical storms that + sometimes prevailed, than any tent could yield. We made this cabin as wide + as a plank is long, or twelve feet, and some five or six feet longer. It + was well sided and tightly roofed, having three windows and a door. The + lights of the wreck supplied the first, and her cabin-door the last. We + had hinges, and everything that was necessary to keep things in their + place. There was no chimney required, fire being unnecessary for warmth in + that climate; but the French had brought their camboose from the wreck, + and this we placed under a proper covering at a short distance from the + hut, the strength of one man being insufficient to move it. We also + enclosed, by means of ropes, and posts made of the ribs of the wreck, a + plot of ground of two acres in extent, where the land was the richest and + unshaded, so as to prevent the pigs from injuring the vegetables; and, + poor Marble knowing little of gardening, I had a melancholy pleasure in + seeing the whole piece dug, or rather hoed up, and sown and planted + myself, before we sailed. We put in corn, potatoes, peas, beans, lettuce, + radishes, and several other things, of which we found the seeds in the + French garden. We took pains, moreover, to transport from the wreck, many + articles that it was thought might prove of use, though they were too + heavy for Marble to handle. As there were near forty of us, all busy in + this way for three or four days, we effected a great deal, and may be said + to have got the island in order. I felt the same interest in the duty, + that I should in bestowing a child for life. + </p> + <p> + Marble, himself, was not much among us all this time. He rather complained + that I should leave him nothing to do, though I could see he was touched + by the interest we manifested in his welfare. The French launch had been + used as the means of conveyance between the wreck and the beach, and we + found it where it had been left by its original owners, anchored + to-leeward of the island, and abreast of the ship. It was the last thing I + meddled with and it was my care to put it in such a state that, at need, + it might be navigated across that tranquil sea, to some other island, + should Marble feel a desire to abandon his solitude. The disposition I + made of the boat was as follows:— + </p> + <p> + The launch was large and coppered, and it carried two lug-sails. I had + both masts stepped, with the yards, sails, sheets, &c. prepared, and + put in their places; a stout rope was next carried round the entire boat, + outside, and a few inches below the gunwale, where it was securely nailed. + From this rope, led a number of lanyards, with eyes turned into their + ends. Through these eyes I rove a sort of ridge-rope, leading it also + through the eyes of several stancheons that were firmly stepped on the + thwarts. The effect, when the ridge-rope was set up, was to give the boat + the protection of this waist-cloth, which inclined inboard, however, + sufficiently to leave an open passage between the two sides, of only about + half the beam of the boat. To the ridge-rope and lanyards, I had + tarpaulins firmly attached, tacking their lower edges strongly to the + outer sides of the boat. By this arrangement, when all was in its place, + and properly secured, a sea might break, or a wave slap against the boat, + without her taking in much water. It doubled her security in this + particular, more than answering the purposes of a half-deck and + wash-board. It is true, a very heavy wave might carry all away; but very + heavy waves would probably fill the boat, under any circumstances. Such a + craft could only find safety in her buoyancy; and we made her as safe as + an undecked vessel very well could be. + </p> + <p> + Marble watched me while I was superintending these changes in the boat, + with a good deal of interest; and one evening—I had announced an + intention to sail next morning, the Major and Emily having actually gone + on board—that evening, he got my arm, and led me away from the spot, + like a man who has urgent business. I could see that he was much affected, + and had strong hopes he intended to announce a change of purpose. His hand + actually trembled, the whole time it grasped my arm. + </p> + <p> + “God bless you! Miles—God bless you, dear boy!” he said, speaking + with difficulty, as soon as we were out of earshot from the others. “If + any being could make me pine for the world, it would be such a friend as + you. I could live on without father or mother, brother or sister, ship or + confidence of my owners, good name even, were I sure of meeting such a lad + as yourself in only every thousandth man I fell in with. But, young as you + are, you know how it is with mankind; and no more need be said about it. + All I ask now is, that you will knock off with this 'making him + comfortable,' as you call it, or you'll leave me nothing to do for myself. + I can fit out that boat as well as e'er a man in the Crisis, I'd have you + to know.” + </p> + <p> + “I am well aware of that, my friend; but I am not so certain that you <i>would.</i> + In that boat, I am in hopes you will follow us out to sea, and come on + board again, and take your old place as master.” + </p> + <p> + Marble shook his head, and I believe he saw by my manner that I had no + serious expectations of the sort I named. We walked some distance farther, + in silence, before he again spoke. Then he said suddenly, and in a way to + show how much his mind was troubled— + </p> + <p> + “Miles, my dear fellow, you must let me hear from you!” + </p> + <p> + “Hear from me! By what means, pray? You cannot expect the + Postmaster-General will make a mail-route between New York and this + island?” + </p> + <p> + “Poh! I'm getting old, and losing my memory. I was generalizing on + friendship, and the like of that, and the idee ran away with me. I know, + of course, when you are out of sight, that I shall be cut off from the + rest of the world—probably shall never see a human face again. But + what of that? My time cannot be long now, and I shall have the fish, fowls + and pigs to talk to. To tell you the truth, Miles. Miss Merton gave me her + own Bible yesterday, and, at my request, she pointed out that part which + gives the account about Moses in the bulrushes, and I've just been looking + it over: it is easy enough, now, to understand why I was called Moses.” + </p> + <p> + “But Moses did not think it necessary to go and live in a desert, or on an + uninhabited island, merely because he was found in those bulrushes.” + </p> + <p> + <i>“That</i> Moses had no occasion to be ashamed of his parents. It was + fear, not shame, that sent him adrift. Nor did Moses ever let a set of + lubberly Frenchmen seize a fine, stout ship, like the Crisis, with a good, + able-bodied crew of forty men on board her.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Marble, you have too much sense to talk in this manner. It is, + fortunately, not too late to change your mind; and I will let it be + understood that you did so at my persuasion.” + </p> + <p> + This was the commencement of a final effort on my part to induce my friend + to abandon his mad project. We conversed quite an hour, until I had + exhausted my breath, as well as my arguments, indeed; and all without the + least success. I pointed out to him the miserable plight he must be in, in + the event of illness; but it was an argument that had no effect on a man + who had never had even a headach in his life. As for society, he cared not + a straw for it when ashore, he often boasted; and he could not yet + appreciate the effects of total solitude. Once or twice, remarks escaped + him as if he thought it possible I might one day return; but they were + ventured in pleasantry, rather than with any appearance of seriousness. I + could see that the self-devoted hermit had his misgivings, but I could + obtain no verbal concession from him to that effect. He was reminded that + the ship must positively sail next day, since it would not do to trifle + with the interests of the owners any longer. + </p> + <p> + “I know it, Miles,” Marble answered, “and no more need be said on the + subject. Your people are through with their work, and here comes Neb to + report the boat ready to go off. I shall try my hand ashore to-night, + alone; in the morning, I suppose you would like to take an old shipmate by + the hand for the last time, and you will nat'rally look for me at the + water-side. Good-night! Before we part, however, I may as well thank you + for the supply of clothes I see you have put in my hut. It was scarcely + wanted, as I have enough needles and thread to supply a slop-shop; and the + old duck left by the French will keep me in jackets and trowsers for the + remainder of my days. Good-night, my dear boy! God bless you—God + bless you!” + </p> + <p> + It was nearly dark, but I could see that Marble's eyes looked moist, and + feel that his hand again trembled. I left him, not without the hope that + the solitude of this night, the first in which he had been left by + himself, would have the effect to lessen his desire to be a hermit. When I + turned in, it was understood that all hands were to be called at daylight, + and the ship unmoored. + </p> + <p> + Talcott came to call me, at the indicated moment. I had made him + chief-mate, and taken one of the Philadelphians for second officer; a + young man who had every requisite for the station, and one more than was + necessary, or a love of liquor. But, drunkards do tolerably well on board + a ship in which reasonable discipline is maintained. For that matter, + Neptune ought to be a profound moralist, as youths are very generally sent + to sea to cure most of the ethical flings. Talcott was directed to unmoor, + and heave short. As for myself, I got into a boat and pulled ashore, with + an intention of making a last and strong appeal to Marble. + </p> + <p> + No one was visible on the island when we reached it. The pigs and fowls + were already in motion, however, and were gathering near the door of the + hut, where Marble was accustomed to feed them about that hour; the fowls + on <i>sugar</i>, principally. I proceeded to the door, opened it, entered + the place, and found it empty! Its late inmate was then up, and abroad. He + had probably passed a sleepless night, and sought relief in the fresh air + of the morning. I looked for him in the adjacent grove, on the outer + beach, and in most of his usual haunts. He was nowhere visible. A little + vexed at having so long a walk before me, at a moment when we were so much + pressed for time, I was about to follow the grove to a distant part of the + island, to a spot that I knew Marble frequented a good deal, when moody; + but my steps were arrested by an accidental glance at the lagoon. I missed + the Frenchman's launch, or the boat I had: myself caused to be rigged with + so much care, the previous day, for the intended hermit's especial + advantage. This was a large boat; one that had been constructed to weigh a + heavy anchor; and I had left her, moored between a grapnel and the shore, + so securely, as to forbid the idea she could have been moved, in so quiet + a time, without the aid of hands. Rushing to the water, I got into my own + boat, and pulled directly on board. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the ship, a muster of all hands was ordered. The result proved + that everybody was present, and at duty. It followed that Marble, alone, + had carried the boat out of the lagoon. The men who had had the + anchor-watches during the past night, were questioned on the subject; but + no one had seen or heard anything of a movement in the launch. Mr. Talcott + was told to continue his duty, while I went aloft myself, to look at the + offing. I was soon in the main-top-mast cross-trees, where a view was + commanded of the whole island, a few covers excepted, of all the water + within the reef, and of a wide range without. Nowhere was the boat or + Marble to be seen. It was barely possible that he had concealed himself + behind the wreck, though I did not see how even this could be done, unless + he had taken the precaution to strike the launch's masts. + </p> + <p> + By this time, our last anchor was aweigh, and the ship was clear of the + bottom. The top-sails had been hoisted before I went aloft, and everything + was now ready for filling away. Too anxious to go on deck, under such + circumstances, and a lofty position being the best for ascertaining the + presence of rocks, I determined to remain where I was, and conn the ship + through the passes, in my own person. An order was accordingly given to + set the jib, and to swing the head-yards, and get the spanker on the ship. + In a minute, the Crisis was again in motion, moving steadily towards the + inlet. As the lagoon was not entirely free from danger, coral rocks rising + in places quite near the surface of the water, I was obliged to be + attentive to the pilot's duty, until we got into the outer bay, when this + particular danger in a great measure disappeared. I could then look about + me with more freedom. Though we so far changed our position, as respected + the wreck, as to open new views of it, no launch was to be seen behind it. + By the time the ship reached the passage through the reef, I had little + hope of finding it there. + </p> + <p> + We had got to be too familiar with the channels, to have any difficulty in + taking the ship through them; and we were soon fairly to windward of the + reef. Our course, however, lay to leeward; and we passed round the + southern side of the rocks, under the same easy canvass, until we got + abreast, and within half a cable's length of the wreck. To aid my own + eyes, I had called up Talcott and Neb; but neither of us could obtain the + least glimpse of the launch. Nothing was to be seen about the wreck; + though I took the precaution to send a boat to it. All was useless. Marble + had gone out to sea, quite alone, in the Frenchman's launch; and, though + twenty pairs of eyes were now aloft, no one could even fancy that he saw + anything in the offing, that resembled a boat. + </p> + <p> + Talcott and myself had a private interview on the subject of Marble's + probable course. My mate was of opinion, that our friend had made the best + of his way for some of the inhabited islands, unwilling to remain here, + when it came to the pinch, and yet ashamed to rejoin us. I could hardly + believe this; in such a case, I thought he would have waited until we had + sailed; when he might have left the island also, and nobody been the + wiser. To this Talcott answered that Marble probably feared our + importunities; possibly, compulsion. It seemed singular to me, that a man + who regretted his hasty decision, should adopt such a course; and yet I + was at a loss to explain the matter much more to my own satisfaction. + Nevertheless, there was no remedy. We were as much in the dark as it was + possible to be with a knowledge of the circumstance that the bird had + flown. + </p> + <p> + We hovered around the reef for several hours, most of which time I passed + in the cross-trees, and some of it on the royal-yard. Once, I thought I + saw a small speck on the ocean, dead to windward, that resembled a boat's + sail; but there were so many birds flying about, and glancing beneath the + sun's rays, that I was reluctantly compelled to admit it was probably one + of them. At meridian, therefore, I gave the order to square away, and to + make sail on our course. This was done with the greatest reluctance, + however, and not without a good deal of vaciliation of purpose. The ship + moved away from the land rapidly, and by two o'clock, the line of + cocoa-nut trees that fringed the horizon astern, sunk entirely beneath the + rolling margin of our view. From that moment, I abandoned the expectation + of ever seeing Moses Marble again, though the occurrence left all of us + sad, for several days. + </p> + <p> + Major Merton and his daughter were on the poop, nearly the whole of this + morning. Neither interfered in the least; for the old soldier was too + familiar with discipline to venture an opinion concerning the management + of the ship. When we met at dinner, however, the conversation naturally + turned on the disappearance of our old friend. + </p> + <p> + “It is a thousand pities that pride should have prevented Marble from + acknowledging his mistake,” observed the Major, “and thus kept him from + getting a safe passage to Canton, where he might have left you, and joined + another ship had he thought it necessary.” + </p> + <p> + “Where we shall do the same thing, I suppose, dear sir,” added Emily, with + a manner that I thought marked, “and thus relieve Captain Wallingford from + the encumbrance of our presence.” + </p> + <p> + “Me!—call your delightful society anything but an enumbrance, I beg + of you, Miss Merton,” I rejoined in haste. + </p> + <p> + “Now, that Mr. Le Compte has furnished this comfortable cabin, and you are + no longer at any inconvenience to yourselves, I would not be deprived of + the advantage and pleasure of this association, for more than I dare + mention.” + </p> + <p> + Emily looked gratified; while her father appeared to me to be thoughtful. + After a brief pause, however, the Major resumed the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “I should certainly feel myself bound to make many apologies for the + trouble we are giving,” he said, “especially, since I understand from + Wallingford, he will not accept, either for himself or his owners, + anything like compensation even for the food we consume, were it not that + we are here by constraint, and not by any agency of our own. As soon as we + reach Canton, however, I shall feel it a duty to get on board the first + English ship that will receive us.” + </p> + <p> + I stole a glance at Emily, but could not understand the expression of her + countenance, as she heard this announcement. Of course, I made an earnest + protest against the Major's doing anything of the sort; and yet I could + not well find any sufficient reason for urging him to remain where he was, + beyond my own gratification. I could not go to either England, or Bombay; + and I took it for granted Major Merton wished to proceed, at once, to one, + if not to both of these places. We conversed, a little generally perhaps, + on the subject for some time longer; and when I left the cabin, it struck + me, Emily's melancholy had, in no degree, lessened. + </p> + <p> + It is a long road to traverse over half of the Pacific. Weeks and weeks + were thus occupied; Talcott and myself profiting by every suitable + occasion, to enjoy the advantages of the association chance had thus + thrown in our way. I make no doubt I was greatly benefited by my constant + communications with the Mertons; the Major being a cultivated, though not + a particularly brilliant, man; while I conceive it to be utterly + impossible for two young men, of our time of life and profession, to be + daily, almost hourly, in the company of a young woman like Emily Merton, + without losing some of the peculiar roughness of the sea, and getting, in + its place, some small portion of the gentler qualities of the saloon. I + date a certain <i>a plomb</i>, an absence of shyness in the company of + females, from this habitual intercourse with one of the sex who had, + herself, been carefully educated in the conventionalities of respectable, + if not of very elegant or sophisticated society. + </p> + <p> + At length we reached the China seas, and falling in to windward, we made a + quick run to Canton. It now became necessary for me to attend to the ship + and the interests of my owners; suffering my passengers to land at + Whampoa, with the understanding we were to meet before either party + sailed. I soon disposed of the sandal-wood and skins, and found no + difficulty in procuring teas, nankins, china-ware, and the other articles + pointed out, in the instructions to poor Captain Williams. I profited by + the occasion, also, to make certain purchases on my own account, that I + had a presentiment would be particularly agreeable to the future mistress + of Clawbonny, let that lady turn out to be whomsoever she might. The + dollars obtained on the west coast of South America enabled me to do this; + my instructions giving the necessary authority to use a few of them on + private account. My privilege as master rendered all proper. + </p> + <p> + In a word, the residence of six or eight weeks at Canton, proved a very + advantageous affair for those whose money was embarked in the Crisis. + Sandal-wood and sea-otter skins brought particularly high prices; while + teas, and the manufactures of the country, happened to be low. I had no + merit in this; not a particle; and yet I reaped the advantage, so far as + advantage was connected with the mere reputation of the voyage; success + being of nearly as great account in commerce, as in war. It is true, I + worked like a dog; for I worked under an entirely novel sense of + responsibility, and with a feeling I am certain that could never have + oppressed me in the care of my own property; and I deserved some portion + of the credit subsequently obtained. At all events, I was heartily + rejoiced when the hatches were on, and the ship was once more ready for + sea. + </p> + <p> + It now became a duty, as well as a pleasure, to seek Major Merton, whom I + had seen but once or twice during the last two months. He had passed that + time at Whampao, while I had been either at the factories, or on board. + The Major was occupied when I called; and Emily received me alone. When + she learned that I was ready to sail for home, and had come to take my + leave, it was easy to see that she was uneasy, if not distressed. I felt + unhappy at parting too, and perhaps I had less scruple about saying as + much. + </p> + <p> + “God only knows, Miss Merton, whether we are ever to be permitted to see + each other again,” I remarked, after the preliminary explanations had been + made. + </p> + <p> + The reader will remember that I am now an old man, and that vanity no + longer has any of that influence over me which it might be supposed to + possess over one of more juvenile hopes and feelings; that I relate facts, + without reference to their effect on myself, beyond the general salvo of + some lingering weaknesses of humanity. I trust, therefore, I shall be + understood in all my necessary allusions to the estimation in which I was + apparently held by others. Emily fairly started when I made this remark + concerning the probable duration of the approaching separation, and the + colour left her cheek. Her pretty white hand shook, so that she had + difficulty in using her needle; and there was an appearance of agitation + and distress about the charming girl, that I had never before witnessed in + one whose manner was usually so self-possessed and calm. I <i>now</i> know + the reason why I did not throw myself on my knees, and beg the charming + girl to consent to accompany me to America, though I wondered at myself + afterwards, when I came to reflect coolly on all that passed, for my + stoicism. I will not affirm that I fancied Emily's agitation to be + altogether owing to myself; but I confess to an inability to account for + it, in any other manner, as agreeable to myself. The appearance of Major + Merton at that instant, however, prevented everything like a scene, and + probably restored us both to a consciousness of the necessity of seeming + calm. As for the Major, himself, he was evidently far from being + unconcerned, something having occurred to disturb him. So very apparent + was this, that I commenced the discourse by asking if he were unwell. + </p> + <p> + “Always <i>that,</i> I fear, Miles,” he answered; “my physician has just + told me frankly, unless I get into a cold climate as soon as possible, my + life will not be worth six months' purchase.” + </p> + <p> + “Then sail with me, sir,” I cried, with an eagerness and heartiness that + must have proved my sincerity. “Happily, I am not too late to make the + offer; and, as for getting away, I am ready to sail to-morrow!” + </p> + <p> + “I am forbidden to go near Bombay,” continued the Major, looking anxiously + at his daughter; “and that appointment must be abandoned. If I could + continue to hold it, there is no probability of a chance to reach my + station this half-year.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for me, sir. In four or five months from this moment, + I will land you in New York, where you will find the climate cold enough + for any disease. I ask you as friends—as guests—not as + passengers; and to prove it, the table of the upper cabin, in future, + shall be mine. I have barely left room in the lower cabin to sleep or + dress in, having filled it with my own private venture, as is my right.” + </p> + <p> + “You are as generous as kind, Miles; but what will your owners think of + such an arrangement?” + </p> + <p> + “They have no right to complain. The cabin and passengers, should any of + the last offer, after deducting a very small allowance for the ship's + portion of the food and water, are mine by agreement. All the better food + I find at my own charge; and, should you insist on remunerating the owners + for the coarser, or such as they find, you can do so, it will be less than + a hundred dollars, at the most.” + </p> + <p> + “On these conditions, then, I shall thankfully profit by your offer; + attaching, however, one more that I trust you may be permitted to fulfil. + It is important to me that I reach England—can you touch at St. + Helena?” + </p> + <p> + “Willingly, if it be your wish. The health of the crew, moreover, may + render it desirable.” + </p> + <p> + “There, then, I will quit you, if an opportunity offer to proceed to + England. Our bargain is made, dear Miles; and to-morrow I shall be ready + to embark.” + </p> + <p> + I think Emily never looked more beautiful than she did while listening to + this arrangement. It doubtless relieved her mind on the painful subject of + her father's health, and I fancied it relieved it also on the subject of + our own immediate separation. Months must elapse before we could reach St. + Helena; and who could foresee what those months might bring forth? As I + had a good deal to do at such a moment, I took my leave, with my feelings + lightened, as it might be, of a burthen. The reader will at once infer, I + was in love. But he will be mistaken. I was not in love; though my + imagination, to use a cant phrase of some of the sects, was greatly + exercised. Lucy, even then, had a hold of my <i>heart</i> in a way of + which I was ignorant myself; but it was not in nature for a youth, just + approaching his majority, to pass months and months, almost alone, in the + society of a lovely girl who was a year or two his junior, and not admit + some degree of tenderness towards her in big feelings. The circumstances + were sufficient to try the constancy of the most faithful swain that ever + lived. Then, it must be remembered that I had never professed love to Lucy—was + not at all aware that she entertained any other sentiment towards me than + that she entertained towards Rupert; whereas Emily—but I will not + prove myself a coxcomb on paper, whatever I might have been, at the + moment, in my own imagination. + </p> + <p> + Next day, at the appointed hour, I had the happiness to receive my old + passengers. It struck me that Talcott was as much gratified as I was + myself; for he, too, had both pleasure and improvement in Emily Morton's + society. It has often been said that the English East-India ships are + noted for quarrelling and making love. The quarrels may be accounted for + on the same principle as the love-making, viz., propinquity; the same + proximity producing hostility in whose sterner natures, that, in others of + a gentler cast, produces its opposite feeling. We sailed, and it is + scarcely necessary to tell the reader how much the tedium of so long a + voyage, and the monotony of a sea-voyage, was relieved by the graces and + gentle intercourse of our upper cabin. The other apartment being so + crowded and hot, I passed most of my time in the poop, which was both + light and airy. Here I generally found the father and daughter, though + often the latter alone. I played reasonably well on the flute and violin, + and had learned to accompany Emily on her piano, which, it will be + remembered, Mons. Le Compte had caused to be transferred from the Bombay + ship to his own vessel, and which had subsequently been saved from the + wreck. + </p> + <p> + Talcott played also on the flute, far better than I did myself; and we + frequently made a trio, producing very respectable sea-music—better, + indeed, than Neptune often got for his smiles. In this manner, then, we + travelled our long road, sometimes contending with head-winds and + cross-seas, sometimes becalmed, and sometimes slipping along at a rate + that rendered everybody contented and happy. + </p> + <p> + In passing the Straits of Sunda, I related to Major Merton and Emily the + incidents of the John's affair with the proas, and her subsequent loss on + the island of Madagascar; and was rewarded by the interest they took in + the tale. We all spoke of Marble, as indeed we often did, and expressed + our regrets at his absence. The fate of my old shipmate was frequently + discussed among us, there being a great diversity of opinion on the + subject. As for the Major, he thought poor Marble must be lost at sea, for + he did not perceive how any one man could manage a boat all alone by + himself. Talcott, who had juster notions of what a seaman could do, was of + opinion that our late commander had run to leeward, in the hope of finding + some inhabited island, preferring the association of even cannibals, when + it came to the trying moment, to total solitude. I thought he had gone to + windward, the boat being so well equipped for that service, and that + Marble was in the expectation of falling in with some of the whalers, who + were known to be cruising in certain latitudes. I was greatly struck, + however, by a remark made by Emily, on the evening of the very day when we + passed the Straits of Sunda. + </p> + <p> + “Should the truth be ever known, gentlemen,” she said, “I am of opinion it + will be found that poor Mr. Marble only left the island to escape from + your importunities, and returned to it after the ship disappeared; and + that he is there at this moment, enjoying all the happiness of a hermit.” + </p> + <p> + This might be true, and from that hour the thought would occasionally + recur to my mind. As I looked forward to passing at least several more + years at sea, I secretly determined to ascertain the fact for myself, + should occasion ever offer. In the mean time, the Crisis had reached a + part of the ocean where, in those days, it was incumbent on those who had + the charge of a ship to keep a vigilant look-out for enemies. It seems we + were not fated to run the gauntlet of these pirates entirely unharmed. + </p> + <p> + Early on the following morning, I was awoke by Talcott's giving me a + hearty shake of the shoulder. + </p> + <p> + “Turn out at once, Captain Wallingford,” cried my mate, “the rascals are + closing around us like crows about a carcase. As bad luck will have it, we + have neither room nor breeze, to spare. Everything looks like a busy + morning for us, sir.” + </p> + <p> + In just three minutes from that moment, I was on deck, where all hands + were soon collected, the men tumbling up, with their jackets in their + hands. Major Merton was already on the poop, surveying the scene with a + glass of his own; while the two mates were clearing away the guns, and + getting the ship in a state to make a suitable defence. To me, the + situation was altogether novel. I had been six times in the presence of + enemies before, and twice as commander; but never under circumstances that + called so imperiously for seamanship and good conduct. The ocean seemed + covered with enemies, Major Merton declaring that he could count no less + than twenty-eight proas, all full of men, and some of them armed with + artillery. These chaps were ahead, astern, to windward, and to leeward; + and, what was worse, they had just wind enough to suit their purposes, + there being about a five-knot breeze. It was evident that the craft acted + in concert, and that they were desperately bent on our capture, having + closed around us in this manner in the night. Nevertheless, we were a warm + ship for a merchantman; and not a man in the Crisis betrayed any feeling + that indicated any other desire than a wish to resist to the last. As for + Neb, the fellow was in a broad grin, the whole time; he considered the + affair as a bit of fun. Yet this negro was afraid to visit certain places + about the farm in the dark, and could not have been induced to cross a + church-yard alone, under a bright sun, I feel well persuaded. He was the + oddest mixture of superstitious dread and lion-hearted courage, I ever met + with in my life. + </p> + <p> + It was still early, when the proas were near enough to commence serious + operations. This they did, by a nearly simultaneous discharge of about a + dozen guns, principally sixes, that they carried mounted in their bows. + The shot came whistling in among our spars and rigging, literally from + every direction, and three struck, though they were not of a size to do + any serious injury. Our people were at quarters, having managed to man + both batteries, though it left scarcely any one to look after the braces + and rigging, and none but the officers with small-arms. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Merton must have felt that he and his daughter's liberty, if not their + lives, were in the keeping of a very youthful commander; still, his + military habits of subordination were so strong, he did not venture even a + suggestion. I had my own plan, and was just of an age to think it + derogatory to my rank, to ask advice of any one. The proas were strongest + ahead and on both bows, where they were collecting to the number of near + twenty, evidently with the intention of boarding, should an opportunity + offer; while, astern, and on our quarter, they were much fewer, and far + more scattered. The reason of all this was apparent by our course, the + pirates naturally supposing we should continue to stand on. + </p> + <p> + Orders were given to haul up the mainsail and to man the spanker-brails. + The men were taken from the starboard battery, exclusively, to perform + this work. When all was ready, the helm was put up, and the ship was + brought as short round on her heel, as possible, hauling up, on an easy + bowline, on the other tack. In coming round, we delivered all our larboard + guns among the crowd of enemies, well crammed with grape; and the distance + being just right for scattering, this broadside was not without effect. As + soon as braced up, on the other tack, we opened starboard and larboard, on + such of the chaps as came within range; clearing our way as we went. The + headmost proas all came round in chase; but, being from half a mile to a + mile astern, we had time to open a way out of the circle, and to drive all + the proas who were now ahead of us, to take refuge among the crowd of + their fellows. The manoeuvre was handsomely executed; and, in twenty + minutes we ceased firing, having all our enemies to the westward of us, + and in one group: this was an immense advantage, as it enabled us to fight + with a single broadside, prevented our being raked, and rendered our own + fire more destructive, by exposing to it a more concentrated, and, at the + same time, a larger object. I ought to have said before, that the wind was + at the southward. + </p> + <p> + The Crisis now tacked, setting the courses and royals. The ship lay up + well, and the proas having collected around their admiral, there was a + prospect of her passing to windward of everything. Six of the fellows, + however, seemed determined to prevent this, by hauling close on a wind, + and attempting to cross our bows, firing as they did so. The ship stood + on, apparently as if to intercept them; when, finding ourselves near + enough, we kept away about three points, and swept directly down in the + very centre of the main body of the proas. As this was done, the enemy, + taken by surprise, cleared a way for us, and we passed the whole of them, + delivering grape and canister, as fast as we could deal it out. In the + height of the affair, and the thickest of the smoke, three or four of the + proas were seen quite near us, attempting to close; but I did not think it + necessary to call the people from the guns, which were worked with great + quickness, and did heavy execution. I fancy the pirates found it hotter + than they liked, for they did not keep on with us; though our lofty sails + gave us an advantage, and would have enabled us to leave them, had they + pursued a different course. As it was, we were clear of them, in about + five minutes; and the smoke beginning to rise, we soon got a view of what + had been done in that brief space. In order to increase our distance, + however, we still kept away, running pretty fast through the water. + </p> + <p> + By the confusion which prevailed among the pirates, the rascals had been + well peppered. One had actually sunk, and five or six were round the spot, + endeavouring to pick up the crew. Three more had suffered in their spars, + and the movements indicated that all had enough. As soon as satisfied of + this, I hauled the ship up to her course, and we continued to leave the + cluster of boats, which remained around the spot where their consort had + gone down. Those of the fellows to windward, however, did not seem + disposed to give it up, but followed us for two hours, by which time the + rest of their flotilla were hull down. Believing there was now plenty of + room, I tacked towards these persevering gentry, when they went about like + tops, and hauled off sharp on a wind. We tacked once more to our course, + and were followed no further. + </p> + <p> + The captain of a pepper ship afterwards told me, that our assailants lost + forty-seven men, mostly killed, or died of their hurts, and that he had + understood that the same officer commanded the Crisis that had commanded + the “John,” in <i>her</i> affair, near the same spot. We had some rigging + cut, a few of our spars slightly injured, and two men hurt, one of whom + happened to be Neb. The man most hurt died before we reached the Cape, but + more from the want of surgical assistance, than from the original + character of his wound. As for Neb, he went to duty before we reached St. + Helena. For my part, I was surprised one of the proas did not get down his + throat, his grin being wide enough, during the whole affair, to admit of + the passage of a two-decker. + </p> + <p> + We went into the island, as had been agreed, but no ship offering and none + being expected soon, it became necessary for my passengers to continue on + with us to New York. Emily had behaved uncommonly well in the brush with + the pirates, and everybody was glad to keep her in the ship. The men swore + she brought good luck, forgetting that the poor girl must have met with + much ill-luck, in order to be in the situation in which she was actually + placed. + </p> + <p> + Nothing occurred on the passage from St. Helena to New York, worthy of + being specially recorded. It was rather long, but I cannot say it was + unpleasant. At length our reckoning told us to look out for land. The + Major and Emily were on deck, all expectation, and ere long we heard the + welcome cry. A hazy cloud was just visible on our lee-bow. It grew more + and more dense and distinct, until it showed the hues and furrows of a + mountain-side. The low point of the Hook, and the higher land beyond, then + came in view. We glided past the light, doubled the Spit, and got into the + upper bay, just an hour before the sun of a beautiful day in June was + setting. This was in the year of our Lord 1802. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Drink! drink! to whom shall we drink? + To a friend or a mistress?—Come, let me think! + To those who are absent or those who are here? + To the dead that we loved, or the living still dear? + Alas! when I look I find none of the last! + The present is barren—let's drink to the past.” + PAULDING. +</pre> + <p> + Though strictly a Manhattanese as a sailor, I shall not run into rhapsody + on the subject of the beauties of the inner or outer bay of this + prosperous place. No man but one besotted with provincial conceit could + ever think of comparing the harbour of New York with the Bay of Naples; + nor do I know two places, that have the same great elements of land and + water that are less alike. The harbour of New York is barely pretty; not a + particle more, if quite as much; while the Bay of Naples is almost what + its owners so fondly term it, “a little bit of heaven, fallen upon earth.” + On the other hand, however, Naples, as a haven, is not to be mentioned in + the same breath with the great American mart, which, <i>as a port</i>, has + no competitor within the circle of my knowledge, Constantinople alone + excepted. I wish my semi-townsmen, the Manhattanese, could be persuaded of + these facts, as, when they <i>do</i> brag, as the wisest of mortals + sometimes will, they might brag of their strong, and not of their weak + points, as is now too often the case. + </p> + <p> + The Major, Emily and myself, stood on the poop, regarding the scene, as + the ship glided onward, before a good south-east breeze. I watched the + countenances of my companions with interest, for I had the nervousness of + a tyro and a provincial, on the subject of the opinions of the people of + other lands, concerning everything that affected my own. I could see that + the Major was not particularly struck; and I was disappointed, <i>then</i>, + whatever may be my opinion <i>now</i>. Emily better answered my hopes. + Whether the charming girl really felt the vast contrast between a view of + the unbroken expanse of the ocean, and the scene before her, or was + disposed to please her host, she did not hesitate to express delight. I + let her understand how much I was gratified; and thus our long, long + voyage, and that, so far as degrees of longitude were concerned, nearly + embraced the circuit of the earth, may be said to have terminated with the + kindest feelings. + </p> + <p> + The ship was off Bedlow's, and the pilot had begun to shorten sail, when a + schooner crossed our fore-foot, beating down. I had been too much occupied + with the general movement of the bay, to notice one small craft; but, this + vessel happening to tack quite near us, I could not but turn my eyes in + her direction. At that instant I heard a shout from Neb, who was furling + one of the royals. It was one of those irrepressible “nigger gollies” that + often escaped from the fellow involuntarily. + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by that uproar, on the mizen-royal yard,” I called out + angrily—for the <i>style</i> of my ship had now become an object of + concern with me. “Keep silence, sir, or I'll find a way to instruct you in + the art.” + </p> + <p> + “Lord!—masser Mile—” cried the negro, pointing eagerly towards + the schooner—“there go Pretty Poll.” + </p> + <p> + It was our old craft sure enough, and I hailed her, incontinently. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty Polly, ahoy!” + </p> + <p> + “Halloo!” + </p> + <p> + “Where are you bound, sir; and when did that schooner get in from the + Pacific?” + </p> + <p> + “We are bound to Martinique—The Poll got home from the South Seas + about six months since. This is her third voyage to the West Indies, + since.” + </p> + <p> + Here then was the certainty that the cargo sent home, and the letter with + it, were all safe. I must be expected, and the owners would soon hear of + my arrival. We were not kept long in doubt; for, as the ship entered the + Hudson, a boat approached, and in her were two of the principal members of + our firm. I had seen them, and that is all; but my own letters, and the + report of the officer who brought home the schooner, had told them all + about me. Could Nelson, after his victory of the Nile, have walked into + the King of England's private cabinet with the news of his own success, + his reception would not have been more flattering than that I now + received. I was “Captain Wallingforded” at every sentence; and + commendations were so intermixed with inquiries about the value of the + cargo, that I did not know which to answer first. I was invited to dine + the very next day by both the gentlemen in the same breath; and when I + raised some objections connected with the duty of the ship, the + invitations were extended from day to day, for a week. So very welcome is + he who brings us gold! + </p> + <p> + We went alongside of a North River wharf, and had everything secure, just + as the sun was setting. The people were then allowed to go ashore for the + night. Not a soul of them asked for a dollar; but the men walked up the + wharf attended by a circle of admiring landlords, that put them all above + want. The sailor who has three years' pay under his lee, is a sort of + Rothschild on Jack's Exchange. All the harpies about our lads knew that + the Crisis and her teas, &c. were hypothecated to meet their own ten + and twenty dollar advances. + </p> + <p> + I dressed myself hurriedly, and ordered Neb to imitate my example. One of + the owners had kindly volunteered to see Major Merton and Emily to a + suitable residence, with an alacrity that surprised me. But the influence + of England, and Englishmen, in all America, was exceedingly great forty + years since. This was still more true in New York, than in the country + generally; and a half-pay English Major was a species of nobleman among + the better sort of Manhattanese of that day. How many of these quasi lords + have I seen, whose patents of nobility were merely the commissions of + captains and lieutenants, signed by the Majesty of England! In that day—it + is nonsense to deny it—the man who had served <i>against</i> the + country, provided he was a “British officer,” was a better man than he who + had served in our own ranks. This was true, however, only as regarded <i>society;</i> + the ballot-boxes, and the <i>people</i>, giving very different indications + of their sentiments on such subjects. Nor is this result, so far as New + York was concerned, as surprising as, at first sight, it may possibly + appear. Viewed as a class, the gentry of New York took sides with the + crown. It is true, that the portion of this gentry which might almost be + called <i>baronial</i>—it was strictly <i>manorial</i>—was + pretty equally divided, carrying with them their collaterals; but the + larger portions of this entire class of the elite of society took sides + with the crown; and the peace of '83 found no small part of them in + possession of their old social stations; the confiscations affecting few + beyond the most important, and the richest of the delinquents. I can give + an instance, within my own immediate knowledge, of the sort of justice of + these confiscations. The head of one of the most important of all the + colonial families, was a man of indolent habits, and was much indisposed + to any active pursuits. This gentleman was enormously rich, and his + estates were confiscated and sold. Now this attainted traitor had a + younger brother who was actually serving in the British army in America, + his regiment sharing in the battles of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, Monmouth, + &c. But the Major was a younger son; and, in virtue of that republican + merit, he escaped the consequences of his adhesion to the service of the + crown; and after the revolution, the cadet returned to his native country, + took quiet possession of a property of no inconsiderable amount, while his + senior passed his days in exile, paying the bitter penalty of being rich + in a revolution. It was a consequence of the peculiarities first + mentioned, that the Manhattanese society set so high a value on English + connection. They still admired, as the provincial only can admire; and + they worshipped, as the provincial worships; or, at a safe distance. The + strange medley of truth, cant, selfishness, sophistry and good faith, that + founded the political hostility to the movements of the French revolution, + had as ardent believers in this country, as it had in England itself; and + this contributed to sustain the sort of feeling I have described. Of the + fact, there can be no doubt, as any one will testify who knew New York + society forty years ago. + </p> + <p> + No wonder then, that Major Merton and Emily fared well, on their sudden + arrival in the country. Some romance, moreover, was attached to their + adventures; and I had no great reason to give myself any anxiety on their + account. There was little doubt of their soon being much more at home, + than I could hope to be, though in my native land. + </p> + <p> + Neb soon reported himself ready for shore-duty, and I ordered him to + follow me. It was my intention to proceed to the counting-house of the + owners, to receive some letters that awaited me, and, after writing short + answers, to despatch the black at once to Clawbonny, with the intelligence + of my return. In 1802, the Battery was the court-end of the town, and it + was a good deal frequented by the better classes, particularly at the hour + at which I was now about to cross it. I have never returned from a voyage, + especially to Europe, without being particularly struck with two things in + the great Western Emporium—since the common councils and the editors + insist on the word—viz., the provincial appearance of everything + that meets the eye, and the beauty of the younger females; meaning, + however, by the last, the true, native, portion of the population, and not + the throng from Ireland and Germany, who now crowd the streets; and who, + certainly, as a body, are not in the least remarkable for personal charms. + But an American can tell an American, man or woman, as soon as he lays + eyes on either; and there were few besides native girls on the Battery at + the time of which I am writing. As there were many children taking their + evening walk, and black servants were far more common than now, Neb had + his share of delights, too, and I heard him exclaim “Golly!” twice, before + we reached the centre of the Battery. This exclamation escaped him on + passing as many sable Venuses, each of whom bridled up at the fellow's + admiration, and doubtless was as much offended as the sex is apt to be on + such occasions. + </p> + <p> + I must have passed twenty young women, that evening, either of whom would + induce a youth to turn round to look again; and, for the moment, I forgot + my errand. Neither Neb nor I was in any hurry. We were strolling along, in + this manner, gazing right and left, when a party approached, under the + trees, that drew all my attention to itself. In front walked a young man + and young woman, who were dressed simply, but with a taste that denoted + persons of the better class. The former was remarkable for nothing, unless + it might be a rattling vivacity, of which large doses were administered to + his fair companion, who, seemingly, swallowed it less reluctantly than + doses of another sort are so often received. At least, I thought so, while + the two were at a distance, by the beautiful glistening teeth that were + shining like my own spotless pearls, between lips of coral. The air, + beauty, figure, and, indeed, all connected with this singularly lovely + young creature, struck my imagination at once. It was not so much her + beauty, though that was decided and attractive, as the admixture of + feminine delicacy with blooming health; the walk, so natural and yet so + full of lightness and grace; the laugh, so joyous and still so quiet and + suited to her sex; and the entire air and manner, which denoted equally, + buoyant health and happiness, the gracefulness of one who thought not of + herself, and the refinement which is quite as much the gift of native + sentiment, as the fruit of art and association. I could not tell what her + companion was saying; but, as they approached, I fancied them acknowledged + lovers, on whom fortune, friends, and circumstances smiled alike. A glance + aside told me that even Neb was struck by the being before him, and that + he had ceased looking at the sable Venuses, to gaze at this. + </p> + <p> + I could not keep my gaze off the face of this lovely creature, who did not + let me get a good look of her dark-blue eyes, however, until I was quite + near, when they were naturally turned towards the form that approached. + For a few seconds, while in the very act of passing, we looked intently at + each other, and the charm said to be possessed by certain animals, was not + more powerful than was our mutual gaze. In this manner we had actually + passed each other, and I was still in a sort of mystified prance, when I + heard suddenly, in a voice and tone that caused every nerve to thrill + within me, the single word— + </p> + <p> + “Miles!” + </p> + <p> + Turning, and taking another look, it was impossible any longer to mistake. + Lucy Hardinge stood before me, trembling, uncertain, her face now pale as + death, now flushed to scarlet, her hands clasped, her look doubting, + eager, shrinking, equally denoting hope and fear, and all so blended, as + to render her the most perfect picture of female truth, feeling, + diffidence, and natural modesty, I had ever beheld. + </p> + <p> + “Lucy—is it—<i>can</i> it be possible!—It is then <i>you</i>, + I thought so gloriously beautiful, and that without knowing you, too.” + </p> + <p> + I take it for granted, had I studied a week, I should not have composed a + more grateful salutation than this, which burst forth in a way that set + all the usual restraints of manners at defiance. Of course, I felt bound + to go through with the matter as prosperously as I had commenced, and in + spite of the publicity of the place, in spite of half a dozen persons, who + heard what passed, and had turned, smiling, to see what would come next, + in spite of the grave-looking gentleman who had so lately been all + vivacity and gaiety, I advanced, folded the dear girl to my heart, and + gave her such a kiss, as I'll take upon myself to say, she had never + before received. Sailors, usually, do not perform such things by halves, + and I never was more in earnest in my life. Such a salutation, from a + young fellow who stood rather more than six feet in his stockings, had a + pair of whiskers that had come all the way from the Pacific with very + little trimming, and who possessed a manliness about him of which mere + walking up and down Broadway would have robbed a young Hercules, had the + effect to cover poor Lucy with blushes and confusion. + </p> + <p> + “There—that will do, Miles,” she said, struggling to get free—“a + truce, I pray you. See, yonder are Grace and my father, and Rupert.” + </p> + <p> + There they all were, sure enough, the whole family having come out, to + take an evening walk, in company with a certain Mr. Andrew Drewett, a + young gentleman who was a fellow-student of Rupert's, and who, as I + afterwards ascertained, was a pretty open admirer of Rupert's sister. + There was a marked difference in the manner in which I was received by + Grace and Lucy. The first exclaimed “Miles!” precisely as the last had + exclaimed; her colour heightened, and tears forced themselves into her + eyes, but she could not be said to blush. Instead of first manifesting an + eagerness to meet my salute, and then shrinking sensitively from it, she + flung her delicate arms round my neck, without the slightest reserve, both + arms too, kissed me six or eight times without stopping, and then began to + sob, as if her heart would break. The spectators, who saw in all this the + plain, honest, natural, undisguised affection of a sister, had the good + taste to walk on, though I could see that their countenances sympathised + with so happy a family meeting. I had but a moment to press Grace to my + heart, before Mr. Hardinge's voice drew my attention to him. The good old + man forgot that I was two inches taller than he was himself; that I could, + with ease, have lifted him from the earth, and carried him in my arms, as + if he were an infant; that I was bronzed by a long voyage, and had Pacific + Ocean whiskers; for he caressed me as if I had been a child, kissed me + quite as often as Grace had done, blessed me aloud, and then gave way to + his tears, as freely as both the girls. But for this burst of feeling on + the part of a grey-headed old clergyman, I am afraid our scene would not + altogether have escaped ridicule. As it was, however, this saved us. + Clergymen were far more respected in America, forty years ago, than they + are to-day, though I think they have still as much consideration here as + in most other countries; and the general respect felt for the class would + have insured us from any manifestations of the sort, without the nature + and emotion which came in its aid. As for myself, I was glad to take + refuge in Rupert's hearty but less sentimental shake of the hand. After + this, we all sought a seat, in a less public spot, and were soon + sufficiently composed to converse. As for the gentleman named Drewett, he + waited long enough to inquire of Lucy who I was, and then he had + sufficient tact to wish us all good evening. I overheard the little + dialogue which produced this explanation. + </p> + <p> + “A close friend, if not a near relation, Miss Hardinge?” he observed, + inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” answered the smiling, weeping girl, with the undisguised truth + of her honest nature—“both friend and relative.” + </p> + <p> + “May I presume to ask the name?” + </p> + <p> + “The name, Mr. Drewett!—Why it is Miles—dear Miles—you + surely have heard us speak of Miles—but I forget; you never were at + Clawbonny—is it not a most joyful surprise, dearest, dearest Grace!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Andrew Drewett waited, I thought, with most commendable patience for + Grace to squeeze Lucy's hand, and to murmur her own felicitations, when he + ventured to add— + </p> + <p> + “You were about to say something, Miss Hardinge?” + </p> + <p> + “Was I—I declare I have forgotten what it was. Such a surprise—such + a joyful, blessed surprise—I beg pardon, Mr. Drewett—ah. I + remember now; I was about to say that this is Mr. Miles Wallingford, of + Clawbonny, the gentleman who is my father's ward—Grace's brother, + you know.” + </p> + <p> + “And how related to yourself, Miss Hardinge?” the gentleman continued, a + little perseveringly. + </p> + <p> + “To me! Oh! very, very near—that is—I forget so much this + evening—why, not at all.” + </p> + <p> + It was at this moment Mr. Drewett saw fit to make his parting salutations + with studied decorum, and to take his leave in a manner so polite, that, + though tempted, I could not, just at the moment, stop the current of my + feelings, to admire. No one seemed to miss him, however, and we five, who + remained, were soon seated in the spot I have mentioned, and as much + abstracted from the scene around us, as if we had been on the rustic + bench, under the old elm, on the lawn—if I dare use so fine a word, + for so unpretending a place—at Clawbonny. I had my station between + Mr. Hardinge and Grace, while Lucy sat next her father, and Rupert next to + my sister. My friend could see me, without difficulty, owing to his + stature, while I saw the glistening eyes of Lucy, riveted on my face, as + leaning on her father's knee, she bent her graceful form forward, in + absorbed attention. + </p> + <p> + “We expected you; we have not been taken <i>altogether</i> by surprise!” + exclaimed good Mr. Hardinge, clapping his hand on my shoulder, as if to + say he could now begin to treat me like a man. “I consented to come down, + just at this moment, because the last Canton ship that arrived brought the + intelligence that the Crisis was to sail in ten days.” + </p> + <p> + “And you may judge of our surprise,” said Rupert, “when we read the report + in the papers, 'The Crisis, <i>Captain Wallingford</i>.'” + </p> + <p> + “I supposed my letters from the island had prepared you for this,” I + observed. + </p> + <p> + “In them, you spoke of Mr. Marble, and I naturally concluded, when it came + to the pinch, the man would resume the command, and bring the ship home. + Duty to the owners would be apt to induce him.” + </p> + <p> + “He did not,” I answered, a little proudly perhaps, forgetting poor + Marble's probable situation, for an instant, in my own vanity. “Mr. Marble + understood well, that if I knew nothing else, I knew how to take care of a + ship.” + </p> + <p> + “So it seems, my dear boy, indeed, so it doth seem!” said Mr. Hardinge, + kindly. “I hear from all quarters, you conduct commended; and the recovery + of the vessel from the French, was really worthy of Truxtun himself.” + </p> + <p> + At that day, Truxtun was the great gun of American naval idolatry, and had + as much local reputation, as Nelson himself enjoyed in England. The + allusion was a sore assault on my modesty; but I got along with it, as + well as I could. + </p> + <p> + “I endeavoured to do my duty, sir,” I answered, trying not to look at + Lucy, and seem meek; “and it would have been a terrible disgrace to have + come home, and been obliged to say the French got the ship from us, when + we were all asleep.” + </p> + <p> + “But you took a ship from the French, in that manner, and kept her too!” + said a soft voice, every intonation of which was music to me. + </p> + <p> + I looked round and saw the speaking eyes of Lucy, just clear of the grey + coat of her father, behind which she instinctively shrank, the instant she + caught my glance. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” I answered, “we did something of that sort, and were a little more + fortunate than our enemies. But, you will recollect we were much favoured + by the complaisance of poor Monsieur Le Compte, in leaving us a schooner + to work our mischief in.” + </p> + <p> + “I have always thought that part of your story, Miles, a little + extraordinary,” observed Mr. Hardinge; “though I suppose this Frenchman's + liberality was, in some measure, a matter of necessity, out there, in the + middle of the Pacific.” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think you do Captain Le Compte justice, sir. He was a chivalrous + fellow, and every way a gallant seaman. It is possible, he was rather more + in a hurry than he might have been, but for his passengers—that is + all—at least, I have always suspected that the wish to have Miss + Merton all to himself, induced him to get rid of us as soon as possible. + He evidently admired her, and could have been jealous of a dead-eye.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton!” exclaimed Grace. “Jealous!” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton!” put in Rupert, leaning forward, curiously. + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton! And jealous of dead-eyes, and wishing to get rid of us!” + said Mr. Hardinge, smiling. “Pray who is Miss Merton? and who are the <i>us</i>? + and what are the dead-eyes?” + </p> + <p> + Lucy was silent. + </p> + <p> + “Why, sir, I thought I wrote you all about the Mertons. How we met them in + London, and then found them prisoners to Monsieur Le Compte; and that I + intended to carry them to Canton, in the Crisis!” + </p> + <p> + “You told us some of this, certainly; but, though you may have written + 'all about' a <i>Major</i> Merton, you <i>forgot</i> to tell us 'about <i>all</i> + the Mertons. This is the first syllable I have ever had about a <i>Miss</i> + Merton. How is it, girls—did Miles speak of any one but the Major, + in his letter?” + </p> + <p> + “Not a syllable to me, sir, of any young lady, I can assure you,” replied + Grace, laughing. “How was it to you, Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course he would not tell me that which he thought fit to conceal from + his own sister,” said Lucy, in a low voice. + </p> + <p> + “It is odd I should have forgotten to mention her,” I cried, endeavouring + to laugh it off. “Young men do not often forget to write about young + ladies.” + </p> + <p> + “This Miss Merton is young, then, brother?” + </p> + <p> + “About your own age, Grace.” + </p> + <p> + “And handsome—and agreeable—and accomplished?” + </p> + <p> + “Something like yourself, my dear.” + </p> + <p> + “But handsome, I take it for granted, Miles,” observed Mr. Hardinge, “by + the manner in which you have omitted to speak of her charms, in your + letters!” + </p> + <p> + “Why sir, I think most persons—that is the world in general—I + mean such as are not over-fastidious, would consider Miss Merton + particularly handsome—agreeable in person and features, I would be + understood to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you are sufficiently explicit; everybody can understand you,” added + my laughing guardian, who had no more thought of getting me married to his + own daughter, than to a German princess of a hundred and forty-five + quarterings, if there are any such things; “some other time we will have + the particulars of her eyes, hair, teeth, &c., &c.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! sir, you may save me the trouble, by looking at her yourself, + to-morrow, since she and her father are both here.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Here!</i>” exclaimed all four in a breath; Lucy's extreme surprise + extorting the monosyllable from her reserve, even a little louder than + from the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, here; father, daughter, and servants; I dare say I omitted to + speak of the servants in my letters, too; but a poor fellow who has a + great deal to do, cannot think of everything in a minute. Major Merton has + a touch of the liver complaint; and it would not do to leave him in a warm + climate. So, no other chance offering, he is proceeding to England, by the + way of America.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long had you these people on board your ship, Miles?” Grace + asked, a little gravely. + </p> + <p> + “Actually on board, with myself, about nine months, I should think; but + including the time in London, at Canton, and on the island, I should call + our acquaintance one of rather more than a year's standing.” + </p> + <p> + “Long enough, certainly, to make a young lady sufficiently obvious to a + young gentleman's memory, not to be forgotten in his letters.” + </p> + <p> + After this pointed speech, there was a silence, which Mr. Hardinge broke + by some questions about the passage home from Canton. As it was getting + cool on the Battery, however, we all moved away, proceeding to Mrs. + Bradfort's. This lady, as I afterwards discovered, was much attached to + Lucy, and had insisted on giving her these opportunities of seeing the + world. She was quite at her ease in her circumstances, and belonged to a + circle a good deal superior to that into which Grace and myself could have + claimed admission, in right of our own social position. Lucy had been well + received as her relative, and as a clergyman's daughter; and Grace on her + own account, as I afterwards learned. It would be attaching too much + credit to Clawbonny, to say that either of the girls had not improved by + this association; though it was scarcely possible to make Grace more + feminine and lady-like than she had been made by nature. The effect on + Lucy was simply to put a little reserve on her native frankness, and + sturdy honesty; though candour compels me to say, that mingling with the + world, and, especially the world to which they had been introduced by Mrs. + Bradfort, had certainly increased the native charm of manner that each + possessed. I began to think Emily Merton so far from possessing any + advantage over the two girls, might now improve a little herself, by + associating with them. + </p> + <p> + At the house, I had to tell my whole story, and to answer a multitude of + questions. Not a syllable more was said about Miss Merton; and even Lucy + had smiles to bestow and remarks to make, as before. When we got to the + lights, where the girls could remove their shawls and hats, I made each of + them stand before me, in order to ascertain how much time had altered + them. Grace was now nineteen; and Lucy was only six months her junior. The + greatest change was in the latter. Her form had ripened into something as + near as possible to girlish perfection. In this respect she had the + advantage of Grace, who was a little too slight and delicate; whereas, + Lucy, without any of the heaviness that so often accompanies a truly + rounded person, and which was perhaps a slight defect in Emily Merton's + figure, was without an angle of any sort, in her entire outline. Grace, + always so handsome, and so intellectual in the expression of her + countenance, had improved less in this respect, than Lucy, whose eyes had + obtained a tenderness and feeling that rendered them, to me, even more + attractive than those of my own dear sister. In a word, any man might have + been proud, at finding two such admirable creatures interested in him, as + interested, every look, smile, syllable, and gesture of these dear girls, + denoted they were in me. + </p> + <p> + All this time, Neb had been overlooked. He had followed us to the house, + however, and was already engaged in a dark-coloured flirtation with a + certain Miss Chloe Clawbonny, his own second-cousin, in the kitchen; a + lady who had attracted a portion of his admiration, before we sailed, and + who had accompanied her young mistress to town. As soon as it was + ascertained the fellow was below, Lucy, who was quite at home in her + kinswoman's house, insisted on his being introduced. I saw by the + indulgent smile of Mrs. Bradfort, that Lucy was not exceeding her conceded + privileges, and Neb was ordered up, forthwith. Never was there a happier + fellow than this 'nigger' appeared to be, on that occasion. He kept + rolling his tarpaulin between his fingers, shifting his weight from leg to + leg, and otherwise betraying the confusion of one questioned by his + betters; for, in that day, a <i>negro</i> was ready enough to allow he had + his betters, and did not feel he was injured in so doing. At the present + time, I am well aware that the word is proscribed even in the State's + Prisons; everybody being just as good as everybody else; though some have + the misfortune to be sentenced to hard labour, while others are permitted + to go at large. As a matter of course, the selections made through the + ballot-boxes, only go to prove that “one man is as good as another.” + </p> + <p> + Our party did not separate until quite late. Suppers were eaten in 1802; + and I was invited to sit down with the rest of the family, and a gay set + we were. It was then the fashion to drink toasts; gentlemen giving ladies, + and ladies gentlemen. The usage was singular, but very general; more + especially in the better sort of houses. We men drank our wine, as a + matter of course; while the ladies sipped theirs, in that pretty manner in + which females moisten their lips, on such occasions. After a time, Mrs. + Bradfort, who was very particular in the observance of forms, gaily called + on Mr. Hardinge for his toast. + </p> + <p> + “My dear Mrs. Bradfort,” said the divine, good-humouredly, “if it were not + in your own house, and contrary to all rule to give a person who is + present, I certainly should drink to yourself. Bless me, bless me, whom + shall I give? I suppose I shall not be permitted to give our new Bishop, + Dr. Moore?” + </p> + <p> + The cry of “No Bishop!” was even more unanimous than it is at this moment, + among those who, having all their lives dissented from episcopal + authority, fancy it an evidence of an increasing influence to join in a + clamour made by their own voices; and this, moreover, on a subject that + not one in a hundred among them has given himself the trouble even to + skim. Our opposition—in which Mrs. Bradfort joined, by the way—was + of a very different nature, however; proceeding from a desire to learn + what lady Mr. Hardinge could possibly select, at such a moment. I never + saw the old gentleman so confused before. He laughed, tried to dodge the + appeal, fidgeted, and at last fairly blushed. All this proceeded, not from + any preference for any particular individual of the sex, but from natural + diffidence, the perfect simplicity and nature of his character, which + caused him to be abashed at even appearing to select a female for a toast. + It was a beautiful picture of masculine truth and purity! Still, we would + not be put off; and the old gentleman, composing his countenance five or + six times in vain efforts to reflect, then looking as grave as if about to + proceed to prayer, raised his glass, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Peggy Perott!” + </p> + <p> + A general laugh succeeded this announcement, Peggy Perott being an old + maid who went about tending the sick for hire, in the vicinity of + Clawbonny, and known to us all as the ugliest woman in the county. + </p> + <p> + “Why do you first insist on my giving a toast, and then laugh at it when + given?” cried Mr. Hardinge, half-amused, half-serious in his + expostulations. “Peggy is an excellent woman, and one of the most useful I + know.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder, my dear sir, you did not think of adding a sentiment!” cried I, + a little pertly. + </p> + <p> + “And if I had, it would have been such a one as no woman need be ashamed + to hear attached to her name. But enough of this; I have given Peggy + Perott, and you are bound to drink her”—that we had done already; + “and now, cousin, as I have passed through the fiery furnace—” + </p> + <p> + “Unscathed?” demanded Lucy, laughing ready to kill herself. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, unscathed, miss: and now, cousin, I ask of you to honour us with a + toast.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Bradfort had been a widow many years, and was fortified with the + panoply of her state. Accustomed to such appeals, which, when she was + young and handsome, had been of much more frequent occurrence than of + late, she held her glass for the wine with perfect self-possession, and + gave her toast with the conscious dignity of one who had often been + solicited in vain “to change her condition.” + </p> + <p> + “I will give you,” she said, raising her person and her voice, as if to + invite scrutiny, “my dear old friend, good Dr. Wilson.” + </p> + <p> + It was incumbent on a single person to give another who was also single; + and the widow had been true to the usage; but “good Dr. Wilson” was a + half-superannuated clergyman, whom no one could suspect of inspiring + anything beyond friendship. + </p> + <p> + “Dear me—dear me!” cried Mr. Hardinge, earnestly; “how much more + thoughtful, Mrs. Bradfort, you are than myself! Had I thought a moment, <i>I</i> + might have given the Doctor; for I studied with him, and honour him + vastly.” + </p> + <p> + This touch of simplicity produced another laugh—how easily we all + laughed that night!—and it caused a little more confusion in the + excellent divine. Mrs. Bradfort then called on me, as was her right; but I + begged that Rupert might precede me, he knowing more persons, and being + now a sort of man of the world. + </p> + <p> + “I will give the charming Miss Winthrop,” said Rupert, without a moment's + hesitation, tossing off his glass with an air that said, “how do you like + <i>that?</i>” + </p> + <p> + As Winthrop was a highly respectable name, it denoted the set in which + Rupert moved; and as for the young lady I dare say she merited his + eulogium, though I never happened to see her. It was something, however, + in 1802, for a youngster to dare to toast a Winthrop, or a Morris, or a + Livingston, or a de Lancey, or a Stuyvesant, or a Beekman, or a Van + Renssellaer, or a Schuyler, or a Rutherford, or a Bayard, or a Watts, or a + Van Cortlandt, or a Verplanck, or a Jones, or a Walton, or any of that + set. They, and twenty similar families, composed the remnant of the + colonial aristocracy, and still made head, within the limits of Manhattan, + against the inroads of the Van—something elses. Alas! alas! how + changed is all this, though I am obliged to believe it is all for the + best. + </p> + <p> + “Do <i>you</i> know Miss Winthrop?” I asked of Grace, in a whisper. + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; I am not much in that set,” she answered, quietly. “Rupert + and Lucy have been noticed by many persons whom I do not know.” + </p> + <p> + This was the first intimation I got, that my sister did not possess all + the advantages in society that were enjoyed by her friend. As is always + the case where it is believed to be our <i>loss</i>, I felt indignant at + first; had it been the reverse, I dare say I should have fancied it all + very right. Consequences grew out of these distinctions which I could not + then foresee, but which will be related in their place. Rupert now called + on Grace for her toast, a lady commonly succeeding a gentleman. My sister + did not seem in the least disconcerted: but, after a moment's hesitation, + she said— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Edward Marston.” + </p> + <p> + This was a strange name to me, but I afterwards ascertained it belonged to + a respectable young man who visited Mrs. Bradfort's, and who stood very + well with all his acquaintances. I looked at Rupert, to note the effect; + but Rupert was as calm as Grace herself had been, when he gave Miss + Winthrop. + </p> + <p> + “I believe I have no one to call upon but you, Miles,” said Grace, + smiling. + </p> + <p> + “Me! Why, you all know I am not acquainted with a soul. Our Ulster county + girls have almost all gone out of my recollection; besides, no one would + know them here, should I mention twenty.” + </p> + <p> + “You strangely forget, brother, that most of us are Ulster county folk. + Try if you can recall no young lady—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! easily enough, for that matter; a young fellow can hardly have lived + nine months in the same cabin with Emily, and not think of her, when hard + pushed; I will give you, Miss Emily Merton.” + </p> + <p> + The toast was drunk, and I thought Mr. Hardinge looked thoughtful, like + one who had a guardian's cares, and that Grace was even grave. I did not + dare look at Lucy, though I could have toasted her all night, had it been + in rule to drink a person who was present. We began to chat again, and I + had answered some eight or ten questions, when Mrs. Bradfort, much too + precise to make any omissions, reminded us that we had not yet been + honoured with Miss Lucy Hardinge's toast. Lucy had enjoyed plenty of time + to reflect; and she bowed, paused a moment as if to summon resolution, and + then mentioned— + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Andrew Drewett.” + </p> + <p> + So, then, Lucy Hardinge toasted this Mr. Drewett—the very youth with + whom she had been in such animated discourse, when I first met the party! + Had I been more familiar with the world, I should have thought nothing of + a thing that was so common; or, did I understand human nature better, I + might have known that no sensitive and delicate woman would betray a + secret that was dear to her, under so idle a form. But I was young, and + ready myself to toast the girl I preferred before the universe; and I + could not make suitable allowances for difference of sex and temperament. + Lucy's toast made me very uncomfortable for the rest of the evening; and I + was not sorry when Rupert reminded me that it was eleven, and that he + would go with me to a tavern, in order to look for a room. + </p> + <p> + The next morning was passed in transacting the business of the ship. I + found myself much noticed among the merchants and ship-masters; and one of + my owners took me on 'Change, that I might see and be seen. As the papers + had spoken of the recapture of the Crisis, on the arrival of the Pretty + Poll, and had now each an article on the arrival of the ship, I had every + reason to be satisfied with my reception. There are men so strong in + principle, as well as intellect, I do suppose, that they can be content + with the approbation of their own consciences, and who can smile at the + praises or censure of the world, alike; but I confess to a strong sympathy + with the commendation of my fellow-creatures, and as strong a distaste for + their disapprobation. I know this is not the way to make a very great man; + for he who cannot judge, feel and act for himself, will always he in + danger of making undue sacrifices to the wishes of others; but you can + have no more of a cat than the skin; and I was sufficiently proud at + finding myself a miniature hero, about the lower end of Wall-street, and + in the columns of the newspapers. As for these last, no one can complain + of their zeal in extolling everything national. To believe them, the + country never was wrong, or defeated, or in a condition to be defeated, + except when a political opponent could be made to suffer by an opposite + theory; and then nothing was ever right. As to fame, I have since + discovered they consider that of each individual to be public property, in + which each American has a part and parcel—the editors, themselves, + more than the man who has thrown the article into the common lot. But I + was young in 1802, and even a paragraph in my praise in a newspaper had a + certain charm for me, that I will not deny. Then I <i>had</i> done well, + as even my enemies, if I had any must have admitted. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ships are but boards, sailors but men: there be land-rats, and + water-rats, water-thieves, and land-thieves; I mean pirates; and + then, there is the peril of waters, winds and rocks: the man is, + notwithstanding, sufficient;—three thousand ducats;—I think I may + take his bond.”—<i>Shylock</i>. +</pre> + <p> + I saw Grace, and Lucy, and Rupert, and good Mr. Hardinge, every day; but I + could not find time to call on the Mertons, until near the close of a + week. I then paid them a visit, and found them glad to see me, but not at + all in want of my attentions to make them comfortable. The Major had + exhibited his claims to the British consul, who happened to be a native + Manhattanese, and was well-connected, a circumstance that then gave him an + influence in society, that his commission alone would not have conferred. + Colonel Barclay, for so was this gentleman called, had taken the Mertons + by the hand, as a matter of course; and his example being followed by + others, I found that they were already in the best circle of the place. + Emily mentioned to me the names of several of those with whom she had + exchanged visits; and I knew at once, through Lucy's and Grace's + conversation, and from my own general knowledge of the traditions of the + colony and state, that they were among the leading people of the land, + socially if not politically; a class altogether above any with whom I had + myself ever associated. Now, I knew that the master of a merchantman, + whatever might be his standing with his owner, or consignee, or the credit + he had gained among his fellows, was not likely to get admission into this + set; and there was the comfortable prospect before me, of having my own + sister and the two other girls I admired most and loved best in the world—next + to Grace, of course—visiting round in houses, of which the doors + were shut against myself. This is always unpleasant, but in my case it + turned out to be more. + </p> + <p> + When I told Emily that Grace and Lucy were in town, and intended coming to + see her that very morning, I thought she manifested less curiosity than + would have been the case a month before. + </p> + <p> + “Is Miss Hardinge a relative of Mr. Rupert Hardinge, the gentleman to whom + I was introduced at dinner, yesterday,” she demanded, after expressing the + pleasure it would give her to see the ladies. + </p> + <p> + I knew that Rupert had dined out the day before, and, there being no one + else of the same name, I answered in the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “He is the son of a respectable clergyman, and of very good connections, I + hear.” + </p> + <p> + “The Hardinges are so considered among us; both Rupert's father and + grandfather were clergymen, and his great-grandfather was a seaman—I + trust <i>you</i> will think none the worse of him, for that.” + </p> + <p> + “A sailor! I had supposed, from what some of those present said—that + is, I did not know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps they told you that his great-grandfather was a <i>British + officer?</i>” + </p> + <p> + Emily coloured, and then she laughed faintly; admitting, however, that I + had guessed right. + </p> + <p> + “Well, all this was true,” I added, “though he was a sailor. Old Captain + Hardinge—or Commodore Hardinge, as he used to be called, for he once + commanded a squadron—was in the English navy.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! that sort of a sailor!”—cried Emily, quickly—“I did not + know that it was usual to call gentlemen in the navy, seamen.” + </p> + <p> + “They would make a poor figure if they were not, Miss Merton—you + might as well say that a judge is no lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + This was enough, however, to satisfy me that Miss Merton no longer + considered the master of the Crisis the first man in the world. + </p> + <p> + A ring announced the arrival of the two girls. They were shown up, and I + soon had the satisfaction of seeing these three charming young women + together. Emily received her two guests very courteously, and was frank—nay + warm—in the expression of her gratitude for all that I had done for + herself and her father. She even went back so far as to speak of the + occurrence in the Park, at London, and was gracious enough to declare that + she and her parents owed their lives to my interference. All this gave her + listeners great pleasure, for I believe neither ever tired of hearing my + praises. After this opening, the conversation turned on New York, its + gaieties, and the different persons known to them mutually. I saw that the + two girls were struck with the set Miss Merton was in, which was a shade + superior even to that of Mrs. Bradfort's, though the fusion which usually + accompanies that sort of thing, brought portions of each circle within the + knowledge of the other. As the persons named were utter strangers to me, I + had nothing to say, and sat listening in silence. The opportunity was + improved by comparing the girls with each other. + </p> + <p> + In delicacy of appearance, Grace and Lucy each had the advantage of the + English beauty. Their hands and feet were smaller, their waists finer, and + their <i>tournures</i>, generally, I thought the most pleasing. Emily had + the advantage in complexion, though her colour had less fineness and + delicacy. Perhaps her teeth were the most brilliant; though Grace and + Lucy, particularly the latter, had very fine teeth. The English girl's + shoulders and bust, generally, would have been more admired than those of + most American—particularly than most New York—girls; but it + was not possible to surpass those of Lucy. As a whole, Emily's countenance + had the most spirit, Lucy's the most finesse and feeling. I make no + comparison with the expression of Grace's countenance, which was + altogether too remarkable for its intellectual character, to be included + in anything like a national classification. I remember I thought, as they + sat there in a row conversing frankly and cheerfully together, Lucy the + handsomest, in her pretty neat morning-dress; while I had my doubts + whether Emily would not have extorted the most applause in a ball-room. + This distinction is mentioned, because I believe it national. + </p> + <p> + The visit lasted an hour; for I had expressed a wish to all parties that + they would become acquainted, and the girls seemed mutually pleased. As + they chatted, I listened to the tones of their voices, and fancied, on the + whole, that Emily had slightly the advantage in intonation and accent; + though it was scarcely perceptible, and it was an advantage that was + attended by a slight sacrifice of the charm of natural utterance. She was + a little more artificial in this respect than her companions, and insomuch + less pleasing though, had the comparison been made with the Manhattan <i>style</i> + of the present day, the odds would have been immensely in her favour. In + 1802, however, some attention was still paid to the utterance, tones of + voice, and manner of speaking of young ladies. The want of it all, just + now, is the besetting vice of the whole of our later instruction of the + sex; it being almost as rare a thing now-a-days, to find a young American + girl who speaks her own language gracefully, as it is to find one who is + not of pleasing person. + </p> + <p> + When the young ladies parted, it was with an understanding that they were + soon to meet again. I shook hands with Emily, English fashion, and took my + leave at the same time. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Miles,” said Grace, as soon as we were in the street, “you have + certainly been of service to a very charming young woman—I like her, + excessively.” + </p> + <p> + “And you, Lucy—I hope you agree with Grace, in thinking my friend, + Emily Merton, a charming young woman.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy did not speak as frankly, or as decidedly as Grace, so far as manner + was concerned; though she coincided in words. + </p> + <p> + “I am of the same opinion,” she said, in a tone that was far less cheerful + than her usually very cheerful manner. “She is one of the loveliest + creatures I ever saw—and it is no wonder—” + </p> + <p> + “What is no wonder, dear?” asked Grace, observing that her friend + hesitated to proceed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I was about to say something silly, and had better not finish the + speech. But, what a finished manner Miss Merton possesses;—do you + not think so, Grace?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish she had a little less of it, dear; that is precisely what I should + find fault with in her deportment. It <i>is</i> manner; and, though we all + must have some, it strikes me it ought not to be seen. I think all the + Europeans we saw in town, last winter, Lucy, had more or less of this + manner.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say it would seem so to <i>us</i>; notwithstanding, it may be very + agreeable to those who are used to it—a thing to miss, when one gets + much accustomed to it.” + </p> + <p> + As Lucy made this remark, I detected a furtive and timid glance at myself. + I was mystified at the time, and was actually so silly as to think the + dear girl was talking at me, and to feel a little resentment. I fancied + she wished to say, “There, Master Miles, you have been in London, and on a + desert island in the South Seas—the very extremes of human habits—and + have got to be so sophisticated, so very un-Clawbonnyish, as to feel the + necessity of a <i>manner</i>, in the young ladies with whom you + associate.” The notion nettled me to a degree that induced me to pretend + duty, and to hurry down to the ship. Whom should I meet, in Rector Street, + but Mr. Hardinge, who had been across to the Hudson in search of me. + </p> + <p> + “Come hither, Miles,” said the excellent old man, “I wish to converse with + you seriously.” + </p> + <p> + As Lucy was uppermost in my thoughts at the moment, I said to myself—“What + can the dear old gentleman have to say, now?” + </p> + <p> + “I hear from all quarters the best accounts of you, my dear boy,” Mr. + Hardinge continued, “and I am told you make a very superior seaman. It is + a feather in your cap, indeed, to have commanded an Indiaman a + twelve-month before you are of age. I have been conversing with my old + friend John Murray, of the house of John Murray and Sons, one of the very + best merchants in America, and he says 'push the boy ahead, when you find + the right stuff in him. Get him a ship of his own, and that will put him + on the true track. Teach him early to have an eye to his own interests, + and it will make a man of him, at once.' I have thought the matter over, + have had a vessel in my eye, for the last month, and will purchase her at + once, if you like the plan.” + </p> + <p> + “But, have I money enough for such a thing, my dear sir—after having + sailed in the John, and the Tigris, and the Crisis, I should not like to + take up with any of your B's, No. 2.” + </p> + <p> + “You have forgotten to mention the 'Pretty Poll,' Miles,” said the divine, + smiling. “Be under no fear, however, for your dignity; the vessel I have + in treaty, is all you could wish, they tell me, having made but one + voyage, and is sold on account of the death of her owner. As for money, + you will remember I have thirteen thousand dollars of your income invested + in stocks, and stocks that cost but ten. The peace has brought everything + up, and you are making money, right and left. How have your own pay and + private venture turned out?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly well, sir. I am near three thousand dollars in pocket, and + shall have no need to call on you, for my personal wants. Then I have my + prize-money to touch. Even Neb, wages and prize-money, brings me nine + hundred dollars. With your permission, sir, I should like to give the + fellow his freedom.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till you are of age, Miles, and then you can do as you please. I + hold four thousand dollars of your invested money, which has been paid in, + and I have placed it in stocks. Altogether, I find we can muster, in solid + cash, more than twenty thousand dollars, while the price of the ship, as + she stands, almost ready for sea, is only fifteen. Now, go and look at the + vessel; if you like her, I will close the bargain at once.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear Mr. Hardinge, do you think yourself exactly qualified to + judge of the value of a ship?” + </p> + <p> + “Poh! poh! don't imagine I am so conceited as to purchase on my own + knowledge. I have taken some of the very best advice of the city. There is + John Murray, to begin with—a great ship-holder, himself—and + Archibald Gracie, and William Bayard—all capital judges, have taken + an interest in the affair. Three others of my friends have walked round to + look at the vessel, and all approve—not a dissenting voice.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask, sir, who have seen her, besides the gentlemen you have named? + they, I admit, are, indeed, good judges.” + </p> + <p> + “Why?—why—yes—do you happen to know anything of Dr. + Benjamin Moore, now, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “Never heard of him, sir, in my life; but a physician can be no great + judge of a ship.” + </p> + <p> + “No more of a physician than yourself, boy—Dr. Benjamin Moore, the + gentleman we elected Bishop, while you were absent—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! he you wished to toast, instead of Miss Peggy Perott—” cried I, + smiling. “Well, what does the Bishop think of her—if he approve, she + <i>must</i> be orthodox.” + </p> + <p> + “He says she is the handsomest vessel he ever laid eyes on, Miles; and let + me tell you, the favourable opinion of so good a man as Dr. Moore, is of + value, even though it be about a ship.” + </p> + <p> + I could not avoid laughing, and I dare say most of the readers will also, + at this touch of simplicity; and yet, why should not a Bishop know as much + of ships, as a set of ignoramuses who never read a theological book in + their lives, some of them not even the Bible, should know about Bishops? + The circumstance was not a tittle more absurd than many that are occurring + daily before our eyes, and to which, purely from habit, we submit, very + much as a matter of course. + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir,” I replied, as soon as I could, “I will look at the ship, get + her character, and give you an answer at once. I like the idea, for it is + pleasant to be one's own master.” + </p> + <p> + In that day, $15,000 would buy a very excellent ship, as ships went. The + vessel I was taken to see, was coppered and copper-fastened, butt-bolted, + and she measured just five hundred tons. She had a great reputation as a + sailer, and what was thought a good deal of in 1802, was Philadelphia + built. She had been one voyage to China, and was little more than a year + old, or the best possible age for a vessel. Her name was the “Dawn,” and + she carried an “Aurora” for her figure-head. Whether she were, or were not + inclined to Puseyism, I never could ascertain, although I can affirm she + had the services of the Protestant Episcopal Catholic Church read on board + her afterwards, on more than one occasion. + </p> + <p> + The result of my examination and inquiries was favourable, and, by the end + of the week, the Dawn was purchased. The owners of the Crisis were pleased + to express their regrets, for they had intended that I should continue in + the command of their vessel, but no one could object to a man's wishing to + sail in his own employment. I made this important acquisition, at what was + probably the most auspicious moment of American navigation. It is a proof + of this, that, the very day I was put in possession of the ship, good + freights were offered to no less than four different parts of the world. I + had my choice between Holland, France, England, and China. After + consulting with my guardian, I accepted that to France, which not only + paid the best, but I was desirous of seeing more of the world than had yet + fallen to my share. I could make a voyage to Bordeaux and back in five + months, and by the end of that time I should be of age, and consequently + my own master. As I intended to have great doings at Clawbonny on that + occasion, I thought it might be well not to go too far from home. + Accordingly, after shipping Talcott and the Philadelphian, whose name was + Walton, for my mates, we began to take in cargo, as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, I bethought me of a visit to the paternal home. It was a + season of the year, when most people, who were anybodies, left town, and + the villas along the shores of the Hudson had long been occupied. Mr. + Hardinge, too, pined for the country and his flock. The girls had had + enough of town, which was getting to be very dull, and everybody, Rupert + excepted, seemed anxious to go up the river. I had invited the Mertons to + pass part of the summer at the farm, moreover, and it was time the + invitation should be renewed, for the Major's physicians had advised him + to choose some cooler residence than the streets of a hot close town could + furnish, during the summer months. Emily had been so much engrossed with + the set into which she had fallen, since her landing, and which it was + easy for me to see was altogether superior to that in which she had lived + at home, that I was surprised at the readiness with which she urged her + father to redeem his promise. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Hardinge tells me, sir, that Clawbonny is really a pretty spot,” she + said, “and the country around it is thought to be very healthy. You cannot + get answers from home (she meant England) for several months, and I know + Captain Wallingford will be happy to receive us. Besides, we are pledged + to accept this additional favour from him.” + </p> + <p> + I thought Major Merton felt some of my own surprise at Emily's earnestness + and manner, but his resistance was very feeble. The old gentleman's + health, indeed, was pretty thoroughly undermined, and I began to have + serious doubts of his living even to return to Europe. He had some + relatives in Boston, and had opened a correspondence with them, and I had + thought, more than once, of the expediency of apprising them of his + situation. At present however nothing better could be done than to get him + into the country. + </p> + <p> + Having made all the arrangements with the others, I went to persuade + Rupert to be of the party, for I thought it would make both Grace and Lucy + so much the happier. + </p> + <p> + “Miles, my dear fellow,” said the young student, gaping, “Clawbonny is + certainly a capitalish place, but, you will admit it is somewhat stupid + after New York. My good kinswoman, Mrs. Bradfort, has taken such a fancy + to us all, and has made me so comfortable—would you believe it, boy, + she has actually given me six hundred a year, for the last two years, + besides making Lucy presents fit for a queen. A sterling woman is she, + this cousin Margaret of ours!” + </p> + <p> + I heard this, truly, not without surprise; for, in settling with my + owners, I found Rupert had drawn every cent to which he was entitled, + under the orders I had left when I last went to sea. + </p> + <p> + As Mrs. Bradfort was more than at her ease, however, had no nearer + relative than Mr. Hardinge, and was much attached to the family, I had no + difficulty in believing it true, so far as the lady's liberality was + concerned. I heartily wished Rupert had possessed more self-respect; but + he was, as he was! + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry you cannot go with us,” I answered, “for I counted on you to + help amuse the Mertons—” + </p> + <p> + “The Mertons!—Why, surely, they are not going to pass the summer at + Clawbonny!” + </p> + <p> + “They quit town with us, to-morrow. Why should not the Mertons pass the + summer at Clawbonny?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, Miles, my dear boy, you know how it is with the world—how it + is with these English, in particular. They think everything of rank, you + know, and are devotees of style and appearance, and all that sort of + thing, you know, as no one understands better than myself; for I pass most + of my time in the English set, you know.” + </p> + <p> + I did not <i>then</i> understand what had come over Rupert, though it is + all plain enough to me, <i>now</i>. He had, truly enough, got into what + was then called the English set. Now, there is no question, that, so far + as the natives, themselves, were concerned, this was as good a set as ever + existed in his country; and, it is also beyond all cavil, that many + respectable English persons, of both sexes, were occasionally found in it; + but, it had this great defect:—<i>every</i> Englishman who wore a + good coat, and had any of the slang of society, made his way into the + outskirts, at least, of this set; and Rupert, whose own position was not + yet thoroughly confirmed, had fallen a great deal into the association of + these accidental comers and goers. They talked large, drank deep, and had + a lofty disdain for everything in the country, though it was very certain + they were just then in much better company where they were, than they had + ever been at home. Like most tyroes, Rupert fancied these blustering + gentry persons to imitate; and, as they seldom conversed ten minutes + without having something to say of my Lord A——or Sir John B——, + persons they had <i>read</i> of, or seen in the streets, he was weak + enough to imagine they knew all about the dignitaries of the British + Empire. As Rupert was really a gentleman, and had good manners naturally, + it was a grievous thing to see him fashioning himself anew, as it might + be, on such very questionable models, + </p> + <p> + “Clawbonny is not a stylish place, I am ready to allow,” I answered, after + a moment of hesitation; “still it is respectable. There is a good farm, a + valuable mill, and a good, old, comfortable, straggling, stone house.” + </p> + <p> + “Very true, Miles, my dear fellow, and all as dear to me, you know, as the + apple of my eye—but <i>farmish</i>—young ladies like the good + things that comes from farms, but do not admire the homeliness of the + residence. I speak of young English ladies, in particular. Now, you see, + Major Merton is a field-officer, and that is having good rank in a + respectable profession, you know—I suppose you understand, Miles, + that the king puts most of his sons into the army, or navy—all this + makes a difference, you understand?” + </p> + <p> + “I understand nothing about it; what is it to me where the king of England + puts his sons?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish, my dear Miles, if the truth must be said, that you and I had been + a little less boyish, when we were boys, than happened to be the case. It + would have been all the better for us both.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I wish no such thing. A boy should be a boy, and a man a man. I am + content to have been a boy, while I was a boy. It is a fault in this + country, that boys fancy themselves men too soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear fellow, you <i>will</i> not, or <i>do</i> not understand me. + What I mean is, that we were both precipitate in the choice of a + profession—I retired in time, but you persevere; that is all.” + </p> + <p> + “You did retire in season, my lad, if truth is what you are after; for, + had you staid a hundred years on board ship, you never would have made a + sailor.” + </p> + <p> + When I said this, I fancied I had uttered a pretty severe thing. Rupert + took it so coolly, however, as to satisfy me at once, that he thought + differently on the subject. + </p> + <p> + “Clearly, it is not my vocation. Nature intended me for something better, + I trust, and I mistook a boyish inclination for a taste. A little + experience taught me better, and I am now where I feel I ought to be. I + wish, Miles, you had come to the study of the law, at the time you went to + sea. You would have been, by this time, at the bar, and would have had a + definite position in society.” + </p> + <p> + “I am very glad I did not. What the deuce should I have done as a lawyer—or + what advantage would it have been to me, to be admitted to the bar?” + </p> + <p> + “Advantage!—Why, my dear fellow, every advantage in the world. You + know how it is, in this country, I suppose, in the way of society, my dear + Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “Not I—and, by the little I glean from the manner you sheer about in + your discourse, I wish to know nothing. Do young men study law merely to + be genteel?” + </p> + <p> + “Do not despise knowledge, my boy; it is of use, even in trifles. Now, in + this country, you know, we have very few men of mere leisure—heirs + of estates, to live on their incomes, as is done in Europe; but, + nine-tenths of us must follow professions, of which there are only + half-a-dozen suitable for a gentleman. The army and navy are nothing, you + know; two or three regiments scattered about in the woods, and + half-a-dozen vessels. After these, there remain the three learned + professions, divinity, law and physic. In our family, divinity has run + out, I fear. As for physic, 'throw physic to the dogs,' as Miss Merton + says—” + </p> + <p> + “Who?” I exclaimed, in surprise. “'Throw physic to the dogs'—why + that is Shakspeare, man!” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, and it is Miss Emily Merlon's, too. You have made us + acquainted with a charming creature, at least, Miles, by this going to + sea. Her notions on such subjects are as accurate as a sun-dial.” + </p> + <p> + “And, has Miss Emily Merton ever conversed with you, on the subject of <i>my</i> + profession, Rupert?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed, she has; and regretted it, again and again. You know as well as I + do, Miles, to be a sailor, other than in a navy, is not a <i>genteel</i> + profession!” + </p> + <p> + I broke out into a fit of laughter, at this remark. It struck me as + infinitely droll, and as somewhat silly. I knew my precise position in + society, perfectly; had none of the silly swaggering about personal merit, + and of “one man's being as good as another,” that has since got into such + general use among us; and understood perfectly the useful and unavoidable + classifications that take place in all civilized communities, and which, + while they are attended by certain disadvantages as exceptions, produce + great benefits as a whole, and was not disposed at all to exaggerate my + claims, or to deny my deficiencies. But, the idea of attaching any + considerations of <i>gentility</i> to my noble, manly, daring profession, + sounded so absurd, I could not avoid laughing. In a few moments, however, + I became grave. + </p> + <p> + “Harkee, Rupert,” said I: “I trust Miss Merton does not think I + endeavoured to mislead her as to my true position, or to make her think I + was a greater personage than I truly am?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not answer for that. When we were first acquainted, I found she had + certain notions about Clawbonny, and your <i>estate</i>, and all that, + which were rather English, you know. Now, in England an <i>estate</i> + gives a man a certain consideration, whereas land is so plenty with us, + that we think nothing of the man who happens to own a little of it. <i>Stock</i>, + in America, as it is so much nearer ready-money, is a better thing than + land, you know.” + </p> + <p> + How true was this, even ten years since; how false is it to-day! The + proprietor of tens of thousands of acres, was, indeed, under the + paper-money <i>regime</i>, a less important man than the owner of a + handful of scrip, which has had all its value squeezed out of it, little + by little. That was truly the age when the representative of property was + of far more importance than the property itself; and all because the + country existed in a fever, that set everything in motion. We shall see + just such times, again, I fear. + </p> + <p> + “But what had Emily Merton to do with all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton? Oh! she is English, you know, and felt as English persons + always do, at the sound of acres. I set it all right, however, and you + need be under no concern.” + </p> + <p> + “The devil you did! And, pray, in what manner was this done? <i>How</i> + was the matter set right?” + </p> + <p> + Rupert took the segar from his mouth, suffered the smoke to issue, by a + small, deliberate jet, cocking his nose up at the same time as if + observing the stars, and then deigned to give me an answer. Your smokers + have such a disdainful, ultra-philosophical manner, sometimes! + </p> + <p> + “Why, just in this way, my fine fellow. I told her Clawbonny was a <i>farm</i>, + and not an <i>estate</i>, you know; that did a good deal, of itself. Then, + I entered into an explanation of the consideration of farmers in this + country, you know, and made it all as plain as A B C. She is a quick girl, + is Emily, and takes a thing remarkably soon.” + </p> + <p> + “Did Miss Merton say anything to induce you to suppose she thought the + less of me, for these explanations.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course not—she values you, amazingly—quite worships you, + <i>as a sailor</i>—thinks you a sort of merchant-captain Nelson, or + Blake, or Truxtun, and all that sort of thing. All young ladies, however, + are exceedingly particular about professions, I suppose you know, Miles, + as well as I do myself.” + </p> + <p> + “What, Lucy, Rupert?—Do you imagine Lucy cares a straw about my not + being a lawyer, for instance?” + </p> + <p> + “Do I?—out of all question. Don't you remember how the girls wept—Grace + as well as Lucy—when we went to sea, boy. It was all on account of + the <i>un</i>gentility of the profession, if a fellow can use such a + word.” + </p> + <p> + I did not believe this, for I knew Grace better, to say the least; and + thought I understood Lucy sufficiently, at that time, to know she wept + because she was sorry to see me go away. Still, Lucy had grown from a very + young girl, since I sailed in the Crisis, into a young woman, and might + view things differently, now, from what she had done three years before. I + had not time, however, for further discussion at that moment, and I cut + the matter short. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Rupert, what am I to expect?” I asked; “Clawbonny, or no + Clawbonny?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, now you say the Mertons are to be of the party I suppose I shall + have to go; it would be inhospitable else. I do wish, Miles, you would + manage to establish visiting relations with some of the families on the + other side of the river. There are plenty of respectable people within a + few hours' sail of Clawbonny.” + </p> + <p> + “My father, and my grandfather, and my great-grand-father, managed, as you + call it, to get along, for the last hundred years, well enough on the west + side; and, although we are not quite as genteel as the <i>east</i>, we + will do well enough. The Wallingford sails early in the morning, to save + the tide; and I hope your lordship will turn out in season, and not keep + us waiting. If you do, I shall be <i>ungenteel</i> enough to leave you + behind.” + </p> + <p> + I left Rupert with a feeling in which disgust and anger were blended. I + wish to be understood, more particularly as I know I am writing for a + stiff-necked generation. I never was guilty of the weakness of decrying a + thing because I did not happen to possess it myself. I knew my own place + in the social scale perfectly; nor was I, as I have just said, in the + least inclined to fancy that one man was as good as another. I knew very + well that this was not true, either in nature or in the social relations; + in political axioms, any more than in political truths. At the same time, + I did not believe nature had created men unequal, in the order of + primogeniture from male to male. Keeping in view all the facts, I was + perfectly disposed to admit that habits, education, association, and + sometimes chance and caprice, drew distinctions that produced great + benefits, as a whole; in some small degree qualified, perhaps, by cases of + individual injustice. This last exception, however, being applicable to + all things human, it had no influence on my opinions, which were sound and + healthful on all these points; practical, common-sense-like, and in + conformity with the decisions of the world from the time of Moses down to + our own, or, I dare say, of Adam himself, if the truth could be known; + and, as I have said more than once in these rambling memoir's, I was not + disposed to take a false view of my own social position. I belonged, at + most, to the class of small proprietors, as they existed in the last + century, and filled a very useful and respectable niche between the yeoman + and gentleman, considering the last strictly in reference to the upper + class of that day. Now, it struck me that Emily Merton, with her English + notions, might very well draw the distinctions Rupert had mentioned; nor + am I conscious of having cared much about it, though she did. If I were a + less important person on <i>terra firma</i>, with all the usages and + notions of ordinary society producing their influence, than I had been + when in command of the Crisis, in the centre of the Pacific, so was Miss + Merton a less important young lady, in the midst of the beauty of New + York, than she had been in the isolation of Marble Land. This I could feel + very distinctly. But Lucy's supposed defection did more than annoy me. I + felt humbled, mortified, grieved. I had always known that Lucy was better + connected than I was myself, and I had ever given Rupert and her the + benefit of this advantage, as some offset to my own and Grace's larger + means; but it had never struck me that either the brother or sister would + be disposed to look down upon us in consequence. The world is everywhere—and + America, on account of its social vicissitudes, more than most other + countries—constantly exhibiting pictures of the struggles between + fallen consequence and rising wealth. The last may, and does have the best + of it, in the mere physical part of the strife; but in the more moral, if + such a word can be used, the quiet ascendency of better manners and + ancient recollections is very apt to overshadow the fussy pretensions of + the vulgar aspirant, who places his claims altogether on the all-mighty + dollar. It is vain to deny it; men ever have done it, and probably ever + will defer to the past, in matters of this sort—it being much with + us, in this particular, as it is with our own lives, which have had all + their greatest enjoyments in bygone days. I knew all this—felt all + this—and was greatly afraid that Lucy, through Mrs. Bradfort's + influence, and her town associations, might have learned to regard me as + Captain Wallingford, of the merchant-service, and the son of another + Captain Wallingford of the same line in life. I determined, therefore, to + watch her with jealous attention, during the few days I was to remain at + Clawbonny. With such generous intentions, the reader is not to be + surprised if I found some of that for which I so earnestly sought—people + being very apt to find precisely the thing for which they look, when it is + not lost money. + </p> + <p> + The next morning we were all punctual, and sailed at the proper hour. The + Mertons seemed pleased with the river, and, having a fresh southerly wind + in our favour, with a strong flood-tide, we actually landed at the mill + the same afternoon. Everything is apt to be agreeable when the traveller + gets on famously; and I thought I never saw Emily in better spirits than + she was when we first reached the top of the ascent that lies above the + landing. I had given her my arm, as due to hospitality, while the others + got up as they could; for I observed that Rupert assisted no one. As for + Lucy, I was still too much vexed with her, and had been so all day, to be + as civil as I ought. We were soon at a point that commanded a view of the + house, meadows, orchards and fields. + </p> + <p> + “This, then, is Clawbonny!” exclaimed Emily, as soon as I pointed out the + place to her. “Upon my word, a very pretty farm, Captain Wallingford. Even + prettier than you represented it to be, Mr. Rupert Hardinge.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I always do justice to everything of Wallingford's, you know. We were + children together, and became so much attached in early life, that it's no + wonder we remain so in these our later days.” + </p> + <p> + Rupert was probably nearer the truth than he imagined, when he made this + speech; my regard for him, by this time, being pretty much reduced to + habit; and certainly it had no increase from any fresh supplies of + respect. I began to hope he might not marry Grace, though I had formerly + looked forward to the connection as a settled thing. “Let him get Miss + Merton, if he can,” I said to myself: “it will be no great acquisition, I + fancy, to either side.” + </p> + <p> + How different was it with his father, and, I may add, with Lucy! The old + gentleman turned to me, with tears in his eyes; pointed to the dear old + house, with a look of delight; and then took my arm, without reference to + the wants of Miss Merton, and led me on, conversing earnestly of my + affairs, and of his own stewardship. Lucy had her father's arm, on the + other side; and the good divine was too much accustomed to her, to mind + the presence of his daughter. Away we three went, therefore, leading the + way, while Rupert took charge of Emily and Grace. Major Merton followed, + leaning on his own man. + </p> + <p> + “It is a lovely—it is a lovely spot, Miles,” said Mr. Hardinge; “and + I do most sincerely hope you will never think of tearing down that + respectable-looking, comfortable, substantial, good old-fashioned house, + to build a new one.” + </p> + <p> + “Why should I, dear sir? The house, with an occasional addition, all built + in the same style, has served us a century, and may very well serve + another. Why should I wish for more, or a better house?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, sure enough? But, now you are a sort of a merchant, you may grow + rich, and wish to be the proprietor of a <i>seat</i>.” + </p> + <p> + The time had been, when such thoughts often crossed my mind; but I cared + less for them, then. To own a <i>seat</i>, was the great object of my + ambition in boyhood; but the thought had weakened by time and reflection. + </p> + <p> + “What does Lucy think of the matter? Do I want, or indeed deserve, a + better house?” + </p> + <p> + “I shall not answer either question,” replied the dear girl, a little + saucily, I thought. “I do not understand your wants, and do not choose to + speak of your deservings. But I fancy the question will be settled by a + certain Mrs. Wallingford, one of these days. Clever women generally + determine these things for their husbands.” + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured to catch Lucy's eye, when this was said, by leaning a little + forward myself; but the girl turned her head in such a manner as prevented + my seeing her face. The remark was not lost on Mr. Hardinge, however, who + took it up with warmth, and all the interest of a most pure and + disinterested affection. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you <i>will</i> think of marrying one of these days, Miles,” he + said; “but, on no account, marry a woman who will desert Clawbonny, or who + would wish materially to alter it. No good-hearted woman, indeed—no + <i>true</i>-hearted woman—would ever dream of either. Dear me! dear + me! the happy days and the sorrowful days—the gracious mercies of + Providence, and the chastening afflictions—that I myself have seen, + and felt, and witnessed, under these same roofs!” + </p> + <p> + This was followed by a sort of enumeration of the events of the last forty + years, including passages in the lives of all who had dwelt at the farm; + the whole concluding with the divine's solemnly repeating—“No, no! + Miles; do not think, even, of marrying a woman who would wish you to + desert, or materially alter, Clawbonny.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “If thou be'st rated by thy estimation, + Thou dost deserve enough; and yet enough + May not extend so far as to the lady.” + <i>Merchant of Venice</i>. +</pre> + <p> + Next morning, I was early afoot, and I found Grace as much alive to the + charms of home, as I was myself. She put on a gypsy, and accompanied me + into the garden, where to my surprise, I found Lucy. It looked like old + times to be in that spot, again, with those two dear girls. Rupert alone + was wanting to complete the picture; but, I had an intimate conviction + that Rupert, as he had been at least, could never come within the setting + of the family group again. I was rejoiced, however, to see Lucy, and more + so, just where I found her, and I believe told her as much with my eyes. + The charming girl looked happier than she had appeared the day before, or + for many previous days indeed, and I felt less apprehension than of late, + concerning her having met with any agreeable youth of a more <i>genteel</i> + profession than that of a merchant-captain. + </p> + <p> + “I did not expect to find you here, Miss Lucy,” cried Grace, “eating + half-ripe currants, too, or my eyes deceive me, at this early hour in the + morning. It is not twenty minutes since you were in your own room, quite + unadorned.” + </p> + <p> + “The green fruit of dear Clawbonny is better than the ripe fruit of those + vile New York markets!” exclaimed Lucy, with a fervour so natural as to + forbid any suspicion of acting. “I should prefer a Clawbonny potatoe, to a + New York peach!” + </p> + <p> + Grace smiled, and, as soon as Lucy's animation had a little subsided, <i>she</i> + blushed. + </p> + <p> + “How much better would it be, Miles,” my sister resumed, “could you be + induced to think and feel with us, and quit the seas, to come and live for + the rest of your days on the spot where your fathers have so long lived + before you. Would it not, Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “Miles will never do <i>that</i>,” Lucy answered, with emphasis. “Men are + not like us females who love everything we love at all, with our whole + hearts. Men prefer wandering about, and being shipwrecked, and left on + desert islands, to remaining quietly at home, on their own farms. No, no; + you'll never persuade Miles to do <i>that</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “I am not astonished my brother thinks desert islands such pleasant + abodes, when he can find companions like Miss Merton on them.” + </p> + <p> + “You will remember, sister of mine, in the first place, that Marble Land + is very far from being a desert island at all; and, in the next, that I + first found Miss Merton in Hyde Park, London; almost in the canal, for + that matter.” + </p> + <p> + “I think it a little odd that Miles never told us all about this, in his + letters, at the time, Lucy. When young gentlemen drag young ladies out of + canals, their friends at home have a right to know something of the + matter.” + </p> + <p> + How much unnecessary misery is inflicted by unmeaning expressions like + this. Grace spoke lightly, and probably without a second thought about the + matter; but the little she said, not only made me thoughtful and uneasy, + but it drove everything like a smile from the usually radiant countenance + of her friend. The conversation dragged; and soon after, we returned + together to the house. + </p> + <p> + I was much occupied that morning, in riding about the place with Mr. + Hardinge, and in listening to his account of his stewardship, With the + main results I was already acquainted—nay, possessed them in the + Dawn,—but the details had all to be gone over, with the most minute + accuracy. A more simple-minded being there was not on earth than Mr. + Hardinge; and, that my affairs turned out so well was the result of the + prosperous condition of the country at that day, the system my father had + adopted in his life-time, and the good qualities of the different agents + he had chosen, every one of whom remained in the situation in which he was + at the sad moment of the fatal accident at the mill. Had matters really + depended on the knowledge and management of the most excellent divine, + they would soon have been at sixes and sevens. + </p> + <p> + “I am no believer in miracles, my dear Miles,” observed my guardian, with + amusing self-complacency; “but I do think a change has been wrought in me, + to meet the emergencies of a situation, in which the interests of two + orphans have been so suddenly intrusted to my guidance and care. God be + thanked! everything prospers; your affairs, as well as those of my dear + Grace. It is wonderful, boy, how a man of my habits has been directed in + his purchases of wheat, for instance; I, who never bought a bushel until + the whole responsibility of your mills fell upon my shoulders I take no + credit to myself for it—no credit to myself!” + </p> + <p> + “I hope the miller has not been backward, my dear sir, in giving you all + the assistance in his power.” + </p> + <p> + “Morgan?—yes; he is always ready, and you know I never forget to + send him into the market to both buy and sell. Really, his advice has been + so excellent, that to me it has the appearance of being almost miraculous—prophetic, + I should say, were it not improper. We should avoid all exaggeration in + our gratitude, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Very truly, sir. And in what manner have you managed to get along so well + with the crops, on the place, itself?” + </p> + <p> + “Favoured by the same great adviser, Miles. It is really wonderful, the + crops we have had; and the judgment that has been so providentially shown + in the management of the fields, as well as of the mills!” + </p> + <p> + “Of course, sir, old Hiram (Neb's uncle) has always been ready to give you + his aid?—Hiram has a great deal of judgment, in his way.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt—no doubt—Hiram and I have done it all, led by a + Providential counsel. Well, my boy, you ought to be satisfied with your + earthly lot; for every thing seems to prosper that belongs to you. Of + course, you will marry, one of these days, and transmit this place to your + son, as it has been received from your fathers?” + </p> + <p> + “I keep that hope in perspective, sir; or, as we sailors say, for a + sheet-anchor.” + </p> + <p> + “Your hope of salvation, boy, is your sheet-anchor, I trust. Nevertheless, + we are not to be too hard on young men, and must let them have a little + romance in their compositions. Yes, yes; I trust you will not become so + much wedded to your ship, as not to think of taking a wife, one of these + days. It will be a happy hour to me, when I can see another Mrs. Miles + Wallingford at Clawbonny. She will be the third; for I can remember your + grandmother.” + </p> + <p> + “Can you recommend to me a proper person to fill that honourable station, + sir?” said I, smiling to myself, and exceedingly curious to hear the + answer. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of this Miss Merton, boy? She is handsome, and that + pleases young men; clever, and that pleases old ones; well-educated, and + that will last, when the beauty is gone; and, so far as I can judge, + amiable; and that is as necessary to a wife, as fidelity. <i>Marry no + woman, Miles, that is not amiable!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask <i>what</i> you call amiable, sir?—And, when that + question is answered, I may venture to go so far as to inquire <i>whom</i> + you call amiable?” + </p> + <p> + “Very sensible distinctions, and such as are entitled to fair answers; at + least the first. I do not call levity, amiability; nor mere constitutional + gaiety. Some of the seemingly most light-hearted women I have ever known, + have been anything but amiable. There must be an unusual absence of + selfishness,—a person must live less for herself, than others—or + rather, must find her own happiness in the happiness of those she loves, + to make a truly amiable woman. Heart and principle are at the bottom of + what is truly amiable; though temperament and disposition undoubtedly + contribute. As for the whom, your own sister Grace is a truly amiable + young woman. I never knew her do anything to hurt another's feelings in my + life.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you will admit, sir, I cannot very well marry Grace?” + </p> + <p> + “I wish you could, with all my heart—yes, with all my heart! Were + not you and Grace brother and sister, I should consider myself well quit + of the responsibility of my guardianship, in seeing you man and wife.” + </p> + <p> + “As that is out of the question, I am not without hopes you can mention + another who will do just as well, so far as I am concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, there is this Miss Merton—though I do not know her well + enough to venture absolutely on a recommendation. Now, I told Lucy, no + later than yesterday, while we were on the river, and as you were pointing + out to Miss Merton the forts in the Highlands, that I thought you would + make one of the handsomest couples in the state—and, moreover, I + told her—bless me, how this corn grows! The plants will be in tassel + in a few days, and the crop must turn out most beneficent—truly, + truly—there is a providence in all things; for, at first, I was for + putting the corn on yonder hill-side, and the potatoes here; but old Hiram + was led by some invisible agency to insist on this field for the corn, and + the hill-side for the potatoes—and, now, look, and see what crops + are in promise! Think of a nigger's blundering on such a thing?” + </p> + <p> + In 1802, even well-educated and well-intentioned clergymen had no scruples + in saying “nigger.” + </p> + <p> + “But, sir, you have quite forgotten to add what else you told Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “True—true—it is very natural that you should prefer hearing + me talk about Miss Merton, to hearing me talk about potatoes—I'll + tell <i>that</i> to Lucy, too, you may depend on it.” + </p> + <p> + “I sincerely hope you will do no such thing, my dear sir,” I cried, in no + little alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Ah! that betrays guilt—consciousness, I should say; for what guilt + can there be in a virtuous love?—and rely on it, both the girls + shall know all about it. Lucy and I often talk over your matters, Miles; + for she loves you as well as your own sister. Ah! my fine fellow, you + blush at it, like a girl of sixteen! But, there is nothing to be ashamed + of, and there is no occasion for blushes.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, letting my blushes—the blushes of a shipmaster!—but + setting aside my blushes, for mercy's sake <i>what more</i> did you tell + Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “What more? Why I told her how you had been on a desert island, quite + alone as one might say, with Miss Merton, and how you had been at sea, + living in the same cabin as it were, for nine months; and it would be + wonderful—wonderful, indeed, if two so handsome young persons should + not feel an attachment for each other. Country might make some difference, + to be sure—” + </p> + <p> + “And station, sir?—What do you think would be the influence of the + difference of station, also?” + </p> + <p> + “Station!—Bless me, Miles; what difference in station is there + between you and Miss Merton; that it should cause any obstacle to your + union?” + </p> + <p> + “You know what it is, sir, as well as I do myself. She is the daughter of + an officer in the British army, and I am the master of a ship. You will + admit, I presume, Mr. Hardinge, that there is such, a thing as a + difference in station?” + </p> + <p> + “Beyond all question. It is exceedingly useful to remember it; and I + greatly fear the loose appointments of magistrates and other + functionaries, that are making round the country, will bring all our + notions on such subjects into great confusion. I can understand that one + man is as good as another in <i>rights</i>, Miles; but I cannot understand + he is any <i>better</i>, because he happens to be uneducated, ignorant, or + a blackguard.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge was a sensible man in all such distinctions, though so simple + in connection with other matters. + </p> + <p> + “You can have no difficulty, however, in understanding that, in New York, + for instance, I should not be considered the equal of Major Merton—I + mean socially, altogether, and not in personal merit, or the claims which + years give—and of course, not the equal of his daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Why—yes—I know what you mean, now. There may be some little + inequality in that sense, perhaps; but Clawbonny, and the ship, and the + money at use, would be very apt to strike a balance.” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid not, sir. I should have studied law, sir, had I wished to + make myself a gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “There are lots of vulgar fellows getting into the law, Miles—men + who have not half your claims to be considered gentlemen. I hope you do + not think I wished you and Rupert to study law in order to make gentlemen + of you?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; it was unnecessary to take that step as regards Rupert, who was + fully born in the station. Clergymen have a decided position all over the + world, I believe; and then you are extremely well connected otherwise, Mr. + Hardinge. Rupert has no occasion for such an assistance—with me it + was a little different.” + </p> + <p> + “Miles—Miles—this is a strange fancy to come over a young man + in your situation—and who, I am afraid, has been the subject of + envy, only too often, to Rupert!” + </p> + <p> + “If the truth were known, Mr. Hardinge, I dare say both Rupert and Lucy, + in their secret hearts, think they possess advantages, in the way of + social station, that do not belong to Grace and myself.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge looked hurt, and I was soon sorry that I had made this + speech. Nor would I have the reader imagine that what I had said, + proceeded in the least from that narrow selfish feeling, which, under the + blustering pretension of equality, presumes to deny the existence of a + very potent social fact; but simply from the sensitiveness of feelings, + which, on this subject, were somewhat in danger of becoming morbid, + through the agency of the most powerful passion of the human heart—or, + that which has well been called the master-passion. Nevertheless, Mr. + Hardinge was much too honest a man to deny a truth, and much too sincere + to wish even to prevaricate about it, however unpleasant it might be to + acknowledge it, in all its unpleasant bearings. + </p> + <p> + “I now understand you, Miles; and it would be idle to pretend that there + is not some justice in what you say, though I attach very little + importance to it, myself. Rupert is not exactly what I could wish him to + be in all things, and possibly <i>he</i> may be coxcomb enough, at times, + to fancy he has this slight advantage over you,—but, as for Lucy, + I'll engage she never thinks of you but as a second brother—and that + she loves you exactly as she loves Rupert.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge's simplicity was of proof, and it was idle to think of making + any impression on it. I changed the subject, therefore, and this was + easily enough done, by beginning again to talk about the potatoes. I was + far from being easy, nevertheless; for I could not avoid seeing that the + good divine's restlessness might readily widen the little breach which had + opened between his daughter and myself. + </p> + <p> + That day, at dinner, I discovered that Grace's winter in town had led to a + sensible melioration of the domestic economy; most especially as related + to the table. My father and mother had introduced some changes, which + rendered the Clawbonny household affairs a little different from those of + most other of the Ulster county families near our own class; but their + innovations, or improvements, or whatever they might be called, were far + from being as decided as those introduced by their daughter. Nothing, + perhaps, sooner denotes the condition of people, than the habits connected + with the table. If eating and drinking be not done in a certain way, and a + way founded in reason, too, as indeed are nearly all the customs of + polished life, whatever may be the cant of the ultras of reason—but, + if eating and drinking be not done in a certain way, your people of the + world perceive it sooner than almost anything else. There is, also, more + of common sense and innate fitness, in the usages of the table, so long as + they are not dependent on mere caprice, than in almost any other part of + our deportment; for everybody must eat, and most persons choose to eat + decently. I had been a little nervous on the subject of the Mertons, in + connection with the Clawbonny table, I will confess; and great was my + delight when I found the breakfast going off so well. As for the Major, + himself by no means familiar with the higher classes of his own country, + he had that great stamp of a gentleman, simplicity; and he was altogether + above the cockney distinctions of eating and drinking; those about cheese + and malt liquors, and such vulgar niceties; nor was he a man to care about + the silver-forkisms; but he understood that portion of the finesse of the + table which depended on reason and taste, and was accustomed to observe + it. This I knew from near a twelve month's intercourse, and I had feared + we might turn out to be a little too rustic. + </p> + <p> + Grace had made provisions against all this, with a tact and judgment for + which I could have worshipped her. I knew the viands, the vegetables, and + the wines would all be good of their kind, for in these we seldom failed; + nor did I distrust the cookery, the <i>English</i>-descended families of + the Middle States, of my class, understanding that to perfection; but I + feared we should fail in those little incidents of style and arrangement, + and in the order of the service, that denote a well-regulated table. This + is just what Grace had seen to; and I found that a great revolution had + been quietly effected in this branch of our domestic economy during my + absence; thanks to Grace's observations while at Mrs. Bradfort's. + </p> + <p> + Emily seemed pleased at dinner, and Lucy could again laugh and smile. + After the cloth was removed, the Major and Mr. Hardinge discussed a bottle + of Madeira, and that too of a quality of which I had no reason to be + ashamed; while we young people withdrew together to a little piazza, that + was in the shade at that hour, and took seats, for a chat. Rupert was + permitted to smoke, on condition that he would not approach within fifteen + feet of the party. No sooner was this little group thus arranged, the + three girls in a crescent, than I disappeared. + </p> + <p> + “Grace, I have not yet spoken to you of a necklace of pearls possessed by + your humble servant,” I cried, as my foot again touched the piazza.—“I + would not say a word about it—” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, Lucy and I heard all about it—” answered Grace with provoking + calmness, “but would not ask to see it, lest you should accuse us of + girlish curiosity. We waited your high pleasure, in the matter.” + </p> + <p> + “You and Lucy heard I had such a necklace!” + </p> + <p> + “Most unquestionably; I, Grace Wallingford, and she, Lucy Hardinge. I hope + it is no infringement on the rights of Mr. Miles Clawbonny”—so the + girls often called me, when they affected to think I was on my high-ropes—“I + hope it is no infringement on the rights of Mr. Miles Clawbonny to say as + much.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray how <i>could</i> you and Lucy know anything about it?” + </p> + <p> + “That is altogether another question; perhaps we may accord an answer, + after we have seen the necklace.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton told us, Miles,” said Lucy, looking at me with gentleness, + for she saw I really wished an answer; and what could Lucy Hardinge ever + refuse me, that was right in itself when she saw my feelings were really + interested? + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton? Then I have been betrayed, and the surprise I anticipated is + lost.” + </p> + <p> + I was vexed, and my manner must have shown it in a slight degree. Emily + coloured, bit her lip, and said nothing; but Grace made her excuses with + more spirit than it was usual for <i>her</i> to show. + </p> + <p> + “You are rightly punished, Master Miles,” she cried; “for you had no + business to anticipate surprises. They are vulgar things at best, and they + are worse than that when they come from a distance of fifteen thousand + miles—from a brother to a sister. Besides, you have surprised us + sufficiently once, already, in connection with Miss Merton.” + </p> + <p> + “I!” I exclaimed. + </p> + <p> + “Me!” added Emily. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I and me; did you tell us one word about her, in your letters? and + have you not now both surprised and delighted us, by making us acquainted + with so charming a person? I can pardon such a surprise, on account of its + consequences; but nothing so vulgar as a surprise about pearls.” + </p> + <p> + Emily blushed now; and in her it was possible to tell the difference + between a blush and the suffusion that arose from a different feeling; but + she looked immensely superior to anything like explanations. + </p> + <p> + “Captain Wallingford”—how I disliked that <i>Captain</i>—“Captain + Wallingford can have but little knowledge of young ladies,” she said, + coldly, “if he supposes such pearls as he possesses would not form the + subject of their conversation.” + </p> + <p> + I was coxcomb enough to fancy Emily was vexed that I had neglected to be + more particular about her being on the island, and her connection with the + ship. This might have been a mistake; however. + </p> + <p> + “Let us see the pearls, Miles; and that will plead your apology,” said + Lucy. + </p> + <p> + “There, then—your charming eyes, young ladies, never looked on + pearls like those, before.” + </p> + <p> + Female nature could not suppress the exclamations of belight that + succeeded. Even Rupert, who had a besetting weakness on the subject of all + personal ornaments, laid aside his segar, and came within the prescribed + distance, the better to admire. It was admitted all round, New York had + nothing to compare with them. I then mentioned that they had been fished + up by myself from the depths of the sea. + </p> + <p> + “How much that adds to their value!” said Lucy, in a low voice, but in her + warm, sincere manner. + </p> + <p> + “That was getting them <i>cheap</i>, was it not, Miss Wallingford?” + inquired Emily, with an emphasis I disliked. + </p> + <p> + “Very; though I agree with Lucy, it makes them so much the more valuable.” + </p> + <p> + “If Miss Merton will forget my charge of treason, and condescend to put on + the necklace, you will all see it to much greater advantage than at + present. If a fine necklace embellishes a fine woman, the advantage is + quite reciprocal. I have seen my pearls once already on her neck, and know + the effect.” + </p> + <p> + A wish of Grace's aided my application, and Emily placed the ornaments + around her throat. The dazzling whiteness of her skin gave a lustre to the + pearls that they certainly did not previously possess. One scarcely knew + which to admire the most—the ornaments, or their setting. + </p> + <p> + “How very, very beautiful they are <i>now!</i>” cried Lucy, in generous + admiration. “Oh! Miss Merton, pearls should ever be your ornaments.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Those</i> pearls, you mean, Lucy,” put in Rupert, who was always + extremely liberal with other people's means; “the necklace ought never to + be removed.” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Merton knows their destination,” I said, gallantly, “and the terms + of ownership.” + </p> + <p> + Emily slowly undid the clasp, placed the string before her eyes, and + looked at it long and silently. + </p> + <p> + “And what is this destination, Miles? What these terms of ownership?” my + sister asked. + </p> + <p> + “Of course he means them for you, dear,” Lucy remarked in haste. “For whom + else can he intend such an ornament?” + </p> + <p> + “You are mistaken, Miss Hardinge. Grace must excuse me for being a little + selfish this time, at least. I do not intend those pearls for Miss + Wallingford, but for Mrs. Wallingford, should there ever be such a + person.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, such a double temptation, my boy, I Wonder Miss Merton ever + had the fortitude to remove them from the enviable position they so lately + occupied,” cried Rupert, glancing meaningly towards Emily, who returned + the look with a slight smile. + </p> + <p> + “Of course, Miss Merton understood that my remark was ventured in + pleasantry,” I said stiffly, “and not in presumption. It was decided, + however, when in the Pacific, that these pearls ought to have that + destination. It is true, Clawbonny is not the Pacific, and one may be + pardoned for seeing things a little differently <i>here</i>, from what + they appeared <i>there</i>. I have a few more pearls, however, very + inferior in quality I confess, to those of the necklace; but, such as they + are, I should esteem it a favour, ladies, if you would consent to divide + them equally among you. They would make three very pretty rings, and as + many breast-pins.” + </p> + <p> + I put into Grace's hands a little box containing all the pearls that had + not been placed on the string. There were many fine ones among them, and + some of very respectable size, though most were of the sort called seed. + In the whole, there were several hundreds. + </p> + <p> + “We will not balk his generosity,” said Grace, smiling—“so, Miss + Merton, we will separate the pearls into three parcels, and draw lots for + them. Here are handsome ornaments among them!” + </p> + <p> + “They will have one value with you, at least, Grace, and quite likely with + Lucy, while they might possibly possess another with Miss Merton. I fished + up every one of those pearls with my own hands.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, that will give them value with both Lucy and me, dearest + Miles, as would the simple fact that they are your gift—but what is + to give them their especial value with Miss Merton?” + </p> + <p> + “They may serve to remind Miss Merton of some of her hair-breadth escapes, + of the weeks passed on the island, and of scenes that, a few years hence, + will probably possess the colours of a dream, in her recollection.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>One</i> pearl I will take, with this particular object”—said + Emily, with more feeling than I had seen her manifest since she had got + back into the world, “if Miss Wallingford will do me the favour to select + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Let it be enough for a ring, at least,” Grace returned, in her own + sweetest manner. “Half a dozen of the finest of these pearls, of which one + shall be on Miles' account, and five on mine.” + </p> + <p> + “On those conditions, let it then be six. I have no occasion for pearls to + remind me how much my father and my self owe to Captain Wallingford.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, Rupert,” added Grace; “you have a taste in these things, let us + have your aid in the selection.” Rupert was by no means backward in + complying, for he loved to be meddling in such matters. + </p> + <p> + “In the first place,” he said, “I shall at once direct that the number be + increased to seven; this fine one in the centre, and three on each side, + gradually diminishing in size. We must look to quality, and not to weight, + for the six puisne judges, as we should call them in the courts. The Chief + Justice will be a noble-looking fellow, and the associates ought to be of + good quality to keep his honour's company.” + </p> + <p> + “Why do you not call your judges 'my lords,' as we do in England, Mr. + Hardinge?” inquired Emily, in her prettiest manner. + </p> + <p> + “<i>Why,</i> sure enough! I wish with all my heart we did, and then a man + would have something worth living for.” + </p> + <p> + “Rupert!” exclaimed Lucy, colouring—“you know it is because our + government is republican, and that we have no nobles among us. Nor do you + say exactly what you think; you would not be 'my lord,' if you could.” + </p> + <p> + “As I never shall be a 'my lord,' and I am afraid never a 'your honour'—There, + Miss Merton—there are numbers two and three—observe how + beautifully they are graduated as to size.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, 'your honour,'” added Grace, who began to be a little uneasy at the + manner Rupert and Emily exhibited towards each other—“well, 'your + honour,' what is to come next?” + </p> + <p> + “Numbers four and five, of course—and here they are, Miss Merton; as + accurately diminished, as if done by hand. A beautiful ring it will make—I + envy those who will be recalled to mind, by so charming an object.” + </p> + <p> + “You will now be one of those yourself, Mr. Hardinge”—observed + Emily, with great tact—“for you are fully entitled to it, by the + trouble you are giving yourself, and the taste and judgment you possess.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy looked petrified. She had so long accustomed herself to think of + Grace as her future sister, that the open admiration expressed in Rupert's + countenance, which was too manifest to escape any of us, first threw a + glimmering of light on suspicions of the most painful nature. I had long + seen that Lucy understood her brother's character better than any of us—much + better, indeed, than his simple-minded father; and, as for myself, I was + prepared to expect anything but consistency and principle in his conduct. + Dearly as I prized Lucy, and by this time the slight competition that + Emily Merton had presented to my fancy, had entirely given way to the dear + creature's heart, and nature,—but, dearly as I prized Lucy, I would + greatly have preferred that my sister should not marry her brother; and, + so far from feeling resentment on account of his want of fidelity, I was + rather disposed to rejoice at it. I could appreciate his want of merit, + and his unfitness to be the husband of such a woman as Grace, even at my + early age; but, alas! I could not appreciate the effects of his + inconstancy on a heart like that of my sister. Could I have felt as easy + on the subject of Mr. Andrew Drewett, and of my own precise position in + society, I should have cared very little, just then, about Rupert, and his + caprices. + </p> + <p> + The pearls for the ring were soon selected by Rupert, and approved of by + Grace, after which I assumed the office of dividing the remainder myself. + I drew a chair, took the box from Rupert, and set about the task. + </p> + <p> + “I shall make a faithful umpire, girls,” I observed, as pearl after pearl + was laid, first on one spot, then on another—“for I feel no + preference between you—Grace is as Lucy; Lucy is as Grace, with me.” + </p> + <p> + “That may be fortunate, Miss Hardinge, since it indicates no preference of + a particular sort, that might require repressing,” said Emily, smiling + significantly at Lucy. “When gentlemen treat young ladies as sisters, it + is a subject of rejoicing. These sailors need severe lessons, to keep them + within the rules of the land.” + </p> + <p> + Why this was said, I did not understand; but Rupert laughed at it, as if + it were a capital thing. To mend the matter, he added, a little + boisterously for him— + </p> + <p> + “You see, Miles, you had better have taken to the law—the ladies + cannot appreciate the merits of you tars.” + </p> + <p> + “So it would seem,” I returned, a little drily, “after all Miss Merton has + experienced and seen of the trade.” + </p> + <p> + Emily made no reply, but she regarded her pearls with a steadiness that + showed she was thinking more of their effect than that of either her own + speech or mine. I continued to divide the pearls, and soon had the work + complete. + </p> + <p> + “What am I to do, now?”—I asked—“Will you draw lots, girls, or + will you trust to my impartiality?” + </p> + <p> + “We will certainly confide in the last,” answered Grace. “The division is + so very equitable that I do not well see how you can defraud either.” + </p> + <p> + “That being the case, this parcel is for you, Lucy; and, Grace, that is + your's.” + </p> + <p> + Grace rose, put her arms affectionately around my neck, and gave me one of + the hundred kisses that I had received, first and last, for presents of + one sort and another. The deep attachment that beamed in her saint-like + eyes, would of itself have repaid me for fifty such gifts. At the moment, + I was almost on the point of throwing her the necklace in the bargain; but + some faint fancies about Mrs. Miles Wallingford prevented me from so + doing. As for Lucy, not a little to my surprise, she received the pearls, + muttered a few unintelligible words, but did not even rise from her chair. + Emily seemed to tire of this, so she caught up her gypsy, said the evening + was getting to be delightful, and proposed a walk. Rupert and Grace + cheerfully acquiesced, and the three soon left the place, Lucy preparing + to follow, as soon as a maid could bring her hat, and I excusing myself on + the score of business in my own room. + </p> + <p> + “Miles”—said Lucy, as I was about to enter the house, she herself + standing on the edge of the piazza on the point of following the party, + but holding towards me the little paper box in which I had placed her + portion of the pearls. + </p> + <p> + “Do you wish me to put them away for you, Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miles—not for <i>me</i>—but for <i>yourself</i>—for + Grace—for <i>Mrs. Miles Wallingford</i>, if you prefer that.” + </p> + <p> + This was said without the slightest appearance of any other feeling than a + gentle request. I was surprised, and scarce knew what to make of it; at + first, I refused to take the box. + </p> + <p> + “I hope I have done nothing to merit this, Lucy?” I said, half-affronted, + half-grieved. + </p> + <p> + “Remember, Miles,” the dear girl answered—“we are no longer + children, but have reached an age when it is incumbent on us to respect + appearances a little. These pearls must be worth a good deal of money, and + I feel certain my father, when he came to think of it, would scarce + approve of my receiving them.” + </p> + <p> + “And this from <i>you</i>, dear Lucy!” + </p> + <p> + “This from me, dear Miles,” returned the precious girl, tears glistening + in her eyes, though she endeavoured to smile. “Now, take the box, and we + will be just as good friends as ever.” + </p> + <p> + “Will you answer me one question, as frankly and as honestly as you used + to answer all my questions?” + </p> + <p> + Lucy turned pale and she stood reflecting an instant before she spoke. + </p> + <p> + “I can answer no question before it is asked,” was at length her answer. + </p> + <p> + “Have you thought so little of my presents as to have thrown away the + locket I gave you, before I sailed for the North-West coast?” + </p> + <p> + “No, Miles; I have kept the locket, and shall keep it as long as I live. + It was a memorial of our childish regard for each other; and, in that + sense, is very dear to me. You will let me keep the locket, I am sure!” + </p> + <p> + “If it were not you, Lucy Hardinge, whom I know to be truth itself, I + might be disposed to doubt you, so many strange things exist, and so much + caprice, especially in attachments, is manifested here, ashore!” + </p> + <p> + “You need doubt nothing I tell you, Miles—on no account would I + deceive you.” + </p> + <p> + “That I believe—nay, I see, it is your present object to <i>undeceive</i> + me. I do not doubt anything you tell me, Lucy. I wish I could see that + locket, however; show it to me, if you have it on your person.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy made an eager movement, as if about to produce the locket; then she + arrested the impetuous indication, while her cheeks fairly burned with the + blushes that suffused them. + </p> + <p> + “I see how it is, Lucy—the thing is not to be found. It is mislaid, + the Lord knows where, and you do not like to avow it.” + </p> + <p> + The locket, at that moment, lay as near the blessed creature's heart as it + could be placed; and her confusion proceeded from the shame of letting + that fact be known. This I could not see, and consequently did not know. A + very small and further indication of feeling on my part, might have + betrayed the circumstance; but pride prevented it, and I took the still + extended box, I dare say in a somewhat dramatic manner. Lucy looked at me + earnestly; I saw it was with difficulty that she kept from bursting into + tears. + </p> + <p> + “You are not hurt, Miles?” she said. + </p> + <p> + “I should not be frank if I denied it. Even Emily Merton, you saw, + consented to accept enough pearls for a ring.” + </p> + <p> + “I did perceive it; and yet, you remember, she felt the impropriety of + receiving such large gifts from gentlemen. Miss Merton has gone through so + much, so much in your company, Miles, that no wonder she is willing to + retain some little memorial of it all, until—” + </p> + <p> + She hesitated; but Lucy chose not to finish the sentence. She had been + pale; but her cheeks were now like the rose, again. + </p> + <p> + “When Rupert and I first went to sea, Lucy, you gave me your little + treasure in gold—every farthing you had on earth, I fancy.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad I did, Miles; for we were very young, then, and you had been so + kind to me, I rejoice I had a little gratitude. But, we are now in + situations,” she added, smiling so sweetly, as to render it difficult for + me to refrain from catching her in my arms, and folding her to my heart; + “that place both of us above the necessity of receiving aid of this sort.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear this—though <i>I</i> shall never part with the + dear recollection of the half-joes.” + </p> + <p> + “Or I with that of the locket. We will retain these, then, as keepsakes. + My dear Mrs. Bradfort, too, is very particular about Rupert or myself + receiving favours of this sort, from any but herself. She has adopted us, + in a manner; and I owe to her liberality, the means of making the figure I + do. Apart from that, Miles, we are all as poor as we have ever been.” + </p> + <p> + I wished Rupert had half his sister's self-respect and pride of character. + But he had not; for in spite of his kinswoman's prohibitions, he had not + scrupled to spend nearly three years of the wages that accrued to me as + third-mate of the Crisis. For the money I cared not a stiver; it was a + very different thing as to the feeling. + </p> + <p> + As for Lucy, she hastened away, as soon as she had induced me to accept + the box; and I had no choice but to place all the pearls together, and put + them in Grace's room, as my sister had desired me to do with her own + property before proceeding on her walk. + </p> + <p> + I determined I would converse confidentially with Grace, that very + evening, about the state of affairs in general, and if possible, learn the + worst concerning Mr. Andrew Drewett's pretensions. Shall I frankly own the + truth? I was sorry that Mrs. Bradfort had made Lucy so independent; as it + seemed to increase the chasm that I fancied was opening between us. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Your name abruptly mentioned, casual words + Of comment on your deeds, praise from your uncle, + News from the armies, talk of your return, + A word let fall touching your youthful passion + Suffused her cheek, called to her drooping eye + A momentary lustre.” + </pre> + <p> + I had no difficulty in putting my project of a private interview with + Grace, in execution in my own house. There was one room at Clawbonny, + that, from time immemorial, had been appropriated exclusively to the use + of the heads of the establishment; It was called the “family room,” as one + would say “family-pictures” or “family—plate.” In my father's time, + I could recollect that I never dreamed of entering it, unless asked or + ordered; and even then, I always did so with some such feeling as I + entered a church. What gave it a particular and additional sanctity in out + eyes, also, was the fact that the Wallingford dead were always placed in + their coffins, in this room, and thence they were borne to their graves. + It was a very small triangular room, with the fire-place in one corner, + and possessing but a single window, that opened on a thicket of + rose-bushes, ceringos, and lilacs. There was also a light external fence + around this shrubbery, as if purposely to keep listeners at a distance. + The apartment had been furnished when the house was built, being in the + oldest part of the structures, and still retained its ancient inmates. The + chairs, tables, and, most of the other articles, had actually been brought + from England, by Miles the First, as we used to call the emigrant; though, + he was thus only in reference to the Clawbonny dynasty, having been + something like Miles the Twentieth, in the old country. My mother had + introduced a small settee, or some such seat as the French would call a <i>causeuse;</i> + a most appropriate article, in such a place. + </p> + <p> + In preparation for the interview I had slipped into Grace's hand a piece + of paper, on which was written “meet me in the family-room, precisely at + six!” This was sufficient; at the hour named, I proceeded to the room, + myself. The house of Clawbonny, in one sense, was large for an American + residence; that is to say, it covered a great deal of ground, every one of + the three owners who preceded me, having built; the two last leaving + entire the labours of the first. My turn had not yet come, of course; but + the reader knows already that I, most irreverently, had once contemplated + abandoning the place, for a “seat” nearer the Hudson. In such a <i>suite</i> + of constructions, sundry passages became necessary, and we had several + more than was usual at Clawbonny, besides having as many pairs of stairs. + In consequence of this ample provision of stairs, the chambers of the + family were totally separated from those of all the rest of the house. + </p> + <p> + I began to reflect seriously, on <i>what</i> I had to say, and <i>how</i> + it was to be said, as I walked through the long passage which led to the + “family-room,” or the “triangle,” as my own father had nicknamed the spot. + Grace and I had never yet held what might be termed a family consultation; + I was too young to think of such a thing, when last at home, and no former + occasion had offered since my return. I was still quite young, and had + more diffidence than might have been expected in a sailor. To me, it was + far more embarrassing to open verbal communications of a delicate nature, + than it would have been to work a ship in action. But for this <i>mauvaise + honte</i>, I do think I should have been explicit with Lucy, and not have + parted from her on the piazza, as I did, leaving everything in just as + much doubt as it had been before a word passed between us. Then I + entertained a profound respect for Grace; something more than the + tenderness of a brother for a sister; for, mingled with my strong + affection for her, was a deference, a species of awe of her angel-like + character and purity, that made me far more disposed to receive advice + from her, than to bestow it. In the frame of mind which was natural to all + these blended feelings, I laid my hand on the old-fashioned brass latch, + by which the door of the “triangle” was closed. On entering the room, I + found my sister seated on the “causeuses,” the window open to admit air, + the room looking snug but cheerful, and its occupant's sweet countenance + expressive of care, not altogether free from curiosity. The last time I + had been in that room, it was to look on the pallid features of my + mother's corpse, previously to closing the coffin. All the recollections + of that scene rushed upon our minds at the same instant; and taking a + place by the side of Grace, I put an arm around her waist, drew her to me, + and, receiving her head on my bosom, she wept like a child. My tears could + not be altogether restrained, and several minutes passed in profound + silence. No explanations were needed; I knew what my sister thought and + felt, and she was equally at home as respects my sensations. At length we + regained our self-command, and Grace lifted her head. + </p> + <p> + “You have not been in this room since, brother?” she observed, half + inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “I have not, sister. It is now many years—many for those who are as + young as ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “Miles, you will think better about that 'seat,' and never abandon + Clawbonny—never destroy this blessed room!” + </p> + <p> + “I begin to think and feel differently on the subject, from what I once + did. If this house were good enough for our forefathers, why is it not + good enough for me. It is respectable and comfortable, and what more do I + want? + </p> + <p> + “And so warm in winter, and so cool in summer; with good thick stone + walls; while everything they build now is a shingle palace! Besides, you + can add your portion, and each addition has already been a good deal + modernized. It is so pleasant to have a house that partakes of the usages + of different periods!” + </p> + <p> + “I hardly think I shall ever abandon Clawbonny, my dear; for I find it + growing more and more precious as other ties and expectations fail me.” + </p> + <p> + Grace drew herself entirely from my arms, and looked intently, and, as I + fancied, anxiously at me, from the other corner of the settee. Then she + affectionately took one of my hands, in both her own, and pressed it + gently. + </p> + <p> + “You are young to speak of such things, my dear brother,” she said with a + tone and air of sadness, I had never yet remarked in her voice and manner; + “much too young for a man; though I fear we women are born to know + sorrow!” + </p> + <p> + I could not speak if I would, for I fancied Grace was about to make some + communications concerning Rupert. Notwithstanding the strong affection + that existed between my sister and myself, not a syllable had ever been + uttered by either, that bore directly on our respective relations with + Rupert and Lucy Hardinge. I had long been certain that Rupert, who was + never backward in professions, had years before spoken explicitly to + Grace, and I made no doubt they were engaged, though probably subject to + some such conditions as the approval of his father and myself; approvals, + that neither had any reason for supposing would be withheld. Still, Grace + had never intimated anything of the sort, and my conclusions were drawn + from conjectures founded as I imagined on sufficient observation. On the + other hand, I had never spoken to Grace, of my love for Lucy. Until within + the last month, indeed, when jealousy and distrust came to quicken the + sentiment, I was unconscious myself with how much passion I did actually + love the dear girl; for, previously to that, my affection had seemed so + much a matter of course, was united with so much that was fraternal, in + appearance at least, that I had never been induced to enter into an + inquiry as to the nature of this regard. We were both, therefore, touching + on hallowed spots in our hearts, and each felt averse to laying bare the + weakness. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you know how it is with life, Grace,” I answered, with affected + carelessness, after a moment's silence; “now all sun-shine, and now all + clouds—I shall probably never marry, my dear sister, and you, or + your children, will inherit Clawbonny; then you can do as you please with + the house. As a memorial of myself, however, I will leave orders for stone + to be got out this fall, and, next year, I will put up the south wing, of + which we have so much talked, and add three or four rooms in which one + will not be ashamed to see his friends.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope your are ashamed of nothing that is at Clawbonny, now, Miles—as + for your marrying, my dear brother, that remains to be seen; young men do + not often know their own minds on such a subject, at your age.” + </p> + <p> + This was said, not altogether without pleasantry, though there was a shade + of sadness in the countenance of the beloved speaker, that from the bottom + of my heart I wished were not there. I believe Grace understood my + concern, and that she shrunk with virgin sensitiveness from touching + further on the subject, for she soon added— + </p> + <p> + “Enough of this desponding talk. Why have you particularly desired to see + me, here, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “Why? Oh! you know I am to sail next week, and we have never been here—and, + now we are both of an age to communicate our thoughts to each other—I + supposed—that is—there must be a beginning of all things, and + it is as well to commence now, as any other time. You do not seem more + than half a sister, in the company of strangers like the Mertons, and + Hardinges!” + </p> + <p> + “Strangers, Miles! How long have you regarded the last as strangers?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not strangers in the way of acquaintance, but strangers to our + blood. There is not the least connection between us and them.” + </p> + <p> + “No, but much love; and love that has lasted from childhood. I cannot + remember the time when I have not loved Lucy Hardinge.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true—nor I. Lucy is an excellent girl, and one is almost + certain of always retaining a strong regard for <i>her</i>. How singularly + the prospects of the Hardinges are changed by this sudden liking of Mrs. + Bradfort!” + </p> + <p> + “It is not sudden, Miles. You have been absent years, and forget how much + time there has been to become intimate and attached. Mr. Hardinge and Mrs. + Bradfort are sister's children; and the fortune of the last, which, I am + told, exceeds six thousand a-year, in improving real estate in town, + besides the excellent and valuable house in which she lives, came from + their common grandfather, who cut off Mrs. Hardinge with a small legacy, + because she married a clergyman. Mr. Hardinge is Mrs. Bradfort's + heir-at-law, and it is by no means unnatural that she should think of + leaving the property to those who, in one sense, have as good a right to + it as she has herself.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it supposed she will leave Rupert her heir?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it is—at least—I think—I am afraid—Rupert + himself imagines it; though doubtless Lucy will come in for a fair share. + The affection of Mrs. Bradfort for Lucy is very strong—so strong, + indeed, that she offered, last winter, openly to adopt her, and to keep + her with her constantly. You know how true and warm-hearted a girl Lucy + is, and how easy it is to love her.” + </p> + <p> + “This is all new to me—why was not the offer accepted?” + </p> + <p> + “Neither Mr. Hardinge nor Lucy would listen to it. I was present at the + interview in which it was discussed, and our excellent guardian thanked + his cousin for her kind intentions; but, in his simple way, he declared, + as long as life was spared him, he felt it a duty to keep his girl; or, at + least, until he committed her to the custody of a husband, or death should + part them.” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “She is much attached to Mrs. Bradfort, who is a good woman in the main, + though she has her weaknesses about the world, and society, and such + things. Lucy wept in her cousin's arms, but declared she never could leave + her father. I suppose you do not expect,” added Grace, smiling, “that <i>she</i> + had anything to say about a husband.” + </p> + <p> + “And how did Mrs. Bradfort receive this joint declaration of resistance to + her pleasure, backed, as the last was, by dollars?” + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly well. The affair terminated by Mr. Hardinge's consenting to + Lucy's passing each winter in town, until she marry. Rupert, you know, + lives there as a student at law, at present, and will become established + there, when admitted to the bar.” + </p> + <p> + “And I suppose the knowledge that Lucy is likely to inherit some of the + old Bleecker estate, has not in the least diminished her chance of finding + a husband to remove her from the paternal custody of her father?” + </p> + <p> + “No husband could ever make Lucy anything but Mr. Hardinge's daughter; but + you are right, Miles, in supposing that she has been sought. I am not in + her secrets, for Lucy is a girl of too much principle to make a parade of + her conquests, even under the pretence of communicating them to her + dearest friend—and in that light, beyond all question, does she + regard me; but I feel as morally certain as one can be, without actually + knowing the facts, that Lucy refused <i>one</i> gentleman, winter before + last, and three last winter.” + </p> + <p> + “Was Mr. Andrew Drewett of the number?” I asked, with a precipitation of + which I was immediately ashamed. + </p> + <p> + Grace started a little at the vivacity of my manner, and then she smiled, + though I still thought sadly. + </p> + <p> + “Of course not,” she answered, after a moment's thought, “or he would not + still be in attendance. Lucy is too frank to leave an admirer in doubt an + instant after his declaration is made, and her own mind made up; and not + one of all those who, I am persuaded, have offered, has ever ventured to + continue more than a distant acquaintance. As Mr. Drewett never has been + more assiduous than down to the last moment of our remaining in town, it + is impossible he should have been rejected. I suppose you know Mr. + Hardinge has invited him here?” + </p> + <p> + “Here? Andrew Drewett? And why is he coming here?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard him ask Mr. Hardinge's permission to visit us here; and you know + how it is with our dear, good guardian—the milk of human kindness + himself, and so perfectly guileless that he never sees more than is said + in such matters, it was impossible he could refuse. Besides, he likes + Drewett, who, apart from some fashionable follies, is both clever and + respectable. Mr. Drewett has a sister married into one of the best + families on the other side of the river, and is in the habit of coming + into the neighbourhood every summer; doubtless he will cross from his + sisters house to Clawbonny.” + </p> + <p> + I felt indignant for just one minute, and then reason resumed its sway. + Mr. Hardinge, in the first place, had the written authority, or request, + of my mother that he would invite whom he pleased, during my minority, to + the house; and, on that score, I felt no disapprobation. But it seemed so + much like braving my own passion, to ask an open admirer of Lucy's to my + own house, that I was very near saying something silly. Luckily I did not, + and Grace never knew what I suffered at this discovery. Lucy had refused + several offers—that was something; and I was dying to know what sort + of offers they were. I thought I might at least venture to ask that + question. + </p> + <p> + “Did you know the four gentlemen that you suppose Lucy to have refused?” + said I, with as indifferent an air as I could assume, affecting to destroy + a cobweb with my rattan, and even carrying my acting so far as to make an + attempt at a low whistle. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly; how else should I know anything about it? Lucy has never said + a word to me on the subject; and, though Mrs. Bradfort and I have had our + pleasantries on the subject, neither of us is in Lucy's secrets.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, your pleasantries on the subject! That I dare say. There is no better + fun to a woman than to see a man make a fool of himself in this way; + little does <i>she</i> care how much a poor fellow suffers!” + </p> + <p> + Grace turned pale, and I could see that her sweet countenance became + thoughtful and repentant. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps there is truth in your remark, and justice n your reproach, + Miles. None of us treat this subject with as much, seriousness as it + deserves, though I cannot suppose any woman can reject a man whom she + believes to be seriously attached to her, without feeling for him. Still, + attachments of this nature affect your sex less than ours, and I believe + few men die of love. Lucy, moreover, never has, and I believe never would + encourage any man whom she did not like; this principle must have + prevented any of that intimate connection, without which the heart never + can get much interested. The passion that is produced without any exchange + of sentiment or feeling, Miles, cannot be much more than imagination or + caprice.” + </p> + <p> + “I suppose those four chaps are all famously cured, by this time, then?” + said I, pretending again to whistle. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot answer for that—it is so easy to love Lucy, and to love + her warmly. I only know they visit her no longer, and, when they meet her + in society, behave just as I think a rejected admirer would behave, when + he has not lost his respect for his late flame. Mrs. Bradfort's fortune + and position may have had their influence on two; but the others I think + were quite sincere.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Bradfort is quite in a high set, Grace—altogether above what + we have been accustomed to?” + </p> + <p> + My sister coloured a little, and I could see she was not at her ease. + Still, Grace had too much self-respect, and too much character, ever to + feel an oppressive inferiority, where it did not exist in essentials; and + she had never been made to suffer, as the more frivolous and vain often + suffer, by communications with a class superior to their own; especially + when that class, as always happens, contains those who, having nothing + else to be proud of, take care to make others feel their inferiority. + </p> + <p> + “This is true, Miles,” she answered; “or I might better say, both are + true. Certainly I never have seen as many well-bred persons as I meet in + her circle—indeed, we have little around us at Clawbonny to teach us + any distinctions in such tastes. Mr. Hardinge, simple as he is, is so + truly a gentleman, that he has not left us altogether in the dark as to + what was expected of us; and I fancy the higher people truly are in the + world, the less they lay stress on anything but what is substantial, in + these matters.” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucy's admirers—and Lucy herself—” + </p> + <p> + “How, Lucy herself?” + </p> + <p> + “Was she well received—courted—admired? Met as an equal, and + treated as an equal? And you, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Had you lived more in the world, Miles, you would not have asked the + question. But Lucy has been always received as Mrs. Bradfort's daughter + would have been received; and as for myself, I have never supposed it was + not known exactly who I am.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Captain</i> Miles Wallingford's daughter, and <i>Captain</i> Miles + Wallingford's sister,” said I, with a little bitterness on each emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “Precisely; and a girl proud of her connections with both,” rejoined + Grace, with strong affection. + </p> + <p> + “I wish I knew one thing, Grace; and I think I <i>ought</i> to know it, + too.” + </p> + <p> + “If you can make the last appear, Miles, you may rest assured you shall + know it, if it depend on me.” + </p> + <p> + “Did any of these gentry—these soft-handed fellows—ever think + of offering to <i>you</i>?” + </p> + <p> + Grace laughed, and she coloured so deeply—oh! how heavenly was her + beauty, with that roseate tint on her cheek!—but she coloured so + deeply, that I felt satisfied that she, too, had refused her suitors. The + thought appeased some of my bitter feelings, and I had a sort of + semi-savage pleasure in believing that a daughter of Clawbonny was not to + be had for the asking, by one of that set. The only answers I got were + these disclosures by blushes. + </p> + <p> + “What are the fortune and position of this Mr. Drewett, since you are + resolved to tell me nothing of your own affairs?” + </p> + <p> + “Both are good, and such as no young lady can object to. He is even said + to be rich.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God! <i>He</i> then is not seeking Lucy in the hope of getting some + of Mrs. Bradfort's money?” + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least. It is so easy to love Lucy, for Lucy's sake, that even + a fortune-hunter would be in danger of being caught in his own trap. But + Mr. Drewett is above the necessity of practising so vile a scheme for + making money.” + </p> + <p> + Here, that the present generation may not be misled, and imagine + fortune-hunting has come in altogether within the last twenty years, I + will add that it was not exactly a trade, in this country—a regular + occupation—in 1802, as it has become, in 1844. There were such + things then, certainly, as men, or women, who were ready to marry anybody + who would make them rich; but I do not think theirs was a calling to which + either sex served regular apprenticeships, as is practised to-day. Still, + the business was carried on, to speak in the vernacular, and sometimes + with marked success. + </p> + <p> + “You have not told me, Grace,” I resumed, “whether you think Lucy is + pleased, or not, with the attentions of this gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + My sister looked at me intently, for a moment, as if to ascertain how far + I could, or could not, ask such a question with indifference. It will be + remembered that no verbal explanations had ever taken place between us, on + the subject of our feelings towards the companions of our childhood, and + that all that was known to either was obtained purely by inference. + Between myself and Lucy nothing had ever passed, indeed, which might not + have been honestly referred to our long and early association, so far as + the rules of intercourse were concerned, though I sometimes fancied I + could recall a hundred occasions, on which Lucy had formerly manifested + deep attachment for myself; nor did I doubt her being able to show similar + proofs, by reversing the picture. This, however, was, or I had thought it + to be, merely the language of the heart; the tongue having never spoken. + Of course, Grace had nothing but conjecture on this subject, and alas! she + had begun to see how possible it was for those who lived near each other + to change their views on such subjects; no wonder, then, if she fancied it + still easier, for those who had been separated for years. + </p> + <p> + “I have not told you, Miles,” Grace answered, after a brief delay, + “because it would not be proper to communicate the secrets of my friend to + a young man, even to you, were it in my power, as it is not, since Lucy + never has made to me the slightest confidential communication, of any sort + or nature, touching love.” + </p> + <p> + “Never!” I exclaimed—reading my fancied doom in the startling fact; + for I conceived it impossible, had she ever really loved me, that the + matter should not have come up in conversation between two so closely + united—“Never! What, no girlish—no childish preference—have + you never had no mutual preferences to reveal?” + </p> + <p> + “Never”—answered Grace, firmly, though her very temples seemed + illuminated—“Never. We have been satisfied with each other's + affection, and have had no occasion to enter into any unfeminine and + improper secrets, if any such existed.” + </p> + <p> + A long, and I doubt not a mutually painful pause succeeded. + </p> + <p> + “Grace,” said I, at length—“I am not envious of this probable + accession of fortune to the Hardinges, but I think we should all have been + much more united—much happier—without it.” + </p> + <p> + My sister's colour left her face, she trembled all over, and she became + pale as death. + </p> + <p> + “You may be right, in some respects, Miles,” she answered, after a time. + “And, yet, it is hardly generous to think so. Why should we wish to see + our oldest friends; those who are so very dear to us, our excellent + guardian's children, less well off than we are ourselves? No doubt, no + doubt, it may seem better to <i>us</i>, that Clawbonny should be the + castle and we its possessors; but others have their rights and interests + as well as ourselves. Give the Hardinges money, and they will enjoy every + advantage known in this country—more than money can possibly give us—why, + then, ought we to be so selfish as to wish them deprived of this + advantage? Place Lucy where you will, she will always be Lucy; and, as for + Rupert, so brilliant a young man needs only an opportunity, to rise to + anything the country possesses!” + </p> + <p> + Grace was so earnest, spoke with so much feeling, appeared so + disinterested, so holy I had almost said, that I could not find, in my + heart, the courage to try her any farther. That she began to distrust + Rupert, I plainly saw, though it was merely with the glimmerings of doubt. + A nature as pure as her's, and a heart so true, admitted with great + reluctance, the proofs of the unworthiness of one so long loved. It was + evident, moreover, that she shrunk from revealing her own great secret, + while she had only conjectures to offer in regard to Lucy; and even these + she withheld, as due to her sex, and the obligations of friendship. I + forgot that I had not been ingenuous myself, and that I made no + communication to justify any confidence on the part of my sister. That + which would have been treachery in her to say, under this state of the + case, might have been uttered with greater frankness on my own part. After + a pause, to allow my sister to recover from her agitation, I turned the + discourse to our own more immediate family interests, and soon got off the + painful subject altogether. + </p> + <p> + “I shall be of age, Grace.” I said, in the course of my explanations, + “before you see me again. We sailors are always exposed to more chances + and hazards than people ashore; and, I now tell you, should anything + happen to me, my will may be found in my secretary; signed and sealed, the + day I attain my majority. I have given orders to have it drawn up by a + lawyer of eminence, and shall take it to sea with me, for that very + purpose.” + </p> + <p> + “From which I am to infer that I must not covet Clawbonny,” answered + Grace, with a smile that denoted how little she cared for the fact—“You + give it to our cousin, Jack Wallingford, as a male heir, worthy of + enjoying the honour.” + </p> + <p> + “No, dearest, I give it to <i>you</i>. It is true, the law would do this + for me; but I choose to let it be known that I wish it to be so. I am + aware my father made that disposition of the place, should I die + childless, before I became of age; but, once of age, the place is all + mine; and that which is all mine, shall be all thine, after I am no more.” + </p> + <p> + “This is melancholy conversation, and, I trust, useless. Under the + circumstances you mention, Miles, I never should have expected Clawbonny, + nor do I know I ought to possess it. It comes as much from Jack + Wallingford's ancestors, as from our own; and it is better it should + remain with the name. I will not promise you, therefore, I will not give + it to him, the instant I can.” + </p> + <p> + This Jack Wallingford, of whom I have not yet spoken, was a man of + five-and-forty, and a bachelor. He was a cousin-german of my father's, + being the son of a younger brother of my grandfather's, and somewhat of a + favourite. He had gone into what was called the new countries, in that + day, or a few miles west of Cayuga Bridge, which put him into Western New + York. I had never seen him but once and that was on a visit he paid us on + his return from selling quantities of pot and pearl ashes in town; + articles made oh his new lands. He was said to be a prosperous man, and to + stand little in need of the old paternal property. + </p> + <p> + After a little more conversation on the subject of my will, Grace and I + separated, each more closely bound to the other, I firmly believed, for + this dialogue in the “family room.” Never had my sister seemed more worthy + of all my love; and, certain I am, never did she possess more of it. Of + Clawbonny she was as sure, as my power over it could make her. + </p> + <p> + The remainder of the week passed as weeks are apt to pass in the country, + and in summer. Feeling myself so often uncomfortable in the society of the + girls, I was much in the fields; always possessing the good excuse of + beginning to look after my own affairs. Mr. Hardinge took charge of the + Major, an intimacy beginning to spring up between these two respectable + old men. There were, indeed, so many points of common feeling, that such a + result was not at all surprising. They both loved the church—I beg + pardon, the Holy Catholic Protestant Episcopal Church. They both disliked + Bonaparte—the Major hated him, but my guardian hated nobody—both + venerated Billy Pitt, and both fancied the French Revolution was merely + the fulfilment of prophecy, through the agency of the devils. As we are + now touching upon times likely to produce important results, let me not be + misunderstood. As an old man, aiming, in a new sphere, to keep enlightened + the generation that is coming into active life, it may be necessary to + explain. An attempt has been made to induce the country to think that + Episcopalian and tory were something like synonymous terms, in the “times + that tried men's souls.” This is sufficiently impudent, <i>per se</i>, in + a country that possessed Washington, Jay, Hamilton, the Lees, the + Morrises, the late Bishop White, and so many other distinguished patriots + of the Southern and Middle States; but men are not particularly scrupulous + when there is an object to be obtained, even though it be pretended that + Heaven is an incident of that object. I shall, therefore, confine my + explanations to what I have said about Billy Pitt and the French. + </p> + <p> + The youth of this day may deem it suspicious that an Episcopal divine—<i>Protestant</i> + Episcopal, I mean; but it is so hard to get the use of new terms as + applied to old thoughts, in the decline of life!—may deem it + suspicious that a Protestant Episcopal divine should care anything about + Billy Pitt, or execrate Infidel France; I will, therefore, just intimate + that, in 1802, no portion of the country dipped more deeply into similar + sentiments than the descendants of those who first put foot on the rock of + Plymouth, and whose progenitors had just before paid a visit to Geneva, + where, it is “said or sung,” they had found a “church without a bishop, + and a state without a king.” In a word, admiration of Mr. Pitt, and + execration of Bonaparte, were by no means such novelties in America, in + that day, as to excite wonder. For myself, however, I can truly say, that, + like most Americans who went abroad in those stirring times, I was ready + to say with Mercutio, “a plague on both your houses;” for neither was even + moderately honest, or even decently respectful to ourselves. Party + feeling, however, the most inexorable, and the most unprincipled, of all + tyrants, and the bane of American liberty, notwithstanding all our + boasting, decreed otherwise; and, while one half the American republic was + shouting hosannas to the Great Corsican, the other half was ready to hail + Pitt as the “Heaven-born Minister.” The remainder of the nation felt and + acted as Americans should. It was my own private opinion, that France and + England would have been far better off, had neither of these worthies ever + had a being. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the union of opinion between the divine and the Major, was a + great bond of union, in friendship. I saw they were getting on well + together, and let things take their course. As for Emily, I cared very + little about her, except as she might prove to be connected with Rupert, + and through Rupert, with the happiness of my sister. As for Rupert, + himself, I could not get entirely weaned from one whom I had so much loved + in boyhood; and who, moreover, possessed the rare advantage of being + Lucy's brother, and Mr. Hardinge's son. “Sidney's sister, Pembroke's + mother,” gave him a value in my eyes, that he had long ceased to possess + on his own account. + </p> + <p> + “You see, Neb,” I said, towards the end of the week, as the black and I + were walking up from the mill in company, “Mr. Rupert has altogether + forgotten that he ever knew the name of a rope in a ship. His hands are as + white as a young lady's!” + </p> + <p> + “Nebber mind dat, Masser Mile. Masser Rupert nebber feel a saterfaction to + be wracked away, or to be prisoner to Injin! Golly! No gentleum to be + envy, sir, 'em doesn't enjoy <i>dat!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “You have a queer taste. Neb, from all which I conclude you expect to + return to town with me, in the Wallingford, this evening, and to go out in + the Dawn?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain, Masser Mile! How you t'ink of goin' to sea and leave nigger at + home?” + </p> + <p> + Here Neb raised such a laugh that he might have been heard a hundred rods, + seeming to fancy the idea he had suggested was so preposterous as to merit + nothing but ridicule. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Neb, I consent to your wishes; but this will be the last voyage in + which you will have to consult me on the subject, as I shall make out your + freedom papers, the moment I am of age.” + </p> + <p> + “What dem?” demanded the black, quick as lightning. + </p> + <p> + “Why, papers to make you your own master—a free man—you surely + know what that means. Did you never hear of free niggers?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartin—awful poor debble, dey be, too. You catch Neb, one day, at + being a free nigger, gib you leave to tell him of it, Masser Mile!” + </p> + <p> + Here was another burst of laughter, that sounded like a chorus in + merriment. + </p> + <p> + “This is a little extraordinary, Neb! I thought, boy, all slaves pined for + freedom?” + </p> + <p> + “P'rhaps so; p'rhaps not. What good he do, Masser Mile, when heart and + body well satisfy as it is. Now, how long a Wallingford family lib, here, + in dis berry spot?”—Neb always talked more like a “nigger,” when + within hearing of the household gods, than he did at sea. + </p> + <p> + “How long? About a hundred years, Neb—just one hundred and seven, I + believe; to be accurate.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long a Clawbonny family, at 'e same time, Masser Mile?” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word, Neb, your pedigree is a little confused, and I cannot + answer quite as certainly. Eighty or ninety, though, I should think, at + least; and, possibly a hundred, too. Let me see—you called old + Pompey your grand-father; did you not, Neb?” + </p> + <p> + “Sart'in—berry good grandfader, too, Masser Mile. Ole Pomp a + won'erful black!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I say nothing touching the quality—I dare say he was as good as + another. Well, I think that I have heard old Pompey's grandfather was an + imported Guinea, and that he was purchased by my great-grandfather about + the year 1700.” + </p> + <p> + “Dat just as good as gospel! Who want to make up lie about poor debble of + nigger? Well, den, Masser Mile, in all dem 1700 year, did he ebber hear of + a Clawbonny that want to be a free nigger? Tell me dat, once, an' I hab an + answer.” + </p> + <p> + “You have asked me more than I can answer, boy; for, I am not in the + secret of your own wishes, much less in those of all your ancestors.” + </p> + <p> + Neb pulled off his tarpaulin, scratched his wool, rolled his black eyes at + me, as if he enjoyed the manner in which he had puzzled me; after which he + set off on a tumbling excursion, in the road, going like a wheel on his + hands and feet, showing his teeth like rows of pearls, and concluding the + whole with roar the third, that sounded as if the hills and valleys were + laughing, in the very fatness of their fertility. The physical <i>tour de + force,</i> was one of those feats of agility in which Neb had been my + instructor, ten years before. + </p> + <p> + “S'pose I free, who do sich matter for you, Masser Mile?” cried Neb, like + one laying down an unanswerable proposition. “No, no, sir,—I belong + to you, you belong to me, and we belong to one anodder.” + </p> + <p> + This settled the matter for the present, and I said no more. Neb was + ordered to be in readiness for the next day; and at the appointed hour, I + met the assembled party to take my leave, on this, my third departure from + the roof of my fathers. It had been settled the Major and Emily were to + remain at the farm until July, when they were to proceed to the Springs, + for the benefit of the water, after living so long in a hot climate. I had + passed an hour with my guardian alone, and he had no more to say, than to + wish me well, and to bestow his blessing. I did not venture an offer to + embrace Lucy. It was the first time we had parted without this token of + affection; but I was shy, and I fancied she was cold. She offered me her + hand, as frankly as ever, however, and I pressed it fervently, as I wished + her adieu. As for Grace, she wept in my arms, just as she had always done, + and the Major and Emily shook hands cordially with me, it being understood + I should find them in New York, at my return. Rupert accompanied me down + to the sloop. + </p> + <p> + “If you should find an occasion, Miles, let us hear from you,” said my old + friend. “I have a lively curiosity to learn something of the Frenchmen; + nor am I entirely without the hope of soon gratifying the desire, in + person.” + </p> + <p> + “You!—If you have any intention to visit France, what better + opportunity, than to go in my cabin? Is it business, that will take you + there?” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all; pure pleasure. Our excellent cousin thinks a gentleman of a + certain class ought to travel; and I believe she has an idea of getting me + attached to the legation, in some form or other.” + </p> + <p> + This sounded so odd to me! Rupert Hardinge, who had not one penny to rub + against another, so lately, was now talking of his European tour, and of + legations! I ought to have been glad of his good fortune, and I fancied I + was. I said nothing, this time, concerning his taking up any portion of my + earnings, having the sufficient excuse of not being on pay myself. Rupert + did not stay long in the sloop, and we were soon under way. I looked + eagerly along the high banks of the creek, fringed as it was with bushes, + in hopes of seeing Grace, at least; nor was I disappointed. She and Lucy + had taken a direct path to the point where the two waters united, and were + standing there, as the sloop dropped past. They both waved their + handkerchiefs, in a way to show the interest they felt in me; and I + returned the parting salutations by kissing my hand again and again. At + this instant, a sail-boat passed our bows, and I saw a gentleman standing + up in it, waving his handkerchief, quite as industriously as I was kissing + my hand. A look told me it was Andrew Drewett, who directed his boat to + the point, and was soon making his bows to the girls in person. His boat + ascended the creek, no doubt with his luggage; while the last I saw of the + party it was walking off in company, taking the direction of the house. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Or feeling—, as the storm increases, + The love of terror nerve thy breast, + Didst venture to the coast: + To see the mighty war-ship leap + From wave to wave upon the deep, + Like chamois goat from steep to steep, + Till low in valley lost.” + ALLSTON. +</pre> + <p> + Roger Talcott had not been idle during my absence. Clawbonny was so dear + to me, that I had staid longer than was proposed in the original plan; and + I now found the hatches on the Dawn, a crew shipped, and nothing remaining + but to clear out. I mean the literal thing, and not the slang phrase, one + of those of which so many have crept into the American language, through + the shop, and which even find their way into print; such as “charter + coaches,” “on a boat,” “on board a stage,” and other similar elegancies. “<i>On</i> + a boat” always makes me—, even at my present time of life. The Dawn + was cleared the day I reached town. + </p> + <p> + Several of the crew of the Crisis had shipped with us anew, the poor + fellows having already made away with all their wages and prize-money, in + the short space of a month! This denoted the usual improvidence of + sailors, and was thought nothing out of the common way. The country being + at peace, a difficulty with Tripoli excepted, it was no longer necessary + for ships to go armed. The sudden excitement produced by the brush with + the French had already subsided, and the navy was reduced to a few vessels + that had been regularly built for the service; while the lists of officers + had been curtailed of two-thirds of their names. We were no longer a + warlike, but were fast getting to be a strictly commercial, body of + seamen. I had a single six-pounder, and half a dozen muskets, in the Dawn, + besides a pair or two of pistols, with just ammunition enough to quell a + mutiny, fire a few signal-guns, or to kill a few ducks. + </p> + <p> + We sailed on the 3rd of July. I have elsewhere intimated that the + Manhattanese hold exaggerated notions of the comparative beauty of the + scenery of their port, sometimes presuming to compare it even with Naples; + to the bay of which it bears some such resemblance as a Dutch canal bears + to a river flowing through rich meadows, in the freedom and grace of + nature. Nevertheless, there <i>are</i> times and seasons when the bay of + New York offers a landscape worthy of any pencil. It was at one of these + felicitous moments that the Dawn cast off from the wharf, and commenced + her voyage to Bordeaux. There was barely air enough from the southward to + enable us to handle the ship, and we profited by a morning ebb to drop + down to the Narrows, in the midst of a fleet of some forty sail; most of + the latter, however, being coasters. Still, we were a dozen ships and + brigs, bound to almost as many different countries. The little air there + was, seemed scarcely to touch the surface of the water; and the broad + expanse of bay was as placid as an inland lake, of a summer's morning. + Yes, yes—there are moments when the haven of New York does present + pictures on which the artist would seize with avidity; but, the instant + nature attempts any of her grander models, on this, a spot that seems + never to rise much above the level of commercial excellencies, it is found + that the accessaries are deficient in sublimity, or even beauty. + </p> + <p> + I have never seen our home waters so lovely as on this morning. The + movements of the vessels gave just enough of life and variety to the scene + to destroy the appearance of sameness; while the craft were too far from + the land to prevent one of the most unpleasant effects of the ordinary + landscape scenery of the place—that produced by the disproportion + between the tallness of their spars, and the low character of the adjacent + shores. As we drew near the Narrows, the wind increased; and forty sail, + working through the pass in close conjunction, terminated the piece with + something like the effect produced by a <i>finale</i> in an overture. The + brightness of the morning, the placid charms of the scenery, and the + propitious circumstances under which I commenced the voyage, in a + commercial point of view, had all contributed to make me momentarily + forget my private griefs, and to enter cheerfully into the enjoyment of + the hour. + </p> + <p> + I greatly disliked passengers. They appealed to me to lessen the dignity + of my position, and to reduce me to the level of an inn-keeper, or one who + received boarders. I wished to command a ship, not to take in lodgers; + persons whom you are bound to treat with a certain degree of + consideration, and, in one sense, as your superiors. Still, it had too + much of an appearance of surliness, and a want of hospitality, to refuse a + respectable man a passage across the ocean, when he might not get another + chance in a month, and that, too, when it was important to himself to + proceed immediately. In this particular instance, I became the dupe of a + mistaken kindness on the part of my former owners. These gentlemen brought + to me a Mr. Brigham—Wallace Mortimer Brigham was his whole name, to + be particular—as a person who was desirous of getting to France with + his wife and wife's sister, in order to proceed to Italy for the health of + the married lady, who was believed to be verging on a decline. These + people were from the eastward, and had fallen into the old error of + Americans, that the south of France and Italy had residences far more + favourable for such a disease, than our own country. This was one of the + provincial notions of the day, that were entailed on us by means of + colonial dependency. I suppose the colonial existence is as necessary to a + people, as childhood and adolescence are to the man; but, as my Lady Mary + Wortley Montagu told her friend, Lady Rich—“Nay; but look you, my + dear madam, I grant it a very fine thing to continue always fifteen; <i>that</i>, + everybody must approve of—it is quite fair: but, indeed, indeed, one + need not be five years old.” + </p> + <p> + I was prevailed on to take these passengers, and I got a specimen of their + characters even as we dropped down the bay, in the midst of the agreeable + scene to which I have just alluded. They were <i>gossips</i>; and that, + too, of the lowest, or personal cast. Nothing made them so happy as to be + talking of the private concerns of their fellow-creatures; and, as ever + must happen where this propensity exists, nine-tenths of what they said + rested on no better foundation than surmises, inferences drawn from + premises of questionable accuracy, and judgments that were entered up + without the authority, or even the inclination, to examine witnesses. They + had also a peculiarity that I have often remarked in persons of the same + propensity; most of their gossiping arose from a desire to make apparent + their own intimacy with the private affairs of people of mark—overlooking + the circumstance that, in thus making the concerns of others the subjects + of their own comments, they were impliedly admitting a consciousness of + their own inferiority; men seldom condescending thus to busy themselves + with the affairs of any but those of whom they feel it to be a sort of + distinction to converse. I am much afraid good-breeding has more to do + with the suppression of this vice, than good principles, as the world + goes. I have remarked that persons of a high degree of self-respect, and a + good tone of manners, are quite free from this defect of character; while + I regret to be compelled to say that I have been acquainted with divers + very saintly <i>professors</i>, including one or two parsons, who have + represented the very <i>beau ideal</i> of scandal. + </p> + <p> + My passengers gave me a taste of their quality, as I have said, before we + had got a mile below Governor's Island. The ladies were named Sarah and + Jane; and, between them and Wallace Mortimer, what an insight did I obtain + into the private affairs of sundry personages of Salem, in Massachusetts, + together with certain glimpses in at Boston folk; all, however, referring + to qualities and facts that might be classed among the real or supposed. I + can, at this distant day, recall Scene 1st, Act 1st, of the drama that + continued while we were crossing the ocean, with the slight interruption + of a few days, produced by sea-sickness. + </p> + <p> + “Wallace,” said Sarah, “did you say, yesterday, that John Viner had + refused to lend his daughter's husband twenty thousand dollars, to get him + out of his difficulties, and that he failed in consequence?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure. It was the common talk through Wall Street yesterday, and + everybody believes it”—there was no more truth in the story, than in + one of the forty reports that have killed General Jackson so often, in the + last twenty years. “Yes, no one doubts it—but all the Viners are + just so! All of us, in our part of the world, know what to think of the + Viners.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I suppose so,” drawled Jane. “I've heard it said this John Viner's + father ran all the way from the Commons in Boston, to the foot of State + Street, to get rid of a dun against this very son, who had his own + misfortunes when he was young.” + </p> + <p> + “The story is quite likely true in part,” rejoined Wallace, “though it + can't be <i>quite</i> accurate, as the old gentleman had but one leg, and + <i>running</i> was altogether out of the question with <i>him</i>. It was + probably old Tim Viner, who ran like a deer when a young man, as I've + heard people say.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, I suppose he ran his horse,” added Jane, in the same quiet, + drawling tone. “<i>Something</i> must have run, or they never would have + got up the story.” + </p> + <p> + I wondered if Miss Jane Hitchcox had ever taken the trouble to ascertain + who <i>they</i> were! I happened to know both the Viners, and to be quite + certain there was not a word of truth in the report of the twenty thousand + dollars, having heard all the particulars of the late failure from one of + my former owners, who was an assignee, and a considerable creditor. Under + the circumstances, I thought I would hint as much. + </p> + <p> + “Are you quite sure that the failure of Viner & Co. was owing to the + circumstance you mention, Mr. Brigham?” I inquired. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty certain. I am '<i>measurably acquainted</i>' with their affairs, + and think I am tolerably safe in saying so.” + </p> + <p> + Now, “measurably acquainted” meant that he lived within twenty or thirty + miles of those who <i>did</i> know something of the concerns of the house + in question, and was in the way of catching scraps of the gossip that fell + from disappointed creditors. How much of this is there in this good + country of ours! Men who live just near enough to one another to feel the + influence of all that rivalry, envy, personal strifes and personal + malignancies, can generate, fancy they are acquainted, from this + circumstance, with those to whom they have never even spoken. One-half the + idle tales that circulate up and-down the land, come from authority not + one tittle better than this. How much would men learn, could they only + acquire the healthful lesson of understanding that <i>nothing</i>, which + is much out of the ordinary way, and which, circulates as received truths + illustrative of character, is true in <i>all</i> its material parts, and + very little in <i>any</i>. But, to return to my passengers, and that + portion of their conversation which most affected myself. They continued + commenting on persons and families by name, seemingly more to keep their + hands in, than for any other discoverable reason, as each appeared to be + perfectly conversant with all the gossip that was started; when Sarah + casually mentioned the name of Mrs. Bradfort, with some of whose <i>supposed</i> + friends, it now came out, they had all a general visiting acquaintance. + </p> + <p> + “Dr. Hosack is of opinion she cannot live long, I hear,” said Jane, with a + species of fierce delight in killing a fellow-creature, provided it only + led to a gossip concerning her private affairs. “Her case has been decided + to be a cancer, now, for more than a week, and she made her will last + Tuesday.” + </p> + <p> + “Only last Tuesday!” exclaimed Sarah, in surprise. “Well, I heard she had + made her will a twelvemonth since, and that she left all her property to + young Rupert Hardinge; in the expectation, some persons thought, that he + might marry her.” + </p> + <p> + “How could that be, my dear?” asked the husband; “in what would she be + better off for leaving her own property to her husband?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, by law, would she not? I don't exactly know how it would happen, for + I do not particularly understand these things; but it seems natural that a + woman would be a gainer if she made the man she was about to marry her + heir. She would have her thirds in his estate, would she not?” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mrs. Brigham,” said I, smiling, “is it quite certain Mrs. Bradfort + wishes to marry Rupert Hardinge, at all?” + </p> + <p> + “I know so little of the parties, that I cannot speak with certainty in + the matter, I admit, Captain Wallingford.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but Sarah, dear,” interposed the more exacting Jane, “you are + making yourself unnecessarily ignorant. You very well know how intimate we + are with the Greenes, and they know the Winters perfectly well, who are + next-door neighbours to Mrs. Bradfort. I don't see how you can say we + haven't good means of being 'measurably' well-informed.” + </p> + <p> + Now, I happened to know through Grace and Lucy, that a disagreeable old + person, of the name of Greene did live next door to Mrs. Bradfort; but, + that the latter refused to visit her, firstly, because she did not happen + to like her, and secondly, because the two ladies belonged to very + different social circles; a sufficient excuse for not visiting in town, + even though the parties inhabited the same house. But, the Brighams, being + Salem people, did not understand that families might reside next door to + each other, in a large town, for a long series of months, or even years, + and not know each other's names. It would not be easy to teach this truth, + one of every-day occurrence, to the inhabitant of one of our provincial + towns, who was in the habit of fancying he had as close an insight into + the private affairs of all his neighbours, as they enjoyed themselves. + </p> + <p> + “No doubt we are all as well off as most strangers in New York,” observed + the wife; “still, it ought to be admitted that we may be mistaken. I have + heard it said there is an old Mr. Hardinge, a clergyman, who would make a + far better match for the lady, than his son. However, it is of no great + moment, now; for, when our neighbour Mrs. John Foote, saw Dr. Hosack about + her own child, she got all the particulars out of him about Mrs. + Bradfort's case, from the highest quarter, and I had it from Mrs. Foote, + herself.” + </p> + <p> + “I could not have believed that a physician of Dr. Hosack's eminence and + character would speak openly of the diseases of his patients,” I observed, + a little tartly, I am afraid. + </p> + <p> + “Oh! he didn't,” said Sarah, eagerly—“he was as cunning as a fox, + Mrs. Foote owned herself, and played her off finely; but Mrs. Foote was + cunninger than any half-dozen foxes, and got it all out of him by + negations.” + </p> + <p> + “Negations!” I exclaimed, wondering what was meant by the term, though I + had understood I was to expect a little more philosophy and metaphysics, + not to say algebra, in my passengers, than usually accompanied petticoats + in our part of the world. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, <i>negations</i>” answered the matron, with a smile as + complacent as that which usually denotes the consciousness of intellectual + superiority. “One who is a little practised, can ascertain a fact as well + by means of negatives as affirmatives. It only requires judgment and use.” + </p> + <p> + “Then Mrs. Bradfort's disease is only ascertained by the negative + process?” + </p> + <p> + “So I suppose—but what does one want more,” put in the husband;—“and + that she made her will last week, I feel quite sure, as it was generally + spoken of among our friends.” + </p> + <p> + Here were people who had been in New York only a month, looking out for a + ship, mere passengers as it might be, who knew more about a family with + which I had myself such an intimate connection, than its own members. I + thought it no wonder that such a race was capable of enlightening mankind, + on matters and things in general. But the game did not end here. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose Miss Lucy Hardinge will get something by Mrs. Bradfort's + death,” observed Miss Jane, “and that she and Mr. Andrew Drewett will + marry as soon as it shall become proper.” + </p> + <p> + Here was a speculation, for a man in my state of mind! The names were all + right; some of the incidents, even, were probable, if not correct; yet, + how could the facts be known to these comparative strangers? Did the art + of gossiping, with all its meannesses, lies, devices, inventions, and + cruelties, really possess so much advantage over the intercourse of the + confiding and honest, as to enable those who practise it to discover facts + hidden from eye-witnesses, and eye-witnesses, too, that had every + inducement of the strongest interest in the issue, not to be deceived? I + felt satisfied, the moment Mrs. Greene's name was mentioned, that my + passengers were not in the true New York set; and, justly enough, inferred + they were not very good authority for one half they said; and, yet, how + could they know anything of Drewett's attachment to Lucy, unless their + information were tolerably accurate? + </p> + <p> + I shall not attempt to repeat all that passed while the ship dropped down + the bay; but enough escaped the gossips to render me still more unhappy + than I had yet been, on the subject of Lucy. I could and did despise these + people; that was easy enough; but it was not so easy to forget all that + they said and surmised. This is one of the causes attendant on the habit + of loose talking; one never knowing what to credit, and what not. In spite + of all my disgust, and a firm determination not to contribute in any + manner to the stock in trade of these people, I found great difficulty in + evading their endless questions. How much they got out of me, by means of + the process of negations, I never knew; but they got no great matter + through direct affirmatives. Something, however, persons so indefatigable, + to whom gossiping was the great aim of life, must obtain, and they + ascertained that Mr. Hardinge was my guardian, that Rupert and I had + passed our boyhoods in each other's company, and that Lucy was even an + inmate of my own house the day we sailed. This little knowledge only + excited a desire for more, and, by the end of a week, I was obliged to + submit to devices and expedients to pump me, than which even the + thumbscrew was scarcely more efficient. I practised on the negative + system, myself, with a good deal of dexterity, however, and threw my + inquisitors off, very handsomely, more than once, until I discovered that + Wallace Mortimer, determined not to be baffled, actually opened + communications with Neb, in order to get a clearer insight into my private + affairs. After this, I presume my readers will not care to hear any more + about these gentry, whose only connection with my life grew out of the + misgivings they contributed largely to create in my mind, touching the + state of Lucy's affections. This much they did effect, and I was compelled + to submit to their power. We are all of us, more or less, the dupes of + knaves and fools. + </p> + <p> + All this, however, was the fruits of several weeks' intercourse, and I + have anticipated events a little, in order to make the statements in + connection. Meeting a breeze, as has been said already, the Dawn got over + the bar, about two o'clock, and stood off the land, on an easy bowline, in + company with the little fleet of square-rigged vessels that went out at + the same time. By sunset, Navesink again dipped, and I was once more + fairly at sea. + </p> + <p> + This was at the period when the commerce of America was at its height. The + spirit shown by the young Republic in the French affair had commanded a + little respect, though the supposed tendencies of the new administration + was causing anything but a cordial feeling towards the country to exist in + England. That powerful nation, however, had made a hollow peace with + France the previous March, and the highway of nations was temporarily open + to all ships alike; a state of things that existed for some ten months + after we sailed. Nothing to be apprehended, consequently, lay before me, + beyond the ordinary dangers of the ocean. For these last, I was now + prepared by the experience of several years passed almost entirely on + board ship, during which time I had encircled the earth itself in my + peregrinations. + </p> + <p> + Our run off the coast was favourable, and the sixth day out, we were in + the longitude of the tail of the Grand Bank. I was delighted with my ship, + which turned out to be even more than I had dared to hope for. She behaved + well under all circumstances, sailing even better than she worked. The + first ten days of our passage were prosperous, and we were mid-ocean by + the 10th of the month. During this time I had nothing to annoy me but the + ceaseless <i>cancans</i> of my passengers. I had heard the name of every + individual of note in Salem; with certain passages in his or her life, and + began to fancy I had lived a twelvemonth in the place. At length, I began + to speculate on the reason why this morbid propensity should exist so much + stronger in that part of the world than in any other I had visited. There + was nothing new in the disposition of the people of small places to + gossip, and it was often done in large towns; more especially those that + did not possess the tone of a capital. Lady Mary Wortley Montagu and + Horace Walpole wrote gossip, but it was spiced with wit, as is usual with + the scandal of such places as London and Paris; whereas this, to which I + was doomed to listen, was nothing more than downright impertinent, vulgar, + meddling with the private affairs of all those whom the gossips thought of + sufficient importance to talk about. At Clawbonny, we had our gossip too, + but it was innocent, seldom infringed much on the truth, and usually + respected the right of every person to possess certain secrets that might + remain inviolate to the world. No such rules prevailed with my passengers. + Like a certain editor of a newspaper of my acquaintance, who acts as if he + fancied all things in heaven and earth were created expressly to furnish + materials for “paragraphs,” they appeared to think that everybody of their + acquaintance existed for no other purpose than to furnish them food for + conversation. There must have been some unusual cause for so much personal + <i>espionnage</i>, and, at length, I came to the following conclusion on + the subject. I had heard that church government, among the puritans, + descended into all the details of life; that it was a part of their + religious duty to watch over each other, jog the memories of the + delinquents, and serve God by ferreting out vice. This is a terrible + inducement to fill the mind with the motes of a neighbourhood, and the + mind thus stowed, as we sailors say, will be certain to deliver cargo. + Then come the institutions, with their never-ending elections, and the + construction that has been put on the right of the elector to inquire into + all things; the whole consummated by the journals, who assume a power to + penetrate the closet, ay, even the heart,—and lay bare its secrets. + Is it any wonder, if we should become, in time, a nation of mere gossips? + As for my passengers, even Neb got to consider them as so many nuisances. + </p> + <p> + From some cause or other, whether it was having these loose-tongued people + on board or not, is more than I can say, but certain it is, about the time + Salem was handsomely cleaned out, and a heavy inroad had been made upon + Boston, that the weather changed. It began to blow in gusts, sometimes + from one point of the compass, sometimes from another, until the ship was + brought to very short canvass, from a dread of being caught unprepared. At + length, these fantasies of the winds terminated in a tremendous gale, such + as I had seldom then witnessed; and such, indeed, as I have seldom + witnessed since. It is a great mistake to suppose that the heaviest + weather occurs in the autumnal, spring, or winter months. Much the + strongest blows I have ever known, have taken place in the middle of the + warm weather. This is the season of the hurricanes; and, out of the + tropics, I think it is also the season of <i>the</i> gales. It is true; + these gales do not return annually, a long succession of years frequently + occurring without one; but, when they do come, they may be expected, in + our own seas, in July, August, or September. + </p> + <p> + The wind commenced at south-west, on this occasion, and it blew fresh for + several hours, sending us ahead on our course, at the rate of eleven + knots. As the sea got up, and sail was reduced, our speed was a little + diminished perhaps; but we must have made more than a hundred miles in the + first ten hours. The day was bright, cloudless, genial, and even bland; + there being nothing unpleasant in the feeling of the swift currents of the + air, that whirled past us. At sunset I did not quite like the appearance + of the horizon; and we let the ship wade through it, under her three + top-sails, single-reefed, her fore-course, and fore-top-mast staysail. + This was short canvass, for a vessel that had the wind nearly over her + taffrail. At nine o'clock, second reefs were taken in, and at ten, the + mizen-top-sail was furled. I then turned in, deeming the ship quite snug, + leaving orders with the mates to reduce the sail, did they find the ship + straining, or the spars in danger, and to call me should anything serious + occur. I was not called until daylight, when Talcott laid his hand on my + shoulder, and said, “You had better turn out, Captain Wallingford; we have + a peeler, and I want a little advice.” + </p> + <p> + It was a peeler, indeed, when I reached the deck. The ship was under a + fore-course and a close-reefed main-top-sail, canvass that can be carried + a long time, while running off; but which, I at once saw, was quite too + much for us. An order was given immediately, to take in the top-sail. + Notwithstanding the diminutive surface that was exposed, the surges given + by this bit of canvass, as soon as the clews were eased off sufficiently + to allow the cloth to jerk, shook the vessel's hull. It was a miracle that + we saved the mast, or that we got the cloth rolled up at all. At one time, + I thought it would be necessary to cut it from the yard. Fortunately the + gale was steady, this day proving bright and clear, like that which had + preceded. + </p> + <p> + The men aloft made several attempts to hail the deck, but the wind blew + too heavily to suffer them to be heard. Talcott had gone on the yard + himself, and I saw him gesticulating, in a way to indicate there was + something ahead. The seas were running so high that it was not easy to + obtain much of a look at the horizon; but, by getting into the + mizen-rigging, I had a glimpse of a vessel's spars, to the eastward of us, + and directly on our course. It was a ship under bare poles, running as + nearly before us as she could, but making most fearful yaws; sometimes + sheering away off to starboard, in a way to threaten her with + broaching-to; then taking a yaw to port, in which I could see all three of + her masts, with their yards pointed nearly at us. I got but one glimpse of + her hull, as it rose on a sea, at the same instant with the Dawn, and it + actually appeared as if about to be blown away, though I took the stranger + to be a vessel at least as large as we were ourselves. We were evidently + approaching her fast, though both vessels were going the same way. + </p> + <p> + The Dawn steered beautifully, one of the greatest virtues in a ship, under + the circumstances in which we were then placed. A single man was all that + we had at the wheel, and he controlled it with ease. I could see it was + very different with the ship ahead, and fancied they had made a mistake on + board her, by taking in all their canvass. Talcott and the gang aloft, had + not got out of the top, however, before we had a hint that it would be + well to imitate the stranger's prudence. Though our vessel steered so much + better than another, no ship can keep on a direct line, while running + before the wind, in a heavy sea. The waves occasionally fly past a vessel, + like the scud glancing through the air; then, they seem to pause, + altogether, as if to permit the ship to overtake them. When a vessel is + lifted aft by one of these torrents of rushing waters, the helm loses a + portion of its power; and the part of the vast machine that first receives + the impulse, seems intent on exchanging places with the bows, vessels + often driving sideways before the surges, for spaces of time that are + exceedingly embarrassing to the mariner. This happens to the best-steering + ships, and is always one source of danger in very heavy weather, to those + that are running off. The merit of the Dawn was in coming under command + again, quickly, and in not losing so much of the influence of her helm, as + is frequently the case with wild-steering craft. I understand there is a + sloop-of-war now in the navy, that is difficult to get through a narrow + passage, in a blow, in consequence of her having this propensity to turn + her head first one way, then another, like a gay horse that breaks his + bridle. + </p> + <p> + The hint given, just as Talcott was quitting the top, and to which there + has been allusion, was given under the impulsion of one of these driving + seas. The Dawn still carried her fore-topmast stay-sail, a small + triangular piece of stout canvass, and which was particularly useful, as + leading from the end of the bowsprit towards the head of the + fore-top-mast, in preventing her from broaching-to, or pressing up with + her bows so near the wind, as to produce the danger of seas breaking over + the mass of the hull, and sweeping the decks. The landsman will understand + this is the gravest of the dangers that occur at sea, in very heavy + weather. When the ship is thrown broadside to the sea, or comes up so as + to bring the wind abeam, or even forward of the beam, as in lying-to, + there is always risk from this source. Another clanger, which is called + pooping, is of a character that one who is ignorant of the might of the + ocean when aroused, would not be apt to foresee. It proceeds from the + impetuous velocity of the waves, which, rushing ahead so much faster than + the vessel that is even driving before the gale, breaks against the + quarter, or stern, and throws its masses of water along the deck, in a + line with its keel. I suppose the President steamer to have been lost by + the first of these two dangers, as will appear in the following little + theory. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt that well-constructed steamers are safer craft, the + danger from fire excepted, than the ordinary ship, except in very heavy + weather. With an ordinary gale, they can contend with sufficient power; + but, it is an unfortunate consequence of their construction, that exactly + as the danger increases, their power of meeting it diminishes. In a very + heavy swell, one cannot venture to resort to a strong head of steam, since + one wheel may be nearly out of water, while the other is submerged, and + thus endanger the machinery. Now, the great length of these vessels + renders it difficult to keep them up to the wind, or head to sea, the + safest of all positions for a vessel in heavy weather, while it exposes + them to the additional risk of having the water break aboard them near the + waist, in running dead before it. In a word, I suppose a steamer difficult + to be kept out of the trough, in very heavy weather; and no vessel can be + safe in the trough of the seas, under such circumstances; one of great + length less so than others. This is true, however, only in reference to + those steamers which carry the old-fashioned wheel; Erricson's screw, and + Hunter's submerged wheels, rendering steam-ships, in my poor judgment, the + safest craft in the world. + </p> + <p> + The Dawn was overtaken by the seas, from time to time; and, then, like + everything else that floats, she yawed, or rather, had her stern urged + impetuously round, as if it were in a hurry to get ahead of the bows. On + these occasions, the noise made by the fore-top-mast stay-sail, as it + collapsed and filled, resembled the report of a small gun. We had similar + reports from the fore-sail, which, for moments at a time, was actually + becalmed, as the ship settled into the trough; and then became distended + with a noise like that of the shaking of a thousand carpets, all filled + with Sancho Panzas, at the same instant. As yet, the cloth and gear had + stood these violent shocks admirably; but, just as Talcott was leading his + party down, the ship made one of her side-long movements; the stay-sail + filled with a tremendous report, and away it flew to leeward, taken out—of + the bolt-rope as if it had been cut by shears, and then used by the furies + of the tempest. Talcott smiled, as he gazed at the driving canvass, which + went a quarter of a mile before it struck the water, whirling like a kite + that has broken its string, and then he shook his head. I disliked, too, + the tremendous surges of the fore-sail, when it occasionally collapsed and + as suddenly filled, menacing to start every bolt, and to part every rope + connected with block or spar. + </p> + <p> + “We must get in that fore-course, Mr. Talcott,” I said, “or we shall lose + something. I see the ship ahead is under bare-poles, and it were better we + were as snug. If I did not dislike losing such a wind, it would be wiser + to heave-to the ship; man the buntlines and clew-garnets, at once, and + wait for a favourable moment.” + </p> + <p> + We had held on to our canvass too long; the fault of youth. As I had + determined to shorten sail, however, we now set about it in earnest, and + with all the precautions exacted by the circumstances. Everybody that + could be mustered, was placed at the clew-lines and buntlines, with strict + orders to do his best at the proper moments. The first-mate went to the + tack, and the second to the sheet. I was to take in the sail myself. I + waited for a collapse; and then, while the ship was buried between two + mounds of water, when it was impossible to see a hundred yards from her in + any direction, and the canvass was actually dropping against the mast I + gave the usual orders. Every man hauled, as if for life, and we had got + the clews pretty well up, when the vessel came out of the cavern into the + tempest, receiving the whole power of the gale, with a sudden surge, into + the bellying canvass. Away went everything, as if the gear were cobwebs. + At the next instant, the sail was in ribands. I was deeply mortified, as + well as rendered uneasy, by this accident, as the ship ahead + unquestionably was in full view of all that happened. + </p> + <p> + It was soon apparent, however, that professional pride must give place to + concern for the safety of the vessel. The wind had been steadily + increasing in power, and had now reached a pass when it became necessary + to look things steadily in the face. The strips of canvass that remained + attached to the yard, with the blocks and gear attached, threshed about in + a way to threaten the lives of all that approached. This was only at the + intervals when the ship settled into the troughs; for, while under the + full influence of the gale, pennants never streamed more directly from a + mast, than did these heavy fragments from the fore-yard. It was necessary + to get rid of them; and Talcott had just volunteered to go on the yard + with this end, when Neb sprang into the rigging without an order, and was + soon beyond the reach of the voice. This daring black had several narrow + escapes, more especially from the fore-sheet blocks; but he succeeded in + cutting everything adrift, and in leaving nothing attached to the spar, + but the bolt-rope of the head of the sail. It is true, little effected + this object, when the knife could be applied, the threads of the stout + canvass snapping at the touch. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the ship was under bare poles, though at the sacrifice of two + of her sails, I had leisure to look out for the other vessel. There she + was, more than half a mile ahead of us, yawing wildly, and rolling her + lower yard-arm, to the water's edge. As we drew nearer, I got better + glimpses of this vessel, which was a ship, and as I fancied, an English + West Indiaman, deep-loaded with the produce of the islands. Deep-loaded as + I fancied, for it was only at instants that she could be seen at all, + under circumstances to judge of this fact; sometimes her hull appearing to + be nearly smothered in the brine, and then, again, her copper glistening + in the sun, resembling a light vessel, kept under the care of some thrifty + housewife. + </p> + <p> + The Dawn did not fly, now all her canvass was gone, as fast as she had + previously done. She went through the water at a greater rate than the + vessel ahead; but it required an hour longer to bring the two ships within + a cable's length of each other. Then, indeed, we got a near view of the + manner in which the elements can play with such a mass of wood and iron as + a ship, when in an angry mood. There were instants when I fancied I could + nearly see the keel of the stranger for half its length, as he went + foaming up on the crest of a wave, apparently ready to quit the water + altogether; then again, he would settle away into the blue abyss, hiding + everything beneath his tops. When both vessels sunk together, no sign of + our neighbour was visible, though so near. We came up after one of these + deep plunges into the valleys of the ocean, and, to our alarm, saw the + English ship yawing directly athwart our course, and within fifty fathoms + of us. This was about the distance at which I intended to pass, little + dreaming of finding the other ship so completely in our way. The + Englishman must have intended to come a little nearer, and got one of + those desperate sheers that so often ran away with him. There he was, + however; and a breathless minute followed, when he was first seen. Two + vehicles dashing along a highway, with frightened and run-away teams, + would not present a sight one-half as terrific as that which lay directly + before our eyes. + </p> + <p> + The Dawn was plunging onward with a momentum to dash in splinters, did she + strike any resisting object, and yawing herself sufficiently to render the + passage hazardous. But the stranger made the matter ten-fold worse. When I + first saw him, in this fearful proximity, his broadside was nearly offered + to the seas, and away he was flying, on the summit of a mountain of foam, + fairly crossing our fore-foot. At the next moment, he fell off before the + wind, again, and I could just see his tops directly ahead. His sheer had + been to-port, our intention having been to pass him on his starboard side; + but, perceiving him to steer so wild, I thought it might be well to go in + the other direction. Quick as the words could be uttered, therefore, I + called out to port the helm. This was done, of course; and just as the + Dawn felt the new influence, the other vessel took the same sheer, and + away we both went to starboard, at precisely the same instant. I shouted + to right our helm to “hard a-starboard,” and it was well I did; a minute + more would have brought us down headlong on the Englishman. Even now we + could only see his hull, at instants; but the awful proximity of his spars + denoted the full extent of the danger. Luckily, we hit on opposite + directions, or our common destruction would have been certain. But, it was + one thing, in that cauldron of a sea, to determine on a course, and + another to follow it. As we rose on the last wave that alone separated us + from the stranger, he was nearly ahead; and as we glanced onward, I saw + that we should barely clear his larboard quarter. Our helm being already a + starboard, no more could be done. Should he take another sheer to port, we + must infallibly cut him in twain. As I have said, he had jammed his helm + to-port, and slowly, and with a species of reluctance, he inclined a + little aside. Then we came up, both ships rolling off, or our yards must + have interlocked, and passing his quarter with our bows, we each felt the + sheer at the same instant, and away we went asunder, the sterns of the + ships looking at each other, and certainly not a hundred feet apart. A + shout from Talcott drew me to our taffrail, and standing on that of our + neighbour, what or whom should I see waving his hat, but the red + countenance of honest Moses Marble! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “At the piping of all hands, + When the judgment signal's spread— + When the islands and the lands, + And the seas give up the dead, + And the south and the north shall come; + When the sinner is dismay'd, + And the just man is afraid, + Then heaven be thy aid, + Poor <i>Tom</i>.'” + BRAINARD. +</pre> + <p> + The two ships, in the haste of their respective crews to get clear of each + other, were now running in the troughs; and the same idea would seem to + have suggested itself to me and the other master, at the same instant. + Instead of endeavouring to keep away again, one kept his helm hard a-port, + the other as hard a-starboard, until we both came by the wind, though on + opposite tacks. The Englishman set his mizen-stay-sail, and though he made + bad weather of it, he evidently ran much less risk than in scudding. The + seas came on board him constantly; but not in a way to do any material + damage. As for the Dawn, she lay-to, like a duck, under bare poles. I had + a spare stay-sail, stopped up in her mizen-rigging, from the top down, and + after that the ship was both easy and dry. Once in a while, it is true, + her bows would meet some fellow heavier than common, and then we got a few + hogsheads of water forward; but it went out to leeward as fast as it came + in to windward. At the turn of the day, however, the gale broke, and the + weather moderated sensibly; both sea and wind beginning to go down. + </p> + <p> + Had we been alone, I should not have hesitated about bearing up, getting + some sail on the ship, and running off on my course, again; but, the + desire to speak the stranger, and have some communication with Marble, was + so strong, that I could not make up my mind to do so. Including myself, + Talcott, Neb, the cabin-steward, and six of the people forward, there were + ten of us on board, who knew the ex-mate; and, of the whole ten, there was + not a dissenting voice concerning his identity. I determined, therefore, + to stick by the Englishman, and at least have some communication with my + old friend. As for myself, I own I loved Marble, uncouth and peculiar as + he sometimes was. I owed him more than any other man living, Mr. Hardinge + excepted; for he had made me a seaman, having been of use to me + professionally, in a hundred ways. Then we had seen so much in company, + that I regarded him as a portion of my experience, and as, in some + measure, identified with my own nautical career. + </p> + <p> + I was afraid at one moment, that the Englishman intended to remain as he + was, all night; but, about an hour before sunset, I had the gratification + to see him set his fore-sail, and keep off. I had wore round, two hours + before, to get the Dawn's head on the same tack with him, and followed + under bare poles. As the stranger soon set his main-top-sail close reefed, + and then his fore, it enabled us to make a little sail also, in order to + keep up with him. This we did all that night; and, in the morning, both + ships were under everything that would draw, with a moderate breeze from + the northward, and no great matter of sea going. The English vessel was + about a league to leeward of us, and a little ahead. Under such + circumstances, it was easy to close. Accordingly, just as the two ships' + companies were about to go to breakfast, the Dawn ranged up under the + lee-quarter of the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “What ship's that?” I hailed, in the usual manner. + </p> + <p> + “The Dundee; Robert Ferguson, master—what ship's that?” + </p> + <p> + “The Dawn; Miles Wallingford. Where are you from?” + </p> + <p> + “From Rio de Janeiro, bound to London. Where are <i>you</i> from?” + </p> + <p> + “From New York, to Bordeaux. A heavy blow we have just had of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite; the like of it, I've not seen in many a day. You've a pratty + sea-boat, yon!” + </p> + <p> + “She made capital weather, in the late gale, and I've every reason to be + satisfied with her. Pray, haven't you an American on board, of the name of + Marble? We fancied that we saw the face of an old shipmate on your + taffrail, yesterday, and have kept you company in order to inquire after + his news.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,” answered the Scotch master, waving his hand. “The chiel will be + visiting you prasently. He's below, stowing away his dunnage; and will be + thanking you for a passage home, I'm thinking.” + </p> + <p> + As these words were uttered, Marble appeared on deck, and waved his hat, + again, in recognition. This was enough; as we understood each other, the + two ships took sufficient room, and hove-to. We lowered our boat, and + Talcott went alongside of the Dundee, in quest of our old shipmate. + Newspapers and news were exchanged; and, in twenty minutes, I had the + extreme gratification of grasping Marble once more by the hand. + </p> + <p> + My old friend was too much affected to speak, for some little time. He + shook hands with everybody, and seemed as much astonished as he was + delighted at finding so many of us together again; but not a syllable did + he utter for several minutes. I had his chest passed into the cabin, and + then went and took my seat alongside of him on the hen-coops, intending to + hear his story, as soon as he was disposed to give it. But, it was no easy + matter to get out of ear-shot of my passengers. During the gale, they had + been tongue-tied, and I had a little peace; but, no sooner did the wind + and sea go down, than they broke out in the old spot, and began to do + Boston, in the way they had commenced. Now, Marble had come on board, in a + manner so unusual, and it was evident a secret history was to be revealed, + that all three took post in the companion-way, in a manner to render it + impossible anything material could escape them. I knew the folly of + attempting a change of position on deck; we should certainly be followed + up; and, people of this class, so long as they can make the excuse of + saying they heard any part of a secret, never scruple about inventing the + portions that happen to escape their ears. Consequently, I desired Marble + and Talcott to follow me; and, incontinently, I led the way into the + main-top. I was obeyed, the second-mate having the watch, and all three of + us were soon seated with our legs over the top-rim, as comfortable as so + many gossips, who had just finished their last cups, have stirred the + fire, and drawn their heads together to open a fresh-budget. Neither Sarah + nor Jane could follow us, thank God! + </p> + <p> + “There, d—n 'em” said I, a little pointedly; for it was enough to + make a much more, scrupulous person swear, “we've got the length of the + main-rigging between us, and I do not think they'll venture into the top, + this fine morning, in order to overhear what shall be said. It would + puzzle even Wallace Mortimer to do that, Talcott.” + </p> + <p> + “If they do,” observed Talcott, laughing, “we can retreat to the + cross-trees, and thence to the royal-yard.” + </p> + <p> + Marble looked inquisitive, but, at the same time, he looked knowing. + </p> + <p> + “I understand,” he said, with a nod; “three people with six sets of ears—is + it not so, Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “Precisely; though you only do them credit by halves, for you should have + added to this inventory forty tongues.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is a large supply. The man, or woman, who is so well provided, + should carry plenty of ballast. However, as you say, they're out of hail + now, and must guess at all they repeat, if repeating it can be called.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite as much as nine-tenths of what they give as coming from others,” + observed Talcott. “People never can tell so much of other person's + affairs, without bailing out most of their ideas from their own + scuttle-butts.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, let them go to—Bordeaux—” said I, “since they are bound + there. And now, my dear Marble, here we are, and dying to know all that + has happened to you. You have firm friends in Talcott and myself; either + of us, ready to give you his berth for the asking.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank'ee, my dear boys—thank'ee, with all my heart and soul,” + returned the honest fellow, dashing the moisture from his eyes, with the + back of his hand. “I believe you would, boys; I do believe you would, one + or both. I am glad, Miles, you came up into this bloody top, for I + wouldn't like to let your reg'lar 'long-shore harpies see a man of my time + of life, and one that has been to sea, now, man and boy, close on to forty + years, with as much blubber about him, as one of your right whales. Well—and + now for the log; for I suppose you'll insist on overhauling it, lads?” + </p> + <p> + “That we shall; and see you miss no leaf of it. Be as particular as if it + were overhauled in an insurance case.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; they're bloody knaves, sometimes, them underwriters; und a fellow + need be careful to get his dues out of them—that is to say, <i>some</i>; + others, ag'in, are gentlemen, down to their shoe-buckles, and no sooner + see a poor shipwrecked devil, than they open their tills, and begin to + count out, before he has opened his mouth.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, but your own adventures, my old friend; you forget we are dying + with curiosity.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay—your cur'osity's a troublesome inmate, and will never be quiet + as long as one tries to keep it under hatches; especially female + cur'osity. Well, I must gratify you; and so I'll make no more bones about + it, though its giving an account of my own obstinacy and folly. I reckon, + now, my boys, you missed me the day the ship sailed from the island?” + </p> + <p> + “That we did, and supposed you had got tired of your experiment before it + began,” I answered, “so were off, before we were ourselves.” + </p> + <p> + “You had reason for so thinking; though you were out in your reckoning, + too. No; it happened in this fashion. After you left me, I began to + generalize over my sitiation, and I says to myself, says I, 'Moses Marble, + them lads will never consent to sail and leave you here, on this island, + alone like a bloody hermit,' says I. 'If you want to hold on,' says I, + 'and try your hand at a hermitage,' says I, 'or to play Robinson Crusoe,' + says I, 'you must be out, of the way when the Crisis, sails'—boys, + what's become of the old ship? Not a word have I heard about her, yet!” + </p> + <p> + “She was loading for London, when we sailed, her owners intending to send + her the same voyage over again.” + </p> + <p> + “And they refused to let you have her, Miles, on account of your youth, + notwithstanding all you did for them?” + </p> + <p> + “Not so; they pressed me to keep her, but I preferred a ship of my own. + The Dawn is my property, Master Moses!” + </p> + <p> + “Thank God! then there is one honest chap among the owners. And how did + she behave? Had you any trouble with the pirates?” + </p> + <p> + Perceiving the utter uselessness of attempting to hear his own story + before I rendered an account of the Crisis, and her exploits, I gave + Marble a history of our voyage, from the time we parted down to the day we + reached New York. + </p> + <p> + “And that scaramouch of a schooner that the Frenchman gave us, in his + charity?” + </p> + <p> + “The Pretty Poll! She got home safe, was sold, and is now in the + West-India trade. There is a handsome balance, amounting to some fourteen + hundred dollars, in the owners' hands, coming to you from prize-money and + wages.” + </p> + <p> + It is not in nature, for any man to be sorry he has money. I saw by + Marble's eyes, that this sum, so unusually large for him to possess, + formed a new tie to the world, and that he fancied himself a much happier + man in possessing it. He looked at me earnestly, for quite a minute, and + then remarked, I make no doubt with sincere regret— + </p> + <p> + “Miles, if I had a mother living, now, that money might make her old age + comfortable! It seems that they who have no mothers, have money, and they + who have no money, have mothers.” + </p> + <p> + I waited a moment for Marble to recover his self-command, and then urged + him to continue his story. + </p> + <p> + “I was telling you how I generalized over my sitiation,” resumed the + ex-mate, “as soon as I found myself alone in the hut. I came to the + conclusion that I should be carried off by force, if I remained till next + day; and so I got into the launch, carried her out of the lagoon, taking + care to give the ship a berth, went through the reef, and kept turning to + windward, until day-break. By that time, the island was quite out of + sight, though I saw the upper sails of the ship, as soon as you got her + under way. I kept the top-gallant-sails in sight, until I made the island, + again; and as you went off, I ran in, and took possession of my dominions, + with no one to dispute my will, or to try to reason me out of my consait.” + </p> + <p> + “I am glad to hear you term that notion a conceit, for, certainly, it was + not reason. You soon discovered your mistake, my old mess-mate, and began + to think of home.” + </p> + <p> + “I soon discovered, Miles, that if I had neither father, nor mother, + brother nor sister, that I had a country and friends. The bit of marble on + which I was found in the stone-cutter's yard, then seemed as dear to me as + a gold cradle is to a king's son; and I thought of you, and all the rest + of you—nay, I yearned after you, as a mother would yearn for her + children.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor fellow, you were solitary enough, I dare say—had you no + amusement with your pigs and poultry?” + </p> + <p> + “For a day or two, they kept me pretty busy. But, by the end of a week, I + discovered that pigs and poultry were not made to keep company with man. I + had consaited that I could pass the rest of my days in the bosom of my own + family, like any other man who had made, his fortune and retired; but, I + found my household too small for such a life as that. My great mistake was + in supposing that the Marble family could be happy in its own circle.” + </p> + <p> + This was said bitterly, though it was said drolly, and, while it made + </p> + <p> + Talcott and myself laugh, it also made us sorry. + </p> + <p> + “I fell into another mistake, however, boys,” Marble continued, “and it + might as well be owned. I took it into my head that I should be all alone + on the island, but I found to my cost, that the devil insisted on having + his share. I'll tell you how it is, Miles; a man must either look ahead, + or look astarn; there is no such thing as satisfying himself with the + present moorings. Now, this was my misfortune; for, ahead I had nothing to + look forward to; and astarn, what comfort had I in overhauling past sins!” + </p> + <p> + “I think I can understand your difficulties, my friend; how did you manage + to get rid of them?” + </p> + <p> + “I left the island. You had put the Frenchman's launch in capital + condition, and all I had to do was to fill up the breakers with fresh + water, kill a hog and salt him away, put on board a quantity of biscuit, + and be off. As for eatables, you know there was no scarcity on the island, + and I took my choice. I make no doubt there are twenty hogsheads of + undamaged sugars, at this very moment, in the hold of that wreck, and on + the beach of the island. I fed my poultry on it, the whole time I staid.” + </p> + <p> + “And so you abandoned Marble Land to the pig's and the fowls?” + </p> + <p> + “I did, indeed, Miles; and I hope the poor creaturs will have a + comfortable time of it. I gave 'em what the lawyers call a quit-claim, and + sailed two months to a day after you went off in the Crisis.” + </p> + <p> + “I should think, old shipmate, that your voyage must have been as solitary + and desperate as your life ashore.” + </p> + <p> + “I'm amazed to hear, you say that. I'm never solitary at sea, one has so + much to do in taking care of his craft; and then he can always look + forward to the day he'll get in. But this generalizing, night and day, + without any port ahead, and little comfort in looking astarn, will soon + fit a man for Bedlam. I just: weathered Cape Crazy, I can tell you, lads; + and that, too, in the white water! As for my v'y'ge being desperate, what + was there to make it so, I should like to know?” + </p> + <p> + “You must have been twelve or fifteen hundred miles from any island where + you could look forward to anything like safety; and that is a distance one + would rather not travel all alone on the high seas.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! all consait. You're getting notional, Miles, now you're a master + and owner. What's a run of a thousand or fifteen hundred miles, in a tight + boat, and with plenty of grub and water? It was the easiest matter in the + world; and if it warn't for that bloody Cape Horn, I should have made as + straight a wake for Coenties' Slip, as the trending of the land would have + allowed. As it was, I turned to windward, for I knew the savages to + leeward weren't to be trusted. You see, it was as easy as working out a + day's work. I kept the boat on a wind all day, and long bits of the night, + too, until I wanted sleep; and then I hove her to, under a reefed + mainsail, and slept as sound as a lord. I hadn't an uncomfortable moment, + after I got outside of the reef again; and the happiest hour of my life + was that in which I saw the tree-tops of the island dip.” + </p> + <p> + “And how long were you navigating in this manner, and what land did you + first make?” + </p> + <p> + “Seven weeks, though I made half a dozen islands, every one of them just + such a looking object as that I had left. You weren't about to catch me + ashore again in any of them miserable places! I gave the old boat a slap, + and promised to stick by her as long as she would stick by me, and I kept + my word. I saw savages, moreover, on one or two of the islands, and gave + them a berth, having no fancy for being barbacued.” + </p> + <p> + “And where did you finally make your land-fall?” + </p> + <p> + “Nowhere, so; far as the launch was concerned. I fell in with a Manilla + ship, bound to Valparaiso, and got on board her; and sorry enough was I + for the change, when I came to find out how they lived. The captain took + me in, however, and I worked my passage into port. Finding no ship likely + to sail soon, I entered with a native who was about to cross the Andes, + bound over on this side, for the east coast. Don't you remember, Miles, + monsters of mountains that we could see, a bit inland, and covered with + snow, all along the west side of South America? You must remember the + chaps I mean?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly—they are much too plain, and objects much too striking, + ever to be forgotten, when once seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Well them's the Andes; and rough customers they be, let me tell you, + boys. You know there is little amusement in a sailor's walking on the + levellest 'arth and handsomest highways, on account of the bloody ups and + downs a fellow meets with; and so you may get some idee of the time we had + of it, when I tell you, had all the seas we saw in the last blow been + piled on top of each other, they would have made but a large pancake, + compared to them 'ere Andes. Natur' must have outdone herself in making + 'em; and when they were thrown together, what good comes of it all? Such + mountains might be of some use in keeping the French and English apart; + but you leave nothing but bloody Spaniards on one side of them Andes, and + find bloody Spaniards and Portugeese on the other. However, we found our + way over them, and brought up at a place called Buenos Ayres, from which I + worked my passage round to Rio in a coaster. At Rio, you know, I felt + quite at home, having stopped in there often, in going backward and + forward.” + </p> + <p> + “And thence you took passage in the Dundee for London, intending to get a + passage home by the first opportunity?” + </p> + <p> + “It needs no witch to tell that. I had to scull about Rio for several + months, doing odd jobs as a rigger, and the like of that, until, finding + no Yankee came in, I got a passage in a Scotchman. I'll not complain of + Sawney, who was kind enough to me as a shipwrecked mariner; for that was + the character I sailed under, hermits being no way fashionable among us + Protestants, though it's very different among them Catholic chaps, I can + tell you. I happened to mention to a landlady on the road, that I was a + sort of a hermit on his travels; when I thought the poor woman would have + gone down on her knees and worshipped me.” + </p> + <p> + Here then was the history of Moses Marble, and the end of the colony of + Marble Land, pigs and poultry excepted. It was now my turn to be examined. + I had to answer fifty curious inquiries, some of which I found + sufficiently embarrassing. When, in answer to his interrogatories, Marble + learned that the Major and Miss Merton had actually been left at + Clawbonny, I saw the ex-mate wink at Talcott, who smiled in reply. Then, + where was Rupert, and how came on the law? The farm and mills were not + forgotten; and, as for Neb, he was actually ordered up into the top, in + order that there might be another shake of the hand, and that he might + answer for himself. In a word, nothing could be more apparent than the + delight of Marble at finding himself among us once more. I believed even + then, that the man really loved me; and the reader will remember how long + we had sailed together, and how much we had seen in company. More than + once did my old shipmate dash the tears from his eyes, as he spoke of his + satisfaction. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Miles—I say, Roger,” he cried—“this is like being at + home, and none of your bloody hermitages! Blast me, if I think, now, I + should dare pass through a wood all alone. I'm never satisfied unless I + see a fellow-creatur', for fear of being left. I did pretty well with the + Scotchman, who <i>has</i> a heart, though it's stowed away in oatmeal, but + <i>this</i> is <i>home.</i> I must ship as your steward, Miles, for hang + on to you I will.” + </p> + <p> + “If we ever part, again, until one or both go into dock, it will be your + fault, my old friend. If I have thought of you once, since we parted, I + have dreamed of you fifty times! Talcott and I were talking of you in the + late gale, and wondering what sail you would advise us to put the ship + under.” + </p> + <p> + “The old lessons have not all been forgotten, boys; it was easy enough to + see that. I said to myself, as you stood down upon us, 'that chap has a + real sea-dog aboard, as is plain by the manner in which he has everything + snug, while he walks ahead like an owner in a hurry to be first in the + market.'” + </p> + <p> + It was then agreed Marble should keep a watch; whenever it suited him, and + that he should do just as he pleased aboard. At some future day, some + other arrangement might be made, though he declared his intention to stick + by the ship, and also announced a determination to be my first-mate for + life, as soon as Talcott got a vessel, as doubtless he would, through the + influence of his friends, as soon as he returned home. I laughed at all + this, though I bade him heartily welcome, and then I nick-named him + commodore, adding that he should sail with me in that capacity, doing just + as much, and just as little duty as he pleased. As for money, there was a + bag of dollars in the cabin, and he had only to put his hand in, and take + what he wanted. The key of the locker was in my pocket, and could be had + for asking. Nobody was more delighted with this arrangement than Neb, who + had even taken a fancy to Marble, from the moment when the latter led him + up from the steerage of the John, by the ear. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Miles, what sort of bloody animals are them passengers of your's?” + Marble next demanded, looking over the rim of the top, down at the trio on + deck, with a good deal of curiosity expressed in his countenance. “This is + the first time I ever knew a ship-master driven aloft by his passengers, + in order to talk secrets!” + </p> + <p> + “That is because you never sailed with the Brigham family, my friend. + They'll pump you till you suck, in the first twenty-four hours, rely on + it. They'll get every fact about your birth, the island where you first + saw me, what you have been about, and what you mean to do; in a word, the + past, present, and future.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me to overlay their cur'osity,” answered the ex-mate, or new + commodore—“I got my hand in, by boarding six weeks with a + Connecticut old maid, once, and I'll defy the keenest questioner of them + all.” + </p> + <p> + We had a little more discourse, when we all went below, and I introduced + Marble to my passengers, as one who was to join our mess. After this, + things went on in their usual train. In the course of the day, however, I + overheard the following brief dialogue between Brigham and Marble, the + ladies being much too delicate to question so rough a mariner. + </p> + <p> + “You came on board us, somewhat unexpectedly, I rather conclude, Captain + Marble?” commenced the gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “Not in the least; I have been expecting to meet the Dawn, just about this + spot, more than a month, now.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, that is odd! I do not comprehend how such a thing could well be + foreseen?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you understand spherical trigonometry, sir?” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot say I am at all expert—I've looked into mathematics, but + have no great turn for the study.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be hopeless, then, to attempt to explain the matter. If you had + your hand in at the spherical, I could make it all as plain as the + capstan.” + </p> + <p> + “You and Captain Wallingford must be somewhat old acquaintances, I + conclude?” + </p> + <p> + “Somewhat,” answered Marble, very drily. + </p> + <p> + “Have you ever been at the place that he calls Clawbonny? A queer name, I + rather think, Captain!” + </p> + <p> + “Not at all, sir. I know a place, down in the Eastern States, that was + called Scratch and Claw, and a very pretty spot it was.” + </p> + <p> + “It's not usual for us to the eastward, to give names to farms and places. + It is done a little by the Boston folk, but they are notional, as + everybody knows.” + </p> + <p> + “Exactly; I suppose it was for want of use, the chap I mean made out no + better in naming his place.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Brigham was no fool; he was merely a gossip. He took the hint, and + asked no more questions of Marble. He tried Neb, notwithstanding; but the + black having his orders, obeyed them so literally, that I really believe + we parted in Bordeaux, a fortnight later, without any of the family's + making the least discovery. Glad enough was I to get rid of them; yet, + brief as had been our intercourse, they produced a sensible influence on + my future happiness. Such is the evil of this habit of loose talking, men + giving credit to words conceived in ignorance and uttered in the + indulgence of one of the most contemptible of all our propensities. To + return to my ship. + </p> + <p> + We reached Bordeaux without any further accident, or delay. I discharged + in the usual way, and began to look about me, for another freight. It had + been my intention to return to New York, and to keep the festivities of + attaining my majority, at Clawbonny; but, I confess the discourse of these + eternal gossips, the Brighams, had greatly lessened the desire to see home + again, so soon. A freight for New York was offered me, but I postponed an + answer, until it was given to another ship. At length an offer was made me + to go to Cronstadt, in Russia, with a cargo of wines and brandies, and I + accepted it. The great and better informed merchants, as it would seem, + distrusted the continuance of the hollow peace that then existed, and a + company of them thought it might be well to transfer their liquors to the + capital of the czar, in readiness for contingencies. An American ship was + preferred, on account of her greater speed, as well as on account of her + probable neutral character, in the event of troubles occurring at any + unlooked-for moment. The Dawn took in her wines and brandies accordingly, + and sailed for the Baltic about the last of August. She had a long, but a + safe passage, delivering the freight according to the charter-party, in + good condition. While at Cronstadt, the American consul, and the + consignees of an American ship that had lost her master and chief-mate by + the smallpox, applied to me to let Marble carry the vessel home. I pressed + the offer on my old friend, but he obstinately refused to have anything to + do with the vessel. I then recommended Talcott, and after some + negotiation, the latter took charge of the Hyperion. I was sorry to part + with my mate, to whom I had become strongly attached; but the preferment + was so clearly to his advantage, that I could take no other course. The + vessel being ready, she sailed the day after Talcott joined her; and, + sorry am I to be compelled to add, that she was never heard of, after + clearing the Cattegat. The equinox of that season was tremendously severe, + and it caused the loss of many vessels; that of the Hyperion doubtless + among the rest. + </p> + <p> + Marble insisted on taking Talcott's place, and he now became my + chief-mate, as I had once been his. After a little delay, I took in + freight on Russian government account, and sailed for Odessa. It was + thought the Sublime Porte would let an American through; but, after + reaching the Dardanelles, I was ordered back, and was obliged to leave my + cargo in Malta, which it was expected would be in possession of its own + knights by that time, agreeably to the terms of the late treaty. From + Malta I sailed for Leghorn, in quest of another freight. I pass over the + details of these voyages, as really nothing worthy of being recorded + occurred. They consumed a good deal of time; the delay at the Dardanelles + alone exceeding six weeks, during which negotiations were going on up at + Constantinople, but all in vain. In consequence of all these detentions, + and the length of the passages, I did not reach Leghorn until near the + close of March, I wrote to Grace and Mr. Hardinge, whenever a favourable + occasion offered, but I did not get a letter from home, during the whole + period. It was not in the power of my sister or guardian—<i>late</i> + guardian would be the most accurate expression, as I had been of age since + the previous October—to write, it being impossible for me to let + them know when, or where, a letter would find me. It followed, that while + my friends at home were kept tolerably apprised of my movements, I was + absolutely in the dark as respected them. That this ignorance gave me + great concern, it would be idle to deny; yet, I had a species of desperate + satisfaction in keeping aloof, and in leaving the course clear to Mr. + Andrew Drewett. As respects substantials, I had sent a proper power of + attorney to Mr. Hardinge, who, I doubted not, would take the same care of + my temporal interests he had never ceased to do since the day of my + beloved mother's death. + </p> + <p> + Freights were not offering freely at Leghorn, when the Dawn arrived. After + waiting a fortnight, however, I began to take in for America, and on + American account. In the meantime, the cargo coming to hand slowly, I left + Marble to receive it, and proceeded on a little excursion in Tuscany, or + Etruria, as that part of the world was then called. I visited Pisa, Lucca, + Florence, and several other intermediate towns. At Florence, I passed a + week looking at sights, and amusing myself the best way I could. The + gallery and the churches kept me pretty busy, and the reader will judge of + my surprise one day, at hearing my own name uttered on a pretty high key, + by a female voice, in the Duomo, or Cathedral of the place. On turning, I + found myself in the presence of the Brighams! I was overwhelmed with + questions in a minute. Where had I been? Where was Talcott? Where was the + ship? When did I sail, and whither did I sail? After this came the + communications. <i>They</i> had been to Paris; had seen the French Consul, + and had dined with Mr. R. N. Livingston, then negotiating the treaty of + Louisiana; had seen the Louvre; had been to Geneva; had seen the Lake; had + seen Mont Blanc; had crossed Mont Cenis; had been at Milan; Rome; had seen + the Pope; Naples; had seen Vesuvius; had been at Paestum; had come back to + Florence, and <i>nous voici!</i> Glad enough was I, when I got them fairly + within the gates of the City of the Lily. Next came America; from which + part of the world they received such delightful letters! One from Mrs. + Jonathan Little, a Salem lady then residing in New York, had just reached + them. It contained four sheets, and was full of <i>news.</i> Then + commenced the details; and I was compelled to listen to a string of gossip + that connected nearly all the people of mark, my informants had ever heard + of in the great <i>Commercial</i> Emporium that was to be. How suitable is + this name! Emporium would not have been sufficiently distinctive for a + town in which “the merchants” are all in all; in which they must have the + post-office; in which they support the nation by paying all the revenue; + in which the sun must shine and the dew fall to suit their wants; and in + which the winds, themselves, may be recreant to their duty, when they + happen to be foul! Like the Holy Catholic Protestant Episcopal Church, + Trading Commercial Trafficking Emporium should have been the style of such + a place; and I hope, ere long, some of the “Manor Born” genii of that + great town, will see the matter rectified. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, Captain Wallingford,” cut in Jane, at one of Sarah's + breathing intervals, that reminded me strongly of the colloquial + Frenchman's “<i>s'il crache il est perdu,</i>” “You know something of poor + Mrs. Bradfort, I believe?” + </p> + <p> + I assented by a bow. + </p> + <p> + “It was just as we told you,” cried Sarah, taking her revenge. “The poor + woman is dead! and, no doubt, of that cancer. What a frightful disease! + and how accurate has our information been, in all that affair!” + </p> + <p> + “I think her will the most extraordinary of all,” added Mr. Brigham, who, + as a man, kept an eye more to the main chance. “I suppose you have heard + all about her will, Captain Wallingford?” + </p> + <p> + I reminded the gentleman that this was the first I had ever heard of the + lady's death. + </p> + <p> + “She has left every dollar to young Mr. Hardinge, her cousin's son;” added + Jane, “cutting off that handsome, genteel, young lady his sister, as well + as her father, without a cent”—in 1803, they just began to speak of + <i>cents</i>, instead of farthings—“and everybody says it was so + cruel!” + </p> + <p> + “That is not the worst of it,” put in Sarah. “They <i>do</i> say, Miss + Merton, the English lady that made so much noise in New York—let me + see, Mr. Brigham, what Earl's grand-daughter did we hear she was?—” + </p> + <p> + This was a most injudicious question, as it gave the husband an + opportunity to take the word out of her mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Lord Cumberland's, I believe, or some such person—-but, no matter + whose. It is quite certain, General Merton, her father, consents to let + her marry young Mr. Hardinge, now Mrs. Bradfort's will is known; and, as + for the sister, he declares he will never give her a dollar.” + </p> + <p> + “He will have sixteen thousand dollars a year,” said Jane, with emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “Six, my dear, six”—returned the brother, who had reasonably + accurate notions touching dollars and cents, or he never would have been + travelling in Italy; “six thousand dollars a year, was just Mrs. + Bradfort's income, as my old school-fellow Upham told me, and there isn't + another man in York, who can tell fortunes as true as himself. He makes a + business of it, and don't fail one time in twenty.” + </p> + <p> + “And is it quite certain that Mr. Rupert Hardinge gets all the fortune of + Mrs. Bradfort?” I asked, with a strong effort to seem composed. + </p> + <p> + “Not the least doubt of it, in the world. Everybody is talking about it; + and there cannot well be a mistake, you know, as it was thought the sister + would be an heiress, and people generally take care to be pretty certain + about that class. But, of course, a young man with that fortune will be + snapped up, as a swallow catches a fly. I've bet Sarah a pair of gloves we + hear of his marriage in three months.” + </p> + <p> + The Brighams talked an hour longer, and made me promise to visit them at + their hotel, a place I could not succeed in finding. That evening, I left + Florence for Leghorn, writing a note of apology, in order not to be rude. + Of course, I did not believe half these people had told me; but a part, I + made no doubt, was true. Mrs. Bradfort was dead, out of all question; and + I thought it possible she might not so far have learned to distinguish + between the merit of Lucy, and that of Rupert, to leave her entire fortune + to the last. As for the declaration of the brother that he would give his + sister nothing, that seemed to me to be rather strong for even Rupert. I + knew the dear girl too well, and was certain she would not repine; and I + was burning with the desire to be in the field, now she was again + penniless. + </p> + <p> + What a change was this! Here were the Hardinges, those whom I had known as + poor almost as dependants on my own family, suddenly enriched. I knew Mrs. + Bradfort had a large six thousand a year, besides her own dwelling-house, + which stood in Wall Street, a part of the commercial emporium that was + just beginning to be the focus of banking, and all other monied + operations, and which even then promised to become a fortune of itself. It + is true, that old Daniel M'Cormick still held his levees on his venerable + stoop, where all the heavy men in town used to congregate, and joke, and + buy and sell, and abuse Boney; and that the Winthrops, the Wilkeses, the + Jaunceys, the Verplancks, the Whites, the Ludlows, and other families of + mark, then had their town residences in this well-known street; but coming + events were beginning “to cast their shadows before,” and it was easy to + foresee that this single dwelling might at least double Rupert's income, + under the rapid increase of the country and the town. Though Lucy was + still poor, Rupert was now rich. + </p> + <p> + If family connection, that all-important and magical influence, could make + so broad a distinction between us, while I was comparatively wealthy, and + Lucy had nothing, what, to regard the worst side of the picture, might I + not expect from it, when the golden scale preponderated on her side. That + Andrew Drewett would still marry her, I began to fear again. Well, why + not? I had never mentioned love to the sweet girl, fondly, ardently as I + was attached to her; and what reason had I for supposing that one in her + situation could reserve her affections for a truant sailor? I am afraid I + was unjust enough to regret that this piece of good fortune should have + befallen Rupert. He must do something for his sister, and every dollar + seemed to raise a new barrier between us. + </p> + <p> + From that hour, I was all impatience to get home. Had not the freight been + engaged, I think I should have sailed in ballast. By urging the merchants, + however, we got to sea May 15th, with a full cargo, a portion of which I + had purchased on my own account, with the money earned by the ship, within + the last ten months. Nothing occurred worthy of notice, until the Dawn + neared the Straits of Gibraltar. Here we were boarded by an English + frigate, and first learned the declaration of a new war between France and + England; a contest that, in the end, involved in it all the rest of + christendom. Hostilities had already commenced, the First Consul having + thrown aside the mask, just three days after we left port. The frigate + treated us well, it being too soon for the abuses that followed, and we + got through the pass without further molestation. + </p> + <p> + As soon as in the Atlantic, I took care to avoid everything we saw, and + nothing got near us, until we had actually made the Highlands of Navesink. + An English sloop-of-war, however, had stood into the angles of the coast, + formed by Long Island and the Jersey shore, giving us a race for the Hook. + I did not know whether I ought to be afraid of this cruiser, or not, but + my mind was made up, not to be boarded if it could be helped. We succeeded + in passing ahead, and entered the Hook, while he was still a mile outside + of the bar. I got a pilot on the bar, as was then very usual, and stood up + towards the town with studding-sails set, it being just a twelvemoth, + almost to an hour, from the day when I passed up the bay in the Crisis. + The pilot took the ship in near Coenties slip, Marble's favourite berth, + and we had her secured, and her sails unbent before the sun set. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “With look like patient Job's, eschewing evil; + With motions graceful as a bird's in air; + Thou art, in sober truth, the veriest devil + That ere clinched fingers in a captive's hair.” + HALLECK. +</pre> + <p> + There was about an hour of daylight, when I left the compting-house of the + consignees, and pursued my way up Wall Street to Broadway. I was on my way + to the City Hotel, then, as now, one of the best inns of the town. On + Trinity Church walk, just as I quitted the Wall Street crossing, whom + should I come plump upon in turning, but Rupert Hardinge? He was walking + down the street in some little haste, and was evidently much surprised, + perhaps I might say startled, at seeing me. Nevertheless, Rupert was not + easily disconcerted, and his manner at once became warm, if not entirely + free from embarrassment. He was in deep mourning; though otherwise dressed + in the height of the fashion. + </p> + <p> + “Wallingford!” he exclaimed—it was the first time he did not call me + “Miles,”—“Wallingford! my fine fellow, what cloud did you drop from?—We + have had so many reports concerning you, that your appearance is as much a + matter of surprise, as would be that of Bonaparte, himself. Of course, + your ship is in?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” I answered, taking his offered hand; “you know I am wedded to + her, for better, for worse, until death or shipwreck doth us part.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, so I've always told the ladies—'there is no other matrimony in + Wallingford,' I've said often, 'than that which will make him a ship's + husband.' But you look confoundedly well—the sea agrees with you, + famously.” + </p> + <p> + “I make no complaint of my health—but tell me of that of our friends + and families? Your father—” + </p> + <p> + “Is up at Clawbonny, just now—you know how it is with him. No change + of circumstances will ever make him regard his little smoke-house looking + church, as anything but a cathedral, and his parish as a diocese. Since + the great change in our circumstances, all this is useless, and I often <i>think</i>—you + know one wouldn't like to <i>say</i> as much to <i>him</i>—but I + often <i>think</i>, he might just as well give up preaching, altogether.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, this is good, so far—now for the rest of you, all. You meet + my impatience too coldly.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, you <i>were</i> always an impatient fellow. Why, I suppose you need + hardly be told that I have been admitted to the bar.” + </p> + <p> + “That I can very well imagine—you must have found your sea-training + of great service on the examination.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! my dear Wallingford—what a simpleton I was! But one is so apt + to take up strange conceits in boyhood, that he is compelled to look back + at them in wonder, in after life. But, which way are you walking?”—slipping + an arm in mine—“if up, I'll take a short turn with you. There's + scarce a soul in town, at this season; but you'll see prodigiously fine + girls in Broadway, at this hour, notwithstanding—those that belong + to the other sets, you know; those that belong to families that can't get + into the country among the leaves. Yes, as I was saying, one scarce knows + himself, after twenty. Now, I can hardly recall a taste, or an + inclination, that I cherished in my teens, that has not flown to the + winds. Nothing is permanent in boyhood—we grow in our persons, and + our minds, sentiments, affections, views, hopes, wishes, and ambition; all + take new directions.” + </p> + <p> + “This is not very flattering, Rupert, to one whose acquaintance with you + may be said to be altogether boyish.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! of course I don't mean <i>that.</i> Habit keeps all right in such + matters; and I dare say I shall always be as much attached to you, as I + was in childhood. Still, we are on diverging lines, now, and cannot for + ever remain boys.” + </p> + <p> + “You have told me nothing of the rest,” I said, half choked, in my + eagerness to hear of the girls, and yet unaccountably afraid to ask. I + believe I dreaded to hear that Lucy was married. “How, and where is + Grace?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Grace!—yes, I forgot her, to my shame, as you would naturally + wish to inquire. Why, my dear <i>Captain,</i> to be as frank as one ought + with so old an acquaintance, your sister is not in a good way, I'm much + afraid; though I've not seen her in an age. She was down among us in the + autumn, but left town for the holidays, for them she insisted on keeping + at Clawbonny, where she said the family had always kept them, and away she + went. Since then, she has not returned, but I fear she is far from well. + You know what a fragile creature Grace ever has been—so American!—Ah! + Wallingford! our females have no constitutions—charming as angels, + delicate as fairies, and all that; but not to be compared to the English + women in constitutions.” + </p> + <p> + I felt a torrent of fire rushing through my blood, and it was with + difficulty I refrained from hurling the heartless scoundrel who leaned on + my arm, into the ditch. A moment of reflection, however, warned me of the + precipice on which I stood. He was Mr. Hardinge's son, Lucy's brother; and + I had no proofs that he had ever induced Grace to think he loved her. It + was so easy for those who had been educated as we four had been, to be + deceived on such a point, that I felt it unsafe to do anything + precipitately. Friendship, <i>habit</i>, as Rupert expressed it, might so + easily be mistaken for the fruits of passion, that one might well be + deceived. Then it was all-important to Grace's self-respect, to her + feelings, in some measure to her character, to be careful, that I + suppressed my wrath, though it nearly choked me. + </p> + <p> + “I am sorry to hear this,” I answered, after a long pause, the deep regret + I felt at having such an account of my sister's health contributing to + make my manner seem natural; “very, <i>very</i> sorry to hear it. Grace is + one that requires the tenderest care and watching; and I have been making + passage after passage in pursuit of money, when I am afraid I should have + been at Clawbonny, discharging the duties of a brother. I can never + forgive myself!” + </p> + <p> + “Money is a very good thing, Captain,” answered Rupert, with a smile that + appeared to mean more than the tongue expressed—“a surprisingly good + thing is money! But you must not exaggerate Grace's illness, which I dare + say is merely constitutional, and will lead to nothing. I hope your many + voyages have produced their fruits?” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucy?” I resumed, disregarding his question concerning my own success + as an owner. “Where and how is she?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Hardinge is in town—in her own—that is, in <i>our</i> + house—in Wall Street, though she goes to <i>the place</i> in the + morning. No one who can, likes to remain among these hot bricks, that has + a pleasant country-house to fly to, and open to receive him. But I forgot—I + have supposed you to know what it is very likely you have never heard?” + </p> + <p> + “I learned the death of Mrs. Bradfort while in Italy, and, seeing you in + black, at once supposed it was for her.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that's just it. An excellent woman has been taken from us, and, had + she been my own mother, I could not have received greater kindnesses from + her. Her end, my dear Wallingford, was admitted by all the clergy to be + one of the most edifying known in the place for years.” + </p> + <p> + “And Mrs. Bradfort has left you her heir? It is now time to congratulate + you on your good fortune. As I un-understand her estate came through + females to her, and from a common ancestor of hers and yours, there is not + the slightest reason why you should not be gratified by the bequest. But + Lucy—I hope she was not <i>altogether</i> forgotten?” + </p> + <p> + Rupert fidgeted, and I could see that he was on tenter-hooks. As I + afterwards discovered, he wished to conceal the real facts from the world; + and yet he could not but foresee that I would probably learn them from his + father. Under all the circumstances, therefore, he fancied it best to make + me a confidant. We were strolling between Trinity and Paul's church walks, + then the most fashionable promenade in town; and, before he would lay open + his secret, my companion led me over by the Oswego Market, and down Maiden + Lane, lest he might betray himself to the more fashionable stocks and + stones. He did not open his lips until clear of the market, when he laid + bare his budget of griefs in something that more resembled his old + confidential manner, than he had seen fit to exhibit in the earlier part + of our interview. + </p> + <p> + “You must know, Miles,” he commenced, “that Mrs. Bradfort was a very + peculiar woman—a very peculiar sort of a person, indeed. An, + excellent lady, I am ready to allow, and one that made a remarkably + edifying and; but one whose peculiarities, I have understood, she + inherited with her fortune. Women <i>do</i> get the oddest conceits into + their heads, you know, and American women before all others; a republic + being anything but favourable to the continuation of property in the same + line. Miss Merton, who is a girl of excellent sense, as you well know + yourself, Miles, says, now, in England I should have succeeded, quite as a + matter of course, to <i>all</i> Mrs. Bradfort's real estate.” + </p> + <p> + “You, as a lawyer—a common law lawyer-can scarcely require the + opinion of an Englishwoman to tell you what the English laws would do in a + question of descent.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! they've a plaguey sight of statutes in that country, as well as + ourselves. Between the two, the common law is getting to be a very + uncommon sort of a law. But, to cut the matter short, Mrs. Bradfort made a + <i>will</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Dividing her property equally between you and Lucy, I dare say, to Miss + Merton's great dissatisfaction.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, not just so, Miles—not exactly so; a very capricious, peculiar + woman was Mrs. Bradfort—” + </p> + <p> + I have often remarked, when a person has succeeded in throwing dust into + another's eyes, but is discarded on being found out, that the rejected of + principle is very apt to accuse his former dupe of being <i>capricious</i>; + when, in fact, he has only been <i>deceived</i>. As I said nothing, + however, leaving Rupert to flounder on in the best manner he could, the + latter, after a pause, proceeded— + </p> + <p> + “But her end was very admirable” he said, “and to the last degree + edifying. You must know, she made a will, and in that will she left + everything, even to the town and country houses, to—my sister.” + </p> + <p> + I was thunder-struck! Here were all my hopes blown again to the winds. + After a long pause, I resumed the discourse. + </p> + <p> + “And whom did she leave as executor?” I asked, instantly foreseeing the + consequences should that office be devolved on Rupert, himself. + </p> + <p> + “My father. The old gentleman has had his hands full, between your father + and mother, and Mrs. Bradfort. Fortunately, the estate of the last is in a + good condition, and is easily managed. Almost entirely in stores and + houses in the best part of the town, well insured, a few thousands in + stocks, and as much in bonds and mortgages, the savings from the income, + and something like a year's rents in bank. A good seven thousand a year, + with enough surplus to pay for repairs, collection and other charges.” + </p> + <p> + “And all this, then, is Lucy's!” I exclaimed, feeling something like the + bitterness of knowing that such an heiress was not for me. + </p> + <p> + “Temporarily; though, of course, I consider Lucy as only my trustee for + half of it. You know how it is with the women; they fancy all us young men + spendthrifts, and, so, between the two, they have reasoned in this way—'Rupert + is a good fellow at bottom; but Rupert is young, and he will make the + money fly—now, I'll give it all to you, Lucy, in my will, but, of + course, you'll take care of your brother, and let him have half, or + perhaps two-thirds, being a male, at the proper time, which will be, as + soon as you come of age, and <i>can</i> convey. You understand Lucy is but + nineteen, and <i>cannot</i> convey these two years.” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucy admits this to be true?—You have proof of all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Proof! I'd take my own affidavit of it. You see it is reasonable, and + what I had a right to expect. Everything tends to confirm it. Between + ourselves, I had quite $2000 of debt; and yet, you see, the good lady did + not leave me a dollar to pay even my honest creditors; a circumstance that + so pious a woman, and one who made so edifying an end, would never think + of doing, without ulterior views. Considering Lucy as my trustee, explains + the whole thing.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought Mrs. Bradfort made you an allowance, Rupert; some $600 a year, + besides keeping you in her own house?” + </p> + <p> + “A thousand-but, what is $1000 a year to a fashionable man, in a town like + this. First and last, the excellent old lady, gave me about $5000, all of + which confirms the idea, that, at the bottom, she intended me for her + heir. What woman in her senses, would think of giving $5000 to a relative + to whom she did not contemplate giving <i>more</i>? The thing is clear on + its face, and I should certainly go into chancery, with anybody but Lucy.” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucy?—what says she to your views on the subject of Mrs. + Bradfort's intentions?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you have some acquaintance with Lucy—used to be intimate with + her, as one might say, when children, and know something of her character”—This + to me, who fairly worshipped the earth on which the dear girl trod!—“She + never indulges in professions, and likes to take people by surprise, when + she contemplates doing them a service—” this was just as far from + Lucy's natural and honest mode of dealing, as it was possible to be—“and, + so, she has been as mum as one who has lost the faculty of speech. + However, she never speaks of her affairs to others; <i>that</i> is a good + sign, and indicates an intention to consider herself as my trustee; and, + what is better still, and more plainly denotes what her conscience + dictates in the premises, she has empowered her father to pay all my + debts; the current income and loose cash, being at her disposal, at once. + It would have been better had she given me the money, to satisfy these + creditors with it, for I knew which had waited the longest, and were best + entitled to receive the dollars at once; but, it's something to have all + their receipts in my pocket, and to start fair again. Thank Heaven, that + much is already done. To do Lucy justice, moreover, she allows me $1500 a + year, <i>ad interim</i>. Now, Miles, I've conversed with you, as with an + old friend, and because I knew my father would tell you the whole, when + you get up to Clawbonny; but you will take it all in strict confidence. It + gives a fashionable young fellow so silly an air, to be thought dependent + on a sister; and she three years younger than himself! So I have hinted + the actual state of the case, round among my friends; but, it is generally + believed that I am in possession already, and that Lucy is dependent on + me, instead of my being dependent on her. The idea, moreover, is capital + for keeping off fortune-hunters, as you will see at a glance.” + </p> + <p> + “And will the report satisfy a certain Mr. Andrew Drewett?” I asked, + struggling to assume a composure I was far from feeling. “He was all + attention when I sailed, and I almost expected to hear there was no longer + a Lucy Hardinge.” + </p> + <p> + “To tell you the truth, Miles, I thought so, too, until the death of Mrs. + Bradfort. The mourning, however, most opportunely came to put a stop to + anything of the sort, were it even contemplated. It would be so awkward, + you will understand, to have a brother-in-law before everything is + settled, and the trust is accounted for. <i>Au reste</i>—I am very + well satisfied with Andrew, and let him know I am his friend; he is well + connected; fashionable; has a pretty little fortune; and, as I sometimes + tell Lucy, that he is intended for her, as Mrs. Bradfort, no doubt, + foresaw, inasmuch as his estate, added to just one-third of that of our + dear departed cousin, would just make up the present income. On my honour, + now, I do not think the difference would be $500 per annum.” + </p> + <p> + “And how does your sister receive your hints?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! famously—just as all girls do, you know. She blushes, and + sometimes she looks vexed; then she smiles, and puts up her lip, and says + 'Nonsense!' and 'What folly!' 'Rupert, I'm surprised at you!' and all that + sort of stuff, which deceives nobody, you'll understand, not even her + poor, simple, silly brother. But, Miles, I must quit you now, for I have + an engagement to accompany a party to the theatre, and was on my way to + join them when we met. Cooper plays, and you know what a lion <i>he</i> + is; one would not wish to lose a syllable of his Othello.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop, Rupert—one word more before we part. From your conversation, + I gather that the Mertons are still here?” + </p> + <p> + “The Mertons! Why, certainly; established in the land, and among its + tip-top people. The Colonel finds his health benefited by the climate, and + he has managed to get some appointment which keeps him among us. He has + Boston relatives, moreover, and I believe is fishing up some claims to + property in that quarter. The Mertons here, indeed! what would New York be + without the Mertons!” + </p> + <p> + “And my old friend the Major is promoted, too—you called him + Colonel, I think?” + </p> + <p> + “Did I? I believe he is oftener called <i>General</i> Merton, than + anything else. You must be mistaken about his being only a Major, Miles; + everybody here calls him either Colonel, or General.” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind; I hope it is as you say. Good-bye, Rupert; I'll not betray + you, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Well-you were about to say—” + </p> + <p> + “Why, mention me to Lucy; you know we were acquainted when children. Tell + her I wish her all happiness in her new position, to which I do not doubt + she will do full credit; and that I shall endeavour to see her before I + sail again.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll not be at the theatre this evening? Cooper is well worth seeing—a + most famous fellow in Othello!” + </p> + <p> + “I think not. Do not forget to mention me to your sister; and so, once + more, adieu!” + </p> + <p> + We parted—Rupert to go towards Broadway, at a great pace, and I to + lounge along, uncertain whither to proceed. I had sent Neb to inquire if + the Wallingford were down, and understood she would leave the basin at + sunrise. It was now my intention to go up in her; for, though I attached + no great importance to any of Rupert's facts, his report concerning my + sister's health rendered me exceedingly uneasy. Insensibly I continued my + course down Maiden Lane, and soon found myself near the ship. I went on + board, had an explanation with Marble, gave some orders to Neb, and went + ashore again, all in the course of the next half-hour. By a sort of secret + attraction, I was led towards the Park, and soon found myself at the door + of the theatre. Mrs. Bradfort had now been dead long enough to put Lucy in + second mourning, and I fancied I might get a view of her in the party that + Rupert was to accompany. Buying a ticket, I entered and made my way up + into the Shakspeare box. Had I been better acquainted with the place, with + the object in view I should have gone into the pit. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the lateness of the season, it was a very full house. + Cooper's, in that day, was a name that filled every mouth, and he seldom + failed to fill every theatre in which he appeared. With many first-rate + qualifications for his art, and a very respectable conception of his + characters, he threw everything like competition behind him; though there + were a few, as there ever will be among the superlatively intellectual, + who affected to see excellencies in Fennel, and others, to which this + great actor could not aspire. The public decided against these select few, + and, as is invariably the case when the appeal is made to human feelings, + the public decided right. Puffery will force into notice and sustain a + false judgment, in such matters, for a brief space; but nature soon + asserts her sway, and it is by natural decisions that such points are ever + the most justly determined. Whatever appeals to human sympathies, will be + answered by human sympathies. Popularity too often gains its ascendency + behind the hypocrite's mask in religion; it is usually a magnificent + mystification in politics; it frequently becomes the patriot's + stalking-horse, on which he rides to power; in social life, it is the + reward of empty smiles, unmeaning bows, and hollow squeezes of the hand; + but with the player, the poet, and all whose pursuits bring them directly + in contact with the passions, the imagination and the heart, it is the + unerring test of merit, with certain qualifications connected with the + mind and the higher finish of pure art. It may be questioned if Cooper + were not the greatest actor of his day, in a certain range of his own + characters. + </p> + <p> + I have said that the house was full. I got a good place, however; though + it was not in the front row. Of course I could only see the side boxes + beneath, and not even quite all of them. My eyes ran eagerly over them, + and I soon caught a glimpse of the fine, curling hair of Rupert. He sat by + the side of Emily Merton, the Major—I knew he was a colonel or + general, only by means of a regular Manhattan promotion, which is so apt + to make hundreds of counts, copper captains, and travelling prodigies of + those who are very small folk at home—the Major sat next, and, at + his side, I saw a lady, whom I at once supposed to be Lucy. Every nerve in + my system thrilled, as I caught even this indistinct view of the dear + creature. I could just see the upper part of her face, as it was + occasionally turned towards the Major; and once I caught that honest smile + of hers, which I knew had never intentionally deceived. + </p> + <p> + The front seat of the box had two vacant places. The bench would hold six, + while it had yet only four. The audience, however, was still assembling, + and, presently, a stir in Lucy's box denoted the arrival of company. The + whole party moved, and Andrew Drewett handed an elderly lady in, his + mother, as I afterwards ascertained, and took the other place himself. I + watched the salutations that were exchanged, and understood that the new + comers had been expected. The places had been reserved for them, and old + Mrs. Drewett was doubtless the <i>chaperone;</i> though, one having a + brother and the other a father with her, the two young ladies had not + hesitated about preceding the elderly lady. They had come from different + quarters of the town, and had agreed to meet at the theatre. Old Mrs. + Drewett was very particular in shaking hands with Lucy, though I had not + the misery of seeing her son go through the same ceremony. Still he was + sufficiently pointed in his salutations; and, during the movements, I + perceived he managed to get next to Lucy, leaving the Major to entertain + his mother. All this was natural, and what might have been expected; yet, + it gave me a pang that I cannot describe. + </p> + <p> + I sat, for half an hour, perfectly inattentive to the play, meditating on + the nature of my real position towards Lucy. I recalled the days of + childhood and early youth; the night of my first departure from home; my + return, and the incidents accompanying my second departure; the affair of + the locket, and all I had truly felt myself, and all that I had supposed + Lucy herself to feel, on those several occasions. Could it be possible I + had so much deceived myself, and that the interest the dear girl had + certainly manifested in me had been nothing but the fruits of her + naturally warm and honest heart—her strong disposition to + frankness-habit, as Rupert had so gently hinted in reference to ourselves? + Then I could not conceal from myself the bitter fact that I was, now, no + equal match for Lucy, in the eyes of the world. While she was poor, and I + comparatively rich, the inequality in social station might have been + overlooked; it existed, certainly, but was not so very marked that it + might not, even in that day, be readily forgotten; but now, Lucy was an + heiress, had much more than double my own fortune—had a fortune + indeed; while I was barely in easy circumstances, as persons of the higher + classes regarded wealth. The whole matter seemed reversed. It was clear + that a sailor like myself, with no peculiar advantages, those of a + tolerable education excepted, and who was necessarily so much absent, had + not the same chances of preferring his suit, as one of your town idlers; a + nominal lawyer, for instance, who dropped in at his office for an hour or + two, just after breakfast, and promenaded Broadway the rest of the time, + until dinner; or a man of entire leisure, like Andrew Drewett, who + belonged to the City Library set, and had no other connection with + business than to see that his rents were collected and his dividends paid. + The more I reflected, the more humble I became, he less my chances seemed + and I determined to quit the theatre, at once. The reader will remember + that I was New York born and bred, a state of society in which few natives + acted on the principle that “there was nothing too high to be aspired to, + nothing too low to be done.” I admitted I had superiors, and was willing + to defer to the facts and opinions of the world as I knew it. + </p> + <p> + In the lobby of the building, I experienced a pang at the idea of quitting + the place without getting one look at the face of Lucy. I was in an humble + mood, it is true, but that did not necessarily infer a total self-denial. + I determined, therefore, to pass into the pit, with my box-check, feast my + eyes by one long gaze at the dear creature's ingenuous countenance, and + carry away the impression, as a lasting memorial of her whom I so well + loved, and whom I felt persuaded I should ever continue to love. After + this indulgence, I would studiously avoid her, in order to release my + thoughts as much as possible from the perfect thraldom in which they had + existed, ever since I had heard of Mrs. Bradfort's death. Previously to + that time, I am afraid I had counted a little more than was becoming on + the ease of my own circumstances, and Lucy's comparative poverty. Not that + I had ever supposed her to be in the least mercenary—this I knew to + be utterly, totally false—but because the good town of Manhattan, + even in 1803, was <i>tant soit peu</i> addicted to dollars, and Lucy's + charms would not be likely to attract so many suitors, in the modest + setting of a poor country clergyman's means, as in the golden frame by + which they had been surrounded by Mrs. Bradfort's testamentary devise, + even supposing Rupert to come in for quite one half. + </p> + <p> + I had no difficulty in finding a convenient place in the pit; one, from + which I got a front and near view of the whole six, as they sat ranged + side by side. Of the Major and old Mrs. Drewett it is unnecessary to say + much. The latter looked as all dowager-like widows of that day used to + appear, respectable, staid, and richly attired. The good lady had come on + the stage during the revolution, and had a slightly military air—a + <i>parade</i> in her graces, that was not altogether unknown to the <i>èlèves</i> + of that school. I dare say she could use such words as “martinets,” + “mowhairs,” “brigadiers,” and other terms familiar to her class. Alas! how + completely all these little traces of the past are disappearing from our + habits and manners! + </p> + <p> + As for the Major, he appeared much better in health, and altogether + altered in mien. I could readily detect the influence of the world on him; + He was evidently a so much greater man in New York than he had been whew I + found him in London, that it is not wonderful he felt the difference. + Between the acts, I remarked that all the principal persons in the front + rows were desirous of exchanging nods with the “British officer,” a proof + that he was circulating freely in the best set, and had reached a point, + when “not to know him, argues yourself unknown.” {*] + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: The miserable moral dependence of this country on Great + Britain, forty years since, cannot well be brought home to the present + generation. It is still too great, but has not a tithe of its former + force. The writer has himself known an Italian Prince, a man of family and + of high personal merit, pass unnoticed before a society that was eager to + make the acquaintance of most of the “agents” of the Birmingham button + dealers; and this simply because one came from Italy and the other from + England. The following anecdote, which is quite as true as any other fact + in this work, furnishes a good example of what is meant. It is now a + quarter of a century since the writer's first book appeared. Two or three + months after the publication, he was walking down Broadway with a friend, + when a man of much distinction in the New York circles was passing up, on + the other side-walk. The gentleman in question caught the writer's eye, + bowed, and <i>crossed the street</i>, to shake hands and inquire after the + author's health. The difference in years made this attention marked. “You + are in high favour,” observed the friend, as the two walked away, to “have + —— pay you such a compliment—your book must have done + this.” “Now mark my words—I have been puffed in some English + magazine, and —— knows it.” The two were on their way to the + author's publishers, and, on entering the door, honest Charles Wiley put a + puff on the book in question into the writer's hand! What rendered the + whole more striking, was the fact that the paragraph was as flagrant a + puff as was ever written, and had probably been paid for, by the English + publisher. The gentleman in question was a man of talents and merit, but + he had been born half a century too soon, to enjoy entire mental + independence in a country that had so recently been a colony.] + </p> + <p> + Emily certainly looked well and happy. I could see that she was delighted + with Rupert's flattery, and I confess I cared very little for his change + of sentiment, or his success. That both Major and Emily Merton were + different persons in the midst of the world and in the solitudes of the + Pacific, was as evident as it was that I was a different personage in + command of the Crisis, and in the pit of the Park theatre. I dare say, at + that moment. Miss Merton had nearly forgotten that such a man as Miles + Wallingford existed, though I think she sometimes recalled the string of + magnificent pearls that were to ornament the neck of his wife, should he + ever find any one to have him. + </p> + <p> + But, Lucy, dear, upright, warm-hearted, truth-telling, beloved Lucy! all + this time, I forget to speak of her. There she sat in maiden loveliness, + her beauty still more developed, her eye as beaming, lustrous, feeling, as + ever, her blush as sensitive, her smile as sweet, and her movements as + natural and graceful. The simplicity of her half-mourning, too, added to + her beauty, which was of a character to require no further aid from dress, + than such as was dependent purely on taste. As I gazed at her, enthralled, + I fancied nothing was wanting to complete the appearance, but my own + necklace. Powerful, robust man as I was, with my frame hardened by + exposure and trials, I could have sat down and wept, after gazing some + time at the precious creature, under the feeling produced by the + conviction that I was never to renew my intercourse with her, on terms of + intimacy at least. The thought that from day to day we were to become more + and more strangers, was almost too much to be borne. As it was, scalding + tears forced themselves to my eyes, though I succeeded in concealing the + weakness from those around me. At length the tragedy terminated, the + curtain dropped, and the audience began to move about. The pit which had, + just before, been crowded, was now nearly empty, and I was afraid of being + seen. Still, I could not tear myself away, but remained after nine-tenths + of those around me had gone into the lobbies. + </p> + <p> + It was easy, now, to see the change which had come over Lucy's position, + in the attentions she received. All the ladies in the principal boxes had + nods and smiles for her and half the fashionable-looking young men in the + house crowded round her box, or actually entered it to pay their + compliments. I fancied Andrew Drewett had a self-satisfied air that seemed + to say, “you are paying your homage indirectly to myself, in paying it to + this young lady.” As for Lucy, my jealous watchfulness could not detect + the smallest alteration in her deportment, so far as simplicity and nature + were concerned. She appeared in a trifling degree more womanly, perhaps, + than when I saw her last, being now in her twentieth year; but the + attentions she received made no visible change in her manners. I had + become lost in the scene, and was standing in a musing attitude, my side + face towards the box, when I heard a suppressed exclamation, in Lucy's + voice. I was too near her to be mistaken, and it caused the blood to rush + to my heart in a torrent. Turning, I saw the dear girl, with her hand + extended over the front of the box, her face suffused with blushes, and + her eyes riveted on myself. I was recognised, and the surprise had + produced a display of all that old friendship, certainly, that had once + existed between us, in the simplicity and truth of childhood. + </p> + <p> + “Miles Wallingford!” she said, as I advanced to shake the offered hand, + and as soon as I was near enough to permit her to speak without attracting + too much attention—“<i>you</i> arrived, and <i>we</i> knew nothing + of it!” + </p> + <p> + It was plain Rupert had said nothing of having seen me, or of our + interview in the street. He seemed a little ashamed, and leaned forward to + say— + </p> + <p> + “I declare I forgot to mention, Lucy, that I met Captain Wallingford as I + was going to join the Colonel and Miss Merton. Oh! we have had a long talk + together, and it will save you a history of past events.” + </p> + <p> + “I may, nevertheless, say,” I rejoined, “how happy I am to see Miss + Hardinge looking so well, and to be able to pay my compliments to my old + passengers.” + </p> + <p> + Of course I shook hands with the Major and Emily, bowed to Drewett, was + named to his mother, and was invited to enter the box, as it was not quite + in rule to be conversing between the pit and the front rows. I forgot my + prudent resolutions, and was behind Lucy in three minutes. Andrew Drewett + had the civility to offer me his place, though it was with an air that + said plain enough “what do <i>I</i> care for <i>him</i>—he is a + ship-master, and I am a man of fashion and fortune, and can resume my seat + at any moment, while the poor fellow can only catch his chances, as he + occasionally <i>comes into port</i>.” At least, I fancied his manner said + something like this. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Drewett,” said Lucy, in her sweetest manner. “Mr. + Wallingford and I are very, <i>very</i> old friends,—you know he is + Grace's brother, and you have been at Clawbonny”—Drewett bowed, + civilly enough—“and I have a thousand things to say to him. So, + Miles, take this seat, and let me hear all about your voyage.” + </p> + <p> + As half the audience went away as soon as the tragedy ended, the second + seat of the box was vacated, and the other gentlemen getting on it, to + stretch their limbs, I had abundance of room to sit at Lucy's side, half + facing her, at the same time. As she insisted on hearing my story, before + we proceeded to anything else, I was obliged to gratify her. + </p> + <p> + “By the way, Major Merton,” I cried, as the tale was closed, “an old + friend of yours, Moses Marble by name, has come to life again, and is at + this moment in New York.” + </p> + <p> + I then related the manner in which I had fallen in with my old mate. This + was a most unfortunate self-interruption for me, giving the Major a fair + opportunity for cutting into the conversation. The orchestra, moreover, + giving notice that the curtain would soon rise for the after-piece, the + old gentleman soon got me into the lobby to hear the particulars. I was + supremely vexed, and I thought Lucy appeared sorry; but there was no help + for it, and then we could not converse while the piece was going on. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose you care little for this silly farce,” observed the Major, + looking in at one of the windows, after I had gone over Marble's affair in + detail. “If not, we will continue our walk, and wait for the ladies to + come out. Drewett and Hardinge will take good care of them.” + </p> + <p> + I assented, and we continued to walk the lobby till the end of the act. + Major Merton was always gentleman-like; and he even behaved to me, as if + he remembered the many obligations he was under. He now communicated + several little facts connected with his own circumstances, alluding to the + probability of his remaining in America a few years. Our chat continued + some time, my looks frequently turning towards the door of the box, when + my companion suddenly observed— + </p> + <p> + “Your old acquaintances the Hardinges have had a lucky wind-fall—one, + I fancy, they hardly expected, a few years Since.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably not; though the estate has fallen into excellent hands,” I + answered. “I am surprised, however, that Mrs. Bradfort did not leave the + property to the old gentleman, as it once belonged to their common + grandfather, and he properly stood next in succession.” + </p> + <p> + “I fancy she thought the good parson would not know what to do with it. + Now, Rupert Hardinge is clever, and spirited, and in a way to make a + figure in the world; and it is probably in better hands, than if it had + been left first to the old gentleman.” + </p> + <p> + “The old gentleman has been a faithful steward to me, and I doubt not + would have proved equally so to his own children. But, does Rupert get <i>all</i> + Mrs. Bradfort's property?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe not; there is some sort of a trust, I have heard him say; and I + rather fancy that his sister has some direct or reversionary interest. + Perhaps she is named as the heir, if he die without issue. There <i>was</i> + a silly story, that Mrs. Bradfort had left everything to Lucy; but I have, + it from the best authority, that <i>that</i> is not true—” The idea + of Rupert Hardinge's being the “best authority” for any thing; a fellow + who never knew what unadulterated truth was, from the time he was in + petticoats, or could talk!—“As I <i>know</i> there is a trust, + though one of no great moment; I presume Lucy has some contingent + interest, subject, most probably, to her marrying with her brother's + approbation, or some such provision. The old lady was sagacious, and no + doubt did all that was necessary.” + </p> + <p> + It is wonderful how people daily deceive themselves on the subject of + property; those who care the most about it, appearing to make the greatest + blunders. In the way of bequests, in particular, the lies that are told + are marvellous. It is now many years since I learned to take no heed of + rumours on such subjects, and least of all, rumours that come from the + class of the money-gripers. Such people refer everything to dollars, and + seldom converse a minute without using the word. Here, however, was Major + Merton evidently Rupert's dupe; though with what probable consequences, it + was not in my power to foresee. It was clearly not my business to + undeceive him; and the conversation, getting to be embarrassing, I was not + sorry to hear the movement which announced the end of the act. At the box + door, to my great regret, we met Mrs. Drewett retiring, the ladies finding + the farce dull, and not worth the time lost in listening to it. Rupert + gave me an uneasy glance, and he even dragged me aside to whisper—“Miles, + what I told you this evening, is strictly a family secret, and was + entrusted to a friend.” + </p> + <p> + “I have nothing to do with your private concerns, Rupert—” I + answered,—“only, let me expect you to act honourably, especially + when women are concerned.” + </p> + <p> + “Everything will come right, depend on it; the truth will set everything + right, and all will come out, just as I predicted.” + </p> + <p> + I saw Lucy looking anxiously around, while Drewett had gone to order the + carriages to advance, and I hoped it might be for me. In a moment I was by + her side; at the next, Mr. Andrew Drewett offered his arm, saying, her + carriage “stopped the way.” We moved into the outer lobby, in a body, and + then it was found that Mrs. Drewett's carriage was up first, while Lucy's + was in the rear. Yes, Lucy's carriage!—the dear girl having come + into immediate possession of her relative's houses, furniture, horses, + carriages, and everything else, without reserve, just as they had been + left behind by the last incumbent, when she departed from the scene of + life, to lie down in the grave. Mrs. Bradfort's arms were still on the + chariot, I observed, its owner refusing all Rupert's solicitations to + supplant them by those of Hardinge. The latter took his revenge, however, + by telling everybody how generous he was in keeping a carriage for his + sister. + </p> + <p> + The Major handed Mrs. Drewett in, and her son was compelled to say good + night, to see his mother home. This gave me one blessed minute with Lucy, + by herself. She spoke of Grace; said they had now been separated months, + longer than they ever had been before in their lives, and that all her own + persuasions could not induce my sister to rejoin her in town, while her + own wish to visit Clawbonny had been constantly disappointed, Rupert + insisting that her presence was necessary, for so many arrangements about + business. + </p> + <p> + “Grace is not as humble as I was, in old times, Miles,” said the dear + girl, looking me in the face, half sadly, half reproachfully, the light of + the lamp falling full on her tearful, tender eyes, “and I hope you are not + about to imitate her bad example. She wishes us to know she has Clawbonny + for a home, but I never hesitated to admit how poor we were, while you + alone were rich.” + </p> + <p> + “God bless you, Lucy!” I whispered, squeezing her hand with fervour—“It + cannot be <i>that</i>—have you heard anything of Grace's health?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! she is well, I know—Rupert tells me <i>that</i>, and her + letters are cheerful and kind as ever, without a word of complaint. But I + <i>must</i> see her soon. Grace Wallingford and Lucy Hardinge were not + born to live asunder. Here is the carriage; I shall see you in the + morning, Miles—at breakfast, say—eight o'clock, precisely.” + </p> + <p> + “It will be impossible—I sail for Clawbonny with the first of the + flood, and that will make at four. I shall sleep in the sloop.” + </p> + <p> + Major Merton put Lucy into the carriage; the good-nights were passed, and + I was left standing on the lowest step of the building gazing after the + carriage, Rupert walking swiftly away. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Hear me a little; + For I have only been silent so long, + And given way unto this course of fortune, + By noting of the lady: I have mark'd + A thousand blushing apparitions start + Into her face; a thousand innocent shames + In angel whiteness bear away those blushes—” + SHAKESPEARE +</pre> + <p> + I reached the Wallingford before eleven, where I found Neb in attendance + with my trunks and other effects. Being now on board my own craft, I gave + orders to profit by a favourable turn in the wind, and to get under-way at + once, instead of waiting for the flood. When I left the deck, the sloop + was above the State Prison, a point towards which the town itself had made + considerable progress since the time I first introduced it to the reader. + Notwithstanding this early start, we did not enter the creek until about + eight in the morning of the second day. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was the vessel near enough, than my foot was on the wharf, and I + began to ascend the hill. From the summit of the latter I saw my late + guardian hurrying along the road, it afterwards appearing that a stray + paper from town had announced the arrival of the Dawn, and that I was + expected to come up in the sloop. I was received with extended hands, was + kissed just as if I had still been a boy, and heard the guileless old man + murmuring his blessings on me, and a prayer of thankfulness. Nothing ever + changed good Mr. Hardinge, who, now that he could command the whole income + of his daughter, was just as well satisfied to live on the three or four + hundreds he got from his glebe and his parish, as he ever had been in his + life. + </p> + <p> + “Welcome back, my dear boy, welcome back!” added Mr. Hardinge, his voice + and manner still retaining their fervour. “I said you <i>must</i>—you + <i>would</i> be on board, as soon as they reported the sloop in sight, for + I judged your heart by my own. Ah! Miles, will the time ever come when + Clawbonny will be good enough for you? You have already as much money as + you can want, and more will scarce contribute to your happiness.” + </p> + <p> + “Speaking of money, my dear sir,” I answered, “while I have to regret the + loss of your respectable kinswoman, I may be permitted to congratulate you + on the accession to an old family property—I understand you inherit, + in your family, all of Mrs. Bradfort's estate-one valuable in amount, and + highly acceptable, no doubt, as having belonged to your ancestors.” + </p> + <p> + “No doubt—no doubt—it is just as you say; and I hope these + unexpected riches will leave us all as devout servants of God, as I humbly + trust they found us. The property, however, is not mine, but Lucy's; I + need not have any reserve with you, though Rupert has hinted it might be + prudent not to let the precise state of the case be known, since it might + bring a swarm of interested fortune-hunters about the dear girl, and has + proposed that we rather favour the notion the estate is to be divided + among us. This I cannot do directly, you will perceive, as it would be + deception; but one may be silent. With you, however, it is a different + matter, and so I tell you the truth at once. I am made executor, and act, + of course; and this makes me the more glad to see you, for I find so much + business with pounds, shillings and pence draws my mind off from the + duties of my holy office, and that I am in danger of becoming selfish and + mercenary. A selfish priest, Miles, is as odious a thing as a mercenary + woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Little danger of your ever becoming anything so worldly, my dear sir. But + Grace-you have not mentioned my beloved sister?” + </p> + <p> + I saw Mr. Hardinge's countenance suddenly change. The expression of joy + instantly deserted it, and it wore an air of uncertainty and sadness. A + less observant man than the good divine, in all the ordinary concerns of + life, did not exist; but it was apparent that he now saw something to + trouble him. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Grace,” he answered, doubtingly; “the dear girl is here, and all + alone, and not as blithe and amusing as formerly. I am glad of your return + on her account, too, Miles. She is not well, I fear; I would have sent for + a physician last week, or the moment I saw her; but she insists on it, + there is no need of one. She is frightfully beautiful, Miles! You know how + it is with Grace—her countenance always seemed more fitted for + heaven than earth; and now it always reminds me of a seraph's that was + grieving over the sins of men!” + </p> + <p> + “I fear, sir, that Rupert's account, then, is true, and that Grace is + seriously ill?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, boy—I fervently pray not! She is not as usual—<i>that</i> + is true; but her mind, her thoughts, all her inclinations, and, if I may + so express it, her energies, seem turned to heaven. There has been an + awakening in the spirit of Grace, that is truly wonderful. She reads + devout books, meditates, and, I make no doubt, prays, from morn till + night. This is the secret of her withdrawal from the world, and her + refusing of all Lucy's invitations. You know how the girls love each other—but + Grace declines going to Lucy, though she knows that Lucy cannot come to + her.” + </p> + <p> + I now understood it all. A weight like that of a mountain fell upon my + heart, and I walked on some distance without speaking. To me, the words of + my excellent guardian sounded like the knell of a sister I almost + worshipped. + </p> + <p> + “And Grace—does she expect me, now?” I at length ventured to say, + though the words were uttered in tones so tremulous, that even the usually + unobservant divine perceived the change. + </p> + <p> + “She does, and delighted she was to hear it. The only thing of a worldly + nature that I have heard her express of late, was some anxious, sisterly + wish for your speedy return. Grace loves you, Miles, next to her God!” + </p> + <p> + Oh! how I wished this were true, but, alas! alas! I knew it was far + otherwise! + </p> + <p> + “I see you are disturbed, my dear boy, on account of what I have said,” + resumed Mr. Hardinge; “probably from serious apprehensions about your + sister's health. She is not well, I allow; but it is the effect of mental + ailments. The precious creature has had too vivid views of her own sinful + nature, and has suffered deeply, I fear. I trust, my conversation and + prayers have not been without their effect, through the divine aid, and + that she is now more cheerful—nay, she has assured me within half an + hour, if it turned out that you were in the sloop, she should be happy!” + </p> + <p> + For my life, I could not have conversed longer on the painful subject; I + made no reply. As we had still a considerable distance to walk, I was glad + to turn the conversation to other subjects, lest I should become unmanned, + and sit down to weep in the middle of the road. + </p> + <p> + “Does Lucy intend to visit Clawbonny, this summer?” I asked, though it + seemed strange to me to suppose that the farm was not actually Lucy's + home. I am afraid I felt a jealous dislike to the idea that the dear + creature should have houses and lands of her own; or any that was not to + be derived through me. + </p> + <p> + “I hope so,” answered her father, “though her new duties do not leave Lucy + as much her own mistress as I could wish. You saw her, and her brother, + Miles, I take it for granted?” + </p> + <p> + “I met Rupert in the street, sir, and had a short interview with the + Mertons and Lucy at the theatre. Young Mr. and old Mrs. Drewett were of + the party.” + </p> + <p> + The good divine turned short round to me, and looked as conscious and + knowing as one of his singleness of mind and simplicity of habits could + look. Had a knife penetrated my flesh, I could not have winced more than I + did; still, I affected a manner that was very foreign to my feelings. + </p> + <p> + “What do you think of this young Mr. Drewett, boy?” asked Mr. Hardinge, + with an air of confidential interest, and an earnestness of manner, that, + with him, was inseparable from all that concerned his daughter. “Do you + approve?” + </p> + <p> + “I believe I understand you, sir;—you mean me to infer that Mr. + Drewett is a suitor for Miss Hardinge's hand.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be improper to say this much, even to you, Miles, did not + Drewett take good care, himself, to let everybody know it.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly with a view to keep off other pretenders”—I rejoined, with + a bitterness I could not control. + </p> + <p> + Now, Mr. Hardinge was one of the last men in the world to suspect evil. He + looked surprised, therefore, at my remark, and I was probably not much out + of the way, in fancying that he looked displeased. + </p> + <p> + “That is not right, my dear boy,” he said, gravely. + </p> + <p> + “We should try to think the best and not the worst, of our + fellow-creatures.”—Excellent old man, how faithfully didst thou + practise on thy precept!—“It is a wise rule, and a safe one; more + particularly in connection with our own weaknesses. Then, it is but + natural that Drewett should wish to secure Lucy; and if he adopt no means + less manly than the frank avowal of his own attachment, surely there is no + ground of complaint.” + </p> + <p> + I was rebuked; and what is more, I felt that the rebuke was merited. As + some atonement for my error, I hastened to add— + </p> + <p> + “Very truly, sir; I admit the unfairness of my remark, and can only atone + for it by adding it is quite apparent Mr. Drewett is not influenced by + interested motives, since he certainly was attentive to Miss Hardinge + previously to Mrs. Bradfort's death, and when he could not possibly have + anticipated the nature of her will.” + </p> + <p> + “Quite true, Miles, and very properly and justly remarked. Now, to you, + who have known Lucy from childhood, and who regard her much as Rupert + does, it may not seem so very natural that a young man can love her warmly + and strongly, for herself, alone—such is apt to be the effect of + brotherly feeling; but I can assure you, Lucy is really a charming, as we + all know she is a most excellent, girl!” + </p> + <p> + “To whom are you speaking thus, sir! I can assure you, nothing is easier + than for me to conceive how possible it is for any man to love your + daughter. As respects Grace, I confess there, is a difference—for I + affirm she has always seemed to me too saintly, too much allied to Heaven + already, to be subject herself, to the passions of earth.” + </p> + <p> + “That is what I have just been telling you, and we must endeavour to + overcome and humanize—if I may so express it—Grace's + propensity. There is nothing more dangerous to a healthful frame of mind, + in a religious point of view, Miles, than excitement—it is disease, + and not faith, nor charity, nor hope, nor humility, nor anything that is + commanded; but our native weaknesses taking a wrong direction, under a + physical impulse, rather than the fruits of repentance, and the succour + afforded by the spirit of God. We nowhere read of any excitement, and + howlings and waitings among the apostles.” + </p> + <p> + How could I enlighten the good old man on the subject of my sister's + malady? That Grace, with her well-tempered mind, was the victim of + religious exaggeration, I did not for a moment believe; but that she had + had her heart blighted, her affections withered, her hopes deceived, by + Rupert's levity and interestedness, his worldly-mindedness and vanity, I + could foresee, and was prepared to learn; though these were facts not to + be communicated to the father of the offender. I made no answer, but + managed to turn the conversation towards the farm, and those interests + about which I could affect an interest that I was very far from feeling, + just at that moment. This induced the divine to inquire into the result of + my late voyage, and enabled me to collect sufficient fortitude to meet + Grace, with the semblance of firmness, at least. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge made a preconcerted signal, as soon as he came in view of the + house, that apprised its inmates of my arrival; and we knew, while still + half a mile from the buildings, that the news had produced a great + commotion. All the blacks met us on the little lawn—for the girls, + since reaching womanhood, had made this change in the old door-yard—and + I had to go through the process of shaking hands with every one of them. + This was done amid hearty bursts of laughter, the mode in which the + negroes of that day almost always betrayed their joy, and many a “welcome + home, Masser Mile!” and “where a Neb got to, dis time, Masser Mile?” was + asked by more than one; and great was the satisfaction, when I told his + generation and race that the faithful fellow would be up with the cart + that was to convey my luggage. But, Grace awaited me. I broke through the + throng, and entered the house. In the door I was met by Chloe, a girl + about my own sister's age, and a sort of cousin of Neb's by the + half-blood, who had been preferred of late years to functions somewhat + resembling those of a lady's maid. I say of the half-blood; for, to own + the truth, few of the New York blacks, in that day, could have taken from + their brothers and sisters, under the old <i>dictum</i> of the common law, + which declared that none but heirs of the whole blood should inherit. + Chloe met me in the door-way, and greeted me with one of her sweetest + smiles, as she curtsied, and really looked as pleased as all my slaves + did, at seeing their <i>young</i> master again. How they touched my heart, + at times, by their manner of talking about “<i>ole</i> Masser, and <i>ole</i> + Missus,” always subjects of regret among negroes who had been well treated + by them. Metaphysicians may reason as subtly as they can about the races + and colours, and on the aptitude of the black to acquire, but no one can + ever persuade me out of the belief of their extraordinary aptitude to + love. As between themselves and their masters, their own children and + those of the race to which they were subject, I have often seen instances + which have partaken of the attachment of the dog to the human family; and + cases in which the children of their masters have been preferred to those + of their own flesh and blood, were of constant occurrence. + </p> + <p> + “I hope you been werry well, sah, Masser Mile,” said Chloe, who had some + extra refinement, as the growth of her position. + </p> + <p> + “Perfectly, my good girl, and I am glad to see you looking so well—you + really are growing handsome, Chloe.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Masser Mile—-you so droll!—now you stay home, sah, long + time?” + </p> + <p> + “I am afraid not, Chloe, but one never knows. Where shall I find my + sister?” + </p> + <p> + “Miss Grace tell me come here, Masser Mile, and say she wish to see you in + de family-room. She wait dere, now, some time.” + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Chloe; and do you see that no one interrupts us. I have not + seen my sister for near a year.” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain, sah; all as you say.” Then the girl, whose face shone like a + black bottle that had just been dipped in water, showed her brilliant + teeth, from ear to ear, laughed outright, looked foolish, after which she + looked earnest, when the secret burst out of her heart, in the melodious + voice of a young negress, that did not know whether to laugh or to cry—“Where + Neb, Masser Mile? what he do now; de <i>fel</i>-ler!” + </p> + <p> + “He will kiss you in ten minutes, Chloe; so put the best face on the + matter you are able.” + </p> + <p> + “<i>Dat</i> he wont—de sauce-box—-Miss Grace teach me better + dan <i>dat</i>.” + </p> + <p> + I waited to hear no more, but proceeded towards the triangular little + room, with steps so hurried and yet so nervous, that I do not remember, + ever before to have laid my hand on a lock in a manner so tremulous—I + found myself obliged to pause, ere I could muster resolution to open the + door, a hope coming over me that the impatience of Grace would save me the + trouble, and that I should find her in my arms before I should be called + on to exercise any more fortitude. All was still as death, however, within + the room, and I opened the door, as if I expected to find one of the + bodies I had formerly seen in its coffin, in this last abiding place above + ground, of one dead. My sister was on the <i>causeuse</i>, literally + unable to rise from debility and agitation. I shall not attempt to + describe the shock her appearance gave me. I was prepared for a change, + but not one that placed her, as my heart instantly announced, so near the + grave! + </p> + <p> + Grace extended both arms, and I threw myself at her side, drew her within + my embrace, and folded her to my heart, with the tenderness with which one + would have embraced an infant. In this situation we both wept violently, + and I am not ashamed to say that I sobbed like a child. I dare say five + minutes passed in this way, without either of us speaking a word. + </p> + <p> + “A merciful and all gracious God be praised! You are restored to me in + time, Miles!” murmured my sister, at length. “I was afraid it might be too + late.” + </p> + <p> + “Grace!—Grace!—What means this, love?—my precious, my + only, my most dearly beloved sister, why do I find you thus?” + </p> + <p> + “Is it necessary to speak, Miles?—cannot you see?—<i>do</i> + you not see, and understand it all?” + </p> + <p> + The fervent pressure I gave my sister, announced how plainly I + comprehended the whole history. That Grace could ever love, and forget, I + did not believe; but, that her tenderness for Rupert—one whom I knew + for so frivolous and selfish a being, should reduce her to this terrible + state, I had not indeed foreseen as a thing possible. Little did I then + understand how confidingly a woman loves, and how apt she is to endow the + being of her choice with all the qualities se could wish him to possess. + In the anguish of my soul I muttered, loud enough to be heard, “the + heartless villain!” + </p> + <p> + Grace instantly rose from my arms. At that moment, she looked more like a + creature of heaven, than one that was still connected with this wicked + world. Her beauty could scarcely be called impaired, though I dreaded that + she would be snatched away from me in the course of the interview; so + frail and weak did it appear was her hold of life. In some respects I + never saw her more lovely than she seemed on this very occasion. This was + when the hectic of disease imparted to the sweetest and most saint-like + eyes that were ever set in the human countenance, a species of holy + illumination. Her countenance, now, was pale and colourless; however, and + her look sorrowful and filled with reproach. + </p> + <p> + “Brother,” she said, solemnly, “this <i>must</i> not be. It is not what + God commands—it is not what I expected from you—what I have a + right to expect from one whom I am assured loves me, though none other of + earth can be said to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not easy, my sister, for a man to forget or forgive the wretch who + has so long misled you—misled us all, and then turned to another, + under the impulse of mere vanity.” + </p> + <p> + “Miles, my kind and manly brother, listen to me,” Grace rejoined, + fervently pressing one of my hands in both of hers, and scarcely able to + command herself, through alarm. “All thoughts of anger, of resentment, of + pride even, must be forgotten. You owe it to my sex, to the dreadful + imputations that might otherwise rest on my name—had I anything to + reproach myself with as a woman. I could submit to <i>any</i> punishment; + but surely, surely, it is not a sin so unpardonable to be unable to + command the affections, that I deserve to have my name, after I shall be + dead, mixed up with rumours connected with such a quarrel. You have lived + as brothers, too—then there is good, excellent, truthful, pious Mr. + Hardinge; who is yet <i>my</i> guardian, you know; and Lucy, dear, + true-hearted, faithful Lucy—” + </p> + <p> + “Why is not dear, true-hearted, faithful Lucy, here, watching over you, + Grace, at this very moment?” I demanded, huskily. + </p> + <p> + “She knows nothing of my situation—it is a secret, as well as its + cause, from all but God, myself, and you. Ah! I knew it would be + impossible to deceive your love, Miles! which has ever been to me, all + that a sister could desire.” + </p> + <p> + “And Lucy! how has <i>her</i> affection been deceived?—Has she too, + eyes only for those she has recently learned to admire?” + </p> + <p> + “You do her injustice, brother. Lucy has not seen me, since the great + change that I can myself see has come over me. Another time, I will tell + you all. At present I can only say, that as soon as I had certain + explanations with Rupert, I left town, and have studiously concealed from + dear Lucy the state of my declining health. I write to her weekly, and get + answers; everything passing between us as cheerfully, and apparently, as + happily as ever. No, do not blame Lucy; who, I am certain, would quit + everything and everybody to come to me, had she the smallest notion of the + truth. On the contrary, I believe she thinks I would rather not have her + at Clawbonny, just at this moment, much as she knows I love her; for, one + of Lucy's observation and opportunities cannot but suspect the truth. Let + me lie on your breast, brother; it wearies me to talk so much.” + </p> + <p> + I sat holding this beloved sister in my arms, fully an hour, neither of us + speaking. I was afraid of injuring her, by further excitement, and she was + glad to take refuge in silence, from the feelings of maiden shame that + could not be otherwise than mingled with such a dialogue. As my cheek + leaned on her silken hair, I could see large tears rolling down the pallid + cheeks; but the occasional pressure of the hands, told me how much she was + gladdened by my presence. After some ten or fifteen minutes, the exhausted + girl dropped into feverish and disturbed slumbers, that I would have + remained motionless throughout the night to maintain. I am persuaded it + was quite an hour before this scene terminated. Grace then arose, and + said, with one of her most angelic smiles— + </p> + <p> + “You see how it is with me, Miles—feeble as an infant, and almost as + troublesome. You must bear with me, for you will be my nurse. One promise + I must have, dearest, before we leave this room.” + </p> + <p> + “It is yours, my sister, let it be what it may; I can now refuse you + nothing,” said I, melted to feminine tenderness. “And yet, Grace, since <i>you</i> + exact a promise, <i>I</i> have a mind to attach a condition.” + </p> + <p> + “What condition, Miles, can you attach, that I will refuse? I consent to + everything, without even knowing your wishes.” + </p> + <p> + “Then I promise not to call Rupert to an account for his conduct—-not + to question him—nay, even not to reproach him,” I rejoined, + enlarging my pledges, as I saw by Grace's eyes that she exacted still + more. + </p> + <p> + The last promise, however, appeared fully to satisfy her. She kissed my + hand, and I felt hot tears falling on it. + </p> + <p> + “Now name your conditions, dearest brother,” she said, after a little time + taken to recover herself; “name them, and see how gladly I shall accept + them all.” + </p> + <p> + “I have but one—it is this. I must take the complete direction of + the care of you—must have power to send for what physician I please, + what friends I please, what advice or regimen I please!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! Miles, you <i>could</i> not—<i>cannot</i> think of sending for + <i>him</i>!” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not; his presence would drive me from the house. With that one + exception, then, my condition is allowed?” + </p> + <p> + Grace made a sign of assent, and sunk on my bosom again, nearly exhausted + with the scene through which she had just gone. I perceived it would not + do to dwell any longer on the subject we had been alluding to, rather than + discussing; and for another hour did I sit sustaining that beloved form, + declining to speak, and commanding silence on her part. At the end of this + second little sleep, Grace was more refreshed than she had been after her + first troubled repose, and she declared herself able to walk to her room, + where she wished to lie on her own bed until the hour of dinner. I + summoned Chloe, and, together, we led the invalid to her chamber. As we + threaded the long passages, my sister's head rested on my bosom, her eyes + were turned affectionately upward to my face, and several times I felt the + gentle pressure of her emaciated hands, given in the fervour of devoted + sisterly love. + </p> + <p> + I needed an hour to compose myself, after this interview. In the privacy + of my own room, I wept like a child over the wreck of the being I had left + so beautiful and perfect, though even then the canker of doubt had begun + to take root. I had yet her explanations to hear, and resolved to command + myself so far as to receive them in a manner not to increase the pain + Grace must feel in making them. As soon as sufficiently calm, I sat down + to write letters. One was to Marble. I desired him to let the second-mate + see the ship discharged, and to come up to me by the return of the sloop. + I wished to see him in person, as I did not think I could be able to go + out in the vessel on her next voyage, and I intended him to sail in her as + master. It was necessary we should consult together personally. I did not + conceal the reason of this determination, though I said nothing of the + cause of my sister's state. Marble had a list of physicians given him, and + he was to bring up with him the one he could obtain, commencing with the + first named, and following in the order given. I had earned ten thousand + dollars, nett, by the labours of the past year, and I determined every + dollar of it should be devoted to obtaining the best advice the country + then afforded. I had sent for such men as Hosack, Post, Bayley, M'Knight, + Moore, &c.; and even thought of endeavouring to procure Rush from + Philadelphia, but was deterred from making the attempt by the distance, + and the pressing nature of the emergency. In 1803, Philadelphia was about + three days' journey from Clawbonny, even allowing for a favourable time on + the river; with a moderately unfavourable, five or six; whereas the + distance can now be passed, including the chances of meeting the + departures and arrivals of the different lines, in from twelve to fifteen + hours. Such is one of the prodigious effects of an improved civilization; + and in all that relates to motion, and which falls short of luxury, or + great personal comfort, this country takes a high place in the scale of + nations. That it is as much in arrears in other great essentials, however, + particularly in what relates to tavern comforts, no man who is familiar + with the better civilization of Europe, can deny. It is a singular fact, + that we have gone backward in this last particular, within the present + century, and all owing to the increasingly gregarious habits of the + population. But to return to my painful theme, from which, even at this + distance of time, I am only too ready to escape. + </p> + <p> + I was on the point of writing to Lucy, but hesitated. I hardly knew + whether to summon her to Clawbonny or not. That she would come, and that + instantly, the moment she was apprised of Grace's condition, I did not in + the least doubt. I was not so mad as to do her character injustice, + because I had my doubts about being loved as I had once hoped to be. That + Lucy was attached to me, in one sense, I did not in the least doubt; this, + her late reception of me sufficiently proved; and I could not question her + continued affection for Grace, after all the latter had just told me. Even + did Lucy prefer Andrew Drewett, it was no proof she was not just as + kind-hearted, as ready to be of service, and as true in her friendship, as + she ever had been. Still, she was Rupert's sister, must have penetration + enough to understand the cause of Grace's illness, and might not enter as + fully into her wrongs as one could wish in a person that was to watch the + sick pillow. I resolved to learn more that day, before this portion of my + duty was discharged. + </p> + <p> + Neb was summoned, and sent to the wharf, with an order to get the + Wallingford ready to sail for town at the first favourable moment. The + sloop was merely to be in ballast, and was to return to Clawbonny with no + unnecessary delay. There was an eminent, but retired physician of the name + of Bard, who had a country residence on the other bank of the Hudson, and + within a few hours' sail from Clawbonny. I knew his character, though I + was not acquainted with him, personally. Few of us of the right bank, + indeed, belonged to the circles of the left, in that day; the increasing + wealth and population of the country has since brought the western side + into more notice. I wrote also to Dr. Bard, inclosing a cheque for a + suitable fee; made a strong appeal to his feelings—which would have + been quite sufficient with, such a man—and ordered Neb to go out in + the Grace and Lucy, immediately, to deliver the missive. Just as this + arrangement was completed, Chloe came to summon me to my sister's room. + </p> + <p> + I found Grace still lying on her bed, but stronger, and materially + refreshed. For a moment, I began to think my fears had exaggerated the + danger, and that I was not to lose my sister. A few minutes of close + observation, however convinced me, that the first impression was the true + one. I am not skilled in the theories of the science, if there be any + great science about it, and can hardly explain, even now, the true + physical condition of Grace. She had pent up her sufferings in her own + bosom, for six cruel months, in the solitude of a country-house, living + most of the time entirely alone; and this, they tell me, is what few, even + of the most robust frames, can do with impunity. Frail as she had ever + seemed, her lungs were sound, and she spoke easily and with almost all her + original force, so that her wasting away was not the consequence of + anything pulmonary. I rather think the physical effects were to be traced + to the unhealthy action of the fluids, which were deranged through the + stomach and spleen. The insensible perspiration was affected also, I + believe; the pores of the skin failing to do their duty. I dare say there + is not a graduate of the thousand and one medical colleges of the country, + who is not prepared to laugh at this theory, while unable quite likely to + produce a better,—so much easier is it to pull down than to build + up; but my object is merely to give the reader a general idea of my poor + sister's situation. In outward appearance, her countenance denoted that + expression which the French so well describe, by their customary term of “<i>fatigué</i>,” + rather than any other positive indication of disease—Grace's frame + was so delicate by nature, that a little falling away was not as + perceptible in her, as it would have been in most persons; though her + beautiful little hands wanted that fulness which had rendered their taper + fingers and roseate tint formerly so very faultless. There must have been + a good deal of fever, as her colour was often higher than was formerly + usual. It was this circumstance that continued to render her beauty even + unearthly, without its being accompanied by the emaciation so common in + the latter stages of pulmonary disease, though its tendency was strongly + to undermine her strength. + </p> + <p> + Grace, without rising from her pillow, now asked me for an outline of my + late voyage. She heard me, I make no doubt, with real interest, for all + that concerned me, in a measure concerned her. Her smile was sweetness + itself, as she listened to my successes; and the interest she manifested + in Marble, with whose previous history she was well acquainted, was not + less than I had felt myself, in hearing his own account of his adventures. + All this delighted me, as it went to prove that I had beguiled the + sufferer from brooding over her own sorrows; and what might not be hoped + for, could we lead her back to mingle in the ordinary concerns of life, + and surround her with the few friends she so tenderly loved, and whose + absence, perhaps, had largely contributed to reducing her to her present + state? This thought recalled Lucy to my mind, and the wish I had to + ascertain how far it might be agreeable to the latter, to be summoned to + Clawbonny. I determined to lead the conversation to this subject. + </p> + <p> + “You have told me, Grace,” I said, “that you send and receive letters + weekly, to and from Lucy?” + </p> + <p> + “Each time the Wallingford goes and comes; and that you know is weekly. I + suppose the reason I got no letter to-day was owing to the fact that the + sloop sailed before her time. The Lord High Admiral was on board; and, + like wind and tide, <i>he</i> waits for no man!” + </p> + <p> + “Bless you—bless you, dearest sister—this gaiety removes a + mountain from my heart!” + </p> + <p> + Grace looked pleased at first; then, as she gazed wistfully into my face, + I could see her own expression change to one of melancholy concern. Large + tears started from her eyes, and three or four followed each other down + her cheeks. All this said, plainer than words, that, though a fond brother + might be momentarily deceived, she herself foresaw the end. I bowed my + head to the pillow, stifled the groans that oppressed me, and kissed the + tears from her cheeks. To put an end to these distressing scenes, I + determined to be more business-like in future, and suppress all feeling, + as much as possible. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord High Admiral,” I resumed, “is a species of Turk, on board ship, + as honest Moses Marble will tell you, when you see him, Grace. But, now + for Lucy and her letters—I dare say the last are filled with tender + secrets, touching such persons as Andrew Drewett, and others of her + admirers, which render it improper to show any of them to me?” + </p> + <p> + Grace looked at me, with earnestness, as if to ascertain whether I was + really as unconcerned as I affected to be. Then she seemed to muse, + picking the cotton of the spotless counterpane on which she was lying, + like one at a loss what to say or think. + </p> + <p> + “I see how it is,” I resumed, forcing a smile; “the hint has been + indiscreet. A rough son of Neptune is not the proper confidant for the + secrets of Miss Lucy Hardinge. Perhaps you are right; fidelity to each + other being indispensable in your sex.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not that, Miles. I doubt if Lucy ever wrote me a line, that you + might not see—in proof of which, you shall have the package of her + letters, with full permission to read every one of them. It will be like + reading the correspondence of another <i>sister</i>!” + </p> + <p> + I fancied Grace laid an emphasis on the last word she used; and I started + at its unwelcome sound—unwelcome, as applied to Lucy Hardinge, to a + degree that I cannot express. I had observed that Lucy never used any of + these terms, as connected with me, and it was one of the reasons why I had + indulged in the folly of supposing that she was conscious of a tenderer + sentiment. But Lucy was so natural, so totally free from exaggeration, so + just and true in all her feelings, that one could not expect from her most + of the acts of girlish weakness. As for Grace, she called Chloe, gave her + the keys of her secretary, and told her to bring me the package she + described. + </p> + <p> + “Go and look them over, Miles,” said my sister, as I received the letters; + “there must be more than twenty of them, and you can read half before the + dinner hour. I will meet you at table; and let me implore you not to alarm + good Mr. Hardinge. He does not believe me seriously ill; and it cannot + benefit him or me, to cause him pain.” + </p> + <p> + I promised discretion, and hastened to my own room, with the precious + bundle of Lucy's letters. Shall I own the truth? I kissed the papers, + fervently, before they were loosened, and it seemed to me I possessed a + treasure, in holding in my hand so many of the dear girl's epistles. I + commenced in the order of the date, and began to read with eagerness. It + was impossible for Lucy Hardinge to write to one she loved, and not + exhibit the truth and nature of her feelings. These appeared in every + paragraph in which it was proper to make any allusions of the sort. But + the letters had other charms. It was apparent, throughout, that the writer + was ignorant that she wrote to an invalid, though she could not but know + that she wrote to a recluse. Her aim evidently was to amuse Grace, of + whose mental sufferings she could not well be ignorant. Lucy was a keen + observer, and her epistles were filled with amusing comments on the + follies that were daily committed in New York, as well as in Paris, or + London. I was delighted with the delicate pungency of her satire, which, + however, was totally removed from vulgar scandal. There was nothing in + these letters that might not have been uttered in a drawing-room, to any + but the persons concerned; and yet they were filled with a humour that + rose often to wit, relieved by a tact and taste that a man never could + have attained. Throughout, it was apparent to me, Lucy, in order to amuse + Grace, was giving a full scope to a natural talent—one that far + surpassed the same capacity in her brother, being as true as his was + meritricious and jesuitical—which she had hitherto concealed from us + all, merely because she had not seen an occasion fit for its use. + Allusions in the letters, themselves, proved that Grace had commented on + this unexpected display of observant humour, and had expressed her + surprise at its existence. It was then as novel to my sister as it was to + myself. I was struck also with the fact, that Rupert's name did not appear + once in all these letters. They embraced just twenty-seven weeks, between + the earliest and the latest date; and there were nine-and-twenty letters, + two having been sent by private conveyances; her father's, most probably, + he occasionally making the journey by land; yet no one of them contained + the slightest allusion to her brother, or to either of the Mertons. This + was enough to let me know how well Lucy understood the reason of Grace's + withdrawal to Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + “And how was it with Miles Wallingford's name?” some of my fair readers + may be ready to ask. I went carefully through the package in the course of + the evening, and I set aside two, as the only exceptions in which my name + did not appear. On examining these two with jealous care, I found each had + a postscript, one of which was to the following effect: “I see by the + papers that Miles has sailed for Malta having at last left those stubborn + Turks. I am glad of this, as one would not wish to have the excellent + fellow shut up in the Seven Towers, however honourable it may have been.” + The other postscript contained this: “Dear Miles has got to Leghorn, my + father tells me, and may be expected home this summer. How great happiness + this will bring you, dearest Grace, I can well understand; and I need + scarcely say that no one will rejoice more to see him again than his late + guardian and myself.” + </p> + <p> + That the papers were often looked over to catch reports of my movements in + Europe, by means of ships arriving from different parts of the world, was + apparent enough; but I scarce knew what to make of the natural and simply + affectionate manner in which my name was introduced. It might proceed from + a wish to gratify Grace, and a desire to let the sister know all that she + herself possessed touching the brother's movements. Then Andrew Drewett's + name occurred very frequently, though it was generally in connection with + that of his mother, who had evidently constituted herself a sort of + regular <i>chaperone</i> for Lucy, more especially during the time she was + kept out of the gay world by her mourning. I read several of these + passages with the most scrupulous attention, in order to detect the + feeling with which they had been written; but the most practised art could + not have more successfully concealed any secret of this sort, than Lucy's + nature. This often proves to be the case; the just-minded and true among + men daily becoming the profoundest mysteries to a vicious, cunning, + deceptive and selfish world. An honest man, indeed, is ever a parodox to + all but those who see things with his own eyes. This is the reason that + improper motives are so often imputed to the simplest and seemingly most + honest deeds. + </p> + <p> + The result was, to write, entreating Lucy to come to Clawbonny; first + taking care to secure her father's assent, to aid my request. This was + done in a way not to awaken any alarm, and yet with sufficient strength to + render it tolerably certain she would come. On deliberate reflection, and + after seeing my sister at table, where she ate nothing but a light + vegetable diet, and passing the evening with her, I thought I could not do + less in justice to the invalid or her friend. I took the course with great + regret on several accounts; and, among others, from a reluctance to appear + to draw Lucy away from the society of my rival, into my own. Yet what + right had I to call myself the rival or competitor of a man who had openly + professed an attachment, where I had never breathed a syllable myself that + might not readily be mistaken for the language of that friendship, which + time, and habit, and a respect for each other's qualities, so easily + awaken among the young of different sexes? I had been educated almost as + Lucy's brother; and why should she not feel towards me as one? + </p> + <p> + Neb went out in the boat as soon as he got his orders and the Wallingford + sailed again in ballast that very night. She did not remain at the wharf + an hour after her wheat was out. I felt easier when these duties were + discharged, and was better prepared to pass the night in peace. Grace's + manner and appearance, too, contributed to this calm; for she seemed to + revive, and to experience some degree of earthly happiness, in having her + brother near her. When Mr. Hardinge read prayers that night, she came to + the chair where I stood, took my hand in hers, and knelt at my side. I was + touched to tears by this act of affection, which spoke as much of the + tenderness of the sainted and departed spirit, lingering around those it + had loved on earth, as of the affection of the world. I folded the dear + girl to my bosom, as I left her at the door of her own room that night, + and went to my own pillow, with a heavy heart. Seamen pray little; less + than they ought, amid the rude scenes of their hazardous lives. Still, I + had not quite forgotten the lessons of childhood, and sometimes practised + on them. That night I prayed fervently, beseeching God to spare my sister, + if in his wisdom it were meet; and I humbly invoked his blessings on the + excellent divine, and on Lucy, by name. I am not ashamed to own it, let + who may deride the act. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Wherever sorrow is, relief would be; + If you do sorrow at my grief in love, + By giving love, your sorrow and my grief + Were both extermin'd.” + <i>As You Like It.</i> +</pre> + <p> + I saw but little of Grace, during the early part of the succeeding day. + She had uniformly breakfasted in her own room, of late, and, in the short + visit I paid her there, I found her composed, with an appearance of + renewed strength that encouraged me greatly, as to the future. Mr. + Hardinge insisted on rendering an account of his stewardship, that + morning, and I let the good divine have his own way; though, had he asked + me for a receipt in full, I would cheerfully have given it to him, without + examining a single item. There was a singular peculiarity about Mr. + Hardinge. No one could live less for the world generally; no one was less + qualified to superintend extensive worldly interests, that required care, + or thought; and no one would have been a more unsafe executor in matters + that were intricate or involved: still, in the mere business of accounts, + he was as methodical and exact, as the most faithful banker. Rigidly + honest, and with a strict regard for the rights of others, living moreover + on a mere pittance, for the greater part of his life, this conscientious + divine never contracted a debt he could not pay. What rendered this + caution more worthy of remark, was the fact that he had a spendthrift son; + but, even Rupert could never lure him into any weakness of this sort. I + question if his actual cash receipts, independently of the profits of his + little glebe, exceeded $300 in any one year; yet, he and his children were + ever well-dressed, and I knew from observation that his table was always + sufficiently supplied. He got a few presents occasionally, from his + parishioners, it is true; but they did not amount to any sum of moment. It + was method, and a determination not to anticipate his income, that placed + him so much above the world, while he had a family to support; whereas, + now that Mrs. Bradfort's fortune was in the possession of his children, he + assured me he felt himself quite rich, though he scrupulously refused to + appropriate one dollar of the handsome income that passed through his + hands as executor, to his own uses. It was all Lucy's, who was entitled to + receive this income even in her minority, and to her he paid every cent, + quarterly; the sister providing for Rupert's ample wants. + </p> + <p> + Of course, I found everything exact to a farthing; the necessary papers + were signed, the power of attorney was cancelled, and I entered fully into + the possession of my own. An unexpected rise in the value of flour had + raised my shore receipts that year to the handsome sum of nine thousand + dollars. This was not properly income, however, but profits, principally + obtained through the labour of the mill. By putting all my loose cash + together, I found I could command fully $30,000, in addition to the price + of the ship. This sum was making me a man quite at my ease, and, properly + managed, it opened a way to wealth. How gladly would I have given every + cent of it, to see Grace as healthy and happy as she was when I left her + at Mrs. Bradfort's, to sail in the Crisis! + </p> + <p> + After settling the figures, Mr. Hardinge and I mounted our horses, and + rode over the property to take a look at the state of the farm. Our road + took us near the little rectory and the glebe; and, here, the + simple-minded divine broke out into ecstasies on the subject of the + beauties of his own residence, and the delight with which he should now + return to his ancient abode. He loved Clawbonny no less than formerly, but + he loved the rectory more. + </p> + <p> + “I was born in that humble, snug, quiet old stone cottage, Miles,” he + said, “and there I lived for years a happy husband and father, and I hope + I may say a faithful shepherd of my little flock. St. Michael's, + Clawbonny, is not Trinity, New York, but it may prove, on a small scale as + to numbers, as fitting a nursery of saints. What humble and devout + Christians have I known to kneel at its little altar, Miles, among whom + your mother, and your venerable old grandmother, were two of the best. I + hope the day is not distant when I shall meet there another Mrs. Miles + Wallingford. Marry young, my boy; early marriages prove happier than late, + where there are the means of subsistence.” + </p> + <p> + “You would not have me marry, until I can find a woman whom I shall truly + love, dear sir?” + </p> + <p> + “Heaven forbid! I would rather see you a bachelor to my dying day. But + America has enough females that a youth, like you, could, and indeed ought + to love. I could direct you to fifty, myself.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, sir, <i>your</i> recommendations would have great weight with me. I + wish you would begin.” + </p> + <p> + “That I will, that I will, if you wish it, my dear boy. Well, there is a + Miss Hervey, Miss Kate Hervey, in town; a girl of excellent qualities, and + who would just suit you, could you agree.” + </p> + <p> + “I recollect the young lady; the greatest objection I should raise to her, + is a want of personal attractions. Of all Mrs. Bradfort's acquaintances, I + think she was among the very plainest.” + </p> + <p> + “What is beauty, Miles? In marriage, very different recommendations are to + be looked for by the husband.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, I have understood you practised on another theory; Mrs. Hardinge, + even as I recollect her, was very handsome.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, that is true,” answered the good divine, simply; “she was so; but + beauty is not to be considered as an <i>objection</i>. If you do not + relish the idea of Kate Hervey, what do you say to Jane Harwood—there + is a pretty girl for you.” + </p> + <p> + “A pretty girl, sir, but not for me. But, in naming so many young ladies, + why do you overlook your own daughter?” + </p> + <p> + I said this with a sort of desperate resolution, tempted by the + opportunity, and the direction the discourse had taken. When it was + uttered, I repented of my temerity, and almost trembled to hear the + answer. + </p> + <p> + “Lucy!” exclaimed Mr. Hardinge, turning suddenly to towards me, and + looking so intently and earnestly in my face, that I saw the possibility + of such a thing then struck him, for the first time. “Sure enough, why + should you not marry Lucy? There is not a particle of relationship between + you, after all, though I have so long considered you as brother and + sister. I wish we had thought of this earlier, Miles; it would be a most + capital connection—though I should insist on your quitting the sea. + Lucy has too affectionate a heart, to be always in distress for an absent + husband. I wonder the possibility of this thing did not strike me, before + it was too late; in a man so much accustomed to see what is going on + around me, to overlook this!” + </p> + <p> + The words “too late,” sounded to me like the doom of fate; and had my + simple-minded companion but the tithe of the observation which he so much + vaunted, he must have seen my agitation. I had advanced so far, however, + that I determined to learn the worst, whatever pain it might cost me. + </p> + <p> + “I suppose, sir the very circumstance that we were brought up together has + prevented us all from regarding the thing as possible. But, why 'too + late,' my excellent guardian, if we who are the most interested in the + thing should happen to think otherwise?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not too late, if you include Lucy, herself, in your conditions; + but I am afraid, Miles, it is 'too late' for Lucy.” + </p> + <p> + “Am I to understand, then, that Miss Hardinge is engaged to Mr. Drewett? + Are her affections enlisted in his behalf?” + </p> + <p> + “You may be certain of one thing, boy, and that is, if Lucy be engaged, + her affections are enlisted—so conscientious a young woman would + never marry without giving her heart with her hand. As for the fact, + however, I know nothing, except by inference. I do suppose a mutual + attachment to exist between her and Andrew Drewett.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course with good reason, sir. Lucy is not a coquette, or a girl to + encourage when she does not mean to accept.” + </p> + <p> + “That's all I know of the matter. Drewett continues to visit; is as + attentive as a young man well can be, where a young woman is as scrupulous + as is Lucy about the proper forms, and I infer they understand each other. + I have thought of speaking to Lucy on the subject, but I do not wish to + influence her judgment, in a case where there exists no objection. Drewett + is every way a suitable match, and I wish things to take their own course. + There is one little circumstance, however, that I can mention to you as a + sort of son, Miles, and which I consider conclusive as to the girl's + inclinations—I have remarked that she refuses all expedients to get + her to be alone with Drewett—refuses to make excursions in which she + must be driven in his curricle, or to go anywhere with him, even to the + next door. So particular is she, that she contrives never to be alone with + him, even in his many visits to the house.” + </p> + <p> + “And do you consider that as a proof of attachment?—of her being + engaged? Does your own experience, sir, confirm such a notion?” + </p> + <p> + “What else can it be, if it be not a consciousness of a passion—of + an attachment that she is afraid every one will see? You do not understand + the sex, I perceive, Miles, or the finesse of their natures would be more + apparent to you. As for my experience, no conclusion can be drawn from + that, as I and my dear wife were thrown together very young, all alone, in + her mother's country house; and the old lady being bed-ridden, there was + no opportunity for the bashful maiden to betray this consciousness. But, + if I understand human nature, such is the secret of Lucy's feelings + towards Andrew Drewett. It is of no great moment to you, Miles, + notwithstanding, as there are plenty more young women to be had in the + world.” + </p> + <p> + “True, sir; but there is only one Lucy Hardinge!” I rejoined with a + fervour and strength of utterance that betrayed more than I intended. + </p> + <p> + My late guardian actually stopped his horse this time, to look at me, and + I could perceive deep concern gathering around his usually serene and + placid brow. He began to penetrate my feelings, and I believe they caused + him real grief. + </p> + <p> + “I never could have dreamed of this!” Mr. Hardinge at length exclaimed: + “Do you really love Lucy, my dear Miles?” + </p> + <p> + “Better than I do my own life, sir—I almost worship the earth she + treads on—Love her with my whole heart, and have loved, I believe, + if the truth were known, ever since I was sixteen—perhaps I had + better say, twelve years old!” + </p> + <p> + The truth escaped me, as the torrent of the Mississippi breaks through the + levee, and a passage once open for its exit, it cleared a way for itself, + until the current of my feelings left no doubt of its direction. I believe + I was a little ashamed of my own weakness, for I caused my horse to walk + forward, Mr. Hardinge accompanying the movement, for a considerable + distance, in a profound, and, I doubt not, a painful silence. + </p> + <p> + “This has taken me altogether by surprise, Miles,” my late guardian + resumed; “altogether by surprise. What would I not give could this have + been known a year or two since! My dear boy, I feel for you, from the + bottom of my heart, for I can understand what it must be to love a girl + like Lucy, without hope. Why did you not let this be known sooner—or, + why did you insist on going to sea, having so strong a motive for + remaining at home?” + </p> + <p> + “I was too young, at that time, sir, to act on, or even to understand my + own feelings. On my return, in the Crisis, I found Lucy in a set superior + to, that in which I was born and educated, and it would have been a poor + proof of my attachment to wish to bring her down nearer to my own level.” + </p> + <p> + “I understand you, Miles, and can appreciate the generosity of your + conduct; though I am afraid it would have been too late on your return in + the Crisis. That was only a twelvemonth since, and, then, I rather think, + Andrew Drewett had offered. There is good sense in your feeling on the + subject of marriages in unequal conditions in life, for they certainly + lead to many heart-burnings, and greatly lessen the chances of happiness. + One thing is certain; in all such cases, if the inferior cannot rise to + the height of the superior, the superior must sink to the level of the + inferior. Man and wife cannot continue to occupy different social + positions; and, as for the nonsense that is uttered on such subjects, by + visionaries, under the claim of its being common sense, it is only fit for + pretending theories, and can have nothing to do with the great rules of + practice. You were right in principle, then, Miles, though you have + greatly exaggerated the facts of your own particular case.” + </p> + <p> + “I have always known, sir, and have ever been ready to admit, that the + Hardinges have belonged to a different class of society, from that filled + by the Wallingfords.” + </p> + <p> + “This is true, but in part only; and by no means true to a degree that + need have drawn any impassable line between you and Lucy. You forget how + poor we then were, and bow substantial a benefit the care of Clawbonny + might have been to my dear girl. Besides, you are of reputable descent and + position, if not precisely of the gentry; and this is not a country, or an + age, to carry notions of such a nature beyond the strict bounds of reason. + You and Lucy were educated on the same level; and, after all, that is the + great essential for the marriage connection.” + </p> + <p> + There was great good sense in what Mr. Hardinge said; and I began to see + that pride, and not humility, might have interfered with my happiness. As + I firmly believed it was now too late, however, I began to wish the + subject changed; for I felt it grating on some of my most sacred feelings. + With a view to divert the conversation to another channel, therefore, I + remarked with some emphasis, affecting an indifference I did not feel— + </p> + <p> + “What cannot be cured, must be endured, sir; and I shall endeavour to find + a sailor's happiness hereafter, in loving my ship. Besides, were Andrew + Drewett entirely out of the question, it is now 'too late,' in another + sense, since it would never do for the man who, himself at his ease in the + way of money, hesitated about offering when his mistress was poor, to + prove his love, by proposing to Mrs. Bradfort's heiress. Still, I own to + so much weakness as to wish to know, before we close the subject for ever, + why Mr. Drewett and your daughter do not marry, if they are engaged? + Perhaps it is owing only to Lucy's mourning?” + </p> + <p> + “I have myself imputed it to another cause. Rupert is entirely dependent + on his sister, and I know Lucy so well as to feel certain—some + extraordinary cause not interposing—that she wishes to bestow half + her cousin's fortune on her brother. This cannot be done until she is of + age, and she wants near two years of attaining her majority.” + </p> + <p> + I made no answer; for I felt how likely this was to be true. Lucy was not + a girl of professions, and she would be very apt to keep a resolution of + this nature, a secret in her own breast, until ready to carry it into + execution. No more passed between Mr. Hardinge and myself, on the subject + of our recent conversation; though I could see my avowal had made him sad, + and that it induced him to treat me with more affection, even, than had + been his practice. Once or twice, in the course of the next day or two, I + overheard him soliloquizing—a habit to which he was a good deal + addicted—during which he would murmur, “What a pity!”—“How + much to be regretted!”'—“I would rather have him for a son than any + man on earth!” and other similar expressions. Of course, these involuntary + disclosures did not weaken my regard for my late guardian. + </p> + <p> + About noon, the Grace & Lucy came in, and Neb reported that Dr. Bard + was not at home. He had left my letter, however, and it would be delivered + as soon as possible. He told me also that the wind had been favourable on + the river, and that the Wallingford must reach town that day. + </p> + <p> + Nothing further occurred, worthy of notice. I passed the afternoon with + Grace, in the little room; and we conversed much of the past, of our + parents in particular, without adverting, however, to her situation, any + further than to apprise her of what I had done. I thought she was not + sorry to learn I had sent for Lucy, now that I was with her, and it was no + longer possible her illness could be concealed. As for the physicians, + when they were mentioned, I could see a look of tender concern in Grace's + eyes, as if she regretted that I still clung to the delusion of hoping to + see her health restored. Notwithstanding these little drawbacks, we passed + a sweet eventide together. For more than an hour, Grace lay on my bosom, + occasionally patting her hand on my cheeks, as the child caresses its + mother. This was an old habit of hers, and it was one I was equally + delighted and pained to have her resume, now we were of the age and + stature of man and woman. + </p> + <p> + The next day was Sunday, and Grace insisted on my driving her to church. + This was done, accordingly, in a very old-fashioned, but very easy Boston + chaise, that had belonged to my mother, and with very careful driving. The + congregation, like the church-edifice of St. Michael's, was very small, + being confined, with some twenty or thirty exceptions, to the family and + dependants of Clawbonny. Mr. Hardinge's little flock was hedged in by + other denominations on every side, and it was not an easy matter to break + through the barriers that surrounded it. Then he was not possessed with + the spirit of proselytism, contenting himself with aiding in the spiritual + advancement of those whom Providence had consigned to his care. On the + present occasion, however, the little building was full, and that was as + much as could have happened had it been as large as St. Peter's itself. + The prayers were devoutly and fervently read, and the sermon was plain and + filled with piety. + </p> + <p> + My sister professed herself in no manner wearied with the exertion. We + dined with Mr. Hardinge, at the Rectory, which was quite near the church; + and the irreverent, business-like, make-weight sort of look, of going in + to one service almost as soon as the other was ended, as if to score off + so much preaching and praying as available at the least trouble, being + avoided, by having the evening service commence late, she was enabled to + remain until the close of the day. Mr. Hardinge rarely preached but once + of a Sunday. He considered the worship of God, and the offices of the + church, as the proper duties of the day, and regarded his own wisdom as a + matter of secondary importance. But one sermon cost him as much labour, + and study, and anxiety, as most clergymen's two. His preaching, also, had + the high qualification of being addressed to the affections of his flock, + and not to its fears and interests. He constantly reminded us of God's <i>love</i>, + and of the <i>beauty</i> of holiness; while I do not remember to have + heard him allude half a dozen times in his life to the terrors of judgment + and punishment, except as they were connected with that disappointed love. + I suppose there are spirits that require these allusions, and the + temptations of future happiness, to incite their feelings; but I like the + preacher who is a Christian because he feels himself <i>drawn</i> to + holiness, by a power that is of itself holy; and not those who appeal to + their people, as if heaven and hell were a mere matter of preference and + avoidance, on the ground of expediency. I cannot better characterize Mr. + Hardinge's preaching, than by saying, that I do not remember ever to have + left his church with a sense of fear towards the Creator; though I have + often been impressed with a love that was as profound as the adoration + that had been awakened. + </p> + <p> + Another calm and comparatively happy evening was passed, during which I + conversed freely with Grace of my own intentions, endeavouring to revive + in her an interest in life, by renewing old impressions, and making her + participate in my feelings. Had I been with her from the hour spring + opened, with its renewal of vegetation, and all the joys it confers on the + innocent and happy, I have often thought since, I might have succeeded. As + it was, she listened with attention, and apparently with pleasure, for she + saw it served to relieve my mind. We did not separate until I insisted + Grace should retire, and Chloe had made more than one remonstrance about + her young mistress's exceeding the usual time. On leaving my sister's + chamber, the negress followed me with a light, lest I should fall, among + the intricate turnings, and the ups and downs of the old building. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Chloe,” I said, as we proceeded together, “how do you find Neb? + Does he improve by this running about on the ocean—especially do you + think he is tanned?” + </p> + <p> + “De <i>fel</i>-ler!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, he is a fellow, sure enough, and let me tell you, Chloe, a very + capital fellow, too. If it can be of any advantage to him in your favour + to know the truth, I will just say a more useful seaman does not sail the + ocean than Neb, and that I consider him as of much importance as the + main-mast?” + </p> + <p> + “What be <i>dat</i>, Masser Mile?” + </p> + <p> + “I see nothing, Chloe—there are no spooks at Clawbonny, you know.” + </p> + <p> + “No, sah! What b'e t'ing Neb like, <i>fel</i>-ler?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! I ask your pardon—the main-mast, you mean. It is the most + important spar in the ship, and I meant that Neb was as useful as that + mast. In battle, too, Neb is as brave as a lion.” + </p> + <p> + Here Chloe could stand it no longer; she fairly laughed outright, in pure, + natural admiration of her suitor's qualities. When this was performed, she + ejaculated once more “De <i>feller</i>!”—dropped a curtsey, said + “Good night, Masser Mile,” and left me at my own door. Alas! alas!—Among + the improvements of this age, we have entirely lost the breed of the + careless, good-natured, affectionate, faithful, hard-working, and yet + happy blacks, of whom more or less were to be found in every respectable + and long-established family of the State, forty years ago. + </p> + <p> + The next day was one of great anxiety to me. I rose early, and the first + thing was to ascertain the direction of the wind. In midsummer this was + apt to be southerly, and so it proved on that occasion. Neb was sent to + the point, as a look-out; he returned about ten, and reported a fleet of + sloops, in sight. These vessels were still a long distance down the river, + but they were advancing at a tolerable rate. Whether the Wallingford were + among them, or not, was more than could yet be told. I sent him back to + his station, as soon as he had eaten; and unable to remain quiet in the + house, myself, I mounted my horse, and rode out into the fields. Here, as + usual, I experienced the happiness of looking at objects my ancestors + loved to regard, and which always have had a strong and near interest with + me. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps no country that ever yet existed has been so little understood, or + so much misrepresented, as this America of ours. It is as little + understood, I was on the point of saying, at home as it is abroad, and + almost as much misrepresented. Certainly its possessors are a good deal + addicted to valuing themselves on distinctive advantages that, in reality, + they do not enjoy, while their enemies declaim about vices and evils from + which they are comparatively free. Facts are made to suit theories, and + thus it is that we see well-intentioned, and otherwise respectable + writers, constantly running into extravagances, in order to adapt the + circumstances to the supposed logical or moral inference. This reasoning + backwards, has caused Alison, with all his knowledge and fair-mindedness, + to fall into several egregious errors, as I have discovered while recently + reading his great work on Europe. He says we are a migratory race, and + that we do not love the sticks and stones that surround us, but quit the + paternal roof without regret, and consider the play-grounds of infancy as + only so much land for the market. He also hazards the assertion, that + there is not such a thing as a literal farmer,—that is a tenant, who + <i>farms</i> his land from a landlord—in all America. Now, as a + rule, and comparing the habits of America with those of older countries, + in which land is not so abundant, this may be true; but as literal fact, + nothing can be less so. Four-fifths of the inhabited portion of the + American territory, has a civilized existence of half a century's + duration; and there has not been time to create the long-lived attachments + named, more especially in the regions that are undergoing the moral fusion + that is always an attendant of a new settlement. That thousands of + heartless speculators exist among us, who do regard everything, even to + the graves of their fathers, as only so much improvable property, is as + undeniable as the fact that they are odious to all men of any moral + feeling; but thousands and tens of thousands are to be found in the + country, who <i>do</i> reverence their family possessions from a sentiment + that is creditable to human nature. I will not mention Clawbonny, and its + history, lest I might be suspected of being partial; but it would be easy + for me to point out a hundred families, embracing all classes, from the + great proprietor to the plain yeoman, who own and reside on the estates of + those who first received them from the hand of nature, and this after one + or two centuries of possession. What will Mr. Alison say, for instance, of + the Manor of Rensselear? A manor, in the legal sense it is no longer, + certainly, the new institutions destroying all the feudal tenures; but, as + mere property, the late Patroon transmitted it as regularly to his + posterity, as any estate was ever transmitted in Europe. This extensive + manor lies in the heart of New York, a state about as large and about as + populous as Scotland, and it embraces no less than three cities in its + bosom, though their sites are not included in its ownership, having been + exempted by earlier grants. It is of more than two centuries' existence, + and it extends eight-and-forty miles east and west, and half that + distance, north and south. Nearly all this vast property is held, at this + hour, of the Van Rensselears, as landlords, and is farmed by their + tenants, there being several thousands of the latter. The same is true, on + a smaller scale, of the Livingston, the Van Cortlandt, the Philipse, the + Nicoll, and various other old New York estates, though several were lost + by attainder in the revolution. I explain these things, lest any European + who may happen to read this book, should regard it as fiction; for, + allowing for trifling differences, a hundred Clawbonnys are to be found on + the two banks of the Hudson, at this very hour.{*] + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: Even the American may learn the following facts with some + surprise. It is now about five-and-twenty years since the writer, as + tenant by the courtesy, came into possession of two farms, lying within + twenty-three miles of New York, in each of which there had been three + generations of tenants, and as many of landlords, <i>without a scrap of a + pen having passed between the parties</i>, so far as the writer could ever + discover, receipts for rent excepted! He also stands in nearly the same + relation to another farm, in the same county, on which a lease for ninety + years is at this moment running, one of the covenants of which prescribes + that the tenant shall “frequent divine service <i>according to the Church + of England</i>, when opportunity offers.” What an evidence of the nature + of the tyranny from which our ancestors escaped, more especially when it + is seen that the tenant was obliged to submit to this severe exaction, in + consideration of a rent that is merely nominal!] + </p> + <p> + But, to return to the narrative. + </p> + <p> + My curiosity increased so much, as the day advanced, that I rode towards + the point to look for the sloop. There she was, sure enough; and there was + Neb, too, galloping a young horse, bare-back, to the house, with the news. + I met him with an order to proceed to the wharf with the chaise, while I + dashed on, in the same direction myself, almost devoured with an + impatience to learn the success of my different mission's as I galloped + along. I could see the upper part of the Wallingford's sails, gliding + through the leaves that fringed the bank, and it was apparent that she and + I would reach the wharf almost at the same instant. Notwithstanding all my + anxiety, it was impossible to get a glimpse of the vessel's deck. + </p> + <p> + I did not quit the saddle until the planks of the wharf were under the + horse's hoofs. Then I got a view of the sloop's decks, for the first time. + A respectable-looking, tall, slender, middle-aged man, with a bright dark + eye, was on the quarter-deck, and I bowed to him, inferring at once that + he was one of the medical gentlemen to whom I had sent the message. In + effect, it was Post, the second named on my list, the first not being able + to come. He returned my bow, but, before I could alight and go on board to + receive him, Marble's head rose from the cabin, and my mate sprang ashore, + and shook me cordially by the hand. + </p> + <p> + “Here I am, Miles, my boy,” cried Marble, whom, off duty, I had earnestly + begged to treat me with his old freedom, and who took me at my word—“Here + I am, Miles, my boy, and farther from salt-water than I have been in + five-and-twenty years. So this is the famous Clawbonny! I cannot say much + for the port, which is somewhat crowded while it contains but one craft; + though the river outside is pretty well, as rivers go. D'ye know, lad, + that I've been in a fever, all the way up, lest we should get ashore, on + one side or the other? your having land on both tacks at once is too much + of a good thing. This coming up to Clawbonny has put me in mind of running + them straits, though we <i>have</i> had rather better weather this + passage, and a clearer horizon. What d'ye call that affair up against the + hill-side, yonder, with the jig-a-merree, that is turning in the water?” + </p> + <p> + “That's a mill, my friend, and the jig-a-merree is the very wheel on which + you have heard me say my father was crushed.” + </p> + <p> + Marble looked sorrowfully at the wheel, squeezed my hand, as if to express + sorrow for having reminded me of so painful an event, and then I heard him + murmuring to himself—“Well, <i>I</i> never had a father to lose. No + bloody mill <i>could</i> do me <i>that</i> injury.” + </p> + <p> + “That gentleman on the quarter-deck,” I remarked, “is a physician for whom + I sent to town, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay—he's some such matter, I do suppose; though I've been + generalizing so much about this here river, and the manner of sailing a + craft of that rig, I've had little to say to him. I'm always a better + friend to the cook than to the surgeon. But, Miles, my lad, there's a rare + 'un, in the ship's after-cabin, I can tell you!” + </p> + <p> + “That must be Lucy!”—and I did not stop to pay my compliments to the + strange gentleman, but almost leaped into the vessel's cabin. + </p> + <p> + There was Lucy, sure enough, attended by a respectable-looking elderly + black female, one of the half-dozen slaves that had become her's by the + death of Mrs. Bradfort. Neither spoke, but we shook hands with frankness; + and I understood by the anxious expression of my companion's eye, all she + wished to know. + </p> + <p> + “I really think she seems better, and certainly she is far more cheerful, + within his last day or two,” I answered to the appeal. “Yesterday she was + twice at church, and this morning, for a novelty, she breakfasted with + me.” + </p> + <p> + “God be praised!” Lucy exclaimed, with fervour. Then she sat down and + relieved her feelings in tears. I told her to expect me again, in a few + minutes, and joined the physician, who, by this time, was apprised of my + presence. The calm, considerate manner of Post, gave me a confidence I had + not felt for some days; and I really began to hope it might still be + within the power of his art to save the sister I so dearly loved. + </p> + <p> + Our dispositions for quitting the sloop were soon made, and we ascended + the hill together, Lucy leaning on my arm. On its summit was the chaise, + into which the Doctor and Marble were persuaded to enter, Lucy preferring + to walk. The negress was to proceed in the vehicle that had been sent for + the luggage, and Lucy and I set out, arm and arm, to walk rather more than + a mile in company, and that too without the presence of a third person. + Such an occurrence, under any other circumstances than those in which we + were both placed, would have made me one of the happiest men on earth; + but, in the actual situation in which I found myself, it rendered me + silent and uncomfortable. Not so with Lucy; ever natural, and keeping + truth incessantly before her eyes, the dear girl took my arm without the + least embarrassment, and showed no sign of impatience, or of doubt. She + was sad, but full of a gentle confidence in her own sincerity and motives. + </p> + <p> + “This is dear Clawbonny, again!” she exclaimed, after we had walked in + silence a short distance. “How beautiful are the fields, how fresh the + woods, how sweet the flowers! Oh! Miles, a day in such a spot as this, is + worth a year in town!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, do you, who have now so much at your command, pass more than + half your time between the heated bricks of Wall Street, when you know how + happy we should all be to see you, here, among us, again?” + </p> + <p> + “I have not been certain of this; that has been the sole reason, of my + absence. Had I known I should be welcome, nothing would have induced me to + suffer Grace to pass the last six sad, sad, months by herself.” + </p> + <p> + “Known that you should be welcome! Surely you have not supposed, Lucy, + that <i>I</i> can ever regard you as anything but welcome, here?” + </p> + <p> + “I had no allusion to <i>you</i>—thought not of you, Miles, at all”—answered + Lucy, with the quiet manner of one who felt she was thinking, acting, and + speaking no more than what was perfectly right—“My mind was dwelling + altogether on Grace.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible you could doubt of Grace's willingness to see you, at all + times and in all places, Lucy!” + </p> + <p> + “I have doubted it—have thought I was acting prudently and well, in + staying away, just at this time, though I now begin to fear the decision + has been hasty and unwise.” + </p> + <p> + “May I ask <i>why</i> Lucy Hardinge has come to so singular and violent an + opinion, as connected with her bosom friend, and almost sister, Grace + Wallingford?” + </p> + <p> + “That <i>almost sister</i>! Oh! Miles, what is there I possess which I + would not give, that there might be perfect confidence, again, between you + and me, on this subject; such confidence as existed when we were boy and + girl-children, I might say.” + </p> + <p> + “And what prevents it? Certain I am the alienation does not, cannot come + from me. You have only to speak, Lucy, to have an attentive listener; to + ask, to receive the truest answers. What can, then, prevent the confidence + you wish?” + </p> + <p> + “There is <i>one</i> obstacle—surely, Miles, you can readily imagine + what I mean?” + </p> + <p> + 'Can it be possible Lucy is alluding to Andrew Drewett!'—I thought + to myself. 'Has she discovered my attachment, and does she, will she, can + she regret her own engagement?' A lover who thought thus, would not be apt + to leave the question long in doubt. + </p> + <p> + “Deal plainly with me, I implore of you, Lucy,” I said solemnly. “One word + uttered with your old sincerity and frankness may close a chasm that has + now been widening between us for the last year or two. What is the + obstacle you mean?” + </p> + <p> + “I have seen and felt the alienation to which you allude quite as sensibly + as you can have done so yourself, Miles,” the dear girl answered in her + natural, simple manner, “and I will trust all to your generosity. Need I + say more, to explain what I mean, than mention the name of Rupert?” + </p> + <p> + “What of him, Lucy!—be explicit; vague allusions may be worse than + nothing.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy's little hand was on my arm, and she had drawn its glove on account + of the heat. I felt it press me, almost convulsively, as she added—“I + do, I <i>must</i> think you have too much affection and gratitude for my + dear father, too much regard for me, ever to forget that you and Rupert + once lived together as brothers?” + </p> + <p> + “Grace has my promise already, on that subject. I shall never take the + world's course with Rupert, in this affair.” + </p> + <p> + I heard Lucy's involuntary sob, as if she gasped for breath; and, turning, + I saw her sweet eyes bent on my face with an expression of thankfulness + that could not be mistaken. + </p> + <p> + “I would have given the same pledge to you, Lucy, and purely on your own + account. It would be too much to cause you to mourn for your brother's—” + </p> + <p> + I did not name the offence, lest my feelings should tempt me to use too + strong a term. + </p> + <p> + “This is all I ask—all I desire, Miles; bless you—bless you! + for having so freely given me this assurance. Now my heart is relieved + from this burthen, I am ready to speak frankly to you; still, had I seen + Grace—” + </p> + <p> + “Have no scruples on account of your regard for womanly feeling—I + know everything, and shall not attempt to conceal from you, that + disappointed love for Rupert has brought my sister to the state she is in. + This might not have happened, had either of us been with her; but, buried + as she has been alone in this place, her wounded sensibilities have proved + too strong for a frame that is so delicate.” + </p> + <p> + There was a pause of a minute, after I ended. + </p> + <p> + “I have long feared that some such calamity would befall us,” Lucy + answered, in a low, measured tone. “I think you do not understand Grace as + well as I do, Miles. Her mind and feelings have a stronger influence than + common over her body; and I fear no society of ours, or of others, could + have saved her this trial. Still, we must not despair, It is a trial—that + is just the word; and by means of tenderness, the most sedulous care, good + advice, and all that we two can do to aid, there must yet be hope. Now + there is a skilful physician here, he must be dealt fairly by, and should + know the whole.” + </p> + <p> + “I intended to consult you on this subject—one has such a reluctance + to expose Grace's most sacred feelings!” + </p> + <p> + “Surely it need not go quite as far as that,” returned Lucy, with + sensitive quickness, “something—<i>much</i>—must be left to + conjecture; but Dr. Post must know that the mind is at the bottom of the + evil; though I fear that young ladies can seldom admit the existence of + such a complaint, without having it attributed to a weakness of this + nature.” + </p> + <p> + “That proceeds from the certainty that your sex has so much heart, Lucy; + your very existence being bound up in others.” + </p> + <p> + “Grace is one of peculiar strength of affections—but, Miles, we will + talk no further of this at present. I scarce know how to speak of my + brother's affairs, and you must give me time to reflect. Now we are at + Clawbonny again, we cannot long continue strangers to each other.” + </p> + <p> + This was said so sweetly, I could have knelt and kissed her shoe-ties; and + yet so simply, as not to induce misinterpretation. It served to change the + discourse, however, and the remainder of the way we talked of the past. + Lucy spoke of her cousin's death, relating various little incidents to + show how much Mrs. Bradfort was attached to her, and how good a woman she + was; but not a syllable was said of the will. I was required, in my turn, + to finish the narrative of my last voyage, which had not been completed at + the theatre. When Lucy learned that the rough seaman who had come in the + sloop was Marble, she manifested great interest in him, declaring, had she + known it during the passage, that she would have introduced herself. All + this time, Rupert's name was not mentioned between us; and I reached the + house, feeling that something like the interest I had formerly possessed + there, had been awakened in the bosom of my companion. She was, at least, + firmly and confidingly my friend. + </p> + <p> + Chloe met Lucy at the door with a message—Miss Grace wanted to see + Miss Lucy, alone. I dreaded this interview, and looked forward to being + present at it; but Lucy begged me to confide in her, and I felt bound to + comply. While the dear girl was gone to my sister's room, I sought the + physician, with whom I had a brief but explicit conference. I told this + gentleman how much Grace had been alone, permitting sorrow to wear upon + her frame, and gave him to understand that the seat of my sister's malady + was mental suffering. Post was a cool, discriminating man, and he ventured + no remark until he had seen his patient; though I could perceive, by the + keen manner in which his piercing eye was fixed on mine, that all I said + was fully noted. + </p> + <p> + It was more than an hour before Lucy reappeared. It was obvious at a + glance that she had been dreadfully agitated, and cruelly surprised at the + condition in which she had found Grace. It was not that disease, in any of + its known forms, was so very apparent; but that my sister resembled + already a being of another world, in the beaming of her countenance—in + the bright, unearthly expression of her eyes—and in the slightness + and delicacy of the hold she seemed, generally, to have on life. Grace had + always something of this about her—<i>much</i>, I might better have + said; but it now appeared to be left nearly alone, as her thoughts and + strength gradually receded from the means of existence. + </p> + <p> + The physician returned with Lucy to my sister's room, where he passed more + than an hour; as long a time, indeed, he afterwards told me himself, as he + thought could be done without fatiguing his patient. The advice he gave me + was cautious and discreet. Certain tonics were prescribed; we were told to + endeavour to divert the mind of our precious charge from her sources of + uneasiness, by gentle means and prudent expedients. Change of scene was + advised also, could it be done without producing too much fatigue. I + suggested the Wallingford, as soon as this project was mentioned. She was + a small sloop, it is true, but had two very comfortable cabins; my father + having had one of them constructed especially in reference to my mother's + occasional visits to town. The vessel did little, at that season of the + year, besides transporting flour to market, and bringing back wheat. In + the autumn, she carried wood, and the products of the neighbourhood. A + holiday might be granted her, and no harm come of it. Dr. Post approved + the idea, saying frankly there was no objection but the expense; if I + could bear that, a better plan could not possibly be adopted. + </p> + <p> + That night we discussed the matter in the family circle, Mr. Hardinge + having come from the Rectory to join us. Everybody approved of the scheme, + it was so much better than leaving: Grace to pine away by herself in the + solitude of Clawbonny. + </p> + <p> + “I have a patient at the Springs,” said Dr. Post, “who is very anxious to + see me; and, to own the truth, I am a little desirous of drinking the + waters myself, for a week. Carry me to Albany, and land me; after which + you can descend the river, and continue your voyage to as many places, and + for as long a time, as the strength of Miss Wallingford, and your own + inclinations, shall dictate.” + </p> + <p> + This project seemed excellent in all our eyes; even Grace heard it with a + smile, placing herself entirely in our hands. It was decided to put it in + practice. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXX. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “And she sits and gazes at me, + With those deep and tender eyes,... + Like the stars, so still and saint-like, + Looking downward from the skies.” + —LONGFELLOW +</pre> + <p> + The next morning I set about the measures necessary for carrying out our + plan. Marble was invited to be of the party, the arrangements concerning + the ship, allowing of his absence for a few days; Once engaged, he was of + infinite service, entering into the plan as my mate. The regular skipper + was glad to have a furlough; and I retained on board no one of the proper + crew but the river-pilot; a man who could not be dispensed with; By this + arrangement, we cleared the cabin from company that was not desirable for + the circumstances. Neb, and three of the Clawbonny blacks, were delighted + to go on such an excursion, and all were more or less familiar with the + little duty that would be required of them. Indeed, Marble, Neb and + myself, were every way able to take care of the vessel. But we chose to + have plenty of physical force; and a cook was indispensable. Clawbonny + supplied the latter, in the person of old Dido of that ilk. + </p> + <p> + By noon, the whole party were ready to embark. Grace was driven to the + wharf, and she walked on board the sloop, supported by Lucy and myself; + more, however, from solicitude than from absolute necessity. Every + precaution, however, was taken by order of the physician to prevent + anything like excitement; the blacks, in particular, who would have + followed “Miss Grace” to the water's edge, being ordered to remain at + home. Chloe, to her manifest satisfaction, was permitted to accompany her + “young mistress,” and great was her delight. How often that day, did the + exclamation of “de feller,” escape her, as she witnessed Neb's exploits in + different parts of the sloop. It was some little time before I could + account for the black's superfluous activity, imputing it to zeal in my + sister's service; but, in the end, I discovered Grace had to share the + glory with Chloe. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was everybody on board than we cast off. The jib was soon up; + and under this short sail, we moved slowly out of the creek, with a + pleasant southerly breeze. As we passed the point, there stood the whole + household arrayed in a line, from the tottering grey-headed and + muddy-looking negro of seventy, down to the glistening, jet-black toddling + things of two and three. The distance was so small, it was easy to trace + even the expressions of the different countenances, which varied according + to the experience, forebodings, and characters of the different + individuals. Notwithstanding the sort of reverential attachment all felt + for “Miss Grace,” and the uncertainty some among these unsophisticated + creatures must have experienced on the subject of her health, it was not + in nature for such a cluster of “niggers” to exhibit unhappiness, at a + moment when there were so many grounds of excitement. The people of this + race know nothing of the <i>word,</i> perhaps; but they delight in the <i>thing</i>, + quite as much as if they did nothing but electioneer all their lives. Most + pliant instruments would their untutored feelings make in the hands of + your demagogue; and, possibly, it may have some little influence on the + white American to understand, how strong is his resemblance to the + “nigger,” when he gives himself up to the mastery of this much approved + mental power. The day was glorious; a brighter sun never shining in Italy, + or on the Grecian islands; the air balmy; the vessel was gay to the eye, + having been painted about a month before, and every one seemed bent on a + holiday; circumstances sufficient in themselves, to make this + light-hearted race smiling and happy. As the sloop went slowly past, the + whole line doffed their hats, or curtsied, showing at the same time a row + of ivory that shone like so many gay windows in their sable faces. I could + see that Grace was touched by this manifestation of interest; such a + field-day in the Clawbonny corps not having occurred since the first time + my mother went to town, after the death of my father. Fortunately, + everything else was soothing to my sister's spirits; and, so long as she + could sit on the deck, holding Lucy's hand, and enjoy the changing + landscape, with her brother within call, it was not possible she should be + altogether without happiness. + </p> + <p> + Rounding the point, as we entered the river, the Wallingford eased-off + sheet, set a studding-sail and flying-top-sail, and began to breast the + Hudson, on her way towards its sources. + </p> + <p> + In 1803, the celebrated river we were navigating, though it had all the + natural features it possesses to-day, was by no means the same picture of + moving life. The steam-boat did not appear on its surface until four years + later; and the journeys up and down its waters, were frequently a week in + length. In that day, the passenger did not hurry on board, just as a bell + was disturbing the neighbourhood, hustling his way through a rude throng + of porters, cart-men, orange-women, and news-boys, to save his distance by + just a minute and a half, but his luggage was often sent to the vessel the + day before; he passed his morning in saying adieu, and when he repaired to + the vessel, it was with gentleman-like leisure, often to pass hours on + board previously to sailing, and not unfrequently to hear the unwelcome + tidings that this event was deferred until the next day. How different, + too, was the passage, from one in a steam-boat! There was no jostling of + each other, no scrambling for places at table, no bolting of food, no + impertinence manifested, no swearing about missing the eastern or southern + boats, or Schenectady, or Saratoga, or Boston trains, on account of a + screw being loose, nor—any other unseemly manifestation that anybody + was in a hurry. On the contrary, wine and fruit were provided, as if the + travellers intended to enjoy themselves; and a journey in that day was a + <i>festa</i>. No more embarked than could be accommodated; and the company + being selected, the cabin was taken to the exclusion of all unwelcome + intruders. Now, the man who should order a bottle of wine to be placed at + the side of his plate, would be stared at as a fool; and not without + reason altogether, for, did it escape the claws of his <i>convives</i> and + the waiters, he would probably reach the end of his journey before he + could drink it. In 1803, not only did the dinner pass in peace, and with + gentleman-like deliberation; not only were the cooler and the fruit taken + on deck, and the one sipped and the other eaten at leisure, in the course + of an afternoon, but in the course of many afternoons. Passages were + certainly made in twenty-four hours in the sloops; but these were the + exceptions, a week being much more likely to be the time passed in the + enjoyment of the beautiful scenery of the river. The vessel usually got + aground, once at least, and frequently several times in a trip; and often + a day, or two, were thus delightfully lost, giving the stranger an + opportunity of visiting the surrounding country. The necessity of + anchoring, with a foul wind, on every opposing tide, too, increased these + occasions, thus lending to the excursion something of the character of an + exploring expedition. No—no—a man would learn more in one + passage, up or down the Hudson, forty years since, than can be obtained by + a dozen at the present time. I have a true seaman's dislike for a + steam-boat, and sometimes wish they were struck out of existence; though I + know it is contrary to all the principles of political economy, and + opposed to what is called the march of improvement. Of one thing, however, + I feel quite certain; that these inventions, coupled with the gregarious + manner of living that has sprung up in the large taverns, is, as one of + our writers expresses it, “doing <i>wonders</i> for the manners of the + people;” though, in my view of the matter, the wonder is, that they have + any left. + </p> + <p> + There might have been thirty sail in sight, when the Wallingford got + fairly into the river, some turning down on a young ebb, making their + fifteen or twenty miles in six hours, and others like ourselves, stealing + along against it, at about the same rate. Half a dozen of these craft were + quite near us, and the decks of most of those which were steering north, + had parties including ladies, evidently proceeding to the “Springs.” I + desired Marble to sheer as close to these different vessels as was + convenient, having no other object in view than amusement, and fancying it + might aid in diverting the thoughts of my sister from her own sorrows, to + the faces and concerns of others. The reader will have no difficulty in + understanding, that the Wallingford, constructed under the orders of an + old sailor, and for his own uses, was a fast vessel. In this particular + she had but one or two competitors on the river; packets belonging to + Hudson, Poughkeepsie and Sing-Sing. She was now only in fair ballast-trim, + and being admirably provided with sails, in the light wind we had, she + actually went four feet to most-of-the-other-vessels-in-sight's three. My + request to Marble—or, order, as he chose to call it—was easily + enough complied with, and we were soon coming up close on the quarter of a + sloop that had its decks crowded with passengers who evidently belonged to + the better class; while, on its forecastle were several horses, and a + carriage; customary accompaniments to such a scene in that day. + </p> + <p> + I had not been so happy in a long time, as I felt at that moment. Grace + was better, as I fancied at least, and it was certain she was more + composed and less nervous than I had seen her since my return; and this of + itself was removing the weight of a mountain from my heart. There was + Lucy, too, her rounded cheek rosy with the pleasure of the moment, full of + health, and with eyes that never turned on me that they did not beam with + confidence and kindness—the sincerest friendship, if not love—while + every look, movement, syllable or gesture that was directed towards Grace, + betrayed how strongly the hearts of these two precious creatures were + still knit together in sisterly affection. My guardian too seemed happier + than he had been since our conversation on the state of my own feelings + towards his daughter. He had made a condition, that we should all—the + doctor excepted—return to Clawbonny in time for service on the + ensuing Sunday, and he was then actually engaged in looking over an old + sermon for the occasion, though not a minute passed in which he did not + drop the manuscript to gaze about him, in deep enjoyment of the landscape. + The scene, moreover, was so full of repose, that even the movements of the + different vessels scarce changed its Sabbath-like character. I repeat, + that I had not felt so perfectly happy since I held my last conversation + with the Salem Witches, in The Duomo of Firenze. + </p> + <p> + Marble was excessively delighted with the behaviour of the Wallingford. + The latter was a sloop somewhat smaller than common, though her + accommodations were particularly commodious, while she was sparred on the + scale of a flyer. Her greatest advantage in the way of sailing, however, + would have been no great recommendation to her on a wind; for she was + nearly start light, and might not have been able to carry full sail in + hard November weather, even on the Hudson—a river on which serious + accidents have been known to occur. There was little danger in mid-summer, + however; and we went gliding up on the quarter of the Gull of Troy, + without feeling concern of any sort. + </p> + <p> + “What sloop is that?” demanded the skipper of the Gull, as our boom-end + came within a fathom of his rail, our name being out of his view. + </p> + <p> + “The Wallingford of Clawbonny, just out of port, bound up on a party of + pleasure.” + </p> + <p> + Now, Clawbonny was not then, nor is it now, what might be called a legal + term. There was no such place known in law, beyond the right which usage + gives; and I heard a low laugh among the passengers of the Gull, as they + heard the homely appellation. This came from the equivocal position my + family occupied, midway between the gentry and yeomanry of the State, as + they both existed in 1803. Had I said the sloop came from near Coldenham, + it would have been all right; for everybody who was then anybody in New + York, knew who the Coldens were; or Morrisania, the Morrises being people + of mark; or twenty other places on the river: but the Wallingfords were as + little known as Clawbonny, when you got fifteen or twenty miles from the + spot where they had so long lived. This is just the difference between + obscurity and notoriety. When the latter extends to an entire nation, it + gives an individual, or a family, the note that frees them entirely from + the imputation of existing under the first condition; and this note, + favourably diffused through Christendom, forms a reputation—transmitted + to posterity, it becomes fame. Unfortunately, neither we nor our place had + even reached the first simple step in this scale of renown; and poor + Clawbonny was laughed at, on account of something Dutch that was probably + supposed to exist in the sound—the Anglo-Saxon race having a + singular aptitude to turn up their nose's at everything but their own + possessions, and everybody but themselves. I looked at Lucy, with + sensitive quickness, to see how she received this sneer on my birth-place; + but, with her, it was so much a matter of course to think well of + everything connected with the spot, its name as well as its more essential + things, that I do not believe she perceived this little sign of derision. + </p> + <p> + While the passengers of the Gull felt this disposition to smile, it was + very different with her skipper; his Dutch pilot, whose name was Abrahamus + Van Valtenberg, but who was more familiarly known as 'Brom Folleck, for so + the children of New Netherlands twisted their cognomens in converting them + into English;{*] the black cook, the mulatto steward, and the “all hands,” + who were one man and a boy. There had been generations of sloops which + bore the name of Watlingford, as Well as generations of men, at Clawbonny; + and this every river-man knew. In point of fact, we counted four + generations of men, and six of sloops. Now, none of these vessels was + worthy of being mentioned, but this which my father had caused to be + built; but she had a reputation that extended to everybody on the river. + The effect of all this was to induce the skipper of the Gull to raise his + hat, and to say— + </p> + <p> + “That, then, I suppose is Mr. Wallingford himself—you are welcome + back on the river; I remember the time well, when your respected father + would make that boat do anything but talk. Nothing but the new paint, + which is different from the last, prevented me from knowing the sloop. Had + I taken a look at her bows, this couldn't have happened.” + </p> + <p> + {Footnote *: A story is told of a Scotchman of the name of Farquharson,—who + settled among the High Dutch on the Mohawk, sometime previously to the + Revolution; where, unable to pronounce his name, the worthy formers called + him Feuerstein (pronounced Firestyne). The son lived and died under this + appellation; but the grandson, removing to a part of the country where + English alone was spoken, chose to anglisise his name; and, by giving it a + free translation, became Mr. Flint!] + </p> + <p> + This speech evidently gave me and my vessel an estimation with the + passengers of the Gull that neither had enjoyed the moment before. There + was some private conversation on the quarter-deck of the other vessel, + and, then, a highly respectable and gentleman-like looking old man, came + to the rail, bowed, and commenced a discourse. + </p> + <p> + “I have the pleasure of seeing Captain Wallingford, I believe,” he + remarked, “with whom my friends, the Mertons, came passengers from China. + They have often expressed their sense of your civilities,” he continued, + as I bowed in acquiescence, “and declare they should ever wish to sail + with you, were they again compelled to go to sea.” + </p> + <p> + Now, this was viewing my relation to the Mertons in any point of view but + that in which I wished it to be viewed, or indeed was just. Still it was + natural; and the gentleman who spoke, a man of standing and character, no + doubt fancied he was, saying that which must prove particularly acceptable + to me; another proof how dangerous it is to attempt to decide on other + men's feelings or affairs. I could not decline the discourse; and, while + the Wallingford went slowly past the Gull, I was compelled to endure the + torment of hearing the Mertons mentioned, again and again, in the hearing + of Lucy and Grace; on the nerves of the latter of whom I knew it must be a + severe trial. At length we got rid of this troublesome neighbour, though + not until Lucy and her father were recognised and spoken to by several of + the ladies in the other party. While my late guardian and his daughter + were thus engaged, I stole a glance at my sister. She was pale as death, + and seemed anxious to go below, whither I led her, most happily, I have + every reason to think, as things turned out. + </p> + <p> + When the Wallingford had left the Gull some little distance astern, I + returned to the deck, and Lucy went to take my place by the side of + Grace's berth. She reappeared, however; in a very few minutes, saying that + my sister felt an inclination to rest herself, and might fall asleep. + Feeble, almost, as an infant, these frequent slumbers had become + necessary, in a measure, to the patient's powers. Chloe coming up soon + after with a report that her young mistress seemed to be in a doze, we all + remained on deck, in order not to disturb her. In this manner, half an + hour passed, and we had drawn quite near to another sloop that was going + in the same direction with ourselves. At this moment, Mr. Hardinge was + deeply immersed in his sermon, and I perceived that Lucy looked at him, + from time to time, as if she expected to catch his eye. I fancied + something distressed her, and yet it was not easy to imagine exactly what + it could be. + </p> + <p> + “Do you not intend to go nearer the other sloop?” Lucy at length inquired, + alluding to the vessel that was almost in a line with us; but to which I + had ordered Neb to give a respectable berth. + </p> + <p> + “I thought the gossip of the last quite sufficient; but, if you like these + interviews, certainly.” + </p> + <p> + Lucy seemed embarrassed; she coloured to her temples, paused a moment, and + then added, affecting to laugh—and it was so seldom Lucy affected + anything, but this time she <i>did</i> affect to laugh—as she said— + </p> + <p> + “I <i>do</i> wish to go near that sloop; though it is not exactly for the + reason you suppose.” + </p> + <p> + I could see she was distressed, though it was not yet easy to imagine the + cause. Lucy's requests were laws to me, and Neb was ordered to sheer down + on the quarter of this second sloop, as we had done on that of the first. + As we drew near, her stern told us that she was called the “Orpheus of + Sing-Sing,” a combination of names that proved some wag had been connected + with the christening. Her decks had also a party of both sexes on them, + though neither carriage nor horses. All this time, Lucy stood quite near + me, as if reluctant to move, and when we were sufficiently near the sloop, + she pressed still nearer to my side, in the way in which her sex are apt + to appeal to those of the other who possess their confidence, when most + feeling the necessity of support. + </p> + <p> + “Now, Miles,” she said, in an under tone, “<i>you</i> must 'speak that + sloop,' as you call it; I can never hold a loud conversation of this sort, + in the presence of so many strangers.” + </p> + <p> + “Very willingly, Lucy; though you will have the goodness to let me know + exactly what I am to say.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly—begin then, in your sailor fashion, and when that is + done, I will tell you what to add.” + </p> + <p> + “Enough—Orpheus, there?” I called out, just raising my voice + sufficiently to be heard. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, ay,—what's wanted?” answered the skipper, taking a pipe from + his mouth, as he leaned with his back against his own tiller, in a way + that was just in accordance with the sleepy character of the scene. + </p> + <p> + I looked at Lucy, as much as to say, “what next?” + </p> + <p> + “Ask him if Mrs. Drewett is on board his sloop—<i>Mrs.</i> Andrew + Drewett, not <i>Mr.</i>—The old lady, I mean,” added the dear girl, + blushing to the eyes. + </p> + <p> + I was so confounded—I might almost add appalled, that it was with + great difficulty I suppressed an exclamation. Command myself, I did, + however, and observing that the skipper was curiously awaiting my next + question, I put it. + </p> + <p> + “Is <i>Mrs</i>. Andrew Drewett among your passengers, sir?” I inquired + with a cold distinctness. + </p> + <p> + My neighbour nodded his head, and spoke to some of his passengers, most of + whom were on the main-deck, seated on chairs, and concealed from us, as + yet, by the Wallingford's main-sail, her boom being guyed out on the side + next the Orpheus, with its end just clear of her quarter. + </p> + <p> + “She is, and wishes to know who makes the inquiry?” returned the Sing-Sing + skipper, in the singsong manner in which ordinary folk repeat what is + dictated. + </p> + <p> + “Say that Miss Hardinge has a message to Mrs. Drewett from Mrs. Ogilvie, + who is on board that other sloop,” added Lucy, in a low, and, as I + thought, tremulous tone. + </p> + <p> + I was nearly choked; but made out to communicate the fact, as directed. In + an instant I heard the foot of one who leaped on the Orpheus's + quarter-deck, and then Andrew Drewett appeared, hat in hand, a face all + smiles, eyes that told his tale as plain as any tongue could have uttered + it, and such salutations as denoted the most perfect intimacy. Lucy took + my arm involuntarily, and I could feel that she trembled. The two vessels + were now so near, and everything around us was so tranquil, that by Lucy's + advancing to the Wallingford's quarter-deck, and Drewett's coming to the + taffrail of the Orpheus, it was easy to converse without any unseemly + raising of the voice. All that had been said between me and the skipper, + indeed, had been said on a key but little higher than common. By the + change in Lucy's position, I could no longer see her face; but I knew it + was suffused, and that she was far from being as composed and collected as + was usual with her demeanour. All this was death to my recent happiness, + though I could not abstain from watching what now passed, with the + vigilance of jealousy. + </p> + <p> + “Good-morning,” Lucy commenced, and the words were uttered in a tone that + I thought bespoke great familiarity, if not confidence; “will you have the + goodness to tell your mother that Mrs. Ogilvie begs she will not leave + Albany until after her arrival. The other sloop, Mrs. Ogilvie thinks, + cannot be more than an hour or two after you, and she is very desirous of + making a common party to—ah! there comes Mrs. Drewett,” said Lucy, + hastily interrupting herself, “and I can deliver my message, myself.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Drewett coming aft at this instant, Lucy certainly did turn to her, + and communicated a message, which it seems the lady in the Gull had + earnestly requested her to deliver in passing. + </p> + <p> + “And now,” returned Mrs. Drewett, when Lucy had ceased, first civilly + saluting me, “and now, my dear Lucy, we have something for you. So sudden + was your departure, on the receipt of that naughty letter,” my letter, + summoning the dear girl to the bed-side of her friend, was meant, “that + you left your work-box behind you, and, as I knew it contained many notes + besides bank-notes, I would not allow it to be separated from me, until we + met. Here it is; in what manner shall we contrive to get it into your + hands?” + </p> + <p> + Lucy started, and I could see that she both felt and looked anxious. As I + afterwards learned, she had been passing a day at Mrs. Drewett's villa, + which joined her own, both standing on the rocks quite near to that spot + which a mawkish set among us is trying to twist from plain homely, + up-and-down, old fashioned Hell Gate, into the exquisite and lackadaisical + corruption of <i>Hurl</i> Gate—Heaven save the mark! What puny piece + of folly and affectation will they attempt next?—but Lucy was paying + this visit when she received my letter, and it appears such was her haste + to get to Grace, that she quitted the house immediately, leaving behind + her a small work-box, <i>unlocked</i>, and in it various papers that she + did not wish read. Of course, one of Lucy's sentiments and tone, could + hardly suspect a lady, and Mrs. Drewett was strictly that, of rummaging + her box or of reading her notes and letters; but one is never easy when + such things can be supposed to be in the way of impertinent eyes. There + are maids as well as mistresses, and I could see, in a moment, that she + wished the box was again in her own possession. Under the circumstances, + therefore, I felt it was time to interfere. + </p> + <p> + “If your sloop will round-to, Mr. Drewett,” I remarked, receiving a cold + salutation from the gentleman, in return for my own bow, the first sign of + recognition that had passed between us, “I will round-to, myself, and send + a boat for the box.” + </p> + <p> + This proposal drew all eyes towards the skipper, who was still leaning + against his tiller, smoking for life or death. I was not favourably + received, extorting a grunt in reply, that any one could understand + denoted dissent. The pipe was slowly removed, and the private opinion of + this personage was pretty openly expressed, in his Dutchified dialect. + </p> + <p> + “If a body coult get a wint for der askin', dis might do very well,” he + said; “but nobody rounts-to mit a fair wind.” + </p> + <p> + I have always remarked that they who have used a dialect different from + the common forms of speech in their youth, and come afterwards to correct + it, by intercourse with the world, usually fall back into their early + infirmities in moments of trial, perplexity, or anger. This is easily + explained. Habit has become a sort of nature, in their childhood, and it + is when most tried that we are the most natural. Then, this skipper, an + Albany—or Al<i>bon</i>ny man, as he would probably have styled + himself, had got down the river as far as Sing-Sing, and had acquired a + tolerable English; but, being now disturbed, he fell back upon his + original mode of speaking, the certain proof that he would never give in. + I saw at once the hopelessness of attempting to persuade one of his + school, and had begun to devise some other scheme for getting the box on + board, when to my surprise, and not a little to my concern, I saw Andrew + Drewett, first taking the box from his mother, step upon the end of our + main-boom, and move along the spar with the evident intention to walk as + far as our deck and deliver Lucy her property with his own hands. The + whole thing occurred so suddenly, that there was no time for remonstrance. + Young gentlemen who are thoroughly in love, are not often discreet in + matters connected with their devotion to their mistresses. I presume + Drewett saw the boom placed so favourably as to tempt him, and he fancied + it would be a thing to mention to carry a lady her work-box across a + bridge that was of so precarious a footing. Had the spar lain on the + ground, it would certainly have been no exploit at all to for any young + man to walk its length, carrying his arms full of work-boxes; but it was a + very different matter when the same feat had to be performed on a sloop's + boom in its place, suspended over the water, with the sail set, and the + vessel in motion. This Drewett soon discovered, for, advancing a step or + two, he grasped the topping-lift, which luckily for him happened to be + taut, for a support. All this occurred before there was time for + remonstrance, or even for thought. At the same instant Neb, in obedience + to a sign previously given by me, had put the helm down a little, and the + boom-end was already twenty feet from the quarter-deck of the Orpheus. + </p> + <p> + Of course, all the women screamed, or exclaimed, on some key or other. + Poor Mrs. Drewett hid her face, and began to moan her son as lost. I did + not dare look at Lucy, who remained quiet as to voice, after the first + involuntary exclamation, and as immovable as a statue. Luckily her face + was from me. As Drewett was evidently discomposed, I thought it best, + however, to devise something not only for his relief, but for that of + Lucy's box, which was in quite as much jeopardy as the young man, himself; + more so, indeed, if the latter could swim. I was on the point of calling + out to Drewett to hold on, and I would cause the boom-end to reach over + the Orpheus's main-deck, after which he might easily drop down among his + friends, when Neb, finding some one to take the helm, suddenly stood at my + side. + </p> + <p> + “He drop dat box, sartain, Masser Mile,” half-whispered the negro; “he leg + begin to shake already, and he won'erful skear'd!” + </p> + <p> + “I would not have that happen for a good deal—can you save it, Neb?” + </p> + <p> + “Sartain, sir. Only hab to run out on 'e boom and bring it in, and gib it + Miss Lucy; she mighty partic'lar about dat werry box, Masser Mile, as I + see a hundrer time, and more too.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, lay out, boy, and bring it in,—and look to your footing, + Neb.” + </p> + <p> + This was all Neb wanted. The fellow had feet shaped a good deal like any + other aquatic bird, with the essential difference, however, that no small + part of his foundation had been laid abaft the perpendicular of the tendon + Achilles, and, being without shoes, he could nearly encircle a small spar + in his grasp. Often and often had I seen Neb run out on a top-sail-yard, + the ship pitching heavily, catching at the lift; and it was a mere trifle + after that, to run out on a spar as large as the Wallingford's main-boom. + A tolerably distinctive scream from Chloe, first apprised me that the + negro was in motion. Looking in that direction, I saw him walking steadily + along the boom, notwithstanding Drewett's loud remonstrances, and + declarations that he wanted no assistance, until he reached the spot where + the young gentleman stood grasping the lift, with his legs submitting to + more tremour than was convenient. Neb now grinned, looked as amiable as + possible, held out his hand, and revealed the object of his visit. + </p> + <p> + “Masser Mile t'ink 'e gentleum better gib <i>me</i> Miss Lucy box”—said + Neb, as politely as he knew how. + </p> + <p> + I believe in my soul that Drewett could have kissed Neb, so glad was he to + obtain this little relief. The box was yielded without the slightest + objection, Neb receiving it with a bow; after which the negro turned round + as coolly as if he were on the deck, and walked deliberately and steadily + in to the mast. He stopped an instant just at the small of the spar, to + look back at Drewett, who was saying something to pacify his mother; and I + observed that, as he stood with his heels in a line, the toes nearly met + underneath the boom, which his feet grasped something in the manner of + talons. A deep sigh reached my ear, as Neb bounded lightly on deck, and I + knew whence it came by the exclamation of— + </p> + <p> + “De <i>fel</i>-ler!” + </p> + <p> + As for Neb, he advanced with his prize, which he offered to Lucy with one + of his best bows, but in a way to show he was not conscious of having + performed any unusual exploit. Lucy handed the box to Chloe, without + averting her eyes from Drewett, in whose situation she manifested a good + deal more concern than I liked, or fancied he deserved. + </p> + <p> + “Thank you, Mr. Drewett,” she said, affecting to think the box had been + recovered altogether by his address; “it is now safe, and there is no + longer any necessity for your coming here. Let Mr. Wallingford do what he + says”—I had mentioned in a low voice, the practicability of my own + scheme—“and return to your own sloop.” + </p> + <p> + But, two things now interposed to the execution of this very simple + expedient. The first was Drewett's pride, blended with a little obstinacy, + and the other was the “Al<i>bon</i>ny” skipper's pride, blended with a + good deal of obstinacy. The first did not like to retreat, after Neb had + so clearly demonstrated it was no great matter to walk on the boom; and + the latter, soured by the manner in which we had outsailed him, and + fancying Andrew had deserted to get on board a faster vessel, resented the + whole by sheering away from us to the distance of a hundred yards. I saw + that there remained but a single expedient, and set about adopting it + without further delay. + </p> + <p> + “Take good hold of the lift, Mr. Drewett, and steady yourself with both + hands; ease away the peak halyards to tauten that lift a little more, + forward. Now, one of you stand by to ease off the guy handsomely, and the + rest come aft to the main-sheet. Look out for yourself, Mr. Drewett; we + are about to haul in the boom, when it will be a small matter to get you + in, upon the taffrail. Stand by to luff handsomely, so as to keep the boom + as steady as possible.” + </p> + <p> + But Drewett clamorously protested against our doing anything of the sort. + He was getting used to his situation, and intended to come in Neb-fashion, + in a minute more. All he asked was not to be hurried. + </p> + <p> + “No—no—no—touch nothing I entreat of you, <i>Captain</i> + Wallingford”—he said, earnestly. “If that black can do it, surely I + ought to do it, too.” + </p> + <p> + “But the black has claws, and you have none, sir; then he is a sailor, and + used to such things, and you are none, sir. Moreover, he was barefooted, + while you have got on stiff, and I dare say slippery boots.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, the boots <i>are</i> an encumbrance. If I could only throw them off, + I should do well enough. As it is, however, I hope to have the honour of + shaking you by the hand, Miss Hardinge, without the disgrace of being + helped.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Hardinge here expostulated, but all in vain; for I saw plainly enough + Drewett was highly excited, and that he was preparing for a start. These + signs were now so apparent that all of us united our voices in + remonstrances; and Lucy said imploringly to me—“<i>Do</i> not let + him move, Miles—I have heard him say he cannot swim.” + </p> + <p> + It was too late. Pride, mortified vanity, obstinacy, love, or what you + will, rendered the young man deaf, and away he went, abandoning the lift, + his sole protection. I saw, the moment he quitted his grasp, that he would + never reach the mast, and made my arrangements accordingly. I called to + Marble to stand by to luff; and, just as the words passed my lips, a souse + into the water told the whole story. The first glance at poor Drewett's + frantic manner of struggling told me that Lucy was really aware of his + habits, and that he could not swim. I was in light duck, jacket and + trowsers, with seaman's pumps; and placing a foot on the rail, I alighted + alongside of the drowning young man, just as he went under. Well assured + he would reappear, I waited for that, and presently I got a view of his + hair, within reach of my arm, and I grasped it, in a way to turn him on + his back, and bring his face uppermost. At this moment the sloop was + gliding away from us, Marble having instantly put the helm hard down, in + order to round-to. As I afterwards learned, the state of the case was no + sooner understood in the other sloop, than the Al<i>bon</i>-ny men gave + in, and imitated the Wallingford. + </p> + <p> + There was no time for reflection. As soon as Drewett's hair was in my + grasp, I raised his head from the water, by an effort that forced me under + it, to let him catch his breath; and then relaxed the power by which it + had been done, to come up myself. I had done this to give him a moment to + recover his recollection, in the hope he would act reasonably; and I now + desired him to lay his two hands on my shoulders, permit his body to sink + as low as possible and breathe, and trust the rest to me. If the person in + danger can be made to do this, an ordinarily good swimmer could tow him a + mile, without any unusual effort. But the breathing spell afforded to + Drewett had the effect just to give him strength to struggle madly for + existence, without aiding his reason. On the land, he would have been + nothing in my hands; but, in the water, the merest boy may become + formidable. God forgive me, if I do him injustice! but I have sometimes + thought, since, that Drewett was perfectly conscious who I was, and that + he gave some vent to his jealous distrust of Lucy's feelings towards me. + This may be all imagination; but I certainly heard the words “Lucy” + “Wallingford,” “Clawbonny,” “hateful,” muttered by the man, even as he + struggled there for life. The advantage given him, by turning to allow him + to put his hands on my shoulders, liked to have cost me dear. Instead of + doing as I directed, he grasped my neck with both arms, and seemed to wish + to mount on my head, forcing his own shoulders quite out of water, and + mine, by that much weight, beneath it. It was while we were thus placed, + his mouth within an inch or two of my very ear, that I heard the words + muttered which have been mentioned. It is possible, however, that he was + unconscious of that which terror and despair extorted from him. + </p> + <p> + I saw no time was to be lost, and my efforts became desperate. I first + endeavoured to swim with this great encumbrance; but it was useless. The + strength of Hercules could not long have buoyed up the under body of such + a load, sufficiently to raise the nostrils for breath; and the convulsive + twitches of Drewett's arms were near strangling me. I must throw him off, + or drown. Abandoning the attempt to swim, I seized his hands with mine, + and endeavoured to loosen his grasp of my neck. Of course we both sank + while I was thus engaged; for it was impossible to keep my head above + water, by means of my feet alone, with a man of some size riding, from his + shoulders up, above the level of my chin. + </p> + <p> + I can scarcely describe what followed. I confess I thought ho longer of + saving Drewett's life, but only of saving my own. We struggled there in + the water like the fiercest enemies, each aiming for the mastery, as, if + one were to live, the other must die. We sank, and rose to the surface for + air, solely by my efforts, no less than three times; Drewett getting the + largest benefits by the latter, thus renewing his strength; while mine, + great as it was by nature, began gradually to fail. A struggle so terrific + could not last long. We sank a fourth time, and I felt it was not to rise + again, when relief came from an unexpected quarter. From boyhood, my + father had taught me the important lesson of keeping my eyes open under + water. By means of this practice, I not only <i>felt</i>, but <i>saw</i> + the nature of the tremendous struggle that was going on. It also gave me a + slight advantage over Drewett, who closed his eyes, by enabling me to see + how to direct my own exertions. While sinking, as I believed, for the last + time, I saw a large object approaching me in the water, which, in the + confusion of the moment, I took for a shark, though sharks never ascended + the Hudson so high, and were even rare at New York. There it was, however, + swimming towards us, and even descending lower as if to pass beneath, in + readiness for the fatal snap. Beneath it did pass, and I felt it pressing + upward, raising Drewett and myself to the surface. As I got a glimpse of + the light, and a delicious draught of air, Drewett was drawn from my neck + by Marble, whose encouraging voice sounded like music in my ears. At the + next instant my shark emerged, puffing like a porpoise; and then I heard— + </p> + <p> + “Hole on, Masser Mile—here he nigger close by!” + </p> + <p> + I was dragged into the boat, I scarce knew how, and lay down completely + exhausted; while my late companion seemed to me to be a lifeless corpse. + In a moment, Neb, dripping like a black river god, and glistening like a + wet bottle, placed himself in the bottom of the boat, took my head into + his lap, and began to squeeze the water from my hair, and to dry my face + with some one's handkerchief—I trust it was not his own. + </p> + <p> + “Pull away, lads, for the sloop,” said Marble, as soon as everybody was + out of the river. “This gentleman seems to have put on the hatches for the + last time—as for Miles, <i>he</i>'ll never drown in fresh water.” + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Afloat And Ashore, by James Fenimore Cooper + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK AFLOAT AND ASHORE *** + +***** This file should be named 8647-h.htm or 8647-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/8/6/4/8647/ + + +Text file produced by Project Gutenberg Online Distributed +Proofreaders Team (www.pgdp.net) + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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